TEMPERANCE-SECRECY by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 20, 1879

TEMPERANCE—SECRECY

By Editor

The question is sometimes asked us whether we consider it advisable for a person to join a secret temperance society. We are so much in favor of pushing on the cause of temperance in any and every permissible way, that we would be willing to “stretch a point” to its utmost limit if good could thereby be accomplished. But we have always regretted that the element of secrecy has in any degree been fostered in the temperance movement. We can see no reason for it, no good in it, no end to be gained by it. What is there about this movement that should be covered from the public gaze? What reason is there to conceal anything? Why work in the dark? If the deeds are good, why not let them be known? If they are evil, they should not be encouraged.

Mark: we do not say that there is anything evil in the secret lodge; we do not say that these societies have not done a great deal of good, for they certainly have; but it is our firm conviction that the same amount of effort necessary to form and maintain these societies would have accomplished many times the amount of good if it had been put forth, not in darkness and secrecy, but in the light of day. Therefore, while we advise all to work with their might in behalf of temperance, we cannot advise them to half paralyze their efforts and expose their good to be evil spoken of by entering into these organizations. Do what you do, not to be seen of men, but do not do it as though you were afraid to be seen of men.