Health and Temperance

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 20, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 40.

Health and Temperance.

SUPPOSING.

LET us suppose such a thing as that the liquor traffic did not exist, and that a drug heretofore unknown should be introduced into the country, the use of which should be followed by the most terrible consequences; which should have such a fascination that in many cases after having been used a little while it could scarcely be relinquished; and that in six months it should become apparent that heart-disease of four or five different kinds, consumption, epilepsy, rheumatism, and insanity should often result. Further, let it be supposed that of the people using it, some should go home and kill their wives and children, others should be incapable of taking care of themselves, and should fall into rivers and excavations, or lie down and sleep on railways; and that others should become reckless, squandering their property, and finally should be attacked by the most terrible form of delirium. Take it for granted, also, that many of all classes became so fascinated that they could not keep away from the places where it was sold—is it to be believed that there would be one citizen not pecuniarily interested in the sale of the drug who would not demand its suppression by law? Nay, the people would not bear the law's delay, but would break up the dens and slay those who sold this poison. Yet this is what the liquor traffic does. To say that the State has no right to prohibit its sale as a beverage, is to utter something that never would have been conceived except under the operation of that principle of human nature which invents plausible excuses and reasons for what it is not willing to renounce.—Selected.