p. 141 | Temperance

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 25, 1880

Temperance.

OAKLAND H. AND T. CLUB.

The Oakland Health and Temperance Club met according to appointment in the S. D. A. church, Wednesday evening, March 10, 1880.

Notice had been given that Dr. McTaggart, and Mrs. E. G. White would address the meeting, and at the appointed hour the house was well filled with those interested in the temperance movement in this city.

The meeting was called to order by the leader, Bro. J. E. White, and opened with singing by the congregation, a selection from "Song Anchor," entitled "Work, Watch, and Pray." Prayer by Mrs. E. G. White.

Dr. McTaggart was then introduced to the congregation, and spoke about half an hour on the subject of "Tobacco." The Doctor dwelt very largely upon the effect this narcotic has upon the system, and affirmed that many diseases were brought on, and greatly aggravated by the use of this poisonous weed. He called the attention of the audience to the Chinamen who go about the streets of San Francisco, gathering up stubs of cigars, quids of tobacco, etc., and carry them to their manufactories to be made over into "fine cut," etc. "Then our young men will take this filthy stuff, that has been in the mouths of diseased persons, and roll it as a sweet morsel under their tongue." He did not believe that the indulgence of this appetite could hide under a cloak of religion. God requires us to "present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Him."

The Doctor's address was very interesting and instructive, and was listened to with marked attention.

This was followed by a stirring original song on tobacco, written for the occasion, and rendered by a quartette.

Mrs. E. G. White was then called upon, and addressed the meeting for over half an hour, in her usual forcible style. Said she was pleased to listen to what the Doctor had said, as he was the first man she had ever heard who dared to speak against tobacco. She said that she carried the temperance work into the family,—to the babe in the mother's arms. That this is where the first lessons of temperance should be taught. That all articles should be excluded from our tables that would create or stimulate a desire for strong drink. In setting before our children highly seasoned food, we create in them a desire for something a little stronger, and then wine is placed before them, and so we lead our children on—on in this downward road, and when they are brought in contact with the world they have no strength to stand the temptations that are brought to bear upon them.

J. E. White being about to return to the East, handed in his resignation as leader of this Club, which was accepted, and C. H. Jones was elected leader, and J. W. Gardner secretary.

The pledge papers were circulated, and seven persons signed the Teetotal Pledge, thus pledging themselves to abstain from all intoxicants, tobacco, tea, coffee, and opium; five signed the Anti-Rum and Tobacco Pledge.

The temperance work here in Oakland has been greatly injured by unprincipled men, who have labored for their own glory, without taking any real interest in the welfare of the people. Many of the citizens have become almost disgusted with the very name of Temperance Club, and do not want anything to do with them. But this feeling does not seem to exist to any great extent against this Club. The people seem willing to come out and hear, and we hope to see good results. Already some good has been accomplished, and we feel determined to labor on, trusting in God to give us the victory.

C. H. JONES, Secretary.