p. 12 | TRUE TEMPERANCE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 30, 1895

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 21, No. 21.

TRUE TEMPERANCE.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31.

Temperance does not consist in abstinence from intoxicating liquors alone, by any means. The word properly denotes self-control, and applies with as much force to habits of life as to eating and drinking. True temperance consists not only in so controlling ourselves that we will wholly abstain from articles which are injurious in their nature, but it also implies that self-control which will guard us from an unlawful or intemperate use of lawful things.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Here is the key to the whole question. Any indulgence which comes under the condemnation of this scripture had better be laid aside. This brings temperance where it properly belongs, inside of a Christian standpoint, and no Christian who is worthy of the name can knowingly and habitually engage in the use or practice of anything which tends to dishonor his Master.

Our bodies are temples for the Holy Ghost to dwell in. In other words, the pure and holy influence of the Spirit of God cannot be felt by ourselves, nor manifested through us, if we consort with and love physical impurity. Think of the white-robed angels leaving their homes of glory to associate with the individual who uses foul language, or who is continually under the stupefying influence of drugs or drink, or who cherishes any other vile or filthy practice.

Anything which defiles the body defiles our soul temples. Any practice or habit which unnaturally tears down our physical organization, breaks down our system, or injures our health, to this extent breaks down and destroys the temple of the Holy Ghost. "If any man defile ["destroy," margin] the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Cor. 3:17.