p. 153 | Temperance by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 1, 1880

Temperance

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

TEMPERANCE MOVE IN CALIFORNIA.

In looking over the records of the Health and Temperance Society, which was organized in this State less than a year since, we are much cheered with the success it has had and the prospect before us.

We have thirteen regularly organized temperance clubs with three hundred and seven full teetotal members, and one hundred and eleven pledge teetotal members. We have nine anti-rum and tobacco full members, seven anti-whisky full members, and thirty-seven pledge members to both. This makes four hundred and seventy-one members in our clubs. These have their monthly or semi-monthly meetings. Many of our largest clubs are composed almost entirely of those who have signed the teetotal pledge and are full members. This speaks well for the clubs.

There are also in the State one hundred and forty-four full teetotal members, and thirty-nine pledge teetotal members who are not connected with any club, and eighteen anti-rum and tobacco, and anti-whisky full and pledge members; making an aggregate of six hundred and seventy-two members in the State, of which six hundred and one have signed the teetotal pledge.

Some of these were not habitually using those things prohibited by the pledges; others were in constant use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks up to the time of their signing the pledge. In order to ascertain just what has been accomplished in the direction of reform and the benefits derived from signing these pledges, the State Secretary will send blanks to clubs, and scattered individuals, which they will please fill out and return to Miss B. C. Stickney, Oakland, Cal.

In accomplishing what has been done thus far the Society has incurred considerable expense for postage, blanks, etc.; and the only provision made in the constitution to meet this is by donations and annual dues, as the initiation fees are sent to the General Association at Battle Creek, Mich., from which we receive the certificates.

We hope therefore that all, whether they belong to clubs or not, will send in their annual dues, which are only ten cents each, or a donation as a thank-offering for the benefits they have received, which donation may be anywhere from ten cents to ten dollars, just in proportion to the largeness of their heart and their ability to donate.

Those connected with clubs can send through their secretary. Small amounts may be sent in postage stamps; any sum will be acceptable.

It will be noticed that this call is not for any services rendered, but only to meet incidental expenses. The officers and those engaged in this temperance movement have thus far labored with unselfishness, cheerfulness, and devotion to the cause of reform. Whatever money may be received after meeting incidental expenses will constitute a fund to be used in forwarding the temperance work in this State.

S. N. HASKELL.