Health and Temperance by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Nov 6, 1879

Health and Temperance.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

WE rejoice at the good already accomplished by the temperance movement, together with the encouraging prospects for the future; and, judging from the interest manifested by the friends of the temperance cause, we expect within a few weeks to hear from every company of our people in this Conference, and learn that each has a temperance club organized and in working order. There are a few, however, who do not feel the importance of signing the pledge; they never become intoxicated themselves, and are temperate in all their habits, so why should they sign the pledge? Such persons do not realize the power of example. Their refusing to sign may stand directly in the way of some whose only hope is in signing the pledge.

The object of the temperance organization among Seventh-day Adventists is two-fold. First, that we as a people may raise the standard of temperance higher than those who do not have the fear of God before them. By each signing the teetotal pledge we present a bold front to those around us, which carries a strong influence in favor of temperance reform. Not unfrequently we meet with brethren who have fallen into the pernicious habit of tobacco using; and in some instances we have even found those who were drinking wine. When we invite them to sign the pledge and urge them to renounce these habits, they finally, with a sense of the sin of the indulgence of appetite, and feeling deeply convicted of their wrong, when they come right to the point of making a total surrender, ask, Has brother or sister so-and-so signed it? If we have to say no, they will, with a sense of relief, fall back and shield themselves under the influence of such a good brother or sister. This I have seen in many cases.

In our temperance meeting at Oakland, Rev. J. Thompson, an ardent anti-tobacco advocate, at the close of his remarks, called for a vote of those present who would pledge perpetual war against tobacco. The congregation, composed largely of our people, unanimously voted against its use. This surprised him; but he was more surprised and felt anxious to know more about our people, when he learned that we, numbering twenty-five thousand in this country, and represented in every civilized nation, universally discard the use of tobacco as well as of alcoholic drinks.

Secondly, in the temperance work we should reach out the hand to save any who have become slaves to their appetites. Every Seventh-day Adventist should sign the teetotal pledge, and raise the standard of temperance to that of the Bible. We should make no compromise with appetite when it enslaves those moral powers which distinguish man from the brute creation. And how can the Christian reach out his hand to save the poor inebriate who is reeling in the street, when he himself is a slave to the same master, only in a less degree? I have labored with conscientious Christians upon this coast, who felt a dependence on an occasional glass of wine, and with others who could not renounce the use of tobacco, because it would unfit them for labor; also with those who drank tea and coffee because it was necessary to quiet their nerves, relieve their headache, and many such ills. The same arguments which are used by some in favor of tea and coffee are used by others to vindicate their practice of using tobacco and alcoholic drinks. We must stand free from all stimulants ourselves if we would have a moral power that will lift our brother from the mire of filthy habits.

We are anxious to see the cause of present truth take advance steps; we might multiply nominal Sabbath-keepers by hundreds, but unless there is a connection with God, and a putting away of those indulgences which sacrifice health and vitality to the god of appetite and worldly lusts, we are weaker than we were before. Let God lead and his people partake of his holiness, spirit, and power: then terror will be put into the hearts of our enemies and victory will be upon our banner. Each minister, colporter, and tract officer should consider himself a special agent to secure signers to the teetotal pledge. Also all those holding credentials or licences should co-operate with T. and M. officers in the missionary work.

We shall expect soon to hear that a temperance club has been organized by every company of our people in this State, and that the Seventh-day Adventists of California have but one mind upon the temperance question. Let the constitution which has been sent out be carefully read, and remember that none except those who pay the initiation fee become full members, and none but full members who have signed the teetotal pledge are eligible to office. S. N. HASKELL.