The Organization of the Oakland H. and T. Club.
By Barbara C. Stickney
THOSE interested in temperance reform among us, together with other citizens of this place, met at the Seventh-day Adventist church, Tuesday, Oct. 7, for the purpose of organizing a Local Health and Temperance Club; The business proceedings connected with the organization were very happily interspersed with singing and with brief, stirring addresses from those present who were well acquainted with temperance work. The exercises of the evening were introduced by music from the Pacific Press band. D. S. Hakes, who has written many of the beautiful pieces in "The Song Anchor," led a select choir, by whom the anthem, "Wine is a Mocker," was well rendered. Prayer was then offered by Eld. J. H. Waggoner, after which the audience joined in singing "Lift Him Up." Eld. Haskell then made the opening address, stating the object of the meeting, and why we as a denomination, have a temperance organization of our own; that while we are in sympathy with nearly all the temperance movements as far as they go, we believe in raising the standard still higher; and for this end we have the teetotal pledge for those who will renounce all stimulants; alcohol in any form, tobacco, tea, coffee, etc. We also have the anti-rum and tobacco pledge, and the anti-whisky pledge; the names of these fully explain the grounds they cover; thus provision has been made for the most degenerate, who step by step may raise themselves out of the slimy pit of inebriety. Besides all this, in order to make this work effectual, there should be a connection with God, that He may give strength and enable poor fallen man to overcome the power of appetite, even as our Saviour, who lived our example, overcame when he was tempted of Satan in the wilderness. Temperance reform should be so extended that it will cover all things which disturb the circulation and unfavorably affect the human system. Temperance is one of the Christian graces, and the original Greek word, from which it is derived, signifies self-control. "Look not upon the Wine" was then sang by the choir. A very pleasing address was then made by Rev. John Thompson of this city; laying much of the burden of temperance work upon the ladies, who, by using their influence, especially against the ungodly tobacco quid, might almost wholly eradicate this vile thing from our midst. The body should be a fit temple for the Holy Ghost, which it certainly is not with all that stench and filth which arise from tobacco using. The constitution for Local H. and T. Clubs was then read; and it was unanimously voted that such an organization should be effected. The nominating committee, appointed by the chair, consisted of W. H. Glenn, P. M. Partridge, and Mrs. L. M. Hall. During the time in which the committee was deliberating, and the pledge papers were being circulated among the audience, "Dare to be a Daniel" was sung, accompanied by the band. A part of this time was well occupied by remarks from J. E. White. The number of signers obtained at this meeting was seventy; which with others who had previously signed, makes a total of eighty-six members in this place. The nominating committee reported as follows: For leader, J. E. White; secretary, C. H. Jones; the committee of discipline comprises, beside the leader and secretary, W. N. Glenn, G. A. Baker, and J. Dimmick. The solicitors chosen for this place are Mrs. O. F. Metcalf, Mrs. E. L. White, J. I. Tay, and W. J. Bostwick. After the officers were duly elected, the choir sang, "Labor and Wait." remarks that we need temperance among other graces, to be acceptable in the sight of God and workmen that He will approve. The closing piece, "For God and the Right," was sung by all. We hope that this encouraging meeting may be only one of the many that shall be held throughout the State, and that its influence may be wholly beneficial to the temperance cause.
BARBARA C. STICKNEY, Sec.