Intemperance by WM. H. WILD.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 29, 1864

Intemperance.

By WM. H. WILD.

We read in the blessed volume of inspiration, that the great sin of Sodom was pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness. We also read in the same blessed book, that as it was in the days of Lot, even so shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, and builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from God out of Heaven and destroyed them all.

We have in the passage of scripture above quoted, six things brought to view that this generation will be immersed in, at the time of the revelation of Jesus Christ; namely, eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. And how is it at the present moment? Never was there a time, since those words fell from the lips of him that spake as never man spake, that that word of prophecy has been so completely fulfilled as now. It is in these large cities that the child of God, whose pathway is illuminated by the light of prophecy, can witness to his sorrow, the great mass, both of professors and non-professors, like Esau, selling their birthright for a mess of pottage, and making a god of their belly.

One would think that the enormous price of almost everything would effect a reformation. But no, lust must be satisfied. Men must have their tea, coffee, and tobacco.

Oh, I am pleased to know that there is a little flock who are taking heed that their hearts be not overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, pride, and other worldly lusts, and who can heartily sing the following beautiful lines:

"The way is all new, as it opens to view, And behind is the foaming Red Sea, So none need to speak of the onions and leeks, Or talk about garlicks to me."

Dear brethren and sisters, how many of us can say with the psalmist, I esteem the words of his mouth more than my necessary food?* May the Lord help us to deny ourselves of all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, and righteously, and godly, in this present evil world, ever looking for the blessed Jesus to be revealed. WM. H. WILD.

135 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.