The fifth annual session of the California State Conference of S. D. Adventists was held at Fairfax Camp-ground, near San Rafael, Marin Co., Sept. 20–28, 1876.
FIRST SESSION.
Sept. 20, at 5 P. M. The Conference was opened with prayer by Bro. Wm. Healey. Credentials of delegates being called for, the following responded:—
San Francisco,—E. A. Stockton, J. S. Howard, A. Bousen, and Charles R. Chittenden.
Oakland,—J. I. Tay, G. S. Manuel, J. W. Conkrite.
San Jose,—Wm. Dumont.
Green Valley,—W. T. Ross.
Petaluma,—Edwin Moore.
St. Helena,—E. J. Church.
Healdsburg,—John Cook, Wm. Harmon.
Santa Rosa,—John Morrison, J. L. Wood.
Napa,—W. G. Myers.
Woodland,—S. Dye, Alfred Mason, N. Grayson.
Fairview,—M. J. Church.
Lake County,—Wm. Hicks.
Red Bluff and Bear Valley were represented by letter.
SECOND SESSION.
Sept. 21, at 5 P. M. This session followed a meeting of the T. and M. Society. As the roll of delegates was read they took the front seats. By vote of the delegates, all members in good standing in any S. D. A. church were requested to take part in the deliberations of the Conference.
The Secretary read the minutes of the last yearly session which were approved by vote, as read.
It was announced by the President, Eld. J. N. Loughborough, that in order to expedite the business of the Conference several committees would be necessary. It was voted that the Chair be authorized to appoint said committees.
At 7 P. M. of the 21st the President read the Conference Address, showing the past progress of the cause upon this coast, and delineating the important part Bro. White had borne therein, also foreshadowing something of the future necessities of the cause, and intimating plans that it might be well to adopt relative thereto.
THIRD SESSION.
Sept. 22, at 5 P. M. This session was opened with prayer by the President, and was simply occupied with an announcement of committees by the Chair as follows:—
Committee on Nominations: J. I. Tay, J. L. Wood, W. T. Ross.
On Credentials and Licenses: W. C. White, T. M. Chapman, and Edwin Moore.
On Resolutions: A. Mason, G. Manuel, and E. A. Stockton.
Auditing Committee: Chas. R. Chittenden, W. A. Pratt, John Cook, John Morrison, M. J. Church, and N. Grayson.
FOURTH SESSION.
Sept. 25, 8:45 P. M. This followed the evening service. A call was made for reports of committees, when the Committee on Nominations reported for President, J. N. Loughborough; Secretary, Wm. Saunders; Treasurer, G. Manuel; Executive Committee, J. N. Loughborough, W. C. White, John Morrison. The report of committee was accepted and the above officers unanimously elected.
The Committee on Resolutions reported the following:—
Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father, in answer to the earnest petitions of this people, to bless us with clear views of duty, and
Whereas, Eld. Loughborough has been moved to prepare an Address to this Conference in which he clearly sets forth wherein we have failed in the past, and in a brief history of the cause on this coast has shown us who have labored unselfishly, and in whom we should have confidence, therefore, be it
Resolved, That we heartily endorse the said Conference Address, believing that the facts stated therein are in strict accordance with truth, and we recommend that it be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES in connection with the report of the proceedings of this Conference.
Resolved, That in view of the facts stated in the Conference Address, whereby we learn that Eld. White has, by his means and influence, helped the work on this coast as no other man could, and has always labored unselfishly for the best interest of the cause, we heartily deplore the spirit of murmuring which has rendered his labors extremely arduous, especially during his last visit. We cordially extend to Bro. and Sister White our fullest sympathy and confidence, to which they are justly entitled, and invite them to spend as much of their time among us as shall be consistent with the general interests of the cause.
Resolved, That our thanks are due to the General Conference for their watch care and tender regard in sending us some of their most efficient laborers, and we hope to be able to show our appreciation of their kindness by rendering to them that hearty co-operation and support to which their arduous and unselfish labors entitle them.
Resolved, That our heartfelt gratitude is due the Author and Giver of all good for the increased spirit of unity and devotion with which our camp-meeting has been blessed.
Resolved, That we hereby express our thanks to the Camp-meeting Committee for their efforts in fitting up the grounds, and otherwise aiding in making the meeting a success.
Resolved, That we hereby extend our thanks to the N. P. C. R. R. Company for kindness and courtesies received during our camp-meeting.
These resolutions were adopted separately by the unanimous vote of the delegates, and by a rising vote of all the brethren and sisters present.
FIFTH SESSION.
Sept. 26, at 11 A. M. The Committee offered two more resolutions which were unanimously adopted as follows:—
Resolved, That it is the duty of Licentiates, or those acting under verbal permission to improve their gift, to consult with the President of the Conference in regard to their place and manner of labor.
Resolved, That the minutes of this meeting be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses then reported, recommending the renewal of the credentials of J. N. Loughborough, M. G. Kellogg, and Wm. Healey, and that licenses be granted to Bro. J. L. Wood, R. A. Morton, John Judson, Andrew Brorsen, J. E. White, Isaac Morrison, and B. A. Stephens. A unanimous vote of the Conference was taken in harmony with the above recommendations.
The Auditing Committee reported that they had, in connection with the Conference Committee, effected a settlement with all laborers in the employ of the Conference, and that they had examined all affairs referred to them, and they also recommended to the Conference that steps be taken to obtain pledges to new stock in the P. S. D. A. P. Association to the amount of at least $5,000, and that pledges be taken also for donations towards the debt on the SIGNS. A call was made accordingly, resulting in $5,100 pledged as new stock, and $207.50 toward the debt on the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
SIXTH SESSION.
This session was held Sept. 26, at 6 P. M., immediately after a meeting of the T. and M. Society. The Camp and Tent fund was introduced by the President with a report as follows:—
Fund on hand at close of meeting last year........................$187.00
Since paid in on pledges........................................172.87
Received this year for rents, etc...............................162.70
Total received..................................................$522.57
Paid for new tent top..........................................$262.00
Insurance of Camp-building.......................................8.40
Camp materials and advertising for 1876.........................185.89
Camp printing....................................................19.25
Freight, draying, etc............................................17.90
Total paid out..................................................$493.44
Balance on hand.................................................$29.13
It was also stated that 49 days’ work had been expended upon the grounds this year. A call was made for means, and $70.50 was raised on the spot in donations to pay toward the clearing of the grounds. Report on Camp fund accepted.
SEVENTH SESSION.
This session was held after the evening discourse, Sept. 26, and was devoted to considering the matter of camp-meeting next year, and Camp-meeting Committee. Moved by Eld. M. G. Kellogg, that the President be empowered to appoint a Camp-meeting Committee any time during the year, and that said Committee act with the Conference Committee in selecting a location and deciding the time of next year’s camp-meeting. This motion was sustained by unanimous vote.
Voted, That the camp-meeting be not held on the Fairfax grounds another year.
A report of church standing was made by the Secretary, showing 559 members against about 500 last year.
Moved and supported, That the San Francisco church be invited to return the $1000, loaned them by the Conference, at their earliest convenience.
EIGHTH SESSION.
This session was held Sept. 27, at 3:30 P. M. Opened with prayer by the President. Letters were read from several of the churches. Calls were made for labor in various parts of the State. Bro. M. J. Church said there was an unfinished work in Fresno and Tulare counties, and they wished more preaching. Bro. Otis spoke in behalf of Santa Clara county and that part of the State. Bro. Bond spoke in favor of Solano county, stating that he thought that there was a class of candid people in Elmira, Dixon, Vacaville, and other towns in that vicinity. A meeting-house had been offered in one place if a minister could be had to speak in it. Brn. Stephens and Dumont spoke for San Jose. Bro. Healey spoke of going out into the field soon after camp-meeting if he could have a co-laborer. Bro. Wood said he intended to use the credentials that had been given him. His mind was in Fresno County. He thought he should be ready to start out in a couple of weeks.
The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted as follows:—
Cash on hand at close of last Conference......................$1,460.66
Received during the year......................................2,512.06
Total........................................................$3,972.72
Paid out as per book, and Auditing Committee’s orders..........$2,671.83
Loaned to San Francisco church................................1,000.00
Total paid out...............................................$3,671.83
On hand.......................................................$300.89
Received from Green Valley, since closing report...............12.35
Bal. in Treasury at close of meeting..........................$313.24
There being no further business the Conference adjourned.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, President.
WM. SAUNDERS, Secretary.
Alsace, Germany.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I came to this place ten days since, to rest among the mountains with my family, do some writing, and give shape and permanency to the work I commenced in the spring under great disadvantages. It was a matter of no small relief to me to be able to preach, even to the few who were keeping the commandments. Hitherto I have been permitted to labor only by way of visiting, and had been watched closely to see if I took liberties that the law did not allow those who were not legally authorized to preach.
I found that the spirit of opposition had not died out. The first Sabbath I was here, the mayor came into our meeting in great wrath and told his wife that if she was baptized he would part with her; and another man said that if his daughter was baptized he would shoot us. (It was from this point that two brethren went to Lake Neuchatel, Switzerland, a distance of one hundred and forty miles, to be baptized, before I received a legal permission to officiate as a preacher.) Under these circumstances, we chose the night to baptize two sisters, who had been long waiting for baptism. I have organized Systematic Benevolence for the few in this place, amounting to 130 francs (about $26) a year. I have a good degree of physical and mental strength, and earnestly desire to soon enter new fields.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Hohwald, Alsace, Aug. 28, 1876.
Health to Poverty
A FEW years since, at the celebration of an anniversary, a poor peddler who was present, being called upon for a toast, offered the following: “Here is health to poverty—it sticks to a man when all his friends forsake him.”
Troubles Fill a Vacant Soul
As air rushes into vacant space, troubles rush into a vacant soul, and as the smallest quantity of air will expand so as to fill any vacant place, the smallest trouble will fill a vacant soul.
Report of Cal. Tract and Missionary Society Meeting.
By John Norton Loughborough; A. Loughborough
In connection with the sixth annual meeting of the Cal. T. and M. Society the fourth quarterly meeting for the present year was held, Thursday, Sept. 21, 1876, at 5 o'clock P. M., on the Fairfax Camp-ground. The meeting was conducted by the President, and after the usual opening exercises the minutes of the previous quarterly meeting were read and accepted. The report of the workings of the Society for the quarter was also read showing the labor performed as follows:
The minutes of the last annual meeting were called for, read and accepted. Following this was the reading of the Secretary's annual report showing the entire work of the Society for the year. The report shows
No. of families visited, 818; of ships, 62; of letters written, 555.
Money received for memberships, . . $71.00
“ “ by donations, . . . . 129.95
“ “ from book sales, . . . 65.78
Total amount received, . . . . . $266.73
No. of new subscribers obtained for the Review, Reformer, Instructor and other periodicals, 254; for the Signs, 386.
No. of periodicals distributed, including Health Almanacs, 1793; No. of Signs, 6,173.
No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned, 53,455; value of the same, $61.57.
No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets given away, 248,459; value, $286.03.
Total No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away, 301,814; value, $347.60.
No. of public libraries furnished, 5.
Treasurer's report was then read, showing
Cash on hand, Sept. 21, 1875, . . . . $190.50
Received during the year, . . . . . . 526.48
Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $716.98
Paid out for books, freight, and express charges, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $549.67
Cash on hand, Sept. 8, 1876, . . . . 167.31
Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $716.98
Emma L. White, Treasurer.
The report being accepted, it was suggested that some changes might be desirable by way of re-districting the State, and electing new officers. It was then
Voted, That the Chair appoint a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year, and to take into consideration the present condition of the districts.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
SECOND SESSION
Friday, Sept. 22. After some remarks in relation to the previous meeting, the President announced the following Committee on Nominations: Wm. Harmon, Alfred Mason, and John Mavity. After duly considering the importance of having efficient officers the meeting adjourned to call of the President.
THIRD SESSION
Tuesday, Sept. 26. The report of the Nominating Committee being called for, it was read as follows: “We, the Nominating Committee for the T. and M. Society, recommend that San Benito be taken from district No. 4 and be united with district No. 8, and also recommend that districts Nos. 1 and 2 be consolidated, making one district designated as district No. 1. And we further recommend that Fresno and Tulare Counties be separated from district No. 8, which separation forms a new district to be designated as district No. 2.
“We nominate for President, J. N. Loughborough; Vice President, T. M. Chapman; Secretary, A. M. Loughborough; Treasurer, Geo. Manuel; for directors, district No. 1, Wm. Harmon, in case he should leave for some other part of the State, John Morrison; No. 2, M. J. Church; No. 3, John Mavity; No. 4, John Judson; No. 5, Augustus Geary; No. 6, J. H. Disher; No. 7, J. N. Loughborough; No. 8, F. J. Otis; No. 9, Charles Chittenden. In addition to the above we recommend that each member in making a quarterly report accompany the same with a donation, as by this means the missionary funds will be kept in a good condition.”
Voted, That the report be accepted, and the committee be discharged.
Voted, That the districts be changed as suggested.
Voted, That we elect the board of officers as a whole. The officers named by the committee were then elected.
Voted, That the board of directors be elected in the same manner, whereupon the above named directors were elected.
Voted, That we recommend the members to make a donation to the Tract Society accompanying their quarterly reports.
Following this were interesting remarks by the President and W. C. White in reference to circulating important works such as Life of Urgos, Sunshine Series, and Health Publication. It was suggested that young men and women, and even children, could engage in the work as canvassers with profit to themselves as well as to others. Children especially could, just before the holidays, canvass for the Sunshine Series and make it a successful enterprise.
Voted, That the directors include in their work the sale of the Life of Urgos, Sunshine Series, and Health Publications. In connection with this it was
Voted, That W. C. White write out directions for canvassers, stating to them how to engage in the work to make the business successful.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
FOURTH SESSION
Sept. 26, 8:30 P. M. The removal of members from one part of the State to another being considered, it was
Voted, That missionary members who may move from one district to another be considered members of that district in which they reside.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
FIFTH SESSION
Wednesday evening, Sept. 27. District No. 1 having made the request to place several of our bound books in the Healdsburg Library Association at the expense of the Society, it was
Voted, That this privilege be granted them.
It was also
Voted, That the director of district No. 3 be requested to appoint J. W. Bond librarian of Elmira, Solano Co., with the privilege to draw books from that district as he may desire.
At the request of the members of district No. 7, a number of our bound books and pamphlets was selected and paid for by donations made on the camp-ground for this purpose, and placed in the State's Prison Library at San Quentin.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
J. N. Loughborough, Pres.
A. M. Loughborough, Sec'y.
Wise at Serpents, and Harmless as Doves.
By George I. Butler
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16.
Thus spoke our divine Lord when he first commissioned his apostles to preach the gospel. But why does he take the serpent as an example of wisdom for them to pattern after? There must be some reason for this. He does not want those who go out to catch souls to imitate the serpent only in the matter of its wisdom. But in that respect he does. The habits of the serpent are peculiar, and contain a lesson of instruction. Why does not the Saviour tell his servants to be wise as lions, wolves, or other ferocious beasts? Why select the serpent?
Any one who has given the matter any reflection can readily answer. The serpent does not, in approaching his victim, rush out in a manner to frighten, intimidate, and repulse, like these creatures. His approaches are very cautious, and yet effectual. He glides along in the most careful manner possible, so as not to needlessly alarm, and presents himself in a manner favorably to affect the one whom he is seeking to reach. If necessary, he can wait long and patiently, while the victim runs or flies hither and thither, still holding himself in that position which will most favorably influence. The victim, thus drawn toward him, comes within reach, and is taken. When the serpent strikes home to secure his prey, there is very rarely a failure in accomplishing his object. In all this there seems to be a wisdom peculiar to that creature. When the cat or other destructive animal lies in wait for its prey, it usually conceals itself until it gives the spring which destroys its victim. But the serpent often presents itself fully to view, and, by the attractions which it presents, secures its object.
Our Saviour instructs his followers who go forth to win souls, to imitate the wisdom of the serpent, while they are harmless as doves. They do not catch souls to destroy, but to save. If they desire to accomplish this good object, they should use wisdom. The object is the highest and noblest that can engage the attention of men. Therefore the highest wisdom should be employed to accomplish it.
The human mind is difficult to manage. How necessary that all who try to present God's truth before it, either as ministers, or distributors of tracts, or in common conversation, should understand their business. It is very easy in ten minutes' conversation to leave impressions upon minds which it will be nearly impossible to efface. Much injury has been done to the cause of truth in the past by individuals in various communities being ever ready to “pitch in,” as the common expression has it, and argue and debate, on street corners or in stores, or wherever there was a chance to crowd in the truth, whether people wanted to hear it or not, until people became disgusted, and perhaps their ears could never again be reached. This is not the wisdom of the serpent. It has no resemblance to it.
Neither do such follow the directions of Peter. They may quote a portion of his direction, but they forget or ignore the remainder. “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” The class above referred to rarely wait to give any one a chance to ask them the reasons of their hope, but press them upon people against their wishes, and they entirely forget the “meekness and fear.” Such only do harm.
This great principle of the Saviour and his apostle should be remembered by all who engage in the distribution of tracts. It is a matter which should occasion devout gratitude to God, that we have our views written out in our tracts, pamphlets, and books, in a calm, Christian spirit, yet clear and forcible. These always speak in a good spirit. They never get angry. They always answer questions calmly. They never stir up ungodly passion. They appeal to the reason and judgment. While they do this, those who distribute them and talk with their fellow-men concerning them, should possess the same spirit also. If they do not, they should show their wisdom by keeping still.
While we are pressing upon our people the importance of circulating the tracts here and there all through the land, and giving to them that light which the Lord has given us, we should learn to do this in the right spirit, and in the right manner, otherwise we shall drive people off instead of bringing them nearer to us. A spirit of boasting, or glorying over others, because our views of Scripture are more consistent than theirs, will always drive them away. We may use the truth as a club to show our greater strength in the argument, but it will not bring men to God. And, as a general rule, unless there be a disposition to listen and consider the truth, and hear what is said, talk concerning it will not accomplish very much.
What we want is a spirit of meekness and Christian love, which, being real and genuine, and heart-felt, will manifest itself to the one listening, and show him that our motive is to do him good, not to gain a personal victory over him. When a person can be persuaded that this is our real motive, it will have its influence. We must not undertake to force religion or truth down people's throats. Were it possible to succeed in so doing, it would amount to nothing really in the sight of God. He wants the willing service alone. When we have that spirit of love spoken of above, it will give us the very disposition spoken of by our Saviour, at the head of this article. For the “wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without wrangling and without hypocrisy.” It is a wisdom that comes from another source, which makes men love contention and personal triumph, and leads men to crowd upon people that which they will not hear if they can help it. It is “earthly wisdom,” which grows out of selfishness.
Geo. I. Butler.
Missionary Societies—Temperance Societies.
By William C. White
Perhaps there is no class of people that has so little use for the ordinary Temperance Societies as do the Seventh-day Adventists. Incorporated, as the principles of temperance are, into the fundamental doctrines of their belief, drunkenness is not found in their midst, and separated by their principles of Christianity from the social and frivolous gatherings instituted to maintain the popularity of these Temperance Societies, they sometimes lose their active interest in the missionary part of the temperance cause, being content that they have gained a great blessing themselves, but forgetting their duty to impress upon others the benefits and necessities of Christian Temperance.
The various Temperance Societies are engaged in fighting a great and damning evil, but they often come short of their great object because they do not strike at the very root of the evil. While they spend all their force upon the monster, Alcohol, they allow the use of tobacco, tea, coffee, and other stimulants that create a perverted appetite,335which is the root from which the love of drink is oftenest grown.
The first principle of temperance is to discard all stimulants. A society is needed to strike at the root of the matter, to crush the egg from which the demon monster is to hatch. The true temperance reformer will discard those poisonous substances which encourage the love for liquor, and will do all he can to lead others to discard them. Such a temperance worker every Adventist should be, and such a society for the promotion of temperance every one of our Missionary Societies should be.
Perhaps no part of our country is worse cursed with intemperance than California. The land flows in wine and the poisoning compounds under that name. The evil is increasing, and we are doing little or nothing to stop it. Who will arouse and take hold of the work.
The cause of Christian Temperance is like a right arm to the Third Angel's Message. Thousands might be reached upon the subjects of Temperance and Health Reform, that would not listen to other points of our faith, and we ask our Tract Societies if this is not the proper place to begin. We have carefully prepared tracts to assist in this work. Dr. J. H. Kellogg has spent several months in the best libraries of Philadelphia and New York gathering important facts, the best of which he now presents with his clear, concise style of argument, in a series of Temperance Tracts, under such titles as, Alcohol, What it is; True Temperance; Wine and the Bible, etc. Full as they are of startling truth, they are written in such a peculiarly captivating style, that even a drunkard will read them. These may be made a great power in the temperance cause.
What say, brethren? Shall we add this branch to the work of our Tract and Missionary Society? W. C. WHITE,
Member of the Cal. T. and M. Society.
No Sheaves.
'Twas the joyous time of harvest;The ripe and golden grainWas bowing 'neath the sickle,And lading high the wain.
The brown and stalwart reapersTheir glistening sickles swung;And rosy maids were gleaningThe standing sheaves among.
A maiden, pale and slender,Came, with the rest, to glean;Her garb was coarse and homely,And humble was her mien.She gleaned among the briersAnd stones beside the wall,Searching for wheat-stalks scattered,By careless hands let fall.
But when the master saw her,“Glean here no more,” he said;“For hands like thine there waitethAnother work instead.Bring from the bubbling fountainThe water cool and sweet,To refresh the thirsty reapers,And bathe their weary feet.”
Then meekly bowed the maidenUnto the master’s will,And through that day so tediousFulfilled her mission still.And when the sunset shadowsWere lengthening o’er the plain,The reapers and the gleanersBrought back their store of grain.
The maiden’s cheeks were flushing;With weary step and slowShe came, and sighing, whispered,“No sheaves have I to show.”Then spake the master kindly,“Thou hast not toiled in vain,Though in thine arms thou bearestNo sheaves of golden grain.”
“Without thee these had faintedBeneath the burning sun,Who now return rejoicingIn all their labor done.Grieve not because thou bringestNaught from thy toil away;For, at the hour of reckoning,Thou shalt receive as they.”*
Full many are the toilers,In life’s great harvest-field,Cheering the busy reapersWhile they their sickles wield.Full many, sad, faint-hearted,Bring at the close of day,Nothing, from all their labor,But weariness, away.
Nothing but sunburnt faces,Garments besprent and torn,Hands wounded with the briars,And weary feet and worn.Lord of the harvest, comfortThe humble ones, we pray,Who toil beside the reapersYet bring no sheaves away.
—Heathen Woman’s Friend.
A Message on Temperance.
By John B. Gough
TO THE SUNDAY-SCHOOLS OF AMERICA.
BY JOHN B. GOUGH.
MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS: I have been requested to send a message to the Sunday-schools in behalf of the total abstinence cause. I wish I could write to you all that is in my heart on this great question, but my time and ability are limited and my message must be short.
We are sometimes told that total abstinence is not temperance. What is temperance? Let me give you a short reply. Temperance is the lawful gratification of a natural appetite. Is the appetite for intoxicating liquors a natural appetite? No. Therefore temperance is total abstinence from intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
This principle is a sensible principle. When you are as old as I am, you will regret many things you have learned in the past; but you will never regret that you did not learn to use intoxicating liquor. I have never met a person, nor do I believe that you can find the person in the world, who would say, “I am fifty years of age, and I never drank a glass of liquor in my life, and I regret that I did not learn to drink it when I was young.” No. When you meet one who has never drunk, he tells you, “I am glad of it,” or, “I am proud of it.” A man once called on me, and said, “Mr. Gough, I want to tell you something. I am not a reformer. I care little for reforms, or missions, or Sunday-schools. They are all very well in their way, but they are not in my line. I have been an actor since I was eighteen, and I am now forty-three, and I never drank a glass of ale, wine, or spirits, in my life. What do you think of that?” “I am proud of it.” He had little care for reform, but he never drank liquor in his life, and was proud of it.
Dear children, you would be shocked if you could read some of the letters that lie in my desk, that have been written to me by persons of all grades in society—young men, old men, lawyers, physicians, ministers of the gospel, teachers, mechanics, clerks, and some ladies—who have acquired the appetite for strong drink. One says, “Dives in hell never longed for a drop of water, as with all the power there is in me I long for drink.” Another says, “Is there any hope for me this side of the grave?” Another says, “God knows how near I have been to self-destruction through drink,” and so on.
One poor man, actually holding my feet, cried out, “O Mr. Gough! help me out of this hell. Drink is my curse.” Yes, dear children, the cry comes from the inmates of lunatic asylums, “Drink is my curse;” from the states’ prisons, “Drink is my curse;” from innocent victims—wives, mothers, children, “Drink is my curse;” from the burning lips of the dying drunkard comes the despairing cry, “Drink is my curse.” There are broken hearts, blighted hopes, blackened characters, crushed intellects, and lost souls as the results of strong drink, and not a single individual but rejoices in his escape from it.
Is not the total abstinence principle sensible? “But all who drink do not become drunkards.” I know that; but if fifty young men begin to drink, some will assuredly be ruined by it. Then there is a risk. Now we all desire safety and security. Suppose you desired to travel from New York to Chicago, and there were two lines of road—one on which there were accidents constantly occurring; on every train some disaster, passengers killed and wounded; in short, a very risky road;—and on the other, never since its opening had there been the slightest accident. Which road would you take? If you are sensible, and regard your own welfare, you would take the safe one. Suppose some one should tempt you to take the risky road, by telling you how much more beautiful the cars were, and what a jolly company you would find on board the train. You would say, “I care not so much for gaudy cars and jolly company as for my safety. I want to be safe.” Now, it is your safety we seek, when we urge you to abstain entirely from strong drink. There is no certainty that you will become victims if you begin to indulge, but there is a risk.
Some say, “I can govern myself. I have a mind of my own.” What would you think of a captain of a steam vessel who would put on a full head of steam, and then knock down the man at the wheel? Or of the conductor on a railroad, who would let on the steam and then disable the engineer? You would say he was a reckless man. The steamer or the engine might get through without accident, but it might go crashing to destruction. So when a person uses that which weakens the power of his will, and depends on his weakened will to serve him,—uses that which warps his judgment, and then depends on his warped judgment to guide him,—uses that which affects his self-control, and then trusts his deranged self-control to keep him from danger—he is reckless. Simply because some men drink and do not become drunkards, can you? I once saw a man stand on a small platform outside the spire of a church, and look down on the pavement 150 feet below. Because he did it, can you? Think of these things before you run the risk, and remember what the risk is.
Our principle is lawful. We have been told it is contrary to the Scriptures. One gentleman said to me, “If you can find a command in the Bible, Thou shalt abstain from intoxicating liquors as a beverage, I will abstain; but not till then.” Dear children, we want you to love the Bible, to obey the precepts of the Bible; but in view of the evils of intemperance, and in view of its cause, we ask of the Bible only a permission to let liquor alone. We lay our hand on this blessed book and ask, May we abstain? You do not search the Bible for a command, Thou shalt abstain from gambling; from dog-fighting; from horse-racing. Just in proportion to your love for the Bible will you abstain from these things, because they are detrimental to the best interests of society according to Bible principles. Therefore, since intemperance is caused by the use of strong drink; since in proportion to the use of such drink, drunkenness increases or diminishes; and since the most that can be said for this drink is that it is a needless luxury, and that the world would be the better and purer without it—therefore, you say, I will abstain, and give the weight of my influence, as long as I live, on the side of abstinence, sobriety, and purity. This is in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.
How many of us, who are growing old, wish we could be boys again! Why? Because we see so many things to regret, so many wrong turns we have taken. To be a boy, with life before you, with the clean page on which to write your record, with opportunities coming that you can improve, what a position, what a privilege! To be an old man, with a record all stained and blotted, knowing that no mortal hand can clean the page; with opportunities unimproved, and lost, never to return—this is dreadful!
A wicked man, who had been a stage driver, was, during the last few days of his life, very uneasy, and on his death-bed he constantly moved his feet, and looked distressed. When asked by his wife, “Harry, what is the matter?” he said, “Oh, I am on an awful down grade, and I can’t find the brake.” Dear young friends, your feet are on the brake. Keep them there. You have, under God, the future in your power; your destiny is in your own control. Remember there is no one evil in the world before which so many fall, as the evil of intemperance.
I most earnestly desire that the youth of our country, especially our Sunday-school scholars, shall give all their influence against this great evil. May God help you to avoid the perils of life's journey, and the traps that are set for your feet, so that from your place of safety you may reach out your hand to help the tempted who are struggling in their chains, and may by self-denial be enabled to “fulfill the law of Christ,” by helping some poor, burdened souls, into the higher life of purity and freedom!—Christian Statesman.