512
Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
appetite, and they lost their blissful home. What accumulated misery
and crime have filled our world in consequence of the fall of Adam.
Entire cities have been blotted from the face of the earth because
of the debasing crimes and revolting iniquity that made them a blot
upon the universe. Indulgence of appetite was the foundation of all
[562]
their sins. Through appetite, Satan controlled the mind and being.
Thousands who might have lived, have prematurely passed into their
graves, physical, mental, and moral wrecks. They had good powers,
but they sacrificed all to indulgence of appetite, which led them to lay
the reins upon the neck of lust. Our world is a vast hospital. Vicious
habits are increasing.
It is unpleasant, if not dangerous, to remain in a railroad car or in a
crowded room that is not thoroughly ventilated, where the atmosphere
is impregnated with the properties of liquor and tobacco. The occu-
pants give evidence by the breath and emanations from the body that
the system is filled with the poison of liquor and tobacco. Tobacco
using is a habit which frequently affects the nervous system in a more
powerful manner than does the use of alcohol. It binds the victim in
stronger bands of slavery than does the intoxicating cup; the habit is
more difficult to overcome. Body and mind are, in many cases, more
thoroughly intoxicated with the use of tobacco than with spirituous
liquors, for it is a more subtle poison.
Intemperance is increasing everywhere, notwithstanding the
earnest efforts made during the past year [
This Testimony was first
published in 1875.
] to stay its progress. I was shown that the giant
power of intemperance will not be controlled by any such efforts as
have been made. The work of temperance must begin in our families,
at our tables. Mothers have an important work to do that they may
give to the world, through correct discipline and education, children
who will be capable of filling almost any position, and who can also
honor and enjoy the duties of domestic life.
The work of the mother is very important and sacred. She should
teach her children from the cradle to practice habits of self-denial
and self-control. If her time is mostly occupied with the follies of
this degenerate age, if dress and parties engage her precious time, her
children fail to receive that education which it is essential they should
have in order that they may form correct characters. The anxiety of
the Christian mother should not be in regard to the external merely,
[563]