Sign the Pledge
[
A leaflet; written April 19, 1887.
]
As Christians, we should stand firmly in defense of temperance.
There is no class of persons capable of accomplishing more in the cause
of temperance, than our God-fearing youth. If the young men who live
in our cities would unite in a firm, decided army, and set their faces
as a flint against every form of selfish, health-destroying indulgence,
what a power they might be for good! How many they might save from
becoming demoralized by visiting the halls and gardens that are fitted
up with music and every attraction to allure the youth! Intemperance,
Licentiousness, and Profanity are sisters.
Let every God-fearing youth gird on the armor and press to the
front. Let no excuse be offered when you are asked to put your name
to the temperance pledge, but sign every pledge presented and induce
others to sign with you. Work for the good of your own souls and the
good of others. Never let an opportunity pass to cast your influence on
the side of strict temperance.
We thank the Lord that a victory has been gained, but we hope to
carry our brethren and sisters up to a still higher standard, where they
will sign the pledge to abstain from coffee and the herb that comes
from China.
Coffee is a hurtful indulgence. It temporarily excites the mind to
unwonted action, but the aftereffect is sad—prostration and exhaustion
of the physical, mental, and moral forces. The mind becomes ener-
vated, and unless through determined effort the habit is overcome, the
activity of the brain is greatly lessened.
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In some cases it is as difficult to break up this tea-and- coffee habit
as it is for the inebriate to discontinue the use of liquor. The money
used for tea and coffee as a common drink is worse than wasted. It
does the user, be it man or woman, harm, and that continually.
All these nerve irritants are wearing away the life forces, and the
restlessness, the impatience, the mental feebleness caused by shat-
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