16
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene
father uses it, and if it does him good, it will me.” They point to the
minister or the Sunday-school superintendent, and say, “If such good
men as they use it, surely I can.” How can we expect anything else of
the children, with their inherited tendencies, while the older ones set
them such an example? God pity the poor slave to these indulgences!
Both tobacco and liquor break down nerve force, and dull the finer
perceptions, so that the slaves to these habits cannot discern between
sacred and common things. An example of the demoralizing effect of
intoxicants is seen in the case of Nadab and Abihu. They ventured to
partake of wine before they entered the tabernacle to perform the duties
of their sacred office, and the result was, they could not distinguish
between common fire and that which was consecrated to the holy
service. For this breach of trust they were slain. Some will say, “If
they were intoxicated, and could not discern the difference between
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these fires, why should they be punished?” When they placed the
cup to their lips, they made themselves responsible for all their deeds
committed while under its influence.
How is it with our law makers, and the men in our courts of justice?
If it was necessary that those who ministered in holy office should have
clear minds and full control of their reason, is it not also important
that those who make and execute the laws of our great nation should
have their faculties unclouded? What about the judges and jurors, in
whose hands rests the disposing of human life, and whose decisions
may condemn the innocent, or turn the criminal loose upon society?
Do they not need to have full control of their mental powers? Are they
temperate in their habits? If not, they are not fit for such responsible
positions. When the appetites are perverted, the mental powers are
weakened, and there is danger that men will not rule justly. Is indul-
gence in that which beclouds the mind less dangerous today than when
God placed restrictions upon those who ministered in holy office?
Christ fought the battle upon the point of appetite, and came off
victorious; and we also can conquer through strength derived from
him. Who will enter in through the gates into the city?—Not those who
declare that they cannot break the force of appetite. Christ has resisted
the power of him who would hold us in bondage; though weakened
by his long fast of forty days, he withstood temptation, and proved by
this act that our cases are not hopeless. I know that we cannot obtain