Chapter 3—Effects of Stimulants
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth
for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a
corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” [
1 Corinthians 9:24, 25
.]
Here the good results of self-control and temperate habits are set
forth. The various games instituted among the ancient Greeks in
honor of their gods, are presented before us by the apostle Paul to
illustrate the spiritual warfare and its reward. Those who were to
participate in these games were trained by the most severe discipline.
Every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers was
forbidden. Luxurious food and wine were prohibited, in order to
promote physical vigor, fortitude, and firmness.
To win the prize for which they strove,—a chaplet of perishable
flowers, bestowed amid the applause of the multitude,—was consid-
ered the highest honor. If so much could be endured, so much self-
denial practiced, in the hope of gaining so worthless a prize, which
only one at best could obtain, how much greater should be the sacrifice,
how much more willing the self-denial, for an incorruptible crown,
and for everlasting life!
There is work for us to do—stern, earnest work. All our habits,
tastes, and inclinations must be educated in harmony with the laws of
life and health. By this means we may secure the very best physical
conditions, and have mental clearness to discern between the evil and
the good.
In order rightly to understand the subject of temperance, we must
consider it from a Bible standpoint; and nowhere can we find a more
comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance and its
attendant blessings, than is afforded by the history of the prophet
[26]
Daniel and his Hebrew associates in the court of Babylon.
When these youth were selected to be educated in the “learning
and the tongue of the Chaldeans,” that they might “stand in the king’s
palace,” there was appointed them a daily allowance from the king’s
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