24
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene
themselves—when their future depended upon their own course. Then
they decided to be true to the lessons given them in childhood. The
fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, was the foundation
of their greatness. His Spirit strengthened every true purpose, every
noble resolution.
Intemperance has cursed the world almost from its infancy. Noah’s
son was so debased by the excessive use of wine that he lost all sense
of propriety, and the curse which followed his sin has never been lifted
from his descendants.
Nadab and Abihu were men in holy office; but by the use of wine
their minds became so clouded that they could not distinguish between
sacred and common things. By the offering of “strange fire” they
disregarded God’s command, and were slain by his judgments.
[29]
Alexander found it much easier to subdue kingdoms than to rule
his own spirit. After conquering nations, this so-called great man fell
through the indulgence of appetite,—a victim of intemperance.
Notwithstanding thousands of years of experience and progress,
the same dark blot which stained the first pages of history remains to
disfigure our modern civilization. Drunkenness, with all its woes, is
found everywhere we go. In spite of the noble efforts of temperance
workers, the evil has gained ground. License laws have been enacted,
but legal regulation has not stayed its progress, except in comparatively
limited territory. Efforts have been made to establish institutions where
the victims of intemperance might receive help to overcome their
terrible appetite. This is a noble work, but how much wiser, how much
more effective, would have been the removal of the cause of all this
woe! Considering only the financial aspect of this question, what folly
it is to tolerate a business that is making paupers by the thousand!
The laws of the land legalize the trade of making drunkards, and then
at great expense provide institutions for converting them again into
sober men! Can our legislators furnish no better solution of the liquor
question?
So long as the sale of liquor is sanctioned by law, the victims of
appetite can receive but little benefit through inebriate asylums. They
cannot remain there always; they must again take their place in society.
The appetite for intoxicating drinks, though it may be subdued, is not
wholly destroyed; and when temptation assails them, as it must on
every hand, they too often fall an easy prey.