26
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene
could, by their example, help those who are weak in self-control, to
resist the cravings of appetite.
We witness great struggles in our country to put down intemper-
ance; but it is a hard matter to overcome and chain a full-grown lion. If
half the efforts that have been put forth to stay this giant evil had been
directed toward enlightening parents in regard to their responsibility
in forming the habits and character of their children, a thousand-fold
more good might have resulted. The unnatural appetite for spirituous
liquors is often created at home, in many cases at the tables of the very
ones who are most zealous to lead out in the temperance work. We bid
all workers Godspeed; but we invite them to look more deeply into
the cause of the evil they war against, and to be more thorough and
consistent in reform.
Through the intemperance begun at home, the digestive organs
first become weakened, and soon ordinary food does not satisfy the
appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving
for more stimulating food. Tea and coffee produce an immediate effect.
Under the influence of these poisons the nervous system is excited, and
in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems to be invigorated,
the imagination more vivid. Because these stimulants produce such
agreeable results, many conclude that they really need them; but there
is always a reaction. The nervous system has borrowed power from its
future resources for present use, and all this temporary invigoration
is followed by a corresponding depression. The suddenness of the
relief obtained from tea and coffee, is an evidence that what seems to
be strength is only nervous excitement, and consequently must be an
injury to the system.
The appetite thus educated to crave continually something stronger,
demands an increase of the agreeable excitement. Its demands become
more frequent, and more difficult to control. The more debilitated the
system and the less able to do without unnatural stimulus, the more
the desire for these things increases, until the will is overborne, and
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there seems to be no power to deny the unnatural craving.
When there has been a departure from the right path, it is difficult
to return. Barriers have been broken down, safeguards removed. One
step in the wrong direction prepares the way for another. The least
deviation from right principles will lead to separation from God, and
may end in destruction. What we do once we more readily do again;