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Chapter 11—Working for the Intemperate
Every true reform has its place in the work of the gospel and tends
to uplift the soul to a new and nobler life. Especially does temperance
reform demand the support of Christian workers. They should call
attention to this work and make it a living issue. Everywhere they
should present the principles of true temperance and call for people
to sign the temperance pledge. Earnest effort should be made in
behalf of those who are in bondage to evil habits.
Everywhere there is a work to be done for those who through
intemperance have fallen. In the midst of churches, religious in-
stitutions, and professedly Christian homes, many of the youth are
choosing the path to destruction. Through intemperate habits they
bring upon themselves disease, and through greed to obtain money
for sinful indulgence they fall into dishonest practices. Health and
character are ruined. Aliens from God, outcasts from society, these
poor youth feel that they are without hope either for this life or for
the life to come. The hearts of the parents are broken. Some people
speak of these erring ones as hopeless, but God does not regard them
this way. He understands all the circumstances that have made them
what they are, and He looks upon them with pity. This is a class that
demands help. Never give them occasion to say, “No one cares for
my soul.”
Among the victims of intemperance are people of all classes and
all professions. Men and women of high station, of eminent talents,
of great attainments, have yielded to the indulgence of appetite until
they are helpless to resist temptation. Some of them who once were
rich are without home and friends, in suffering, misery, disease, and
degradation. They have lost self-control. Unless a helping hand
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is held out to them, they will sink lower and lower. With these,
self-indulgence is not only a moral sin but a physical disease.
Often in helping the intemperate we must give first attention, as
Christ often did, to their physical condition. They need wholesome,
unstimulating food and drink, clean clothing, opportunity to secure
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