Basic HTML Version
110
Temperance
divine truth, the application of that truth to the heart revives the
moral powers, which had seemed to be paralyzed. The receiver
possesses stronger, clearer understanding than before he riveted his
soul to the eternal Rock. Even his physical health improves by the
realization of his security in Christ. The special blessing of God
resting upon the receiver is of itself health and strength.—
Christian
Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 13
.
Power for Victory in Christ Alone
—Men have polluted the
soul-temple, and God calls upon them to awake, and to strive with
all their might to win back their God-given manhood. Nothing but
the grace of God can convict and convert the heart; from Him alone
can the slaves of custom obtain power to break the shackles that bind
them. It is impossible for a man to present his body a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable to God, while continuing to indulge habits that
are depriving him of physical, mental, and moral vigor. Again the
apostle says, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2
.—
Christian
Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 10, 11
.
In the Strength of Christ
—Christ fought the battle upon the
point of appetite, and came off victorious; and we also can conquer
[109]
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 the victory alone; and
how thankful we should be that we have a living Saviour, who is
ready and willing to aid us!
I recall the case of a man in a congregation that I was once
addressing. He was almost wrecked in body and mind by the use
of liquor and tobacco. He was bowed down from the effects of
dissipation; and his dress was in keeping with his shattered condition.
To all appearance he had gone too far to be reclaimed. But as I
appealed to him to resist temptation in the strength of a risen Saviour,
he rose tremblingly, and said, “You have an interest for me, and I
will have an interest for myself.” Six months afterward he came to
my house. I did not recognize him. With a countenance beaming