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Chapter 1—Counsel on How to Work
Temperance Work a Living Issue
—Every true reform has its
place in the work of the gospel and tends to the uplifting of the soul
to a new and nobler life. Especially does the 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 to the people the principles of true temperance, and call for
signers to the temperance pledge. Earnest effort should be made in
behalf of those who are in bondage to evil habits.
There is everywhere 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 souls feel that they are without hope either for this life or for
the life to come. The hearts of the parents are broken. Men speak of
these erring ones as hopeless; but not so does God regard them. He
understands all the circumstances that have made them what they
are, and He looks upon them with pity. This is a class that demand
help. Never give them occasion to say. “No man cares for my soul.”
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Give First Attention to the Physical Condition
—Among the
victims of intemperance are men of all classes and all professions.
Men 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 were once in the possession of wealth
are without home, without friends, in suffering, misery, disease, and
degradation. They have lost their self-control. Unless a helping
hand 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, as Christ so often did,
give first attention to their physical condition. They need wholesome,
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