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Temperance
more reckless will they be in the indulgence of perverted appetite.—
Manuscript 150, 1898
.
The World Taken Captive
—Satan is taking the world captive
through the use of liquor and tobacco, tea and coffee. The God-
given mind, which should be kept clear, is perverted by the use of
narcotics. The brain is no longer able to distinguish correctly. The
enemy has control. Man has sold his reason for that which makes
him mad. He has no sense of what is right.—
Evangelism, 529
.
The Results of Natural Law Violated
—Many marvel that the
human race have so degenerated, physically, mentally, and morally.
They do not understand that it is the violation of God’s constitution
and laws, and the violation of the laws of health, that has produced
this sad degeneracy. The transgression of God’s commandments has
caused His prospering hand to be removed.
Intemperance in eating and in drinking, and the indulgence of
base passions have benumbed the fine sensibilities....
Those who permit themselves to become slaves to a gluttonous
appetite, often go still further, and debase themselves by indulging
their corrupt passions, which have become excited by intemperance
in eating and in drinking. They give loose rein to their debasing
passions, until health and intellect greatly suffer. The reasoning
faculties are, in a great measure, destroyed by evil habits.—
Spiritual
Gifts 4a:124-131
.
Let none who profess godliness regard with indifference the
health of the body, and flatter themselves that intemperance is no
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sin, and will not affect their spirituality. A close sympathy exists
between the physical and the moral nature. The standard of virtue
is elevated or degraded by the physical habits.... Any habit which
does not promote healthful action in the human system degrades the
higher and nobler faculties. Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead
to errors in thought and action. Indulgence of appetite strengthens
the animal propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the mental
and spiritual powers.—
The Review and Herald, January 25, 1881
.
Life Record Closed in Dissipation
—Many close their last pre-
cious hours of probationary time, in scenes of gaiety, feasting and
amusement, where serious thoughts are not allowed to enter, where
the spirit of Jesus would be unwelcome! Their last precious hours
are passing while their minds are benumbed with tobacco and alco-