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Removing the Temptation
207
together in the web of humanity. The evil that befalls any part of the
great human brotherhood brings peril to all.
Many a man who through love of gain or ease would have noth-
ing to do with restricting the liquor traffic, has found, too late, that
the traffic had to do with him. He has seen his own children besotted
and ruined. Lawlessness runs riot. Property is in danger. Life is
unsafe. Accidents by sea and by land multiply. Diseases that breed
in the haunts of filth and wretchedness make their way to lordly
and luxurious homes. Vices fostered by the children of debauch-
ery and crime infect the sons and daughters of refined and cultured
households.
There is no man whose interests the liquor traffic does not im-
peril. There is no man who for his own safeguard should not set
himself to destroy it.—
The Ministry of Healing, 344, 345
.
There can never be a right state of society while these evils exist.
And no real reform will be effected until the law shall close up
liquor saloons, not only on Sunday, but on all days of the week. The
closing of these saloons would promote public order and domestic
happiness.—
The Signs of the Times, February 11, 1886
.
[209]
The honor of God, the stability of the nation, the well-being of
the community, of the home, and of the individual, demand that
every possible effort be made in arousing the people to the evil of
intemperance. Soon we shall see the result of this terrible evil as
we do not see it now. Who will put forth a determined effort to
stay the work of destruction? As yet the contest has hardly begun.
Let an army be formed to stop the sale of the drugged liquors that
are making men mad. Let the danger from the liquor traffic be
made plain, and a public sentiment be created that shall demand its
prohibition. Let the drink-maddened men be given an opportunity
to escape from their thralldom. Let the voice of the nation demand
of its lawmakers that a stop be put to this infamous traffic.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 346
.