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Temperance
Stir the Public Mind
—Those who are to prepare the way for
the second coming of Christ are represented by faithful Elijah, as
John came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Christ’s first
advent. The great subject of reform is to be agitated, and the public
mind is to be stirred. Temperance in all things is to be connected
with the message, to turn the people of God from their idolatry,
their gluttony, and their extravagance in dress and other things.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:62
.
Let us raise our voices against the curse of drunkenness. Let
us strive to warn the world against its seductive influences. Let us
portray before young and old the terrible results of indulgence of
appetite.—
Manuscript 80, 1903
.
When temperance is presented as a part of the gospel, many
will see their need of reform. They will see the evil of intoxicating
liquors and that total abstinence is the only platform on which God’s
people can conscientiously stand.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:75
.
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No Tame Message Now
—The conflict against this evil, which is
destroying the image of God in man, must be vigorously maintained.
The warfare is before us. No tame message will have influence now.
God looks upon our world as revolted and corrupted, but He will
send His holy angels to aid those who will engage to destroy the
worship of these idols.—
Letter 102a, 1897
.
The evil [of intemperance] must be more boldly met in the future
than it has been in the past.—
The Youth’s Instructor, March 9, 1909
.
Temperance Sermons in Every City Effort
—In the advocacy
of the cause of temperance, our efforts are to be multiplied. The
subject of Christian temperance should find a place in our sermons in
every city where we labor. Health reform in all its bearings is to be
presented before the people, and special efforts made to instruct the
youth, the middle-aged, and the aged in the principles of Christian
living. Let this phase of the message be revived, and let the truth go
forth as a lamp that burneth.—
Manuscript 61, 1909
.
With Convincing Arguments and Strong Appeals
—In all our
large gatherings we must bring the temperance question before
our hearers in the strongest appeals and by the most convincing
arguments. The Lord has given us the work of teaching Christian
temperance from a Bible standpoint.—
Manuscript 82, 1900
.