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Influence of the Pen
247
prevalence of drunkenness and crime with which they are so familiar.
We should bring before their minds the scriptures that plainly portray
the conditions which shall exist just prior to the second coming of
Christ....
In these times, when the daily newspapers are filled with many
horrible details of revolting drunkenness and terrible crime, there
is a tendency to become so familiar with existing conditions that
we lose sight of the significance of these conditions. Violence is
in the land. More intoxicating liquor is used than has ever been
used heretofore. The story of the resultant crime is given fully in
the newspapers. And yet, notwithstanding the many evidences of
increasing lawlessness, men seldom stop to consider seriously the
meaning of these things. Almost without exception, men boast of
the enlightenment and progress of the present age....
How important it is that God’s messengers shall call the attention
of statesmen, of editors, of thinking men everywhere, to the deep
significance of the drunkenness and the violence now filling the land
with desolation and death! As faithful colaborers with God, we must
bear a clear, decided testimony on the temperance question....
Now is our golden opportunity to co-operate with heavenly intel-
ligences in enlightening the understanding of those who are studying
the meaning of the rapid increase of crime and disaster. As we do
our part faithfully, the Lord will bless our efforts to the saving of
many precious souls.—
The Review and Herald, October 25, 1906
.
Go With Hands Full of Reading Matter
—Publications upon
health reform will reach many who will not see or read anything
upon important Bible subjects. The gratification of every perverted
appetite is doing its work of death. Intemperance must be met. With
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united, intelligent effort make known the evils of beclouding the
powers that God has given, with wine and strong drinks. The truth
must come to the people upon health reform. This is essential in
order to arrest the attention in regard to Bible truth.
God requires that His people shall be temperate in all things.
Unless they practice temperance, they will not, cannot, be sanctified
through the truth. Their very thoughts and minds become depraved.
Many of those looked upon as hopelessly depraved, will, if properly
instructed in regard to their unhealthful practices, be arrested with the
truth. Then they may be elevated, ennobled, sanctified, fit vessels for