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Temperance
The Choice of Right Men
—Intemperate men should not by
vote of the people be placed in positions of trust.—
The Signs of the
Times, July 8, 1880
.
At the Mercy of Intemperate Men
—Many men are voted into
office whose minds are deprived of their full vigor by indulgence in
spirituous liquors, or constantly beclouded by the use of the narcotic
tobacco.... The peace of happy families, reputation, property, liberty,
and even life itself, are at the mercy of intemperate men in our
legislative halls and our courts of justice.
By giving themselves up to the indulgence of appetite, many
who were once upright, once beneficent, lose their integrity and their
love for their fellow men, and unite with the dishonest and profligate,
espouse their cause, and share their guilt.
Sacred Prerogative as Citizen Forfeited
—How many forfeit
their prerogative as citizens of a republic,—bribed with a glass of
whisky to cast their vote for some villainous candidate. As a class,
the intemperate will not hesitate to employ deception, bribery, and
even violence against those who refuse unbounded license to per-
verted appetite.—
The Review and Herald, November 8, 1881
.
Responsibility of Passive Citizens
—Many give their influence
to the great destroyer, aiding him by voice and vote to destroy the
moral image of God in man, not thinking of the families that are
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degraded by a perverted appetite for liquor.—
Manuscript 87, 1898
.
And those who by their votes sanction the liquor traffic will be
held accountable for the wickedness that is done by those who are
under the influence of strong drink.—
Letter 243a, 1905
.
Our Pioneers Reach an Important Decision
—[A page from
Ellen G. White’s 1859 diary.] “Attended meeting in the eve. Had
quite a free, interesting meeting. After it was time to close, the
subject of voting was considered and dwelt upon. James first talked,
then Brother Andrews talked, and it was thought by them best to
give their influence in favor of right and against wrong. They think
it right to vote in favor of temperance men being in office in our city
instead of by their silence running the risk of having intemperance
men put in office. Brother Hewett tells his experience of a few days
[since] and is settled that [it] is right to cast his vote. Brother Hart
talks well. Brother Lyon opposes. No others object to voting, but