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Temperance
to do so. I was gratified that I had this opportunity of presenting
temperance from the Christian standpoint before the inmates of this
home for inebriates, where they are assisted in overcoming the strong
habit which is binding so many in almost hopeless slavery. I was
informed that among those who are obliged to seek its friendly aid
are lawyers, doctors, and even ministers.—
The Review and Herald,
February 10, 1885
.
Encouraging Responses
—I speak most decidedly on this sub-
ject [temperance], and it has a telling influence upon other minds.
Often the testimony is borne, “I have not used any tobacco, wine, or
any stimulant or narcotic since that discourse you gave upon tem-
perance.” Now, they say, “I must furnish myself with enlightened
principles for action; for I want others to know the benefits I have
received. This reformation involves great consequences to me and
all with whom I come in contact. I will choose the better part, to
work with Christ with settled principles and aims, to win a crown of
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life as an overcomer.”—
Letter 96, 1899
.
In our public meetings in Australia we took special pains to
present clearly the fundamental principles of temperance reform.
Generally, when I spoke to the people on Sunday, my theme was
health and temperance. During some of the camp meetings, daily
instruction was given on this subject. In several places the interest
aroused over our position on the use of stimulants and narcotics led
the friends of temperance to attend our meetings and learn more of
the various doctrines of our faith.—
Manuscript 79, 1907
.
Contacts With W.C.T.U. Workers at Melbourne
—Dr. M. G.
Kellogg came to my tent to see if I would have an interview with the
president and secretary of the W.C.T.U. We invited them to our tent,
and we had a very pleasant visit. The president is a strict vegetarian,
not having tasted meat for four years. She bears a clear countenance,
which does credit to her abstemious habits. The secretary is a young
woman. Both are ladies of intelligence. They manifest deep interest
in all they have heard. They have made a request that I speak in
the beautiful hall in which they hold their meetings, and they asked
Brother Starr to write for their temperance paper.
The president expressed an earnest desire that we should har-
monize in the temperance work. “Be assured,” they said, “we shall
enter every door open to us that we may let our light shine to oth-