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Temperance
impossible for holy impulses to affect the heart, and hold government
over the passions, when public opinion and fashion sustain them.
Festivities and amusements, dances, and free use of wine, becloud
the senses, and remove the fear of God....
As Herod and his lords were feasting and drinking in the plea-
sure saloon or banqueting hall, Herodias, debased with crime and
passion, sent her daughter, dressed in a most enchanting manner, into
the presence of Herod and his royal guests. Salome was decorated
with costly garlands and flowers. She was adorned with sparkling
jewels and flashing bracelets. With little covering and less modesty
she danced for the amusement of the royal guests. To their per-
verted senses, the enchanting appearance of this, to them, vision of
beauty and loveliness charmed them. Instead of being governed by
enlightened reason, refined taste, or sensitive consciences, the lower
qualities of the mind held the guiding reins. Virtue and principle had
no controlling power.
The false enchantment of the dizzy scene seemed to take away
reason and dignity from Herod and his guests, who were flushed
with wine. The music and wine and dancing had removed the fear
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and reverence of God from them. Nothing seemed sacred to Herod’s
perverted senses. He was desirous to make some display which
would exalt him still higher before the great men of his kingdom.
And he rashly promised, and confirmed his promise with an oath, to
give the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask....
Having obtained so wonderful a promise, she ran to her mother,
desiring to know what she should ask. The mother’s answer was
ready, The head of John the Baptist in a charger. Salome at first
was shocked. She did not understand the hidden revenge in her
mother’s heart. She refused to present such an inhuman request; but
the determination of that wicked mother prevailed. Moreover, she
bade her daughter make no delay, but hasten to prefer her request
before Herod would have time for reflection, and to change his mind.
Accordingly, Salome returned to Herod with her terrible petition, “I
will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the
Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake,
and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.”
Herod was astonished and confounded. His riotous mirth ceased,
and his guests were thrilled with horror at this inhuman request. The