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Temperance
A Factor in Increasing Crime
—The use of tobacco and strong
drink has a great deal to do with the increase of disease and crime.—
Manuscript 29, 1886
.
The use of liquor or tobacco destroys the sensitive nerves of the
brain, and benumbs the sensibilities. Under their influence crimes are
committed that would have been left undone had the mind been clear
and free from the influence of stimulants or narcotics.—
Manuscript
38 1/2, 1905
.
Satan Controls the Paralyzed Mind
—Thousands are contin-
ually selling physical, mental, and moral vigor for the pleasure of
taste. Each of the faculties has its distinctive office, and yet they
all have a mutual dependence upon each other. And if the balance
is carefully preserved, they will be kept in harmonious action. Not
one of these faculties can be valued by dollars and cents. And yet,
for a good dinner, for alcohol, or tobacco, they are sold. And while
paralyzed by the indulgence of appetite, Satan controls the mind,
and leads to every species of crime and wickedness.—
The Review
and Herald, March 18, 1875
.
Will the Women Smoke?
—God forbid that woman should de-
grade herself to the use of a filthy and besotting narcotic. How
disgusting is the picture which one may draw in the mind, of a
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woman whose breath is poisoned by tobacco. One shudders to think
of little children twining their arms about her neck, and pressing
their fresh, pure lips to that mother’s lips, stained and polluted by
the offensive fluid and odor of tobacco. Yet the picture is only more
revolting because the reality is more rare than that of the father, the
lord of the household, defiling himself with the disgusting weed. No
wonder we see children turn from the kiss of the father whom they
love, and if they kiss him seek not his lips, but his cheek or fore-
head, where their pure lips will not be contaminated.—
The Health
Reformer, September, 1877
.
The Only Safe Path
—Many are the temptations and besetments
on every side to ruin the prospects of young men, both for this world
and the next. But the only path of safety is for young and old to
live in strict conformity to the principles of physical and moral law.
The path of obedience is the only path that leads to heaven. Alcohol
and tobacco inebriates would, at times, give any amount of money
if they could by so doing overcome their appetite for these body-