Basic HTML Version
66
Temperance
the conveniences of life, and for necessary food, yet they have not
the power of will to forgo their tobacco. The clamors of appetite
prevail over natural affection. Appetite, which they have in common
with the brute, controls them. The cause of Christianity, and even
humanity, would not in any case be met, if dependent upon those
in the habitual use of tobacco and liquor. If they had means to use
only in one direction, the treasury of God would not be replenished,
but they would have their tobacco and liquor. The tobacco idolater
will not deny his appetite for the cause of God.—
The Review and
Herald, September 8, 1874
.
Taking the Lead in Self-Denial, Self-Sacrifice, and Temper-
ance
—The man who has become the property of Jesus Christ, and
whose body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, will not be enslaved
by the pernicious habit of tobacco using. His powers belong to
Christ, who has bought him with the price of blood. His property
is the Lord’s. How, then, can he be guiltless in expending every
day the Lord’s entrusted capital to gratify an appetite which has no
foundation in nature?
An enormous sum is yearly squandered for this indulgence, while
souls are perishing for the word of life. Professed Christians rob God
in tithes and offerings, while they offer on the altar of destroying
lust, in the use of tobacco, more than they give to relieve the poor or
to supply the wants of God’s cause. Those who are truly sanctified,
will overcome every hurtful lust. Then all these channels of needless
expense will be turned to the Lord’s treasury, and Christians will
take the lead in self-denial, in self-sacrifice, and in temperance. Then
they will be the light of the world.—
The Sanctified Life, 24, 25
.
[68]