Basic HTML Version
68
Temperance
All will be judged personally. They will stand before God to hear
their sentence.—
Manuscript 123, 1901
.
Smoking Clergymen
—How many there are who minister in
the sacred desk, in Christ’s stead, and are beseeching men to be
reconciled to God, and are exalting the free gospel, who are them-
selves slaves to appetite, and are defiled with tobacco. They are daily
weakening their nerve brain power by the use of a filthy narcotic.
And these men profess to be ambassadors for the holy Jesus.—
The
Health Reformer, December, 1871
.
No man can be a true minister of righteousness, and yet be under
the inspiration of sensual appetites. He cannot indulge the habit of
using tobacco, and yet win souls to the platform of true temperance.
The cloud of smoke coming from his lips has no salutary effect upon
liquor drinkers. The gospel sermon must come from lips undefiled
by tobacco smoke. With pure, clean lips God’s servants must tell
the triumphs of the cross. The practice of using liquor, tobacco,
tea, and coffee must be overcome by the converting power of God.
There shall nothing enter into the kingdom of God that defileth.—
Manuscript 86, 1897
.
When clergymen throw their influence and example on the side
of this injurious habit, what hope is there for young men? We must
raise the standard of temperance higher and still higher. We must
bear a clear, decided testimony against the use of intoxicating drinks
and the use of tobacco.—
Manuscript 82, 1900
.
The Tobacco-Using Physician
—Many come under the physi-
cian’s care who are ruining soul and body by the use of tobacco or
intoxicating drink. The physician who is true to his responsibility
must point out to these patients the cause of their suffering. But if
he himself is a user of tobacco or intoxicants, what weight will be
given to his words? With the consciousness of his own indulgence
[70]
before him, will he not hesitate to point out the plague spot in the
life of his patient? While using these things himself, how can he
convince the youth of their injurious effects?
How can a physician stand in the community as an example of
purity and self-control, how can he be an effectual worker in the
temperance cause, while he himself is indulging a vile habit? How
can he minister acceptably at the bedside of the sick and the dying,