True Temperance Reform

Specific Written Instruction to Israel

When God chose Israel for His people, what kinds of flesh foods were excluded from their diet by written instruction?

Those called unclean (See Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.)

What special food did God provide for the children of Israel during the forty years’ wandering in the wilderness?

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. The Israelites ate manna for forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.” Exodus 16:4, 35.

At the same time what did God promise to do for them?

‘Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.” Exodus 23:25.

What testimony does the psalmist bear regarding their physical condition?

“He brought out Israel laden with silver and gold, and from among the tribes no one faltered.” Psalm 105:37.

Note – When they complained at God’s dealings with them, and longed for food of Egypt, God gave them their desires, but sent “leanness into their soul.” (See numbers 11; Psalm 106:13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:6.) Like many today, they were not content with a simple but wholesome and nourishing diet.

Three Important Questions

Where above all, should true temperance reform begin? 

In the Home.

Note - Unless fathers and mothers practice temperance, they cannot expect their children to do so. [Temperance means self-control]

What classes of men especially should be strictly temperate?

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12.

Note – Of all men in the world, ministers and physicians should lead strictly temperate lives. The welfare of society demands this of them, for their influence is constantly telling for or against moral reform and the improvement of society. By precept and example they can do much toward bring about the much-needed reform.

Can the fact that the liquor traffic brings in a large revenue to the state justify men in licensing it?

“Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime!”

Habakkuk 2:12.

Note – In all the walks and relationships of life, whether in the home, the medical profession, the pulpit or the legislative assembly, men should stand for temperance. To license the liquor traffic is to legalize and foster it. It cannot exist or thrive without the patronage of each rising generation, a large number of whom it must necessarily ruin, body, soul, and spirit. For the state to receive money from such a source, therefore, must be highly reprehensible. The practice has fittingly been likened to a father catching sharks, and baiting his hooks with his own children.

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