Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

cleanse from the system than those of liquor. What power can the tobacco
devotee have to stay the progress of intemperance? There must be a
revolution in our world upon the subject of tobacco before the ax is laid at
the root of the tree. We press the subject still closer. Tea and coffee are
fostering the appetite which is developing for stronger stimulants, as tobacco
and liquor. And we come still closer home, to the daily meals, the tables
spread in Christian households. Is temperance practiced in all things? Are the
reforms which are essential to health and happiness carried out there?
Every true Christian will have control of his appetite and passions.
Unless he is free from the bondage and slavery of appetite he cannot be a
true, obedient servant of Christ. It is the indulgence of appetite and passion
which makes the truth of none effect upon the heart. It is impossible for the
spirit and power of the truth to sanctify a man, soul, body, and spirit, when
he is controlled by appetite and passion.
All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these
are the avenues to the soul.
As a people we profess to be reformers, to be light bearers in the world,
to be faithful sentinels for God, guarding every avenue whereby Satan could
come in with his temptations to pervert the appetite. Our example and
influence must be a power on the side of reform. We must abstain from any
practice which will blunt the conscience or encourage temptation. We must
open no door that will give Satan access to the mind of one human being
formed in the image of God. If all would be vigilant and faithful in guarding
the little openings made by the moderate use of the so-called harmless wine
and cider, the highway to drunkenness would be closed up. What is needed
in every community is firm purpose, and a will to touch not, taste not, handle
not; then the temperance reformation will be strong, permanent, and
thorough.
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