The Gospel of Health
March 1, 1898
Leaving Off Stimulants
A letter from Mrs. E. G. White relates an instance of conversion which recently occurred in australia. She says: GosHealth March 1, 1898, par. 1
“A fisherman has recently been converted to the truth. Although a habitual user of the poisonous weed, he has, by the grace of God, determined to let it alone in the future. The question was asked him, ‘Did you have a hard struggle in giving it up?’ ‘I should think I did,’ he answered, ‘but I saw the truth as it was presented to me. I learned that tobacco was unhealthful, and prayed to the Lord to help me give it up; and he has helped me in a most marked manner. But I have not yet decided that I can give up my tea.’ GosHealth March 1, 1898, par. 2
“The evils of tea-drinking were laid before him, and he was encouraged to try what giving up tea would do for him. Finally, he said, ‘I will,’ and in two weeks he bore this testimony in meeting: ‘When I said that I would give up tea, I meant it. I did not drink it, and the result was a most severe headache. But I thought, “Am I to keep using tea to ward off the headache? Must I be so dependent on it that when I let it alone, I am in this condition? Now I know that its effects are bad. I will use it no more.” I have not used it since, and feel better every day. My headache no longer troubles me; my mind is clearer than it was; and I can better understand the Scriptures as I read them.’ GosHealth March 1, 1898, par. 3
“This man, poor as far as worldly possessions are concerned, had the moral courage to cut loose from smoking and tea-drinking, the habits of his boyhood. He did not plead for a little indulgence in wrongdoing. No; he decided that tobacco and tea were injurious, and that his influence must be on the right side. He has given evidence that the Holy Spirit is working on his mind and character to make him a vessel unto honor. GosHealth March 1, 1898, par. 4
“Shall those who have had more opportunities and much precious light, who enjoy the advantages of education, make the plea that they cannot cut away from unhealthful practises? Why do not those who have excellent reasoning powers reason from cause to effect? Why do they not advocate reform by planting their feet firmly on principle, determined not to take alcoholic drink or use tobacco? They are poisons, and their use is a violation of God's law. GosHealth March 1, 1898, par. 5
“Some say, when an effort is made to enlighten them on these things, ‘I will leave off by degrees.’ Satan laughs at all such decisions. He says, ‘They are secure in my power; I have no fear of them on that ground.’ But he knows he has no power over the man who, when sinners entice him, has the moral courage to say No, squarely and positively. Such a one has dismissed the companionship of the devil, and accepted that of Jesus Christ; and as long as he holds to Jesus, he is safe. He stands where heavenly angels can connect with him, giving him moral power to overcome. He can truly advocate temperance; for he will not urge a liquor drinker to abstain from alcohol with a tobacco pipe in his own mouth.” GosHealth March 1, 1898, par. 6