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WISDOM OF TEMPERANCE

II. QUAR., LESSON VIII., MAY 21, PROV. 23:29-35

Golden Text—”Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”—Prov. 20:1

Here we have a pen picture of the drunkard, true to life; and those who pursue this folly find themselves finally bound in the galling yoke of a terrible slavery. Would that this curse were banished from every land. And, thank God, the time is not far distant when, under the established Kingdom of God, this evil shall be thoroughly and promptly dealt with. No such stumbling stones as enticing saloons will then be permitted to stand in the way to tempt the weak. Gather out the stumbling stones and cast up a highway for the people, says the Prophet (Isa. 62:10); and when this is done not a single evil—licensed or unlicensed—shall be permitted a footing.

But a highway, a broad thoroughfare (the established new covenant), gently sloping upward to life (for a grand reversal of public sentiment will make the way easy of ascent) will be there; and the ransomed of the Lord (the whole human race) shall go up thereon. Every step in this way shall bring its reward of peace and joy: and they shall come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads … and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isa. 35:10.) Blessed times of restitution and refreshing! Our hearts sing for joy in anticipation of the nearness of those blessings for all mankind.

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— April 15, 1893 —