Article October 9, 1909 Issue

TEMPERANCE

FREDERICK MANN.

An editorial on the subject of temperance in a recent issue of the Sentinel, recalls to thought my own mental attitude as to this subject before Christian Science quickened my sense of right and wrong. Although I had been brought up under the influence of church and Sabbath School, and had faithfully kept up my interest in these, in my daily activities as a prosperous business man I was gradually becoming more stubbornly set against the reform movement. I never drank to excess, still I can now see that the habit of using stimulants was fast claiming me. When, however. I learned in Christian Science that I could keep well without the use of medicine, etc., I found that I no longer needed whisky because the water was unwholesome, or because the weather conditions were not just right.

For more than twenty years I have been a total abstainer, casting my ballot accordingly and never failing to vote "No" on the license question. Mrs. Eddy in her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 289) says; "Strong drink is unquestionably an evil, and evil cannot be used temperately; its slightest use is abuse: hence the only temperance is total abstinence." In Science and Health (p.454) we read: "It need not be added that the use of tobacco or intoxicating drinks is not in harmony with Christian Science." I owe to our Leader a debt of gratitude for all that her teachings have done for me in reforming my life thus enabling me to help others out of the bondage of this evil habit. I know from my own experiences, both in public and in private life, that Christian Science has done more for the cause of temperance than those outside of our ranks are aware. It did for me and mine what the religious teaching of my former church connection had failed to accomplish. In my own case it was not a drunkard who had been reformed, but a respectable drinker (which is a much more subtle claim of evil) was changed, and an evil habit destroyed.

The Church of Christ, Scientist, is doing much for mankind, in lifting them most effectually above and out of the grasp of this demon, the sin of intemperance. Each one of us should become a law to himself, in his individual striving to overcome all that is unlike God in his daily living; in striving for that mind which finds no pleasure in any sinful indulgence.

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