Article May 10, 1930 Issue

Temperance

HELEN S. SAVAGE

One definition of temperance is total abstinence from the use of intoxicants. In his epistle to the Galatians, Paul names temperance as one of the fruits of the Spirit. It may be inferred from the context that he meant us to accept this usage of the word, for he had previously referred to the works of the flesh made manifest in various errors, including drunkenness. That this deeply religious, highly intelligent apostle held temperance worthy to be named in conjunction with other spiritual qualities, such as "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness," is ample authority for an individual or a nation to hold it in high esteem—to cherish temperance as a most valued possession.

In adopting the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the nation accepted this meaning of the word "temperance," and rendered a decision that it traffic no more in intoxicating liquors—that it touch no more this "unclean thing." This forward step also implies that the nation shall not encourage or participate in such traffic among its neighbors. Moreover, allegiance to the Constitution lays it under solemn obligation, as a democracy and also as individual citizens, to uphold this Amendment.

While abstinence from the use of intoxicants is an integral part of temperance, it is still but a part of this grace of Spirit; for temperance in its spiritual sense is more, vastly more, than even the strictest observance of a local or a national enactment. Obedience to the letter only, or total abstinence only, might on occasion be grudgingly granted, or practiced from the selfish standpoint of placing one's self within the sanctuary which keeping the letter of the law affords, while the spiritual sense of temperance holds all self-love, appetite, and selfish gratification of the senses in abeyance to the law of good. When seeking the betterment of the human race, it is of paramount importance that we apprehend the spiritual significance of every step, for materiality has hitherto ignominiously failed us.

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