Whose Problem?
The responsibility involved in the alcohol problem is being continually tossed around the circle. Some say it belongs to the Federal Government, and others that it is a State affair. One would delegate it to the medical profession, and another to the schools. Still others might claim it to be the responsibility of the church; and the church, in turn, might say it belongs to the home and the parents. Lastly comes the argument that it is merely up to each individual to settle the matter for himself. It is true that in the last analysis each person will settle the matter for himself. But that does not mean that no other effort should be put forth to help him reach the right decision. Manifestly, to the extent that any of these factors mentioned are concerned with the welfare of mankind, they must bear their share of the responsibility in this present problem.
How, then, will this responsibility be met?
1. We can each do our part to settle it for the State and nation by our vote.
2. We can use our influence in the selection of our educators and their textbooks, and in the formation of teaching policies. Qualified lecturers may enter the schools at assembly periods and give special instruction concerning alcohol.
3. The home finds its ideals and inspiration in the church. because the home and the church have the same Author. The purest, noblest, and most diligent efforts will be put forth by those who have the deepest, most unselfish interest in humanity. This points directly to the membership of the church. Which church? Every church!
The church is God's means in the earth for the restoration of man to the image of his Maker. Therefore, the church which has the clearest conception of its duty will take the lead in this work, The church will obtain its conception of duty from:
a. A knowledge of God, after whose likeness man was created, which will set the standard to which man is to be restored by redemption.
b. A knowledge of the laws of the Creator, governing both the spiritual and the physical life, which reveal His will concerning the life of man both here and hereafter. The church having the most complete knowledge of these laws will be foremost in teaching them.
c. A knowledge of the state of development of the plan of redemption. If a church understands from the study of current events and the Scriptures that the culmination of all things is at hand, the members of that church will be the most diligent of all people in rescuing humanity from the snares of the enemy. The minor issue in the question of alcohol is not to rescue the drunkard, but through the dissemination of right principles to prevent the ruin of mankind. If there be one church which has a clearer and more definite message for the hour than others—more light shining upon it from the pages of Holy Writ—that church will either be the most active of all people in teaching the complete will of God in the spiritual and physical life, or it will fall under the greatest condemnation for failing to do so. The church having the greatest light will have the greatest love for God and His lost children, and will therefore be the most active in presenting the principles of restoration to the family of God.
The work of the church will not release the state, the physician, or the educator from their respective responsibilities, but will put the church in the lead of all these forces, because it has the clearest conception of the duty and the task, and the keenest conscience as a compelling force.
The legislator, educator, or physician may deal with the problem from the standpoint of finance, intellect, or health, as the case may be, but the Christian goes far beyond their realm and sees that every law of science which they know is a revelation of the will of the Creator, and that the highest obligation to obey is not in the interest of State, nation, intellect, or health, but is a duty to the King of kings.
Therefore, the only temperance of which the world is sure is Christian temperance, and its only sure home is in the church, and the church that will do the mightiest and most far-reaching work is the one having the broadest and clearest conception of God.*
(Conclusion of series)
* It may be of interest to our readers to know that the author of this series has developed three types of educational temperance lectures, profusely illustrated with colored slides, which he gives in schools, churches. et cetera. In the past seven months he has addressed over one hundred thousand students in seven States. Recently, he suoke to 34.000 students in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has been invited to return next school year. He has equally attractive illustrated literature on tobacco. Lecture texts and slides are available to our workers. Those wishing information should address :fulius G. White, Madison College, Tennessee. LT.S.A.—EDITOR.
