“Must Begin-at Our Tables”

A few months later very important and timely instruction was given for the church, pointing out certain weaknesses of the temperance campaign as it was then being conducted, and very definitely setting forth the only effective method of approach to the problem of intemperance. The vision in which this instruction was given occurred on the afternoon of January 3, 1875. Mrs. White was suffering from a severe attack of influenza, and she had become so weakened that the physicians at the Health Reform Institute expressed anxiety. A few of the ministers came to her home and offered prayer in her behalf, carrying out the instruction found in James 5:13-16. After others had prayed for her, she began to pray, and while in prayer was taken off in vision. Soon after coming out of the vision she dressed for meeting and walked to the church, where she spoke to a waiting congregation.SHM 225.5

A very important part of this vision relating to health reform and temperance work was soon published. It may now be read in Testimonies for the Church 3:560-570. Regarding the ineffectiveness of the temperance movement as popularly carried forward, she wrote in that connection:SHM 226.1

“Intemperance is increasing everywhere, notwithstanding the earnest efforts made during the past year to stay its progress. I was shown that the giant power of intemperance will not be controlled by any such efforts as have been made. The work of temperance must begin in our families, at our tables.”—Testimonies for the Church 3:562. (Italics mine.)SHM 226.2

Here was clearly pointed out the impossibility of effecting true reform while the warfare of the temperance forces was restricted to its field of action against alcoholic liquors. The evils of tobacco and of the milder stimulants and narcotics were largely ignored. Men were induced to sign the pledge sometimes in meeting halls reeking with tobacco smoke. Mrs. White referred to men who, even while speaking against the use of liquor and deploring the evil of intemperance, would eject tobacco juice from their mouths. She asked, “What power can the tobacco devotee have to stay the progress of intemperance?” She said further:SHM 226.3

“There must be a revolution in our world upon the subject of tobacco before the ax is laid at the root of the tree. We press the subject still closer. Tea and coffee are fostering the appetite which is developing for stronger stimulants, as tobacco and liquor. And we come still closer home, to the daily meals, the tables spread in Christian households. Is temperance practiced in all things? Are the reforms which are essential to health and happiness carried out there?”—Ibid., 569, 570.SHM 226.4

“Intemperance commences at our tables. The appetite is indulged until its indulgence becomes second nature. By the use of tea and coffee an appetite is formed for tobacco, and this encourages the appetite for liquors.”—Ibid., 563.SHM 227.1