Beverages
341
the Son of man is revealed. “They were eating and drinking, marrying
and giving in marriage, until that day that Noah entered into the ark,
and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away.” Just such
a state of things will exist in the last days, and those who believe these
warnings will use the utmost caution not to take a course that will
bring them under condemnation.
Brethren, let us look at this matter in the light of the Scriptures,
and exert a decided influence on the side of temperance in all things.
Apples and grapes are God’s gifts; they may be put to excellent use
as healthful articles of food, or they may be abused by being put to
a wrong use. Already God is blighting the grapevine and the apple
crop because of men’s sinful practices. We stand before the world
as reformers; let us give no occasion for infidels or unbelievers to
reproach our faith. Said Christ, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” “the
light of the world.” Let us show that our hearts and consciences are
under the transforming influence of divine grace, and that our lives are
governed by the pure principles of the law of God, even though these
principles may require the sacrifice of temporal interests.
[436]
Under the Microscope
756. Persons who have inherited an appetite for unnatural stim-
ulants should by no means have wine, beer, or cider in their sight
or within their reach; for this keeps the temptation constantly before
them. Regarding sweet cider as harmless, many have no scruples in
purchasing it freely. But it remains sweet for a short time only; then
fermentation begins. The sharp taste which it then acquires makes it
all the more acceptable to many palates, and the user is loath to admit
that it has become hard, or fermented.
There is danger to health in the use of even sweet cider as ordinarily
produced. If people could see what the microscope reveals in regard to
the cider they buy, few would be willing to drink it. Often those who
manufacture cider for the market are not careful as to the condition of
the fruit used, and the juice of wormy and decayed apples is expressed.
Those who would not think of using the poisonous, rotten apples in any
other way, will drink the cider made from them, and call it a luxury;
but the microscope shows that even when fresh from the press, this
pleasant beverage is wholly unfit for use.