Chapter 4—A Cause of Accidents

The Drinker Under Satan’s Control—Men who use liquor make themselves the slaves of Satan. Satan tempts those who occupy positions of trust on railways, on steamships, those who have charge of the boats or cars laden with people flocking to idolatrous amusement, to indulge perverted appetite, and thus forget God and His laws. He offers tempting bribes to allure them, that by indulging wrong habits and appetites, they may place themselves where he can control their reason, as a workman handles an instrument. Then he works to destroy the pleasure lovers.

Thus men co-operate with Satan, as his agents, his instruments. They cannot see what they are about. Signals are made incorrectly, and cars collide with each other. Then comes horror, mutilation, and death. This condition of things will become more and more marked. The daily papers will relate many terrible accidents. Yet the saloons will be made just as enticing. Liquor will still be sold to the poor tempted soul who has lost the power to stand up and say, “I am a man”, but who says by his actions, “I have no self-control. I cannot resist temptation.” All such have severed their connection with God, and are the dupes of Satan’s deception.—Manuscript 17, 1898.

Judgment Impaired Through Liquor—Liquor drinkers are under Satan’s destroying influence. He presents to them his false ideas, and no confidence can be placed in their judgment.—The Review and Herald, May 1, 1900.

Some official on a railway train neglects to heed a signal, or misinterprets an order. On goes the train; there is a collision, and many lives are lost. Or a steamer is run aground, and passengers and crew find a watery grave. When the matter is investigated, it is found that someone at an important post was under the influence of drink.—The Ministry of Healing, 331.

God Holds the Drinker Responsible—Are the men who command the great ocean steamers, who have the control of railways, strict temperance men? Are their brains free from the influence of intoxicants? If not, the accidents occurring under their management will be charged to them by the God of heaven, whose property men and women are.—The Review and Herald, May 1, 1900.

Men on whom devolve grave responsibilities in safeguarding their fellow men from accident and harm, are often untrue to their trust. Because of indulgence in tobacco and liquor, they do not keep the mind clear and composed as did Daniel in the courts of Babylon. They becloud the brain by using stimulating narcotics, and temporarily lose their reasoning faculties. Many a shipwreck upon the high seas can be traced to liquor drinking.

Time and again have unseen angels protected vessels on the broad ocean because on board there were some praying passengers who had faith in God’s keeping power. The Lord has power to hold in abeyance the angry waves so impatient to destroy and engulf His children.—Manuscript 153, 1902.

To Rebuke Liquor Drinking—We have need of men who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, will rebuke gambling and liquor drinking, which are such prevalent evils in these last days.—Manuscript 117, 1907.

The Only Safe Course—How many frightful accidents occur through the influence of drink.... What is the portion of this terrible intoxicant that any man can take, and be safe with the lives of human beings? He can be safe only as he abstains from drink. He should not have his mind confused with drink. No intoxicant should pass his lips; then if disaster comes, men in responsible places can do their best, and meet their record with satisfaction, whatever may be the issue.—The Review and Herald, May 29, 1894.