The Choice of Right Men—Intemperate men should not by vote of the people be placed in positions of trust.—The Signs of the Times, July 8, 1880. (Te 254.1) MC VC

At the Mercy of Intemperate Men—Many men are voted into office whose minds are deprived of their full vigor by indulgence in spirituous liquors, or constantly beclouded by the use of the narcotic tobacco.... The peace of happy families, reputation, property, liberty, and even life itself, are at the mercy of intemperate men in our legislative halls and our courts of justice. (Te 254.2) MC VC

By giving themselves up to the indulgence of appetite, many who were once upright, once beneficent, lose their integrity and their love for their fellow men, and unite with the dishonest and profligate, espouse their cause, and share their guilt. (Te 254.3) MC VC

Sacred Prerogative as Citizen Forfeited—How many forfeit their prerogative as citizens of a republic,—bribed with a glass of whisky to cast their vote for some villainous candidate. As a class, the intemperate will not hesitate to employ deception, bribery, and even violence against those who refuse unbounded license to perverted appetite.—The Review and Herald, November 8, 1881. (Te 254.4) MC VC

Responsibility of Passive Citizens—Many give their influence to the great destroyer, aiding him by voice and vote to destroy the moral image of God in man, not thinking of the families that are degraded by a perverted appetite for liquor.—Manuscript 87, 1898. (Te 254.5) MC VC