Te 79
(Temperance 79)
The Tongue Is Loosened—When these tea and coffee users meet together for social entertainment, the effects of their pernicious habit are manifest. All partake freely of the favorite beverages, and as the stimulating influence is felt, their tongues are loosened, and they begin the wicked work of talking against others. Their words are not few or well chosen. The tidbits of gossip are passed around, too often the poison of scandal as well. These thoughtless gossipers forget that they have a witness. An unseen Watcher is writing their words in the books of heaven. All these unkind criticisms, these exaggerated reports, these envious feelings, expressed under the excitement of the cup of tea, Jesus registers as against Himself. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”(Matthew 25:40)—Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 36. (Te 79.1) MC VC
An Economic Waste—The money expended for tea and coffee is worse than wasted. They do the user only harm, and that continually—Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 35. (Te 79.2) MC VC
Destructive Narcotics—All should bear a clear testimony against tea and coffee, never using them. They are narcotics, injurious alike to the brain and to the other organs of the body.—Counsels on Diet and Foods, 430. (Te 79.3) MC VC
Destroys Temple of God—The drunkard sells his reason for a cup of poison. Satan takes control of his reason, affections, conscience. Such a man is destroying the temple of God. Tea drinking helps to do this same work. Yet how many there are who place these destroying agencies on their tables, thereby quenching the divine attributes.—Manuscript 130, 1899. (Te 79.4) MC VC