--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Parry, Edwin F. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 20 number: 2 published: 1916-12 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Edwin F. Parry, "Doing It Without Pressure," *Improvement Era* 20, no. 2 (December 1916): 125–126.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2002unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2002unse start_page: 125 end_page: 126 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1916-12) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2002unse publication_year: 1916 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1916, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Doing It Without Pressure Doing it Without Pressure By Bishop Edwin F. Parry Much has been said and written, of late, respecting prohibition and the saloon evil. The writer has most heartily endorsed the arguments set forth in favor of a "dry" state, and against the liquor traffic. It is humiliating, however, to admit that there is any necessity for a prohibition law to restrain mature Latterday Saints from using intoxicants. We would prefer to believe that the agitation in favor of prohibition is especially for the benefit of very young people and people not of our faith. Our religion teaches us to abstain from the use of spirituous liquors as well as from the use of other things that are harmful. When we accept the doctrines of the gospel we are expected to accept and abide by the teaching given in the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom which, as the revelation itself states, is adapted to the capacity of the "weakest of all Saints." I repeat, it is embarrassing to think that we are to be compelled by the law of the state to observe a requirement of our religion. For many years the Latter-day Saints have contended for the constitutional guarantee that the state or nation has no right to interfere with one's religion; and now, must we have a law enforcing us to live up to some of our religious professions? Is it possible that we have more respect for human than for divine law? God has set a prohibitory law against the use — of intoxicants, and the penalty of disobeying his law the law — of nature is far more severe than any that man might impose; and yet, too many of us disregard the law, though we do not escape the punishment. Will we give better heed to the legislative enactments? Do not get the idea that I am opposed to prohibition, or that I have no faith in its beneficial results. I merely give passing mention of this inconsistent attitude that the weaknesses of humanity place us in. I fully believe that the abolishment of the liquor traffic will do much good in removing the temptation from the weak who are addicted to the liquor habit, and will prevent many from forming the habit ; and it cannot fail to bring financial benefit to legitimate business. But prohibition for Latter-day Saints, is only a makeshift. It does not strengthen character, nor fortify one against temptations. It serves only as a crutch to one with weak limbs. It helps to hold him up while 126 IMPROVEMENT ERA he, by his own exertions, is developing strength to stand alone. Then, again, prohibition is not broad enough in its scope. It only forbids the manufacture and use of alcoholic liquors. It does not prevent the use of tobacco and the so-called soft drinks that are doped with injurious drugs. The use of these things is also baneful. There are other evils that tempt the weak and the unwary which prohibition will not affect. I would appeal to the young men of Zion to cultivate strong will-power, and learn to resist temptations to evil of all kinds. Everyone will have to meet temptations in this life, and it is never too early to learn to resist them. Normal beings have the inherent power to resist evil, if they will exercise that power and develop it. Young man, be master of yourself, and do not be swayed by every whim and fancy. Evils are not attractive when they first present themselves. Especially is this so of things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom. The appetite for tobacco or liquor has to be cultivated by repeated and painful eftorts. If these articles are left alone from the first, they can have no influence over one. To the youth of Zion, with the teachings they receive, or ought to receive, the articles forbidden in the Word of Wisdom should offer no temptation whatever. They are repulsive to the taste of those whose appetites are not perverted. Then why should anyone trifle with them, and learn to overcome his natural dislike for things that are vile and ruinous to his manhood? When a man undertakes to build a house, he plans it carefully and then follows the plans. No matter what others may suggest, he will not be interfered with in carrying out the specifications; unless, perchance, someone offers improvements that might be advantageous for him to adopt. It would be very foolish for one to attempt to build a beautiful structure without a plan to guide him; and it would be equally foolish, after making his plans, to permit them to be interfered with by any and every one who might come along with a thoughtless proposition to change them. Every young man has his own character to build, and early in life he should plan, with the assistance of wise parents or friends, the most perfect structure possible, and then proceed to build accordingly. He should consider it an interference with his rights and privileges for anyone to attempt to lead him from his laudable purpose; and whenever such attempt is made is the time for the young man to show the stubbornness of his nature and assert his manhood. In conclusion, I would say to those who have never tasted the things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom, continue to leave them alone, and they will never become tempting to you. To those who have tasted them or who have partially formed the habit of using them, I would say, cease their use at once. Do