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 a 
 
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 \ 
 
"f'-MiPT 
 
 vi. 
 
 NO BIBLE SANCTION /\ 
 
 'I 
 
 U I 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 lOa DEINKINO 
 
 /7^ 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS; 
 
 BUT THE SUPPORT 
 
 or THB 
 
 TOTAL ABSTINENCE CATJSil 
 
 A CHRISTIAN DUTY. 
 
 ADPaiSSED TO MINI8TKES AND MKMBEBS OF CHl'EOHES. 
 
 B7 
 
 JOHN G. MAKSHAll, ESQ.. 
 
 OF NOVA SCOTIA. 
 
 2 
 
 PRICE TBRBEPENCE. 
 
 [ ^ 
 
 EDINBURGH: 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. ARMOUR, 54 SOUTH BRIDOB ; 
 
 0. ZIEGLER, EDINBUROH; G. OALLIB, GLASGOW; 
 
 H0UL6T0N & 8T0NEMAN, LONDON. 
 
 Sixtt) irt)<m>»anXr. 
 1648. 
 
 '.iZ's::. 
 
 •*■*••■ 
 
.1/ 
 
 I ftMaM W 
 
i 
 
 NO BIBLE SANCTION, &c. 
 
 \' 
 
 The following passage of Holy Writ has been selected from among many 
 others, as appropriate to the subjects discussed in the present essay. 
 « For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, 
 teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live 
 soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that 
 blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, 
 Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all 
 iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." 
 —Titus, 2 Chap., 11, 12, 13, and 14 verses. 
 
 This very comprehensive passage may be said to exhibit a brief com- 
 pendium or summary ofHiTmost of the doctrines and duties of our holy 
 religion, which are essential to final salvation. It is here intended, 
 however, to bring it to bear upon one of the chief causes of the most 
 numerous and afflicting evils of the present day, namely,— The drinking 
 of intoxicating liquors. All, indeed, admit, that the excessive use of such 
 liquors is productive of by far the greater portion of the prevailing 
 injuries to individuals and sc'ety, and that such excess should at all 
 times be avoided ; but whatever may be said of the opinion on the subject 
 in former generations, there is now much difference of sentiment with 
 regard to the lawfulness of using those liquors in even a moderate or 
 limited manner. It is true, the great majority still contend, that consis- 
 , tently with religious principle and duty, they may be thus used, even as 
 an ordinary beverage, on the ground of Christian liberty, and that the 
 only evil or impropriety lies in using them to excess or intemperance. 
 There are others, and happily their number is increasing, who hold that 
 their use is not sanctioned by Scriptural authority, and, consequently, 
 that they ought to be avoided, except for a medicinal purpose. This 
 latter position is the one here assumed, and an endeavour will now be 
 made to sustain it, on the authority of the passage of Scripture already 
 recited, and others bearing on the subject. Of course, this position 
 excludes any question of Christian liberty for the use of such liquors. 
 It will here be contended that their use, as a beverage, is directly contrary 
 to the spirit and precepts of our holy Christianity. The higher and better 
 dispensation under which we are placed, is a strictly spiritual one, and 
 
 aitiiougii reueyea iroui uuruciiBuiuv: ntcs aiivt vwi-.jji-.s..- •• — -„• 
 
 the Mosaical and typical economy, yet under our dispensation any more 
 than under the other, or even the patriarchal, not only nothing in the 
 
 ?. 
 
 ^wMHut^ibijj^SiasjS^ 
 
 Siin^ff^mmtlt 
 
ipp 
 
 T 
 
 ]ea«t mewure sinful or unholy, iu itself, but nothing tending to produce 
 ungodliness or unholiness of any kind, has been sanctioned or made 
 alJowable by a holy and righteous God. In several respects, indeed, our 
 dispensation is more limited and restrictive than either the patriarchal or 
 Jewish. Under the first, a plurality of wives, to say the least, was not 
 forbidden ; and under the other, a man was allowed to put away his wife 
 and take another ; but neither of these is permitted to the Chriatian. 
 Again, under the Jewish economy, an eye was to be forfeited for an eye, 
 and a tooth for a tooth ; but we are commanded not to resist evil, but if 
 a person smiie us on the one cheek, to turn to him the other ; and looking 
 further into the same strict and spiritual code, as to what is enjoined 
 regarding killing and being angry with a brother, an impure and 
 unrighteous act, and a licentious desire, loving friends and hating 
 enemies, and as to many other particulars of moral conduct, we shall 
 perceive, that we are called unto the highest degree of holiness, even more 
 especially than were the people of Israel, and for this plain reason, that 
 we enjoy more grace, and light and advantages. The first part of our 
 text is conclusive, as to our more extensive responsibility, for we are there 
 informed, that, " The grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared 
 to all men ;" by which we are to understand, that the system of the abound- 
 ing grace or mercy of God has now, in the Wew Testament revelation, 
 been fully disclosed, for the benefit of the whole of the human race, of 
 whatever nation, tribe, or colour. We are most especially under the dis- 
 pensation of the Holy Spirit, whose gracious and renovating influences 
 have been purchased for us, by the obedience and sufferings of our 
 blessed Redeemer, and therefore, in every part of this new revelation of 
 mercy, the highest degree of spirituality and holiness of heart and life, is 
 strictly enjoined, insomuch, that we are called to sanctification of soul, 
 body, and spirit, and in order thereto, are commanded to " watch and 
 pray always, that we may not enter into temptation," and even to 
 *• abstain from all appearance of evil." 
 
 " UNGODLINESS." 
 This dispensation of mercy teaches us, that denying " ungodliness and 
 worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly." The term 
 " ungodliness" is of very extensive import, and we may properly under- 
 stand it to comprehend whatsoever is contrary to the reverence and spiritual 
 worship and obedience which we owe to our glorious Creator and 
 Redeemftr. Therefore, every cherished or permitted thought, or desire, 
 or mode of conduct, having a direct tendency to prevent or impair such 
 reverence, worship, and obr iience, may justly be denominated a species 
 of ungodliness. Further remarks, however, on this point will be offered, 
 when that pajt of the passage is treated of in which " godly living" is 
 
 enjoined. 
 
 « WORLDLY LUSTS." 
 
 The next species of self-denial, is, that which relates to " worldly lusts ;" 
 and here a wide field is laid open for remark and illustration. The 
 
 ^ 
 
 is, 
 
HBHP 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 expression, in its widest and indeed most correct signification, may be 
 held to include every sensual gratification not needful or divinely 
 sanctioned, and having a direct tendency to prevent or lessen spirituality 
 of mind, and devotion of the whole heart and life to the service of God. 
 Now, in the present day it must surely bo admitted by all, that intoxi- 
 cating liquors are not in the least degree essential or necessary to the 
 nourishment or support of the body, or its p.-eservation in health. The 
 millions of persons, pursuing aU the various employments of life, who are 
 now altogether refraining from such liquors, not only without bodily 
 inconvenience or injury, but with decided benefit both to body and mind, 
 afford the most decisive proof not only that such liquors are not really 
 needed or useful, but afford the strongest reasons for a directly opposite 
 conclusion. But, in addition, indulgence in the use of thoSe liquors has, 
 in all ages and countries, been one of the chief and favourite modes of 
 gratifying sensuality and luct by ungodly and worldly persons. Such was 
 the case in ancient times, by the votaries of Bacchus, the foUowers of 
 Epicurus, and others, by the degenerate Greeks and Romans, and other 
 nations, including the ungodly and apostate of .Judah and Ephraim. All 
 ancient history, indeed, has spoken the same language on the subject, and 
 in more modern times, and down to the present, the free or excessive use 
 of those liquors has been one of the principal characteristics, and the 
 especial delight of worldly and sensual persons. 
 
 ALLEGED SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY FOR DRINKING 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 
 
 Although the truth of the preceding remarks, regarding the worldly and 
 sensual, must be admitted, yet there are numbers, even among the pro- 
 fessed followers of the immaculate Saviour, who contend for the limited 
 or moderate use of intoxicating drinks, on the a thority of divine 
 revelation. Indeed, nearly all who are now continuing in the use of those 
 liquors, when addressed on the subject, immediately turn to that autho- 
 rity, and endeavour to adduce facts and arguments from thence in support 
 of their practice. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance, to ascertain 
 whether, m reality, the sacred records do or do not rec. -^mend or sanction 
 the using, as a beverage, intoxicating liquors of any description. There 
 is, at present, much diversity of opinion, and some open controverjy on 
 the point, and.it is therefore especially needful, for the interests of 
 religion and all that is good, and particularly for carrying triumphantly 
 forward the present benevolent enterprize, for effecting entire and 
 umversal abstinence from such liquors, that every fallacy and mistake on 
 the subject should be exposed and refuted, and Scriptural truth be made 
 to appear in its own pure and beautiful harmony. The question, as to the 
 Scriptural allowance of the use of intoxicating liquors of any description, 
 may, at the outset of the argument, be very much narrowed, by referring 
 to the various kinds of such liquors now in general use in Groat Britain 
 
 ■^^mmmm 
 
 rnit-* 
 
m 
 
 I i 
 
 and moat other countries, nearly, if not all of which are very unlike, both 
 :a kind and qxiality, to tha wines and othei liquors of a similar nature 
 mentioned in Scripture. The art of procuring ardent spirits, by distUla- 
 tion, was not discovered until several centuries after the canon of 
 Scripture was completed, and the same may be said of the spirituous 
 malted liquors now in use, as no mention or intimation, regarding them, 
 is therein made. If, then, these Bible advocates for permission to use 
 intoxicating liquors, will rest their claim on Scriptural authority, they 
 must be satisfied, of course, to take that authority, only just so far as it 
 literally and expressly applies, and with reference to those kinds of 
 intoxicating liquors alone, the use of which, they say, the divine records 
 permit or sanction. Ev^n on their own ground, therefore, they must at 
 once abandon the use of all ardent spirits, and all malted liquors of a 
 spirituous description. And, even, as to the wines now in use in this 
 country, and in all other lands in which the vine is not cultivated, neither 
 is there, in reality, any Scriptural authority in their favour. The wine 
 mentioned in Scripture, approvingly, was, as will presently be coutended, 
 merely the extract from the grape; but even should this point be 
 considered as not fully made out, and were it even to be admitted that 
 the use of fermented or intoxicating wine, was, by that authority, 
 occasionally or ev^n generally permitted, still, it must of course be 
 understood, that it could only be of that description which is produced by 
 simple fermentation, without any addition of a more potent or intoxi- 
 cating article, for all wines thus mixed or drugged, are, by the sacred 
 records, expressly prohibited. Now it is well known, that the wmes used 
 in this and most other countries, in the present day, are, one and all of 
 them, charged with admixtures, to a greater or lesser extent, of ardent 
 spirits, and, in many instances, with other highly intoxicating or 
 stupifying ingredients. It is asserted by those who are well informed^ on 
 the subject, that there is no grape which will yield, by mere fermentation, 
 a Uquor of more than eight per cent, of spirit, and the average from that 
 process merely, may, in general, be considered as about four or five per 
 cent. The wines most generally in use among us contain from eighteen 
 to twenty-six or even twenty-eight per cent, of spirit, and we have 
 scarcely any under fifteen per cent. Taking all these facts and circum- 
 stances together, it is perfectly evident, that there is no Scriptural 
 sanction for the use of these mixed and highly intoxicating liquors but 
 quite the reverse. Those who partake of them, and who pretend to be so 
 zealous regarding the sacred records in this particular, and who think it 
 so unnecessary or improper to be restrained from what they consider 
 their Christian liberty, in the matter, must, therefore, look for some other 
 authority to sanction them in a practice really hurtful to themselves, and, 
 in the way of example, deeply injurious to others. It would, indeed be 
 sufficient to rest, even here, the proof and argument, to show the unlaw- 
 fulness, on Scriptural grounds, of drinking even the wines now used in 
 this country. «■- 
 

 ^■■IMMWiM 
 
 WINES OF SCRIPTURE. 
 
 But it is not here admitted that even the simply fermented, and therefore 
 partially intoxicating wines mentioned in the Scriptures, are there' 
 recommended, or the use of them sanctioned as a beverage. Those who 
 will peruse those sacred writings, with unprejudiced minds, desirous only 
 of reaching the whole truth on the subject, will, by comparing different 
 passages referring to wine, be impressed with the seeming inconsistency 
 or contradiction they present. In one passage, we are told, that " God 
 bringeth forth out of the earth wine that cheereth the heart of man ;" in 
 another we are exhorted to " drink our wine with a good, or merry 
 heart." As one of the rewards to him who shall honour the Lord with 
 his substance and the first fruits of his increase, it is promised, *' Thy 
 presses shall burst out with new wine." Our Lord furnished wine 
 miraculously on one occasion, and wine was recommended, (only medi- 
 cally however,) to the Presbyter Timothy, by an inspired apostle ; and 
 many other passages, it is readily admitted, sanction their use. In 
 other passages, we are told, that " Wine is a mocker, and whosoever is 
 deceived thereby is not wise." We are commanded not to be " Among 
 wine bibbers," and are expressly prohibited from looking " on the wine 
 when it is red and giveth his colour in the cup, and moveth itself aright>" 
 because that " at the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an 
 adder," with many other passages of similar import, in which the use of 
 wine is denounced or disapproved of. By the- command, " Look not 
 upon the wine," we are, of course, prohibited from partaking of it, and 
 are to turn away from it as ensnaring and dangerous in its nature. Now, 
 how are these seemingly incongruous and contradictory passages to be 
 reconciled. All who believe in the divine inspiration of the whole of the 
 Canon of Scripture, will, of course, be perfectly satisfied, that there is no 
 real inconsistency or contradiction in the case, as the whole of divine 
 revelation, must, according to the character of that infinitely wise and 
 glorious Being who gave it, be in the most perfect harmony. If there is 
 any failure in the attempt to reconcile them, the reason can only be found 
 in our own imperfect apprehension or knowledge. There does not appear 
 to be any other possible way of making them harmonize, than by con- 
 cluding, that under the general term, wiW, two diflFerent kinds of liquor, 
 as to their qualities and effects, were referred to, respectively, in those 
 two sets of passages of Scripture. And here it must be remarked, that 
 the writings of many ancient authors, in the Eastern countries, some of 
 them cotemporary with the inspired writers, aff'ord clear and satisfactory 
 proof to support such conclusion. Several of those authors, of undoubted 
 credibility, declare, that in the times in which they lived, there were in 
 those countries, a great variety of wines, and they further assert, most 
 particularly, that some of them were entirely free from any intoxicating 
 quality. A few of those writers, even give precise directions for preparing, 
 by diff'erent modes, such [of them as were of that description. It is 
 further of importance to remark, in passing, that all those liquors, 
 
tbe 0-e gonoral torm,-«.,W. But to roturn to BiMical authority a ol t 
 .«u»t bo perfectly evident,' that by tho expressions the " new JL, 
 
 M m It, and tne -new wme," while bursting out from the pre., 
 m the process of read.ng or compressing, could not possibly be melnt' 
 any .ntox,cat.ng I^uor, a, it is certain that the liquid, while Tn the 
 c uster, or when bemg pressed from the fruit, possesso no alcoholic 
 or mtox.c,ng quahty ; neither, for the .on>e reason, can it with 
 any propriety or consistency, bo said that the " vineyard of red wine^ 
 spoken of in Sonpturo, refer, to a liquid of that description. In t^e Ut 
 chap er of Joel it is said, the « new wine is dried up," which, in a sub „ 
 ,uent verse, is explained by the expression, " the vin'; is dr.^d "p," L 't 
 cluster, of which the new wine is contained. " It must be noticed, more, 
 ovei, that in the foregoing and other similar passages, where the pu" 
 hquid from the grape is spoken of, the same term is used, as in those M 
 which the mtoxicating and mixe,l liquors are mentioned They laU 
 de.go^..d by the general torm-„.W. It i, not said, « destroy^rtte 
 cow juice or liquid m the cluster, or "thy presses shall burst out with 
 now, or fresh grape juice ; but such should have been the form, of 
 expression according to the reasoning of those who deny that the term 
 wme can be correctly applied to the liquor from the grapef before fer^en 
 tation, and contend for the use of intoxicating wine, on Scriptural au"hl 
 rit It must, m fairness, be presumed that the translator, of the present 
 authorised version of the Bible understood the terms in the orig na 
 anguage, signifying wine, and have, in most instances at least, if nSin 
 all, rendered them truly In all the passages referring either to he newly 
 expressed hquor fi^m the grape, or to that of an intoxicating quamy 
 they have given this one generic term. Th<* persons, therelre, wh^ 
 contend so zealously for the literal ..athority of Scripture, in everything 
 regarding the subject, ought, surely, to acquiesce in that authority on the 
 point of the propriety of that general term ; seeing that the spirit of per- 
 fec wisdom has in both cases assigned only the one appellation. The 
 truth IS there has been a very general and long continued misapprehen- 
 sion as to the reason for assigning this particular appellation to the liquor 
 produced from the grape. It wo Jd seem that th. mistaken idea, that no 
 hquor procured from the grape should be denominated wine, but that 
 whic: has undergone fermentation and become intoxicating, has arisen 
 from the fact, th-^ all the wines which have evei been in use in the various 
 part, of the world, except the vine countries, have been of an intoxicating 
 nature. In truth, however, it has not been so designated because of its 
 having undergone fermentation and become intoxicating, or its not hav- 
 mg undergone such process, which are but circumstances regarding it but 
 It won d rather seem that the reason why it has been so denominated and 
 with the strictest propriety, is, that the liquor is an extract from the fruit 
 of the vine. The word m the Latin is vmum, in French, vi,,, and in En.-- 
 
 Ush, wi««;andm other lanfiruasea wofrlaof fi,«..„. ; , .= 
 
 •^ -^ -'^ '-"mc jiupuit, expressive 
 
!r3 dasignated by 
 authority alone, it 
 
 the " new wine 
 cause a blessing 
 
 from the press 
 ossibly be meant, 
 lid, while in the 
 sses no alcoholic 
 >n, can it, with 
 rd of rod wine,'' 
 ;ion. In the 1st 
 hich, in a subso- 
 dried up," in the 
 )o noticed, more- 
 
 where the pure 
 
 i, as in those in 
 
 i. They are all 
 
 destroy not the 
 
 burst out with 
 in the forms of 
 ly that the term 
 !, before fermen- 
 criptural autho- 
 rs of the present 
 in the original 
 ; least, if not in 
 ler to the newly 
 icating quality, 
 therefore, who 
 !, in everything 
 uthority on the 
 le spirit of per- 
 pellation. The 
 1 misapprehen- 
 •n to the liquor 
 a idea, that no 
 yine, but that 
 ng, has arisen 
 in the various 
 n intoxicating 
 because of its 
 r its not hav- 
 ;arding it, but 
 )minated, and 
 from the fruit 
 , and in Eng- 
 rt, expressive 
 
 .; 
 
 of a liquor obtained from the vine. Even on the admissions of those who 
 contend that the juice of the grape, as it flows from the press, should not 
 be called wine, it is sufficiently clear that it is, with propriety, so deno- 
 minated. One of the writers on that side of the question has said, that 
 " the Hebrew word, usually translated wine, means something squeezed or 
 expressed, as juice from the grape, and that it has been introduced, with 
 little change, into nearly all the languages of Europe." This definition, 
 of course, refers to the liquor which is obtained by the treading or squeez- 
 ing of the grapes in the press, and this liquor, it is perfectly known, is 
 not in the least degree intoxicating ; and yet, according to that writer's 
 own definition of the original word, agreeing with the translations also, 
 it is properly denominated wine. If, then, the liquor thus procured is so 
 named, by reason of its being obtained by the process of sqiieezing or press- 
 ing, it will follow that the juice of the grape, as it flows from the press, is, 
 even with more propriety, called wine, than that which is procured from 
 the wine Vat, after fermentation, in which process no such pressure is 
 employed. That writer, however, by a strange inconsistency, or rather 
 contradiction, directly after, refuses to allow that the juice of the grape 
 should be denominated wine. That in many passages of Scripture, wines 
 of an intoxicatincr nature are mentioned or referred to, no person, of 
 course, will be so foolish as to question or deny. All that is here con- 
 tended for, and by others who have written and spoken on the same side 
 of the subject, is, that there was a liquor designated in the Scriptures as 
 wine, which had not undergone fermentation, was not intoxicating, but 
 was merely an extract from the grape, and the use of which alone was 
 by that authority sanctioned and recommended as a blessing. An endea- 
 vour will now be made to show that wherever, in the sacred records, the 
 use of wine is spoken of approvingly, it was wine of that description. 
 And, first, as to the wines mentioned in the Old Testament Scriptures. 
 All of them, of whatever description, were strictly forbidden to the priests, 
 when they were about to officiate in the ta,bernacle. It would seem highly 
 probable that this injunction was given, lest, through ignorance or mis- 
 take, they might, on some such occasion, partake of wine which had in 
 some degree fermented, and, therefore, was somewhat intoxicating ; and 
 might thus, in a measure, be improperly excited when engaged in the 
 solemn and holy duties of their office. In the 18th chapter of Numbers it 
 is said, that at other times they were to eat with their households of all 
 the bestoi the wine, the first fruits of it, and of whatsoever vr&s first ripe in 
 the land, and which were brought by the people as their offerings unto 
 the Lord. With regard to the Levites, after rendering, as an heave offer- 
 ing, a tenth part of the tithes, they were to have the remainder ; and it 
 was to be reckoned to them as though it were " the fulness of the wine- 
 press,'' and as " the increase of the wine-press," and they were to eat it 
 with their households, as a reward for their service in the tabernacle. 
 ^\ith reference to servants, it was commanded, that on their going out 
 free, in the seventh year, they were to be furnished liberally out of the 
 flock, the floor, and the " wine-press'' None of these passages can possi- 
 
whpfthnr intOsicatrnffornM^^ 
 
 10 
 
 bly be understood to refer to any intoxicating liquor, a, none of tliat 
 desor.pt.on was furnished or could be had from the u'u..pZ If an ' 
 
 uch hquor had been .ntended, or alluded to, the expression would doub^ 
 less have been win^-vut instead of mne-pre«. In fhe prophe&al sZ" 
 recorded .a the 32d chapter of Deuteronomy, it is mentioZ as n^ of I' 
 bless,ngs to Israel, •■< thou didst drink the pure Hood of ,/,e .,m J- and in 
 the same song, and by way of contrast to this, it i, said, {.th r^fel'ce To the 
 heathen, tne enem.es of the Lord, " tkeir wine is the poison of dragons 
 and the cruel venom of asps." A li,uor obtained through decompoTon 
 or a speces of putrescence, in the process of fermenting, andThich has 
 thereby acqmrcd a poisonous and intoxicating quality! eannrsurelv 
 w.th any propriety, be termed the " pure blood of the grapT" anv mo^ 
 than water could be denominated pure, after an admixtuZf any'adi 
 te,ous or .njunous .ngredient, or than tka, could be called the pure blood 
 
 Z iZw t "'° """' "'' '"" "''"''' ^"^ """-P'-g -1 "- - 
 thlt Z ?! r'T J"" '''^' ''' '''^'"'' 'Ji^<='="y i- point, to show 
 that .t was only the unfennentcd a^d unintoxicating liquor, the "1™ 
 blood of the grape," which was granted as a blessing ; and further I 
 proves as clearly tha. such was, indeed, the kind of w ne the I t^ht 
 generaliy or a most universally used in the earlier periods of their h^rl 
 for .t .s sa.d, « :thou dids, drink the pure blood of the grape." A leaS 
 and em.uent critic, in commenting on this passage, haf .sa^d, that °X„1 
 her^^.s synonymous withy,«-.., and it means red'Jine, or tk p^Ju^T^t 
 whatever colour, e^pre^sed from the grapes." There L many other pis 
 sages .n the Old Testament Scriptures, too numerous indeed to rec^e Td 
 enlarge upon here, in which wine is spoken of app.rvingly, orTju^ 
 any remark of disapprobation ; but it will be found on cand d examin!' 
 t.on of the context, that in all of them, the unferm nted or unintoSiat 
 »g w.ne was .ntimated or intended. Such is the case in the ScThhap et 
 of Deuteronomy, where the levites, the stranger, the fatherless, and the 
 
 w.dow, were to eat of the tithes and be Mled Also i„ .„. , 
 W(ii,p,„;„v . ,, , ^ "*: juiea. Also, in one passage .n 
 
 Nehemiah Where the people were to eat the fat and drink th^ujf in 
 another, where they were commanded to bring the offerings ofT >m 
 
 par of the same book, where new wine is spoken of. As to the passage 
 in 1st Chronicles, where the distribution of the bounty of David is re 
 corded, the word wine is not in the original; and it is asserted by one 
 writer, if not more, -well acquainted with the original languao-e that tYo 
 word translated a A,., signifies rather a sweet ^ake, .JT.^!. fo some 
 k^nd of co^>fe.txonary. In our translation, there being a doubt as to the 
 meaning, the words « of wine " are put in italics 
 
 of f:!:^lY?l^"„.l^!!!.^f *^! "«^ of intoxicating liquor, that the people 
 
 hat some who are well versed in the original language; assert most decid^ ' 
 edly, and give strong reasons for their opinion, drawn from ancient as well 
 as modern authority, that the original word, translated strong evidently 
 
ai none of that 
 le-prm. If any 
 on would doubt- 
 rophetical song, 
 ned as one of the 
 ? ^m;>e ;" and in 
 
 reference to the 
 ison of dragons, 
 \i. decomposition 
 , and which has 
 
 cannot surely, 
 •ape," any more 
 re of any adul- 
 
 the pure blood 
 ag and destruc- 
 
 point, to show 
 lor, the '■^ pure 
 md, further, it 
 ! the Israelites 
 f their history ; 
 e." A learned 
 d, that « Uood 
 iQ pure juice, of. 
 any other pas- 
 i to recite and 
 ',ij, or without 
 adid examina- 
 r unintoxicat- 
 3 26th chapter 
 irless, and the 
 ne passage in 
 the sweet; in 
 ;s of the first 
 ; and in other 
 the passage 
 ' David is re- 
 serted by one 
 age, that the 
 sfers to some 
 ubt as to the 
 
 lat the people 
 of whatsoever 
 be remarked, , 
 •t most decid- 
 icient as well 
 ng evidently 
 
 11 
 
 means sweet, in a number of passages ; and in this particular passage, should 
 have been so translated, and that it referred to the new and unfermented 
 liquor from the fruit of the date or palm tree. It would, indeed, clearly 
 seem, that this should have been the rendering, in order to make itharmoniz; 
 with those parts of scripture in which merely the new wine from the press 
 IS reconmended or approved of, and with the others in which intoxicatinar 
 wme IS denounced. But further, this permission was to be enjoined only 
 once m a year, and at the place specially appointed by God, and there is 
 not a word in the passage as to actually drinking; but it is said, « thou 
 Shalt m;; there before the Lord thy God," and therefore, from this expres- 
 sion, It would rather seem, that the sweet or luscious fruit of the palm or 
 date was intended. It was, indeed, in the nature of a sacred festival, ap- 
 pointed by God; and we can scarcely presume, without a measure of 
 profaneness, that this Hoiy Being, who commands us to watch and pray 
 hat we do not enter into temptation, would, on any occasion, thus sanction 
 the gratification of a sensual lust, by the unrestricted use of an ensnaring 
 and intoxicating liquor. 
 
 A further attempt has been made to justify the use of intoxicating drink 
 from the example of the Saviour, who, it is said, partook of it. There 
 IS httlc or scarcely any thing to show that our Lord ever drank wine of 
 any description ; but admitting that he did so occasionally, there is not 
 the slightest proof, or even a word, tending to the presumption, that it 
 was of an intoxicating quality, and considering his immaculate character, 
 and the perfect example which he ever exhibited, it is surely most reasonable 
 and becoming to conclude, that wheneyer he did use any wine, it was of 
 that kind which had not been fermented and rendered intoxicating. 
 
 It IS also urged, that the wine used at the celebration of the passover, and 
 at the institution of the sacrament, was of an intoxicating quality. There 
 13 not, however, the slightest evidence, or even intimation in any part of 
 scripture, that such was the case, on either occasion ; but the opposite may 
 or mther must, be inferred, from a yariety of circumstances relating to those 
 ordinances. With regard to the passover, the use of wine of any kind did 
 not form a part of its original institution, nor is there in any pari; of the 
 sacred scriptures any direction or intimation whatever for its use upon that 
 occasion. It is true, it did so come into use, but when, or for what reason, 
 does not, from ecclesiastical history, very precisely or fully appear ; neither 
 can It be_ shown, that when so used, it was of an intoxicating nature, but 
 various circumstances would seem satisfactorily to indicate just the reverse 
 indeed, it is asserted by good authority, that the Jews, down to the present 
 ime, regard the injunction a., to putting away all leaven at the time of 
 the passover, as applying not merely to bread, but to all kinds of ferment- 
 . r.., .,n... t^^xcwiu civuia using, or even having any of such liquors 
 
 '.^ their premises, during any part of the season of the passover. It would 
 ^oubtless have appeared to them as highly proper, as well as significant, 
 that only unfermented wine should be used on that occasion, as it would 
 most typically and suitably represent the grace and holiness required in 
 the worship and service of Jehovah. Those who were spiritually enlight- 
 
12 
 
 oned, might also view the use of such wine, as in suitable accordance with 
 the unleavened bread, which was emblematical of the character of the 
 Messiah for whom they were looking, that pure " bread of life" which 
 was to come down from heaven. 
 
 The offerings under the legal dispensation were to be of the same pure, 
 unadulterated, and in most instances, typical character. Those in the season 
 of harvest were to be of ihQ first of the ripe fruits and of the liquors, as we 
 fiind enjoined in Exodus, chapters 22d and 29th, and they were strictly com- 
 manded not to delay to offer them. Again, in the 23d chapter of Leviticus, 
 when they reaped the harvest, they were to take to the priest a sheaf of the 
 first fruits, for a waive offering, and on the same day that it was so waived* 
 there were to be offered a lamb without blemish, a meat offering of fine flour 
 and oil, and a drink offering of wine as a sweet savour unto the Lord ; and 
 they were strictly commanded as a statute for ever, throughout all their 
 generations, neither to eat bread, nor parched corn, or green ears, until the 
 self same day that they had brought such offering unto God. Now, from the 
 whole of this institution, it seems perfectly evident, that they were not to 
 wait until the new wine had undergone fermentation in the wine vat ; but, 
 on the contrary, were to present it with the other offerings, in the very first 
 instance, and in its primitive state, as it came from the wine press. With 
 regard to the sacrificial and other offerings, prescribed in the 29th chapter 
 of Exodus, and in the 15th, 28th, and 29th of Numbers, they were to be 
 accompanied with drink offerings of wine, and the whole were to be for a 
 sweet savour unto the Lord. In the 7th and 10th verses of the 15th chapter 
 of Numbers, it is expressly declared, that the drink offering of wine was 
 to be a meet savour. Now, if the wine so offered had undergone fermen- 
 tation, and thereby acquired, in addition to its intoxicating, sorae degree 
 at least of an ascetic quality, as would be the case, it mighv;, indeed, be 
 denominated a strong or a sour savour, but could never with propriety, 
 or correct analogy, be designated a sweet savour. Moreover, when it is 
 remembered, as is held by the most learned and orthodox divines and 
 commentators, that the wine poured out in the offerings was typical of 
 the blood of our blessed Redeemer, shed for our sins, it surely seems most 
 in accordance with his pure and gracious offering, and his holy character, 
 to conclude, that the wine so typically offered, like the bread in the pass- 
 over, was to be free from fermentation, and of the sweetest and most 
 harmless quality. If any such fermentation, and consequent change of 
 the liquor had been divinely intended, doubtless it would have been pre- 
 cisely enjoined, as was the case with reference to all, even the most minute 
 particulars, regarding the tabernacle, the offerings, the ceremonies, ritual, 
 and other institutions of that precise and typical economy. Under that 
 dispensation, every thing reararding the worship and service of Jehovah 
 was particularly prescribed, insomuch, that the forms and adjustment of 
 the garments of the High Priest were minutely enjoined, even to the 
 bells and pomegranates on the borders of his robe ; also the placing of the 
 altars, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, with numerous other 
 particulars, which infinite wisdom saw fit to prescribe- In the directions 
 
13 
 
 
 to Moses, it was said, " Look that thou make them after their pattern 
 which was shewed thee in the mount." When the Israelites were com- 
 manded to build an altar unto the Lord, on their first entering the land 
 of Canaan, it was strictly enjoined that they were to build it oi whole stones, 
 and v/ere " not to lift up any iron tool upon them." And after the 
 destruction of the first temple, the form and dimensions of the second 
 temple, and every thing relating to it, together with the garments of tho 
 priests, the sacrifices and offerings, with all other particulars regarding 
 the worship and services in such latter temple, were specially and mi- 
 nutely enjoined by divine authority. The truth is, that under the whole 
 of that precise and typical dispensation, infinite wisdom left nothing to 
 the officious intermeddling, or the blunderings or perversions of fallible 
 and sinful men. 
 
 With regard to the lawfulness of using intoxicating wine, under the 
 New Testament dispensation, it is continually urged by those who con- 
 t-end for that use, that our Saviour furnished wine miraculously for the 
 marriage festival at Cana. This transaction has been so often explained, in 
 a manner suited to convince every unprejudiced mind, that the wine so 
 furnished was not of an intoxicating quality, that little further on the 
 subject need here be added. There, certainly, is not a word in the whole 
 account, even in the slightest degree, leading to the inference, that it was 
 of that description. It is indeed altogether uncertain whether such was 
 the nature of any of the wine previously used on the occasion. Consider- 
 ing what must have been the character of the guests, in general, as our 
 Lord and his mother and disciples were among* them, by special invita- 
 tion, it is, indeed, most suitable and becoming to conclude, that none of it 
 was of an intoxicating quality, bearing in mind what has already been 
 stated and explained, regarding the unfennented and unintoxicating wine, 
 evidently alluded to in the Old Testament scriptiu-es. As to the saying 
 of the ruler of the feast, " Every man at the beginning doth set forth 
 good wine, and when men have well drunk then that which is worse, but 
 thou hast kept the good wine until now," it merely alludes to a custom 
 which generally prevailed at feasts, but can signify nothing as to deter- 
 mining whether any of the wine used on that occasion was intoxicating 
 or otherwise, or even as to its being of either the one or the other descrip- 
 tion on the occasions, generally, to which the alleged custom refen-ed. 
 Doubtless there were good and bad qualities of unintoxicating wines, as 
 well as among those of the other description. It may here be well to 
 remark, that at the period when this feast took place, several modes were 
 known in the vine countries of the East, and were very generally practised, 
 for preserving the fruit of the grape from fermentation, and keeping it iu 
 that state, sweet, and free from any intoxicating quality, for any time 
 desired. The chief modes, it appears, were by boiling down the juice of 
 the grape to a syrup, or by repeat"! filtration of the juice, thereby 
 abstracting the mucilaginous matter essential to fermentation, or by keep- 
 ing the cask which contained the fresh juice submerged for a considerable 
 time in cold water, or otherwise kept under the temperature at which 
 
 B 
 
14 
 
 fermentation would take place, thus allowing the fermentable matter to 
 subside, and obtaining in that way the pure and clear juice of the fruit 
 Wines preserved in each of these modes, are mentioned in the works of 
 ancient auLiiors, in several of those countries, some of whom have given 
 particular receipts and directions for making such unfermented and un- 
 intoxicating wines ; and they have also stated, that those were denomi- 
 nated the beat wines, which possessed no intoxicating quality. Bearing 
 this testimony in mind and above all, considering the pure and benevolent 
 character of our Saviour, surely it is far more probable and consistent, as 
 well as becoming, to conclude, that the wine which he so miraculously 
 produced, was indeed the best, in every sense of the word, by its being 
 entirely free from any intoxicating quality, and possessing the delicious 
 flavour of that original blessing of Canaan, '• The pure blood of the grape," 
 than to infer, that it was a liquor of an intoxicating nature, and conse- 
 quently pernicious. But further, wine according to one if not more of those 
 modes is made at the present day, in parts of Syria and Palestine, accord- 
 ing to the testimony of Professor Robinson of America, and other recent 
 travellerj of unquestionable veracity, and of late years it has occasionally 
 been imported into Europe, and very frequently into the United States of 
 America, from some of the Eastern countries. The learned author of that 
 able and most valuable work, entitled, "Anti-Bacchus," has therein 
 declared, that he has made unfermented wine according to the receipt 
 given in the work of an a cient Eastern writer, who lived about the jame 
 time as our Lord, and. that the wine he thus made, ^' kept good for more 
 than a year even in a warm apartment." Other recent writers on the 
 subject have stated, that in the pres"-nt day, in the East, and in wine 
 countries generally, unfermented wine is well known and commonly used, 
 and that « The modern Turks always carry the unfermented wine with 
 them on long journeys." Mr. Delavan of New York, who travelled in 
 Europe in 1840, has written as follows :— "While I was in Italy, I obtained 
 an introduction to one of the largest wine manufacturers there, a gentleman 
 of undoubted credit and character, and in whose statements I feel assured 
 the utmost reliance may be placed. By him I was instructed in the whole 
 process of wine making, so far as it could be done by description, and 
 
 from him I obtained the following important facts : 
 
 First. *' That with a little care, the fruit of the vine may be kept in wine 
 countries, free from fermentation for several months, if undisturbed by 
 transposition. Wine of this character he exhibited to me in January last, 
 1839, several months after the y's tage." 
 
 Secondly. « That the pure juice of the grape may be preserved free from 
 fermentation for any length of time, b>j boilinr/ ; by which the principle 
 of fermentation is destroyed, and in this state may be shipped to any 
 country, and in any quantity, without its ever becoming intoxicating." 
 
 Thii-dly. " That in wine producing countries, unfermented wine may 
 be made ani/ day in the year. In proof of this, the manufacturer referred 
 to, informed me, that he had then, (January,) in his lofts for the use of 
 his table, .until the next vintage, a quantity of grapes sufficient to make. 
 
 
able matter to 
 ;e of the fruit. 
 1 the works of 
 Dm have given 
 ented and un- 
 
 were denomi- 
 klity. Bearing 
 md benevolent 
 
 consistent, as 
 
 > miraculously 
 1, by its being 
 ; the delicious 
 of the grape," 
 re, and conse- 
 t more of those 
 estine, accord- 
 i other recent 
 s occasionally 
 lited States of 
 author of that 
 
 has therein 
 ;o the receipt 
 bout the jame 
 jood for more 
 Titers on the 
 and in wine , 
 Qimonly used, 
 3d wine with 
 
 > travelled in 
 -ly, I obtained 
 , a gentleman 
 I feel assured 
 1 in the whole 
 cription, and 
 
 5 kept in wine 
 idisturbed by 
 January last, 
 
 red free from 
 the principle 
 ipped to any 
 oxicating." 
 ?d wine may 
 turer referred 
 or the use of 
 lent to make , 
 
 15 
 
 one hundred gallons of wine.; that .Tapes could always be had at an. 
 time of the year, to make any desirable quantity; and that there was 
 nothmg in the way of obtaining the fruit of the vine, free from fermen- 
 tation m wme countries at any -period. A large basket of grapes was 
 sent to my lodgmgs, which were as delicious, and looked as fresh, as if 
 recently taken from the vines, though they had been plucked for months 
 I had also twenty gallons of inspissated wine, made to order, from these 
 grapes, which wine was boiled before fermentation had taken place, the 
 greater part of which I have still by me in my cellar. As a further 
 proof that wme may be kept in a sweet unfermented state, I travelled 
 with a few bottles of it in my carriage, over 2000 miles, and upon 
 opening one of the bottles in Paris, I found it the same as when firstput up '• 
 In a note at the foot of the foregoing extract, mention is made, that 
 
 mx!T7^' r'' ^M%WP>,a bottle of his wine to Professor 
 ^1 eman of Newhaven, &«Mllati^. The result was, that not a drop 
 of alcohol was found in it." ' 
 
 In further proof as to the use of unfermented wine, in the vine countries, 
 and also m support of the distinction maintained in these pages regard- 
 mg the wines mentioned in Scripture, the following statements and 
 remarks of D. Duff, of the Scotch Mission to Calcutta, are of great 
 importance. He says, « in these countries, (France and Italy) mantled 
 with vineyards, one cannot help learning the true intent and use of the 
 vine in the scheme of Providence. In our own land, wine has become 
 exclusively a mere luxury, or what is worse, by a species of manu- 
 iacture, an moxxcatmg leverage, that many have wondered why the 
 Bible so often speaks of ,oine in conjunction with corn, and the other 
 staple supplies of animal life. Now, in passing through the region of 
 vineyards m the east of France, one must at once perceive, that tlfe vine 
 greatly flourishes on slopes and heights, where the soil is too poor and 
 gmvelly to maintain either com for food, or pasturage for cattle. But 
 what IS the provtd^ntial design, in rendering this soil, favoured by a 
 genml atmosphere so productive of the vine, if its fruit become solely 
 P nvn ^Tt"^ "^y '' ^^ ^nstrument of vice 1 The answer is, that 
 
 berinr.'?w '''.'"'^' ^''-^°' ^''^ ^' '^' P^^«^^* ^' ^i« ^«^1«' in vine 
 bearing districts ,^ instead of milk, he has before him a basin of the pure 
 
 unadulterated "blood of the grape." In this its native and original 
 
 ^ate It IS a plam, nmpU, and wholesome liquid, not an intoxicating, but a 
 
 example, an abundant vintage is as important as an overflowing dairy 
 
 u ^ect, are the language and the seme of Scripture vindicated, from the ver, 
 
 'Appearance of favourina ,„h^f ^o ^, /„ /,.„ .7, ^fct-e/^ . 
 
 wTion u o " '.L ,7 """ " "" '"^'^'■^ ''^'^'■'^'^''''^'^^ ^i^ pos^tiotCy noxious, 
 
 when rt ,0 constantly magnifies a well replenished wine pm,, in a rock, 
 
 "onnt :r """"t'^^y^^ «■■" »' P^^--^. ■>» «"" of'the richer 
 rto man , ^"""" P^ovjaonce, not to the rich or mighty of the earth, 
 '™t to man, as man, with his manifold wants and infimities." . 
 
 Mmonary Record, April, 1840. 
 
16 
 
 li • 
 
 It has furtl^er been urged, in justification of tlie use of intoxicatin<;i^ 
 wine, that it was used at the institution of the sacramental supper. It 
 must be remembered, that this took place at the time of the passover, 
 and if what has already been stated be correct, with regard to the 
 exclusion of all fermented liquors, as well as bread, on that occasion, 
 most assuredly the wine used at that Christian sacrament was not of a 
 fermented and intoxicating nature. 
 
 The recommendation to Timothy, " use a little wine for thy stomach's 
 sake, and thine oftm infirmities," has also been continually cited, to 
 support the drinking practice. The case is one of a strictly medical 
 character, and according to the plain tenor and meaning of it, affords 
 no authority for the use of any description of wine, as an ordinary 
 beverage. In Timothy's weak and infirm state of body, this particular 
 directiou of the apostle was specially needful to him, as, in a previous part 
 of the same epistle, the express injunction was given to bishops, not to be 
 (fiven to wine, which means, in effect, not to be by wine, or to use it all, of 
 whatever description. Moreover, as there were in the countries, through 
 which Timothy was then passing, several wines of an unintoxicating 
 nature, which were much esteemed as a tiedicine for complaints of the 
 stomach, it if certainly most reasonable to conclude, that some wiae of 
 this description was intended by the apostle, and would be used by 
 Timothy, rather than to presume that any was designed, or would be 
 taken, of an intoxicating quality, and which might prove injurious. It 
 has been already observed, that the prohibition against wine is expressly 
 given in this same epistle, and a similar one is contained, in the like 
 peremptory terms, in the epistle to Titus. It would seem highly probable, 
 that this prohibition, similar to the one regarding the priests, under the 
 previous dispensation, was given lest such bishops, who were to be 
 constantly engaged in the devotional ministrations and exercises of their 
 holy office, might inadvertently partake of wine of an intoxicating 
 nature, and be improperly excited. But whatever might be the reason, 
 the prohibition of wine as a beverage, is, as to them, very plain and 
 express. 
 
 The injunction " be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess," has also 
 been cited in support of the moderate use of wine of an intoxicating 
 nature. On this it may in the first place be remarked, that the word 
 drunk did not, as used and understood among the ancients, always signify, to 
 be intoxicating with liquor, as we understand the term, but they frequently 
 understood it to mean, drenched ox filled, which it is said by several of the 
 learned, is indeed, in many instances, the meaning of the original phrase. 
 That eminent scholar and critic. Dr. Adam Clarke, in his comments on 
 the nth chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians, where the term 
 " dnmke7i" is used, says, that the original word so translated, means, in 
 many parts of scripture, to be drenched ox filled with liquor. Consistently 
 therefore with this definition, a person raight with propriety, according 
 to the generally understood meaning of the original term, be said to be 
 drunk with wine, not of an intoxicating nature, or indeed with any other 
 
intoxicating 
 I supper. Ifc 
 the passover, 
 egard to the 
 hat occasion, 
 was not of a 
 
 ,hy stomach's 
 ,lly cited, to 
 Ictly medical 
 of it, affords 
 an ordinary 
 lis particular 
 previous part 
 )ps, not to be 
 • use it all, of 
 ries, through 
 lintoxicating 
 laints of the 
 jome wine of 
 
 be used by 
 or would be 
 njurious. It 
 5 is expressly 
 I, in the like 
 hly probable, 
 ts, under the 
 
 were to be 
 cises of their 
 
 intoxicating 
 e the reason, 
 jry plain and 
 
 ess," has also 
 intoxicating 
 lat the word 
 lys signify, to 
 ey frequently 
 several of the 
 ginal phrase, 
 comments on 
 ere the tenn 
 ed, means, in 
 Consistently 
 ty, according 
 be said to be 
 ith any other, 
 
 kind of liquor, if he had drank of it in an inordinate or excessive degree. 
 It would seem, indeed, that this must be the meaning of the word drunk, 
 in the passage just cited. The Holy Spirit has nowhere used merely 
 redundant or superfluous words. If the injunction had related to 
 drunkenness through the use of intoxicating liquor, according to our 
 general understanding of that word, the clause would have been com- 
 plete if it had stood thus : " Be not drunk with wine," without the 
 remaining words, " wherein is excess;" for it is self evident, that 
 drunkmness, as understood among us always, and necessarily, implies 
 " excess ;" and therefore the latter words would, according to this meaning, 
 be merely superfluous, or afi'ord no additional meaning to the passage. 
 But by assigning to the original word the other meaning, of drenched or 
 filled, the whole clause will have a full and definite application, and the 
 antithesis or contrast will be strikingly complete. The passage will then 
 read thus, " be not filled with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled 
 with the Spirit." Excess mj»y be committed in the use of unfermented 
 wine, or of any kind of liquid, pleasing to the taste, as well as in meats 
 and other lawful things, and we are in danger of temptation, and of 
 transgressing in this way, and, therefore, we have in the sacred writings, 
 many warnings and cautions as lu the use of such lawful things. Here is 
 one to the point : " When chou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider 
 diligently what is before thee, and put a knife to thy throat if thou be a 
 man given to appetite." We should ever strive to imitate the example of 
 a great apostle, who said, " I keep under my body, and bring it into 
 subjection, lest that, by any means, after I have preached to others, I 
 myself should be a castaway. The danger and impropriety of excess, 
 even in the use of unfermented wine, will serve to give meaning and 
 force to the cautions given as to deacons and aged women, in the epistles 
 to Timothy and Titus, not to be " given to much wine." From these and 
 various other passages in the New Testament scriptures, it would seem, 
 indeed, that the use of wine as an ordinary beverage is even more 
 restricted under the present dispensation than under the Jewish ; but 
 even under that less restrictive one, the command was, " look not upon 
 the wine, &c." alluding of course, to intoxicating wine. If, therefore, 
 there were no oth r caution or command in the sacred writings, applying 
 to the subject, this alone should be sufficient against the use as a beverage 
 of intoxicating wine, merely such as the Jewish, produced by simple 
 fermentation ; but surely, it should be considered of far greater force, 
 with reference to the wines now in use in Great Britain, all of which are, 
 in addition, 'charged with more or less of some ardent spirit. It is 
 peifectly clear, therefore, that those who appeal to the sacred writings to 
 countenance them in the use of our intoxicating wines, as a beverage, 
 
 v _- i-L 1 •..-Lic i.1 c iU-j-. a: -.« ^„i. 
 
 although it should even be conceded to them, that the simply fermented 
 wines were alloTj-able by that authority. On the whole, therefore, the 
 position taken at the commencement of this essay is again insisted on, 
 namely — that there is no sanction or authority in any part of the sacred 
 
I 1 1 
 
 t 
 
 I • 
 
 scriptures, for the use of any kind of intoxicating liquor, as a common or 
 ordinary beverage, but that, on the contrary, such use is forbidden. If 
 this be considered as proven, then the using in that way, any of such 
 liquors, especially those so generally drank in this country, may, with 
 the strictest propriety, be denominated the gratification of a mere 
 " tcorldly lust;' and as such, is, in effect, denounced and prohibited, in the 
 text at the commencement. 
 
 But further, the ensnaring nature of such liquors, from their direct 
 tendency to produce intoxication or improper excitement, affords an 
 additional scriptural reason why their use should be avoided, especially, 
 when it is so universally known, :ai.t such use has in innumerable 
 instances in the church, and even among its' ministers and office-bearers, 
 been followed with degradation, ruin, and death. We are frequently 
 exhorted to watchfulness and prayer, that we do not enter into tempta- 
 tion. Our Lord has expressly taught us to pray to that effect, and we are 
 further enjoined to abstain even « from the appearance of evil." Now, 
 considering the nature and strength of those liquors in general, the' 
 frequent enticements of company, or companionable example, with 
 other ensnaring and evil influences and associations, so generally attend- 
 ing the^ drinking customs, it is perfectly evident that the use of such 
 liquors is directly contrary to those warnings and precepts. For each of 
 the reasons, therefore, which have here been adduced, it is the imperative 
 duty of all Christian people to abstain entirely from the use of every 
 kind of intoxicating liquor. 
 
 « LIVING SOBERLY, 
 
 iy 
 
 This is a phrase, which, as here employed, is not to be confined to the 
 avoidance of drunkenness or excess in the use of intoxicating liquors ; 
 but it has a very extensive signification, applying to nearly the whole of 
 the external conduct of an individual, especially with reference to himself. 
 That such is the general meaning of the term, will cleariy appear from 
 the passages in the epistles to Timothy and Titus, where bishops are 
 required to be sober, and after other injunctions, it is added, « not given- 
 to wine," showing that the word sober was not used at all with reference 
 to intoxicating liquors ; and further, the same extensive meaning appears 
 from a like injunction, in one of those epistles, applied to aged persons,. 
 and, more especially is it evident, from the direction in Titus, « exhort 
 young men to be sober minded." The words, « soberiy" and " sober," *s 
 used in all those passages, and many others in scripture, are of the same 
 meaning as "grave" and « gravity," denoting a Christian and becoming 
 seriousness in the whole of the personal demeanour. Taking this, then, to 
 be the moaning of the word " soberly," as used in the text, it must 
 appear sufficieuvly evident, that the use of intoxicating liquor of any kind 
 is quite opposed to this injunction, by reason of the direct tendency of 
 such liquor to produce a state of mind and behaviour directly the reverse 
 of the «!eriou3ness enjoined, and contrary to that circumspection which 
 is elsewhere commanded. The terms " soberly, " « righteously," and 
 
 godly," i 
 neaning t 
 sonduct o: 
 luty tow£ 
 ;owards G 
 
 \ 
 
 This, alsc 
 
 sludes the 
 
 >e shown, 
 
 ontrary t 
 
 thers, un 
 
 lost amp] 
 
 nd blessii 
 
 .bounding 
 
 Tod," to « 
 
 1 ith char 
 
 |piperativ< 
 
 Jconomise 
 
 las favoui 
 
 ipart, com 
 
 )ly in aidi 
 
 n the pro 
 
 •ally, acco 
 
 her that < 
 
 <iding phi 
 
 )erform, a 
 
 ibsorbing ; 
 
 his tru! 
 
 jrence, th 
 
 that us( 
 
 " Ilei 
 
 id destiti 
 
 [ording to 
 
 landed to 
 
 liat neede 
 
 into all m 
 
 [nd furthe 
 
 'ery man 
 
 11 times i 
 
 specially i 
 
 farts of i 
 
 Gotland, a 
 
 fant of fo( 
 
 id by disi 
 
 scurring ; 
 
 md. Altl 
 
a common or 
 forbidffen. If 
 , any of such 
 ry, may, with 
 1 of a mere 
 bibited, ip the 
 
 1 their direct 
 
 it, aiFords an 
 
 3d, especially, 
 
 innumerable 
 
 office-bearers, 
 
 re frequently 
 
 into tempta- 
 
 ;t, and we are 
 
 evil." Now, 
 
 general, the 
 
 cample, with 
 
 jrally attend- 
 
 use of such 
 
 For each of 
 
 le imperative 
 
 use of every 
 
 ifined to the 
 ;ing liquors ; 
 the whole of 
 ce to himself, 
 appear from 
 bishops are 
 " not givenr 
 ith reference 
 Ding appears 
 Lged persons,- 
 tus, " exhort 
 i " sober," as 
 of the same 
 id becoming 
 this, then, to 
 3xt, it must 
 : of anv kinrl 
 tendency of 
 J the reverse 
 jction which 
 jously," and 
 
 10 
 
 godly," in the text, have each a distinctly separate and appropriate 
 neaning and application. « Soberly" relates to the whole of the external 
 jonduct of the person, as regards himself ; « righteously" relates to his 
 luty towards others ; and " godly" refers to his duty more particulariy 
 ;owards God. 
 
 LIVING "RIGHTEOUSLY." 
 
 This, also, is a most comprehensive term, and, as already observed, in- 
 iludes the whole of the behaviour towards others. Now, it can very readily 
 >e shown, that, for a variety of reasons, the use of intoxicating drink is 
 ontrary to such righteous conduct. As Christians, our first duty towards 
 thers, undoubtedly, is, to do all in our power t( ensure to them, in the 
 aost ample and eflectual manner, the means of obtaining the advantages 
 ,nd blessings of the gospel. We are therefore commanded to be « always 
 ■bounding in the work of the Lord," to do every thing « to the glory of 
 ^d," to "love others as ourselves," and to let all our « works be done 
 ith charity." In obedience to these and similar precepts, it is the 
 nperative duty of every professed servant of the Lord, so to arrange and 
 Iconomise with regard to that woridly property with which Providence 
 las favoured him, that he may have the largest portion which can be set 
 -part, consistently with other indispensable and necessary purposes, to ap- 
 )ly in aiding missionary purposes among the heathen, as well as at home, 
 n the promotion of other religious ministrations and objects, and, gene- 
 •ally, according to his means and opportunities, in endeavouring to fur- 
 ther that great design of the gospel, to win souls to Christ, as well as for 
 -idmg philanthropic and benevolent objects. But these duties he cannot 
 .erform, as fully as he is required to do, if, as an unfaithful steward he is 
 -bsorbing and wasting any part of the property his Master has committed 
 o his trust in the use of unnecessary and injurious liquors. With re- 
 xence, therefore, to this class of duties to others, the individual indulging 
 ' that use cannot be said to be fulfilling this precept of « living righteous- 
 " He is further transgressing this precept, with reference to the needy 
 d destitute, whom he is required and commanded always to relieve ac 
 iordmg to his power. One of the objects for which the Christian is corn- 
 landed to be « diligent in business," is, « that he may have to give to him 
 iiat needeth." We are exhorted, « as we have opportunity," to « do good 
 -nto all men, especially unto those who are of the household of faith • 
 .nd further, are commanded, « look not every man on his own things, but 
 very man also on the things of others." These gracious injunctions at 
 11 times apply, and are binding upon us, and surely they are most 
 specially applicable and imperative at the present period, within many 
 farts of this realm. Many millions in the whole, within Ireland and 
 
 otland, are in a staio nf rlpsflfiifiVn o^j ^^ ,„• j.- a- . 
 
 r 4. ^ ^ J niT '""-— «^« cj.^niv;ii4wng auffcring irom the 
 
 ant ot food. Many thousands have perished already from that cause 
 ^fl by disease resulting from it, and those sufferings arc still numerously 
 icurring ; yet in reality, there has been no lack of necessary food in the 
 ^nd. Although the Almighty Ruler of Nations has righteously seen fit 
 
2{T 
 
 to send a blight upon one description of food, yet, by his bounty, there 
 was gathered in of other descriptions such qvar.tities, as, if applied ac- 
 cording to his beneficent design, would have amply sufficed to make up 
 that partial deficiency, so that, notwithstanding, there would on the whole 
 have been bread enough and to spare. But selfish, wasteful, reckless 
 men yes, even professedly Christian people, with the immediately 
 l)ending destitution fully in view, and, subsequently, amidst the sup- 
 plications and cries of the famishing poor, and the groans and agonies of 
 the dying, have, some of them, been converting the food thus given by 
 God for the use of his creatures, into intoxicating and destructive liquors 
 while millions; of others, have, by their consumption of those liquors' 
 sanctioned and encouraged such sinful destruction. It has often been es- 
 timated and stated, and has never been denied, but the statement has even 
 been fully wananted by the admissions of the inilers of the country that 
 about s^ixty miUiom of bushels of pram are annual/^/ consumed in Great 
 Bntam and Ireland, in the manufacture of various kinds of spirituous , 
 liquor. This quantity would furnish a sufficiency of daily bread for more 
 than SIX millions of persons, taking all the different ages, which is a larger 
 number than has yet been in absolute want. The persons immediately 
 engaged in furnishing and destroying the grain in that manner, thereby 
 counteracting and perverting the purpose of Heaven, are doubtless giie vously 
 guilty, m thus performing their part in this most afflicting evil, this enor- 
 mous act of unrighteousness ; and much the same may be said of those who 
 are engaged in vending those liquors. But is there no blame attaching to 
 those professedly Christian people, ministers, office-bearers, and members 
 of churches, who are indulging in the use of them, though not to excess, 
 but only m a limited manner. It is a well known maxim, that the de- 
 mand for, and consumption of any article, encourage and command the 
 supply of It. If only the drunkards and grossly intemperate required and 
 consumed those liquors, the suppiy would be, comparatively, limited 
 Ihe great body of professedly Christian people are those who consume by 
 far the greater portion of the liquors manufactured from the grain of the 
 country. They are thus affording their direct encouragement and appro- 
 bation to such manufacture and sale, and are, consequently, doing their 
 part, and a most important one too, in upholding and perpetuating this 
 system of unrighteousness towards those who are suffering and dying from 
 want. If it mdeed be true, as scarcely any, pretending to the chrracter 
 of a Christian, will be so thoughtlsss or bold as to deny, that, in the present 
 destitution especially, the destruciion of such a vast quantity of food is a 
 great national sin, then it follows, of course, that every individual who 
 assists, sanction?,, or encourages the commission and continuance of that 
 destru<jtion, is a participator in that aggregate sin, and incurs a portion of 
 Its guilt. 
 
 But, further, there is unrighteousness in the manufacture, sale, and 
 drinking of those liquors, by reason of the price of bread being thereby 
 kept up, as to those of the poor who have, within themselves, some means 
 of subsistence, and to others who are in straitened or limited circum- 
 
 \Sl 
 
his bounty, there 
 as, if applied ac- 
 ifiiced to make up 
 ould on the whole 
 wasteful, reckless 
 the immediately 
 amidst the sup- 
 ns and agonies of 
 od thus given by 
 jstructive liquors, 
 of those liquors, 
 las often been es- 
 atcment has even 
 the country, that 
 msumed in Great 
 ids of spirituous 
 ly bread for more C 
 which is a larger ' 
 ons immediately 
 manner, thereby 
 ibtlessgi'ievously 
 ig evil, this enor- 
 said of those who 
 ame attaching to 1 
 rs, and members 
 jh not to excess, 
 im, that the de- 
 id command the 
 ate required and 
 itively, limited, 
 ivho consume by 
 the grain of the 
 lent and appro- 
 tly, doing their 
 erpetuating this 
 and dying from 
 the character 
 .t, in the present 
 :ity of food is a 
 individual who 
 iniiance of that 
 !Urs a portion of 
 
 --^•A^^ ■-ir.t41"i'J]132ILf 
 
 
 21 
 
 ture, sale, and 
 
 being thereby 
 
 es, some means 
 
 imited circum- 
 
 procure breaj, and other ar Me a ^ ^7 '^""' ^'"'^ ^ «•"« '» 
 -mpellea to pa,, io consoaueoce oj that ulnT T.' """ '"'^ ''' ""^ 
 V.em„g the subject throughout L a'l ».°T" ''»"™<^«™ «f grai=. 
 eveu ou the ground of politfeal e^onlt . !"^' ""' '^'^que-cc^ 
 
 turer^ nor tradesmen would ul,w2 I '■ """""■ '"""'"' ■"»»'»<'- 
 tbat way, of the price of gn^in "d 1/ '""""' ^^ ""» '^""''"n, in 
 oWv„ncooftheVeceptXl.rthterr^r""'°'- ^■^' "'» ""e 
 »n>l which may well J, aid t b„ 4ott "^ 'f " ""'" '"'"'»'' °" 
 ITOcured by such grievous deVwt" , '"°''' ^^ ""« "»« »f "quors 
 Christian,, then, wo^uld be ft fto.n",, T"'^ '°°'- " P™'--*^ 
 ;«<iuity, they must avoid altoUr th "*"'?"'*■' '" «>" enomou! 
 '.">es carefully abstain from afedil he T 1 "'° ' '''''°"' ■""' ''' "» 
 ™nt to their being manufacturrd " m * """""'' "' ''"courage- 
 conduct they are cafled 17*0 Zt, '"' ,', " ''""''■ ^" '^" c«««o of 
 -"ich say, .< „.„„ Shalt not fo'w7l;f/ f ."*'."' °' "">^^ P«-P" 
 from among them and be separate and t . '"'' '"' '" " ^™» »«' 
 "N'-itl-er be partaker of other menV ^^ ''°' "'^ """'^^ 'i^g i" 
 
 •'«' will be according to the "3^7 '"'' "'^"'^ •>"« •'" Such et- 
 a former age, who, w' en tpS I' °"'r ^''^^ -""^ «»°" "■« «' 
 plate he was possessed, in oX to J/b ' '° ''™ '° ''■'»'' of ^at 
 
 '■0 had only „„„ ,fc, , °™ and h'b^T' '"' "' ''""'«^''' *"' 
 "ore while there were so many Ground b J """ '■"^'^ '» ?«'«» »y 
 -n accordance with the spirit and e'annleof ""'""^ ''"^'^ ' »»<' -^^o 
 and zealously declared, ' Herein do ? ^''""' """> ''<'' """o nobly - 
 
 conscience void of offence towlds Ood !?" "^'''^ '<• ^^^ »'ws » 
 , With reference to exam^r »1 .f '"'"■'^■' ""«"•" 
 K liquors are further vioMngtwt ^'"^'^ "''° ^"'"''^ <" "'c^ca'- 
 h« influence of exampl wt&T "' t° " """« "Sl^oously." 
 H extensive, often, indeed altoletl • ™ , °^ "" '"'' " "« »<»-e or 
 M strictly accountable t^ktf-^^irt ^" "'»■ '"^"^o-- 
 
 aoans and m„d,, ;„ j^,;^ power 'Hfl,, ^^ "" '" ^" *"» ««■« 
 
 Banded to let our li,>ht sbin» l V \ '"""""cng others. We are com 
 
 '«'»% Sod ;" and ;tt , fr t"' r "-^^ -^ *«% I-c >eZ 
 ' cause of offend; ;„ th e'r ^/"''''f ™' '» P"' a stumblinir-blork 
 »^i»«vidual, asto°sati uorrl:': "T""-. ^"^ "ore elevated is 
 esteemed for talents, learning or irt' " *' ""'^ '"' '» -^PcCed 
 '"al and important. Henc , min" te of r l""' " "' ^^""f^ '"»- 
 '» professors, are most esp cTaUv 2 ? ^J™,' """^ "" »"'« O^"" 
 ^ample they exhibit. Their „ToI . "'"^^'^ly responsible for the 
 
 id«v.~;.-, ^"cu whole conduct ».r„l ,1.. .._ "■ "i<, 
 
 — •'^'"'"' among themselves and fw.„ ".1" - ;."=<.uour are ouserved 
 
 '" ; and are viewed with a wl chful al? f ^. """ '''"""=' '° '""'a- 
 «-% and not only will thri;ter!v">T°"r«''^^''^ "'>''' «rldly 
 ■ c«ors, which seems to g v hem ?*'™ "' '"' ^»»P'» o*' 
 rtdly gratification, but, unhappilt " '™°'='' '" ""^ ^™^™' or 
 
 ^"^ "clined to ac. i iS tr Xrfb''^" "f"^^- "-^ '"» 
 fc^-^^— T anaer. Hence, the use of intoxicating 
 
20 
 
 22 
 
 liquors by ministcrs,.and other professors of religion, has ever been most 
 extensively pernicious, especially among youth,, and other weak or un- 
 wary persons. Several instances of ruin and death, resulting from such 
 example, have been brought to the knowledge of the writer, and doubtless 
 
 i multitudes of them have occurred throughout the histoij^ of the drinking 
 
 customs. The use of those liquors, and all the abominations and afflictions 
 
 f) they have produced, have, indeed, been perpetuated chiefly by the sinful 
 
 and pernicious example, 
 i « LIVING GODLY." 
 
 ^ ' Iw discussing this point, it may be well in the first instance to inform the 
 
 reader that the remarks and arguments to be offered are intended to apply 
 . to the spiritually-minded person, he wno possesses the power of Godli- 
 
 (i i ness ; in short, the true and vital Christian. The mere formalist, who is 
 
 satisfied with the cold observance of the outward forms of devotion, and 
 the outward practice of the round of lifeless duties, will neither under- 
 stand or appreciate acts or exercises of a truly spiritual character ; nor will 
 he much regard any attempt to explain them. The expression, " living 
 godly," may be considered to refer, most especially, to the whole of the 
 duties of worship and spiritual service, with all the various acts and ex- 
 ercises more immediately towards God, to which we are called, and in 
 which we should ever gladly and gratefully engage. In order that such 
 worship and service may, through the medium of the great atonement, 
 be acceptable to him, who is an infinitely holy and heart-searching Spirit, 
 they must be rendered in spirit and in truth, and in the beauty of holi- 
 ness. It is said to Christians, " Ye are not your own, ye are bought with 
 a price ;" and this great command is ever in force, « Thou shalt love the 
 Lord thy God with all thy heart, and soul, and mind, and strength." We 
 are further enjoined to watch and pray that we may not enter into temp- 
 tation, to " lift up holy hands," and to « pray without ceasing." By these 
 and similar injunctions, Christians may clearly understand, that both 
 with regard to their inward emotions and outward behaviour, they should 
 constantly endeavour, through the influence of grace, to acquire and retain 
 a spirituality of the highest degree, so as to be qualified '. '•f •}• f-r ful- 
 filling those constant and all-important duties of holy wcrsijip a ad ser- 
 vice. They are called to be, and are denominated, " KiXig^ and priests 
 unto God," and, therefore, like the priests under the preceding dispensa- 1 
 tion, they should ever abstain from all kinds of intoxicating drink ; so | 
 that they may never be surprised into any degree of that unhallowed ex- 
 citement which it so directly tends to produce. Moreover, as the injunc- 
 tions to pray are so pointed and extensive, the Christian should earnestly 
 strive to be always in the spirit of pra:yer, and should ever be so watchful 
 and circumspect in all his thoughts and demeanour, that he may be pre- 
 pared at all times, and under all circumstances, to engage outwardly in 
 that solemn and hallowing exercise, with the utmost clearness of under- 
 standing, and the greatest possible degree of spirituality, of perceptioD, 
 and feeling. Every species of conduct, therefore, which has any tendencyl 
 to prevent°or impair, though but for a time, those requisite qualifications! 
 
23 
 
 for such spiritual and aceont.ki 
 
 •voided. Now, it 4 we7 e l/"'!''''' """"' "» ^ .crupuloL.I 
 
 'f the hquor, it ha, an immedilrr ?* '^'""- ^""^ ^e ren- naturf 
 .™gular action; fct ehro^ghtl !': el^ '^ """""^ <<"'«'«„; and 
 of the nund; often causing, at ll't f„, L! ""'''"' ""^ "«' "Poa tho'e 
 perception, and judgnn^'t, anT^^a * ''"■"' """ "' '^^ "^ "^7 
 entirely e,ti„gm3hi spiri ual or H ' '"""^ " '"■P-'-ing, if 2i 
 
 ui sentient was of old Lrdt, ;;tlr- ^•'" true and^elutt 
 w a pure and ]onn<^ snirJf 3 -i ^'^^ P^^us of Israel « W; ^ 
 
 "Cherished or indulged. If th™ ,? "'"" sensuality of anv kinH 
 
 ttft "f "'' "' '»«»--«»« dn-; ::,r. "« -^ «peZn : 
 
 t-me, be thereby ensnared; and frl .t " "'™"'%. from time to 
 from misapprehension as to' it? treZb 'tr 't? ■"' '"' ''^"^ "- 
 meots of company, and from rariourp'riT' ""^ '""tations or entice 
 
 occasionally at least, be broughtTnto t r'°™"°"^ '""^ i»fluences wm 
 rntoxication, that the Holy SpW 'm K^ ' ''''' "' ""''""cat, if noTif 
 
 condemn us, God I ^17°" ^ """'^ *^ <"-. " B^otd if „ " ' 
 ?"», let .he ChristiarZf :S "' '""' "^ '-»«'"mfn:" Oh' 
 Q„dfr=" *'°"^- «-'«'"<>" rj'T ^"^'"^ ""^ avoid tfe use 5 
 
 h»' '0 oach aX, ST-"""' '" '■'• t'Pon theThoIe tten "•,','" *"'' 
 Igodly," the use!f . *' "J«»ctions, to live " ,2^, J "'"' "''*'- 
 
 Ibut d cirdK 1 "■""='<»""g drink i not „1 7 ^' "«""«'usly, and 
 
 »^ "ppropl*;!!:- r^p'^ »' t^c rpi.%t: •: i't^, 
 
 b it' i:r •", ^' '---;- r-zr i '^^ ~~ 
 
 I / ic IS an evil world nnllnf. i u ^^ Present evil worM " a j 
 
 f'ons, especialJv- to .^e ' ^ ""' ^^^ ^"^^ «f ..oi _ . •. ^°^ 
 
 hr ^^finiteJy wise and V'"'" ^''^' ''^ ^^^'^ godly Thl^:; """ ''^^**- 
 
24 
 
 THE HOPES OF THE GOSPEL OUGHT TO RESTRAIN FROM 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 
 
 As one of the motives to such self-denial and holy and godly living, 
 Christians are taught, and exhorted in the succeeding part of the text, til) 
 look " for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God, 
 and our Saviour Jesus Christ." If the professed people of the Lord would, 
 indeed, act consistently with the warnings and exhortations he has so 
 abundantly given them, and he influenced as they should be by the 
 hope of the glories and happiness of eternity, setting their affections on 
 things above, and desiring and looking for these as their treasure ; if they 
 would estimate aright communion with the Father of their spirits, while 
 passing through this vale of evil and sorrow, they would view, not merely 
 with disregard, but with jealous aversion, the ensnaring evil here treated 
 of, with every other sensual gratification having any tendency to with- 
 draw their minds and affections from the infinite sources of pure and 
 eternal enjoyment. Moreover, they are reminded in the text, by whom, 
 and for what purposes, they have been purchased from a state of captivity 
 to Satan and sin, and from exposure to eternal woe. ; He who is one 
 with the Father, possessing all the ineffable attributes and glories of 
 divinity, condescended to imdertake the gracious work of our redemption, 
 and as requisite to its accomplishment, assumed our infirm and suffering 
 nature, became most especially " the Man of sorrows," was tempted, 
 rejected, despised, and persecuted, freely submitted his soul to inconceiv- j 
 able agony, and his body to the ignominious and excruciating death of 
 the cross, to make it possible for infinite holiness and justice, consistently, 
 to pardon our transgresoions, accept us to favour, and grant us an 
 inheritance in the kingdom of glory and eternal enjoyment. Contem- 
 plating such grace and condescension, well might the poet exclaim, " Ohl 
 thou bleeding Love, the great morality is love of thee." 
 
 THE USE OF INTOXICATING LIQUORS OPPOSED TO THE 
 REDEEMING DESIGN OF THE SAVIOUR. 
 ■\Ve are further informed, that he " gave himself for us," that, as anl 
 object previously and indispensably requisite to the attainment of^suchl 
 final felicity, " he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify untC 
 himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Let us now examid 
 and reflect on this previous design, and the consequent obligations of lovj 
 and obedience under which we are placed, Avith reference, especially, tj 
 the particular subject now rmder consideration. We are all, from tlij 
 natural condition of our fallen humanity, under captivity to Satan anJ 
 K'.p.. This is iiointedlv and reT>eatedly declared in the oracles of trutkl 
 While in this state, we are therefore prone to fulfil, and are constantll 
 fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, and the suggestions of the spirit of evil 
 and, consequently, are alien from God, and habitually, in mind an| 
 act, are violating his holy and righteous laws. The holy and com 
 passionate Saviour, gave himself in our stead, that he might redeem 
 
 lat 
 
ISTRAIN FROM 
 
 and godly living, 
 
 part of the text, U) 
 
 g of the great God, 
 
 3 of the Lord would, 
 
 )rtations he has so 
 
 should be by the 
 
 their affections on 
 
 ir treasure ; if they 
 
 their spirits, while 
 
 id view, not merelv 
 
 g evil here treated 
 
 tendency to with- 
 
 urces of pure and 
 
 the text, by whom, 
 
 a state of captivity 
 
 B. ; He who is one 
 
 ;es and glories of 
 
 of our redemption, 
 
 nfirm and suffering 
 
 ws," was tempted, 
 
 s soul to inconceiv- j 
 
 jruciating death of j 
 
 istice, consistently, j 
 
 and grant us an) 
 
 joyment. Contem- 
 
 poet exclaim, " Oh! 
 
 DSED TO THE 
 lOUR. 
 
 ir us," that, as anj 
 attainment ol*sucli| 
 y, and purify unta 
 jet us now examid 
 t obligations of lo\i 
 •ence, especially, tj 
 e are all, from tb| 
 iivity to Satan antj 
 le oracles of trutfe 
 and are constantlj 
 »f the spirit of evilj 
 illy, in mind an| 
 he holy and cor 
 e might redeem 
 
 25 
 
 •chase us out of this state, and not merely from the outward com- 
 8s.on, but from the desire, the love, and even in the being of I ' 
 every description. The word " iniquity," as here employed, is very' 
 .tensive m its import, and comprehends every thought and desiW, ever; 
 ord and act, contrary to the laws and the character of God. There are 
 me indeed in this day, and among professed theologians too, who seem 
 ^laciously to endeavour to make such a distinction between sin and th" 
 ^ner, or a violation of duty and the person who commits it, that while 
 ey condemn the former, in itself, they will either justify oi excuslthe 
 fcter. But the word of infallible truth speaks a vei^ diffLnt Ta'g^^^^^^^ 
 id emphatically says, that " all unrighteousness is sin," that evenT 
 thought of foolishness" is the same, and throughout, declares in effect 
 IIZ ZZ 7-f -"^^*-— or sin, incurs guilt and condem- 
 
 rd and . r ^ "^ "' ^''""'"''^ '^'''^^'' '' ^^«^«' ^^ ^^U as every 
 )rd and act, contrary to any divine precept, or exhortation, is, therefore 
 effect a species of iniquity. Now let us bring these ;ie;s, oTthS 
 
 iwatch a„r ""'V^' "t'' "^'" '''''^- W^ -« — anded 
 jwatch and pray that we do not enter into temptation," « to abs Jn 
 
 ^m fleshly lusts," and even « from all appearance'of evil," and not " 
 t a stumbling-block, or cause of offending, « in our brother's way'' 
 kmg then for granted, and indeed it will scarcely be denied by an; 
 
 rength, he discharge of any of the duties of life, or towards its comforl 
 ational enjoyment, and further considering, that the use of'uch 
 
 Zus t?:b""'r' 'T""^^ " ''''' '' ^^ --^ -I-^« positive y 
 l^ious to those who partake of them, and also, that such partaking L 
 
 -en to an incalculable extent injurious to other., in regard to exampl 
 
 follows as a necessary result, that the Christian professor wruses' 
 
 m, except strictly as a medicine, is thereby violatLig in efflct each 
 
 mrwilh^ ^'7^^^.n^-^ ^^^^^' -^ - thus far faifng to act L con 
 rmity with the redeeming design of the Saviour, expressed in the text. 
 
 ^^ ^^,™OXICATING L.QUORS CONTRARY TO THE PURITY 
 AND PECULIARITY REQUIRED OF CHRISTIANS 
 
 tltd^TaVt"'"^^^^ ': ?r ^'™^ ''"^^^' ''' "^' ^till further com- 
 
 IfZ r ^'' ''"-^ ^'"°''''' '^''^^ " ^^ Purified unto Himself 
 
 d be a pecuhar people." They are frequently reminded, that fhey te 
 
 landerr; Ta T '"^'^ "^^' ' ^^^^^^ ^^ -' therel ^eoni 
 
 tther thef r ^ . ", '''" '°''" ""' ^P^"*^' ^^^-^ -e His ; and 
 
 God a^^^^^^^^^ " ".'' " T'^*"^^^^ *^^^ ''' *« ^« -^ to the glory 
 
 le'^!ltl';L^^li^^^-^•^--" ^^« «P-t and the fette^ 
 
 l«^ *i • ' -"-•'■^v^.^u. cvwjwxicre snow, tiiat it is essentiailv reauisite 
 
 1 every word and action ; and hence, the Saviour prayed for his neonle 
 
 IdS n ^':.'"-'"'7' "«" ^^oj^git be sanctified in soul, body 
 pd8pn:.t. Chiusfan professors, therefore, are designed by their Kedeemer 
 
26 
 
 If P' 
 
 w 
 
 \ ^, 
 
 to be devoted unto Ei;xi, and to live for his service, exclusively. They 
 are required on every oicasion, and under all the varieties of circum- 
 stances, to endeavour to ascertain what course of conduct will most effec- 
 tually tend to promote the cause of their Lord, by the prevention or re- 
 straining of evil of eve;;y description, and the promotion of every thing 
 virtuous and good ; aiid, especially, by word, and deed, and example, 
 striving to win souls to "lihe Saviour, and to edify, strengthen, and improve 
 one another. But can the^ be said to be acting in harmony witi that 
 gracious design, and those exalted and benevolent duties, who are par- 
 taking of those ensnaring and debasing liquors, by the use of which 
 such myriads of souls have been lost, and still are perishing ; such mul- 
 titudes are kept from attending on the ministrations of the Gospel, and 
 imbibing its spirit, and experiencing its saving power ; through which 
 such innumerable crimes have been committed, and such fearful and in- 
 describable afflictions and miseries have been inflicted, and are still being 
 brought on the human family ? Let such inconsistent professors no 
 longer refer to the opinions of selfish or sensual men, or to any human 
 standards as to right and wrong ; nor seek for a justification or excuse by 
 a reference to what are weakly and erroneously termed the courtesies of 
 society ; much less by merely following the multitude. But let them 
 honestly and conscientiously examine themselves on the subject, as in 
 the presence of a heart-searching God, and by the supplicated light of His 
 Spirit and Word. By so doing, they will assuredly find, that, instead of 
 promoting the holj and benevolent cause of Him whom they call Redeemer 
 and Lord, they are in reality wounding Him " in the house of his friends," 
 and in presence of his enemies ; marring his gracious designs, hindering 
 tlie progress of his glorious gospel, and often contributing to deprive Him 
 of its trophies. Even in the use of lawful and necessary things, the pro- 
 fessed servants of the Saviour are enjoined seJf-denial, for the benefit of 
 others ; and for the sake of meat or drink not to '' destroy the work of God," 
 or " him for whom Christ died," but in all things to walk so charitably 
 towards their brethren, that they may not cause them to be tempted, or to 
 offend. When they act otherwise, even in such lawful things, and " sin 
 against weak brethren," they are expressly said to " sin against Christ." 
 
 Moreover, having been purchased by the Redeemer, Christians are to 
 be a " peculiar people." By this, of course, is intended, that they are to 
 be peculiarly different in motives and designs, in thoughts, desires, and 
 affections ; in hopes, and fears, and other inward emotions, as well as in 
 outward demeanour and actions, from those who are appropriately de- 
 nominated the people of the world. If they are indeed sanctified and puri- 
 fied unto the service of the Saviour, they will not only possess such in- 
 
 S, 1. 
 
 a judgment, however, is to be formed regarding the desires and emotions 
 of Christian professors in the present day, from their outward acts and 
 dome mour, it will not be uncharitable, but only agreeable to truth, to 
 conclude, that in general, such inward peculiarity but very faintly exists, 
 even where it exists at all, inasmuch, as it is to a very great extent most 
 
 passu.' Utvtv r^M«<» / u 
 
ively. They 
 } of circum- 
 1 most effec- 
 ention or re- 
 every thing 
 nd example, 
 and improve 
 ly witi that 
 who are par- 
 ise of which 
 ; such mul- 
 Gospel, and 
 rough which 
 irful and lu- 
 re still being 
 (rofessors no 
 any human 
 or excuse by 
 courtesies of 
 ut let them 
 ibject, as in 
 [ light of His 
 it, instead of 
 ill Redeemer 
 his friends," 
 IS, hindering 
 deprive Him 
 ngs, the pro- 
 le benefit of 
 eorkofGod," 
 charitably 
 empted, or to 
 gs, and " sin 
 ast Christ." 
 itians are to 
 b they are to 
 desires, and 
 ,s well as in 
 opriately de- 
 ied and puri- 
 ess such in- 
 
 £. 2. 
 
 .nd emotions 
 jd acts and 
 to truth, to 
 aintly exists, 
 extent most 
 
 27 
 
 palpably manifest, that such outward peculiarity is extremely rare. This 
 deficiency, indeed, or rather conformity to the world, is one of the most 
 striking evidences of the very limited degree of vital piety in the present 
 age. We are told, that " if any man love the world, the love of the 
 Father is not in him ;" for that " the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the 
 eyes, and the pride of life, are not of the Father, but are of the world." 
 The " people of the world," as a matter of course, breathe its spirit, con- 
 form to its maxims, and are seeking enjoyment in one or many of its 
 various pursuits. They possess no zeal for the glory of God, or the saving 
 of souls ; tkei/ are not watching and praying, that they may not enter into 
 temptation ; the>/ are not careful or anxious to preserve and apply a liberal 
 portion of their worldly substance for the support or propagation of reli- 
 gious truth ; nor are they scrupulous in their conduct with reference to 
 the effect it may have upon others^ in regard to example,' consequently, 
 their use of intoxicating liquor, as one of the means of gratifying a fleshly 
 appetite, may be readily accounted for, and is quite in character with all 
 other parts of their conduct. But, surely, an opposite course might well 
 be expected from those who profess to be influenced by a different spirit, 
 and by the exalted motives alreaxJy alluded to. It is, however, a melan- 
 choly truth, that the great body of such persons, both of ministers and 
 laity, are still partaking of those drinks of the sensual and the worldly, 
 whereby crime, and poverty, disease, and death, and eternal ruin are still 
 taking place. Thus acting, they are, with reference to that zeal, and watch- 
 fulness, and prayer ; that preservation and application of worldly property ; 
 and that regard to example, most grievously and injuriously failing to 
 exhibit, in this particular at least, that peculiarity for which they are to 
 be so affectingly required to be distinguished from the world around them. 
 On the contrary, they are violating this further precept, " Be not conformed 
 to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye 
 may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." ^ 
 
 SUPPORT OF THE TOTAL ABSTINENCE CAUSE 
 A CHRISTIAN DUTY. 
 The redeemed people of the Lord are also required to be " zealous of good 
 works." In further carrying out the design of this essay, it is now appropriate 
 and needful to endeavour to show that the total abstinence reform is indeed 
 a ffood work, and, as such, should be zealously encouraged and promoted by 
 ministers, and all other professors of our holy and benevolent Christianity. 
 So much good has already been made manifest on the face of society through 
 this reform, in every part of the world where it has been introduced, that 
 it would at first view seem altogether superfluous to set about proving it« 
 
 uununciui cuucfcs. ixu— ctcx, ivi -.li^ cxivii-.^ug -.t«-. • • • 
 
 as well as encouraging friends and arousing the indifferent, it is expedient 
 and proper that some of its valuable tendencies and results should occasion- 
 ally be appealed to and explained. It will be well indeed, and is a matter 
 of duty, that both by adversaries and friends, these tendencies and results 
 . ihould be contrasted with those which belong to the drinking practice. As 
 
Ill 
 
 %\ 
 
 to both, tMs scripture may be pointedly applied-' by their fruits ye shall 
 know them, In proof, then, of the beneficial effects of the total abstinence 
 cause It may, in the first place, be remarked, that by undoubted and oft 
 repeated testimony, m a number of countries, it has in the carrying of it 
 forward been mstrumental in reclaiming, in the whole, hundreds of thou- 
 sands, or rather millions of drunkards. If no more had been done, this 
 were an mestimable good. But vast numbers of others have been saved 
 from intemperance, very many of whom were fast verging towards it 
 Crimes have been diminished ^or prevented in a greater degree than can 
 poss-bly be ascertained or imagined, for it is universally known and ac 
 know edged, that an immense proportion of the crimes committed in every 
 Christian country, so called, has been caused by the use of intoxicating 
 liquors ; m some countries, in modem times, in the proportion of nine out 
 ten, or even more, according to judicial and other undoubted authority 
 It IS within the knowledge of the writer, that in all those parts of that 
 country to which he belongs, where this reform prevails most extensively, 
 the number of crmies brought under judicial investigation, as well as suits 
 of a civil description, have, since its introduction, been much reduced, and 
 
 retorm has but slightly advanced. 
 
 Peace and harmony also have, in innumerable instances, been thereby 
 mtroduced into families, where before, through intoxicating di'ink, strife, 
 outrage, and unhappiness almost constantly prevailed. 
 
 With reference to the acquisition and preservation of property, and ob- 
 taining and increasing the necessaries of life, with its o. inary accommo- 
 dations and comforts, these advantages have also been .cured, beyond 
 calculation, by the direct influence of this reform 
 
 Embarrassments have been removed, and the principal branches of in- 
 
 dustry, the true source of a country's political welfare, have, from the same 
 
 cause, been revived and have flourished, and rendered whole communities, 
 
 . where It prevailed independent and prosperous. Instances of this descrip- 
 
 tion of good have also come under the knowledge of the writer. Such, indeed, 
 
 must ever be the results of such reform, throughout communities generally 
 
 It as known that upwards of fift^ mUlim pounds steriing are annually lost 
 
 to the people of Great Britain, as the bare cost of the strong liquors they 
 
 consume; and adding all the other items of expense they incur and have 
 
 to bear, as the consequences of that consumption, the whole amount of 
 
 such loss, as has often been estimated, is about cm hundred million pounds 
 
 It cannot truly be called any thing else than an absolute loss, as those liquors' 
 
 • afford no nourishment, or strength, or benefit, indeed, of any other dc.scrip- 
 
 tion Such an annual loss to a population, probably less tUufivemiUion 
 
 lamihes, must bear most oppressively ; and, when viewed in all it. bearimrs 
 
 «uu CHCCC5, „iii very mteiiigibly account for embarrassments and depres- 
 
 sions in the various branches of business, and for the poverty and destitution, 
 
 the raggedness n nd wretchedness, which so greatly abound in the populous 
 
 cities, and even m the smaller towns and villages of the country. 
 
 These further effects of this excellent reform have also taken place in, 
 
29 
 
 numerous instances. Clearness and vigour of intellect have been restored 
 or increased, moral feeling and the kindly affections permanently improved, 
 and respectability of station and character restored. 
 
 But by far the most valuable of all the benefits which have resulted from 
 this reform, and more so, indeed, than all the others together, are those 
 which relate to the spiritual interests. Here, it may be well to give a 
 passing answer to the unfounded reproach which has occasionally been 
 brought against the promoters of this benevolent enterprise, by some of 
 its adversaries, that we are attempting to supersede the Gospel, and to 
 substitute in the place of the spiritual and entire change it requires, a 
 merely moral reformation, and in one particular only. The absence 'of 
 everything having the semblance of proof, or even plausibility, to justify 
 or excuse this reproach, evinces that it is so utterly untrue and gratuitously 
 libellous, that it might indeed be sufficient at once merely to deny, and 
 indignantly repel it. Much has issued from the press in support of this 
 reform, but we may challenge our opponents to produce any sentence 
 from that quarter, even savouring of such an absurd and irreligious idea. 
 Some illiterate persons, and of weak capacity, in advocating the cause 
 may, indeed, have expressed themselves so inaccurately or confusedly 
 that their sentiments or opinions have, by some opposed to it, been so 
 misapprehended, or perversely applied, as to seem to convey such an 
 erroneous impression ; but it is nor credible to suppose that any person 
 pretending to the belief of Christianity, in any form or denomination 
 whatever, would ever be so reckless or foolish, as designedly or wilfully, 
 to utter a sentence bearing such a meaning. The writer can truly say,' 
 that in none of the hundreds of total abstinenct -neetings he has attended, 
 and the countless speeches, conversations, and remarks he has heard on 
 the subject, through a long course of years, did he ever hear an observation 
 even tending to insinuate such a profane and senseless idea. Had any 
 such been uttered in those meetings, he is convinced that many, with him- " 
 self, would instantly have answered it with reproof and condemnation. 
 Hut to return from this digression, and to enter upon the proof of the 
 advantages of this reform, with reference to religion, the following facts 
 are selected from among a multitude of others which might be adduced •— 
 In that excellent work, entitled « Anti-Bacchus," already referred to, the 
 author of which is a minister of the Gospel, this testimony on the sub- 
 ject is given, which is as far back as the year 1840. "Total abstinence 
 has already added hundreds of members to our churches, and kept hun- 
 dreds of members from disgracing themselves by drinking, and yet these 
 are only the beginning of days of spiritual prosperity. God himself has 
 already highly honoured the society with his blessing. Considering its 
 liimited means, and '■^'> /\T^»^/^o;*;-^_ _,i-;_i- >^_n ^i . . . . ° 
 
 ^.. . . ' "I'l""^"'-^" ••"^^■" ■'^"^ o vniiron nas uiuught against 
 
 It, It IS probable there is not another institution in the country which has 
 [been crowned with more signal success. In one small town, I saw it lately 
 ^recorded that fifty members had been added to the Church, in consequence 
 't the adoption of total abstinence." 
 In the fifth rrport of the American Temperance Society, published in 
 
30 
 
 i' N 
 
 r ! 
 
 H^ 
 
 1832, the following statements are contained, among manj others to the 
 same effect, being the answers which were giren to questions submitted by 
 the Society : — " One states that, of about 1500 souls in his parish, he should 
 think three-fourths abstain from the use of ardent spirits, and that from 
 those three-fourths, mere than 70 made a profession of religion, and were 
 admitted to the Church in one day, while from the other fourth there were 
 only three, and that as many, lacking two, have been admitted to the Church 
 during the past year, as for twenty years lefore. Another wrote that, as a 
 general thing, all who appeared to experience the power of the Gospel were 
 from the ranks of temperance, and that within a year and a half there had 
 been admitted to the Church, or were on probation for admission, 130, being 
 a greater number than had been added to it for 20 years before, and r °arly 
 all were from among the two-fifths of the population who had renounced 
 the use of strong drink. Another writer stated in answer that, subsequent 
 to October 1830, he visited 300 towns, in which special efforts were made for 
 the promotion of temperance, and that of those who, in 1830, were not hope- 
 fully pious, but belonged to temperance societies, six-tenths had since that 
 time professed to have devoted themselves to God ; and that of th6se who 
 did not belong to such societies, and have since become hopefully pious, 
 eight-tenths immediately united with them. And he fuither stated that, of 
 those 300 towns, 275 have been visited with Ihe special influences of the 
 Holy Spirit ; that he had witnessed not a few cases, in which persons who 
 had been swearers, Sabbath-breakers, &c., had joined a temperance societyj 
 and soon after had, for the first tihie in their lives, been heard inquiring 
 what they should do to be saved ; and that he himself knew of more than 
 100 persons who had been diunkards and were reclaimed, and were then 
 consistent members of Christian Churches." 
 
 The writer of these pages has personally known of several instances, in 
 his own country, of direct advantages to the cause of religion, resulting 
 from the abstinence reform, and he has J)een authentically informed of many 
 others. Several cases have come tc his knowledge of th(j drunken and in- 
 timperate having been reclaimed, and who, shortly after unitiag with absti- 
 nence societies, became pious, and Avere received as members of churchesj 
 ani walked consistently. One Presbyterian minister informed him that he 
 had undergone more trouble with the members of the church under his 
 charge, during about three years, previous to the introduction of the absti- 
 nence reform among them, in preventing or settling controversies and dis- 
 . sensions, than he had experienced during about sixteen years subsequently, 
 although the number of the church had been much increased. Another 
 minister of the same denomination informed him that, within the sphere of j 
 his ministrations, when the abstinence cause declined, and but a partial and j 
 temnorarv revival of the use of stroncrliauors took nlace. tho n,t<-,ftnrIa.Tir»fi in 
 the places of worship fell off ; but so soon as the abstinence reformation j 
 again revived and prospered, such attendance became very visibly more 
 nimierous, and the people more attentive during religious ministrations. A 
 minister of another denomination informed the writer that, during a rapid 
 and general advance in the abstinence cause, in the part of the country in] 
 
 pub&iuuanu 
 
 r^Mf T *v "••^ c3 ' 
 
ly others to the 
 IS submitted by 
 a,rish, he should 
 
 and that from 
 igion, and were 
 urth there were 
 id to the Church 
 wrote that, as a 
 the Gospel were 
 a half there had 
 islon, 130, being 
 fore, and r °arly 
 
 had renounced 
 hat, subsequent 
 ;3 were made for 
 , were not hope- 
 j had since that 
 lat of th6se who 
 bopefully pious, 
 3r stated that, of 
 ifluences of the 
 ich persons who 
 perance society, 
 heard inquiring 
 !w of more than 
 
 and were then 
 
 ■al instances, in 
 igion, resulting 
 formed of many 
 Irunken and in- 
 itiag with absti- 
 ers of churches, 
 ned him that he 
 lurch under his 
 ion of the absti- 
 )ver8ies and dis- 
 rs subsequently, 
 sased. Another 
 in the sphere of | 
 ut a partial and 
 le attendance in 
 nee reformation 
 sry visibly more 
 inistrations. A | 
 , during a rapid I 
 f the country in] 
 
 31 
 
 which he officiated, many members were added to the societies ; and that 
 soon after, a revival of religion took place in the same quarter, and that the 
 whole number of those who, on that occasion, were added to the Church 
 were from among those who had previously joined those societies during 
 that abstmence revival. Another minister, of a different denomination, in a 
 neighbouring colony, informed the writer to the effect, that immediately in 
 connexion with an advancement of the abstinence cause, in the city where 
 he officiated, a revival of religion had taken place, and that holy cause had 
 been extensively promoted. These are only a few, among the almost in- 
 numerable instances to the same effect which might be adduced as having 
 occurred in every country, and nearly every community, in which this excel- 
 lent reform has been established, and has in any good measure succeeded. 
 Viewing, then, on one hand, the crimes and deaths, the destitution and 
 wretchedness, and other afflicting evils, and especially the deep and diver- 
 sified injuries to the Church, which have constantly been resulting from 
 the use of intoxicating drinks ; and on the other hand, the blessings and 
 advantages of every description, particularly those relating to religion 
 which have ever attended the absti^ience reform, surely the appeal may 
 confidently be made, that it is the bounden duty of every minister, and 
 other professor of our pure and benign Christianity, to do his utmost to 
 advance such a benevolent and valuable reform. To every enlightened 
 and really spiritual mind, such would seem, indeed, to be the inevitable 
 and immediate conclusion. But unhappily the great majority of such 
 ministers and other professors, with those evidences and results before 
 them, or the means of readily obtaining a knowledge of them, through 
 prejudice, or some other altogether inexcusable cause, still refrain from 
 affording this reform either their support or their countenance, and some 
 of them are yet found even opposing the efforts to advance it. Some of 
 [those secret, as also of the open opponents, would endeavour to justify or 
 excuse such conduct, by saying, that the principles and precepts of 
 Christianity are sufficient to prevent the evils complained of, and effect the 
 desired reform ; and, therefore, that Total Abstinence Societies and their 
 operations are not at all needed. To this seemingly plausible objection, 
 this plain and decisive answer may at once be given. It is perfectly true 
 that our sublime and holy religion, if rightly understood and duly 
 appreciated, in all its solemn threatenings and warnings, its gracious 
 exhortations and promises, its wise and imperative as well as salutary 
 precepts ; m all its means and pure ministrations, and in the sanctifying 
 and benevolent spirit which it breathes, is perfectly sufficient to make every 
 individual all that he ought to be, not only with regard to the subject in 
 question, but m every other particular, and both as to time and eternity. 
 
 IJ3ut Cjhrisf-.ianifiT- liao u^«., -^i-t,--'-!- _ -1 _ -i ., _ , . . "^ 
 
 I . ""•''■ """' '-'^~" ^^■>^*""^"^^, ana its iueaiisajiciiuiuiscrations have 
 
 Ibeen in operation for upwards of 1800 years, and yet, during nearly the 
 iwhole of this period, all the same mighty obstacles have been impeding the 
 IprogrcM of religion, and the same complicated and desolating evils have 
 ■been afflicting the chur3h, through the use of intoxicating liquors. Yet 
 assuredly there has been no defect or deficiency in our holy and perfect 
 
33 
 
 \, , \H 
 
 I,/ 
 
 religion itself, with regard to preventing or removing those evils. The defect, 
 or rather the blame, has entirely rested with inconsistent professors, vho, all 
 along, seem to have blindly and recklessly thought that the use of strong 
 liquors was in perfect accordance with the spirit and precepts of the gospel. 
 Here has been the fatal mistake, the awful delusion ; and, consequently, 
 religion has not prevented those evils, but they have still been perpetuated, 
 and from age to age ha% e even been increasing. Had the gospel been truly 
 imbibed in its spirit, and its pure and spiritual precepts been rightly 
 regarded, those who professed to believe and obey it would never have 
 indulged in the use of those ensnaring and desolating liquors; and, con- 
 sequently, abstinence societies, with reference to the church, would indeed 
 not have been needed. By reason, however, of the erroneous and fatal con- 
 clusion just mentioned, total abstinence societies, not only as to the world, 
 but even for the benefit of the church, have not only been justifiable and 
 proper, but highly expedient. 
 
 But, again, some are so blind or so rash as to object to a total abstinence 
 society that it is an anti-christian institution or movement. To this pre- 
 judiced and presumptuous assertion, this answer may in the first place be 
 given, that it is evidently the design of the benevolent author of that re- 
 velation of mercy ^yith which we are favoured, not onlj that we should have 
 the well-grounded hope of eternal enjoyment, but that moral evils of 3very 
 description, with all their consoquent afilictions and unhappiness, even in 
 this temporal state, should bd prevented or removed ; and that we should 
 be brought to enjoy all that positive comfort and happiness which are con- 
 sistent with our fallen and imperfect condition. Hence, every institution 
 and measure directly tending to promote and effect such gracious design, 
 though merely as to this life, but much more as to our eternal destination, 
 is not only allowable and proper, but commendable and deserving of sup- 
 port. Now, it has already been shown, and indeed will scarcely be denied, 
 even by any of those who view such societies with aversion or indifference, 
 that they have been extensively instrumental in reclaiming the intem- 
 perate, preventing of crimes, restoring health to individuals, comfort to 
 families, preventing the waste and directing the proper employment of 
 property, with many other advantages of a temporal nature. These advan- 
 tages, at the least, are admitted by all, and these, as already observed, are 
 in direct accordance with the revealed design of that benevolent Being who 
 wills our happiness both here and hereafter. So far, then, from abstinence 
 societies and their operations being anti-scriptural in any mode or degree, 
 directly the reverse is palpably and emphatically true. It is not, of course, 
 pretended that the institution of such societies is enjoined or even hinted 
 at in the Scriptures, but the same must be admitted with regard to Bible, 
 tract, and missionary societies, and all the numerous benevolent institu- 
 tions, and those for moral improvement, now in active and beneficial ope- 
 ration. Christians of nearly every denomination are very laudably found, 
 without any scruple, assisting the operations oi these. In vindicating the 
 establishment and proceedings of abstinence societies, if indeed vindication 
 can be requisite, it may, in the first place, be mentioned, as a negative par- 
 
 passivuntw 
 
 tJUHiv— -; O 
 
vils. Thedefectf 
 ofessors, who, all 
 16 use of strong 
 tts of the gospel. 
 1, consequently, 
 sen perpetuated, 
 ospel been truly 
 ts been rightly 
 uld never have 
 uors ; and, con- 
 ih, would indeed 
 IS and fatal con- 
 as to the world, 
 L justifiable and 
 
 total abstinence 
 t. To this pre- 
 he first place be 
 ithor of that re- 
 
 we should have 
 ■al evils of 3very 
 ppiness, even in 
 
 that we should 
 3 which are con- 
 very institution 
 gracious design, 
 -nal destination, 
 jserving of sup- 
 ,rcely be denied, 
 
 or indiflerence, 
 ling the intem- 
 lals, comfort to 
 employment of 
 !. These advan- 
 ly observed, are 
 )lent Being who 
 from abstinence 
 mode or degree, 
 s not, of course, 
 
 or even hinted 
 regard to Bible, 
 evolent institu- 
 [ beneficial ope- 
 iaudably found, 
 vindicating the 
 leed vindication 
 I a negative par- 
 
 83 
 
 ticular in their favour, that they are not endeavouring to effect, nor are their 
 operations prodr ing, any injury or evil whatever to any of the interests 
 either of individuals or society. They are neither desiring or endeavouring 
 to undermine or alter the laws or the constitutions of governments, or to 
 effect any change in creeds or institutions, formularies or ministrations of 
 religion ; or in the least degree to disturb any ecclesiastical or civil regu- 
 lations ; nor can it, indeed, be said that the effects of their operations are 
 ever of an injurious description in any respect whatever. In this particular 
 they are singularly superior to most other institutions of a merely human 
 character. Their operations are for good, and the results of them are for 
 good alone. They do not, it is true, profess to be religious societies, in the 
 strict sense of the term, but while instrumental in effecting a great moral 
 reform, they are also thereby directly subserving the paramount interests 
 of religion. The advocates »nd friends of this reform know as assuredly, 
 and will as readily acknowledge as those who refrain from assisting them, 
 that no device or operations of men can, of themselves, be available to 
 change the heart, or radically alter the principles or conduct with regard 
 to religion ; but they do contend, and have good reason to do so, that ab- 
 stinence societies, through the means and operations they employ, may be 
 instrumental, and ha ve been so, in innumerable instances, in placing indi- 
 viduals under more favourable circumstances than they previously were, 
 for attending on the ministrations of religion, and for imbibing its spirit, 
 and being iufluenced by its precepts. By abandoning the use of intoxi- 
 cating drink, an individual is just so far complying with the divine ex- 
 hortations and commands, which say, " Let the wicked forsake his way, 
 and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord ;" 
 " Cease to do evil, learn to do well ;" " Forsake the foolish and go in the 
 way of understanding," with numerous others of a similar description. It 
 has already been shown that one good effect of the abstinence reform has 
 been a more general and serious attendance on the ministrations of reli- 
 gion. By forsaking this one dangerous and injurious practice of using 
 strong liquors, very many have been led to abandon other fascinating evils 
 and ways of transgression so generally attending it ; and, while acting in 
 this way, have been met with the invitations and encouragements of 
 
 I mercy, have been graciously drawn to read and to hear the message of 
 salvation, and ultimately been brought to experience its regenerating and 
 saving power. In such cases, the gracious promises are realized, which 
 say,^ " Whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall have mercy;" and 
 again, " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our 
 
 I sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 
 
 But a further objection is urged against the societies, with regard to their 
 
 ImerlOTA. llD-lllMl □/-.win ^-P ^..- J._ -._ ,. 1 • • . • 1 „ 
 
 |i -c-j ■•" j-.-ixtu vi uui ujjjjuuciii/s sjiy, or seem lo insinuaiio, is aiso oi 
 
 Ian anti-scriptural nature. To this it ma> be answered, that if a person has 
 Ifound any part of his conduct to be dangerous and hurtful, he certainly 
 lought to abandon it ; and previous to doing so, a resolution has in reality 
 lalways been formed in his mind. Surely, then, there can be nothing im- 
 Iproper in putting it in writing, and signing it, even in the presence of others 
 
34 
 
 and in conjunction with them. The pledge, as it is commonly called, ia in- 
 deed nothing more or less than a good resolution ; and we are exhorte,! by 
 ministers of the Gospel, and bv friends, to reform our ways, and to form and 
 fulfil resolutions of amendment. With regard to very many of our enjoined 
 obligations and duties, and on many of the lawful and needful occasions of 
 life, we are required to make, and do actually enter into, pointed and strict re - 
 solutions, and some of them are committed to writing. We have, indeed, the 
 very highest authority for the lawfulness or expediency of entering into vows, 
 or forming resolutions for good. It is even commanded, " Vow and pay unto 
 the Lord your God." The wise and pious Psalmist, with regard to various 
 parts of his conduct, entered into voluntary resolutions or pledges, and which 
 we find recorded in the sacred volume. lie has written, " I will not sit with 
 the wicked." " I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before 
 rae." " I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. " I will set no 
 wicked thing before mine eyes ;" and this last, indeed, seems directly in 
 point to the main subject under review. The lOlst Psalm is just a string 
 or list of pledges, or good resolutions, and most of them with reference to 
 practical duties. Lastly, the vow of the Nazarite is directly in point. It 
 was not divinely enjoined, but was entirely voluntary, and yet it was not 
 only permitted, but met with the divine approval and sanction. 
 
 With regard to another objection made to the societies, that there are 
 some persons within them who hold infidel or heretical opinions, it scarcely 
 merits an answer, even though insinuated or put forth by some learned but 
 injudicious divines. It is perfectly possible that there are a few of such 
 characters engaged in the cause, but our opponents would find it very diflS- 
 cult to show that they have ever been so numerous or influential in any 
 society as to have brought about measiures subversive of the interests of 
 sound religion and scriptural morality. Moreover, it would scarcely seem 
 courteous or right to refuse to such persoi>s the privilege of uniting with 
 Christians in the promotion of a work of such general benevolence and 
 usefulness. In the course of such united exertion, those persons might even 
 receive some good to themselves, with regard to religion, by observing the 
 far more exalted principles and motives, and the superior zeal and persever- 
 ing activity, exhibited by orthodox Christians, in carrying forward this ex- 
 cellent work. Even with reference to the Gospel itself, the wise and discri- 
 minating Paul has said, " Some, indeed, preach Christ even of envy and 
 strife, and some also of good will ; what then, notwithstanding, every way, 
 whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached, and I therein do rejoice, 
 yea and will rejoice." If orthodox professors would silence the reproaches, 
 and destroy or weaken the influence of those who are unsound in the faith, 
 there is a ready and scriptural way of effecting those purposes. Let them 
 unanimously and actively engage, and take the lead in this and every other 
 movement for promoting religion, morality, and happiness, and thus, they 
 will most effectually silence such reproaches, evince the truth of their pro- 
 fession, and show that they are indeed the redeemed people of the Lord, 
 " zealous of good works." But what shall be said on this matter, concerning 
 the thomand-s of Christian ministers, and even millions, in all, of other . 
 
35 
 
 Christian person., who a>. now enrolled in the totij atstinence societies 
 and conducting their operations. Undoubtedly, some deference M,d respwt' 
 are due to the.r judgment and conduct on the subject. It will scarcelVbe 
 pretended or msmuatcd that these are careless about the spr«.d of infidel 
 or unwriptural opinions, or indifferent to the interests ot .rue religion and 
 gospel morality. Surely their brethren, who stand aloof from tbim as to 
 this movement will not claim to have among themselves all the sound 
 
 Chr., .anuymthe world. Even our opponents, orthosebeholdiugour cause 
 wHh ,nd.fference, wUl readily admit that many of those minister. a„1 
 other professors are among the wise and excellent of the e,.rth The de- 
 
 ZZ >r'"^"°''- '^™'°"' "' '^' '»" "'""^ °f '""ly Christian people 
 m^ed m these soc.etics, ought, by every candid and unprejudiced^nd, 
 to be vowed as alone quite sufficient evidence in .heir favour, and should 
 mduce those Christian professors who oppose or stand aloof from them, very 
 strongly to suspect that themselves are, indeed, in a wrong position It is 
 -^ry well known that the use of intoxicating liquors ha. !n numerous n 
 stances led to the adoption of infidel sentiments and irreligious and im- 
 moral conduct, but we may safely challenge our opponents to produr. 
 ..ngle mstance in which the adoption of the total abstinence prfncTpror 
 the ope,«hons of abstinence societies, have of themselves produL any swh 
 sen uments or conduct. Neither can they, with all thefr prcjudicerand 
 perverted ingenuity, produce any plausible reason to show that the M- 
 nence principle ha. even any tendency to produce .uch evil result!. 
 
 The objection, which have here been commented on, with all others in- 
 
 deed being futile and groundless, and the results of the operations „"h„ 
 
 leties being so extensively beneficial, it may again be pointedly urged 
 
 hat in accordance w th the Redeemer', design, that hi. people shoull bo 
 
 zealous of good works ;" it is their imperativedi-tytoadopt the total ah 
 
 stinence principle themselves, and to aftbrd their unL and exer dons t 
 
 the utmost degree. Inspiration ha. said, that " it is good to be zealouslv 
 affected always in a good thing," and we are command to " abounrfe^ 
 
 ^.^^ ., ""' """^ " *" instromentality for good, and for 
 
 fX, u '." T"T^ *=*""■" "P^-^"""- There are .tiU many d^nkJd 
 in heworld to be reclaimed, and some in the churches too; manyof tr/oung 
 
 and nr'V;" """ '"'' ™«"^ '»™''» intemperlnce, to be wZi 
 wantTdTl r ""^ '■ T' "°""™ """ "''"^-' '» '« deliveredTom 
 
 uraltlr/!:.'^J°'°"°r.8 -?• S^-'y it is worthy of Christians. 
 pIish'thos7,;,TlT I"" ft ""'" ^^ ■""* ^"^"i^' '° ™deavour to accom- 
 
 eal g uT I:t^V t'b™*- ',' " ""' °' *' '>^«"" "•'J-'^ »""- 
 world ever wl-r'.,\''' '' ""* '" '^' ^^-' "'^ a. K^to to the 
 I evil and to en ° "^ kh"™-? to prevent and restrain all manner of 
 |. evil, and to encourage and promote every description of good 
 
■:| 
 
 In here drawing to a conclusion, it may be well to re-i£ite the poaitioni 
 which hare been taken, and which, it xb trusted, have in some goad degree 
 been supported bj proofs and legitimate reasons and argum^its The 
 positions are these : — 
 
 1. That there is no scriptural authority for the use of intoxicating Uquors 
 as a bererage, but on the contrary, such use is thereby forbidden ' 
 
 ^^ 2. That the wine recommended in the scriptures was not an intoxicating 
 
 3 That the drinking of any of the spirituous liquors now in use in Great 
 Bntam, may property be termed the gratification of a " worldly lust " and, 
 as such, IS denounced and prohibited in the text ' 
 
 4 Th^t such use is quito inconsistent " with the injunctions to live 
 
 soberly, « Tvghteomlyr « godly ^ and to exhibit a « peculiarity'' froih the 
 
 people of the world j and, therefore, may justly be denominated an evil or 
 sinful practice. 
 
 6. That innumerable good effects of every description have resulted from 
 the total abstinence reform, commenced and carried forward through the 
 instrumentaKjy of abstinence societies. . 
 
 ^ And lastly, that in the view of the « good works" thus accomplished it 
 M required of aU who really wish Veil to themselves and to others and 
 most especially is it the imperative duty of Christian ministers, and other 
 religious professors, to abstain altogether from intoxicating liquors, and to 
 sanction and zealously assist the operations of abstinence societies. 
 
 But if some of such ministers and professors will still retain their objec- 
 tions or prejudices against those societies, they may, at least, adopt a diffe- 
 rent mode of conduct from that which they are now observing They are 
 fully aware, that innumerable and most afflicting evils are still prevailing 
 through the use of intoxicating drinks, and must also be fully convinced 
 that numerous advantages and blessings have resulted from the abstinence' 
 principle. Let all such ministers, then, exhibit the example of constantly 
 abstaimngfrom all those liquors, and refrain from furnishing them to others 
 and let them, in the pulpit and in private, through* the press, and in every 
 other suitable and available mode, earnestly and zealously denounce and 
 warn against their use, as not only dangerous but decidedly improper 
 And let aU such other professors abstain in like manner, and according to 
 their abiUty and the means in their power, endeavour, with reference to 
 the subject, to prevent or diminish the evil, and promote the good Such 
 conduct wiU, in both, be in harmon> with their high and holy vocation, 
 and wiU, in this particular at least, exemplify to a selfish, sensual, ^d 
 unrighteous worid, that they are, indeed, a redeemed and « peculiar people 
 zealous of good works." tr.fi 
 
 ( " 
 
 H. Armour, Printer, 54 South Bridge, Edinburgh. 
 
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