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I B B Z^?tm^m «it IIk ^0ly ^aijituTO FKBrKO'l'INu ^ WINE Aisl) STRONG ORTNK., I A i^OUllBE OF LECTURES f erv,i\ i iiEjo i^fi'OEK ^ TIIK PlJTOi ., A. ©OCIKTY. M ^ TUBLTPHED UNDER THK \U PICES OF THE riCTOl COUNTY \ TEMPERANCE LEAGUE. t i' U ^ T O I' , N. 8. . ■VXA.'VX'W--. ^v-v- -> v-v.-\.v\ w-«*->.>.'VVva v^v-v.-" , / PlSl.of T3 325 mtf MHM "C » s^; WIN TH PUBLISI .:&. ^-^ftlfW!'!^ iK m THE tSlfsitiwong of tlw §10% f aiptwwis BESFECIINQ WINE AND STRONG DRINK, BEING THE SUBSTANCE OP A COURSE CI LECTURES BELIYEBED BEFORE * • r • • ' • 1 THE a?to?r6iir:i?:-^e'.^QgiETY. • « - - - • • • • • • • k - t PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OP THE PICTOU COUNTY TEMPERANCE LEAGUE. PICTOU, jsr. s. . 1858. ■Mi \ tm^^;^ AX^VEHTISEMEISTT. The following Lectures were delivered in 1848, by Mr. J. W. (now Principal) Dawson, and were published at the time in the Eastern Cbro- KiCLE. They are now reprinted under the auspices of "The Pictou County Temperance League/' with the addition of a few Notes furnished by the author. Though tec years have elapsed since their first publication, it is believed that they still present a lucid and accurate general view cf the subject, and that they will prove of service to all who choose to regulate their conduct in this important matter by the precepts of the word of God. NOVXHBE]t> 185d« ' V > » • * i>3 ?: E, M. MACDONALD, PRINTER! ^ SOUTH MARKET STrEET, PIOTQU, N0VASC0TIA» B. Q. R. Theg of salvs a ncces they CO] every si eveiy ci which ] approve greeme] injuncti The I drinks the prei Bides o in'toxici do so, a refusiiij which words, from ii This q friends i tfr. J. W. (noTT Eastern Chro- 5 Pictou County urnished by the tublicatioD, it is ral view cf the oose to regulate e word of God. I LECTURE, &C. The great leading object of the Scriptures is the offer of salvation to fallen man, through Jesus Christ ; but as a necessary appendage to this good news of salvation, they contain a rule of life fitted to guide the christian in every step of his pilgrimage. By this rule he should try ever}'- custom and practice of society, and every scheme which professes to benefit the human race ; and should approve or reject according to their agreement or disa- greement with the hading principles and more particular injunctions of the holy book. The conduct of christians in reference to intoxicating drinks forms no exception to this great principle. At the present time men are ranging themselves on opposite sides of this question ; some abstaining from all that intoxicates, and maintaining that it is the duty of all to Jo so, as the only way of arresting intemperance ; others refusing to ab'itain, or to adrait that it is necessary. On which side should a christian place himself? — or in other words, whether does God's word require him to abstain from intoxicating drinks, or encourage him in their use ? This question is answered in very different ways. The friends Of abstinence usually build their cause on that 56333 ^"■iffiiK^ SCRIPTURE TESTIMONY M ir groat law of ohriatictn lovo which ombrarcs tho whole tcacliing of tho Bible in reference to our conduct to our fellow men. Itt^ opponents usually fortify themselves with passages of Scripture countenancing the use of wine. Where then lies tho truth ? Does one party misapply tho great leading precepts of the gospel, or does tho other misapprehend individual passages? oi is the word of God undecided or self-contradictory ? These questions every christian should bo prepared to answer; and my object in these lectures is to inquire seriously into tho testimony of tho Biblo on this subject, by examining all the passages in which wino and strong drink are men- tioned, either with apparent approval or reprehension ; and by shortly considering tho bearing of tho principles of christian love and self-denial on the use of these and similar drinks as now existing. In preparing the statements which follow, I have con- sulted every authority within my reach, and must ac- knowledge myself indebted to most of the later writers on the subject, especially to Eev. P. Mearns, whose littlo work the "Vine, Olive and Palm,'' should bo read by every one who wishes to understand this subject. I have, however, taken nothing on the bare assertion of any man, but have endeavored by a careful study of every passage in the original, and by comparing scrip- ture with scripture, and with the nature of the substan- ces in question, and the customs of the times, to form an independant opinion ; or at least to ascertain the value of the evidence by which the views of different writers are supported. I have not sought to make out a case either for or against Total Abstinence ; but have endea- vored to inquire in a spirit of fairness, and with a desire that I might be guided to the pure unmixed truth. I entreat all who hear me, and especially those who really endeavor to regulate their conduct by the word of God, to come to the consideration of this important subject in the same spirit. T riesl varil thall "'H^iS'^^^&iai'^^' ^fljH*"}^ s tho whole 1(1 net to our themselves U8eof wine, y misapply >r does tho is tho word sc questions 3r; and my ly into tho amining all k are men- prehension ; e principles f these and I have con- id must ac- iter writers ivhose little bo read by subject. I tsscrtion of il study of 'ing scrip- le substan- o form an the value fit writers out a case vo endea- h a desire truth. I bo really d of God, ubject in i ON WINE AND STRONG DRINK. The plan which 1 slwill ])iirsuc in the followinL? inqui- ries is to consider, first, the nature of the (irapc, and tlie various products which can be obtiiinod from it; second- ly, the testimony of tlie Old Testament, and thii'dly, that of the New Testam«*nt. . THE GRAPE AND ITS PRODUCTS. 1. For our prosont ])urpose, a ripe grape may be view- ed as a tough skin or niembrane, tilled with very delicate cells, containing a sweet sugary juice, a small quantity of vegetable albumen, (a substance analogous in compo- sition and properties to tho white of Qgg,) and a vegeta- ble acid, the tartaric, in combination with potash, form- ing the substance known as Tartar, or Cream of Tartar. It is scarcely necessary to say that the ripe grape is a delicious fruit, and that it is, especially in vino growing countries, used in large quantities. If carefully pulled and stored, tho ripe grape may be preserved Avithout any change for a considerable time ; if properly treated even till tho next vintage. 2. By drying in the sun or ovens, and thus converting them into raisins, grapes may be preserved for an indefi- nite time. This process has been employed to a great extent both in ancient and modern times, and we shall soon find that dried grapes formed an important article of food among the ancient Hebrews. 3. When grapes are thrown into a press or cistern, and trodden by men or otherwise pressed, a large quantity of sweet juice, usually termed Must is obtained. If exposed to the air. Must speedily becomes changed, but it may when fresh be used as a beverage, and has been employed in this way from a very ancient period. 4. If the Must be boiled, so as to evaporate a large portion of ita water, a sweet sjTup h prcxiuced, rcsom- T^lltflWmP:^ im 6 SCHM'TIUK TKSTIMoNY blini>' tro.nolo, l)ut more a^jrociiMe; and in pomo conn- trios tliis KuhstMuro is now ])rt'pMro(l in coiisidcrablo qiianlitios. In S\'i'ia at proseiit i^rapcsyni)) is called DibSf and l)i'. Shaw states that in Ids time not less than 2000 cwts. were annually exported to K^^ypt tVoni Hebron alone; and Dr. Robinson found the same manufacture troinix on in Hebron, and states that the dihs is much used by all classes as a condiment with their food. I'here is ground for believing that the irehreAV Ih'hash, translated honey, often means the syrup of grapes; and if so, tlio trade above mentioned in ''dibs/' is pi'obably very ancient, since Ezekiel in enumerating the ])rincipal articles ex- ported to Tyi*e from Judah and Isi-ael, mentions Debash as one of them. (Ez. xxvii. 17.) 5. Tho most important change to which the jnico of the grape can be subjected is fermcitation. If the Must bo placed in an open vessel at a tempcraturo of about sixty degrees, it soon ferments spontaneously. Tho albumen already mentioned appears to bo tho first sub- stance Avhich undergoes change, and in doing so it be- comes a yeast or ferment, under the influence of which tho sugar of tho juico undergoes a complete metamor- " phosis, being converted into alcohol, which remains in tho liquid, and carbonic acid, a gas or air which escapes, causing a strong effcrvescenco or boiling up of tho fluid. During this process yeast is thrown up to tho surface, and the tartar, being less soluble in alcohol than in wa- ter, is in part separated in tho form of powder, and the liquid becomes turbid or muddy. Tho violence of the fermentation soon subsides, but the process still goes on more slowly, in some kinds of wine for a year or more. In modern ■wine making, the fermented Must is generally put into casks to undergo this slow fermentation. Tho quality of the wine produced depends on the pe- culiarities of the variety of grape used, and on tho me- thods employed ; and with reference to these, we may divide a classes. First whole alcohol. AVines, usually tries, a Others Madein warmes cent, of be mad( rect pr< i liquor, known, the late deed it liquors and alec favor. Tho I wines, i before t when tl: with off< Port or adds to t quiro th^ preserv( known among tied in Tho prf howeve express * I Bomo conn- oonsidt'i'ablo :H culled Diba, HS than 2000 lebron alone; lire ^oing on I used hy all L»re is ground >hited honey, »o, the trade ery ancient, articles ex- tions Dchash the juice «)f If the Must uro of about )Ously. Tlio :he first sub- ing so it be- co of which e mctamor-" . remains in lich escapes, of the fluid. the surface, than in wa- ier, and the ence of the still goes on sar or more. is generally -tion. is on the pe- on the me- se, wo may ON WrXE AND STRONG DRINK. J divide all the wines of modern and ancient times into four classes. Fii'st. — T^ry Wines. In these the whole or nearly the whole of the sugar j)resent in the grape is converted into alcohol. Some wines of this kind are called Lijlit J)ry AVines, as Hock, Hermitage, Claret, kv. These are usually the product of the more northern grape coun- tries, and contain from 8 to 18 per cent, of alcohol. Others are called Strong Dry Wines, as Port, Sherry and Madeira; these are produced in warmer though not the warmest grape countries, and contain from 18 to 20 per cent, of alcohol. They are the strongest wines that can be made, and the stronger kinds are usually not the di- rect product of ferm -mutation, but are mixed with distilled liquor. These dry wines appear to have been little known, and not esteemed in Biblical times, or even in the later periods of Greek and Roman civilization. In- deed it was not until in modern times the use of distilled liquors had vitiated the taste of mankind, that the harsh and alcoholic wines of this class were regarded with any favor. The second class includes the brisk or effervescing wines, as Champagne. Wines of this kind are bottled before the fermentation is completed, and in consequence when they are uncorked carbonic acid escapes from them with effervescence. These wines are not so alcoholic as Port or Sherry, but the carbonic acid present in them, adds to their exhilirating powder. Champagne is said to re- quire the addition of sugar to the grape juice, in order to preserve the sparkling quality. AYine of this kind was known in very ancient times; indeed it appears that among the Hebrews fermented wines were ahvays bot- tled in skin bottles, before fermentation was finished. The practice is alluded to in the book of Job. We shall, however, find in the sequel, that wines of this kind are expressly discountenanced by the inspired writers* .vi!fflnm:{>i y-i' . aeiai:i*r^-' '■^^'i'ih'' *f '-■*•*' ^ l» wa««wii| m 8 SCRIPTURE TESTIMONY ii i\ I dissolve* drunk, the Scr estoenio( * Mr. lit Xnrrlrnk v. unformeutc nary grape Mr. Eli modern met May, 1840. unprepared lu other wo fermcntatio The third class consists of Siveet Avines, as Malmsi and Tokay. In these a portion of the sugar is unft mented, giving a considerable degree of sweetness to t liquor. The grapes of warm climates are those whi most readily produce these wines, as they contain tl| largest proportion of sugar. These wines sometim contain as little as tiine or ten per cent of alcoh( These rich sweet wines were highly esteemed in ancie times. The wine of C^^prus which in the present day remarkable for sweetness, was the most valuable wni of the Greeks and Eomans; and the latter people, order to make mitatiojis of such rich wines, were . the habit of preparing wines from half dried grapes, ^i^-of juice boi of sealing up the juice of their sweetest grapes in jar far de-aibun and burying them in the ground or immersing them i tjnodcratc water, so that only a very sliti-ht fermentation mi£>;l 1*^'' ^""* , , ,. , . . 1 . *lerstands vc occur, and the sweetness oi the juice be retamei ^.j, .^,1^^^^ Sweet wines of this class are made in Syria, and th lice in the E grapes of a country so warm as Palestine, must at a Analyses of times have been peculiarly suited for their production, f ^".*^" ,° * °^ mi o 1 1 . n . 1 r. f "n P^^^' ^f alcohol; that is weak, compared to the stronger kinds of claret \ ^ 1 r ' f'"^ ^^® weakest Madeira and Sherry. Unfortunately, however; we do not nnes maQe IlOl ^^m^^ precisely the mode of manufacture of these wines, nor whether they part of grap fairly represent the present wines of the country, nor the extent to which and the SWec W^ strength had been increased by keeping and carriage. nnl-klA nf nnHpT t '^^® following general statements give the more essential facts: — Must, " r 1 ^ fermented to the full extent, gives a wine containing, according to the jV may Oe KC] ^ind of grape, from 5 to 25 per cent, of alcohol, and from 4 to 94 grains wine is madt (|f sugar in the ounce. There are, however, several methods of preparing Franco wher W^ must which were in general use in ancient times, and which give a less 'coholic and more saccharine quality to the wine. These last must also distinguished from that boiling into syrup also much practised, and the iroduct of which it appears was sometimes also called wine, though more ually distinguished from it. For a popular view of the composition wines and other fermented drinks, see Johnston's " Chemistry of Com- on Life;" but it must bo remarked that this author, while careful to in- rm us of the efifccts of alcohol in supplying in some degree the material animal heat, omits to notice suflBciently its other efforts, on the nervous stem and digestive organs, which render it so much less suitable for this rpose than the many harmless and less costly articles of diet, which ould produce all its good results "without its evil. , vin cuit, botli made in th dnes usually &■ ,vorite beveragt times. Plim ' boiled down t( !'hese must havt i Tcely alcoholic ' required to h: llH° ■**' ":.' ■■■■HS''''t¥!'i^'U*'')rf?''/-'*^%'jil-> k 10 BCRIPTURB TESTIMONY The above short account of the products of the grape must be kept in view throughout our investigations, since without distinguishing between the wines and other sub- stances produced from the grape, it will be impossible properly to appreciate the Scripture testimony. THE OLD TESTAMENT. If any person desirous of information on the wine question, consults the English version of the Old Testa- ment, he will probably be very much puzzled in attempt- ing to decide what are the views of the iu'^pired writers respecting wine. He will find it in some passages men- tioned as one of God's greatest temporal benefits, and associated with those productions which are most useful and agreeable to man. In other places he will find it associated with vice of every kind, and its use as a bever- age decidedly discouraged. I have little doubt that many persons really desirous of information on this point, have given up in despair the attempt to obtain any unequivocal decision from the Old Testament. The reason of these apparent contradictions is, however, a very simple one. In the authorised version, eight Hebrew words, some of them denoting wines, others the grape itself or its juice in different states, are translated by the English word wine, qualified by the adjectives mixed, new, sweet, &c. ; and consequently any passage to which the English reader refers, may apply to articles entirely difterent from wine, as we usually understand that word. In mak- ing this statement; I do not wish to bring any general charge of inaccuracy against the authorised version of' the Scriptures. It is, however, well known that its translations of the names of ojects of natural history and domestic use nre often incorrect, both because when it was made ttie knowledge of the natural history and domesti feet; ai English in mode kinds "w we shall questioi of our e will the ing of 1 method to cons: containc denote ^ This i the Scri I thirty ei ''' authoris adjectiv" mention ^ from Yi explaine !: po8sessi( > seems m the scrij .root ab( part of 4 Howeve I inquiries I denote t i proved I ' 1. It i |vi.l5," I thee wit 4 bflil»mUil^kx» ox WINE AND STRONG DRINK. 11 of tho grapo gationa, since nd other sub- e impossible ony. on the wine lO Old Testa- id in attcmpt- pired writers tassages men- benefits, and most useful will find it id as a bever- bt that many Is point, have '■ unequivocal -son of these y simple one. :)rds, some of or its juice in ih word wine, et, &c. ; and iglish reader fterent from d. In mak- any general ised version lown that its ,1 history and ause when it history and domestic manners of eastern countries was very imper- fect; and because many objects of this kind have no English names, or nothing exactly equivalent to them in modern usage. There arc indeed, some words of those kinds whose meaning is still involved in some doubt; and we shall find that one or two of those bearing on the wine question are in this predicament. In pursuing that branch of our subject which relates to the Hebrew Scriptures, it will therefore be necessary to inquire into the real mean- ing of the terms employed ; and perhaps tho simplest method of treating the whole of this department will bo to consider under each word the texts in which it is contained. I shall begin with those words which do not denote wine usually so called. 1. "TIROSH"— VINTAGE FRUIT. This is one of the most important words in relation to the Scripture testimony regarding wine. It occurs in thirty eight places, in all of which it is rendered in the authorised version by the word wine, sometimes with the adjectives new and sweet; and in most of which it is mentioned in an approving manner. The word is derived from Yarash to possess or inherit, and this used to be explained as implying that Tirosh possesses or takes possession of a man by its intoxicating joower; but it seems much more probable, and more in accordance with the scriptural use of the Avord, that it is taken from the root above named,' because " tirosh" was a principal part of the possession or inheritance of an Israelite. However this may be, it is now well established by the inquiries of various late writers, that the word does not denote wine of any kind ; and this I think can easily be proved by a few of the passages in which it occurs. 1. It is said to be trodden in the wine press, Micah vi. 15, " Thou shalt tread the olives, but shaltnot anoint thee with oil, and the new wine (Tirosh) but shalt not verses, some of them already quoted, in which the destruction of the " tirosh" is predicted as a judgment on the sins of Israel. In Judges ix. 18, in a parable in which the trees and shrubs are represented as speaking, the vme says, "shall I leave my wine (vintage fruit) which cheereth God and man ?" As it appears in our version, this seems to refer to the exhilirating effects of wine, but the real reference is to the joy and feasting with which the vintage and the presentation of the first fruits to God were celebrated. A kindred passage, alluding to the rejoicing attending the harvest and vintage, is Ps. iv. 8, " Thou has put more gladness in my heart than they have in the time when their corn and wine (vintage fruit) increased." A some- what similar expression occurs in Zech. ix. 17, " Corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids." The imputation against the Israelitish maidens, apparently conveyed in this passage, is entirely removed when we find that vintage fruit only is meant. The word translated "cheerful" in this passage, however, more properly mea. s to thrive or grow, and it is pro- bable that the nutritive properties of corn and grapes are referred to, rathei than tho cheerfulness of the vintago. In 2 K i^f a ver>| niabshuk voring t nllegiancj present, vine andl of the y\ you awal find win( iiuthorit; of the ta would A promises A pa obscured ^^ Thus Si ^cluster, i it, so wi destroy of grape obvious Btood, a iiitrodu( grape o] is at on pared t( to be d( crated tage. I ! preserv Ther to Tiro wine ■' sage sc ), is prol j;!lip;i^'^i^^^^«^^^ lire testimony )b Hays, « God fy.tness of the Jcr. xxxi. 12, d in gathering le and sing in r to the good- d for oil/' In .^ou corn and n these j^ass- ?e fruit," the 3ly specimens which may be y quoted, in predicted as the trees and says, "shall reth God and leems to refer real reference fitage and the e celebrated, ng attending has put more fc time when 1." A some- '• 17, "Corn ew wine the ish maidens, ely removed tieant. The e, however, d it is pro- i grapes are 9 vintage. ON WINli Al^D STftONU DBIIfK. 15 In 2 Kings xviii. and Isaiah xxxvi., wo have a re])ort of a very temperate S2)eccli from aver^^ unlikely quarter, niabshakhch, the envoy of the king of Assyria, in endea- voring to tempt the Hubjeds of Ilezekiah from their allegiance, says, " Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and eat yo every one of his vine and every one of his figtree, and drink ye every one of the waters of his own cistern, until I come and take ^'ou away to a land like your own land, a land of corn Hind wine (vintage fruit.)" This speech although of no authority in itself, is valuable as affording an indication of the tastes of the people of Judah, to which Eabshakeh would without doubt endeavor to accommodate his promises. A passage whose force and meaning are greatly obscured by the mistranslation of tirosh is Isaiah Ixv. 8, ¥^ Thus saith the Lord, as the new wine is found in the ^cluster, and one saith destroy it not for a blessing is in it, so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all." As wine cannot be found in a cluster of grapes, this passage has in our version no plain or obvious meaning, unless the juice of the grape is under- Btood, and even then it has little force ; but when we introduce the true meaning of the Hebrew word, ripe grape or vintage fruit, a beautiful and expressive figure is at once developed. God's servantsin Israel are com- pared to ripe grapes in an unripe cluster, and this is not to be destroyed, for it is blessed, as a part of the conse- crated first fruits, and as a presage of the coming vin- tage. So, we are told in the next verses, Israel would be preserved for the sake of God's elect who were in it. There is but one verse in which any evil is attributed to Tirosh. " Hosea iv. 11, idolatry and wine and new wine (vintage fruit) take away the heart." This is a pas- sage sometimes quoted in arguing against wine ; but it is probable that the wine and vintage fruit of this pas- .•^WPi^i h»^-Jj -mm' 16 SCHIPTUBB TESTIMONY sago were offered to idols or used in idolatrous feasts,' and thrtit is in this^vay thatthoy are said to have taken away the hearts ofGod'w people. It thus appears that the proper translation of this word 'J removes a considerable number of the texts which may? bo quoted in favor of wine. It may, however, bo argued that since vintage fruit is the material for wine-making, the passages above quoted may bo considered as indi- rectly approving of wine. It must not, however, be for- gotten that there are other and important uses of the grape. From July, when the earliest grapes ripen in Palestine, till September, the Israelites had a constant succession of ripe grapes, and in plentiful seasons the time of th(^ ripe grapes lasted even longer than this, (see Leviticus xxvi. 5.) In this point of view alone, a fruit so sweet, juicy and nutritive as the grape, was an inesti- mable blessing, especially in a warm and dry country, where fruit was probably used at eyary meal. Dried grai^es also formed a staple article of diet, and the deli- cious grape syrup, among a people who were probably as fond of sweetmeats ap other orientals, must have been highly valued, especially as cane sugar w^as then pro- bably little known. These considerations are amply sufficient to justify the high place given to the grape among the bounties of Providence, if liO wine had ever been made from it } and if wine-making were now to cease, they would still entitle the grape to rank among the most valuable fruits. We shall how^ever, bo in a better position for deciding on this point, when wo have considered the testimony of the inspired writers respect- ing fermented wine.* togct^ of dr ancicj tivc prepa East. and inadvl mode] cake Two Bame Jems w^onu good 2. "ESHISHAH"— A CAKE OF RAISINS. This word is derived from the root ashash, to press *■ For farther discussion of the meaning of Tiroeh, see Mcarns' "Tirosh lo Yayin," and "Olive, Vin« and Palm,** aJ^ Kitto'e and Eadie'a Oydope- dia«, Art. '*WiBe." j '^^gii^i2a#S55i!^«w imi i *^^u.'-isi^ii?i»i oJatrous feasts d to have taken ion of tliis word xts which may ever, bo argued r wino-makinir, iidored as indi- nvever, be for- tnt uses of the i-apes ripen in had a constant ill seasons the than this, (see alone, a fruit was an inesti- dry country, meal. Dried , and the deli- ^ere j)robably usthave been ^as then pro- s are amply :o the grajDe ^ine had ever were now to rank among er, be in a hen wo have ters respect- INS. sh, to press learns' "Tirosh ladio'a Oyclope- ON WINE AND STRONG DRINK. 17 together, and it is probably the name of a preparation of di'ied gra|)eH, in the form of cakes, much used by the ancient Hebrews, and highly valued as a rich and nutri- tive article of food, as Buckinghum informs us similar preparations of the grape and its juice, now arc in the East. This word is translated in our version " flagons," and " flagons of wine," which must have been a mere inadvertence, as I believe most authorities ancient and modern are agreed that the word means at least a sweet cake of some sort. The wovd occurs only in four places. Two of these, 2 Sam. vi. 19, 1 Chron. xvi. 3, relate to the same occurrence : after the ark had been brought to Jerusalem, David is said to have given to every man and womari of the assembled multitude " a loaf of bread, a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine." This "flagon of wine" should be read a "cake of raisins." In Song ii. 5 the bride in our version says, " Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples," — the more correct reading is, " Stay (nourish) me with raisin cakes." In Hosea iii. 1, the Israelites are accused o^ serving idols and " loving flagons of Avine." Here also the original is cakes of rai- sins ; and it is probable that these, like the vintage fruit referred to under last head, were offered to the idols or consumed in idolatrous feasts. It may be proper to remark, before leaving this word, that cakes of figs were also in common use; and that bunches of dried grapes or raisins are also mentioned in several places as ordinary articles of food. (1 Sam. xxx. 10, & XXV. 18, 2 Sam. x^i. 1, 1 Chron. xii. 40. 3. "ASIS"— MQST. This word is derived from the verb Asas, to tread ; and it literally means that which is trodden out of the grape, namely, must, or the fresh juice of the grape, as it flows from the wine-press. In the authorised version it is tran- slated new wine, sweet wine and in one place juice. This isSPSl 18 eCIin>TUllE TESTIMONY Hu])sluncc was UKod uh a drink in uneiont tinioH, tlni J'^ ''^"^''^^' Sill riuinioh'H cup-])carer is represented as preHHin/.>; Ihejuic ||'''" into his cup; it was o' - the material from whieh wer l!^''"^'^'^' made syru))M and wines is mentioned in the Seri])tiirc ^'^'^^^' ^^' approvingly. In the Song of Solomon viii. 2, the jiiiee STRONil DRINK. 19 iont tlmoH tlm ll'^ .incioiit IIoLrowH, na common to ferment ini;- nuist and ircHHin£>- tlio iui( Jf"''"'^^^''^ waters. Our tnmsliitors profcrrcd Iho idoa of •cm which wcr P'^"^''^'^» ''^*^ hIiico in fcrnicntinu;, the jiiico of the ^-^1)0 in the Scri))tiiro |^^'i'>^^» becomes turbid, and in the case of the juice of (hirk ii. 2 the juice o <)<'1'^^'^'<-1 ujrapes fermented ah)neut. xxxii. 14) it is mentioned among a number of must nor blood ^^^''b^ nutritious and stimulatin<;- articles of food which 1 which also at ^*^*^^ made Jeshuron wax fat. In this place it is called 1 drunkenness "^^'*^ Blood of the grape." In tlie other passage, Isaiah 3wl ye drinkers *^^'''- "■'*' ^'*>d's clmr^-h is com]-)!ired to ji " vinoyanl of rod for it is cut ofi^^"^*' ''''''*^ ^^ su|)j)oscd to refer to some particular 50S however thin ^^^^^'*^' of grape; but it is said that some copies have in w^asto the vinc-^^'^ place hcmed "pleasant" instead of /ir/wj^r, and perhaps I the drunkards *'§'^ former is the proper wor* ' P III Willi any of iiitoxici most ooiiHuonly donotoK the Hodimoiit deposited i bottom of newly fermented -vvino. The Hebrews t* this substance Shcmarim either because it was belitn This is preserve the flavor of the wine, or because it was itWino of a| ed in the vessel after the wine was drawn off. Inprt^bably version it is rendered dregs or lees; but in one passainct of tluj some importance to our present subject, " Wines oiJW Fin<^li^ lees." This passage is Isaiah xxv. G, in which 3B|'^y *^^^*'| promises s|)iritual blessing to his people under the einBltJre cai[ of "Fat things full of marrow, of wines on the Iceslpong tlii refined." Hero, the only word answering to "• wiiiiWl>^vever li the lees," is Shemarim, Our translators seem to >* fermen understood that the lees arc here put for the 4f^t)s" lik which was di-awn off from them or had long stood-M contr: them. It seems, however, vcrj^ improbable that in iWn^ l''-'!' scription referring to a sumptuous feast, the dreg*l|^ perha refuse alone should bo mentioned; especially as th/^- In tl prussion, a feast of dregs, is evidently not fitted to^^^*^^ ^^ V before the mind the idea of delicious wines ; and bcsW 1^^*^ f^ti it is not probable that wines which had long settlcMfei'e wer their lees wore esteemed by the Hebrews. For t*^*^*^ ^^^'^'< reasons some modern critics are inclined to believe ♦^^^^^^^ ^^ the word Shemarim liei^e means some thick and rich'^^^^^l ^^ serve made from the grape or other fruits. Yiewc*^^'- ^'^ this way, the expression w^ould be a " feast of presoI^l^^*^^^^^ P^' well purified." Whother or not this be the correct rt'l'^^^® > ^1 ing of this difficult passage, it is evident that it caii^S* ^^^ ^ , umcrous, rder to gi it may have been applied to th« scum taken from the surface of ligg|jQ(j^|i3cr wines, rather than the sediment j and the former being both sweci -t rri „ nutritive, may when refined or purified have boon the delicacy in quc^ * I find no notice, however, of such an article as actually in use. In A6D1C\\ S c miah xlviii. 11, and Zeph. i. 12, wine settled on the lees is used as a -lliVOC.'U d bol of nations in a state of stolid indifference and wickedness. Thij^ first p sufficient to indicate that " wines en the lees" could hardly be an cpi for good wine, though some critics have, with strange perversity, dr quit© the opposite conclusion from this. S^: -;:-; 0-^ WI.NK A.MD 8TR05a DRINK. 21 iNY Ith nnv ccitftinty bo cited nn implying any approval intoxicating wino. 3nt deposited 1 he IIchrewH ti so it was believ C. " YAYIN"— WINE. Tliis is tl»o usual and generic word for manufactured scauHc it waM nfllne of all kinds, in the Hebrew Scriptures; and it is drawn oil'. Inprobably th^origiiud or most ancient name for the pro- )ut in one passaillct of the grape. The (jreek oinos the Jjat in vinum, and ect, *' Wines oiJlJ' Knglish iclnc, as well as the eorcsponding "words in . G, in which oaiuy other languages, appear to be a n^oditication of it. lo under the eni«|oi'<^ can bono doui»t that some of the wines in use nes on the Icesljpong the Hebrews woro highly intoxicating. I can oring to '' wilu*|^vever iind no evidence that they allowed the process ators scorn to )^ fei-mentation to proceed so far as to produce " dry put for the Jwies" like those in common use in modern times. On had Ion'*" stooii-ll^ contrary it appears tiuit the wine was enclosed in •obablo that in I'kins before it luid ceased to eiTervesco (Job xxxii. 19) bast the drci,'*TWi perhai)s Avithout any previous fermentation in the jepocially as tlu'^^t. In these circumstances, a sweet effervescing wino i not fitted to^^^''^ ^^ produced ; and there can bo little doubt that this wines • and bo'^lfe ^^i^ strongest wino known in Old Testament times, luid lohf setth'^^^'*^ wore also aUusions which shew that that boiled brows. For t^^^*^ woro made; and that among the Jews, as in other ned to boliovo »fttions of ancient times, these luscious and scarcely fer- thick and rich"^®^^^^^ wines were more highly esteemed than any ruits. Yiowc'^^^*' -^'^ ^ ^^^^' places also as Isaiah xvi, 10, Jer. xlviii. feast of prose: ^>*^*^^^ perhaps Song ii. 5, the word yayin denotes must }o the correct n^i^^^^J ^^'^ '^^) however, evidently an exceptional mean- ent that it car.^fiC* ^^ ^^^® passages in which this Avord occurs are umerous, I shall group them under distinct heads, in rder to give a more clear view of the general testimony m tho surface of ^9j^ccting it. er eing o swcci -^^ rj-j^^ moro intoxicating kinds of wine known to the the achcacy in que^ j^ '^ ituaiiy in uge. In J'-'^^'^^^''^ ^^*® mentioned in the Old iestament with une- le lees is used as a -ufTocal disapprobation. In proof of this I shall cite in ci ^yickednes8. Thi^jfu'st placo somo passagos of the Book of Proverbs, a Id hardlj' be an epi .^' range perversity, dr a Pi fesipi^ 1 ^^''~r '''•' I'll. i'i . ■'>•■'•> -11, i jl^iai-t/. ...vji^Sifel! I SCRIPTUKK TKSTIMO:fT book entering more minutely than any other into the dij tails of domestic morality. In Prov. xxiii., we have tlii following striking account of the effects of wine : 11 be W( in unt |0V. XX. rong dri aature of 9Xcite in ** Who liath woe ? wlio hath sorrow ? Who hatli contentions ? who liath babbling ? • Who hath wounds without cause ? who hath redness of eyes ? 301iclusior They that tarry long at the wine ; ^.^^ there They that go to seek mixed wine ? _ . , Look not upon the wine when it is red, J. ne la. When it giveth its eye (bubble) in the cup, when it niOTet{]j]p|rkablo itself aright, a+if^n+imi At the last it biteth like a serpent, ilTijenuou, And stingeth like an adder. D Lemue Thine eyes shall behold strange women, Q^g gtrono And thine heart shall utter perverse things. ^ Yea thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the bq^^^^^^^ ^" Or as he that lieth on the top of a mast. into him They have stricken me — I was not hurt ; ^tit be bi They have beaten me — I felt not ; AVhen shall I awake ? I will seek it yet again." ty, and re This passage is part of an admonition to an inexpcri ,.|" ^^ P^'^ enced young man, respecting his conduct in the worhr^- ^^ The inspired Avriter first lays before him a strong etatr*'^ mtclk ment of the woes of those who tarry long at the wino^'^^^S®^ ^ and then abruptly enunciates the great truth that safet}"^® duties lies only in abstinence. " Look not upon the wine." IIP^^* ^^ ^^^ then proceeds to illustrate this by a picture of the drunk"^^*^^^^^^ ard's progress — the enticing wine — the kindling of liceii^^® ^^ ^ tious passions — the uttering of the folly or wickedness o^*, J^^^^^® the heart — the reeling — the stu2)or and insensibility — am^**^^-^^^^ finally the insatiable cravinfj^ for the stimulant. ]S",^iJ^'^^^^ oui stronger warning has ever been given, and I quote it no*®^"®"^' only on account of its decided character, but also becausc^^^*^ _ *^ it specifies the kind of wine which is dangerous. It is^.^P^^^^^^ that which is red, or as some read it " sparkles," botlP®*^^^' ''^^ being properties acquired by the juice of the grape in it^"*^^ ^®**^ fermentation. It is that which gives its bubble in the cupf^*^ "® ^ a decided mark of fermented and effervescing wines; aii ox WINE AND STRONG DRINK. 2S will be well tlicreforo to keep this passage in mind, as an other into the (i^ '^^ understanding others Avhich are more obscure. In Liii. we have th^^^^- ^^- 1> '^^^ ^^'^ informed that " wine is a mocker, of wine : strong drink is raging." This may refer either to the Qature of the drinks themselves, or the disposition they » BXcite in those who drink them; but in either sense the . redness of eyes ? jonclusion of the proverb is true, " whosoever is decei- ved thereby is not wise." The last chapter of the Proverbs contains a very re- ip, when it nioretti^grkable advice on this subject, which deserves especial attention, as it is often misapplied : "It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine ; nor for prin- ces strong drink j lest they drink and forget the law, and he midst of the seiPl^rvert the judgment of the afflicted. Give strong drink into him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be bitter of soul ; let him drink and forget his pover- 1." ty, and remember his misery no more." a to an inexper; '^^^ precept and the reason are both worthy of atten- ct in the Avorlci'^^^' I^^l^i'S should not drink wine, because it impairs 11 a strong etatc''^)® intellect, because it blunts the feelings; th^ man who onf at the wine^^^^^S^^ ^^ ^^^^^ things is therefore less fitted to perform truth that safet-''^® duties of a lawgiver or a judge, than he who abstains, n the wine." Il^iit in the minds of many, the latter part of the passage ure of the drunli"^®^^^^^^^^^ *^® effect of the former; if the one prohibits vindlino- of liceii^^® *^ kings, the other allows its use to soothe the cares or wickedness o^^ meaner men. A moment's thought must however sensibility am^^^^^^^® ^^7 reflecting man, that such an advice as to stimulant. ]S",^W>wn our miseries in intoxicating drink never can be in- nd I quote it no^®^^®^* ^^® meaning is very different. It is as if wo but also becaus('^®^^ ^^^^ ^^^* there are some men so poor, wretched and ano-erous. It ici^sp^iring, so devoid of all high hopes, duties or pros- sparkles " botlP'^^^'^^ ^^^^ sensual gratification is the only solace they ' the o-rapo in itA*^^ leit} in such men a resort to intoxicating beverages ubble in the euyi'^^y ^® excusable, but not in those who have places of ;cinf Avines • am^^'^^^' ^^ usefulness or responsibility to fill in the world, •obably the onh-''^*^ ^^^ such, then, and especially to young men, the ad- le Hcln-ews. jt^^* ^^ ^^* mothw of Lemuel applioi. . .jW»itt 24 SCRIPTURE TBSTIMOICY II may fwine ii Another remarkable fact in reference to intoxicatii wine, is that it is used as an emblem of the wrath God, and his judgments upon his enemies. In Ps Ix. |]F®*^^^ it is said that God in punishing his people had made tlie^ to drink the "wine of astonishment," literally "reelingP^'^^^^^^ Another instance is Jer. xxiii. 15, " Take the wine ci;^ ^^ of his fury in thine hand and cause all the nations '*ift^S ^^' whom I shall send thee to drink it ; and they shall driri^ and shall stagger and be mad." In the same book li. Babylon is compared to a wine cup in the hand of tl^ Lord; and it is said " the nations have drunken of wine, therefore the nations are mad." Such expressioi*^ have been explained by the fact that in ancient timfflff'' stupefying draughts were sometimes administered to crr^^ ^^^ minals before their execution. This can scarcely, hoT^^ ^ ever, apply to the above passages, since the wine is n^^^ ' said to have caused stupor, but madness or fury, such slB* ^^ would impel to foolish and violent actions. The excit*¥ir ^* ment produced by wine is the emblem of that infatuatio*^n^ by which wicked men are made, in the providence i^wl^dance God, to work out their own destruction. "^ • praie Its use was forbidden to the priests, when ministerin.V ^. in the tabernacle and temple. " Do not drink wine c^^f?^^ ^ strong drink when ye enter into the tabernacle of tli''^F ® congregation, thou nor thy son with thee, lest ye die. r And we find the prophets in later times lamenting an ■ ^^^^^ denouncing; the violation of this rule. Isaiah tells uJ^W^ica i of the shepherds of Israel, of his day "Come ye, say they'^^^^^^"' we will fetch wine, and fill ourselves with strong drink;'^^^ f ^^^ and this was a time when the "beasts of the field devour^^f ^ ^^^ ed God's heritage," when " the righteous perished an^^J ^^ no man laid it to heart." See also Is. xxviii. 7. -' . ®^ Wine is also noticed in the prophetical books in connect- ® ^^^ tion with the sins and defections of Israel, and its use stai^^J appea ed to be a cause and accompaniment of the decline of piet}'*^ pi ope " Woe unto those that rise up early in the morning, tha*?*^^^'' »«^ m£ i ■~m !e to intoxicati 1 of the wrath ies. In Ps Ix. 021 WINK AND STRONG DIUWK. 25 may follow strong drink ; that continue nntil night, wine inflame them ; and the harp and the viol and et and pipe and Avine, are in their feasts. But they )le had made thc^^^ ^^* ^^® ^^'^^'^ ^^ ^^® -^^^^^ neither consider the iterally "reelin<^P®^'^^^*^'^^ ^^ ^^^^ hands." " Woo unto them that are 'ake the wine c'%^^^y *^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^®' ^^^ ^^^ ^^ strength to mingle all the nations %g ^^•^^-" ^^' ^- ^^^'® ^^^ ^^^ *^'^^ *^^'® "^^^ d they shall drii^^^*^^® ^^^S ^^ wine, and have wine in their feasts, le same book li '^^®^* ^^ consider the dealings of God to his people and the hand of tl%l ^^^^^ y ^^^ ^^ *^® context we are told that when 9 drunken of h*^ become mighty to drink wine, they become power- Such expressioi®^ ^^^ ^^^ S^^^' " ^^®^^ ^°^* ^^^^^ ^® ^^ rottenness, in ancient tim^f^ blossom shall go up as the dust." The prophet Iministered to ci'^^^^ concludes a powerful description of the wicked- m scarcely hoT^^*P ^^ ^^^'^ professing people, and their disregard of the !e the wine' is n W^®*®' ^^*^ *^®^® words : " If a man walking in the s or fury, such J#^ ^^^ falsehood do lie, i^aying, I will prophecy unto, ons. The excit^S^ ^^ wine and strong drink, he shall even be the pro- )f that infatuatio># ^^ *^^'^ people." A man who should predict an :he providence ,*t»i3pdance of intoxicating drinks, or become eloquent in t_ heir praise, would be the favourite prophet of the people, when ministerin^^* ^^^ ^^® christian church in like manner seen, in •t drink wine c'^3^ instances, the use of intoxicating drinks leading to tabernacle of th^fe^^^® ®^^^s- liee lest ve die r^® statements of the Scriptures to which I have refer- 3S lamenting ^n®'^^'^^®^ *^^^ head, sufficiently show that fermented or Isaiah tells ^^li^xicating wine is regarded at least with very strong )me ve sav thev^^^^^^'^' ^^ ^^® inspired writers ; in truth actually dis- ith stronjT (Jriiik5^f|iitenanced. We must now, however, refer to a num- f the field devoui^H ^^ P^'^ssages, which unless properly understood, may )us perished an^^^^^S^* *^ neutralize the force of those above quoted. :xviii. 7 -^' ^^^^^ is a kind of manufactured wine countenanced 1 books in connet'^^?*^® inspired writers of the Old Testament. This -^a ill 1 and its use stat^*^^ appear surprising, when we reflect on the very difFer- e decline of piet\"*^ properties of the various kinds of wine noticed in the he morning, tha*|^^^°t^«"- W« tk^ld, \www9b^ •sq^ tkoM m^wi' * <\ wi '■iH:M-A-\ff-i:: i 26 SCRIPTURE TESTIMONY harmless wines to be in some way distinguished in thi* words of Scripture from the stronger beverages, noticeii under the preceding head ; and though both are nameii " yayin/' we shall find that the points of difference art noted, at least in some places. The first passage which I shall notice under this hea(] is Prov. ix. 2 & 5, where wisdom is said to have "minglcii her wine" and to invito all to a feast of which this ming led wine is a part. This is a figurative passage ; but ye: there must be a reference to some beverage in commoE use and probably highly esteemed. It cannot be that kind of win© which is forbidden in other parts of the same book. It is not said to be red or to give its bubble in the cup, but it is '' mingled,'' and the only two kind? of mingling employed by the Hebrews were mixing will drugs and diluting with water or milk. The first of these is plainly condemned wherever it is mentioned; it must therefore be dilution that is meant here. The wine ap- proved of in this passage is therefore wine diluted witli water, and as we have already seen, the only wine usually drunk in this way in ancient times was the thick boiled wine, which possesses scarcely any intoxicating power, and is not therefore of such dangerous tendency as ordin ary fermented wine ; especially when mixed with water Another passage of a very similar kind is Isaiah, Iv. 1 *'Come ye to the waters; And he that hath no money come, buy and eat, yea, come buy, wine and miik." Hen the association with water and milk, leads to the belief that the harmless wine usually mixed with these substan ces is intended, and employed as an emblem of spiritual blessings. In Psalm civ. and 15, the Psalmist, in enu- merating the natural bounties of God, mentions " wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oil that maketh his face to shine ;" or, as the latter part is more correctly rendered in the margin of the authorized version, "mak« oth his face to shine more than oil." Thig is the only jassago jatural iiatural probabl; it, howc ■Vl^hich n lei'ty be ^ prod I |es, wit l| right to harm tjtie Soni ^less d boiled ci] in the C teemed, ipcapabl iipom the tile intr taste of ; preserve peared f spect th( Tl^orse tt however will be f the win( inebriati physical 3. Th of intox: ency. [ xiv. 54, money 1 tlio tabe i>llo"mD 0^ WINE AND STRONa DJUNK. 27 inguishcd in thi iVGi'iiges, noticed both are named of difference an under this head have "mingled vhich this ming passage ; but yc rage in commot ; cannot be thai ler parts of the give its bubbit; only two kind> T^ere mixing will; Ihe first of these [itioned; it must The wine ap- ne diluted witli nly wine usually the thick boiled )xicating power, ndency as ordin xed with water is Isaiah, Iv. 1 hath no monev md miik/' Hen ads to the belief bh these substan- >lem of spiritual salmi st, in enii- nentions " wine oil that maketli 3 more correctly 1 version, "mak* 'hi« is the oaily S8ago in which I find Yayin mentioned as one of God's : and as it occurs in a all 'hen iiral bounties; and as : ural blessings onl}^ are referred to, the word is hero probably used for the whole prcxluce of the vine. Taking it, however, as it stands, the kind of wine meant is that "Whicli maketh the face to shine, or fattens; and this pro- fflerty belongs to the saccharine, not to the purely alcoho- IfjP ])roducts of the grape. This passage therefore harmon- ilSes, with those already noticed. I think that we have l| right to apply the light given by the above references to harmless wines, to Amos ix. 14, and a few passages in "tjjie Song of Solomon in which wine is mentioned in terms ^ less direct approval. We may therefore conclude that boiled and sweet wines are permitted and even approved in the Old Testament, evidently because they were es- teemed, and justly so, delicious and nutritive ; and were Ijacapable of producing the lamentable effects flowing f^om the stronger beverages. It is to be regretted that iiic introduction of distilled liquors has so vitiated the •|»ste of men, that boiled wines and the juice of the grape preserved by being heated, have almost entirely disap- peared from the list of ordinary beverages. In this re- j^ect the so-called Christian world of modern times, is '^orse than ancient Israel in its worst days. "We may however hope that a time is approaching when the grape will be applied to better uses, when men will drink of tlio wine which is mingled by wisdom, and abandon the inebriating draughts which bring so many woes both physical and moral. 3. There are a few passages which appear to approve ^ intoxicating wines, but in reality have no such tend- mcj. The first of these which attracts attention is Deut. Xlv. 54, where the Israelite is allowed to bestow his money for wine or strong drink ; and to drink them in the tabernacle before God. This injunction occurs in the li>lloTHng oircttmstftnc^es. The people were commanded * ;/j K. 28 MPfNCPTVMS T06TfMO£CT. 'i ; \ f to bring the tithe of their corn, vintage fruit, &c., and IW® ^^^^' them before the Lord in the tabernacle; but if their rl^^^' ^'^* dence was so distant that they could not do this, tl^^'^^^^ "^^^ were to convert the tithes into money, and having ^^ coloui paired to the place of the tabernacle, were there to P® *^^ "^^^ such articles of food or drink as they chose and to fc^^ ^^'^^^ ^ on these instead of their tithes. Hero therefore there^i^^'^ ^ \^ a permission to use wine and strong drink as substitir- ^^^'* ^^ for the vintage and other fruits; and as the word ya^^^^ ^^ is used in the law without any qualification, we are ^ ^^^^" infer that the kind of wine was left to the discretioi^^^'^^^ ^ the offerer, regulated however by the other precepts'®' ^" ^^ the word of God, and probably also by the obvious cY^^l^o®^' sideration that what approached nearest to the vints** ^ ^^^^ fruit, instead of which it was taken, was to be prefen^°^ lignt It is evident, however, that this permission of wine on^® ^ ^^^ especial occasion has little bearing on questions rega**®*' ^^ ^^ ing its habitual use. In Ecelesiastes xix. 7, we »»^ennee exhorted to "drink wine with a merry heart." ^'''^^ ^^^ phrase a merry heart does not however necessarily imf^- ^ ^^' that intoxicating wine is meant ; and besides, it appe;'^^'^ ^ ®^^ from the context that the preacher is here rather stati tl at the o the opinions of a large class of worldly men, than givi an advice. This passage therefore in no respect cont diets the strong admonitions given in other places by same writer. Another very remarkable passage is in Genesis x: 11 and 12, vv^here the Shiloh, predicted to arise from ' ■ A^iam's i ftpf the f s|f^ffende r^resen uiakennes le of the t rvitude ict of Nc tribe of Judah, is said to have " washed his garments wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes," and /oiicrtiGS c said to have " Eyes red (dark or flashing) with wi *^ teeth white with milk." In reference to the latter p of this quotation, I may remark that the idea of redii • IS Dossir or flashing from a free use of wine, cannot be intend ^.,r. ,, here, since it is inconceivable that the very same appc ;^ -^ aoc© whioh Scdomon attributes to ii»e drunkaaxi, alioi ^ j^ i^ .■JSPr.'.g fTvh'^i.'rrpr.Tyes^r «T. ON WINE AND STBONa DAINK. 29 e fruit &c. and ^^® ascribed to the Eodoemer. Wo mu«»t thercfbro • but if their rl^<^^> though with or fro.n v.'ine is +ho literal reading, not do this tl^^^^^^ intention is to eompare the darkness of the eyes ^y and having ^^® colour of wine. This view also makes the refer- -were there to P® ^^ "^^^^ intelligible, since the teeth cannot be whit- choso and to ft^d "^vith milk; bat may be white like milk. If wo therefore therc^l^^'^ *^^® ^^'^^ P^^^'^ ^^ ^^^^ passage with Isaiah Ixiii., rink as substitu^^lr^^' ^^^' ^"*^ ^^^ which are descriptive of the same as the word wa"*^' ^^'^ shall find that the garments are represented fication we are*^ with wine, because the Redeemer was to tread the ;o the discretioE^^^*^®*^ of God's wrath. This part of Scripture, there- ) other nrecents'®* ^" ^^ ^^^y I'^commends the use of intoxicating >y the obvious qF^P^S^^' rest to the vints^* ^ "^^^ ^^^^ notice a few historical passages which ^as to be prefen^O''^ ^'S^^ ^" ^^'^ subject, ssion of wine oii^¥ ^^^* appearance of the word yayin in the Scrip. questions reo-a''®'' '^^ ^^ Genesis ix. where we are informed of tho 38 xix 7 we ^^®^r^®®9 o- Koah. The good man, whose faith sup- errv heart " f^^^ l^^i^ ^s the sole preacher of righteousness in a r necessarily imP'^^ ^^ scoffers, debased himself in his old age with besides it appe;'^® ' ^ lesson surely to good men in every age. Noah' here rather stat— ** *^® outset of the post-diluvian world reminds ua V men than o-ivi -^i^^™'^ ^^ *^^® Antedeluvian ; and it is singular that ^^ ^Jc^^^4. ^^v^^o^^ of the first results in each case, was that a son of the no respect cont ' ^+i,««^i^« ^ i_ .8^ offender became an outcast. Cain and Ham seema otner places by i represent each other ; and thus the first instance of j . n^^pt,-p. uiikenness formed the initial step in the reduction of I +^ • ^ ^^ .^® of the three great families of men to barbarism and 1 to arise irom * . x t i d h'q ir e ^ rvitude It has been urged in extenuation of tho con- * 0Tftr>es" and^^ ^^ Noah, that he was probably unaware of the , . . '. , I .'opertios of wine. This is quite possible, as he seems to J. 'Z.-u 1 xi. }y^ been the first cultivator of the vine ; and we have > to the latter ]i , , « , . 1 ' 1 f • dn •^^'^^"t that he afterwards gave way to intemperance. ■ 1 . , is possible also that Noah's wine may have been annot be intenc ,.,':,, , , , n , . iSKiltully prepared, and may have run on further in very same appc , , ,. ^ ^ . , . drunka^xL alioi*^ fermentation, than it wa» usually pormittod • > do, iai later tim.es. - -•«f- ■l"( -,JW--,?1« , !»■ |l»f !ISilsi:%i^^;i 4; Bk ■ 30 SOKIPTURK TESTIMONY II l-i r youn e to cl icl\ tlio Bapiiwt u] ^1^ il There are a number of hlstorienl notices, which 8heA\# that wine was in common use amonpj the Israelites am neighboring^ nations. When the Israelites assembled h make David king, wine is mentioned among the artieJe . ^i • xr^ on which t-hey feasted. David is said to have had "^^''"'a«,viuon a\ cellars," though there seem to have been store houses f<'i, . jy.<)|^]ie the Avhole produce of the vineyards. Soljmon sent i^i-j,.)- Hu very large quantity to Iliram king of Tyre, along ^vil'allistinct other articles for the provision of the Tyrian wood-ciUx^ f^^Q^^ , ters, in Lebanon. ISTehemiali prepared once in ten tla\>xjbQ^ of he " wino of all kinds" for the princes Avho feasted with him rp^^^^ ^i^, I need not enter into any particular examination of thesi of nV)^fil^f passages, since they afford no information respecting tlh p^iQ^. je] precise kinds of wine used, and can in no way change the ^ ^md f meaning of the more didactic portions of Scripture. Then «(l(iiiced are however some passages which go far to shew, tha* ^^[^ attc wnne of any kind was used but in small quantity by tin -j with good men of Israel. For instance, in the present of fooci +0u^perar and wine made by Abigail to David, tlio proportion o! uyQpiict'e wine is very small, even when we assign the largest pos gj^^pcgsec sible dimensions to the skin bottles employed 3 and in ^j^en int( that of Ziba, made when David was fleeing from Absalom, ^\j^q^ Btill smaller (1 Sam. 25, 18.; 2 Sam. IG, 1.) Anothi The historical j^arts of tho Bible afford some instance^ ^jj^eo yoi of total abstinence which are worthy of attention. Thi jg^p rj\\y first of these is the institution of Nazaratism, or separa- ^ thom tion in a peculiar manner to God. From the terms in ^^^q resul which this institution is referred to by Moses, it may he ^nd fatt< inferred that it existed in some form prior to the institu- Hy^ lung tion of the ceremonial law, and was merely regulated bj g^uy niir it. The vow of the Nazarite included abstinence from ^ ^ sim wine even of the most harmless kinds, and it concerns j j^ay, our present subject only as shoAving, that, under the old ^gtimoi dispensation, a vow of this kind was favourably regart w the by the divine law. ISTazaritism existed for a long period, j^w difl Amos represents God as saying, " I have raised up oi aiiiii:; iiii^''' :x& ^mmttmi ON WINE AND STIIONG DRINK. 31 ir yonng men for Nazaritcs but yo gave tho Nazarltcs \Q to drink/' and this was one of tho sins against lich tho people of that time were warned. John tho CCS, M'hich shew Israelites aiP ^ Baptist appears to have followed the rules of IS'azaritism, ono- the articK ^ ^^ have liad "wii and is tho last Nazarite wo read of in the Scriptures. Samson was a Nazarite; and it is worthy of notice, that store Iiouses lo, . ^, t x i ^ u ^ • x* • i i. , ms mother was directed to abstam irom wmo and strong ^ en ''^jjjjj^^ ^Ij,,^^ tiuit her son might bo a Nazarito from birth ; \ .' * ^^^ a distinct recognition of tho well known principle that } . ^^^'^^■^'"the food and drink of the mother influence tho constitu- ^ ^ ^"^' (The Kochabites furnish another historical illustration iination of thcsi « ■ .. m i i i. i i i, xi • , of abstnionce. Thoy luid boon commanded by their an- spt in o 1 1, ^^^^j. J ehonadab tho son of ]lochab, to abstain from wine, , O ' S^ '^ and had scrupulously obeyed tho injunction. Thoy aro ^ ' ^^''* adduced by tho prophet as an example of obodioncv, ^ w, t III ^^[y. attention to tho advice of Jehonadab being contrast- quantity by till ^ ^^^^^ ^jj^ disobedience of tho Jews to God. Their 1 ' 0^ loo(, -temperance is therefore not tho primary object of tho p poi ion 0: p].Qpiiet's approbation, though no disapprobation of it is argest po> expressed; and it is not unlikely that this also may have I y ' > ^Jitl 111 \yQQj^ intended as f« reb.uko to the intemporanco of tho ^frorn Absaloi]}, ^^^ '^ . Another instance is, tho abstinence of Daniel and his omoinstancc,^; ^^qq young companions in tho palace of Nebuchadnez- attontion. Tho ^^^ rpi^^^ refused the Eoyal delicacies and wine offered tism, or sopani- ^ ^hom, and adopted a vegetable diet and water; and ni ne^ terms in ^j^^, result was that their countenances appeared "fairer -OSes, it may be ^nd flitter in flesh than all tho children which did eat of r to tho mstitu- ^he king's moat." We aro not informed that there was y regulated bv g^jjy miracle in this case : it was merely tho consequence bstinonc© from ^ ^ ^i^iple and unstimulating diet. I have now, I believe, stated all that is material to tho and it concerns '' ^^^^^ the old testimony respecting tho wines known to the Hebrews raDlyregar* jjy u^^ name yayUi) and it must have been observed, ' a long period, j^^^^ different that testimony is from the character given i^e raised up of ^ pi^r A.wth^: 33 SORIPTURB TESTIMONY to tho harmless "Tii'osh," viiita/^o fruit. Vinta^^o fruit is always a blessing, "yayin" must frcquontly an occa- sion of evil. Tho utmost that can bo said in favor of tho latter, is that those kinds, as the boiled wines, which have little or no cxhilerating power, arc counte- nanced. Tho stronger and more inebriating kinds, which approached more nearly to those of modern times, arc warned against, used as emblems of divine wrath, and stated to bo occasions of declension in Israel. 7. SOBIIE. This word is derived from tho verb Saha, to drink freely or tope : and tho nature of the beverage to which it refers is not well ascertained. It would seem to have been a drink highly prized by tho luxurious in tho worst times of Israel ; but whether of high intoxicating pow- er or not, seems uncertain. It occurs only in three pas- sages (Is. i. 22; Nahum i. 10; Ilosea iv. 18.) and as those neither throw much light on tho nature of tho sub- stance, nor are material to our present subject, they may be passed by without further consideration.* 8. "MESECH"— MIXTURE Is derived from Masach to mingle, and is usually ren- dered mixture or mixed wine. It was customary in an- cient times, especially with those who were regular winebibbers, and required some additional stimulus for their jaded palates, to mix their wine w4th odoriferous * Must boiled till ouly one third remained, wfts called Sapa by the Ro- mans, and the same name is still given in France to the grape conserve, called Raisine. It has been supposed that the Hebrew Sohha may have referred to something of this kind, but its derivation and the connec- tion in which it occurs, rather lead to the conclusion that it was a strong wine, used in an unmixed state by intemperate persons in tho days of Is- rael's declension. Gesoniua i'nderstands the word in Hosea iv. 18, to do- noto a carouse. fhstaTio ;c ai)p<| liot to a CCS whoil PbhIiu 1: drink oii| probabl; Hfrath t( . Jbat IS, ture," p •d of t of it. Ilavi latcd w tiseful ^ ous m'n den CO I mcnt. dried, i the ins liable { contaii liro C01 Thirdl •wines, /writei excep ticed given ncithi ; Btinei winei the s (TiveF D ages. '!»T"W J^ ON WINB A2fD UTRONtf DRINK. 96 Vintage fniit \ioni\y an occu. Jii»', arc counto- Ig kinds, which 'Vn times, are ine wrath, and lOl. f?^>'^, to drink rago to which Hoem to have 9 in the worst xicating pow- in throe pas- ) and as those 5 of tho sub- |ect, they may « usually ren- ;omary in an- w^ero regular stimulus for odoriforoua Sapa by the Ro- grapo conserve, ■ew Sobho may and the connec- it was a strong tho days of Is- ea iv. 18, to do- hstancca or stimulating drugs and spices. This prac- c appears to Imvo existed in Israel, though probably t to a great extent; and is reprobated in the lew pla- (bes where it is noticed (Prov. xxiii. 29; Js. v. 32.) In Pealm Ixxv. (Jod is represented as making tho wi(;ked drink out to the dregs a cup of mixed wine, and this is probably the strongest form of that comparison of (Jod's If^rath to wine, previously noticed ; for it is said that tho wine is "red," or more literally "turbid or foaming;" «iat is, in a state of fermentation ; and it is " full of mix- ^re," probably of intoxicating drugs ; and all the wick- ijfd of the earth are to wring and drink tho very dregs Of it. Having thus noticed tho various Hebrew words trans- lated wine, in tho English Biblo; proceeding from tho l^seful vintage fruit, in regular gradation, to the poison- ous mixed wines; I may shortly sum up tho general evi- dence respecting wine as mentioned in tho Old Testa- ment. First, it is evident that tho grapo both fresh and dried, and its unfermentod juice, are highly valued by the inspired writers, and numbered among tho most val- liablo gifts of God to man. Secondly, that boiled wines, containing little spirit, and usually diluted when drunk, arc countenanced, and were esteemed oven by good men. Thirdly, that effervescing and other highly fermented wines, were regarded with distrust by tho inspired writers, were not used, or used in very small quantity, except by the dissolute ; and are in several places no- ticed with strong disapprobation, and earnest v. arnings given against them. Fourthly, that tho Old Testament, neither by precept nor example, in any w^ay opposes ab- stinence from wine. Fifthly, that since tho ordinary wines now in use, contain as much or more spirit than the strongest of those known to the Hebrews, tho Bible gives us no reason to regard such wines as useful bever- ages, much less as biesBlngB bestowed b^ God. ri^BHBposjrilWKf. ^BF 34 fiCllIPTUUK TESTIMONY 0. siii-x'irAii.— sTiioxd niuxK. ' ■ i \^ of tV hernn in Th'iH \H ill Honio rospccU ii doiihli'iil word, (lioiii;li ^•r^.'i.y " tOHtiinoiiy rcspoctiu/^ tlie uso of the urticlc intondi'il ,y m, uw: it is not obsc'iiro. It is dorivod from tlio root Shy u,, moans imprh^s approval as an oi'dinary bovora^^o. 10 root Mr//iW7 pjj^ rcmarivs already made; respcctin*^ tho uso of wino in <.min«r of rcl;tIJ|||^^.^.,,^^„^,)„y Qf tlio prosontation of tythos in tho tahor- '^''•^'•'•^''J that Slyj^^ apply ecpially to " shechai-." ' '"'t then; ( ifcochar is never mentioned as a blessini', or as ono of 10 JLetjrew >Ser;||m)oii„(icH of Providence. It generally occurs in con- •oyerage, or Ixj^j^ion with wino, anj^gg.ii.itos (Num. vi. '].) and it is denounced by the later »ft probable vitpniijjhets, (Is. v. 11. &c.) One passa^-e in wliich it occurs ^ ^ pahn tr^^oiit any mention of wine, is alone sutficient to sliow state IS UHWi^jj0 estimation in which it and those who used it were '^ration a kind held. In the sixth Psalm, David in pouriuir out his dis- ined from it. litjiigBCs ])efore (Jod, concludes with the complaint, " I am •d kind of Beer th© son^^ of the drunkards," literally of the drinkers of the VAiHt; and l'«((||icchar." It is evident, therefore, that in the time of pint may be 01 j)nYid those who drank strong drink Avero viewed as vino IS probabj gcofRng and ungodly men, ready to mock at a good man iiobrow xS'/i in distress, and perhaps, like some modern tii)})lers, not f otus tliat at ,'i deficient in the power of making his calamities the sub- ^ irom tho pali jeot of humorous songs to enliven their social meetings. palm arrack o J have now examined in a summary, though I trust in IS no ovidenci a sntftcicntly careful and ci^indid manner, all the words prae.iced by thi used in the Ilebrew scriptures to denote intoxicating 3C1S0 strength o: drink, or so translated in our version ; and I think I may at It IS unfavor without fear leave it to tho conscience of any good man to decide whether the use of the strong alcholic and tea, IS Dent, xiv distilled liquors of modern times, accords with the teach- bstitute for tli( ing of the Old Testament. AVc must now proceed to ■ enquire, whether the revelation of greater light and lib- t, and it is justpo^. ertv Contained In the New Testament, is less strict in its Jiquiremontti than the older dispensation, or more in ac- ■ il 56 SCRIPTURB rBflTlMOWT cordanco with tho drinking usages of modern natior lilmstanc ciillino; themselves cliristian. T^©11 JV8 BOBiothinl THE NEW TESTAMENT. qucHtion. why? had arn^ In entering upon this branch of our subject, we ""^is'' lively ci bo led by the results of our inquiries into the testimony ^ijlom thl of the Old Testament, to expect a still more decided J^^'h ||iLp^rj^i.| precise disapproval of intoxicating drinks. In this, ho^ aSentioi ever, wo would in some degree be disappointed. I'litj^ajd not New Testament, though a clearer revelation of Cro^' "bo^nd to will, deals much less in minute details than the old. Igaii at on enunciates great general principles, and leaves their apg^ c^^^j plication to the mind enlightened by the Spirit. It seelo jjj pr^j.^ a to renew the inner man, that his deeds may not be evil fj^ip;^}^^,!. j^ not to regulate every minute part of his conduct that J^i -^ne to 1 outwardly good man may be made up of these detail^-^jimt in ai In the New Testament, therefore, we have few direci.t^0^^ed. references to wine; but we have broad general truths, -^^gg^ pr which should guide the christian in his conduct in rela- portion o tion to it. Before proceeding to the consideration oi^ijey ^re these, however, it will be necessary to notice some parti- ngupiy d cular references to wine, which are supposed by many to-jj^jig occa be adverse to total abstinence. jn, genen 1. The first passage of this class to which I shall direct ha^c bee attention, is the narrative of the Marriage of Cana, whero men. ^^ our Saviour turned water into wine, thereby apparently aotllousb not only sanctioning its use, but giving it the character jf any ac of a ''good creature of God." Before deciding on the cx-tioci, thi act significance of this miracle, in reference to our subject, h^a^se it will bo necessary to attend to the circumstances in SAe wi wiiich it occurs. Like all Christ's miracles, this wasfbrlessc intended to " manifest forth his glory," and to cause men ingthat to believe on him. TVe generally find, hoAvever, that the had becc wonderful works of the Saviour were performed in eir- gulfih th ■•••• »i« WUB jU(b SIKOXl} DKUIK. S7 modern natior SNT. nbjcf't, wc mir^Hi to the testimoii' nore decided aiii s. In this, ho^ appointed. Tlu elation of God' than the old. I; I leaves their ap Spirit. It seek> may not be evil conduct that ai. of these detail^ liave few direoi general truths, conduct in rela- consideration oi )tice some parti- )sed by many to eh I shall direct )ofCana, where •eby ap2>arently it the character ding on the ex- e to our subject, rcumstances in icles, this was id to cause men wever, that the rformed in cir- ((mmstances which made them direct acts of kindness, as well as illustrations of his power; and indications of 80n\othing of this nature will be found in the case in question. "VVc are told that they " wanted Avino" — but why? The most probable answer is, that more guests had arrived than had been provided for, and the most likely cause of this was, that the presence of Jesus (to "Wllom the occurrences at his baptism, and the intimations alj|erward8 giyen by John had perhaps already attracted atlention) had drawn together a number of persons who had not been expected, but whom the bridegroom was bound to entertain. If these were the circumstances, wo cah at once account for the appeal made by Mary to her Sob, and for his readiness to remove an embarrassment, in part at least occasioned by his own presence. We are fafther informed that the ruler of the feast declared tho wine to be good or excellent ; now we have already seen tfcikt in ancient times the sweetest wines were most es- teibned. The most valuable kinds were tho thick syrupy wlihes, prepared either from boiled must, or from the first portion of must which oozes from the ripe grapes beforo they are pressed, and which is very saccharine, and nearly destitute of ferment. If the wine produced on this occasion had been an alcoholic Avine, like those now in general use there can scarcely bo a doubt that it would baTe been pronounced bad and unfit for use by sober men. We must therefore infer, that the wine thus mir- ao"dlou8ly produced, was remarkably sweet, and of littlo if any acoholic strength. It is also deserving of atten- tion, that tho ruler remonstrates with tho bridegroom because he had not presented this good wine at first. Sdttie writers, ignorant of the customs of the period, or formless creditable reasons, have explained this as mean- ing that it was the custom to reserve bad w^nes until men had become so far intoxicated as to be unable to distin- ^sh th«m from good. W« cannot, however, suppose !itf?'::'?? 1 ■■;;:4iisna; ■'!?#* 38 SORIPTUBfi TBeTIMONY I ill that a practice so opposite to the precepts of tlie Old Testament, could have prevailed in the time ot our Saviour, or if it had, that he v^ould have sanctioned it, The real nature of the custom is very different. Marri- age feasts usually lasted seven days, during which guests were going and coming, and the quantity of wine requir- ed depended on their number. In these circumstances, hospitality required that if a bridegroom had wine of d'.ferent qualities, ho should offer the best as long as any of it remained ; when it was exhausted, if his guests wero not all satisfied, he might be obliged to present an inferior quality. If on the contrary he gave the worst first, he would subject himself, to a charge of niggardliness or selfishness, in offering the worst to his friends, and de- siring to reserve the best for his private use. It was probably for this reason that the ruler desired an explan- ation of the tardy appearance of the good wine. It thus appears that the miracle of Cana exhibits the approbation only of the sweet and harmless wine, whicli w^e have already seen is countenanced in the Old Testa ment. The moderate drinkers of our day must therefore banish their strong and brandied wines, and confine them selves to such a beverage as a conscientious Israelite oi that time would call good winC; before we can allow thciii to derive any encouragement from the marriage of Cana 2. In Math, xi., and Luke vii., we are informed thai the Jews accused our Saviour of being a wine-bibber and a glutton. " John came neither eating bread nor drink- ing wine, and ye say he hath a devil." John's abstinence gave them no ground for accusing him of intemperance, but his austere life in the desert enabled them to accusi him of being a demoniac. Jesus on the contrary, cann: eating and drinking, partaking of the hospitality an(i eating at the tables of all classes of people, and hence they accused him of being " a man gluttonous and ;i wine-bibbei'," that is, a free drinker ot wine. The Jew* tUOAV t Ike tor ( aecusut ■which ^ dispoisil "justifii stances tJio.se ol tfuo wii q^iiite p- b6cn ini piassage repi'csci her fcas from th 8. In man pu else the **,iio nia 'mw, for direct b( it, and i of com n castom put thoi was fini: hag niig far tis p( produce accustor to prose fe;pmeut: wpuld ]j because the yeas T¥ ON WINE AJTD STRONG DRINK. 89 pts of the 01(1 10 time ot our sanctioned it. ffcrent. Marri- ng which guests T of wine requir- : circumstances, m had wine of t as long as any f his guests wero esentan inferior e worst first, ho . niggardliness or friends, and de- kte use. It was -bired an explan- d wine. lana exhibits the less wine, whicl; n the Old Testa- y must therefore md confine them ious Israelite oi e can allow their; larriage of Cann re informed thai wine-hibber and 3read nor drink- ohn's abstinence 3f intemperance, d them to accuse contrary, came hospitality and ople, and hence rluttonous and n ,vino. The Jew* |:iio\v that wine-bibbing was incompatible witli the cliar- Ikcter of a ])rophet; our Savour, however, treats the accusation as a calumny, not originating in his conduct, •which was temperate and blameless, but in their own dispot^ition to find fault. He tells them that wisdom is "justified" or vidicated by all her children. The cii-cum- Bj^nces and mission of John required one mode of life, tjiose of Jesus another, and to those who were guided by tjfue wisdom, both would appear equally proper. It is fflaite possible that this reference to wisdom may have ^cn intended to remind the auditory of the beautiful lilssage in Proverbs already noticed, in which wisdom is jBgnresented as min ate the superiority of the gospel. If the above be a of these set rect view of the parable, it is evident that we car** ***^"'' i° i infer from it cither an approval or disapproval of '^\^j^^ j,^^^ - on the part of our Saviour, unless the circumstamia «re regan the gospel beiu^ compared to new wine and the J»vJ''«wi at the ai ^^^^hR^^^^H^HiBPi^V^^^H^^^^^^ ON WINB AND STRONG DRINK. 41 rhich would prg^g ^^ ^^^^ should be viewed as unfavorable to the latter use a strain whi,^^jjgQ^ unable to bear, rpj^^, ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^l^i^l^ j ^^r^\\ j^Hudo is the institu- ablo, might l»'^)n of the Lord's Supper. It would bo unnecessary to kept sweet, ^^^ ^^ ^j^jg great christian ordinance, were it not that i, to moderate a; j^q^^ churches fermented Avine is used in its adminis- i to the object ^^i{0j^^ and that some well meaning persons adduce this an argiim.ent in favor of intoxicating drinks. They iples that they tj^,^ '^j^n that which our Lord selected as the emblem of he pharisees f^^^j *^ost precious blood, be a deleterious beverage ? :,.id 3 objection whj^jl^ most fully that, if it were really so, the inevitable ridegroom and tg^^ must be, that it cannot be injurious. A very en; that which ^j^jj^^.^gljgj^^lQjj j^^^g^^ however, convince any person 3 answered in \i\j^g to be informed, that it was roi necessarily in- cannot better gxicating wnne that was used on that occasion. At the Scott. " J- h ®y (ly outset of the inquiry, it must appear singular if 3al religion, wli^^^^j^j ^^j^e, which both in the Old and New Testa- tho gospel J a^'^ntis used as an emblem of God's wrath, should bo to the "old botti^pj^j,^^ ^^ represent his greatest gift to fallen man. ►iosaic law, and j|. ^.j^g^^ ^^.^ Q^y^^j. j^^^ ^^q^,^ direct proofs. The Lord's is compared to ^ ppor was instituted at the feast of the Passover ; and ,0 the forms and |g now, and seems to have always been, the prevailing nsation, or dcvg^o^ ^f ^j^^, Jews, to exclude from that feast not only would corrupt Evened bread, but fermented wine, instead of which ng sentence oi ^y ^g^ steeped raisins or other unfermented liquors. 3 figure. Men ^^g exclusion is founded on a literal interpretation of mented wine wcj words of the original institution in Exodus, 12th & its fresh or sligith ^apters, which in their strictest sense forbid all nner, the Jews '•molited things.* "VVe have no intimation that our •ntained in the '■_„..^.. . not readily app' Ttiist Hebrew words are translated "leaven" in the authorised rersion ; the above be a Oftlbese seems to mean soured dough, the other ferment in general. — f ih'\i wo cil'**^'" ^° ^^' ^"^' ^' where it is said "there shall not be seen with 3 Cw^ented things." lisapiU'OVal OI ^on» late writers while admitting :bat fermented drinks made from the cirCUmstail^in: Me regarded as forbidden, and that raisin wine is commonly used by winQ and th^ J^^*^^ <^^ ^^^ Pasgovor endeavor to find evidence in the writings of vari- Hi -'^■MJIpli ;i5;;sv||^iii:VV w i w 42 SCRIPTURE TESTIMONY ftl^ l:i: Lord deviated from the usual practice : but on the coi trary wo nowhere find even the general term wine ni . \ . to© Ijord plied to the beverage which he used. It is called Hi ." \ cup, that is the usual cup of the passover, and the " friii .. (or produce) of the vine," an appellation quite as lil^'^hi^ V . to be given to the boiled juice of the grape, or any otln. ^, ' unfermcnted drink prepared from it and used at tli s^i -i Passover, as to fermented wine. The reference made 1 ^ . .' our Saviour to drinking this fruit of the vine "new" iy^L , the kingdom of his father, also seems to imply th;, r. to ' ^ '^ ^'■©1*3'' I'CI it was a preparation that was best when fresh, or imni,, .i: ^ . diatcly after the vintuge, whereas wo have already sec .^ / ,. that in the o^:)inion of those who drink fermented win ^ , . wOfsliip; " the old is better." We have therefore every ground ' ..^^ ^ .] believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted ^^'ithunfe: . .. mentedwino. of the lea These reasons, which might bo much extended ai: * p illustrated, show that the use of fermented or alcohol j^^ .^^^ n wine at the Lord's Table, is not founded on his <^x^nM''amoii* been made, but they appear by no means reasonable, for the ferment ** '■^^ wine is the same chemically andJ)otanic ally also, (for it is amicroscoiprOhlblte plant), with that of other fermented drinks, and on the same princims© a lit leavened bread might also be allowed, since in it also the fermentation ''of -^n f{r, an end, and, in consequence of the operation of baking, much more certai: _:■ than it is in the oldest wine. The spirit of the Passover law as explaic by^Paul in 1 Cor. 5, 7, 8, we think fully vindicates the Jew in the entiOpS. 1 h exclusion of fermented things, and the use of unchanged natural procluerftUy in< alone. For a view opposed to that pjiven in the text and arguments iu si^ pevell port of it, the reader is rofcrrotl to Eadio'a Bible Cyclopedia art. " Win. ^ ^ an spsssKrrrsafs figSiiiS-^-'ji^S' m:: 4» but on the con il term wine a It is called 1 ON WINE AND STUONO DRINK. 43 ironco iR there made to drunkenness as occnrrins: at Lord's Supper. In this place, however, the connec- , , „ .ti&Hk seems to require that wo understand, not intoxica- r ind the '' irii' ' "^ . .tion, but eating and drinking to excess, in consequenc of Dn quite as like!,, ,. , , ,. , ." , -i i • +i /< • *i ^ the disorder!}^ practices which prevaned in the Corinth- ape, or any oi}^..^^^^,^^ tl hile, however, the friends of abstinence should not lit this argument to be used against tlieir principles, '^ should be aware of raising any contention or coiitro- y respecting the present practice of the Church in particular. The New Testament prescribes no strict I of forms and cereiuorues, but demands a spiritual liip; we may therefore rest assured that, if men ap- [vnd used at tl eference made i le vine "new" i ns to imply tli!.| n fresh, or imni lave already see: 7 : fermented wnii^ e every ground i^j.^^^^^1^^ j^^^.^j,^ rp,^l^l^3 ^^.-^^^ ^^^^ "unleavened things of itutcd withunfc^jjj^^.j^^, .^^^^^ truth," they will not be rejected on account of Ihe leaven either of bread or of Avine. iich oxtenclocl an j^^ Passing over several warnings against intemperance, ented or alcohol .jj^j^^ ^^ ^^j^j^j^ ^ q^^, ^j ^^^ ^^ drunkards are enrolled .d on his examiii^j^^j-,^ ^1^^^^, ^^,|^^ ^YihW not inherit the kingdom of God ; the use of leavci^jj^ 1^^ another (Eph. v. 18,) the excitement produced b}^ / on convenieiK^jjj^g '^ contrasted wdth the elevating influences of naterial. I'^om^jj^^.; ^p— ^. ^^^ may proceed to notice the apostolic in- ear that this P''"juBK5tions respecting the conduct of Bishops, deacons, and the Apostles, sinig^g^ women, contained in 1 Tim. iii. 3 to 8, Titus i. 7, -and ii 3. In these passages wo are told that bishops or rided it has quite pas^rul^rs must not be " given to wine." and that deacons n into tho acetous; fj^n^ aged women should not be "given to much wine." — L distinctions may b,i_,.- ^ , . . ,. n • "" i« -i - • x bl fo tho fermont-^*^*® ^'^^^ injunction 01 courso implies that wine was not (for it is a microscoiproliibited to church members by the Apostle; thej'' might i on tho same princiius© a little of such wines as wcre drunk by tho temperate so the fermentation i^attiic time. But if the dcacous and aged women might ng,muc morece ' y,gj||jj little, what is the forcc of the admonition to bish- 3Sovor law as explaic m ' .es the Jew in tho eiitOpw^ The word pavoinos, translated " given to wine," lit- langed natural produei^Jly means by Or near wine, though it is also applied :t and arguments iu *"to.;ievelling, and Other thinecs likclv to occur where wdno i„„i^.x„^;o „.f « Will, ill - ^'. . ^ . -^ ^ .. - . yclopedia art. wim 9m- unk. The apostle may therefor© mean oithor that Tl^ 44 BCRIPTURB TESTIMONY I m Bishops should abstain from wine, like tho priests in the taberna- cle, or that thoy should not be present at rovelllnp; or drinkinj; companies. It is worthy of notice in connection with this injunc- tion, that Timothy himself acted in accordance with the strictest meaning ; for we find in the 5th chapter of this epistle, the apostlo advising him to *' drink no longer water, but use a little wine for his stomach's sake, and often infirmities." This advice, to use a little wine medic inaUj/, proves incontrovcrtibly that Timothy did not habitually or ordinarily drink wine, even of those non-inebriat- ing kinds which are not forbidden in the Scriptures. Whether wo should view the abstinence of Timothy as an illustration of the apostolic precept to Bishops or not, it is evident that this abstin- ence, and the absence of all disapprobation on the part of Paul, who merely advises a relaxation in case of sickn 3ss, should prevent any christian from objecting to abstinence from the strong alcoholic wines so generally used in modern times.* We have now considered the principal notices of wine, contained in the New Testament, and may I think conclude that they do not differ from the testimony of the older revelation. I cannot close this branch of my subject without remarking the contrast between the high morality of the Bible in this respect, and the intemperate habits of modern nations called Christian. Take, for example, Great Britain and her Colonies, consuming annually millions of gallons of ardent spirits, and wines so strong that the wine-growera of the South of Europe cannot produce them, without distilling a part of the wine and mixing its produce with the remainder. Not a line can be fairly quoted from the scriptures to justify the use of beverages so pernicious, or such wholesale waste of the food which the earth brings forth. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND ABSTINENCE. The great ruling principle of this world is selfishness; sometimes calculating and even self denying for a time, at others rash and * In connection with Paul's advice to Timothy, it deserves notice that, just ap the grape itself is found to have a remarkable effect in restoring tho strength i>,nd appetite of invalids, so the boiled wines and other saccharine products of the grape anciently enjoyed much reputation on this account. This they would probably still be found to deserve if substituted for the beer and porter, or still more dangerous strong wiuoa and ardent Bpii'its 9fi often misapplied as meaus of restocing health. iortslgh hlfi disci[ h^ said, ' love one { fellow m( genoe w ■brother's thier's w( other's V allow th( by so doi tijtc stroD please oi present ( Strong a Sncicnt 1 in socio wretchec their me (Hiristiai i&ould 1: wre in c( Upi a ch f^Bulted Hie thcs thonsan Many tocoura &i8 froi ndr to d offendoc 6St no I stain fr( Weakne tice: l^caupc im w Objo( I the I «>i»B-t«n) ^tfl in the tabcrriA- Uinp; or drinkirif* ^ OW Wf5fl /«** H'MMMCa DMIfK. 4g rtslj!;htfi(1 ; but still isolfiphnoss. Our Saviour therefnrf) /^rto to disoiplos the 8tron>i;ostmark of distinction from thn world, Tvhen with this injunr- ^ ^^^.^j^ ..^^^ ^j^j^ ^j^^l, ^^jj ^^^^^^ j^^^^^^ ^j^.^^. ,^^, ^^^^ j^^^ disciplos, if yo with the strictcHt j^^ ^^^ another." This j:rreat law of love, which in reference to our L'pistle, the apostle a little wine for advice, to use a that Timothy did hose non-inebriat- pros. Whether wo illustration of tho it that this abstin- the part of Paul, 3SS, should prevent he strong alcoholic of wine, contained fellow men, is the fuUillinj:^ of the law, does not sanction any indul- ganoo which may harm others, nor allow us to ask "am I my brother's keeper." It commands us to deny ourselves if our bro- liier's welfare require it, to seek not our own but " every man an- cr's welfare," and " bear one another's burden." It does not !ow those who are strong to avail themselves of their strength, if ti* 80 doing they expose their weaker brethren to peril. "We that lite strong ought to bear the infirmities of tho weak and not to dfease ourselves." Lot us compare with this exalted principle, «iie tjtesent drinking usages of the world, and even of Christian men. Ettrong and dangerous liquors much more inebriating than those of ancient times, have been produced — their use has become general in society — they have immeasurably added to the amount of io that they do not ^^etchedness and crime— they annually rob churches of some of cannot close ^eir members — they are a constant cause of stumbling to weak G contrast between (^iristians— and by their aid, the children of the Church who Qd the intemperate ,^ould bo brought up in tho nurture and admonition of the Lord .ake, tor example, ^^ jj^ countless cases trained in the nurture of Satan. There is nually millions of jj^^. ^ christian in the world who does not know that such evils havo it the wine-growera j^ulted and do roanlt from strong drinks ; yet many good men Bvithout distilling a mg ^\^qqq beverages ; persist in an indulgence whit h yearly ruins thousands ; say by their practice that it concerns them not how many brethren stumble or are made weak ; how many, perhaps Itocouraged by their example, altogether perish. IIow different is tills from the declaration of Paul — " It is good neither to eat bread BiOr to drink wine nor anything whereby a brother stumbleth or is offended or made weak. If meat make my brother to offend, I will #St no meat while the world standeth." Paul was willing to ab- stain from harmless meats, even in deference to the prejudice or weakness of his brother ; many christians now say in their prac- j^e : " Though I know that these drinks make many to perish, yet li&cause I feel mvself to be stronp; and safe, I will continue to uso TOem while I live." Objections are however urged by some against this application ^ the law of love. Two of them only are deserving of notice. lat li i9 ol9«i9tQd tJiat iha Gcspal is tbo truo i^saadcj^ iox mor^ remainder. Not a I justify the uso of 3 of the food which ^ENCE. ishness; sometim*»s it others rash and deserves notice that, effect in restoring tho md other saccharine tion on this account, if substituted for the and ardent spliits ■' HU B W I M I J^ ^^m 46 SORIPTURli TESTIMONY IN (I.) 7'u not and never can 1)0 to worldly men anythin,'!; more than a n ontward reform, inflacneinoitlieir temporal welfare. Tochrinti evil ; and that Tepiperanoo Sueicties ofTer tliemselven in ' monsnre as sulistitutes for it, and thendty divert men'f» Jittoii|g|^V '_2,h .^ from the true wav of salvation. Thin ohiection denervos re.spc top. is— lU. it IH based on truth and influenees good men ; lait it has no f i j'l — i l ation in the facts of the case. Al)stineneo from stroncr drink> 12—17 11-23 lS-4 2s— 51 the af!;itation of those prineiy)les is a demand to consider and l'fi^S_~T'^ tiso a f»;ospel truth, which they have too much nef^locted. it i; Jdij^'s 1«— not reqiiirt) them to make one effort less for the promoti(iiiij|||[^"' ^}r~ Christ's Kinp;dom, or in an j' way diminish their ])robability of>^H( n cess. Temperance societies are not rivals to christian chnrcIi^HD— -"^7 A but if churches would agree to maintain a consistent and chriMj^J^ ^_^ testimony on this subject, there would be little need for socic ProT. :!— 10 2. Some good men deceive themselves with the excuse that'' an—i'; lial)itually using intoxicating drinks, they are shewing the ! fi2— 8 example, that of moderation or temperance. There can ^"^^^'' r^-^ 'ai^l be no moderation in evil ; the good things of this life sh.niMaoKiaa— 8 <) used moderately and tcuiperately, but when anything is fourn tHiI be evil, or an occasion of evil, then its use in liow^ever small de^:r 9 — 2 ceases to be moderation and becomes sin. We have already ^^^^*'^~'^*^, that the common intoxicating ^t to ooTisidcr ami ■Ii uoi^loctod. It for the promotii I '12 28 loir ])r()bability •'! |j|k 5_n christian clinvci lo— .17 & 39 )nsistcnt and eliri-a ,^' yj^^ ttlo need for socii ?TOf» 3 — 10 th tho excuse that/***^ ,?f~|- .w — 17 are Hhcwing tin; ! fi2— 8 * There can ho.:.j^^^^^^ 01 thiH life sirjuMj^Hia— 8 A 9 A 22 B HHOWINO THE HERREW WORDS IN T»tR AnnolUMKI) VKUHIOIf OK TIIR (It'll. I J— IH l.j TirnH/,. 7— 2S U7. 18— lU. 7—13 II— U 12—17 ,14—23 'ot8— 4 18—51 13—28 1—13 igs 18— .33 ; Cbxvu. 31—5 an^'thing is foun however small dc^rr Wo have alroadv ? 4—11 .fe 7—14 9—2 -10 , ,. 2—19 & 24 )dern tmies oanndyji^^ P_15 3annot be denied iHaMai 1— U Z«J|9-17 ■2« habitual use bo ciil of this objection n '(2.) EshUha. nan, Laving a irsj gj"-,,^^, the design of doin^rSong 2—5 ■nto intemperance ''.^^'••i'' ^—^ lie could not bocf ^; (3.) ^,;,. could only pcrspv'3oH(|f 8— j id others to follo^v Jo3pf_5~ t some of them woi »:p — 18 .ich cannot hurt ^^"^(ly'k,..,. is in reality the iiiDe«*f 32—14 , Psaitt 75—8 [sn^ 27—2 of tho world wli (jK Chaldco fonu) of their brethren, ;.^«^ f-}' 2, 4 & S,"^ 10 pleased not hini.-[jj^ 25—6 \ .' ; ;o bestow in Chri>^«e «lso Jer. 48—11 & 38 and d6»taw^. ^^_^6.) Yayiv. • /. ' 21 «Sc 24 • • 27—2.') 4!»-ll, 12 F'LxndiiH 29— 'JO Lev. 10—9 23— 1 3 Num. «— .34, 30 15—6, 7, 10 28—14 Dout 14-28 28—39 29—6 32—33. 38 .Toshuii 9—4, 13 Jud. 13—4, 7, 14 19—19 1 Sam. 1—14, 15, 24 lU— 3 16—20 25—18, 37 2 Sam. 13—28 1(5—1, 2 1 Chron. 9—29 12—40 27-27 2 Chron. 2—10, 15 11—11 Nob. 11—1 5—15, 13 1.3-15 Estb. 1—7, 10 5—6 7—2, 7, 8 Job 1—13, 18 32—19 Psalms 60—3 75—8 78—65 104—15 Prov. 4—17 9—2. 5 20—1 21—17 23—20, Ao. 31—4,6 Eccle. 2—3 9— r 10—19 Cant. 1—2, 4 2—1 4—10 g 2' " • » Isftjab 5.--ll,,12, 22 ^ t ft •10—10 123'— 13 RENM3IU3D "WINE" SCKlI'TdHKH. iHa. 24—9. 1 1 28—1, 7 29—9 51—21 56—12 Jor. 13-12 23—9 25 15 35—2. 5, 0, 8, U 40—12 48—33 61—7 Liim. 2— 12 Kzfk. 27—18 44—21 Danii;l 1 — 5, Ac. 10—3 Ilofloa 4 — 11 7—5 9—4 .14—7 Jool 1-5 3—3 Amos 2—8, 12 6— U 6—6 9—14 Micftb 2—11 6—15 Ilab. 2—5 Zeph. 1—13 lla^'. 2—12 Zocli. 9—15 10—7 iN'o