BIBLE TEMPERANCE, AND PRESENT DUTY: ADDRESSED PARTICULARLY TO OFFICE-BEARERS AND MEMBERS OF THE FREE CHURCH. BY THE REV. D. MACFARLAN, D.D., RENFREW. •BIBL EDINBURGH: JOHN JOHNSTONE, 15, PRINCES STREET; AND 26, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. MDCCCXLVII. 1. Nations emerging out of a state of Comparative Barbarism, 7 ib. 3. The state of Jewish Society during our Lord's Public 12 4. The Condition of Christian Society in Heathen Countries, 13 among ourselves, . 4. Mixed Wines, 5. Intoxicating Liquors not spoken of in Scripture, but used III. ABSTINENCE-In what sense understood, 1. As regards Kings and Judges, 31 35 40 ib. 2. As regarded the Aaronic Priesthood, 41 3. As regards Ministers of the New Testament, 42 44 BIBLE TEMPERANCE, AND PRESENT DUTY. "To the law and to the testimony," says the prophet; "if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isa. viii. 20.) This ought not to be confined to matters purely of faith, or even to general principles of morality; for, in these circumstances, it could scarcely have been said, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. iii. 6); and neither would we have had in Scripture so much detail of human manners, and God's will concerning these. There is, moreover, in the apostle's definition of the inspired word, enough to bear us out in this: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim. iii. 16, 17.) Mere opinion, especially touching social usages, is like the currents of the ocean, dependent on causes altogether apart from truth, and reason, and Scripture. And the observation of the heavenly bodies is not more necessary to the mariner, than is the study of God's Word to him who would shape his way through life. This is particularly necessary on the subject of intemperance, whether we look at the usages of society on the one hand, or, on the other, at some of the opinions in circulation recommending a change. Moreover, it is due to the honour of God, that we should on this, as on every thing else touching human responsibility, consult his sacred oracles. The conscience of every Christian ought to be subject to his authority, each saying for himself, and respecting every part of his conduct, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" And in this way only may he expect the approval and blessing of the Most High. 66 |