OR,

THE SCRIPTURES IN FAVOR OF

TOTAL ABSTINENCE.

BY

REV. PETER STRYKER, D.D.

NEW YORK:

National Temperance Society and Publication House,

No. 172 WILLIAM STREET.

1867.

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the illegal traffic in rum, to compel the enemy to campaign; so far, I have succeeded in accomplishing this obm confident that at the end of this municipal year, I shall be ort to the City Council, that this traffic is entirely extinguished, Le city has not paid a dollar of the cost."

"NEAL DOW, Mayor."

BIBLE TEETOTALISM.

BY REV. PETER STRYKER, D.D.

Ir is a question which has been much discussed of late, whether total abstinence from the use of intoxicating liquor as a beverage is demanded by the Word of God? But suppose, after looking carefully, we fail to find one precept which directly and positively requires this as a Christian duty. Let no disciple of Jesus, on this account, think he is, therefore, released from all responsibility in this matter. It is with this as with many other great duties; the obligation to perform them may be deduced from general principles, and perhaps made as strong as if supported by a score of positive precepts.

If we can present the example of many godly men of olden times who are mentioned in the Bible as total abstinence men; if we can show that their conduct is spoken of as praiseworthy; if we can, in connection with these examples, bring forward general passages of Scripture enjoining upon Christians care that they do not rush into temptation, and affirming that they are in duty bound to exert their utmost influence to save their fellow-mortals from ruin; and if, with all this, we can make it apparent that the peculiarities of

our age and position demand of us peculiar sacrifices; then, Christians, we think we will have a broad and strong foundation to stand upon. And this is just what we propose to do, and hope to gain.

I. First, then, let us look at some Scripture examples of total abstainers.

1. THE PRIESTS.

In the tenth chapter of the book of Leviticus we read: "The Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine, nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die; it shall be a statute forever, throughout your generations."

From this it appears the Levitical priests were prohibited, when performing their sacerdotal duties, the use of intoxicants. And the reason given for this prohibition is, "That ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between clean and unclean. And that you may teach the children of Israel all the 'statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses."

It appears, then, that "wine" and strong drink" were considered in that remote age dangerous articles, and polluting as well as dangerous. Many suppose it was for the violation of this precept Nadab and Abihu were consumed at the altar. Would that Gospel ministers in the present dispensation could be made to see and feel, although the positive precept is not pre

egal traffic in rum, to compel the enemy to pay the exaign; so far, I have succeeded in accomplishing this obfident that at the end of this municipal year, I shall be he City Council, that this traffic is entirely extinguished, has not paid a dollar of the cost."

"NEAL DOW, Mayor."

scribed for them as it was for the Aaronic priesthood; yet the same reason still exists why they should abstain from the dangerous and polluting thing! In consequence of trifling with the strange fire, many of our brightest luminaries have been quenched in darkness, and gone down to a drunkard's grave.

Even if convinced, they could not be tempted to ruin (a thing by no means certain) in this age, when throngs of their hearers, as well as myriads who turn away from the sanctuary, are decoyed by the devil in the glass to perdition; we hesitate not to say that every minister of the Gospel should be an example of total abstinence. He should resolutely refrain from touching a drop. Point not to Christ, the perfect man and the model preacher, turning water into wine. If all the wine now used was like the pure juice of the grape provided at Cana of Galilee, it might do on certain occasions to drink it, especially if it was made out of water. But to every brother in the ministry, and to every sincere Christian, we beseechingly say, Do not, by word or example, recommend the use of the mixed, adulterated, poisonous trash which is now vended everywhere for a pure article!

2. THE NAZARITES.

In the sixth chapter of the book of Numbers we read: "The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a