Smyrna times., 1854-08-16


wine; l. In bad sense and is fitly represent
ed by fermented wne as Deut 80, SO; Rev
16, 10; Rev. II, 2: Rev 19, 3; Jer 25, Is !;
Jer. 5l, Z. Let any one examine these pas
sages and see if they cannot discern reference
to that =" wine" which "btes like serpent
and stngs like an adder which is like "the
poison of dragons and the cruel venom OF asps"
penetrating every function OF man, and bring
ing fearful ruin upon every vital energy
2. In good sense and represents the blessed
fruits of the Gospel of Christ-Tsa. 55 / lisa.
II, 2. In these two classes of passages refer
ence is certainly not made 10 the same article
The same thing used in the same manner, can
not be made to represent spiritual curses and
blessings at th2 same time. But the latter sense
is fifty represented by uniernented wine,
(which checreth God aud an,''-Judges 9,
13; Ps l04, l5,-whch rcfrcshes the soul aud
produces joy and gladness, as does the Gospel
of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes the word 4" wine " is merely used
to signify plenty, as Gen. 40, ii, II; at other
times mere reference is made to it,wlthout any
thing TO designate what kind is meant, and
therefore has no bearing upon the subject.
shall not, therefore, take up time and room in
multiplying passages; but if there are any pas
sages wherein wine was used as beverage,
which can be shown to mean termentpd vine,
and to have the sanction of Jehovah, | should
like them pointed out, that we may have an
opportunity of examining them. The Savour's
making wne-John 2, 3, IL; also, Deut ii,
26-and several other passages, / shall take up
IN the form Of objections. In order to make out
that the Lord sanctions the use of alcoholic
wine as beverage, three thingsare necessary !:
L. In the passages cited as proof was the wine
specified, fermented! @ Was it used, or to be
used, as beverage! g. Has it the sanction OF
Jehovah! These three things are necessary to
to be made out in order to show that the Lord
sometimes sanctions the use, as a beverage, OF
the fermented wines OF Palestine; but some
thing more is necessary to show that he sane
tOns the use of the POISONOUS drugs which we
possess. For, " "terInentcd wine here, is not
what it was IN Palestine" THE strongest
/
| produces, contains only about onc-thrd OF the
alcoholic poiscns contained in the stronger and
more favorite alcoholic wines here in use.''-
Besides, ave live in a different age. Our eli.
mate, our constitution, our habits, &C., are dit.
ierent." And So there are many other circum-
| stances to be taken into consideration. These
may make a material difference. Even then
palm wine, the strong drink of the Scriptures
contained but very little alcohol" Moreover
the passages usually quoted as sanctioning tho
use of wine, are found either connected witt
the civil laws Of peculiar rights of the Hebrew,
or were addressed to certain spec fed ndivldu
ais or bodies of men, in manner plainly prov
ing the general rule of prohibition, by the par
tcular exceptions recorded. AS in the case o
tythes and to Timothy. Upon the 'glole, W.
say, the wine permitted was not intoxicating
and we demand proof to the contrary. All th'
various mishaps ascribed to wine in the who'll
Bible, have reference solely TO fermented wine
because none other can produce such effects
All such, therefore, was fermcnted. 1t follow
that all wines approved were unfermented, an
this alone is consistent with the character Q
Jenovah. Let us not, therefore, lull our con
: sciences by the mere use of terms, in order t
} crafty our carnal appetites, lest we be foun
? deceving ourselves, and, too late, vainly call
: ing for a drop Of water to cool our parche
: tongues, burning with unquenchable flames.
) DoUer, August /, 1854.