The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-14

the primary and vital principle of the
Christian religion, to remove the heat
Of debate and to prepare for brotherly
examination of the subject, Paul next
considers the nature of idolatrous wor-
ship verses 4 and g. "An idol is moth
ing" he declares, as all Christians know,
a mere fern constructed by men for wor-
ship. Qsaah, Xiv, 17-1S) The follower
of Jesus knows that there is but "one
God the Father, cf whom are all things"
(Acts xvii, 2S), and zone Lord, Jesus
Christ" Hence, the service paid to
idols is mere folly. (Acts xiv, 15) 1t will
appear that this teaching would have a
double bearing upon the question in hand.
For, if the idol was nothing, meat Of
fered to him was in no wise affected
thereby, and he who might afterward eat
of it would be uninjured. Besides, by
eating 1t the same as any other flesh, the
Christian might virtually declare to the
heather about him that he had no regard
whatever for his foolish and profitless
exercises.
CONSCIENCE.-The logic of the last
paragraph leads inevitably to the conclu-
sion that meat offered to idols might be
eaten. Immediately the question must
have been raised by many, why then the
early apostolic prohibition? The reason
may be found in the apostles next words.
Verse ~ Every man does not know
what he has just said. Some have more
serious views of idolatry. They think
of 1t as u system of false worship, which
has been forbidden in Scripture. EXODUS
Xxx, 81 Such persons could not enter into
any part of that worship without COM
Functions of conscience If they were to
eat the meat offered to idols in sacrifice
their consciences would be defiled and
they would feel condemned. 1t is pain,
therefore that such people ought not TO
eat And 1t was. doubtless, for the
benefit of these persons that the council
at Jerusalem gave its decision and sent
out its letters. 1t was n prudential regu-
lation for the week and not an item in
morals, temporary and not perma-
nent rule.
PRINCIPLE.-The apostle has now
struck the very heart of the subject.
showing how the two opinions and con-
sequent controversy might arise. The SUI
perior knowledge of the one class stands
over against the inferior knowledge of
the other class, the one allowing and the
other denying the practice, but neither
able to claim any advantage over the
other or profit to himself. Verse 81
Whether they eat or do not eat, they are
neither better nor worse, for meat does
not commend any one to the favor of
God. (Romans xiv, 10 Seldom has a
man with more boldness and reason
stood between contenoing parties. But
there is a principle involved, which both
of them need to considerable liberty of
those who claim superior knowledge must
not be used to injure their weak brother.
Verse 81 This principle, doubtless for
mulated the injunction Of the apostolic
college, which was evidently directed
toward the peace and prosperity Of the
church So the whole inquiry is instantly
shifted 1t no longer pertains to the sin
fulness of eating meat, but to the care of
those disciples who might thereby be
tempted and tried. Galatians, v, 49,
RESULTS.-The principle of restraint
upon liberty for the security of others
having been stated, it's Importance is
next shown by the consequence OF disre-