The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-02-14


sons could not enter In any part Of that
worship without computations OF con-
science. II they were to eat tbs meat
offered in sacrifice their conscience would
be defiled and they would feel condemn
ed. 1t is plain, therefore. that such
people ought not to eat And it was
doubtless for the benefit OF these per-
sons that the council at Jerusalem gave
Its decision and sent out Its letters. It
Is prudential regulation for the weak
and not an item In morals. temporary
and not permanent 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
superior knowledge stands over against
the inferior knowledge of the other class.
the one allowing and the other denyin &
the practice. but neither being able to
claim an advantage over the other or
profit to himself. (Verse 49, Whether
they eat or do not eat. they are neither
better nor worse for meat does not
commend anyone to the favor OF God.
(Rom., xiv:l7.) Seldom has q man with
more holiness and reason stood between
oontendins parties, But there Is
principle involved wfch both Of them
need to consider. the liberty OF those who
claim superior knowledge must not be
used to injure their weak brethren.
Verse o. This principle doubtless
formulated the injunction OF the apos-
tolic college, which was evidently d.
rected toward the peace and prosperity
of the church. SO the whole inquiry Is
instantly shifted. 1t no longer pertains
to sinfulness of eating meat but to the
care OF these disciples who might there
by be tempted and tried. (Gal., v:1s.)
p TE-~Tbn ny-ip o{>la ~ to
upon liberty for the security of others
having been stated. Its Importance is
next shown by the consequence Of dis
regarding 1t. VERSES 1o-11.) One we'll
Informed concerning the utter folly Of
ldoiatry having therefore no scruples to
hinder him, enters with the multitude to
eat In the IDOLS temple, thinking no
more OF 1t than to sit at the table OF
friend. Another, cherishinG different
views. seeing him. is emboldened to fol-
low his example. But the latter has
snned because determined against the
act. The first man is therefore guilty
OF his brothers transgression. Il Cor.
x:29.) For the sake OF temporary
atifcatlon on feast occasion, the
first man led the second man astray.
And who shall measure the conse-
quences when ono begins to stifle tho
voice Of conscience and to follow the
conduct of others? A brother for whom
Christ died perishes through another's
thoughtless indulgence. Under such cir
cunstances the church founded to save
men and to help them to holy living
Gal, vl:D. has become the instrument
Of sin and the house Of death And
this Is sin against Christ. (verse 81
RESOLNE-The teaching is now com
plete. The subject about which tho Cor
inthians had questioned was all brushed
away, and neither party could claim ad-
vantage over the other. They are all
raised to that elevated plain where the
welfare Of each Is a paramount consid-
GRAFTON, no one allowed to do what will
be prejudicial to another. And yet
Paul does not express this in the form
of command. Had he done so some
one would have perverted his words,
resting In the letter. not knowing the
far better, he announced to all his own
purpose and plan of life. If meat make
any brother of his to offend he would
eat no more. Verse 49, Prompted by
love he would exercise self-denial from
that which was harmless In itself. (Ron,,
xiv;21) He would limit his liberty and
regulate his conduct not by what he
knew and believed on matters Of right
and wrong q Cor. vi:1g, but by his
desire to save others. lie does not say
SO. but 1t is probable that his declaration
was Intended to influence the resolve
of the persons to whom he wrote
s. CoNcLUSION-The instructions of the
lesson may be briefly stated under two
heads; First, in all study OF the Scrip
sture to determine matters, of doctrine
and duty one must DO careful to dis
5tinguish between tho transient and the
abiding. A direction given on cer-
Etain subject at on time may he intended
70 meet an emergency only to be SUPER
oeded altogether in the fuller light of n
suhsequent time. as the words of James
4lAets, xy.ao) are supplemented by tho
words OF Paul, Inattention to this great
%truth has led to numherless and yexa.
tiops agitotlons among people extremely
anxious 9, to be right, While the truth
IS the only correct standard Of action,
such Is tho infirmity and perYersity Of Of
inc human intellect that men are liable
70 arrive at various conclusions, Hence,
they ought In the settlement OF differ,
;enees to invoke tta aid OF a generous
affection, Il tho heart Is right snen