Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-25

oefore-but on account OF the one who has
gwen the information. That person evi-
gently thought that meat offered to idols
ought not TO be eaten. and for that reason
he gave the statement II another, after
learning this fact, presumes TO eat. the in
formant is hurt. (Rom. xiv:IG). In several
Why's. he may think uneharitabiy OF the
other, or he may afterward lower his stand
ara or what is right or he may be less
responsive to the dictates of conscience
ooNSECRAnEI tyerses 80 and 3D. II
is evident that the last direction OF the
apostle is not final on this subject one
may on prudential grounds refrain from
eating under the circumstances named for
the sake of the weak brother-it would be a
very proper and considerable course But In
one sense he Is not obligated TO do so Tho
act must not be regarded as ca duty but
generous privilege, kindness to an
other. Ii is not duty because no mans
conduct may be regulated by another mans
conscience. But here comes in a principle
OF utmost Importance. Whether one eat or
refrain, in the exercise of his liberty or out
or regard to another's welfare. In either
case IL should be with thanksgiving and
grace The man should ask Gods blessing
even as Christ did Matt, xiv:i0) oae
may rightly do whatever he asks God to
approve consecrated act, one devoted
10 God, Is right, for there are none so de-
graded and perverted as to ask the Divine
FAVOR upon an evidently wicked thing.
lNOFFENSIFE oversees SO and 3d.
Paul closes his comments by returning 10
the thought of the twenty-eighth verse but
n no Gng u up IN new form. The actions
OF , Cnristians must respect the opinions OF
all classes, mentioned here under three
heads-Jews. Gentiles, Christians No Of
rense may be given, no injury inflicted
nothing done that shall turn one from the
path of rectitude. This is the highest rule
that may be applied to life. Ali men are
obligated to care for all men, to promote
their welfare in all ways possible even in
eating and drinking and in the most COM
mon affairs of life. To enforce this doe
trine Paul was able to refer to himself as
an example. Happy for him and for the
cause that he could do this. The church at
Corinth, composed largely of Gentle con-
verts, with whom were Joined many prose-
iytes from Judaism, would hardly be able
TO appreciate an abstraction Precepts
have their proper use, leading one TO a
thorough investigation of that which is
vital and fundamental But an object les
son Is immensely valuable to immature
minds.
CONCLUSION. The law Of God is
plainly binding upon the Christian. No
part of 1t should be set aside on grounds
OF expediency. But there are occasions
when no law appears to meet the case
is strictly applicable. The individual must
then ask series of questions probably in
this order: l.. Does the act involve the
welfare Uoal;ns. OF other people their pleasure,
In some cases ought to be- a seif-deniaI.
that others may not suffer. 2 Is the act
OF public or private character, SO that it
passes out of the ordinary realm of con-
where by general usage the significance Of
the act may have changed? 8. Above all,
Is the man able to satisfy his own con-
science? Does he have any doubt con-
corning the wisdom, righteousness or pro-
priety of what Is proposed? T. Is the
actor thoroughly consecrated to God. liv-
ing for Him, desiring at all times to do
that which will meet the Divine approval?