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


INTRODUCTORY. How far may a
Christian follow the practices of unbe-
levers? This perplexing question, pre-
sented at times to every man. caused much
discussion among the early converts who
lived In daily contact with the heather. The
most troublesome aspect of1he inquiry per-
tanned to meats offered to idols. One part
of the sacrifice was consumed on the altar;
second part was eaten by the sacrificer
and third part belonged to the priest and
was often sold in the market, Might a
Christian eat this third part which had
thus passed through the forms of heather
worship? In attempting to answere parties
were formed and many debates ensued. The
apostle In his letter to the Corinthians en-
deavored to adjust many matters in the
church of that city, this among them. His
instructions cover the case completely and
set forth certain principles that may be ap-
piled to the use OF intoxicating drinks.
LAWFUL Verse 23) He first de-
ciares that there is no law on the subject
III one We're to search carefully among all
the prohibitions offered by Moses and Christ
nothing would be found concerning the eat
Ing Of meat that had been offered to idols.
1t was perfectly lawful, that Is 1t was not
one of great Importance. There are many
legalsts. those who refrain only when they
are met by direct command, thou shalt
not" But 1t is impossible to regulate con-
Duct In that way. The general duties only
are thus covered. There Is much larger
field Of conduct. What is expedient? What
edfhes? Many things not forbidden are In
expedient Many things allowable accord
Ing to the letter Of the law fall far short
OF prolting any one. This distinction was
necessary at that time to deliver the church
rom lega! bondage and make know
SELFISH Verse 24) The matter of
expectancy and edifcation needed to be am
plihed and explained. The words have
meaning far above that which is ordina-
rily given to them. Some might suppose
| that they were to regard their own welfare
| only, and hence that would be inexpedient
that brought any loss to the individual.
pure and simple. Conduct on that basis
would seldom be right and it would never
be Christian. The gospel enjoins upon every
man that he shall seek the good of others
(PhlL H. 4. 21.) This doctrine. which is
fundamental, is thrust in here by the
apostle for the purpose of finding a way
| to an answer to the question. The eating
of meat offered to idols Is not matter of
law. but of expediency Involving the well
fare Of others besides him who eats.
PUBLIC (verses 25 and 26) With the
principle just set forth Paul proceeds to ex-
pound the case In three or four particulars
each of them as he proceeds bringing one
| nearer to the central point of Christian liv-
ing. When. meat has found its way to the
SnamDleS, the stan OF the market, ana mas
there been offered for sale. IT may be bought
and eaten by the Christian. Why? Because
1t has passed out of the religious use, en-
tered into public place and become food
A man is not expected to go behind the
market and to inquire concerning the his
tory Of the thing sold. He has, In fact,
nothing to do with that history. In the
public place the meat is food. 1t has ac-
quired a new character and quality. Il
Tim. Nv. A and is part of that general
supply which God provides for his crea-
lures, q part of the fullness of the earth, no
longer heather, but Gods.
applies If Christian is invited to eat In
the house OF an irreligious man. He may
go IL disposed-he need not refuse because
the man Is not a Christian. Matt, kill
In this respect he initiates Jesus, who ate
with the publicans and sinners departing
from the prudish methods of the Pharisees.
And when seated at the table he need not
ask any questions duke, KID, concerning
the food set before him. he need not inquire
on conscientious grounds whether the
meat had been offered to Idols. He has
nothing to do with that question, but he
may freely eat refraining from all inquiries
on that subject. The reason for this course
is in the former direction. The meat had
been sold in the market as meat. 1t had
no religious significance when sold. In
like manner on the table 1t Is merely meat,
to be accepted such without any re-
gard to the question Of its origin. In pri-
vate the case is the same as in public.
CONSCIENTIOUS (verses rs and 2e.)
Suppose, however, that while at table, some
one, the host, or another guest, should say
that the meat had been previously offered
to idols, the case is Immediately changed.
Until the fact was mentioned there was
nothing present but food, common. plain.
appropriate food. As soon as the fact was
mentioned the meat acquired a new quality
in the mind of him who made the state
ment The Christian visitor must now re-
frain from eating. not on his own account
matters are with him where they were