The bases of the temperance reform: an exposition and appeal./ With replies to numerous objections. By Rev. Dawson Burns.

Abstizczl-ce fecoi iizcizded iz Scriplgrc I2I
not of joy, but of woe; and if the intoxicating element
is employed to depict such intense depravity and suffering, how can we suppose that it is recognized in Scripture with favor and approval? *
4. 7'ie Scrztzb.res d.s/tzizc/ly advise sejara/zIoz from Iizloxicaizao/ (hi;zk as a izeais of jro/cc/o;z frontz ils z;s(l/zos and
de(zit,er;lzs ejfecs.
There can be no doubt that the Nazarites were a body
separate&" as the word implies, to exhibit in bold relief
a purity of life superior to that of the people at large.
Certain signs of this separation were enjoined, and it is
not questioned by impartial commentators that the interdiction of intoxicating liquors was adopted to guard them
against the moral perils to which, by using them they
would have been exposed. Is such a precaution needless
now, when the liquors in common use are much more
potent, and the drinking customs much more prevalent,
than in those ancient times? How vitally this abstinence
was associated with Nazaritism may be gathered from the
divine displeasure against seducers, "And I raised up of
your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith
the Lord. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and
commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not."t The
Nazarite system prevailed down to New Testament times,
and it was a tradition in the early Church that some of
the apostles were attached to that venerable institution.
Again, in Leviticus x. 8-I i, there is a remarkable prohibition made general and unchangeable in regard to the
priests when they ministered before the Lord. On such
* It may also be added that "ferment" or" leaven "was treated by the
sacred writers as a sample and symbol of corruption. So Christ speaks of
"the leaven of the Pharisees," and St. Paul bids the Corinthians "purge out
the old leaven." But without leaven where would be intoxicating drink?
t Amos ii. I,.2,