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

I22 Scrizpttre aizd 1t/e Tcvniperazice Cztestion.
occasions they were not to take wine nor strong drink,
lest they died. Expositors usually connect this law with
the preceding event described-the offering of strange fire
by the sons of Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu. But whatever
the origin of the interdict, its stringency and solemnity
cannot be mistaken, nor can the precautionary object of
the Divine Lawgiver be overlooked: "And that ye may
put difference between holy and unholy, and between
unclean and clean; and that ye may teach the children
of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto
them by thc.hand of Moses." Clearness of discernment,
and fidelity in the discharge of duty, were the reasons for
this command; and when it is pointed out that the command was only binding during the period of ministration,
we are constrained to ask whether the possession of a
power to see and act aright is not praiseworthy at all
times; and whether the security of abstinence (a security
enjoined under awful sanctions for a special purpose) may
not and should not be embraced perpetually by those
who are described as a "holy priesthood" appointed "to
offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ"? For when, it may be asked, is the Christian
desirous of ceasing to be engaged in this sacrificial
work? clow, indeed, can it be intermitted, when his
whole body is to be "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God"? The principle embedded in this Levitical
precept is as applicable to us as to the Aaronic priests
and we shall be but placing ourselves under a divine
guard when we follow, in all our way of life, the rule to
which they were called upon to render periodical obedience. Again, the command of the wise man, "Look not
thou upon the wine when it is red,"* coupled as it is with
a description of the liquor named, is not to be toned. down
into a caution against overindulgence, without setting
* Prov xxiii. 31.