01. Introduction

Introduction My design is not originality. It is to collect and so to arrange the facts and arguments, under their appropriate heads, as to facilitate the investigation and to produce the clearest and firmest conviction. The proofs are stated on the authorities to which they are credited, and who are to be held responsible for their accuracy. Many, however, of these authorities I have verified by my personal examination, and to these I have added new ones. The use made of the facts, as well as the reasonings connected with them, is obviously my own. For the exposition of many passages of Scripture I must be held responsible. My simple aim is to present this important subject in a manner so plain that all readers of the Bible may understand what are my convictions of its teachings on the subject of temperance, and particularly of the wine question.

It can hardly be expected that the views herein expressed will satisfy all. But all will bear me witness that my reasonings are conducted in candor, and with due respect to those from whom I am constrained to differ. Their views are carefully stated in their own chosen language, and their quoted authorities are fairly given. When their relevancy is questioned or their inferences shown to be illogical, no suspicion of motives has been allowed.

Truth gains nothing by asperities; while mere dogmatism recoils upon itself. The contemptuous treatment of a new interpretation of the sacred text is no proof that it is not true. Only the original text is inspired. No translation, much less a mere human interpretation, is absolute authority. As all wisdom has not died with those who have done their work on earth and gone to heaven, so there is a possibility that clearer light may yet be thrown upon the inspired page which will give a more satisfactory understanding of the Word of God.

Every honest explorer should be hailed as a helper. The truth will bear searching after, and when found it will liberally reward the most diligent and patient research. When such a desire is to know the truth, it may awaken controversy. If it is conducted in the spirit of love and with a teachable disposition, it will harm nobody, but will certainly bless many. Most things are kept bright by rubbing. The controversy will necessitate a more careful study of the Bible, a more perfect understanding of the laws of nature as well as the usages of the ancients. The truth will thus be developed, and it will ultimately triumph. The Hebrew and Greek words, for the benefit of the general reader, are written in English. Where the original is quoted, a translation is also given. To facilitate more extended research, and to verify the quotations made, the authors and the pages are named. A free use has been made of the London edition of Dr. Nott’s Lectures on Biblical Temperance, printed in 1863. This edition was published under the careful revision of Dr. F.R. Lees, who has added footnotes and five very valuable and critical appendices. It is also accompanied with a scholarly introduction by Professor Tayler Lewis, LL.D., of Union College. The publication of this volume in this country would subserve the cause of temperance. The Temperance Bible Commentary, by F.R. Lees and D. Burns, published in London, 1868, has been of great service to me. I am happy thus publicly to acknowledge my indebtedness to it for much judicious and critical information. I am happy to learn that it has recently been stereotyped in this country, and is for sale by the National Temperance Society. A copy ought to be in the hands of every temperance man.