e and thine often infirmities." 1 Tim. 5:23.
There is nothing in this text for the consolation of the wine-bibber. The
professed follower of Christ who loves to sip the wine-cup, and by this
text persuades himself to believe he is not violating God's law, wrests it
to his own hurt. That Timothy had some stomach trouble is very evident
from this text. We are not ready to admit that it was fermented wine Paul
advised him to use. It often happens that water, especially if it is not
pure, will distress a diseased stomach. This wine was recommended as a
hygienic law. When an individual is troubled with constipation he will
find bread made from unbolted wheat flour to be much more healthful for
him than bread made from fine white flour. We would not advise the use of
this merely as a luxury, nor as a medicine, but as a common-sense law of
health. The juice of the grape contains a considerable portion of water,
so much that one can get all the water the system requires and not drink
the sweet juice to an excess. From the text it is natural to conclude that
water was hurtful to Timothy, since he is advised to drink no longer
water.

In cities and certain countries travelers often find the water
disagreeable and unhealthful to them. It would be wisdom to use
unfermented wine, or boil the water and add the juice of a lemon or some
fruit to make it palatable. It would be very unwise for us on such an
occasion to justify ourselves in the use of narcotic and fermented drinks.
They are as injurious to the stomach as impure water, and were we
compelled to drink either, we would feel more in God's order to trust him
to counteract the poison in the water rather than the poison of fermented
wines and narcotic teas and coffees.

The drinking in moderation or "not to excess" of unfermented wine is
healthful, and in harmony with divine laws: but total abstinence from
spirituous liquors is the command of God. While alcohol, whisky, and
brandy are words not used in the New Testament their use is none the less
objectionable and sinful. These ardent spirits produce an effect called
drunkenness, and the Scriptures class drunkenness with the works of the
flesh, and declare that they which do such things shall not inherit the
kingdom of God. Gal. 5:19-21. The reader will only have to refer to any
authentic medical or hygienic work to learn of the injurious effects of
alcohol upon the human system.

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and