Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!… 1. The Almighty has set His face solemnly and strongly against the sin denounced in the text. 2. Unquestionably, the surest way of stopping the ravages of strong drink will be by means of total abstinence. The fear of ridicule, the force of habit, the consideration of health, the charge of inhospitality, or the appearance of unsociableness, one or other of these arguments prevail with the vast multitude to induce them to stand aloof from the total abstinence movement. 3. Certain precautions which are within the compass of those who are not prepared to give their adhesion to total abstinence. (1) We may be careful about ourselves and the example we set. (2) We should be very careful of the influence we exercise on those around and connected with us. If we are careful of the example we set, it must be on account of the influence which that example may exert. (3) Let us be exceeding jealous of leading anyone into temptation. (4) Let us be on our guard against making drunkenness a subject of wit, drollery, and fun. (5) Be careful how you yield to the opinion of those friends who would urge you to increase the quantity of stimulant you are in the habit of taking in the course of the day. (6) In all eases within your knowledge, in which persons cannot use without abusing strong drink, exert all your influence to induce them to become total abstainers. (J. Mould, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! |
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