Raising Swine for Market by T. E. BOWEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 8, 1906

Raising Swine for Market

By T. E. BOWEN

T. E. BOWEN

SOMETIMES the query is raised by our brethren on farms as to whether it is right to raise hogs for the market. They reason that the people will use pork anyhow, and that to save the milk that would go to waste, by feeding it to the growing pigs, and then turn the hogs into cash in the fall, would be a perfectly proper thing to do. Some live on rented farms, and the landlord wants swine to be raised. This question consequently, often becomes a very live one. And it is one that should be carefully considered and wisely dealt with. It is possible that no set rule could be laid down to be arbitrarily carried out in every instance, but we do believe that God has given his people so clear direction in this matter, that all, if they truly purpose in their hearts to obey him, may be guided aright.

The only point that can be raised by our people to sustain this practise is to obtain the gain to be derived financially from the sale of the hogs; for God's people were expressly commanded not to eat the flesh of swine. Lev. 11:7; Deut. 14:8; Isa. 65:4. And Jesus left on record just one instance where his rebuke was upon this very identical point of gain to his people in the raising of swine for flesh food for those who use it. This occasion was his visit to Gadara, across the Sea of Galilee from Capernaum. Two men dwelt on this coast who were possessed by a strong company of demons—fallen angels.

Their name was legion. Through the mighty power of Christ's word, these men were delivered, and sat at Jesus' feet subdued, gentle, with intelligence beaming from their eyes.

“But the demons were permitted to sweep a herd of swine into the sea; and to the dwellers of Gadara the loss of these outweighed the blessings which Christ had bestowed, and the divine Healer was entreated to depart. This was the result which Satan designed to secure. By casting the blame of their loss upon Jesus, he aroused the selfish fears of the people, and prevented them from listening to his words. Satan is constantly accusing Christians as the cause of loss, misfortune, and suffering, instead of allowing the reproach to fall where it belongs, upon himself and his agents.

“But the purposes of Christ were not thwarted. He allowed the evil spirits to destroy the herd of swine as a rebuke to those Jews who were raising these unclean beasts for the sake of gain. Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not only the swine, but also their keepers and owners.”—“Great Controversy,” page 575.

To the obedient child of God this rebuke of Christ's upon this practise of raising swine “for the sake of gain” will be sufficient for them to decide as to what they ought to do regarding this matter. The Lord changes not; and if his rebuke was upon this practise when he was here upon the earth, he would rebuke it among his people to-day. There are many ways which are open before the followers of Christ to gain a livelihood without engaging in that which is questionable, or that which can be construed by the enemy to lessen the power and influence of the truth upon the hearts of others.

Rome, N. Y.