MEATS AND DRINKS by C. H. Bliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 24, 1901

MEATS AND DRINKS.

By C. H. Bliss

ELDER C. H. BLISS.

(Harvey, Ill.)

“Why do you abstain from certain meats and drinks?” This question has often been asked by candid persons, and should receive a candid answer. I do not believe it pays to build on a weak foundation, to evade an honest question, or to take an unscriptural position for effect.

But let us notice some of the arguments offered by those who seem unwilling to accept the reform in diet. First, it is said, Food does not defile a man; for “not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man.” We freely admit that our Saviour here refers to food, and designs to teach that eating certain foods, or touching certain things, does not defile. The ceremonial law, which pronounced a man unclean for touching an unclean animal or a dead body or diseased person, was an outward, formal law, which has ceased. Christ is teaching the principles of the new covenant, and regards sin in the heart as the only defilement we may fear. See Matt. 15: 19, 20. But we are also told that we “should not lust after evil things, as they lusted.” 1 Cor. 10: 6. And “when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” James 1:15.

In regard to the use of meat it has been suggested that God gave to the priests certain portions of the offerings to eat: moreover, we are reminded that Elijah was fed on bread and flesh; that our Saviour ate it, and fed it to the multitude; and even the angels ate it at the time of their visit to Abram. From this the conclusion is drawn that the eating of flesh is not sin, as our Saviour never committed sin. This may be freely admitted. And it is very apparent to a thoughtful observer that there are circumstances when it is better to eat flesh than to abstain; as in the case of a boarder in a Western hotel whose diet consisted of white bread, meat, and mustard; or the prisoners in the South who ate with a relish dog or rat meat. There is much truth in the statement that circumstances alter cases.

On the other hand, it must be admitted that flesh food was not the original diet of man. It will also be seen by every Bible reader that associated with the free use of flesh food, there is a decline in the average age of man; neither can any observer fail to notice that diseases of every description are on the increase. Butchers frequently offer diseased meat for sale. In fact, many diseases among animals are not easily detected. Physicians tell us that many serious diseases can be traced to the use of meat.

Moreover, the effect of the free use of flesh food upon the passions and lusts of men, the intemperate indulgence of which is carrying thousands to an untimely grave, may be recognized by personal experience.

A meat diet is unnecessary. We live in a land of plenty. A large variety of fruits and grains and vegetables may be had, and these are much cheaper than meat. Why not heed the injunction of the prophet, “Eat ye that which is good”?