Against Forced Bible Interpretations by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 23, 1888

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 14, No. 12.

Against Forced Bible Interpretations

By Editor

A BROTHER asks if it is safe to apply Job 20:12, 13 to tobacco-using. We say emphatically, No, it is not safe to apply it to tobacco-using, because such an application would be a false one. There are arguments enough against tobacco-using, without straining a point. The Bible has suffered fully as much from forced interpretations, a narrowing of the meaning, and attempts to make a sensation with a text, as it has from the assaults of its avowed enemies. If all who profess reverence for the Bible were consistent in their interpretation of it, and humble followers of its plain teaching, Christianity might laugh to scorn all the efforts of infidels.