In question No. 2114 it asks if it is wrong to use vinegar for seasoning, and the answer is, "It is." I wish to inquire if there is any Scripture authority for such an answer. If so, where is it found?
There is a reason given in that answer as to whether vinegar should be used, and that was that there is no use for it except in a chemical way. It is an unnatural acid, and a substitute was suggested for seasoning. Lemons contain a natural acid. There are those who could use vinegar without harm. The excretory organs, the physical exercise, the abundance of good health, would eliminate from the body the unnatural acid so the system would not feel it. Still it is a task upon the system which there is no use of placing upon it. We know of no scripture which says, Thou shalt not use vinegar. We know of none that says, Thou shalt not use absinth. We know of none which says, Thou shalt not use tobacco. And a thousand other wrong things could be placed in the same category. The word of God deals with great principles, and one of the principles is, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." If it will glorify God to use vinegar and these other things, use them. If it will give us strong physical powers, clear minds, sweet breaths, better digestion, use them. One of the great questions which ever ought to be before us in the use of these things for which our appetites long is, Are we doing this to glorify God, or are we doing it because a perverted appetite demands it? This we know, there are thousands of people who do not use vinegar, who have no need of it in any way, and who have excellent health all the time. There are also many who have been injured by it. Our correspondent must settle the question between himself and the Lord.