[Oct. 24th, 1867.]
Some things are unlawful in their own nature, and can never be right. Others are wrong because positively forbidden; are wrong only so long as the prohibition continues, and only to those upon whom the prohibition is laid. Others are wrong on the grounds of expediency, and therefore are sometimes wrong, and sometimes right. It is not always easy to discriminate these classes. There are, however, certain criteria by which we can distinguish what things are wrong in their own nature, and what are in their nature indifferent.
-
One of these criteria is to be found in our own moral constitution. We can see intuitively that malice, envy, pride, etc., are in their nature wrong. They are evil, not because they are forbidden, not because of their injurious tendency, but they are essentially evil.
-
The Scriptures condemn such things as are in their nature evil, not for one people, nor for a limited period, but for all men in all times.
With regard to things indifferent in their own nature, the Scriptures lay down the following rules:
-
If prohibited for any special reason, they are unlawful while that prohibition lasts.
-
When the prohibition is removed, they are right or wrong according to circumstances; wrong at one time and place, and not at another. 1st. They are wrong when their use or enjoyment would do harm to others. 2d. They are right when no such evil is to be apprehended. 3d. That principle is never to be sacrificed to expediency; that is, when doing or not doing anything would imply the denial of an important truth. All these principles are illustrated by the apostle’s conduct and teaching in relation to the three matters, in themselves indifferent, which troubled the early Church. These were circumcision, the observance of the holy days of the Jews, and eating meat forbidden by the Mosaic law, or which had been offered to idols. With regard to these Paul taught,
-
That there was no harm in doing or neglecting them. Circumcision was nothing. If any man chose to circumcise his son, he was free to do so. If he chose to observe a holy day, he might do so. If he chose to abstain from meats sacrificed to idols, he might do so.
-
That he must not make his judgment a rule of duty to others. He must not condemn those who thought and acted differently. “To his own master he standeth or falleth.” “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of a new moon, or of the Sabbath days.”
-
But if any of these became a source of evil, caused the weak to offend, then the law of love forbids our indulging in them, or availing ourselves of our Christian liberty.
-
But if any of these things were urged as a matter of duty, or a condition of salvation, then it became a sin to make things indifferent necessary. Paul, therefore, although he circumcised Timothy, refused to allow Titus to be circumcised. It is difficult to determine whether compliance with the prejudices of others is right or wrong. Our Lord disregarded the prejudices of the Jews in regard to the Sabbath. In other cases he complied in order to avoid giving offense.
There are certain principles important to have fixed, as guides of conduct.
-
Nothing is right or wrong which is not commanded or forbidden in Scripture.
-
We must stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and not allow any rule of duty to be imposed upon us.
-
In the use of this liberty, and while asserting and maintaining it, we should not so use it as to do harm to our neighbors.
-
Nothing indifferent can be a proper ground of church discipline or a condition of church fellowship.
These principles are often violated, as in the course pursued by many on slavery, temperance, tobacco, dress, church ceremonies, &c., &c.
← 178. Brotherly Love · Contents · 180. Christian Forbearance →