Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 38:152 (Oct 1881)
Article: A Sober View Of Abstinence
Author: Daniel Merriman

BSac 38:152 (Oct 1881) p. 707

A Sober View Of Abstinence

Rev. Daniel Merriman

This Article contains an endeavor to find in some of the facts and circumstances of the case a reasonable footing for a practical abstinence from alcoholic drinks as a good rule, — the dictate of common prudence and Christian benevolence. The words “practical abstinence” or “abstinence” are used instead of “total abstinence,” inasmuch as this latter phrase, though apparently more definite, is in reality less so, because it is necessary in practice to qualify it with other words, such as “beverage,” which, again, are indeterminate, and open a wide field of discussion as to what constitutes a convivial, dietary, or medicinal use. It is enough if abstinence can be established as the best general rule, to which use forms the exception. Our inquiry falls under three heads: first, prudential abstinence; second, benevolent abstinence; third, objections.

I. Prudential Abstinence

The reasons for abstinence as a measure of prudence are derived (1) from physiology, (2) from experience. Let us consider, then,

BSac 38:152 (Oct 1881) p. 708

1. Prudential Abstinence In The Light Of Physiology

Dogmatism here is very common, and in view of the enormous evils of drunkenness very tempting, yet caution and candor are greatly needed. In the present state of physiological chemistry we are not to look for proofs which will amount to a demonstration, but rather for evidences of tendencies. When scientific men who have spent their lives in investigating the subject speak of their knowledge as imperfect, and their conclusions as tentative, it becomes others to be modest.

1. We take up first the question as to the effect of alcohol upon the nervous system because this is its most obvious and important effect, the effect which probably to a large degree controls all others, especially that upon the circulation and nutrition. Now what in general is this effect? Science and also experience when carefully interrogated at once answer, It is anaesthetic, or deadening. This is the perfectly well known and most prominent action of alcohol, that which makes it at once a charm and a curse, and also gives it whatever value it has. It cannot better be stated than in the language of Dr. E. A. Parkes of Netley hospital, whose death in 1876 removed one of the most profound and candid observers. Speaking of the effect of alcohol on the nervous system he says: “In most persons it acts at once as an anaesthetic, and lessens also the rapidity of impressions, the power of thought, and the perfection of the senses. In other cases it seems to cause increased rapidity of thought, and excites imagination, but even here the power of control over a train of thought is less...