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Alcohol and Men in Responsible Positions
43
They Were Responsible
—Some may inquire, How could the
sons of Aaron have been accountable when their intellects were
so far paralyzed by intoxication that they were not able to discern
the difference between sacred and common fire? It was when they
put the cup to their lips that they made themselves responsible for
all their acts committed while under the influence of wine. The
indulgence of appetite cost those priests their lives. God expressly
forbade the use of wine that would have an influence to becloud the
intellect.
“And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine
nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into
the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute
forever throughout your generations: and that ye may put difference
between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; and that
ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord
hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.” ...
Here we have the most plain directions of God, and his reasons
for prohibiting the use of wine; that their power of discrimination
and discernment might be clear, and in no way confused; that their
judgment might be correct, and they be ever able to discern between
the clean and unclean. Another reason of weighty importance why
they should abstain from anything which would intoxicate, is also
given. It would require the full use of unclouded reason to present to
the children of Israel all the statutes which God had spoken to them.
[45]
Qualifications for Spiritual Leaders
—Anything in eating or
drinking which disqualifies the mental powers for healthful and
active exercise is an aggravating sin in the sight of God. Especially
is this the case with those who minister in holy things, who should at
all times be examples to the people, and be in a condition to properly
instruct them....
Ministers in the sacred desk, with mouth and lips defiled, dare to
take the sacred word of God in their polluted lips. They think God
does not notice their sinful indulgence. “Because sentence against
an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons
of men is fully set in them to do evil.” God will no more receive a
sacrifice from the hands of those who thus pollute themselves, and
offer with their service the incense of tobacco and liquor, than He