72. Revelation

Revelation In the Revelation there are nine references to wine. In Revelation 6:6; Revelation 18:13, wine and oil are mentioned as articles of necessary comfort and merchandise. In Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:2; Revelation 18:3, we read, “Wine of the wrath of her fornication,” “Drunk with the wine of her fornication,” and “Drunk of the wine of her fornication.” These are figurative, and imply punishment. In Revelation 14:10, “Drink of the wine of the wrath of God;” Revelation 16:19, “Cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” In Revelation 14:19, “Great wine-press of the wrath of God,” and Revelation 19:15, “Wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” These are symbols of the divine vengeance.

I have now called attention to every passage in the New Testament where wine is mentioned, and have given to each that interpretation which to me appeared just and proper. How far I have carried the full conviction of my readers, each one must determine for himself. The results recorded in these pages have cost me years of patient and laborious investigations. My own convictions have steadily deepened and become firmer as I have canvassed the positions maintained by writers who hold views widely differing from my own. This, some may think, is stubborn obstinacy on my part; but I do not thus judge myself, as I am conscious, however I may err, of desiring only to know the truth, and hold such an understanding of the Bible as will best harmonize the law of God as developed by true science, and the law of God as written in the inspired page.

I do not say that there are no difficulties connected with the wine question. All I ask is that the students of the Bible will treat these with the same candor and desire to harmonize them that they do the difficulties connected with astronomy, geology, and conflicting historical statements. If the language of the Bible can be honestly so interpreted as to harmonize with the undisputed facts developed by the temperance reformation, in relation to the effects of alcoholic drinks, with the testimony of the most intelligent physicians and eminent chemists, that alcohol contains no nourishment, will neither make blood nor repair the waste of the body, but it is an intruder and a poison; this will secure the firm friendship of many who now stand aloof, and will promote the temporal, spiritual, and eternal happiness of mankind.