Note 22 — Chapter X
Reading edition
Some, perhaps, may think that the wording of Leviticus x. 9 affords a warrant for occasional indulgence in those things which tend to excite the natural mind, inasmuch as it is said, "Do not drink wine nor strong drink ... when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation." To this we may reply that the sanctuary is not a place which the Christian is occasionally to visit, but a place in which he is habitually to serve and worship. It is the sphere in which he should "live, and move, and have his being." The more we live in the presence of God, the less can we bear to be out of it; and no one who knows the deep joy of being there could lightly indulge in aught that would take or keep him thence. There is not that object within the compass of earth which would, in the judgment of a spiritual mind, be an equivalent for one hour's fellowship with God.