1 Timoteo 4:4

4. For Assigning the ground reason for so receiving; namely, the cheerful Christian maxim, that under the divine benevolence we are born to enjoy. The creation is a storehouse of supplies, and man’s appetites are the avenues through which they are to be received. Atheism scowls at the whole system of things, sinks into pessimism, and says, with Voltaire, “I wish I had never been born.” Buddhism, the religion of despair, that knows no God but law, looks and pants for release from existence in annihilation. Christianity rejoices in the perpetual presence of the All-Father, as being, indeed, often tried and chastened, yet chastened by parental love, the same love which gives us all things richly to enjoy, and promises eternal enjoyment to our faith.

Every creature Every created thing.

Is good Is not the mere effect of physical laws, but the product of a good Creator, who pronounced them good at the creation, and is good for its purpose, if we can find what its true purpose is.

Nothing to be refused From a wise and temperate use. Yet our apostle, in perfect consistency, was ready for a total abstinence from meats through his whole life if it were necessary to save his brother.

Asceticism or abstinence is to be condemned: 1. When it is based on such idea of the sinfulness of matter as condemns the incarnation. 2. When it is used by us as a penance, or atonement, for our own sin, as if we might thereby be justified or pardoned. 3. When it is assumed to be a meritorious act, winning for us the divine approbation, as if God were gratified by our suffering. 4. When it tends to diffuse a gloomy and superstitious view of God and religion among men, instead of a benevolent, cheerful, practical, good-doing piety. Abstinence is commendable, on the other hand: 1. When it conduces to our health, serenity, or cheerfulness. 2. When it aids us in obtaining a mastery of our appetites and passions. 3. When by our example we induce others to abstain from those indulgences and intemperances by which their bodies, souls, estates, and families are brought to ruin.

Dr. Wordsworth, and Mr. Washburn, in Lange’s “Bibel-Werk,” infer from St. Paul’s words a condemnation of a pledge of total abstinence from intoxicants. But surely both Timothy’s practice and Paul’s direction presuppose the duty of total abstinence in all cases where drinking is not required by medical necessity. It required an inspired adviser to induce Timothy to drink wine; and by parity, it ought to require a temperate medical adviser to induce any other man to drink; and no medical adviser ought to prescribe it where any other medicine will suffice as well.

With thanksgiving Which in the right temper will regulate our enjoyments to the due object and in their due degree.