Scriptural View of the Wine-Question: in a Letter to the Rev. Dr. Nott, President of Union College

Scriptural View Of The Wine-Question: In A Letter To The Rev. Dr. Nott, President Of Union College by Moses Stuart is a philological and theological treatise that re-examines biblical references to wine and intoxication. Stuart presents a careful historical-grammatical analysis of Hebrew terms yayin and shay-cawr, arguing that these terms can denote both fermented and unfermented grape products. He outlines a plan of investigation: first examine every Scriptural word for wine, then deduce the principles behind the biblical writers’ views. He distinguishes between unfermented wine (tee-roash) as a blessing and comfort, used in offerings or medicine, and fermented wine associated with drunkenness or punishment. He argues that Scripture prohibits intemperance but also acknowledges occasions for wine as a blessing, including tithes, sacramental wine, and medicinal use in limited forms. The work advances a nuanced temperance position, advocating avoidance of alcoholic beverages while recognizing the possibility of unfermented wine and cautious medical use, and calls for unity among temperance advocates.