Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 14:20

20. For meat destroy not the work of God . All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence .

Here you have a farther Argument against Scandals▪ q. d. For so inconsiderable a matter, as eating a little Meat, or for the use of an indifferent thing, Do not destroy the work of God. By the Work of God, Some understand the Soul of a Brother, that is styled God's work by way of Eminency: It was one of the chiefest Works of the Creation, and made, as it were, with the Consultation of the whole Trinity, the Image of God, after a sort, was Engraven therein; and if this be the Sence, 'tis a Repetition of the Argument in ver. 15. But by the Work of God in this place, other things may be understood, Ex. gr. The Vnity and Peace, which God worketh amongst Believers of different Perswasions in indifferent things; Or else the Work of Grace, or Faith, with God hath wrought by his Mighty Power in the Hearts of Men, vid. Iohn 6.29. 1 Thess. 1.3. The Work of God in either of these Sences, may be disturbed or hindred by the Abuse of Christian Liberty; and he that Scandalizeth his Brother, goes about, as much as in him lyeth, to Dissolve and Demolish that which hath God alone for its Author and Worker.

Here you have [illegible: 1 letter] Concession and an Exception; He Granteth, That all things are Pure and Clean. i. e. In themselves, or in their own Nature, vid. v. 14. 1 Cor. 6.12. Tit. 1.15. But then he addeth, That it is Evil for, or to, that man that eateth with offence, or that offends another with his eating; it is not Evil simply in its self, but accidently, by reason of Scandal.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] 15.11. [illegible: 1 word] 10.15. [illegible: 1 span]