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THE MESSENGER

or THE CHURCHES:

MAGAZINE OF SCRIPTURE EXPOSITION, AND MEDIUM OF INTERCOMMUNICATION ON ALL SOCIAL AND PRACTICAL TOPICS OF IMPORTANCE ITO THE BROTHERHOOD.

WITH THE

CONGREGATIONAL INTELLIGENCE OF THE YEAR 1866.

VOL. II.

New Series,

EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY A. & W. R. WILSON, 56 HIGH STREET.

MDCCCUtVl.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ CONTENTS.

PAGE. The Condemned Hierarchy ((e , 1 Messiah’s Mercy to the Poor 8 The Little Horn: The Antichrist ' . 11,26 Miracles . . . 57 Duration 67 Satan 88 The Ten Kings and the One King 135 The Man of Sin 166, 180 Spiritualising ..... 17 An English Reply to the Rochester Epistle 20 The Gospel Preached to Jew and Gentile . 22 Jesus Christ and Him Crucified . 33, 71 Friendly Greetings across the Sea 37 What is Literalism . 40 Translations of the Seventy Weeks or Heptades Prophecy 46 A Word of Criticism . 47 The Inquirer . . . . • • 447,7, OU,80, 144 The Importance of the Historical Books of the Old Testament in relation to Prophecyr 49 53 The Unwritten Rubric . • • • ' The Gospel of the Kingdom of. God . . . . 55, 77 . 57, 87 The Proximity of the Kingdom . • . • • 61 Letter from Birmingham . 65 Calvary and Zion . . 73, 82 . The Witch of Endor...... 76 Persistance of Old Bible Names . 79 The Power of God in His Word . 81 Let Brotherly Love Continue Is the Proximity of the Kingdom, the “ Gospel ” preached by Jesus . 92 " 93 Sacred Criticism . . • • ' 97 The Lord’s Prophecy . 99 The Personality of Satan . • ■ • 104 What is the True Age of the World • . 107 Familiar Spirits . . • • * Ill Mello . . . 113 The Annual Meeting, 1866 • • 129 Wherewithal shall we be Clothed . • • ’. . 131 Shahvooag; the Hebrew word translated “ Week ” in Dan. ix. ■ 132 Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet 142 The Working Man . • . 145 Remarks on the Genuineness of Revelation xx. 5..

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ CONTENTS.

page- The Doctrine of Life ’ 147 Reconnoitring an Eneniy’s Fortress 148 The Inspiration of the Scriptures .... 152 Spirits of Antichrist .... 153, 177 That Blessed Hope . . • • 157 A Church’s Testimony to the Word of the Truth of the Gospel ■ 161 Things most surely Believed .... 172 Intelligence— Aberdeen ..... 143 Barrow in Furness .... 31, 95 Birmingham ..... 188 Brooklyn, U.S. . . . 95 Buchan . ... • • • 128 Crossgates ..... 47, 63, 79 Dundee . . 95,187 Edinburgh .....47, 63, 79, 95. 174,188 Glasgow ..... 80,95,112,143 Halifax, N.S...... 95, 160 Huddersfield . ■ . 128, 159 Innerleithen . ... 15 Jarrow-on-Tyne ...... 48 Kirkcaldy . . 48 Lanarkshire ..... 176, 188 Liverpool ..... 95 Mumbles ..... 15,31, 48, 64,174 Newcastle on-Tyne .... 176 Nottingham . 160 Sheffield ...... 143 Swansea . 31 Tranent ..... 64 Turriff . . . . . 16, 32, 64, 96 United States ..... Hi Hymn for the .Evening ...... 31 A Proverb ...... 53 AU is Vanity ..... 62 The Holy Land ..... 141 Invocatory Hymn . . 159 All things for Good, 187

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES.

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" I SPEAK AS TO WISE MEN, JUDGE YE WHAT I SAY.”

No. 1. January 1, 1866. New Series. Vol. II.

THE CONDEMNED HIERARCHY. Elucidation Class Notes on Luke xvi. enlarged.

This chapter (verses 19-31), is to them in parables, and without a the grand resort of all persons who parable spake he not to the people,” attempt a defence of the unscriptural Matt. xiii. 34. idea of the immortality of the soul. The other reasoners, whilst having Our object then must be to see what truth in admitting its parabolic is the true teaching of this portion of structure, are quite as wide of the Scripture, and thus obtain the best word by deducing an untrue and answer to the suppositious meaning unintended lesson from the parable fastened upon it. —i.e., the existence of a separate We have however to meet two soul. To such we would commend classes of reasoners: those who affirm, Dr Trench’s remarks, who writing of and those who deny, its parobolic these fictitious narratives lays down structure. this law thereupon: “ They may not The latter is the more illogical, rely­ be made first sources of doctrine. ing almost solely upon the absence When a doctrine is settled by plain of the preface of comparison “the texts, they may illustrate it. But kingdom is like to.” This is but a controversialists, to sustain some feeble reason, because seeing that it weak position, often forget this rule; is not the kingdom which is in con­ and looking round for arguments, sideration it is unnecessary. But it :invent for themselves supports in is alleged that the words “ there 1these. ” Till the believers in the was,” stamp it as a fact, or real iimmortality of separate souls have history. This7” ' cannot ‘be granted, found the plain texts they must not - for the same mode of expression' use the parable. And knowing that occurs in ver. 1, in chaps, xv. 11, such plain texts cannot be found we xiv. 16, all of which are accepted as may proceed to investigate the na­ parables. Then, the style of the ture and teaching of this supposed words is evidently parabolic, and case, upon its own merits. especially the appended moral.- But— Before doing so we must, however, the evangelist’s words settle the ques­ take note of the direct scripture tion : “ All these things spake Jesus testimony, which utterly negativing

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 2 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. January 1,1806. the popular ideas of the nature of whilst the subject is in “the cold man and his state in death, leave no damp grave.” foothold for the ordinary understand­ If, then, the uniform teaching of ing of this parable. We shall do scripture is against the popular ideas, this from the parable as a basis. we may be sure this parable will . 1. It is said that the subjects, not prove them. And so, having both the poor and the rich man died. demonstrated the negative, we may Now death is to cease to exist (Gen. proceed to consider the affirmative iii. 19, vi. 17, vii. 21-23; ~Ecc. iii. teaching: of the fiction. 19, 20). Life and its antithesis The first inquiry should be,— death are spoken of in terms the Whose is the parable? Scholars very opposite of immortal soulism have' doubted our Lord’s authorship, (Job xiv. 12, viii. 9, x. 19, 20, xiii. and; indeed not without reason, see­ 28, iv. 19, vii. 6; 1 Pet. i. 24). ing it is not at all of his character­ With life perish its results ; e.q., ac­ istic utterances. M‘Culloch says,— tion, thought, speech, &c., so that of “ Neither is it directly said that our them it is said,—“ they know not Saviour did use the parable, but it is anything, ... their love, their hatred, abruptly introduced. I am unable their envy, is now perished,” Ecc. ix. to learn whether a similar parable 4-6. “ His breath goeth forth, he has been recognised in the rabbinical returnethIcillLUClll toIV hisA11O earth&O/L Vll ;, in that very writings, but the complexion .of it day his thoughts perish," Ps. cxlvi. 4. certainly accords with their mode of 2. The rich man was in hades, i.e., illustration much better than it does in the grave ; concerning which it is with that of our Saviour.” Dodd­ said, “ there is no work, nor device, ridge goes further, and affirms that nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the “ Dr Lightfoot and others have grave,” Ecc. ix. 10. “ In death is shown that the Jews in their Genera no remembrance of Thee; in the have a parable much to the same grave, who shall give Thee thanks'?” purpose.” And in Josephus we have Ps. vi. 5 ; Is. xxxviii. 18, 19. what we think ample confirmatory 3. Lazarus was in Abraham’s bo­ testimony. It will not be mis spent som. Now, as Abraham was dead labour to give an abstract of his and buried (Gen. xxv. 8, 10, xv, 15 ; Dissertation on Hades, both because Zeeh. i. 5; Luke xx. 37, 38), it fol­ it shows us the original of the pop­ lows, that for Lazarus to lie in his ular teaching, and because of its bosom, he must find it in the bearing on this parable. grave. “ Hades, wherein the souls of the 4. Hell, as the place of punish­ righteous and unrighteous are de­ ment, is not yet in existence. This tained, a subterraneous region, in (in the New Testament, Gehenna, perpetual darkness, a place of custody , not hades') is always represented as for. souls,___ , in which__ angelsa are guard- future. The punishment of Gehenna ians, who distribute to them tern- is everlasting destruction, 2 Thes. i. porary punishments. In this region 9 ; for there the wicked will be burnt is a lake oj unquenchable fire, where- up, consumed into smoke, Ps. xxxvii. into we suppose no one hath hitherto 20, so as to “ be no more," Ps. civ. been cast; but is prepared for a day 35 ; become ashes under the feet of afore-determined by God, when the the righteous, &c., Mai. iv. 1-3. So• unjust shall be adjudged to this that it is impossible for the parable■ everlasting punishment, while the just . to teach ordinary notions of hell-fire■ shall obtain an incorruptible and i Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ January 1,1865. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 3 never-fading kingdom. There is one sequence, as an exposition of the descent into this region, at whose original vain philosophy, out of which gate we believe there stands an arch- sprang purgatory, the wild, God­ with a host; which gate when dishonouring fancies of eternal tor­ those pass through who are conducted ments, shown in the writings of such by the angels, they do not go the men as Jonathan Edwards; and also same way; but the just are guided of the more modern notion of Hades, to the right-hand, to a region of light, as the ante- prison (or in­ in which the just have dwelt since termediate state) of the naked souls. the beginning of the world ; not con­ To suppose that He of whom it is strained by necessity, but ever en­ testified, “ he taught them not as the joying the prospect of the good things scribes” and Pharisees, should en­ they see, and esteeming those things dorse the foolishness of their heathen beyond what wg have here; with notions, is a libel upon him who whom there is no place of toil, no “ spoke as never man spake.” burning heat, no piercing cold, nor We think there can be no doubt arejany briers there ; but the coun­ that it was such teachings as this tenance of the fathers and of the just, which Jesus condemned, and warned while they wait for that rest and his disciples against, Matt. xvi. 6, eternal new life in heaven which is 12. Doubtless some will object that to succeed this region,—this place as Josephus was not a Pharisee, we we call Abraham’s bosom. The un­ are wrong in concluding this to be an just are dragged by force to the left­ exposition of their ideas on the sub­ hand by the angels allotted for pun­ ject. True, Josephus was politically ishment, no longer going with good­ not a Pharisee; but as to doctrines, will, but as prisoners driven by he differed little. His objection to violence. Now those angels drag them was much such a difference as them into the neighbourhood of hell that betwixt Presbyterianism and itself, and they do not stand clear of Episcopalianism, or Puseyism and the hot vapour itself; but when they Popery. That they held the views have a nearer view of this spectacle, as shewn in his dissertation is, we as of a terrible and great prospect of think, amply shewn by other‘ men­ fire, they are struck with a fearful tions of them in his works. “ They expectation of a future judgment, believe that souls have an immortal and in effect punished thereby; and vigour in them, and that under the where they see the place of the fa­ earth there will be rewards or pun- thers and of the just, even Ihereby ishments, according as they have are they punished also; for a chaos lived virtuously or viciously in this deep and large is fixed between life; and the latter are to be de­ them, insomuch that a just man who tained in an everlasting prison, but hath compassion on them cannot be that the former shall have power to admitted, nor can one who is unjust, revive and live again; on account of if he were bold enough to attempt which doctrines, they are able greatly it, pass over it.” to persuade the body of the people,” This abstract, but more especially Antiq.Anh'n III.ttt xviii.v-tnii 3. 11 They say that the complete dissertation, presents all"n souls are incorruptible ; but that such a tissue of confusions, childish­ the souls of good men are only re­ nesses, bathos, and perverted scrip­ moved into other bodies,—but that ture, as to stamp it at once with the the souls of bad men are subject to impress of foolishness. And by con-1 eternal punishment,” (Wars. IL, ch. Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 4' the messenger of the churches. January 1,1st a.' viii. 14.) Such remarks as these tional works, and as such are con­ evidently are of the nature of a demned by Jesus, Matt. xv. 3, 6, 9. Presbyterian’s upon the Calvinistic 3. That they are in direct opposi­ teachings of the English Prayer­ tion to our Lord’s own teaching con­ book, i.e. sympathetic. When cerning immortality. Josephus condemns the Pharisees, it But do you then deny the authen­ is where their political rivalry comes ticity of the parable, or that our into play, like that of the Scotch Lord used it 1, it will be asked. No, versus English established churches. far from it. But we are driven to A few quotations will show how this point, that it is a Pharisaic directly antagonistic to our Lord’s doctrine which he makes use of with own teachings these Pharisaic notions which to point his rebuke to them. were. The kingdom of heaven, a It is an acknowledged truth, that to yet future state, is the only hope he crush an opponent \^ith his own ar­ held out, Matt. v. 3-10, 19, 20. guments is the greatest victory. It “ Except your righteousness exceed is to slay Goliah with his own sword. that of the scribes and pharisees, you And this parable appears to be a shall in no case enter the kingdom carrying out of the invincible logic, of heaven, (Comp, with Luke xvi. “ out of thine own mouth will I con­ 15; Matt. vi. 33, 10, vii. 21, 22.) demn thee, thou wicked servant.” Life was also a thing to be sought Whether Jesus took some already for (not possessed, as it would be made and standard parable (as is had men immortal souls), Matt. vii. quite probable), to which he affixed 14; John iv. 14, 36, vi. 53, 57, viii. the moral of verses 30 and 31; or 51, 12. It was to be a future re­ constructed it upon the basis of their ward and bestowment, secured by teachings, just as we might upon the present faith and good works, Matt, popular notions of the state of the xix. 29, xxv. 46; John iii. 15, 36, dead, or as we might condemn v. 24, 39, 40, x. 10, vi. 27. It was a papist by a supposed case of only to be enjoyed through resurrec­ purgatory, — cannot be decided. tion, John v. 25-29, vi. 39, 40, xi. But neither way affects the value of 25, 26, xiv. 19 ; Matt. xix. 28. If its use in argument. And neither the doctrine of the immortality of commits hims to a recognition ■ • of,"or the soul be true, then the apostles sympathy with, the quoted notions. are “ found false witnesses of God,” In his mouth, and as he used it, it for they proclaimed Christ as haringo became somewhat like the voices “ brought life and incorruptibility to from the grave of Ez. xxxii. 21; Is. light through the gospelwhich xiv. 9-11; Rev. vi. 9-11. It was as could not be if it was known before fraught with a great moral and pro­ by philosophy (as the soul-doctrine phetic lesson as though it were of was), and especially if Jesus said the purest doctrine. Let us then nothing of the immortality of the proceed to an analysis of the parable. soul in his gospelling. Its antecedent context begins at From the preceding we conclude : verse 14 (where the - paragraph sign ; 1. That the ideas ordinarily, de­ 5| should stand, instead of at verse 13, ; duced from the parable, in so far as which is a pendant to the preceding they imply a future state, are Phar­ lesson.) isaic. “ The pharisees, who were covet- ’ 2. That similar parables are to be ous,< ridiculed him,” and so brought r_____• t______■ ______i j.___ I found in JewishChurch ofrabbinical God General tradi- Conference: down.. u McDonough,on themselves GA; his rebuke. Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ January 1, 1868. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 5 “Ye are they who justify yourselves direction,” (Antiq. Book III, chap, before men ; but God knoweth your I xviii. 3). “Alexandra . . . put all hearts; for that which is highly things into their power.>wer.” “Hyrcan- esteemed among men is abomination us,r” the highK:~1" priest,— permitted the in the sight of God.” It is this Pharisees to do everything; to whom truth which the parable illustrates. Alexandra ordered the multitude to , They are shown from their own be obedient. . , had indeed the teachings how valueless their osten­ name of regent, but the Pharisees tatious piety (Matt. vi. 1-7; Luke had the authority; for it was they xviii. 9-14, &c.) was in the eye of who restored such as had been ban­ God. The fiction used also shewed ished, and set at liberty such as were a future retribution, when the dis­ prisoners, and, to say all at once, turbed balance of equity would be they differed in nothing from lords," righted, and those who had enjoyed (Antiq.'f " XIII., xvi.’ ',1, '2; ; see also God’s good gifts (ver. 25) without Wars I.,F v. 2).“ TK“ Thereava w , was a cer­ making a right use of them would tain sect of men who were Jews, not inhabit everlasting mansions, who valued themselves highly upon (ver. 9-12, 21. They were relying the exact skill they had in the law upon the fact of their fleshly sonship of their fathers, and made men be­ to Abraham: the parable shews lieve they were highly favoured of them what John had before de­ God, by whom this set of women nounced to them (Matt. iii. 9,) that were inveigled . . . These are those inheritance of the promises made to who are called the sect of the Phari­ Abraham involved the manifestation sees, who were in a capacity of great­ of a character like Abraham’s ; and ly opposing kings. A cunning sect that wanting this, Abraham would they were, and soon elevated to a reject them as reprobates (ver. 25.) pitch of open fighting and mischief,” “ The law and the prophets (weres (XVII., ii. 4). yours) till John, since that time, thei If we substitute for “ Phari­ kingdom of God is preached, and sees,” the words “papal priests,” every man presseth into it.” This “ ecclesiastics,” or “ monks,” we get is the historic fact, the bearing of' a picture of a more modern phase of wliich upon the parable viewed pro- the) same ecclesiastical usurpation. phetically, is important. They had And this will help us better to un­ the ecclesiastical, and much of the derstand the eo-temporary politics of civil power in their own hands. We our Lord’s time. If for “John the need only refer to such mentions of immerser,” we substitute “ Luther," them as iu John xi. 46, 47, 57, for then we have an almost perfect par- proof of this. Our Lord’s affirma­ rallel afforded us, and are enabled to tion, Matt, xxiii. 2, 3, “ The scribes read the two reformations in mutual_ and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat ” light. For what the Romish priest­ speaks the same thing. Josephus hood was in Luther’s time, the sect here again affords us valuable corro­ of the Pharisees was in John’s days. borative testimony. But a change took place : not in “ The Pharisees, on account of the characters of either, but in their their doctrines are able greatly to political status. By the reformers’ persuade the__ body__ j of__ the___ ±people, ±-> preaching, a great unshackling of and whatsoever they do about divine the popular mind was effected. By worship, prayers, and sacrifices, they John’s and Jesus’ gospelling, “every perform them according toj-- their man pressed into the kingdom,” no

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 6 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. January 1, longer blindly and ignorantly doing also the terms in which they speak the behest of the Pharisees. That of themselves (Matt. xix. 27, 29), this grand popular movement (Luke and are addressed by their master i. 76-79; Mark i. 5), gave rise to (Matt. x. 9, 10, 38). Mary’s pro­ strife (Matt. xi. 12), that it was phecy (Luke i. 51-53), and Hannah’s transient, no more affects the fact or (1 Sam. ii. 7, 8), still further con­ the testimony of its being a reforma­ tribute to identify the subjects. tion, than did the restoration of the Jesus and his followers may then papal religion in Saxony, the reality aptly be understood as corresponding of Lutherl_.l______’s efforts. to the beggar, whose sores were We have quoted and argued thus licked by the dogs. The whole class lengthily as a necessary premise to of which they were representatives, identifying the subjects of the par­ were full of the sores of civil griev­ able, which we purpose to view in ances, sores irritated by the licking its prophetic aspect. For that it of Gentile dogs, such as Herod, was a prophecy we think there is no Pilate, &c.* But Jesus and his doubt: and that our Lord, out of disciples were pre-eminently thus such unpromising materials as Phari- conditioned, being subjects of the saic notions, should construct a Gentile persecutions instigated by moral and prophetic parable, stamps the Pharisee class. him as one of the most notable dis­ It is noticeable that the death of putants the world has ever seen. both is well nigh coetaneous. But Micaiah’s prophecy, 1 Kings xxii., their fate is different. To see the is perhaps one of the nearest exam­ point of this we must remember the ples, but infinitely far beneath our circumstances attending the political Lord’s. death of the Jewish nation. The We have thus far identified the believers were almost exempt from rich man, “ clothed in purple and the sufferings at the captivity of fine linen, and faring sumptuously Jerusalem, they having had warning every day,” as the ecclesiatico—civil and fled from the city in time. Pharisees, they being the sacerdotal Though they politically died, in lords. Who then was Lazarus 1 ceasing to be connected with a body Obviously, that party in direct op­ politic, yet their dispersion was com­ position and circumstances; those of paratively a comforting, for their the contextual all men, who having hunger, thirst, and sickness, were in pressed into (or towards) the king­ Jewry. Out in the world among dom persevered still in their reforma­ their fellow believers of the Gentiles, tory course. This party would be they would as it were be reclining found in Jesus and his disciples, most of whom were of the crowd, * It is sufficient to quote Matt. xv. 26,27, in sup port of tho well known estimation in which the the common sort (Mark xii. 37). Jews held the Gentiles, and to identify the ohss These the Pharisees, from their pin­ named “ the dogs.” Bnt it will be objected that there is an error in accounting the licking as irrita­ nacle of gnosis or exact knowledge, tion, it being usually accounted as pity. We be. utterly despised, and accounted as lieve that it is true that the licking of a sore by a house dog will benefit the wound. But it is very worthless scum (John vii. 45-49), doubtfill if such would be the case with the prowl­ ing scavenging dogs of tho East, whose saliva but it was out of their midst that would be more likely to poison the wound as a Jesus choose his consorts. The fact swine’s would. Yet even supposing this incorrect, it does not alter the chief fact that the dogs were that he and his companions practi­ Gentiles, for Pilate, who crucified Chiist, had more cally subsisted on alms, identifies pity than the Pharisees, and woludhavelethimgo. (Matt, xxvii, 19,20,24; Luke xxiii, 4,14 23. See them with Churchthe Lazarus of God Generalclass, as Conference: do also Acts McDonough,xvill. 12-17, &c.) GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ January 1,1868. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. in the bosom of Abraham. For the All these,* more or less, sprung up gladness of the gospel, the hope of like the Pharisees out of the seed of life,r, was that1 the blessing\ /of A” braham ’ Babylonian- ’ ’ • false notions and prac- ­ should come on the Gentiles through tices. With these they defiled their faith; that the Gentiles should be father Abraham’s house. fellow-heirs, and of the household of Abraham acknowledges the son- faith. ship whilst casting him off. This The Pharisees died and were and his second answer still more buried, ceasing, like the others, proves that the application must be their living relationship to the found in, and confined to Jewry, nation. Their sacerdotalism, vir- because “ they have Moses and the tually, if not really, ceased before prophets.” This' was not true of the captivity—the ecclesiastical body the' Gentiles,~ nor yet of the common being in a state of decomposition people of the Jews, who could no during the internecine feuds which more be said to have had those writ­ raged. So that there was a truth ings than the laity could be said to and reality in the metaphor of their have had the Bible during Papal buried body suffering the fiery tor­ domination. tures of the siege. At this time The untruth of the notion, that there could be no communications “ if one went from the dead they betwixt the two classes. The poor would reform,” was shown by their in faith were then afar off; and even unbelief of the writings. If the if their pity had moved them to lessons of Abraham’s life, if such help, they could not have passed to laws as were given with all the ac­ the sufferers in their hades of Jeru­ companiments of the divine presence, salem. The Roman armies inter­ proclaiming “thou shalt love the posed, an impassable barrier, to com­ Lord with all thy heart, and thy plement the yawning, unbridgeable neighbour as thyself”—if the con­ gulf of the unpardonable sin those tinual warnings of the prophets did had committed in murdering the not artmse them to their duty, vain Prince of life, and not repenting. would be the voice of one sent to The answer put into the mouth of them from the dead. Even when the Abraham v equivalent to Paul’s Lord spoke, there had been a proof statement when speaking of much of this. He had raised a Lazarus the same class, 2 Th. i. 5-10. from the dead, and by this act sup- The request for Lazarus to be pHedr______theo greatest______r plea___ for refonna- sent to this rich man’s house still I tion and1 faith” in him.. What re­ further identifies the sacerdotal hier- sponse did they give 1 They sought archy of which we have spoken. to kill both him and Lazarus. And He had five brethren. Now there when they had murdered the heir, were just five sects or classes who and he had risen from the dead, they shared with the Pharisees in the tried to enact a He, by suborning the ecclesiastical and magisterial honour’s watch to say, “ His disciples came and emoluments. These were— and stole him away while we slept.” And when he sent his messengers 1. Scribes. with the voice of the risen Saviour, 2. Lawyers or elders. “ they would not be persuaded.” 3. Herodians. ■ Corresponding to the Papal sects or orders of 4. Sadducees. Jesuits, B-. nedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, 5. Essenes. &c., &c. Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ » THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. January 1,188J, Hence they were left to suffer tor- their brother sacerdotals in general), ment in the flame of “ the siege and foundedJ-J uponXT their;' ’ teachings.~ J But straitness: ” a torment which their whilst it is a prophecy, it is also a dupes and allies may be said to moral rebuke and condemnation, suffer in measure even yet, (Matt. being in this respect made like to xxvii. 25.) our Lord’s own illustrative cases. We learn then that this parable For most of his parables have a is a prophecy of the fate of the doctrinal lesson conveyed through a pharisaic sect in particular (and of prophetic medium.. J. W.

MESSIAH’S MERCY TO THE POOR. “ And the poor have the gospel preached unto them,’’ Matth. xi. 2-6

Jesus is that Christ the Son of the broken-hearted. And so Jesus God who should come into the did preach the gospel to the poor world. In vain do the Jews look meek ones of the earth, and so proved for another. And their doing so that he was Messiah. The common is worse than vain. It prepares people heard him gladly. The poor them for receiving the wrong man, among men rejoiced in the Holy One this rejection of the right one. I of Israel. They found his words to am come unto you in my Father’s be words of life most admirably name and you receive me not; when adapted to their case; and so be­ another cometh unto you in his own lieved on him. As, for instance, the name him you will receive. In our poor fishermen of Galilee. And common version it is, “ if another,” Jesus said to the twelve, Will ye &c. But the same Greek word is also go away 1 And Peter said, translated in 1 John iii. 3, “ When Lord to whom can we go? Thou he shall appear,” &c. hast the words of eternal life. And It was written in the ancient pro­ we believe, and are sure, that thou phets that Christ when he came art that Christ, the Son of God. should heal the bodily maladies of In the ancient writings it is also men. In his days the lame man testified that the Messiah should be was to leap as an hart, and the to many a stone of stumbling, and tongue of the dumb to sing. Well, rock of offence. And so many were Jesus healed all their diseases, thus offended in Jesus. But blessed is showing he was the Messiah, “Sure­ every one who trusteth in him, as ly he hath carried our griefs, and anointed and born of God, to be his borne our sorrows,” as saith Esaias king on his holy hill of Zion. the prophet. Many of the Jews were offended Also, according to the ancient in him, because he did not at that scriptures, M essiah was to preach time fulfil all that is written of the the gospel to the poor, or meek, who Messiah. Some might say, surely are generally the poor. Thus, Is. this Jesus is the Christ. When the Ixi. 1, says, The Spirit of the Lord Christ cometh shall he do more is upon me, because he bath anointed works (greater or better), than this me to preach glad tidings to the man doeth ? But others might say meek; he hath sent me to bind up (for they had great reasonings among Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ January 1,1869. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 9 themselves), “ Yes, the Messiah will look for at the hands of the Messiah. do more works than this man doeth. But the end is not yet. It will come The Messiah is the Son of man who however. Though it tarry, wait for will come in the clouds of heaven, it. And then you will see this Son and save Israel out of all the lands of God- completely, and forever de­ and hands of our enemies ; he will stroy all the works of the devil. plant us in the land that God gave Then there will be a world without to our fathers to dwell in; he will sin, and without disease, and with­ make us the head of the heathen; out poverty, and without ignorance, and he will reign over us on Mount and without a grave. But, in the Zion, from thenceforth even forever. meantime, we, you his forerunner, Let this Jesus of Nazareth show us the the Messiah himself, and all we his sign from heaven, and we will believe disciples must enter into that glori­ on him. Remember that the false ous state of things through much Messiah comes before the true one. tribulation. That the coming of the false one is Blind, lame, leprous, deaf, dead, with all power and signs, and lying poor, ignorant, doubting, damned. wonders, and with all deceivableness 0, what a sad, sad, catalogue of of unrighteousness. Does not this human woes. Sair, alas ! and sad, Jesus cast out devils by Beelzebub and many are the ills poor mortals the prince of.. the ______devils ?” So~ might‘ share. But, blessed be God, our they reason among themselves. Saviour is more than equal to our And so might John reason in him­ sorrows. Our help is laid upon one self, “ I hear that Jesus whom I who is mighty. He will save us, baptized, does many miracles such save us from all our sins, and from as the Messiah should do. I hear all our sorrows. He is infinitely he preaches the gospel to the poor, able, and infinitely willing. Come healing the broken hearted. But unto me, all ye who labour, and are this is not all that the Messiah should heavy laden, and I will give you do. He should open the prison doors rest. • No matter what your burden to them that are bound. In the very is. Come to me, and I will give same scripture, where it is written you rest. Him that cometh unto that he should preach the gospel to me I will in no wise cast out. Other the poor, it is written he should set physicians may refuse cases for want free the prisoners Why does Jesus of fees, oi’ because beyond their skill ; not set me free if he be the Christ. but I refuse no case on any ground. If thou be the Christ save thyself Come to me. I will heal you. and us.” Sight was Messiah’s mercy to the Ah ! John, patience, patience. blind, strength to the lame, cleans­ Jerusalem is not all saved in one ing to the leper, hearing to the deaf, day. How poor is he who has not life to the dead, and what to the patience. Let patience have its per­ poor? Wealth? No. Riches are fect work, that you may be perfect not always a blessing ; they are more and entire, wanting nothing. The frequently a curse. Riches harden time is coming when Jesus will ful­ the heart, blind the mind, and drown fil all that is written of the Messiah. men’s souls in perdition. They are The day is at hand when he will strong to do this through the weak- come in1— the__ — clouds~___ — of - heaven with ness of the fiesh. So that it is easier power__ and j greate__ _ glory.o’ . Then he for a camel to pass through the eye will do all that yen and the Jews of a needle than for a rich man to

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 10 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. January 1>uw enter into the kingdom of God. How the more you see how rich it is as hardly shall they that have riches be Jmercy 7 toi the poor. How well cal­ saved 1 For— culated its precious promises are to Alas ! how oft in haughty mood enable them to bear up under tie God’s creatures they express ; ills of this world to which they are Or else, neglecting a’ that’s gude, exposed, as poor men in hopes of They riot in excess ; Baith careless and fearless the world to come. 0, what a sad O’ either heaven or hell, fate would be that of the poor, if Esteeming and deeming they had not the hope of a better It a’ an idle tale. world. And so wealth was not Messiah’s The poor afflicted, honest man mercy to the poor. He knew well Had never sure been bora that, in the most of cases, the cure Had there not been some recompense would be worse than the disease, To comfort those that mourn, Jesus was more inclined to make in another state and world to come. rich men poor, than poor men rich That there is such a recompense is in this world. made certain in the gospel, as He preached the gospel to them. preached by Jesus Christ. That was Messiah’s mercy to the Sometimes the poor are afflicted poor. The poor need mercy. Poverty with hunger and nakedness. They is a real evil. As much so is blind­ have no bread to eat, and then- ness. Yes, extreme poverty often looped and windowed raggedness quenches the fear of death. The exposes them to the cold blasts of poor man was therefore led to look wrinter, and the scorching summer for mercy from the Messiah, as well suns. With what joy may these as the blind. And this is the mercy read what is written. They shall he gives them, the hopes and com­ hunger no more, neither thirst any forts of the gospel. more—neither shall the sun light on In the synagogue of Nazareth, them, nor any heat. Foi’ the Lamb Jesus read, The Spirit of the Lord is who is in the midst of the throne upon me, for he hath anointed me shall feed them, and shall lead them to preach the gospel to the poor. unto living fountains of waters, and He refers to what was written of God shall wipe away all tears from him in Isa. Ixi. 1. But in Isaiah their eyes. it is not poor but meek. However, The rich have many friends, but it comes, generally speaking, to the the poor are despised by their neigh­ same thing. In general, the poor bours. The poor are often galled are the meek. Now then this is by the contempt of both rich and how Messiah preached the gospel to poor. the poor. “ Blessed are the meek, I want less, I tent less, for they shall inherit the earth.” Their roomy fire-side, The rich and the proud have it now. But hanker, and canker. The poor meek ones shall have it To see their scornfu’ pride. hereafter. The rich have it, but for But here again the gospel comes a time, for a time how short. The in with its glorious consolations to meek shall have it forever. Is not the poor. Thou hast made us unto that consolation for the poor ? Is it our God kings and priests, and we not mercy to make known this to shall reign on the earth. Or, as them 1 Greek scholars read it, over the The more you look into the gospel, earth. Yes, wait a little. The rich Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ r

January 1. IMS. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 11 shall be poor, and the poor rich that now is. Seek ye first the king- 1 TTTWait ‘J. on J.1.^the TLord, and keep his ' rlrxw-idom zx-Pof God nand vx rl !■»■»£»his ■»*»righteousness,on aoo wa;,•ay, and he shall exalt thee to in-1 and all these things shall be added herit■ - the earth,•...... when the wicked’ ' • to you. ""What ■ mercy■ to the poort ! are cut off, thou shalt see it. “ And He that trusteth in the Lord shall the daughter of Tyre shall be there not want any good. with a gift. Yes, the rich among Let the poor then embrace their the people (of Israel ?) shall entreat mercy. Let us not sin against our thy favour,” to speak for them to mercy. Let us believe and obey, the Great King, thy husband. What and so enjoy the rich mercy of the a change. God doeth great things gospel. truly, And will soon, do them The gospel is preached to the rich too. as well as to the poor. Yes, and ' And that is another gospel, con­ the rich have as jnuch need of it as solation to the poor, as the gospel the poor. If the poor need it to was preached by Jesus and his save them under the ills of poverty, apostles. The kingdom of God is the rich need it to save them from at hand. He that turneth the world the great evils of riches. And the upside down, and maketh all things gospel is free to all alike, whether new, is at hand. Yet a little while, rich or poor. Let the rich in wealth and he who shall come will come, of gold and silver only be poor in and will not tarry. Bear up awhile, spirit, and their’s is the kingdom of ye virtuous and believing poor. heaven also. It is a great mercy to the poor Is the gospel Messiah’s mercy to that the salvation of the gospel is the poor ? Then let no one despise free, gratis. He was a poor man, or oppress them. Their Redeemer is indeed, who had not a turtle-dove or mighty. Hearken, my beloved two young pigeons; but under the brethren, hath not God chosen the gospel, remission of sins and eternal poor of this world, rich in faith, and life do not cost one sparrow. Of heirs of the kingdom, which he hath course, I speak of the gospel as promised to them that love him. preached by the Lord and his apostles How can you visit and associate and John. Ho, every one that with such a poor woman? said a thirsteth,

THE LITTLE HORN.

THE ANTICHRIST.

In one of the discourses delivered i tion spoken of by Daniel Direction by the Lord to his disciples on the [ being given to the disciples in Judea Mount of Olives, to be found in the to flee to the mountains, when they twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth chap- see the abomination standing in the ters of Matthew, reference is made, holy place. This is a conclusive by him to the abomination of desola- proof that the prophecy, to which Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 12 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. January 1,18M. reference is made, was not fulfilled none could be placed in it. Neither previous to our Lord’s first coming. was it possible for any of the disciples In the making of this reference, the to have seen any abomination under reader is specially directed to under­ these circumstances. Prior to the stand, or to think, concerning this final investment of Jerusalem by statement. It is therefore to the Titus, they had fled to Pella, a city passage in Daniel, with its context, beyond the Jordan, and not to the that we must turn our attention. mountains. This Pella was one oi ,It may be observed that this the ten cities of Decapolis. Euse- allusion is made by the Lord to bins and Epiphanius both state that Jewish disciples, in answer to several the disciples were warned beforehand questions which they had propounded[ of' God~ to depart from the doomed to him. mlThe passage. in' T'Daniel ■ ’ also’ city, and go to Pella, which warning was written for Jews, concerning was obeyed. Jews, and the prophecy it contains, Without entering further into a delivered to a Jew. Consequently consideration of the items of the it is in the light of Jewish history context in Matthew, let us notice in that we have to ask : Has it been whose 'time,L‘ it_'x is’ said by Daniel, X1the fulfilled since the delivery of this abomination that maketh desolate is discourse of the Lord ? If so, when ? to be placed. The further considera­ If not, what are the statements of tion as to what constitutes the abom­ Daniel which demand our considera­ ination, &c., is reserved for a future tion 1 article. It is in “ the latter days that the The passage in Daniel has refer­ prophecy is to be fulfilled,” for (Dan. ence to the doings of a king, termed x. 14) it says, “ I am come to make “ a vile person,” (Dan. xi. 21), and thee know what shall befall thy also “ the king,” who “ shall do people in the latter days.” It may be according to his will ” (v. 36.) It gathered from other parts of scrip­ is to the features characteristic of ture that the phrase, the latter days, this king that we desire to direct has always reference to the period the attention of the scripture reader elapsing between the first and second and searcher. Many expositors of coming of Christ. It is therefore in scripture teach that the abomination this period the prophecy will be ful­ was set up by a vile person before filled. the coming of Christ. But it is to The abomination of the desolation be noticed in such expositions that is to stand in the holy place, and the portion of the prophecy contained when seen there, they who are in in the twenty-first verse is applied Judea are to flee to the mountains. to two kings, whereas it is clear There can be no two opinions as to that “ the vile person. to whom they where the holy place was situated— shall not give the honour of the in the temple itself. The Septua- kingdom,” is also the same of whom gint reads, “ In the temple shall be it is said, “ but he shall come in the abomination of desolation.” Has peaceably , and obtain the kingdom any abomination of desolation stood byEw flatteries.”” qStill+;ii more unanswer­ in the holy place since the ascension able is the ______statement of__ ....the ...... Lord of the Lord! No, for no abomina- himself that “ when ye” (the dis- tion was placed in the temple prior ciples) “ shall see the abomination to its destruction by1 „ the’ ”Romans, of desolation,” they are to flee to the The temple was burnt down,J------so that I mountains.This, too, being said Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ January 1,18S8. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 13 I some two hundred years after the Hebrewscholars translateit “seventy I time when these expositors say it heptades.” The context shews the was fulfilled. ’ sense in -which the phrase is to be May be it will be as well to notice understood. Daniel had just seen in .proceeding the intimate relation that seventy years of desolation, as which the visions and prophecies of testified by Jeremiah, were fulfilled Daniel have to each other. The on Jerusalem; and has given, after vision of the image (ch. ii.) gives his prayer, a prophecy relating to as a conclusion the setting up of a seventy heptades of years',' upon kingdom by the God of heaven “ in thy people, and upon thy holy the days of these kings.” The vision city. of the four beasts (ch. vii.) concludes These seventy heptades are divided with the uprising of ten kings, three into three parts, seven, sixty-two, of whom are afterwards uprooted by and one. The conclusion of the one king, but all meeting with de­ seventy heptades is to be remarkable struction, by means of a kingdom for the events then to transpire. set up in their days, by one like the To finish the transgression—to make Son of man, and the people of the an end of sins—to make reconcilia­ saints of the Most High. The vision tion: for iniquity—to bring in ever­ of the ram and he-goat (ch. viii.) lasting righteousness—to seal up the concludes with the uprising of a vision and the prophecy—and to king, who is destroyed by the Prince anoint the most holy. of princes. In the prophecy of thei • We now ask, at what period does seveimty heptades (ch. ix.) that deter- the history of the Jews testify that mined is to be poured upon the de- these prophetical statements were solator. In the prophecy concerning fulfilled? Has their transgression the king, “ who shall clo according ceased? Are their sins ended? to his will ” (ch. xi.) “ he shall When were they reconciled to God ? come to his end, and none shall When vros, everlasting righteousness help him.” The coincidences are brought into existence in connection not only remarkable, but, as we with them ? Has all prophecy been believe, intentional, in these vari­ fulfilled ? or sealed up ? When was ous passages, as we may hereafter the Most Holy acknowledged by the see. Jews as their anointed? History In the ninth chapter of Daniel, does not answer any of these ques­ after the prayer of Daniel for Israel tions. The present dispersion and and Jerusalem, it says (21st ver.) antagonistic position of the Jews is “while I was speaking in prayer, proof beyond dispute, that this por­ even the man Gabriel, whom I had tion of the prophecy has not yet been seen in the vision at the beginning " fulfilled. , informed me, and (23d ver.) said, It is generally admitted that the “ I am to shew thee, for thou art first seven heptades were literally greatly beloved, therefore under­ fulfilled ■ and that the Messiah, the stand the matter, and consider the prince, did not appear till after the vision.” expiration of the sixty-nine heptades. Then follows the prophecy known But, strange to say, the remaining as .the prophecy of “ the seventy heptade is said to have been weeks.” The Septuagint translates fulfilled during the life of the Mes­ the Hebrew of this phrase, as siah at his first coming. The scrip­ “ seventy weeks of years.” Other ture statement is, that after the Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 14 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. January 1, IMj. sixty-nine heptades, Messiah would the . If the Messiah is be cut off, but not for himself. This the prince, or the he spoken of, then all admit to have been fulfilled. But he should have been cut off after the between the cutting off and the se­ destruction of the city and sanctuary. ventieth heptade, several things are If the Messiah was the confirmer of to occur,—“ the people of the prince,” the covenant, how could he confirm or, as others translate it, “ the mili­ it with “ thy people ” after this tary commander,” “ that shall come, destruction ? It will be apparent shall destroy the city and the sanc­ that if we are to accept the state­ tuary.” This was fulfilled in the ment of scripture, then the prevalent destroying of the temple and Jeru­ expositions of it are unsound, dis­ salem by the Romans under Titus, crepant, and opposed to the scrip­ and the after desolation of the Jews. ture. Here, however, as in the vision Dan­ The King of Daniel vii. and viii. iel saw at the beginning, a wide in­ is to spring out of the ancient Roman terval is made between this portion ~Empire, which,' as before stated, of the prophecy and the last heptade. covered the greater portion of the His end, that is the end of the prince Greek Empire. The prince who of the Romans, will be “ with a destroyed the city and sanctuary, flood.” “ And he will confirm the was a Roman one (Titus, after­ covenant with many for one heptade, wards emperor). Is it not ap­ &c. ” This he, being a Roman prince, parent, that he who will confirm and not the Messiah. Z/the Messiah the covenant for the one heptade, was the he here spoken of, then the will also be of Roman power and passage, as generally expounded, authority. contradicts its (said to be) fulfilment. This prophecy has relation to the For instance, if the Messiah was the vision previously seen by Daniel confirmer of the covenant for this It is by comparing these, that we heptade, then in the midst of the get a clearer insight into the mean­ week, or, as others translate it, “ in ing of this prophecy. In the tenth one-half of the week,” “ the chapter of Daniel, we meet with a and the oblation ” ceased. But they statement, that Daniel considered did not. For it was five heptades the thing and comprehended the after the cutting off of the Messiah vision before him. After fasting for before they ceased. It is testified twenty-one days, another prophecy (Acts xxi.) that the apostle Paul is given to him, concerning what had to shew that he walked orderly, shall happen to “ thy people in the as a Jew, and kept the law—that latter days, for yet the vision is for he had to purify himself—until an days.”“ Then, in the eleventh chap- offering should have been made for ter, we have particulars given. Two himself, and those accompanying visions had been previously seen by him. These offerings included Daniel, and now, he has a second sacrifices in the temple, so that, prophetical statement, in further from the testimony of scripture, it is elucidation. We cannot go into all evident that the sacrifice and obla­ the points of gradual increase; so tion had not ceased after the death we will proceed at once, to compare and ascension of the Messiah. Again, the particulars given, concerning the confirmation of the covenant is the one king, or a king, or a little after the destruction of the city and horn.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ January 1,188^. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 15

THE VISION. THE VISION. THE PROPHECY, THE PROPHECY. Dan. vil. Dan viii. Dan. ix. Dan. xi. 1 After the ten kings A king of fierce coun- The king will do ac­ shall arise another. tenance cording to his will. 2. He will subdue three His power will be He will exalt himself. kings. mighty. 3. He will speak words He shall magnify in his Shall speak marvellous even against the Most heart. against the God of gods. High. They that understand 4. He will tax the saints He will destroy the shall fall by the sword,ie. of the Most High. holy and mighty people Shall he corrupt by 5. Shall devour the By peace he will de­ flatteries. whole earth. stroy multitudes. 6. He will conclude to He will cause craft to He will confirm the Such as do wickedly changes, times, and laws, prosper. covenant with many for against the covenant, one heptade. 7. Until a time, and In the midst of the times, and dividing of week. time. 8. Destroy him to the He will stand against a'a" Till that determined He will come to his end end. The kingdom to be prince of princes, and shall be poured out upon and none shall help him. given to the people of the without hand he shall be the desolator. saints of the Most High, broken. All dominions shall serve and obey him. As stated elsewhere, this king latter part, which will be for three will spring out of that portion of the' and a half years, or a time, times, Roman Empire, originally possessed and a dividing of time, the saints by the four kingdoms, springing out will be thoroughly in his power, and of the Grecian Empire. By careful remain in that condition, until in his perusal of the scripture statements, boasting against God, he will bring it is evident, that the duration of his himself, or be brought, into collision, •power will be seven years. A covenant with a Prince of princes. The re­ having been confirmed by him with sult being—his destruction—the de­ the Jews for that time, but during livery of the saints—and, the setting the latter part of which, he will up of the kingdom. cause the sacrifice to cease, and set Christianos. up the abomination. During this (To he continued).

Intelligence, Notes, &c-

Inneuleithen.—The small church in tb’s quair, and his son, Mr William Inglis of place, _formerlyv______numberingo ___only rfour____ persons,F Musselburgh, and the three left the toll to- haslas now been reduced to three, in.c

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 16 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. January 1,18ft.. been baptized into the Christ. Their names the NEW TESTAMENT, according to the are,—Jane Rees. Thomas Bennet, Walter Recension of Dr J. Griusbach, with an Whiustone, and David Lewis. The Sunday Interlineary Word for Word English Trausla- evening lectures continue to be well attended, tion : a New Emphatic Version, based on the- and We hope that the ingatherings of the past Interlineary Translation, on the Renderings of year are only the first-fruits of an abundant Eminent Critics, and on the Various Readings harvest to the glory of God. We are sorry of the Vatican Manuscript; together with to add that death has entered the house of Illustrative and Explanatory Foot Notes and our brother and. sister Jones, and bereaved a Copious Selection of References; to the them of their youngest daughter, after an whole of which is added a Valuable Alpha- ■ illness of only seven days. May our Father betical Appendix. sustain them, and enable them to say with The above highly important and valuable the good man of old, “ The Lord gave and Work, which has been in course of prepara- the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the tion for the last seven years, is now completed, name of the Lord.” containing 884 pages, 18mo, and will be sup­ Turriff, &c.—On the 10th December was plied at the following prices:— baptized at Cuminestown, John Taylor, shoe­ Plain leather binding, . 16s. maker. After a year’s investigation, he was Extra do., gilt or red edges, 18s. able to give a good confession of the faith. Coloured calf or morocco, do., 20s. On the 14th were united in marriage brother Postage, 4d All orders, accompanied with Charles Reid (Cuminestown) and sister Mar­ cash, and addressed to J. Wilson, 53 North­ garet Fraser. Brother Robertson has been gate, Halifax, will receive prompt attention. displaying Lis usual diligence in setting forth the word, having been to Insch and White­ THE DISCIPLES’ CHORAL SERVICE hills respectively, speaking to the people, aiid OF BIBLE THEMES, comforting the brethren; and yet he abates not in his efforts, though smarting under a A collection of Christian Songs,—the bereavement in his own family. subjects selected from the Holy Scrip­ tures, and set to suitable music (in both *.**- The great length v.of thevuc articles far-- notations), arranged for four voices. This nisLed].. .. in this.. number... has put. it-out. . of„ our bo“k, got up expressly for the use of the- power to insert the■ Response~ to the■ -Rochester ■ brethren in their social services, and suitable Epistle, and other papers. -Will the brethren either for the church or the fireside, is now who write be kind enough to condense and reduced in price, and may be had of G. cut down their articles as much as possible ? Dowie, 88 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh,—in We need a greater variety, and our space is a neat printed cover, price Is.; or in cloth small; besides, short papers are more gene­ boards, Is. 6d., post free to any part of the rally appreciated by the readers. United Kingdom. May be had of G. Dowie, The Treasurer acknowledges receipts for the Messenger from Birmingham, Devonport, The Messenger of the Churches, Glasgow, Leeds, and Newburgh. First Series, for 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864; in single volumes, sewed, Is.; or the four to­ gether, in cloth, lettered, 4s. 6d. The two Publicatiors. first Nos. of the vol. for 1860 are out of print, Important Work for Bible Students, but a few copies of the others are still on hand, and may be had at Id. each. Postage THE EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT in all cases extra—for single vols., 2d.; for Containing the Original Greek Text of the cloth vols., 6d.

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ChurchAND of W.God R GeneralWILSON, PRINTERS,Conference: HIGH McDonough, STREET, EDINBURGH. GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ THE MESSENGER OF. THE CHURCHES.

♦

“ I SPEAK AS TO WISE MEN, JUDGE YE WHAT I SAY.”

No. 2. February 1, 1866. New Series. Vol. II.

SPIRITUALIZING.

Language is the means by which a understand it in its literal sense, it may in­ person expresses what he feels, volve an absurdity, or conflict with some­ thing he has stated elsewhere; in such cases thinks, or purposes; and, in order we not only may, but are bound to, reject that the means may accomplish the the literal meaning, and seek for a figura­ end contemplated, it is indispensible tive interpretation that will remove the that there be a common understand­ difficulty, and render consistent all the author has said.” s ing between speaker and hearer, regarding the import of the terms It is plain that the foregoing employed. In conversation any de­ applies to “ the holy scriptures,” in fect in this matter can be remedied common with all other writings; yet by explanation; but written language, it is only by disregarding these rules, to convey the correct idea of the in reading the scriptures, that so writer, must be used, and under­ many, and so conflicting explana­ stood, according to certain rules, else tions have been given pf the writings uncertainty, error, and confusion are of the holy prophets and apostles. the necessary results. The three If the Bible is a revelation of the following mles, laid down by Judge will and purposes of God to man, we Lewis, seem to us fair, necessary, are bound to understand its terms, and complete:— according to the same rules we apply “ 1st. We are hound to understand what to any other writings. “ To adopt a speaker or writer says to us, in that sense any other method ” (says Greswell, a and meaning which he intends to convey; learned author) “of arriving at the and bis meaning and intention are always to true sense of the Scripture, is to be collected from the true and legitimate meaning of the language he employs, as that substitute an indefinite and capri­ is settled by universal usage and consent.” cious standard of interpretation, “ 2nd. The literal sense is the true and taken from, I know not what, legitimate sense of language to which we are imaginary notions and preconceived bound to adhere in our interpretation of what any writer or speaker says to us, except in opinions of the interpreter himself, those cases where it is apparent from the and consequently of as many kinds subject considered, in connection with the as there are expositors, all equally language employed, that its author intended arbitrary, precarious, and unsatis­ it to be used in a figurative sense.’’ tn m “ 3rd. If no such intention be apparent in | factory,' J’ to any but those who set what any writer or speaker says, still if w-e | them up, and1 apply them.”

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 18 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. February 1, It will be observed that, in the God under the New Testament.” rules quoted, there are only two “ The wolf and the lamb shall feed senses in which ordinary language is together, and the lion shall eat straw understood, namely, the literal and like the bullock i.e., “ The wolf, the figurative ; but interpreters of the which is an exceeding fierce, rapaci­ Bible assert that the language of the ous creature, and greedy of devouring scriptures is sometimes employed in its prey, exhibits a striking emblem a sense different from these. This of the barbarous enemies of the flock additional sense they term the of Jesus Christ. The lamb, well spiritual,—a sense never sought for known for its innocence, blameless­ in the language of any other book. ness, and usefulness, significantly Well, what is meant by the spiritual represents the disciples of Jesus sense of a passage? Not the figur­ Christ, who are distinguished for ative, for that sense is as apparent, humility. The lion, exhibits a proper where it is used, as the literal; for a emblem of the powerful blood-thirsty sentence cannot be used in a figur­ adversaries of the people of God. ative sense, unless a figure be ex_- The bullcck, may be considered as pressed or implied, and every term symbolical of the laborious useful in such a sentence must have a literal servants of God. Concerning people signification; because a figure of of these contrary tempers, our pro­ speech is not in the terms of a phet foretells that those of the sentence, but in their application to former sort, being divested of their subjects to which they do not properly ferocity and enmity by the influence belong. For instance, in the sen- (of the ~Holy Ghost,■ and rendered tence, a Fear not, Abram, I am thy ■mild and peaceable, they shall famili­ shield,” all the terms must be under ;arly feed together, ... on the stood in their literal sense before the doctrines of the gospel,” which doc­ import of the figure, evidently im­ trines, the author says, are repre­ plied in the language, can be proper­ sented by strawI After the same ly apprehended. Neither does the fashion, the declaration of the angel spiritual sense mean the symbolic, of the Lord to Mary, that her child which differs somewhat from the should sit on the throne of his father figurative, and is sometimes used in David, and reign over the house of the sacred writings; but by the Jacob for ever (Luke i. 32), means, spiritual sense, is meant the mystic, sitting at the right hand of Jehovah which is in no way expressed, but in the heavens, and reigning in the rather concealed by the terms used. hearts of God’s people on earth. The character of this spiritual sense Jerusalem, Zion, the mountain of will, however, be better understood the house of the Lord—the temple by examples of the mode in which itself, all mean the Gentile Church. interpreters employ it. Thus, on Israel returning to their own land, Isa. Ixv. 17-25, M‘Cui loch affirms means the conversion of the heathen that — “Behold I create a new to Christianity, &c., &c. heavens and a new earth,” means, Such is the method of spiritualiz­ “ I am about to give my church a ing the scriptures. Obscuring would new and beautiful form by intro­ be a far fitter term. ducing a new dispensation of grace.” Tn Rev. xi. 8. we read of a city When Jehovah says, “ Behold I “ which spiritually is called Sodom create Jerusalem a rejoicing.” “" By~_ and Egypt, where also our Lord was Jerusalem Churchis meant of God the General church Conference: of crucified McDonough, ;; ” but thisGA; use of the term Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ February 1,1866. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 19 spiritual is very different from that or whatever in scripture conflicted to which we are adverting. This is with his philosophy. This is the simply designating “ the city where man who in our day is, by the pro­ our Lord was crucified,” by the fessed adherents of Christianity, styled names of places which it resembled “ The father of biblical criticism in wickedness and impiety, just as and exegesis in Christendom; ” and, Jehovah had reproved its wicked from their point of view, justly so, rulers and inhabitants by his pro­ for those principles of interpretation phet Isaiah, many centuries before. with which his name is identified, “Hear the word of the Lord, ye and by which the words of God are rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the made void, are contended for, and law of our God, ye people of Gomor­ applied with filial faithfulness, in rah—to what purpose is your sacri­ the present day, by almost every fice,” &c. Nowhere in the scriptures contributor to religious literature. do we find the term pneumatikos The instances we have cited of this used in the sense contended for by spiritualizing process, regarding the these perverters of the word of God. ’language of Isa. Ixv. 17, and Luke Spiritual, in scripture, means accord­ i. 32, are but a sample of the mode by ing to the Spirit, just as carnal which almost, if not every, article means according to the flesh. The of real scriptural faith and hope has prophets “ spoke as they were moved been explained away. The promises by the Holy Spirit,” (2. Peter i. 21.) God made to Abraham of an inherit­ and the apostles spoke in words, ance of the land he shewed to him.— which the Holy Spirit taught them The promises made to David, that his (1 Cor. ii. 13), consequently those seed should sit for ever on his throne. who interpret these Spirit-given —The restoration of Israel to their words by their own conceptions, or own land, having the law of God according to laws of correspondence written in their hearts.—The re­ of their own framing, carnalize the storation of the kingdom to Israel.— words of the Spirit of God to their The coming again from the heavens own, and their neighbour’s hurt. of the Lord Jesus to sit on the This system of so-called spiritualiz­ throne of David on mount Zion.— ing was introduced to the adherents The resurrection of the saints at his of the doctrine of Christ, in the third appearing, and their reigning with century, by Origen, who has been him over the nations.—The resur­ styled “ the father of biblical criti­ rection of the rest of the dead when cism.” Deeply embued with the Neo­ the thousand years are finished.— platonic philosophy, and the puerile The making of a new heavens and allegorizing of the Jewish Rabbins, new earth. — The descent of the whatever he found in scripture New Jerusalem. All this is at the contradicting his notions of truth present hour denied by some sect or and propriety, he explained accord- other, substituting, in place of these ing to what he termed the spiritual glorious realities,some----- 42 ------figmentx of sense. He affirmed that “as man their own vain fancy. Were the consists, according to Plato, of Lord to make his descent to earth body, soul, and spirit, so Scripture just now, how truly should we find has a threefold sense; ”—that is, his words verified, “ When the Son the literal, intellectual, and alle­ of man cometh shall he find faith on gorical, or mystic. By this means the earth.” Faith in the hopes of he got rid of Eden, Adam, and Eve, the gospel is rare indeed; and even Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 20 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. February 1,186#, where it exists, it is sadly diluted been done by others) to get quit of by fancy. Let the faithful in Christ it, and of every other object of our Jesus beware of the vain philosophy hope in the age to come. Beloved, taught by Origen ; for, even among let us beware of the false principles the believers of the gospel of the of the apostacy. Is it not the case, kingdom of God, and the name of that on every point where we differ Jesus Christ, the principle and prac­ from the sects, we differ simply be­ tice of spiritualizing is growing in cause we adhere to the plain, obvious, favour.f?______TiIt 1has indeed_1 . _ JI existed • _.J_ _ JI among and ordinary meaning of the words us, to a small extent, for a long of God, from which they have, un- time; for has not "the coming of the happily, departed’ 1 I know we are Lord, spoken of by himself in Matt. desirous' ""to ~~maintain our faith in xxiv.,, been interpreted alla spiri- purity, therefore have I called atten­ tualizing, to signify the destruction tion to a false principle of under­ of J erusalem by the Romans ; and standing the scriptures, which, I the events describeebin 2 Pet. iii. 10, have reason to fear, is stealing in­ 12, by the same process, metamor- sidiously into the household of faith. ■ phosed into the dissolution of the Let each of us be able to say, in the Jewish state? Such applications of face of all men, “ There is no doc­ this deliterious principle of interpre- trine of my creed,—no article of my tationj I • 1has, we say, existedJ-X JI forP a- long1 faith, which I cannot express correctly time amongst us, and now it seems in the unaltered words of scripture; on the increase, some even affirming and I am determined, God helping that “ the sea,” which, when the me, to hold fast the form of sound thousand years are finished, is said words, in faith and love, which I have to “ give up the dead which are in learned in the holy scriptures.” it ” (Rev. xx. 13), and of which there W. L. is ultimately to be “ no more,” (Rev. xxi. 1), does not mean “sea,” but Note.— For the quotations in the early part of this article, I am indebted to an nations. It is plain that we only article quoted from an American print in the require to apply the same method to “ Quarterly Journal of Prophecy,” October the “ first resurrection (as has already 1865.

AN ENGLISH REPLY TO THE ROCHESTER EPISTLE.

The disciples of Christ meeting in Edward, sired, but such unity cannot be obtained Street,L------, —Birmingham, ------q------, England,! send- this letter- unless attention' be given to the utterance of greeting,rr.ootinr, to+a the assembly-woAn.hlv meetingmnptinir in Rnpll-JKoch- | thettiA apostle,nnostlp.—---- PrnVA“ Prove all alliliino*fi. things, hald hold fast fast ester, New York; and to all of like faith and that which^iUaI, is good. ’ Let1 any »A<>Ai>in

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 22 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. February 1,1866. standing reproof of the Lord is, “Let him the unity of the Spirit by the uniting bond that is without sin among you cast the first of peace; there being one Body and one stone.” The use of personalities, in ths Spirit, as also you were called in one hope of truest acceptation of the word, is the right your calling; one Lord, one faith, one im­ only of him who was without sin or fault at mersion ; one God and Father of all; he all. Who is there amongst the disciples who who is over all, and through all, and in all.” can say this of himself? “If we say we Amidst the turmoils, quarrels, personal­ have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the ities, and divisions of the sects, the disciple truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he ever relies upon his master, Christ. Through is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and his strength he is able to bear and forbear; to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If to pray for and love his enemies, as well as any man sin, we have an advocate with the friends. Ignored, cast out as none of theirs, Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.'1' down trodden, yet uprising, he may be ; yet To you, then, we would hold out the right his hope and anchor resting in the heavens i hand of fellowship. Bearing witness as your is firm and sure. Knowing that “what letter does hy its internal evidence to your things werewritten aforetime for our instruc­ desire to co operate with those whose hope is tion were written t hat we through thepatience “ the hope of. Israel.’' To us, the disciples, and consolation of the scriptures might pos­ there is no distinction of race or clime,—no sess the hope.” ties of clanship or feudal servitude,—all are '• And may the God of that patience and one in Christ Jesus. Whether the govern­ that consolation give you the same disposi­ ment under which we live be imperial or tion toward each other, according to Christ republican matters not to us. All powers Jesus ; so that with one mind and with one that be are ordained of God; to them we mouth you may glorify the God and Father yield obedience, looking for deliverance when of our Lord Jesus Christ.’’ he comes whose right it is to reign—then, “Now, unto the King aionian, immortal, the triumph of the believer;—now the cross, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and then the crown. glory for the ages of ages. Amen.” What better exhortation to union can we May his love, the favour of the Lord Jesus use than that of the apostle Paul,—“ I ex­ Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, hort you, therefore, I, the prisoner of the be ever with the Israel of God. Amen. Lord, to walk worthy of the calling with Geo. Hatfield. which you were called; with all humility Henry Brittain. and gentleness, with patienee sustaining each M. A. Hatfield. other in love; using diligence to preserve Birmingham, Dec. 1865.

THE GOSPEL THAT WAS PREAQHED BY THE LORD JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES TO JEW AND GENTILE*

In all writings, human or divine, for the Jews believed in the king­ terms are employed both in a primary dom of God even when they rejected and secondary sense. In a secondary the gospel, It was of believers in sense, the term “ gospel ” is applied the kingdom of God that Paul said, to the cross of Christ, in 1 Cor. i, “ As touching the gospel they are 17, 18; and in the same secondary enemies for your sakes.”’’ And that sense, to the kingdom of God, in this term “ gospel ” is conly used in Gal. iii. 8. We say that the term a secondary sense, when applied to gospel is only applied to the king- the death of Christ,, as a sacrifice for dom of God in a secondary sense ■ sin,’ ’is evident, from this that the apostles preached the gospel long * From “ The Reflector of Divine Truth,” before they either understood or be­ reprinted by request, and with the full per­ lieved in the death of Christ. mission of the author. What then is the primary, strict, Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ February 1,1806. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 23 original meaning of the term gospel Matthew shows that Luke means, in the New Testament? What was “ the gospel of the kingdom of God.” that gospel which Jesus aud his Three times at least Jesus pre­ apostles preached to Jew and Gen­ dicted that “ this gospel of the king­ tile 1 To the candid reader we sub­ dom should be preached in all the mit, on the following scriptural world for a witness unto all nations,” evidence, that it was, strictly speak­ Matth. xxiv. 14; Mark xiii. 10; ing, neither more nor less than this Mark xiv. 9. And in accordance —“ The kingdom of God is at hand.” with these predictions, after his re­ Was not this the gospel which the surrection, he commissioned the prophets predicted that Jesus and apostles to “go into all the world, his apostles should preach? As it and preach the gospel to every is written—“ How beautiful upon creature,” Mark xvi. 15. the mountains are the feet of him Neither in his gospel, nor in “ The that bringeth good tidings, that pub- Acts,” does Luke represent the lisheth peacei ; that bringeth good preachers of the gospel as ever using tidings of good,—.i thatn.i publisheth_ it.i .1 sal__i ­ these words, “ the kingdom of God vation ; that saith unto Zion, “ Thy is at hand.” But in both these Godreigneth!”—Isa. Iii. 7; Nahum precious portions of the sacred writ­ i. 15; Rom. x. 15. An attentive ings he represents these preachers as examination of the passages will delivering in other words the same show that the words—“ thy God gospel. In his gospel he represents reigneth,” are intended to comfort the seventy as assuring the Jews that Israel under the fierce rage of anti­ the kingdom of God was come nigh christ ; consequently that it is just unto them, Luke x 9-12; and in a prophetical way of saying “ thy “ The Acts,” he represents Peter God is about to reign,” or “the connecting together, as nearly simul- reign or kingdom of God is at hand.” taneous+»n«ni8 events,avati+.