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

or

THE CHURCHES:

A

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

WITH TDK

CONGREGATIONAL INTELLIGENCE OF THE YEAR I8G5.

VOL. L

N k w Series.

IS DIN ti U LI G H : PRINTED BY A. & W. R. WILSON, 56 IIIGII STREET.

MDCCCLXV.

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

PAOE Editorial Introduction J *. 2 “ The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ ’• . 5 The in the Second Psalm 8, 17 Paul’s Care for the Weak . , 12 Various Readings, v. . 15 The Everlasting Punishment . 20 For whom did Christ dio 22 The Seed of Abraham . 25 Wrong Translations 28 The Throne of Christ 30 Shall Jesns return to Earth again 33 The Names of God 38, 49 Notos on Words . . 41, 77 The Gospel in the Eighth Psalm 42 The First three Centuries and the Gospel of the Kingdom 53 “ The Lord is at Hand ” 55, 65 A Unity of Faith in the earlier and later 59 Restored Israel .... 62 Tho Head and tho Heart 03 The High Calling 63 Tho Little Horn of the Goat 69 The Restoration of Israel . . 71, 87 The Gospel in Acts xiii. 74 A New hearted Man 78 The Constrast between Protestantism and tho Gospel 79 Tho Time of the Lord’s Coming 81 The Remembrance of the Lord . 85 Faith in tho Lord’s Coming essential to Salvation 90 No more Curse 91 A Right Ambition • • - • 91 Unquenchable Firo 97 The Son of Enthroned 102 Tho Latter Days 104 Wants of Humanity 109 Remarks on Eccles, xii. 7 110 1110 Annual Meeting, 1865 . 113 The Art of Prayer 126 The Land of Israel , • 129 Tho Good Confession . 134 The Union of Believers with Unbelievers 137 Tho Literature of Infidelity 142 The Little Horn 145 Israel’s Calling not Earthly 151 The Glory yet to be Revealed 154, 161

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

VAC.B The Blessedness of making the Good Confession 156, 1G4 “S;duto one another with a holy kiss '* 158 A Brotherly Letter 1G6 The Promises and Baptism . 16'9 The Hard Wood versus the Blunt Knife . 173 “ Be yo Angry and Sin not ’’ 174 Faith in as the Christ essential to Salvation 177 The Keys of tho Kingdom of Heaven 131 'Pho First and Lsist Curse . t 182 The Worship of'the Early Disciples 184 The World is Worse and Worse 186

Intelligence— Aberdeenshire 95 Buchan , ■ , 79 Burnley . . 79 Cupar Fife 187 Dundee 187 Edinburgh 1C, 47, 03, 79, 111, 127, 143, 159 Fireshire 143 Galashiels ' 31 Geneva, Illinois, U.S.A. . . . 16 Glasgow • . 31, 64, 80 Halifax 187 Huddersfield . - 31,159 Jarrow-on-Tyne 80, 143 Kirkcaldy 188 Lanark 159 London 95,143,175 Mumbles 31, 47, G4, 80, 95, 159, 175 Nottingham 48, 64, 143 Scarborough . . 95, 111 Swansea 159, 175 Tranent . 48,127 Turriff . 1G, 64, 169, 188

Night Cry to God {verse} 15 The Kingdom coming to the Daughter of Jerusalem 38 Working Song • 62 The Gospel in. the Lord’s Supper . 87 A Word of Cheer 102 Psalm for the Annual Meeting 114 A Lately Life Song 127 “ JTe saved Others ” 134 The Forty sixth Psulm 159 'IheJSlixir • 181

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 7> /i Ki lcl •THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES.

♦

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

No. 1. January 1865. New Series. Vol. I.

EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION.

Once more we start: not on a new mission—not with material changes in our plan of operations ; but in pursuit of the old work of helping the bro­ therhood. - Helping the brotherhood ! Yes, this is like the help which we give in congregational matters—somebody to open the door, somebody to' set the scuts, to arrange the table, to tidy up the fireside ; and then to slip 'aside, and mingle with the others as they assemble for their feast of charity If we ..aim at greatness, therefore, it is after the approved fashion set by the Lord himself, in word and deed,—“ Whosoever will be.great among you, let him be your, minister; and whosoever will be chief among you,: let him be your servant.” Because we have only acted this kind of service we have been found fault with ; and because we have (after opening the door) sat down among the rest, in liberty, equality, and fraternity, we have been complained of for opening our mouth, and expressing our judgment with the rest. But we do not much mind that; for we are all liable to grumble at that which does not please us so well: and were there no, imperfections, we would lack the opportunity of forbearance—we must have patience with one. another. , ■ • • • With the help of God, therefore, we shall do again as we have already' done. Here is furnished a 'museum for the storing of the brethren's thoughts and sentiments-—a roll for their true history—a messenger for their loves, and business, and seryice. Simply as curators of that museum, we shall endeavour to keep its stores well arranged and available; and, with gentle, yet firm remonstrance, shall keep out what is not worth pre­ serving—specially all ephemeral personalities, which only turn to rottenness after; and shall avoid verbiage as much as possible, for we have no room for it. As the transcribers of that roll of history, we desire it to be fairly written, and illuminated with loving and loveable pictures. And as the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 2 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. immediate despatches of that messenger, we shall endeavour to have him carry a good and a plainly spoken message. This is our editorial work. And if thus we endeavour to help the brethren, we are not unreasonable in our request for them to help us ; not only to do the work, but to do it after this fashion, and in this spirit.

Editors. I

ABRAHAM.

One of the most famous men of anti­ phetic record on to a very wide future. quity is Abraham ; his name is re­ But of Abram, and through Abram is vered alike by Moslem, Jew, and a world wide and enduring blessing. Christian. By the first as a great The first incident in hishistory shews prophet, by the second as the head the purpose of God in regard to him. and progenitor of their multitudinous In Gen. xii. 1-3, we read—as if it families, and by the third as the fa­ were a resume of former history—that ther of all the faithful, whether Jew “ The Lord had said unto Abram, get or Gentile. Throughout all the East thee out of thy country, and from thy the name of Abraham is spoken of kindred, and from thy father’s house, with respect, although often known into a land that I will shew thee; only by tradition ;* and in the West, and I will make of thee a great na­ where his written history is conned tion, and I will bless thee, and make with interest, the same respect is thy name great; and thou shalt be a shown his memory. Abraham, the blessing: and I will bless them that friend of God, is deserving of all the bless thee, and curse him that curseth culogium which is bestowed on him thee : and in thee shall all families by God and man. It is, therefore, of the earth bo blessed." This call instructive to study the various pe­ Abram obeyed, and “ departed as the riods of his history and points of his Lord had spoken unto him ; and Lot character, that we may appreciate the went with him ; and Abram was se­ reasons which have led to this uni­ venty and five years old when he de­ versal esteem. parted out of Harun. And Abram Of the family from which Abraham took Sarai his wife, and Lot his bro­ sprung, we know little more than the ther’s son, and all the substance that name : his father, Terah, had other they had gathered, and the souls that children, and we know that one line they had gotten in Haran ; and they of that family has a fame, although of went forth to go into the land of a less blessed character than that of Canaan, and into the land of Canaan his son Abram. Lot and bis fortunes they came.” The tenor of this little form an interesting chapter in the bit of history, supplemented by tho authentic history of early times : and recital of Stephen, in Acts vii. 2-4, his descendants, tho Moabites and teaches that this man had deliberately Ammonites, are spoken of in the pro- made such emigration, For some time had that word of the Lord been • Tho city of I’cbron. lu which ho soinotlnio ro- in his heart, and evidently had been uldcd.nttblH dny bonrH n niinio dorlvod from tho ostooui In which Abraham was hold In old thnu, spoken in his father’s house ; for it viz., El-Kaloel—tho city of thefrund (of Ood.) seemed to be in pursuance of that

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ ABRAHAM. ’3 same purpose that the whole family sequel of his history is found in Gen. had removed from Ur of the Chal­ xiv. and xix. “ And the Lord said dees to Haran ; and only after his unto Abram, after that Lot was father’s death did he finally remove separated from him, lilt up now his own establishment to the land of thine eyes, and look from the place Canaan. The removal of so great a where thou art northward, and south­ host into the territory of strangers, ward, and eastward, and westward ; would at that time be attended for all the land, lohich thou seest, to with many difficulties, and with much thee will I (jive it, and to thy seed for danger ; for it was not to be expected ever. And I will make thy seed as that the Canaanites—men of another the dust of the earth...... Arise, stock altogether, children of Ham— walk through the land in the length would be friendly to this famous of it, and in the breadth of it; for I Shcrnite, who presumed upon grazing will give it unto thee, Then Abram his flocks in their pastures. Never- removed his tent, and came and dwelt theless he came, making his first in the plain of Marnre, which is in stage in the place of Sichem, and Hebron, and built there an altar unto the plain of Moreh, probably about the Lord,” the third inonumcntof his thet’------very. valley” y in’ which’ the■’ city\ ofP wanderings in the land of promise. Nablous now stands, on this side Meanwhile Abram had become so rising mount Ebal, and ou that great that he was able, with his armed mount Gerizim. “ And the Lord ap­ servants, to pursue and ovcrcomeChc- peared unto Abram, and said, Unto darlaomcr, the king of Elam, after thy seed will I give this land; and his raid upon Sodom and the cities there builded he an altar unto the of the plain. This pursuit was under­ Lord, who appeared unto him.” taken for the rescue of his brother Lot. This was the first monument which Afterward the word of the Lord came Abram erected. again to Abram, announcing these By and bye he removed southward, things,—1st, “ He that shall come and pitched his tent between Bethel forth of thine own bowels shall be and Hai, and on the eastern spur of thine heir f 2d, Thy seed shall be as Mount Ephraim built another altar, innumerable as the stars; 3d, “Thy and called upon the name of the seed shall be a stranger in a land Lord—a second monument of his which is not lheir’s, and shall serve history as a pilgrim and a stranger them, and they shall afflict them four in the land, seeking a heavenly city. hundred years; and, also that nation From this he went down into Egypt, whom they shall serve, will I judge ; to avoid impending famine; and and afterward shall they come out there occurred the first questionable with great substance;” 4th, ‘‘Thou episode in his history—he prevari- shalt go to thy fathers in peace—thou cated in regard to his wile, and shalt be buried in a good old age nearly got himself into serious trouble 5tli, “The same day the Lord made thereby. There is no word of apology a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto for this conduct—for none could be tliy seed have I given this land, from given. the river of Egypt unto the great Afterward he returned to Canaan, river, the river Euphrates ; the where he and Lot parted company— Kenites, and the Kenizitcs, and the the latter preferring the rich and Kadmonites, and the Hittites, and the fertile, but morally pestilent plain of Pcrizzitcs, and the Rephaims, and the Jordan, where lie settled. The the Amorites, and the Canaanites,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 4 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. and the Girgashites, and the Jebu- thus given,—“ Shall I hide from sitcs.” This covenant was made by Abraham the thing that I do; seeing sacrifice, as may be seen by reading that Abraham shall surely become a Gen. xv. 1-17; and in the most solemn great and mighty nation, and all the manner was there thus ratified the nations of. the earth shall be blessed promise of inheritance of the land. in him? For I know him, that he We are not left in any doubt as to will command his children and his what land is meant; for its bound­ household after him, and they shall aries, and its then occupants are keep the way of the Lord, to do just­ specified in the covenant. There is ice mid judgment, that the Lord may no contract between men more ex­ bring upon Abraham that which he plicit than this between God and hath spoken of him,” xviii. 17-19, Abram, and be it remembered it was “ And it came to pass, when God concerning land. destroyed the cities of the plain, that At the age of eighty-six, that is God remembered Abraham, and sent eleven years after he came into Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, Canaan, Abram had a son by his when he overthrew the cities in the bond servant Hagar. But this son which Lot dwelt.” xix. 29. was not the son of promise, for, after After this dread catastrophe Abra­ another thirteen years of suspense, he ham again removed his encampment, is told that he is to have a son by his this time toward the south country, own wife—the veteran Sarah ; and and sojourned in Gerar, a place on so the heart of the old man in his the coniines of what was subsequent­ hundredth year, and that of the old ly known as Idumea. There again woman in her ninetieth, arc to be he denied his wile, and thereby placed freshened by the presence and inter­ himself, his wife, and the king of est of an infant son, called . Gerar in imminent peril. This is Before this rcmakablc birth, however, another inexcusable act on the part the old promise is reiterated—“ I of Abraham, and shews that he was will give unto thee and thy seed not yet perfect. after thee, the land wherein thou art Betimes Isaac—the son of promise a stranger, all the land of Canaan for —was born, and erelong became so an everlasting possession, and I will important a person in the household be their God,” Gon. xvii. 8. At the of his father, that his mother, Sarah, same time was instituted the imple­ would not be appeased of her jealousy ment of the covenant for Abram and and indignation toward the bond­ his seed,, viz., circumcision ; and his woman and her son, but by their name and that of his wife were expulsion from the camp. The Lord changed to more significant forms, he counselled Abraham to listen to this being hereafter called Abraham,* and grudge,—“ hearken to her voice,” she, Sarah.f said He, tl for in Isaac shall thy seed When the terrible doom of Sodom be called, and also of the son of the was pending, the Lord appeared to bondwoman will I make a nation, Abraham (Gen. xviii.) and repeated because he is thy seed.”—xxi. 1-21. the promise of the birth of Isaac ; at “ And it came to pass, after these the same time announcing his pur­ things, that God did try Abraham, pose on the wicked neighbours of Lot. and said unto him, Abraham ; and The reason for such a revelation is he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only ♦ Father of a groat multitude, f PrincDM. son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ “ THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHltlST." 5 thee into the land of Moriah ; and So Abraham left the mountain, and offer him there for a burnt-offering returned to his in Beersheba: upon one of the mountains which I leaving another altar on that height will tell thee of. And Abraham rose J of Moriah—a fourth monument of up early in the morning, and saddled his faith. his ass, and took two of his young | From even this scant outline of the men with him, and Isaac his son, and history of Abraham, and much more clave the wood for the burnt-offering, from the whole narrative as given in and rose up, and went unto the place the book of Genesis, there are ap- of which God had told him.”—xxii. parent to every one these things:— 1-3. This sacrifice was interrupted 1, That God has promised to Ab- only at the point when the knife of raham himself personally the inherit- Abrahain was lifted to slay his son, ance and occupation of the land of by the angel of the Lord calling to Canaan. him out of heaven. Providentially a j 2, That this occupation is to be ram was seen caught in the thicket, shared by his seed.* which Abraham took and offered on i 3, This occupation is to be the the altar he had built, for a burnt- basis of a blessing on him from God, offering in the stead of his son. A and a blessing through him to all the second time came the the word of the nations of the earth. angel of the Lord to Abraham, say-| 4, That as he is dead, the fulfil— ing, “ By myself have I sworn, saitli ment of these promises necessitates a the Lord, for because thou hast done resurrection.....—e A of Abraham.~ this thing, and hast not withheld thy 5, That these things are guaranteed son, thine only son : that in blessing to Abraham and his seed on account I will bless thee, and in multiplying of faith, and not for good works : as I will multiply thy seed as the stars expressed in Gen. xv. G—“ He be­ of heaven, and as the sand which is lieved in the Lord, and he counted it upon the sea shore ; and thy seed to him for righteousness.” shall poSsesi the gate of his enemies : G. Dowie. and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed ; because thou • The consideration of “The Seed of Abrabnm” hast obeyed iny voice.”—xxii. 16-18. will occupy next paper.

“THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHRIST. Such are the qualities which Paul iour’s example of meekness and lowli­ ascribes to his Master in his second ness of heart is here commended for letter to the church at Corinth (chap, imitation by those professing to be x. 1). And it is this character which his disciples—“ Learn of me, for I our Lord claims as his own in these am meek and lowly in heart.” And words, “ Come unto me, all ye that so the apostles. For example, Paul labour, and arc heavy laden, and I —“ Let this mind be in you which will give you rest. Take my yoke was also in Christ Jesus, who being upon you, and learn of me, Ibr I am in the form of God, thought it not meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall robbery to be equal with God, but find rest to your souls." The Sav- made himself of no reputation, and

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 6 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. took upon him the form of a servant, and threatening, or it is not. It and was made in the likeness of men ; is the language of harsh denuncia­ and being found in fashion as a man, tion or that of tendcrest commisera­ he humbled himself and became obed­ tion. Tin's depends not so much on ient unto death, even the death of the the words employed, as on the tone cross.” And Peter—“ What glory is and gesture with which they were it when ye be buffeted for your faults uttered. Any one, hy experiment, ye shall take it patiently ? but if, may demonstrate, to his own entire when ye do well and suffer for it, ye satisfaction,__ . ! _i* _ x* _ _ x»the _ possibility... .?»•!•» off* uttering... • take it patiently, this is acceptable these words so as to manifest the ■with God. For even hereunto were compassionate spirit of Jesus, or a ye called, because Christ also suffered spirit entirely foreign to his heart of for us, leaving us an example that hearts. Which of these we arc to we should follow his steps. Who did impute to the meek and lowly One, no sin, neither was guile found in his no candid mind will hesitate to de­ mouth who, when he was reviled, termine. reviled not again ; when he suffered, I may remark’that the word “ woe,” ho threatened not, but committed in the above passage, which seems himself to him that judgeth right­ to aggravate the severity of its tone, eously.” Yes, “ ho endured such is capable of being rendered “ Alas,” contradiction of sinners against him­ as indeed it is in Rev. xviii. 10, 1G, self,” as none of us shall ever meet 19. Hence it might be read, “Alas with. But, mark, he not merely met for you, scribes and Pharisees, hypo­ with such, he endured it, and here crites.” And I observe, that in New- his meekness and gentleness were come’s version, all the occurrences of pre-cminontly displayed. this word as used by Christ are ren­ But there are some sayings of dered, Alas. There is at least one Jesus on record, from which it has occurrence of it where it cannot have been inferred, both by friends and the denunciatory sense, and that is foes, that Jesus indulged the spirit of sullicient to show that it may have reviling and threatening, even in cir­ the commiserative sense in Christ’s cumstances when he himself had re­ rebuke of the Pharisees. It occurs ceived no provocation by similar in Matt. xxiv. 19,—“But woe unto treatment. For example, he said, them that are with child, and to them “ Woe unto you, scribes and Pha­ that give suck in those days.” It risees, hypocrites! for ye devour must have the commiserative sense widows’ houses, and for a pretence here, and though rendered “ woe ” make long prayer.” “Ye arc like we never think of viewing it as unto whited sepulchres, which indeed denunciatory. And so in regard appear beautiful outward, but are to the charge of hypocrisy, and tho within full of dead men's bones and epithets, “Serpents and generation of all unclcanncss. Even so ye also of vipers.” These words arc render­ appear righteous unto men, but with­ ed by Dr George Campbell, “ Ah ! in ye are full of hypocrisy and ini­ serpents! offspring of vipers !” And quity.’1 “ Ye serpents, ye generation the only question is, Is this a true of vipers, how can ye escape the description of the characters address­ damnation of hell.” ed ? will deny that it is. Now, this language is consistent Now, it is just at this point that with the meekness and gentleness of the bearing of Jesus’ example on us Christ, or it is not. It is reviling becomes manifest. For Jesus infal-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ "THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHRIST.” 7 libiy knew that the epithets he em­ all men, apt to teach, patient; in ployed were correctly applicable to meekness instructing those that op­ the persons addresed. And, more­ pose themselves ; if God, peradven­ over, he knew precisely tho effect ture will give them repentance to the which his words would have on his acknowledging of the truth.” And auditors. In calling the scribes and so Peter—“ be ready always to give Pharisees serpents, he not only knew an answer to every man that nsketh it was true, but that their mental you a reason of the hope that is in and moral condition would not be you with meekness and fear." thereby injured. Now, before we The violation of this example by can plead the example of Jesus for the abuse of speech is much dwelt on stigmatizing our contemporaries, we by the apostles. “ The tongue is a must be able to fulfil the conditions lire, a world of iniquity.” “ If any referred to. We must be infallibly man offend not in word, the same is certain of the absolute truthfulness of a perfect man, and able also to bridle our epithets and charges, and we the whole body.” “If any man must be quite sure that our appli­ among you seem to be religious, and cation of them will not have the bridlcth not his tongue, but decciveth effect of hardening in unbelief and his own heart, that man’s religion is disobedience, while the gentler course vain.” The bridle is used to regu­ might have resulted in awakening late and control, and only if need be inquiry, and interest in tho truth. to arrest, the movements of the ani • These conditions, I am afraid, can mal to which it is applied ; so must be fulfilled by none of us, and hence the would-be religious man regulate, the example of Jesus must be limit­ and, if necessary, “hold” his tongue ed for us to his imitablo qualities. in order to fulfil the will of his Master. Jesus “ knew what was in man,” we The following extracts from Solo­ hardly know ourselves, much less mon arc much to the point,—“The our fellow-men ; but are neverthe­ mouth of tho just bringeth forth wis­ less prone to .perceive a mote in dom ; but the froward tongue shall our brother’s eye, while oblivious be cut off.” “A soft answer turneth of the beam in our own. How true away wrath, but grievous words stir the lines of our national bard, so often up anger. The tongue of the wisj quoted :— useth knowledge aright, but tiie “ O wad some power the giftic gi’e us, mouth of fools pourcth out foolish­ To see oursel’s as ithers see us, ness.” “ There is that speaketh like It wad fmc many a blunder free ns, the piercings of a sword ; but tho An’ fulish notion.” tongue of the wise is health.” “ Ho This weakness of the flesh may that hath a perverse tongue falleth well account for the many apostolic into mischief.” “ Whoso keepeth his exhortations to meekness and gentle­ mouth and his tongue, keepeth his ness. These qualities are among the soul from troubles.” “ By long for­ fruits of the Spirit in Gal. v. More bearing is a prince persuaded ; and a at length, Paul exhorts “ to speak soft tongue breaketh the bone.” evil of no man, to be no brawlers, It should be noted here that, from but gentle—showing all meekness the extreme readiness with which the unto all men.” And inorc especially tongue obeys the impulses of the in efforts to enlighten the ignorant, heart, the utterance of a hasty foolish he says—“ the servant of the Lord or abusive word may, in certain cir­ must not strive, but be gentle unto cumstances, be much more excusable Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 8 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. than tlie deliberate ill-natured out­ of plainly and firmly' maintaining the pourings which are allowed to flow defence of the gospel, we are respon­ from the pen, and to pass, without sible for the consequences of the spi­ correction, through the printing press. rit with which we do so. While we This latter abuse of speech is utterly strive to be wise as serpents—in the without excuse, and should receive wisdom of God, let us not forget that the unqualified disapproval of every the same authority enjoins us to be one who values the example of Christ harmless as doves. “ Blameless and and his apostles. harmless, the sons of God, without Brethren, let us keep these things rebuke in the midst of a crooked and in mind as we come in contact with perverse nation, among whom shine rough usage from our contemporaries. we as lights in the world, holding Let us remember, that, while we are fast the word of life.” not responsible for the consequences J. c.

THE GOSPEL IN THE SECOND PSALM. (verses 1 - G.)

This wondeiful prophecy', that the the fulfilment of the prophecy. Op­ Lord and his Christ would be bitterly position to the Lord and his Christ opposed by the rulers and peoples of did’ ’ not' theni cease. When the apos­ all nations, began to be fulfilled at tles went abroad among all nations, tho very first. Peter and John “ be­ preaching the gospel, they did there­ ing let go, went unto their own by everywhere stir up this predicted company, and reported all that the opposition to the Lord and his An­ chief and ciders had said unto ointed. That was the fruit of their them. And when they heard that, labours in the great majority of their they lifted up their voice to God with hearers. It was as true of the Gen­ one accord, and said, Lord, thou art tiles as of the Jews, “ Go unto this God, who hast made heaven and people, and say, Hearing ye shall earth, and the sea, and all that in hear, and shall not understand ; and them is; who by the mouth of thy seeing ye shall sec, and shall not servant David hast said, Why did perceive,” 1 Thess. ii. 18. the heathen rage, and the people im­ It is worthy of special notice that agine a vain thing? the kings of the this opposition to the Lord and his earth stood up, and the rulers were Christ broke out in the church itself, gathered together against the Lord, even in the days of the apostles. Our and against his Christ. For of a Lord and his apostles often warned truth, Lord, against thy holy child the disciples to beware of false pro­ Jesus whom thou hast anointed, both phets, who should come unto them in Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the sheep’s clothing, while inwardly they Gentiles and people of Israel, were were ravenous wolves. Of these men gathered together,” Acts iv. 23-28. John wrote, saying, Little children, It had been well for the church it is the hist time : and as ye have and the world (I speak as a man) had heard that the antichrist should come, this opposition to the Lord and his even now are there many antichrists, Christ ended here, where it began; whereby we know it is the last time. but this was only the beginning of Who is a liar (a false prophet; or false

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ THE GOSPEL IN THE SECOND PSALM. 9 teacher—a teacher of lies,) but he who shall be destroyed by the bright­ who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? ness of the Lord’s presence. And he is an antichrist who denieth the that man shall not perish alone in Father and the Son,” 1 John ii. 18-22. his iniquity. All that dwell upon It was not possible that these anti­ tho earth shall worship the beast, christs could remain in the church and the dragon who gives him his along with the apostles. “ They power and glory. So completely went out from us, because they were shall this prophecy of man’s opposi­ not of us." " These be they who tion to the Lord and his Christ bo separate themselves, sensual, not hav­ then fulfilled. “ I saw the beast, and ing the spirit." But they, alas, did the false prophet, and the kings of not go alone. Speaking perverse the earth and their armies gathered things, they yet drew away many together, to make war against him disciples after them. These of course who sat on the horse and against his would form another church of Christ army,” Rev. xix. which was not another—a church of You sec, then, that not conversion, Jesus Christ denying that Jesus is but opposition to the Lord and his the Christ, denying the Father and Christ is the great distinguishing the Son as revealed in this second characteristic of this dispensation un­ psalm and many other scriptures 1 der which we have found our place. And then these false teachers had The spirit of antichrist leavens all great success with the world. “ They the last days. From his first to his are of the world, therefore speak they second appearing, men in general will of the world, and the world hearcth oppose the Lord and bis Christ. Press them.” They spake not that truth home the truth concerning the Lord’s which the world hates. They spake Anointed which you find in this se­ those lies which the world loves. The cond psalm, and you will soon see consequence was that the worldrushed how disagreeable it is to almost all into their church. And so, by means men, even' to those who may sing of these false teachers, the opposition loudest that their sins arc washed to the Lord and his Anointed was away in his blood. At the very spread over the whole world like a beginning these tares were sown deadly pestilence. They taught men among the wheat, and there they to believe that they were favouring shall remain till the Lord, having the Lord and his Christ, while all the received the kingdom, comes hack time they were opposing them. “ Evil in his glory, and all the holy angels men, and seducers, shall wax worse with him, to destroy out of his king­ and worse, deceiving and being de­ dom all things that offend, and them ceived.” “ The time will come when that do iniquity, when the righteous they will not endure sound doctrine shall shine forth as the sun in tho (concerning the Lord andid ’his ’ Christ) kingdom of their Father. This mys- but after their own lusts shall they tery of iniquity began to work in the heap up unto themselves teachers, days of the apostles. It works on till ,having itching ------cars. And they shall it brings forth the man of sin, the turn away their ears from the truth, object of universal worship. And ho and shall be turned unto fables." and all his confederates shall be de­ And what will ye do in the end stroyed by the Lord in the day when thereof? What shall be the end of he comes, and all his saints are gath- theso things? Tho rising up of tho cred together unto him. last great antichrist, the man of sin, Seeing, then, that we are compas-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 10 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. sed about with so great an evil; see­ of the living God, the heavenly Je­ ing that this deadly error is most rusalem, &c. Observe, however, that deceitful, with good words and fair they arc not come to any of these speeches, set before us in the guise things in person. How, then, are of truth ; seeing that so many, alas I we come to them ? fn the exercise will be deceived thereby, let us the of faith and hope. And we can be more earnestly endeavour to find out thus come to the Mount Zion in the that great truth concerning the Lord land of Israel, in the day of the Lord. and his Christ, which is so bitterly Zion hill, in the land of Israel, is and so generally opposed by men. the- place where Israel's kings were And this brings us to verses 4, 5, wont to reign over Israel. On that and 6. holy hill of Zion, , the son of We learn what man opposes from David and of God, not only reigned what God proposes, lie has purposed over all Israel, but over many kings to set his king upon his holy hill of attd nations at the same time. And Zion. His Christ is his king, and herein he was but a mere type of that his king shall reign on Zion, the hill other son of David, the true Son of of his holiness. That is what man God, who, by the Spirit, saith in so generally and bitterly opposes, Zech. ii. 10-12, ‘’Sing and rejoice, when it is pressed home upon him. 0 daughter of Zion, for, lo, I come, His friends love, his enemies hate and I will dwell in the midst of thee, this great truth and eternal purpose saith the Lord. And many nations which God hath purposed in Christ shall be joined to the Lord in that Jesus our Lord. He who believes day, and shall be my people, and I and loves the truth, that God will will dwell in the midst of thee, and set his king on his holy hill of Zion, thou shalt know that the Lord of God is that man’s friend. He who hosts hath sent me unto thee. For denies and hates this truth, God is the Lord shall inherit Judah, his por­ that man’s enemy. For “ whosoever tion in the , and shall yet transgresseth and abideth not in the choose Jerusalem again.” The Lord doctrine of Christ hath not God ; he thus reigning in the midst of Israel that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, will confer great honour upon Israel, he hath both the Father and the and draw all nations and kings to­ Son,” 2 John 9. Grace, mercy, and wards it. “ Yea, many people and peace shall be multiplied unto him strong nations shall eomc to seek the from God the Father and our Lord Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to Jesus Christ. pray before the Lord. Thus saith Some say that the Christ of God the Lord of hosts, in those days it is already set upon his holy hill of shall come to pass that ten men shall Zion. Because the Bible speaks of lake hold (out of all languages of the heavenly| » Jerusalem,T 1 they11 ’infer 1* that1 1 * nations) even shall take hold of the there is also a heavenly Zion in hea­ skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, ven, on which Christis now reigning We will go with you; for we have at God’s right hand. Butthat there heard that God is with you,” Zech, is a heavenly Jerusalem in heaven is x. 22, 23. Thus praise, waiteth for a revealed fact, while that there is a the Lord in Zion ; there to him shall Zion there too is a mere, and there­ all flesh come. fore a sinfnl, conjecture. The apostle And then he shall specially be the Paul says of Christians, that they are king of Israel. As Mebnchadnezzar, come to Mount Zion, and to the city the king of Babylon and of the Chai-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ THE GOSPEL IN THE SECOND PSALM. II deans once reigned overall nations, the flesh, 2 John 7, because that was so then shall “ Christ, the king of giving too much countenance to the Israel.” Therefore man’s opposition hated doctrine ot Christ, that he to the Lord's Christ, as predicted and shall reign on Mount Zion in the condemned in this psalm, is opposi­ land of Israel. Nor is this 2, John 7, tion to him as king of the Jews, des­ the only place whence these false tined to reign over them on Mount deceived deceivers are represented as Zion, in the land of Israel. Let us opposed to the coming of Christ. In now consider if this be not that very 2 Peter iii. they are said to walk after opposition to the Lord and his Christ their own lust, saying, a Where is the which their enemies are actually re­ promise of his coming ? for since presented as offering to them in the the fathers fell asleep, all things con-z Scriptures of truth. tinue as they were from the beginning In the first place, how did Herod, of the creation.*’ Which taunt is and Pilate, and the Jews and Gen­ evidently directed against that doc- tiles with them oppose the Lord’s torine we find in Ps. xcviii.; Is. Ixvi. Christ ? As the king of the Jews, and many other scriptures, that, when and as nothing else. It was as king Jesus comes to save and reign over ____ of the Jews that Herod opposed the Israel, all things shall be changed Christ,- Matth.- iir~ 1-7r~ The Jews and made new.------_ despised him, and would not have this And, lastly, how is the beast and man to reign over them. For mak­ his confederates to oppose the Lord's ing the good confession, I am king of Christ at the time of the end? Just the Jews, Pilate gave him to be cruci­ in the same way as coming to reign fied, fearing to incur the wrath of on Mount Zion over Israel and all Cajsar. And as he hung on yon nations. In Ilev. xix. we see that accursed, and yet blessed tree, the these wicked ones oppose Christ as chief, priests and scribes mocking King of kings and Lord of lords. It him, said, Let Christ the king of may be objected that he is now reign­ Israel come down now from the cross ing as King of kings and Lord of that we may see and believe. So lords at God’s right-hand in the was this prophecy fulfilled in the heavens, and that, therefore, this is beginning. no proof that the beast and his allies And, in the second place, how did will oppose him as to reign on Mount those false teachers oppose the Lord Zion in the land of Israel. But the and his Christ, who, in the days of the fact is, the beast and his forces are apostles, while professing to be his represented as gathered together servants, did deny that Jesus was the against Christ, not as remaining and Christ? Just as king of the Jews reigning in heaven, but as revealed destined to reign over them on Zion from heaven to reign on earth. hill, in the land of Israel, at his com­ The only other -place in the Bible ing in the body from heaven. They where Jesus is called King of kings confessed not that Jesus is Christ, nor and Lord of lords is 1 Tim. vi. 12-1G. has come in the flesh, 1 John iv. 3, In verse 12, Paul exhorts Timothy to because the father of liars had not fight the good fight of faith, and so yet taught them how to admit that lay hold on eternal life, whereunto Jesus was the son of David, and at thou art called. As to the fight, it the same time to deny he is the king is to hold fast the profession of the of Israel. And they confessed not good profession, which he had that he is coming (crchomena) in already made before many witnesses,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 12 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. that Jesns is the Christ, the Son of over all nations. He has purchased God. Then in verses 13 and 14, that right with his own blood. So Paul solemnly sets before him the he shall come and wrest the sceptre exam[pie of Jesus Christ, who himself of supreme dominion from the hands made this good confession before of the man of sin, and reign over Pontius Pilate, saying, I am king of all nations on Mount Zion from the Jews, when he knew that his do­ henceforth, even for ever. ing so would cost him his life. Then It is clear then that the opposition in verses 15 and 1G, Paul reminds to the Lord and his Anointed, present­ Timothy, that Jesus will, as the ed in this second psalm, and which Christ at his second appearing, be brings down upon men God’s sore manifested as the King of kings and displeasure, and wrath of the Lamb, TLord of-e ’lords. ,rThen”.... it ■'*is, 11that "*■ 11the ' is opposition to God’s purpose to set beast and his army are gathered his Christas his king, on'his holy against the Lord’s Anointed one. hill of Zion in the land of Israel. And “ These shall make war, then, with this will appear more and more evi­ the Lamb, and the Lamb shall over­ dent as we proceed to consider the come them ; for he is Lord of lords remaining verses of the psalm. But and King of kings; and they that I am afraid this is already too long are with him arc called and chosen, a paper for one “ Messenger." and faithful,” Rev. xvii. 1-1. It is D. L. his right to reign supreme on earth I

PAUL'S CARE FOR THE WEAK. "To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak.”'—1 Cor. ix. 22.

Of all the characters which appear not to portray the character of the in the Bible, excepting that of the apostle of the Gentiles—such an au­ Christ himself,'the apostle Paul's is gust subject would require an abler to me the grandest and most attract­ pen, but simply to cull attention to ive. Blended with a massive intel­ one of the manifestations of his gene­ lect, there is the keenest sensibility rous and noble mind, for the purpose and intensest emotion, controlled by of calling forth the same action in the most elevated piety, strict con­ ourselves, who have “ like precious scientiousness, and unselfish bene­ faith." volence. There is nothing which The declaration, that to the “weak gives us a better idea of a man’s he became as weak, that he might character—of his inner life—than his gain the weak,” shows that ho who letters; and, doubtless, it is because was not “ a whit behind the very we have so many of the letters of chief of the apostles,” did not think Paul, occasioned by a variety of cir­ the weak beneath bis care. Most cumstances, and in which ho is ne­ assuredly he cared for the weak. It cessitated to speak much of himself, was because of this that he, an am­ that we know him better, and feel bassador of tile Lord, having a right more attracted to him, than to other to demand the submission and sup­ faithful and holy men spoken of in port of the churches, and possessing the Scriptures. the power to enforce these, sustained My present purpose, however, is himself by the labour of his hands ;

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ PAUL'S CARE FOR THE WEAK. 13 yea, laboured not for himself alone, weak.” “ But when ye sin against but also for others, who were unable the brethren, and wound their weak to do so themselves, so that he was conscience, ye sin against Christ. able to say to the elders of the church Wherefore, if meat make my brother at Ephesus, “ Ye yourselves know to offend, I will eat no flesh while that these hands have ministered un­ the world standeth, lest I make my to my necessities, and to them that brother to offend,” 1 Cor. viii. Re­ were with me. I have shewed you ferring to the same thing in his letter all things, how that so labouring ye to the saints at , he says, “ It ought to support the weak, and to is good neither to eat flesh nor to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, drink wine, nor anything whereby how he said, It is more blessed to thy brother stumbleth or is offended, give than to receive.’’ It was this or is made weak,” Rom. xiv. 21. benevolent regard for the weak, I It should be observed that the say, which led him to work for his apostle did not become “ as weak, own bread, though he had a right to that he might gain the weak ” to demand it from the churches, in vir­ himself, lie did not forego what tue of his apostleship. Hence, in was lawful, for that which was ex­ vindicating his conduct, he says,— pedient, that he might please men— “ What is my reward then ? Verily, it was for the well-being of the weak. that when I preach the gospel, I may “ This I do,” says he, “ for the gos­ may make the gospel of Christ with­ pel’s sake, that I might be a partaker out charge, that I abuse not my thereof with you,” i.c. that we may power in the gospel. For though I together enjoy the everlasting inhe­ be free from all men, yet have I made ritance made known by the gospel. myself servant unto all, that I might The apostle, in becoming “ as weak gain the more." “ To the weak I that he might gain the weak,” evin­ became as weak, that I might gain ced not only strong affection, but also the weak." remarkable wisdom., for what means It was the same regard for the can be better adapted to such an end? weak that led him to forego the use No power in the world is so fitted to of what was lawful in another matter. reach tho heart of the weak as sym- Regarding the eating of meats that palhy, fellow-feeling. If a strong- had' ' been' offered"" 1 to* -idols,1-’- he' says,----- — minded man gain the affections and “ All things are lawful forme to eat, confldence of a child, he must have but all things are not expedient; all done so by evincing sympathy for things are lawful for. me, but all that child—feelingas it feels—taking things edify not. Let no man seek pleasure in that which gives it joy. his own, but every man another's The philosopher cannot find a com-' welfare.” “We know that an idol panion in a child as a philosopher ; is nothing in the world, and that but he may do so, with perfect suc­ there is none other God but one. . . . cess, by becoming a child. As in our Howbeit there is not in every man physical system tho hard gives place that knowledge, for some with con­ to the soft—the bones of the cranium science of the idol unto this hour, eat taking their form and volume from it as a thing offered unto an idol; the development of the soft cerebral and their conscience being weak is mass within, and those of the chest defiled. . . . Take heed, lest by any being expanded, according to the means this liberty of yours becoino a size of the lungs; so in the moral stumbling-block to them that are world—the strong must bend to the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 14 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. weak. Such is the manner in which drunk deeply into the spirit of Ins our Almighty Father has drawn us Master, became “ weak that he might to himself. Contemplated in his glo­ gain the weak." rious majesty, power, wisdom, justice, What then is the practical bearing and purity, he is to us sinful creatures of all this condescension on the part of an object of awful wonder and terror. Paul,F and his Lord and ours? Evi- We might fear and tremble, perhaps dently this, “ We then that are admire, but we could not love him. strong ought to bear the infirmities Hence he has drawn us to himself by of the weak, and not to please our­ cords of love. “ lie speaks of himself selves." This, beloved, is a great to us in the language of human sym­ work. It is not after the manner of pathy, and dwells as a Father in the men, but after God. It is a difficult homes of earth.” The more effect­ matter for us “not to please ourselves ually to show us his heart, and to gain but to please our neighbour, for his ours, he sent his well-beloved Son, good to edification, even as Christ “in the likeness of sinful flesh." pleased not himself.” Yet it must “ God commcndeth his love toward be done, otherwise we are not “ fol­ us, in that, while we were yet sin­ lowers of God as dear children,” but ners, Christ died for us.” What ob­ “ walk as men.” We aspire to be ject can be more helpless than a fellow-heirs with the Son of God in corpse? So weak did the Lord Jesns his eternal kingdom and glory I How become, that wo guilty ones might, dare we, unless we strive to walk as by faith in him, become the mighty ho walked ? Let us, then, care for sons of God." “ When we were yet the little ones, and bear with their without strength, in due time Christ frivolities, whims, and fretfulness. died for the ungodly." This divine The most we can have to endure is philosophy of becoming “ weak to little compared with that self abne­ gain the weak,” is further illustrated gation which the Lord of all suffered in the priesthood of the Son of God. for us; little even compared with He is “able to have compassion on what the apostle of the Gentiles had the ignorant and those who arc out to bear in prosecuting his labours of of the way, since lie himself was sur­ love. Earnestly and honestly striv­ rounded with weaknesses and it is ing “ to gain the more. ” to God, ho because we have not a high will aid us by his strength; and who is unable to sympathize with our should our labour be unacknowledged weaknesses, that we are able to “come or unnoticed in the present age, we boldly unto the throne of grace, that shall nevertheless have a good con­ we may obtain mercy, and find grace science toward God, and, in “ the age to help in time of need.” to come, life everlasting.” In like manner Paul, who had W. Laing. “ The Spirit of God leads our mind, in Scripture, to connect our resur­ rection with Israel’s blessing. Thus, in the chapter of resurrection, we read, ‘ when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.’ Thus, the re­ surrection of those who arc ‘ Christ’s at his coming,’ is authoritatively declared to bo at the same epoch as the fulfilment of an Old Testament promise. If we turn to Isa. xxv., the place where this ‘ saying' is ‘ writ­ ten,’ we find that it is in the midst of a description of the restored blessing of Israel in earthly things, that the promise is introduced which is a point of hope to us."—Tregelles. Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ VARIOUS READINGS, ETC. 15 VARIOUS READINGS. NIGHT CRY TO GOD. No. V. It is not sad Isa. vi. 10.—“Make tho heart of this peo­ That thou so long bast laid mo low, ple fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut And made me weary;—I urn glad, their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, nnd Though few of thy designs I kuow. hear with their cars, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed " Tho hand of One It appears that tho pointing of tho Hebrew Who took tho guilt that bound me long toxthashad an influence on the king’s translat­ And put it on His only Son, ors when they translated this passage ; as they Can never do my soul a wrong. have employed the imperative mood instead of the indicative : which makes it read as if Smito on, my God, God or the prophet had shut their eyes, &c. And though the strokes be hard to bear, The Scptuagint version is different from ours : In peace I bow beneath thy rod, see it quoted by the Saviour himself (Maith, And cry not unto thee to spare. xiii. 14, 15). which quotation sets asido our English translation. Paul also quotes it Thou wilt not break, (Acts xxviii. 25-27), and by doing so has But only bend this heart of mine; confirmed tho words—“ and their eyes they And if such blows the process take, have closed'' By this it appears that the Do thy good pleasure—I am thine. blamo of Israel’s blindness rests upon them­ selves, and not on God. R. Young.—“De­ Thou wouldst that He clare for the heart of this people, and its ears Who ransomed me from death and hell, declare heavy, and its eyes ucclaro dazzled ; The travail of his soul should see ; lest it see with its oyes, and with its cars And let it be so. It is well. hear, and its heart consider, and it turn back, and have health.” Emended Biblo-—“ Pro­ I too desire phesy that the heart of this people shall bo To glorify my Lord who died, fat, and their cars heavy, and their eyes shut," And bo refined—although with fire— lest they sec with their eyes, and hear with That Jesus may be satisfied. their ears, and understand with their heart, nnd bo converted and healed.” Douay But stay thou near, Bible.-—11 Blind tho heart of this people, and To soothe me if I sometimes weep; uiako their ears heavy, and shut (heir eyes," And through the trial, Father dear, &c. The Peptuagint, Christ, and Paul show My trembling spirit safely keep. the true rending of the passage. 1 Sam. ii. 25 —“ .... They hearkened II. Mary T. iu Good Words. not to the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.” The word hero translated “ because” is rendered, in tho au­ "Be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your thorized version, by other words, such ns tho master, even Christ, and nil ye arc brethren.” word " that.’’ Sec Gcsenius’ Hebrew Lexi­ I, ns a minister of God’s word, feel it my con, and Professor Kirk of Edinburgh, on tho duty perpetually to warn my flock against passage. Kirk* gives tho following, as a giving any authority to my namo, or the sample of renderings, in favour of the word name of nny man living or dend. Call no being rendered ” that,” Gen. xiv. 14 ; xxix. man master, and be tho of no man, 33 ; xxxix. 15; xlii. 2 ; xliii. 25. Emended but of Christ only. How mnch the tendency Bible.—“ Therefore the Lord purposed to of the church is to do so, I know well, mid slay them.” R. Young.—"But they heark­ have deeply felt, by tho resistance which en not to tho voice of their father, that the they make to any truth which certain doctors Lord delighted to put them to death.’’ or ministers of the church have not received. R. Millar. I believe the bare and wicked disposition to * *' Cloud Dispelled." p. 199, call man master, to call good and holy men master, as tho church goes, is at tins day hindering the gospel of tho kingdom inoro “ Thou wilt say then, the branches wore than any other in volition of Satan. Tho broken off, that I might be graded in, Well; slavish bondage, the extreme debility into because of unbelief they wore broken of, and which it has brought men's faculty of judg­ thou standcstby faith. Be not high-minded, ing, is an evil greatly to be deplored. I tell butfenr; for if God sparcth not the natural you again, call me not master, otherwise both branches, take hood lest lie also spare not you and 1 — I. if I permit it, you, if you prac­ thee.’*—Paul. tise it—shall bo forsaken of God. Again,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ > 16 the messenger: or the churches. " Call no man your father upon tho earth, nn idol unto himself. Neither be'yo called for One is your Father which is in heaven.'’ masters, for one is your master, oven Christ, ■ Would that Christ’s disciples had given heed for ho that is greatest among you shall- bo to the warning voico, then would there have your servant; and whosoever exaltotli him­ been no or Padres iirtbe church, both self shall bo abased, and ho that shall humblo which words signify father. Paso man-wor­ himself shall bo exalted.” ship, arising out of man-disposition to create Dialogues of Prophecy-

Intelligence, Notes, &c- Edinburgh-—The brethren have just con­ Tub appeal for brother Robertson in last cluded their first instalment of public lecturos number of the Messenger has been responded for this winter season. Tho attendance has to so well as to supply all present needs. been upon tho whole very good. The topics Ho tenders his grateful thanks to till who which have engaged attention have boon the hnvo contributed, some of whom have done so things concerning the kingdom of God, tho anonymously. Blessed are tho merciful, for name of Jesus Christ, eternal life, tho resur­ they shall obtain mercy. rection,'tho promises to Abraham, tl)d-secd of Abraham, and tho restoration '.of- Israel. After a short reccss, it is intended t,b-resume We have sent tho quantity formerly, operations. The superior advantages of t,lio ordered to all subscribers to tho Messenger, neiy'.sitc of tho meeting-room J4ro' already in cases where no other advice has reached demonstrated, and it would be improper pot us. . Wo solicit those who have any influence to take advantage of these, foi'tho publication to'use it to increase the circulation. Toward of tho truth, as well as for the convenience of this end wo send specimens to some parlies brethren. ■ '' ' ... wbo‘ have not heretofore been on our list; Gknbva, -Illinois, U. S.—Died,.on Tuesday will they please inform us soon how many November 24th, of typhoid pneumonia (caugh t they will require each month. while attending a friend aftcctcd'by it,) niter Terms—2d, or by post 3d ; 4 and upwards an illness of tivu weeks, sister Mary Ann sent post free. Quarterly payments in ad­ Wilson, only daughter of brother and vance recommended. sister M. \\rilson, aged IS years. -. , A suggestion has been made to havo the. TuititiFF.—” On the morning of the 18th Messenger registeredfor transmission abroad-1 December, was united Io the Lord in the obed­ We shall be glad to take steps toward this/ if ience of faith, bn making tho .scriptural con­ we can be guaranteed a return of onr.noces?s fession—“Thou art the Christ, the Son of snry outlay by an increase of subscribers, 5s. tho living God?'—Mrs William Sinclair, n year is the charge for registration. ’ Asi I.etterty.’ Sim wns formerly. in-connection it is now, we can post single copies (not.ovcr; with " The Reformation " Two or three in •2 ounces in weight) to the. Unitcd States, for. Turriff m o utmost ready to follow the example Id’; to Canndii, Nova' Scotia, &c.,' 3d per, of the above- Speed bn^ ye.' honpst-hetirlcd | lb. (bpok postage)'; mid to Australia,,.4d per, men and women, and run to dp' bls command­ j lb-(book postage). Subscribers in these'.. . ments- Now wily’tarry yc ?/1 low can we quarters should take into account this.extra, pray, Lord Jesus come quickly while you expense upon us iu a concern which does not aro halting, and.therefore riot.ready? And pay itself. ’ : ' yet, ns long as we require ob'r ‘daily bread, wo must and do pray—thy kingdom come. Yea, and united with bur heart’s desires - aro the groans of creation for tho redemption of Tho Treasurer acknowledges receipts for- the children of God from the grave.” tho 'Messenger from Devonport, Fraserburgh, J. It. Huddersfield, Swansea, and Warwick.

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

♦

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

No. 2. February 1865. New Series. Vol. I.

THE GOSPEL IN .THE SECOND PSALM.

' ii. Verses 7-12.—It is Messiah him- made unto the fathers, he hath ful- sclf who says in ver. 7, “I will filled the same to us their children, declare the decree.” Of course the in that he hath raised up Jesus again; decree of ver. 8, that God will set; as it is also written in the second him as his Anointed king on his psalm, “Thou art my Son, this day holy hill of Zion. Jesus knew that have I begotten thee,” Acts xiii. 33. the declaration of this decree would Tn 1 Chron. xvii. 11-14; Is. ix. 6, 7, subject him to much suffering, and and other scriptures, there is a pro- at last to the death of the cross. j mise made unto the fathers, that a But that did not hinder him decIar-|Son of David should be the Son of ing and confessing that he was king; God, and reign over Israel forever, of the Jews. |jThis ‘ promise God has fulfilled, first, Jesus declared be was the king of; in raising up unto Israel a Saviour, jhe Jews, by testifying that he was Jesus, of the seed of David, Acts xiii. the bonSon otof t»ou.God. rFor or theuie Jews Knewknew >I 23;zo; and again in raising hihim upi x from from such scriptures as this second, tlie dead, as his own immortal Son. psalmpsalui that the Son of God should be[be. ForI-or Jesus theth- Son° ofp David,irv* 1 being their king. lienee Nathanael’s con-I raised up from the dead as the Son fession, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of , of God, to die no more; it follows, God, thou artrt the kingKing otof Israel, ” j, that now, “ David snailshall never------want John i. 49. IBeing the Son of God, 'a man to sit upon the throne of the thou art the king of Israel. house of Israel,” Jer. xxxiii. 14-17. After his resurrection and ascen­ When Jesus reigns on mount Zion sion, Jesus declared that same decree over Israel, he will then and there by bis servants. The apostles preach­ reign over all the nations of the Gen­ ed ns the gospel of our salvation, that tiles also. “ Ask of me, and I shall Jesus is the Son of God, by resur­ give thee the heathen for thine inher­ rection from the dead, and therefore, itance, and (he uttermost parts of the the everlasting king of Israel. “And earth for thy possession,” ver. 8. we dechire glad tidings unto you. Then “ the beam that shines from how that the promise which God.'Zion hill shall lighte;;n evory land.”

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 18 THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. Feb. 1, 18fi5 That is, “ the king who reigns in sent evil world, and thia honour have Salem’s towers shall all the world all liia saints. “To him that over- command.” “ The kingdoms of this cometh, and keepeth my works unto world shall become the kingdoms of the end, to him will I give power our Lord, and of his Christ.” The over the nations, and he shall rule reign of the Son of God on mount them with a rod of iron ; as the ves­ Zion is therefore gospel or good news sels of a potter shall they be broken to the Gentiles as well as to the in shivers, even as I received of my Jews. “ Rejoice ye Gentiles with Father,” Rev. ii. 20, 27. his people.” And this gospel is That is the sermon. In verses 10, preached to the Gentiles as well as to 11, and 12, we have the application. Israel. “ Paul, a servant of Jesus It is evidently with reference to what Christ, called to be an apostle, separ­ has gone before, in verses 1 to 9, that ated unto the gospel of God (which it is said, “ Be wise now therefore, he had promised before by his pro­ 0 ye kings ; be instructed, ye judges phets in the holy scriptures), con­ of the cat th. Serve the Lord with cerning his Son, Jesus Christ, our fear, and rejoice with trembling. Lord, who was made of the seed of Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and David, according to the flesh, and ye perish from the way, when his declared to be the Son of God with wrath is kindled but (or in) a little power, according to the spirit of (while),‘ ‘ ' Blessed arc all they that holiness, by the resurrection from the trust in him.” And these last words dead; by whom we have received call our notice to the fact that this grace and apostleship, for obedience exhortation is addressed to us all, as to the faith among all nations, for his well as the kings and judges of the name,” Rom. i. 1-5. That is, for earth. God is not willing that any obedience to this faith, that Jesus should perish, kings or beggars, but Christ,, onr Lord, being the Son of that all should come to the knowledge David, and of God, shall reign on of the truth—set before us in this mount Zion, over Israel, and over all second Psalm, that his Son shall nations, forever, as is written of reign over Israel and all nations on him before in the scriptures of the mount Zion—and be saved. When prophets, and now preached by his king Agrippa Said, “ Almost thou apostles as the gospel. persuadest me to be a Christian But you must not suppose that the Paul answered, “ I would to God nations will submit to Jesus as their that not only thou, but also all that king on Zion hill by the preaching hear me this day were both almost, of this good news to them. No. and altogether such as I am, except They will have to be subdued unto these bonds,” Acts xxvi. 28, 29. See this reign of the Messiah by the iron also 1 Tim. ii. 1-7. rod of his power. This is dear from But, let us consider the import of ver. 9, “Thou shall break them with the exhortation. “ Having no hope, a rod of iron ; thou shall dash them and without God in the world,” is in pieces like a potter's vessel.” Paul’s sad description of the heathen Then God will reign over all nations nations before the gospel was preached by his Christ, when he has broken unto them. They were without God them in pieces by thundering upon in the world; being worshippers of them out of heaven,—sec 1 Sam. ii. idols. And they had no hope, being 10. This subduing of the nations by ignorant that God would bless all Jesus is to be at the end of this pre- nations, by his Son reigning over

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Feb. 1, 1865 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES- 1!) them righteously on mount Zion. sec your calling, brethren. “ How­ “ Ami the times of this ignorance beit we speak wisdom among them God winked at; but now commaiideth who are perfect, yet not the wisdom all men every where to repent: be­ of this world, nor of the princes of cause he hath appointed a day, in the this world who come to nought. But which he will judge the world in we speak the wisdom of God in a righteousness by that man whom he mystery, even the hidden wisdom, hath ordained; whereof he hath given which .God ordained before the assurance unto all men, in that he world unto our glory ; which none of hath raised him from the dead,” Acts the princes of this world knew ; for xvii. 30-31. This is the gospel, that had they known it they would not God will in the day of Christ judge have crucified the Lord of glory," the world in righteousness by him, 1 Cor. ii. G-8. They would not have reigning over it, as God’s anointed, crucified Jesus, had they known that on mount Zion. That Jesus is this the sun shall be ashamed, and the man, is evident from his resurrection moon confounded, when he shall reign out from among the dead ; for he is on mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, thereby declared the Son of God. and before his ancients, gloriously. And it is clear, from the scriptures But God has revealed this to us, by of the prophets, that the Son of God his spirit in his prophets and apostles. is the king of Israel. Hence when When anointed Saul king the Thessalonians heard Paul preach of Israel, he kissed him, and said. this same gospel of the kingdom, Is it not because the Lord hath those who believed “ turned to God anointed (hoc ,to be captain over his from idols, to serve the living and inheritance ? So arc kings and all true God, and to wait for his Son men exhorted to kiss the Son ; lest from heaven, even Jesus whom he he be angry. Their not doing so raised from the dead,” 1 Thess. i. kindles bis wrath against them. “ In 9-10. Why did they, as believers of a little while.” (So they say the the gospel, wait for his Son from Hebrew word means). The wrath of heaven? Because this is the gospel, the Lamb will not be a little wrath, that the Son of God shall reign on but it will blaze forth soon and sud­ Zion hill. denly. Repent; for the kingdom To believe that God will send his of heaven is at hand. Yet a little Son to reign on Zion ; to wait for his while and he that shall come will coming to do so; and while thus come and will not tarry. Then all waiting to serve the Lord with fear who have opposed his reigning on and trembling in the diligent dis­ mount Zion shall perish. But charge of all the duties that devolve blessed are all they that trust in him, upon us as Christian men and women, as revealed for trust in this psalm. this is to believe and obey the gospel. That is as “Christ the King of Israel.” Who hath believed our report? He will wash away their sins in his How few receive this wisdom of blood, and they shall reign with him God set before us in the second on the earth, Rev. i. 5, (5, 7 ; v. 9, psalm. Especially, how few of the 10. kings and judges of the earth. You D. L.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 20 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. Fob. 1, 18G5

THE EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT.

"Tbeso shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.”— Matt. xxv. 46. Tilts passage Is often read as if it of emotion, from simple uneasiness to said—“ These shall go away into such a degree of mental suffering as everlasting misery or torment and to produce death. Our translators one clergyman at lehst has affirmed would therefore have acted far more that the word rendered punishment correctly, both in a philological and here, should be translated torment. philosophical point of view, had they The only reason lie assigns is, that rendered (kolasin) punishment here “ The identical word is, in 1 John also. Accordingly Mr It. Young, in iv. 18, rendered tonnetif.” Now any his translation, translates the pass­ weight such a reason can have would age “fear hath punishment." For turn the scale equally well in- the these reasons, then, we hold by the other direction; for it might, on the language of Matt. xxv. 46, “These same grounds, be argued, that the term shall go away into (or unto) ever­ rendered “ torment” in 1 John iv lasting punishment.” 18, should be translated “ punish­ Yet many hold “ everlasting pun­ ment,” seeing it is so rendered in ishment" io be equivalent io “ever­ Matt. xxv. 4G. The question as to lasting torment." On this point Mr which of the translations of the word Dobney, in his work on “ Future is the correct one, must be decided Punishment,’'* has the following by other means. sensible remarks:— Our translators have rendered the “ People arc not content with the phrase term “punishment” in Matt. xxv. ‘ everlasting punishmentthey must substi­ 46. Were they justified in rendering tute another won! for punishment. Anri what shall it be? Misery, or torment, no it torment in 1 John iv. 18? I re­ matter which. And so our Lord is repre­ spectfully submit they were not. The sented as sajing, ' Theso shall go away into Greek term in question (kolasin) oc­ everlasting misery (or torment).’ Whereas curs only twice in the New Testament ho says nothing of the kind. Let us rever­ ently adhere to his own expression; ho says, (Matt. xxv. 4G. and 1 John iv. 18); ‘everlasting punishment,' mid not ‘ everlast­ in the one case it is rendered “ pun­ ing torment.’ And the two things are ut­ ishment,” in the other “ torment.” terly distinct. I affirm as strongly ns any The verb (kolazd) from which the man that the wicked shall go away into ever­ lasting punishment; but then I deem it my noun (kolasinj comes, occurs also duty to say, as our Lord said, 'punishment’ twice, Acts iv. 21—“ So when they I have not tho presumption to correct his had further threatened them, they phraseology, in order to harmonize it with lot them go, finding nothing how they my notions. But orthodoxy does this. And it is oidy by substituting * misery,’ or ' tor­ might punish (kolasonlai) them ment,’ lor punishment, that this text can bo 2 Pet. ii. 9—“The Lord knoweth made to support the popular doctrine. But how to reserve the unjust unto the let us not add to his words, lest he reprove day of judgment to be punished ns. "It is an indisputable fact, and terrible (koluzomcnous).” Now, there is no enough without exaggeration, that tho wick­ reason why kolasin should be ren­ ed shall go away into everlasting punishment. dered differently in 1 John iv. 18. But what is punishment? Is misery, or Fear does not always produce tor­ • Tbo Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment: ment. Sometimes, indeed, it does; An Argument in two yurts. By It. It. Dubnuv. Second Edition. London: Ward & Co., Pater­ but it also produces various degrees noster Row, 1810.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Fob. 1, 1865 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 21 torment, a fair and proper synonym ? It■ like chaff in unquenchable fire,” wilt not be asserted. Johnson defines pun­ “ passing into smoke like the fat of ishment ‘any infliction imposed in vengeance of a crime.’ Whatever u judge justly awardsJ lambs,” “ everlasting destruction,” to an offender for his crime is punishment,, &c. titripes, fines, deprivation, imprisonment, But while the term “ punishment,” degradation, death, may bo the ‘punish­ in Matt. xxv. 46, cannot of itself ex­ ment’ awarded in an earthly court. Aitd whether it be a night's confinement in a cell, press the kind of punishment to bo awarded to a child, or a Hogging awarded to endured by those of whom it is pre­ a young thief, or transportation to the felon, dicted, yet the context, even apart or death to tho murderer, it is with equal from those explicit statements just propriety called punishment in each case. And the substitution of the word 1 misery,’ or cited, goes far to show that this ‘torment,’ would be utterly inadmissible. “everlasting punishment” is death. Yet tho present text will not answer the pur For be it observed, this “everlast­ pose of my opponents unless they make such ing punishment” is the antithesis to substitution, which in pulpit'harangues 1 have perceived to be generally done...... The “ everlasting life.” question is narrowed to this, What is the “ -These shall go away into ever­ punishment which is to beeverlasting? . . . lasting punishment, but the righteous I of course admit that the infliction of ever- into everlasting life.” “ Life” is not lasting torment would be everlasting punish meat. On the other si :c, it must also bo the opposite of “ punishment," unless allowed, that, in caso God should really de­ that punishment be death. For it is stroy the incorrigible, literally destroy tbero, as correct to speak of a miserable life so that they for ever cease to be, this inflic­ as of a happy one. If the everlast­ tion of death would bo punishment. And thon, surely, a complete and final and irre­ ing punishment, here threatened, trievable destruction—a destruction which is were everlasting misery, the parties for ever, is to all intents an cvcilasting de­ condemned would as really go away struction. And so everlasting destruction into everlasting life as would tho would bo everlasting punishment And for the phrase everlasting destruction wc have parties approved. Had tho declara­ the very highest authority, in 2 Theas, i. 7, tion been,—“ These shall go away “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from into everlasting punishment, but the heaven, with his mighty angels,Sin flaming righteous into everlasting happiness,” fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord then, in the absence of contrary tes­ Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with timony, it would have been fair to everlasting destruction from tho presence of infer that “everlasting misery" was the Lord, and from tho glory of his power.’" the punishment threatened; because pp. 20(>, 207. misery would have been the anti­ These observations serve to show thesis to happiness. But seeing that that the word punishment cannot of life is the reward promised to the itself express what is the nature of one party—death must be the pun­ the penal enactment to be endured ; ishment threatened to the other— and that the adjective “ everlasting" else both parties would have ever­ indicates the duration, not the kind lasting life. of punishment threatened ; and that Here it is necessary to notice that “ everlasting destruction” is as really the term translated punishment (ko- an everlasting punishment as eternal lasin)i primarily means a cutting off. torment would be. 'The verb (kolazo) primarily signify- When wc refer to those scriptures ing to cut off, to prune, and thus, where the nature of the punishment when applied to persons, would sig­ to be inflicted on the finally impeni­ nify a cutting off of life, i.e. a putting tent is mentioned, we find it to bo to death. Yet, while this is the pri­ “ death,” “ perishing,” “ burnt up mary import of the term, the usage

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 22 THE MESSENGF.il OF THE CllUKCHES. Feb. 1, 1805 bf it, as mentioned at the outset, it as the highest punishment. The shows that, conventionally, it is penal enactments contained in the equivalent to our word “ punish­ statute book he gave to Israel bear ment.” And it is because of the striking testimony to this; as well connection in which the term stands as does tho primal doom of man’s as the contrast to “ life," that the transgression. The greatest boon of editors of “ The Diaglott New Tes­ heaven to our sinful race is also re­ tament" translate it in this passage, presented in the Scriptures to bo life with its primary import, “culling off," eternal. " In this was manifested a phrase whicfi every careful reader tho love of God toward us, because of the BibU) knows is frequently used that God sent his only begotten Son to signify death. litany are so into the world, that we might live thoughtless as to affirm that death,is through him.” “The wages of sin no punishment at all ; and yet it is is death; but tho gift of God is uniformly styled—capital punish­ eternal life through Jesus Christ our ment. However it may be viewed Lord." by us, the Great Lawgiver regards W. Laing.

FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE?

This is a question which has per­ the other. If naturally self-abased plexed many a good and honest heart. and gloomy, he will seldom rise to It is naturally supposed that all fur the point of assurance, owing to the whom Christ died must be finally feeble testimony borne by the inward saved, and vice versa ; and hence has monitor to his being a subject of arisen the necessity of limiting those divine influence. for whom he died to the number of The tendency of this kind of re­ the saved, commonly termed the elect. ligion is to reduce the Scriptures to And if one is desirous to know a dead letter, and to exult human whether Christ has died for him, he feeling and presumption to occupy must first ascertain whether he is one their place. It then becomes neces­ of the elect. And as this is presumed sary to explain away such passages to be a question which cannot be as plainly teach that Christ died for determined by the individual’s faith all, and to give to them a limited in any intelligible declaration of signification. Here it is thought that, Scripture, or by his obedience to any because it is declared in various distinct command of God, or even by places that Christ gave himself for both combined, he is left to ascertain the church — gave his life for his whether he is one of the elect by a sheep, &c.—that he therefore died reference to certain feelings, disposi­ for none beside ; as if there was any tions, and frames of mind, which he, inconsistency in the statements that especially if naturally self-conceited he gave himself for the church, and and hopeful, is somehow led to ascribe that he tasted death for every man. to the direct and special influence of Paul says, “ he loved me, and gave the Spirit of God. He now concludes himself for me ; ’’ but this surely does- that he is one of God’s elect, and not exclude Peter, James, and John. that, consequently, Christ died for Paul does not say, “ he gave himself him; although, so far as he is aware, for me" only. And, in like manner, God has revealed neither the one nor it is never onco said that he gave

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Feb. 1, I860 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 23

himself for the church only. Hence classes mentioned. What he is for it is perfectly consistent to take both the little children, that he is also for classes of passages in their plain the whole world. sense. But what signification does John Let us look a little more closely at attach to the phrase, “ the whole one or two testimonies which declare world ” ? Can he mean only that that Christ died for all. portion of the world who should yet John’s first epistle was written to be brought to believe and obey the the general body of disciples, and not gospel ? If he does, he might be to any particular class,—either Heb­ expected to have imitated his Master, rews or Gentiles, Addressing the whom he once heard making the dis­ universal brotherhood, he says,—“My tinction referred to,—“ I pray not for little children, these things write I the world, but for them whom thou unto you that ye sin not. And if hast given me. . . . Neither pray I any man sin, we have an advocate for these alone, but for them also who with the Father, Jesus Christ the shall believe on me through their righteous : And he is the propitiation word." But John evidently speaks for our sins, and not for ours only, of “ the whole world ” in the most but also for the sins of the whole extended sense, for in the same letter world." I have referred to two he says, “ We know that we arc of classes of passages, the one declar­ God, and the whole world lieth in ing that Christ died for the church, wickedness.” . the other, that he died for all. In In another place the same apostle this quotation from John we have a records the words of Jesus,—“ God combination of both. John, address­ so loved the world that he gave his ing the disciples—all and sundry— only begotten son, that whosoever as his little children, distinctly af­ believcth in him should not perish, firms that Jesus Christ the righteous but have everlasting life." And to is the propitiation for his sins and illustrate this gift of himself by his tbcir’s—“ for our sins.” I have ob­ Father, Jesus says, — “ As served that it is not anywhere said lifted up the serpent in the wilder­ that Christ died for the church only ; ness, even so must the Son of Man and this, along with the testimony be lifted up, that whosoever believeth that he tasted death for every man, in him should not perish, but have might satisfy any one of tho universal eternal life." The serpent was lifted bearing of his sacrifice for sin. But up, “ that every one that is bitten, John here places the question beyond when he looketh on it should live." a doubt by the explicit manner in There was thus bona fide provision which he employs both the negative made for the cure of every serpent- and affirmative forms. He might bitten Israelite; and even so was tho have contented himself.with saying, Son of Man lifted up to make pro­ •‘lie is the propitiation for our sins vision for the salvation of every son and the sins of the whole world; ” of under condemnation to death and this would be tolerably clear. on account of sin. But after saying, “be is the propit­ But universal provision is perfectly iation for our sins," he adds, and not consistent with limited enjoyment of for ours only, but also for the sins of the blessing. The provision of the the whole world.” And he does not brazen serpent was coupled with one hint at any different senses in which icondition which depended on the will he 'is the propitiation for (he two iof man. “ livery one that is bitten,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 21 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. Feb. 1, 1805 when he looketh on it shall live.” to him who died for them, and rose This put a limit to the enjoyment, again.” but not to the .provision, of the bless­ Eternal life, although provided for ing. And so regarding the sacrifice all, is limited in its actual possession of the Son of God,—“ whosoever be- to the faithful. “ lie that believeth lievcth,”—renders the universal pro­ hath everlasting life." But mean­ vision enjoyable only by those who while this is notin actual possession ; comply with the condition. for the apostle distinctly declares to The apostolic proclamation of the the Colossian disciples — “ ye are gospel shews that this universal bear- dead, and your life is hid with Christ . ing of the death of Jesus for sin, was in (or by) God. When Christ our both known and made known by the life shall appear, then shall we also first preachers. Paul tells the Cor­ appear with him in glory.’’ He that inthians that lie “ delivered unto hath the Son, “ says John," bath life, them among first things that which and he that hath not the Son of God, he also received, how that Christ died hath not life." It is worthy of notice for our sins." This was what he that John in this passage declares preached to the as yet unbelieving that unbelief of God's testimony re­ Corinthians, “ by which they had garding his Son as the depositary of been saved namely, that Christ eternal life, is equivalent to making died for his sins and tbeir’s, which is God a liar. “ He that believeth not the only application his language God hath made him a liar, because could have iu the circumstances." he believeth not the record that God And what could more effectually gave of bis Son. And this is the rouse the attention and enlist the record, that God hath given us sympathies of human beings with any eternal life, and this life is in his remnant of the honest and good heart Son." Thus, the unbeliever makes left within them ? That one, claim­ God a liar in rejecting the testimony ing to be the anointed for the throne that there is laid up for him in and kingdom of a nation which God Christ eternal life. had chosen for himself, and who had Thus, “ God has so loved the been invested with the power of God world, that he gave his only begotten in such unmeasured abundance, Son, that whosoever believeth in should voluntarily submit to a violent him, might not perish, but have ever­ and ignominious death in order to lasting life." The sacrifice has been maintain his obedience to the divine made, the life is hid with Christ, but law, and thus to become “ the pro­ it remains for the sinner to receive pitiation for the sins of the whole the. testimony that Jesus is the Christ world "■—“ to put away sin by the —the Anointed for David’s throne, sacrifice of himself"-—is a manifes­ and to be united to his name by be­ tation of love pre-eminently fitted to ing baptized. Whosoever comes soften the hearts of those in whose short of this eternal life, will not be behalf it took place. “The love of able to say that it had not been pro­ Christ constraineth us; -because we vided ; for f‘ God will have all men thus judge, that if one died for all, to be saved and to come to the know­ then were all dead : and that he died ledge of the truth." for all that they who live should not J. C. henceforth live unto themselves but

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Feb. 1, 1 05 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 25

THE SEED OE ABRAHAM.

Fkom the testimonies already by ,—“Thou, 0 Israel, art my quoted from the Divine Record (see servant, whom I have chosen, pp. 2-5), it appears that the pro­ the seed of Abraham my friend,” Is. mises to Abraham are to receive xli. 8. And so also prays Jehosha­ their fulfilment in connection with phat,—“Art not thou our God, who the progeny or seed of Abraham. didst drive out the inhabitants of this Concerning this seed, the first thing land before thy people Israel, and which suggests itself to an ordinary gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy reader is that the seed is to be num­ friend for ever?” 2 Chron. xx. 7. erous : the language generally em­ Reverting to the times of the ployed is .such as to indicate an fathers, we find that the line of the immense multitude.—“ I will make chosen seed is indicated with cer­ thy seed as the dust of the earth; ” tainty, while the other branches of “I will multiply thy seed as the that parent stem are cut oft’ from a stars of heaven, and as the sand participation in the covenant and which is upon the sea shore ; ” “ I will promises. Thus of Ishmael it is make thee exceeding fruitful, and I said,—“ I will make of him a great will make nations of thee, and kings nation ; but my covenant will I shall come out of thee." Indeed it establish with Isaac,” and, “ In Isaac, was in connection with this very cir­ shall thy seed be called," Gen. xvii. cumstance that his name was changed 19,-20 ; xxi. 12. In the subsequent —“ Thy name shall be Abraham, for history we have this choice referred a father of many nations have I made to specially when the Lord himself . thee." speaks to Isaac,—“ Sojourn in this In one case we have an incident of land, and I will be with thee, and the future history of that seed which bless thee ; for unto thee and nnto points in an unmistakeable way to thy seed I will give all these coun­ the particular family referred to in tries, and I will perform the oath those promises,—“ Thy seed shall be which I swarc unto Abraham thy a stranger in a land which is not father; and I will make thy seed to their’s, and shall serve them ; and multiply as the stars of heaven, and they shall afflict them four hundred will give unto thy seed all these years; and also that nation, whom countries; and in thy seed shall all they shall serve, will I judge; and the nations of the earth bo blessed; afterward shall they come out with because that Abraham obeyed my great substance," Gen. xv. 13, 14. voice, and kept my charge, my com­ The identification of this family with mandments, my statutes, and my the children of his grandson—Israel laws,” Gen. xxvi. 3, 4, 5, 24. And —is made sure by the occurrence of afterward in the twin family of Isaac this particular series of events; and the partition is apparent by incidents by their being positively spoken of of the early life of the sons,—parli- as tthe' peoplex in question. Thus says cularly in the dishonourable exchange Moses to them,—•* The Lord had a of the birthright. Subsequent com­ delight in thy fathers to love them, munications verify this in a most and he chose their seed after them, satisfactory manner : thus this same even you above all people, as it is Isaac in his old age selected his son this day,” Dent. x. 15; and the Lord Jacobin preference to Esau as the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 26 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. Feb. 1, 1865 recipient of his blessing, after this to shame, for says the prophet in fashion,fnuliinn —••“ God(Trwl AlmightyAlinio-litv bless thee,then, their name,—“Who is a Godlike and make thee fruitful, and multiply unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, thee, that thou mayest be a multitude and passeth by the transgression of of people; and give thee the blessing the remnant of his heritage? lie of Abiahain, to thee and to thy seed retaineth not his anger for ever ; he with thee ; that thou mayest inherit will turn again, he will have com­ the. land wherein thou art a stranger, passion upon us; he will subdue our which God gave to Abraham.” And iniquities; and thou wilt cast all God himself confirmed the same im­ I heir sins into the depths of the sea. mediately afterwards,—saying to Ja­ Thou wilt perform the troth to Jacob, cob at Beth-el, “ I am the Lord God and the mercy to Abraham, which of Abraham thy father, and the God thou hast sworn unto our lathers from of Isaac; the land whereon thou the days of old,” vii. 18-20. best, to thee will 1 give it, and unto But the apostle Paul, with divine thy seed; and tby seed shall be as acumen, discerns in the word of the the dust of the earth, and thou sbu.lt promise another feature which he is

spread abroad to the west, and to the carefulvchviui toIV UMUHIIIIIV)eliminate, thus,tUHft;__------“ NowA1UW toLO east, and to the north, and to the Abraham and his seed were the pro­ south ; and in thee and in thy seed mises made: he saith not, and to shall all the families of the earth be seeds, as of many : but as of one, blessed,” Gen. xxviii. 3, -I, 13-15. and to thy seed, which is Cjijust,” It is remarkable that in the blessing Gal. iii. 16. The context of this of Isaac and of Jacob respectively passage shews that the apostle has the very same terms arc employed as mainly in view that particular pro- were used in the promises to Abra­ inise to Abraham which concerned ham. 'These comprehend, —1st, a I the blessing of the nations tliroimh xpersonal blessing ; n2c?, ’, a numerous [him1 --and 1 1his - seed■ (see' ver. 8).■" But seed ; 3c2, possession of the land of whatever be involved in it, it is Canaan ; 4t7t,4t/i, the blessing of all na­ manifest that be reckons the promises tionstious through him and his seed. as concentrating in this -one who is This seed of Israel is now cast off called The Christ. There had been —but not for ever; for the word of a seed promised to our general the Lord is positive,—“ If the ordin­ mother Eve, who should bruise the ances of heaven depart from before serpent’s head : the same seems to me, then the seed of Israel shall have been repeated to Abraham, cease from being a nation before me Isaac, and Jacob, as we have already for over. If heaven above can be seen. The reader is referred to these measured, and the foundations of the other scriptures as pointing out still earth searched out beneath, I will moro definitely the genealogical line also cast off all the seed of Israel for of this great deliverer—Gen. xlix. all that they have done, saith the 8-10; 1 Chron. v. 2; Fs. Ixxviii. 67, Lord,” Jer. xxxi. 36, 37. “ As con ­ 68 ; Micah v. 2 ; Rev. v. 5, shewing cerning this election,” says Paul, it to be of the tribe of Judah ; and 2 “ they are beloved for the fathers’ Sam. vii.; Ps. Ixxxix. 35-37 ; Jer. sakes," Rom. xi. 28. Now, then, xxiii. 5, as to be of the house of Israel waits on the fulfilment of the David. Why should it be deemed promises to the fathers, Abraham, an unreasonable thing for God so to , Isaac, and Jacob ; and if they wait localise all his promises in this one on God for this, they shall not be put person, who is not only the seed of

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Feb. 1. 1865 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 27 the woman Eve, but “the seed of foundations, whose builder and maker Abraham, to whom the promise was is God.~ ... By faith Abraham, when made,” (Gal. iii. 19); the lawgiver, ho was tried, offered up Isaac : and and chief ruler of Judah; and the he that had received the promises ever abiding Son of David —Jesus of offered up his only begotten son, of Nazareth, the Lord, and the Christ. whom it was said, That in Isaac shall The apostle, in Rom. ix. 4-13, thy seed be called ; accounting that demonstrates that the selection of the God was able to raise him up, even particular division of Abraham’s from the dead ; from whence also he family by God was to secure the ful­ received him in a figure,” IIeb. xi. filment of His promises ; so that 8-10, 17-19. Abraham is therefore *• the children of the promise are meetly taken as the highest model of counted for the seed.” And now he a man of faith : for while he is “ the narrows down the breadth of that pro­ father of circumcision to them who mise to those who arc the children of are not of the circumcision only, but Abraham by faith. That character­ who walk in the steps of that faith istic of Abraham which is taken hold of our father Abraham which he had of as a reason for bis esteem by God being yet uncirciimcised,” he is also is his faith. We have already seen the father of all faithful ones, even that his conduct was not uniformly of them who believe, though they reputable : the historian with accus­ be not circumcised, that righteousness tomed fidelity having told how he may be imputed to them also—Gen­ behaved on two occasions in relation tile and Jew alike, Rom. iv. 11, 12. to his wife Sarah, and therefore, “ They which arc of faith the same although he had works whereof to are the children of Abraham,” Gal. glory, yet not before God, Rom. iv. iii. 7. This “ was not written for 2. The faith of Abraham is spoken bis sake alone that it was imputed of by the apostles in these terms;— unto him ; but for us also, to whom “ Being not weak in faith, he con­ it shall be imputed, if we believe on sidered not his own body now dead, him that raised up Jesus from the when he was about a hundred years dead, who was delivered for otn old, neither yet the deadness of offences, and was raised again for Sarah’s womb- He staggered not at our justification,” Rom. iv. 23-25. the promise of God through unbelief; Thus it is that we also may attain to but was strong in faith, giving glory the honour of having part in the to God, and being fully persuaded blessing of the nations, “ For ye are that what he had promised be was all...... the children of God by faith in able to perforin ; and therefore it was Christ Jesus : for as many of you as imputed unto him for righteousness,” have been baptized into Christ have Rom. iv. 19-22. “By faith Abra­ put on Christ. There is neither Jew ham, when he was called to go out nor Greek, there is neither bond nor into a place which he should after free, there is neither male nor female: receive for an inheritance, obeyed; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. and he went out, not knowing And if ye be Christ’s, then arc ye whither he went. By faith he so­ Abraham’s seed, and heirs according journed in the land of promise, as in to the promise,” Gal. iii. 26-29. a strange country, dwelling in taber­ This brings the whole matter to a nacles with Isaac and Jacob, the blessed and perfect finish. Abraham heirs with him of the same promise : is dead—he died in faith : he shall for he looked for a city which hath live again, and shall sit down, with

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 23 THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. Feb. 1, 1FG6 his sons Isaac and Jacob, honourably greatness of the kingdom under the in the kingdom of God (Matt. viii. whole heaven’. Thus shall every 11), and there also shall then sit his word which has been spoken to Ab­ seed, the Christ, as the governor raham become fact ; and then —not among the nations. In his . days till then—shall all nations be blessed Judah shall be saved, and Israel in Abraham and his seed, and then shall dwell safely in (he land pro­ shall the character of the God of mised to father Abraham. Those Abraham bo vindicated before all original “ children of the kingdom,' people, as 11c who cannot lie—He although denied the honours of roy­ who has sworn to Abraham, and will ally, shall yet he blessed above all perforin. the people of- the earth, being the Blessed time! well might the far off head, and not the tail of the nations, hope of such a good consummation be as they now arc. But to the seed of called (he gospel to Abraham,—“In Abraham by faith—the holy people thee shall all the families of the earth of the Most High—shall be given the be blessed.” kingdom, and the dominion, and the G. Dowie.

WRONG TRANS L A T I 0 N 8.

No. 1.—Rom. xi. 25.

The mere English reader may of the Lord ; and the reviving agai n know that a scripture is incorrectly of Israel, as a nation, will be to the translated when he finds that it con­ Gentiles as life from the dead, issuing tradicts its own immediate context, in their national salvation. But in and the scriptures generally. On ver. 25; the fulness of the Gentiles is these grounds I pronounce the follow­ represented not as succeeding, but as ing a wrong translation,—“Blindness preceding the national salvation of in part is happened to Israel until Israel. the fulness of the Gentiles be come That it is ver. 25, which is so in­ in,” Rom. xi. 25. correctly translated is evident from It is clear that iu ver. 12, the fulness this, that in representing the fulness, of the Jews, “ their fulness," means or national salvation of the Gentiles, their national salvation. Therefore, as preceding the fulness, or national the fulness of the Gentiles means salvation of Israel, it stands opposed their national salvation also. For not to verses 12-15 only, but also to we cannot, rationally, suppose that the Bible generally. As, for instance, the fulness of the Gentiles in ver. 25-, to Psalm Ixvii., where Israel prays, would mean the very opposite of the “ God be merciful to us, and bless fulness of the Jews, in ver. 12. us, and cause his lace to shine upon Now, in verses 12-15, the fulness, us, that thy way may be known in or national salvation, of the Jews, the earth, thy saving health among precedes the fulness, or national all nations.” salvation, of the Gentiles. The cast­ In verses 2G, 27, Paul refers us to ing away of Israel, as a nation, has Is. lix. and lx., in explanation and been the reconciling of the world, to proof of what he has taught in the the extent of taking out from among preceding verses, including the ver. ^e Gentiles a people for the name 25. And there we find not a word

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ F«b. 1, 1885 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 2

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 30 THE MESSENGER GF THE CHURCHES. Feb. 1,13li5 pel. And why not this among the rest. Nor is this contrary to the fact Therefore, let us give the more earnest that God is no respecter of persons, heed to the things which we have for that fact never was, nor ever will heard, lest at any time we should let be, contrary to distinctions among them slip. This is one of them, that, men and angels in point of rank and in the kingdom of God, the nation authority. “ By me kings reign,” is of Israel, saved in their own land, the word of Him who is nevertheless shall reign over the nations of. the no respecter of persons. Gentiles. D. L.

THE THRONE OF CHRIST.

" 1 Hr that ovcrcomcth shall sit with me with Christ the everlasting Father, or Father in my throne, even ns I overcame, and nm of the everinsting age, they will colour mid set down with my Father in his throne,’— inspiru it with the lines of their own grace Rev. iii. 21. Thnt there arc two thrones nni! splendour : they will give it its lustro and here, perfectly distinct, is beyond reasonable grandeur, and durability. controversy. Christ, who now sits in the “ Before we travel further, it may be pro­ throne of the Father, is in the ripe time to fitable to notice, on the basis of thin passage descend and sit in his own peculiar Ihrono, from the Apocalypse, the beautiful manner the throne of his father David. in which Revealed Truth commends itself to " A modern sophist announced it ns a great the. enlightened understanding. The Ancient discovery which would overthrow Millcnar- of Days—the Father of Lights—Ims ncciitr.il ianism, that David’s throne on earth was tliixnie timid the wheeling worlds mid the likewise God's throne,—a matter easily ministering angels. No man, perhaps no grunted,— hut he was not so profane as to created being, could look upon his face mid argue thnt God’s throne in heaven was ever live. We could not endure the full blaze of culled David's throne. So the two thrones essentia! Godhead. Now, we have no pro­ still remain, and the Being who now sits in mise of sitting in his throne. Only one being one will shortly sit in the other. But my can sit there,—the One who lias all the ful­ present point is—the precious and wonderful ness of Godhead dwelling in him bodily,— grant—that those who overcome themselves who thought it no robbery to be equal with and the world in the battle field of life, shall God, though lie took upon him the form of a sit with him in his throne. Not on his servant. He can, without perishing, sit in throne, as generally nuoted,—which would the throne of the Absolute Divinity, because convey n more cold anil distant idea,—but in liis rank in the scale of being gives him a his throne. The throne is (he chair of state title,—because original divinity floods mid —the sanctuary of royalty—the central peat glorifies the humanity which lie curried with of administrative power and dignity It is him into Hie most holy placo. But when surely admissible that those who have been Christ appears mmmg men, to sit in his own well tried in action mid suffering, and have throne, we have the promise of sitting iu that come out of the dread conflict victorious over ' throne. This wo crni uuilerslaiid. It comes their own inferior passions, and superior to home to the reason as well as the heart. For the adverse influences of Satan and the though ho lias, by inheritance, a more excel­ world, are best qualified for the government lent mime tlimi tlic angels, and they all wor­ of others. Hence the people who have been ship him,— though lie is both the efficient and ransomed by the precious blood of Christ, and the filial cause of nil creation, mid fins the sealed by the Holy Spirit ns divine property, hallelujahs of the universe,— though his go­ nrc now preparing, by victories over sin, self­ ings forth have bi-en from of old, even from ishness, and passion, fur their position in the eternity, mid he will retain undiminished the administrative glory of the everlasting empire. radi .nee of his comitcnmice, and the strength They are not merely laying foundations for of his nature,.among perishing worlds, in the moral blessedness and immortal life, but for eternity which is to come,—yet he has n princely power and royal dominion. As great human side. In him there is that humanised men have moulded and 'directed the ages in divinity—thnt modified manifestation of God­ our dark times, so these coming men will head which our finite nature can bear. With mould and glorify the everlasting nge. In I nnall hisms grandeur, elevation, mid benuty, he is fellowship of5 nature and’ alliance ofr -----power - | still onr ' brother.■’ ”lie ' is the' first-born of the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Feb. I, 1806 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 31 family to which we belong; and as we now j with him that benignant power, under the hide our guilty nature in the bosom of his wings of which nature and society will re­ infinite love, and find healing and sanctuary ; coivc life from the dead.”—From “ The Last in the shadow of his crass, so shall we sit in Battle." his throne when be cometb to reign ; sharing |

Intelligence, Notes, &c- Bai.lycastle, Ireland, is now the residence Mcmules—The village of Mumbles, situ­ of our brother, John MMillan, formerly of ated in Swansea Bay, South Wales, hns for , and originally of Tranent. ‘Address, several mouths been a subject of considerable —care of Mr H. Murpheys. interest to a few of our brethren. In that Galabhieiji—The brethren hero were visit­ village is a person, William Clement by name, ed on the 15th January by J. Cameron, who, who for a long number of years has been a besides speaking on tho commemorative cha­ popular Wesleyan preacher; nud, since the racter of the Lord’s supper to tho brethren in inauguration of Wesleyan Reform, discharged the forenoon, addressed a public meeting in the Julies of a clergyman, latterly without tho evening on " Christ crucified, a sacrifice fee. His congregation was the largest in the for sin.” On the latter occasion he shewed place; and his services were received with tho necessity, and design, and universal bear­ acceptance by other sects besides his own. ing of the dea'h of thoClirist, and also insisted Early last summer, our brother Goldie, of on the scriptural significance of the Christ- Swansea, fell info conversation with Mr Clo ■ ship and tho importance of being baptized ment, and brought before his notice some of into the name of tho laird. The attendance the matters relating to our faith, which, was fair, nud the interest well sustained for though strange to him, he heard with allen­ nearly two hours. tion, mid determined to test them by tho word of Go-1. Our brother, George Uowie, Glasgow,—“ Our aged and respected sis­ when on a visit to tho brethren at Swansea, ter Hrs Stevenson fell asleep on the Sth of hist summer, along with brother Goldio inado January. Tho infirmities of age have been a call on Mr Clement, and was glad to find crowding upon her for some time back, but that ho believed many things in common with • sho was so well as to bo out about two hours ourselves. By means of this conversation before she died. She had reached the ago of his mind was further enlightened; ami, as his 7'1, but her time of watching is over, and custom was, he on the first opportunity be­ she sleeps in peace till the Lord comes to gan preaching what he believed. gather bisown around him. Our -Sister Mary Previous to these interviews with our Lauric has removed from this district. She brethren, he had been baptized, as well as and brother John Lockhart, of Lanark, were some of his congregation. The proclamation united in marriage on Friday, 20th January, of these practices and beliefs gave offence to which event hns fixed, lor the present, her many, and, of course, his adherents la-came residence there, and connected her with considerably diminished. 'This, however, the brethren gathering at brother Murray’s affected him the less, in fearlessly making house.1’—D. CiiKisriE. known whatever he believed to be God’s HunUEicsFiKt.D.—“ On Saturday, Decern truth, from the circumstance that ho sup­ her 31, brother Josiah Rhodes assisted my ported himself and his family by following mother, Eliza Willis (Ilillhousc Lane), to put his calling—that of a builder—and was there­ on the Christ in the appointed way, by im­ fore free from the temptation of concealing mersion into the name of the Lord Jesus the his belief for “filthy lucre’s sake.” By his Christ. She is very-intelligent in the things efforts to disseminata tho truth, it found its concerning the kingdom of God, and had nu way into some good anil honest hearts, and adequate apprehension of the way of lite some,, having Icarued the gospel, were bap­ opened up thereto, through the spilt blood of tized into Christ. the Lamb of God. Although sixty-seven Sonic time ago, Mr Clement expressed a years of age, her intellectual faculties arc vi­ desire to the brethren at Swanson, that some gorous, and on presentation of tho “ Word,” of our brethren, who were in the habit of ad­ she “ received it with all readiness of mind,” dressing the public, s! ould visit Mumbles, and literally “ daily searching tho scrip­ and set forth “TheTruth.” William Laing, tures,’’ she foror iiuinvnherself " proved n-vavthose things, of Edinburgh, was at once communicated to bo_____ so. ” I'Brother Frank’ 1 Cbcetham and with, being best known by tho brethr. i> there, sister Chectham, bis wile, have removed to | and, arrangements having been made, lie set Ripponden, near Halifax; we feel the loss of oul on his mission, from which he baa re­ cur faithful brother.—F. Willis.” I turned, with n good report.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 32 THE MESSENGER OF THE ClIURCIlEfi. Feb. 1, 1865 Eight lectures, on mattersi concerning Swansea,- . whence he started for homo early “The Great Salvation,’’ mid tho means of next day. obtaining it, were delivered on the evenings Owing to certain circumstances,______, the bap- of January I), 9, 10, 11. 12, and 13, and on tized believers_i .. at Mumblesi.. i do. not____ tmeet ll3 ft the afternoon and evening ql tho 15th. The church, for the breaking of bread, till the first . interest excited was so great that the attend­ Sunday in February, when they intend to ance, good at tho first, not only continued, continue doing so, niter the early practice, but increased. It was cheering to see, in a each first day of the week. village numbering about lOOt) inhabitants, Brother William Clement is a most effect­ such a number coining, night after night, ive public speaker; and, now that he has and listening with so marked attention to tho taken tho proper stand, the brethren at exhibitions of “ The Truth as it is in Jesus.’’ •Swansea contemplate breaking up tho ground On the morning of Sunday, the 15th, six there, by his assistance, ns soon as arrange­ persons were immersed into the name of the ments can be made. Lord Jesus, having made the good confes Swansea and Mumbles arc five miles apart. sion ; and next morning other five followed Surely all the faithful who have rend these their example. The immersions took place in good news pray—“God bless our brethren in the sea, in front of the chapci; audit may South Wales, and prosper them in his work !” be noticed, in passing, that although there is a Baptist congregation in the place, this was the first time that such a service had been Shortly mil be Published, Price Gd., attempted on a week day. The names c.of “THE CONTRAST BETWEEN PRO­ the persons baptized then, are, William Cle­ TESTANTISM AND TUB GOSPEL.’’ ment, Mrs Clement, Daniel Clement, John Tins work, which was originally published in Jones, Mrs Jones, Thomas Williams, Mrs America some years ngo, sets forth in clear Tovey. Mrs Harris, Catherine Bennet, Emily and distinct terms some of the more important , Ruth Michael- Others are expect­ points on which the popular Protestant teach ■ ed to follow, ant), besides these, nro a few ing is nt variance with the declarations of more who have recently “ put on the Christ,’’ scripture; and the contrast between them is confessing their fuilh in him as the king of made the more striking by the two being Israel, who lias been raised from tho dead to occasionally presented in parallel columns. sit on the throne of his father David. 'The things of the one faith are also very ably The greater jiorlion of those whoso names stated and defunded, mid tho work is well nro men tinned had formerly hud an immer­ suited for putting into the hands of inquirers sion, but on coming to a better understanding alter the ttulh. Orders should be addressed of the gospel, they have, by careful delibera­ to W. Norrie, 9 Ingliston Street, Edinburgh. tion, been led to cancel what they formerly esteemed valid. On the evening of Monday, the 16th, this tJ5F 'The Messenger is now Registered noble little band entertained our brother at a for Transmission Abroad. By this arrange­ social meeting, held in their place of assem­ ment with the Post Office, it is placed on the bly—“ Mount Zion Chapel,” a neat comfort­ same footing as a!) Newspapers, that it may able building—when about seventy persons be posted to any of the Colonics, or to any sat down to ten; after which, according to other place where they have access, at a previous arrangement, the doors wore open 'charge of Id. pre-paid. This does not inter­ fur such as might desire to bo present; when fere with its privilege of book-post, where an opportunity was afforded to such us du- 1that is granted at the rates before stated. sired to put questions regarding the matfcis advanced in the lectures. Several availed Tho Treasurer acknowledges receipts from themselves of the privilege ; and the exercise Birmingham, Carstairs; J fundee, Glasgow, would have continued much longer, hud our ((Bnth Street), .Jarrow, Malvern, Newburgh, brother not required (o leave for the train Io .Nottingham, Paxton, and Turriff.

Articles should be sent in by the 15Lh of the month, mid items of intelligence not later than the 24tli ; all papers meant for insertion, or notes of intelligence, may be forwarded to Geouqe Down-:, 12 Beaumonf Place; and all business communications to James Cameuon, 12 Culton Hill, Edinburgh, to whom money orders’ should be made payable.

A. AND W. 11 WILSON, I’RJNTEHS, U1OH fikeet, EDINIU ItOll.

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

♦

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

No. 3. March 1, 1865. New Series. Vol. I.

SHALL JESUS RETURN TO EARTH AGAIN!

Let the reader inquire of those by the character of the language em­ around him, who make the usual ployed regarding it. It cannot be profession of religion, what they be­ less than duty, therefore, to be in­ lieve concerning the second coming formed upon it to such an extent as of Christ, and he will find that the it is revealed, and to give to it that majority of persons have no definite measure bf prominence which God idea upon the matter. It is, however, himself has indicated. a general supposition that Christ It is rather remarkable that there shall not return to earth again, to I should exist such a general aversion remain upon it any length of time.'to associate the earth with the future Indeed, many arc rather inclined to life of the saints, when it is not only think—some even positively aflirin— the place where our race has woven that he will not descend upon it all : its history, but it is the only place such a thing being supposed too near­ we practically know anything of as ly allied to what is mistakenly con­ a suitable habitation for man, and sidered carnality. which, moreover, he is unwilling to It is surprising, that, while so leave ; but, above all, it is the only much is said in Scripture about the place he is promised any future in-' “coining of the Lord,” so little should I fieri ta nee in, a consideration in itself be said or known about it among sufficient to forbid any deviation in those who profess to read and believe this respect from the terms of that the sacred books. Surely that must which is written. Prevailing opin­ be a matter of importance, and worthy ions on this subject are easily ac­ of all the greater attention, which oc­ counted for, by observing that tradi­ cupies a prominent place in their tion has to a large extent occupied pages. And this place the coming the place of Scripture. Ideas are again of Jesus does occupy: in the entertained which have no warrant New Testament alone it is expressly in the Word of God, and which inter­ mentioned, or. alluded . to, not less fere seriously with its plainest state­ than sixty.-cight times. But the im­ ments. Thus, among many other portance of the subject is not only things, the coming of Christ is made made evident in thi? way, but also to mean “ the death of a believer

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 34 THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. March 1, 1805 and when it is written “ the meek that he shall actually in person de­ shall inherit the earth,” it is held scend upon the earth, is something that heaven is intended, and so in the reader may question. this way are the scriptures made to In 1 Thess. iv. 1G, 17, we have a mean anything which an untempered distinct statement, to the effect that fancy may suggest. Jesus shall leave heaven, where he But let us now briefly inquire con­ is now exalted, and personally ap­ cerning the return of the Lord Jesus. proach to earth. The words are— What saith the scriptures ? Any “For the Lord himself shall descend remarks in a short paper will neces­ from heaven with a shout, with the sarily be as much suggestive as de­ voice of the , and with the monstrative. trump of God : and the dead in So far it is generally acknowledged Christ shall rise first. Then we that Christ shall come at the last day,* which are alive and remain shall be but inasmuch as the acknowledgment caught up together with them in the is very much short of the truth re­ clouds to meet the Lord in the air, vealed, it is proposed to demonstrate and so shall we ever be with the from the Bible that he shall not only Lord.’’ come to earth again, and at his com­ The same event is referred to in ing raise the dead saints and change many other scriptures. Thus, Phil, those who arc living, but he will iii. 20, “For our conversation is in thence proceed to judge or rule the heaven, from whence also we look world in righteousness—to which for the Saviour." These passages honour he has been appointed of old ; will serve to establish that he shall that his reign shall be over all the actually leave heaven, and actually earth, not above and away from it, descend towards earth. for his throne shall be upon it, his The frequent use of the terms— possession shall embrace its utter­ “ coming of the Lord,” “ when he most parts, and all the nations shall shall come,” &c., in (he New Testa­ be his inheritance; and that his king­ ment should be observed. In ordi­ dom shall have no end, but shall en­ nary use such words would signify dure for ever. that the person to come should at Anything argued*for as a scripture some time draw near to a particular truth ought to be found plainly writ­ place occupied by the expectant ten there, and the sense of the terms speaker, and ultimately be there in contended for fully and fairly sus­ presence. Why this natural mean­ tained by their context and the gene­ ing should not be given to the words ral tenor of the book. of scripture is strange. The speakers Let the above propositions be were on earth, and ever spoke as if subjected to this test, and if, on ex­ the Lord must come for them ; and amination, they are not supported by it is difficult to conceive what other such evidence of verity, let them be place his coming could be understood set aside ; if they arc, then they claim to be directed to, for coming, used in inquiry and acceptance. such cases as the above, implies that That Christ “shall come” again the position of the speakers is the may be considered as agreed, but destination of the coming one. How­ ever, the scriptures, thus explicit in • "Ho ascended into heaven, and there slttcth until ho return to Judge all men at the Inst day."— regard to the relative direction of Article IV. of Church of England. “ IIis coming Christ’s coming, are also clear in re­ to Judge the world nt the Inst day."—Assembly’s . ference to thejfiaco of his destination Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ March 1, 1365 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 35 and actual presence there. When he and authorities, and powers being ascended on high, two shining ones made subject unto him,” (1 Pet. iii. comforted his apostles by assuring 22); whom also “ the heaven must them that this same Jesus who was receive until the times of restitution taken up from them into heaven, of all things, which God hath spoken . should so come in like manner as by the mouth of all his holy prophets they had seen him go into heaven," since the world began” (Acts iii. 21) ; Acts i. 11. From which time the we are as certainly assured that these return of the Lord was the hope of times prophesied of shall arrive, and the disciples ; and, in view of this he shall come again. Take the word return, John exclaims, “ Behold he of one of them—Daniel—“ I saw in cometh with clouds, and every eye the night visions, and behold, one shall see him, they also which pierced like the Son of Man came with the him, and all the kindreds of the earth clouds of heaven, and came to the shall wail because of him," Rev. i. 7. Ancient of days, and they brought He ascended from sonic part of the him near before him. And there mount of Olives, and it is remarkable, was given him dominion, and glory, that, in the future he will probably and a kingdom, that all people, na­ descend upon that same spot. Be tions, and languages should servo that as it may, at least he shall stand him. His dominion is an everlast­ upon that mountain, for the prophet ing dominion, which shall not pass declares, with a minuteness that is away, and his kingdom that which un mistakeable, “ His feet shall stand shall not be destroyed,” chap. vii. in that day upon the mount of Olives, 13, 14. No one can fail to recognize which is before Jerusalem, on the the second coming of the Lord in east,” Zech. xiv. 3. This is evidently this passage, and it should be parti­ said in reference to the time of the cularly noted what then takes place. Lord’s second coming, from the words He is given a kingdom, all nations in verse 5, “and all the saints with are his vassals, and his dominion thee.” Then shall the faith of shall not pass away. But to further be realized, “ I know that my Re­ confirm the obvious sense of the pro­ deemer liveth, and that he shall stand phet’s words, the 27th verse, refer­ at the latter day upon the earth," Job ring to the same matter, adds, “ and xix. 25. It would only be folly to the kingdom, and dominion, aud the suppose that these passages are to be greatness of the kingdom under the understood literally, and at the same whole heaven, shall be given to the time question the presence of the people of (he saints of the Most High, Lord Jesus on the earth again. If whose kingdom is an everlasting he ever is to stand upon it in the fu­ kingdom." The second psalm points ture, and the had every out the place of the throne of this confidence that he should, then it heavenly kingdom, “ Yet have I set must be assumed as proven that Jesus my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” shall descend from heaven to earth. It may be asked, But docs not But the scriptures furnish us with Christ return to heaven again ? It is a mass of evidence too varied and generally supposed that he shall do conclusive to leave this point doubt­ so, but such an event is no where re­ ful in the smallest degree, so that, corded. After the kingdoms of this while we are assured that our Re­ world have become thekingdomsof our deemer “ is gone into heaven, and is Lord and of his Christ, he is to reign on tthe right hand of God : angels, | for ever and ever, Rev. xi. 15. And

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 36 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHUllCIIES. M*rch 1, 16«S the final page of God’s word discloses as he said, was he born. Nay, so a scene of heavenly glory upon the much importance does the apostle set renewed earth. However, there is upon our believing that Jesus is the nothing in this to forbid us supposing Christ or King of Israel, as well as that Jesus will revisit heaven. But he who was delivered up to the death we know the permanent place of his for us all, that he says he is a liar presence is on earth. who denies this truth, and, on the Jesus declared that he was born to other hand, he is born of God who be a king, John xviii. 37. Before believes it. We know that David’s his birth the eastern magi searched throne was on Zion, and therefore on for him as “ The King of the Jews,” that eminence shall it again be ex­ and Herod sought to put him to alted. Alas 1 it is now fallen, and death, believing him to be the Christ has lain prostrate for ages ; but there of Israel whose coming was foretold is a time of restitution promised. in the prophets; in other words, the Looked at with the eyes of unfailh, King who should be set upon Zion, no more hopeless or improbable thing the chosen hill of God. He was could be mentioned; but God has crucified with the good confession spoken, and will perform. David inscribed upon his cross, and it was shall not want a man for ever to sit no false confession. According to upon his throne. The last monarch both the Old and New Testaments, who sat thereon was Zedckiah, who Jesus shall sit upon David’s throne. filled up the measure of Judah’s Isaiah speaks of it thus,— “ For unto wickedness, so that the Lord said of us a child is born, unto us a Son is the throne of the kingdom,—“ I will given, and the government shall be overturn, overturn, overturn it; and upon his shoulder ... Of the increase it shall be no more unlit he come of his government and peace there whose right it is, and I will give it shall be no end upon the throne of him” Reader, the overturning was David, and upon his kingdom, to real ; can you doubt the reality of the order it and to establish it with judg­ re-cstablishnicnt ? It is futile; for ment and with justice from hence­ when the time is fulfilled,—“ when forth even for ever,” Is. ix. G. Israel the Son of man shall come in his has not yet cried, Blessed is he that glory, and all the holy angels with comcth in the name of the Lord, but him, then shall he sit upon the throne they shall do so, Mat. xxiii. 34. of his glory,” Mat. xxv. 31 ; the pro­ Destined to this royal honour, we mised throne of his father David, find his mother Mary having the tid­ from which he shall judge or rule the ings communicated to her by an an­ world in righteousness ; and that gel in these words, to which we beg prayer, “ Thy kingdom come,” so the reader’s particular attention,— constantly made,—though, it is to be “ He shall be great and shall be called feared, often without understanding the Son of the Highest : and the its real import,.—will be answered : Lord God shall give unto him the God’s will shall be done upon earth throne of his father David : and he even as it is done in heaven. Let us shall reign over tho house of Jacob endeavour by a walk and conversa­ for ever ; and of his kingdom there tion now to shew that we look for shall be no end,” Luke i. 32, 33. that glorious kingdom, and believe in This announcement will bo found in the reality of its coming. precise keeping with the Scriptures This grand consummation is the ' already advanced ; for to this end, end of God’s sublime purpose,—the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ March 1, 1805 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 37 subjugation of all things unto himself in power and great glory ; gather liis that he may be all in all. For am­ elect from the four winds; and take plification we must refer the reader unto himself his great power, “ and to the scriptures. He will find the govern the nations upon earth,”—in­ Christ and his everlasting kingdom numerable testimonies could be mul­ the burden of them. Jesus is the tiplied ; but enough has been cited for seed of Abraham, to whom was pro­ our purpose. May the reader search mised the heirship of the world, Bom. the scriptures to see whether these iv. 13; and if we be Christ’s, then things are so. Blessed are they who are we Abraham’s^ seed, and heirs love his appearing, and can say with according to the promise, Gal. iii. 29. hearty desire, “Come, Lord Jesus, The apostles and early disciples come quickly “ for we know that were in earnest expectation of the when he shall appear we shall be like near approach of the kingdom in their him, for we shall see him as he is,” 1 time ; and to shew how they under­ John iii. 28 : but terrible with judg- stood the Scriptures and the words of inent shall that coming as a thief be their Master regarding this matter, to those who do not look nor wait for we find some of them asking him him, for he “cometh with ten thou­ during their last conversation with sand of his saints to execute judgment him,—“ Lord, wilt thou at this time upon all,” &c., Jude 14. Be wise; restore again the kingdom to Israel?” it matters little whether you take the Acts i. G. Surely the close compan­ more active part of the scoffer and ions and disciples of the Lord could say, “ Where is the promise of his not bo mistaken about the nature of coming?” or stand idle and indiffer­ the kingdom. Consider, they had ent to the truths set forth in God’s preached it for several years, and book, — both positions are fatal alike. been expressly taught about it and If you do not confess the Christ now, ' kindred subjects for forty days im­ and follow in his steps, it will be too mediately before this time. It is not late then, when he gathers his elect, possible they could be wrongly in­ flow can you share in an immortal­ formed ; and if they had, surely now ity about which you manifest a pas­ was a proper time for Jesus to cor­ sive incredulity ? or participate in a rect their misapprehension. But glory you only stigmatise as carnal ? mark, he replies, “ it is not for you Be aroused to search after the king­ to know the times and sctisons which dom of God and his righteousness. the Father hath put in his own Believe that Jesus is not only the power.” If, therefore, the disciples Saviour of the world, but the Christ, were in error, they were left so; and and be baptized into his name ; en­ this doctrine of the kingdom and com­ dure unto the end, and you shall bo ing of Christ was preached for more “accounted worthy to obtain that than three hundred years afterwards, world and the resurrection from a fact which the compilers of modern among the dead,” which God’s great faiths would do well to reflect upon. love for man would have you to se­ To the same end,—to shew that cure. Saved! saved 1 the Lord Jesus shall return to earth G. Mitchell.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 38 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. March 1,1SC5

THE KINGDOM COMING TO THE DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM.—Micah iv. Though still destruction sweeps the lonely plain, And heroes lift tlio gonorous sword in vain, Though o’er her sky the clouds of anger roll, And God’s revenge hangs heavy on her soul:

Yet shall she rise ;—but not by man restored, Not built in murder,—planted by the sword. Yes, Salem, thou shall rise: thy Eather's aid Shall heal the wound bis chastening hand has made:* Shall judge the proud oppressor’s ruthless sway, And burst his brazen bonds, and cast bis cords away. Then on yonr tops shall deathless verdure spring, Break forth, ye mountains, and ye valleys sing. No more your thirsty rocks shall frown forlorn, The unbeliever’s jest, the heathen’s scorn ; The sultry sands shall tenfold harvests yield, And a new Eden deck the thoiny iicld f K’cn now, perchance, wide-waving o'er the land That mighty Angel lifts his golden wand, Courts the bright vision of descending power, Tells every gate, and measures every tower ;$ And chides tho tardy seals that yet detain Thy Liou, J udah, from his destined reign.§ * * * • * » * Lo ! cherub hands the golden courts prepare. Lo I thrones arise, and every snint is there :J Earth's utmost bounds confess their awful sway, Tho mountains worship, mid tho isles obey ; • Nor sun, nor moon they need—nor day, nor night— God is their temple, and tho Lnmb their light. And shall not Israol’s sous exulting conic, Hail the glad beam, and claim their ancient linmc ? On David’s tlirono shall David’s olfspring reign, And tho dry bones be warm with life again.** Hark ! whitp-robed crowds their deep hosannas raise, And tho hoarse flood repents tho sound of praise; Ten thousand harps attune the glorious song, Ten thousand thousand saints the strain prolong:— " Worthy the Lamb ! omnipotent to save, " Who died, who lives, triumphant o’er the grave.” Heber. * Is. liv. 7, 8; f Ezek. xxxvi.; t Ezck. xl.; $ Rev. v., vi.; || Rev. xx. 4; Dan. vil. 2 ; ’J 1b. lx. 10; Rev. xx. 22; •• Ezck. xxxvii.

THE NAMES OF GOD.

It has often been thought that the works, so as to place before the read­ pages of the Messenger might be ers instructive and suggestive matter, profitably used, occasionally, in giv­ which they might citherwise be un­ ing noticesof books, which might bcof able to obtain. The present article service lo (he brotherhood ; and quo­ is mi attempt lo put (hat project in tations of selected passages from such , execution, ami, whatever may be its

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Marell 1, 1865 THIS MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. 39 defects, the writer hopes that it shall terms, yet he takes pains to place be­ at least evoke the contributions of fore the mere English reader, such those better skilled than himself. reasons as a diligent student shall be The volume which furnishes material able to form an opinion fur himself; for present remark is full of curious, and thus escape being lost in a wild­ interesting, and instructive matter; erness of foreign characters, the im­ its subject is the “ Personal Names port of which is entirely beyond his in the Bible,”* which it explains and reach. illustrates in a very felicitous and in­ Our purpose, however, is uot to telligible manner. The subject, from review the book in detail, but confine its nature, affords ample scope for in­ ourselves to that portion of it which genious theory, but this the writer treats of “ The Names of God.’’ seems anxious to avoid. The spirit The people of Israel had a name in which he pursues his inquiry will, for the Divine Being which was, however, be best seen from the fol­ moststiictly speaking, a proper name, lowing extract from his preface :— since it was never applied in any “The inquiries to which those who will sense, or in any circumstances, to any honour thu following chapters with a perusal other being. This was the name arc invited, will satisfy them that there ex- Jehovah. But the word or words i -ts, in numerous instances, a close connection between the proper names of the Bible ami existing in their language, and equi­ its histories and doctrines. It is the discovery valent to our word God, or the Deity, of such a connection which imparts the chief may also be correctly considered as interest and profit to the study of the personal proper names, although used as ap­ nomenclature of the Scriptures. A broad distinction is to be made between it and the pellatives, or class terms, denoting method of spiritualization, by which an active Deity in the abstract. The word and ingenious fancy is enabled to educe the God, therefore, in their language, in truths and doctrines of the gospel from almost its primary and principal use, repre­ any names, or combination of names, occur­ ring in the sacred page. A real relation be­ sented a personal Being, known to tween the terms of a name and a historical them in his personality and unity by fact, or between its sentiment and some co­ express revelation. existing article of religious belief, may bo The word Gon is represented in frequently established upon sound cxegciical principles. Spiritualization is founded upon the Hebrew Scriptures by three terms, no principle but the theory and creed of the Elohim, El, Eloah. individual spiritualizer.’’ Elohim is a plural form, as its ter­ To the perusal of such a work one mination im denotes ; and, according turns with pleasure, after laying aside to our author, its singular is not El, some treatises, written in exposition but Eloah. For his reasons we must of the most sacred names, in which refer to the volume; only this may the writers evince more pedantry be mentioned, that the plural of El than prudence; setting at defiance is Elim, sis in Exodus xv. 11, “ Who the laws of literature and logic. Mr is like unto thee 0 Lord, among the Wilkinson’s aim is to bring his sub­ ?" As to Eloah, it is supposed, ject within the range of the compre- for good reasons, to be derived from hension of the general reader ; and the participle of a verb, of the form though he is necessitated to refer to of Alah. No such form exists in (ho the etymology of Hebrew and Greek Hebrew language ; it is common, however, for verbal nouns to exist, * Personal Names in tho Bible. Interpreted mid llhHlrutud. By W. t< Wilkinson, MA.. Vicar which cannot be traced to any verb of Si. Wvrbvrgh’H, herby, of Wvh- in Hebrew which could originate blur’n J: Wilkinson's Utxck ’1 Um tun L. AleXinidur Sindian, 148 Strniid, London, I3U5. their meaning; while the exact form

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 40 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. llarch 1, ISM of the verb wanted is found in the marks that, in the Hebrew, Arabic, Syriac or Arabic : such is the case and almost all Asiatic languages, the with Eloah. In the Arabic we have plural form is often used in a singular a verb of the exact form required, sense when the superiority of the sub­ and pronounced as the Hebrew verb ject of discourse is intended to be Alah would be. Its meaning is to kept in view.* A few examples, out fear, to adore, to loorship. Eloah of many, are these—Ps. xlix. 1-4, will thus signify “ the Adorable,”— “ My mouth shall speak of wisdom, “ the Worshipful One," a most suit­ and the meditation of my heart shall able name for God, and a name of a be of understanding." The words highly practical character. for “ wisdom” and “understanding” The next thing to be observed is arc both plural, and denote wisdom the signification of the plural ending and understanding of the highest im in the word Elohim. Since this kind. In Is. liv. 5, “Thy maker is term is the plural of Eloah, God, it th}' husband,” both nouns have a must signify gods, and is so used in plural ending. Thus, also, Adonim, various instances. The inquiry there­ the plural form of the Hebrew word fore presses itself upon us, How did for lord, is in constant use as a title the Hebrews—who recognized ONE of dignity in speaking of a single living and true God—come to em­ person, and is so applied to Pharaoh, ploy a plural term to designate the to Joseph, to Saul, to David, and to object of their worship ? Some have many others. attempted to account for it on the If, now, we compare the use of the hypothesis that it is meant to indi­ word Elohim, as the name of God, cate what is known by the doctrine with these examples, it will appear of the Trinity. But if so, how is it that its plural form is most naturally that such an idea did not form an accounted for by the idiom which article of faith under the patriarchal employs a plural termination to in­ or Mosaic dispensation ? Besides the crease the force, importance, or ex­ termination im expresses mere plu­ tent of significance of the noun to rality, not a trinity. Again, this which it is attached. Its original word, Elohim, is frequently used to meaning, therefore, as an augmented denote a single false deity. Thus the form of Eloah, God, would be “ the word is applied to Dagon (Judg. xvi. great God” ; or reverting to the par­ 23), and bis image (1 Sam. v. 7), and ticiple sense of the word, as derived when the Lord said to Moses, “ See, from the verb Alah, it might be un­ I have made thee a god to Pharaoh,” derstood to express “the most wor­ (Exod. vii. 1,) the word for god is shipful,” the Being to whom reverence Elohim. and adoration are supremely due. The majority of grammarians arc On the same principle, grammar­ agreed to consider the word as an in­ ians account for the few instances in stance of a peculiarity in the Hebrew which plural verbs and pronouns are and its cognate languages—namely, associated, otherwise than in close the use of the plural ending, when a grammatical construction, with the single person or object is spoken of, * It is a circumstance worthy of notice also, th t to denote excess, excellence, dignity, in the Korun, when Cod is rcprwvuteil as spe»k- or, in fact, superlativeness of any kind. Ing, the plural is often used for the singular. But it is well known that the Koran denounces ns im* On this point the learned Hindoo— pious the doelrhio of plurality of persona in tho Rajah Rammahun Roy—in his “ De­ Godhead. “ Behold, we declare unto them the . sigiiM of God’s unity ; and. then, behold how they fence of the Precepts of Jesus,” re- turn aside front the truth.”

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ March 1, 1365 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 41 word Elohim, or Adonim, used in the The Hebrew word for This is singular. singular. In Gen. i. 26, we read— Such information regarding the use “ God said let us make man in our of this designation of our Almighty image, after our likeness,” the verb Father, by the Hebrews, will enable said is singular. Is. vi. 8—“ Whom us the better to understand the im­ shall I send, who will go for us ? ” port of such language as, “ Hear, 0 The employment of the plural in Israel, Jehovah our Elohim is ONE proclamations by royal personages, Jehovah,” Dent. vi. 4. He is called and others in high oilice among our­ Eloh/ni. not because be is constituted selves, illustrates this idiom of the of three, or a multitude of persons, Hebrew. but because He is beyond compare For the most part, however, Eloh­ THE GREAT ADORABLE ONE. im, when employed to designate the Blessed be his name for ever and one true God, is joined with a verb ever, and let the whole earth be or pronoun in the singular number. filled with his glory. Amen. Thus, Gen. i. 1—“ Elohim created [It is intended to devote at least the heavens and the earth the verb one more article in review of Mr created is in the singular; so that we Wilkinson’s exegesis of '• The Names know that only one person is repre­ of God."J sented by the noun. Again Is. xxv. W. L. 9—“ This is our God” (Elohim).

NOTES ON WORDS.

Doctrine.—Few words have suffered such I ship, see Pa. cxv. 8 ; Is. xliv. 9 ; Bab ii. 18. an inversion of meaning as the word doctrine. I Matt. vii. 28; .Mark i. 22, 27; xi. 18; Originally used in accordance with its Latin Luke iv. 32; Mark iv. 2, all based on tho significance of teaching, or practical instruc­ fact that our Ixnal’s gospelliug was pre emi­ tion, it lias got to be known as the antithesis nently practical, the sermon on the mount of practice Thus we are ever meeting with bring both specimen uml summary of hits such terms as “doctrinal subjects,” “doctrine doctrine. and practice contrary,” '■ more practical and John vii 16. 17 ; xviii. 19 ; Acts ii. -12 ; less doctrinal teachings arc wanted.’’ “ false Roni. vi. 17 ; xvi. 17 ; 1 Cor. xiv. 6. 26 ; I doctrines" (when false theories are meant), &c. Tim. i. 3-1 I ; iv. 6-8, 13, 16; v. 17 ; vi. 1 6; Tn the scriptures tho word occurs fifty- 2 Tim. iii. 10, 16, 17 ; iv. 2 ; Tit. i. 9 ; ii. eight times (in text mid margin), and in at 1-10, notably prove that the doctrine of Jesus least fifty is it used, directly and contextually, and hits apostles was pertaining to practice, iu the s :iise of -practical teaching, or how to i e how the disciples might become godly walk, rather than what to think. The other (God-like) ; and these passages are epitomized instances have tho meaning id teaching with­ by Paul, in his statement, “ Ye received of out any direct statement of what nature, but us how ye ought to walk.” ft was contrary from the general significance of the won) they to that of the Pharisees, and also to the Geu • must be ruled in accordance. Tho following tile deeds, both being evil, and some diabolical, passages in which the word occurs, will well Matt. xv. 9; xvi 12 ; Mark vii. 7 ; xii. 38; repay perusal. Deut. xxxii. 2, with ver. 4, Eph. iv. 11; Col. ii. 22 ; I Tim. iv. 1 ; 2 5, it). The Mosaic teaching of righteousness Tim. iv. 3; Ileb. xiii. 9; Rev. ii. 14, 15, 24. was little by little and oft. The same senti­ Perhaps John vii. 16, 17, and 2 John 9-11 ment is expressed by tho prophet, Is. xxviii, have suffered as much as most texts from 9-13, and the final result, chap. xxix. 24, this change of meaning. How often this arising from the instruction spoken of in latter has been made a pretext for bigotry and chap, xxx 21. schism, the spirit which inspired it only Ps. xix. 7, Prov. iv. I, 2, law and doctrine knows,, In our own ears has it often been arc synonymizod ; Job xi. 4 with chap. x. 7, quoted (».ie. ver 10, 11.) ns n basis for cutting xxix. 2-17. Jer. x. 8. the character is fnrmud off all and sundry who follow not such and by, or according to, that of the object of wor.1 such human teachings. 'This is of course

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 42 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. March 1, 1865 done by assuming that the particular theories So that this truly confirms rather than lessens arc " the doctrine of Christ,*' whereas the the force of the reasoning which distinguishes induction is,—They who walk in tho truth between the faith and doctrine, 1 Cor. xiv. obey the commandment of Jesus, which is to 6; I Tim. iv. 6, 7. " love each other.1’ He who lovcth Christ The conclusion, then, is that we should keeps bis commandments, and follows liis understand the word ns equivalent to teach- example. Some there arc who confess not inging'rn in general, and to practicalp teaching as (i e. dony by their teachings, 1 John iii. 7- the common and applied sense. Doctrine is 12) Jesus, and his coming m llcsli with his thust' in’ relation' ’ ...... to "thingsu believed,’’ what exemplary holiness, 1 Pct. ii. 21-2-1; 1 John art is to science. Unfortunately this is' i now ii. 18, 19. Consequently receive not such veiled by the perverted meaningmet attached to men, because, as evil communications cor­ the word; and the way of salvation is taught rupt good manners, they will infect you with much like a machinist who sets his nppriappren ­ their abominable practices, 2 Pct. ii. 1, 10; tices to study the science of mechanics, and Jude 4 ; I Tim. iv. 1 -3. never shews them a single .tool or bit of metal. llcb. vi. 1,2, is almost tho only pl-ice No wonder there isi so much “ Ibad doctrine’’ which excuses the present acceptation of the abroad, when the study of salvation is con­ word doctrine. But this, when read from fined to theory, instead of the pupils being chap. v. 11, wo sec that the “ first principles’’ taught the art or doctrine of righteousness ; pertain to “ the word of righteousness ” and e.g. •’ that denying ungodliness uni!and worldly the discernment of good and evil, and that lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and therefore Paul is not speaking of the theo­ godly, in this present world.*' retical but tho practical part of salvation J. AV. II. (Phil. ii. 12-16) ns "the doctrine of Christ.’’

THE GOSPEL IN THE EIGHTH PSALM. When God saved Israel out of He mindful of his grace and truth to Israel’s Egypt lie said to Pbaroah, “ Even house has been ; And the salvation of our God all ends of the for this same purpose have I raised earth has seen.” thee up, that f might show my power in thee, and that my name As Micah says, “ According to might be declared throughout all the the days of thy coining out of tho earth.” This is the key to the open­ land of Egypt, will I show unto thee ing words of the eighth psalm. When marvellous things.” And what fol­ God saves Israel again out of all lows? “The nations shall see, and lands, and out of the hands of Anti­ shall be confounded at all their christ, and from all their enemies, his might.” They shall see that “ there name will thereby be made famous in is none like the God of Israel, who all the earth. Being a prophet, the rideth upon the heavens in thy help, psalmist speaks of this as already and in his excellency on the sky,” accomplished; and being an Israelite, Bent, xxxiii. 26-29. So by the sal­ he says, in view of it, 0 Loud our vation of Israel “ the heathen shall Lord, how excellent is thy name in know that I am the Lord,” Ezek. all the earth. As you read in Psalm xxxix. 7. xcviii. And then he will set his glorious sanctuary among them for evermore, “ 0 sing a now song to tho Lord for wonders ho has done; Ezek. xxxvii. 25-28. Out of that His right hand and his holy arm him victory sanctuary his glory will shine in hath won. Israel’s land a light “ above the The Lord God his salvation lias caused to be brightness of the sun.” “Who hast known ; His justice in lire heathen's sight he openly set (hy glory above the heavens.” has shown. Eor the sun shall bo ashamed, and the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Marvh 1, 1SG5 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 43 moon shall l;e confounded when the This salvation of Israel, and divine Lord of hosts shall reign on Mount glory, is what John, Jesus, and the Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before apostles spake of when they preached his ancients gloriously, Is. xxiv. 23. the gospel, saying, Repent, for the This also will make his name excel­ kingdom of heaven is at hand. As if lent in all the earth. "The heathen John had said, “ the glory of the Lord shall know that I the Lord do sanctify shall be revealed, and all flesh shall Israel, when ray sanctuary shall be in see it together," Is. xl. 5. Look­ the midst of them forevermore,” Ezck. ing for these things as shortly to xxxvii. 28. There, aud then, “ the he realized is believing the gospel. glory of the Lord shall be revealed, But keep in mind that one day is and all flesh shall sec it together,” Is. with the Lord as a thousand years, xl. 5. " For I know their works, and and a thousand years as one day. Go their thoughts; it shall come that I forth to meet the bridegroom with will gather all nations, and they shall your lamps burning ; for he may come, and shall see my glory. And come sooner than some think. Again, I will send those who escape of them take oil in your vessels with your to the nations afar off, and to the lamps, for he may tarry longer than isles who have not heard my fame, some think, Watch now, watch neither have seen my glory; and always; for you know not when the they shall declare my glory among time is. the gentiles,” Is. Ixvi. 17, 18. So In ver. 2, the psalmist proceeds “ the earth shall be filled with the to speak of the way in which God knowledge of the glory of the Lord will bring about that great salvation as the waters cover the sea,” IIab. ii. of Israel to which he adverts in ver. 14 : whereby his name shall be 1. Not by might, nor by power, but excellent in all the earth. by my spirit, saith the Lord. “ Out The heavens declare the glory of of the mouth of babes and sucklings God ; but where is the nation■’ they- thou hast ordained strength because have turned to God from idols ? of thine enemies, that thou mightest The preaching of the gospel has done still the enemy and the avenger.” this with some nationsJf ; butv. x howi Israel will not, cannot be saved many arc still without God in the! out of the hand of ail his enemies, world ? But what has not been done: till a certain number of Israelites be- by the works of creation, nor by the! lieve in their hearts, and confess with preaching of the gospel, shall be donei their mouths that Jesus is the Christ, by this salvation of Israel and glory the Son of God, the man anointed of God. “ The gentiles shall come to> and loved of God as the king of the thee from the ends of the earth, say­ Jews. " If ye believe not that I ing, surely our fathers have inherited ain he you shall die in your sins." lies, vanity, and things wherein there “ Behold your house is left unto you is no profit. Shall a man make unto desolate. For I say unto yon, that, himself gods, and they arc no gods,” from henceforth you shall not see mo Jer. xvi. 16-21. We ought, there­ till ye shall say, Blessed is he who fore, to desire and pray for the com­ comcth in the name of the Lord.” ing of this kingdom and glory of God. Now the men in Israel who believed “ Our father who art in heaven; that Jesus was the Christ the king of hallowed be thy name ; thy kingdom Israel, the Son of David, and there­ come ; thy will be done on earth as it fore the heir of the throne of the is done in heaven.” Ii house of Israel, had not the strength

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 44 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. March 1, IBM or courage to confess it, Jest they against them, to destroy them. Tn should be put out of the synagogue. Psalm xliv. we see these little ones Then God ordained this strength out —“who keep the commandments of of the month of their children ; as God, and have the testimony of Jesns wc read in Matt. xxi. 15, 1G, “ When Christ,” that he is the saviour and the chief priests and scribes saw the king of Israel—praying unto God wonderful things that be did, and the against Antichrist and his heathen children crying in the temple, Ho­ enemies. 0 Lord “ thou makest us sanna (praise) to the Son of David ; a by-word among the heathen, a they were sore displeased, and said shaking of the head among the unto him, Ilcarest thou what these people. My confusion is continually say? and Jesus said unto them, Yes. before me, and the shame of my face Have you never read, out of the hath covered ine. For the voice of mouth of babes and sucklings thou him that reproacheth and blas- hast perfected praise.” They thought phemeth; by reason of the enemy that to praise Jesus as the king and and the avenger. For thy sake are saviour of Israel was the perfection we killed all the day long; we arc of blasphemy ; but Jesus pronounced counted as sheep for the slaughter. it the perfection of praise. Arise for our help, and redeem These children represented the us for thy mercies’ sake.” “ And whole church. The great men were shall not God avenge his own elect either too wise to believe, or too pru­ who cry thus unto him day and night, dent to confess, “ Thon art the Son though he bear long with them ? I of God, thou art the king of Israel,” tell you, he will avenge them speed­ but the little ones, like Peter and ily.” For these are the elect for Nathanael, believed and confessed whose sake the days of Israel's great this, with the simplicity and fearless­ tribulation shall bo shortened. Tho ness of little children. And referring yoke of Antichrist shall be taken oil to both parties, Jesus said, “ I thank Israel's neck, and destroyed because thee Father, Lord of heaven and earth, of the anointing, Is. x. 37. Because because thou hast hid these things the ’s son is the anointed king from the wise and prudent, and hast and saviour of Israel ; and because revealed them unto babes," the babes these little ones who lay down their in this case being the disciples gen­ lives for his name’s sake, confess and erally. It was not flesh and blood testily that he is so. “ The Lord that revealed to Christ's disciples will judge bis people; but he will that he was the king of Israel, but repent himself for his servants’ sake, his Father in heaven. Therefore, when be seetb that their power is this is not a carnal but a very spirit­ gone, and that there is none shut up ual doctrine. And, mind this, Peter or left.” and Nathanael meant by Israel their Antichrist hounds on the nations fellow countrymen, the Jews. against Israel; but who bounds on God will ordain this strength out Antichrist ? Satan, his God. Satan of their months because of his enemies is also the great enemy and avenger that he might still the enemy and of Israel. And he also will be the avenger. In the latter days when settled, silenced, and cast out of Israel is brought back to his own land i heaven for evermore, by these little as written in Ezek. xxxviii. the Anti-' ones who believe in Jesus, by tlm ebrist, who is lhe enemy and lhe blood ol the Lamb, ami by the word avenger, will bring up all nations; of their testimony, they will over-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ March 1, If 65 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 45 come him, and will not love their saying, what is man that thou art lives unto the death, but, as Jesus mindful ofliim, or the son of man that laid down his life for the good con­ thou visitesthim ? Thou madest him a fession that he is king of the Jews, little lower than the angels, thou so will they. Rev. xii. 8-11, and crownedst him with glory and honour, what follows ? “• Now is come salva­ and didst set him over the works of tion and strength, even the kingdom thy hands. Thou hast put all things of our God, and the power of his in subjection under his feet,” Ileb. Christ.” ii. 5-8. Notice, now, the exposition Is this not a good confession ? It of these words. “ For in that he saves the church, Israel, and the put all in subjection under him, he world. It brings in the kingdom of left nothing that is not put under God, and the power of his anointed. him. But now, we sec not yet all It is the gospel that Paul preached things put under him. But we see among all nations. “ That is the Jesus, who was made a little lower word of faith that we preach, that if than the angels, crowned with glory thou shalt confess with thy . month, and honour/' verses 8, 9. It is clear, the Lord Jesus (that he is the Son of therefore, that Jesus is the “son of God, the king of Israel, as Nathanael man” in verses 3-9 of the eighth confessed him, John i. 49.) and shalt psalm. He was made a little lower believe in thine heart that God hath than the angels for the suffering of raised him from the dead (to reign death, lie is crowned with glory forever over Israel, as Paul preaches and honour at the right hand of God. in Acts xiii. 33, 34,) thou shalt be And all things shall he put under his saved. For with the heart man be- feet when God brings him as his licveth (this) unto righteonsnesss, first begotten into the habitable and with the mouth confession is again, Ileb. i. G- made (of it) unto salvation.” Thou Jesus will be the second Adam, on art “ Christ the king of Israel” is not the throne of Israel. For the second only a gospel truth, but it is the first Adam is as such, not the Lord in and greatest truth of the gospel, the heaven, but the Lord from heaven, 1 very rock on which he builds his Cor. xv. 47. The kingdom of the church. son of man is a kingdom on earth, The subject of verses 3-9 is the and not a kingdom beyond the skies, honour and glory to be conferred on Dan. vii. 13, 14. Man was made man, in that kingdom of God referred for the world, and the world for man. to in verses 1st and 2d.; verses 3-9 Hence the Son of man is never, in the remind us of Gen. i. 2G, &c. At Scriptures, represented as satisfied the beginning God created man in with his position in heaven, as his his own image, and gave him domin- everlasting rest, Rejoicing in the ion over’ all the works of his hands. habitable parts of the earth, his de­ Adam the first lost this honour and lights are with the sons of men, Prov. glory by disobedience. Adam the viii. 31. Hence he sits at God’s second will gain it by obedience. right hand in the heavens from It was not taken from man and given henceforth, expecting till his foes be to the angels. “ For unto the angels made his footstool, when he shall hath he not put in subjection the have the rod of his strength sent out habitable (oikoumenou) to come of Zion, and shall rule in the midst of whereof we speak (in chap. i. ver. G) his enemies till they are all put under But one in a certain place testified, his feet. He sits in one place cx-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 4G THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. March 1, IMS pecting and desiring to be in another coming? for since the fathers fell “ For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; asleep, all things continue as they he hath desired it for his habitation. were from the beginning of the crea­ This is my rest forever; here will tion.” Which is a manifest lie ; since I dwell; for I have desired it,” Ps. the old world, the old habitable, cxxxii. 13, 14. perished at the flood. That is to say, In the Greek Testament, there the old world, as far as it was habit­ are three words which are all trans­ able for man, and beast, and fowl. lated by the one word “ world” in But does it not strike you as some­ our common English version. There thing provocative of thought, that is the word aion. It is the word when he bringeth his first begotten translated world in Gal. i. 4, Christ into the habitable again, he should “ gave himself for our sins that he then bid all the angels of God to might deliver us from this present worship him, as it is said in Heb. i. G. evil world" Also in Eph. i. 21, Do they not all worship and serve where we are told that Jesus is ex- him already ? Yes. But it is one - alted “ far above all principality, and thing to worship him on his Father’s power, and might, and dominion, and throne, another thing to worship him every name that is named, both in on his own throne in the land of this world and in that which is to Israel. The new position requires come.” Now this word aion strictly the new command. means age. And so we learn from Jesus is the second Adam ; Israel's these, passages, that there is an age land is to be his Eden ; Jerusalem to come, in which Christ is to have the garden or paradise of God in the all things put under him. But is it midst of that Eden ; the church his to be a new age in this old kosmos ? Eve, his Queen, the bride the Lamb’s Or is the new age to be in a new kos­ wife; Israel and the nations saved mos ? Supposing it had been the word by his blood, his children and sub­ kosmes in Ileb. ii. 5, that would jects ; and the holy angels his ser­ hardly have settled the question. vants, continually flying to or from Gainsayers would probably, in that him, ascending and descending upon case, have referred you to Gal. vi. 14 ; the errands of the Son of man, in the and 2 Peter ii. 5, where this word service and rule of his kingdom of kosmos means the world of mankind. God. And the heavens must retain But, now there can be no such quibble Jesus until the times of this resti- witli the word, that the Holy Spirit | tution of all things. has made use of...... in Ifeb. Andii. 5. this The too is the gospel. It is word oikoumenou cannot be wrested just in tho midst of the setting forth into any thing, but just the habitable of these very things that the question world in which men dwell along with is put, “ How shall we escape if we the cattle, and the beasts of the field, neglect so great salvation, winch at the fowls of the air, the fishes of the the first began to be spoken by the sea, and whatsoever passeth through Lord, and was confirmed unto us by the paths of the same. And this habit­ them that heard him ?” Despisest able is called the habitable to come, thou the riches of his goodness, not because when Jesus comes, it is to knowing that the goodness of God be made new or regenerated. Hence leadeth thee, is designed to lead thee in 2 Peter iii. tho infidels of the to repentance. Repent then, for this last days who scoff at these things, kingdom of God, in which Jesus say, “ Where is the promise of his I shall reign as the second Adam,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ March. 1,18«5 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 47 the Lord from heaven, is at hand, confidence, and the rejoicing of the And we are made partakers of Christ hope firm unto the end. if we hold fast the beginning of our D. L.

Intelligence, Notes, &c-

Ekkatum.—In a few copies of lust “ Mes­ Davidson's constitution; and as he bad al­ senger,” the address of brother M’Millau, ready begun to work—having got a situation Bally castle, was erroneously stated. For within a lew days alter landing— they already Murphey read Humphreys. felt themselves much nt home in that new world. Although they have token a house Dunoiie.— By the hand of death the breth­ in Collingwood, yet their present address for ren have been deprived of the company of an letters is A. Davidson, Mr Andrew Thom­ active though nged member; sister Margaret son, 33 Young Street, Fitzroy, Mkuiouiink. Brown fell asleep on the night of 7th Feb­ It has been a matter of great thankfulness, ruary, having attained the ripe ago of 73. that during all the long voyage they wciu She was one of the earliest of those who as­ never in the least interrupted hi their daily sociated as a Church in this towu—arid has worship of God, and study of his word: their been uniformly respected as a valuable sister berth alfording them the privacy of a house, in that church, as well as an esteemed mem­ and their natural reserve shutting them olf ber of the family at Reform Street Although from tlio questionable friendships of ship­ her death came suddenly, yet it found her pre­ board. pared and calm ; and her faith burned brightly We have been enlivened by a visit of broth­ till tho end. Now she rests, in the hope of er Henry Howard, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, an awakening to eternal life and glory, when who spent one day in our society (February the Lord comes. 19). He is on a business visit to this coun­ EorNBt'Kon.—On the 7th February, were try, and purposes returning about the middle united in marriage brother John Kerr and of March, lie informs us of the residence of sister Christina Watson. As onr brother is a cousin of bis, formerly with the church in engaged to a situation abroad, they arc im­ Halifax, N.S., now in Cardillj South Wales. mediately to emigrate. By steamer—from Miss M.P. Loader (al Mr SillifanI’s, draper, Southampton—on 2d March, they purpose Cardilf). We recommend our sister to the leaving for their destined home, in Copiapo, care of the Swansea brethren. The church Chili, South America ; where brother Kerr in Halifax, N.S., numbers thirty, most of is to officiate as gas manager. The steamer them being in and about the town. Junies goes by Panama, and thus their voyage is Lithgow, Argyle Street, correspondent. saved the severities of Cape Horn. The country to which they go is one in which Mumules.—We are glad to be able to sup­ they can calculate on no Christian association, plement last month’s .intelligence from this and as they are both very young, and untried place, by the announcement that, on Sunday, in the snares and difficulties of tho world, the 29th January, other four persons, having their case should awaken the sympathy and made the good confession, were baptized into the prayers of tho brotherhood for them. Let the name of the Lord, in the blessed hope us hope that they will not only reach their that, when He who is their life shall appear, new home in safety, but that they will be they shall also appear with him in glory. able there to walk as children of God, adorn­ On tho following Sunday, 5tL February, ing tho doctrine of God our Saviour in all " the company of baptized believers in this things place met for tho lirst time as a church of By letters written 24th December 1864, Christ. After prayer and praise, brother we are apprised of the happy termination of Clement made a few appropriate remarks, the critical voyage of brother and sister and then read a tetter of congratulation and Davidson, who left for Australia on 1st Sep­ encouragement from the church assembling tember last. A week before writing, they in Union Hall, Edinburgh, which gladdened had arrived in Melbourne ill good health : tho hearts of all concerned. Tho breaking of tho passage (103 days) was an unusually tho loaf was then attended to; after which pleasant one, and tho accommodation of onr brethren Low, Goldie, and Atkins, from friends was all that could bo desired. Tho Swansea, addressed the assembly. There voyage and change of climate seem to have were a giwdly number of onlookers, and e fleeted a thorough renovation of brother | doubtless' ‘it‘ was‘ i a strange sight to ninny of

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 48 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. Msri-b 1, ISG5 them. It was however a delightful season to meeting on Sunday, February 12. Brother us. At the close of this service intimation was J. Cameron nnd sister Isabella Pearson, from given that the church would meet in the af­ Edinburgh, were present. The brethren ternoon, at half past two, for reading the spent a profitable mid pleasant afternoon, tho scriptures, and a cordial invitation was given topic of conversation being the position wo to all who desired to be present. We met occupy as the disciples of Christ in relation nt the time specified, anil spent n very plea­ to the professing world nround us—n position sant afternoon, and have no doubt that much necessitated by our adhesion to the " faith good was done." once delivered to the saints," instead of tho The church here intend using *' Tlio Scotch current traditions. Davison Strathenm. re­ Version’’ of the Psalms in their social wor siding at Cocki-nzie, had been recently bap­ ship, instead of the hymn book formerly used. tized, and added to the household of faith. Wo humbly suggest that their example might be profitably followed by other companies of IFi?/ be ready early in March, Price M., the faithful in England. "There is,” adds our correspondent” a "THE CONTRAST BETWEEN PRO­ great stir in the place, as well as in Swansea ; TESTANTISM AND THE GOSPEL.” and wo fondly trust that it shall result in Tins work, which was originally published in • many being led to intpiire after the way of America some years ago, sets forth in clear life." Amon and distinct terms sonic of tho more important Nottingham.—On tl e 27t.li January 1805 I'oinlHon which the popular Protestant teach­ sister Shepherd full asleep in the faith nnd ing is at variance with tho declarations of hope of tho gospel. For twenty months she scripture ; and the contrast between them is lingered on in the alternate hopes mid fears made the more striking by the two being of that insidious disease—consumption, until occasionally presented in parallel columns. at hist mortality gave way, mid she ceased to The things of the one faith are also very ably breathe. Iler sufferings were very great, so stated nnd defended. and tho work is well great that even her denrest friends desired suited for putting into the hands of inquirers that she might be released from them. Her after the truth. Orders should be addressed faith burned brightly, nnd as the body sank to W. Norrie, 9 Ingliston Street, Edinburgh. in weakness, her faith rose in strength. Great ns were her bodily sufferings, it may be em­ The Messenger is now Rkoisterrd phatically stilted that her last end was peace. for Transmission Abroad. By this arrange­ “ May I dio the death of tho righteous, nnd ment with the Post Oflice, it is placed on the may my last end bo like bis.” 'Hie brethren same footing ns all Newspajiers, that it may in Nottingham arc dwelling together in ]>cacc, be posted to any of the Colonics, or to any and long may they continue to do so : then other place where they have access, nt a shall the world know the truth dwells in them charge of Id. pre paid. This doos not inter­ and abounds. fere with its privilege of book-post, where An addition has been made to the meeting that is granted nt the nites before stated. in Henry Hind, frame-work knitter, Beck Square. He had been n member of the church previous to its reorganisation in July 18n0, The Inquirer. when it was placed upon its present basis of Is there anyy ogood reason____ for... supposing,.____ or being composed entirely of baptized believers nny Scripture testimony affirming that, when of the gospel of the kingdom At that time, thet,-~ Lord*...... conies, there>i._...... shall1...11 i._be a- differencej:n------and until recently, he met with the party between tlio position and condition of the associated with Mr Tudor. Latterly, how­ Hebrew saints who lived and died before the ever, he hnsjoccasionnlly attended tho meeting preaching of Christ and his apostles, aud in the Mechanics’Hall,nnd becoming satisfied thoset’...... saints,'* JewsT---- or- /->.•>Gentiles, who. .have that his former immersion was invalid throu h lividI since, believing and obeying the gospel ? lack of faith, be was again immersed nn the ____ 16th February, and received into the fellow­ ship of the church on the following Sunday. The Treasurer acknowledges receipts from Cupar. Halifax (England), Halifax (Nova Tranent.—The brethren hero held asocial °Scotia), ”Newburgh,------Swansea.S’

Articles should bo sent in by the 15th of the month, and items of intelligence not Inter than the 24th ; all papers meant ibr insertion, or notes of intelligence, may be forwarded to George Dowie, 12 Beaumont Place; nnd all business communications to James Cameron, 12 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, to whom money orders should bo made payable.

AND W. R WILSON, PRINTERS, UIC1H STREET, EDINUIROII.

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

♦

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

No. 4. April 1, 1865. New Series. Vol. I.

THE NAMES OF GOD.

(second article.)

The term which is strictly the unto you ; this is my name for ever, “ proper name ” of our Father, and and this is my memorial to all gene­ never, like El and Elohim given to rations.”—Exod. iii. 13-15. In the idols, angels, or men, is Jehovah. It words “ This is my name,” “'This is occurs frequently in the Hebrew my memorial,” reference is certainly Scriptures, in two forms, Jehovah made to the name Jehovah just an­ and Jah; and in numerous com­ nounced, which must therefore be binations. It is the word which in synonymous with the declarations our English Bible is translated Lord, immediately preceding it, I AM when that word is printed in capitals, THAT I AM, since these declara­ otherwise the word in the Hebrew tions arc explicitly enunciated «as text is Adon, Adonim, or Adonai. the name of God. Hence Israel is Many passages would be more clear exhorted to “ extol him who ridetli and forcible if, in reading them, we upon the heavens by his name Jah,” substitute for Lord the Hebrew terra Ps. Ixviii. 4. Speaking by the pro­ Jehovah. Thus, Ps. ex. 1, “Jehovah phet Isaiah, he declares, “1 am. said unto my Lord sit thou at my Jehovah ; that is my name ; and my right hand.” glory will I not give to another,” Is. The etymology of this sacred name xlii. 8. And recalls (he de­ is substantially expounded to us in claration made to Moses, and con­ the words of the angel in the bush. nects it with the revelation made to When Moses inquired what he should Jacob in Bethel, when he says, say if the children of Israel demanded “ 'There he spake with us ; even Je­ the name of the Being who sent him; hovah the God of Hosts; Jehovah the answer was, “ I AM THAT I is his memorial,” Hosea xii. 5. AM ; and he said, Thus shalt thou Grammatical analysis and analogy say unto the children of Israel—I establish the fact that Jehovah is de­ AM hath sent me unto you.” “Jeho­ rived from the verb “ lo be,” which, vah the God of your Fathers, the in Hebrew, is usually hiiyah, but God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, exists also in what is probably its and the God of Jacob, hath sent me primitive form liiivah. Under this Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 50 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. April 1,1365 Litter form of the verb, the word existent one—Him who is and must which, regularly constructed, would be. If not the revelation, it was the denote “ he is,” or “ he will be,” has expression—or at least the formula precisely the same letters as Jehovah, and symbol of the revelation of the (viz, j, h, v, h,) but not according to unspeakably momentous and com­ the generally received vowel-system prehensive truth of which Israel was of the Jews, the same pronuncia­ the appointed witness and keeper— tion. It would be pronounced Jihveh. that God is One, self-existent, Many eminent modern scholars write eternal. This, too, is undoubtedly it Jahveh. But a good reason to the full significance of the announce­ believe that the vowels used in giving ment of which it is the declared to the name the pronunciation Je­ synonym—1 AM. In its composite hovah, are the right and primitive structure, it may well be understood vowels of the word, is found in the to denote also unchangeableness as an fact that the portions of the name attribute of the divine nature. “ He occurring in the composition of other is,” and “ he was the same in all names could hardly have been pro­ time—present, past, or future. Wc nounced otherwise than with these may also add, that personality is im­ vowcls. Such arc Jch or Jo in Je- plied by the verbal form of the word horam, or Jorum, Jehoshaphat, Jo- Jehovah as a whole, and of its con­ nathan. Thc shorter form Jah, is stituents. This, the true and proper found in , Isaiah, We ascer- name of God, is not an abstract term tain, to a certainty, the pronuncia- expressing existence, it is not the in­ tion of these names current among finitive “ to be,” or the noun “ life,” the Jews nearly three centuries before but it is a proposition concerning a Christ, by means . 167, First series. shall there be after me ”—“ Thus Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ April 1, 1885 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 51 saith Jehovah .... Jehovah of of hosts,” Mr Wilkinson, after men- Hosts; f (am) the first, and I (am) tioning various significations attached the last, and beside me (there is) no to it, asserts, what we have no hesita­ God.”—“ I (am) Jehovah, I change tion to endorse, that the most natural not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are and satisfactory explanation of the not consumed.”—“Jehovah (is) the title is to be found on the application true God ; he (is) the living God, of the word host or hosts to the material and an everlasting King.” “ Blessed and angelic creations of the heavenly be thy glorious name, which is ex­ world. The sun, moon, and stars alted above all blessing and praise. are in many places called “ the host Thou (even) thou, (art) Jehovah of heaven ”—“ By the word of Jeho­ alone.” The careful reader of the vah were the heavens made ; and all scriptures, will now perceive the ex­ the host of them by the breath of his pressiveness and importance of that mouth,” Ps. xxxiii. G. “ I, (even) oft-repeated phrase in the prophetic my hands, have stretched out the word—“ Then shall they know,” and heavens, and all their host have I “ that they may know that I am commanded,” Is. xlv. 12. The angels Jehovah.” are also repeatedly styled “ the host We can only realize the signifi­ of heaven,” e. g., “ Praise ye him all cance of that jealousy which God had his angels; praise ye him' all his for his great name among Israel, by hosts,” Ps. cxlviii. 2. Nehemiah in remembering that that people, deriv- one passage uses the term “ hosts ” ingtheirorigin from one idolatrous na­ in both of these applications. “ Thou tion—-the Chaldean, and attaining to even thou art Jehovah alone ; thou numerical greatness in another—the hast made heaven, the heaven of Egyptian, were placed territorially heavens with all their host, the earth between the two, and often subjected and all things that arc therein ; and to their influence. They lived in a the host of heaven worshippeth thee," land which had long been the seat of Neh. ix. G. The name, Jehovah of debasing polytheism, and were sur­ hosts, or Sabaoth, would thus repre­ rounded by nations still practising sent the One Jehovah as the sole idolatry. Yet among this people a ruler and proprietor of the armies of system of religion was established, heaven, both the celestial luminaries which proclaimed the unity of God and spiritual intelligences, in opposi­ in opposition to polytheism on the tion to that wide-spread system of one hand ; and the personality of God, star-worship, which dominated so in opposition to the deification of extensively in the East. universal nature on the other. Again, In Ex. vi. 3, there is a remarkable throughout the whole extant literature declaration regarding the early history of this people, which is as diversified and- ’ —use of *the’------name Jehovah,r ' ’ ' which’ ' 1 for its extent as the literature of any has caused considerable diversity of nation of antiquity, there is not to be opinion among those who have at­ found a sentence which tolerates the tempted its explanation, it reads thus : worship of any other God than the —“ I (am) Jehovah. And I appeared “ One Jehovau.” No wonder, there­ unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto fore, that their frequent lapses into Jacob, by (the name of) God Al­ the worship of other gods called mighty ; but by my name Jehovah forth so terrible manifestations of the was I not known to them.” The divine displeasure. circumstance that God had said to Begarding the phrase “ Jehovah Abraham *■ I am Jehovah that

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 52 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. April 1, 1805 brought thee out o( Ur of the Chal­ express formal revelation of himself, dees,” (Gen. xv. 7), and to Jacob “ I such a declaration of his physical, am Jehovah, God of Abraham, thy moral, and spiritual attributes, in Father, and the God of Isaac,” (Gen. language and in a system of religious xxviii. 13), and that Abraham had belief and practice, as that now about called a certain place by the name of to be delivered to Israel by Moses— Jehovah jireh., renders this declaration the revelation of which the word in Ex. vi. 3 dillicult of apprehension. Jehovah was to be a distinctive sym­ In the first volume of the first series bol, as involving all those sublime of the “ Messenger,” at pp. 2-4, there truths of which, thenceforward, Israel is an article in explanation of this was to be the witness and keeper. difficult statement, which those who The Hebrew term rendered “ AL have it beside them might re-peruse mighty ” is Shaddai, and the render­ with advantage. For the benefit of ing here given to it seems to be the those of our readers who have not that most justifiable. This term, like article in their possession, and as it is Elohim and Adonai, has a plural now out of print, we may here simply termination, which adds to the idea mention, that the writer, A. Fordyce, of power that of supcrlativeuess or explains the language by using the supremacy. word “ known,” in the sense of “re­ A singular superstition has pre­ cognize” or “ distinguish,” a sense vailed among the Jews from very which it undoubtedly has in some ancient times regarding the name instances; e. g., “You only have I Jehovah. The ordinary reader, or known of all the families of the earth,” even the reader of the law in the iii. 2, and he understands the Jewish Synagogue, never pronounces “ appearing to Abraham as God this sacred word when he comes to it Almighty, to mean that God blessed in the course of reading; he uses them through that name, but now Adonai; and if itoccurrs along with his name Jehovah is henceforth to Adonai, he substitutes Elohim. In be the medium through which he their theological writings, the word, will call his people and bless them.” if it be necessary to refer to it, is in­ Mr Wilkinson says that possibly dicated by a symbolical letter, but is an approach to the solution of the usually represented by the phrase, difficulty is to be found in the peculiar “ The Holy One, blessed be He ; ” usage of the term “ name.” In refer­ And in allusion to it, God is fre- ence tto God~ especially, it is frequently quently spoken of as “The name.” used to denote nature, character, and They have a tradition that, after the ' attributes. It stands in fact for the captivity, the name was pronounced revelation which he has at any time only once a year by the high priest made of himself and his holy will, in alone on the great day of judgment, regard to men’s belief, worship, and and that after the temple was destroy­ conduct. When, therefore, God says ed the name was never pronounced “ I appeared unto your fathers as at all. God Almighty,” (“by the name of” We blame the Jew for his super­ is not in the Hebrew), but by my stitious reverence for the mere sound name Jehovah was I not known to of this sacred name ; but let us them;” it may be meant that, al­ beware of falling into an error of as though God manifested himself to serious a nature—that of pronouncing the by personal communi­ “The name ” with irreverent- famili­ cation, ho had not given to them an arity. Let us revere “ the great and

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ April 1, U05 THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. 53 dreadful name of Jehovah our God.” hallowed be thy name ; ” and let tho for “ Jehovah will not hold him echo of such language be heard in a guiltless who taketh his name in careful and ready obedience to his vain.” Let the pervading sentiment holy commandments—doing those of our mind be that which is fain to things which are pleasing to him. express itself in accents such as these W. L. —■“ Our father who art in heaven,

THE FIRST THREE CENTURIES AND THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM.

Such information as is to be had from began to make void the words of scripture by books of the early ages of the Christian era, giving to them a fanciful meaning. However, will, I have little doubt, bo within the easy keeping this in mind, it is interesting to know reach of most brethren, since there are now how the language of the New Testament was a considerable numbcrof works devoted to the then understood : and we are able to detect subject. I will, however, briefly introduce it with tolerable certainty when the original sim­ to the notice of those who may not have given plicity of the faith was followed, and when it it any particular attention hitherto, and was departed from. specially refer to that position which the gos­ We know bow common it is in our time for pel of the kingdom occupied in primitive persons to deny tho doctrine of the kingdom of times. God, being established upon the earth at the At a glance, it will bo apparent that the Lord’s coming. They arc but a small num­ times that immediately succeeded the apos­ ber, comparatively, who look forward to a tolic age, ought to be interesting to the Bible literal reign with Christ upon tho earth. student, because of their proximity to the Nevertheless, we are not ashamed to belong days in which the inspired writers lived, for to that minority, for our conclusions havo we might reasonably expect to find among been arrived nt through believing the words of tho faithful who then lived, as near an ap­ scripture relating to it and other matters, iu proach toa correct apprehension and imitation thcirlitcral signification when that is possible. of the doctrines and practices of the Christ If we arc right in mir apprehension of the and his apostles, as any after time could doctrine, we ought to find some confirmatory shew. And since we have extant writings evidence of it in the early writings to which which dale from these early days, we natur­ I have alluded; I admit that some errors ally look to them with some degree of curiosity may also be confirmed in this way, but I ' to know how, at least, the writers of the argue that that does not weaken the weight second century say, viewed this or the other of the evidence which is thus sought to be doctrine which we hold now. Of the many afforded the doctrine of the kingdom as wo fragments and manuscript books treating of hole! it. If we find no mention of earth in doctrinal subjects which nave coine down to these authors, but on the contrary a uniform us, it must be admitted that there arc only a reference to heaven as the place of final in­ fow grains of wheat so to speak, among a heritance, it would rather militate against the bushel of chalf. correctness of our belief, but, if on the con­ The Christian writers of antiquity are trary, we find that our ideas arc exactly in headed by what aro known as the five harmony with what those ancient writers as a apostolic fathers, , Clement, Hernias, whole held on tho subject, there is a satisfac­ Ignatius, and ; these men were the tion in knowing it, because it is what we should contemporaries and companions of the apostles, expect if these ideas were true. Well I It is and perhaps they are as good examples of a fact, that for at least three hundred years discipleship as aro to be found of their kind. after the apostles, tho prevalent and, wo It is not unlikely the first three are the per­ might say, ouly belief held regarding tho sons mentioned in Acts iv. 36; Phil. iv. 3; kingdom of God, was, that it would be a and Hom. xvi. 14. These were followed by heavenly kingdom upon earth; possessed by Papias, Justin, Ircmeus, Tcitullian, , saints, mid ruled over by Jesus Christ after Quadrates, Lactmitius, &c. That s[>ecies his return from heaven. This is stated on of corruptness which found an able master unmislaknblo authority, whether wo look to in Origen in the fourth century, very soon tho language of the early writers themselves,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 5'1 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. April I, 1805 .or glance at the remarks of those in our own more welcome, coming as it does from one who times who have made themselves familiar with cannot be suspected of any doctrinal bias- He primitive Christian history and literature, snys, “ the ancient and popular doctrine of tho we arc assured of the fact. Take for example millcniuin was intimately connected with iho tlio language of Papins—" there will be a second coming of Christ, . . . this long period certain millenium alter tho resurrection of of labour and contention would be succeeded tho dead, when Christ will reign bodily upon by a jot fill sabbath of a thousand years; and tho earth.” Dr Sciss says, 11 indeed, the that Christ with the triumphant band of the evidence that these views were a vital and saints, and the cleet who had escaped death, prominent part of the faith of Christians, for who had been miraculously revived, would the first ages, is so clear am! conspicious, that reign upon earth . . . The assurance 1 do not know any scholar has over ventured ol such a millennium was carefully inculcated to contradict tho fact.’’ On the contrary, by a succession of fathers from Justin Martyr, many ancient scholars have confirmed it, and and Ircmcus down to Luctautius who was it is worthy of note, that even those who preceptor to the sou of Cunstnntinc. It have had no sympathy with the doctrine, appears to have been the re/yniny sentiment have given the same testimony concerning it, of the orthodox believers ” all the more important and valuable that il But all this was changed, and it seems to comes from those who alll-ct not to believe it: have been in no small degree attributable to tin! force oftnilh alone one would think could the style of reading the icriplurcs, which compel such admissions, Mosheim says, “ the Origen largely followed. Jlisinlhience appears prevailivy opinion that Christ was to come to have been most disastrous : he revelled in and reign a thousand years among men be­ what he called 11 the mysterious and hidden fore the tinal dissolution of the world, had sense" of scripture. He was followed by a met with no opposition previous to the time host of imitators, (il) it camo to be b>-licvcd of Origen.” that obscurity veiled nil tlio words ol God, and Munscher says, "how wide the doctrine of the trim sense had to he sought for in other inillcmirianism prevailed in the first centuries directions than that signified by the usual of Christianity appears from this, that it was meaning of tho terms. Dr Clarke laments universally received by almost all teachers.'' that a man of so much learning as Origen in The celebrated Chillingworth says, 11 that this his time “should have been led to counten­ doctrine (Christ’s personal reign) was by the ance, much less to recommend, a phut of church of the next age after the ajsistles held interpreting the divine oracles in many res­ true and catholic, I prove by these two rea­ pects the most futile, absurd, and dangerous, sons, first, whatever doctrine is believed and that can possibly be conceived ; and by which taught by' (lie most eminent fathers of any the sacred writings may be obliged to say any­ age of the church, and by none of their con- thin;.', everything, or nothing, according to temporaries opposed or condemned, that is to the fancy, peculiar ctecd or caprice of the bi esteemed the catholic doctrine of the church interpreter.’’ of those times ; but the doctrine of tho mil­ As long too as the church remained poor lenaries was believed and la-uyht by the most and persecuted, she held with more or less eminent fathers of the aye, next after the fidelity to her faith, looking for that blessed tiposfffs, and by none of that aye opposed ar hope, “ the glorious appearing;’’ but as tituo condemned; therefore, it was the catholic went on, and the name of Christian became doctrine of those tunes. tolerable in the world, especially when what " What these authors have said is just what remained of Christianity was elevated into multitudes of others equally learned and im­ a utate religion, the doctrine so firmly and portant have declared, Russell, and Bush, and generally held was as totally abandoned : it Lordlier, and Whitby, and Neandcr, and even came to be considered a heresy. Be­ Mede, and Kitto, and Maitland, and Taylor, lief from persecution,and especially the so call­ and Milner, and Barnes, the encyclopedias ed conversion of Constantine, changed their and reviews, friends and enemies, ancients faith till at last they found the New Jeru­ and modems, all admit and declare the fact, salem at Constantinople, and said, “why that the church of Christ for the first two should we seek any other ?* Alas, the gospel centuries alter the inspired apostles was uni­ of the kingdom was despised. In the days of versally millenarian Justin il was made “ the very acme of ortho­ Nor should we overlook Edward Gibbon, doxy,” tho proof of being “ right minded in i)io infidel historian, who has similarly ex. all things.” But other days cam •, mid it pressed himself: what he lias said is al) the * Tlio early Thvology’ of iho Christian Church, Bonnell. "Tbs East Times.”—By Sotss. I Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ April 1, 1805 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 55 was stigmatized as a foolish notion, a heresy; will come in the time and season which the and ridiculed. Lika all other good things it Father hath reserved in his own power ; let us has suffered at tho hands of its friends. watch for that, since that much wo “know Cerinthus, who lived as early as tho apostle ,perfectly,_____ ” and let us thank our Father in John, professed to believe in the kingdom, but heaven, that amid the prevailin' unbelief in invested it with gross delights. Of course, the things concerning his kingdom, we have with an unreasonable or bitter opponent been1---- -privileged •-to 'know------11the - glad tidings. of the truth, any handle of this sort will be Setting aside then every weight of tradition unscrupulously laid hold of to its disadvantage. and pernicious example of perversion, lot us One species of disrepute attachable to the receive tho unadulterated word of tho doctrine in later days, has arisen out of the truth, and walking as becoineth the child­ proncness of a certain class of “ interpreters'’ ren of God, let us ever pray that His king­ to pretend to tell the date of tho Lord's com­ dom may conic, and that, consistent with liis ing, and tho establishment of tho kingdom. long suffering, His will may speedily be done Many of those “ judgment days’’ hove como upon the earth. and gone, each, in turn ’awarding a judgment 0. Mitchell. of foolishness ou its author. But the Lord

“THE LORD IS AT HAND.”* Minister.—“ So I hear you have come, and the Revelation of its being left the------, and become a set up with judgments?” Mil lunarian ?” Min.—“ 0, so you set up to ex­ Young Disciple.—“ You can call pound Revelations, I hear I Why, me so if you prefer it, for I do cer­ that is a book of symbols, and nobody tainly believe in the thousand years’ ever will be able to understand it till reign of Christ. Otherwise I would it is fulfilled ; so pray don’t you make rather be known as one hoping for an a fool of yourself by pretending to ex- inheritance in the eternal kingdom of plain it. And when do you expect , Christ on the earth.” the setting >■»up of n.;thist- kingdom of Min.—“Well, have it your own yours ?” way; only I cannot find any such Dis.—“ We arc taught to expect notion in my Bible.” the coming of Christ, preparatory to Dis.—“ Not in all the numberless setting up his kingdom, daily.” passages which speak of the kingdom Min. ■—“Indeed! What, after of God and of Christ? Why, the eighteen hundred years’ disappoint­ Bible is full of it!” ment, you can still have the silliness Min.—“ Yes, but these all refer to to think those warnings referred to the church. The Christian dispensa­ the earthly kingdom ? I pity your tion, which was established on the blindness for not seeing that some of day of Pentecost, is tho only kingdom them were fulfilled in the coining of of God there is.” Christ, at the destruction of Jerusa­ Dis.—“ Indeed. How is it, thenthen, lem,icm, and

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 56 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. April 1, 1865 This is, in substance, an incident 1, 6; 2 Tim. ii. 16, 17 with iii. 1-6 ; we remember hearing in the early iv. 1, 2; 2 Pel. iii. 1-4, show that life of a young disciple, and is doubt­ the apostles considered the last- days less one form of attack which num­ as already begun. Janies v. 7, 8, bers have had to parry. We quote “ Be patient, brethren, io the coming it as an illustration of the puerility of of the Lord .... for the coming of the objections which can be made to the Lord draiucth nigh." Phil. fv. 5 ; the literal understanding of Christ’s Heb. x. 25, 37; James v. 9, “ The prophecies and warnings. Had the judge standetb at the door" Rev. iii. young brother said aught of the times, 20. But why multiply quotations. and fixed a date (e. g. 1864, at that Herein is abundant proof that we err time the currently favoured one), we not in accounting the apostolic teach­ can imagine the avalanche of derision ing as one concerning a proximate and historic disproof which would second advent. have fallen on his head from that re­ But does not Paul rebuke this as a verend scoffer. mistake, in 2 Thes. ii. 1-6 ? We can­ Yet there remains, how to sur­ not see it. lie is correcting an error mount, the difficulty—that eighteen into which their very excess of hope hundred years have passed without had led them. Ardently longing for bringing that desired event. We the coming of Christ, they bad ap­ know many who stumble at this. parently been troubled by some forged The early Christians were taught to letter, which allirmed that the event expect the coining Christ, resurrec­ was already past. It is the lie that tion, and the kingdom, in their life­ the day of Christ was “ already come" time, but near sixty generations have (not '■ at hand”), which he rebuts; a passed without bringing them. How heresy arising from the same false is it? Is there some mistake in our gnosis which allirmed that the resur­ reading? Had they really the ex­ rection was already past, 2 Tim. ii. pectation, or do we only imagine it? 18, and which possibly had the same Let us see. authorship. Nor can the rest of the John xxi. 22, 23. The popular chapter be held as teaching a long saying “ that John would not die,” interval. There is no indication of must surely have been founded upon time in it: the apostacy and its anti­ an expectation that the coming was christ ought be developed and over­ immediate. Rom. xiii. 11-14, ‘'The thrown in a few years (as indeed we night is far spent, the day is at hand." know they will be). Anyhow, it af­ 1 Cor. xv. 51, 52, “ IFe shall not all fects not the general faith and its sleep, but we shall all be changed, in teaching—that Christ was to be daily a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, waited for. He appeals to his pre­ at the last trump; for the trumpet vious leaching, of which we have a will sound, and the dead will be specimen in 1 Ep. v. 1-10, of one raised, and we shall be changed.’’ 1 class, and in 1 Ep. ii. 14-16 of an­ Thes. iv. 15, '• We who arc alive and other. And as Paul does not contra­ remain to the coming of the Lord." dict himself, it is plain that “ the v. 2, 4, “ Yourselves know that the tradition” he gave of the nighness of day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the Lord’s advent is unaffected by the night...... But ye are not in the other tradition of an apostacy. darkness that that day should over­ So we may conclude, without a take you." 2 Thes. iii. 5, “The pa­ fear or doubt, that the primitive faith tient waiting for Christ.” 1 Tim. iv. had as its principal element an ex-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ April 1, 1305 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 57- pectation of the speedy coming of the cause it did not realize the expecta­ Lord. And from this point wo ad­ tions or answer to the predictions dress ourselves to the inquiry, If he given. Matt. xxiv. xxv. show that was then preached as at hand, how his coining is with salvatory judg­ is it that he has not yet come ? This ments, and to the marriage.. And will resolve itself into three separate assuming the correctness of the dato inquiries:— of the Apocalypse, as given in our 1. Did Christ come invisibly at the Bibles, then the same, predictions destruction of Jerusalem by the Ho­ were repeated twenty-six years after mans? and was this the fulfilment of the advent to which they refer. Or the warnings of our Lord and his putting this aside as uncertain, we apostles? have John speaking and warning of 2. Was tho hope of a life-time bis coming, twenty years after (1 advent an error of deficient knowledge John iii. 2; iv. 17); probably also (akin to that commonly assigned to James wrote his epistle later than the expectation which the- apostles the destruction of Jerusalem. expressed at the ascension), and 2. It were a strange presumption therefore one which was afterward to accuse those whom the inspired corrected by the times and seasons of apostles personally taught, and by the Apocalypse ? consequence the apostles themselves, 3. Are the warnings and prophe­ of mistaken faith upon one of the cies, and the consequent faith in his most fundamental truths. Wo have immediate coming, general ? Are often heard the disciples accused of we of this age under the command carnal views of the kingdom, because to watch and look for his thief-like they asked Jesus, “ Wilt thou at this coming ? If so, then the saints time restore again the kingdom to through all the inteimediate gene­ Israel?" But we know the faith and rations have been the same: how, knowledge which prompted the ques­ then, shall we account for the delay? tion was anything but carnal ; and, To these inquiries let us find the therefore, we must conclude that if scriptural answers. they were not mistaken in the fact 1. It is assumed that Christ was that, he mould restore the kingdom, present at the destruction of Jerusa­ neither were they in error in the lem, but no proof is produced. Matt, teaching based upon his answer, i.e. xxiv. supplies none; for if that is in expecting him al any time. accounted as referring to the time, Then there is no need to suppose then we must inevitably conclude more information required. The an­ that the saints have been raised, Is­ swer of Jesus, “ it is not for you to rael gathered, and the kingdom know the times and seasons which established. Or, worse still, that God hath kept in Ilis own power," the expectation of the saints has satisfied them once for all. There been disappointed. For Paul, writ­ was no “ now ’’ or “ then ” in it. It ing to the Hebrews, tells them that was something not for them to know, Christ would “ appear the second one of the Lord’s special properties or lime, without sin, to salvation." If secrets (Dent. xxix. 29), and there­ he came at the era assumed, then the fore a beneficial ignorance. So Paul second time was not *' to salvation,’’ teaches, 1 Thcs. v. 1, 2. The dis­ and no third lime is spoken of. ciples in Tbessalonica had been But we may safely conclude that taught this reservation : they knew his advent did not occur then, be- perfectly that the day would come as

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 58 THE MESSENGER 01' THE CHURCHES. April 1,1605 unobservcclly as a thief. The rob­ Divine reservation. We have, again ber never sends word when he is and again the testimony that the coining to steal. With the same in­ Father has kept the secret of tho certitude of time (but with how dif­ when. Hear the Son :—“ Ye know ferent an objectI) will the Lord steal not what hour your Lord doth come.” upon the world. The saints are “ Of that day and hour knoweth no warned to be watchful, lest being man, no, not the angels of heaven, asleep, they, who ought to be his ac­ neither the Son, but my Father only." complices, are left behind, and share Matt. xxiv. 36, 42-51 ; xxv. 13; the enemy’s fate. Mark xiii. 32-37. This is a wise Another consideration must have keeping back, for it honours Himself, some weight here. If there was an and benefits man. As a brother re­ opening for supposing a deficiency of marked (speaking on 1 Thus. v. 1, 2) knowledge, strangely enough the lack “ If wc know too definitely, faith is is never supplied, and the error never bereft of its power.” If dates had corrected. The Apocalypse signally been given, there would have been fails to do it. It opens by aflirming no watchfulness. Even those who the time as at hand, obviously the lived in the very times of fulfilment time of judgment and tho kingdom, (as we do, if the dates are 1866-7), (chap. i. 3, 7), and closes with the would have their minds not absorbed- warning, “ Behold, I come quickly.” by the all-comprising expectation. And no times of any sort arc men­ Believing that the advent is so many tioned till after the resurrection has and so many years distant, there is taken place, and even no historic era time for strife, worldliness, and other or vision is given of that most im­ evils. History proves that datc- portant event, Wc sec (with John's fixing is schism-making,- * -■------But tho eyes, Rev. vii.) the redeemed as such, servant1 who’ ”lives 'in daily1 ’’ watchful­ but not the process of their redemp­ ness for his Lord is more careful tion from death. John leaves us no about being ready for him than about wiser than Paul (1 Thus, iv., v.) docs power, position, Ac. He watches and on thatt‘ point. If, then, the times do prays that he “may be kept from the not begin tillnil after the event whicho f temptation.” He watches we are hoping for, they most cer­ and prays that he may be found of tainly cannot answer the question— Christ, and presented to the Father “ How long till the advent ?” nor as '‘holy, and unblameable, and unre- can they affect the faith in its ever proveablc.” He is vigilant because nearness. he knows that it is “ to those who" 3. If no qualifying after informa­ look for him that the Christ will tion is afforded, thereby limiting the appear the second time ... to sal­ uncertainty to a definite era, it is vation.” He shares with his Lord right to conclude that the faith in, the hopeful dependence upon the and watchfulness for the coining of Father’s good pleasure. The Son is Christ as daily at baud, is insepar­ seated at the “ Father’s right hand, able from the faith in the fact itself, expecting, till his foes be made his and therefore as obligatory upon us footstool.” If, then, the Christ is now as it was on the disciples eighteen thus indicated as watching for the hundred years ago. And if there is signal to come to his kingdom, how a duty to watch, then there must be much . more will the believer bo an explanation of the past delay. watching and praying for the coming In the from stands first of all flic of the Christ. Thus we sec that

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ April i, 1865 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 59 prayer, vigilance, hope, faith, dili- Divine Father having kept the secret gence, 1holiness, ,f all arceither de- of the times and seasons.—J. W. pendent on, or advanced by, the (Concluded in our next.)

A UNITY OF FAITH IN THE EARLIER AND THE LATER SAINTS. In answer to the inquiry in last church agree that their doctrine is “Messenger” whether there are not to be found in Moses, the Psalms, scriptural grounds for believing, that or the Prophets. It is not in any in the world to come there shall be part of the Old Scriptures which a difference of position between the Paul says are “ able to make ns wise fathers, to whom the promises were unto salvation through faith which is made, and those who have believed in Christ Jesus.” Nor is it in the since Pentecost, ic would, I think, be first half of the New Testament, nor sufficient to answer—No, and wait yet in any writings of Peter, James, for scripture proof from those who John, or Jude, nor can it be found in assert the opposite. But to assist in the earlier writingsof Paul, but only bringing the question before the in some parts of some of his later brethren, the following remarks arc epistles. The natural effect of such submitted. a doctrine is to make us less inter­ Among the corruptions and the ested in anything taught or revealed mutilations of the one faith of the of God to the holy men of old. It Bible, there has been a denial, by hands over to Israel alone, the whole the aposlacy, of the plain fnlfilmcnt Old Testament covenants and pro­ of God's promises concerning our phecies, as well as a considerable earth and the human race. The portion of Christ’s teaching, and worst form of this is seen in the makes it necessary to believe, what ignorant infidelity of the professedly is confidently asserted, that during Christian world. A diluted form is Paul's apostleship there was revealed seen in those who allow that Israel to him another gospel, foretelling a shall be redeemed and the world de­ higher and more glorious position livered, but who will not allow that than the inheritance of the everlast­ Christ and his church have any work ing kingdom of God. or inheritance in either. In thus Now there is no question, but that denying, they claim for our Lord and the future position of the church is his saints a superior spirituality and one of surpassing glory and honour. heavenliness of destiny. Many No man could have conceived it, and strong assertions and a few pas­ the human mind, unaided, cannot sages, arc employed in support of comprehend it. Our sins are forgiven this position. for bis name’s sake,—we shall be In searching for truth on any manifested as the sons of God, be­ scripture question, especially on a coming partakers of the divine matter so large, as this, it is necessary nature, and having a body like his to go back to the beginning of God’s own glorious body, shall sit with him revelation on the subject, and trace on his throne, to whom angels, au­ forward that teaching to the end. thorities, and powers, and all heaven Now, all the advocates, that I have and earth are made subject. A read or heard, of this destiny of the glorious destiny in truth, —but we are

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ GO THE MESSENGER OF THU CHURCHES. April 1, 1305 shut up to the conclusion that this evident from the usage of similar glory is to be manifested and enjoyed terms all through the New Testa­ in the kingdom of God, because “ the ment,—See Matt, xviii. 3 ; Acts xiv. hope laid up for you in heaven " was 22 ; 2 Peter i. 11, and kindred pas­ that hope “ whereof ye heard before sages. Therefore, the saints shall in the word of the truth of the inherit the kingdom of God with its gospel," of that same kingdom of everlasting glory : and that the New God. Also, because that where he Testament saints have the like in­ is, there shall we be also and shall heritance, has been already evidenced behold his glory. Now where be is from scripture. to be, is sitting on David’s throne, Another way of supporting this reigning in Mount Zion and in Jeru­ differential doctrine, is by quoting salem before his ancients gloriously, such a passage as Eph. i. 18-23, and as the scriptures abound in proving.* then asserting that there were no The kingdom of God is God’s such promises made unto the Fathers ; reign upon earth, “ by that man but for this assertion there is no whom he hath ordained,’’ and in that proof; no man can tell what was kingdom shall our eternal weight of not promised unless he has God’s glory be revealed and enjoyed,— word therefor. Who can measure the “ Inheritance among those who are extent of Abraham’s “ exceeding sanctified" for this kingdom and glory great reward,” orUl limitIIUBIU theUIC boundsUUUUUS ofU1 is the sublime hope set forth l* in the such a blessing as God gave to him word of the truth of tho gospel," by Melchisedec, or the still greater preached by Paul and all the amplification in Gen. xxii. 17? apostles, as mentioned in the apos­ We must become wise above what is tolic epistles. If then, there be a written, before we can say what is lower position in the world to come, and what is not included in such a for the Old Testament saints, than blessing ; for the ancients had a for the New Testament church, these larger knowledge and a more abund­ ancient saints must either not rise to ant faith than we could have learned the inheritance of that heavenly except from the New Testament; kingdom, or the church must be such is Enoch’s prophecy given by raised above that inheritance,—there Jude, and such is the Mosaic esti­ are advocates of each of these doc­ mate of the reproach of Christ, and trines, but I think the scriptures arc Abraham's hope for that divinely against them both. architected city of the sure founda­ That the ancient saints shall in­ tion. These it would have been herit the kingdom of God, is proved difficult for us to have proved from by the Abrahamic promise, and dis­ Genesis, and it is therefore absurd tinctly taught by our Lord in Luke for us to take our ignorance of any xviii. 28, “Ye shall see Abraham, promise, and set it up as the standard Isaac, and Jacob, and all the pro­ for Him who is abundant in goodness phets in the kingdom of God.” and truth. 1 Peter i. 12, and Ilcb. Now, that being “ in the kingdom,” xi. 40, are also founded on. The as applied to those who shall be ac­ former cannot mean that the pro­ counted worthy to obtain that world phets bad no share in the things they and the resurrection from the dead, foretold, for they prophesied of the is equivalent to being inheritors, is kingdom of God, and that kingdom we know they shall inherit, as al­ ♦ Soo first and third articles In last month’s “ Messenger." ready shewn. The latter, “ God Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ April !, 1855 THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. fil having provided some better thing ing with the Galatians,, who bad for us,” has the appearance of a legi- been bewitched into going back to timate proof; it is said that the legal observances as a means of “ better thing for us” means, better sharing in Abraham's blessing. Paul than God has provided for them. is at pains to show them, that if they I acknowledge, that it easily reads be Christ’s, then they are Abraham’s that way ; but while I have no more seed, and heirs according to the pro­ natural reading to suggest, I cannot mise ; he might have saved some make that meaning agree with the chapters of reasoning, could he. have tenor of the whole epistle, nor yet told them not to strive for such an with the other scriptures. Thus in inheritance, for their destiny was far Heb. iii. and iv. there is certainly sot higher than Abraham’s, but he makes forth a oneness of hope and re­ no such statement, and therefore, we ward for those who believed that conclude, that such “ another gospel” Jesus was the Christ and those whom was not in the apostolic ken. Moses led up out of Egypt, “ For The coming of the glorified saints unto us was the gospel preached, as with Messiah, shall move to jealousy well as unto them.” The gospel from the fleshly Israelites,—proofs in Dent, Abraham downward has been in all xxxii. 21 ; Rom. x. 19 ; 1 Peter ii. ages the same. “ In thee shall all fam­ 910 ; Heb. ii. 13 ; Is. viii. 18 ; Rom. ilies of the earth be blessed,” is the xi. 31. Like Esau, unbelieving same as the blessing of the covenant Israel have despised their birthright at Sinai, “ Yeshall be to me akingdom and lost the highest blessings. The of priests and a holy nation,” for kingdom of God, which was theirs by the purpose is the same, that of promise, has been taken from them blessing through them, all families and given to a nation of believing of the earth, The apostolic gospel fruit-producers. The appearance of of the kingdom of God~ offers' Jesus the as Messiah in glory shall same honour to every believer. For cause them to mourn bitterly when hitherto, God has been only selecting they look: on him whom they have humanj •instruments • to be t1“ *joint-heirs . • l 1 • pierced;...... 1 and their hearts shall burn with Christ," through whom he may with the fire of jealousy within them, bless all nations; and it is of his when they behold Gentiles “ who abundant mercy that the long “To­ were not a people ” in visible posses­ day if ye will hear his voice,” is not sion of their kingdom’s glory. Now, closed,—“ For the Lord is not slack herein is convincing proof, that the concerning his promise as some men very things promised to Abraham’s count slackness, but is long-suffering seed, and lost by their unbelief, shall toward us, not willing that any be possessed by the New Testament should perish." believers. It must be so or there This same identity of faith for all would be no jealousy on the part of the saints is expressly set forth by Israel ; to sec others enjoying what Paul, in Eph. ii. and iii. where the was never promised and never hoped believing Gentiles arc shewn to be for, could never make that nation no longer “ strangers and foreigners,” jealous. It is the supplanting by but “ fellow-citizens with the saints,”

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 62 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. April 1, 1SG3 All this involves the identity of all the surpassing glory of the saints. our faith and hope with that of the As there has ever been but one Lord, saints of old ; and there is no need so has there also been but one faith to suppose a higher glory. The cov­ for his people. Let not us, who have enants of promise unfold a destiny been, of God’s mercy, grafted into worthy of Abraham the friend of God his good tree, boast against both root and Christ his Son. Do not believe and branches. Let not us, who have that any Old Testament hopes are wrought but one cool hour of evening, earthly or carnal ; they are spiritual claim a higher reward than those who and divine. For as the position of have borne the burden and heat of our Lord as the glorified Messiah on that long ‘ to-day.’ More than suffi­ the throne of David, hinders not his cient will it be, if the Master answer ruling all heavenly and earthly for us, “ 1 will give unto this last even powers, so neither does the literal as unto thee.” possession of the Abrahamic bless­ D. Lindsay. ings, prevent the full development of

EXTRACTS, &c.

RESTORED ISRAEL. Standing still is dangerous ever, Te it then be naked, shall Israel be again 'Toil is meant for Christians now j restored to their own land as well ns con­ Let there be when evening comclh verted ? I answer, even so, and (as I ob­ Honest sweat upon thy brow. served at the beginning) not on their own And the Master will come smiling, account merely—not for their salvation’s sake When work stops at set of sun ; only, nor to prove in their instance that "the Saying, ns He pays thy wages, gifts and calling of God arc without change “Good and ftdilifttl man, well done !” of mind” on His part,—but moreover, and From the German. especially, because their restoration is sub servient to tho establishment of the kingdom THE HEAD AND THE HEART. and throne of Christ in the world : fur as it is necessary that as “ Son of man ” ho should There is oftentimes a prodigious distance receive “ tho kingdom and dominion under betwixt a man’s head and his heart; such a the whole heaven," according to the promise distance that they -seem not tn have any cor- (hat the seed of tho woman should bruise the repondenee—not to belong to the same person serpent’s head, and that he may reinstate — not to converse in the same world. Our man in Ids lost inheritance, so must lie as heads nrc sometimes in heaven, contemplat­ “ Son of David " receive “ the throne of his ing the nature of God, the blessedness of father David,’’ and “ reign over the house of saints, the state of eternity ; while our hearts Jacob,’’ not only to perform tho mercy Io are held captive below, in a conversation Israel, but in accomplishment of the divino earthly, sensual, devilish. 'Tis possible we purpose through them and their land, to bless may sometimes comment on virtue convinc­ all nations of the earth. ingly, unanswerably, and yet our own hearts Bunoir. be never affected by our own arguments ; we may represent vice in her native dress of hor­ ror, and yet our hearts be not at all startled WORKING SONG. with theirown menaces; we may study and ac­ In the name of God advancing. quaint ourselves with all the truths of religion, Sow thy seed at morning light; and yet all this out of curiosity, or hypocrisy, Cheerily the furrows turning, or ostentation—not out of the power of godli­ Labour on with all thy might. ness, or tho serious purpose of good living.. Look not on the far off future, All which is siiflicient proof that tho consent Do the work which nearest lien: of the head and of the heart are two diJFcrent Sow thou must before thou rcapest, things. Rest at last is labour's prize. Learn to be one man; that is, learn to live Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ April 1, 1865 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. C3 and act alike. For while we act from con­ a danger of us proving unfaithful servants, trary principles—sometimes give, and some­ and so reaping corruption, being cut asunder, times defraud—sometimes love and sometimes or finding our portion with ths hyjMicrittw. betray—sometimes aro devout, and sometimes But, on the other hand, if faithful to God our careless of God, this is to bo two men, which Father, we shall be holy—lor without holi­ is a foolish aim, and always ends in loss of ness none shall see him—we shall bo pure, pains. " No,” says wise Epictetus, "learn and the pure in heart shall see God. If faith­ to bo one man : thou mayest be a good man, ful to our Lord and Master, who was holy, or thou mayest be a bad man, and that to the harmless, undefiled, we shall now follow liis purpose ; but it is impostiblc that thou should- example—“ He hath loft us an example that est bo both.” And here iho philosopher had we should follow his steps.” Wo shall bo the happiness to full in exactly with tho no­ holy, harmless, mid undelilcd. If faithful to tion of that text: "Wo cannot servo two the truth, to tho law which is holy, just, and masters.”—Dean Young. good ; to the commands which nre pure, wo shall then be just and good and pure. THE HIGH CALLIN'?. We slinll be like Him, for wo shall see him We do not expect a great turning to the ns Ho is, and every one that hath this hope Lord in these days of darkness, superstition in him jnirifulh himself even as He is pure. and priestcraft. No, not till light dispel We cannot, dare not be conformed to this darkness, till intelligence overthrow supersti­ age, because ho hath redeemed us from this tion, and Jesus tho Christ, as a king and a present evil age. We nre redeemed by his priest on his throne, cast down all hierarchies blood from an evil age, let ns then lice from of priests in al! sects. Haste tho day when evil, and cleave to that which is good. Thus the righteousness of saints shall shine forth shall we live to him who died for ns. and not in deathless beauty over a now groaning, but unto ...ourselves. And. thus ------shall wo bo• —ren- then rejoicing creation; when tho tears of dered lit for the society of the good of nil ages thousands of years shall bo wiped away, and — men of whom tho world was not worthy, tho progressive work of transporting joy shall mon whoso names liavo been handed down send forth its jubilant notes, till tho last ene­ with honour and renown, for patterns to all my, death, be destroyed, and all be once more who will live gorily. Wo should be ready pronounced very good. also to sillier with tho Christ, if wo aspire to With this high destiny, let ns live, speak, the honour of reigning with him, and being act, and die if tho case may be, so that we glorified together with him. bo approved in tlio day when tho Lord makes Bo it ours, then, to secure an abundant en­ up his jewels. To each of us may it bo said trance into tho everlasting kingdom; liken •—Well done, good and faithful servant, thou ship in full sail wo aro now on the troubled hast been faithful over a few things, I will ocean, but then wo shall joyfully enter a har­ make thee ruler over many things. There is bour of peace aud repose- J. it.

Intelligence, Notes, &c-

Edinburgh.—On Saturday, March 18,our will secure him still higher honours tlinn sister, Jeanie Ilaslic, left for a fsituation “ in these: even a seat on tho throne of tho Ware, near London' (address—Mr Walker, world, “when the King of kings comes,’’ and Bank House, Wnro, Herts), where she will the degree of Chosen and Faithful. be dependent on letters or occasional visitors On Sunday, 2Glh March, the church hold for Christian fellowship and sympathy. its twelfth anniversary, celebrating it as usual Brother and sister Kerr have departed for with a festive assembly. The report, for tho Copiapo, as before intimated. It may bo in­ past year, showed an increase of elevon, but teresting for the brethren to know that John against that were tho death of one, tho with­ Kerr, though a really self-taught young man, drawn! of two, and tlio migration of no less has had awarded him the highest honours than si's to greater or lesser distances—tho which the city could give for all that he put Davidsons to Australia, the Kerrs to South his hand to. He carries with him the diplo­ America, sister Jauo Henry to London, and, ma of perpetual membership of the School of as above, our sister to Ware—tlio names of Arts, tlio Horner prizes for two years in the all six aro however still retained on the roll. samo institution, and, last of all, the degreo There have been 26 public addresses,in tho way of bellow of tho Scottish Society of Arts — of sotting forth tho faith, in Edinburgh and perhaps now lor the first time bestowed on a olsowhcre. '1 ho spirit of the various meetings working man. Wo trust, however, that his is well kept up, and tho love and unity of tho present curriculum of study and discipline brotherhood aro in a healthful statu.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ (J.p THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES.” April 1, 1SG5 V Glasgow.—On the morning of Saturday, Longsidc, sister of Mrs Harvey—receiving 4th February, James Doeg, in the discharge the light hand 6f'fellowship on the 2(>th. of his duly as guard on a goods train, at the SubseqlioWtly who mot with tho brethren in Unmpsio station of llio Edinburgh & Glasgow Buchan, purposing forthwith to proceed to Railway, when about to couple two waggons, Liverpool. Some others have determined to was caught by the bullers, and severely follow tho good example, of whom we hope crushed. No one expected him to survive to hear'soon. this severe usiitrc ; but by thb end of a'.ioit- “ In addition to this,” writes brother Ro­ niglit he seem ’d to bo recovering, .and bid bertson, 11 I have given a course of 8 lectures, fair to be well again. However’, it proved on Sunday evenings, on—The Covenants of that human sagacity was ilccelvjllp for, ho by promise, the coming of the Lord, the lordship mid byo began to exhibit rather alarming of the Messiah, the great salvation, Christ symptoms, and ultimately, on 4th Mnijch, and him ciucilicd, Jehovah’s vineyard, tho almost exactly four weeks after the accident, strait gate, and the sure word of prophecy. be died.. Sensible at the last of the danger Aud answered 12 questions 1 received during ho was in, he commended himselfaud family ithat' time from inquirers. The in'cetings to God. and fell asleep in the Lord. It is 'rd- 'were------sometimes crowded, aud generally well ■markable,uiuauviu, IVIon sad extent,u...... that ...Vthe V.V-.W...doatlidf 'attended; so well as touJ enCOtll’age UStOtry his father, James Doeg, sen. (February 1861) -the same again, if we arc spared. We arc also took place in tho discharge of;, rail way waiting the result of these labours; it may. duty, and that several other member's} of!,the ho imany days hence ere we see the fruit. family have met with violent deathsB srf;hty We; are..... going^...^ forth.«...... bearing...... precious seed— reader is referred to Luke xiii. 1-5."1'-! Jpfv ‘,tlie word of tbo kingdom','t.;...„b.„.'),__wo shall return Un 10th March, brother Willimn^Ca&sito' with our sheaves rejoicing­ 1 we shall reap if left for London, having got work thereL iWo- vpj faint not.' ”, are not yet furnished with his address |ti thie ; .’ ——------great metropolis. ' I v'i— •* • NotoNow rcawy,ready, Price «<».,Gd., .. The church in Glasgow (formerly mdt-tiiig. urpHE CONTRAST BETWEEN PRO- in the Mechanics’ Hall, Bath .Street,)'IkIsa 'TESTANTISM«d d.stmcttdrms someo the more important gent confession of faith and obedience tothoj P<»«? "'bich tho popular Protestant teach- hrst command, Mrs Bragg, and • Elizabeth" *.8 at W1 11 ?cclara!1,°"8 ?f Chnrlecombe. Henceforth going on their why, ^.npture ; and. the contrast between them is made the more striking by the two being, rejoicing. Being in Christ, may they bp occasionally presented in' parallel columns.' ' found in him at his appearing. lu The things of the one faith are also very ablv Nottingham.—Since our lust report q»i stated and defended, and the work is well addition has been made to the meeting in ibis suited for putting into the hands of inquirers place in Lucy Cheadle, tiic'sister of-Mi’g Richards. Having made tho good conlessidu’, after the truth. Orders should be addressed she’was baptized on ' Thursday, tho Istflbf’ to W. Norrie, 9 Ingliston Street, Edinburgh, March, and received into the fellowship of flic church, on the following Sunday. In’obrlasfr 437 The Messenger is n’nw Registered month’s report the name of tho’ brother wt\d. von Transmission Aiukiad. .By’this arrange­ had reunited himself to the meeting,' (Vhi ment with the Post Ofliee, it is placed on the stirnc fooling as all Newspapers, that it may erroneously stated as Henry Hinds,—ityhotiId be posted to any of the Colonies, or to any have been George Hinds. other place where they liavo apcess. at a Tuuhii-t’.—Since last notice, there has been charge of id. pre paid. ’.This does not inter­ something done. On January 28, wore bap-, tized into the name of; the. Lord—Mrs Win/ fere with its privilege of book-post, where Harvey. Alex Kay (shoemaker), and Wm.‘ that is granted nt the rates before.stated. Cruickshauk (weaver), and received into fel­ Tho Treasurer acknowledges, receipts for lowship the following day- On February 24/ Messenger from Beith, Birmingham, Douglas,' was also added to tlic name of tho Izordpin Dunkeld, Jarrow, Mumbles, Paisley, Paxton,i the obedience of faith, Margaret Fraser, froffr and Searboro’. i Articles should bo sent in by the IQllityf yup. Articles should be sent in by the 1 Stic, of Jhp. month, and items, ol( intelligence not,later' than thu 24th ; all papers meant— for irikeiijou, or holes uf iufelligenee.may Jic forwarded . «-« i•» •<•.!»_ ...... a nf . toLU MKUKUKGhouok Down:, 12 Beaumontircuumviu jPladq.; tand all business eonimniiicalions to Jams:) Cameron, 12 Callon Dill,Hill, Edinburgh,------to^vhmnto Avium nnmey orders should be made payable. A. AND W. Il, WILSON, J-HlNTtns, UlUlt STREET, EDINUlkUll. Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ el THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES.

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

No. 5. May 1, 1865. New Series. Vol: 1.

THE LORD IS AT HAND. (Concluded from page 59.J How shall we harmonize the secret prophecy from behind. Prophetic kept with the secrets revealed, “ for language is like a picture ; the front the Lord doeth nothing but what he of the building is fully given, but the revealeth his secret to his servants side-view is either not shown, or is so the prophets;” and these revealed admirably “ fore-shortened,” that we things, whether spoken by the pro­ cannot estimate the length. His­ phets, by the Son in parables, or by tory, on the contrary, gives the side­ apocalyptic vision, have been a long elevation, enabling us to see more of time in fulfilling? How then can the relative proportions. Hence, we the Lord have been at hand ? must always discern between the pro­ Easily may thi,s objection be phetic statement of the fact to be, answered. In revealing His purposes and the historic vista of how it has he has spoken without hint or note occurred. This has been happily ex­ of time. Thus there are every­ pressed by an excellent writer on where openings for indefinite inter­ prophecy.* “It is easy to see ludes, for blanks, for delays. A most how a Christian, looking back on the notable one occurs in Is. Ixi. 2, ac­ dreary course of centuries, in which cording to the showing of Jesus him­ the corruption foretold in the parables self. Quoting this in Luke iv. 18, of Matt. xiii. has been in progress, 19, be reads as far as “ to preach the tnay suppose that Christians in apos­ acceptable year of the Lord,” and tolic times would necessarily look for­ closing at the comma, shows us an ward to some protracted period, as interval, as yet unconcluded, of 1800 requisite for the fulfilment of our years, to the other portion of his Lord’s predictions. In that case, they mission, to proclaim “the day of obviously could not have lived in the vengeance of our God.” Again, in habitual expectation of Christ's com­ Dan. xi. we have another instance ing. But what is there in the chapter where an interregnum of some 2000 itself to have produced such an im­ years occurs, whether we place it pression on the minds of the disciples ? after verses 29 or 33, or 40. **rinlii I’npors on Prophetic SubjeeLi, 1850, p p. The error consists in looking at the 229, 230.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ GG THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. May i. That the parables were so spoken giving natural catastrophes, past and and so written as to find their actual future, and then strengthens the dis­ fulfilment in what has gone on for ciples’ faith by reminding them of the centuries is beyond doubt. But it is essential character of the Lord,—“ a here that God’s perfect, infinite wis­ God of Mercy,”—as the reason why dom is manifested. While the fulfil­ the expected judgment was not come. ment of the predictions has really “ Let not this cnc thing escape you, occupied centuries, the predictions beloved,—that one day with the Lord themselves were so expressed as not is as a thousand years, and a thou­ to suggest the postponement of the sand years as one day.* The Lord Lord’s coming...... From the of the promise is not slow, as some terms of the parable (of the wheat regard slowness, but is patient to­ and taros) no one could gather that wards us, not wishing that any one the sowing of the seed, the ripening should perish, but that all should of the crop, and the reaping of the come to reformation. But the day harvest, would not be all accom­ of the Lord will coine as a thief. . . . plished in one generation. We know Seeing all these things will be dis­ that it has been otherwise, and the solved, what persons ought we to be? terms of the prediction are in per­ In holiness and godliness expecting fect accordance with the fact as it has and hastening the presence of the day transpired ; but there was nothing in of God...... Reckon the patience those terms to suggest that at any of the Lord as salvation.” Now, if point in the past history of Christian­ men can hasten the day of the Lord, ity, the whole might not be wound up are they not as able to delay or hinder in a very short period indeed." it ? Certainly, therefore' we conclude We cannot escape the inevitable that God has made the coming of the conclusion that all things were so far Son contingent upon men’s prepared­ ready, that the Christ could have ness. Or, in more exact words, come and set up the kingdom in the Christ will come when the number of very generation whose expectations the elect is made up. The apostasy are recorded, and there is no reason has cursed and punished the world for believing that the words of warn­ by delaying the kingdom. And how ing, “ the Lord is at hand,” imply much longer it may delay, only the ought else but their natural signifi­ Omniscient Being knows. It is no cance. And, therefore, we must as­ thanks to man that God bath evolved sume a literal significance in the word a blessing out of the delay, by devel­ “ delay.” The Lord has been ready oping tho salvatory agencies of civi­ 1800 years, but man has put off the lisation, &c., to him belongs all the blessed era. This is a startling con­ glory of this. The only difference clusion, but we believe it is a true one.* which is humanly discernible is, that And no other, we believe, will har­ wheareas these have but slowly ac- monize with Peter's reasoning (2 ‘ How truly this is demonstrated by the timeless- Pet. iii.), and the scripture upon nets ot tlio prophots. Who is not struck with, and often puzzled by this ? Who can ever succeed in which that reasoning is based. To chronologically arranging their writings? Sco Jcr. the scoffer’s doubts be answers by iii., iv. as an example. Our difficulty consists in our looking nt them from the human stand-point. If wc climb a hill, we seo tho peaks and uplands, but * Tho view may bo perhaps a little plainer seen tho valleys uro hid. The divine oyc, however, has by an Illustration. A teacher promises n reward eternity out-spread before it, and so is aliovo limo- to his pupil when ho has learned a curtain lesson. considerations. And, again, tho monarch of eter­ This reward is nt hand from the thno of tho lossoil nity has alt power over time, to expand a day's being begun, whether the scholar be diligent and do events into n thousand years, or concentrate a hi» work iu a day, or negligent and ba weeks over it. thousand years into a day. Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ May lr 16G5. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 67 crued, had the kingdom long ago 1700 years before their fulfilment? beeni---- ....set *i._„up, they------wouldi.i ihave----- been Judeed, it was on]y the Lord’s long- more rapidly manifested. While God suffering, his mercy which takes no has “ waited to be gracious,” he has count of time, which prevented the been utilizing the delay in the ad­ realisation of the curses shortly after vance of these rudimentary principles the death of Joshua. There is an of the kingdom. exact parallel between the delay,— Many will doubtless demur to this shall we say the procrastination oj reasoning, conceiving that it invades mercy ?—in the out-pouring of the the theory of the Divine Will. But covcnauted curses, and the delay in we humbly submit that such is not the coming of the great day of wrath. the case. Daniel speaks of “ an ap­ The near prospect was the same, pointed time,” David of “ a set time to Joshua xxiv. 20. The apostasy be­ favour Zion,” aud other like instances. gan as early, Judges ii. 10, 11. Ear­ But this language docs not imply an nests of vengeance began with that arbitrarily fixed date, but rather a sure apostasy, Judges ii. 14, 15; paralleled fact—a contingent event. A perusal by the European experiences of bar­ of Ps. cii. will shew this. The “ set barian invasions. The expulsion time” is after, or contingent upon, the from the land was at hand (Deut. day of Jacob’s “trouble.” “In the xxxii. 35), from this time, but was day when I call answer me speedily." ofttimes postponed by the national And, therefore, it is dependent up- ...... repentance,T‘’ Judges ''ii. 16-19. An on human action, see 2 Cor. iii. 16; clement of temptation was left among liom. xi. 23-2G ; with ii. 12-14 ; them as a test (Judges ii. 20-24), to Hosea xiv. What would be the ad­ which answer the enslaving tradi­ vantage of praying for the redemp­ tions in the church. There were tion of Zion, and the peace of Jeru­ many epochs in Israel’s history salem (Ps. Ii. 18 ; exxii. 6), if the when' the curses seemed coming upon event was unalterably fixed at some them, e.g. the Midianitc invasion, the point of time, revealed or unrevealed ? Philistine capture of the ark, the pil­ That it will take place is plain to the 1lage of the temple by Shishak, the simplestmind,and thatliewho “knows Syri° ‘ian and other invasions, e.g. 2 the end from the beginning,” knows Kings xiii.22,23; xxii. 13-20. There at what chronological point in the | are like epochs in the church’s history, records of time it will occur, is just such as the Reformations, the rcvolu- as plain. But this is a very different tions, as might be seen had we time thing from an arbitrarily determined to follow it out. But the time came date. As well might wo adopt the when the Lord was “wearied” out, idea that men’s actions are arbitrarily when he would no longer “ defer his fixed before their existence, in face of anger,” because Israel’s iniquities the whole scripture teaching of free were come to the full, because they agency, as conclude that a fixed era were now hardened past reformation is part of God’s working We know (Hos. v. G, 15). All this while God that the captivity of Israel took place had been electing his saints, re­ B.C. 721, the first destruction of serving to himself those that bowed Jerusalem B.C. 588, the second A.D. not the knee to idols, till at last “ the 70 ; yet we cannot suppose they could godly men ceased,” Ps. iv. 3 ; xii. 1-8. not have happened earlier. Who,, Then, when this salt, this conscrva- reading the curses in Lev. xxvi. or tire element, which hindered the Deut. xxviii., would conceive of some coming curses, was no longer present,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ C8 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. juy i. iseo. iho corruption spread, and the disso­ the Lord has come personally nigh- lution of their commonwealth came. Again, we must remember that there The saints, the spiritual antiseptic, is already a great part of the work are being now gathered, therefore done. The foundations were put in the Lord is long-suffering toward all the apostles’ days, and they may be people who are not yet utterly cor­ speedily built upon. This is a rail­ rupt. But when these, which hinder way age : so that if there be not the apocalypse of the wicked one, already a sufficient number of Jews will be removed, then will the long resident in the Holy Land to fulfil delayed day of the Lord's vengeance the prophetic story, a few months burst upon the world. would suffice to gather them when The conclusion then to which we the Lord gives the word. And anti­ come is, that from a very early period christ is but as it were the fungus of after his ascension, the Messiah has a night’s growth out of the long ex­ been ready to appear, or in scripture isting social and religious rot. terms “ al hand to come.” That “ the So that there really is no single times of restitution/' the setting up impediment to the coming of the of the kingdom, and other sequential Lord, if the contingency we have events, have in themselves nothing presented be accomplished. And he which necessitate the Jong past inter­ only knows this. Possibly the dis­ val. The out-pouring of judgment/o/- ciple who yesterday put on tho name /ows upon the coming of the Christ, and of Christ may be the last unit needed is very limited in its times, apparently to make up the sum of the world’s not occupying more than seven years. riders, and Jesus may come to night. And that, therefore, the delay has We hope it may be so ! Or it may be been of man’s causing. that the complement wants a goodly Exccptionwill doubtless be taken to number yet of individuals, and their this by some who reason that there righteous deeds, to be gathered as must be a scries of intervening events slowly as in the past, or by a gracious yet future, such as a partial restoration new pentecostal conversion. One- of the Jews, the dispossession of the thing, at least, wc arc confident of, Turkish power, the developement of that every schism and variance has antichrist, and the like, all requiring a hindering instead of a hastening some time in realization. But these influence upon the advent. If this form no impediment when rightly thought were but more general, how viewed. The paramount facts upon much it would conduce to peace which all the New Testament teach­ and holiness. “Am I hindering or ings arc based are the sudden unex­ hastening the day of the Lord ? ” Oh pected descent of the Christ into the what a change of conduct this would air, the resurrection and ascension of produce in many, nay in all of us I the saints in the clouds to meet him, Let us then try and make the ex- and their subsequent coming with him pectation of the daily coming of the to reign upon the earth. For anything Lord, the habit of our minds. If he which appears in the word to decide was at hand 1800 ycais ago, ho is this matter, this tarrying or secret still nearer now. And proportionately meeting may bo as long as Israel's greater, then, is our need for a watch­ sojourn in the wilderness, or it may fulness over our every thought, word, be only ns many days. There is, and deed, which vigilance is the best therefore, ample scope fur a develop­ and only real proof that we arc ing era for these earthly events, after watching for the event. We see

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Muy I, 1855. THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. 09 that “ the Judge is at the door but Thu world is very evil; let ours not be the expectation of The times aro waxing late ; Be sober and keep vigil, fear, but the yearning of desire. Tbo Judge is at the gate. “ Why are his chariot wheels so long The Judge who comes in mercy, in coming?” “ Come Lord Jesus, The Judge who comes with might, come quickly 1 ” To terminate the evil, To diadem the right. J. W.

THE LITTLE HORN OF THE GOAT. lx the eighth chapter of Daniel a Again, this great power was to be certain power is represented by a the destroyer of the mighty and holy little horn, which came forth out of people. Minuteness of detail is not one of the four horns which appeared found iu the earlier visions, yet in on the head of the goat which Daniel Dan. ii. the fourth dominion was to saw in the vision. The goat is ex­ be strong as iron, and to “ break in plained to signify “ the king of Grc- pieces and bruise,” and in chap. vii. cia, and the four horns four kingdoms the fourth power “makes war with which should stand up out of the the saints, and prevails against them.” nation.” The little horn is thus ex­ This destroying power is also to plained, “ In the latter time of their stand up against the Prince of princes. kingdom, when the transgressors are In chapter vii., tho fourth power come to the full, a king of fierce “ speaks great words agaiu.t the countenance, and undemtanding dark Most High.” sentences, shall stand up,” itc., his Even in the account of his destruc­ ultimate fate being, after having tion, there is also a mark of identity. “ stood up against the prince of In Dan. viii. he is “broken without princes,” to be “broken without hand ;” while in Dan. ii. the same hand.” There arc some circum­ expression is employed regarding the stances, so plainly identifying this stone which smites the feet of the power with the fourth dominion image by which the fourth dominion predicted in preceding visions, that is represented,—“ cut out of the I venture to point them out for con­ mountain without hands.” sideration. It is said the little horn came forth There is first the fact, that, al­ out of one of the foul; horns and“ waxed though this power was fiint presented exceeding great toward the south, ami to Daniel as a little horn, it after­ toward the east, and toward the plea­ wards “ waxed exceeding great,” sant land.” This was verified in the and hence wo are not to be misled case of a certain power: as a glance by an idea of littleness, as indicated at the history of the G recian or thin! by its fimt appearance. dominion will show. The dominion Wo observe next the order of se­ of Alexander the Great was more quence of this great power’s exist­ extensive than the Babylonian and ence. It succeeds the Grecian, or Persian which preceded. This is at­ third dominion, represented by the tested by history, and is also inti­ brazen portion of the image seen by mated by Daniel, “ a third kingdom Nebuchadnezzar. Following thus the of brass, which...... shall1 HEAR RULE OVER third, it must of necessity be in some ALL the EARTH." Alexander died in sense the fourth. tho year 324 before Christ. Shortly

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 70 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES- May 1, 1865. afterwards, his empire was divided the latter time of their kingdom was into four great monarchies—I, Ma­ thus the Roman, which had, shortly cedon, with partof Greece; 2, Thrace; before the conquest of Egypt, as­ 3, Egypt, with Cyrcuu and Cyprus; sumed the imperial form in the per­ and 4, Syria, with all Upper Asia. son of J ulius Caisar. There is thus At this time, and for a hundred yeara a literal fulfilment of the angel’s in­ later, no other power had arisen timation that, in the latter time of within the original bounds of the their kingdom, a king of fierce coun­ third dominion, now existing in its tenance should stand up.” i fourfold condition. In the year 198 Among the doings of the little before Christ, anew power succeeded horn, after it bad waxed exceeding in laying the kingdom of Macedon great, is that of “ taking away the under tribute, and about thirty yeara daily sacrifice, and casting down the later Macedon became a Roman pro- place of his sanctuary." The PLACE vince. At this time the Roman of the sanctuary of the daily sacri- power extended very little beyond lice is the temple. The only casting the confines of , and hence, down of the temple, since the date compared with the third dominion, of the prophecy, took place in the it was a little power. Its growth ye;jar of our Lord 72, when both the from this period, however, was rapid. city and temple were destroyed by Having conquered Macedon, the Ro­ the Romans. I am not aware of any mans, in twenty yeara, possessed the prophecy regarding the destruction whole of Greece. In the course of of any temple subsequent to that de­ eighty years more, Rome was mis­ stroyed by the Roman power in the tress of all Asia Minor, Syria, Judea, past. The treading down by which and Phoenicia. Egypt also became it was followed is to endure until a Roman province about 31 before the times of the Gentiles arc fulfilled, Christ. Thus, a little power estab­ nt which time Israel is to be blessed, lished itself in the territory of one and that finally. And although all of the four dominions into which the nations are to be gathered against third or Grecian empire was divided, Jerusalem to battle, ami the city to and then “ waxed exceeding great be taken, there is no reference to its toward the south (or Greece and destruction. This mark of the Egypt), and toward the east (or Asia power represented by the little horn Minor), and toward the pleasant of the goat, is therefore very dis­ land (or land of Israel, see Zech. vii. tinctly applicable to the fourth do­ 14; Ps. cvi. 2-1), lying midway be­ minion, which, in its psist history, is tween the south and east, in relation known as the Roman. to Macedon, from whence the Ro­ I also find that one of this power’s man power proceeded in its conquests. characteristics, mentioned by the an­ In ’s explanation of the gel, is verified in a marked degree in vision, lie intimates that the power the policy pm-sued by the Romans represented by the little horn should in their subjugation of the world. stand up in the latter time of the The angel says (verse 25), “ And four kingdoms. These all run their through his policy also he shall cause course within three hundred years, craft to prosper in his hand.” Tyt- the last of them having come to an ler, in his “ Elements of General end when Rome conquered Egypt History," says—“ From that period in 31 before Christ. The only power (167 B.C.) the ftomans were hastily which could be said to stand up in advancing to the dominion of all

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Muy 1, 1805. THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. 71 Greece ; a progress in which their " Daniel fainted and was sick cer­ art was more conspicuous than their tain days,” he was also “ astonished, virtue. They gained their end by at the vision but none understood”— fostering dissensions between the or rather, but understood not. The states, which they directed to their temple was then in ruins and the own advantage: corrupting their people in captivity in Babylon. principal citizens, and using, in fine, Daniel knew both should bo restored; everyartof the most insidious policy.” but here was an intimation of a The angel said to Daniel—" Be­ second desolation. Hence probably hold I will make thee know what his not understanding the vision. shall be in (or to) the last end of the J wish the reader’s special atten­ indignation.” Jesus in predicting tion to the destruction of the PLACE the destruction of Jerusalem, said : of the sanctuary of the daily sacrifice "These be the days of vengeance so distinctly predicted in this vision, that all things (threatened) which as the work of the power indicated are written may be fulfilled.” Thus by the horn which waxed exceeding the fourth dominion is concerned in great. Can this destruction relate the final infliction of Israel’s pun­ to any other than that ell'ected by the ishment ; for the tribulation of those Romans in A.D. 72'1 days endures still, and shall endure The duration of this desolation with till the times of the Gentiles arc ful­ the antecedent transgression, causing filled. Hence it is said, that "imme­ it (see verse 13) is described in the diately after the tribulation of those vision (not in the explanation) as days the sun shall be darkened,” &c., 2300 days. It seems to mu probable and “ the Son of man is then seen that this period is to be understood coming in the clouds of heaven with on the same principle as another power and great glory.” It is pro­ period of predicted Jewish punish­ bably at this crisis that the fourth ment in Ezek. iv. : " I have given dominion, in one of its phases, "stands thee each day for a year,” with which up against the Prince of princes and prophecy Daniel must have been is broken without hand.” acquainted. But this is by the way. J. C.

THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. AS SHOWN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

One of the arguments, generally tend to remind us of it. Neither do considered to be the strongest, we understand that the apostles and brought forward by the opposer of evangelists of the church of Christ— the Spirit’s teaching regard big the were commissioned to supply us with future restoration of Israel is, that paraphrases or expositions of all and there is no promise of such restoration every part of the prophecies of the to be found in the scriptures com­ prophets. Spiritual illustrations of monly designated the New Testa­ parts of Jewish scriptures are found ment. We cannot agree with such in the Christian script ores, but it does argument, inasmuch as we do not not follow that tho literal meaning of understand writers of the Christian such parts is to be destroyed. The scriptures to ignore such restoration, apostle Paul shews that there was a because they do refer and quote the spiritual meaning which could be at­ Jewish scriptures, but, that they, on tached to the Lcvitical laws, but the tlic contrary, by such reference in- ’ laws thcuisvlvcs were none the loss

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 72 THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. May 1, Jstfv. literal. The literal language of the. (Gal. iii. 1G,) To Abraham and liis sacred historians is capable of a simi­ seed, which is Christ, the promises lar- spiritual interpretation, ns is also were made. The inheritance was the literal language of the prophets given to Abraham by promise (Gal/ ia some instances. But in no case iii. 18). The Gentiles can only receive can the literal force of the langmigc the promise by putting on Christ, be denied. Why those who aigue in and so becoming Abraham’s seed, and favour of tho restoration of Israel heirs according to promise. Now, should be blamed for accepting the the promises made include several testimony of the Jewish scripture, we items; “in thee shall all families of cannot comprehend, when the testi- the earth be blessed,” Gen. xii. 3. * mony of Luke concerning the Lord “ All the laud which thou seest, to is, that, beginning “ at Moses and thee (Abraham) will I give it, and to all the prophets, he expounded unto thy seed (Christ) for ever.” “ I will them in the scriptures the things con­ give unto time (Abraham) and thy cerning himself." It is true that the seed alter thee, all the land of Jewish scriptures were not written Canaan," Gen. xvii. 8. Stephen lo the church of Christ; but it is bcm's record, Acts vii. 5, that Abra­ equally true, that the scriptures ham had no inheritance in the land whether written to, or for lleshly or of Canaan, no, not so much as to set spiritual Israel, were written for the his foot on. So that as far as Abra­ instruction of both, and the truths ham was concerned, it is certain he taught in them are not to be regarded did not possess tin; land. The heirs as matters of opinion, but of faith, (Abraham’s seed) according to the given in order that we might arrive promise, have; not yet possessed it, into the unity of the faith, and not neither has Christ; what therefore be continually blown about by every remains? The promise of the land wind of doctrine. Speculation would not having been made void has yet end, and faith ensue, if the teaching to be kept, consequently, the Israel of the book were as ireadily assented of God have yet to obtain possession to as the theorizing of man. To the- ()[- |.|1C |,llu| 0.ina.iu unticr Christ. evangelists and apostles, it is there­ So far it was necessary to prove fore our intention to invite the Christ's relationship to Abraham, as readers research with us, so that we the seed to whom the promises were may know how far we may expect to made. find support ami strength for our What then of David's ? the apostle faith in such restoration of Israel. Paul says, “ of this man’s seed hath The question of tliis restoration will, God according to promise raised unto to a greater or less extent, unavoid­ Israel, a Saviour, Jesus,” Acts xiii. ably lead on other topics connected 23. Paul w:ts addressing Jews, it with it. The word of God is our was not till afterwards he addressed standard of appeal, for all wisdom is the Gentiles. Isaiah says, chap. xi. from the Lord God, with whom it that a rod should come forth “ out of hath ever dwelt, before time was, and the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall will dwell till time is no more. .1 grow out of his roots,” upon whom the 1, Matt, in 1st chapter, and Luke spirit of the Lord should rest, and in 3d chapter, both trace the relation- through whom certain results should ship of Christ to David and Abra­ be achieved. That in that day of ham in the genealogical scrolls which such results, a root of Jesse should they give. Why do so? Paul says, stand for an ensign of the people, to

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ May1,18U5. THE MESSENGER OF THE CJWKCIJES. 73 whom the Gentiles should seek. ] Luke says, (xxiii. 38,) “‘ This is That in that selfsame day, the Lord the king of the Jews. ” John (i. should set his hand again the second 49,) states that Nathanael declared time to recover the remnant of his when he saw Christ, “ Thou art Lho people, the outcasts of Israel, and the son of God, thou art the King of dispersed of Judah from the four Israel.” The Lord himself did not cornera of the earth. This rod, rebuke the speaker for applying the branch, root, and ensign, being Christ. title to him. Nor did he deny his right Luke says, i. 32, 33, “ The Lord God to it before Pilate, therefore, was it shall give unto him (Christ) the affixed to his cross, as testified by throne of his father David, and he tho four writers of the life of Christ. shall reign over the house of Jacob It is quite as obvious that Christ for ever, and of his kingdom there did not reign over Israel us a king shall be no end.” The house of prior to his death, and we have no Jacob, thus pointing forward to a evidence to prove that he has done so reunion of Israel and Judah, as did since his resurrection. Isaiah, under one king, Christ, of the The great truth the prophets house and lineage of David, subse­ taught, which the Jews in the pride quently to the angel’s announcement, of their hearts had lost sight of was who is to reign for ever, and the this, that Christ must needs suffer which has not yet been fulfilled. and be rejected before tho glory that The necessity of Christ’s descent should follow should have any exist­ from Abraham and David is thus ence. The question we ask, then, shown. In the one instance, to prove is, what visible manifestation of the his claim to the inheritance of the glory of Christ has been seen since land ; in tho other, his right to the the termination of Christ's sufferings I throne of David. Both of which The iqxistle Peter says, “ those things have yet to be had in possession, by which God before had showed by the the Lord Christ. mouth of all his holy prophets that 2, The apostle Matthew (ii. 1-10,) Christ should suffer, he hath so says, the wise men asked of Herod fulfilled,” Acts iii. 18. But no the question, “ where is he that is passage from the writings of the born king of the Jews.” Herod apostles or evangelists can be pro­ inquires of the priests and scribes. duced, to prove that the things relat­ They reply by reference to the' pro­ ing io his glory from all the prophets phet Micah (v. 2,) “ thou Beth­ have also been fulfilled. What then lehem—in the land of Judea—out of remains? Much; amongst which is thee shall come a governor, that shall the promise he shall yet reign in rule iny people Israel.” It is evident Jerusalem, and before his ancients this prophecy had not been yet ful- gloriously, Isaiah xxiv. 23. Or, as filled; and that being king of the 1the’ prophet Micah, quoted by Jews, is equivalent to ruling over the Matthew, says in 4th chapter, “ Tho people' Israel." ’ If this kingship’• overLord shall reign over them in Mount the Jews is meant to bo a spiritual Zion, from henceforth even forever." one only, by what method can it be The prophecy of Micah w;is concern­ proved that David’s kingship over ing Samaria and Jerusalem, that is, the Jews was over anything else than of the twelve tribes. If at any time a spiritual one also. That Christ was Christ has reigned over the twelve lawful king of the Jews is evident tribes of Israel in Mount Zion, then from the testimony of other scriptures, | the prophecy has been fulfilled. But

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it is certain he had not when the angel, are, “ of the increase of Ins scribes said, the ruler of Israel was to (the Son of God’s) government and come out of Bethlehem, and there is peace there shall be no end, upon no proof to the contrary, that he has the throne of David, and upon his done so since. It has, therefore, yet kingdom to order it, ami establish it to be an accomplished fact. for ever." It is certain that the 3. We again refer to Luke i. 32, 33. throne of David was over all Israel The words of the angel to Mary are, in the Holy Lund. The Lord Jesus is he “ shall be called the Son of the to have David’s throne. It must be Highest: and the Lord God shall give then a throne over all literal Israel, unto him the throne of his father united within the Lund of Promise, as David." Ills title, Son of God, is was David’s. At the birth of Christ wholly distinct from that of Son of the throne of David over all Israel David. The Jews could not have was unoccupied, and had been un­ caused the Lord to be crucified, be­ occupied since the death of Solomon. cause he was the Son of God, that It was, and is, definitely promised to being no crime in the eyes of the Christ. It remains, therefore, for Romans; but because he was king— liim to take possession of a throne, the throne of David being his by right the reigning on which has long been of descent, and by promise of God. interrupted ; and in order to do this, If our Lord was to take the throne it will be requisite for all Israel to of David, in order that he might be restored to their own IhiitI. He reign only spiritually over the house was aud is king by right, but shall of Jacob, there was no necessity for be, at his second coming, king in fact, him to do so. David never reigned then to reign in glory upon the merely spiritually; Isaiah’s words, throne of his father David. (ix. 7,) corroborated by those of the ((Antchulcd in our next)

THE GOSPEL IN ACTS xiii. 16-12.

In this scripture Paul preaches the and king of Israel. Jesus is that son gospel both to Jews and Gentiles, of David. And Paul preached this as “Men of Israel, and ye that fear the gospel of their salvation to all God give audience,’1 16. “ Men and men everywhere, see Rom. i. 1-5. brethren, children of the stock of That Jesus is made of the seed of Abraham, and whosoever among you David to be the the saviour and king feareth God, to you is the word of of Israel, was preached as the gospel tins salvation sent,” 26. “And, when by the angel to Mary, and to the the Jews were gone out of the syna­ shepherds. “ The Lord God shall gogue, the Gentiles besought that give unto him the throne of his these words should be preached to father David, and he shall reign over them next sabbath,” 42. What the house of Jacob fur ever.” “ Be­ words? hold, I bring yon good tidings of 1, That Jesus being the son ‘of great„ ' joy, which‘ ' shall’ " be’ unto’ all'1 David is the saviour of Israel, “ Of people. For unto you is born this this man’s seed hath God according to day, in the city of David, a Saviour, his promise raised unto Israel a Savi­ who is Christ the Lord," our, Jesus.” God promised that a Yon cannot read over verses 16 son of David should be the saviour I to 23, without seeing that Paul Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ May i, I860. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 75 aflirms and preaches as the gospel, head of the heathen, and reign in that Jesus is the Saviour of literal the midst of them on Mount Zion Israel. He is speaking of that Israel from henceforth even forever. that was exalted in Egypt, nursed in In verses 24 and 25, Paul proceeds the wilderness, planted in Canaan, to confirm this gospel testimony that and ruled by the judges and kings. Jesus is the Saviour of Israel. All This of course is literal Israel, and it who believe that John was a man sent is that Israel of which Paul says from God, might be certain from his that Jesus is the Saviour, testimony, that Messiah was then When Great Britain is blessed come into the world. It was neces­ with good, wise, and able rulers, that sary that the Messiah should be is a matter of great joy, not to Great preceded by bis harbinger ; so Britain only, but to all her dependen­ .Jesus came and presented himself to cies. When Jesus reigns on Mount Israel as their king, “ when John Zion over Israel, all nations will be had first preached before his coming Israclitish dependencies, Is. lx. 12. the baptism of repentance to all the Therefore, that Jesus is born king people of Israel,” telling them he was of the Jews is gospel, or, good not the Christ, but that a Christ was news, not to Israel only, but to all coming after him, as a king follows nations. “ Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his harbinger. Paul knew his hearers his people,” you never can rejoice were in the habit of going up to without them. As the earnest ex­ Jerusalem, and of being visited by pectation of the creature waitetb for preachers like ; and, conse­ the manifestation of the sons of God, quently, knew that John was a so the salvation of all nations, waits prophet. In appealing to John’s for the salvation of all Israel. testimony, therefore he, as a wise Israel’s salvation by Messiah is a master builder, thus lays the founda­ promised salvation. The salvation tion that Jesus is Christ, the Saviour must meet and fill up the measure of aud King of Israel. the promise. This is demanded by John’s testimony proved that the truth of God, “ Now, I say, that Messiah was come, and Jesus’ re­ Jesus Christ was a minister of the surrection from the dead proves he circumcision (a servant of literal was that come Messiah. This is what Israel,) for the truth of God to con­ Paul now preaches in verses 27 to 31. firm the promises made unto the ’Twas written that Messiah should be fathers,” Rom. xv. If a man makes rejected of the people and their rulers, a promise, and does not fulfil his word should die, be buried, and rise from when it is in his power to do so, he is the dead : and as all this happened to a liar. And he who believeth not Jesus, he is thereby proved to be that God will save Israel with that “ Christ the King of Israel.” But salvation he has promised, makes God this is the gospel itself, us well as its a liar, aud denies the gospel preach­ confirmation. Jesus was born the ed by Paul. This, then, is the very Son of God, from among the dead, to salvation God has promised to Israel reign over Israel forever, as promised by Christ. He shall save his people in the second psalm, 1 Uhron. xvii. from their sins, and from all their ll-I'l; Is. ix. G, 7, and other scrip­ enemies, and out of all lands, whither tures.■ And Paul preaches that as he has driven them, and will plant thei gospel, again in verses 32 to 37, them in the land wherein their “' And we declare unto you glad tidings fathers dwelt, and make them the 1how that the promise which was made

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 7G THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. JIny 1, ISSu. unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the seen sitting on the right hand of same to us, their children, in that he power, and coming in the clouds hath raised up Jesus again,” &c. of heaven, Matt. xxvi. 6-1, to reign “ Remember” says Paul, in another forever- over all peoples, tongues, and place, “ that Jesus Christ of the nations, Dan. vii. 13, 14. In order to seed of David was raised up from our salvation it is necessary that we the dead, according to my gospel. know both Jesus Christ and him And how is that? His resurrection crucified, that Jesus is “ Christ the made and proved him the Son of God ; King of Israel,” and that he died for and being the Son of God he is the our sins. The first and greatest king of Israel; as he came forth from truth of the gospel is, that Jesus is Mary’s womb, so he came forth from the King and Saviour of Israel. The Joseph's tomb to be the king of next is that be died for our sins. Israel, and that forever. And, now, in verses 40 and 41, 2, He died for our sins. Is not this Paul shows the punishent of those what Paul next preaches as the gos­ who reject the gospel which lie has pel, in verses 38 and 39 ? “ Be it preached. He refers to the invasion known unto you, therefore, men and of Israel’s land by Antichrist, as fore­ brethren, that through this man is told in Hab. i. He is the man that preached unto you the forgiveness of will make the earth to tremble, and sins, and by him all who believe are turn the world into a wilderness. justified from all things, from which Those who reject the truth, that you could not be justified by the law Jesus is the Saviour of Israel, shall of Moses.” There were some sins be given up to believe the lie, and for which the law provided no sacri­ worship the man of sin. “ And for fice. But the “blood of Jesus Christ that cause, God shall give them up cleanses us from all sins.” to strong delusion that they might But, mark this, remission of sins believe the lie, that they all may be through the blood of Jesus, is only damned who believed not the truth.” preached and promised to “ all who Even then, in the days of the apostles, believe." Who believe what ? Why, men who departed from the truth that to all who believe what Paul had Jesus is the Christ, fell into the hands already preached, that Jesus is the of the many antichrists who are the Saviour and King of Israel. He Antichrist’s forerunners, see 1 John died for our sins. But for all that, ii. 18-25. It is the natural course “If you believe not that I am he, of things. They who do not believe you shall die in your sins.” For as what Paul preached, that Jesus is Moses lifted up the serpent in the Christ, the Saviour and King ot wilderness so must the Son of man be Israel, who do not confess what lifted up, that whosoever bclieveth in Nathanael confessed, that he is the him (as the Son of man), might not Son of God, the King of Israel, drift perish, but have everlasting life. away into the snare of the devil. Now the Son of man is the saviour of I). L. Israel, Ps. Ixxx. who will soon be

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ May 1, 18(J5. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 77

NOTES ON WOHLS.

The Golden Censer.—Hob. ix.—In the tho only one known to bo in existence which authorised English version, at tho 9th diop­ represents the position of the altar of incense ter of Hebrews, verses 1-6, wo read,—“ Then correctly, according to the account given of it verily tho first covenant had also ordinances in the Old Testament. Tho learned Grotius of divino service, and a worldly sanctuary. was much perplexed with this error of all the For there was a tabernacle made; tho first, copies then known of the Greek New Testa­ wherein was tho candlestick, and the table, ment. “ This is a place (he says) which has and tho show-bread ; which is called the Sanc­ caused the Epistle to the Hebrews to bo re­ tuary- And after the Second vail, the taber­ garded with suspicion by many learnsd men ; nacle which is called the Holiest of all; which nay, it has greatly tormented others also. 1, had the golden censor, and tho ark of the cove­ who hold tins epistle in the highestcstimation, nant overlaid round about with gold, wherein can never be persuaded to give up its authori­ was tho golden pot that had manna, and ty ; and I think, therefore, that the objections Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the made to it may bo best answered in this way.'1 covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory lie then supposes that, instead of the tabular shadowing the mercy-sent.” Now it is well altar of incense, a portable censer was meant, known that this description cannot be correct, which was to be placed upon the altar; such since, in Exodus xxx. I-10, where the *‘ altar a censer ns is mentioned in Lev. xvi. 12, of to burn incense upon ’’ is more particularly which it appears that every sacrificing priest mentioned, the Lord says to Moses (ver. 6) had one; and that Aaron's censer was depo­ '• Thou shall put it before the vail that is by sited by him inside the vail, where he could the ark of the testimony, where 1 will meet lay hold of it again, by putting his arm within with thee. And Aaron shall burn thereon tho vail, and thus withdraw it without going sweet incense every morning,” &c- Tho himself personally within the vail, as ho was " altar of incense,” therefore (which is erro­ forbidden to do, except once fbr all, on tho neously rendered tho “ censer”) could not great day of the annual atonement. This ex­ have been placed “ alter the second vail ” in planation has been adopted by Macknight and that tabernacle, which is called " the Holiest others. Indeed, something of the kind appears of all,’* though it is here said to have been so to have been the means resorted to for explain­ placed. It must have formed part of the fur­ ing the passage from very early times, since niture nf the first tabernacle, “ wherein was the Vulgate translation employs a word here the candlestick, and the table, and the shew- (Thuribnlum), which means a censer instead bread.” And here wo find it placed, accord­ of the altar of incense. Happily tho difficul­ ing to the Vatican text, which roads ns fol­ ty, which has so much perplexed many learn­ lows :—“ Then verily the first covenant had ed and pious men for so many ages, is now (also) ordinances of divino service, and a cleared up, without the necessity ofsupposing worldly sanctuary. Ver. 2. For there was a a degree of contrivance to bo made use of tabernacle made, the first, wherein was tho which is wholly inconsistent with the simpli­ candlestick, and the tabic, and the shew bread, city of the operations of tho Spirit. and the golden altar of incense; which is Front " The Emphatic New Testament," called tho Sanctuary. Ver. 3. And alter the by Joiix Taylob. second vail, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Ver. 4. Which had the ark of Traiotion.— As a pendant to the Note on tho covenant overlaid round about with gold, Doctrixe, permit mo to direct attention Io wherein was the golden pot that had mnima, the word tradition as lining a correlative and that rod of Aaron’s that budded, and the whose meaning has been also somewhat per­ tables of the covenant; mid over it the chern- verted. hims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat.” It has somehow got to be known aserpiiva­ But even this does not constitute the strongest lent to unscriptural in tho sense oi false or of part of our case. Not only does the received human invention. Instead of which, it has text, from which the English version is taken, in the New Testament simply the meaning of exhibit this remarkable discrepancy between oral teaching, or that which bad been taught the Mosaic account and that in the book of the by tho spoken word in antithesis to that winch Hebrews, but every other text' and version was written by the ;>en. Soo I Cor. xi. 2 among tho hundreds of MSS. which have been (margin); 2 These, ii. 16; Hi. G. The evil signi­ collated or compared- contain iho same erro­ ficance docs not belong to tho word (as now neous statement; and the Vatican MS. is understood), nor Io tho action of speaking, but

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 78 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. May 1, I8G5. to the things spoken, c. g. Mark vii. B ; have been easily done in the English Lan" Gal. i. 14; Col. ii. 18, because these were gnngc. But I find that both Beza and the not in accordance with the will of God Latin vulgate have done it. Wo have diligis Christ died to redeem from the vain course of for acai-ao in 15 and 1C verses, and amas lor life which such false traditions had caused, ruir.no—amor being tho stronger of tlio two, I Pet. i. 18, nnd substituted holy doctrines, as pliileo is the stronger in the Greek, and propogated by both tradition and scripture, expresses a greater degree of attachment than or by the living voice and the pen. agapao. Peter in all tho three times of his J. W. reply used the stronger word of tho two. It is also worthy of remark that, although Lovest thou me.— Tn John xxi. 15, 16, pliileo occurs 25 times in the New Testament, Wchavcthe wordagapao (love)used by Christ it fis* ------never —spoken’■*“ ~ofr -----men loving GodJ the in his interrogation to Peter, " I/>vcst thou Father—But it is used in reference to mon me ? ’’ But in tho 17th verse Jesus changes loving Christ. 1 Cor. xvi. 22, “ If any man the word, and uses instead of it a stronger one, love not the I-ord Jesus Christ, &c.”—“ Young philoc, “ Lovest thou me ? " I am not aware renders it in the 17th vorsc, “ dost thou dearly that a discrimination has been attempted by love me? Lord thou knowest all things; the translators between these two words in thou knowest that I dearly love thee ? ” the New Testament. Perhaps it could not 11. Millas.

A NEW HEARTED MAN.

If the render will turn to the Bnokof Acts, and to the classic banks of tho Scamandcr, ho will find a striking picture of the work of where Achilles fought and where Hector fell. God on a heart of Hint. And I ho very first Now again he is working miracles on a cripple feeling that trickles ont of that melted heart at (he gate of Lystrn, mid now writing letters is—love to the Crucified. The very first of good cheer to the brethren in Galatia. prayer that breaks upward is, “ Lord I what Nothing can daunt or discourage this indom­ wilt then have mo to do?’’ Already the itable enthusiasm, which is too loving to be ■'stone1'is gone; but what conics in its place? called bigotry, nnd too calm and methodical The spiritual affections dislodged from an iron to be styled fanaticism. When ho writes to system of bigoted Pharisceism must rest some­ his beloved friends at Philippi or in Corinth, where ; and they rest on Christ. The apart­ ho signs himself “ a servant of Jesus Christ ment from which self-conceit and stubborn to all the sninls in Christ Jesus.’’ As he sits hatred of the gospel have been driven out, among his fcllow-tcntniakcrs, and stitches are tenanted by the new-come graces of faith, away on tho goat’s-hnir canvas, his talk is of and love, and prompt obedience. These Christ and the “great salvation.” As he graces take possession. Forthwith the heart flics courier from town to town, the blast of which had barred and bolted out the slightest his trumpet gives no uncertain sound; it is thought of charity toward the least of Christ’s the good tidings of great joy with which ho disciples, opens itself wide and free to the awakes the fast-bound in idolatry nnd sin. incoming of every plan, and every purpose, When he meets face to face Athenian wit on and every suggestion that favours Christ's the hill of Mars, he takes fire with his holy cause, and makes ready room for every one theme, and as though God did beseech them who bears the Christian name. by him, ho prays them to be reconciled to At once the people of Damascus detect the Christ. For there is a new heart in Saul of change. When the new convert reaches Jeru­ Tarsus—a heart so generous and so gentle— salem, all the apostles stand amazed nnd in­ so meek, and yet so mighty of impluse—so credulous. Can it be that the bloodthirsty manly in its warfare fortruth, and so woman­ lion who breathed out threats and slaughter like in its sympathy for tho woe-struck and only yesterday is to day tho gentle lamb, lying the wretched—so heroic toward man, and so meekly at the feet of Jesus ? Their sus­ •still so humble toward his God, that there is picious fears arc soon set at rest. For they no word will so fittingly describe it ns to call are not long in discovering that the neophyte it a heart of jlcsk. Ho is a uew creature. is ready to outwork and outhcro the very And the secret of nil this marvellous change chicfest of the apostles. Now he is hunting from iron-handed Pharisceism to a patient out the disciples in every nook and corner— loving.kindness which hung over sick dying not to clap them in irons and drag them to souls, as a nurse chcrishcth her child, and a martyrdom, but to kneel down nnd pray with humility which rejoiced tosign itself a “bond­ them, “Thy kingdom conin!” Now he is man of Jesus Christ”—tho simply secret of planning missionary expeditions over to it all was that Paul had been convekteik Cyprus, to the regious beyond Mount Taurus, Reader I havoyou?—T. L. Cvyler.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ May 1, 1865. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 79

THE CONTRAST BETWEEN PROTESTANTISM AND THE GOSPEL.—Pp. 36, James Mushet, Edinburgh, Price 6(1.

Aftek a thorough perusal of this little book, quotations from his own creed in statement which our brother Norrie has brought out in of what his own principles are. The utmost good style, we have no hesitation in award­ candour is displayed in this part, and all nd- ing it a good place, as a really valuable addi­ missable extenuations made. By this means tion to our tract literature. Perhaps the it becomes easy for the author to tabulate the only thing about it that is objectionable is contrasted statements in such a way as can the title; for although it really presents the hardly fail to strike every one. It is a book contrast between the Gospel and Protestant­ which we would have no difficulty about ism as it is, there should be no issue between lending to any reasonable person who requires us and Protestantism as it ought to be. We stirring up out of the indifference which po­ are the true Protestants—pleaders for tho pular belief and popular pmctico engender. Bible, and the Bible alone, as tho basis of all Having seen the American edition, we arc religions belief, and for the lilxsrty of private enabled to judge of the correctness of the judgment on the side of our faith which lies reprint, and also of the value of such revi­ towards man. sion as it has undergone by the editor. This The writing of tho book is strong, but revision 1ms made it all the more perfect. with such strength as should enforce atten­ Wo cordially recommend the brethren to tion and secure conviction on the part of procure mid use The Contrast, either for hnnest-hcartcd men. Still it is courteous and their own strenghthening in the faith, or to chaste in stylo, and, above all, just; for no help the advocacy of it to those who are igno­ orthodox Protestant can find fault with the rant.

Intelligence, Notes, &c-

Buchan (Aberdeenshire), A fornight's Truth, for the brethren, and for the world.1’ tour.—** I left, home on the 1st of April, and —J. Roiuirtson. met brother John Mitchell of Mintlaw, and Buiinlev (Lancashire).—Died suddenly, of John Kerr, Fettcrnngus, at Cumineston. apoplexy, April 23rd, brother John Tnylor, The latter put on Christ in 1 the obedience of Burnley, formerly of Sowcrby Bridge, Hali­ faith and received the right hand of fellow­ fax. ship next day when the church met in brother Reid’s house. I loft on April 3, for New FninnunGn.—Our sister Marianne Wilson Pitsligo, and there lectured three times. has again left town, being engaged to a situa­ Two persons arc decided to become obedient tion in Keswick (Cumberland). During tho to the faith, and sonic more are inquiring. month a letter has lieen received from brother I next proceeded to Balfaton, on the 7th, and A. Davidson, in Melbourne: from which wo lectured the same night The church met extract the following interesting particu­ here on the Oth, and immediately thereafter lars :— I went to Mintlaw, and delivered a lecture on “ You will be glad to hear of the favour the Market Hill to a fair meeting, very atten­ that him been shewn us—wo are still both tive. At Longsido on the 10th, had a good healthy and happy—T busy at work ami meeting in the parish school-room: great at­ strong to perform it. Unnumbered blessings, tention, and inquiry aroused. On the 11 th we are assured, have been bestowed upon us I proceeded to Crimond, and same night de­ by means of many persons; and we hopo that livered an address, as also at Millhill, on the as many will return thanks on our account 12th. At tho lecture in Fettcrnngns, on the that God in all things may bo glorified. Tho 14th, very few were present. Ou the 15th I peace of mind and comfort of heart wo have returned to Longside, for private teaching, ns both enjoyed throughout the dillcrent stages the result of the lecture on tho 10th. The of our past year’s pilgrimage, have been quite church met again at Fottcrangus on the 16th, unprecedented in our short history. Sinco wo two or three inquirers present. Same night left home wo have continued without inter­ proceeded to Mintlaw and again addressed an mission to worship God and break broad in assembly on tho Market Hill; sonic arc in­ memory of our Lord. While Ibo Lord is quiring here. Thus wo have spent two weeks absent, and wc live to wait his coming, I to as good advantage as wo could, for the trust we will never cease to do as he com ■

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 80 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. May 1,1805 manded . . . Wo have wellnigh despaired oflI fhicnco of the truth as it is in Jesus; and, like meeting nny likeminded persons in this n truo-lioarled sailor, he has openly renounced neighbourhood. Earnestly have we prayed 1ho doctrines he once advocated in the vil­ mid diligently sought to find them . . . We lage. ■ never regret coming to Australia. Tho cliin- The good seed recently sown here hits ate is delightful, that is our own experience fallen into some good and honest hearts ; may and the testimony of others : we never saw a it yield a still more abundant harvest to the summer at home like this, mid the heat is not glory of God. nt all oppressive. Mrs Davidson enjoys this The church hero is much refreshed by fre­ sunny sky as much ns I do, then sho is so quent visits from the brethren at Swansea. well and so cheerful, and we are so much al homo that we often times forget we are in Australia . . . Givo all tho brethren our Now ready, Price Cd., Live, and let them know they have our sym­ “THE CONTRAST BETWEEN PRO­ pathy and prayers ; wo want to hear of their TESTANTISM AND the GOSPEL.” faithfulness, and patience in wailing for the Lord’s appearing. We want to have fellow This work, which was originally published in ship stilt with all who by patient continuance America, some years ago, sets forth in clear in well-doing look for glory, honour, and im­ and distinct terms sonic of the more important mortality.’’ ! . points on which the popular Protestant teach­ ing is at variance with tho declarations.of Glasgow.—Wc are instructed to state that scripture ; and the contrast between them is the brethren continue to meet for the worship made tho more striking by tho two being of God, and attending to breaking of bread, occasionally presented in parallel columns. praise, and mutual instruction in tho faith, Tho things of the one faith are also very ably every first day of tho week in the Mechanics’ stated and defended, and the work is well Institution, 38, Bath Street, as before. suited for putting into the hands of inquirers jAltROW-ON-Tr.xE.— Tho brethren here after the truth. Orders should be addressed hnvo bad a visitor, who may prove a resi- to W. Norrie, 9 Inglislon Street, Edinburgh. dentcr, in the person of brother George J. Farley (formerly of the neighbourhood of New York, U. S.); who is at present residing in iK?" Tho Messenger is now Registered Newcastle, pursuing his business as a plus1 roit Transmission'^ iikuad. ' By this arrange­ terer, with Mr W. B. Wilkinson, Priidliue ment with the Post Ollicc, it is placed on tho Street. same footing as all Newspapers, that it may Mumbles.—The little flock here have had bo posted to any of the Colonies, dr to any . their number increased by the addition of six other place where they have access, at a persons, who were immersed into the Christ charge of Jd.pro-ixiid. This does not inter­ on Sunday, the 9th April: their names are fere with its privilege of book-post, where John Knight, Thomas Bohemia, Mrs Bo- that is granted at the rates before stated. henna, Mrs W. Evans, Samuel Hayward, and Ellen Edwards. John Knight, an old sea­ faring man, is a great triumph for the truth. The Treasurer acknowledges receipts for He lias held a prominent position amongst the “Messenger” from Dundee, Fraserburgh, sects for many years. But the prejudices of Mumbles, Newburgh, Tranent, and Wislniw. long standing have given way before the in-1

Articles should be sent in by tho 15(11 of the month, and items ol intelligence not later than the 24lh ; all papers meant for insertion, or notes nf intelligence, may be forwarded to Geohoe Dowie, 12 Beaumont Place; and all business communications to James Cameuon, 12 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, to whom money orders should be made payable.

and w. it. wJLsox, rusTEns, stafr street, Edinburgh.

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

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

No. 6. June 1, 1865. New Series. Vol. I.

THE TIME OF THE LORD’S COMING.

It is remarkable that in all ages ral terms as “the world to come,” man has manifested a great desire to “ the kingdom of God,” “ the regene­ pry into the secrets of futurity, and ration,”

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 82 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. J Uno 1, with the present, as to the time in question is the coming of the which will elapse ere it be inaugu­ Lord. Thus, in Matt. xxiv. 3G-39, rated. We may stand as on the the case of the flood is introduced as mount of God, and look over, and parrallcl, and this application made into the vista of the future glory; of it—the antediluvians “ knew not but between us and it there yawns a until the flood came, and took them mighty gulf which we have no means all away : so shall also the coming of of fathoming. So much of the inter­ the Son of Man be.” It is further vening space, or rather the interven­ apparent from the parables and illus­ ing time as has not yet come, is to us trations which follow in both narra­ fox’ the most part an unknown region. tives that the Lord taught watchful­ Certainly there is no knowledge of ness and readiness on account of the its duration. unknown time of his coming. “ Take But tills is questioned. And there ye heed, watch and pi-ay; for ye have not been awanting persons know not when the time is.” Mark whose ingenuity has been employed xiii. 33. in determining from various data It is to be remembered also that the duration of the present age; so the Lord, when he thus spoke, did it that they have prepared themselves with a distinct knowledge and confi­ to say, with more or less confidence, dent apprehension of what his Father in such and such a year certain events had declared by the mouth of his shall take place, and, at such and prophets—particularly Daniel, whom such a time the whole present mun­ he once quoted by name, and in such dane system will be brought to a a style as to shew a comprehension of close. However, those speculators his meaning—“ When ye shall see have so often and so signally failed, the abomination of desolation spoken having frequently committed very of by Daniel the prophet standing gross blunders, that this itself should wher e it ought not (whoso readeth suffice to shake our confidence, not let him understand), then let them only in their ability for that work, which be in Judea flee to the but in the whole system of calculation mountains,” Matt. xxiv. 15, 1G; upon which their augury is based. Mark xiii. 14. Those times there­ When, however, we find a positive fore which were therein revealed did statement by the very highest autho­ not to him convey any information rity, as to such periods being unknown as to the date of his second coming. to any but God, we should rest satis­ The Dauielic prophetic periods are fied with our ignorance of these, and these :—“ lime, times, and dividing apply ourselves, like wise men, to of a time," for the domination of the what we can know, because it is re­ eleventh horn of the fourth beast, Dan. vealed, in order to turn it to proper vii. 25, “ seventy weeks,'' and its sub­ account. Now the Lord Jesus Christ divisions of sixty-two weeks, seven has positively stated, regarding the weeks, and one week, determined leading or primary event of the epoch upon the people of Israel, ix. 24-27 ; aforesaid, which is even yet in the fu­ “ two thousand three hundred days ” ture, “Ofthatdayandtbathoiirknow- of the treading down of the sanctuary eth no man, no, not the angels which and”'>d host, viiiviii. 1414. “ n'n>pTime, h'mretimes, arc in heaven, neither the Son, but and a half ; one thousand two hun­ the Father,’’ Matt. xxiv. 3fi; Mark dred and ninety days, and one thou­ xiii. 32. An examination of the sand three hundred and thirty-five context will show us that the event days ” to finish the scattering of the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ J une 1, ISrtJ. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 83 power of the holy people, xii. 7, more specious resource for those who 11, 12. The meaning of these must calculate the time and seasons. It is have been as plain to the Lord as allowed that when the Lord spoke, were the persons and events set forth the times and seasons to intervene by the same prophet Yet, with a were not divulged to man, or angel, full knowledge of such, he says, “ no or Son of God; no, not even after man knoweth the day nor the hour, the resurrection of the Lord, when ho no angel of God, no, not the Son of stated it was not for his apostles to God, but tho Father only." It is know what the Father had reserved worse than vain for us therefore to in his own power, Acts i. 7 ; but hope to extract from that old pro­ that at a subsequent time there was phecy any information on the time a certain “Revelation of Jesus Christ, or season of the Lord’s coming'.® which God gavo unto him, to shew And they arc, therefore, condemned unto his servants things which must by such a saying who aver that they shortly come to pass,” and in it the can discover the times and the much coveted information is to be seasons of the future by the study of found. What is to be said to this? the book of Daniel. If it be so, let it be so : if the Lord Refuge has been sought from this has sent his angel to his servant John, sweeping condemnation under the to tell him the times ami seasons equivocal saying, that although no which, till then, were retained in the one knows the day nor the hour, yet Father’s own keeping, it is well. he may know the year in which We shall read that book and find the the Lord comes. But such a pre­ date of the Lord’s coming, and of the tence is quite inadmissible, especially end of the age. But it is not so. from those who affect to calculate the Here is a list of all the times men­ year of the Lord’s coining from the tioned in that book, and not one of days and hours of the prophets, such them is spoken of, or hinted at, as the two thousand three hundred as a measure of time stretching days of Daniel, viii. 14. If in the from thence to the advent of the one case days and hours are literal Lord. One of them plainly enough days and hours, so are they in the speaks of a period after that, viz., a other; and if they mean years and thousand yeais reign of Christ and his months in the one ease, then so do saints. Consider the others, and see they also in the other. Let them if they can help us in this search after take which horn of the dilemma they the date heretofore hidden from view. choose, such calculators are manifestly Tribulations for the Smyrniotes ten outwitted, and reduced to the same days, Rev. ii. 10. : A pause of about condition of ignorance regarding in­ half an hour after the opening of the tervening time, as those simple ones seventh seal, viii. 1. A period of/tus who content thepiselves with the months, during which the locusts plain words of the Lord in their torment men, ix. 5. A n hour, a day, obvious meaning. a month, and a year, for which the There is, however, another and angels were prepared who were bound in the Euphrates,* ix. Id. 2k period •Some interpreters prefer W apply tho saying of twelve hundred and sixty days, in question (Matt. xxiv. 3G; Mark xiii. 32; to llio destruction of Jerusalem. If they do so, they when the two witnesses prophesy should be the better satisfied that the more distant ovunt—the coming of the Lord—was still furtliur from human or angelic ken than the proxinmto • Thia Kseina to mo rather to imlioitc a paint of one, the doslrmiion of this city. tiinu than Llio iliiralion of a period.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 81- THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. June 1, IMS. clothed in sackcloth : Furly-two throne of Christ; yet what can be months of the same prophecy, xi. 2, made out of it. Even reckoning the 3, (apparently the same period stated reign of the beast by years instead of in different terms). Three clays and days (as many have attempted to do), a half, during which the dead bodies more than twelve hundred and sixty of said witnesses lie in the street of years have already elapsed, and wo the great city, xi. 11. Twelve hun­ see or know, in all our experience, dred and sixty days for the wilder­ neither beginning nor end of such ness-life of the woman who brought a power. Ycar-day interpreters, forth the man-child, xii. 6. Time, with their minds bent on finding the times, and a half of the persecution beast incarnate in the Papacy, have of the woman and the remnant of taken an apocryphal date for the her seed, by the dragon, xii. 14. commencement of the power of the (These two periods also appear to , and found his system to be referj _ r__ jto. . one__ . xtime), •. .A Forty-twoy?r *. » . ______monthsi r _ not only beast, but false prophet, and of the reign of...... the" Babylonbeast, xiii. too. 5. Even there, however, One hour, in which certain kings they' cannot agree. This much is reign with the beast, xvii. 12; and against’ a theory which professes to one thousand years, during wliich find out from this book the hidden Satan is imprisoned, and the saints times and seasons,—we are cbmpelled reign, without interruption, with the to say that the Lord of heaven and Christ, xx. 2, 4, 5, G, 7. earth has reversed his procedure, Although the duration of these and hid from the babes those things times is distinctly stated, yet the which ho reveals to the wise and commencement of them all (except prudent; for what child can read in the last) is diilicult to determine. the Apocalypse that the Lord shall Several, indeed nearly all, of them come about the middle of the nine- seem to run iup close' to the period of teenth century. the Lord’s coming' - to* his’ ' kingdom’ ’ - ’ ; Without, however, going further and probably our best rule for their into detail on these points, we may apportionment is to reckon backwards rest satisfied that the book is not a from that event. Thus, it is imme­ revelation of the intervening times, diately after the three ami a half and not intended to relax that wake­ days contemning of the Ixalies of the fulness of the disciples which the two witnesses, that we are told the living voice of the Lord had stirred seventh trumpet sounds, and the up; for we find the closing sentences voices are heard in heaven, saying, of this wonderful revelation echoing “The kingdoms of this world arc be­ the.same sentiment which, during the. come the kingdom of our Lord and of lifetime of the Lord, and the ministry his Christ,” xi. 15. And, again, at the of his apostles, had been the note of close of the forty-two months’ domi­ warning and the voice of comfort to nation of the beast-—while he- yet all the household of faith. “Surely has a seat and a kingdom—that the I come quickly." The Lord is at seven plagues are poured out; and hand. Be patient, brelliren, unto immediately before the lust of those the coming of the Lord. In such an that it is said “ Behold I come as hour as ye think not the Son of man a thief,” cli. xvi. 10, 15. Tills is the cometh. Yourselves know perfectly longest jsiriod which is revealed as that the day of the Lord so cometh elapsing before the setting up of the as a thief in the night. Ye are all

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ June 1, 1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 85 the children of the light, ami the others; but let us watch and be children of the day; we are not sober. of the night, nor of darkness. G. Bowie. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do

THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE LORE. AN ADDRESS BEFORE THE BREAKING OF BREAD.

Read 1 John ch. i. ; ii. 12, and ch. Jesus is in the far country truly, bdt iv. 8-21. These words of the aged he is alive for evermore; and our apostle are altogether appropriate to feast is not to remember him as one be repeated on such an occasion as gone for ever. He is the true the present, when we are met for Coming Man, the “ man whom God the celebration of the crowning act hath ordained.” of our Lord’s compassion for us. It As I apprehend it, it is not so should be our endeavour to reach much a feast at all for tho satisfac­ forward as successfully as the apostle tion of our natural appetites, as for John did, and apprehend as tho­ intelligent discernment and spiritual roughly as he, the sense and power, exercise of our best and purest and ultimate design of all God’s thoughts. It is not only a memorial communications with man. All —that is a something by which we things tend to the perfection of unity keep or are kept in mind of Jesus— among the saints, love to God and ms he said, “ this do in remembrance our neighbour, unfeigned,—attained of me but it is at the same time when God shall be all and in all. J the blood of the new covenant; It would be well that we kept tho which blood, again, is shed for us. end of God’s purpose steadily in view I As a remembrance of Jesus, its sim- at all times, so that we mi"might’** therku |I plicity, and adaptibility to >i...the object more readily be made aware■- "ofe --our1 in view,view, render render it itparticularly particularly signi signi-­ fault, when at any time we cross ficant. Jesus seems to have had that purpose, by directly, or in­ the institution of this supper in his directly, doing that which is ad­ mind some time previous to its be­ verse to it. ing initiated, “ with desire I have The recurrence of this meeting is desired,” or “ I have heartily de­ eminently calculated to guide our sired "—he said, “ to eat this pass- erring feet to the desired end, when over with you before I suffer.” I we assemble in the right spirit. cannot imagine anything so simple, This memorial of our Lord is one of and at the same time so expressive a peculiar character, because it is an as this supper is; a. means selected ordinance which embraces ideas and for the purpose of leaving to his memories that necessarily are sin­ disciples a common bond, or act, gular, in the sense of being alone. by which they would be drawn to­ There are feasts which the admirers gether, and knit together in common of departed genius observe by mu­ thoughts of hope and holy joy, in tual consent, when the birth-days, which there was left little or no or the centenary of tho distinguished room for any voice of discord, or personage comes round ; but this''""y any harsh word. It is not round feast is not of a class with these.1 this table we are most likely to raise

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 86 THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. June 1,1S65 petty contentions ; for we are here be kept open to behold what hap­ as by the cross of Jesus, and at his pened to Jesus, and to see the signi­ sepulchre, and at his coming again. ficance of that once for all broken Let us therefore endeavour to body. “ It pleased the Lord to realize what the heart might be bruise him.” Let us not forget how expected to feel at these times—the in his bruising our claim to salva­ last of which we may be speedily tion was accomplished. With him called upon to experience, were the stripes, with us the heal­ “ This do ye us oft as ye drink it ing. “He bore the iniquities of us in remembrance of me,” are words all.” which would beget among all loving His body was broken, that again disciples the desire to take into their his body the (Jhurch might be made hands the memorial of their Lord; one. and he has, with that great care and He died that we might live. The divine forethought which charac­ blood of Jesus clcanseth ns from all terized him for the children which sin, behold then how much we have, God has given him, so appointed, and that is not all,'to induce us to out of the materials which were at show forth his death. It is not only hand, and which may be in the that he died a just man, that is homeliest circumstances always at good cause for our sympathy and hand — a beautifully appropriate love; but he died, as God willed it, medium for the recall of all those for us. So much the more on that sacred and sanctifying associations account is our love demanded, and which cluster around the name of our remembrance of him intensified. J osus of N azareth. Almost in whatever direction we One thing which we are promi­ turn our thoughts, in connection nently expected to show forth by the with the observance of this ordi­ repetition of this ordinance, is clearly nance, do we find more or less some the death of Jesus. Paul says, “For cause for admiration of its wonderfid as often as ye cat this bread, and fitness, there is both the idea of drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s severance and of unity monogratna- death till lie come.” It is peculiar tically brought__• before• • , our n>j)ids. to reflect how intimately are com- We break1 *- this bread’ which is to us hined, in that single sentence, two his body broken, and we eat of it events; the one long past, the other together, united, made one by a com­ let ns hope near to come—the one, mon bond springing from that very in one aspect of it, a matter which breaking; and as we partake to­ wakes our deepest sorrow and com­ gether how solemnly it calls to our passion, so unjustly cruel is the recollection that unless we eat, so story of Jesus’ death; the other so to speak, his flesh, and drink his bright with hope, so laden with ex­ blood, there can be no life in us. pected blessing, a counterpoise more May we ever exercise ourselves to than sidlicient to outweigh the bur­ discern this truth, and be found of den of every sorrow, and to blunt him in peace. Let us be all true the stings of every pain. Yet wc men, each one a member of. that must show forth the death of him people being called out from among who is our life. Every time we the nations to his glory and praise. assemble to do this duty, wc bring Of old there was one who laid his before our physical eyes a physical unholy hand on the table, and feigned hint, that the eyes of our minds may to he faithful, even under the eyes of Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ i Juno 1,18'5. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 87 his master : Judas is not too bttd an dark day never rise upon any of us, example to cite as a warning in our but, drawn still closer by the power days. Wo look and speak fair as of that love wherewith he loved us, we sit at the table, and yet, did we let us cherish the things holy and not watch, it is possible for us to true, which we have learned of turn away, if not stained with the God's book, and practise th oso evil crime of Judas, at least traitors heavenly virtues which are the to the faith, and practical despisers natural accompaniments of them. of the blood of Jesus. May that G. Mitchell.

THE GOSPEL IN THE LORD’S SUPPER.

No gospel like the feast To thee our curse and doom .Spread for Thy Church by Thee ; Wrapp’d round thee with our sin. Nor prophet uur evangelist Tim horror of that mid day gloom, Preach the glad news so free. Tho deeper night within.

Picture and parable I To us thy home in light, All truth and love divine, Thy “Come, ye blessed, coins I " lu one bright point made visible, Thy bridal raiment, pure and white, Hence, on the heart they billin', Thy Father’s welcome home.

All our redemption coat, Here wo would rest midway, All our redemption won ; As on a sacred height, All it has won for us, the lost, That darkest and that brightest day All it cost thee, the Son. Meeting before our sight.

Thine was the bitter price,— From that dark depth of woes Ours is the free gift given ; Thy Jove for us hatb trod, Tbino was the blood of sacrifice, Up to the heights ofbless’d reposo (lure is tire wino of heaven. Thy love prepares with Cod ;

For then the burning thirst. Till, from self’s chains released, The shame, the mortal strife, One sight alone we see, Thu broken heart, the side transpierced; Still nt the cross as at the feast, To us the bread of life. Behold thee, only thee ! The Three Waking,

THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. (Concluded, from page 7 If ■I. Matthew (v. 17,18,) in his account! of the promises made to the Jews by of the Lord’s sermon on the mount, our Father could not be realized, ascribes the following words to him, because the Jews did not keep the “ Think not that I am come to conditions attached to them. If we destroy the law, or the prophets : I grant this, (but by no means admitt­ am not ctme to destroy, but to ful­ ing that it is so), what will the objec­ fil. Till heaven' and earth pass, one tors do with the personal promises to jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and from the law, till all be fulfilled.” It Christ 1 Have all the prophecies has been said by many that certain uttered by Isaiah , David,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 88 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES- ' June 1, 1805 Zechariah,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ J unu 1,1S66, THE MESSENGER OF.THE CHURCHES. 89 Matt. xxv. 31. At present lie is does it say, spiritually eat and drink. not sitting on his own throne, for he It is literal throughout, eat and drink himself tells us, Rev. iii. 21, “To at my table, in my kingdom, and him that overCometh will I grant to sitting on thrones. sit with me in my throne, even as Again, it is the twelve tribes of I also overcame, and am set down Israel who are to be judged. In no with my Father in his throne.” instance of the use of the word Israel Again, in Luke xxii. 28-30, “ Ye are can it be proved that is applied to they who have continued with me in the Church of Christ, taken out of the my temptations ; and I appoint unto Gentiles. It is always applied to you a kingdom, as my Father hath Israel as their peculiar national title, appointed unto me ; that ye may eat as descendants of Abraham by birth and drink at my table in my king­ and faith. And, we may add here, dom, and sit on thrones, judging the that the term Zion is unapplied to twelve tribes of Israel.” It is clear the church of the Gentiles. As the and conclusive, from the words of the apostles are to judge the twelve tribes Lord himself, that he had not sat on of Israel, it will be when Christ his own tin-one cither before or after comes to take possession of the throne his resurrection. He could not after, of his father David, to rule over Israel; for the throne of David is not in but as Israel is scattered abroad, it heaven; and it is certain he did not remains for them to be restored, so before, for he was crucilied, and, like that the prophecy of Christ may be Abraham, could not claim a foot of fiddled. land for his own. Neither have the It will be asked, how could the apostles sat on thrones, judging the Jews be blamed for looking for a twelve tribes of Israel, but, like 1’aul, Messiah who should set up a kingdom were judged, “ for the promise made at once 1 For the reason that God had of God unto our fathers : unto which declared through his prophets that promise our twelve tribes, instantly Christ was to suffer, that he was to serving God day and night, hope to be a light to the Gentiles, and that , come,” Acts xxvi. 6, 7. The reign of out of the Gentiles a people were to Christ over the twelve tribes, with the be taken for his name. The Jews apostles as his assistants, is yet to be. had had a monopoly, as it wore, for a When it is, the prophecy of Isaiah, period of the promises; but it was xxxii. I, “ Behold a king shall reign the purpose of God to open these to in righteousness, and princes shall the attainment of the Gentiles. It rule in judgment,” will be fulfilled. was not to a political ascendancy our If it is said, the kingdom is a spi­ Lord was born at the first. It is ritual one, and the thrones spiritual worthy of note, that precisely at the also, then we say that the table must time of his birth, thefirst Roman cen­ be spiritual also. If the table on sus of J udca was made. Again, when which the bread is broken on the fiist “ they would take him by force of the week be the table, i. e. the and make him a king,” he would king’s table, where are the thrones not allow il; the time for assert­ and the twelve apostles ? If the ing his right was not yet come. apostles rule in this spiritual king­ It was the hour of his temptation, dom by their inspired writings, where not of his glory : as it is the hour of arc all these writings ; for we have the church’s temptation now, so will only the writings of part of the the glory be to come. When he conics, pasties in our possession ? Neither he will take a throne, the reigning

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 90 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. Juno 1, 18G5. on which has long been interrupted. it require them. The great truth to While, on the contrary, the spiritual bo borne in mind is, that the funda­ reign over his saints has been unin­ mental law of Christ at present is, terrupted from the beginning. The Love is Power. With this power purpose of God ever being sure and continually obtaining larger sway fixed, the future tilings affecting the over our hearts and lives, we can condition of the Church and Israel arc earnestly look for the restoration of spoken of as already a possession. the Israel of God, to live under the The gospel of Christ was not and w ill sway of him whose right it is. Even not be ushered into the world under so, come quickly Lord Jesus. the auspices of the State, neither does Christianos.

FAITH IN THE LORD’S SECOND COMING ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION.

This is evident from Hub. ix. 28, the dead. lie comes to judge all “ Unto them that look for him, shall men according to their works. We he appear the second time without must all appear before the judgment sin unto salvation.” And from 2 seat, of Christ. It may be, I believe Tim. iv. 8, where Paul says, “Hence­ it will be, that we shall appear in dif­ forth there is laid up lor me a crown ferent bands, and at different times ; of righteousness, which the Lord, the but the Lord comes to judge ns all, righteous judge, will give unto me in and to appoint us our portion, as is that day, and not unto me only, but right and meet in his sight. unto all them also who love his ap­ But that is not all : he comes to pearing." And from Hub. x. 37, 38, reign. 11c comes to judge the world “Yet a little while and be that shall as a king, by reigning righteously come will come, and will not tarry. over all nations, on Mount Zion. It Now the just shall live by (this) is faith in this that is saving faith. x faith; but if he draw back (from it), We are saved by believing (bat Jesus Hi}’ soul (sailh God) shall have uo is coming, as it is written of him in pleasure in him.” Dan. vii. 13, 14, to reign over all But that we may be saved by it, nations for ever as the Son of man. our faith in the Lord’s second coming This is our hope : the hope of his must bo intelligent and scriptural. saints, the hope set before us in the We are not saved by belief of the gospel, the hope of the gospel. What bare fact, that the Lord will come the is our hope ? Is it not this, that if we second time, any more than we are suffer with him, we shall also reign saved by faith in the bare fact, that with him. What was the hope of bis he has already come. We are saved apostles? Was it not founded on his by believing that ho came, and suf­ own words—“ In the regeneration, fered, and died upon the cross to put when the Son of man shall sit on his away our sins by the sacrifice of him­ glorious throne, ye also, sitting on self. And so we arc saved by faith twelve thrones, shall judge the twelve in his second coming, when we under­ tribes of Israel"? And again, “Ye stand and believe what he is coining arc they who have continued with to be and to do. me in my trials, and I appoint unto He comes to judge the quick and you a kingdom, as my Father hath Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ J cine 1, 1S65. THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. 91 appointed me, that you may eat and tures of truth, that Jesus is to reign drink with me at my table in my on earth. But we are to reign with kingdom, and sit on thrones judging him, therefore we must reign with the twelve tribes of Israel.” Jesus on the earth. Ay, and what is Jesus’ own hope? “ Unto the angels hath he not put lie had a hope. He has a hope. He in subjection the world to come (the has not entered into his final rest: he oikimenou, the habitable), whereof sits at the right hand of God, front we speak.” No. The habitable to henceforth expecting till his enemies come is, in the promise and purpose be made his footstool. His delights of God, put in subjection to man— are with the sons of men. He re­ even to the Son of man, and to his joices in the habitable parts of the brethren. By the captain of their earth. His longing eyes are towards salvation, God brings many sons to Jerusalem, and his beloved brethren this promised glory, the glory of according to the flesh—the lost sheep reigning with Jesus in the world to of the house of Israel. “ For the come. But how shall we escape if Lord hath chosen Zion• he hath de­ we neglect so great salvation : if we sired it for bis habitation. This is scorn it, despise it, or think lightly my rest for ever: here will 1 dwell, of it, or, like the angels that sinned, for I have desired it." “ In that day not content with our own habitation, it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear foolishly prefer to reign in kingdoms thou not; and to Zion, Let not thine beyond the skies, which God has not hands be slack. The Lord thy God promised, neither hath it entered into in the midst of thee is mighty: he his mind. will save, be will rejoice over thee Undoubtedly the hope of the gospel with joy : he will rest in his love, he is the hope of reigning with Jesus on will joy over thee with singing." the earth. “ And you who were And what is the hope of the saints sometime aliens and enemies in your of Jesus, ;ts set before us in Rev. v. mind by wicked works, yet now hath 9, 10, “ Thou wast slain, and hast he reconciled in the body of his flesh, redeemed ns to God with thy blood, through death, to present you holy, and hast made us kings and priests and unblameable, and unreprovable unto our God; and we shall reign on in his sight, if ye continue in the the earth." Where could we reign faith, grounded ami settled, and be but on the earth. We sec in such not moved away from the hope of the scriptures as Ps. ii. G, Zech. ii. 9-12, gospel,” Col. i. 21-23. and many other places of the scrip- D. L.

NO MORE CURSE. " And (here shrill be no more curse.’’—Rev x.xii. .3. No more curse! Truly that must with beauteous trees of every variety be a NEW EARTH ! For curse there of foliage, verdant plains, stretching has been since the earliest dawn of far and wide, majestic rivers and human history. Scarcely had the' rippling brooks, all teeming with present mirl'ace of the globe been J myriads of sentient beings, that roani fitted up, in order and beauty, flood. a-field, or wing the air, or skim the and field, lofty mountain, adorned wave; and all subjected under man,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 92 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. Juuel, I8C5. made in the image of his Maker, Lord God drove him from the garden ; lord over all. Scarcely had this new preventing his return by guards of epoch been inaugurated; scarcely cherubim, whose flaming swords had the great Architect surveyed the closed up the way back to the tree product of his wonder-working hand, of life. and, satisfied with the result, pro­ So dire was this primal sin of our nounced it, “ Very good,” when first parents in the sight of the All- curse was introduced into our world, pure Jehovah, that even the ground aud until now remains. was cursed on that account. " Cursed The. serpent first, most subtle is the ground for thy sake : thorns beast of all 11 which the Lord God also and thistles shall it bring forth.” had made,” deceiver of our first ’Twas thus the curse began ; but mother Eve, whom he selected as who can tell its history, or trace the being more assailable than her first workings of its baneful influence made companion; and with sleeky among all peoples, in all climes ? words, and baser falsehoods, aroused The firstborn of onr race became a suspicious thoughts of God, and as­ murderer, yea I spilled a brother’s pirations after knowledge, which had blood, and he, a-conscience-stricken better never been known—knowledge vagabond, with God’s brand upon of evil as well as good. He, justly, him, was doomed to wander through received the doom, “Because thou the earth. hast done this, cursed thou art above And then we have the story of the all cattle, and every beast that roams flood, the curse of rampant wicked­ the field ; upon thy belly shalt thou ness, the confusion of human speech, go, and cat the dust the whole days through man’s impiety, Gomorrah’s of thy life: 1 will put enmity be­ doom, Egypt's plagues, and Israel's tween thee and the woman ; and be­ wanderings and mortality, the Canaan­ tween thy seed and hers. Iler seed ites’ overthrow, Ephraim's captivity, shall bruise thy head, though thou and Judah's punishment; and the shalt bruise his heel.” Messiah's death, and Zion’s desolation And then upon the woman came until this day. The world's whole this doom, “ 1 will greatly multiply history and present state unveil the thy groanings and thy pains ; in sor­ same sail picture—a theatre of row shalt thou bring forth children ; curses. to thy husband thou shalt be subject, ------” AFy cur is pained, he shall rule over thee.” My soul is sick with every day’s report On Adam next came this dire 01'wrong and outrage, with which earth is curse, even from that God who made filled.” him : “ Because thou hast listened to The oppressor’s rod has ever held thy wife, and eaten of the tree which the sway, and millions groan beneath I forbade thee, cursed is the ground its potent power, crushed to the dust, for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou from India's torrid clime, outward to eat of it all the days of tliy life. In either pole. And cruel ruthless war, the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat from eld till now, mows hapless thou­ bread, till thou retnrncst unto the sands down, till earth is drunk with ground whence thou wast taken ; for hum tin gore. Black pestilence still dust thou art, and unto dust shalt spreads its sable wings o’er our vast thou return.” And lest man si ill cities, poisoning our breath, and de­ should pluck the fair fruit of the tree solating hopeful happy homes. Gaunt of life, and ea! and live for ever, the famine, too,' and, more to be abhorred

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ June 1, UW. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 93 than these, with all their miseries, men still need the threatened curse the many-coloured monster, Vice, of disobedience suspended over their spreads curses all around, enhancing heads. And hence the oracle of God all our woes. The very elements are declares. “ The nation and the king­ fraught with curses, and hurl them dom that shall not serve thee [0 . furiously at our heads. The red vol­ Israel] shall perish utterly.” And cano, big with fury, pours out its whoso'ver refuses to obey Messiah, waves of seething lava, drowning “ shall be destroyed from among the whole cities, and populous verdant people.” Moreover, it is written re­ plains. And who can paint the garding those left ones of the nations, earthquake, or describe the wreck that if they impiously withhold their and ruin of its wrath, when—■ worship from the King, the Lord of --" The fixed and rooted earth, Hosts, and shall absent themselves Tormented into billows, heaves and swells, from Israel’s solemn feasts, held in Or with vertiginous and hideous whirl Jerusalem, the. curse of drought shall Sucks down its prey insatiable.” be upon them. While, then, the Storms, on land and sea, have their span of life shall stretch immensely full share in the anathema of earth, far beyond its present period, so that when God what we now cal) “ a centenarian ” ‘‘Involves the heavens shall then be called “ a child,” yet, In tcmripests; and quits his grasp upon tho winds,imls, proof that curses still are reckoned And gives them all their fury.” possible, who dies so early as a Thanks be to God for the sure hundred years shall be esteemed hope of a near hand happier time : “ accursed.” Yea, when ten cen­ when God’s Messiah shall break in turies of that benignant reign of pieces the oppressor and shall bless righteousness have rolled away, curs­ all nations with his righteous sway 1 ing shall be upon the earth ; for, lo I Then! then “ the weapons ol the the areh-dcceiver, bound a thousand warrior, and garments rolled in years, roams loose again ; and of the blood,” shall be put away. world’s inhabitants, who dwell remote “ No more shall nation against nation rise, in “ the four quarters of the earth," Nor ardent warriors meet with hateful eyes. by his long-skilled deceptions, he Nor fields with gleaming steel be covered gathers a vast multitude to battle o’er, against the saints, and madly invests The brazen trumpet kindle war no more. I But useless lances into scythes shall bend, their camp and the beloved city. On And the proud falchion in a ploughshare end. these infatuated hosts, God pours ***** devouring fire from heaven, which Waste sandy valleys, once perplex'd with consumes them ; while the dire foe thorn, > The spicy fir and shapely box adorn ; of man, the devil, receives his final To leafless shrubs the flow’ring palms suc­ doom: cast into that sulphurous lake ceed. of fire, where his emissaries, the beast And odorous myrllc to the noisome weed.” and the false prophet, were cast a u The knowledge of the Lord shall thousand years before—to be tor­ cover the earth, as the waters cover mented while his being lasts. the sea.” “ Then shall the righteous More curses still : for see, the flourish,” and vice, ashamed, shall depths of ocean yield the dead which hide its head. long have lain securely hid in their Yet even then all curses have not vast caverns. Hades and Thanatos ceased; for this long blissful era is, restore their charge; and all who after all, but a subduing time, and had been dead, both small and great,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 94 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. June 1, I8C5. before tho great white throne are earth, to tabernacle among men ; summoned ; and all whose names are His glorious presence shall be the not found written in the book of life sun to (hat celestial city which are cast into the lake of lire. lightens all the earth. What now remains of cursing ? “ And .there shall be no more No more than this : “ Death the hist curse !” All this Shall last for ever. enemy shall be destroyed.” The Behold, cxullingly, the end of all spirit-rapt Apostle sees “ Death and things ; not dissolution, but unsullied Hades cast into the lake of fire,” and perpetual bliss. The church of which represents, in most expressive God, chosen by his love, through figure, that death shall be no longer. faith in his Messiah, who for a thou­ Then, then, sand years have shared Messiah’s " Tho gronns of nature, in this nether world, rule over the prosperous peoples; Which Heaven bus heard for ages, have and who have seen the whole sub­ an end.” dued to God, presented by the Son “ No curse shall any longer be." to his Almighty Father, to whom, as .The weary world, heaves to its centre, heretofore,he bows in lilial reverence; amidst the throes of its last anguisk —this church, we say, remains with The very elements shall melt with fer­ their great conquering head still in vent heat—the gaseous atmosphere the ascendant. They, the dwellers exploding pass away. The sea, so long in the New Jerusalem, “ reign for the theatre of storm and destruction, ever and ever;” while noble Israel, shall be no longer. Then a new earth, and the faithful peoples found in the surrounded by new heavens, shall book of life, freed from all sin, all our old globe appear, filled with the sickness, all sorrow, and all death, teeming millions—the nations of the shall, unforbidden, eat of the tree of saved. The New Jerusalem, adorned life, and drink of that pure crystal as a bride, conics down from heaven: river of living water, whose source is henceforth the dwelling - place of the eternal throne of God and the those whose names are written in Lamb. “ And no curse shall any “ the Lamb’s book of life." To it, longer be." the kings of the new earth shall Blessing and honour, and glory bring their glory, spontaneous, with­ and power, be unto Him that sitteth out fear of curse, while the saved upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, nations walk in its light divine. But for ever and ever 1 Amen. more than all, wonder beyond, the Almighty God himself descends to W. L.

A RIGHT AMBITION. And yon arc ambitions, arc you : of what? should become a household word, yet the Of wealth? What signifies it. In a lillle households themselves perish, mid among the while it melts away in your hand ; or if you rubbish of their domestic lumber, your al­ arc filled with it, the surfeit is worse than ready withered laurels find good entombment. the famine ; for its fancied power to buy hns Thus perish the memories of even the great, proved vain. Thus fly off both tlio wealth, but the little men hardly reach tho ripeness and the power to use it. of blossoming. Of fmno? What is that. The loudest Of power? The horse has more; and thu trumpet you can blow, or your friends sound king can command the service of a wliulii for you, will not be beard in every chamber nation : yet the snorting steed madly rushes Io of your own street. And although your name his own“ destruction ...... ;‘ and in: i one night is tho Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Juno 1,18C5. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 95 kingdom in revolution, and the monarch's than tho points of our fingnrs. Alas, if we bead is struck oil-in the morning. Or if, by live in, mid for tho present only, we do not greater skill, the power be secured against live nt all ; for tho glittering pleasure wo saw such contingencies, yet it fades, and fades, and at a distance is only a bauble in our hand; fades, as the silent growth of another over­ and the sweets cloy on our taste, because not shadows it, and denies it the sap of the cm th. alternated with bitter vicissiludo and sharp This is the end of ]>ower. hunger. When this life only is what wo Of life ? Though a man live many days, have, wn cannot oven live up to it, far loss yet if they arc filled with fatigue nod bitter- find an object worthy of our ambition. ' ness, were it not better to have the end ol But ambitious wc must be, mid ambitious those who are untimely born. Life, in itself, wc ought to be. Wc shall aim after the hon­ is but a poor patrimony ; for we cannot as­ our of being kings and priests unto God in sure ourselves of its continuance, so as to ent the degeneration, mid blcsscnr of the nations out of it large work and great dcstinius for in the world to come. What a noble exercise ourselves.. for our ambition I Then (or wealth— all things When inns wealth, fame, power, and even shall be ours, even God and Iris kingdom ; for life itself are of so little real value, what is fame—wo shall be honourably mentioned be­ loft for us to be ambitious of? What shall fore tho Father of Christ, and nil the holy wc_____ strive ...... after ? Shall wo cease to labour angels ; for power—wo shall have the iron for anything, and sit down to enjoy this little sceptre which can break in pieces oppressing span of existence‘ . : crowding•'“s “.....its —enjoymentsnations; and for life—we shall have everlast­ into the closest space, that we may miss none ing joyfulncss and eternal honours. of them ? Or shall we take our labour as our But the price of that greatness, which we reward, mid seek in the very toil wo subject pay in this life, is poverty, reproach, weak­ ourselves to, that filling up of the heart ness, and death. Cast up the account, and which we crave? Such labour is sorrow mid sco whether you can reckon tho present pain ; for if we put out the light of hope, we light afilictions, which arc hut for a moment, cannot sco even to toil: the senses arc blunted anything at all to bo compared with the ex­ and the power benumbed, when our vision is ceeding weight of gloty to be enjoyed through cut off so short that we can sec no further eternity! Geouue.

Intelligence, Notes, &c- AnERDKENsiiiiiR.—“ On the 23d April was Musnir.ES.—Since last month’s report, Mrs baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus the Jenkins, formerly connected with tho “Bap­ Christ, George Campbel), New Pitslioo. tists;” Elizabeth Cl<-iueqt, daughter of brother On my way home from Buchan, on 18th W. Clement; mid Mrs Matthews, formerly April, a course of lectures was arranged for associated with the congregation in Mount in New Dekk. I returned on the 27th, mid Zion Chapel.—have confessed their faith delivered six discourses on the various items in the gospel of Christ, mul been immersed of “ the great salvation ” in “the kingdom of into his name. Having been “buried with God." The attendance began low, and pro­ tho Christ by baptism into death,’’—may gressed ; the last four were well attended. they now “walk with him in newness of The hall was taken and paid for, and all my life.”. It is gladdening indeed to record these expenses met by those who wished to hear; additions to the church at Mumbles. In fmv and thus I was saved all pecuniary risk. places, of much larger extent, do wc find so Several bid fair to prove what they heard, many good and honest hearts, to rcccivo the mid profit by it. J am pressed to return word of the kingdom. May each of thorn ho soon, which I mean to ilo (o.v.) as soon as a living cpistlo of tlio Christ, known and rend circumstances will admit.’’—J. IIobbktson. of all men—adorning the faith of tho gospel, Enixnuiioir.—On the evening of Monday, with the peaceable fruits of righteousness; 15th May, our sister, Jane Henry, left, with and be “ ready to givo a reason Jbr tho hope the family in which she serves, for London. that is in them, with meekness mid fear.” Her address is now A. M. Bell’s, Harrington ScAitnoitouGir,—On May C, were immersed Square, Euston Hoad, London, N. It is upon confession of their faith, and received remarkable that tho great metropolis should into tho fellowship of tho Church, Robert and contain two of unr sisters of tho sumo mime— Jessie F,cedes. Brother Eccles is spoken of the address of tho other Jano Homy is, 7 as a zealous man, mid being, through his Prince’s Gate, Kensington, S.W. business, much engaged in travelling about

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 36 THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. Juue 1, 18.35 .

tho country, he. is expected to have many The Piibenolooical Bbaiiinos or the opportunities of making known the glad tid­ Cukistian Faith; reprinted from The. Me!' ings.—Brother Charles Walker Ims delivered senger of the Churches. Price Id., or Is. three lectures to audiences of 800 or 400 on per dozen, post free. U. Dowtu, 12 Beau­ the sands, setting forth the truth concerning mont Place, Edinburgh. the coming of Shiloh and the promises to Soul: or the Hebrew word Nephesh, and Abraham. These lectures tho brethren pro­ the Greek Psuche., in al) their occtirrencOM pose to continue. Many arc inquiring after and uses in Scripture. Price Id., to be had tho way of Jilb. of W. Laiko, 12 Beaumont Place, Edinburgh.

Tin-: Contrast between Protestantism Publications. AND the Gosi’Ei.; pp. 36. Price Gd. To be had of W. Nokkih, 9 Ingliston Street, Important H'brZ: for Bible Students, Edinburgh. THE EMPHATIC DI AG LOTT; Containing tho Original Greek Text ol the NEW TESTAMENT, according to the THE JULY MEETING. Recension of Dr J. Griesbacii, with an The usual time for the gathering of brethren Tuterlineary Word for Word English Transla­ from diil'erent parts ia at hand. According tion : n New Emphatic Version, based on the to tho usual arrangement, it should be held Tuterlineary Translation, on the Renderings of ou Sunday, llilh July. A suggestion was Eminent Critics, nml on tho Various Readings once made to hold it in.Dundee: is it suit­ of the Vatican Manuscript; together with able to do so (his year? The Edinburgh Illustrative and Explanatory Foot Notes and brethren are as ready as ever for it in their a Copious Selection of References; to the city, and will bo glad to afford every facility whole of which is added a Valuable Alpha­ to visitors to enjoy themselves and be profited betical Appendix. while in town. Tho above highly important and valuable It would bo well for brethren immediately Work, which 1ms been in course of prepara­ to communicate with the secretary, giving tion for the last seven years, is now completed, any suggestions they may have to render the containing 884 pages, 18iuo, and will be sup­ meeting a pleasant and a beneficial one. As plied at the following prices :— no fixed arrangements arc made either as to Plain leather binding, . ICs. place or previse time, suggestions on these Extra do., gilt or red edges, His. points may also be submitted. We have a Coloured calf or morocco, do., 20s. suggestion ourselves—Three or four brethren Postage, 4d. All orders, accompanied with from Mumbles mid Swansea purpose paying cash, and addressed to J. Wilson, 53 North us a visit on the first week of July : would it gate, Halifax, will receive prompt attention. not be well to have the gathering in Edin­ burgh, while they arc here, say on the 9th of On hand, July. Wc used to have letters fiom nil the churches which were so distant as to be un­ The Messenger of the Churches, able to send deputies: let us have the same First Scries, for 1801, 1862, 1863, 1804 ; in again, mid also from isolated brethren. It is single volumes, sewed, Is.; or the four to- astonishing, how much the brethren are grati­ gether, in cloth, lettered, 4s. Gd, The two fied by such communications. first Nos. of the vol. for HE0 are out of print, G. Dowib, Sec. but a few copies of the others are still on hand, and may be had at Id. each. Postage The stock of tracts, of almost all kinds, is in all cases extra—for single vols , 2d.; for very low : tho question of new tracts and re­ tho cloth vols., Gd. I issues will be considered at the meeting. Tub Disciples’ Ciioual Service op Bible Themes, Tho Treasurer acknowledges receipts for Paper covers, 2s.; or in cloth boards, 2s. Cd., lt1 Mt'SSCIlger ,J (from’»•*"»»»' Paxton,PuvIa« Swansea,Qli-nnonn and post free. Also, Warwick.

Articles should bo sent in by the 15th of the month, and items ol intelligence not later than tho 24th ; nil papers meant for insertion, or notes of intelligence, may be forwarded to George Dowif., 12 Benumont Place; and all business communications to James Cameron, 12 Colton Hill, Edinburgh, to whom money orders should be made payable.

A. AND W. n. WILSON, lUUNTEBB, HIGH STREET, ED1N1U KOH. 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. 7. July 1, 18G5. New Series. Vol. I.

UNQUENCHABLE FIKE. No doctrine of heathen philosophy eternal existence of the wicked in has more successfully assumed thes misery. garb of divine truth than has “ thei “ He will burn up the chaff with natural immortality of man.” It; unquenchable fire,” Matth. iii. 12. pervades the whole of our religiousi “ If thy hand offend thee cut it off; literature so widely, and so intensely, it is better for thee to enter into life that no one, not otherwise informed, maimed, than having two hands to could for a moment doubt that it is go into Gehenna, into the fire that taught in Scripture ; not merely re­ never shall be quenched,” Mark ix. vealed obscurely, cropping out here 43. and there, but lying all over the sur­ The words, “ The fire that never face, like the verdure that beautifies shall be quenched " in Mark ix. 43, the mountain-side, and the plain: 45, are the same in the Greek as yet, astounding reality, the immor­ “ the unquenchable fire" in Matth. tality of wicked men is nowhere iii. 12, and should have been simi­ asserted or implied in the Bible. larly rendered. Probably the reason Man, as a descendant of Adam, is for introducing the terms, “ never uniformly spoken of in Scripture as shall be,” in translating Mark’s nar­ a mortal being ; and as a sinner, rative, was to render- them more doomed to perish: for “ the wages expressive of the idea of eternal tor­ of sin is death ■” while, on the other ment, which tho translators believed hand, immortality, or deathlessness, to be the final doom of impenitent is always spoken of as belonging to sinners. God, or to such persons as, on certain Suppose, however, that wo use tho specified conditions, he has declared rendering, “ unquenchable fire,” in­ it his purpose to confei* it. It is by stead; of “ the fire that never shall overlooking this truth, and assum­ be quenched,” it will still be thought ing that the Bible teaches that all by many expressive enough of the men, converted or unconverted, are idea,i that the unsaved shall be endowed with endless being, that doomedi to endure the most excru­ such statements as the following are ciating< agonies throughout unending used to support the idea of the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 98 THE MESSENGER OF 'IHE CHURCHES. Ju y 1, I8U5. strated, from the'usage of the lan­ rible and thorough character of the guage, that the easting of a person desolation is represented as “ un­ into “ unquenchable fire" necessarily quenchable flames" in a forest, and implies the everlasting existence of we plainly perceive that the language that person ; or that the words “ un­ simply denotes the complete scatter­ quenchable fire ” arc in no other in­ ing of the Jewish people. stance applied in Scripture to objects In the prophecies of , also, which we know do perish ; then, I similar language is used : “ If ye will confess, wo would bo shut up to ac­ not hearken unto me to hallow the cept tho doctrine of immortal misery, sabbath day, and not to bear a bur­ with all its weight of melancholy den, even entering in at the gates sadness, unless it were elsewhere of Jerusalem on the sabbath day ; positively denied. If, however, on then will I kindle a fire in tho gates the other hand, we .find the same thereof, and it shall devour tho language applied to other objects palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not which we know have ceased to exist, 1be------quenched,’ ”” Jer.T...... xvii.” °'27.T xrNo------sane then surely we arc bound to main­ man will assert that these palaces and tain, in the absence of any direct tes- gates of Jerusalem, are indestructible, timony to the immortality of impeni- because the fire that destroyed them tent men, that such language by no is’ termed “ unquenchable,” so far means expresses or implies the idea from that being the case, the figure is of unending being. justly understood to represent their The phraseology which our Lord complete destruction. Jehovah kin­ here employs was familiar to his dled the flames, and none could ex­ auditors. From their childhood, wc tinguish them ; they would continue may presume they had frequented to burn till their purpose was com­ the synagogue on the Sabbath, where pletely effected. Destruction, not pre­ the Scriptures of the prophets were servation is the idea meant to be read in their hearing; and they must conveyed ; and why not also the same often have listened to these words of idea when the doom of the wicked is the Lord, by the prophet Ezekiel, represented by the same language 7 “ Son of man set thy face towards Why affirm that they arc indestruc­ the south, and drop thy word toward tible because Jesus said, they shall the south, and prophesy against the be “ burnt up like chuff in unquench­ forest of the south field ; and say to able fire ? ” the forest of the south, Hear the The meaning of the words, “ un­ word of the Lord :—Thus saith the quenchable fire,” may be further illus­ .Lord God; Behold, I will kindle a trated by the use which Eusebius, fire in thee, and it shall devour every the ecclesiastical historian, makes of 'green tree in thee, and every dry them in recording the death of those tree : the flaming flame shall not be who suffered at the stake for their quenched, and all faces from the south adherence to the Christ. In his his­ to the north shall be burned therein. tory, book vi. ch. xli., ho gives an And all flesh shall sec that I the account of those who suffered death Lord have kindled it: it shall not be at Alexandria. “ The first of these quenched,” Ezek. xx. 40-48. These was Julian, a man afflicted with the words contain a threatened desola­ gout, and neither able to walk nor tion of the land of Judca, which lay stand, who, with two others that towards the south of the river Chcbar, carried him, were arraigned. Of where the prophet resided. • The tcr- these, the one immediately denied"

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; % Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ July 1,1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 99 but the other, named Chronion, sur- destruction of the wicked 1 Dream named Eunus, and the aged Julian not, then, 0 impenitent sinner, that himself, having confessed the Lord, thou art an immortal I Unless thou were carried on camels throughout yield thee io the love of God, and the city,—a very large one, as you heartily believe the gospel of his Son, know,—and in. this elevation were the Messiah, who loved thee and gave scourged, and finally consumed in an himself for thee, perish thou must, immense fire (puri asbesto, the same like chaff before the quenchless flame. terms rendered “unquenchable fire” Ponder, I beseech thee, the love­ in Matth. iii. 12). After these, Epi- warning of Jesus : “ God so loved machus and Alexander, who con­ the world, that he gave his only be- tinued for a long time in prison, from gotten Son, that whosoever believeth the scourges and scrapers, were also in him might not perish but havohave destroyed in an immense fire ” (puri everlasting life.” ' asbesto). These faithful witnesses by Not leas expressive of entire de­ being cast into “ unquenchable fire ” struction is the Saviour’s language, were reduced to ashes—not tor­ recorded by Mark, which has been mented for ever and ever. And already quoted : “ It is better for when Jesus uses the same terms to thee to enter into life maimed, than describe the fate of the incorrigible having two hands to be cast into hell, sinner, how can these terms be into the fire that never shall bo fairly understood to mean anything quenched, where their worm dieth else 1 The language of Jesus no not, and their fire is not quenched.” more expresses the indestructibility The word here translated “ hell,” is of sinners, than docs that of Euse­ in the Greek, “ Gehenna,” or valley bius express the deathlessness of of Hinnom (See Messenger, Old those who for the truth’s sake were Series, vol. iv. pp. 20-23). A small consumed at the stake, “ Unquench­ valley on the south-east of Jerusalem. able fire,” then, means fire that irre­ In this valley, the idolatrous Israel­ sistibly destroys that which is com­ ites caused their children to pass mitted to its action. through the fire to Moloch, After Had the Saviour’s words been pro­ ihe captivity, the place became an. perly attended to, they would never object of the greatest abhorrence, on have been used as an argument for account of these abominations; and, • the doctrine we arc combating. following the example of Josiah Would any one, who had not previ­ (2 Kings xxiii. 10), they made it a ously believed such a doctrine, ever receptacle for the filth of the city, imagine that, when Jesus, alluding to and the carcases of animals and male­ the end of the wicked, said, “ He factors. To prevent the deleterious will burn up the chaff with unquench­ effects of the consequent putrefac­ able fire,” he taught his hearers that tion, great fires were constantly kept the wicked were unconsumable 1 burning. Hence the valley was culled Certainly not It is the wicked who “ Hinnom’s valley of lire,” or “ Ge- are like the chaff; and though the henna of lire.” It was thus a noisome fire might never be quenched, in the and hideous spot: its lurid fires con- most absolutely literal sense, the chaff stantly burning, and the loathsome would bo consumed. Jesus posi­ worms rioting on the unconsumcd. tively asserts that it shall. “ The corpses, was indeed a lit and expres- chaff he will burn up.” What em­ sive picture of the most abhorrent blem more expressive of the complete and complete destruction. , Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 100 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. Juir i, isos This view of the subject is con­ Isays, that the number of them shall firmed by the closing sentences of be so groat, that their worm—tho Isaiah's prophecy. Speaking of the worm feeding on the dead •— shall future glory of the nation of Israel, not die, shall live as long as there are and its capital, Jerusalem, and tho carcases to bo devoured; and that terrible overthrow of the opposing the fire which was used to burn tho Gentiles, the prophet says, “ Behold, bodies of the dead shall continue long tho Lord will come with fire, and to burn, and shall not bo extinguished with his chariots like a whirlwind, till they are consumed. The word to render his anger with fury, and ‘ their,’ in the phrase, ‘ their worm,' his rebuke with Haines of fire. For is used merely to keep up tho image by fire and by his sword will the or figure. Dead bodies, putrefying Lord plead with all flesh : and the in that valley would be overrun with slain of the Lord shall bo many" worms, while tho fire would not be (Ixvi. 15, 16). “ And it shall come confined to them, but spread to other to pass, that from one new moon to objects, kindled by combustibles another, and from one sabbath to through all the valley." It is rather another, shall all flesh come to wor­ remarkable that this writer, after ship before me, saith the Lord. And such a correct exposition of the lan­ they shall go forth, and look upon guage, should affirm, that the picture tho carcases of the men that have represents “ dreadful and eternal suf­ transgressed against me : for their fering.” Putrid, decaying carcases, worm shall not die, neither shall their the image of “ dreadful and eternal fire bo quenched ; and they shall be suffering ! ” Tho worm luxuriating an abhorring unto all flesh” (vers. on a painless corpse an image of the 23, 21). Doubtless the scene here most miserable anguish 11 The con­ depicted is one of real carnage; yet sumption of dead bodies in the de­ the language “ their worm shall not vouring flame a symbol of deathless die, neither shall their firo be spirits tormented by fire, which painr, quenched” is applied to tho carcases but cannot kill them ! ! ! O the of dead men. Here wo have a key blinding effects of heathen philosophy to the language in Mark, which, in­ on the minds of those who submit to deed, is but a quotation from Isaiah, its teaching 1 The words of God, in that would be familiar to the disciples defiance of all the laws of rhetoric of Jesus. and common sense, must be made to So thinks Albert Barnes, though sustain the baseless theories of human a believer in the immortality of the imagination : and thus poor mortals, wicked. In his notes on Mark ix. condemned to everlasting destruc­ 44-46, he writes •—“ This figure is tion, inflate themselves with the vain clearly taken from Is. Ixvi. 24. In conceit of their immortality, echoing, describing the great prosperity of the with true lilial earnestness and joy, kingdom of the Messiah, Isaiah says, the words of the old serpent—the that tho people of God shall go forth devil — “ Ye small not sukely and look upon the carcases of the die !” men who have transgressed against Awake ! Awake 1 0 poor deluded God. Their enemies shall be over­ mortal, ere “ the Lord Jesus be re­ come ; they shall bi slain. The vealed from heaven in flaming lire, people of God shall triumph. The taking vengeance on them that know figure is taken from the heaps of the not God, and obey not the gospel of dead slain in battle ; and the prophet his Son,” for “ He will burn up the Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ July I, 1905. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 101 chaH’with unquenchable tire.” Now, fut of lambs,—and such like terms, God waits to be gracious to thee. are the only ones used in the Bible Yes, waits! The Holy Ono of Israel’s to deter men from sin ; and the man word is yet unverified; his promises who uses terms expressive of oppo­ are yet unfulfilled; his people yet site import, makes himself wiser than ungathcred ; their cities still a deso­ God. lation ; his holy name blasphemed by But what arc the facts? The doc- the nations; the heir of all things trine of eternal misery, as the punish­ not returned to claim his own because ment of sin, is preached from almost God waits; not willing that thou every pulpit in this country; it is, shouldst perish, but believe and live. indeed, the common belief, and what Then why wilt thou die ? Life, eter­ are the results 1 The answer is too nal life, is given to thee in Christ well known. The facts prove that Jesus. Though thou hast earned the if the prospect of everlasting destruc­ wages of sin, which is death, yet tion does not deter men from sinning, “ the gift of God is eternal life." lie neither does the proclamation or be­ that believeth and is baptized shall lief of eternal torments. Ah 1 no. be saved- And really it seems to me, that if the Such we believe to be the truth of declaration that man as a sinner is the teaching of Jesus; the import of doomed to perish, in the strict sense the warnings he uttered in the days of that term, to be burnt up like of his flesh. Contrary it is to the chair in quenchless lire; and that received teaching of the day ; and “ God has so loved the world, as to repugnant, perhaps, to the prcdelec- give his only begotten Son, that who- tions of the men of this age : still it soever believeth in him shall not is divine, and all who gainsay it shall perish but have eternal life ” ; if the shortly be put to shame. L<’or main­ gracious invitation to poor sinners of taining this truth, men call ns in­ the Gentiles like you and me, to be­ fidel s; well, let them do so. And come “ children of God by faith in let us see that we never give them Christ Jesus;” and joint-heirs with better reason to call us so, than a him in his eternal kingdom and glory ; close adherence to the words of God. if the promise of “glory, honour, and Some object to this teaching, that immortality,” in fellowship with the less than the threatening of eternal blessed Son of God for ever and ever, t^-ments will not restrain the wicked do not allure men to God from the in their impiety. Be it so. What pleasures of sin, and make them llec then? Shall we deal wickedly for from the wrath to come, I cannot tell God ? Shall we, in the face of the what could effect this ; surely nothing plainest declarations of Holy Writ, would. This, indeed, w'e do know, tell men that the soul that sinnelh that the great bulk of mankind will shall not die, to prevent them sin­ continue impenitent till the Lord re- ning ? The objection bears on the turn. “ Evil men and seducers sludl front of it a libel on the wisdom of wax worse and worse, deceiving and Jesus and his apostles; yea, of Jeho­ being deceived." But that is no rea­ vah himself, for nowhere in the Bible son why any who read these lines is eternal existence, in any condition, should perish ; surely no. “ God has predicated of impenitent men. Death, visited the Gentiles, to take out of destruction, cvcrhisting destruction, them a people for his name," to make perishing,—being burned up like them kings and priests in the king­ chalf,—passing into smoke, like the dom of his Son. Ho wants to take

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ ioi THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. June 1, 1866. you. Can you refuse ? It is true : be baptized into him,—thus you will ibr “ it is a faithful saying, and become a child of God; and when worthy of all acceptation, that Clu ist the Lord himself shall descend from Jesus came into the world to save heaven with a shout, you shall bo sinners,” — and you are one. Be­ glorified together with him ; and lieve that Jesus is the Christ,—the reign with him for ever and ever. Anointed One to sit on the throne Amen. of David, in the kingdom of God, and W. L.

A WORD OF CHEER.

fAII ! my brolhor, spirit weary I Though his face awhile be hidden ' ' Toiling up the steep of lime, From tliy sad, desponding view, ’Alid the mist, by pnsscs dreary, Oh 1 remember clonus of darkness To a nobler, happier clime ! Often veil the heavenly blue.

Though thy sky be overclouded, Yes, but when those cluuds are parting, Though thy path be dark and drear, Far more lovely it appears, Though thy snul with doubt be shrouded, As llio rainbow comes in beauty, Oh 1 let faith still conquer fear. Like it smile amid the tears.

Bo thy life-cry "Forward1’ ever, So the darkest hour, remember, A nd tliy heart be strong and true, Gloomelh just be lure the morn, Front its purpose swerving never,— When night's stnrry eyes are closing, Much is thine to bear and do. Ere the child, tbs day, is born.

Though sharp thorns bestrew thy pathway, He livclb well who nobiy doeth,— Though (hou fnll'ist, still arise, lie livelli well who nobly grieves. Undiscouraged, onward, upward, Each his destined path pursueth,— Press with faith that never dies. Each bis own reward receives.

Let the cheering thought console thee, Be tliy life-cry ” Forward ” ever, Thou hast one true Friend above, Let thy heart bo strong and true, Who is ever watching o'er theo From its purpose swerving never,— With u never-waning love. Much is thine to hear and do. Vernun De Ahmtijonury.

THE SON OF DAVID ENTHRONED.

Fob unto us a child is born, unto The zeal of the Lord of hosts will ns a son is given : and the govern­ perform this” (Is. ix. G, 7). ment shall be upon his shoulder : and From these two last verses, which his name shall be called Wonderful, are worthy the elucidation of many Counsellor, The mighty God, The volumes, 1 shall deduce the progres­ everlasting Father, The Prince of sion and fulness of Christ's regal Peace. Of the increase of his govern­ office, which includeth and draweth ment and peace there shall be no up into itself both the prophetic and end, upon the llnonc of David, and the priestly. The office of the Child is upon his kingdom, to order it, and to government: “ the government shall establish it with judgment and with be upon his shoulder.” What govern­ justice from henceforth even for ever. ment this was to be is explained after Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Jaly 1.1805. . THE MESSENGER OF. THE CHURCHES. 103 his name : “ of the increase of his Isaiah’s sons should know to refuse government and dominion there shall the evil and choose the good; the bo no end ; ” that it shall include all other, that the rulers of Damascus bounds, at least ail the bounds of the and the spoil of Syria should be car­ earth, and fill all time, that is, be ried away by the king of Assyria, be­ eternal, according to what is foretold fore the younger of his sons could in Daniel vii. 13, 14: “ I saw in the say, My father, and my mother. A night visions, and, behold, one like prophecy which was thus sealed with the Son of man came with the clouds two of the greatest events of those of heaven, and came to the Ancient days might well claim the belief of of days, and they brought him near the wicked king, and retain the belief before him. And there was given of all posterity. It appears, there­ him dominion, and glory, and a king­ fore, from this great prophecy of the dom, that all people, nations, and incarnation, that the idea which was languages, should serve him : his given of the Man-God, or Immanuel, dominion is an everlasting dominion, was that of a deliverer and rightful which shall not pass away, and his inheritor of the land, the. destroyer of kingdom that which shall not be all its oppressors, the remover of all destroyed." But our prophecy is its bondage, the multiplier of tho more particular than that famous nation, the increaser of its joy, tho prophecy of Daniel, adding the royal occupant of its throne, and the go­ scat and metropolis of this univer­ vernor of its people for ever, yea, sal and eternal empire : “ Upon the and the monarch of an universal and throne of David, and upon bis king­ eternal dominion upon the earth. dom, to order it, and to establish it These predictions concerning tho with judgment and with justice from Child are in this prophecy, and no henceforth even for ever. The zeal others are in it. If it mean not this, of the Lord of hosts will perform it meaneth nothing. If a child was this” (Is. ix. 7). This is the last and ever born of a virgin, it was for these also the main part of the prophecy, ends he was born. And if he have which, be it remembered, was given not fulfilled these ends, then he is yet as an assurance to the wavering heart to fulfil them, nor would such a delay of the house of David ; and to that weaken, but rather confirm the pro- end doth declare and signify that this phecy ; for there is mentionedl a vast dominion was to acknowledge1 mysterious waiting on his part, and the throne of David, and him that rejection of him on their part, and a sat thereon, to acknowledge the woeful visitation of darkness in con- supremacy of the house of Jacob, and sctpience thereof. And accordingly him that ruled over the same. Which they are so found till this day reject­ ought to have been consolation and ing his aid, in miserable woful dark­ sustenance to the wicked king in his ness, nothing of all the glory having present strait and agitation, for it was been accomplished, but the very more than had been ever declared by reverse; because the season of his the mouth of prophet or of seer. And waiting is not yet expired. The pro­ so important did the Lord esteem it, phecy, therefore, waits still for its and for such instant use did he intend great accomplishment in the Son of it, and he confirmed it by two great the Virgin, by the act and power of signs : the one, that Syria and the Son of tho Virgin. If any ono Samaria should be divested of both say, No, Jesus of Nazareth shall their kings, before the elder of never sit upon David’s throne, nor

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 101 THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. July 1, 1885. rule over the house of Israel; then, that a Son should be born and a I say, Jesus of Nazareth is not the child given, who should reign in the person here prophesied of, but some hearts of men, and be exalted to the other. If they say, yea, but he is throne of God ? And what signs’ of the Immanuel born of the Virgin, such an event were those two which who, now spiritually filling the spirit­ were granted? Besides, these spirit­ ual throne of David, and spiritually ualists know not where they lead reigning over the spiritual house of themselves. If they will have all Jacob, and spiritually holding uni­ the substance of Immanuel's works versal spiritual empire; then all I to be invisible and spiritual, then I have to say is, I do not know what will have his birth, also to be spirit­ the spiritual throne of David means. ual and invisible upon the earth. If It is the throne of a believer’s heart. they will annihilate the greater part Where learned you to call a believer’s to please themselves, I will annihilate heart the throne of David? It is the lesser part to vex them; and the throne of the Majesty on high. what ha e they left of all this bright How dare you blaspheme, and call and glorious prophecy but the shadow the throne of God the throne of of a dream. David? And what nsc was there Morning Watch. to tell Alias; in his present straits,

THE LATTEIt DAYS.

The import of the phrase “the latter questions will be removed from the days,” has such close connection with region of opinions, and established as the inquiry as to the restoration of a settled scriptural truth, a fact of Israel, that an examination into the the future, to be taught and believed occurrences of the one, unavoidably by all who put on the name of brings us into contact with the Christ. other. Its usage in tho Scriptures, The features characteristic of tho designated “The New Testament,” latter days are clearly described by will be first taken ; afterwards, in tho apostles Peter, Paul, John, and " The Old Testament.” All Scrip­ Jude. ture given by inspiration of God, 1. God hath spoken unto us by being profitable for instruction, and Ills Son, “ in the last days,’, (ep holy men, whether prophets or eschatou ton cmcron). Ilcb. i. 1, 2. apostles, having spoken of old under 2. Christ was manifest in the flesh, the influence of the same Spirit, we “ in these last times,” (ep eschatou should reasonably expect to find a ton chronon). 1 Pct. i. 20. uniform meaning capable of attach­ 3. Apostasy from the faith, the ment to this phrase in its occurrences; spirit speaketh expressly, is to take and great benefit to be derived from place “in the latter times,” (on the research into its meaning. Our usterids kairois). 1 Tim. iv. 1. aim will be to prove that there is 4. Perilous times, to occur “in the such a uniform meaning. If wc latter days,” (en cschatois emcrais) succeed in proving this to tho satis- 2 Tim. iii. 1. ' - faction of the scriptural student, one 5. Antichrist manifestations, pre­ of the most stubborn of controverted valent “ even now," said John, in

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ July 1, 1895. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 105 “ the last time," (eschate ora). 1 I maintained, that, since Christ’s mani­ John ii. 18. festation, there have been no “peril­ 6. Scoffers prevalent “ in the last ous times,” no “scoffers," no “anti­ days,” (ep eschatou ton emcron). 2 christs,” and no “apostasy." Pet. iii. 3. This will bring us to the considera­ Also Jude, 18 ver. “There shall tion of the List passage. The apostlo be mockers in the last time,” (on Peter, Acts ii. chap. 17 ver. address­ eschatbi chronoi). ing the Jews, says, quoting from an The Greek phrases used in 2 Tim. Hebrew prophet, “And it shall come iii. chap. 1 ver. and in another passage to pass in the last days” (en cschatais to be produced presently, Acts ii. emerais). But Paul also uses a chap. 1G ver. arc identical. In Heb. similar expression referring to time i. chap. 1 ver. and 2 Pot. iii. chap. 3 yet to come. Did then this pro­ ver. also : and in 1 Pct. i. chap. 20 phecy taken from Joel receive its ver. and Jude 18 ver. nearly so. fulfilment completely at tho then From the first and second instances present time, or remains it yet for given above, it is evident time past is future completion 'I referred to; from the fifth, that it Wc notice, first, that the apostle was lime present; from the third, Peter docs not say, as it is usual in fourth, fifth, and sixth,, to time Scripture, “then was fulfilled;” but future. he does say, “ This is that which Jude describes a similar feature was spoken by the prophet Joel.” characteristic of the last days, as By this we understand Peter to have Peter also does tho same ; but taught the Jews before him, that the Peter’s verbal expression in another pouring out of the Spirit, the effects passage is to be identified with of which they beheld on himself and Jude’s verbal expression; from these fellow disciples, was of that same usages, it follows, that “the last|kind■■ 1 or nature, which should be times,” “ the last days," and “ the' poured out upon all flush, and also, last time,” refer to a period includ­ in the last days. The then effects ing past and future, and, taken in being a first-fruits of the future connection with John’s expression, operations of the Spirit. The pro­ present time. phecy was concerning all flesh, but But, Paul in his letter to the was then limited to Jews. After­ Hebrews, uses a verbal expression wards, when Cornelius received the refering to time past, similar to one Spirit, no allusion'was made to this used by Peter, referring to lime future, prophecy, although Peter expressly so that the time past in which Christ says, “ the promise is unto you, and spoke, is included in this period, as to your children, and to all that arc before mentioned. afar oil' even to as many as tho Again, it is obvious beyond dis­ Lord our God shall call." So pro­ pute, that the pre-eminently char­ tracting, or carrying forward to yet acteristic features described by Paul future time the fulfilment of the pro­ in his letter to Timothy, belong to a mise in its entirety. period then yet future, but which We observe also, that this promise has existed, and does exist at this concerning “the last days,” or “those day, so that the whole time, from days," is also accompanied by re­ Christ's first manifestation to the marks, which slate that wonders and present lime in which we live, is in­ signs in nature will accompany its cluded in this period. Unless it bo fulfilment. Or, if it is said, tho

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 10G TILE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. July 1, 1305. natural objects being representative apostles, that this fulfilment will of human powers, wonders, and signs take place any time during tho arc to occur amongst these; then all continuance of the last days, or are to take place “before that great nigh to the great and notable day and notable day of the Lord come.” of tho Lord. So that, according to Peter and Having taken the occurrences in Joel, the following things are to the “ New Testament,” we will now occur together ;—the pouring “ out turn to the “ Old : ” stating, as suc­ of my Spirit upon all Hash,” pro- cinctly as possible, tho chief items phesyings, visions; and dreams, won­ coming under the head of “ the last ders in heaven, ami signs on earth, days; ” giving a little more attention and succeeded by a great and not­ to Joel’s prophecy, in consequence able, or terrible day of the Lord. of its intimate connection with These did not occur o/i the day oj Peter’s statement. Before commenc­ Pentecost, neither have they occurred ing our remarks, we would ask tho since that day, therefore they have reader to constantly bear in mind yet to occur. that, in the original Scripture, there We may remark that since the are no distinctions of chapter and first days of the church, the extra­ verses, although there are para­ ordinary gifts of the Spirit have graphs. entirely departed from its possession, Tho words used by Joel, ii. chap. our only resource being the written 28 ver. are, “And it shall conic to word. This being so, is a proof con­ pitas—afterwards, I will pour out clusive of itself, that this prophecy my Spirit upon all flesh,” &c. But of Peter and Joel has not been ful­ Peter says, “ It shall come to pass filled, inasmuch as many of all flesh in tho last days.” Afterward and who have called upon the name of in the last days arc terms of equal the Lord since that time, have not import. AVe know that the last received this pouringout of the Holy days mean the whole period from Spirit. Christ’s manifestation to the present, Again, wc notice, that it is God therefore afterward has the same who is to pour out of his Spirit upon meaning, all llesh. But it is evident beyond Jlere then is a dilemma, Tho dispute or doubt, that the gift of the Spirit., through Joel and Peter, de­ Holy Spirit from this self-same day clares that certain things shall take of Pentecost was only received by place ; which things had not taken the laying on of mi apostle’s hands; place before Peter’s time, fur ho the case of Cornelius being an ex­ quotes the prophecy. Nor did they traordinary one, and not afterwards take place during his time, for the repeated. Proving, still mure strung- circumstances detailed in the pro- ly, we assert, the typical character of phccy werc not apparent at that the pouring out of the Spirit on this time.time, And Juel, as we shall see day of Pentecost, figurative of the presently, includess a restoration of more extensive out-pouring prior to Israel amongst the occurrences of the great and notable day of the the hist days. It follows, that, if the Lord. By Peter's authority, we there­ prophecy quoted by Peter in part fore affirm, that the prophecy of Joel met with its fulfilment at the time, will meet with its fulfilment in the then the remainder of Joel’s pro­ hist days. Ami, by comparison of phecy had yol to bo fulfilled, which Peter’s usage with that of other related to tho I’cstorntiun of Israel.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ July 1,1365. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 107 But if Peter did not confine the ful­ V. Job xix. chap. 25-27 ver.—In the filment in its entirety to the time latter days. then present, and he did not, then My Hedeemer shall stand upon the earth. still more strongly is a future re­ Whom I shall seo fur myself. storation of Israel brought before us. VI. Is. ii. 1 ver. &e.—In the last Either position supports us in our days. belief in such future restoration. The Lord’s house to bo in Jerusalem. Joel, in succeeding paragraph, iii. The house of the (Joil of Ji.cob. chap. 1 ver., itc.,also identifies after­ Nations mid people to iluW Lu it. ward with the host days, for he says, War to cease. “ In those days and at that time I The Lord to shako terribly the earth. will bring again the captivity of VII. Micah iv. <& v. chap.—Hui in Judah and Jerusalem." Confirming the last days. the words as used by tho apostle After Zion and Jerusalem have been des­ Peter. troyed. The Lord's house to bo established io Jeru­ We now give occurrences in the salem. Nations and people to How to it. “ Old Testament ; ’’ summarising War to crime. chief details Israel to be made a strong mil ion. The future llidcr of Israel who came out I. Joel ii. chap. 28 ver. etc.; iii. of JI, th!eh cm. Tu be the peace when the land is inwtded. chap. 1 ver. &c.—Afterward, (in Severn judgments upon Israel’s enemies. the last days). VIII. Jer. xxtii. chap.—In the latter Great and terrible day of the Lord. The pouring out of tho Spirit on all flesh. days, yc shall consider it perfectly, Wonders in heaven and earth. 20 ver. Deliverance in Zion and Jerusalem. After the anger of the Lord has ceased, Judah and Jerusalem delivered from cap­ The days come—/will raise up unto David tivity. a righteous Branch. Tho gathering together of the nations. A king to execute judgment and justice in The judgment of tho nations. the earth. Zion the dwelling place of the Lord. Judah and Israel to be saved in his days, His name, the Lord our Ilighteousness. II. Gen. xlix. chap. 1. 10-12 ver.—■ The days come—Israel to say, la the. last days. The Lord had delivered them out of nil The coming of Bhiluh. countries. And they dwell in their own land. Thu Sceptre departin'' from Judah. Unto him thu gathering of lliu pcoplu IX. Jer. xxx. & xxxi.—In the latter days ye shall consider it, 20 ver. III. Num. xxiv. chap. 14, 15-19 The vision concerning Israel and Judah, ver.—In the latter days. Time el' J acob’s trouble. I .shall see him—I slmllbehold him. In that day—yoke to be taken oft'. There shall come a star out of Jacob. Serve the lord and Dao'ut.their hilly. A sceptre shall rise out of Israel. 1‘miishmenl of Israel’s enemies. The sceptre shall siuito the corners of Their governor to proceed out of the midst Moab, &c. of them. Israel shall do valiantly. xxxi. chap. I ver.—At the same IV. Deut. iv. chap. 30 ver.—In the time. latter days. Israel shall be His people. Aitor being scattered among I ho nations. To l>o gathered from nil people. If Israel turn to the land. The voice heard in Ramah to bo quieted. The covenant of their fathers remembered. Alter those days, 33 ver.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 108 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. July!, iS«5, A new covenant to be made with tho house 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, The coming of Christ. of Israel. 1, 10, Thu pouring out of tho Spirit. I will put my law in their inward parts. 2, 3, 9, Names of Christ. Will bo their God and they my people. S, 9, 10, 13, Israel to be gathered from the nations. X. Ezck. xxxviii. & xxxix chap. 8, 1, 7, 10, 12, Invasion of the land. 16, & 38 ver.—After many days. I, G, 12, Terrible time of trouble —In the latter years.—In the 1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 12, Punishment of I rael’s enemies latter days. I, 7, It, 9, 10, 12 Deliverance of Israel. Invasion of Israel by Gog and Magng. 7, 0, li. Israel to be made a strong nation Destruction of Go" and Magog. —King to reign and prosper—Kingdom Terrible punishment of invaders. to be set up Tho whole house of Israel to be gathered 8, 10, Israel dwelling in promised land. in llicir own land. O’, 7, War to cease. The pmiring out of the Spirit on Israel. 4, 9, 10, 13, Lrael to servo the Lord. The Ilohj One then tn Israel. 1, G, 7, 10, Zion the dwelling place of tho laird. XI. Dan. ii. chap. 28 ver. etc.— 1, 6, 7 Tho gathering of the people unto What shall be in the latter days. Him. In the days of these kings. Nations nnd people to flow to Jerusalem. Shall the God ol heaven set up a kingdom" It shall break in pieces and consume al) The studentof Scripture and seeker these kingdoms. Itself indestructible and to stand forever. for tho truth will at once perceive the intimate connection between XII. Dan. x. chap, bl ver.—What Joel’s prophecy and other prophecies shall befall thy people in the latter concerning the latter days. Also, days. between the prophecies relating to xi. chap, chiefly relating to tho kings of tho the coming of Christ in the latter north and south. days and othci-s referring to the same 40 ver. Invasion of the glorious land by the period. The denier of the restora­ northern king. 45 ver. Ilia destruction. tion of Israel Avill have to prove, that there arc many kinds of latter xii. chap. 1 ver. al that time. days; that during the prevalence of A. great time of trouble. one of these kinds, the prophecies Thy people (that is Israi 1) shall bn delivered were fulfilled; that when the Spirit 13 ver. Daniel to stand in his lot at the end of the days. of Got! delivers a prophecy through inspired men, it only meansporZ to XIII. Hosea iii. chap.—The children be fulfilled; and, that although tho of Israel shall abide many days coming of Christ was said in both without a king and without a. “ Old ” and “ New Testament" scrip­ prince,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ July 1, 1855. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 109 king but Ctesar.” Paul says after occurred, it therefore remains to be the day of Pentecost, Acts xxv. 15, set up in the latter days. “ I appeal unto Caesar.” It is beyond Whence arose this theory of a king­ dispute that these kings could not dom set up on the day of Pentecost? mean Ctesar, for he was but one king. In the “ Roman catholic apostolic" It could not mean the Roman church, with whom it may remain. Empire, for Daniel designates that It is one of the prerogatives of tho as “ the fourth kingdom ;" and, allud­ Spirit of God, when giving us tho ing to the punishment awaiting outlines of the future, to represent “ these kings,” says, “ it shall break kingdoms either in aunitedor divided in pieces and consume all these king­ state centuries before tliecventsoccur. doms.” Neither did it mean, the sepa­ As living in the last days we may rate Ikingdoms „ ’ of gold, silver, brass, reasonably expect events to transpire, and iron,:— forr— they— did.i:.i not—i.which, exist atone as yet, are recorded only in and the same timo. • It (the kingdom) the testimony of prophecy. Know­ has therefore, according to Daniel, to ing this, that the uncertainty of the be set up iu the days of the feet toes; time for fullihnent, doesnot interfere the kingdom of iron at its downfall with the certainty of the fulfilment. having to be divided, the divisions It had been our intention to have being of part iron nature, part clay. referred to the connection of tho But the day of Pentecost happened Conversion with the Restoration of during the prevalence of the iron Israel. Future opportunity may kingdom, (the legs of the image), and however be afforded us of asking the the stone was to smite it upon the reader’s attention to this subject. feet. This could not be done upon In conclusion, wo have only to the day of Pentecost, for the feet say, “Search the Scriptures” and were not as yet. The feet toes period imitate the example of the Bureaus, did not come into existence till many who “searched the Scriptures daily, yearn after the death of John the whether those things were so.” May apostle. It is after the division of God bless reader and seeker for tho the fourth kingdom, we assert, scrip­ truth’s sake, with abundant wisdom, ture teaches, the kingdom was to be strengthening and refreshing the inner set up. There is no evidence to prove man until the day of His coming. that it was set up when tho division Christianos.

WANTS OF HUMANITY.

" Men are, in renlily, as unable to govern where millions of serfs arc never awakened themselves as (bey are to procure their own into the consciousness of maulioixl, to Ameri­ salvation. After the storms of six thousand can common weal th, where liberty is license to years, we have not yet readied a serene the white race, slavery, minder, and prostitu­ political atmosphere. ’After nil our voyages tion to the coloured—where must we seek, or in the deep sea of the experimental, we where can we find nay solid government have arrived at no land of the blessed,—no power, securing political glory or social quiet shore to anchor upon—where rites of .privilege to the masses of the people? Tho___ freedom might bo celebrated, and canticles of kings and diplomatists are still canting about joy resound. Tho wind is np, the sky is the 1balance ofr- power...... - 'They speak to each1 other black overhead—only relieved by jagged bolts iu smooth brotherly words, but secretly give of Cro. Tho vessel of humanity reels and orders for tho increase of war vessels and staggers, aud plunges in tho waste of waters. artillery. They are all iu distrust of each From absolute thrones of Asiatic barbarism, other—waiting in consternation for the next

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ I 10 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. July 1, 18M volcanic eruption. Meanwhile tho people the actual. We cannot have the Suncluary( ' talk of progress, lint seem not to know the Parliament, the Throne, or the Temple, whence they started from, nor whither they till the great king appears with Ins mighty hre going. On ward to the vale of Tempe, ones. It looks ns if the highest order of ortho desert of Sahara—to the gates of life, or literature_ travels in Ibis ______direction. It is the shores of the Bead Sea. It appears to be calling for tho rule of the best — those who tho march of a. mill wheel. Society, like our have1.... . *tho’■* 1largest *' faculty and deepest morale.' planet, is performing a continual revolution, Though the author who lends this party but approaching no nearer to tho sun. Cer­ may not bow the knee to tho Lord Jesus tainly, we must giant, that it is a ]period of Christ, yet his speech is an inarticulate cry immense material development; but 1 here aro for tho coming and kingdom of Christ. no spiritual forces of sufficient magnitude Place the crown on tlio refulgent head which working in counterpoise. We can hear the is the Oracle of tho universe, and the very wind which rends tho mountains, and behold sanctuary ofcverlasting truth; nnd the sceptre the fire which blackens tho valleys, nnd tho in tho hands which arc ns pure ns they aro earthquake that devours, with jaws of dark­ strong, and there is no longer opposition of ness, the pomps nnd glories of nature and power, or disunion in council. Wise to will, ait—but who is there that can hear (he nnd powerful to execute, his wisdom nnd still voice of the Lord ? power slinll be directed by infinite and all­ “ We want no abiding sanctuary for tlio pervading love. miserable fugitives who fly abroad from im­ “ In his days shall the righteous flourish ns perial wrath and popular tumults and fury. grass of the earth, or trees that grow by tho Wo want a “ Parliament of Man ”—:t rivers of water,” and while the sun flames in ’* Federation of the World,” which may the cast, or the moon lights her evening satisfy both the philosophic mind nnd com­ lamp wilh silvery radiance, them shall be monalty. We want a solemn temple, where abundance of pence. " But (hero tho glorious spiritual worshippers may repose in undis­ Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers turbed fellowship with tho Father of lights. and streams, wherein shall go no galley wilh We want a government, so rich in the onrs, neither shall gnlhmt ship pnss thereby, elements of power, sanctity, and wisdom, For the Lord isour Judge; the Lord isour that :dl connected with it may swell with a Lawgiver; the Lord is our King, ho will sense of its grandeur, and rest with a full con­ save us.” viction that the ideal has been embodied in From " The Last Battle.''

REMARKS ON ECCLESIASTES. xn. 7.

'• Then shall tho dust return to tho earth as It " it was,” bo also the spirit returns to God as woo; and tho spirit unto God who gave it." it was. If the circumstance of the spirit These words of Solomon arc often brought going ''to God” at death proves that it has forward with a great air of triumph in vindica­ a future conscious existence, the same evi­ tion of the-idea, that man is possessed of an dence will prove that it had n separate, in­ immaterial and immortal soul, which thinks, dividual conscious existence, previous to its feels, nnd nets independently of his physical connection with the body—seeing it "returns organism, nnd which, as a necessary conse­ unto God who gave it.” But, as wo bavo quence, survives in all its entirety.—what no memory or consciousness of an existence is vulgarly termed the death of the individual.. previous to our birth, the statement of tho This argument assumes that tho term wise man warrants the assertion that our "spirit1’ in this passage is equivalent to the memory or consciousness ceases at death; word “soul,’’ which is lar from being the agreeably to what Im affirms in chap. ix. 5, case ; but, admitting it to bo to, there is no “ The living know that they shall die; but Statement here to tho eUect that this spirit tint dead know not anything.” is immortal or immaterial. Solomon simply Further, if the circumstance of the spirit affirms that when the body returns to the returning to God at death, shows that this earth ns it was, tho spirit shall return to spirit is n living individual intelligent exis­ God who gave it. Tho word “ return " tence, then the spirits of nil men, good or predicated of "the spirit” involves tlio idea bad, go to tho same place. Solomon’s lan­ of going back to a former condition : just as guage is universal— not particular. He affirms tho body alter death returns to tho earth as something that he believes to be true of our

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ July 1,ISOS. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES, III race. Just as it is true of tiie body of all men, mnn himself,— departing into tho awful pre­ whatever bo their diameter, that at death it sence of tho Eternal Judge? In (he senso " returns to the earth as it was,” so is it true in which he used the word ruach, ns being to the same extent, that their "spirit” tho breath of life departing from man, who returns to God—tho spirits of all alike was now to go down to dust, tho exclama­ going “ to God,” their condition must of tion is easily understood. Thus the 7th verse, necessity be tho same. These observations “ Then' shall the dust,’’ &c., harmonizes are made not with tho purpose of destroyin': completely with the account of man’s crea­ nil hope or belief in a future existence, but if tion, “The Lord God formed man of tho possible to arrest attention to the teaching of oust of tho ground, aud breathed into his the Bible, that nil future existence depends on nostrils the biieatii ok i.iee, and mnn be­ a resurrection from tho dead, to eternal life in came a living soul,” person or being, Gcu. ii. the kingdom of God, which can only be en­ 7. At the hour of death this life giving joyed by believing the glad-tidings preached breath returns to its Divine Owner; that, by Jesus and his apostles regarding the king­ however, is no less true in regard to tho dom, and the name of Jesus Christ. breath of life possessed by all creatures on J. E. earth whenever their last moment hns arrived. Man’s breath goes back to the Creator, io [We subjoin the following extracts from other words, it returns to the immense ocean Mr- W. G. Moncriclf’s work on “ Spirit,” of ruack surrounding our planet, belonging, regarding the passage commented on above. tike nil things else, to the Almighty, mid ho The “spirit” here is just the ruach "breath’’ gives it to other beings, whom he is daily .or “ breath of life,” common to man with the summoning into existence, who, after using other breathing creatures inhabiting the it, in their course restore it when they die to globe along with him. When it departs in the charge of the great Proprietor. the hour of dissolution then all his over, the “ If lie set his heart upon man, if he gather man is for tho time ns if ho had never been, to himself ms si-littr, and ms biihatii, all Job x. 19. Hence no wonder tho writer adds flesh shall perish, and man shall return to ” vanity of vanities all is vanity.” How could the dust,” Job iii. 14, 15. “ All go into one we account for such an exclamation, had we place; all arc of (he dust, and all turn to dust any reason to believe that Solomon understood again," Eccles, iii. 20.] thu ruach of mao to be actually immortal

Intelligence, Notes, &c-

Edinburgh,—At the present season, when will lie more to follow, as there are many in* so many ate moving about, it is natural that quiring after the truth," S.A.—In the intelli­ a city such ns Edinburgh should receive its gence front Scarborough last month, wo inado quoin of visitors. During tho last month our a slight literal mistake, which the brethren sister Mrs Hume of Halifax, N.S., lias come will please correct. Jessie (Eccles) should to make a short sojourn among us,—Sister have been Jesse. This brother is quite a Mrs Methven has, on the other hand, gone to young lad—somewhere about fifteen years of Bury St Edmunds (Sullblk,) on a short age, but full of a good spirit, which we trust visit. While our other sister, Jeanie llaslie, he will control and use prudently ; the divine who has fur sometime resided at Ware, near admonition to such is—" Be sober minded.” London, has been united in imirri.-igo to Titus ii. G'. brother John JPMillau, of Ballyeastlc, Ire­ land, and the couple have departed to Austiiai.ia. The Jui.v Mkhiixci,—Regarding which a ScAiiu'iKoucit,—" I write to inform you suggest ion was imide last mouth, is now lixed that on Sunday morning, 18th June, Mr and Io be held at Edinburgh on the 9th July. Mrs George If. Kidd, upon a confession of J he brethren’s place of meeting is Union their faith, were immersed into the glorious Hall, 93 South Bridge. The preliminary meet Name, subsequently taking part with the ing, on Saturday evening at seven o’clock, church in God's ordinances. Tho Lord grant will be hold in G. Howie’s house, 12 Beau­ that they may bo kept unspotted from the mont Place. Brethren William Clement of world, mid that wo may all bo found accept­ Mumbles, Riclmrd Goldie of Swansea, and ed when tho Lord comes. We hope soon tbcro others from England are expected to bo pro-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 113 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES, July 1, 1865. sout. May God our Father grant us a pleaplca»­ cash, and addressed to J. Wilson, 63 North, sant and profitable meeting, and that all gate, Halifax, will receive prompt atteution., things may redound to his glory. • Letters of sympathy, or advice, auggest- On hand, iion, information, or data,, from brethren ■ The Mesrknof.r of the Churches, and churches should bo forwarded to G. Dowie. . First Series, for 18G1, 1862, 1863, 1864 ; iri The Edinburgh brethren nro prepared to single volumes, sewed, Is.; or tho four to­ do all in their power for the comfort of gether, in cloth, lettered, 4s. 6d. The two visitors.' It would bo well for those coming Hist Nos. of the vol. for I860 are out of print, to apprise us of their inteutiou beforehand, if but a few copies of the others nro still on possible. hand, and may bo had at Id. each. Postage G. Dowie, Sec.. in all cases extra—for single vols., 2d.; for the cloth vols., Gd.

The Disciples’ Choral Service op Bible Themes. , > Paper covers, 2s.; or in cloth boards, 2s. 6d., Publications. post free. Also, . . , Important JKorl: for Bible Students, ■ -1 THE EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT; ■ The PnnF.N’OLOOiCAL BnAniNos or the Christian Faith; reprinted from The Mcs- Containing tho Original Greek Text of eenge.r of the Churchet. Prico Id., or lOd. the NEW TESTAMENT, according to the per dozen, post free. G. Dowie, 12 Beau­ Recension of Dr J. Giuesbach, with an mont Place, Edinburgh. '■ Interlineary Word for Word English Transla­ tion : a New Emphatic Version, based on the Sumhpiritrt. Jarrow, Mumbles, Swan­ sea, P-urton-on-Trent, Glasgow (D. Christie), Postage, 4d. All orders, accompanied with Halifax, aud Turin.

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Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ \ZtjrCe- (Vo 113 ^/2 7. THE MESSENGER OF. THE. CHURCHES.

"I SPEAK As TO WISE-AlEN^JUDGE V-EAVHATvrSAY.’'.'A .(

...... I —— '-^—T No. 9/ September m'. 1865-• i« New Series: .'Vbr,! T.' ' ' ' •... — • • •...... *~ t ■ * ------■_ ■..- .■ J-'i.?’ A-J—

. '..j : >. .■ • THE BAND:I® ISRAEL.' . ' . ’ ' ' ' ...... _ ‘'I1. TiiEr inquiry to which .bVje'would |®lto! thee,” again direct' the ‘readers’ attention, is, Imiophecy of the bondage .of Israel,, whether the Land Of Israel has ever trie promise of the land, with its. been ill full possession of the Israel- ibpqnds is repeated, “ Unto, thy seed ites, so as to' Warrant' tile abortion, ^tiVe I given this land, from the river that the...... promise of the land to Abram iqf..

history of the' Jews' previous' to the i will-be,rr^.— their God.w». ’./ ■ , And in ver.• 17— * . Birth of Christ. ; ' - ” ■ » ; ‘ ‘‘f-i will,will ^bjjshr.establish |, my.'my i^ybuant. cpycnant ' When' Abraham'by. command‘of '^wepri .m^'and,, thee and tliy seedseed, God leftliis khidred^to/depayt.ipto a &W1’ theei. in their generations for land that’He would shew'Jiimu(Gen.; ;>&^verhistpig covenant, to be a God xii. 1),' withthe promise that.a great tAd® thee, and. thy. seed after .thee.” nation. should be inaile of Turn, and' promise^renewed to Isaac, (Gen.- that’in. him all;the. families;.of,the fei- 4),'.“unto"thee'I will give all earth should be,'blessed,'’lie'weut in- Iwi^se countries.” 'And to -Jacob, obedience,. hovirig tfaith. ,'' When in |$.en.'j^'en. xxviii.,1xxviii..'l3-r5.)3-15.) “ThelandThcland where-' the laud;land; various prbmises'wcrcprbmises'were made qQjtliouqihtliou liest, to.'thee'.will I givegive' it, to him.V ! - . - .miThe.first.Being _'/••• 1. * 1 * • * '9 recorded1 ' ' *1 ’ 1 • in. ti *i*Sl *. 4-0 4-1thy • IT nnnseed/ zl ’, , j Gcn.'-~xuiF“,-j14A8?q r,- '■ ~J'' " | ./Bet .us iiow'state separately >the| iknd which thou scestit;’>Lto- tliec11 -* will 'I djifptent items contained in-tlie^.-pro- give it, and td’jtliy sewlied-fprjeyer -fpi-jcv^r^aiid“and Wisjs\■Afterwards.p^pceeding'tocon-.ai«n-warus. proceeding to con-. ' I will make'thy s’ccdfas thCjdust^of mUei^ionof cue!i/ojnc aftej-'thp.otlier,; tli© earth —-walk through.thejiandh,,. I| *.*i[JJ^The? 1 x mi.—. _making. _i_’„ _• |.of—£* ; Abrahama __ a igthe.’brehdtl)-i. of if7u fbr'ft ...7nwHEgive. uit | great .nation.' I

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Bunt. May God our Father grant us a plea­ cash, and addressed to J. Wilson, 63 North­ sant and profitable meeting, und that all gate, Halifax, will receive prompt attention. things may redound to his glory. Letters of sympathy, or advice, snggest- On hand, tion, information, or data, from brethren The Messenger of the Churches, and churches should bo forwarded to G. Dowie. First Scries, for 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864; in The Edinburgh brethren nrc prepared to single volumes, sewed, Is.; or the four to­ do all in their power for the comfort of gether, in cloth, lettered, 4s. 6d. Thu two visitors. It would be well for those coming fiist Nos. of the vol. for 18G0 arc out of print, to apprise us of their intention beforehand, if| but a few copies of the others are still on hand, and may bo lind at Id. each. Postngo possible. G. Dowie, Sec. in all cases extra—for singlo vols., 2d.; for the cloth vols., Cd.

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4 . •. . c' • . * ' \ I''. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES.

f... ■ • 'iff .. ,. , “ I SPEAK AS TO WISE MENAJUDGE YE AVHA'LM SAY.”-I ■’ ■ ' •> ■ ------:, At------—-—: No. 9. Sin'TEMinut i«; 18G5. • ! Nbw Series. 'Vbrj T. ------’

THE BAND (g1 ISRAEL.

The, inquiry to which kW(d" would ^iito thee,” again in chap xv. after a f A * I directJ thexl— reader's-’ -J - ■i'-attention, - -f is, i pyophecy of the bondage of Israel,, whether the Land of Israel has ever the promi:ise of the land,, with its been in full possession of the Israel- bpunds is repeated, “ Unto thy seed ites, so as to Warrant the assertion, have I given this land, from the river that the promise of the land to Abram of 'Egypt, unto the great river, the and his descendants has been fulfilled. !•river Euphrates.” and again in xvii.

The testimony of the Scriptures willbu |8?- r interchange< - r> of'name to Abraham,. ’j the principal source from which we 1 I~ ’ will giyo unto thee, and to thy, shall adduce our statements other. IIsced alter, thee, the land wherein thou historical testimony being relied upon t.ii*Jifrt’a sojouhier,• i. ' "* *all 11 thei i iland ■» ofnf'i Canaan when reference has to be made to'the f;';fpr an everlasting “possession,2"“-----, and“ 1 rI history of the Jews’preyious tb the will be their God."- . And in.vc’r. 17) birth of Christ. ' ‘ ' <() . '• J will ^establish , my. covenant When' Abraham by command, of between me'and, thee and thy seed t God left his kindred to. depart into a alter thee..'in their generations for land that He would______shew ___him (Gen.___ Everlasting covenant,'to be a God Xiuxii. xy,1), with...lu thevov jyxvuxiovpromise jUiat.avn.fcu.w ’Q.ui.egreat (Uiitb-y—-- thcc -■; t,iy~~*J s ,cwl —*ftcr■ ' ’ nation should be macle of‘him, and 'The promised renewal to Isaac, (Gen. that in, him all tho families: of the JxxvL 4), “unto thee I will give all earth should be. blessed, .he went in 'tliesc countries.” 'And to Jacob, obedience,oueuience, havingnavmg faith.laiui. Whenyvneu in i(Qcn. xxviii. 13-lp.)“Theland wherc- £1the 1land, 1 . various• promises were ’ made1 on, thou best, to thee will I give it, to him. Tho...... first Being . ' ‘ recordedajid'to thy in seed;”’, v Gen. xiii. 14-18.;' “For. .all the ] j.’Lct us now state sepamtely Jtho) land which thou seest, to thee,will I d^Ipyont------items, contained inthe.prd- give it, and to thy seed ^for.cyer,. and imis ’ 1 —Tho makinga fi lx ■ • t tof. I* AAbraham 1 » *•»» l» O a i^rthe breadth of it, for I will give it ; k j'j \t greatgreat nation.nation.: ; # ; <

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 130 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. September 1, 18G5. 2. —In Abraham all families of the not having been kept as yet, according earth to be blessed. to the testimony of the “New Testa­ 3. —The promise of the land to ment” scriptures; and the promise Abraham. of God ever being immutable, its 4. —The promise of the land “ to ultimate realisation is so sure and thy seed.” determined, that the great requisite 5. —The promise of the land “ to from those who wish to become heirs thy seed after thee." according to the promise, is, the faith 6. —The boundary of the land. of Abraham : that faith, which is the 7. —The period of possession. sure confidence of things hoped for, the conviction of actual fads, though 1. The making of Abraham a great not seen, Ileb. xi. 1. nation. The testimony of the scrip­ 4. The promise of the land “ to thy tures is obviously conclusive to those seed ” Again wo refer to the apostle who have studied them as to the Paul’s declarations. In Gal. iii. 16, increase of the Israelites. But to he states, “ Now to Abraham and his meet with more complete fulfilment seed were the promises made. Ho in the taking out from among all saith not, and to seeds, as of many ; nations, a people of similar faith to but as of one, and to thy seed, which himself, “ to the end the promise is Christ.” But the Christ never might be sure to all the seed ; not to possessed the land, for he himself that only which is of the law, but to said, “Boxes have holesand the birds that also which is of the faith of have nests, but the son of man hath Abraham; which is the father of usall, no whore to lay his head.” The (as it is written I have made thee the promise then as far as Christ also is father of many nations),” Horn, iv, 16. concerned, has to be realized. 2. Tn Abraham all families of the 5. The promise of the land to ihy earth to______be blessed. The apostlet Paul seed after thee in their generations. says, ((Gal. iii. 8), “ the scripture Admitting the application of this to foreseeing that God would justify the the Jews, the question we ask is, did heathen— 4.1through------1. (or out of) »faith," the Jews ever possess the land in the and ver. 0, “so then they which be absolute sense in which the promise of faith arc blessed with faithful Abra­ is made? If they did possess the land ham,” and ver. 14. “ that the blessing it would have to be proved that no of Abraham might come to the Gen­ other nation was in possession of any tiles through Jesus Christ.” part of it at the same time. And, 3. The promise oj the Land to that it was not in the power of any Abraham. Stephen says, (Acts vii. other nation to interfere with their 5.) “God gave him (Abraham) none possession, either from within, or inheritance in it, no, not so much as from without, of the land. That is to set his foot on : yet he promised to say, as the promise is absolute and ho would give it to him for a posses­ unconditional, the fulfilment must also sion, and to his seed after him, when be absohde and unconditional. But he had no child.” This is conclusive what testimony docs the history of as to non-possession by Abraham. the J ewish nation bear as regards this Neither did Isaac and Jacob, for the fulfilment ? Let us sec. apostle Paul says, (lleb. xi. 13.) Fi-om the time of the promise to “these all died in faith, not having Abraham to the death of Moses—no received the promises." The personal possession. Duringthc time of Joshua promise to Abram, Isaac, and Jacob, and the Judges,reinnantsoftheoriginal

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Scptombtr 1,18(>C. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 131 inhabitants of the land still remained only—the part of the land occupied as “ snares ” and “ scourges " to Israel by those Jews who returned from . by whom the Israelites themselves Babylon never being wholly under were often subdued and made tribu­ their own control. taries. Saul the first King of Israel As regards statements made to had to wage war against the Philis­ the effect that Judah and Israel were tines, and was not always successful in restored after the Babylonish capti­ his engagements with them. The vity to possession of the laud, we can Philistines defeated Israel on several only reply by producing the testi­ occasions and retained possession of mony of history. It was under the territory within the land. The protection of the Persian monarchs Jebusites in Jerusalem were not dis­ that the temple was built; the gov­ possessed till the time of David. It ernment being in the hands of the is written, that David subdued the Peisiau governors of Syria ; the Phillistines, Syrians, Moabites, Am­ religious rnlo being vested in the monites, Amalekites, and Edomites. Jewish high priests. When the But, during the reigns of David and Persian rule was broken by Alex­ Solomon, Hiram was king of Tyre, ander the great of Greece, Tyre and which was within the land. In 1 Gaza in Palestine were captured by Kings v. 12, it is stated, “ There him : after which he approached to was peace between Hiram and Solo­ Jerusalem. But no resistance was mon ; and they two made a league offered, submission being made to together.” In 1 Kings ix. 11. it says, him by the high priest and chief King Solomon gave Hiram twenty authorities of the city. Thenceforth, cities in the land of Galilee. Besides the Jews were under Grecian rule. this, at the end of Solomon’s reign, it At the division of the Grecian is stated, in 1 Kings xi. that Hadad empire into four parts at the death of reigned in Syria, and Rezon in Damas- Alexander, the land of Palestine, cus, as adversaries of Solomon. These after suflering from the ravages of a also rei

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 132 THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. September 1, 18G5. princes, Aristobulus, Alexander Israel. We refer the reader for our Janncus, and Hyrcanus II. was authority to the Scriptures first, aftcr- marked, especially during the last wards to Josephus, for proof of our one’s reign, by civil war. Hyrcanus’ statements. After consideration of right to the throne was determined in the history, we assert that at no time his favour by the Roman general have the Israelites possessed the land Pompey. But he soon lost it, and since• the promise was made’ to■ Abra­ the ollicc passed, ultimately, into the ham. hands of Herod (called the Great), The land, therefore, has yet to be who, with Roman arms entered into hud in possession by Christ, Abraham, Jerusalem and took the supreme Isaac, Jacob, and the Israel of God. power : being made tctrarch of What saith the apostle Paul, that the Judea and Galilee. giving of the law to the Israelites did From this time, the province of not annul the promise, but that it was Judea with Palestine remained under added till the seed should come to whom tribute to the Roman power, till nigh the promise was made, see Gal. iii. to its downfall. Jerusalem being This seed being Christ, it follows that destroyed by Titus, for the second the inheritance was reserved for him. time in its history, and the Jews When he takes possession of the in­ scattered into various countries. We heritance, all faithful descendents of cannot enter into the numerous his­ Abraham according to the flesh, (as torical events which transpired in well as natural descendants), to­ Palestine subsequent to these events. gether with those who are Christ’s The truth is self-evident to the most (belief into Christ constituting the superficial reader of history, that the believer a descendant of Abraham), Israelites never possessed tho land. will take possession with him. By From tho first overturning of the becoming one of Abraham's seed, it King's city, Jerusalem, in the reign is possible only to be made an heir of Zedekiah, by Nebuchadnezzar, according to the promise. As the king of Babylon, to the second over­ apostle Paul saitli, Rom. iv. 13, turning, by Titus, the Roinangeneral, “ For the promise that he (Abraham) the Jews were subject to the Gentile should be the heir of the world was powers. From that tune to the pre­ not to Abraham and his seed through sent to the same powers. And the the law, bnt through the righteous­ King’s city will continue under these ness of faith. For if they which are powers till at the third overturning, of the law be heirs, the faith is made the times of the Gentiles being ful- void, and the promise made of none filled, the king will appear personally effect—to the end the promise might to save it, or rather, to deliver it from be1 sure to all the seed; not to that them. The land, with the city, being only which is of the law, but to that his by right of inheritance, will come also which isof the faith of Abraham.” into his power, never to be taken G.—The boundary of the land. fi'oin him : an attempt at the sub­ Gen. xv. 18, “Unto thy seed have version of his power by its capture I given this land, from the river of at the end of one thousand years of Egypt, to the great river, the river his reign being met at the hands of Euphrates.” We may remark that the Father by a final judgment upon the promise of the. land to Abraham all men. wits unconditional, see Gen. xiii. 1G; We have now given, as it were, an to Isaac, Gen. xxvi. 3; to Jacob, epitome of the history of the land of Gen. xxviii. 13; and to Christ, Gen.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ September 1, 1S65. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 133 xiii. 15. Did the Jews ever hold It is well known to students that full and continued possession of thei the Hebrew word translated “ for- land within the limits thus defined ?! ever ” lias not the same precise At no period, as their history testifies, meaning us the English phrase. Its was entire possession within these meaning may be defined as duration, limits held by them. The nearest past or future, the extent of which is approach to it being in Solomon’s either unknown, unlimited, or indefi­ reign, but even then, during the nite, being limited by the necessity whole of Ids reign, Tyre, and other of the case. If then, scriptural cities were notin his possession ; and seekers when reading the term or at the latter period of his reign, terms, “ eternal,” “ everlasting,” Damascus and Syria also. Neither “forever,” will constantly bear in before nor after Solomon was posses­ mind that it designates a period of sion held so near as his. It is left to time whose duration must be deter­ him who testified to. the Jews, say­ mined by the context, or its probable ing, “ Behold a greater than Solomon time of fulfilment by the same, they is here,” to reign over the land in will come to the conclusion that the peace and righteousness, which has promise of the land was, for a certain never yet been done. period in the course of time, made to 7.—The period—-for ever. It is Christ, Abraham, aud the fellow-heirs nt once obvious, that if we accept the with them. But this period, as yet, phrase “for ever” in its English has no place in the history of man­ meaning, that neither Abraham nor kind, it has therefore yet to be. As any of his descendants, have held we have stated elsewhere, the indefi­ possession according to the terms of niteness of the commencement of a the promise. The tenure being “for prophetic period of time, is no hind­ ever” they should have it now; but rance to the certainty of its fulfilment. they have not It may be said, what need is there The apostle Paul clearly points out for writing upon this subject ? The that the Israelites did not attain the need arises from the fact, that a class rest, which is equivalent to peaceful ,of inteipreters have arisen who are possession of the inheritance, under jprone to make the promise of God the terms of the promise, because of only a spiritual one, and not applicable unbelief. For his statement, (Heb. 'to a litoral possession of the land. iv. G), is, “ Seeing therefore it re- The mis-a](plications made under this maineth that some must enter there­ spiritualizing theory, which originated in,” (that is, into the rest), “ and with Origen, about two hundred and they to whom the gospel was firstf fifty years after the ascension of preached entered not in because of un­ Christ, are numerous. belief—there rcmaineth therefore a In conclusion we commend the rest for the people of God.” It be­ following extracts from the Scriptures hoves those who dispute as to the with their contexts, to the considera­ fulfilment of the promise to Abra­ tion of the reader. ham, to bear in mind the words of “Jesus Christ was a minister of the apostle Paul, Heb. iv. 2, “ For the circumcision, for the truth of God unto us the gospel has been or was to confirm the promise made unto the preached, as well as unto them; but fathers." Rom. xv. 8. the word they heard did not pr/ft I “There shall bo grout distress in the them, not being mixed with faith in I pvnd, and wrath upon the people, and them that heard it." they shall fall by the edge of the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 134 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. September 1,1865. sword, and shall be led away captive report through the faith, received not into all nations ; and Jerusalem shall the promise : God having provided be trodden down of the Gentiles,’ until some better thing for ns, that they the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” without us, should not be made Luke xxi. 24. perfect,” Ileb. xi. 39, 40. “These all having obtained a good Christianos.

“HE SAVED OTHERS."

Whin acorn, and hate, and bitter envious heard; pride For every woe it had a healing word: Hurled all their darts against the Crucified. “ lie saved others ! ’’ Found they no fault but this in him so tiled? •' He saved others ! ’’ For all thou hadst deep tones of sympathy— Hast thou no word for this thine agony? Those hands, thousands their healing touches Thou pitiedst al!; doth no man pity thee? knew ; “ lie saved others ! ” On withered limbs they fell like heavenly dow ; The dead havo felt them, and have lived anew -. So many fettered hearts thy touch hath freed. " He saved others! ’’ Physician I and thy wounds oust clinched must bleed; The blood is dropping slowly from them now; Ilast thou no bahu for this thy sorest need ? Thou canst not raise them to thy thorn-crown­ “He saved others! ” ed brow, Nor on them thy parched lips and forehead Lord I and one sign from thee could rend the bow: sky, "He saved others! ” One word from thee, and low those mockers lie; That voice from out their graves the dead Thou inak’st no movement, uttcrcst no cry, hath stirred; And saveat us. Crushed, outcast hearts grew joyful as they —The Three Wakings.

THE GOOD CONFESSION.

Peter saith to Jesus, thou art the according to the Scriptures. Whoso­ Christ, the son of the living God. ever belicveth that Jesus is the Chritt That is the good confession. But is born of God. But he must believe what does it mean ? What is Jesus as with understanding. We may believe the Christ? What is ho as the Son of that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God ? Why was he anointed the God, as the Athenians worshipped Christ of God? And why was he God, ignorantly: such faith profiteth born the Sou of God ? nothing. What better were the This is not a vain question. It is Athenians in worshipping God ignor­ a question of great importance. ■ It antly 1 What better are we in ig­ is a question of vital importance. norantly believing that Jesus is the Even eternal life depends on our Christ the Son of God. The word being able to give it the true scrip­ of the kingdom docth good to him tural answer. that understands it. And this is the For saving faith.is intelligent faith word of the kingdom, that Jesus is

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ September 1, 1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 135 the Christ the Son of the living God. Son of God, and reign over Israel It is the greatest truth in tho word forever. God, by Nathan, says to of the kingdom. Now, “ when any David, “ It shall come to pass when one heareth the word of the kingdom thy days be expired that thou must and understandeth it not, then cometh go to be with thy father, that I will tho wicked one and catcheth away raise up thy seed after thee, who that which is sown in his heart. shall be of thy sons; and I will This is he who received seed by the establish his kingdom. He shall way-side. But lie who receiveth seed build me an house, and I will estab­ into the good ground is he who hear­ lish his throne forever. I will be iiis eth the word and understandeth it,” FATHER, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON. etc. Hence the vital importance of And I will not take my mercy the question, What is Jesus ns the away from him as I took it from Christ, the Son of God 1 Why was he Saul who was king of Israel before anointed the Christ of God 1 And thee; but I will settle him in mine why was he born the Son of God 1 house, and in my kingdom forever; And as this is not a vain question, his throne shall be established for­ neither is it an untaught one. The evermore.” 1 Chron. xvii. 11-14. answer to it is to bo found in the I grant that this promise received word of God. Search tho scriptures, a partial fullihncnt in Solomon, who, said Jesus, for in them ye assuredly as king of Israel, was a glorious typo have everlasting life, and these arc of the Lord Jesus Christ. Solomon they that testify of me. There are is the son of David ; and he is called scriptures that speak of Jesus as the the son of God ; and he built an house Christ. There are scriptures that to God; and he reigned over God's speak of Jesus sis the Son of God. people, Israel ; and he had dominion And there is at least one of the an­ from sea to sea, and from the river to cient scriptures, which, like Peter’s the ends of the land ; and kings and confession, speaks of Jesus both as queens brought gifts and presents to the Christ and the Son of God. Now, him in Jerusalem; and in his days by searching these scriptures we shall the children were in multitude like ascertain clearly and correctly what the sand of the sea shore ; and they Jesus is as the Christ the Son of God ; dwelt in peace, and plenty, and for what purpose he is anointed the honour, eating and drinking and Christ of God ; and for what end he making merry; and in all this Solo­ was born the Son of God. mon was a type of Jesus. 2 Sam. vii. 1216; 1 Chron. xvii. For a greater than Solomon is 11-14 ; Is. ix. 6, 7 ; are some of the here. Here, I mean, in 1 Chron. ancient scriptures in which Jesus is xvii. 11-14. Here there are several spoken of as the Son of God. And things allirmed of the seed of David what is the view which these scrip­ which arc not applicable to Solomon. tures give us of Jesus as the Son This seed was to be raised up to of God. What, according to these David after he had gone to be with scriptures, is the grand end for his fathers. Solomon was not. This which tho Messiah was to be born 1 seed was to be king over Israel for­ To be the king of Israel. To sit upon ever. When God speaks of Solomon the throne of his father, David. To as his son, he says, he shall bo my bo the king of that people of God son, and 1 shall be his father; that whom ho brought out of tho land of is, if he shall bo my son, I will be Egypt. A son of David shall be the his father. It is in Solomon’s case a

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 13G THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. September 1, 1S65. conditional promise. But of this the throne of his father David, and seed God saith, I will be his father, he shall reign over the house of and he shall be my son. And though Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there was nothing else in this change there shall be no end. of phraseology, it is valuable at least This then is the scriptural view of on this account that by a comparison Jesus ;ts the Son of God. He was with Heb. i. 5, it identifies this seed born king of the Jews. To this end of David as the Lord Jesus Christ. wtts he born the Son of God. The For there the words, I will be his Jews knew those scriptures well father, and he shall be my son, arc which spoke of the Messiah as the quoted and applied to Jesus. There Son of God. From those scriptures arc in the Bible what J osepli Mead they knew that the Son of God was calls “ mother texts ; ” that is texts to be the king of Israel. Hence in which some great truth is men­ when Nathanael was convinced that tioned for the first time, but which Jesus was the Son of God by his see­ occurs frequently afterwards in the, ing him when under the fig tree he other scriptures, which all refer back said, Babbi, thou art the Son of God, to their mother text. Such a text thou art the king of Israel. Being is this, 1 Chron. xvii. 11-14; or 2 the Son of God thou ait, of course, Sam. vii. 12-1G, the one just being a the king of Israel. And this was repetition with some little differen­ just what Peter meant when he ces of the‘other. These are the first said to Jesus, Thou art the Christ tho texts in all the Bible in which Jesus Son of tho living God. is spoken of as the Son of God. It Now lot us turn to the scriptures is therefore important to keep in which speak of Jesus as the Christ, mind that they so speak of him us that we may also ascertain what the eternal king of Israel. Is. ix. Jesus is as the Christ, for what pur­ G, 7 is one of the children of these pose he was anointed as the Christ of texts. Hero also the Son of David God. and of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, The first scripture in which Jesus appears as the everlasting king of I is spoken of as the Lord’s anointed1 OI' Israel. “Unto us a child is born, Christis‘ 1 Samuel ii. 10, The— adver­ unto us a son is given; and the saries of the Lord shall be broken in government shall be upon his shoul­ pieces; out of heaven shallllc thunder der; and his name shall be called upon them ; the Lord shall judge the Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty ends of the earth ; and he shall give God the Father of the everlasting strength to his king, and shall exalt age, ’the tPrince>. ?— of. e Peace.i>----- Ofnr the*i... t]10 horn of his anointed, or Christ. increase of his government and peace Thus Jesus as the Lord’s Christ is a. there shall be no encl upon the throne king by whom God will judge all of David, and upon his kingdom, to nations to the ends of the earth when order it and to establish it with he has broken his adversaries to pieces judgment, and with justice, from —thundcringupon them outofheaven. henceforth even forever.” And lienee Daniel, also, speaks of him as another of these that refer back to 1 “Messiah the prince.” But as the Chron. xvii. 11-14 is Luke i. 32, 33, Christ who is to reign over all nations

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ September 1, 1865. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 137 asked, where is he who is born king anointed whom he will set as his of the Jews? Herod was troubled, king on his holy hill of Zion. That and all Jerusalem with him, and his rising from the dead proves he gathering together the scribes and is the Son of God and consequently priests ho demanded of them where the king of Israel. That is the view Christ should be born. And they given us in the second psalm, that told him that the Ruler of God’s and no other. people should be born in Bethlehem. You may recollect that in Is. ix. Matt. ii. 1-G. Hence, too, the 6, 7, it is said, of tho increase of his enemies of Jesus who would not have government, and peace, there shall be this man to reign over them, who no end, upon the throne of David. rejected Jesus as the Christ, as ho That means that on Zion hill as the hung on the accursed tree, mucked king of Israel he shall reign over all him, saying, let Christ the Icing of nations. His reign as the king of Israel descend now from the cross tho Jews shall extend and extend that we may see and believe. This till it embraces the whole world. then is what Peter meant when he That is what is referred to in the 8th said to Jesus, thou art the Christ. verse of the second psalm. Ask of inc, What Jesus’ enemies said to him in and I shall give thee the heathen for mockery, his friends said to him in thine inheritance, and the uttermost truth—Thou art “Christ, the king parts of the earth for thy possession, of Israel." But“ as when' Adam' ‘ received dominion- It remains that wo look at that over all the earth it was said unto ancient scripture in which, like Peter’s him “ replenish the earth and subdue confession, Jesus is spoken of both as it," so will Jesus have to bring all the Christ and the Son of God. The nations into obedience to himself second psalm. Peter had often read it. when he is set as God’s king on his He saw that in it our Redeemer is holy hill of Zion. Hence it is said called the Christ and the Son of God. in verse 9, thou shall break them Out of it as well as other scriptures, with a rod of iron, etc. With which he had taken his view of what Israel’s compare Psalm xviii. 37-50, and ex. Saviour is as the Christ the Son of also Rev. ii. 27. God. Peter's view, therefore, of Jesus We have now considered the good as the Christ the Son of God was confession. That Jesus is the Christ perfectly correct, being purely scrip­ the Son of the living God. We tural. have seen that it means that Jesus What, then, is that view which is bom and anointed of God to be the the second psalm gives us of our, king of the Jews. Next month, if Saviour as the Christ the Son of God ? the Lord will, I propose to consider This, that he is as such the king of the blessedness of making such a the Jews. That he is the Lord’s confession. D. L.

THE UNION OF BELIEVERS WITH UNBELIEVERS.

When God separated a people for gave to Israel. He had called them the glory of His Name, he purposed j forth from bondage, and given unto that the separation should be com-1 them a code of righteous laws, the plete. Hence witness the laws he1 observance of which would insure

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 138 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. September 1,1S65. life and happiness to those who had of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edom­ received them. But although he is ites, Zidonians, Hittites, * * * * * Jf, “ plenteous in mercy,” yet he also came to pass when Solomon was old, tells them that he is a “jealous God,” that, ins wives turned awav ins and warns them that he alone must HEART AFTER OTHER GODS, and his have their affections and worship. heart was not perfect with the Lord Seeing tho dangci'S that beset their his God as was the heart of David path in going amongst worsliippers his father,” I Kings xi. 1-4. of strange gods, he interposes bar- But perhaps an objector remarks riers in tho shape of positive com- that he does not dispute the fact of mandments against any unions being the nation of Israel being bound by formed between the sons and daugh­ such a law, and that tho wisdom of ters of Israel and those of the non­ it in their case is apparent, but that separated peoples or nations. He the followers of Christ arc not bound foresaw that such unions would by law in this respect. Wo reply inevitably tend to lead astray His that we are as much a separated chosen people from that undivided people as was Israel of old. God worship of Himself that alone can has chosen us out of the nations for please Him. Listen to tho words of the high destiny of rulers in the his covenant: “Take heed to thyself, coming age ; and in order that we lest thou make a covenant with the may perfect ourselves in this trial­ inhabitants of tho land whither thou state, he has given us laws for our guest, lest it be for a snare in the observance, which are equally strin- midst of thee; but ye shall destroy gent with those given to Israel, In their altars, break their images and proof of our being equally separated cut down their groves ; for thou with Israel read the following testi­ shalt worship no other God ; for the mony. Lord, whoso name is Jealous, is a Separation o/Jrrael. Separation# Chriitians. jealous God ; lest thou make a cove­ "If j-b will obey my *■ Bui yo uro a chosen nant with the inhabitants of the voice imlocil, tuul keep nice, a royal priesthood, my covenant, then ye t» holy nation, u people hind, and they go a whoring after shall bo u peculiar Iren- tor a purpose ; thut you sure unto me ulsivo all may declare the pcrfcc- their gods, and do sacrifice unto their pcoplu, lor all the earth lions of him who called gods, and one call thee and thou cat Is mine; and yo shall be you from darkness Into unto mu ii kiii‘'dom of Ilia wonderful light; who of his sacrifice; and thou take of priests, mid nn holy na- once wen- not a people, lion,’’Exud. xix. 6. G. but now are God’s puo- their daughters unto thy sons, and " Thou art mi holy peo- pie; who had not obtnln- their daughtei-s go a whoring after plo unto tho Lord thy cd mercy, but now havo God ; tho Lord thy God oblniii.il mercy." 1 Pct their gods, and make thy sons go a has chosen tboo to he n ii. U, 10.—Diaijlott. whoring after their gods," Exod. special people unto him­ self, above all people that xxxiv. 12-1G. It is plain that the mo upon tliu face of the Lord would not allow a division of oarlli," DcuL vli. G. the allections of His people, and it is It must be apparent even to a cas­ equally plain that it was to guard ual reader that in both these cases against this fatal step on the part of there were first existing an alienship, his chosen ones, that he warned them when neither were a people, but God against intermarriage with aliens. chose Israel and called them from As a result of the departure from the bondage of Egypt to the lib­ this law to Israel witness the case of erty and high honoui-s that were their noble and wiseking:—“Solomon promised on obedience. In like ■ loved many strange women, together manner he has called from the bond­ with the daughter of Pharaoh, women age of sin, and separated us from the Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ September 1, 1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 139 world, giving us the(’ promises of mandmeut of like import given to liberty and glorious honours if obed­ Israel:— ient to his laws. Wc “ were not a The Law to Israel The Law to Christians. people,” when in the world, but' "When tho Lord thy ‘‘Buyc not unequally having come out of tho world in Ood shall bring thee Into yoked together with tho land whither thou unbelievers: Cor what obedience to his Call wc are now gocst to [hjsscss it, and fellowship hath right­ “ God's people.” He says Israel hat 11 cast out many na- cousncss with unright- tions be Toro thee, the cousncss 1 and what was to him a “ holy nation,” aud Hittites, and the Gir- communion hath light goshites. mid the Amor- with darkness: and what Peter declares that we too are a Itos, and the Pcrlzzltes, concord hath Christ with “holy nation.” They were to be and tho Hivitcs, and tho Belial ? or what pari hath Jebusites. seven nations he that believotli with “ a kingdom of priests,” and we also greater and mlghter than an in lid cl ? and what are styled “ a royal priesthood.” thou; and when the Lord agreement hath tho tern- thy God shall deliver plo of God with Idol*? Israel was “ u special people ” them before thee, thou for ye are tho temple of Shalt smite them and ut- the living God ; as God unto tho Lord, whilst we are de­ terly destroy them; rnou hath said, 'I will dwell signated as “ a people for a pur­ shalt mark no covenant In them, and walk in with them nor show them, and I will be their pose.” mercy unto them, neith- uod, and they shall bo Seeing that we are as much a er shalt thou mark Mar-my people !’ Wherefore, HlAOKs with TtiKM ; thy conk uUt flom among separated people as Israel was, the daughter thou shall not them, and UK vk 8fi*ar- givc unto his son. nor his ate, snith the l^ord, and query now presents itself, can we daughter shalt thou take touch not the unclean, with impunity and at pleasure again unto thy son. F«»r they and I will receive you, will turn rm ay thy son and ye shall be my sons mix up with that from which we from following me. that and daughter, aaith the have been separated 1 Can wo take they may serve other JA>nl Almighty,"* 2 Cor. to our bosoms, and love and cherish gods,” Dent. vii. 1*4. vi. 14-18. that from which wc are cut off? If language can be framed that But perhaps one says, Israel was a will more ellectually exclude the nation to themselves with rulers, Ac., people of God (whether of ancient whilst we arc of all nations, and are times or the present) from forming a not therefore in like temporal posi­ re-union with that from which tho tion with them. True, but we are Lord has separated them, then we none the less a separated people. would like to see the task under­ Wc are cut oft' from those of the taken. On tlie part of Israel the world us effectually as Israel were law says, ‘‘thou shalt make no cove­ cut off from foreign nations. They nant with them,” “neither shalt thou were frequently mixed amongst these make marriages with them.” Ou nations, but were none the less a the part of Christians the law is separated people, and when they equally imperative—“Be ye- NOT came in contact with these aliens unequally yoked together with un­ was the time for them to be tested, believer.” But perhaps an objecter to see whether they would obey the says, that it docs not name marriages, commandments of the Lord, or follow whilst the law to Israel does. We out their fleshly inclinations. When reply that although it does not specify we become “ God’s people " we are marriages, covenants, or any other under God’s laws, and can no longer special method of yoking, yet the consult our own expediency, or likes law is none the less comprehensive, and dislikes, but, regardless of all but equally broad, or even more so, consequences; however severe, we than that given to Israel. It is not are bound to consult what the law confined to marriages, we admit, but requires, and do it- Let us then sec applies in all matters of life where a what is required of us, and at the union with unbelievers is pi-actised, same time we will present the cotn- whether in business relations or a

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 140 THE MESSENGER Of THE CHURCHES. Soptciube r 1, 1SC5 social capacity, The law is suflici-1 Lord’s poeple are bound by the law ently broad to cover all these illegiti- as quoted from 2 Cor. vi. 14-18, we mate unions. No believer, male or will refer to another portion of the female, has a right to enter into a word where Paul makes an application partnership, or union with an un­ of the law in the case of marriage. believer, because in so doing he is This is found in 1 Cor. vii. 39, 40, equally obligated with them to per­ and reads as follows : • form certain agreements made with “ The wife is bound by the law them, and in any event it is an unequal as long as her husband liveth, but if yoking. Tl/e inequality of the yoking her husband be dead, she is at liberty is set. r forth— clearlyi.. i... aiby._ thea Apostle,n,. tc be married to whom she will, ONLY and we cannot do better than classify in the Lord.” the same under different headings in One thing is clear that a member order that they may become perfectly of the Corinthian church was allowed apparent:— her own choice of a husband, but that choice was limited to a certain The Believer'e Yoke. 77ie Uttbalicvet •> Yoke company known :is the people of God, JUghteouiness. Unrighteousness. Light. Darkness. for they alone are “ IN the Lord." Christ. Bulk 1 (or Satan). •' A vollcvcr of Coil's An Inlido]. If she married an unbeliever then, ' word." is it not equally clear that she disre­ “Ye are the teinple of Idolaters. Um living God." garded the law, and married one who was OUT of the Lord; never Brethren, we must not forget that having come into covenant-rclation- we have ceased to exercise our own ship with him, or taken upon him wills as guided by our fleshly inclina­ his name ? tions. This mode of action belongs Again, in order to place the mat­ to the past, when we wore the un­ ter beyond dispute, refer to 1 Cor. believer’s yoke, but now having vii. 12-14. “ If any brother hath a heard the invitation of the Lord : wife that believelh not, and she be “ take my yoke upon you, ami learn pleased to dwell with him, let him of me,” wc have obeyed, and in doing not put her away, And thd woman so, we yield up our own wills, and which hath an husband that believeth make them entirely subservient to not, and if lie be pleased to dwell the will of our Master. His “yoke with her, lot her not leave him.' is easy,” anil his “burden is light,” For the unbelieving husband is sanc­ and if we desire that “ rest,” that he tified by the wife, and the unbeliev­ says he will give unto us, we must ing wife is sanctified by the husband, be very cautious in our conduct, and else were your children unclean, but not foolishly undertake to put our now are they holy. Butiftheunbeliev- necks under both yokes at the same hig depart, let him depart A brother time. Let our past experience under or a sister is not under bondage in the heavy yoke of sin and darkness, such cases." The apostle here provides when we were unbelievers, suffice we see for those cases where believers for all time to come, ami depend at the time of their conversion were upon it there can be1 nothing gained’ already united with unbelievers, and by an attempted union of Christ's'. they, knowing the law both ns given light and easy yoke with the Devil's to Israel and to followers of Christ iron yoke. were at a loss what to do in such a In order to place the matter be­ dilemma. They knew that there yond all dispute, as to whether the was no fellowship between righteous- Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ September 1,1805. THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. 141 ness and unrighteousness, nor any they attempt to spiritualize away the communion between light and dark­ plain testimony, and thus quiet their ness ; they were -sure also that a consciences in the matter. We are believer had no part or portion with free to confess, for our part, that we an infidel, and in this position, the cannot sec what reason a person can question of separation had arisen. give for seeking a union with an un­ The apostle provides for such cases believer, even apart from the posi­ as we have read above, and from this tive prohibitory laws given for their we learn that it was a settled point government in such cases. It surely with believers in those days, that is a mistaken idea, for there cannot none who were called out from the exist that sweetest of all fruits which world being unmarried, had a right the marriage relationship should to unite themselves with worldlings yield, viz., a perfect union of senti­ in this most binding of all social ties. ment and purpose. The aim of a No doubt in the cases as above pro­ Christian in this life is, to so live as vided for, the believers seeing that to perfect a character for the age to they hod been separated from the come; to work out our salvation world, looked back to the days of with fear and trembling, and in Ezra and Nehemiah, when Israel order to do this, we need all the returning again to their allegiance to assistance possible. Is this to be God, were compelled to “ put away obtained by marrying a Methodist, their strange wives,” ere God would a Spiritualist, or a worldly-minded turn away from His fierce anger; individual I Can the time of their and reasoning from this they evid­ union, the long evenings of winter, ently thought that they too had a or the other opjxn'tuiuties of converse, duty to perform in this respect. be pleasantly and profitably spent, in But in the case of Israel it was a talking of the glorious hope of the direct violation of God’s command, coming age, with the share that eack whilst in their case it was an emerg­ is to possess in its glories? No, ency resulting from their adoption alas 1 no. One has a hope, whilst into the new system that had sup- the other has none. One is in planted that which was vanishing Christ, but the other not. “ One away. But it goes clearly to estab­ shall l>o taken, but the other left.” lish the law in relation to marriage Ono will sit down in God’s kingdom, at least, as under-stood in those days. but the other will be shut out. There was no such thing as yoking What a prospect to look forward to, of believers with unbelievers, or to say nothing of the great, and in­ marrying out of the Lord then. surmountable diflicuitics such un­ Why should there be now ? It is fortunate unions produce in this life. because the same law is not in force, It is a pool- excuse for brethren to say, or it is bec;iu.sc believers now are less that their partner is interested in mindful to regard the law? We the truth, and they will marry them think it must be the latter. feeling confident that afterwards It is a lamentable fact that the they will come to a full knowledge believci-s of to-day iu many instances of the truth and obey it. As well consult their own fleshly inclinations might Israel have conjured uj> ex­ more than they do the law of Christ. cuses for violating the law of God in If they do find some law that con­ their cases. nects with the coui-se they desire to Allow us then to lift the voice of pui-sue, we are pained to know that warning to our brethren and sisters,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 142 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. September 1, 1865. especially those who arc yet young, If you consult your highest happi­ and to such we say be very careful ness in this life, and your certainty where you place your affections, and of title to that which is to come, never entertain for a moment the obey tho commandment, and keep thought of setting aside the com­ your necks under the yoke of Christ, mandments of God for the sake of but never join yokes with an unbe­ gratifying your fleshly inclinations. liever.—Gospel Banner.

THE LITERATURE OF INFIDELITY.

It seems singular that it should be so, but century. It may pity, but cannot aduiiro tlicro Can bu no doubt that most of tho nnti the professors of Voltaire’s gospel It claims Christian literature of past ages that retains to be more profound and thoughtful, more any life lives by tho immortality of tho gospel I spiritual and heaven-aspiring, more virtuous against which it was directed. Cclsus and and humane. Its literary idols are now at bis elaborate assault on Christianity would the height of renown. Hut let the contest most likely have been utterly lost front the go on tor another hundred years, nnd tlio world’s memory, had it not been that Origi-n autichristian philosophers of the present will confuted him, nnd with antique magnanimity bo put where their disciples now put tho quoted in full tho arguments he answered. antichrist inn philosophers of the last century. How long would tho writings of the English So tho great wheel keeps turning. Festus duislE have kept their place on the scholar's expressed to A grippit his disappointment shulf if it was not supposed to bo lor tlio that the accusers of Paul had nothing to interest of Christianity that its advocates allege against him but “certain questions of should know what had been said against it? their own superstition,'and of one Jesus, who There aro a few sceptics, hero and there, was dead, whom Paul idHrmcd to be alive.” who read Hume’s Essay on Miracles, nnd But without that same Paul and his doctrine believe in its unbelief, but there arc not of "Jesus nnd the resurrection,” how many enough of them to make it for tho interest now would know that Festus and Agrippa of any bookseller to reprint it. The majority ever lived I Tacitus stigmatised Christianity of its readers are professional and amateur as a "noxious superstition,” nnd Lucian metaphysicians, studious to know all about assailed it with that irresistible ridicule which the “ schools ” of philosophy, who cannot had disarmed Jupiter and woll-nigh depopu­ neglect tho Scotch sceptic: and theologic lated Olympus ; and both Tacitus and Lucian experts nnd apprentices, who having under, aro react today only becausj their works stood that Homo demonstrated the incredi­ were spared from the havoc of n doomed bility of wlfat men seem to bo more nnd more empire, and preserved during tho dark ages determined to believe, must needs try to by Christian monks, and have since been account for this difference between the diligently cared for by Christian editors It possible and the actual. Apart from the has boon well said by Macaulay (nnd wo demand created by such customers, how commend tho sentiment to those editors who much value would it have to a publisher? ' will have it that tho noble historian was There is a subterranean inlidclily, indeed, I dead to tho sense of moral sublimity nnd not very nice in its relish, for whose cravings heroism):— caterers nre not wanting in 11 the trade.’1 “The Church has many times liccn com­ But a. high-toned literary and philosophical pared by divines to the ark of which wo rend deism is not for that market. Tom Paine in thu book of Genesis; but never was tho and the native mouthpieces of tlio French rescmblmico more perfect than during that antichrist, with their baser imitations, are evil timo when she nlonc rode, amid darkness moro in vogue there. Tho philosophers and tempest, on the deluge beneath which all serve to boast of, but their names arc more the great works of ancient power and wisdom highly valued than their writings. lay entombed, lienring within her Hint fccblo A relined and pretentious scepticism can­ germ from which a second nnd more glorious not afford to be very choico of its champions, civilization was to spring.” after their work is done. It must bu con­ stantly studying novelty. Tho fashionable Tlio past is in this respect a prophecy of infidelity of to day abjures that of tho last the future. The time is nt hand1 when the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ September 1,1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 143

vcry mon who think it a condescension to I the fact, that they in their turn assailed the notice Christianity at nil, will owe all the I impregnable rock of Revelation, and could 'mportance they may have in men’s eyes to [ not prevail against it.—Examiner.

Intelligence, Notes, Ac-

London.— We have to record two additionsi fellowship of the church. We also learn that to the number of the faithful in the great me­ our brother John Miller ami sister Rebecca tropolis. These are Mrs Noble and her Marlin have been united in marriage. Their daughter Isabella, residing at 54 Grosvenor• address is 4 Siicinton Street. Place, S.W. Mrs Noble used to live in J arrow.—The brethren here havo had Edinburgh, but upon the death of her Inin- their number lessened by the return of George band, about twelve years ago, she removed to Farley to his former home in Now York. London. Previous to leaving Edinburgh she Brother Farley left tho United States in order received a few slight impressions of the truth, to escape tho draft that was ordered during which a number of years’ isolation in London thw late war; and since it lies ceased he has did not serve to eradicate. During the time returned to his family in New York. that our brother, William Norrie, resided in Tho .Tarrow brethren have Ix-cu put in Lewes, ho had occasional opportunities of communication with a Mr James Scott iu visiting her, and succeeded iu imparling to Newcastle, who is expected to prove n useful her an understanding of the gospel of tho coadjutor iu making known tho truth. This kingdom. Iler daughter also proved an.apt gentleman, while formerly residing in Cold­ scholar in tho truth. Mrs Noblo had attained stream, was first brought into enrrospomtonco nil intelligent understanding of tho things o( with W. Norrie of Edinburgh. In their inter­ the kingdom and the name, previous to brother communications he shews himself possessed Norrie leaving the South of England; but, of considerable knowledge of tho things of owing to the unfavourable |>osilion in which the kingdom of God. He is now in the habit sho was circumstanced, the facility was not at of publicly setting forth those; although not, that time aHordcd for rendering tho obedience as yet, holding them essential articles of faith of the faith, and it wns not until quite lately in onlcr to salvation. Mr Scott is a zealous that an opportunity was presented. The and earnest labourer in tho service of truth ; brethren residing in London, and who have and manifests a disposition to know the way been separated from Mr David Brown, were of the Lord more perfectly. May the inter­ put into communication with her; but from course of our brethren with him prove of some cause or other they manifested an un­ mutual benefit. willingness to assist her and her daughter in F/fesiiire.—During tho last month, G. putting on Christ by his appointed modo ; and Dowie has devoted a leisure week to the considerable anxiety on their account was felt visitation of tho south and east of Fifcshiro, by tho brethren in Edinburgh, whoses ym- and passed through some 25 separate towns pathies were strongly aroused by the pecu­ and villages; distributing several thousands • liarity of the circumstances. The difficulty of tho tract which had been prepared for the was, however, overcome, by William Norrie purpose, and delivering four addresses on tho performing the act of immersion for them, on things concerning tho kingdom of God—in the evening of Saturday, the 12th August, Largo, Levon, St Andrews, and Cupar after they had both giveu a distinct and most respectively. The audiences were not in any satisfactory confession of their faith, and been caso very largo, but always attentive, and subjected to a searching examination by apparently interested. Arrangements were brethren Greenwood and Mason. On the also set afoot for other public discourses and following day our two sisters, along with lectures, in prosecution of tho purpose to stir Brother Norrie, broke bread together with up the honest-hearted oi the whole county to the small company of believers meeting in the ;give heed to the word of life. bouse of brother Mason, with whom our two Eimnduhoii.—On July 30th, the church sisters will in future have fellowship. Ihere had introduced to their fellowship three Nottingham.—An addition has been made persons,| who hail immediately before made to tho number of tho brethren in Nottingham Iiho good confession, and been baptized into since our last report—namely, Henry Kerry, IChrist, viz , Henry Sliicls, Mrs Weir, and framework knitter, Prospect Place, Radford, Isabella Weir. Tho last mentioned being a who was baptized on Thursday, tho 3d Iblind woman, her means for increase of know­ August, anil subsequently received into the Iledge by reading arc limited; but her under­

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 144 THE MESSENGER OF.THE CHURCHES; September 1, 18G1 standing is clear, and her faith is. strong. timi for the last seven years, is now completed May God our Father over give hor to seethe containing 884 popes, 18mo, and will bo sup­ clear shiniug of his truth. plied at the following prices :— Plain leather binding, . 16s. A brother in Ireland, is, through being out Extra do., gilt or red edges, 1 Uh. of employment for nine months, and having Coloured calf or morocco, do., 20s. an ailing wile, necessitated to appeal to the Postage, 4d All orders, accompanied with brethren for help. The matter ol £3 would cash, and addressed to J. Wilson, 53 North­ relieve his immediate necessity, while a little gate, Halifax, will receive prompt attention. more would bo of great servjcc. J. Cameron will receive and transmit any sums that may May be had of G. Downs, be forwarded. The Messenger of tub Churches, First Series, for 1861, 18G2, 1863, 1864; in ' A correction.—Brother J. Murray wishes a single volumes, sewed, Is,; or tho four to­ correction of the report concerning Wislmw gether, in cloth, lettered, 4s. Gd. The two (Messenger, jip. 122.) It should have slated lit st Nos. of the vol. for 18ii0 are out of print, that certain visits by one brother had resulted but a few copies of the others are still on in causing a strange State of things amongst hand, and may be had nt Id. each. Postage the brethren so that they had ceased Io break in all cases extra—for singlo vols., 2d.; for bread in their meetings together. For this tho cloth vols., Gd. the visitor should not bo held responsible, seeing his lectures were not the introduction The following may bo had from W. Nohbik, ol " strange views.” Tho division arose out yfSome previous utterance (at another place) 9 Ingliston Street, Edinburgh. The Contrast between Protestantism being challenged hy another brother. This and the Gosi'kl; 36 pp 8vo, 6d. caused a misundir‘landing at a succeeding What is the Gospel? 4 pp. 12mo, Is Gd per' mooting of tlio brethren at Motherwell (at hundred. which the visitor was not present), but which The Kingdom or God. 1 page, 8vo, Is. por it is to be hoped wilt pass away by mutual hundred. ' ' concessions. The Gospel Witness. 16 pp- 8vo, complete in ■ 12 Nos. at 2d. each. Singlo Nos. Publications. (except No. 5) may be had to complete sets. Saving Faith. 26 pp. 8vo, Id. Important Workfor Bible Students, Tub Bible. 8 pp._12nio, 2s 6d per hundred. THE EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT; Tim Phrenological Bearings of the Containing tho Original Greek Text of Christian Faith ; reprinted from The Mes­ the NEW TESTAMENT, according to the senger of the Churches. Price Id., or lOd. Recension of Hr J. Ghiemiach, with an per dozen, post free. Intcrlincary Word for Word English Transla­ Spirit : or the Hebrew terms Jiuack nnd tion : a New Emphatic Version, based on the Neshamah, and the Greek term 1’ncuma, by Interlinear/Translation, on (he Renderings of W. G. Moncrief)’ Prico 4d., postage Id. ' Eminent Critics, nnd on (he Various Readings extra. Also, by the same author,— of the Vatican Manuscript; together with Soul: or the Hebrew word Nephcsh, and Illustrative and Explanatory Foot Notes and tho Greek 1'suche, in all their occurrences a Copious Selection of References; to tlio and uses in Scripture. Price Id. whole of which is added a Valuable Alpha­ betical Appendix. Tho Treasurer acknowledges re'ccipts for Tho above highly important nnd valuable tho Messenger from Coventry, Dundee, Jar- Work, which has been' in course of prepare- row, and Scarborough.

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A. AND IT. It. WILSON, riUNTERS, HKill STREET, EIMNBlllOIL t

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

“ I SPEAK AS tO WISE MEN, JUDGE YE WHAT 1 SAY.”

No. 10. October 1, 18G5. ’ New Series. Vol. I.

THE LITTLE HOJRN.

In introducing the subject of the breast and aims of silver, (Dan. ii.), prophecies concerning the little horn the bear raised up on its side, with to the notice of the reader, we simply tliree ribs in its mouth, (Dan. vii.), wish to draw attention to what the and the rani with two horns, ono Sc liptu res say about it. And this higher than the other, (Dan. viin), we do, so that inquiry and discussion arc each representative of the Medo- for the sake of the truth, and not for Persian empiro. Tho belly and the sake of building up u theory, may thighs of brass, (Dan. ii.), the leopard arise ; this being the more requisite, with four wings of a fowl and four ns it is a common tendency of man heads, (Dan. vii.), and the he-gout to accept theories and statements as with great horns, (Dan. viii.), aro true, before a proper examination each representative of the Greco- has been made into the proofs ad­ Macedouian empire. ' The legs of duced in their support. These pro­ iron, (Dan. ii.), and the fourth beast phecies concerning the little horn arc of terrible aspect with iron feet, (Dan. so intimately connected with those vii.), as both representative of the relating to the setting up of the king­ Boman empire. dom of God, that when we enter into We will now take the remaining an inquiry concerning the one, we are, portion of the prophetical vision de­ of necessity, obliged to take into con- scribedounuvu. inm Dan.j_.u.h. uii ;, giving theuw vision sideration the other. The prophecies in this and other instances, with the to which we intend to refer at present scriptural explanations, in opposite arc those contained in the second, columns. seventh, and eighth chapters of the Tho Vision, Dan. ii. 34. Tho Explanation, Dan. ii. 41. prophet Daniel. Foot, part of iron, and Tho kingdom partly part of clay. Toes, pai t /itrong, partly broken. It is generally admitted, that the of iron, and part of clay. head of gold, (Dan. ii.), and the lion A slono was cut out In tho days of these without hands. Smote kings tho God of huavon •with eagle’s wings and a man’s heart, tho imago upon the ■hall sot up a kingdom, (Dan. vii.), are both representative foot, and broke them which ahall break in to pieces. Tho Iron, tho plocoi, and consume all of the Babylonian Empire. The clay, tbo brass, Ibosilsor these xlugdoux.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 14G THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. Octob. r 1, 1865- and tho gold broken in Thu ro*t of the beasts The kingdom and do­ pieces together. had their dominion minion, and the great- The stone became a The kingdom never to taken away, yet their nesM of the kingdom great mountain and fill­ bu destroyed, nor Iclt to lives prolonged for a under tho whole heaven ed the whole earth. other people—it shall Season and turn lima. will be given to the Bland for over. Behold, one like a non pcvp'c—the sain h» of tho of man came with tho Most High: his kingdom The principal statements made in clouds of heaven. Came is an everlasting king­ I to tho Ancient of Days. dom: and all dominions this section of the prophecy are; that Is given to him do­ shall serveand obey him. minion, and a kingdom, in the days of the feet-toes’ kings, and glory. An everhuit- a kingdom is to be set up,—that it ing dominion: i udestruc- will be set up by the God of heaven, liblo. —and that such kingdom will de­ stroy all these kingdoms. As the In this vision a similar statement Roman empire covered the Greco- to one in the previous vision is made Macedonian ; the Greco-Macedonian respecting the overthrow of kings by the Mcdo-Pcrsian, and the Mcdo- a kingdom, received by one from the Persian the Babylonian, so it maybe Ancient of Days. • The number of fairly deduced that the feet-toes’ kings previously existing, namely, kingdoms would cover the territory ten, arc given; coinciding with the of the Roman empire. And also, natural number of toes on the feet of that these kingdoms would exist at the image, of whom, three are to be the same time. It is in their days dispossessed of their power thoroughly the kingdom of God is to be set up, by a king who is to arise after them. and it is by collision with this king­ This after-king continues speaking dom that these feet-toes kingdoms against the Most High, wearing out are to be destroyed. his saints,seckingto change times and The next vision is that of the laws, until he meets with destruction four beasts, Dan. vii. The part re­ at the hands of a king, who has lating to the fourth beast, and tho received a kingdom directly from the explanation, is contrasted as in pre­ hands of God. vious vision. This fourth beast, representative of the Roman empire, is to have in exist­ Tho Vision, Dan. vii. 7. Tho Explanation, Dun. vii. 19. ence upon it at some future time ten The fourth beast, The fourth kingdom kings. Ajter they have come into dreadful, terrible, and on earth, di verso from strong, with great Iron nil kingdoms, shall de­ existence, another king is to arise teeth, and nails of brasa. vour the whole earth. Ac from out of the same empire, who Ho had tun horns. Ton kings shall arise out of this kingdom. shall deprive three of them of their Another little horn Another shall arise thrones. This one king in common arose among them. after them, and he shall bo diverse from the first. with seven, meeting with destruction Before whom three of He shall subdue three tho first horns were kings. by the hand of one directly sent of plucked up by tho roots. God, and not, as it were, by indirect In it, eyes like tho eyes He shall speak words of a man, ami a mouth against the Most High ! instrumentality of mau. The ten speaking great things. think to change times and laws. kings, the one king, their destruc­ Tho same horn made Shull wear out the tion, and the setting up of a king­ war with the saints, and saints of the Most High, prevailed against thorn. and they will bo given dom, all having reference to events into bis hands until a to transpire on the territory of the time, and times and the dividing of time Roman empire. I beheld till the But (he judgment The last vision to which we shall thrones woro cast down, shall sit, and they shall and tho Ancient of Days take away his dominion, at present refer, in Dan. viii., being did sit. to consume and destroy I beheld till tho it to the end. the one of the ram and he-goat; con­ boast m as slain, his body trasting the vision and explanation destroyed, and given to the burning llaiuo. us before.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ October 1,1365. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 147 The Vision, Dan. viii. 1, The Explanation, Dan. The he-goat being the King of viii. 10, &c. A rant with two horns, Tho kings of Media Grccia, and the four horns, four ona higher than tho and Persia. other. kingdoms which spring up in his An he-goat from the The king of Grccia. stead; it follows, that the territory West, with notable horn The first king. between bis eyes. belonging to the one king, and then The he-goat became Now that (the first to the four* kingdoms, is also the very great, and when king) being broken. strong the horn broke. territory from which the little horn For it camo up four Four kingdoms shall notable ones toward the stand up out of the or king is to come out. Or, this four winds of heaven. nation but not in his king will spring out of that territory power. Out of one of them In ths latter time of enclosed within the limits of the came a little horn which their kingdom, when the ancient Grecian empire. grew very great toward transgressors arc come south, aud cast, and the to the full, a king of In the vision of the image, the host.* He was magni­ tierce countonnnco and feet-toes’ kings, are kings springing fied even to the host of understanding dark sen­ heaven, and cost to the tences shall stand up. out of the ancient empire of Koine, ground some of tho host, His power shall he and some of tho star*, mighty but uot by his finally destroyed by a kingdom set and stamped upon them. own power: ho shall up by the God of lidaven. Yea, he magnified before des'roy wonderfully,nnd the prince of the host, prosper, ami practise, In the vision of the ten horned and by him the dully was nud destroy the mighty fourth beast, the little horn plucking taken away, und the and the holy people. place of hh sanctuary Through his policy ho up three horns, rises out of the cast down, and an host shall tiausc craft or decep­ w\is given against the tion to prosper, and mag­ Koman empire, and, after making daily, because of trans­ nify in hts heart, and war against the saints, is destroyed gression, and it cast by peace shall destroy by down the truth to tho many. by a kingdom set up by the Most ground und prospered. he shall stand up How long the vision against the Prince ot High. concerning the daily and princes, but ho shun be In the vision of the ram and the the transgression of de­ broken without hand. solation, to give both the And tho vision of the he-goat, the little horn springs out sanctuary ami tho host evening and the morn­ of the territory originally covered by to be trodden under ing, which was told, is foot? true; wherefore shut the Grecian Empire, also ware Unto two thousand thou up tho vision, for against a Prince of princes, and is three hundred evening­ it is lor many a ays. mornings, then shall the broken without hand. sanctuary be cleansed. That is to say, after collating In this vision, the King of Grecia, these testimonies, the little horn long before his existence, has his would spring out of that portion of great power described, his sudden the Koman Empire, which was pre­ death, and uprising of lour kingdoms viously possessed by the four king­ in consequence in the place of his doms springing out of the Empire of one. Then follows a description of Grecia. a little .horn, or king of fierce coun­ Whenever this' final development tenance, who is to rise in the latter of the kingdom of men takes place time of their kingdoms. Or, as it meets, as each of the explanations stated in 17 and 19 ver., at the time of the visions testify, a destruction of the end ; for the vision is to or at at the hands of God, by a direct and the time of the end. It does not positive manifestation of his power come within the range of this paper in the setting up of a kingdom of to inquire what the time of the end his own formation. means; our present inquiry is limited It is a truth well known to all to the little Lorn. seekers into, and students of, pro­ * Bellamy, in his translation of the Book of phecy, that the names of the ten Daniel, says, the literal signification of Tsebe, translated tho plonaniit, Is the host: (Jives ns kings have never yet been given uxampleti occurrences in Ex. xii. 41; 1 Kings II. definitely. No ton kingdoms have 6; J Uhron. xxvli. 3; Jur. ill. 19; Dos. xii. 5; and Amos ill 13. as yet been defined to exist on the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 118 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. OoUber 1, lsc6. territory of the Roman Empire (for the'end. Therefore any application it is on that territory they have to to two kings is contrary to the statc­ appear,) which will answer to the1 ment of Scripture. number given. It is requisite, how-1 Or supposing that the term king ever, that these ten should have an • also represents kingdom or dynasty, existence before the kingdom set up [ then it is to one kingdom or dynasty, by the God of heaven can have an and not to two, that the prophecy • existence, as these ten have not yet can be applied. But history docs been made apparent on the territory not furnish Usvis with any records of of the Roman Empire, the conclusion any one kingdom or dynasty which is inevitable they have yet to be. has arisen, and met witli destruction And it is after these ten kings by means of a kingdom directly set have arisen (see Dan. vii. 24), that up by God. The reader is quite at the little horn is said to arise. This liberty to use kingdom, or dynasty, must be so, for it is not possible that or power, or any other term he this little horn could destroy any­ pleases, instead of king, provided it thing which did not already exist. is in accordance with the statement The ten kings not having yet come of Scripture. into existence, three of them cannot It has been stated that liistory have been destroyed by this little gives no sign of the existence of this horn. Again, the conclusion drawn one king, or of the ten kings, nor of is, the little horn hits yet to be. a war against the saints, or the Most Again, the little horn springs out High,.resulting in the setting up of of one of the four parts of the a kingdom for ever. It devolves Empire of Greece, in the latter time upon those who assert that such has of their kingdom, or at the time of been the case, to prove their state­ the end. No little horn has yet ment, and this the more particularly, sprung out of one of the four parts as history maintains a rigid silence of this Empire of Greece. It has, on the subject. therefore, yet to be. We arc quite aware that the littlo The little horn, or king of fierce horn, described in Dan. vii., is said countenance, who prevails against by some to be the holy Roman Eni- the saints, hitshas no hindrance to his pirc, and also by others, Papal Rome, progress until the Ancient of Days Also, that the little horn coming comes, or until he stands up against forth out of one of the four horns of the Prince of princes, or until he the he-goat, Dan. viii. is said to comes into collision with the king­ bo the rise of the Roman power dom, when no place is found either in the place of the northern kingdom for himself or the kings co-existing of—•jt* Syria,Cl__ ? . f etc.. . /(which___1 * 1 *included 1 i a Baby-•» • with him. Ion, and the territory of Asia, to the It is one little horn or one king Indus), one of the four horns, and that possesses the power, has the northern in its relation to Judea. eyes of a man, and the mouth speak­ Or the eastern Roman empire, whose ing great things, who causes craft to capital was at Constantinople. Or prosper, destroys wonderfully, and Antiochus Epiphanes. With con­ stands up against the Most High and sistent brevity let us take each of the Prince of princes. As the ten these statements separately and and the three kings, are distinct examine them with the light of kings,so also is this one: maintaining history. his power unbroken and undivided to The question asked concerning

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ October 1.1305. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 149

Papal" Rome is this’ —Has Papal11 it was not till 1273 a.d. that inde- Romo ever uprooted three kings out pendent authority was claimed by often, who have co-existed on the Gregory X. The Papal see was territory of the Roman Empire 1 removed from Rome, 1301 A.D., to If so, who were the three subdued ? Avignon, where it remained till And the seven not subdued ? From 1371 a.d. We take no notice of ' the extinction of the Roman Western the antipopes before or after this Empire, a.d. 476, the records of the period, or of tho insurrections of the . bishops of Romo present no features people of Rome, or of the numerous of importance in the slightest manner wars engaged in by the Popes. The affecting a title of power over other truth being that Romo, its territory, bishops till 606 a.d., when Phocas, and its rulers, were very seldom in a the emperor of the East, gave Boni­ settled state. It was not till the face III. the title of universal sixteenth century that the Papal bishop. In 653 a.d., Martin I. was states, after many acquisitions of seized by order of the, Emperor of territory, assumed a definite form. tho East as a traitor to his authority. In 1527 a.d., Clement VII. was It was not till the beginning of the besieged in the Castle of Angelo, in eighth century that tho Roman Rome, by the imperialists in the citizens, headed by the bishop, loosed pay of Charles V., Emperor of Ger­ bonds which attached them to the many. Paul VII. (1556 A.D.) being Eastern Empire j the loosing being tln-eatened in Rome by the Duke of caused by an edict of the Emperor Alva, obtained the aid of German against image worship. /Although ' ' Protestants, and solicited the aid of Pepin (751 a.d.), and Charlemagne Sulliman I., Sultan of Turkey. But (772 a.d.), king of the Franks, as­ we must perforce be content with sisted the bishop against the Lom­ two modern instances. Pius VII., bards, yet Rome, with its territory, 1809 A.D., seized by Napoleon I., was always considered part of their and confined a prisoner in France. empire. Under the Cailovingians, Pius IX., 1848 a.d., compelled to Rome was still one III., 1198 a.d. was the first Pope have its emperors (Justinian, one of who really formed a Papal state, yet them, publishing his code, 529 a.d.),

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 150 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. October 1, JS(>5. until the year, 1453 a.d. The four horns when it took Jerusalem Western empire (but yet not the B.c., G3 or G5 1 that is, looking at its entire territory covered by the old geographical position, and as becom­ Roman Western empire), was revived ing great toward the south, east, and under Charlemagne, 800 A.D. It the pleasant. When Pompey took had no fixed capital, Rome being Jerusalem he came out of Egypt; after only one of several chief cities. After capture, making Antipater, an Idum- the death of Charlemagne, the im­ ren, procurator. Egypt was in one mense territory which had been under of the ancient territories of the four his sway became the scene of conten­ horns under the Ptolemies. But tion. In 843 a.d., the empire was previous to tliis, 190 n.C., Antiochus, divided between Charles the Bald of King of Syria, was defeated at France; Lotharios, who took title Magnesia, by the Romans under of Emperor, becoming nominal Sove­ Lucius Scipio, and deprived of the reign of Italy (his possessions lying whole of his territories in Lower in the south east of France) ; and Asia. This king reigned over a second Lewis, who took the kingdom of horn territory, which had belonged Germany. In 887 a.d., the empire to the'Selcuccdte, and, 1G7 n.c., the existed only in name, for Arnold, kingdom of Macedon was taken by then emperor, possessed, out of the the Romans; B.c. 14G, Greece was vast possessions of Charlemagne, only subdued and named the province of a part of Germany, and, of the Achaia These two had originally emperors following, none have pos­ constituted the territory of a third sessed the fulness of the territory horn, under Cassandcr. And again, over-ruled by Charlernaguc. The about the same time, Thracia was title, King of the Romans, was taken possession of by the Romans. generally attached to the title, Em­ This was in the territory of a fourth peror of Germany, and the title horn, originally under Lysimachus. Emperor of Germany was abandoned It is at once evident, that if the by Francis II, in 1804 a.d., he taking Roman power came out of any horn instead, that of Emperor of Austria. at all, it Came forth out of all the The third statement we have to four, prior to the making of Judea a examine, is, whether the folium Roman province. power which conquered Judea, was The fourth statement is that the the little horn coming out of one of little horn coming forth out of one of the four horns 1 the horns met with a fulfilment in It is certain that the Roman power the Roman Empire, when its capital did not have its origin in, or come was transferred to Constantinople. out of, any one of the four parts the The following brief statement will Empire of Greece was divided into ; answer this assertion. for the foundation of Rome, therefore In 329 a.d. Constantine removed in this instance of the Roman power, the scat of the Roman Empire to is attributed to Romulus, 752 B.C. Constantinople. ■ In 3G4 a. d. Valen- This being 14G yearn before the taking tinian was Emperor of the west; of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, Valens, Emperor of the East. In king of Babylon, and, nearly 400 1453 a.d. Constantinople was taken years before the birth of Alexander by the Turks, Mahomet If. being the Great. Emperor of the Turks, and the But, it may be said, did not the empire of the east became extinct. Roman power come out of one of the The last statement to be considered

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ October 1, 18S5. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 151 is, was Antiochus Epiphanes this of some part or other of the original ittle horn? This could not be, for territory, the following powers or he being ruler of Syria, was ruler states :—Turkey, Greece, Egypt, over territory constituting one of the Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, four horns as first ruled by the France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Seleucedte. , Switzerland, Austria, As we cannot trace any existence Bavaria, Wurtemburg, Baden, and of this little horn in the past records Prussia. of history, we must obviously infer For the present we leave the sub­ that such horn has yet to make its ject in this position. No notice has appearance, as we have before re­ been taken of the marks characteris­ marked. tic of the little horn, nor has any The following powers or states are reference been made to any other at present iu existence in 'the four Scriptures bearing on this subject. horn territories, in possession of Nor has any reference'been made to some 'part or other of the original periods of time mentioned in any of territory covered by the empire the visions. Should other oppor­ under Alexander the Great, namely, tunity be afforded, the Lord willing, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Russia, wo may return to this subject. In Persia, Beloochistan, and Afghan­ anything that we may err, we - are istan. open to proof of error, having no As an addition to this, there exists prejudice, but willing to receive the on the territory originally possessed truth for its own sake. by the Roman Empire, in possession | Christianos.

ISRAEL’S CALLING NOT EARTHLY.

“Hold fast the form of sound presentatives of the mind of God. words which thou host heard of me If we substitute new terms, we arc in faith and love which is in Christ in danger of substituting new ideas ; Jesus,” wrote Paul to Timothy, his even a slight shade of difference in son in the faith, when he was “ ready the import of the words may lead to to be offered, and the time of his a total change of idea; hence the departure was at hand.” The ad­ importance of the aged Paul’s in­ vice is one of the utmost moment, junction—“ Hold fast the form of not only to Timothy, but to every sound words which thou hast heard child of God, who would strive for of me." purity of the faith in these perilous If our ideas arc the same as those times, when men will not endure taught in the Bible, the words of sound doctrine. As it is by means scripture are the fittest terms in of words we gain a knowledge of the which to express these ideas cor­ mind of God revealed by his prophets rectly ; and whenever we find that and apostles of old; and as they the words of Scripture fail to repre­ spoke “ as they were moved by the sent exactly those ideas we believe Holy Spirit,” and with words which to be taught in Scripture, we have the Holy Spirit taught them, these good reason to suspect that our con­ words, or their exact equivalents in ceptions are wrong ; and whenever other languages, arc the proper rc- we find any man setting forth as

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 152 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. October 1, 1805. scriptural what he is unable to ex­ partakers of a “ heavenly calling,” press exactly in scripture language, Israel is nowhere in scripture said and employs a different phraseology, to have an “earthly calling.” This we should certainly suspect the phrase, indeed, does not occur in the accuracy of his deliverances. In Bible. If the idea it means to con­ our day the practice of substituting vey be scriptural, then it can be. words of human invention for those learnt from the language of scripture; of scripture, in setting forth pro­ and if the words of scripture do not fessedly Bible trutlis, is exceedingly express the idea, it is a sure sign common, so much so that certain that it is not scriptural. Most words and phrases have got such a decidedly do I object to the term currency in religious discourse as to “ earthly ” being applied to that to be taken for scripture terms. An which God never applies it, though instance of this evil practice now lies the subject forms a prominent por­ before me. In a monthly periodical tion of his revelation. entitled “ The Rainbow," claiming This writer, in his fondness for liis to be “ A magazine of Christian theory, has fallen into the gross mis­ literature, with special reference to take of confounding the covenant the revealed future of the Church made with Abraham with that cove­ and the world,” * there is an article nant made with Israel under Moses, in the June number headed “ Land­ hence, after quoting Gen. xii. 23, marks of Truth,” the purport of xiii. 14. xxvi. 34, xxxv. 10, he which is to shew the superiority of says—“ The character of this earthly the position which the Church shall calling is distinctly shewn in Deut. occupy in the kingdom of God, to xxviii, ‘ Blessed in the city, blessed that which shall then be filled by in the field, blessed in the fruit of the nation of Israel. The greater thy body, in the fruit of thy ground, part of the article is according to

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ October 1, 18fl5. THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES. 153 takes upon him to write on such that for which Abraham came out matters, should be so oblivious to of his father’s land. His calling what the apostle of the gentiles has then to that land is rather heavenly so plainly written. “ For the pro­ than earthly. Ere Abraham can mise that he should be heir of the inherit the promise he must rise world was not to Abraham or to Lis from the dead, at the appearing of our seed through the law, but through Lord in the clouds of heaven ; and the righteousness of faith.” “ It is then also “ those who are Christ’s of faith that it might be by grace, to shall be raised at his coming, and be the end, that the promise might be blessed with faithful Abruhain/'a" sure to all the seed, not only to that From all these considerations it is which is of the law, but to that also plain that the covenant made with which is of the faith of Abraham, Abraham and his seed is distinct who is the father of us all,” Rom. iv. entirely from that made with the The promise, then, made to Abraham nation of Israel, which is to be is what those have to do with who superseded by the “ new covenant are “ not under the law, but under established on better promises,” grace.” It may conflict with the while the Abrahamic covenant, in­ notions of human folly, that the pro­ stead of being displaced, only comes mise of a certain territory can be­ into operation in the ago to come. long to the heirs of a heavenly Yet, while the purpose of God kingdom, yet such is nevertheless with the nation of Israel is different the revealed purpose of God. Re­ from his purpose toward Abraham, ferring to the inheritance of believcis, and those who are his seed, in virtue Paul writes, ■' If the inheritance be of union to the Christ, it is never of the law, it is no more of promise, termed an earthly purpose or calling but God gave it to Abraham by pro­ in the scripture. The selection of mise,” “ and if ye be Christ’s, then that people was entirely of God, and are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs made for the highest purposes. Hear according to the promise.” The the word of the Lord. Exodus xix. promises made to Abraham, a cove­ 3-G, “Now, therefore if ye will obey nant of law, foisooth 1 Nay, rather my voice indeed, and keep my cove­ is it the gospel; “ for the scripture nant, then shall ye be a peculiar forseeing that God would justify the treasure unto inc above all people ; heathen through faith preached before for all that is in the earth is mine. the gospel unto Abraham, saying, And ye shall be unto» me a kingdom In thee shall all nations be blessed.” nfof priests «•»»'!and «a holy nation.” Is “ Not to seeds, its of many, but us that worthy of the designation of one, to thy seed, which is Christ,” earthly ? A covenant of works, Gal. iii. Their inheritance is indeed indeed, it was, but nevertheless its a heavenly kingdom, a heaven-like purposes was of the most heavenly dominion, for then shall the will of nature. God’s purpose with that God be done on earth as it is done people, as a nation, is that Ins name in heaven.' It is worthy of notice shall be made glorious, through them, that that very country promised to among all nations. They failed to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and yet do this under the old covenant, but to be possessed by them, is expressly under the new covenant no such called a heavenly country, Hob. xi. failure can take place. The law of 13-16. The “country” which is God shall be written in their hearts, here called “ heavenly ” is evidently and they shall be all righteous.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 154 THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. October], 18«5. “ They shall be mimed the priests Such being true, we should takecare of the Lord; men shall call them to speak of the calling of Israel as the ministers of our God." . They God's word warrants us, holding fast shall be “ trees of righteousness, the the form of sound words which were planting of Jehovah, that he may be spoken by holy prophets and apostles.* glorified,” Isa. Ixi. Subjects of the W. L. kingdom of God, reigned over by the Christ and his glorified Church, which is his body, they shall be a * The phrase " heavenly calling ’’ applied holy nation; in their own place ful­ to believers, no more warrants the applica­ filling the one great purpose of the tion of the phrase “ earthly calling” to Israel, ns a nation, limn does the phrase •‘holy whole—“Glory to God in the highest, calling,” in llic one case, warrant the nso of peace on earth, good will to men.” unholy eating in the other.

THE GLORY YET TO BE REVEALED.

Every Bible student is aware of the. earth, have been seen in the the frequent mention made of the same character, particulnry in their glory of the Loan, and of the glory to later appearances. In New Testa­ be revealed. And every believer is in ment history we have frequent the habit of ascribing all glory to mention of this condition—thus, at God, and is constantly expecting the the resurrection of the Lord, the time when he himself shall be exalted angel who rolled back the stone, and to glory, honour, and immorbdity. sat upon it (Jfatth. xxviii.) had a But the basis of this language, the countenance like the lightning, and root-idea of it is much neglected. raiment white as snozo. The angel For it must be apparent that, while which released Peter from prison the term ‘ glory ’ is largely used in (Acts xii.) had a light about him the Scriptures, as, indeed, it is in which shined in the prison. And common parlance, with a qualified this character is sustained in several meaning, as simply referring to of the visions of the Apocalypse, honourable position, rank, or station particularly in those cases where the in general, it has another primary angels arc represented as coming to meaning which, in many instances, the earth, thereby shewing a con­ must be understood; particularly ini trast to the comparative gloom of reference to the Divine Being, who the nether world. When the mighty, is above all, not only in greatness, angel came down from heaven (ch. but in glory too. The object of x.) to set liis right foot on the sea, this paper is to present the Scrip­ ami his left foot on the earth, he is ture teaching on this point. described as clothed with a cloud, The quality of glory or brightness having a rainbow on his head, his is uniformly attached to the inhabi-lyace as zt were the sun, and his feet tants of the heavens. God himself i (where they protruded from the robe is represented as “ dwelling in light, | of cloud) as pillars of fire ; and which is inaccessible and full of when another camo' to proclaim the glory,” that is, most intensely bright, fall of Babylon (ch. xviii.), it is said The angels who have been visible the earth was lightened with his from time to time, on their visits to glory.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; I Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ October 1,18f>5. THE MESSENGER 0!‘ THE CHURCHES. 155 The phenomenon of brightness, as chariot and horses also exhibits the pertaining to the angels of God, was nil-pervading glory of the heavens. an ancient idea and experience in When therefore Moses and Elias Israel, as appears from a few circum­ appeared at the transfiguration of the stances. The terror struck into the Christ, in the same garb of glory with Roman soldiers by the countenance which theLord himself was invested, of the angel of the resurrection is we see the congruity of the vision, but the ordinary effect of such a those whom God takes away are not spectacle, and we may fairly judge necessarily subjected to the same that the same characteristic was bondage of corruption as common visible in such cases as the appear­ mortals ; and both of these had been ance of the angel Gabriel to Zacharias so taken : perhaps on that account and to Mary respectively (Luke i.) therefore were they the proper per­ in both cases inducing a great terror sons to accompany the Lord Jesus in which was only removed by the re­ that vision of Ins majesty. Two of assuring word of the angel, “ Fear the three witnesses of that display not.” This truth naturally gave speak of the honour they thus en­ rise, to such a phrase as that used in joyed—Says John, “we beheld his Acts vi. 15—“ All that sat in the glory, the glory as of the only be­ council looking stedfastly on him, gotten of the Father;" and Peter, “ wo saw his face as it had been the face were eye witnesses of his majesty.’’ of an angel.” The three different There is no extant writing of James appearances of the angel of God to the son of Zebcdee, else we should Joseph in a dream (Matth. i. ii.) have had his testimony too. But sufficiently account for the want of enough, that glory which was shewn terror in his case; as we very well to three will once more “ be revealed, know that in dreams we sec the and all flesh shall sec it together." most extraordinary things without This glorification was however but surprise. transient, and therefore the prayer But not the angels alone, man of the Lord afterwards was for a himself may bo invested with the complete permanent investiture. same glory if privileged with an “ Glorify thou mo with thine own audience of the glorious Lord God. self with the glory which I had with Moses is the only person to whom thee before the world was.” He God spoke face to face, as a man once had glory with God, and thought speaks to his friend, and he, after it no robbery to be equal with God ; the intercourse he had with the God but he divested himself of his sub­ of Israel on Mount Sinai, returned lime majesty, and was found in to the camp with his face so brilliant fashion as a man. But he has since that the people could not look upon risen again to greatness and splend­ it. If forty days communion of a our. Whom God has justified, he mortal with the Great God produces has also glorified : and that glory has such a result, what may we antici­ been seen by mortal eyes. Once he pate from the immortal in perpetual appeared to Saul of Tarsus in such presence of, and beholding the face bravery of glory that a light brighter of our Heavenly Father. Elijah than the meridian sun shone around, did not taste death, but was taken smiting Saul with blindness him and up to heaven in a chariot of fire his-companions of travel with mortal with horses of fire. This simple terror, Acts lx., XXJI., XXVJ. The allusion to the character of the same vision again appeared to John

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 15G THE MESSENGER OK THE CHURCHES. October 1,1M5- when an exile in Patmos ; and tion is not to be understood as his had almost as overwhelming an effect voice, for that is separately described, on him ; even altho’ ho was in spirit. ‘ as the sound of many watcra.’ The By a superhuman gift of vision this repetition of the vision in Rev. xix. apostle was however able to look shows such a use of this glorious upon and describe tho glorious spec­ sword ; it may also probably be what tacle ; than which wo can conceive is referred to in Isa. xi. '4, “ He (the nothing about the human face and Messiah) shall smite the earth with form so transcending—“His head and the rod of his mouth, and with the his hail's were white like wool, as breath of his lips shall he slay the white as snow ; and his eyes were as wicked." In Dan. vii. 14, we are a flame of fire ; and his feet like unto told that “ A fiery stream issued, fine brass, as if they burned in a and came forth from before Him ’’ furnace...and out of his mouth went (the Ancient of days) : seo also Psa. a sharp two edged sword; and his xviii. 8. From all these passages it countenance was as the sun shineth is apparent, not only that God is a in his strength," Rev. i. 14-16. Every consuming fire, but that he in whom particular of this description is of that dweUeth the fulness of the godheiul brilliant and overpowering character bodily has very much of the same which is native to the presence and character,< ’ even now; but more parti- being of God. The sharp sword out cularly___1____ii in.1... the rday 1 _• . of______liis power, when1 of his mouth is a sword of fire, an he1 is’— made ’ manifest.—''' r instrument of glory, by which he G. Bowie. may smite his enemies. This emana- (To be continued).

THE BLESSEDNESS OF MAKING THE GOOD CONFESSION.

Jesus replied to Peter, Blessed art Jesus pronounccsno blessingon ignor­ thou Simon sou of Jonas; for flesh ance and error. and blood hath not revealed it unto It is matter of prophecy, in the thee; but my Father who is in heaven. ancient scriptures, that they who That Jesus is the Christ the Son should know and trust in the Christ of the living God, that is what the and Son of God as born and anointed Father had revealed to Peter. But for the throne of Israel should be when the Father had revealed this to blessed. We see in the second psalm Peter, he knew that Peter's view of that all who, like Herod, oppose the the Christ the Son of God, was, that Christ anil Son of God as the king of he as such should be the king of the the Jews are cursed ; and that all who Jews and reign over them on mount like Peter, trust in him as king of Zion in the laud of Israel forever, the Jews are blessed. Of the Herod The Father gives no hint to Peter part it is written, he that sitteth in that this view was a wrong one ; the heavens shall laugh at them, the and his silence stamps it with- his Lord shall have them in derision: divine approbation and authority, then shall he speak to them in his Jesus also pronounces Peter blessed wrath, and vex them in his sore dis­ in holding this view of himself as the pleasure. But of Peter’s party he Christ the Son of God. God’s saith, Blessed are al! those who trust scholars arc all correctly taught; and in him. That is as Peter trusted in

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ October 1, 1SGJ. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 157 him, as lie is revealed for trust in vi. 43-45. The Jews were sometimes this second psalm. And that is as the inclined to receive Jesus as the Christ king of the Jews. the king of Israel, and sometimes Thegrand theme of the eighty-ninth not. They murmured among them­ psalm is from beginning to end the selves about his giving them his flesh the same sure mercies of David, that to cat, and eternal life thereby. This David’s seed should be established on caused many of them to draw back his throne forever. I will sing of the from receiving him as their king. mercies of the Lord forever; with Then Jesus said unto them, murmur my mouth will I make known thy not among yourselves : no man can faithfulness to all generations. For come to me except the Father, who I have said, mercy shall be built up hath sent me, draw him ; and I will up forever ; thy faithfulness wilt thou raise him up at the last day. It is establish in the very heavens. I have written in the prophets, And they made a covenant with my chosen: shall all bo taught of God; Every I have sworn unto David my servant, man therefore who hath heard and thy seed will I establish forever; and learned of the Father comcth unto buildjup thy throne to all generations. me. That is, cometh unto me as And then in verses 15-18 he speaks Peter and Nathanael came, believing of the blessedness of those who should and confessing, Thou art the Son of hear and know the joyful sound of God, thou art the king of Israel. Do the gospel trumpet, that Jesus is born wonot come to Jesusas tlic king of tho and anointed of God as the everlast­ Jews 1 It is because we are not taught ing Saviour and King of Israel. of God, because we have not learned Blessed arc the people who know of the Father, of his Father who is the joyful sound; they shall walk, in heaven. It is flesh and blood that O Lord, in the light of thy counten­ keeps us from believing that Jesus is ance : in thy name shall they rejoice king of tho Jews. all the day,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 158 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. October 1, IS®, The wordy “ flesh and blood hath king of‘Israel. So in 1 John v. 1, not revealed it unto thee, but my Whosoever believcth that Jesus is Father who is in heaven,” reminds the Christ, is born of God. ;This is one, too, of Matt. xi. 25, 26, At that the seed of God, by the reception of time Jesus answered and said, I thank which men become his sons, his testi­ thee, 0 Father, Lord of heaven and mony that Jesus is the Christ his son, earth, because thou hast hid these born and anointed for the throne of things from the wise and prudent Israel. And this brings us to John and hast revealed them to babes; even i. 11, 12, 13. lie came to his own so Father, for so it seemed good in and his own received him not. But thy sight. The wise and prudent to as many as received him to them were the scribes and pharisees and gave he power to become the sons of rulers • of the people, the great men God, evon to them who believed on of Israel. The babes were Jesus, his name: who were born not of disciples, Peter and Nathanael, Fe. blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor Now what was it that God hid from of tho will of man, but of God. His the former, and revealed to the latter. own received him not. The Jews What, but this that Jesus is the were his nation because of his being king of1 Israel. That was what was the son of David. But they would revealed to Peter and Nathanael, not have this man to reign over them. being the very thing which they con­ Thus it was they received him not, fessed. Thou art the Son of God, but to as many ns received him, in thou art tho king of Israel. Even as the same point of view in which the tho children in the temple praised others rejected him to them gave he Jesus as the Sou of David, fulfilling power to become the sons of God. that which is written in the eighth Even to them who believed on his psalm, Out of the mouth of babes and name of Jesus Christ—that is, Jesus sucklings thou hast perfected praise. tJje anointed king of Israel. They Praising Jesus ns the king of the | were thus born not of blood, nor of Jews is the perfection of praise. the will of tho flesh, nor of the will Let us, in conclusion, go from this of man, but of God. Flesh and blood Matt. xvi. 17. to John i. 11-12-13. had’ ’ 1 not revealed it to■ them■' that through Gal. iii. 26, and 1 John v. 1, Jesus was anointed and born of God Ye arc all the children of Gud by faith the king of the Jews, but his Father in Christ Jesus. The sons of men who is in heaven, so they became the become with Jesus the sons of God, blessed children of God. by believing that he is the Christ the D. L.

Romans xvi. 1G.—Salute one another with an holy kiss. "From the sahitntioim sent to the brethcrii, Patil passes to the injunction of a form of salutation to be used among those to whom he wrote lie enjoins them to salute one another with an holy kiss, Ito calls it tin holy kiss ns distinguished not only from that which is siniiil, but also from the kiss, that merely expresses common nlleetion. The latter was proper in itself, as an expression of kindness among relations or friends ; but this is grounded on the love that Christians should have for one another, mid is mi Indy kiss. Mtieh ridicule has been cast on this practice. But it was enjoined on churches by the Apostles. It is again and again repealed, and was practised by all the primitive churches. Peter calls it a kiss of love. Justin Martyr, in giving an account of tho weekly assemblies of the Chiistimis of'llio second century, says, " Wo mutually salute uno aniilhor by a kiss, and then wo bring forward tho brand mid the cup.’’ And the form is still mninliuiicd by the Church ol'Rnmo in what they call the oscuhim pads.1' Haldane on the Jlomant-

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ October 1,1865. ■ THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 159

THE FORTY-SIXTH PSALM. Gon is nur refuge in distress— What though the heathen madly rage, Our safeguard in the wilderness, And kingdoms in fieice war engage I Our shelter from the storm; When God sends forth his voice, Though winds and waves a conflict make, He makes the glittering spear to bend, Though earth’s foundations rec! and shake, Sends peace to earth's remotest end, We need not feel alarm. And bids the world rejoice. .

A peaceful river softly flows Be still, and know that he is God ; I n tranquil streams, to gladden those He rules tho cat th with iron rod. Who put their trust in God : And sits enthroned above ; Within his holy place they feel Ho dwells with those who own his name,— The comfort of his presence still, The God of Jacob still the same,— While oceans roll abroad. The God of peace and love. Family Paper.

Intelligence, Notes, &c- EoiNr.unotr.—On Sunday morning, Sep­ word, and at last made a confession of his tember 3, after a confession of her faith, and faith, which was satisfactory to all.’’ G.E.Q. immersion into the name of the Lord, Helen, Lanaiik.—Our nged brother, John Ross second daughter of brother James Watson, of Carluke, fell asleep in Christ on September was received into tho fellowship of tho church. Sth, at the ripe age of 113 years. The brethren have iust prepared a couple Mumuleh.—“ We have the pleasure of in­ of boards to hang at their IIiil) door, for ad­ forming you that Morgan Rees, sen , lias ren­ vertizing their meetings; the style of which dered his obedience to the faith. Tho immer­ they recommend to brethren in other places, sion took place on Sunday, August 13. Helms as expressive and distinct, without being sec been a diligent reader of the Scriptures lor tarinn :—Union Hai.i.— ” When they believ years, and we trust bo may bo preserved cd the things concerning the kingdom of (Joel, blameless till tho coming of the Anointed and tho name of Jesus Christ, they were One.” baptized, both men and worocu," Acts viii. Swansea.'—The brethren here have. en... ­ 13. A church of like faith and practice meets gaged too M usic Ball, in which they met for iu this hull, for worship, mutual instruction in tile lirst time on 17th September.* ->— A* course. .. the faith, and setting forth ’the truth as it is of lectures is being arranged by the brethren in Jesus,’ every Sunday at 11 A.ar., and 2-15 at Mumbles to be delivered at the Music y.M.—The public arc cordially invited. Hall, Swansea. IIuddehsfield.— Monday 25th September. Tuiuuff.— Biother Robertson writes:— " Wo bail a glorious day yesterday ; brethren “ On the 23d of July my mother, from Insch, Shuttle worth, Smith, M’Ewcu, and C. Aspen, on making the good confession, was immersed with sister Jackson, were with us ; and into the name of the Lord, and immediately brother Frank (Shuttleworth) delivered two received into tho brotherhood at tho I,ord’s excellent lectures—afternoon mid evening— table. The result of many interviews she and in Senior’s School Room, u]h>u * the Pro­ 1 have had ; and finally settled in Imr present mised Lund, and its connection with tho obedience through readingR.Roberts’ lectures. gospel.’ The attendance was small, but the She formerly belonged to the Baptists, but interest great, and I believe two at least are has been out of connection for many years. interested in the good things. In the morn­ I have spent my holidays in Buchan ; ing the immersion of brother John Mitchell lecturing pnUk-iy in four places—Criinund, took place. This is u person of thoughtful Langside, Kilinciimontli, and New Deer; and and retiring character, who has been a long had much private teaching.'’ time in learning the Truth, but lias at length WisiiAW.—Webavc received a Communica­ learned it well. So far back as 18-18, he tion from brother K. Hodgson, in which ho listened to Dr Thomas’s lecture in Glasgow, demurs to the accuracy of brother J. Murray's and coming to Huddersfield in 18(12 had his statement regarding the condition o! matters attention anew directed to the same matters; at Wishaw (Messenger pp. 122 and Hl). But ultimately lie has given good heed to tliu us tho discrepancy lios between the statements i

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ IGO THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. October 1, 1884. of those two brethren, it1. {teems...... J to us the tion for tho Inst seven years, is now completed most ssatisfactory modo’ofr scttiwg thoso dif- contnining 88-1 pages, 18mo, and will bo sup- fcronccs,:cs, mid eliciting the,tho, truth, would be plied nt tho following prices for them to confer together'respecting this Plain leather binding, . 16s.'-- ’ differing judgment, before any further state­ Extra do., gilt‘or rod edges, 18s. ment of tho case be made in the Messenger. Coloured calf or morocco, do., 20s. Thus shall accuracy bo attained, nnd amity Postage, 4d. All orders, accompanied with preserved. cash, nnd addfessed to J. Wilson, 53 North'- Oun Brother James Robertson, 37 Chapel giitc, Halifax, will receive prompt attention. Street, Turriff, is in a strnit for means to meet May be luul of G. Dofrii,"- o Ids rent expenses once every half-year, at Whitsunday and Martinmas terms. Tho The Messenger of -the Churches, - „ latter, being early in November, is nt hand- What enn wo do in such a case but help him, First Scries, for 1861, 1802, 1803, 1804; in ns God has prospered us, Seo to it yo stew­ single volumes, sowed, Is.; or tho four to­ ards of the manifold grace of God ! gether, in cloth, lettered, 4s. b'd. The two The brethren will plcnse observe an altera­ fiist Nos. of the vol. for 1800 are out of print, tion in tho address of G. Dowie, now at 88 but a fow copies of tho others aro still on Nicolson Street, Edinburgh. hand, and may be had at Id. each. Postage in all cases extra—for single vols., 2d.; for Tho Treasurer acknowledges receipts for the cloth vols., 6d. the Messenger from Birmingham, Galashiels, Huddersfield, and Leeds, Macduff, Notting­ The Discii-les’ Choral Service of Bible ham, nnd Wishnw, . 1 , Themes. J. Cameron has received contributions for Paper Covers, 2s. ; or in cloth boards, 2s. 6d.'f tho brother in Ireland mentioned iu last num­ post freo. ' ber, from Cuminestown, Cupar, Dundee, Edinburgh, Halifax, Huddersfield, Mumbles, The following may be had from W. Norrie, Newburgh, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swansea, 9 Inglis ton Street, Edinburgh. .. andF. W..II. The Contrast between Protestantism and the G os ret.; 36 pp. 8vo, 6d. ' What is the Gospel? 4 pp. 12mo, Is 6d pek hundred. 1 Publications. ' ‘ , The Kingdom ov Got>. 1 page, 8vo, le. pet Important Work for Bible Students}- hundred. . * The Gospel Witness. 16 pp. 8vo, complete THE EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT; in 12 Nos. at 2d. each. Single Nos, Contnining the Originid Greek Text of (except No. 5) may be had to complete sets. the NEW TESTAMENT, according to the Saving Faith. ,21) pp. 8vo, Id- Recension of Dr J. Griksbacii, with an The Bible. 8 pp. 12mo, 2s 6d per hundred. Tnterlincnry Word Cor Wont English Transla­ Tntc Phrenological Bearings op the tion : a New Emphatic Version, based on the Christian Faith; reprinted from The Mes­ Interlineary Translation, on the Renderings of senger of the Churches. Price Id., or lOd. Eminent Critics, nnd bn tho Various Readings per dozeu, post free. ' of tho Vatican Manuscript; together with Spirit*: or tho Hebrew terms Ruach and Illustrative nnd Explanatory Foot Notes and Neshamah, nnd the Greek term Pneuma, by a Copions Selection of References; to tho W. G. MoncrielT. Price 4d., postage Id. whole of which is added n Valuable. Alpha­ extra. Also, by tho sumo author,— betical Appendix. Soul: or the Hebrew word Nephesh, and Tho nbovo highly important nnd valuable tho Greek Psuche, in all their occurrences Work, which luis been in course of prepara-, nnd uses in Scripture. Price Id.

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

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

No. 11. November 1, 1865. New Series. Vol. I.

THE GLORY YET TO BE REVEALED.

(Concluded from page 156.^

TuofeE circumstances and conditions of divinity; and, again, it is when which have already engaged our he shall appear, we are to be made attention, must not be viewed as like him. “ Father,” said Jesus, "I mere speculations, or, at least, matters will that they also whom thou hast in which we may or may not be inter- given me be with me where I am, ested; they press upon us personally that they may behold my glory.” —we also shall be glorified. We Then that which had been formerly are taught to look for the trans­ only weakness, shall be filled with formation of oiu-selves into the same power; that which had been once glorious image as our Lord. “ Be­ in dishonour, shall be clothed with loved, now are we the sons of God, glory. This change is spoken of by and it doth not yet appear what we the apostle as being effected instant­ shall be; but we know that, when aneously — “In a moment, in the he shall appeal1, we shall be like him, twinkling of an eye we shall be for we shall see him as he is," 1 changed.” From the connection of John iii. 2. “ Our conversation is this statement with the argument in heaven, from whence also we look concerning the resurrection in 1 Cor. for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus xv., it appears that the resurrection Christ, who shall change our vile will effect a similar change upon body, that it may be fashioned like those who have slept in Christ; aud unto his glorious body, according to that the one is honoiued at the same the working whereby he is able even season as the other. to subdue all things unto himself,” But our Lord himself was not Philip, iii. 21. These two statements glorified immediately upon his resur­ afford a sufficient basis for such a rection ; at least it does not so appear hope. from the narratives of the evangelists, It is worthy of note here that the or, if he was glorified, he veiled that mere presence of the Lord, and see­ glory during his interviews with his ing him as he is, are reckoned suffi­ disciples. When however he as­ cient for such a transfiguration of cended to heaven it could be said ourselves' into that glorious aspect with all propriety, “ The God of

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Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, ally derived from seeing the Lord the God of our fathers, hath glorified when he comes to resurrect his his Son Jesus.” Every subsequent saints. Three and a half years’ in­ appearance of hint has been glorious, habitation of heaven will render the i\s we have already seen. immortal, spiritual children of God Is there uo.t a reference to succes­ exceeding glorious, “ We all, with sive grades of glory for his disciples, open face, beholding the glory of tine in that passage, “ We all, with open > Lord shall be changed into th<e procession to the great battle against dillerencc ofcmotions which pervade “the beast, and the kings of the earth, *'the -mind, ’ 1 and influence the heart. and their armies," when the final Hence the common saying of a man’s issues of the present age arc decided, countenance being “ lighted up," his and the kingdom of God is set up, “ brow becoming dark," or of his Rev. xix. 14.—xx. 4. face “wearing a dillcrent look," as Such presence and abidance in the when joy, grief, or anger gives its heavens, in t'-the sight of rGod,’-1 and of temporary impress to the features. the glorious angels about His...... living In the same way the influence of throne, will have the ellcct that all light itself on the face—making its such fellowship has ever had—even characteristics more apparent—adds an enhancement of the glory origin- a charm to the appearance too fami-

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liar to be overlooked ; not to speak session of the powers of the world to of the various colouis of different come, enjoyed by the early Christians races, iu shades from the . darkest —enabling them to work miracles cbouy to the fairest alabaster. Now, and show mighty deeds—we know if we suppose the glory of tho most that these powers communicated a brilliant of these to be intensified preternatural increase of energy to to the same degree iu advance of that already possessed by man. itself as it is in advance of the most Whether -we consider the gift of dull in this norma! condition,, we tongues, of healing, or of wisdom, may perhaps be able to imagine how it was still a simple but immense, the human countenance is capable acceleration of human power. So of bearing a brighter glory. And also iu the glory of the world to this is not improbable. come, we havo a preternatural aug­ But the glory of the terrestrial mentation of what is native to us— is one, and the glory of the celestial though in a very small degree—even is another; ami as we have borne now. The experience of Moses shows the image of the earthly, so shall we us that our present mortal condition also bear the image of the heavenly. is incapable of retaining the excelling We are capable of this too. And it glory, even though given to us ; but is worthy of special notice that all when that which is perfect is come, those visions of the glory of the then that which is in part shall be angelic, or Messianic form, are such done away. Moses enjoyed on the as only show an immense increase of mount of God all that a mortal muy exactly that kind of glory which enjoy, but it was transitory : the the human form already' bears in a day comes when he shall have it un­ less degree ; but which is not visible fading ly—when his prophetic apo­ to us in ordinary instances. The theosis on the mount of transfigura­ experiments and researches of that tion becomes fact (2 Cor. iii. 7-11.) eminent German, Ueichenbach, have In the Psalms we have a term brought to our knowledge the truth, made use of which is rnther peculiar; that from every part of the living but still in line harmony with the human body theie is a faint delicate truths above referred to :— light (iiuraj emanated, which forms • -M v heart is glud, and w/f/Zory rejoiceth.” a kind of luminous atmosphere —xvi. 9. around different parts. This is “ 1 will sing and give praise, wen with wy visible, indeed, to many persons in gtury.''—cviii. I. a perfectly dark room; but most See also Ps. xxx. 12; Ivii. 8. apparent to those whose powers of The first of these passages is quoted vision are abnormally excited. This by Peter in Acts ii. 26, “ My heart forms a brush of rays from the ex­ rejoiced, and my tongue was glad." tremities of the fingers, and the The fact that the Ixx. have trans­ features of the face, but particularly lated the term “ glory ” by a word about the mouth appearing in great meaning the “ tongue ” shows that splendour. Under the various phases they had understood the Hebrew of health or emotion this aura varies word to refer to that organ, or to in character and intensity—the ex­ the mouth: and indeed the passage citement of vitality in any particular in Ps. cviii. makes it apparent that organ causing an increase of light they were right, for it is with the. in its vicinity. mouth wo sing. Surely the use of In the case of the temporary pos- such a word is a chronicle of a

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 164 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. November 1, 1865. Hebrew idea; an idea whose cor­ The Lord grant that we may be rectness is apparent from the cases found worthy of an exceeding weight wo have already cited. The superior of thatglory—as brighter stais in that glory of the Messiah’s countenance galaxy of lights (Dan. xii. 3; 1 Cor. is supplemented by a “sword pro­ xv. 41). Meanwhile we must bo ceeding out of his mouth : ” so that diligent in those works, and growing even that which is all glorious has more perfect in that character which something to excel; the‘divine aura shall secure for us eternal renown— of that mouth constituting the glory praise, and honour, and glory, at the par—. excellence------of xi._xthat r.face _...... whichr:_i. nppearjng of Jesus Christ. Having shone like the sun in its strength. this hope in us, let us purify our­ Even so when we bear the image of selves ;is God is pure. This is the the heavenly, when we shall be right use of our knowledge of the changed into that image from glory glory yet to be revealed. to glory, we shall appear with the power of the Spirit of God manifest G. Dowie. after a like fashion.

THE BLESSEDNESS OF MAKING THE GOOD CONFESSION.

And I say also unto thee, That thou ye also as lively stones are built up art Peter; and on this rock I will a spiritual house,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ November 1, 1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 165 that Jesus is the Christ the SonSon of,of. incme all ye that labour, kc. Yet God, and that believing you mighti they would not hear. Then verses have life through his name. In 1 14-22 passes on to the time of the Tim. vi. Paul exhorts Timothy to> end. As Jesus said to the Jews, tight the good tight of faith, and so> I am come to you in my Father’s lay hold on eternal life. To fight; name, and you receive me not; if, that good fight of faith was just toi or when another cometh unto you continue confessing the good con­ in his own name him you will re­ fession which Timothy had already ceive. When the Jcws, who rejected confessed before many witnesses. To Jesus, shall receive the antichrist, animate Timothy, Paul reminds him they will think they have made a of the example of Jesus, who himself sure covenant with death, and are confessed the same good confession at agreement with hades; that is, before Pontius Pilate. And this is that under antichrist as their king, what Jesus confessed before Pilate, they will enjoy long life, peace, and I am king of the Jews. This then prosperity. But that blessedness ■ is the good fight of faith, to con­ Israel will find only under the reign fess before men that Jesus is born of Jesus as their king. aud anointed of God as the king of These few remarks may enable the Jews. And he who overcomes us to understand the prophet from the world in this warfare lays hold ver. 14 to 22. “ Wherefore hear the on eternal life. The gates of hades word of the Lord, ye powerful men shall not prevail against him. Isaiah that rule this people who are in xxviii. is the mother text of all Jerusalem. Because you have said, these scriptures which speak of We have made a covenant with eternal life as the result of having death, and with hades are wo at faith in Jesus as the king of Israel, agreement. When the overflowing under the figure of a rode or stone scourge shall pass through, it shall laid by God in Zion. In verses 1-4,we not come unto us, for we have made have Ephraim, or the ten tribes of lies our refuge, and under falsehood Israel, represented as departing from have we hid ourselves. Therefore God, and truth, and righteousness, thus saith the Lord God, Behold I and therefore carried away captive lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, by the Assyrian. In verses 5-8, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, Judah as then saved by God, but a safe foundation : he that believeth afterwards becoming as bad as, if not shall not make haste. Judgment worse than Israel. Then in verses also will I lay to the line, and equity 9-13, Jesus’ little ones, the babes and to the plummet; and the hail shall sucklings, out of whose mouths God sweep away the refuge of lies, and perfected the praise of Jesus as the the waters shall overflow the hiding son

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A BROTHERLY LETTER.

[We have much pleasure in giving that the world may believe that circulation to the following letter thou hast sent me, and hast loved which has been sent us, with this them as thou hast loved me.” We note in explanation : “ By direction also find it in 1 Cor. xii. 12. “ For of the church in R, this epistle is as the body is one and hath many sent to each of the following pub­ members, and all the members of lishers, with request to publish in that one body being many are one their respective papers, viz., Pub­ body; so also is Christ.” And again lisher of Ambassador (England), Jesus said to his disciples, Matt, xxiii. Messenger (Scotland), Gospel Bun- 8. “ One is your Master,even Christ, ner(U. S.),and Millennial Harbinger and all ye arc brethren." (U. S.).—Rochester, New York, Aug. 'The great doctrine of the family 6, 1865.”] relation existing between God as the The church of God which is at Father, and believers of the gospel Rochester, New York, to those who as his children, as having been be­ have believed the gospel, and been gotten by him, also shows them to immersed into the name of the an­ be a brotherhood—the “ sons and ointed Jesus for the remission of sins, daughters of the Lord Almighty.” everywhere, greeting :— What an endearing relation! what a God, who is rich in mercy, bath glorious privilege ! in these last days called us out of This being the light in which these the darkness of error and sin, that things are presented to us in the exists in the so-called Christian world, holy Scriptures, allow us, dear breth­ into the marvellous light of the glori­ ren, to call your special attention to ous gospel, for which we thank and that lack of union and brotherly love magnify his great and everlasting that prevails in some sections among name; and would in consideration us. Oh, brethren, our hearts are of his mercies, present our bodies a filled with grief on this account, and living sacrifice to God, holy, accept­ wc beseech you in the language of able to God, through the anointed Paul, “ by the name of our Lord Jesus, our Lord, which is our rea­ Jesus Christ, that yc all speak the sonable service. same things, and that there be no Wc entreat you, brethren, allow divisions among yon.” We, would us in meekness, and love, to call humble ourselves in shame before the your attention to that union and world, and a proud and apostate brotherhood which the scriptures church, in the dust, with confusion everywhere represent as existing of face, to own that while claiming among the children of God. We to have the pure .ancient faith of find it in that ever memorable prayer God's elect, and rendering obedience of Jesus, just before his crucifixion, thereto, we should be so far in re­ recorded John xvii. 11.—“Holy bellion against God, as that there Rather, keep through thine own should be division and strife among name those whom thou hast given us. Is it possible that those who me, that they may be one, as we arc have dedicated themselves wholly to .... That they all may be one, as God, to fulfil nil his will, however thou Father art in mo, and I in thee; mortifying to the flesh, and to be that they also may be one in us; guided in everything by his word,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ Nuvombor I, 1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 167 and have learned to delight in doing i love of God towards us, because that his will, should so far forget then’ God” J sentA his’’---- only’- ’begotten-----" Son into consecration as to be guilty of the world, that we might live through criminating and recriminating their him. Herein is love, not that we brethren, dividing and withdrawing loved God, but that he loved us, and fellowship in an unscriptural man­ sent his Son to be the propitiation ner ; whereas the apostle Paul says, for our sins. Beloved, if God so Bom. xii. 9, “Let love be without loved, us, we ought also to love one dissimulation; abhor that which is another,” 1 John iv. 6-12. evil, cleave to that which is good. It matters not how true our faith Be kindly affectioncd one towards is, how deep our investigations are, another." And in his epistle to the how exulted our knowledge, or great Eph. iv. 1-3, ho says, “ 1 therefore, our sacrifices, or fervent our zeal, if > the prisoner of the Lord, beseech the great principle of love to every you, that ye walk worthy of the individual child of God is lacking in vocation wherewith ye are called, our hearts, onr religion is worth no with all lowliness and meekness, more than a “ piece of sounding with long-suffering, forbearing one brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” If our another in love; endeavouring to brother has, in our estimation, done keep the unity of the spirit in the wrong, arc we justified in hating bond of peace.” And again. Col. iii. him, in rendering evil for evil, rail­ 8, “ Put off all these, anger, wrath, ing for railing, and in malicious and malice,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 168 the messenger of the churches. November 1, 1805- on any question, the servant of the reeled the Corinthian brethren on Lord must never, under any circum­ this very point, and transferred cer- stances whatever, become impatient tain ll..things’.. .. . that11 . 1. . were♦ > t written• il in the and strive, even if he has the truth, prophets11 to‘ himself and’ Apollos,* as but he must always bo gentle, under he says, “ That ye may learn not to all circumstances, towards all men, think of men above that which is in meekness instructing those who written, that no onejofyou be puffed oppose themselves. Wo arc there­ up for one against another,” fore required to “ do all things with­ Of all tire causes of difference out murmurings and disputings,” among brethren this is one of the “ for where envying and strife is, most unjustifiable. Our trust is not there is confusion and every evil in the wisdom or knowledge of men, work.” Strife, sedition, and heresies, but in the living God, “ who both are works of the flesh, and will for­ will bring to light the hidden things ever debar from the kingdom of of darkness, and will make manifest God. the counsels of the hearts, and then We arc required to receive all to shall every man have praise of God. our fellowship in love and peace, For who maketh one different from who have believed and obeyed the another, and what has any one that gospel; yes, even the weak in the he did not receive?” and if Paul and faith, and that without judging, for Barnabas, or others, have sharp con­ “who art thou that judgest another tentions, do not raise a party for one, man’s servant," says Paul, “ to his and condemn the other, but steadily own master he standeth or fallcth.” set your face as a flint against all He that cateth herbs must not judge such things. “ One is your master, him that cateth flesh, nor he that even Christ, and all ye are brethren.” cateth flesh, him that eateth herbs, Insist upon it that all differences

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ November 1, 1895. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 169 mission of your sins, while thus this subject be brought before the disobeying the plainest injunctions several churches, anil considered in the of the word. Dear brethren, be not spirit of love and union, and in the deceived; does not the same God fear of God, and the action you may that requires faith in and obedience see proper to take thereon be made to the gospel, also require that those public for encouragement and edifica- who believe should all love one tion of the people of God. another, and that there should be no “Now the God of patience and divisions among them 1 consolation grant you to be like­ But concerning those who persist minded one towards another, accord­ in a course leading to division, the ing to the anointed Jesus, that ye Apostle ■ says, “Mark them which may with one mind and one mouth cause divisions and offences, contrary glorify God Wherefore receive ye to the doctrine winch ye have one another, as Christ also received learned, and avoid them.” And us to the glory of God.” “Finally, again he says, “ A man that is an brethren, farewell; be perfect; be heretic (or maketh parties), after of good comfort; be of one mind ; twice admonishing, reject.” This live in peace; and the God of love points out our duty in relation to and peace be with you.” Signed sufch persons as persist in , that by course, in a plain and unequivocal James McMillan. manner, and we surely must in Elias Gates. meekness and love follow these dic­ Orrin Morse. tates of infinite wisdom. John D. Tomlin. Dear brethren, these things are Augustus Sintzenich. presented for your faithful considera­ John W. Walsh. tion, in the hope of leading to a more Charles Body. complete andheavenly spiritual union Alonzo 1'1 Gates. of the brotherhood eveiy where, and James Henry. we earnestly invite your co-operation, Charlotte M. Morse. both as churches and individual Lydia Brooks. members of the “ one body ” of the Josephine A. Walsh. Anointed. We recommend that Agnes Henry.

THE PROMISES AND BAPTISM.

LETTER TO A BAPTIST.

Dear Sir, I think open examination we shall find I was much pleased to receive that our paths diverge from the beginning, a visit from you, which, besido the pleasure i.e. that my Faith is a totally diJlerent one of acquaintance, gave mo the advantage of from yours, and therefore must have a differ­ knowing your position of iniud, which could ent system. 1 am on the road to the kingdom not bo so well done by letter. of Christ upon earth, and have paief tho In redemption of my promise to by down entrance charge (baptism), whereas you paid the substance of tho Faith, in proof of the that same price at another gate to another question at,issue between us, 1 write now. road, leading to another destination (a sky But, whilst I shall endeavour to make the kingdom), cud I think you will find inscribed thing as plain as I can, please remember that over the goto to tho true road, " All who writing is a labour of time, and excuse me would go to the kingdom of God must pay the accordingly. admission fee here." So that had you paid at

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 170 THE .MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. November 1,I8C5, 20 dtUen'tit gates, you still would have to pay dmn over the earth, Bev. xi 15; xix. 6; xx. nt this or not enter. You perceive my mean­ (i; Pa. ii; Dan- ii -14 ; Zech, xiv ; Ph. Ixxii. ing of course; the sin ilo I think 1 shall be Mic iv J. That this is yet future is plain able to bear out by proof. from the nature of the testimony itself, lor no First, ns regards tho destination. You one eati say that these things have ever yet Will admit that, according to the tenets you been, Is. xxxv. 1-10; Jcr. xxiii. 6; Luke held nt your baptism, you looked lor n heaven xxii. 30. Now tho basis of all this is con­ above the skies, or nt least not in the king­ tained in the promises made to Abraham. dom on earth. And this yon expected as the Rend attentively (Jen. xii.*2, 3; xiii. 14-17 ; end of your faith and labours, so that it was XV. xvii. I-J; xviii. 17-10; xxii. 15-18; your hope Now wh<-ro is ibis promised? Dent. xi. 2 J ; Acts vii. 25 From these pass­ Nowhere 1 you may think this is a trifling ages you will tint! that God promised to matter, an i-rn'r which corrects itself by fresh Abraham the. land of Canaan (the chiefest knowledge, but not so Into this hope, or hind of the whole earth, and one which God having this hope you were baptised. And calls his own especial property) for an ever­ this tinctured all your ideas of God and his lasting possession, thus implying resurrection. salvation. Now 1 ask you as a sensible mnn tn ’I hat his seed or Son should have imperial i-onsi-lr-r the aspect nf lhe case. Yon believed rule, ruling with his brethren over a chief something’ which God bad not promised, nation (the seed after the flesh) and over something which was opposite to, and n denial many nations. of that which lie had promised; you obeyed This proved, wo go on to the next step. the form of doctrine (not sound) which yon 1 his is that all who would share the blessing then received : would it be in accordance with of that age of blessing, and of eternal life the practice of God lo reward yon with what therein with Abraham, must have Abrnhnm's he had promised, ev<-n when you now believe faith. I think it is abundantly proved that him. unless yon retrace your stops and begin tlu-ro is no other hope 'or tIto future than this afresh? why Sir, your doctrin -. and practice age to come? Well, then, how find mi arc disagreed. Yon arc now believing in an entrance therein? “Through Christ ’’yon say. earthly heaven with a sky-notion baptism. Good, but in what way are we to got into As well think of travelling in Italy with a Ahiaham's family; lor Abrahatn is "the Rii-siiin passport But this is rather the end heir ci the world.1* and the father of all those of my argument, instead of dm beginning, so who believe. Now what part and portion that I will leave it and recur to it in its proper have the sectarian with tin's hciiship. place. 1'0 they not ignore the whole Abruhamic 1 was writing about the destination or end covenant as an old Jewish almanack? What of (lie road nt faith, Now mine, as you krgiw. has the fact of Jesus being the Son of loads to the kingdom (wlu-ru 1 use this word God Io do (standing alone) with the faith. by ilr-clf, 1 menu the kingdom of God ami Alirnham hud, and which wc must have? I Christ upon earth). But you rather doubt wish yon to read alcntively Rom. iv. n herein that this kingdom is the whole and Bole you will find that justification is by believing reward of a righteous life. Yon will there­ God, i.e. what lie inis promised The object fore excuse me if I point out its features in of being justified is. that wc may live forever. connection with the point. Hence faith, (.-.nd there is but one, Eph. iv, Firstly, then, them is no promise of a 5.) Ims to do with the future. The past or ■ heaven above the skies, but express affirma­ the present is no basis for faith. .Thus 1‘nul tions to the contrary. I’s. cxv. 16, “The argues (lleb. xi ].) faith is the firm confid­ Heaven is the Lord's, but tin' earth hath he ence of things hoped for, (<>r promised) the given to the children of men.” l’r»v. xi. 31. conviction of things not seen as yet. Am) Our Lord himself so leaches. John iii. 7 ; then be goes on losbcw examples oflliis kind xiii. 33. of faith, see verses 6-3, 10, 13. 39, 40. Now Secondly, All the promised rewards are you will be able to see nt once that whatever declared to be on the earth—1’s xxxvii 9, 11, part the Sonsliip of Christ has in tho scheme IB, 22, 29, 34 ; Matt. v. 5 ; Dan. vii. 27; of salvation, it is not “ the faith : ” and “ by Is. lx 21 ; Rev. v Id ; xi. 15. faith are ye saved." llcnco whilst believing Thirdly, These are yet to come to pass, ns tho one. with all the heart, to call it ’the first, all tho righteous arc to be reioarded together the chief, the foundation truth,’ is Io exalt it at the resurrection, Hcb. xi. 39, 40; Luke out of measure; it is not scriptural, seeing xiv. 14; 1 Thcss. iv. 15, 17, Rev. xxii. 12; that faith or belief of the things promised is Is. xxvi. 19. This takes place not until the tho ground of salvation and acceptance with coming of Christ. 1 Cor. xv. 23-23, 51-54; God. Rev. xx. 4, 5 ; Job xix. 25. 27; 2 Tim. iv. 8, According Io tho terms of tho Abruhnmic I Thcss ii. 19; 1 Pct. v. 4 ; Rev. xi. 17, 18. covenant us enunciated by Jesus and his When he does come he will establish bis king- aposllcs, as well as by tlie law and tlie prophets

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which they preached, Acts xxvi. 18, 22, 2.3. the father of two races, a mortal nr national a num must become the son of Abraham by seed to preserve bis testimony alive in llio tho faith before he can share with Abraham in earilt, and a higher or spiritual seed born of his life estate. 'To Abraham s seed and to the faith of Abraham. To these conjointly them alone wins promised the inheritance of arc promised inheritance of a hind forever, the land and the accompanying blessings, so even Jehovah’s own land, mid to “them who that if a Gentile would become an hrir. he are Sanctified " an everlasting kingdom and must become a son of Abraham's faith. Ho dominion over the nations. Contemplating tho cannot enter into his mother’s womb and operation of this scheme through Israel, Paul bo born again; nor is (his necessary, as tho may well break out into the extaciic admira­ outward Jew is not accepted, but Im must bo tion expressed iu r.om. xi. 28,-36. adopted into tho somdiip, nnd thus become a 1 do not know whether I hove resolved Jew inwardly, Rom. ix. (>, 7, 8- These child­ your ditficuliies in the foregoing pages or not, ren of the promise are they who are boro <>t if any doubts remain, please state Bui first tho faith which Abraham had when micii- weigh carefully the arguments mid passages cu incised, iv. II, 12, I (>, mid the means <>f quoted. The hitter are not the fullest and this adoption are set forth in Gal. iii. 7. 27, best; but they are such ns have come readiest, 2d. I would that this chapter wore written yet 1 trust they will be conclusive in so far in letters of tire across the pages of sec­ as they go. I have not entered into the tarian writings, so plainly docs it declare question of a present kingdom, as 1 do nut what the gospel is. 'The scriptures, fore­ think any man who has read the pro­ seeing Hint God would justify the nations phetic and apostolic testimony concerning through faith, preached before the yospel to the kingdom, will for a minute conceive that Abraham, saying," In thee shall nil the nations it has come to pass; especially when ho bo blessed.” ver. 11. Rend the whole chapter, rightly understands tile one or two passages bill especially verses 9, 14, 16, 17, IB. which apparently favour the notion of a In view of all this, can it then be possibly spiritual kingdom; such as Matt. iv. 17, argued that tho gospel of our salvation wns which was true in its then asjxjct. As it contained in the declaration that Jesus was reads more literally '• Change your ways the Son of God, or in the fact that he died •eeattse the kingdom of God is at hand.” for men. Pitch a thought destroys faith (as They di

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 172 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. November 1,18G5- milion, Luke i. 31-33, 68-75; Acta i. 6-11; ii. I’>; John i. -19 True, lie is also Jehovah’s Mark xi. 9, >0; Luke xix. 11, 38- The High 1'ricsl, and for this he is also His Son. very fact of Jesus never rebuking the people, Ileb. v. 5-10, but wo must not exalt the and explaining otherwise, is a proof that they minor oflicc at the expense of the greater. rightly understood the kingdom, but not the We are, alas, al! “ dull of hearing,” or we preparation or way, Luke i. 76. '1 his their might bo able better to comprehend the hope wns founded upon those promises toihe mystory, how that God having chosen and fathers, which 1 have already defined, and appointed His Sun to be King of this planet upon (he testimony of the ■prophet!’, Luke i. some future>• •• time,nxule1 a ♦ »bimalsoan High» • Priest 7l>, 72. 73,154, 55 ; tec the prophets, Pa. ii. so~ that* 1lie in ’this’ : *'oflicc,!----- might: ‘ bring’ many sons 2 Sam. vii. 12,19, 25, 29 ; xxiii 5 ; Ps. Ixxii, to glory, might set forth liis Father’s char­ Ixxxix. 1-4, 18-29. 34-37; Is. xi. Ezek. acter, might make reconciliation fur iniquity, xxxvii. 16-28; xliii. 7; Jer. xxiii. 3 11; bring in the righteousness of the age, Dan. ix Dan. vii 9, 14; Is. Iv. 3 ; this in connection 2-1, make an end of sin, reconcile the world with 2 Sam. vii 12-19 may help to explain Io his Father, 2 Cor. v 19, and thus redeem why so much stress is laid upon the Inct of liim to a paradisiacal condition (fulfilled in Jesus being the Son of I'avid, (a worthless liev. xxi; xxii.1-5) 1 Cor. xv. 24-28. This item »s regards an heavenly kingdom). HutBut I is the beautiful connection of the character of may me your words, and say we “ need not Christ; a Priest because hu was a King. nil these festinmnics ” (exceptcpt as proofs, and Viewing his promised kingly oflicc as the as the foundations of the Jewish and true foundation of hope, the Apostle is encouraged Christian hope) whilst wo have such abund by the fact that ho already is a Priest, teach­ nut Neww------Testament ------’ claims for the position of ing us the necessity and connection of the one Jesus. ’J he nngclic gonpcl,gospel, Luke ii. 10, 11. with tho other, Heb. vi. 13-20 and onwards. biinermSimemi’s words 20.26. 29-32, 3-1, and many And now, my dear friend, what is your Olliers, agree with bis" ’ i own claim, “Thou conclusion ? 1 have endeavoured to show sayest Ibat 1J inn a i"King. r 1’ John xviii. 36 that the word of the Lord teaches a belief in 37; xix.xi.v. 19; Ili-v.Ri-v. iii. 21. J could goon the promises made to Abraham, centred in forf pages with ■'these .proofs r of his cm tidy Christ hie seed, and '• in the sure mercies of kingship, but I think enough 1ms been shown David,’’ otherwise the gospel of the kingdom, to prove tlmt this is the idea which the Jews ns the true faith, '* without which no man derived from the prophets concerning the can phnso God,” ” one Lord, one faith, one Messiah or Christ. Now compare these immersion.” As immersion is the result of mti.-tny testimonies in the Old Testament v ith faith, ami is a title to life because of faith ; if tho lew which mention ilio Bon of God as the true, or one faith be not held, it follows such, and then if you will '• lay an undue ns a matter of course, that we have not the stress upon one of the two •’ features or oilices one immersion into the one Lord. To say of Jesus mentioned in Matt xvii. IF, pray “ I was immersed believing that Jesus is tho pntit upon theChristhood,orKingship. For Son of God,” will be of no avail, ns it will not my own part 1 would not sever them, but be true. To believe that Jesus is the Sult of regard them as Luke does, ix. 20, who reports God presupposes that we know that lie is Je­ the same answer by “Thou art tho Christ of hovah's king; if wo are ignorant of this we Gori," (God's Christ) equivalent to saying we shall be iu no better case than (lie demons, " Because thou art the king chosen of God, Luke tv. 41. To believe that lie was be­ thou art liis Son,” Luke i. 35. Because God gotten of God is not enough, for that is to has purposed an age of blessing in which he believe he was nothing more, than ot.rsclves, will redeem the purchased possession to him­ Acts xvii. 28. it is required that we know self, which ngcslinll bo brought about by the what is taught by the title. God of heaven settingup a kingdom (Dan. Hnvu I said enough? I hope so! I hope ii. 4-1), and which kingdom by its very origin that 1 have shown you, if only dimly, the way will necessitate a Ruler of n more than mortal of truth; will yon walk therein ? Thu first power, rank and holiness, because of this it is steps lead through a watery grave. Thu that Christ was God’s own Son, Ps. ii. 7, 8. Priests hud to wash themselves in thy brazen And this fact (of his divine Christ ship) ismnde sen before entering tho temple, on pain of the basis of our faith and hope. Remember death ; can we do less ? No ! then that the Sonahip of CI.rist proves and With best wishes, 1 am, &c teaches that he is God's anointed King, Ps. J. W.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ November 1,1805. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 173

THE HARD WOOD versus THE BLUNT KNIFE. One day I saw a little boy trying a better. “ I beseech thee, for my to make a toy boat out of a bit of' son Onesimus, whom I have begotten wood, which at last he cast away as in my bonds; which in time past too hard, fl ush, and knotty. Taking was unprofitable to thee, but now his knife I gave it a turn on the profitable to thee, and to me.” grind-stone, and bade him try again. I do not mean to draw out this Soon was the toy boat floating on parable too fine. My application the mimic sea. of it is this. This is the time when Thinks I, there’s many an older we may get up meetings to shew boy blames the hardness of the wood unto our fellow-men the way of when he should rather- think on the salvation. We may let this season bluntncss of the knife. We say, pass unimproved, under the impres­ “ it’s of no use trying any longer to sion that it is in vain to try our convert our neighbours. They are neighbours again. But let us hopeless reprobates. The wood is sharpen our knives, and try once too hard. Nothing can be made of more. Let us try to qualify our­ it.” But what of the knife 1 Is it selves more than wc have ever yet as sharp as it should be? Is the done, by the help of God’s word, and fault not in the blunt knife, rather by the throne of grace, and by an than in the hard wood. improvement of God’s dealings with The knife may be pretty sharp, us in his holy providence. Let us and yet not sharp cnougk Hard rejoice ourselves more and more in wood certainly requires sharp knives. the hope of soon realising those ex­ And hard wood makes good boats. ceeding great and precious promises No ship like one of oak. by which we are made partakers of Look at Philemon. He was a the divine nature, and escape the good knife. What John Bunyan pollutions which are in the world calls a right Jerusalem blade. See through lust. They that be wise what Paul says of him, “ Philemon, shall shine as the brightness of the our dearly beloved, and fellow­ firmament, and they that turn many labourer—the church in thy house— to righteousness as the stars forever thy love and faith which thou hast and ever. And besides this, giving toward the Lord Jesus, and to all all diligence, add to your faith the saints—the bowels of the saints courage, and to courage knowledge, are refreshed by thee, brother— and to knowledge temperance, and having confidence in thy obedience.” to temperance love, and to love Is not that the description of a brotherly kindness; for if these good blade now 1 And yet it was things be in you, and abound, they not sharp enough for his own slave make you that you shall neither be Onesimus. Philemon could not con­ idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge vert Onesimus. Perhaps ho thought of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then him unconvertible: a hopelc&s- re­ with good effect wc may show forth probate : one that would never be the virtues of him who has called acceptable to God, nor profitable to us out of darkness into his marvel­ man. But he was mistaken. Paul lous light Above all things let us in his bonds converted him. Phile­ abound in love. Tn the love that mon was a good knife, but Paid was isprings out of the knowledge of the

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 174 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. November 1,1806. truth. Ob, let us, like Jesus, have Of juy en joy they shall. compassion on the ignorant, and That man who, bearing precious them that are out of the way. Love seed, will bring every other good thing in In going forth doth mourn, its train. lie, doubtless, bringing back his As streams of water in the south, sheaves, Our bondage, Lord, recall. Rejoicing shall return. Who sow in tears, a reaping time, Philo.

•' BE YE ANGRY AND SIN NOT.” NOTES ON PSALM iv. 4, autl EPHESIANS iv. 26.

The latter passage is evidently a quotation of By referring to the psnlm, the render will the former, and there is a discrepancy between perceive, that it is diIbcult to determine pre­ them. Tho Psalm has ‘‘Stand in awe,’’ the cisely from the sense which of tho emotions Epistle, “Bo angry and sin not.” The is meant, as it will rend equally well whether apostle quotes the Scptnagiut translation ol yon render the term/eur, be angry, or grieve. thcpsalma; and the English reader is puzzled ‘I his circumstance) Ims suggested to us tho to know the proper solution of tho different idea, that the Psalmist used the word in its renderings. The following remarks uro the absolute sense; applying it to all the emotions. result of our investigation on tho point. Tho So understood it might bo translated thus. Hebrew verb rendered “stand in awe,” in “ Co deeply moved and sin not.”—i.e. Jn thy Ph. iv. •!, primarily means ‘’to bo moved,*' excited moments do not tin 'J ho emphnsts nnd is so trniislatcd in 2 Sam vii; ] Chron. thus will be on the latter part of the sentence xvii. 9, "I will plant them that’they mny ’‘sin not.'1 When tumultuous emottons of dwell in a place of their own nnd mr.ee no joy, or grief, fear or anger, heave thy bosom, more.” la. xiv. rj, “ Hell from beneath is do not sin. In the heat of excitement, telain moved for theo.’’ By a natural application so much control of thyself us to avoid sinning of terms, thn verb is used in tho same against thy God. sense, ns expressive of mental emotions, ol Whether the Septuagint translator ofPs. various kinds; hence we find it used (I) in iv. 4, rightly apprehended the kind of emotion the sense of being moved with auger, in Prov, to be that of auger or. not, there is little “If a wise man conteiidclh with n foolish I room to doubt, that the Apostle in quoting man, whether he roge or laugh there is nt. from septuaginl the used terms employed In rest.’’ Is. xxviii. 21, “The Lord shall be express his mind- Whatever bo the projxsr wroth ns in thu valley of Gibcon.’’ (2) To translation of rayaz in Ps. iv. 4, there is no l>o moved with grief- to be grieved. 2 Sam question that he wrote, what is properly xvii. S3, “ The king was much moved, anti translated, “ lie ye angry and sin not;1' nnd went up to the chamber over the gate mid 'speaking as an Apostle, his wu> ds have as wept ” (3) To be moved with fear Is. much weight, as if they had been an exact xxxii. 11, “ Tremble ye women that are at quotation ol the Hebrew of Ps. iv. 4. To ease.” Joel ii 1, “ Let nil tho inhabitants some persons tho Apostle's words in this of the land tremble instance seem “ hard Io Is: understood,” seeing From tlicsu examples of (ho uses of the thnt in vcise 3J, he enjoins the putlingnway word it will bo observed that it is used in the of “anger.” Thu difliculty arises by looking Hebrew scriptures as expressive of tho vari­ nt the two parts of tho sentence ay if they ous kinds of mental emotion; mid the par­ were independent precepts. 'The Apostle ticular kind of emotion indicated can only dojs not enjoin anger. Ho does not eay, “Be be determined from the tense, which in the angry,'1 but “lie angry and sin not" instances just cited, is very plain. T he cause Hero as in tho psalm I wotdd understand the ; of the discrepancy between Ps. iv. 4. nnd emphasis tobcon the lattcrpartofthe sentence . Eph iv. 2t>, is evidently this. The LXX-LXX |—“sin not." Men in their angry moments have understood tho emotion indicated‘ ‘ are veryby tho apt to siu; nnd (ho Apostle knew term ragaz, in the psalm, to bo thnt of anger that tho emotion of anger is an active one in while the English translators have understood most minds, therefore lie enjoined such a , it to be that of /eai—Hevekextml Awe. moderation of anger, such a control of oncse1' Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ oVeniber 1, tStJS. THE MESSENGER Ob' THE CHURCHES. 175 when under the influence of anger, that sin Sabbath days, which inquiry stopped their would bo avoided. What has sometimes mouths. At this stage the nnrr.-dor informs been given, incorrectly, for a translation of us, Jesus “ looked round about on them tnith the Greek of this passage expresses ver1y tinyer, being grieved with the hardness of well the sense of it, “ Do not sin tlirougl;b their hearts.'’ To be angry and not sin, is, anger.’’ however, to most men only a possibility. While the apostle is not to bo understood Anger is so commonly mingled with tho as here exhorting believers l‘tobe angry,” desire to injure the object of it; so commonly still it would be doing violence to his language the associate of malice, hate, enmity, and to deny that it implies the possibility of being revenge : very different feelings from those nngry without sinning. Wo have a practical which heaved llie bosom of the Son of God, illustration of this in the history of our Lord's when he looked on hypocritical Pharisees, humiliation, Mark. iii. 5. The 1'hnrasco “being grieved with the hardness of their with hypocritical zeal for observance of the hearts”—that the apoMlc, viewing it in its Sabbath had, unwarrantably. charged the common aspect, classifies it with those other disciples with its desecration ; from this false malignant feelings which he orders to bo put charge Jesus freed them, and reproved their away. accusers. Baffled thus in their attempt to Lot those who arc apt to be moved with fasten a violation of the hiw on his disciples, anger take care, that it be not cherished iu they followed himself into the synagogue, mid the heart. It may often flash through the with malignant eyes watched whether he mind of a wise man, but it rests only in the would heal on the-Sabbath day, that they bosom of fools: therefore “ Let not the sun might accuse him. An opportunity immedi­ go down upon your wrath.’’ If anger be ately presented itself. Jesus called on the easily kindled within you : or if, iu certain man to stand forth, and before giving vigour circumstances, you nre convinced, you "do to the withered hand, inquired at the Fluui- well to l»o angry.” Take care that you be sees if it was lawful to do good on tho ' Akoiiy Asn ais not.” W. L.

Intelligence, Notes, &c-

London.—The small church in this great and Herbert Lloyd, on Sundays, 8(h and city has to mourn the loss of oue of its num­ I5th October. Our sister has been a diligent ber in the death of Mrs Mason, which took uttender of the meetings of the church for place nt Cupar, Fifeshirt:, her native place, some time past; and our brother, formerly on Monday, the IGth October. Our sister connected with the Baptists, has fur a long went to dupnr, to be Confined, a few weeks time paid particular attention to the truth. ago. After her confinement inflammation Our lectures both here and at Swansea, have set in, and her husband received a telegram, been very well attended so fiir." announcing her dangerous condition, on the Swansea.—The little church here haa Saturday previous to her decease. He al met with a great lews by the removal of once left. London for Cupar, and arrived in brother David Atkins, to a situation in time to see her before her death. Much Devonshire. We can only desire that this sympathy is felt for Brolhur Mason under evil to the brethren at Swansea, may be a his severo bereavement, In: not having been scoiiree of good to others. Our brother is well long marrried when this’ heavy blow 1ms grounded in tlm faith, ami is zealous ami fallen upon him. May he bo sustained under energetic in setting it forth, nud his zeal the crushing affliction 1 The blank occasioned loses none of its power by his naturally by the falling asleep of our sister Mrs Mason modest and mild demeanour. has been mado up, so far its numbers nre 'Tho brethren here have commenced n concerned, by tho addition of MrsIIendcrson, series of six lectures, on successive Sunday ail aged sister, but possessed of remarkable evenings, in tho Music Hall. Hi-other W. activity mid energy, who was received into Clement, of Mumbles, is the lecturer, and fellowship on tho 15th October. we fondly trust thin many will bo persuaded Mutinr.ES.—“Wo have had two immersions of the truth of the gospel of Christ. here since last report, viz., Elizabeth Howells, I Brother Atkins’address is, David Atkins,

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ ■ 17G\ the MESSENGERTHE CHUHOJIES;-/ , November l,,180i( L- '■ ■’ --n gardener, Brodifonl Villa, near Barilstapli;; ■ Just-Published, Price Cd.-, by Post 7td. Devonshire. •■ DESTINY or tub BRITISH EMPIREau’ The Treasurer neknowlcdin-s receipts, (bi­ . REVEALED in the SCRIPTURES. , ■ lbo Messenger from Mumbles and Trai)eiit.jp ; Contents Politics of the Kingdom ;of God; Gospel, Prophecy,'mid PdliticR;'I?ritnin/ ——- J.K identified with, Ancient Tnrsbish ; Extension' of th'i Biitisl; . Possessions, the Eastern' ' ■ Publications.■ . . ■" " ' ;;•! '• .Important .Wm-kfor Bible Students, (.i. Question; .War with . France, and 'Fall' of the French Empire; the Coming Conflict THE EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT- lUtimig ’ the' Nations; Destruction .of the1 , Containing tho Original Greek Text.'of British Fleet; Divine Proclamation to tho NEW TESTAMENT, accnnlipg to the Britain, and ' the Naiimts ; the Deliverer, Recension of- Dr J: Giues-iiacii, with an entne to Zion ; Revelation of Jesus the Interlineary Word for AVmil English Transla­ Messiah ;J Britain’s Future King ; Queen' tion : a Now Emphatic.Versinn. based on the Victoria paving homage to Jt~«us Christ nt! Interlineary Translation, on lheinc Renderingspfneinn-ringsoi •’"'hronement of House of Bruits-' Eminent Critics, mid on tho vVarious r>Readings— ;v'ckj d‘V' l!lul° I.u,Yn! t'mndy.of Brttam ;: of- tho Vatican Manuscript;,.. togethertnrrelhir with Mission. of. 1 ho Smuts; Downfall of the1 Illustrative and Explanatory Foot Notes and British Aristocracy; Mission, and Destiny' a Copious Selection of Rofercncea; to .the of the .Clergy; Divine'Ambassadors to ,be1 whole of which- is added a Valuable Alpha­ sent Io 'Britain ; Judgment prononilceil upon*1 betical Appendix. • -r • ■ the British Government; Britaih during the* . Tho'above highly important anil valuable Millenium. ; ' '' , Work,' which 1ms been in course of prepara­ To be had from W NonniE, 9 Ingliston. tion for the Inst eeveu years, is now completed, Sheet, Edinburgh. containing 884 pages, 18mo, and will bo sup­ • .■ ■: -.1 plied at the following prices:— Tho following may bo had from IV. Norrie,’ 9 Ingliston Street, Edinburgh. • Plain leather binding, 16s. Tub Conthast between Pkotestaxtibm. Extra do., gilt or red edges, IBs. Coloured calf or morocco, do., 20s. asp the Gospel; 36 pp 8vo, Gd. What is the Gospel? 4 pp. 12ino, 1b 6d poi;,'.; Postage, 4d. All orders, accompanied with hundred. • cash, end addressed to J. Wilson, 53 North* The Kingdom of God. 1 page, 8vo, la. per’: gate, Halifax, will receive prompt attention. hundred. • The Gospel Witness. 16 pp. 8vo,’complete^ ; ’ May be had of G. Dowih; ., \ in 12 Nos. nt 2d. each. Single Nbs.j> Tub Messenger of the Churches, >'!• (except No. 6) may bch>id’to:completc sets.' First Series, for 1861, i 862,; 1863, 1864; in Saving Faith. '20 pp. 8vo,’ Id. 1 • -it. • > single volumes, sewed, Is.; or the four to­ The Bible. ' 8 pp. l^mo, 2s 6d per hundred;^ gether, in cloth, lettered, 4s. Gd. The two The ■ PiinF.Not.oaicAL Be'ahinos of thb^' first Nos. of the vol. for I860 are out of print, Ciiiustian Faith ;'reprinted from The Mei*}' but a few copies of the others nre still on scixjer of the Churches. Price Id., or 10d.fr; hand, and may be had at Id. each. Postage per dozen, post free. in all cases extra—for single vols,, 2d.;- for Si'inrr: ortho Hebrew terms Ruacli- aria?? the cloth volsl, Gd. , Neshumah, and the Greek term Pneuma, by,.; W. G. Moncricfl*. ■ 1‘iice 4d., postage* ld.^ The Disciples’ Choral Service of Bible extra. Also, by tlm'saiue-author,-— ■ : ** l“ . • Themes. Soul: or the Hebrew word Nephesh, and,'., Pnpbr'covers','2s'.;' or in cloth boards, 2s. 6d., the Greek Psucjte, in all their occurrences;' post free. '•' ,'' ' '■■*'' . ,. ,and uses in Scripture? -Price hl: Tr..'.l-'J 1 l • it'« -..i•••' •' >>>■ . ■ ■ *;<:■ . ,; ,,. nSjfi L v “•'• :. -i ' i • >. .1./.M -j- The Messenqek is Registered fob Thanbmisbion Abroad.,: • <4 I ■ '■: ' — ------—y----j------7----- 7:------.• • 7. ;'?! G.-Z'-I f -6'^5 5,Articles should lie sent in by the,15thfcof tho month, and items of/inteib’g^nqe;, not,fa(er*£ than tho.24th ; nilipapers meant for insertion, or notes of intell.ige.pce, may \>e,forwarders to.J.GEonoF..DowiF„ 88 Micolaon Street; mid all business-,opnpnnpicaiipntl, ,to|Jamu^'F Qameuon, 12 Caltou 11 ill,-Edinburgh, toTwIiom mpney orders Bhupld.be.njade'p^yab^/a^A ■ -J • "r'\

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L I ♦

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

No. 12. December I, 18G5. New Series. Vol. I.

FAITH IN JESUS AS THE CHRIST NECESSARY TO SALVATION.

My Dear Mary,—According to proceed to state my convictions with your desire 1 have begun the attempt the greatest freedom. to state, as distinctly and preciselyus There is one passage of scripture I can, wliat is the scriptural reply to which I am sure has occupied a. pro­ the inquiry, “ What have I to believe minent place in your mind, namely, concerning Jesus in order to be saved?” John iii. 14-16; and to it I would You have been brought up, you request your attention at the outset. say, with the, idea in your mind that There is no plainer statement that I the thing to he believed about .Jesus know of in the scriptures regarding for salvation is, that he loved you and the purpose of the death of the Son of gave himself for you, by dying for God, than this given by the Lord your'sins ; and that, in token of his himselfj and if it had only been pro­ acceptance of his Son’s sacrifice, God perly attended to, we should havo has raised him from the dead to his been saved from many ponderous own right hand in the heavens :— weary volumes, regarding “ The this, and tliis alone, you have been nature and extent of the Atonement ” taught to regard as being all that is which have only “ darkened counsel necessary to be believed in order to by words without knowledge.” The salvation, or the forgiveness of your analogy of “ the lifting up of the ser­ sins ; so that every one who can con­ pent ” in the wilderness and “ the lift­ fidently say “Jesus died forme,” is ing up ” of the Son of God on the 'an heir of everlasting life. cross is beautifully illustrative of the jt It gives me great pleasure to have truth. , the opportunity of communicating The camp of the Israelites were 'with______you on n ______matter of ...... so vital dying because of sin—so is the world

^loment, “andr" ™.although—“"o" ■ I shall be perishing. The lifting up of the ser­ .under the necessity of. demonstrating pent was for. the benefit of the whole the unsafety of a position which you camp; but those alone who looked have so long , cherished, with, the were healed. fondest faith, yet, knowing your con- J esus tasted death’for every man, ^fidence in my. regard for you, I shall but only those who believe on him

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 178 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. December 1,1886. shall “ not perish but have everlast­ believe that Jesus is the Christ the ing life.” Son of God, and that believing ye I- request that you observe parti­ might have life through his name.” cularly that this lifting up of the Son With such a plain statement of what of man is a “must be.” “As Moses we arc to believe concerning Jesus, lifted up the serpent in the wilder­ in order to have life through his ness even so MUST the Sou of man be name, before them it is most astonish­ lifted up.” ing that any who read the scriptures The death of the Lord Jesus was and believe them to be worthy of not an accident that happened to him credit, could ever conclude that any­ in the course of his mission. True, thing short of faith in Jesus as the he was “ taken by wicked hands and Christ could avail for’attaining to life crucified and slain,” but the Al­ everlasting. To aflirni that Jesus mighty Father, who foresaw what did not say to Nicodemus, “ The Son these wicked men would, of their must bo lifted. up, that whosoever own evil hearts, do to his Son, had believeth on him as being the Christ, determined to make the death of that might not perish,” is only to trifle Son of his love an essential part of with the words_ 1. of- r 1life, • /•- because1 . neither•. 1 his plan in human salvation. What­ is it said, “ that whosoever believeth soever human philosophy may think in him, as the sacrifice for sin, might of it, Jesus himself on this and other be saved.” There is no distinct occasions testified that the Sou of mention, in the passage, as to what is man “ must be lifted up.” to be believed concerning him, in I wish you to observe the purpose order to have everlasting life ; but in for which the lifting up of the Son of chapter xx. we have that distinctly man was necessary to accomplish: mentioned; it is to believe “ that “ That whosoever believeth on hint Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.” might not perish but have everlasting In corroboration of this truth, that life." The lifting up was in order to believe on the Son of God, is to that certain parties might not perish, believe that he is the Christ, the but have eternal life. Those who King of Israel, I would refer to through the lifting up of the Son of what is recorded in the first chapter man are to have eternal life, arc de­ of John at the tenth verse, “He scribed as “ Whosoever believeth on came unto bis own, and his own him." It therefore becomes a ques­ received him not, but to as many as tion of the first magnitude, What is received him to them gave ho power meant by believing on the Son of God ? to become the sons of God, even to or, What is it that we are to believe them who believed in his name.” concerning him, in order that wo may You know well enough that his’ own have everlasting life, in consequence people “ received him not ” as being of his being lifted up! It is well the Messiah, their promised King, for us that we arc not left to our own and Deliverer j their prejudices would speculations for an answer to this not allow them to receive such a man question, otherwise we might never as he for the Great Messiah, who be able to arrive at certainty on the was to rule his people Israel; well, in matter. Thus it is written, John the same sense as he was rejected by xx. 30 “ Many other signs truly did these unbelieving ones, washereceiv- JesusW • in Ilthe presence_ of 1 his» .12.disciples 1 __ cd by those to whom the privilege of which uro not written in this book, being the children of God was given. hut these are written that ye might. They. received him> as being the Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ December 1, 1805. 'THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 179 Christ—Messiah—the King of Israel; born of God ! ” Ono of these state­ see verses 40-49. That tins is so is ments must be false. Which of manifest from 1 John v. 1, “ Who­ them, my dear Mary, are you pre­ soever believeth that Jesus is the Christ pared to credit? To believe that is bom oj God." Jesus died for our sins, is not to Now, Dear Mary, do you not per­ believe that ho is the Christ, as my ceive that Jesus was lifted up that friend very candidly here admits, whosoever believcth on him as being yet it is by believing “ that Jesus is the Christ, might have eternal life 1 the Christ ’’ we have “ life through And is it not also plain that who­ his name,” and are “ born of God,” soever does not believe that Jesus is so that these poor sinners have been the Christ is not born of God—shall led to hope for salvation on different not have everlasting life? This is ground than God has provided. a hard saying to many ; but the word Thus saith the Lord, “ Behold all yc of God must be true, and should be that kindle a lire, that compass your­ honoured. How plainly did Jesus selves about with sparks; walk in tell the Jews, “ If ye believe not that the light of your fire, and the sparks Z am he, ye shull die in your sins 1 ” that ye have kindled ; this shall ye And yet many believe, and lead have of mine hand, ya shall lie down others to hope that they shall escape in sorrow,” Isa 1. 11. dying in their sins, though they have Here it is necessary to state, what never learnt that Jesus is the Christ. I have already written, that while Some time ago a very dear friend of theII scripturef-x- distinctly'• •• *•- deci:' larcs tlia-t mine wrote to me, that at tho place sinners must believe that Jesus is the she was residing, “ a number of men, Christ, in order to be saved, it would women, and children have been be a great and fatal mistake to awakened as to their state by nature, suppose that the dying of the Christ and anxious to know how they may for our sins is, as regards our salva­ be saved, so anxious that they sit on tion, a matter of little consequence. till all hours. Many of them have Unless Jesus had been lifted up we realized the blessedness of the man could not have had life, through his whose iniquities are forgiven, and name, by believing that he is the whose sin is covered, and yet I don’t Christ. My friend writes as if I think one of them was told about taught that believing in Jesus as Jesus as the Clrrist. Indeed it would the Christ un-crucified could save not have given peace to one solitary us from perishing: hence she main­ sin-burdened soul to be told that Jesus tains that tho belief that Jesus is is the Christ—God’s Anointed King.” God's anointed King, could never Truly, if this be so, man is wiser than give peace to these conscience-stricken God. Jesus said, “ If ye believe not sinners. But, let mo ask, ■would not that I am He ye shall die in your tiic persuasion that God litis made a sins,” and yet here are “ many who gift of eternal life to every one who have realized the blessedness of tho believes in his .Son as the Christ, the man whose iniquities are forgiven, King of Israel, have given as much who have never been told that Jesus satisfaction and peace as thoy can is the Christ ’ ” Born of God with­ have from what they do believe 1 out a knowledge that Jesus is the Any peace of mind thoy do possess Messiah, while the holy apostle whom can only have its origin in the con­ Jesus loved, declares, “ Whosoever viction that God, for some reason, believcth that Jesus is the Christ is has forgiven their sins: had they been

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

180 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES- December 1, 18C 5 1 taught that Jesus is the Christ, and Our great High Priest, the Captain of believed it, and had they learned from our Salvation, has been made “perfect the word of God, “ that whosoever through suffering;” and has gone believeth that Jesus is the Christ is into heaven will his own blood, to born of God," how could they credit present it an acceptable offering on the promise of God and yet want our behalf, whence he shall come to peace? And had they learned that, make us partakers of his eternal in order that whosoever believes thus kingdom and glory. Thus, wlfile a in the Christ, might not perish but person may believe that Jesus died have eternal life—the beloved Sou of for his sins, without believing that God “ poured out his soul unto Jesus is the Christ ; ithd while God death," an offering for sin, would has promised eternal life to those they not love him who first loved alone who believe that Jesus is the them? The mere belief that Jesus Christ; the death of the Christ for is the Christ, certainly cannot give sin is by no means set aside, but re­ peace to any sin-convicted sinner; mains of paramount importance in he needs to know that this King of God’s plan of redemption, and is an Isi-acl is a Saviour for him; that all essential element of sieving faith. In who believe in him have remission of other words, if we, and only if we, sins through his name. He needs to believe that the- Christ died for our know and believe that God loves him sins, and rose for our justification, so that he has made a gift of eternal have we a well-grounded hope, and a life to him a perishing sinner, and warrantable peace of mind in regard that this life is in his Son, to be en­ to the great salvation tobc obtained at joyed by all who believe that Jesus the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Christ, when he appeal’s “the 1 have not attended to the necessity second time without sin unto salva­ of being baptized into Christ in order tion.” Surely they far misunderstand to be a partaker with him, as the the way of salvation who assert that seed of Abraham, because our present no sinner of the Gentiles can find enquiry related only to what we must peace in believing that Jesus is the believe concerning Jesus in order to Christ; when God's word assures us be saved. that “Whosoever”—anyone, even I hope, dear Mary, that I have con­ the guiltiest—“ whosoever believeth vinced you that “ The Gospel of the that Jesus is the Christ is born of Christ is the power of God unto God," i.e. becomes his child ; and if a salvation to every one thatbelieveth;" child then an heir, an heir of God and that henceforth you shall not be and joint-heir with Christ. Here, ashamed of it, but cordially embrace indeed, and here only, is the sure it yourself, and, gratefully, make it foundation whereon guilty beings like known to others. It is indeed a you and me can find real safety, peace, gospel of grace and glory : let it be love, and joy. your joy; and now gratefully and You will now perceive that the rejoicingly take up the song “ Thou doctrine, that salvation can only be hast loved us and washed us from obtained by believing that Jesus is our sins in thine own blood: and the Christ is according to scripture, hast made us kings and priests unto and that it docs not diminish, but God, our Father, to Him and Thee rather enhances the love-producing be glory and dominion for ever and influence of the cross of Christ. “ He ever! Amen.1’—With much alfection, loved us and gave himself for us." I remain yours faithfully. W. L. Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ December 1,1SG5. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 181

THE ELIXIR.

Teach inc, iny God and King, AU may of theo partake; In all things thee to see, Nothing can be so mean, And what I do in any thing, Which with this tincture (forthy sake) To do it as Jbr tucc : Will not grow bright and clean. Not rudely, ns a beast, A servant with this clausa To runno into an action ; Makes drudgeiic divine: But still to make thee preposscst, Who sweeps a room; as for thy laws, And give it his perfection. Makes that and th' action line. A man that looks on glasso, This is the famous stone , On it may stay liis eye ; That turnolli all to gold : Or if he pleascth, through it passe For that which God doth touch and own And then the heav’u cspic. Cannot for lesse be told, , George Herbert.

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. In Matthew xvi. 19, Jesus does and kcepcth my works unto the end, not say to Peter, I will give thee the to him will I give power over the key of the kingdom of heaven, but nations, and he shall rule them with the keys. For the kingdom of heaven a rod of iron ; as the vessels of a has more than one key. potter shall they be broken in shivers, In the first place, the kingdom of even as I received from my Father. heaven is the reign of Jesus, as the In the third place, the kingdom Christ and Son of God, on Mount of heaven is the dominion of Jesus as Zion, over the twelve tribes of Israel, the second man, the Lord from heaven and so one key of the kingdom of over all creation, and so a third key heaven is power and authority over of the kingdom of heaven is those Israel. This promise was therefore powers of the world to come over all i-cncwcd to Peter along, with the rest nature, of which Peter and others of the apostles, when Jesus said to received a first fruits even in this them, Ye are they who have continued present evil world, This includes with me in my trials, and 1 appoint the keys of death and hell, unto you a kingdom, as my Father There was another key of the hath appointed me, that you may eat kingdom of heaven which Peter re­ and drink with me at my table in ceived along with the others, the key my kingdom, and sit on thrones, of knowledge, by the which he opened judging the twelve tribes of Israel. the door of faith that leads unto the In the second place, the kingdom kingdom of heaven. We see Peter of heaven is the reign of Jesus, as the using this key, and opening the door Son of man, over all people, nations, of the kingdom to the Jews first, in and languages; and so another key Acts ii., and afterwards to theGentiles, of the kingdom of heaven, is power in. Acts x. and authority over all nations. This If we suffer with him, we shall key of the kingdom is promised by also reign with him. The blessedness the Lord to all his disciples, and so to of‘‘ making1 ‘ *the’ good confession can go Peter, in Rev. ii., He that overcomcth no further than this. D. L.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ '182 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. December 1,1865.

THE FIRST AND LAST CURSE.

It appeal^ to be constitutional in thou cat all the days of thy life; and human natute for an error to take I will put enmity between thee and strong hold of the mind, and remain the woman, and between thy seed undisturbed till some quick shock and her seed ; it shall bruise thy dislodges it. This shock I ' have head and thou shalt braise his heel." noticed generally arises from, or is Now by what law of language are given to it by, a scent of its corrupt ,we permitted to say that verses 14, eilluvia being cast into our mental 16-19, shall be. understood plainly nostrils. In other words, by some and literally, and verse 15 be symbol­ of its advocates pushing its teachings ised? I could not answer this question into greater prominence to our then, nor have I been able to do so thoughts. since. We must cither receive all An instance of this occurred in in their natural sense, or symbolise respect of Gen. iii. 15. I had pas­ the whole. Now, who is pi epared sively acquiesced in tho generally to figurate verse 16, and so join con- received notion that it was a promise sistently with Joanna Southcott in of Christ as the seed of the woman, interpreting tho woman as the bride till a brother was once expounding of Christ, who is the husband? And it. His saying, “ In other words, it if any would go that mile, then they means the enmity between Christ as must go other three, and allow with the seed of the woman, and the the mystical commentators that the Adamic race as the seed of the “ Thou ” Adam, is the separate sou), serpent,” startled the thought, that “thorns” and “thistles” are “What? can the Adamic race be the mental troubles, et id genus omne. seed of the serpent, for Christ took Now is there anything in the upon him the nature of Adam ! Why, nature of the language of ver. 15 to that will make Christ into a serpent.” single it out for figuration ? We are The blasphemy of the conclusion constrained to answer, No. Let us necessitated a re-examination of the analyse the whole curse upon the ■ promise. The result was, a shame reptile, and see. “Thou art cursed and confusion of face for having so above all cattle, and above every long negligently allowed a human beast of the field.” Then it must be . perversion of the word of God to veil one of the animal class ; not a super­ the passage. natural being, nor a psychological I found it to say, and therefore or political condition of the woman’s teach, nothing more than an enmity offspring. It was “ cursed above between the human and serpent mccs. all.” Then other animals are also Finding the serpent of the preceding cursed, or share in the curse. This part of the chapter to be but a reptile, is taught by Paul, Rom. viii. 20, who with no word of Satanic posession or shews, however, that because the metamorphosis, I could but conclude animal races are cursed sympatheti­ that the seed must be the same animal cally with the superior animal man, kind as the parent. I found that of when the redemption of man takes tho same animal it was said, “ Thou place, they will be Redeemed also. art cursed above all cattle, and above The lirst item of the curse was vo every beast of the iield ; upon thy consist in a physical degradation : belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt “ upon thy belly shalt thou go.” We Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; ♦ Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ December 1, 1865. • THE MESSENGER OP THE CHURCHES. 183 .0 ! naturally conclude that it had an I The hatred of the races instinctively erect motion previously; a conclusion prompts offensive actions, hence they i borne out by some naturalist (but mutually aim at the vital or assailable whom I do not remember now,) parti:s. In the words of the record : who thought he discerned the “it shall bruise thy head, and thou rudiments of feet in serpents. This; shalt braise his Jieel.” It is well was a curse “ above all cattle," known that the only vital part of the because none of the rest appear to serpent is its head, whilst its lowliness have suffered a change of shape, confines its reach to man’s foot, which ,. whether or not they suffered slight it instinctively attacks from behind, modifications of feature to adapt them­ i.e. at the heel. Hence the words of selves to the altered circumstances the Lord, who knew the natures, entailed by the curse upon the ground. and who implanted the instincts, of Tho second and corresponding item the creatures of which he speaks. was, a vitiation of the food, “dust The examination of the terms of shalt thou eat all the days of thy the curse shews us that it is just as life.” This defilement is incident to literal and physical as the curse upon the mode of their feeding : having to the other two parties—the woman swallow their prey whole from the and man—concerned in the trans­ ground they cannot escape from a gression. But may not some other considerable addition of dust. portions of Scripture require us to What particular species of Replilia modify the understanding of the this serpent was wc cannot now words here? Well, no. 1 think not. ascertain. From the whole narrative, I much doubt whether it is a right and the curse, we seem compelled to principle of hermeneutics to suppose account it as having previously been that one part can alter another part a tree-feeder, and possibly a fruit eat­ of Scripture. But even granting ing beast. Be that as it may, wc tin’s, I fiud no other which does so cannot now ascertain eithei- genera operate upon this. Tho only other or species. And mankind have ful­ two passages in which there is any­ filled their part in the curse by thing said of the serpent in this con­ cherishing an antipathy to every one nection, require us to understand of the family. “ I will put enmity Gen. iii. 15. literally. These are Isa. between thee and the woman, and xi. 8. and Ixv. 25, both of which thy seed and her seed.” An antipathy intensify the passage under considers- of races is all which can be here 1tion. " They' give double force to the discerned: an instinct which abides words “ cursed above all cattle ” by to this day, the ophidians being the shewing that when the other beasts creatures which of all others excite arc dcliveredfrom their savagedom the most fear, hatred, and desire to serpent abides under curae. “ Dust destroy. Probably the hatred which remains the serpent’s meat.” And the mother of the race held against so greatly will dread have over- her] temptert t . would.... 1 JI. be . indiscriminatelyIT_____1. powered hatred on the part of these extended to all the genera seen after reptiles, that “ the sucking child shall she hod lost her happy home in Eden play on the hole of the asp, and the by means of one who had caused the weaned child shall put his hand on loss. Whether this tempter was a the adder's den." The scent of the solitary individual in the Garden, very smallest specimen of the human representative of all other reptiles, race will suflice to drive these reptiles is not said, but is highly probable. to their very inmost haunts. So

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 184 THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. December 1,1363. that we conclude that the iirst curse curse upon Adam into the region of pronounced will be the last removed ; mind and immortal soulism. It for it is only natural to suppose that would be quite as easy and reasonable this curse remaining unuplifted to prove from Matt. x. 16. that the during the Millenium, the whole dove sent out of the ark was reptile brood will be destroyed, and the Holy Spirit, because of the inci­ have no part in the new heavens and dent in Matt. iii. 16. earth. Another reason for not transform­ No doubt some will object to this ing the cuisc upon the tempter into * reasoning, that men being Character­ the promise of the Saviour, is, that ised as serpents, (Matt. iii. 7. 34. x. the right understanding leaves us free 16.) it follows that the cui-se here to see the first hope Of life held out relates to men of the like disposition. to us in the promises to the fathers. But it may be objected on the other (Tit i. 2. Heb. xi. 9-17. Rom. iv. 13.) part that there is no intimation of The promise to Abraham thus receives comparison in the terms of the curse. an addition to its superlative impor­ If we allow transposition of meaning tance as fillLh’s foundation, in the in it, as I showed before, wo must fact of its priority. It becomes the perforce allow the translation of the|/irs< and greatest. J. W.

THE WORSHIP OF THE EARLY DISCIPLES.

It is the year 101 of the Christian glory has died away from the horizon, era. The last of the apostles is just and the chill stars shine out sharp dead.___ The rich evening radiance, and clear on the dun and naked which in his solitary ministry had sky. for thirty yearn lingered on the earth when all his companions were gone, As to the form of worship in those has at last passed away, and the early Christian congregations, it was dark night settles down again. The in its main elements identical with age of inspiration is over,—that that which is common to the Pro­ peerless century which began with testant Churches of our day. The the birth of Christ, and closed with chief peculiar features were their the death of John—and the course assembling in private houses and of the ages descends once more to upper chambers, their celebration of the ordinary level of common time. the Eucharist at eventide, the com­ tit was with the Chinch now as mon brotherly meal, or love-feast, with the disciples at Bethany, when aud the free scope then allowed to the last gleam of the Saviour’s the exercise in the congregation of ascending train had passed from the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit their sight, mid they turned their bestowed on individual members. faces, reluctant and sad, to the dark Another touching custom too, which world again. The termination of lingered long afterwards in tho the age of inspiration was in trutjh Church, bespeaks at once the tender the very complement and consumma­ loving spirit and the Oriental origin tion of the ascension of the Lord. of the faith. In moments of solemn The sun can then only be said to communion brother saluted brother, have fairly set, when his departing and sister saluted sister, in a holy Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ December 1,1S05. THE MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 185 •ttr embrace and kiss. Special circum­ whole congregation respond, Amen ; stances often imparted a peculiar for amen in the Hebrew tongue significaucy and pathos to tho rite. means, Be it so. Upon this the dea­ When a new convert was received cons, its wo call them, give to each alter the sacred bath into the full of those present some of the blessed communion of the faithful; when a bread and of the wino mixed with brother or sister about to set out on water, and carry it to the absent in a distant journey said farewell, or a their dwellings.” stranger from some far country pro­ Of the psalmody of those early duced his letters of commendation, days some interesting snatches have and was straightway welcomed its a descended to our own days. The brother; above all, in suffering days, following, for instance, is one which when any parting might be the last probably belongs to ' the earliest until the great final meeting, and dawn of the post-apostoiic Church, familiar friends who had taken sweet and which has been supposed by counsel together in happier days some to be the identical “ hymn hung upon each other’s necks and sung to Christ as God,” referred to wept, the “ holy kiss ” must have by the younger Pliny us one of the been something more than a pic- most characteristic features of the turesque and touching form, Ill Christian worship :— other respects the primitive service “ Glory be to God on high. wits essentially like our own. There Awl on earth pence, good will among mew was the regular reading of the We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship Scriptures, both of the Old and of thee, the New Testament, according to a IVe give thanks unto thee for thy great glory: certain order ; there was the united 0 Lord, Heavenly King, God the Father oiferiug of a solemn prayer, to Almighty, which the people responded with the Lord God. loud Amen; there was the sacred 0 Lord, the only -begotten Son, . Jesus Christ; •4 supper, the preaching of the word, Thon that takest away the eins of tho world, and the common song of praise. JIave mercy upon us. Of tho form and manner of cele­ Thou that hikesc away the erne of the world, brating the Lord’s supper at this Have mercy upon us, receive our prayer. Thon that|sittest on the right hand of the period, we have authentic evidence Father, in the writings of Justin Martyr, Have merey upon us. who wrote u short time after, and For than only art holy, whose statements arc in entire Thou only art the Lord Jesus Christ, To the glory of God the Father. harmony with the accounts of the Amen.'' original institution in the New Testament. “ After the prayeis,” Perhaps still more touching and says he, “ we greet one another with characteristic in its childlike sim­ the brotherly kiss. Then bread and plicity is the following, entitled, a cup with water and wine are “The Morning Psalm,” and con- handed to the president. . of the suiting merely of a breathing of brethren, j"lie ,receives thcin,^ prayer between two psalm verses :— oner's praise, fglory, and thanks to tho Father of all, through the name ‘‘ Every day will I bless tlieo, of the Son and the Holy Ghost, for Awl I will praise thy name for ever and ever. these his gifts. When he has ended Vouchsafe. 0 Lord, to keep us this day the prayers and thanksgivings, the without sin.

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 186 THE MESSENGER OE THE CHURCHES.' December 1, ISfiS. Blessed art thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers, If we suffer with him, And thy name bo praised and glorified for We shall also reign with him : over and evor. If wc deny him, A men.” lie also will deny us : •v If wc believe not, yet be abideth faithful: To which we have a companion He cannot deny himself" (2 Tim. ii. II). Evening Psalm of the like tone and spirit:— And this :— “Blessed art thou, 0 God; teach me thy “ God was manifest in the flesh, statutes; Jiistifcd in the Spirit, $ Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place Seen of ungels, I said, Lord ho merciful unto me. Preached unto the Gentiles, ' Heal my [soul for I have sinned against Believed on in the wodd, thee : llsgeived up into glory” (1 Tim. iii. 16). Lord 1 flee unto thee to hide mo. ■ dniert." And once more;— “ Unlo him (hat loved us, To these wc may probably add, A nd washed us from our sins in his own blood, as genuine fragments of the primitive And hath made ns kings and priests unto God, hymnology, the inspired songs of .'lad his Father; To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Mary, of Zacharitih, and of Simeon, Amen ” (Rev. i. 5. 6). in the Gospel of St Luke, together with sonic other relics of sacred Let us conceive ouiselves listening psalmody which have been preserved, to such strains as these, sung in as It has been thought, in quotations unison to sonic old Jewish chant, in in the apostolic writings. The fol­ antiphonal response, and we shall lowing, for example, independently probably catch the very echoesi of of the introductory formula indicat­ that pure apostolic worship that re­ ing the quotation of familiar words, sounded of old, amid the glow and has all the rhythm and cadence of a the tears of first love, in the work­ true lyrical composition :—■ shop of Aquila, or the upper room at Troas.—From “ The History of “ It is a laithful saving: Tor if we be dead with him, the Christian Church," by Islay We shall also live with him; Burns.

THE WORLD IS WORSE AND WORSE. Many do wonder wherefore the world :is to the former ; their corruption lelteth them worse and worse, and that justly how so bad not see tho good of former or present times ; a thing can grow in ovi!; it lielh nil in evil, they take hold of evil, and think it a proof of even in Satan’s arms, and that is evil enough. tbeir success both to follow that, and to It would appear tliat long instructions, letters, augment it. As a kind burgess in a city divine and human laws, and discipline, exer­ lovctb the increase of common good, so every cise of religion, examples of God’s judgment man the increase of the common evil of the for sin might have some force to mond it. world. Dow cun it bn good, since it hath no These would indeed prove forcible to a good of itself, but resisteth tho goodness that curable nature, but the world is incur­ God oilcloth to it: all tho sins of former ages able. remain in it, and by reason of man’s great Tho heart of man, which is the heart of the corruption, andGod’s just desertion increasing world, is desperately and incurably wicked. wonderfully, mid the Prince of it watchful at Though somo mon bo renewed, yet they all occasions multipliclh wickedness, that beget not renewed men, but natural; every God may multiply wrath. It is kindly to age cometb in with its own guise to add evil every thing to grow in its own gift; good

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ December 1 1805. i THE-MESSENGER OF THE CHURCHES. 187 At ' things by reason clnimefb that growth, but We arc foretold that the world.fwill grow evil by violence obtain it. worse ; and nro commanded to forsake it. We must seek a new world in tho old one, But tho latter ages love it more than the for this will never amend*'ho shall find his former did; doubtless this is because num in life for a prey who koepeth himself from tho his time growct.li worse than the world. It contagion of his time..-Though wo bo some was never good to love it, no, not at tho best; part of it; let us not be like to it. Tho new but now in tho end of it, when it is worse man, with new grace, shall make good than ever it was, to doat upon it is extreme plenishing fora new heaven upon earth; when madness. Such a dotage may end in a per­ like draweth to liko in the justice of God, we petual union with it, or rather in destruction. shall be gathered to that kingdom, while the If wo be tho excellent ones of God, and saints incurable world gooth to its own place. Ho on earth, we are better than the world ; must bo secured by saving grace who would because we aro His choice out of it; and it is not be lost iu tho world’s wickedness. This certain that Ho chosed tho best. Whatever preservation cometh only of God, who hath we be by nature, we are unspeakably better chosen us out of the world ; as be can provide by Bis election, which raaketh us that which us peace in the midst of it, so can Ho preserve He choscth, and called us to. Is is therefore ~us in despite of it. He is overtaken in the a freusy. to prostitute the excellency of God’s world's sin, and shall be involved in their imago in us unto so base an idol us 1110the damnation, who seeth not their common evil world. and keopeth not himself from it. Struthers.

Intelligence, Notes, &c-

CurAu-Fn-’E.—The brethren having se­ or six years, was borne with exemplary cured the use of the Kirkgnte Chapel (usual­ patience and resignation. She was respected ly occupied by “Tho, Reformation’’), for by all who knew her, and was endeared to ns Sunday evenings, brother Archibald llowic not only by the tie of natural relationship, has been delivering lectures therein, on tho but by the still closer tie of relationship to tho principal jwints of The Faith. Some atten­ household of Faith. While residing in Hali­ tion has been awakened to their importance, fax she attended the church meetings us long which, it is hoped, will result in the obedience as her strength admitted, but latterly she had of faith. lived chiefly out in a country village four Dundee,—The Church hero has arranged miles away. We had no suspicion that her a course of seven lectures on “ Bible Themes,” end was so near, although two of us had seen beginning on 19th November, by brother D. her only a few days before, and unfortunately Lawson, of Newburgh, on “ God’s purpose none of us were with her in her last hours. with the Earth.’’ She had, however, often expressed her inter­ Edinuukqu.— We have received an acces­ est in the faith, and I believe retained her sion to our number, by the roturn to Edin­ confidence to the last. I went to spend an burgh of brother and sister Oliver, from hour or two with her on the Monday afternoon Iludderslield; they having arranged to take up before she died, and on that occasion she their abode in this city. Ou 5th November, expressed her gratification at having received the brethren commenced their usual winter “a nice letter” of sympathy and encourage­ scries of lectures, by a course of fonron “ The ment from one of the brethren who is now in Destinies of the Nations of the East/'illus­ Scotland, and was especially pleased on my trated by maps and diagrams. This is to be saj'ing that I would ask some of the brethren immediately followed by three others, on to come over with me to break bread with “The Kingdom of God Triumphant.’’ So her. She was sensible to the last, although far as has gone the attendance Ims been her speech had failed her some hours before, remarkably good, and tho attention - very and slio very calmly expired at noon on tho marked. I8th November. Thus another been Halifax.—“Dear brother Dowic, it is added to the list of the dear departed ones with deep regret I havo*to request yon to (and painful and many have been’our bereave­ insert, in tho Messenger, intelligence of the ments), but we trust yet to meet them nil in death of my sister-in-law, Ann Barker. Her a happier and more enduring state. Yours illness, which extended over a period of live in hope, Jobbi’ii Cuhdall.’’

Church of God General Conference: McDonough, GA; Digital Archives Library; https://coggc.org/ 188 THE MESSENGER OF THE CIIURC.^,!Zf December 1, 1S65

’ Kirkcaj5oy.—An effort has been begun containingr- 1 "*■ 884‘ and will 'be sup­ in this town to stir up tho people to attend plier!plied at thothe follbOgfollbmflg prices :■ to the ancient faith. A course'of public •Plain---- lentlicr- - •-.■tf---.-’bSfc(^fg,w- :■ . ’••iBfi, lectures on “Neglected Bible Truths ” ia in Extra do., gilt on red edges;' -m IBs? • course of delivery, by brethren from Edifri Coloured calf or morocco, do.? \20L ' burgh, from'Dundee/and from other parts X>f Fifeshiro'. There nn> two brethren resident Postage, 4d. All orders, accompanied with there, who, it'is bopod, will not need to stand cash, and addressed to J. Witsox, 53 North­ long alone. ' . ■ gate, Halifax, will reccivo.prompt attention. ■ Turriff.—L“ October 8,-William-Sinclair, ‘May be hatl of G. Down:, Jun. Lathers, upon intcllegently confessing tho Christ, was immersed, and the same hour- Tub Meshexqeii of the Churches, of ilio day received by the Church nt the First Serios; for 1061, 1802, 18(13, 1864; in Lord's Table. On being invited, I arrived,in single volumes, sowed, Is.or tho four to­ Now'Deer on October 2d, .cerium parties gether,----- in'clolh, ----- , lettered, 4s. 6d. The two wishing..._...... e to' ...... know ...... llio truth...... , ; ______and to hear it inc _ first Nos. of-r.i._ the ...ivol.- for »..r.j18(i0 nro ou^ of public mid private,- and they would pay my’ but a few copies of the others are still on oxpcnScs'foroxpcnScs’for lodging and thetho hail.hall. 1 lectured Ihand, and may bo had at Id. each.; Postage three times, twice oil the 22d, and once on the jn all’1 cases extra—for single vols., 2d.; for 23d. The meetings were better attended' tho clofb vote., Gd., than on any (ormer occasion. I had also much private teaching. Wo are in hopes of fruit Tho following may bo bad from W. Norrie, from this sowing.’’ J. R-- 9 Ingliston Street, Edinburgh. Tile Treasurer acknowledges receipts for tho Messenger from Birmingham, Fraserburgh, The Destiny of the British Empire and Huddersfield. revealed ix tub Scriptures, Price 6d. The Contrast hetwkkn Protestantism and the Gospel; 36 pp. 8vo, Gd. What is the Gooi-kl ? 4 pp. I2iuo, Is 6d per Publications. hundred. t •' important IPorkfor Bible Students, The Kingdom op Goii. •>( page, 8vo, Is. per THE EMPHATIC D1AGL0TT hundred. . . The Gospel Witness; Ifi'pp. 8vo, complete. 'Containing the Original Greek Text ol ‘in 12 Nos. nt 2d. each. Single Nos. I the'NEW TESTAMENT, according to the (except ”No. 5)' may -be •bad - to complete sets. Rccgnsioii of Dr J. Gihkshach,' with an S_...... aving ...... Faith. --20 tpp.-« - 8vo,__ > Id. ■.i Interlinenry Word for Word English Transla- The Biiile.- 8 pp.'12mo, 2s Gd per hundred., tieii: a Now Emphatic Version, based on tho Tins Phrenological Bp.ai|ikoi» of the Interlinenry Translation, dn the Renderings of CimisTiAN Faith ;'-'reprinted from The Jilts- Eminent Critics, and on (ho Various Headings xewjer of the Churches. Price Id;, or 10d. of. tho Vatican' Manuscript; together with per dozon, post free. Illustrative and Explanatory Foot Notesand Srinrr: ortho Hebrew tennis livack and a Copious Selection of References; to tho Nesh'Unak, antf tho Greek term 1’iieuma, by tfbdl? of which is added a Valuable Alpha­ W. G. Moncriclf. 1‘rico 4d., postage Id. betical Appendix-. ( extra. Also, by tho same author,— 1 Tho above highly important and valuable Sour,: or the Hebrew word jVephesh, and Work, which lias been in course of prepnra- tho Greek Psitchc, in all their occurruncoa tion for tho l|i3it seven years, is now uuiiiplutod, and uses in Scripture. Price Id.

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