therefore be assumed is generally read, and that too, by a generation whom it may more immediately concern, to know that they are approaching a period of Zion's history, in which they will be called upon to go a hard warfare, but they will not be called to it on their own charges. God having graciously promised a special help and blessing for a special time of need, for those who shall be his witnesses in that time of trouble, such as, except for their sakes, it were shortened, (Matt. xxiv. 22.) no flesh should be saved, for those who shall glorify God in the midst of the fires, even the Lord God of Israel, from the Isles of the sea. Isaiah xxiv. to xxx. containing a remarkable series of the latter day trial and glory. I will only add in brief, that I believe all who have departed in the faith of Christ's kingdom to be established on the earth, shall with those who are Christ's at his coming, reign with him on the earth, (over whom remains to be shown) realising the promises contained in the 27th, 45th, 46th, 47th, and many other Psalms and scriptures; while such as have put this hope far from them, preferring that vague and undefined idea of heaven, with which so many, even now, when the trumpet gives no very uncertain sound, as to the approach of the Bridegroom, are satisfied, shall fall in those judgments which are to try all them that dwell on the face of the earth. Yet, if true believers (according to the Scripture text, John iii. throughout; v. 24, 27, and none others can be saved, even by fire,) shall realise a blessedness according to their measure of faith, not receiving their final glory unto the end, when the sea and death and the grave, shall give up all the dead which were in them, and every man shall be judged according to his works; and whosoever has not his name written cast into the Rev. xx. 13. in the Lamb's Book of Life, shall be lake of fire, which is the second death, when also the Mediatorial office shall cease, and all things being again brought into subjection to the Father, the Son also himself shall be subject unto him who put all things under him, that God may be all in all, (1 Cor. xv. 28.) well may we exclaim with the apostle, "O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God, how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out." Rom. xi. 33. Nevertheless, let us also bless his name, that he hath in his grace bestowed upon his Church, to each member in such measure as it hath pleased him, his own spirit which searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God, 1 Cor. ii. and x. to the end. I wish I could have conveyed these thoughts in fewer words, but such as they are, I leave them in your hands, to use them as you may judge most to the advancement of the truth; as its manifold character is displayed in those Scriptures, which so many now seek to interpret, I trust I am open to convictions, if my conclusions are combated by Scripture, and with Christian candour. I have not offered them for the sake of controversy, but because I do think the object of hope presented to the Church in her last struggle, is of equal importance, as that she should be warned of its rapid approach, else surely they will be tempted to choose death, (nay, almost justified in preferring it) to life. But the promises are made to those that overcome, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith; do those then who hold this opinion, for it is but one, desire to exclude their weaker or less favoured brethren? God forbid, but neither doth the Lord desire to exclude any from salvation, but would have all men to repent and believe on Him that they might be saved. Nevertheless, the purpose of God standeth fast, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. I rejoice dear Madam, to find that you are enjoying this blessed hope of the glorious Advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father, and ever blessed Spirit, who waiteth to lead his waiting people into all truth, be glory and honour, for ever, Amen. A. B. [WE do not give any opinion on the forgoing, but insert it with pleasure, believing that the discussion of the question in so candid and christian spirit as A. B. has written in, and which we know likewise animates our dear and much respected friend H. M. B. must be productive of good. For ourselves, we have no more doubt of our Lord's speedy personal Advent than we have of the approaching reconciliation of His people Israel, and their national restoration: and of the latter we no more doubt than we do the fact of their former deliverance from Egypt, and entrance into the land of Canaan.-ED.] CHRISTIAN CONSOLATION IN AFFLICTION. "This is not our rest." THIS is not our rest, O weary Pilgrim! thou And like a reed dost bow. There, where thy gracious Saviour reigns, This is not our rest, It doth not yet appear: There is a heavenly home, Where every ransom'd child of dust, There, death shall be no more, Sore tried, and much opprest; There, where thy gracious Saviour reigns, E. SCAIFE. We never can expect the Jews to receive from us the doctrine of Christ crucified, while we refuse to receive from them the doctrine of Christ glorified. It is absolutely in vain that we point them to the prediction of their prophets which foretel the sufferings and death of the Messiah, and then direct them to their literal fulfilment in the person of Jesus; while we refuse to accept as literal the predictions of these very prophets which represent his future glorious reign among his ancient people at Jerusalem.—Apology for Millennarianism. |