| |
| 1. | 1 Chronicles 1-21, Thoughts on |
| The Chronicles are by some thought to be a supplement to the preceding historical books, that is, to supply the omissions and defects supposed to be found in them. This is a denial of God as their Author. For if holy men of old were divinely inspired to write them, |
| 2. | 1 Chronicles 1-21, Thoughts on |
| Thoughts on the Chronicles. 11
When Christ was born, a usurper was on the throne, but God has preserved the genealogy of the rightful heir of David, who is also heir of the promises made to Abraham, in whose Seed all the nations will be blessed. '' And I will |
| 3. | 1 Chronicles 1-21, Thoughts on |
| Amalek's hand as against the people of Jehovah is against the throne and kingdom of Jehovah. Therefore the LORD said " I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven " (Exodus 17:14 14 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (Exodus 17:14)). The last phase of the world's hatred and opposition to the kingdom of |
| 4. | 1 Chronicles 1-21, Thoughts on |
| With what care and precision the sons of Jesse are given, named and numbered in their order evidently to tell us that David is the seventh. He alone fills the mind of the inspired writer. The six are numbered only that David might appear the seventh, for with that is |
| 5. | 1 Chronicles 5, Thoughts on |
| " Now the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel." (chap. 5) As such he had a prominent place. For the firstborn, or he who stands in that place, takes precedence of the whole family, and through him the principal ancestral line is ordinarily traced. But Reuben is set aside, |
| 6. | 1 Chronicles 5, Thoughts on |
| Jacob did not know the glories of Him Who was hidden under the symbols of Joseph and his dreams. He did not know that they pointed to One Who will not only be the First-born and Chief Ruler with regard to Israel, but also of all creation, One to whom |
| 7. | 1 Chronicles 5:25-26, Thoughts on |
| The God of Israel stirred up the King of Assyria against them (ver. 26), " God of Israel " is significant. It is God in relationship with Israel. Israel's God resented Israel's choice of other lands than His own. It was a slight put upon His wisdom and His love, |
| 8. | 1 Chronicles 6, Thoughts on |
| Chap. 6. |
| 9. | 1 Chronicles, Thoughts on |
| The inspired writer begins again with the sons of Levi (chap. 6:16). The special line of the priesthood, the sons of Aaron, are as prominent in Levi, as the line of kings, the sons of David, are in Judah. Here (ver. 16) the three branches of the tribe, Gershom, Kohath, |
| 10. | 1 Chronicles, Thoughts on |
| With the family of Saul (1 Chron. 9:35 35 And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife's name was Maachah: (1 Chronicles 9:35)) a new section begins. The first terminating in a brief but prophetic glimpse of the future restoration of Israel as foreshadowed in the return of the captives from Babylon, and their settlement in the land (1 Chron. 9:1-341 So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. 2 Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. 3 And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh; 4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah. 5 And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons. 6 And of the sons of Zerah; Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety. 7 And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah, 8 And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah; 9 And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men were chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers. 10 And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin, 11 And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; 12 And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; 13 And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God. 14 And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; 15 And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; 16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites. 17 And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief; 18 Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi. 19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the Lord, were keepers of the entry. 20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the Lord was with him. 21 And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 22 All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office. 23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the Lord, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards. 24 In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south. 25 And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them. 26 For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. 27 And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them. 28 And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. 29 Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. 30 And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices. 31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans. 32 And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the showbread, to prepare it every sabbath. 33 And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. 34 These chief fathers of the Levites were chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 9:1-34)). Faint when |
| 11. | 1 Chronicles, Thoughts on |
| Though the Philistines are smitten, they are not yet subdued; they were the most inveterate and persistent of all Israel's enemies. The reign of peace is not come, and David finds that there are other powerful foes to contend with. The Philistines had overcome Saul, and were doubtless astonished at |
| 12. | 1 Chronicles, Thoughts on |
| David appoints those who are to minister before the ark, but lie himself returns to bless his house. A daughter of Saul may be there, having no sympathy with the feelings of David, but that does not hinder his blessing it. His soul was filled with the thought of the |
| 13. | 1 Chronicles, Thoughts on |
| The Ammonites fear the vengeance of David and combine with the Syrians and others against him This is the result of his well-meant kindness. It suggests a future combination of this world's rulers against Christ. Against Him Who has manifested such boundless love, but Whose mercy and kindness has been |
| 14. | 1 Chronicles, Thoughts on |
| " And it came to pass after this " (20: 4). Now that David is restored to his true position, such is the superabounding of grace that his servants become mighty men. Their valiant deeds do but proclaim who is on the throne. And we may note it is after |
| 15. | 2 Corinthians 13:14, Thoughts on |
| The words." grace," "peace," and "love," and such as these, as used by the inspired writers, are transfigured words, or, more correctly, the vehicles of transfigured ideas—-ideas being here synonymous with divine realities. Conceptions, that in a kind of embryo stage were current among men, are widened, deepened, sanctified, or |
| 16. | 2 Timothy 1:7, Thoughts on |
| It is instructive to note how St. Paul describes, if not defining, the Spirit we have received. It is not the spirit of fearfulness that characterized the heathen religions, which, where they ceased to be frivolous, appealed to human misgivings and apprehensions, making clear at any rate that man has |
| 17. | Acts 25:1-12, On |
| The new governor gave a fresh opportunity to the Jews. Morally more respectable than Felix, he knew not God, and therefore could not be trusted for man. Faith to him was q site unintelligible, an enthusiasm. But he soon learned enough of the Jews do make him guilty in his |
| 18. | Acts 25:13-22, On |
| It was Paul's purpose to visit Rome (Acts 19: 21) after going to Jerusalem; and God gave effect to it, for it was God's purpose (23:11). But how different was the way under His hand from the apostle's expectation? He must go a prisoner to Rome. This befell him through |
| 19. | Acts 25:23-27, On |
| The purposed hearing of the apostle wholly differed from that before Felix and Drusilla. This was private; and the apostle availed himself of it in divine love and holy courage to strip the guilty pair of their vain show, and to let them see themselves as God regarded them, as |
| 20. | Acts 26:1-8, On |
| Luke sets the scene vividly before us. The king, whose opinion the governor sought, and who himself was desirous of hearing, gives courteous leave, and the prisoner enters on his defense with out-stretched hand. Orators no doubt used the same action to engage the ear of their countrymen; rhetoricians in |
| 21. | Acts 26:16-23, On |
| The decisive words were uttered, " I am Jesus," to one who could not doubt the utterer was the Lord; nor this only, but " I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest," the germ of that mystery (and it is a great one) which the astonished hearer was to develop beyond |
| 22. | Acts 26:24-32, On |
| The truth was fairly before the king. The prophets and Moses had told out what was now accomplished in the Christ that Paul preached. If their testimony was divine, He Who had suffered and risen from the dead is their sure fulfillment, however much may remain. The question whether the |
| 23. | Acts 26:9-15, On |
| The apostle returns from argument to the account of his own life, from which he had turned aside for a moment. |
| 24. | Acts 27:1-13, On |
| Thereon follows the voyage of the apostle to Rome, a narrative full of interest in every way. What believer can fail to find refreshment and cheer, as he ponders its details and sees the prisoner as perfectly master of the situation on board ship in a storm and wreck, as |
| 25. | Acts 27:14-26, On |
| The result justified the apostle's advice notwithstanding a fair start. But seamen ought to have remembered how apt a mild southerly breeze, in those seas especially, is to shift to a violent northerly wind. So it was now. |
| 26. | Acts 27:27-44, On |
| " But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven to and fro in the Adriatic, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some country, and on sounding, found twenty fathoms, and after going a little farther and again sounding, found ten fathoms; and |
| 27. | Acts 28:1-15, On |
| The land to which they escaped they subsequently learned to be Malta. This ought to be beyond controversy. Yet has it been contested even to our own day. The first who argued for the islet in the |
| 28. | Acts 28:16-31, On |
| Let us now trace other parts of Scripture. In Exodus the word of the Lord to Moses is, " Thus shalt thou say, Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto Myself; now therefore, if ye will |
| 29. | Acts 28:16-31, On |
| Thus the apostle comes to the metropolis of the world a prisoner. Such was the will of God. There were saints in it there, as we know from the Epistle written to them from Corinth (Acts 20:3 3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. (Acts 20:3)). Many assemblies were apostolically founded, not that in Rome. So did God |
| 30. | All in John 12:32 |
| My dear friend, |
| 31. | All Things to All Men |
| 32. | And Who It Is That Saith to Thee |
| It is not only that God reveals Himself now as a Giver, but a Giver of what the sinner needs for earth and heaven, for time and eternity; and He reveals Himself in His Son. The glad tidings He sends are concerning His Son; but His Son became man on |
| 33. | Angels |
| The creation of angels is not recorded historically, but that of this visible universe. Then they already created as a separate body of beings, show their interest in the works of God; " the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." |
| 34. | Baptism of Fire |
| Q. What is the baptism of fire, spoken of in. Matt. 3:11 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11) and Luke 3:1616 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: (Luke 3:16)? L.R. |
| 35. | Believer Entering Into God's Rest, The |
| That which is specially set before us in this chapter is the comparison of the state of Israel in the wilderness and the believers entering into God's rest. |
| 36. | Believer Entering Into God's Rest, The |
| Then we come to another thing. We learn that God is the source of grace and life to those in this condition; and what in grace He does for man in this condition. Here we must begin altogether with God. |
| 37. | Biblical Criticism of the Old Testament |
| MY DEAR—, |
| 38. | Burden of the Cross, The |
| The Lord announced more than once that the badge of His followers must he the cross. It characterized Him from Nazareth (Luke 4:28, 20 28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, (Luke 4:28)
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. (Luke 4:20)), (may we not even say from Bethlehem, Luke 2:77 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)?) to Golgotha; therefore must it of necessity characterize those who profess allegiance to His person |
| 39. | Burden of the Cross, The |
| In this paper it is proposed to consult the words of our Lord in Matt. 16:24 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24) on cross-bearing. |
| 40. | Burden of the Cross, The |
| It has already been pointed out in the previous papers that the cross became the indispensable characteristic of the immediate followers of Jesus, in consequence of His rejection by those to whom He presented Himself. For the same spirit of envy and cruel malice roused by the ministry of our |
| 41. | Cain and Abel |
| "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he, being dead, yet speaketh." Heb. 11:4 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4). |
| 42. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Conclusion |
| What judgment (we think) ought to be formed of the Irvingite movement is not doubtful to anyone who has followed the notices now drawing to an end. |
| 43. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| If it were a question of setting out Irvingite doctrine in the order of relative gravity, it would be necessary to present in the first place their views of Christ's person. The Epistles of John, as indeed the N.T. word generally, makes us feel that no truth is of equal |
| 44. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| What has been already said as to Christ's Second Coming is greatly confirmed by a fuller consideration of the misuse of the Apocalypse which is alike prevalent in, and characteristic of, this society. To state the truth it enunciates is in itself the best disproof of the wrong done, partly |
| 45. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| That the entire groundwork is fictitious is shown by another sure consideration. " The " sealing " of Rev. 7 is not employed as we find it in the Pauline Epistles, but a symbolic form of this prophecy, which therefore is said to be " upon the foreheads " |
| 46. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| The next subject calling for examination is as distinctive a doctrine of the community as any that could be named: their view of prophets and apostles, and pretension to them. The restored apostolate is the unfailing claim in their books and pamphlets, their teaching and conversation. The very posters of |
| 47. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| CHAP. 4. DOCTRINE. §. 4. THE INCARNATION. |
| 48. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| CHAP. 4. DOCTRINE. §. 5. THE ATONEMENT, &C. |
| 49. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| CHAPTER 4. DOCTRINE. §. 6. JUSTIFICATION, SANCTIFICATION, &C. |
| 50. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| We may now take up a pertinacious system of priestly ordinances which Irvingites share with all the bodies which claim to be Catholic. This assumes-a more than ordinarily virulent character in the modern society, just because they after their manner-own N. T. truth and power wholly inconsistent with those " |
| 51. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| CHAP. 4 DOCTRINE. §. S. TITHES, ETC. |
| 52. | Catholic Apostolic Body or Irvingites, The: Doctrine |
| It remains now to examine the system of symbols, in the sense not of confession of faith, but of sensible forms before the eye, which Irvingites have elaborated in their late history. It is known that this development is due to the prophets so called, notably to their first pillar, |
| 53. | Christian Liberty of Preaching and Teaching the Lord Jesus Christ |
| " They that were scattered abroad went everywhere, preaching the word" (Acts 8:4 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. (Acts 8:4)). |
| 54. | Christian Liberty of Preaching and Teaching the Lord Jesus Christ |
| Thus far then, in the first case, for speaking in the church. I advocate no system. I mourn over the departure of many of the comely part or parts, however, on which God set comeliness. These passages of the word I take as scriptural evidence that the confining of the |
| 55. | Chronicles, Thoughts on the |
| Of the family of Jerahmeel there is little but the names. The Ram here (1 Chron 2:25) is nephew to the Ram, son of Hezron, and brother to Jerahmeel (2:9). But there is in this branch of Hezron's descendants one man most prominent on account of what he was and |
| 56. | Chronicles, Thoughts on the |
| The main object of the Chronicles is now accomplished. The King is revealed, typically by David, who is brought to the throne by the same power which will -ere long make the enemies of Christ to be His footstool (Psalm 110); thus David becomes the pledge of the fulfillment |
| 57. | Come Unto Me |
| The secret of Christ's rejection breaks through the clouds. The Jews refused Him as Messiah, because He was infinitely more. Had He been but Messiah according to their thoughts and desires, they were willing to make Him their King. (John 6) But He was Immanuel, God with us He |
| 58. | Cross, The |
| See how in the cross the whole question of good and evil was brought to an issue in every way. First it was the complete display of man's enmity against God-the contemptuous rejection of God come in love (for this love He had hatred); and in every detail, disciples, priests, |
| 59. | Day-Dawning and the Day-Star Arising |
| Q. Does " day dawning and day-star arising". (2 Peter 1:19 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (2 Peter 1:19)) refer not to the second advent but to the hope of Christ " in the heart " now? In other words is it meant that we do well to take heed to the more sure word |
| 60. | Death in Atonement |
| DEAR Sir,-Your paper " Scripture Queries and Answers," in the Bible Treasury for March touches upon a vital question raised and not yet solved. A doctrine has come to light, according to which there was nothing judicial in the death of our blessed Lord. It is asserted that all |
| 61. | Denial of Propitiating God by Sacrifice |
| Repeatedly urged to say more on the recent heterodoxy as to propitiation, I had declined on various grounds. Enough as it seemed to me was published to warn souls; and those who did not heed it were disposed to think what had been written too strong, bitter, personal, and I |
| 62. | Development (Duplicate) |
| I deny absolutely development in divine things. In the human mind there is development; in the present truth there cannot be, for God has been n revealed. There is no revelation more, nor meant to be any. Individuals may learn more and more; but it is there to be learned. |
| 63. | Ecclesiastical Defilement |
| 64. | Efficacy of Christ's Cross, The |
| The cross of Christ, with its infinite suffering, sorrow, and shame, freely endured by Him, can only be known in all its value by God, Who has fully accepted it. For He "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not |
| 65. | Elimelech and Naomi |
| When Luther learned that his writings were condemned to be burned, he said, " Let them destroy my works: I desire nothing better; for all I wanted was to lead Christians to the Bible that they might afterward throw away my writings." Such singleness of purpose may well be coveted. |
| 66. | Eternal Punishment |
| Q. J. H. (Blundellsands) questions the correctness of the BIBLE TREASURY, No. 415 (December 1890), p. 188; as the Lord's words quoted from Isa. 66:24 24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (Isaiah 66:24) refer to " carcases ", i. e., (as hell also refers) to the intermediate state between death and resurrection. " Their worm |
| 67. | Evolution |
| Q. The following sentence occurs in " The Bible Treasury" for February, page 210. "There is nothing in scripture to exclude a succession of creatures rising to higher organization from lower, as the rule with a striking exception here and there, from the Eozoon in the Laurentian rocks |
| 68. | Evolution |
| The writer of papers on Gen. 1 has been told, that p. 210 teaches evolution. The notion is absolutely false. No evolutionist can consistently talk of " creatures." No believer can deny that plants preceded fishes and birds, as these were followed by land animals low and high, last |
| 69. | Father Seeking Worshippers, The |
| This chapter shows God's grace and truth in dealing with a sinner by Jesus His Son; and the sinner not convicted only, but brought to worship the Father in the relationship of a child, to worship God according to His nature as a saint. It is the revelation in short |
| 70. | Genesis: Chapter 1:1, The Early Chapters of |
| The Old Testament is a revelation from God in view of His earthly people Israel. It was of the highest moment that they should have the truth authoritatively announced that the one true God is the creator of all. Darkness covered the earth, gross darkness the peoples. Israel, in Egypt, |
| 71. | Genesis: Chapter 1:14-19, The Early Chapters of |
| The evidence which the record furnishes of the third day is express. It is dry land and seas in view of man: in no way the varying phases of either in the geologic ages, but solely the result, after the last disturbance when the waters prevailed everywhere. Indeed a good |
| 72. | Genesis: Chapter 1:2, The Early Chapters of |
| Creation then in verse 1 is the great primary fact of revelation. It is all the stronger, because the Hebrew text has no article, any more than the Greek in John 1:1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1). It is therefore undefined. Compare Proverbs 8:2323 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (Proverbs 8:23). From the context, however, it is plain that the |
| 73. | Genesis: Chapter 1:20-23, The Early Chapters of |
| We are now come to a fresh activity of divine power, when the Holy Spirit employs again the term "created " (ver. 21): not merely organisms, for these we have seen for the new vegetable kingdom on day three, but the first animal life for the Adamic world, to people |
| 74. | Genesis: Chapter 1:20-31, The Early Chapters of |
| The closing notice remains, the economy of the primeval creation, and the divine estimate of it all. |
| 75. | Genesis: Chapter 1:24-25, The Early Chapters of |
| It needs few words to prove that in the fifth day's work we vainly look for an exact correspondence with the Secondary or Mesozoic period. Fishes, even vertebrated fishes, had been created in abundance in Palæozoic time, and so before the Carboniferous age; also the earlier reptiles, chiefly Amphibian, preceded |
| 76. | Genesis: Chapter 1:26-27, The Early Chapters of |
| In day three we saw the distinct twofold energy of the Creator: not only the waters gathered into seas, and the dry land appearing, and this seen to be good; but the earth caused by his word to put forth grass, herb seeding seed after its kind, and tree yielding |
| 77. | Genesis: Chapter 1:28, The Early Chapters of |
| Thus we have seen Man, the race, created in God's image. No doubt, that this should be true, it was and must be after God's likeness in the absence of all moral evil. But it was emphatically a creation in God's image. Man was the last and chief creature here |
| 78. | Genesis: Chapter 1:3-5, The Early Chapters of |
| Now comes the first point of direct contact with the habitable earth and its surroundings. We have had (ver. 1) the creation of the heavens and the earth, apart from date or definite time; we have had also (ver. 2) a superinduced condition of confusion, but the Spirit of God |
| 79. | Genesis: Chapter 1:6-8, The Early Chapters of |
| Happily the second day's work admits of a notice so much the more brief because of the rather full remarks on the preceding verses. In these were discussed the original creation " in the beginning "; then the superinduced state of confusion; lastly the work of the " first day |
| 80. | Genesis: Chapter 1:9-13, The Early Chapters of |
| This journal is scarcely the suited place, nor does the writer pretend, to draw out adequately the wondrous and beneficent functions of the separated waters or seas and of the dry land, any more than of the light and of the atmospheric heavens, on which a little has been said. |
| 81. | Genesis: Chapter 2:1-3, The Early Chapters of |
| These verses are really the necessary supplement and close of chap. 1, if we divide into chapters on a sound principle. It is well known that such a division, save in the Psalms etc., has no authority and is not seldom erroneous. The new title given to God, Jehovah Elohim, |
| 82. | God That Justifieth, It Is |
| If God justifies, how ineffable must our state be in His eyes (that is, in truth)! He cannot approve or justify but according to His own nature and being. His approbation must be according to what He approves. What a state for us to be in—in Christ! that God not |
| 83. | Gospel and the Church: Ananias and Sapphira, The |
| In the solemn case of Ananias and Sapphira we see the discipline of the Son over His own house carried out by the power of the Holy Spirit in the chief of the twelve. Ananias and his wife had" agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord," and for |
| 84. | Gospel and the Church: Character and Position of the Church, The |
| At the beginning of the preceding paper I observed that in holy Writ the church is presented in a two-fold character:-1. As the house of God, and 2. As the body of Christ, its Head in glory. |
| 85. | Gospel and the Church: Christian Discipline, The |
| VI. CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE. |
| 86. | Gospel and the Church: Discipline of Christ as Son Over His House, The |
| SECOND PART.—-THE CHURCH. 9. CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE. |
| 87. | Gospel and the Church: Fatherly Watchfulness and Care, The |
| 2.-FATHERLY WATCHFULNESS AND CARE. |
| 88. | Gospel and the Church: Good Tidings of Great Joy, The |
| "And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For |
| 89. | Gospel and the Church: Mystery of the Church, The |
| " This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Eph. 5:32 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32). |
| 90. | Gospel and the Church, The |
| At all times it has been a well-known stratagem of the enemy, when he cannot prevent the promulgation of divine truth, to advance some portion of it at the expense and to the neglect of other much higher and more blessed truths, in order to confine the attention of believers |
| 91. | Gospel and the Church, The: Character of the Ministers of the Gospel |
| CHARACTER OF THE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL. |
| 92. | Gospel and the Church: the Church, The |
| We now approach-God grant that it may be with unshod feet-the holy ground of what in Holy Writ is called " the house of the living GM," I mean the church which is the body of Christ, His Son. The principalities of heaven study the manifold wisdom of God, made |
| 93. | Gospel and the Church: the Church, The |
| The church of God has its origin in God Him-'self, in Whose eternal and unchangeable counsels it was hidden before the foundation of the world. There it had its existence before it was revealed to the " sons of men " in God's own appointed time, and entered into visible |
| 94. | Gospel and the Church: the Church, The |
| Let us now consider the different kinds of Christian discipline. There are three: |
| 95. | Gospel and the Church: the Gospel, The |
| The end of the gospel is the saving of the believer's soul, as present and everlasting, and that of his body as a future and equally everlasting thing, called the " adoption, to wit, the redemption of our " body " (Romans 8:23; 13:11 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23)
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (Romans 13:11); Philippians 3:20, 2120 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20-21); {vi |
| 96. | Gospel and the Church: the Source of the the Gospel, The |
| God, the God from Whom all blessings flow, to Whom all power belongs, and from Whom life proceeds, is the source of the gospel. It is the gospel of God," as we are reminded by the very first verse of the great gospel-epistle of Paul-to the Romans. God alone, Who |
| 97. | Gospel and the Church: the Subject of the the Gospel, The |
| The subject of the gospel is: God's love towards a world of sinners and enemies, manifested in the gift of His only begotten Son, Who is "the Way, the Truth and the Life," and Who " suffered the Just for I he unjust, to bring us unto God." Or, to |
| 98. | Gospel and the Church, The: The Gospel |
| Its ministry partakes of a twofold character. It is, firstly, the " ministry (or ministration) of righteousness " (2 Cor. 3:9 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. (2 Corinthians 3:9).) and secondly, the " ministry of reconciliation" (ch. v. 18.). In its former character it appears especially in the Epistle to the Romans, and |
| 99. | Gospel and the Church, The: The Snares in the Path of Its Ministers |
| After a day's service, spent in visiting, preaching, distributing tracts, evening service and after-meeting, often till a late hour, it is not much to be wondered at if evangelists generally are not early risers. So they are but too often, alas! deprived of the heavenly Master's " morning smiles," for |
| 100. | Gospel and the Church: What Is the Ground or Foundation of the Chur, The |
| WHAT IS THE GROUND OR FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH? |
| 101. | Greatest Thing in the World, Prof. Drummond's |
| It is painful to have to condemn utterly the writing of a man who claims to be a believer. But this essay, though taking as a homily on love or meditation on that magnificent chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians is entirely vitiated by the thinly disguised assumption that such love, |
| 102. | Hannah |
| " Much food is in the tillage of the poor " (Prov. 13:23 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. (Proverbs 13:23)). Naomi, whose history precedes that of Hannah, has already afforded us an illustration of this. In her day, as we have seen, the written word of God was probably limited to the books of Moses, and |
| 103. | Hannah's Prayer |
| In the things of God we ought never to hesitate to correct our expressions by scripture. We have spoken of Hannah's song; we read, " And Hannah prayed." It will be for our profit to inquire why her thanksgiving is called a prayer. It is very significant that, whatever |
| 104. | Hearing and Faith |
| This is God's order, not man's. The word " hearing " in this verse is not a verb but a substantive. If we read it as a verb, we lose much of the meaning. We speak of a man who has become deaf as one who has lost his "hearing." |
| 105. | Hebrews 1:1-2 |
| The opening words are worthy of the great theme. In Christ only is the perfection of all that Israel gloried in. Every other person and office, every other walk or object, honored in God's living oracles, had it most of all in and for preparing the way for Him. He |
| 106. | Hebrews 1:10-14 |
| The quotation from Psa. 45 was most distinct and conclusive. No Jew then, if now, could doubt that the psalm refers throughout to the Messiah introducing and maintaining His kingdom on earth in association with the godly Jewish remnant. Christ is seen as King, not Head of the church |
| 107. | Hebrews 1:2-4 |
| The peculiar form of the phrase then " in a Son," difficult without loss or a paraphrase to convey adequately in our language, is simply to characterize the relationship, not Who but what, as in Matt. 4:6; 9:29; 27:40, 43, 54 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Matthew 4:6)
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. (Matthew 9:29)
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. (Matthew 27:40)
43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. (Matthew 27:43)
54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54), Luke 4:33 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. (Luke 4:3), John 1:11 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) (last clause |
| 108. | Hebrews 1:5-9 |
| Next comes a series of quotations from the O.T pertinent to the Sonship of Christ just laid down. This fullness of citing the ancient oracles, though found elsewhere in the apostle's writings and conspicuously in the Epistle to the Romans, is nowhere so rich as here. Nor could we well |
| 109. | Hebrews 2:1-4 |
| 110. | Hebrews 2:10-15 |
| Certainly the death of Christ is not here associated with God's law. What possible boon was law for the guilty? For such it can bring no blessing nor pardon, but a curse, and this righteously. Compare with Deut. 27. Rom. 4:15 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. (Romans 4:15), 1 Cor. 15:5656 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (1 Corinthians 15:56), Gal. 3:1010 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Galatians 3:10), |
| 111. | Hebrews 2:16-18 |
| Now we come to those in whom the Saviour directly and blessedly interested. Here again is nothing vague, but all is made carefully precise. |
| 112. | Hebrews 3:1-6 |
| Chapter 3 follows 1 and 2 in beautiful order. For "the Apostle and High Priest of our confession" answers to the chapters before: the first of these titles of Christ being specially connected with His being Son of God, as the second is with that of Son of Man. He |
| 113. | Hebrews 3:14-19 |
| It is the wilderness which is ever before us in this Epistle; not Canaan, the type of the heavenly places, which is the ground of the Epistle; to the Ephesians. It is here therefore the scene of trial and danger through unbelief, with the fleshly and worldly lusts to which |
| 114. | Hebrews 3:7-13 |
| It is clearly not our standing which is in question; for this being wholly of God and in Christ is settled and sure and unchanging. The wilderness journey is before us, flowing very simply from the allusion to Moses. And this is followed up with evident suitability in the quotation |
| 115. | Hebrews 4:1-2 |
| The all-important point for a just interpretation is that God's rest is here before us, His glory in heaven. It is not at all rest for the conscience or for the heart, which the believer has or finds now in Christ. The rest of God is exclusively future. The perfect |
| 116. | Hebrews 4:11-13 |
| The eleventh verse concludes the caution against present rest for the Christian followed by a statement of the means grace supplies to safeguard us through the wilderness. |
| 117. | Hebrews 4:3-10 |
| The rest then is God's rest, made by Him, and suited to Him, which He will enjoy in perfected glory with those who believe in Christ, Who alone by His work could fit sinful men to share it perfected as they are through His one offering. |
| 118. | Hebrews 4:4-16 |
| The word of God, above all price, and powerful though it be, is not the only declared means for our safe conduct through the wilderness. No instrument is so effectual to sift and deal with not outward ways only, but all that is of man. Yet we need and have |
| 119. | Hebrews 5:1-4 |
| We now enter on the main doctrinal development of the Epistle, the detailed comparison of the priesthood of Christ with that of Aaron, pursued with collateral truths to the middle of the tenth chapter. The aim evidently is to prove the incontestable superiority of Christ in this as in every |
| 120. | Hebrews 5:11-14 |
| The rest of the chapter, and the following one, compose a long and instructive digression on the state of those addressed, the more to be blamed because they had had time to become mature. This it was forbade opening up the subject of Melchizedek as otherwise might have been happy. |
| 121. | Hebrews 5:5-6 |
| It is evident from the last verse under consideration that the priest is viewed according to God's mind and statutes, not as the facts had long misrepresented this in fallen Israel. For notoriously intrigue, corruption, and violence had reigned for many a year in Jerusalem, and the civil power had |
| 122. | Hebrews 5:7-10 |
| We have had the first reference to the order of Melchizedek, which is repeated so often in the Epistle as to prove to anyone who reverences scripture its immense importance in the mind of God. It is a striking part of the typified glory of the Messiah, foreshown in {vi |
| 123. | Hebrews 6:1-3 |
| It is of the highest importance then that the believer should wake up to his due place according to the call of grace. Christ as He now is makes his relationship evident. By Him and to Him where He sits at God's right hand we are called. It is therefore |
| 124. | Hebrews 6:13-20 |
| The desire that the saints should imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises at once recalls the father of the faithful in a way intended to strengthen their confidence. |
| 125. | Hebrews 6:4-8 |
| But another and urgent danger is set before the Hebrew Christians, not a little connected with obstinate clinging to old things, however infantine, or a yet more ensnaring return of affection for them after being apparently weaned. |
| 126. | Hebrews 6:9-12 |
| So it is now in Christendom. What is it generally but land* that has drunk the rain that comes oft upon it, but, instead of bringing forth meet herbs, bears thorns and thistles? By God's word it is therefore rejected and nigh unto a curse (Luke 17:28-37 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. (Luke 17:28-37); {vi 28231-28232}Rom. |
| 127. | Hebrews: Introduction |
| From the absence of an address it has been doubted whether this is an epistle. The closing chapter however, with not a few confirmations less marked throughout, is proof positive that it has a real epistolary nature, though, like the letter to the saints in Rome, somewhat of a treatise |
| 128. | If Thou Knewest the Gift of God |
| The woman of Samaria knew it not, nor did the Jews a whit more; nor does the natural man in Christendom. It is wholly beyond the heart and mind till renewed from above. The heathen could not but regard their deities as the projected image of themselves, of like passions |
| 129. | Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture: Review |
| In the April number of a popular periodical an article appears bearing the title of "The Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture." It comes from the pen of one who is unquestionably a leader of men in the sphere of politics, no other than Mr. Gladstone, the glamor of whose name |
| 130. | Joseph |
| For judging the history of Joseph to be typical or allegorical, like that of Hagar and Ishmael and a thousand others in scripture, we have clear warrant of the Holy Ghost. See Acts 7 But without this warrant, the use which in the New Testament is made of the |
| 131. | Joseph |
| Gen. 39-41—These chapters together form the third part in the history. |
| 132. | Joseph |
| Gen. 42-44.—These chapters give us the fourth section of the history. |
| 133. | Joseph |
| 45.-47. These chapters give us the fifth and closing section of our history. |
| 134. | Joys of Christ, The |
| We ought to think of the joys of Christ as well as His sorrows. Nothing shows where a man's heart is, and what it is, when oppressed, distressed, and full of sorrow, more than where his heart finds its joy, and if it finds a joy unreached by sorrow. We |
| 135. | Lord Is Coming, Mr. Haslam's the |
| 136. | Luke 2:14 |
| When the Word became flesh, the angels that celebrated creation acclaim, Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good pleasure in men (not merely goodwill). It is the same sense as " In Whom I am well pleased." Blessed unjealous praise of those holy beings -delighting in God's |
| 137. | Man's Need and God's Grace |
| Here we have the wonderful contrast between the ways and actings of man's heart toward God, and the ways and actings of God's heart toward poor needy creatures. These two things must be brought close, the one to the other, and be shown as they rightly are. Men's hearts were |
| 138. | Mark 9:50, Thoughts on |
| It is well known that the truest harmonies grow out of the strongest contrasts. The precepts of scripture are no exception to this rule. The connection is not obvious between a peaceable spirit and the discriminating zeal for God, which was doubtless typified by the salt of the sanctuary. But |
| 139. | Matthew 11:27, Thoughts on |
| " No man knoweth [ἐπιγινώσκει thoroughly knoweth] the Son but the Father." These words were spoken by the Son Himself. They are absolute and unqualified, and foreclose utterly, while they anticipate, the irreverent questionings of men. Our Lord's statement is the more striking that in the very same verse |
| 140. | Naaman the Syrian |
| The narrative in 2 Kings 5 has without doubt been used of God in blessing to many Its incidents are so truly evangelistic, the patience and the grace of God and His ways in blessing are so richly illustrated in His dealings with Naaman, that oft-times a simple, clear, |
| 141. | Obedience |
| One of the points on which the condition of the church of God hangs is whether obedience precedes blessing, or blessing obedience. Many are in some degree, though perhaps not by any means altogether, aware of the extent to which the principle has gone, that blessing must precede obedience where |
| 142. | Obedience |
| On the other hand the notion of tradition neither recognizes nor amends the state of things. It does not recognize it; for it assumes the literal state of things, but does not fulfill it. It does not acknowledge the evil and fallen state of the church. It assumes the continuance |
| 143. | Obedience |
| Let us turn to the third part of the subject, that obedience is the order of special gift. We have here direct and topical instruction of scripture on the subject in John 15 Of the principle of it we have an illustrious instance in Sampson and his history. There |
| 144. | Obedience and Blessing |
| Obedience
On the whole, the scripture is plain, as the principle is uniform,- that obedience is the way of blessing; and that we are not to wait for power to obey a command, but to obey it that we may find power. The Lord did not restore the hand that |
| 145. | Offerings: Leviticus 5 - 6:1-7, The |
| The sin-offering was a putting away of sin: ashant being what a man is guilty of toward God Whom it offends, his trespass; khata is rather his sin viewed as error from the right way. But the victim was identified with the evil to be borne from the |
| 146. | Offerings: the Burnt Offering - Leviticus 1, The |
| The sacrifices are connected with, and open out to us especially, the ground and the means of our approach to God. |
| 147. | Offerings: the Meal Offering - Leviticus 2, The |
| The meal-offering was of fine flour mingled with oil, anointed with oil, and frankincense thereon, to be brought to Aaron's sons the priests, who had their portion of it. But the priest was to burn the memorial of it on the altar, to be an offering made by fire for |
| 148. | Offerings: the Peace Offering - Leviticus 3, The |
| In leaven we see the character of sin, not only in the act but in the abstract. It is well to distinguish between sins as the fruit of our evil nature, and sin. The Holy Ghost detects not only sins in fact, but sin in the nature. Thus |
| 149. | Offerings: the Peace Offering - Leviticus 3, The |
| As the slain One, Jesus is that on which we must feed. He says, " The bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world; whose eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life." (John 6) When we |
| 150. | Offerings: the Priesthood Consecrated - Leviticus 8, The |
| We have considered in detail the work appointed for Aaron and his sons, as priests to Jehovah; we have now an account of the manner of setting them apart for that office. They are first washed with water, this signifying their sanctification by the word. In it the high priest |
| 151. | Offerings: the Priesthood Consecrated - Leviticus 8, The |
| This chapter is occupied with the offerings of the eighth day when Jehovah appeared, manifesting the acceptance of all and displaying His glory in the midst of the people. But it is earthly blessing, not heavenly. The blood of the sin-offering was not carried within the vail, though the body |
| 152. | Offerings: the Sin Offering - Leviticus 4, The |
| The offerings in this chapter differ in character from the preceding, being sacrifices made for actual transgressions. Before, we had the offering of Christ as a sweet savor, and the communion of the believer upon it; but here there is altogether a new revelation. The three former were delivered under |
| 153. | Offerings: Their Laws - Leviticus 6:8-30 - 7, The |
| We have in this section supplemental regulations chiefly for the priests, but of great value for all because of much added truth. Communion with the offering where enjoyable is prominent, and the limitations laid down distinctly. |
| 154. | Offerings: Trespass Offering - Leviticus 5, The |
| There is much that is important in the close of the account of these offerings. In the previous chapters the characters of the sacrifices were brought out. First, the perfectness of the offering of Jesus unto God: and, secondly, as outcast, treated as defiled, by reason of the sin that |
| 155. | Office in the Present Dispensation, On the Character of |
| It is remarkable how the Lord, when He has led us a little way by faith in simplicity of dependence on Him, provides for the exigency of circumstances which the failings of men produce around us, by the intervention of His gracious loving-kindness and guidance. He thereby teaches us to |
| 156. | Office in the Present Dispensation, On the Character of |
| Thus the apostles became the heads of derivative power apparently, at any rate the existing depositary of authority, for derivative commission was never conferred upon them; and stood before the world the founders of the church among the Jews with commission to extend it to all nations. But the Lord, |
| 157. | Office in the Present Dispensation, On the Character of |
| Accordingly the evidence which the apostle affords—of his apostolate is never derivative, or that he had Authority from others; but, "If I am not an apostle unto others, doubtless I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord: for though ye have ten thousand |
| 158. | Office in the Present Dispensation, On the Character of |
| Let us turn to what we have afterward of the maintenance, for a little season, of the order of the church of God before the re-assertion of the human derivative claim came to take the place of the Spirit of God. Let us take a glance at another part of |
| 159. | Orpah and Ruth |
| The Spirit of God does not detain us with many details as to Orpah, but devotes the book to the history of her sister-in-law. Yet, as we may be sure, no injustice is done. Naomi's good account of her is recorded. She fully and gratefully owns her kindness to the |
| 160. | Parochial Arrangement Destructive of Order in the Church |
| " God is not the author of confusion " (1 Cor. 14). |
| 161. | Parochial Arrangement Destructive of Order in the Church |
| And here we must note what is a great fallacy in the notion which the Church of England desires to give respecting her own constitution. It carries a falsehood on the face of it. We are referred to the articles, or canons, and prayer-book for her constitution and order; but |
| 162. | Parochial Arrangement Destructive of Order in the Church |
| The conclusion therefore which is forced upon our minds is, that the system is not only evil in the disastrous results of so many being called pastors who have no pastoral qualifications-a consequence flowing from the system of appointment; not only mischievous as restraining the exercise of liberty in the |
| 163. | Phinehas, The Death of the Wife of |
| If the affecting circumstances of the death of the wife of Phinehas lead to a deeper apprehension of the ways of God, and of His infinite grace in seeking to dwell with men, we shall find that they have not been recorded in vain. In the holy sensibilities of a |
| 164. | Promise |
| The promise,* without condition, is given of God and must surely be accomplished; but it does not raise the question of righteousness, nor satisfy it either: and while we lean merely on promise, we cannot have peace. Conscience is before promise; not only responsibility but knowledge of good and evil, |
| 165. | Promise of Life, The |
| The Promise of Life.-Titus 1
It is at the beginning of this chapter that the spirit of God marks with an especial character that on which I desire to speak-the eternal thought of God toward us which we find in verses 2, 3. Evil had come in; the |
| 166. | Promise of Life, The |
| Well, it is in this world that the eternal life has been and is manifested now. Is it by first mending and reconstructing man, by setting the world right, that God gives eternal life? Is life to be got by reforming the world, by modifying the evil of the ways |
| 167. | Propitiation |
| It may help souls, in danger of being perplexed by words as unintelligent as they are confidently uttered, if it be clearly understood that the same Hebrew expression for " atonement " is used throughout Lev. 16, and that this finds its counterpart in the Greek verb which the |
| 168. | Propitiation or Atonement, Few Words on |
| 169. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| Having Christ clearly brought in as the hope in Israel, as well as distinct frOm the mass the happy or blessed man, just and one of those justified by faith in Him, we have next a series (from Psa. 3), which concludes with the Lord Jesus, not merely Son |
| 170. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| Here also two psalms (9-10) open a new series which follows them, as Psa. 1 ii. prepared the way for those which last occupied us. It is not here the great principles of man righteous and the Messiah, with the experience of sorrow and trial to which this leads, |
| 171. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| Next follows a deeply affecting group, in which Christ appears, more evidently perhaps than in Psa. 8, and as distinctly as in Psa. 2 This is marked in the first and last of the three. |
| 172. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| The next group of Psalms has the common character of testimony, culminating in Psa. 22, which however, as expressing the expiatory sufferings of our Lord and their results may be viewed apart. Here again after the introduction of Psa. 19 the Messiah is prominent. |
| 173. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| Though this group has been well regarded as associated with the three preceding psalms, they may also form appropriately their most impressive supplement and crown. |
| 174. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| Now that Christ's place in reference to the godly Jewish remnant has been fully developed from the position He took on earth till He be owned by-and-by in His glory as Jehovah (16-24), we have the experience formed by that revelation, and pre-eminently by the prophecy of Him crucified and |
| 175. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| These psalms fall fitly together: not only so, but the first of the three appears to be an answer to the call in Psa. 28 For the encouragement of the faithful, Jehovah is proclaimed mightier than the mightiest, who are challenged to give Him glory. We see in the |
| 176. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| There is another want of the soul still deeper than the distress we have seen, deeper than death; the need that transgression be forgiven, that sin be covered by God, and that Jehovah should impute no iniquity. Thus only is guile effaced from the spirit. This is now prophetically announced; |
| 177. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| These psalms are occupied with the evil, not only so hostile to the righteous, but so wicked in God's sight and against His rights, as we see in Psa. 35 As usual, it is the Spirit of Christ guiding the remnant in feeling and estimating all relatively to their |
| 178. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| These two psalms constitute a pair, distinct from and rightly following those that precede, and as duly followed by Psa. 40; 41 They do not express the path of the just sustained by trusting in Jehovah, and tried in the face of confident prosperous enemies, with the land in |
| 179. | Psalms Book 1, The |
| Here again we have a pair of psalms, where Christ appears unmistakably, even if the latter be not so exclusively personal as the former, in which Christ chants His deliverance in connection with Israel and the earth. Hence Psa. 40 is more mixed with judgment at the close than |
| 180. | Psalms Book 1, The: Introduction |
| The Psalms are divided into five books or volumes; and this not by external marks only, but by internal distinctions full of interest. The first closes with Psa. 41 where a conclusion is manifest; the second, with Psalm 72, the last three verses marking closure; the third, with |
| 181. | Punishment and Reward |
| Q. Believing that the rejectors of God and His Son and salvation by grace will be everlastingly punished in hell, I ask will it be varied in intensity? We know that there will be degrees of reward in God's kingdom. Does this principle apply equally to punishment? |
| 182. | Rahab as Cited in Hebrews and James |
| The case of Rahab is one of deep interest. The Spirit of God uses it in the N. T. in two very different ways: in Heb. 11 to encourage believers; in James 2 to convict " vain "-that is, hollow, empty, foolish,-professors. Hebrews shows us that faith is |
| 183. | Receiving, On |
| Feeling increasingly our responsibility in receiving to the Lord's Table, I wish to make a few remarks upon the subject. Surely our hearts' desire is that we should not keep any away unnecessarily, nor admit any the Lord would not have there; because we are to receive "as Christ also |
| 184. | Religious Societies |
| There are two great subjects of interest to which any one taught of God most necessarily be awakened -the glory of God, and the necessities of man. In Jesus we perceive the most acute sensibility to the wretchedness of man: He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,-sighing, |
| 185. | Religious Societies |
| (Continued from page 13.) |
| 186. | Religious Societies |
| The utter in-subjection of the minds of christians to real church authority in the Spirit has doubtless been materially helped on by the introduction of the worldly expedient of a committee into a society professedly religions. Nor does the evil end here. We find among the agents of the several |
| 187. | Rest, the Word, and the Priesthood, The |
| Three things are spoken of here: one that we have not yet and two that we have. |
| 188. | Samuel, the Last Judge of Israel |
| That revealed truth is primarily for the conscience is perhaps nowhere more clearly seen than in the inspired history of Israel after their entrance into the land of Canaan. A consecutive history of the eventful period of the Judges would interest a student; but the Bible must in everything be |
| 189. | Samuel the Prophet |
| The quiet certainty which faith in God has imparted to the soul, enabling it calmly and implicitly to obey Him under the most trying circumstances and in every dispensation, is a fact much to be regarded in a skeptical age. The parting with her only child as soon as he |
| 190. | Samuel's Farewell Address |
| The first government given to Israel was the highest conceivable—-the direct government of God. They could say with truth, " The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King." That they should prove themselves unworthy of this supreme honor, this exalted government, which set |
| 191. | Saul |
| " Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, |
| 192. | Scripture Imagery: Aaron, the Priests, the Court of the Tabernacle |
| The tabernacle was surrounded by a spacious court which was enclosed by white curtains suspended from sixty pillars, socketed on " brass " and filleted with silver: the curtains being five cubits high, one hundred long and fifty wide. The court represents the especial sphere' of God's operations by human |
| 193. | Scripture Imagery: Abridgment of the 2000 Years |
| The construction of the tabernacle proceeds "from harmony to harmony" through "all the compass of its notes " until finally it closes with the full chords of a splendid diapason. |
| 194. | Scripture Imagery: Boards, Bars, Sockets and Curtain of the Tabernacle |
| As the temple is stated in the New Testament to be merely typical of the body of the redeemed, who are built together as "living stones," so the tabernacle is another aspect of the same principle. The latter gives the aspect of the church in the wilderness; and it is |
| 195. | Scripture Imagery: Coverings of the Tabernacle |
| There were, then, three coverings over the completed tabernacle to shield it from defilement and injury: First, the curtain of goats' hair which presents its aspect to man-nothing indeed very attractive to sight: a curious contrast to its aspect toward God, which we saw in the gorgeous and radiant beauties |
| 196. | Scripture Imagery: Death in the Sanctuary |
| Directly after the tabernacle has been set up and consecrated with such imposing solemnity and happy anticipation, a frightful event occurs. Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, are stricken down dead before the altar by a blast of divine wrath. |
| 197. | Scripture Imagery: Gifts and Work of the Tabernacle, the True Atlantes and Caryatides |
| The Israelites gave very generously of their possessions in order to construct the tabernacle; for so inconsistent are men that they will offer gifts freely to the true God one day and worship veal the next. People are only consistently good or bad in books. When the satyr turned the |
| 198. | Scripture Imagery: Israel as Illustrating the Principles of Divine Service |
| ISRAEL AS ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE SERVICE. |
| 199. | Scripture Imagery: Israel's Diet, the Swine, the Hare |
| It appears somewhat strange that Keshub Chunder Sen's religion of Yoga has not been more successful than at present seems to be the case, for it has in it every element of popularity. The only way of accounting for its failure is in recognizing the truth of what Talleyrand cynically |
| 200. | Scripture Imagery: Knops, Loops, Taches |
| Those qualities of diversity and unity which, being combined, form the principle of Fellowship, are illustrated in every detail of the Tabernacle. The coverings and curtains are made in several pieces, but linked by loops and taches of blue and gold. The building is of so many different boards but |
| 201. | Scripture Imagery: Outside the Camp, Illumined Faces |
| OUTSIDE THE CAMP. ILLUMINED FACES. |
| 202. | Scripture Imagery: Results of Moses' Intercession |
| When the positivist young man told the minister that he would never believe anything that he could not understand, the old man replied that his creed, then, must be very short. And the reply was well within the truth, which is, perhaps, more fully expressed by the German paper in |
| 203. | Scripture Imagery: the Ark, the Mercy-Seat, the Sanctuary |
| "Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them: "* the primary principle of worship was enunciated in that word " sanctuary." The dignity and majesty of God is of such nature that no worship can be acceptable that is not holy; and, as there was |
| 204. | Scripture Imagery: the Brazen Altar |
| Directions having now been given regarding everything within the tabernacle except the golden altar, we might naturally expect that that would be the next thing treated of, but three long chapters intervene. We must not think however that there is any lack of order here: the lightning may move (to |
| 205. | Scripture Imagery: the Breastplate, the Priest's Robes |
| The long and elaborate explanation of the priests' dress is of course full of important spiritual meaning. The Messianic colors and symbols are everywhere interwoven. The golden bells and pomegranates pendant from his robes are considered by some to signify the principles of testimony and fruitfulness. When the fine linen |
| 206. | Scripture Imagery: the Candlestick, the Table, the Tongs |
| The next thing in the tabernacle that is treated of is the position of the people of God. They ax represented by the twelve loaves of shewbread, corresponding to the number of the tribes; and these emblems are placed on a table before the ark -but outside a vail. This |
| 207. | Scripture Imagery: the Golden Altar |
| There is a sort of double consecration of Aaron for the position of high priest. Firstly, as typifying Christ personally, where it is without blood -simply with water and oil, that is, by the word and Spirit. There was no need of blood in this case, for of course there |
| 208. | Scripture Imagery: the Golden Calf |
| Whilst God was elaborating a system of worship of such mystic beauties and splendors that angels desired to look into it, those for whom it was being designed prepared a system for themselves, gross and bestial, on the plain below. The incense is ever the climax: the golden calf the |
| 209. | Scripture Imagery: the Incense, the Ointment, Counterfeits |
| Directions followed for making the holy ointment with which the tabernacle and its appurtenances were to be anointed. The chief component is the olive oil, which, being mingled with certain fragrant and medicinal qualities, typifies the unction of the Holy One who sanctifies by His presence the true Tabernacle of |
| 210. | Scripture Imagery: the Intercession of Moses |
| We are apt to suppose that the position of a ruler is easy and enviable. And so doubtless it would be, if one could accept its privileges without feeling its responsibilities, like an oriental Pacha. Generally those who covet such positions would feel but little of the obligations, and |
| 211. | Scripture Imagery: the Laver, the Staves of the Altar |
| Directions are then given to provide staves wherewith to carry the Golden Altar; signifying that the basis of worship is to accompany us in our wanderings down here, They indicate that worship like the Ark or Mercy-seat-is not to be a matter of one locality, but of all localities; though |
| 212. | Scripture Imagery: the Pillar of Cloud |
| At length the Tabernacle stands finished in the midst of the enormous multitude of worshippers. And as it stands, radiant and resplendent with ineffable glories, it expresses to the universe the thoughts of God concerning Christ and His people. Pray reflect on what a wonderful possibility it is for |
| 213. | Scripture Imagery: the Slave's Ear Bored, the Thirty Shekels |
| When Tischendorf went to Mount Sinai, he found a copy of the Gospels there, where it had been for nearly 1,500 years. It was a strange phenomenon, the mountain laboring and bringing forth-a dove. In the same way when the Law itself had existed for about 1,500 years, the Interpreter |
| 214. | Scripture Queries and Answers: "Baptized Into Christ" |
| Q. The expression "baptized into Christ" is found in Rom. 6:3 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3); also in Gal. 3:2727 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27). See also 1 Cor. 12:1313 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13), where the agency of the Holy Spirit in Baptism is clearly indicated. Is it not so? |
| 215. | Shelter From Judgment: the Soul's Start With God |
| In the dealings of God with an earthly people there are many important samples given of what sovereign grace is, and what it provides as to evil and good; so that freedom from the former may with positive certainty be known, and decided blessing in the latter enjoyed. That souls |
| 216. | Sin-Bearing |
| Q. Was sin-bearing only on the cross, when the Lord said " My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Yet when Christ expired, God was not then hiding His face from Him; for He said, " Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit;" still |
| 217. | Sin of Eli and Its Results, The |
| There are few narratives in scripture more calculated to impress us with the solemn reality of having to do with God than the history of the closing days of this aged high priest. We are assured that it is given to us for this purpose, and to faith it will |
| 218. | Things New and Old, A Few Words on: Review |
| Perhaps the little paper so entitled and just received scarce calls for notice; especially as edification is here desired, not controversy. But it is sad to see truth trampled in the streets, and one thing of moment perverted to undermine another still more momentous. |
| 219. | Thou Wouldest Have Asked of Him |
| The Lord proceeds to lead on the woman and inspire confidence in her heart; and the Holy Spirit records it for others who were to hear His words when written: for they surely are spirit and life, words of life eternal. As yet she was spiritually dull and dark. She |
| 220. | Trial of Jealousy, The |
| "His blood be upon us and upon our children," said the Jews of their betrayed and crucified King. And so it is with them unto this day. Their land, which should have been the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts, has become an Aceldama-a field of blood; and as they |
| 221. | True Worship |
| True worship is in a known relationship, praising, adoring, thanking, blessing God, in the consciousness of His favor, in His presence as those brought in by the work of Christ, both cleansed and according to the value and savor of His sacrifice; but as in a known relationship of present |
| 222. | Two Natures in a Believer, The |
| DEAR FRIENDS, |
| 223. | Unwritten Things Which Jesus Did, The |
| "There are also many other things which Jesus did." And since He did them, clearly they were not aimless, but had a divinely ordained purpose. It might be asked why they are not recorded if such questioning were not anticipated in the selfsame verse. The answer is, that a complete |