The object of this paper was to show how the subject matter of Genesis is interwoven with the whole thread of Scripture, and underlies the entire structure of the word of God. Of no other book can this be said in the same way; as another has so well remarked, “this book presents to us all the great elementary principles which find their development in the history of God with man, which are recorded in the following books. The germ of each of these principles will be found here, unless we except the law. There was, however, a law given to Adam in innocence, and Hagar, we know, prefigures at least Sinai. (Galatians 4) There is scarcely anything afterward accomplished of which the expression is not found in this book in one form or another. There is found also in it, though the sad history of man’s fall be there, a freshness in the relationship of men with God, which is scarcely met with afterward in men accustomed to abuse it. But whether it be the creation, man and his fall, sin, the power of Satan, the promises, the call of God, His judgment of the world, redemption, the covenants, the separation of the people of God, their condition as strangers on the earth, the resurrection, the establishment of Israel in the land of Canaan, the blessing of the nations, the seed of promise, the exaltation of a rejected Lord to the throne of the world, all are found here in fact or in figure-and also, in figure, now that we have the key, even the church itself.”
We think it most valuable to have such a testimony to the value of this book as last month’s subject affords in days like these, when this particular book is attacked more fiercely than any other. No part of the Bible has been so assailed by skeptics and freethinkers, and even by professing Christians, (notably Bishop Colenso,) and yet no book is so universally accepted and quoted from by all the other inspired writers.
It is worthy of note in these days of evolution, when even the necessity of a first cause is hardly acknowledged, still less a living God, to observe how full is the testimony that the creation is the direct work of God, and also how clearly the Genesis origin of man is supported by other Scriptures. We earnestly commend the typical study of this wonderful book to all our readers, as it sheds a great light -on the truths of the New Testament in the way of illustration, while on the other hand, many parts of the New Testament in return, notably Hebrews 11, Acts 7, etc. throw a fresh light on many of the transactions recorded here; thus affording one more proof of the wonderful unity of the whole word of God.
The Books of The Bible. —NO. 5. The Books and Canon Of The New Testament.
It was during the reign of Nero, the ravening “lion” (2 Timothy 4:1717Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (2 Timothy 4:17)) that the Apostles Paul and Peter were martyred; the former by beheading, the latter by crucifixion, and at his own request, with his head down, as unworthy to die like his Master. We see no reason to doubt the tradition concerning these beloved Apostles; certain it is that both had special revelations of their near end, although not of the manner of their death. It may be well to remark in passing, that both Apostles firmly insisted on the saints rendering obedience and honor to Nero the King or Emperor—one of the worst and most cruel of men who ever sat upon the throne of the Caesar; not the character of the ruler, but the office he fills, is that which demands the respect and reverence of the saints of God. (Romans 13:1-71Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1‑7); 1 Peter 2:1717Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (1 Peter 2:17)).
We dare not defile the minds of our readers, nor blot our pages with a recital of the cruelties practiced by Nero during a reign of 13 years. Suffice it to say that their record is written on high by a pen that faithfully chronicles the deeds and thoughts of men. After the ignominious death of the tyrant, three Emperors in succession assumed the purple and swayed the earthly destinies of mankind, considerably within a period of two years, followed by the prosperous reigns of Vespasian and his son Titus—termed by the Romans the “delight of mankind.” It was during the reign of these Emperors that the Judean war commenced and the siege of Jerusalem took place—a siege unexampled in the annals of history. The Gentiles destroyed Jerusalem so completely, that the Roman plow passed over the city (Micah 3:1212Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. (Micah 3:12)) and death and slavery were the appointed portion of her people. (Deuteronomy 27:49-57.) But again, the Star of Jacob will rise and the sons of her destroyers build up her walls, and pour their treasures and wealth into the city of the Savior’s love and choice. (Isaiah 60)
Next, we have the reign of Domitian, who had been nominated to the throne of his brother Titus. What a period! We question if the blackest page of history can furnish one equal to it. For about 15 years from A.D. 81, the Roman world lay bleeding at the feet of the despot. The wickedness of this man, who spared neither age, sex, nor rank in the gratification of his avarice and cruelty is without a parallel. The sufferings of the Christians under the second legal persecution during this dismal reign were truly awful, and the torments to which they were subjected, barbarous in the extreme. Domitian not only trod closely in the steps of Nero, but even exceeded that insane tyrant and hater of mankind in glutting himself with the blood and agonies of his subjects and of the saints of God.
It is traditionally reported that the beloved Apostle John and the then only survivor of “The Twelve,” was brought before the Emperor, and after a brief examination, ordered to be cast into a cauldron of flaming oil, but after a few hours came out unhurt. Tertullian, who flourished in the third century, asserts the truth of it, and it has been asked, which, if any, of the early writers denies it? It is certain however, that John was doomed to perpetual banishment in the rocky isle of Patmos. In that dreary convict establishment of about 25 miles in circumference, washed by the waves of the Aegean Sea, the worst of criminals were sent to drag out a weary existence by laboring in the mines which then existed in the Island. We may be sure that the stern Roman Emperor would allow the prisoner of the Lord no exemption from the hard toil and vicious society of Patmos. There is a Greek monastery now in the Island, and the idle monks profess to point out the very cave where John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, where the visions and sights narrated in the Apocalypse were seen, and where the prophecy was written. On the accession of Nerva, the edicts of Domitian were canceled, the banished Christians recalled, and their confiscated property restored. John, on the general authority of antiquity, returned from the inhospitable isle of Patmos to Ephesus, the flourishing capital of Asia, and there peacefully ended his days at the advanced age of 100, full of love and labor for his beloved Master.
We are not aware that John left any authoritative declaration of what books were canonical. If each of the 66 books of the Bible do not carry with them their own evidence to the soul and conscience of man, then no external evidence will convince. It is an important circumstance that John survived the completed revelation of God by several years. He was there to distinguish, on his Apostolic authority immediately derived from the Lord Jesus Christ, the inspired from the uninspired books then in circulation amongst the Churches. He could be appealed to if necessary on any point involving the Divine authority of any book of Holy Scripture.
John’s personal knowledge of the Lord, and his familiar acquaintance with the writings of his fellow Apostles and others, and we might add, his jealous regard for the glory of his Master, His person and work, fitted the Apostle above all others for the task of handing over to the Church a full Bible. We have positive evidence that no writings subsequent to those of John have ever been admitted into the canon of the New Testament. It is true that numerous Christian books were in circulation, even in the days of Luke, the writer of the third Gospel, and of “The Acts,” (Luke 1:11Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, (Luke 1:1)) some of them attributed to the Apostles and their companions, but they were not regarded as inspired, however highly esteemed otherwise. We frankly admit too that certain Epistles, as Hebrews, 2 Peter, Jude and Revelation were not at first universally received as canonical, owing to the difficulty of communication existing in these early times. It was no easy matter then for Churches or individuals to hold mutual intercourse, and it must be borne in mind that Epistles were addressed to persons in some instances 1000 miles apart; besides which, reliable copies of the originals required time and care. These facts remembered, we are thankful for the extreme caution with which the canon of the New Testament was finally accepted. When the 27 books of the New Testament were first collected, or the principle on which they were arranged, is of little consequence. It is just as evident on moral grounds that “The Revelation” forms a fitting conclusion to the New Testament, as that “Malachi” closes the canon of the Old; and this form of evidence is of far more value than any other, inasmuch as it reaches the conscience and carries inward conviction to the soul. If, therefore, the last of the Hebrew prophets leaves Israel under the last pleadings of Jehovah’s love till the advent of the Messiah in grace, so the last of the Apostles leaves the Church under the warning voice of the Spirit of God till the advent of Christ in glory. “The Scripture cannot be broken,” so Malachi and Matthew bridge the four centuries and a half between them, the Spirit uniting them in one common testimony, “for the Scripture cannot be broken.” (Malachi 3:1; 4:51Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)
5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: (Malachi 4:5) with Matthew 17:11-1311And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 12But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. 13Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:11‑13)). Again, Moses the lawgiver and John the apostle stretch hands over the gulf of 16 centuries for again “the Scripture cannot be broken” (Genesis 1, Revelation 21) The Holy Bible is a noble bridge of 66 arches, only undermine one and the whole system of Revelation goes. Reader, hold fast the inspired Scriptures of our God.
(To be continued.)