The following pages are largely the result of Bible readings, or addresses, on the Feasts of Jehovah. The addresses were first given after reading, and greatly enjoying Mr. John Ritchie's little book, "The Feasts of Jehovah: Bright Foreshadowing of Grace and Glory.”
The writer's first thought was to seek to translate that little book into Chinese, but as the work progressed, it seemed well to go beyond the limits of the original, and the present book could not in any way be said to be a translation of it. At the same time Mr. Ritchie's little book has been the groundwork on which this has been based, and the writer very gratefully acknowledges his great debt to its author. Many parts of this book are taken directly from Mr. Ritchie's work.
The writer is also indebted to many other authors. He has freely drawn on all works that have been available to him. Especially must he mention "Plain Papers on Prophetic Subjects" by Mr. W. Trotter, and "Synopsis of the Books of the Bible" and other books by Mr. J. N. Darby.
He would also like to acknowledge with the deepest gratitude the loving, faithful service of Mr. Shih T'ien Min, who has done all the translation work, and without whose labor this book would never have appeared.
It is the earnest desire of those who have labored over these pages that they may be like a finger pointing our hearts to the Feasts of Jehovah, Feasts that were designed and arranged by the Lord to turn our hearts to Himself, that we might better learn to know His grace, and to cheer us for the dark pathway down here, by a sight of the bright Glory ahead.
Jeroboam arranged a feast on "the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart." (1 Kings 12.33). This was abominable to the Lord. May it act as a warning to us to be subject to the Word of God, and as a proof of the importance of each Feast, just in its own appointed time and way. If we approach this most lovely subject in such a spirit, we believe that we cannot fail to be refreshed.
The greater part of the English manuscripts were prepared only with a view to their translation into Chinese, and were shown to two or three trusted Christian friends at home for their criticism. One of these has urged their publication in English, and by his liberality has made it possible to carry out this work. The writer is deeply thankful for this friend's kindness and encouragement, and for his valuable criticisms and corrections.
No effort has been made to change the style, which aims only at simplicity for translation work, and was not intended for English readers. We must ask their forbearance, and hope that in spite of this "mao p'ing," the Feasts of Jehovah may so direct each heart to the grace and glory of God, that it may overflow in worship to the One who graciously ordained these feasts.
The abbreviation "N.T." with the references, means that the quotation is taken from the "New Translation" by J. N. Darby.
Preface to Second Edition
Through God's mercy, a second edition of this little book has been called for. A few additions and corrections have been made, but otherwise it is similar to the first edition. May the Lord graciously use it to the encouragement and building up of His people: and for His Own Glory.
G.C.W.