A connected view of some of the scriptural evidence of the Redeemer's speedy personal return...

Front matter

0*

» o

© N O

Preface

TO

THE FIRST EDITION.

The personal presence of the Redeemer on earth during the Millennium was the prevailing expectation of the early Christian Church. With the progress of error, however, this doctrine also became corrupted ; and, in consequence, was at length almost entirely discarded as unscriptural. Still it has been the hope of a few in all subsequent ages, although for many centuries the attention of the Church in general has not been directed to the subject. But as the time approaches when the orthodoxy of our creed must be decided by the event, the question of its divine authority assumes a new interest, and a more urgent call is addressed to us to examine the foundation on which our opinions rest. A stricter investigation of Scripture on the subject has compelled the author of the following pages to relinquish, as untenable, the sentiments he formerly entertained, and to rank himself among the number of those who are " looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of

the Great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ," as an event

A vi PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

speedily to be realized. And having, as he trusts, obtained more correct ideas of the time and purpose of the Saviour's Return, in the hope that it may of service to others, he has been induced to endeavour to present, in a regular and connected form, part of that chain of evidence which has brought full conviction to his own mind.

Deeply important as the subject undoubtedly is, it has not, in modern times at least, obtained that consideration to which it is entitled ; and most of the Magazines and Reviews, even of a religious character, which have at all adverted to the late efforts for its revival, have made ridicule their test of truth, and — often without the shadow of argument as their warrant — have poured upon its defenders unmeasured abuse. In palliation of the outrage, it is sometimes alleged to have been provoked by the tone of haughty superciliousness assumed by Millenarians. Truth does, indeed, often suffer from the indiscretions of her friends, but there can be little doubt that still more frequently are her interests injured by an implicit deference to human authority, — the overpowering influence of which renders alike difficult and irksome any material deviation from established maxims and opinions, The latter evil has perhaps operated most ban efully upon the interests of the doctrine in question, although not a few who have stood forward in its defence, have neither been overawed by that enslaving " fear of man" which " bringeth a snare/' nor provoked to bitterness by that rancorous hostility with which they have been assailed. The display by either

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. vii

party of a spirit of wrathfulness towards those who differ in opinion, is unworthy of the cause of truth, and by alienating affection must tend to the confirmation of error, on whomsoever this is justly charged.

In the following remarks, the author has stated with firmness his convictions, but it has been his sincere desire to avoid whatever has the appearance of dogmatism or arrogance — a spirit ill calculated to win converts to any truth, but which would be especially unbecoming in him on this interesting subject. The consciousness of his incapacity to treat aright so important a doctrine — the fact that in many of the past ages of the Church, as well as in the present day, the great proportion of pious, eminent, and faithful ministers of Christ, have been, and are opposed to the views he entertains and desires to advocate — and the remembrance that till recently he regarded these opinions as destitute of that sanction which alone can give them a claim upon our faith — all of these considerations present reasons why, in defending this doctrine, he should be willing to give to others a reason of the hope that is in him with meekness and fear.

As intimately connected with the doctrine of our Lord's advent, a selection of Scripture passages relative to the Restoration of Israel and their future glory has been prefixed : and for the same reason, and on account of our interest in them, some passages have also been appended, in proof of the judgments which shall precede that happy

time. The whole subject is thus brought before the

a2 viii

Preface To The First Edition

reader, who will be better enabled to determine on its general bearing and mutual support. Conceiving this to be a subject which admits not of aid from the fancies of men, the author has confined himself exclusively to the Scriptural Evidence ; and reference is made to the passages produced, that the legitimacy of their application may be more easily ascertained. The design has been to submit a Commend of Proof, making Scripture its own interpreter, rather than to enter elaborately into the discussion of any one point. An opportunity is thus afforded of observing how fully the doctrine of Christ's premillennial advent, and all its concomitants, harmonizes with the manifold and varied statements of Revealed Truth. To some it might have added to the strength of the argument, to have presented extracts from the primitive Fathers. It were easy to prove that these doctrines were maintained by all orthodox Christians during the first two centuries of the Church, and generally to a much later period ; although then, as now, difference of opinion existed relative to certain portions of Prophecy.* To have done justice, however, to this part of

* A few extracts are given by Bishop Newton in his Dissertations on Prophecy, and, in an excellent Reply to various criticisms which appeared on the course of Lectures, delivered in Edinburgh, May 1828, by the Rev. Edward Irving; together with a statement and

defence of the scriptural doctrine of the second advent of Christ

For a Vindication of the Primitive Fathers, see the remarks on Dr. Hamilton's work, in the appendix to a very candid and temperate letter to the editor of the Edinburgh Theological Magazine, by William Cuninghame, Esq. of Lainshaw, published in reply to a review of his former valuable critical pamphlet on this subject.

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. ix

the inquiry would have occupied more space than was consistent with the present design. Besides, if the doctrines themselves have been proved to be Scriptural, any auxiliary to establish their claim upon our faith is unnecessary ; and if they had been found destitute of this foundation, extrinsic aid must have proved inefficient for their support.

The substance of part of the following sheets was written in the summer of 1 828, during the author's residence in Edinburgh, as a reply to the first of a series of articles which at that time appeared in the Christian Instructor ; but the communication not having been acknowledged, he conceived that it might be useful to re-arrange, correct, and enlarge it for separate publication. In prosecuting this design, it has been judged expedient, as preserving the continuity of the general argument, and for greater condensation, to throw into the form of Notes such of the remarks as have been retained which, more particularly apply to that author. Notes have also been subjoined on such of the arguments of others as seemed to bear against those advanced. In this, no disrespect is designed towards men who may have been eminently useful by their other labours. The author feels pain in being compelled to differ from any who are entitled to respect ; and especially does he regret the necessity of publicly opposing the venerable Mr. Mason, from whose writings his earliest acquaintance with Unfulfilled Prophecy was derived, and to whose occasional pulpit ministrations he has been much indebted. A con-

viction of imperative duty, and a fear of the injury which

a3

X

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

the interests of truth might sustain from the omission, could alone have induced him to insert these Remarks.

The author has only to add, that he had determined to publish anonymously, and should still have adhered to his resolution, but from an apprehension that it might have been construed into an unchristian fear of openly avowing his faith in any part of divine truth, when derided or opposed — an imputation to which he would not willingly be subjected, remembering our Lord's declaration, when formerly upon the earth, "whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed when He cometh in the glory of His Father, with the holy angels." May He be pleased to bless this attempt, by rendering it useful in leading some to a more careful examination of the sublime doctrines it is designed to establish.

JAMES A. BEGG.

Paisley, March 26th, 1829.

PREFACE

TO

THE SECOND EDITION.

In again presenting to the Church the Scriptural argument for the premillennial coming of the Saviour, and other doctrines with which it stands connected, the author desires to record his gratitude for the favourable reception it has obtained. He neither is nor does he wish to appear insensible to the value of the many pleasing proofs with which he has been furnished, that his humble labours have not been in vain. And the readiness with which the first impression was disposed of affords encouraging evidence of the increased attention directed to the subjects discussed; and from its already being translated into the German language, he indulges the hope that his little work may yet be rendered still more extensively useful in arousing the slumbering virgins from their lethargy, that they may be ready to meet the coming Bridegroom.

In the present edition, a Section on the conversion of Israel has been added. It is not for the purpose of proving that the fact of their future conversion is matter of divine prediction that this addition is now made. The fact itself is so universally admitted, that even the citation of Scripture passages for its establishment would be superfluous. But while there continues prevalent a system of interpretation by which the numerous and express predictions of xii PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

Messiah's coming and continued abode on earth are declared to mean merely the conversion of God's ancient people, and the universal reception of Christianity, it may be useful to show how little necessity there is for confounding them together or merging them into each other — the faithfulness of God being pledged for the certainty of both, and the divine promises concerning them being sufficiently distinct, and uniformly recorded in language altogether dissimilar, but quite appropriate, and perfectly adapted for severally conveying ideas in themselves so unlike.

Besides the evidence formerly advanced for the Literal Interpretation of Prophecy where figures are not introduced, all the earlier Sections are now enlarged, by the addition of arguments derived from the immediate contexts of the passages adduced. Indeed, the system of spiritual interpretation, as it is called, by which the promises (why not also the threatenings?) of God to " the house of Israel and to the house of Judah" are appropriated to themselves by the Gentile church, is thus shown to be not more destitute of all direct authority than it is palpably at variance with the language in which they are conveyed. The duty of pointing attention to these predictions becomes the more necessary from the growing opposition manifested by many to the fact of Israel's restoration — an opposition which, if we mistake not, the Scriptures represent as ultimately reaching such a length that Britain herself may yet join that confederation which shall endeavour to thwart the declared purposes of the Most High.

Some of the additional notes contain an examination of

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. xiii

the principles advanced by Dr. Wardlaw in the last two Sermons of his recently published volume, and a few remarks on Mr. Faber's " Sacred Calender of Prophecy," which the author has only latterly perused. It was indeed designed to have examined with greater frequency the arguments contained in the last-named work, which, though more elaborate, do not appear more solid than those advanced by others of similar views. It was, however, found impossible, within the limits of subjoined notes, to follow this author through his lengthened observations on the few passages he has discussed; while his reasonings were not deemed of sufficient importance to warrant on their account great departure from the adopted plan of the work. The author would renew his expression of regret at being thus called to controvert the opinions of those so distinguished for talent and Christian attainments. In examining the soundness of his opinions, much is due especially to the spirit displayed by Dr. Wardlaw, and for the ready appeal he makes to the standard of truth — a spirit which, while it adds to the esteem we have long cherished, also forms a pleasing contrast to the temper which has not unfrequently been displayed in the discussion of this subject. The nature of the remarks made will not, we trust, be found inconsistent with the courtesy implied in such an acknowledgment.

These and various other improvements will, it is hoped, render the " Connected View" more complete, and fit it for greater usefulness in directing attention to " the Redeemer's Speedy Personal Return." As the object aimed at by its publication is the promotion of more general inquiry concerning

XIV PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

the subjects of which it treats, the price has been fixed low; but whatever profits may arise from this edition will be devoted to the London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews. The interest which every Christian ought to feel in the descendants of Abraham might of itself sufficiently justify such a preference. But on the affectionate regards of those who are " looking for and hasting unto the day of God," this Society has peculiar claims. Several of its most valued missionaries regularly teach with fidelity the Saviour's Speedy Coming and Glorious Reign. They have gone forth the heralds not only of the cross, but of the crown of Jesus. They at once proclaim the Saviour born of a virgin, and as coming with the clouds of heaven — as already " come in the fulness of time," and as yet to be sent " when the Times of Refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" — as " the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world," and the Lord coming " with fire and with His chariots like a whirlwind to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire" — as having expired on Calvary's cross, and as yet to " reign in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously." Unfettered, in short, by the trammels of an unauthorized system of interpretation, they truly expound the Scripture Prophecies, and unfold to the faith of the inquiring Jew those truths sublime which the aspiring and rebellious reason of the Christian so often rejects or but reluctantly receives.

J. A. B.

Paisley, March 26tk, 1830.

Contents

Sect. Page.

1 Introductory Remarks on the Study of Prophecy,

2 Conversion of Israel, ...

SECTION I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ON THE STUDY OF PROPHECy

It is painful to contemplate the inconsistencies of even pious minds concerning Divine Revelation. Many who formally assent to the truth, " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," do in effect deny it. Some are not ashamed to assert, that the rule of Christian conduct is contained, in the New Testament alone ; and, acting on the principle they avow, altogether neglect the Old. Yet it was this very portion of revelation which Christ enjoined the Jews to search, as testifying of Him, and which he commends to our careful consideration by his frequent quotations from it.

Convinced that such utter neglect of any part of God's word must be criminal, others obey in form the Saviour's injunction, while they forget its spirit. They read without seeking sufficiently to understand ; they search not for its meaning as for hid treasure. Thus, much of Heaven's precious gift is regarded as of little value, and many of its unfulfilled prophecies, especially, have become in a great measure a dead letter. Indeed, the opinion had long and almost universally prevailed, that it was alike useless and impious to attempt to withdraw the veil of mystery which overhangs the revelation of events still future ; and although more correct ideas now partially obtain, exhortations to the obvious duty of prophetic inquiry are still occasionally met by the undutiful evasion, " It is presumptuous to pry into the secrets of God." There are, doubtless, mysteries,

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ON [Sect. t.

the full knowledge of which is far beyond the reach of human ken, and into which it would be sinful curiously to pry. But never can presumption attach to our endeavour to know and understand what God himself has revealed, and to the investigation of which He has promised his special blessing. " Secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever." Deut. xxix. 29. If, then, we would not be found chargeable with neglect of a large portion of that Book which bears the impress of its divine original — which is the record of God's doings, and the revelation of His unfulfilled designs — it becomes us reverently to inquire, with prayerful diligence, what He has been pleased to declare, and to seek to know " what Israel ought to do."

It is a common objection to the study of Prophecy, that it is dark, and that its meaning is not designed to be understood till aftei its accomplishment. It is, indeed, essential to the very nature of certain prophecies, that their import should not be known to all, nor perceived by any at a glance. But it ought not to be forgotten, that while we are informed these very mysteries shall be hid from the wicked, the promise is to the wise that they shall understand. Dan. xii. 10. x\nd although the fulfilment of Prophecy does effectually serve to attest the truth of Christianity, and gives a glorious display of the omniscience of God, yet the opinion that it is not designed to be at all understood till fulfilled, is refuted alike by the express declaration of Heaven, and the past experience of the Church. This is neither the only end it was designed to serve, nor the only approved use to which it has been applied. " We have," says an inspired apostle, " a more sure word of Prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts." 2 Pet. i. 19. And so it has ever been regarded by the saints of God in other days. It was not while in listlessness about the fulfilment of former predictions, that new communications were vouchsafed to the beloved Daniel ; but when, having " understood by books the number of the years" of Jerusalem's desolation, he besought God " by prayer and supplication." Dan. ix. 2. The Saviour reproved with much severity the Pharisees of old, because they perceived not the reality of

Sect. I.]

THE STUDY OF PROPHECY.

his Messiahship by " discerning the signs of the times ;" and, by the parable of the fig-tree, he inculcates upon his disciples the duty of watching for the indications of His Return. Matt. xvi. 3. xxiv. 32. The whole history of the Church indeed, in former ages, furnishes abundant refutation of the opinion that prophetic times and circumstances cannot be ascertained.* The Christians who dwelt in Jerusalem at the period immediately preceding its destruction, clearly saw the time of the Saviour's prophetic warning, when, in obedience to his injunction, they escaped and fled. It was by faith in the truth of the divine prediction, and by attention to its times and circumstances, that, in the awful calamities which overtook the unbelieving and devoted city, not a hair of their heads did perish. Was not the period of Daniel's " seventy weeks" recognized by the devout and waiting Israelites who received the Saviour as their promised Messiah ? Nay, is it not a fact recorded by History, and known to all, that the Jews, as a nation, did expect their Messiah at the very time of Christ's appearance in the world? and through them did not the expectation of some wonderful Personage extend to the nations around ? The fact of his rejection argues nothing against

* It is in mercy to His people, although it will add to the condemnation of the wicked, that God has given such clear and determinate intimations of 44 the things that are to come hereafter ;" and any attempt to throw unnecessary doubt upon the certainty of the "times" revealed, calls for severe reprehension. To this charge there is reason to fear the Examinator of Mr. Irving's Opinions, in the Edinburgh Christian Instructor for 1828, (p. 476) has exposed himself, when, in order to strengthen his argument for the impossibility of determining the commencement of " the mighty year of God's glory," he fixes upon a misprint of one of the dates in our version of the Septuagint. " In regard to the long period of Daniel," there is, in reality, no reason for its being 44 disputed, whether we should read with the Hebrew 2300, or with the Septuagint 2400 years." Although all our common editions of the Septuagint have this typographical error, being printed from an edition into which it had crept, yet the Manuscript in the Vatican, from which that very edition was printed, has 2300, and not 2400. And of all the principal standard editions of the Septuagint, that alone from which ours are taken has this error. Let not, then, the carelessness of men be charged upon the Most High, nor the errors of copyists on the Spirit of inspiration.— For a full statement on this subject, see " The Scheme of Prophetic Arrangement of the Rev. Edward Irving and Mr. Frere critically examined, by William Cunninghame, Esq. of Lainshaw."

b2

OX THE STUDY OF PROPHECY.

[Sect. I.

the sufficiency of the prediction. More anxious to obtain immediate deliverance from servitude to an earthly conqueror, than to receive emancipation from the thraldom of Satan, — and with hearts more intent on temporal power and worldly pomp, than with desires after that holiness which is the basis of Christ's kingdom, they beheld, in the anticipated Messiah, only the glory which is revealed, and refused to look upon, or receive as literal, the explicit predictions of his sufferings and death. By attention to the Prophetic Scriptures, we can easily see, that although they introduce more frequently, and speak more at large, of the Millennial glory, they also predict, neither seldom nor ambiguously, the humiliation of Messiah which has preceded it. His rejection was occasioned neither by a lack of evidence, nor by their ignorance of the time assigned in Prophecy for his appearance. Men may shut their eyes upon the light, but this is no proof the sun has ceased to shine.

Great ignorance of the meaning and design of the Prophetic Scriptures has, however, prevailed in the Christian Church ; and even yet, the predictions concerning the glory of the Latter Day, few study with care or seek fully to understand. By a most anomalous system of interpretation, w T hich rests not satisfied with present accommodation and the anticipation of future fulfilment, some have imagined that all the promises of holiness and happiness and peace, under the reign of Him who is emphatically styled, " The King of Israel," mean nothing more than the presence of the Comforter with the Church since the ascension of our blessed Lord, and individual enjoyment of peace in believing. But, in the present day, the great proportion of Christians who have given any attention to the Prophecies, believe that they predict a period of purest bliss as yet to be enjoyed upon the earth; to which, from the term of itsduration, has been given the name of The Millennium. Many, however, who not only anticipate this glorious era as still to be realized, but who, from calculation of prophetic dates, believe it to be near at hand, are yet " slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" concerning it. They are ready to admit, in general, the literal fulfilment of prophecy ; but, from preconceived ideas of the nature of Christ's reign and presence, they suppose that all the predictions in which these are declared, mean only the

Sect, II.]

CONVERSION OF ISRAEL.

universal reception of the gospel, in consequence of the plentiful effusion of the influences of the Holy Spirit.

Much of the opposition which has been made to the doctrine of the glorious personal reign of Messiah on earth, is perhaps to be attributed to the too frequent neglect of the light shed upon Unfulfilled Prophecy, by the addresses of our Lord, and the writings of his apostles. By availing ourselves of the aid to be derived from a careful comparison of scripture with scripture, a more accurate conception may be obtained of the nature and peculiar blessings of that happy era.

There is, however, an intimate connection between the predictions of the Redeemer's Millennial reign and the promises given to Israel; and as those of the latter class are by many as little understood as those of the former, it may be proper, before entering upon the consideration of that doctrine, first to point attention to some of the Scripture declarations concerning Abraham's race, classified under distinct heads. So completely blended indeed are these promises with all that is predicted of the Millennial age, as to render surprising the ignorance and unbelief displayed on this subject, by many not otherwise ignorant of the Scriptures.

Section II. The Conversion Of Israel

The distinguishing goodness of God has been illustriously displayed in his dealings with the children of x\braham. From the time when He appeared to the patriarch in " Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran," down through the long lapse of ages which have since intervened, the history of this people beautifully exemplifies the doctrine of a special providence, and places in the most attractive light the long-suffering and sovereign mercy of God. It is a record of human depravity, displaying deep forgetfulness of the way in which they were continually led, and tells of their invincible ingratitude to God for his abundant goodness and many wonderful interpositions in their favour, and in giving into their hands nations greater and stronger than they.

22 CONVERSION OF ISRAEL. [Sect. II*

Throughout, it is one continued display of Heaven's love and man's rebellion — of the most signal manifestations of divine interference in their behalf, followed by the most criminal departure from their gracious Deliverer. In studying the annals of Israel, we see that although their perversity of disposition and untowardness of character often call forth the chastisements of Heaven, still the lovingkindness of the Lord is not withdrawn, and renewedly is his favour manifested towards them. If He takes vengeance on their devices, it is still in measure, and by his love he again woos them to himself. Various kinds and degrees of punishment have at different periods been meted out to them, for their awful apostasies from the living and true God ; but their last and longest and most severe affliction has been that which followed their arrival at the summit of their rebellion, in the crucifixion of the Lord of glory, and which they still continue to endure. But even from the guilt of this, Prophecy declares, they will yet be cleansed — being washed in the blood they so wantonly shed. Although, in His righteous displeasure, the Lord has long left them to wander in the vain imagination of their own hearts, he has not forsaken them altogether. They shall yet be converted and healed ; they shall yet be restored to purity and peace, to holiness and happiness. Then shall they see and acknowledge the enormity of their sin, in having " denied the Holy One and the Just," and in having " killed the Prince of life." " I will cleanse them/' says the Lord, "from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me ; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned,, and whereby they have transgressed against me." Jer. xxxiii. 8. " Neither will 1 hide my face any more from them ; for I have poured out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord God." Ezek. xxxix. 29. This conversion is, therefore, to be followed by no future apostasy ; and accordingly it is said in the 22d verse, " So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God, from that day and forward." " And I will give you the land of Israel; and they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof, and all the abominations thereof, from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you ; and I will take the stony heart out of their

Sect. II.]

CONVERSION OF ISRAEL.

flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh ; that they may walk in my statutes and keep mine ordinances, and do them ; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." Ezek. xi. 17—20. " Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean ; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them."* Ezek. xxxvi. 25—27.