EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.
No. 1
To the Editor of the Herald.
Bermondsey, London,
August 2nd., 1851.
My Dear Friend:
From the numerous communications which I continue to receive from parties interested in the truths you advocate, it undoubtedly would appear that considerable benefit has been derived by many, who have thereby been induced to disenthrall themselves from the “vain traditions of men,” and seek, from the fountain of truth, “the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” I would nevertheless remark that some explanatory article in the “Herald,” from your able pen, on the subject of baptism, might prevent several from clinging to peculiar dogmas somewhat resembling “baptismal regeneration,” and who are disposed to adopt the rite of baptism—which, doubtless, is figurative of the cleansing power of true belief—as a magical means of effecting such purified state of man and fitting him for the operation of the Holy Spirit, thereby falling into Jewish error in substituting the mere figure, or shadow, for the substance.
The voice of “peace and safety,” (1 Thessalonians 5: 3) or “peace, peace,” foretold by prophets, and apostles, as the fatal prelude to “sudden destruction,” is being uttered amongst the nations, whilst the said delusion is loudly responded to from the pulpits in this country, aided by the Peace Congress in Exeter Hall; and even the far-famed Chrystal Palace is deemed to have no small share in furthering these anticipated palmy days of lasting joy.
That we, my dear friend, may continue on our watch-tower, and in the end be accounted, by reason of our faithful warnings, free from the blood of men, is the heartfelt desire of
Yours very faithfully,
In “Israel’s Hope,”
R. ROBERTSON.
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No. 2
OPINIONS CONCERNING THE “SYNOPSIS” AND “EXEGESIS”—THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM PROGRESSING—OUR ENDEAVOURS APPRECIATED.
England, October 2, 1851.
“Your Herald has just come to hand containing the “Synopsis of the Kingdom” with which I am highly delighted. I am sure you do indeed deserve the love and gratitude of all your friends for your constant and unremitting endeavours to enlighten us and to build us up in that faith to which we have committed our eternal destiny. That passage on “THE TEMPLE” which speaks of the six abolished things superseded by the more excellent and enduring substance is splendid; as also that passage in “THE SERVICE” on pages 283-284. Oh, that is inexpressibly beautiful! I read it, and my full heart found vent in tears, for I had no one near with whom I might commune on things unseen as yet. How perfect and admirable is that system which Jehovah has constituted. The contemplation is overwhelming when our faith can realise the future glory, and calculated to make us look on ourselves (or rather I should speak only for myself) as unworthy of being clothed with such immortal honours. But at the same time the bare idea of the possibility of falling short is too dreadful to be entertained except briefly as an incentive to greater energy in striving for that prize set before us in the gospel. Surely I may not lose it—surely all united with us in Christ Jesus now may be glorified with us in the day of his appearing.
“In regard to the “Exegesis” concerning the restoration of sacrifices on page 233, it is excellent. A few of us here thought much upon the subject before your attention was invited to it. I satisfied myself, but not others. I noticed that not the daily offerings, but the yearly sacrifice of reconciliation Paul states to be put away by the one offering of Jesus Christ; and that it is not the yearly atonement which is reinstituted in the future temple, but only the daily offerings. Thus I found there was no real contradiction. I am very thankful that you have so clearly elucidated the subject. In a letter received from Mr. —, he expresses his satisfaction, and his obligation to you for the trouble you have taken in this matter. It would do your heart good to read his letters, and to see his devotion to the truth.
“The Gospel of the Kingdom, through the testimony of the youth whom you immersed with us, has recently brought five men in Nottingham to the obedience of faith. Many of the congregation with whom they were associated are questioning their state before God, and I should not be surprised if ere many weeks be past more renounce their sectarian baptism, and submit their hearts in truth to the Lord.
“Brethren G., A., and your friend Dr. H., are about commencing a meeting in London at the house of the latter gentleman. I asked bro. G. if he had any message for you as I was writing. I transcribe his reply—“I have nothing particular to communicate to the doctor but kind love to him as a labourer in the field, ploughing and sowing the seed for the harvest; and that I am anxiously looking forward to the time when the Kingdom shall be established in our Father’s land, endeavouring to keep myself by the will of God in readiness to meet our Lord and Master, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” In these sentiments I unite. And how much do we not owe you. Be assured you have a place in our hearts which none else can ever occupy. Our love cannot be shown in much besides words now; do you think there will be opportunity for the manifestation of affection in the kingdom? * (See next page.) Surely there will, and then you will know ours for you. Our hearts desire to return something besides words as a testimony and acknowledgment of the benefit received from you. And many there are who respond to the same sentiments. May God speed you onward, blessing and being blessed!
“But, I must say farewell. May we meet again ere long; and may we attain that which is our hope. The anchor is still within the veil; and though my barque is often in troubled waters, yet I trust in God I shall not let go my hold. Oh pray for me and for us all, that we may be kept from falling, and that our arms may be made strong by the mighty God of Jacob. This is my prayer for you, beloved brother. Accept the assurance of my unabated love, and believe me ever yours affectionately in Christ Jesus.
T. A. S.
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* Yea, verily. That is the very place where love, joy, peace, and all the affections of the mind, will be perfected. Paul looked to the coming of the Lord in his kingdom as the time when there would be a reunion between himself and his children in the Lord, and they would rejoice together—he, because they had attained to the salvation he preached; and they, because of their renewed association with the beloved friend to whose labours in the gospel they are indebted for the eternal blessedness they possess—1 Thessalonians 2: 19. There will be no ground of reproach between them; on the contrary, “I was sick, in prison, in necessity, and ye ministered abundantly of your poverty unto me, and in so doing proved your devotion to our Lord and King.” Can there be ought but love and gratitude manifested between such when their reunion occurs in the kingdom of God? —EDITOR.
