xvii. 3, 18, 21, 23, 25; xx. 21. 1-Johniv. 14. Isa, Axi. 47 Lukeviv. 18Isa. xlii. 19.

John vi. 38. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me

39. And this is the FATHER'S WILL which hath sent ́ine, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose ndthing, (see chap. xvii. 12.) but should raise it up again at the last day.

The word it is employed, which signifies his body the church, that is one with him. The same word was used of himself, at Gen. iii. 15. Isa. x. 17; li. 10. Jer. i. 3. Num. xx. 8. 1 Cor. x. 4. Ps. xlviii. 5. His people are therefore intended by the expression it, see, in explanation, Prov. xiv. 28. Mal. iv. 6. Without a people Jesus could not have done any thing. That it means Jesus, see Job xxxviii. 11, 12, which compare with Luke i. 78, In both places he is called the day spring: Jesus is our security for the raising up of his body the church; because he was raised up before us from the dead.

In explanation of the foregoing 39th ver., compare John xviii, 12. with Ps. xli. 9; cix. 7.

Four times did Jesus impress upon their minds and ours, that he would raise it up again at the last day; once at the 39th ver. and again in the following verses:

John vi. 40. And this is the WILL of HIM that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son (see Gal. iii. 1.) and believeth in him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

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44. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day.

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54. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.' Which is the day of his coming. This raising up has a two-fold meaning. One is the raising up of the mortal body from corruption to incorruption at his second coming. The surety for this is the raising up of the mortal body of Jesus from the dead, John xiv. 19.

1 Cor. 15, 16. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised : 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.

35

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21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23. But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterwards they that are Christ's at his coming. Read 12 ver., &c., and 1 Thes. iv. 14, 15, 16. Rev. xx. 5. T Christianity rests upon the important fact that the Messiah rose from the dead, therefore is it so often referred to. See Acts ii. 30. Ps. xli. 10. Matt. xvi. 21; xvii. 23. Luke ix. 22. Acts ii. 24, 32; iii. 15, 26; iv. '10; v. 30; x. 40; xiii. 23, 30, 33, 34; xvii. 31. Rom. iv. 24, 25; vi 4, 9; vii. 4; viii. 11; x. 9. 1 Cor. vi. 14. 2 Cor. iv. 14 Gal. 1. Eph. i. 20. Col. ii. 12. 1 Thes. i. 10. 2 Tim. ii. 8. 1 Peter i 21/197

It must be noticed that Jesus joins the last day with the raising up again. A practical type of this has been the raising up of those who were dead in trespasses and sins, Eph. ii. 1. Col. ii. 13, and were raised from spiritual sickness and death, and were converted and healed, Matt. xiii. 16, by Jesus the physician, Luke iv. 23, for if this were not first done, they will not be raised up hereafter at his coming!autinige to bod 19v rh0% se „dtash mort woe a gnivne ei eidf mid novigrot

Luke v. 31. They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. er inx el

320I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance

See Matt. ix. 12. Mark ii. 17. Ps. cxlvii. 3.

The Lord asked the seed of Abraham by the flesh, b Jer. viii. 22. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? The forgers of lies are physicians of no value, Job xiii. 4.

The remarkable passage of James, upon which the Babylonish church has founded the confession of the sins of the people to her priests, bears particularly upon eating the flesh, and drinking the blood of the Saviour.

From James v. 14, to the end, is an instruction to the Serpent how to act, in addition to Matt. xviii. 15, &c. But it will be asked by many, How can Satan act by human means in compliance with James? The answer would be too prolix now; but will be fully shown when opening Matt. xviii. 21. Refer at present to xvi. 22, and it will be found that Satan rebuked Jesus through Peter, and was answered accordingly, 23 ver. It has been by means of the dark meaning of the Scriptures, that Satan has been perpetually admonished. As Satan speaks by human agency, so does the Spirit of God. See Matt. x. 20.

At James v. 14, the sick are them that are spiritually so: see the foregoing passages respecting the physician, and 1 Cor. xi. 30, where those who eat the Lord's supper unworthily are sickly. See also Ezek. xxxiv. 4, 16. Deut. xxix. 22. Hosea v. 13. Micah vi. 13.

viii. 17.

Matt.

The sick are to call for the elders of the church, 14 ver., who are the bishops, Phil. i. 1. 1 Tim. iii. 1, 5, that bear rule: compare 1 Tim. iii. 5 with v. 17, being overseers of the flock of God; 1 Peter v. 2, 3. Acts xx. 28, several of whom should be appointed to every city, Titus i. 5. These are two names for the same office, read attentively 6 and 7 verses. The proper word appears to be Elder, and it is the highest office known in the church, Phil. i. 1, for which reason Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders, Acts xx. 17. The Apostles ordained elders in every church, xiv. 23, as Titus died in Crete, in every city, Titus i 5. The elders derived their authority from the Apostles who are always mentioned separately from the elders; see Acts xv. 4, 6, 23; xvi. 4, because the Apostles had a roving commission to preach the Gospel to all nations, Matt. xxviii. 19, while the elders were stationary in their respective cities, Titus i. 5. The Apostles Peter and John are also called elders, 1 Peter v. 1. 2 John i; 3 John i. A proof that it is the highest order of rulers known in the church. As the Apostles were elders, they were also bishops as their master is, 1 Peter ii. 25, and we are indirectly informed that Judas Iscariot was a bishop, Acts i. 20. This is another proof they are the same. But the question is at once set at rest at Titus i. 5, &c. Paul left him in Crete to ordain elders in every city, and in the 6th and following verses, gave him rules by which to judge who were fit for the office. At the 7th ver. he changes the title, to show they are the same, and calls the elder a bishop; but still speaking of the same office, and also of the Cretians, as the 12th verse shows, I f

The elders are to pray over the sick, James v. 14, reproving him in the name of the Lord. This reproof is the anointing oil, see Ps. cxli. 5, and it is the same the Apostles used when they healed the sick, compare Mark vil 13 with James v. 16. We read that the prayer of faith shall have the sick, 15 ver, and the Lord shall raise him up (that is, from his bed of spiritual sickness) and if he have committed sing they shall be forgiven him. This is saving a soul from death, see 20th ver.

This is the second and most important meaning attached to the raising up at the last day, of which Jesus spoke; for the raising up of the body to everlasting life depends upon this previous raising up from spiritual sickness, when the flesh and blood of the Messiah is eaten and drunk, and cannot be separated from it; although some of the wicked will be raised as well, Dan. xii. 2, but it will be to damnation. They will be lost, but those will be saved.

It is as well to finish the subject continued by James. The faults he speaks of are those that one individual commits against another, and are distinct from other sins committed by the same person. This is a continuation to the Serpent who has been told his fault alone. An example of the confession of such faults was made by the chief butler unto Pharoah,

Gen. xli. 9, Saying, I do remember my faults this day: &c.

His fault was committed against Joseph, by forgetting him in prosperity, and not remembering him; xl. 23, that is, by not impressing Pharaoh in his favour, 14 ver. It was in this sense the thief asked Jesus when both were crucified.

Luke xxiii. 42. Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

This request the Messiah answered graciously, 43 ver.

Had Satan confessed his fault through the elders, he would have been healed, and the effectual fervent prayer of Jesus, the righteous man, Luke xxiii. 47. 1 John ii. 1. Matt. x. 41, would have availed much.

It was the interest of Satan, who meant wickedly, to distort the meaning of this text, and prevent it from being carried into proper effect among mankind, which has never been done; for had they done so, it would have been preaching to himself continually, and reminding him of what he ought to do.

Elijah, being the highest order known in the days of the prophets, is cited as an example for the prayer of faith to be made by the elders, 17 and 18 verses.

Now the anointing spoken of by James, together with the prayer of faith, he says, shall save the sick. As the meaning is expressed figuratively it will be entered into more fully, in order to disabuse the minds of many of the interpretation put upon it by the Babylonish church, which warrants the smearing of dying people with oil, while mumbling some Latin over them, and this is done by their priests, only when they are assured the object cannot recover, (only one priest attends for the purpose, but the elders, plural, are spoken of in this case). In this way they interpret it both figuratively and literally. They have no warrant to work the Scriptures in that way, to suit their own views; for no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. 2 Peter i. 20.

He that hath anointed us is God, 2 Cor. i. 21, who hath reproved us by his Spirit, John xvi. 8, in the Scriptures, which are given for reproof, 2 Tim. iii. 16. The Spirit is life, and

Prov. xv. 31, The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among

the wise.

i. 23. Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my you, I will make known my words unto

Spirit unto
you.

1 John ii. 27. But the ANOINTING which ye have received of him abidethi in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same ANOINTING teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him,

I entreat the reader to refer to the following, as they will illustrate more fully the reproofs of God the anointing oil, Prov. i. 25, 30; v. 12; vi. 23; ix. 7, 8; x. 17; xii. 1; xiii. 18; xv. 5, 10, 12, 32; xvii.

10 xix. 25; xxv. 12 ; xxix. 1, 15; xxx. 6. Ps. xxxviii. 14; 1. 8, 21. Job vi. 25, 26; xiii. 10; xxii. 4. Isa. xi. 3, 4 ; xxix. 21 ; xxxvii. 4. Ezek. iii. 26. Luke iii. 19. John iii. 20. Eph. v. 11, 13. 2 Tim. iv. 2.

Jesus spoke the words of God that are Spirit, John vi. 63, and the word of God abideth in you, 1 John ii. 14. This is the reproof of life, and the anointing which ye have received of him, that abideth in you.

He that heareth the reproof of life, the Scriptures, given by Jesus, and the Spirit, from the Father, eateth the flesh and drinketh the blood of Jesus, therefore he will be raised up at the last day.

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he intimated that they were healed of their sicknesses.

Eph. ii. 6, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Like the Ephesians, from being dead in trespasses and sins, we are raised up to spiritual life, Eph. ii. 1. Col. ii. 13, even as the body will be hereafter raised from the dead on the last day.

It must be discerned before this, that the exact order of church government has not been adhered to in the Church of England; and yet she has prospered and been blessed beyond any other denomination of Christians. Her constitution has been tempered according to the light afforded her members. Hereafter it will be fully shown that these things have not been of so much importance as some would have it, so that the Gospel has been faithfully preached and adhered to. Church governments have only been the scaffolding by which means the spiritual temple has been built; and so that the work of the temple was well done, it has not mattered if the scaffolding has been differently constructed, so that it was done conscientiously, and according to the capacity of the always imperfect vessels that erected it. These remarks will not prevent the reformation of the abuses and corruptions existing in her.

Had it been of so much importance, as some affirm, the Messiah would have given ample directions, as was done under the Mosaic law. Their religion consisted much in rites and ceremonies, but ours is spiritual, John iv. 24.

In opening other parts of Scripture these arguments will be fully proved, when it will be seen that no denomination of Christians have been perfect in regard to institutions that are much more important. Let them read Matt. vii. 1 to 5.

Although the early churches were governed in the days of the Apostles according to their rules, they could not preserve them from corruption, Acts xx. 29, 30, nor prevent their ruin. The several denominations in Britain have been preserved, and flourished, under different systems. It is fruit-practical religion, guiding the heart and conduct, that God looks for, and not this or that form of government. Love is to be the ruling power attended by TRUTH, and each individual to be subject to the other, even from the highest to the lowest, 1 Peter v. 5. When Jesus sent forth the Apostles, it was not to form governments, but to preach the Gospel to all nations. Matt. xxviii. 19. Acts x. 42. Mark xvi.

15. Luke xxiv. 47.

But the meat that Jesus eat was to do the will of his Father that sent him, even unto death.

Gal. i. 3. Our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the WILL of God and our Father.

Ps. xl. 8. I delight to do thy WILL, O my God. See Heb. x. 7, 9. 19 cxliii. 10. Teach me to do thy WILL, for thou art my God thy Spirit is good.

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The followers of the Messiah are required to do his will, which is also the will of the Father. In the following verse the word so, is to be understood as ineaning, "in like manner." And it should be noticed that this verse alone explains what is meant by eating Jesus, the bread of life.

John vi. 57. As the living father hath sent me, and I live by the Father so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

To eat Jesus is thus plainly shown to be sent by him to work and to do it.

John xx. 21. As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

xvii. 18. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

See Matt. x. 5; xxi. 1. Luke iii. 2; x. 1; xxii. 35. John i. 33. 1 Cor. i. 17.

Ilitherto the disciples had faith, but now they are required to add works to their faith. This is fully explained at James ii. 14, &c., to which refer

James ii. 26, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

7

Miracles have ceased since the days of the Apostles, therefore they are not expected at the hands of any man. When Jesus sent the twelve forth, it was to preach the Gospel, like the seventy, Matt. x. 7. Luke x. 3, 9, and to inquire who was worthy, Matt. x. 11, 37, 38. See also xxii. 8, 9, 10. Luke xx. 35; xxi. 36. Acts v. 41. Eph. iv. 1. Col. i. 10. 1 Thes. ii. 12. 2 Thes. i. 5, 11. Heb. xi. 38. Rev. iii. 4. Paul preached the Gospel from house to house, Acts xx. 20. The centurion was worthy who built the Jews a synagogue, and loved their nation, Luke vii. 4, 5. And Jesus found him a meek and lowly man, who thought himself not worthy, 6 and 7 verses, &c. See in explanation, 1 Sam. xv. 17.

Jesus was sent to seek the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Luke xix. 10. Matt. xv. 24. And he did so; not only in the temple and the synagogues, but outside of them, seizing every opportunity that was afforded him. Witness the woman of Samaria, John iv. 10, and Zaccheus in the sycamore tree, Luke xix. 4, 5.

The Spirit of God sought out the Ethiopian in the desert, and Philip ran after the chariot, because the eunuch was meek and lowly, reading the Scriptures, and willing to be instructed, Acts viii. 27, &c. He asked Philip, though a stranger, to come up and sit with him, after he had been reading aloud, apparently to the driver of the chariot.

Annanias was also commanded to seek out Saul, Acts ix. 11. These are sufficient to show what is expected from Christians in their own sphere. All are required to do the will of God willingly from the heart. See Exod. xxv. 2; xxxv. 5, 21, 22, 29. Judges v. 2, 9. 2 Cor. viii. 12. Phil. 14. 1 Peter v. 2.

1 Chron, xxviii. 9. And thou, Solomon, my Son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for

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ever.

Ps. cx. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. Isa. 19. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land, gaverd an

Prov. xxiii. 26. My son, give me thy heart.

2 Cor. viii. 12. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath

not.