p528 [F G Patterson] DEAREST BROTHER, - As to receiving those weak in the faith (Rom. 14:1): it is simply not to reject them in heart and spirit because they were feeble as to Jewish prejudices and the like. One man ate herbs, another meat. One man kept Good Friday - so to say. They were to be cordially owned as others, only not to be puzzled by mere questions when they could not bear it. The receiving to the glory of God (Rom. 15:7), which must apply to the second clause, applies in sense to both. There lie underneath, Jewish and Gentile jealousies - both received to the glory of God, rose above all this; and they were so to receive one another - suggested by verse 6, and suggesting what follows, putting Jews and Gentiles in this place with a common Christ.

The passage in Jude (ver. 7) I take to be a present figure of the abidingness of judgment. They were not burnt down and built up again, as other cities may be: they were lying under the abiding effect of the fiery judgment that fell upon them. The cities continued in the state the judgment of God had reduced them to - a vivid figure of those who follow in their wake.

As regards the priesthood of the Old Testament saints, priests were not properly anointed. The high priest was - the others only with their garments, &c., sprinkled with oil along with the blood, they, their garments, &c., with the high priest. Israel was a royal priesthood. I am not aware that the Holy Ghost as we have it - uniting us to Christ, which is what makes the difference - is essential to priesthood; namely, the sealing or anointing, the Comforter. Known sonship and union flow from it. He has made us kings and priests. Nor have the priests in Revelation 5 any incense (as) the High priest in chapter 8. They offer the odours which are prayers: He adds efficacy to the prayers. However, though I do not doubt they are perfect in glory in the kingdom, yet I do not know that the Old Testament saints are particularly contemplated in Revelation 4, 5. I know of no passage which makes priesthood especially resulting from our anointing.

I trust the gracious Lord will spare your little one to you. The Lord makes us feel we are in a world where evil is not yet removed.

Ever affectionately yours.

London, August 24th, 1868.

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