Bible Treasury, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, September 1857.
(1st. Edition, September [01 1857 261])
[01 1857 258]
1. Notes présentant des aperçus sur quelques épîtres du Nouveau Testament. Première livraison comprenant les épîtres aux Romains, aux Philippiens, et aux Colossiens. (à Pau, rue St. Jacques, chez Lauga).
These notes, of less than 100 pages, 12mo., it is said in the introduction, were compiled from the MS. results of a meeting of Christian brethren at Vigan, in May, 1856. They are rather incomplete, as they were not taken with a view to publication. Nevertheless, many of our readers would peruse them with deserved interest. Take the opening as a sample. "To unfold the grace in virtue of which God accepts sinful man and places him, by his justification, in everlasting blessing; to show in this grace the wisdom and the acts whereby God magnifies His righteousness, His love, and all His perfections: such is the subject of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. As distinguished from the other epistles this takes man as a starting point. After an introduction, in which the gospel is seen to proceed from the grace of God (for without grace nothing exists), Paul enters on the question of man, and begins by considering his state under sin, before opening out the riches of God's love and of redemption by Jesus Christ. The epistle then is occupied with man, viewing him as an individual. The mystery of the Church, revealed in other epistles, offers doubtless very great interest; but the doctrine which looks at man or the Christian in his individual capacity, is of no less importance: it has its place in the truths of God. If the introduction (Rom. 1:1-17) and the salutations which close the epistle (Rom. 16) be omitted, the rest may be divided into three parts. In the first it presents the development of the means by which man can be introduced into the presence of God (Rom. 1 – Rom. 8). In the second, it reconciles the exclusive promises made to Abraham with the levelling of all, Jews and Gentiles, established in the first portion (Rom. 9 – Rom. 11). In the third, it terminates with exhortations and practical directions (Rom. 12 – Rom. 16.) The details which follow will put in a clearer light these first data" (pp. 1, 2). Other remarks of a detailed nature are given, much valuable as exposition, with happy touches for the heart and somewhat for the conscience.
Our Study.
Bible Treasury, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, October 1857.
(1st Edition, October [01 1857 278])
[01 1857 274]
The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians.
London: T. H. Gregg, 24 Warwick Lane.
In making known this new version of 2 Corinthians to our readers, we would cite a few of the notes as a sample of what may be looked for. On 2 Cor. 1:5 the following remark is made:—
"I would take this opportunity of drawing attention to the difference between 'Christ' and 'the Christ.' 'The Christ' is the designation of a condition, not a name; 'Christ' is a name. Not only these are not used indifferently, but in the gospels, where the word is used alone, it is almost invariably 'the Christ' — the Messiah, or anointed, — while in the epistles it is rarely so. It is used as a name. Some cases are doubtful, because the structure of the Greek phrase requires or prefers the articles. This is the case here. However, on the whole, I believe the article should be inserted here in English."
So, again, it is an interesting observation on 2 Cor. 3:7 that "it is not said that the ministry was glorious, but that the system was introduced with glory — egenethe en doxe. It is in contrast with 'subsisting in glory.'" Accordingly, the proposed version runs, 2 Cor. 3:7-8, … 11, "But if the ministry of death in letters, graven in stones, began with glory, so that the children of Israel could not fix their eyes on the face of Moses, on account of the glory of his face, [a glory] which is annulled: how shall not rather the ministry of the Spirit subsist in glory? … For if that annulled [was introduced] with glory, how much rather that which abides [subsists] in glory?" That annulled, or done away, as the translator adds in a note, is used sometimes a little harshly here. But the apostle uses it as a formula for the old covenant done away in Christ. If this be borne in mind, the harshness will disappear, and the sense be clearer by adhering to the use of it.
Our Study.
Bible Treasury, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, November 1857.
(1st. Edition (slightly different) December [01 1857 310])
[01 1857 290]
Repentance unto life, what is it? The substance of a Lecture on Rom. 2:4
London: G. Morrish, 24 Warwick Lane.
Every one who takes an interest in the work of evangelization and the difficulties of souls, must have noticed how often "repentance" proves a barrier which arrests and troubles the conscientious enquirer; how often it acts in checking confidence in God and His grace; how often it turns the eye from Christ to an examination of self, with all the doubts, questions, fears, which naturally follow. Now, nothing can be farther from the intention of the Lord. Such effects are due solely to an unscriptural view of what repentance means. At the same time it becomes those who know the grace of God in truth not to enfeeble the need and value of that self-judgement before God of the old man and its deeds by the new. This is sometimes the danger, especially in statement.