I. Cor. xv. 55, where our translators have rendered Ads, the grave. With this change of terms how naturally do the words of the Apostle read, in his comment on the text in the Psalms. 'He seeing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his body was not left in the place of the dead, (the vault, or the tomb, or the grave), neither his flesh did see corruption.' His flesh did not see corruption, and for this very reason, because his BODY was not left in the GRAVE. So the passage strikes us, and if we err, we are not the first critics that have been mistaken; but we think that a serious view of this rendering, will materially shake the creed of those who build chiefly upon this passage, the doctrine of the intermediate state. To those who are not acquainted with Dr. B.'s views, together with those of some other divines who hold the doctrine of the intermediate state, we shall give a brief explanation and extract from this interesting production. They say that there is a happy intermediate state, where the spirits of the just made perfect dwell, which St. Paul was allowed to see, but which he could not, and dared not describe, and into which they believe the dying thief was permitted to enter, and to be with Christ in the interval between his death and his resurrection; but they think that the full fruition of the happiness, is reserved for the resurrection day, when the soul and body united, shall be for ever with the Lord. Holding these views, Dr. B. remarks— Yet, happy as this intermediate state undoubtedly is, that a full fruition of happiness will not take place, till the soul and body shall be reunited, at the general judgment, we may reasonably infer, from the great importance of the doctrine of the resurrection. The counsels of Divine Providence, with respect to the great family of the human race, will then, and not till then, be complete. The long separated constituent parts of man -his soul and his body-then re fashioned into a perfect being, like the sinless person of the glorified Redeemer, to die no more, must be susceptible of a degree of felicity, far surpassing any thing that could be enjoyed by the spirit alone, in its separate state-I mean alone as divided from its kindred body. A conviction that the departed spirits of the just are now in the fruition of exquisite felicity, is the most assuasive balm which can be applied to heal the wounds of the human heart, when lacerated by the bereavement of one whom it fondly loved. What does such a kindred heart, in its eloquent mournings, at such a time, speak? Recalling to tender recollection other similar beloved objects, whose spirits had returned to the God who gave them, it says, "this lamented portion of my nature is gone to bless and be blessed with their society; to partake with them of felicity unspeakable, in that happy region, where there is no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; where their reunited spirits will never more be divided, and where, when is ended mine own mortal pilgrimage, I may, through the mercy of my gracious Redeemer, be re-united to them for ever,' Who would not gladly cherish a belief, that, after a re-union of the body with the soul, that happiness will be augmented by the mysterious renewal of those ties, which, in this state of existence, endear us to each other? And though, like our glorified bodies, such ties will be differently modified; though in that better world, "they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God;" yet, that christian kindred shall derive pleasure inexpressible from their meeting together hereafter, may be presumed on the authorities of Scripture, already produced. However the form and features may be changed-and that a marvellous transformation will be effected, we must imagine-however the resuscitated bodies of our friends and of our selves may be fashioned, it is more than probable that a gracious God will endue both them and us with perceptions, which will lead to an intuitive knowledge of each other; a knowledge, fraught with indescribable rapture. But this consolitary reflection is susceptible of still further proof, from the scriptural encouragement that is afforded us, "not to be ignorant" concerning the immortality of our deceased friends; nor to sorrow for their departure, as if we had no hope. No hope of what?-surely of seeing them again; when "we shall live together," in each other's society, "with Christ:" that Christ, in whose faith our departed friend died, and whom the Scripture, therefore, pronounces "blessed;" "Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord from henceforth;" that is, instantly, "A voice as the original word, άnágr., should be translated. from heaven" was not necessary to give an assurance that, at some future time, their bodies would be blessed: such assurances had been frequently given before, and especially by Jesus Christ to his disciples: "Because I live, ye shall live also." In this the Redeemer speaks of what shall be hereafter in the former, the beloved disciple speaks of what is. He says the dead are blessed who die in the Lord, and he speaks of a vast multitude who had thus happily departed, "having the Eternal Father's Name written in their foreheads:" holy persons who had manifested their patience by a stedfast adherence to the commandments of God, and to the faith of Jesus.* * Rev. XIV. It is of vast importance that we notice, in a particular manner, one part of the scriptural passage just cited; namely, that only those persons are pronouncedblessed," immediately on their departure, who “die in the Lord;" that is, in the genuine vital faith of the Lord Jesus. For, when it is said that "their works do follow them," it is not meant that such works will prove any meritorious cause of their salvation: but merely a pleasing consequence of it, rendering them peculiarly capable of enjoying the blessedness of heaven. All, even the most righteous come short of the glory of God;" and no flesh could be justified in his sight, should judgment be awarded, untempered with mercy Yet that mercy will not indiscriminately be so tempered. It will not "rejoice against judgment," when those persons stand arraigned at the righteous bar, who, unsanctified by Christian faith, and a pious trust in the merits of the Redeemer, did not die in the Lord. Yet will their works follow them too,-the sinful works of darkness, which unhappily fitted them for the regions of darkness, the destined abode of the workers of iniquity.' pp. 62-67. COTTAGE SCENES. 12mo. pp. 204. This volume deserves our commendation. It contains about thirty sketches similar to the one here inserted: The Thoughtful Cottager's Evening Meditation. Whose power is such, that when she lifts from earth, And shews him glories yet to be revealed."— 'On an April afternoon, I wandered from the mansion house to enjoy the peacefulness of a solitary walk. The bright orb of day was gently declining towards the western horizon, to warn us of approaching night. The lovely flowers, which had lately spread their beauties before the meridian sun, were now drooping their heads, as if mourning the loss of such a life-giving friend. The cattle were returning to their fold; and, here and there, a weary labourer was seen, moving homeward to the neighbouring hamlet. There was a gravity in the whole scene which led to meditation; and every object which surrounded me seemed fraught with instruction, or warning, or comfort. But, as I now sat pensive on the brow of a little eminence. the appearance of a well-known cottager drew my thoughts from myself to him.-He had placed himself at the door of his humble cot, and appeared to be a minute observer of creation's works, and a silent adorer of creation's God. I knew his history well, and revered his character much; and I now reflected on the interesting hours I had frequently spent at his fire-side, when the retrospect of his chequered life drew from my eyes many an unbidden tear, whilst his own heart and lips overflowed with praise to Him who does all things well. As I gazed on this humble man of God, I fancied myself a partaker of his feelings, while I fancied the utterance he gave to them in the following MEDITATION. "Now, oh, my soul, the sun once more escapes from my sight, and sinks beneath the golden clouds. How calm and tranquil are the closing moments of each returning day! Whilst thousands are racked with bodily pain, or distracted with mental uneasiness, whilst many are ensnared or troubled by the multitude of their riches, being destitute of the pearl of great price,' and full of fearful apprehensions; with God's word in my hand, and this poor heart in his, how serenely and joyfully do I look around me below, or anticipate an eternity of bliss. "Tis true, I am destitute of friends, for my beloved wife is gone to glory, and my children are far away. But thou, my soul, hast a friend who sticketh closer than a brother. He is present with thee now; he has given the spirit of adoption;' he has filled thee with a 'peace which passeth all understanding;' and he will make thee 'meek for an inheritance among the saints in light. O firmly believe his blessed word, and cling so fast to it that nothing shall make thee lose it! "Tis true, I once was in better worldly circumstances. My dwelling was large, my bed was soft, my work was easy. Yet, if my gracious God has cut off a few uncertain and unsatisfying streams, he has opened to my view an everflowing fountain of life,-a fountain that refreshes me through the day, that composes me at night, that will strengthen my fainting spirit in the hour of death! "Tis true, I am infirm, but I welcome my infirmities, since they betoken my near approach to the silent grave. O, my Jesus, thou hast made the grave a happy receptacle for my perishing body! O, my Jesus, thou hast prepared a mansion of durable happiness for my immortal soul, and hast given thy holy spirit to fit me for my entrance there! And now, what hast thou to do, my soul, but wait for the sweet messenger of death? O, why are the chariot wheels of Christ my King so long in coming? When shall I be near and like my God?' But the shadows of night approach, and I must retire to rest. "I will then both lay me down in peace, and sleep, for I know the Lord will be about my bed, as he has been about my path, and, averting from me all evils, will make me dwell in safety. And though I would rather this night, sinee it is better, depart, and be with Christ, yet, if it be his will that I should sojourn a little longer in this vale of tears, so be it, most glorious Jehovah, Merciful Father, Thy will be done.' |