THE GROANING
CREATION, TRAVAILING AND WAITING FOR THE
MANIFESTATION
OF THE SONS OF GOD,
THIS WORK IS
DEDICATED.
"To make all see what is
the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning
of the
world hath been hid in God." "Wherein He hath abounded
toward
us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the
mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which
He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation
of the fulness of the times He
might gather together in one all
things, under Christ."
Eph. 3:4,5,9;1:8-10
(Originally
Published in 1881)
The first edition
of this little book was published in 1881, and under the Lord's blessing
seems to have been very helpful to the class for which it was specially
intended, --the "royal priesthood." Many of this class have
confessed that as the finger of the Lord it pointed out to them meanings
in the Old Testament types never before appreciated; and that it has
thus guided them in the way of self-sacrifice, by leading them to see
the true significance of the Scriptural declarations--"Present your
bodies living sacrifices," "Fill up that which is behind of
the afflictions of Christ," "If we suffer with him we shall
also reign with him," "Let us go to him outside the camp,
bearing the reproach with him"; besides many other Scripture
statements which associate the Lord's people with himself both "in
the sufferings of this present time and the glory to follow."
The author
rejoices that this is true, and prays the divine blessing also upon this
new edition, which was made necessary by reason of the electro-plates of
the former edition being worn, and by the desire to have its general
style conform to that of the Scripture Studies series--for it may
properly be considered a supplement and sequel to the fifth volume of
that work, kept separate for convenience. Aside from these typographic
changes, and the addition of one chapter, and a few alterations in the
phraseology to make some points possible more perspicuous, there are no
changes. Indeed, no particular changes seemed possible or desirable.
The understanding
of the subjects herein set forth would seem to have been heaven
directed, "taught of God," at a time when the light was
absolutely necessary to the full and clear presentation of the Plan of
the Ages. And those who have been blessed by the helps furnished in this
little book, and others who shall yet be similarly blessed, we trust,
may all esteem that they are also "taught of God"; for be it
noted that the author has sought to prove every point and every
application by the Word of the Lord, and has taught nothing of himself:
as he has received of the Lord through his Word and spirit he has
presented the same --with the evidences--to whosoever has an ear to
hear.
The careful
student will discern that, the applications of the types herein
presented being correct, the entire Plan of the Ages is thereby
corroborated--justification, sanctification, and glorification first for
the Church, and subsequently restitution for whoever will, of all the
families of the earth. To what a glorious gospel, then, is this the key!
Dear Reader, if
the matters herein presented appeal to you as truth at all, they will
surely awaken you to energy and zeal to sacrifice earthly interests, to
gain the prize of the high calling--that you may become one of the royal
priests soon to be associated with the great "High Priest of our
profession" in the grand work of blessing the groaning creation.
And if you get a blessing from these truths, and partake of their
spirit, you will want to pass the cup of refreshment on to others who
need just such a stimulus to revive their fainting hearts. And if you
desire to colabor in this ministry you will find that all arrangements
have been perfected by which you can obtain these booklets at a very
nominal price--by the dozen or hundred. Every one who receives food at
the Lord's table is honored with the privilege of joining in the
service--as "colaborers together with God." With Christian
love,
