PARABOLIC TEACHING, EXEMPLIFIED IN AN EXPOSITION OF THE SEVEN PARABLES CONTAINED IN THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF ST. MATTHEW'S GOSPEL. (Continued from page 450.) 4. THE LEAVEN. MATT. XIII. 33; LUKE XIII. 20, 21. and by the specific quantity of it, the whole election of grace-the complete number of the elect-the Church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven. Of this opinion was the incomparable DR. GILL: "by the 'three measures of meal," " he admirably remarks, 66 3. THE next thing which the parable informs us of is, where the leaven was hidden; viz., in three measures of meal." In making this, however, a distinct and prominent feature in our exposition, we shall, we are quite aware, incur the censure of those who are pleased to regard it (like many other things in the parables), are meant the elect of God; who, beas "merely accessory," and intended only cause of their nature and quality are to "give an air of greater natural truth- compared to meal, or fine flour; and that fulness to the whole parable: three because of that of which it is made, measures, or seahs (containing about a wheat ;-to a corn of which Christ is peck and a half), being just the quantity compared (John xii. 24); and by whose usually kneaded into bread at a time grace the saints are what they are, jus(see Gen. xviii. 6; Judges vi. 19; 1 tified, regenerated, and sanctified; and Sam. i. 24). But while admitting this, an account of the manner in which it bewe can see no reason why a spiritual comes so, as by grinding the wheat, siftsignificance may not be hidden under it, ing it when ground, and separating it as well as under any other feature in the from the bran; all which may express parable; and while such men as ALFORD the first convictions in the conscience of and FRENCH hesitate to say that it does awakened sinners, the grace of God in not contain some meaning, we may per- conversion, and the separation of them haps be spared the charge of fancifulness from the rest of the world in effectual if we affirm, that, to our mind at least, it vocation; as also by reason of its choicedoes suggest a very germane and impor-ness, purity, and goodness, the saints tant one. It is, no doubt, much easier to fritter away the words of God, than to search out their meaning; to evaporate the power of the divine wisdom in pious platitudes, than to pray and wait for the illumination of that Holy Spirit, whose covenant office it is to "teach us all things," and to "guide us into all truth." | But he who has, like David, been taught the " preciousness "of God's thoughts (Psal. cxxxix. 17); who has learned, with Tertullian, to "adore the fulness of the Scriptures ;" and who knows, from sweet and profitable experience, that "the words of God" are indeed "worlds of thought," will never be brought thus disrespectfully to treat them. For being chosen of God and precious, and In relation to this, how quaintly beautiful are those lines by French: The seed must die before the corn appears *"Commentary," in loco. The grain is crush'd before the bread is made, Oh! be content to die, to be laid low, be indeed the intended "double" of the inspired history of creation, we presume not to determine, but certainly it does seem to be supported and sanctioned by the declaration of the apostle Peter, apparently alluding to Psalm xc. 41, that One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Pet. iii. 8) and also that of St. Paul in his epistle to the Hebrews (the more remarkable as occurring in an epistle expressly addressed to the Jews) "There remaineth therefore a rest literally a Sabbath-keeping" to the people of God" (Heb. iv. 9). This doctrine we learn from early writers was almost universally received by the primitive Church, nor have many of the most eminent modern writers on prophecy deemed it unworthy of their attention: it is also observable, as BISHOP NEWTON has remarked, that "the Church of Rome has persecuted this doctrine always and everywhere." If it be indeed founded upon sufficient scriptural grounds; or if the examination of the passages of Scripture which we have quoted, should seem to the reader to afford any countenance to it; surely it is a solemn and awakening thought, to us whose lot is cast in these last days, that CLINTON, the greatest of modern Chronologists, has in his elaborate work,* fixed the birth of Christ in the year 4138, from the date of the creation, and that therefore, supposing his calculations to be correct, the year 1862 will close the 6000 years of sin and sorrow, and usher in the dawn of the "sabbath of the world's long week!" Reader, suppose this should be so! But, if the "meal" signify the elect of God, what, it may be asked, are we to understand by the "three measures "of it? For though, indeed, it were comparatively easy to show the propriety of a certain definite quantity of meal being. mentioned, inasmuch as the elect are themselves a certain definite number; yet in what respect can the whole Church -the ONE body-be separated into three parts or divisions? This point is confessedly a somewhat difficult one, nor would we be understood by any means to speak dogmatically upon it. The great AUGUSTINE'S opinion of the matter was, that it referred to the ultimate leavening of the whole human race, as derived from the three sons of Noah. JEROME and some other early writers regarded it as a pledge of the entire sanctification of the believer in body, soul, and spirit; according to the prayer of Paul for the Thessalonians;-"The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. v. 23). But with all respect for these great patristic authorities, we are disposed rather to adopt a chronological interpretation of the point, as harmonizing better with the circumstances and design of the parable. There has existed for many ages among the Jews, a very ancient tradition, commonly known as the " Tradition of the house of Elias ;" and which we have good reason to believe prevailed widely at the time of our Lord and his disciples, and was therefore probably the fact, that the Jews further divided well known to many of those who heard these six thousand years of the world's these parables delivered. This tradition existence, into three great periods of two was to the effect that the world, as at thousand years each; viz., two thousand present constituted, was destined to ex-before the law; two thousand under the ist six thousand years, to be followed by a seventh thousand of sabbatic rest and blessedness. This opinion was founded upon the Mosaic history of the creation in six days, followed by the Sabbath, in which God "rested from all his work which He had made." As, therefore, in six days the Lord made the world, and rested on the seventh, even so, according to this theory, within the compass of six thousand years, He will gather his Church by the instrumentality of his word, and during the seventh keep holy his everlasting Sabbath. Whether this The point of connexion, however, between this remarkable tradition and the parable we are discussing, is to be found law; and two thousand under the Mes- "Fasti Helenici," vol. 3, Essay on Hebrew Chronology. the saints under these three great dispensations should alike be leavened, and altogether form the "one holy Catholic Church," composed of the chosen of God the Father, the redeemed of God of the Son, and the regenerated of God the Holy Ghost. وو the parable, just as the second measure of meal was emptied and the third began to fill); "I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine; as the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, Thus, then, shall the perfect mystical which are not of this (Jewish) fold: man-"the measure of the stature of the them also I must bring, and they shall fulness of Christ"-be attained; and thus hear my voice; and there shall be one shall the "three measures of God's flock, and one Shepherd" (John x. 14"meal" be "leavened." The patriarchal 16). "I must!"" they shall!" Yes, believers-from righteous Abel to the there is a divine necessity; for hath He martyrs under Pharaoh's tyranny-form- not, as He says, "Laid down his life for ing one part of the body-one measure them ?" must they not pass under the of the meal; the election of Israel-from rod of Him that telleth them? and hath Moses and Aaron, themselves to Anna He not in effect said of each one of them, and Simeon-composing another portion like Judah of his younger brother Benjaof the body-another measure of the min, "I will be surety for him: of my meal; and the fulness of the Gentiles- hand shalt thou require him: if I bring from the first disciples upon whom the him not unto thee, and set him before Spirit was poured out on the day of Pen- thee, then let me bear the blame for ever" tecost, to the last "vessels of mercy,' (Gen. iv. 9). Oh, if one of these sheep that shall be gathered in during the were lost, how could he meet his Father's apostacy of the last days-completing eye, or say, "Behold I and the children the number of the mystical members- which thou hast given me?" (Heb. ii. 13). filling up the last measure of the meal: Oh, if one of these sheep were lost, what and altogether forming that "one body an eternal triumph would it be to Satan and one bread," of which, in language-what a tarnishing for ever of Christ's which we have already quoted, the mediatorial crown! But no, it is imposapostle Paul speaks in his first epistle to sible. My sheep," He says, "hear the Corinthians. And so, with admira- my voice, and I know them, and they ble spiritual significance, is "the king- follow me: and I give unto them eternal dom of heaven" seen to be "like leaven, life; and they shall never perish, neither which a woman took, and hid in three shall any pluck them out of my hand. My measures of meal, till the whole was lea- Father, which gave them me, is greater vened." than all; and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one" (John x. 27-30). And therefore the humblest saint to whom Jesus has ever whispered a sweet, "Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine" (Isa. xliii. 1)—the weakest believer who has ever been enabled by faith to lay his hand upon the head of Christ his Passover-the feeblest babe who has ever stammered a "Lord, if thou wilt-if thou canst !" has a sufficient warrant to take to himself the comfort of the poet's beautiful words, and say : 4. Yes, beloved; "till the whole was leavened:" for this brings us to the closing feature in the parable-its final and glorious result. And oh! how blessed is the great truth here brought before us; -the final and infallible salvation of the whole Church of Christ. Not one member deficient in the perfect body; not one stone lacking in the finished temple; not one grain of precious meal wasted; not the ninety-ninth sheep lost; "not a hoof left behind;" but "of those whom the Father hath, in an everlasting covenant, given to the Son, none lost," but all preserved, called, sanctified, and "saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation" (John xviii. 9; Isa. xlv. 17). How plain, and how precious to the tried and tempted soul, is the language of the Great Shepherd of the sheep, when He says, standing, as it were, amid the fast descending night of the Jewish, and the faint early dawn of the Christian, dispensation (or, to keep to the imagery of ONE GENERATION PASSETH AWAY, ANOTHER COMETH. COULD we stand by the throne of God, and look on this little ball, with what different eyes should we behold the various changes that take place in the entrances and exits of those who are ordained to take a part in the business, the pleasures, the pursuits of the world, or the in-gathering, soul-feeding, and edifying of God's Church; that body which is in the world, yet not of the world, whose interests are of a different character, and whose aims, ends, and home, are on high. We should see that infinite wisdom hath made the very best arrangement for the spiritual welfare of the whole body, while bringing out the trials, exercises, and difficulties, with the helps, aids, and deliverances of the individual members, that each useful and honoured instrument of good has a peculiar training and discipline which is begun and carried on for a two-fold end, individual advantage, and relative usefulness. We do not live for ourselves, nor can we be permitted to live to ourselves. In every great work, whether it be by the pulpit or the press, we find the Lord raises up instruments just as He requires them, and as He sees and knows they can be made useful. Gifts are bestowed, and grace is given, that the whole body may be benefitted; and these gifts, or that grace, brought into action, and developed by the very trials and difficulties of the various members of the " one body." It is only as we take this large and comprehensive view of the Church, as one complete body, and of the dealings of our heavenly Father as a whole, that we can realize our true position, or yield the intelligent praise which becomes the redeemed of the Lord, who must come to Zion with songs. From this point we look on the gifts and graces of the Lord's servants differing in mind, and in degree, qualifying them for the peculiar department they are called to fill. We are taught not to despise "the day of small things," to give God thanks for those who are labouring in the vineyard, though they follow not with us, and not to glory in man. We sympathize with our dear brethren, because we are men of like passions: we mourn the loss of dear departed friends, because nature feels it; as the human frame would feel the loss of an arm or a leg; but it is grace alone which can cheerfully say, "Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight." To descend from one view of the whole work of God to any particular part of it as the ministry in any given place, or the carrying on any work or labour of love, we find the instrument prepared; at a great distance it may be from the spot in which He is to be used, and most frequently his preparation is of such a character, that we are ready to exclaim, How admirably is such a one adapted to his post; while it may be that his fulfilment of the duties of that position are at the same time preparing him for another sphere, even here on earth. of greater importance, so far as the whole body is concerned, and his work being ended where he for a season laboured with success, his removal takes place for the edification of the body. To come yet more closely home; in the carrying on, and bringing out, a work like the GOSPEL MAGAZINE, how many heads and hands are employed, and how many hearts are influenced to make it a vehicle for such statements of Gospel truth, covenant love, redemption by grace, finished salvation, and the mighty working of the Holy Ghost, as shall be suitable to the intellectual capacity, and the different stages of Divine life, of the multitude of readers scattered here and there, over the breadth of this kingdom, and numerous places abroad, to which, under the careful guidance of the all-seeing eye, it finds its way. What forbearance is called into action on the part of writers and readers, and especially on the part of the Editor, at finding perhaps some pleasing theory, which is not necessary to salvation, but is favoured by some, slighted, or attacked by others; all these things, and things of a similar character, seem to say, "Love as brethren." Another dear aged pilgrim, beloved by the readers of this Magazine, for her works' sake, has gone home to her everlasting rest, in the glorious kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. I mean our Sister "RECLUSE," whose departure was announced this month. Doubtless our dear Brother feels this stroke most keenly, as he had been so long favoured with her intimate friendship, and her history, as described in the "PATHWAY OF PROVIDENCE," was so interwoven wih his own present position. But it is not well to indulge in" overmuch grief," or to suffer ourselves to look at the difficulties of our position, or the cause we have to "mourn departed friends;" but it is good to count up our living friends, and to take special notice of the fact, that often God raises up one or more to take the place of one whom He takes away, and that He always has many whom He may not permit us to know, but who, as in the days of Elijah, are nevertheless with us, on the Lord's side. If our beloved Editor has the material, I have no doubt (but I am considered too sanguine) that he would find that, from 1840 down to the present date, he has gained as many Correspondents as he has lost, whether by death or otherwise; and that in some cases what the pieces have lost in pungency, they have gained in solidity and sweetness, with that anointing spirit, cheerfulness, and unction, which not only commend the subject, but as it were, insensibly tell upon the mind and affections of the reader. My aim and desire, in throwing into shape and desire these thoughts of my mind, has been, to endeavour to stimulate all true Christians, who may read or hear these lines, to endeavour to look upon all circumstances and events, however trying they may be, as parts of the great whole, links in the great chain, which could not be wanting without throwing the whole into confusion and disorder. I have too, tasted the peace which flows from such a view; I have witnessed the blow which is thereby struck at our natural selfishness, and can therefore testify, that it is at the same time for our own comfort, and for the glory of our God. ALFRED HEWLETT. FRAGMENTS FROM THE FIRE. PRESSURE.- "As to myself, fresh difficulties arise daily, and cannot see my way out. The pressure is at times so great, that it really seems as if the heart would burst. However, it has been a broken heart for many years, and now and then He that is able, binds it up, pouring in oil and wine." But the path is so full of crooks and ugly things; the days so foggy; the road so slippery; and the poor wanderer so bruised with his tumbles, and he is so often taken up with the smarts and sores which abound, that truly unless the Sun were to appear now and then, and draw off the eye from lower objects, the conclusion must be formed that the way was the very opposite to the right way. However, right or wrong, here I stand; and, though the Devil or what not stand in the way -LOOKING UNTO JESUS' for all I need." "Still pressed out of measure. I pass not a day without a thousand fears about the end; yet I don't know that I would alter anything now. 'Tis to credit contradictions, Talk with Him one never sees; GOSPEL TRAININGS.-" You yearn after a precious full Gospel; but you forget how many, many times these same sermons have said to you, 'It is not in me.' You have the best preacher living in your heart, and not an hour passes with you, waking, but you get a sermon; but they are not always love-songs. The sweetness of his precious mouth cheer you!" PERSECUTION." Like all the dear Lord's rods, it makes the precious life the more manifest; gives sweetness to the honey, and savour to the salt. How often do I think of you now, that in my little, little way, I am in the press. I cannot now tell you how I was first led to begin, but I think it is of the Lord. Just now I think so; in half-an-hour perhaps I shall wish I had never seen or thought of touching them, yet many talk of savour and power. Everything short of this is worse than worthless to a poor, tried, hungry soul; but I find I cannot do the thing that I would. I mark out little concise matters, but thoughts crowd in and slay my regulars, and fill the field with a motley group of untrained substitutes. I write, as I used to read, when the world's asleep. My soul |