in the Word of the old Testament, to denote the fulness of bliss arising from the joint reception of the good and the true. And hence too it is written in the Apocalypse, "Let us be glad and rejoice, for the marriage of the Lamb is come," Rev. xix. 7, where a distinction is manifestly made between being glad and rejoicing, though the two terms do not stand in their right order, since the passage, in agreement with the original Greek, ought to have been rendered, "Let us rejoice and be glad." Verse 51. He hath made strength in his arm. In the common version of the New Testament this passage is rendered, "He hath shewed strength with his arm," but the original Greek is, Εποίησε κρατος εν βραχιονι αυτό which literally means, " He hath made [or done] strength in His arm," nor is there any idea expressed of "shewing strength." If it be asked, what it to be understood by "making strength in his arm?" It may be replied, that by "His arm" is meant His Humanity, as may be seen in the prophets throughout, particularly in the prophet Isaiah, wheresoever mention is made of the arm of Jehovah; and by "making strength in His arm" is further meant, that by assuming Humanity, He acquired to Himself omnipotence over the hells, and thus, the power of saving both angels and men. Verse 75. In holiness and justice before Him, &c.—In the common version of the New Testament, what is here rendered "justice," is expressed by the term "righteousness," but the original Greek is dikatoσvn, which literally means "justice," or that heavenly principle which leads man to give every one his due, and thus marks a duty at once important and intelligible to every capacity; whereas the term "righteousness" suggests no definite idea, and consequently, is a less edifying and instructive term, as not sufficiently marking any definite duty. 1. AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus that all the inhabited earth should be enrolled. 2. This enrolment was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. 3. And all went to be enrolled, every one to his own city. 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 5. To be enrolled with Mary his betrothed wife, being great with child. 6. And it came to pass, while they were there, that the days were accomplished that she should be delivered; 7. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in the manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8. And there were, in the THE INTERNAL SENSE. THAT at this time the love of dominion, grounded in worldly ends, prevailed universally, endeavouring to extend its empire over the things of the Church. (Verses 1-6.) On which occasion the LORD was born, and was initiated into the truths of innocence and the doctrine of truth from the Word, which was extinguished by falses. (Verses 6, 7.) They also, who teach and same country, shepherds, abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9. And behold, the Angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were afraid with great fear. 10. And the Angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. 11. For to you is born today a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14. Glory in the highest to God, and on earth peace, goodwill amongst men. 15. And it came to pass, that after the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the men, the shepherds, said one to another, Let us now go even to Bethlehem; and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us. 16. And they came in haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. 17. But when they had seen, they made known abroad the saying which was lead to the good of charity by the truth of faith, are hence enlightened, and filled with holy adoration. (Verses 8, 9.) Because JEHOVAH assumed the human nature for the purpose of saving mankind, which purpose He testified and confirmed by initiating His Humanity into the truths of innocence and the doctrine of truth from the Word. (Verses 10, 11, 12.) On which account all in the heavens exalt the Divine Truth, as the alone source of all true worship, faith, and charity amongst men. (Verses 13, 14.) They too, who teach and lead to the good of charity by the truth of faith, are confirmed in their belief in the Incarnate GOD by rational conviction in their understandings, and make it known to others, who gladly receive it. (Verses 15-19.) spoken to them concerning this child. 18. And all who heard wondered at those things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all things which they had heard and seen, as it was spoken to them. 21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called Jesus, which was so called by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22. And when the days of her purification were accomplished, according to the law of Moses, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; 23. (As it is written in the law of the Lord, that every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord ;) 24. And to offer the sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons. 25. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and circumspect, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit This belief also is cherished with internal affection in the Church, and hence all truth and good in the human understanding and will are ascribed to the Divine Truth. (Verses 19, 20.) That the LORD successively put off the hereditary principle received from the mother, and put on the Divine principle, until all truth in Him was made Divine Good. (Verses 21-25.) And that He is made manifest to all who are in the principle of obedience. (Verses 25, 26.) that he should not see death, until he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, 28. And he took Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29. Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, 30. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, 31. Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32. A light for the illumination of the nations, and the Glory of Thy people Israel. 33. And Joseph and His mother wondered at the things which were spoken concerning Him. 34. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. 35. And a sword shall pass through thine own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36. And there was Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was advanced in many days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity: And who accordingly receive Him with affection, and acknowledge Him as the predicted Saviour, who was to establish a new Church amongst the Gentiles. (Verses 27-34.) And by whose Divine power evils were to be separated and goods exalted, and this through reproach and contumely, that so by the light of Divine Truth the state of the Church as to understanding and will, might be made manifest. (Verses 34, 35.) Since every affection of good and of truth testifies, that He alone is the redeemer of mankind. (Verses 36-39.) |