thunder clap, a dread still hung over them, that the dissolution of the body was not a termination of existence. In the dying soliliquy of the Emperor Adrian, we see how loath the soul was to part with its help mate, the body. The land of darkness and shadow of death presented their interminable gloom, and made it ask in a tone of the fondest endearment upon what coast it expected to land. Human reasonings, on this important subject, unless directed by the light of revelation, will be vague, erroneous, and vain. In whatever way men may point their researches, they possess, independent of Scripture, no means of penetrating into the invisible state. OLAM OLAM HANESHAMOTH, OR A VIEW &c. CHAPTER L To premise some Considerations on the Design or I HAVE put my words in thy mouth, and in the shadow of my hand (be-tzel-jadi) have I hid thee, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, thou art my people. Isaiah, li. xvi. This passage may be viewed as holding forth the end or design of the intermediate state, termed in the New Testament, Paradise, and what is to follow upon the conclusion of this state-the creation of the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness, and the public and solemn avowal of his people, in the face of all ge nerations. An thunder clap, a dread still hung over them, that the dissolution of the body was not a termination of existence. In the dying soliliquy of the Emperor Adrian, we see how loath the soul was to part with its help mate, the body. The land of darkness and shadow of death presented their interminable gloom, and made it ask in a tone of the fondest endearment upon what coast it expected to land. Human reasonings, on this important subject, unless directed by the light of revelation, will be vague, erroneous, and vain. In whatever way men may point their researches, they possess, independent of Scripture, no means of penetrating into the invisible state. OLAM OLAM HANESHAMOTH, OR A VIEW &c. CHAPTER L To premise some Considerations on the Design or End of the Intermediate State. I HAVE put my words in thy mouth, and in the shadow of my hand (be-tzel-jadi) have I hid thee, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, thou art my people. Isaiah, li. xvi. This passage may be viewed as holding forth the end or design of the intermediate state, termed in the New Testament, Paradise, and what is to follow upon the conclusion of this state-the creation of the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness, and the public and solemn avowal of his people, in the face of all ge nerations. Ac An analysis of the original will shew, that this putting words in the mouth, and hiding in the shadow of the hand, is expressed as being preparatory to the two following acts, the new creation, and the visible selection of the people of God into one body. In the original, the former is expressly said to be for the planting of the heavens. The one goes before, and the other comes after, as its intended consequent. While here, the people of God who fear him, and who think upon his name, are not by him publicly distinguished. Like the wheat and the tares, growing in one common field, they live. blended in the common mass of mankind. As the leaf drops in silence from the tree, so they disappear in their several generations, unobserved, and are heard of no more. Their names are not fated to glitter on the historic page; "the boast of heraldry, the pomp of power," is not theirs; but, instead of this, there is with Jehovah a book of remembrance for them, and the solemn declaration awaiting them, "that on that day in which he makes up his jewels, they shall be his." Agreeable to the expectations of the people of the Old Testament times, Christ promises to those of the New, that he, on that day, will confess them in presence of his father, and in presence of the holy angels. Their re-emerging from their long invisibility, St. Paul terms the revelation of the children of God. Rom. viii. 9. |