liiiUliii liiiiiiiiiiiiliiH ■ ill iiini Ili|iiii|>iiirnni IHIIIJIll , Iiliiiinii I l|l|i)|iiiii|ilil mil III pill! !l)l 1 illi|i^;i;iiiuuu '"' lii! I nil ■lailiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Class fS^^^I Book ■Ig'fl Coipght}^?. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE GOD-MAN OR THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JESUS, THE CHRIST AND SON OF GOD A POEM IN FIFTEEN PARTS BV Rev. henry ^.OSCH, M.D. AUTHOR OF " Psalter, Harp and Song," or Translations of many of the Choicest German Hymns, in the Original Metres, with Original Tunes, including Luther's Famous Hymn; " Poems:" I. Original Poems, II. Translations in the Original Metres of many of the best German Miscellaneous Poems, including Schiller's " Song of the Bell," etc. Translator of most of "Goethe's Poetical Works," in the Original Metres, including the Religious Poem of " Faust," complete. Author and Editor of " Conjoined Interlinear Authorized and Revised Holy Bible." Author of " Fundamental Bible-Truths and Timely Religious and Biblical Polemics/' etc., etc., etc. WITH MANY NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS SECOND REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION BOSTON RICHARD G. BADGER 1909 Copyright, 1904, by Henry Losch, M. D. Copyright; 1909, by Henry Losch, M.D. All rights reserved. Twn CjJ"- '■■ ■■••■■i'v^'i I juN 14 lyuy i COt-Y />. i^ TABLE OF CONTENTS. Contents, ...... Christ's Miracles Stated or Referred to, Illustrations, ..... List of Other Names than God and Christ, Preface, ...... The Life and Works of Jesus, the Christ and Son of God. Dedication, ....... 3 F'rologue, ....... 4 part L Christ the Promised and Expected Messiah, 5-9 IL John the Baptist's Testimony of Christ. Christ proves His Divinity in the Choice of His Apos- tles. Christ begins to work Miracles, . . 10-19 in. Christ working Miracles on condition of Faith demonstrating His Sonship of God, . . 20-29 IV. Christ's Range of Miracles extended through Nature supernaturally, .... 30-4* V. As " Son of God " Christ worked Miracles ir- respective of the Laws of this physical World. Christ's supernatural Origin transcends all Miracles, ...... 43-50 VI. Christ meets the Objections to His Power work- ing Miracles. Other Opponents to Christ men- tioned from early Times, .... 51-65 VII. Christ's Apostles, Jewish Priests, Rulers, and Pharisees, and the so-called Church-Fathers nearest the Apostolic age, Believers in Christ and His Miracles. — Christ the only sinless Man, His Consecration, Baptism in Jordan, Conquest over Satan, His Transfiguration, . . . 66-82 VIII. Simon Peter's Attestation concerning Christ and Christ's Reply, 85-88 IX. Christ's Testimony of Himself including His Teachings as presented in His Sermon on the Mountain with His "Our Father" model Prayer, etc., etc., ..... 89-101 iv Contents. X. Christ's Entrance into Jerusalem. His teaching the Law of Christian Love. The Institution of the Supper-Sacrament. Christ's Conflict in Gethsemane and His Death. Christ's Resurrec- tion from the Dead, His Ascension into Heaven and His first Royal Manifestation from there in the miraculous Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 102-134 XL The Seeking of sinful Men for God's Pardon answered through Christ's Atonement, . 135-140 Xn. Christ's Atonement, the Reason for its Accom- plishment, its Completion and Extent, . 141-149 XIIL Assured Christian Faith applying Christ's Redemption He achieved in His God-man Nature, ...... 150^153 XIV. Spiritual Treasures guaranteed to the Believers in Jesus Christ in God's Realm of eternal glory, implying Immortality of man's soul, . . 154-160 XV. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only Saviour of the World — irrespective of all other Systems of Religion, Ethics, Philosophies etc., — implies participation in the New Testament promised divine Nature, and of the Glorification like Christ's in Heaven eternally, ...... 161-1S2 CHRIST'S MIRACLES STATED OR REFERRED TO. PACK 1. The Water made Wine, . . IS ff-> 46, 54, 63 2. The Healing of the Nobleman's Son, ... 20 3. The First Miraculous Draught of Fishes, . . 18 4. The Calming of the Tempest, . . . . 30 ff. 5. The Healing of the Demoniacs in the Gadarene Country, ...... 28, 29 6. The Raising of Jairus' Daughter, .... 41 7. The Woman's Disease Healed, .... 21 8. The Eyes of the Blind Opened, . . . . 21 9. The Paralytic Healed, ..... 26 10. The Cleansing of the Lepers, .... 22 11. The Centurian's Servant Healed, .... 20 12. The Demoniac in the Synagogue Healed (Implied), 26 13. Peter's Wife's Mother Healed, .... 23 14. The Raising of the Widow's Son, ... 41 15. The Impotent Man at Bethsaida Healed, . . 27 16. The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand, . 17, 18 17. The Walking on the Sea of Christ and Peter, ) 32, 57, 152 Jesus saving Peter from Sinking, / 152 18. The Eyes of the Man born blind opened, . 22, 32 19. The Restoring of a Man's withered Hand, . . 27 20. The Woman with the Spirit of Infirmity healed, . 26 21. The Man with Dropsy healed (implied), . . 26 22. The Ten Lepers Cleansed, ..... 22 23. The Healing of the Syrophenician Woman's Daughter, ....... 23 24. The Deaf and Dumb healed, .... 22 25. The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand, 17, 18, 63 26. The Eyes of the Blind opened (at Bethsaida), 21, 22, 26 27. The Sick (lunatic child etc., etc.) healed, . . 26 28. The Finding of the Coin in the Fish's Mouth, . 18 29. The Raising of Lazarus, . . . . 35 ff. , 54 30. f Two Blind Men ( &c) , Blind Bartimeus, near 31. \ Jericho healed, . . . . . 21 32. The Withering of the Fruitless Tree, ... 30 33. The Healing of Malchus' Ear, .... 32 34. The Second Miraculous Draught of Fishes, . . 19 35. The Incarnation of Jesus Christ ( exceeds all Miracles), 49 36. The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, . . . , 83 37. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, 54, 106 ff., no ff., 149, 178 38. The Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven, . 55, 125 39. The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, . 127 ILLUSTRATIONS Henry Losch ..... I. Christ (Christus), .... a. The Marriage (Miracle) at Cana, 3. Christ healing all Kinds of sick Men, 4. Christ and Peter walking on the Sea, -> The Saving of Peter from Sinking, J 5. The Raising of Jai'rus' Daughter, 6. The Baptism of Christ by John in Jordan, 7. Christ's Transfiguration, 8. Christ entering into Jerusalem, 9. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the 10. " He is Risen as He said," 1 1 . Christ appears to Mary Magdalene after His rection, ..... 12. John ( looking into Heaven) , PAGE Frontispiece Dedication 13, 14 25, 26 33, 34 39. 4i> 69, 70 83, 84 103, 104 Grave, iii, iii 115, 116 Resur- 121, I2Z 180. 181 LIST OF NAMES BESIDES GOD AND CHRIST. Abram, / Abraham, j ^"^ Adam, 68, 86, 89 Adam second, 89 Agassiz, 164 Ambrose, 67 Angel, 114 Angels, 79, 80, go, 92, 155 ff. Apollonius, 51 Apostles, II, 18, 70, 85, 88, 124, 128, 131, 134 Apostolic Fathers, 67 Aristotles, 135 Athanasius, 67 Augustine, 67 Baer, v., 164 Baptist Congress, 72 Bartimeus, 21 Basil the Great, 67 Bauer, 60 Beale, 164 Beelzebub, 51 Bernard of Clairvaux, 59 Bischoff, 164 Blanchard, 164 Briggs, 62 Browning, 37, 63 Calvin, 150 Cana, la Celsus, 52 Centurion, 20 Christian or Christians, 51, 66, 67, 75, 85, 86, 88, 150, 175, 178 Church of Christ, 72, 75, 85, 128, 133, 151, 161, 171, 172 Church Fathers, 67 Crysostom, 67 Cicero, 135 Clement, 67 Cyprian, 67 Dana, 164 Daniel, 90, 138 ff. Darius, 138 ff. Darwin, 164 David, 22 Demon, 23 Devils, 29, 40, 51 ff. Duke of Argyll, 168 Eckermann, 66, 153, 175 Eden, 144, 145. Elected, 90, 133 Elijah, 82, 83, 85, 123 Encycl. Brit., 51, 162, 171 Eusebius, 52, 67 Evil Spirits, 28 EwalJ, 57 Fechner, 164 Franciscus of Assisi, 59 Galilee, 30, 81 Gellert, 168 Gentiles, 118, 135, 172 Gcthsemane, 108 Goethe, 54, 66, 153, 163, 175 Gregory the Great, 67 Hades, 87, 113 Haeckel, 165 ff. Harnack, 57, 59 Hase, 58 Hedge, 54 Helmholz, 164 Herder, 54 ff. Heretics, 68 Hesz, 53 Hierocles, 52 Higher Critics, 60 Hume, 56 Huxley, 164 Vlll Contents. Ignatius, 67 Immanuel, 9, 49 Infidels, 173 Israel, the people, 6, 45 Jairus, 41 James, 62, 158 Jerome, 67 Jerusalem, 7, 102 ff., 125 Jewish Nobleman, 20 Jews, 92, 118, 135 John the Baptist, 7, 10, 54, 71 ff. 74 John the Evangelist, 19, 62, 132, 152, 180 Jordan, 71, 72 Julian, 51 Justin Martyr, 67 Kant, 52 Lazarus, 35 ff., 54 ff. Lessing, 53 Lokrian, 139 Longfellow, 37 Luke, 62 Luther, 63 Lyell, 164 Martha, 38,59 Mary Magdalene, 121 Mary, 15 Matthew, 62 Milton, 76 Messiah, 5, 82, 96 Moses, 82, 83, 123 Nain, 41 Neander, 12 Nicodemus, 74 Noah, 113 Olivet, 108, 125 Origen, 67 Ovid, 135 Owen, 164 Pantheist, 55 Pantheism, 163 Paul, 62, 64, 75, 136, 158 Paulus, 56 Pctrr, 19, 23, 75, 82 ff., 106, 113, 129, 132, 153, 160 Pharisees, 96, 98, 154 Plato, 135 Polycarp, 67 Predestinarians, 147 Priests, 66 ff. Publicans, 154 Rationalists, 56 Red Sea, 45 Reimarus, 52 ff. Realm of Glory, 158 ff., J72 Rcnan, 59 ff. Ruler, Rulers, 67 Satan, 24, 49, 51, 77 Sceptic, Sceptics, 36, 173 Schliermacher, 57 ff., 62 ff. Scribes, 96, 98, 154 Sermon on the Mount, 97 ff. Sinai, 141 Socrates, 135 Solomon, 45 Spencer, 164 Spinoza, 52 ff., 55 Stephen, 118 Strausz, 63 ff. Syrophocnician Woman, 23 ff. Taylor, 54 Tennyson, 36 Tcrtullian, 67 Thomas, 36 Thomas Aquinas, 45 Tuebingen School, 60 Ulrizi, 164 Virchow, 164 Wagner, 164 Wallace, 164 Wesley, 151 Wigand, 164 Wolfenbuettcl Fragments, 53 Woolston, 60 Zaleucus, 139 Zinzendorf, 151 PREFACE. By asserting, argumentatively as well as historically, in the following, necessarily, elaborate and extensive Poem, that Jesus is the Christ, the God-sent (Messiah) and God- and Men-attested Son of God, the argument centering first in the proofs of His divine authority and power to perform Miracles, and extending to the far- reaching proofs of His divine character as the only acceptable, appreciated and fully recognized Mediator between God and men. He being, therefore, the exclusive divine Saviour of men who are His followers: the undersigned claims to present distinctively, essen- tially (with many of the foremost Biblical proof-texts, quotations from and references to various authors and their works, in foot-notes), the scriptural and rational answers, not only in regard to some philosophical and scientijic problems involved, but also to some of the so-called burning questions of all times in the Christian era, even from the beginning, and, especially, of this our present time and age, focused in the undisguised sceptic questions, asking: "What of Jesus Christ, His Life, Miracles, Doctrines and Teachings, as presented in the New Testament ? " — That my work, in its greatly epitomized, and its fluent poetical form and expression, its sublimity and spirituality of its subject-matter from an orthodox Christian point of view, may find acceptance and many readers, and redound to the glory of God and His Christ, is my most sincere desire. Henry Losch. Philadelphia, Pa. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION In presenting the second revised and enlarged edition of mv work, "The God-Man," I am sincerely thankful for the warm reception the first edition has received from the many hundreds of purchasers who have hailed the work as most timely to answer the great scepticism, unbelief, and half-belief of our age and times. The poem is setting forth in fifteen parts or cantos the life and works of Jesus as the Christ and Son of God, according to the original complete records of the New Testament, from the fullest conviction that the New Testament writers have testified with mar- velous unanimity all about Christ's life, miracles, doctrines, and teachings which most of them have seen and heard during the three years they have walked and lived with Christ. As fully seen from the Index of the various parts of the book the poem covers all the spe- cial phases of Jesus, the Christ and Son of God. Feeling now still more than ever before that the book is of permanent good use and practical help to any one who accepts and studies it in continuous read- ing, and that therefore it mav find greater acceptance and many more careful readers and thus redound to the glory of God and His Christ, is and remains my most sincere desire. Henry Losch. Philadelphia, Pa. THE GOD-MAN THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JESUS, THE CHRIST AND SON OF GOD A POEM CHRIST (CHRISTUS^ DEDICATION. Two thousand years soon will be ended. Since Thou, O Christ, didst come to earth. All previous history suspended. Events from Thy birth date their birth. Whate'er, Thou, Lord, hast been achieving In life and death and life in heav'n. We verily must be believing Divinely works as mighty leav'n All generations permeating, Who through Thy gospel hear of Thee, God's Spirit e'er regenerating Each soul that yields submissively To Thee and to God's Will requiring A living faith in Thee, God's Son, Through Thee the liberty acquiring Which for Thy followers Thou hast won. Thy life, so wondrously affirming By well-attested miracles Thee as God's Son, has been confirming All truly God-born oracles. — All this completely to be giving Has been my soul's sincerest aim; Bless, own my work, O Lord, Thou living And saving Christ, to praise God's name. PROLOGUE. I By works divine is indicated That he who works a God-like deed To Him most closely is related. From whom all powers divine nroceed. ij A Christ-like work, therefore, is claiming That it alone from Him proceeds. Of whom the Prophets are proclaiming That He in might all powers exceeds. '-^ HI Is, therefore, what Christ wrought, creation With God's omnipotence impressed: The Primitive Christian Dispensation, With works by God wrought, has been blest! *i Kings 13: 3-7 etc. J Mat. 11:4, 5 etc. I CHRIST THE PROMISED AND EXPECTED MESSIAH FROM THE BEGINNING. I When Christ, God's Son/ put forth endeavor By miracles to show God's might. He neither indolence would favor. Nor manifest a magic sight. II He to the one and all was saying : ** Except ye signs and wonders see," ^ Their lust for marvelous things betraying — *• Ye never will believe in me." Ill It therefore seemed like condescension To slow susceptibility. Instead of their true apprehension To give His words in equity, IV And state : " Can ye, that in the Father I am and He's in me,^ not see. Believe me for the works' sake rather. For they do testify of me." * v The people Israel ^ awaited Fulfilment of the prophecies. Of old,® in Him, the delegated Messiah,' by God's own decrees. * Luke i: 35; John 10: 25-38 etc. ^John 4: 48 etc. 'John 14: II; 5: 36. *John 10: 25-38 etc. ^John 4: 25; Mat. Zl: 9. ^ Isa. 29: 18 ff.; 35: 5 ff.; 61: I; Zeph. 3: 12 fF. etc. 'Deut. 18: 18 ff.; Isa. 40: 3 ff.; Ps. 118:26; Mai. 3: i; Hag. 2: 9; Mat. I: 16; John i: 14 etc. The God- Man, VI God from beginning was providing " The bruiser of the serpent's head;" ^ — ** Ye are, if in my word abiding. My true disciples," - God's Son said, VII "The truth divine ye shall be knowing. And that, indeed, shall make you free," That in the might it is bestowing — " None e'er of sin bondservant be." ' — VIII "The Sun of Righteousness" God sending, " With healing in His wings," * arose ; Thus all, on whom His rays are bending. Receive His bliss and sweet repose.* IX We need inquire not any longer And say : " Watchman, what of the night ? " ^ " The Day spring from on high " ' did conquer Illuminating all with light.® — X Thus Jesus, God's Son, when appearing With supernatural powers endowed **To raise the dead,'" "all men were ^"fearing;" — (That Christ as child they saw, some ^^ vowed ; ' Gen. 3: 15 etc. ''John 8: 31 fF. etc. 'John 8: 32-37 (Rev. Vers.) * Mai. 4: 2 etc. ^ Mat. ii: 28, 29 etc. * Isa. 21: n etc. 'Luke i: 78, 79 etc. ® Isa. 9: 1-9 etc. * Luke 7: 15 etc. i^Luke 7: 16 etc. ^' Luke a: 25-36 ff. Part I. XI Christ's parents to God's House ^ repairing. To bring — as customs then prevailed — The sacrifice they'd been preparing. Two persons Him as Christ there hailed ; Both aged persons, long inquiring For the fulfilments as to Christ, The Holy Spirit was inspiring That they God'' s Christ there recognized.^ — XIII And when then John^ of Christ's works hearing Asked Christ, the question to decide : **Art thou that one,^ or is appearing Another ? ' ' Christ Himself replied : XIV Tell John the message of my teaching ; "Tell what you saw, since you are here ;* The gospel to the poor I'm preaching ; The blind do see ; the deaf do hear ; XV The unclean, infirm and lame I'm healing ; The dead, I've raised, — new life commence ; To all God's kingdom I'm revealing ; Blest he is, who takes no offence." * — ^ Luke 2: 22 ff. etc. ^ Luke 7: 19, 20 etc. ^ Ps. 118: 26; Mai. 3: I etc. * Luke 7: 22, 23 etc. ^ Luke 7: 21, 22 etc. The God-Man. XVI Christ, naturally, this was applying First to the physically blind, ^ Lame, deaf, or those on sick-beds lying. Who hoped through Him full health to find ; XVII Yet also, doubtlessly, included Those doubting that from God He came,^ Those blind ^ and dead,* to whom He alluded. When once His follower one became.^ XVIII Christ never as a vain magician A miracle proposed, or wrought. But as the God-sent,® wise physician He worked and uttered every thought,'' XIX His long-predestined ® work revealing. His heavenly Father Him assigned. All kinds of sick ^ men to be healing. First such as were of Israel's^" kind. — XX Most wondrous words were ever flowing From His lips charged with truths divine. Balsamic ease to each bestowing. Who yielded to His will benign. 'Luke 7: 21 etc. ^John 8: 42 etc. 'John 9: 40, 41 etc. *Mat. 8: 22. *Mat. 8: 21. ^John 5: 23, 24; 12: 44 etc. ''John 4: 34 etc. * Mai. 3: I ff. etc. 'Mat. 9: 12, 13 etc. '"Mat. 15; 24 fF. etc. Part I. 9 XXI No words or truths were ever spoken That touched and moved men's hearts as His,^ And every deed He wrought was token Of thoughts divine and heavenly bliss. XXII No wonder, they to Him were bringing Outbursts of homage and loud cheers,^ Who oft 'mid miracles ' was ringing His gospel- words into their ears. — XXIII Our utmost thanks belong forever To Jesus Christ, Immanuel,^ For greater majesty shone never Than crowned His every miracle. — ^John 7: 46; Mat. 7: 29; Mark i: 22 etc. ^John 12: 13; Mat. 8: 27 etc. ^ Acts 2: 22 etc. * Mat. i: 23 (Revised Version, ) II JOHN THE BAPTIST'S TESTIMONY OF CHRIST. CHRIST PROVES HIS DIVINITY IN THE CHOICE OF HIS APOSTLES. CHRIST BEGINS TO WORK MIRACLES. I When John the Spirit ^ saw descending And that on Christ it did abide/ He Christ as ♦' God's Son " ^ was commending And clearly of Him testified : II " Behold, the Lamb of God ! " ^ This hearing Two of John's followers, they came close To Christ, both timid still appearing. As none there to address Him chose, — III The* Christ, who saw their soul's great yearning In company with Him to be. Turned 'round — that He from them be learning Their wish — and asked them : " What seek, ye?" ^ IV And when they : *' Where art thou residing, O Master," said, ** For we seek Thee," — Their fate for their whole life deciding — Christ answered : " Come, and ye shall see." ® ^John I: 32. ^John i: 32, 33. ^John i: 34-37. ''Mat. 26: 63, 64. Paul in Col. 2: 2; Eph. 5: 5; Rom. 9: 5; Tit. 2: 10 and 13, calls Christ distinctly " God." ^ John i: 38. ®John *' 3^1 39- (Rev'sed Version.] Part 11. 1 1 V The more the Chrjst they had been seeing. The greater their amazement grew. All the appearance of His Being Astonished them each day anew. — VI To others, also, truths revealing Which proved to them a mystery,^ — All this their faith in Christ was sealing That He alone God^s Sou must be. — VII And when He others, too, elected To enter His Messiah-sphere, There twelve Apostles were selected ^ As co-workers in His career. — ■ VIII Then all fulfilled to Christ appearing That now as God'' s Son He be seen. Such days of works divine were nearing As never on this earth had been. — IX When therefore in His revelations All wondered at Christ's oracles, He pointed to the attestations They should see ^ in His miracles. ijohn 1: 48. ^ Mat. 10: 2 etc. ^John i: 50 ff. etc. 12 The God-Man. X Thus at the first,' He was performing In Cana, at a marriage-feast, Christ to the need of wine conforming. Miraculously, wine increased. — ^ John 2: i-i I. Dr. Neander in his ' Life of Jesus Christ' (6th Edit., p. 2o8) so entirely different from his otherwise orthodox work here strangely remarks [I translate correctly]: "We are in no wise justified to presume that Christ changed the water into the same which is made out of the fruit of the vine, but we need only to assume that He imparted to the water such a higher power as to be able to produce the same effects as strong wine, or imparting iv'ine-Hke strength to the water by means of a mere potency.^'' In a foot-note he then states : "It would be quite welcome to me, if this conception could find support in that of an older churchly one, as B in an old hymn to have found believed: ^Vel hydriis pknh aqua ■vin't saporem infuderis.^ ^' To this he added this : ' ' The word sapor here is hardly thus to be emphasized. Vinl saporem infundere in the sense of the hymn, indeed, is nothing else than in -vinum mutare,^^ i. e. to change into •wine, entirely different from his own giving " a mere •wine-like potency. ^^ To this we need but to reply, that if such a deception, to say the least, had taken place, either here, or at any other miraculous performance of Christ, His disciples and immediate followers, doubtless, would have detected and mentioned it, but in absolute want of such a declaration on their part, the above insinu- ation must fall to the ground, as also Neander himself afterwards refers to this making the water into wine as to the ^^Jirst miracle^' Christ performed. THE MARRIAGE AT CANA John 2: 1-11 Part 11. 1 5 XI The servants, no more wine possessing. Were charged to Christ's words to attend,* So that, should He them be addressing. They might assistance to Him lend. — XII That they forthwith jars should be filling With water, Christ of them required ; When filled the jars, then He was thrilling The hearts through wine which all admired. — XIII The water, they from jars were taking. Most wondrously, by power divine, Christ, as the Son of God, was making To genuine, well-accepted ^ wine. XIV That miracle, therefore, presented No beverage to earth unknown ; It wine, a " good wine " ^ represented. Such as in that land's fields was grown. — XV As they in Christ faith were possessing To do what He wished done to see. He through that miracle was blessing Their faithful toil effectively. * John 2: 5. - John 2: 10. 1 6 ^he God-Man. XVI ** His glory Christ thus manifested" Through His first miracle,^ then done. Which His divinity attested And clearly proved Him as God's Son. XVII Though 'gainst His wilF to act requested, — As show His words in His reply, — In deference of His words protested. He still wrought that " good wine's ' " supply. XVIII "And His disciples," John there stated, ^* Believed on Him,'''' ^ whereby we see How Christ that feast potentiated By His miraculous Majesty. XIX E'en from the first Christ was outreaching All kinds of men well to prepare To listen to His Gospel's preaching Soon here and there and everywhere,* XX 'Tween Him and John, the Baptist, showing A contrast far and wide and clear. Divine light all men's spheres bestowing. As He went on in His career. — 'John 2: II. ^John 2: 3 fF. *John 2: 9 fF. *John 2: 11. 6 Mat. 4: 17, 23 fF. etc.; Mark I: 38 fF. etc.; John 2: 13 fF. etc. Part II. 1 7 XXI Christ oft, when miracles performing. Through means within the human sphere,^ His work to men's toil was conforming. That His divinity appear. XXII There in the desert thousands feeding,^ Where He some food did multiply. Through human means He men was leading To grasp His doctrines deep and high, XXIII The much-implying truth insuring That "I," said He, " the bread of God, Am ceaseless life for all procuring. Who eat my flesh and drink my blood." ' XXIV Rare circumstances were requiring A sign of Christ's almightiness. Men by the thousands were retiring To hear Him in the wilderness. XXV The desert was all hope defying For food the multitudes to feed. They on nought else could be relying. Except that He supply their need. ^John 9: 6; Mark 7: 33 etc., etc. * Mat. 14: 15-21; Mark 6: 34-46; Luke 9: 12-17; John 6: 5-1 1- ^John 6: 26-58. 1 8 T'he God-Man. XXVI There He gave thanks ^ the heavenly Father For the miraculous supplies Of which the fragments, they did gather. Large baskets filling,^ gave surprise. XXVII This miracle no new creation Of food reveals, unknown before, 'Twas wonderful ^ multiplication Of food from a poor fisher'' s store. XXVIII Few loaves, few fishes scanty measure. By human hands prepared and caught. This human food to such a treasure As ^' fed five thousand men,^^ * Christ wrought ; — XXIX That draught if fishes, they were making Miraculously,^ — all confessed ; ® — That coin^ one from that fish was taking ; — All were but labors Christ had blessed. XXX That fish-draught ' rightly there beholding. The clear catastrophe we see How fishermen Christ was imbolding Apostles of God's Son to be.* 'Mat. 14: 19. * Mat. 14: 20 etc. * Compare Mark 8: 6-9. *Luke 9: 14; Mat. 14: t\ etc. * Luke 5: i-ii. * Luke 5: 9, 10. 'Mat. 17: 24-27. ®Luke 5: 9-1 1 etc. Part 11. 19 XXXI For Christ, as this was His own meaning. In working that great miracle, "Thou shalt catch men," ^ was intervening As His majestic oracle. XXXII So, too, as postscript 'tis recorded. That after Christ rose from the dead. He similar aid to His afforded. And to a like success them led.^ — XXXIII When He had, unknown, to those stated. Who toiled all night, but nothing caught. Where many fishes were located, — Great fishes, then, to land they brought. XXXIV At once the miracle discerning John, *' 'Tis the Lord," to Peter said. Who, hastily, to meet Christ yearning. To reach the land full efforts made.^ — XXXV And when the fishes they had counted And found a hundred fifty-three. All their success to Christ accounted. And each His miracle could see.'^ ^Lukej: 10. ^Johnai: 1-23. ^johnii: 7. *John2i: 12, Ill CHRIST WORKING MIRACLES ON CONDITION OF FAITH DEMONSTRATING HIS SON- SHIP OF GOD. I Faith was the sure qualification For all, who sought Christ to be healed. Each patient, low or high in station. He cured, if they but faith revealed. II This rule o^ faith with Christ was binding. And so it is recorded, too. That where in places He was finding "No faith y^^ "No great works He could do.''* * III So, Christ, though far away, was healing That Jewish nobleman's sick son Through faith, ^ the father was revealing. Who Christ to bring from home had gone ; IV And finding Jesus, he was pressing The wish that to his son He come. But seeing faith, Christ wrought His blessing. Which healed the son there in his home. — V Thus, too, full health Christ was bestowing The slave of the Centurion ; ' He said, when this one faith was showing : "As thou hadst faith, to thee be it done." sr — — — — ' — ' — — — — ■ • ■ ^— — — ^— iJVIark 6: 5. ^John 4: 46-54. ^ Mat. 8: 5-13. Part III. 21 VI So was that woman ^ who was wasting "All that she had," that she be healed From a severe disease, but hasting To Christ by faith in her concealed. — VII She to herself had been confessing : " My touching Him heals my disease ; " When touched, Christ answered, her addressing : *' Thy faith hath healed thee, go in peace." * VIII So, too, is each miraculous healing Of many a Wind ^ man, young and old. The record of the joyful feeling Of each one, who of Christ took hold IX By living faith, — in some created By asking : '* Have ye faith in me That I do this ? " * and He then stated : ♦* Since ye had faith, it to you be." * X So, Bartimeus blind * perceiving. Through throngs of people passing by — Where he was sitting alms receiving — That Jesus Christ was coming nigh : * Mat. 9: 20-22; Mark 5: 25-34; Luke 8: 43-48. ^ Luke 8: 48. ^ Mat. 9: 27-31 ; 12: 22; 20: 30; John 9: I etc.. * Mat. 9: 28. 5 Mat. 9: 29. ® Mark 10: 46. 22 l^he God-Man. XI By faith his voice raised, "Jesus," crying, '* Thou David's Son, have mercy on me; ** Christ halting, called and asked replying: ** What wilt thou, that I do to thee ? " XII And when He heard the blind man's yearning: "Lord, to receive my sight," I pray, ** T\iy faith thee healed " to him returning. Healed, " he Christ followed in the way."^ — XIII To deaf and dumb,^ e'en to one ne'er seeing From birth,' — all men who greatly grieve — The power of hearing, speaking, seeing, Christ gave to each who did believe. — The leper-cleansing,* too, is showing Belief in each the heavenly root. Through which sure health Christ was bestowing The "lepers, sick from head to foot."* — XV As soon as Chrhi faith' s words was hearing: " Lord, if thou wilt Thou canst make clean,** No power dared to be interfering His answer: " / will, be thou clean ! " ^Mark lo: 52. ^ Mat. 9: 32 etc.; Mark 7: 31-37. 'John 9 : I etc. * Mat. 8 : 1-4 ; Mark I : 40-45 } Luke 5 : 12-16. * Luke 5: 12; 17: 12-14, 19 etc. Part III. 23 XVI So were the cures of that sick mother Of His disciple, Peter's wife,^ And Canaanitish woman's daughter,'' Bestowed to faith wrestling for life; — XVII One from attacks of fever suffered. And one was vexed by a demon bold. To each one normal health Christ proffered. When pressed hy faith' s tenacious hold; — XVIII They for that mother's cure beseeching, At once saw her recovery,^ Thus, both. His miracles and teaching,^ Proved amply that the Christ He be.^ XIX The heathen mother, too, believing That Christ had balm for every wound. In spite of sharp rebukes, was cleaving To Him, until His help she found. XX Though, doubtless, she felt deeply wounded By epithets ® quite undisguised. She never yet could be confounded In her '' great faith'^ in Jesus Christ. 1 Mat. 8: 14-17; Mark I: 29-31; Luke 4: 38. ^ Mat. 15: 22-28; Mark 7: 25-30. ^ Luke 4: 38, 39. * Mark i: 27 etc. * Mark I: 31. (See marginal note of Rev. Version: "Many ancient authorities add to be Christ.^'' " Mat. 15: 26 etc. 24 'T^he God-Man. XXI And thus to her Christ was confessing: ^^ Great is thy faith, it be to thee As asked," then Satan dispossessing Her daughter, left her instantly.^ — XXII Thus all the sick,^ whom was distressing Pain in some way, — the lame, the sore. The infirm,^ — whoe'er /^//^ was possessing. To health and strength Christ did restore. — XXIII What insight into each relation 0{ ra&Vi % faith and the gift divine Of sight, or speech, or of salvation Of helpless man in misery's shrine ! — XXIV When Christ once through the roof saw bringing A paralytic,* instantly. In that man's ears His words were ringing: ^^Be cheered, thy sins are pardoned thee ! " XXV Christ saw ^tvc faith. That was sufficient, — They need nor prayer, nor word to say. The help. He proffered, was efficient. Healed, he arose and went his way. — ' Mat. 15: 28. 2 Mat. 9: 35; Mark 3: 1-15; Luke 6: 6-15. 'Luke 13: II; 14: 1-65 John 5: 1-16 etc. * Luke 5: 18-26; Mat. 9: 2-7; Mark 2: 1-12 etc. CHRIST HEALING THE SICK Part III. 27 XXVI So in the place/ where oft were staying The weak and suffering in the land, Christ's word: "Stretch forth thy hand!'* obeying A man had healed his withered hand. — XXVII So in the porches ^ Christ surveying The sick who suffered deep-felt woe. He to an impotent was saying: "Arise, take up thy bed and go !^^ XXVIII ** And, instantly, he was arising. Took up his bed and went his way." ' This act of healing was surprising The Jews, — for 'twas the Sabbath day. — XIX And answering them God's Son was giving The keynote to His miracles. Assuring that His life here living. All His works and His oracles XXX Were but in closest emulation Of God, of whom He freely said : ** My Father worketh since creation," * And ne'er great pauses He has made, — ^Mat. 12: 9-13; Mark 3: 1-5; Luke 6: 6-n. ^John 5: 1-16. 'John 5: 9. *John 5: 17. 28 The God-Man. XXXI " And I, God's Son, always conforming To works which wrought by God I see. Such works alone can be performing As prove our mutual harmony." ^ XXXII Here Christ, that Goer's Son He is, stated, — Nought weightier in the Scriptures is; — Most closely they are thus related, Since God's works are the same as His. — XXXIII If God the Father rules creation In constant new activity, Christ proving His full God-relation, Like God, must e'er creative^ be. — xxxiv (Christ also clearly promulgated The doctrine how to keep that day. Declaring it " for man created," ^ That bliss to man's soul it convey.) xxxv So e'en the prayer to their destruction Of " evil spirits " * Christ approved. And as their prayer met no obstruction. They entered swine which near by moved ; — ijohn 5: 19 ff. etc; 14: 10, 11, etc. ^j^hn ^. ^^ ^^ g^c. 8 Mark 2: 27, 28. * Mat. 8: 28-34; Mark 5: 1-20; Luke 8: 26-39. Pari III. 29 XXXVI (The herd about two thousand numbered; — Those men, by "devils " there possessed. That region had with fear encumbered Through wrath and madness they expressed.) XXXVII Christ ne'er to " unclean spirits " * suffered, — Though <' devils e'en believe 'mid fear." * That Him by them be homage proffered. Or Him as God's Son they revere; XXXVIII He them " rebuked " ^ severely, saying: " Be still, come out of him and leave ! " And 'mid some wild and strange displaying They left* the souls whom they did grieve. — ^ Mark i: 23-26; Luke 4: 33-36. ^ James 2: 19. * Mat. 17: 18; Mark 9: 25; Luke 9: 42 etc. * Mat. 17: 18; Mark 9: 25; Luke 9: 42 etc. IV. CHRIST'S RANGE OF MIRACLES EXTENDED THROUGH NATURE SUPERNATURALLY. I Christ's range of miracles extended Through nature with authority. He, instantly, her laws suspended. When there ^ He dried the fruitless tree. — II When once ^ the winds broke from the mountains. Near by the Sea of Galilee, And everywhere from their deep fountains The waters rose surprisingly; III When, forthwith, wave on wave was rolling With steadily increased uproar. And boatmen every power controlling Their storm-tossed craft, lost more and more; IV When 'midst those waves one boat was trying To keep with might its steadiness. As Christ asleep ^ in it was lying — Nought feeling of the crew's distress; — When His own for deliverance sighing, — As frightful waves dashed overboard. Awakened Him for safety crying: " O Lord, we perish, save us. Lord ! " * ^Mat. 21: 19. 2 Mark 4: 37 ff.; Mat. 8: 24-27. 'Mat. 24. *Mat. 8: 25. Part IV. 3 1 VI When Christ's disciples greatly trembled At that severe storm's rage and threat. And all before Him there assembled. To show their fear in timorous fret: — VII And Christ looks calmly at the weather And answers, — ere aught else He saith. To join advice and shame together, — " Why fear ye, ye of little faith ? " ^ VIII What contrast between Christ's composure And His disciples' fearful fright In like temptation and exposure. All seizing there with equal might ! — IX Unmoving like a rock-bound tower, Christ there withstood the winds and all. Whilst that storm in its raging power Those made of fear the victims fall. — X Then Christ the winds and sea commanded That they be still, — and they obeyed! — That miracle sure faith demanded. Much faith in Christ it there conveyed ! "^ — 1 Mat. 8: 26. 2 Mark 4: 41; Mat. 8: 27. 32 The God-Man. XI The ear ' there, from its body parted. Healed, when Christ touched it, instantly. — To moistened earth ^ Christ strength imparted To heal blind eyes, that they could see, XII When washed with water, ^ Christ was giving The power to open and make whole To a man, till then in blindness living. Whom thus He gladdened heart and soul.* — XIII The laws of nature Christ suspended When He was walking on the sea,^ To Peter the same power extended. Storm-tossed, — he there was like a tree. — XIV For "by the wind afraid " appearing And "Lord, O save me," crying out. He sank; but Christ him caught — him cheering Though upbraiding him: "Why didst thou doubt?" XV All these great miracles are proving — Attesting Christ's God-sovereignty — That He, the world's Lord,* could be moving In it like God's air — frank and free ! ^ Luke 22: 50. ^ John 9: 6. ^ John 9: 7. *John 9: 30 fF. ^Mat. 14: 22-33; Mark 6: 45-52; Luke 6: 14-21. ^John i: 1-3 etc., etc. JESUS SAVING PETP:R IlioM SINKING Matt. 14: 31 Part IV. 35 XVI There at the miracle of raising Dead Lazarus ' from his dark grave. All that man could do toward upraising The dead, Christ blest, when charge He gave XVII To those. He near the grave was finding And said: •' Take ye the stone away; " ^ — And then: "Be ye the clothes unbinding " ' — Which wrapt around the body lay; — XVIII To God uplooking for His blessing, 'Mid heart-felt grief, most deeply moved. The dead with powerful voice addressing, Christ's efforts superhuman proved! XIX According with the four days * lying Already in that grave interred. Such strength divine Christ was supplying To Lazarus as new life conferred! — XX The dead, the voice of Christ thus hearing, "Came forth;" — raised from the dead was found ! — They saw him in full life appearing. All clothes bound 'round him still unbound; " — ^John II: 1-54. 2 John 11 : 39. *John ii: 44. *John II: 17, 39. *John II: 44 fF. ^John ii: 44. 36 The God-Man. To loosen these God's Son was leaving To sceptics who might be about. That Lazarus in their care receiving They free their mind from every doubt. How faintly ^ have some poets striven To glorify Christ's miracles. Though, God-like, He in them has given Divine proof of His oracles, ^Alfred Tennyson, e. g., in ' In Memoriam ' (considered his best and longest religious poem) concerning Lazarus* resurrection fictitiously and sceptically says in Canto 3 1 : " When Lazarus left his charnel-cave, And home to Mary's house return'd, Was this demanded — if he yearn'd To hear her weeping by his grave ? ' Where wert thou, brother, those four days ? * There lives no record of reply. Which telling what it is to die Had surely added praise to praise."— " Behold a man raised up by Christ ! The rest remaineth unreveal'd; He told it not, or something seal'd The lips of that Evangelist." Compare also Canto 96, where disregarding Christ's rebuke to doubting Thomas (John 20: 26 fF. ) who seeing the risen Christ and testing the wounds in his hands and side belie'ving/y exclaimed: '• My Lord and my God," he still unbelievingly declares: " You tell me, doubt is Devil-born. I know not," etc., etc. *' There lives more faith in honest doubt Believe me, than in half the creeds." etc., etc. Part IV. 37 When bitter enemies objected That sins to pardon He presumed. The siclc man's healing He effected By a change ' of words He at once assumed. — And Robert Browning in his ' An Epistle ' also writes fictitiously concerning the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection another's estimate, saying: " 'Tis but a case of mania — subinduced By epilepsy, at the turning point Of trance prolonged unduly some three * days: When by the exhibition of some drug Or spell, exorcization, stroke of art Unknown to me and which 'twere well to know, The evil thing out-breaking all at once Left the man whole and sound of body indeed," — etc. " The man — it is one Lazarus, a Jew, Sanguine, proportioned, fifty years of age," etc. " This grown man eyes the world now like a child." etc. And what Henry W. Longfellow in his ' Christus ' of Lazarus* resurrection says is this: " He hath called Lazarus of Bethany Out of his grave and raised him from the dead.'* " The people say that here in Bethany He hath raised up a certain Lazarus, Who had been dead three * days." * Mat. 9: 4 fF. * Lazarus had been dead "four days," when Christ raised him from the dead (John 11 : 39). 38 'The God-Man. XXIV To Martha Christ said — all foreseeing — " Thy brother dead shall rise again. The Life and Resurrection being Through me, by faith life he'll regain." ^ — XXV Death of man's body comes by reason Of sin,^ which is apostasy From God, or man's soul's spiritual treason Against God, to be falsely free.' — XXVI To those in Christ, God's Son, believing, Christ is the fountain of full life. Since they in death, e'en, are receiving The life with endless blessings rife.* — XXVII Christ Lazarus knew and loved * him dearly. — At His love's retrospect " Christ wept," * He raised' him — His love's seal most clearly — Though he in death o'er •♦ four days " slept.® — XXVIII All circumstances manifested This miracle's sublime degree. It Christ's divinity attested And proved His God-like majesty. ijohn 11:23 ff. etc. ^ Rom. 5: 12, 14, 19 etc. 'Rom. 6: zo-23 etc. *John ii: 25 fF. etc., etc. ^John ii: 3. ^John II: 35. ''John II: 43, 44. ^john II: 17, 39. THE RAISINCi UF JAIKl aS UAL'GHTER Matt. 9: 25 Part IF. 41 XXIX More power was needed evidently In this than in a case, where one Was newly dead, and words, said gently. The dead raised, as the widow's son,^ XXX To whom, — first her, with "Weep not," greeting, — Christ said: " I say to thee, arise." " And he arose," — Christ's summons meeting, — " And all filled fear " ^ — 'mid great surprise; XXXI As Jairus' daughter,^ the death-laden, •* Though she was dead," when in repose Christ her addressing: '♦ Rise, O maiden," *• She " — like a rose blown down — '* arose." — XXXII Though here * the contexts might be admitting Each as a cataleptic case. Where Christ's hand's touch, or voice befitting. The apparent dead from sleep did raise. — XXXIII But could Omniscience surely knowing The coma, wherein Lazarus lay — If death's resemblance clearly showing — Still metaphorically say: ^ ' Luke 7: 11-16 etc. 2Luke7:i6. ^ Mat. 9: i8 ff. ; Mark 5: 2.2, 35 fF.; Luke 8: 49 ff. * In those miracles of resurrections from the dead. ^ John 11:4. 42 'The God-Man. XXXIV ♦' Our friend's disease is not to dying. But for God's glory, verily. That it God's Son be glorifying? " — Or could but metaphor this be: XXXV *' He sleeps, our friend, but I am going That out of sleep him I awake ' ' ^ The power o^ God through His Son show- Whereas " all of his death He spake p >> 3 ^ John 1 1 : 1 1 . 2 John 11:4. * John 1 1 : 13 S. V AS <'SON OF GOD" CHRIST WOP.KED MIRACLES IRRESPECTIVE OF THE LAWS OF THIS PHYSICAL WORLD. CHRIST'S SUPER- NATURAL ORIGIN TRANSCENDS ALL MIRACLES. I Though nature's laws thus are expanding. Perchance exceptions to admit. It must be stated notwithstanding That laws exceptions ne'er permit! II Christ's miracles were certain breaches Of nature's laws ; each did suspend When it the general \z.\n o'er-reaches To gain a wiser, nobler end.^ Ill It is this subject ill befitting Adducing reasons misinformed In bringing arguments admitting That God's Son miracles performed IV And state, that this world is constructed On law-excepting principles. And from wrong premises deducted Give reasons for Christ's miracles.^ — V The physical world nowhere is showing To law exceptions in its spheres. No law a better rule bestowing Than in the general law appears. 'John 6: 26 fF. etc. ^ The primary reason for Christ's miracles is this, that He had authority to work miracles as the Son of God, He Himself declaring: " I must work the works of Him that ser.t me." (John 9: 4; 4; 34 cLc.y 44 '^he God-Man. VI When water, or some fluid, freezing. Instead of growing dense, compact. And heavier, — all contraction ceasing, — • Swells and gets lighter, as to fact : VII No law of nature is requiring That ice, formed on the top, must sink. For sunken ice more layers acquiring Must soon make ice-mounts, link by link ; VIII For frozen water is remaining On top,' conformed to nature's law ;^ And water still 'neath the ice maintaining Its fluid state prevents the awe IX Which followed, if the ice were sinking. And filled with blocks of ice one saw All streams — the ocean interlinking — Which only many suns could thaw. — X Christ's wonders were not violations Of nature's laws ; they rather proved To excel through God-like operations. By which all ills He at once removed. — ' As ice has a density of about .09, one ninth of its volume floats abo've the water. * The reason that ice formed on the top of water iinh not, is not an exception, as some think, but it is in full accord with nature's laiv, because its density is kss than that of water. Pari V. 45 XI He nature's laws aside was setting The supernatural to reveal. And thus a heavenly aim begetting. He God^s ^///wrought for zvoe^ or weal? XII He nature's courses oft^ suspended. Whilst drawing the earthly veil aside. And nature with a moral * blended That God's power might be magnified. XIII A miracle ^ thus interfering With this or that of nature's dow'r That facts, unheard of, were appearing Exhibiting almighty ® pow'r, XIV Should yet be incongruent never With Him, who all things did create,'' Though puzzling to man's best endeavor To find some reason adequate. •Mat. 8: 32 etc. ^Mat. 9: 4 ff. etc. 'John 11: 44; Acts 2: 22 etc., etc. * John 6:6, 25-41 etc. ^ " Those rightly are to be termed miracles which are wrought by divine power apart from the order, usually observed in nature," argues Thomas Aquinas (Con. Gentiles II. 102). ® In the Wisdom of Solomon (19: 6) the author remarkably describes how at the passage of the Red Sea all nature in its variety was created anew, that it might serve the LORD'S purposes for the safe deliverance of His people Israel and for the severe punishment of their enemies, the Egyptians. ' John I: 3 etc., etc. 46 'J'he God-Man. XV That man, besides bread, too, be living By beauty, seems God's law to be. Since he for beauty has been giving To man great sensibility. — XVI The miracle bread multiplying,^ And water into wine refined," The beautiful was nullifying. Which God to corn and vine assigned. — XVII But though a loss, as all reflection On nature's work abruptly ceased. The miracle yet in perfection Mature fruit, instantly increased. — XVIII The gain it, therefore, was producing. Was from our human standpoint great ; The end, for which Christ it was using. Was yet of infinite more weight. — XIX Wherefore to those, who had been eating Those loaves increased and had been fed. With emphasis Christ was repeating That He is the divine life-bread.' ^ Mat. 14: 15-21; Mark 6: 35-44; Luke 9: 12-17; }°^^ ^'• 5-14. 2john 2: i-ii. 3john 6: 35, 48 etc. Part V. 47 XX Earth's beauty, even from beginning When seed is sown, in growths expressed. Till one in harvest fruit is winning. By miracles appears suppressed ; — XXI The smallest and the slow unfolding Of blade and stem and ear, and each Leaf, flower and fruit, whilst them beholding. The soul of man divine truths teach ; ^ — XXII The blossoms and the fragrant flowers. The shades of foliage green and bright. Amid refreshing dews, and showers Of rain, fill men's heart with delight.^ — XXIII The thoughts on heavenly things suggested By walking through a harvest field,' Or vineyard with ripe fruit invested, A miracle will hardly yield. — XXIV Experience of full reliance Upon the Lord and solid Rock,* Gained in long sufferings, find defiance In miracles, — to faith a shock. — ^Mat. 6: 28, 29 etc., etc. ^ Psalm 104: 10-15 ^f^., etc. •Jofin 4: 35 fF. etc. * Isa. 26: 4 etc., etc. 48 The God-Man. XXV Christ out of nothing naught effected. His miracles a base required : The dead were to be resurrected. All sick healed, as true faith ^ desired. XXVI Christ power divine e'er was applying To heal all sick and raise all dead. But Satan's prayer He was denying And out of stones would make no bread ! * XXVII To senseless wishes Christ objected And would no miracles perform. Desires oi faith He ne'er neglected. To cries for help He calmed each storm. XXVIII Christ's miracles oft were perverted By those who could not comprehend How He in them God's power exerted. Whilst this to them did not extend.* XXIX As natural texts to spiritual speeches Christ's oracles * like God's voice rang That whom through faith His gospel reaches Should, saved ^ from sin, lose his heart's pang.® ^Mat. 9: 27 fF. etc. 2 Mat. 4: 1-4. ^ For want of faith, John 6: 41; 7: 12, 21, 43 etc., etc. *John 6: 44 ff.; 7: 16 ff.; 12: 44 ff. etc., etc. 5 Luke 5: 18 ff.; John 8: 31 ff. etc., etc. ^ Luke 8: 485 19: 20; John 9: 25, 31, 38 etc. Part V. 49 XXX But who is capable of telling How many ^ men Christ has made whole. How many His words were repelling ^ From faith in Him to save their soul ? — XXXI What earthly flowers He obliterated ? — ■ What processes of growth ^ He o'erstepped ? — . What fancies through Him were created ? — What wild dreams into men's minds crept ? * — XXXII Of all God's miracles transcended In matchless worth the miracle : " God''s Son made Jlesh,'''' ^ — to heaven ascended,^ Men' 5 Saviour, Immanuel.'' XXXIII This miracle of Incarnation Itself in Christ did manifest Through His divine unique salvation As the sublimest and the best. XXXIV Christ's work and works were well succeeding ! "In Christ's name bowed the devils e'en," ^ Christ's might was Satan's power exceeding ! "As lightning Satan fell from heav'n ! " — 'John 8: 31 ff. etc., etc. ^John 7: 12, 21 etc. 'Mark 10: 18 ff.; Mat. 19: 17 fF. *Mat. 20: 20 fF. ^John i: 145 Mat. i: 21 ff. etc. ^Acts i: 9-12. 'Mat. i: 23 etc. ^ Luke 10: 17, J 8 etc. 50 "the God-Man. XXXV God's love in Christ now culminateth In this, that who is '* born again " ^ And by true faith participateth In God's love's gift ^ shall heaven obtain. Men's troubles to compassion moving Christ's heart so that He wept,^ groaned, sighed. His strength e'en to the utmost* proving. Their woes beholding on each side : XXXVII Christ's love exhaustless is revealing ; His was self-sacrificing strife. Through bitt'rest death His labours sealing Imparting men ** eternal Ufe-^'' * XXXVIII His foes and sinners pardon giving® Till '* It is finished," ' He had said, — As God's Son ever to be living " With God who raised Him from the dead." ^ ijohn 3: 3 ff. etc. ^john 3: 16 etc., etc. ^John 11: 35, 38; 12: 27; Luke 19: 41 etc. * Luke 22: 43. ^ John 3:16 etc., etc. ^Luke 23: 34, 43. 'John 19: 30. *Acts 2: 24, 32-36; 5: 30, 31 etc., etc. VI CHRIST MEETS THE OBJECTIONS TO HIS POWER WORKING MIRACLES. OTHER OPPO- NENTS TO CHRIST MENTIONED FROM EARLY TIMES. I The objections which Christ's power disputed As *' God's Son" to work miracles,' Christ e'er with arguments strong refuted By uttering striking oracles. II •♦If I," said He, — whom ye're accusing — ** Cast out the devils through their chief. By whom, then, do your children, — using My power, — cast devils out ? " — In brief: III ** If Satan does this, he's divided. And how, then, shall his kingdom stand ? — But if I'm through God's Spirit guided. To you God's kingdom is at hand ! " * — IV A heathen,' too, the cry was raising Against God's Son, the Christ, as one Who wonders wrought, another * praising. Who similar wonder-works had done. V "Yet we are not," he says, '* him claiming A God, but man, by gods beloved. Although the Christians are proclaiming Their Jesus as a God ; " — approved !^ ^ Mat. 12: 24-28; Mark 3: 22-27; Luke 1 1 : 15-22 etc. 2 Mat. 12: 28; Mark I: i 5 etc. ^ Hierocles, whose book and chief arguments are known from the extracts in the refutation by Euse- bius in his history of the Primitive Christian Church. Celsus, Hierocles and Julian were some of the foremost heathen enemies of Christianity from the middle of the second to the fourth century. * Appolonius of Tyana in Cappadocia, (Encyclop. Brit. 9th Edit., vol. xi, p. 708). ^ Coloss. 2: 9 etc., etc. 52 The God-Man. Just this : Christ is God'' s Son .'^ For ever Perplexed His foes as stumbling block In their assaults and fierce endeavor To crush this adamantine Rock. Few through the " Dark " and " Middle Ages '* Rose 'gainst the miracles, Christ wrought. But through two centuries past, some sages Soon here, soon there, advanced the thought,' vin The true ideal in Christ giving, — The nature human and divine He perfectly on earth was Hving, — *' Man's reason could alone define.'* ijohn 10: 35-38 etc., etc. * Spinoza (in his twenty-first letter), Reimarus (in his work on Natural Religion ), Kant (in his ' Religion within the limits of mere Reason,' 2nd Edition, p. 73 fF. etc. ) declared something like this : Every man must strive to know Christ as the highest ideal of a perfect man, not by exterior history-knowledge, but by reason- knowledge, and this ideal of a God-well-pleasing humanity is innate in human reason, to which one-self to elevate is the duty of every man, not so much by personal faith in Christ, as by striving to make one-self like Christ, etc. Part VI . 53 IX But Christ's life humanly dissected, Moreo'er, on the pragmatic base. To which some men's lives are subjected. Who have adorned the human race. X And in Christ's life but that including What human is and natural. The supernatural excluding : Must make His power miraculous fall.* ^ Lessing, e. g., (since 1770 Librarian of the ducal library in Wolfenbuettel) in the so-called ' Wolfenbuettel Fragments by an unknown,' published, in reality, fragments (though he did not agree with their contents) from the written work of Reimarus concerning Natural Religion, and which fragments, especially in the part published 1777, contained such mighty attacks upon the Bible and Christianity, that Hesz, e. g., in the edition of 1779 of his, since 1768 published ' Life-history of Jesus,' plainly indicated that his faith regarding the miraculous in Christ's life, more or less, was rationalistically infected. — It needs, however, to be stated, that Lessing, in response to many severe criticisms, answered, saying, e. g. : "As there must be storms in nature to purify the atmosphere, notwithstanding the fearful destructions following their course, so likewise these seemingly severe attacks can neither injure the Bible, nor true Christianity, but on the contrary, serve the good purpose of sifting the wheat from the chaff," etc. 54 The God-Man. XI One/ therefore, "in Christ's life and teaching Religion's essence," did discern ** Instead of miracles " — ^beseeching : •* Let us to know God's kingdom learn." XII As thus his faith somewhat was shaken And clipping his seraphic thought. He but as " t^pes of truths " had taken The " miracles " which Jesus wrought. XIII To him Christ's " wonder of wine-making " Was •* type of greater than John's ^ pow'r ; " And '* Lazarus' wonderful awaking " Meant "Jesus' resurrection-hour."^ ^ Herder, one of the greatest educators and theologians of the 1 8th century in Germany. ^John the Baptist. ^ The miracle of Christ's resurrection, Herder fully believed, saying: " Faith now can boldly exclaim: What do I care, whereby God has brought Christ back into life ? Sufficient, He returned into life and showed Himself to His ownj the story truthfully is told and is neither deceit nor fable." Note. — Goethe, one of Herder's best friends, was in full accord with Herder's belief regarding Christ's resurrection, which is proved by his most artistic dactylic ' Easter Chorus' in ' Faust' (in my translation Vol. I, pp. 43, 44) beginning: Christ' is arisen ! ( " Christ' ist erstanden ! Joy ( Praise) to the Mutable * Freude dem Sterblichen,* Whom the pollutable,^ Den die verderblichen,^ Moving,* imputable^ Schleichenden,* erblichen * Ills* did imprison. Maengel* umwanden.") ' The ist, 5th and other lines in this chorus are based on the old German hymn : " Christ (lor Christus) ist erstanden," i. e., Christ is risen. ' Meaning tnortal, referring to Christ's mortal body. * Cor- ruptible, perishable, or pollutable, but never " unmerited," as Hedge and Bayard Taylor following, incorrectly translated. * In a medical sense, moving like poison, working corruption. ^Inheritable or imputable, but not " inherited," as Hedge and Bayard Taylor follow- ing, incorrectly translated. * Frailties investing also Christ's human body. Part VI . 55 XIV The endeavor critics were pursuing. From early to our present time. In varied forms it e'er renewing. Aimed Christ to rob of power sublime, XV By miracles to show God's glory, As never a mere man has done. And to proclaim the gospel's story That Jesus is the Christ, Goa* s Son, XVI Whom God the Father had been sending ' That He His saving work should do. And who to heaven again ascending,^ God's work being done,^ to God withdrew.* XVII Thus miracles one ^ was denying As philosophically untrue And great disharmony implying In God's laws, from a rational view ; ijohn 17: 3, 4, 8, 21, 23 etc., etc. ^ Mark 16: 19; Luke 24: 51; Acts 1 : 2, 9, 10 etc. ^ John 17: 4 etc. *John 17: 11, 13; 14: 12, 28, etc. * Spinoza, the pantheist ( at the close of the 17th centur)') says in ' Tract. Theol. Pol.' VI. — If we admit the miracles as true — " We must presume that God has created nature and her laws and rules so inadequate, that, often, He must assist her to be preserved, etc., and this," he concludes, " I consider to be a very ur.reaionahle conclusion." And in his 21st letter he declares regarding Christ: " For salvation it is not necessary to know Christ after the flesh, but with that eternal Son of God, namely, the di-vine fFiiJom, which in all things especially in the human heart ( or mind) appears, and in excellent form in yesus Christ has appeared, it is another thing ; for without this none, indeed, will obtain salvation, because tliis alone teaches what is true and false, good and evil." — 56 The God-Man. XVIII Though otherwise ' he was admitting That in Christ Jesus had appeared " God's wisdom greatly," — thus befitting He e'en himself God's Son revered. — XIX The sceptic's^ mind with doubts pervaded. Found " Miracles improbable. Since nature's laws, by * change ' invaded. Be wholly inconceivable." — XX No moral kingdom they were knowing ; They apprehended not Christ's strife. Through wonders* God's ways to be showing. And men to fit for heavenly hfe. — XXI The Rationalists * have been denying That Jesus miracles has wrought. Since natural means He was applying, ♦< By which," they said, "He ever sought XXII " Through sympathetic friendly feeling And medical skill. He thus applied. As some, skilled in the art of healing. To heal all, who through faith Him tried." ^ In his 2 1 St letter (see note 5 on previous page). ^ Hume, about the middle of the 1 8th century. ^ Mark i: 14, 25, 26, 34, 39, 41, 42 etc., etc. ; John 9 : 4 etc. * The Rationalists are represented mostly by Dr. Paulus in his commentary, published 1804, and in his ' Life of Christ,' published 1828. Part VI . 57 XXIII The Bible-records they were reading To find of miracles no trace Their exegesis ne'er conceding That " miracles could e* er take place.^* XXIV Thus they presumed that "Jesus rather Walked on the shore " — as they could see, *' Since from the records they this gather: " He walked beyond,^ not on the sea." XXV Some eminent Rationalist,^ believing That Christ was human and divine. Held, that " each patient was receiving From the * divine ' in Christ benign 1/. e.. He walked beyond on the shore, they rendering epi, like the Latin Bible (Vulgata), "super," beyond or above, ^e.g.^ Schleiermacher, Ewald etc., etc., and also, since 1901, Prof. Dr. Harnack, of Berlin, Germany, who in his late work, "What is Christianity ?" notably excludes everything that is miraculous from the Bible, and in his opening chapter faintly stating : " The Chris- tian religion is something simple and sublime, it means one thing and one thing only — Eternal life in the midst of time by the strength and under the eyes of God," gives to the Christian religion an entirely different character and destiny than that which Jesus Christ Himself states, declaring : (John 17: iff.) " Father, glorify thy Son, that the Son may glorify thee : even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that whatsoever thou hast given him, to them he should give eternal life. And this is life eternal, that they should knoiv thee the only true God and him ivhom thou didst send, e-ven yesus Christ. ^^ 58 The God-Man. XXVI And powerful forces which imparted At once of strength such new-born wealth That in man's sickly organs started A process of quick normal health." ^ XXVII Thus one ^ most confidently stated That " If within this form is brought What to Christ's miracles' related. Its meaning easily is caught; XXVIII But to explain, what's not admitted Within this form" — though confident Be the decision, 'tis submitted, — ** Great difficulties will present." * ^ Schleiermacher in his lectures on the Life of Jesus, still unpub- lished, but quoted and verified by many, who heard them. (Strausz' 'Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, pp. 23-28). Hase likewise states : " Vielleicht alle Heilungen Jesu beschrankten sich au6 Gebiet, wo die Macht des Willens iiber den Korper bemerkbar wird," i. e., Perhaps all the healings of Jesus were limited to the sphere, where the power or influence of the wiU (of another) over the body is observed. — ' Life of Jesus ' § 48, 4th Edition. ' Schleiermacher in his lectures on the Life of Jesus. ^ Christ's miracles recorded in the gospels of the N. Test. *e. g., Christ's resurrection and all the resurrections from the dead, attributc Renan 'Vie de Jesus,' p. 359. ' He means, e. g.. Abbot Bernard cf Clairvaux and Franciscus of Assisi ( near Naples ), a pious monk, both of whom performed many marvelous deeds, and for this reason received many extraordinary honors from the people in their immediate neighborhood and from strangers who came to see them. 6o The God-Man. XXXIII Then are those critics^ who' re presuming " Mere myths " ^ to be, what is confest Of Christ, and thus e'er are assuming That Christ stands not the critics' test.' ^ These are not the so-called ' Higher Critics ' who seek con- scientiously and devoutly by proper literary and historical investiga- tions and tests to ascertain the genuine texts of the Sacred Scriptures, but, on the contrary, their opposltes, who under the same name, rather more or less by unscrupulous and profane methods, mostly by mere presumptions and vain assumptions eliminating boldly the supernatural from all the prophecies and miracles etc., degrade the Bible-records to the level of mere human productions etc. These critics had their origin already in the early part of the i8th century, e. g., in the English deist Woolston, conspicuous through his blasphemous writings, especially in his attempts through his allegorical interpretations to undermine the reality of Christ's miracles, mostly in his six notorious ' Letters on the Miracles,' (published in London, first in pamphlets, between 1727-1729). In the 19th century are especially notable, Bauer, and the so-called ' Tuebingen-School,'' on account of their destructive criticisms of many books of the whole Bible, and also, particularly, Strausz, in his philosophic-mythic 'Life of Jesus,' etc., and various other similar writers in our times, both in Europe and also in this country, altogether too numerous and too complicated in their statements and publications, to be mentioned further here. 2 Strausz' ' Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, p. 185 : "We leave to the Scriptures their miracles, but for us we look at them as mere myths,'^ ^Strausz' ' Life of Jesus,' vol. III, e. g., p. 204 ff. etc. Part VI . 6 1 XXXIV They searched Christ's life as pretext claiming To find the truth it can but show/ But Christ a "man " ^ alone proclaiming. They failed as God' s Son Him to ktiow. XXXV Whilst with the human in Christ dealing Preferringly, they avoid to allude To spiritual truths, Christ is revealing Of God and his great Fatherhood. XXXVI As " man " ^ alone, they e'er are claiming To judge Christ in His acts and words. To "heavenly things," He is proclaiming. No wisdom's key them light affords. — XXXVII They say: ** We're not as true receiving What Jesus of Himself does teach. Nor as divine can be believing What is beyond researches' reach." * * " The New Testament is the source, the only source from which we know the more accurate of Jesus," declares Strausz in ' Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, p. 6. * " For us Jesus either exists not at all, or only as maw," ( i. e., as homo, a mere human being — Mensch) etc. Strausz' 'Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, p. 299. •Strausz' * Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, p. 299 ff. etc. * Strausz' 'Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, p. 257 ff. etc. 62 The God-Man. XXXVIII ** The critics' work is wholly ended On things not to experience near; Things with the supernatural blended. Belong not to the critics' sphere." ^ XXXIX Though Christ's disciples stated clearly That Christ His miracles has done. One says: — impeaching them severely — ** He never has performed e'en one; " ^ These and similar expressions are constantly found, e. g., in Strausz' ' Life of Jesus,' in vols. Ill and IV, and in similar critical works. " Was sich in den Evangelien von der ueberna- tiirlichen Abkunft Jesu findet, ist fiir uns nicht vorhanden," i. e., What in the gospels is found of the supernatural origin of Jesus, is not existing for us. Strausz' ' Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, p. 245. — Correspondingly, Dr. Briggs, in our times, has stated in his ' The Messiah of the Apostles,' p. 523 : " In all the various references of the Apostles Peter, James, Paul and John, to the incarnation of Christ, there is not a word or a suggestion of the virgin-birth of the gospel of the Infancy in Matthew and Luke," (wherein he follows the well-known disbelief of Schleiermacher in his ' Lectures of the Life of Jesus,' — Strausz' ' Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, p. 26 if. ), and strangely concludes : " The virgin-birth cannot therefore be essential to the doctrine of the incarnation." But, when, e. g. , Paul declares : " God sent forth his Son, made (^l>orn, Rev. Version) of a ivoman'"'' (Gal. 4: 4), and when John positively states: "And the Word {logos^ ivas made flesh,'''' "became" (Rev. Version) [John i: 14] — (Compare Rom. i: 3, 4; 1 Tim. 3 : 16 etc. ), there is emphatic evidence that "the virgin- birth of the gospel of the Infancy in Matthew and Luke ' ' is fully and most implicitly implied in all their expressive words. — Pari VI. 63 XL '* For what of nature's laws we're knowing. He ne'er mere water '!vme could make; Nor start in morsels few such growing That men by thousands food could take; XLI Nor dead could raise; and that his healing — Impossible by miracle ^ — He wrought through sympathetic feeling Is possible and probable." XLII To all that Strausz said, one supposing It might to all of Christ apply — Faith weakened on small hope reposing — '* Strausz may be wrong," ^ said in reply. — XLIII From faith in Christ is generated — Howe'er alone in Christ-like way — Free use oi reason consecrated All truths of Goer s word ' to obey : ^ Strausz' ' Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, pp. 338 ff.; vol. IV, p. 169 etc. ^ Robert Browning in ' Bishop Blougram's Apology ' says : " Why, to be Luther — that's a life to lead," etc. " He comes, reclaims God's earth for God, he says. Re-opens a shut book, and all is done," etc. " If he succeeded, nothing's left to do ; And if he did not altogether — well, Strausz is the next advance," etc. " He looks upon no future : Luther did. What can I gain on the denying side ? Ice makes no conflagration," etc. " Then add there's still that plaguey hundredth chance Strausz may he ivrong,'"'' etc. ^John 8; 32 etc, 64 T^he God-Man. XLIV So Christ to faithful^ Jews was saying: "If in my word ye shall abide **The truth ye' 11 know and be displaying Such freedom as it will provide. — XLV So likewise faithful Paul advises: "Prove all things ;^^ "^ "Judge ye what I say,-'"'— These counsels, surely, none surprises Who does to God's word homzge pay. — XLV I When, therefore, Christ His followers urges ^11 Scriptures * well to comprehend, Aod God's ways him who God's word searchei ■* - To his conviction surety lend, XLVII That all this world's unique creation A supernatural Cause has wrought: Why should not Christ work man' s salvation After God's plan in God' s word^ taught? ! — XLVIII Howe'er they felt their limitation ! For when Christ His existence puts Before* this earth's and world's creation, — Assuming God-like attributes, — 1 John 8: 32 ff. etc. ^ i Thess. 5: 21. ^ i Cor. 10: 15, etc. *John 5: 39; Luke 24: 25 ff. etc. ^John 6; 17, zSj 17: 5, 24 etc. J etc. Part VI. 65 XLIX And of Himself most clearly stated: ** / and the Father — God — are one ; " * ** The work by thee communicated And given to me to do, Pve done,*^ ' — L One speaks of Christ thus estimated: '*A Jesus, who all this can say. From the historic standpoint rated. For us existeth in no way." * — LI That miracles Christ was performing. Thus, now and then some did dispute, Howe'er, the why things were conforming To ways, wherein Christ them had put — LII His mode ot operation * never A mortal could, nor may unseal; To know this, vain seems each endeavor, — The next world shall it all reveal ! ^ — ^John 10: 30; 14: 10; 17: zi, 22 etc. *John 17: 4; 5: 19, a6, 27, 30 etc., etc. ^ Strausz' * Life of Jesus,' vol. Ill, pp. 145, 258 etr..» etc. ^ Modus operandi. ^ Rev. 21 etc., etc. VII CHRIST'S APOSTLES, JEWISH PRIESTS, RULERS AND PHARISEES, AND THE SO-CALLED CHURCH- FATHERS NEAREST THE APOSTOLIC-AGE, BELIEVERS IN CHRIST AND HIS MIRACLES.— CHRIST THE ONLY SINLESS MAN.— HIS CON- SECRATION, BAPTISM IN JORDAN, CONQUEST OVER SATAN.— HIS TRANSFIGURATION. I That Christ's Apostles were believing That miracles — to Him assigned — By power of God ^ He was achieving In records clear they have defined, 11 And many they corroborated With marvelous unanimity.^ — At Pentecost they all have stated That Jesus, "C/^tr///," and "Lord,'' ' too, be. ^John 14: loj Acts 2: 22 etc. ^ Many attempts have been vainly made to solve the Synoptical problem of numerous differ- ences in the accounts of miracles in the gospels by literary criticisms. 'Goethe to Eckermann,' vol. Ill, p. 371, gives his direct dogmatic testimony regarding Christ ( based on His works and words as well ), thus : "I consider the gospels genuine through- out, for in them is active the Image of a highness which proceeded from the '■Person of Christ,^ which is as of a di-vine nature, as the divine ever on earth hath appeared." — With his philosophic insight into the Gospels he therefore declares : " From heaven descending Jesus brought The gospel's everlasting writ. He ever it His followers taught ; A word divine, it moved and hit. Returning, He it took again. But they its sense had well maintained, And each one wrote — without refrain, As it in his mind he retained. Various. — 'Tis of no consequence, They had variety of sense. 'Tis Christians' great sufficiency Till day-break of eternity." — (Vol. II of my trans lation of Goethe's Poems.) * Acts 2: 36 etc. Pari VII. 67 III From acts of men of note, recorded By Christ's Apostles, one can see That Priests and Rulers had accorded Christ's worlcs full authenticity. IV That Ruler ^ thus to Christ was saying, " That thou God's teacher art, we know," — The Priests and Rulers faith betraying — " For ne'er a man these signs can show, V These mighty works which thou'rt performing. Except God be with him." — So, indeed. That Christ the minds had been transforming Of Priests and Rulers all concede.^ — VI And likewise Christian writers ^ living Close to the Apostolic days. Full homage in their works were giving To Christ as Son of God — always. 'John 3: 1-21; 19: 39; 2: 23. ^John 12: 42; Acts 6: 7 etc., etc. 'The so-called Apostolic Fathers, i. e., the Christian writers who were to some extent contemporary with some of Christ's Apostles, e. g. , Clemens Romanus, Ignatius, Polycarp, etc., and the primitive or anti-Nicene fathers, e. g., Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Origen, Cyprian, TertuUian, etc., and the post-Nicene fathers, e.g., Ambrose, Athanasius, Augustine, Basil, Chrysostom, Gregory the Great, Hilary, Jerome, etc., and others, e. g., Eusebius, the great historian, etc.; — as all were living near and some even in the Apostolic age and therefore were wholly conversant with such men (or their writings) as had lived in the days of some of Christ's Apostles, — all, full of faith and Christian heroism, confessed and also defended Christ and his mighty works and teachings, all showing that these were prominent subjects in the minds of leading Christians from the beginning in the Christian Church, 68 "the God-Man. VII 'Gainst heretics their faith defending In Him and in His miracles — Most valiantly for Him contending That He fulfilled His ^ oracles. VIII Christ's foes against Himself w^ere aiming Of sin Him charged and proved to see. But they said nought on His exclaiming: ** Who of you of sin convicteth me ? " '— » IX Thus Christ was, as He oft was calling Himself, not " Son of man " ^ alone. But He Himself, since Adam's falling. The ideal sinless man^ has shown. — X Absorbed in thoughts and meditating On His sublime Messiah-sphere, God's Son Himself was consecrating Already there in His twelfth year.* XI In spirit strong, Christ grew in favor With God and men;® with wisdom filled His thirtieth year,^ 'twas His endeavor God's kingdom for all times to build.' iMat. lo: 16-39 etc., etc. "John 8: 46. ^john 8: 28 etc. *I Pet. 2: 22 etc., etc. ^ Luke 2: 46-52 etc. * Luke 2: 52. ■J Luke 3: 23. ^Mat. 16: 18. THE BAPTISM OF CilRIST IN JORDAN " And in those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilder- ness of Judea. Then went out unto him Jerusalem and all Judea. and all the region round about Jordan; and they were l)aptized of him in the river Jordan. And Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened." — Matt. 3: 5.13,16; Mark 1 : 5,9,10 Part VI I. 71 XII His eighteen years of preparation — To which we have no further clue Than gives to us the information That He the Scriptures fully knew,' XIII Were, doubtless, years of meditation Most surely in God's holy word. Which, sun-like, of His high relation To God,^ full light should Him afford. XIV His peerless height of consecration Christ there at Jordan did express In that God-minded obligation: " Fulfilling every righteousness." ^ — XV There John the Baptist saw descending From heaven, in bodily form as dove. The Holy Spirit God was sending As pledge of his approving love; XVI And out of heaven replied the Father — Whilst Christ in spiritual powers increased. Straightway had stept out of the water: "This is my Son, in whom I'm pleased."* ' Luke 4: 4; 24: 44 etc., etc. ^ Proverbs 8: 22 ff. etc. ; Dan. 7: 13, 14, 18 etc. ^ Mat. 3: 15-17 etc. * Mat. 3: 17; Isa. 42: I etc. 72 'the God-Man. XVII (If divers questions are arising What meant Christ's metamorphosis ' Through baptism, 2 whom should be surprising That his mind's change portrayed there is, XVIII When Christ, God's holy ' Son descended Into old Jordan's crystal flood And there baptized, stept forth commended: " This is my Son beloved," by God ? — XIX For His example Christ was giving That '* Whosoe'er in Him believes * And is baptized ' ' ^ — for God is living — - " In heaven the crown of life receives." • XX Christ's Church believers true embracing. Baptized like " His church's Head, e'en Christ, The question,^ therefore, is amazing: '^ To join Christ's Church, — but utibaptized.'* XXI For, if the Christ not hesitated, — Who no baptismal grace did need, — But still of powers participated. Which that old symbol guaranteed ? — * Spiritual change. ^ Mat. 3: i5ff.;Marki: 9, etc. 'Mat. 3: 17, etc. ^ Rom. 10: 9-13, etc., etc. 'Mark 16: 16, etc., etc. * James i: 12; Rev. 2: 10, etc. ' Eph. i: 22; 4: 15; 5: 23; Col. 1: 18. ^ This constituted for some time, not only in the "Baptist Congress," assembled 1902 in Boston, Mass., the puzzling question for debate, but also afterwards in some, especially the Baptist periodicals and newspapers; the question being at first; " Is Baptism Essential to Church Membership .'' " >» 7 Part VII. J^ XXII And He thereafter instituted ' The Christian baptism for all time — Than which none can be substituted More holy, greater, more sublime: — XXIII Who would to a baptism be objecting Which Jesus Christ has used and knew,^ Or His great doctrine be rejecting: " Except a man be horn anew XXIV " He cannot see God's kingdom ever; " ^ — But as to this none had a clue, — Christ said: — to climax His endeavor " Be assured, ye must he horn anew, XXV " For that, born of the flesh — flesh being " — Must die * — " but spirit. Spirit-born, Is spirit " ' — which " death ^ ne'er is seeing," Returns to God,^ — " God's house ' to adorn." XXVI By all of which Christ indicated That all men ' must His converts he. Who, spiritually regenerated,' Will follow Him most faithfully. • Mat. 28: 19 etc. 2 John 4: 1 etc. ' John 3: 5 ff. ^ Gen. 3: 19 ff. etc. 'John 3: 16 ff. etc. ^ Job 26: 4 etc. Eccles. 12: 7 etc. 'John 14: iff. etc. « Gal. 3:26 ff. etc. ' Acts 9:18 ff. etc., etc. 74 'The God-Man. XXVII When He to Nicodemus ' stated The spiritual new-hirth symbolized And ' water and the Spirit ' rated As means divinely authorized. — XXVIII Whilst John the Baptist's thoughts vpere turning To speeches ^ causing fear and awe, Christ, since baptized, like fire was burning In men's minds, who " His like ne'er saw." » XXIX As in His baptism manifested, — Where Christ as God's Son * did appear, — So Christ as God's Son is attested In all His following life's career. XXX There He Himself had consecrated To do and teach alone God's fFill,^ And this He fully demonstrated We may Christ see,' where'er we will. — XXXI Christ, therefore, often criticizing Strict Judaisms ' as not of God, And lustful 8 thoughts e'en stigmatizing Great sins: Christ's words hit like a rod. ' John 3:5 ff. 2]viat. 4: 7-12 etc. ^ Mark 2: 12 etc. 'Marki: II etc. ^ John 6:38 etc. • i. e. in all the Gospels. 'Mark 7:1-23; Mat. 5:20 ff. etc. 8 Mat. 5:28 ff. etc. Part VII . 75 XXXII Unsparing costliest lure-treasures, No matter what or who ' they be, And disregarding any measures Of scorn, 2 intrigues,' or enmity.* XXXIII 'Twas this, that when Christ's foes were seeing That He as God's Son " great fame ^ gained," All in His speedy death ^ agreeing, Nor " realm," ' nor king they since retained! — XXXIV For, from the dead raised, Christ soon proving To hosts of men a wondrous change. They saw Christ's Cause, God's Kingdom moving Along new ways Christ did arrange, XXXV When Peter « hosts urged, after preaching: " Repent and he in Christ's name baptized," And Paul ' confirmed all, " boldly teaching: " All those baptized have put on Christ." — XXXVI Thus hosts of converts '" soon beginning To Christ their heart and soul to give, Christ's Church was hosts of members winning Who a " new-born Christian life did live." " 'Mat. lo: 37 ff. etc. -Mat. 9: 3 fF. etc. * Mat. 22: i8 ff. etc. < Mat. 27: 18 etc. ^ Mark i: 22-27; John 11: 47 etc., etc. ^ John ig: 16 fT.; Mark 14: 64; Mat. 27: 25 etc. 'John 11:48. * Acts 2: 38 ff. etc. 9 Rom. 6: 4 ff.; Col. 2: 12 ff.; Gal. 3: 27 ff. etc. '» Acts 2; 38 ff.; 4:41; 5:14; 6: 7 etc., etc. " Rom. 14: 7-9 etc. 76 The God-Man. xxxvn All men then should the Christ be hailing. Who still invites each: " Follow me;" ' Each answering Him: Thy Will prevailing, In all things, Lord, I'll follow Thee, — XXXVIII Till at the last I shall be meeting Thee in Thy upper Kingdom ^ there. When I'll attend " The Father's ' greeting On entering into heaven for e'er, — XXXIX And joyfully shall be observant Of words like these from God in heav'n: " Be welcome, good and faithful servant," * " Life's crown: " ^ " eternal life thee is giv'n." ') XL That voice ' from heaven seemed like a calling That Christ commence without repose, As Son of God His work appalling 'Gainst sin and death, men's giant-foes, XLI Which Satan had been introducing, — First sin and " through sin death " on earth; When primitive men he was seducing To sin ' and " sin thus death " ' gave birth. — • Mat. 8: 22; 9: 9. ^ Luke 22: 16. ' John 14: 3, 12, 16, 24 ff.; 15: 16,26; 16: 3, 10, 15, 17 ff.; 17:2 ff. etc. And just the opposite predicted, — If follovi^ing his advice instead. XLIV " Ye shall not surely die," ' he stated, " Your eating thereof shall bestow You God-like views," he imprecated, " That good and evil ye shall know." — XLV " They ate; " ' and that was the beginning Of what still is earth's misery!* But " who in Christ believes, is winning " Eternal life," ^ as we'll soon see! — XLVI Resolved to make a firm attaining. The Spirit forthwith Christ did lead Into the wilderness ' for gaining God's fullest mind. His work to speed. — XLVII No thoughts than God's thoughts Christ persuaded To enter His messiah-sphere. His Godhead ' all His soul pervaded Throughout His whole Godlike career! — ' Gen. 2: i6, 17. ^Gen. 3:4ff. = Gen. 3: 6. < Gen. 3: 7 flF; Rom.8:i8-24. ' John 3: 16 ff. etc., etc. ^ Mat. 4: i fit. etc. 'John 10: 30; Mat. n: 27, etc. 78 The God-Man. XLVIII As God-man ^ He sought perfect union With God His Father's Will and Light, And by most filial communion He strove to know His work aright. XLIX He undisturbed there meditated For forty days ^ on His career. And to Himself reiterated All He Himself did see and hear; ' L What wondrous things of Him were spoken,* The heavenly thoughts God did impart To Him, the God-man, and each token Of aid forthwith His work to start. — LI There was some sort of intimation. No doubt, of him, the archfiend, too. Of Satan, in the estimation Of foes to conquer and subdue.^ — Lll Christ hungered, when those days had ended; Then Satan, tempting, was on hand; *' If Thou'rt God's Son," — he recommended: " That these stones bread become, com- mand; " « * To build or to develop and to establish His church or the Kingdom of God or of heaven on earth, Christ had left as the eternal Word heaven and came on earth, and became the God-man or Son of God by taking the human nature, John i: i, 14J Rom. 5: 15; I Tim. 2: 5; 3: 16 etc. ^ Mat. 4: z etc. ^ Mat. 3:16, 17 etc. *Mat. I: 18 fF.; 2: II, 23 etc., etc. * Compare Job \\ 6, 7; 2: 1-7. «Mat. 4: 3 etc. Part VII. 79 LIII But Christ said, — his advice not heeding, — '* 'A man lives not by bread alone. But every word from God proceeding,' " "As it is written " ^ — and thus known. — LIV The tempter then God's Son was taking Into the holy city, where He from the temple's wing^ was making Proposals and thus did declare: ^ LV *♦ Cast Thyself down, if God's Son being — For it is written: ^ " * He shall give Charge to his angels,' " — they are seeing — <* < Concerning Thee,' " — and Thou shalt live; — LVI «* * They on their hands shall Thee be upbearing. Lest,' " — in whate'er surrounding thrown, — *< ' Thou haply dash ' " — perchance be tearing — " * Thy foot ' " — or hand — " * against a stone.' " LVII To this Christ said : "Again 'tis written: " * " * Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.' " — • The tempter with amazement smitten The third attempt tried, he had plod. — LVIII He took then Christ unto a mountain Exceeding high, where He could see From slopes, dales, towns, down to each fountain. What all the world's realms' glory be. * Deut. 8: 3 etc. * Mat. 4: 5; Luke 4: 9 etc. ^ Ps. 91: 11, IZ. * Deut. 6: 16. 8o The God-Man, LIX "All these things I'll Thee give for ever. If Thou' It fall down and worship me," * Said Satan — feigning bold endeavor To assume a God-like sovereignty. — LX " Get thee hence, Satan ! " Christ first saying. Him recognizing instantly On his assumption — him betraying — That Christ his tool submissive be; LXI ** For it is written," ^ He then stated, <' ' The Lord thy God ' " — none else deserve — • ** * Him thou shalt worship ' " — unabated — •' 'And him, him only shalt thou serve.' " LXII " Then Satan left Christ and forthcoming Were angels ministering to Him " ' — This conquest praised as 'twas becoming, "All things created," Cherubim ^ Mat. 4: 9 etc. 2 Deut. 6: 13; 10: 20 etc. 'Mat. 4: 10. Note. As John Milton in his famous Epic ' Paradise Lost * had made the arch-demon Satan the hero for his success depriving Man of his innocence and Eden, etc. , he felt obliged in his ' Para- dise Regained,' evidently, rather unscripturally, to ascribe praise from Angels of heaven to Jesus, the Christ and Son of God, before His public career as Saviour of Mankind, even before H* had accomplished His divine work of Redemption, and before H» had entered into heaven, stating : "And, as he fed, Angelic quires Sung heavenly anthems of his victory Over the temptation and the tempter proud : " — Milton quoting them also, prematurely, as having said : " Now thou hast avenged Supplanted Adam, and, by vanquishing Temptation, hast regained lost Paradise And frustrated the conquest fraudulent." (Paradise Regained, iv, 593-5; 606-10). Part VI I. 8 1 LXIII And all in heaven, much later, singing To Christ enthroned His victory.' — The Spirit Christ then homeward bringing, Christ chose to dwell in Galilee.^ — LXIV According to the Writ foretelling: ' " Benighted people saw great light; To those in death's dark shadow dwelling Light did spring up in glory bright." — LXV Then 'twas, that God's Son was beginning* To preach : ** Heaven's kingdom is at hand. Repent ! " — and followers to be winning,* And great attention to command.® — LXVI And to fulfil His heavenly mission As Saviour of the human race. He taught,' of sins He gave remission,* Healed sick ones,' and the dead did raise.'" — LXVII He more than all the Prophets proving Himself the matchless Christ, God sent. In fearless zeal and vigor moving. He God's works wrought, where'er He went." ^Rev. 5: 9-14 etc. ^ Mat. 4: 12-17 etc. ^ Mat. 4: 16; Isa. 9: I, 2 etc. * Mat. 4: 17 etc. ^ Mat. 4: 18 etc. ^ jviat. 4: 24 etc., etc. ■'Mat. 5: 3 ff.; Mark i: 27 etc., etc. * Mark 2: 5 etc. 'Mat. 4: 23 fF.; Luke 7: 21 etc. i" Luke 7: 22 etc. " Mat. 4: 23 etc. 82 "the God-Man. LXVIII Christ never had equivocated With God's Will not to coincide. To whatsoe'er it be related. Should it e'en paths of death provide: — LXIX Thus day by day in preparation To close Messiah's earth-career. The scenes of final ' consummation Of His redeeming work drew near. — LXX The last stage of Christ's consecration Reveals the miracle of light On Him ^ in His transfiguration. That grand, prophetic heavenly sight. LXXI Christ, Moses and Elijah meeting. Discussed Christ's solemn death,' then near.* There God the Father was repeating: ** This is my Son beloved. Him hear." * — 1 Mat. i6: 21; 20: 17 etc. * Mat. 17: 1-6 etc. ^ Rom. 5: 10 etc. *Luke9:3i. ^ Mat. 3: 17; Luke 9: 35. CHRIST'S TRANSFIGURATION Matt. 17: 2 VIII. SIMON PETER'S ATTESTATION CONCERNING CHRIST AND CHRIST'S REPLY. I When Christ His kingdom's firm foundation By working miracles had laid. And of Himself made proclamation By ^//he did and all He said: II He modestly the attestation From His Apostles once inquired; ' — The quoted^ people's declaration Was not the answer Christ desired. — III ** But who I am are ye then saying ? " He asked, — they near Him life's paths trod; — Then Peter ^ said without delaying: "Thou'rt Christ, Son of the living God.** iMat. i6: 13; Mark 8: 17; Luke 9: 18. ^ " John the Baptist or Elijah," etc. ^ Peter's first name was Simon (John 1 : 42 ff. ) Christ, recognizing Peter's great affability, quick intelligence and special power of ready speech and leadership, said to him: Thou art Simon, thou shalt be called Cephas, which means in the oldest Greek Petros, a stone, or Peter. Affirming this in Mat. 16: 18, saying: ^'■Thou art Peter,'" and declaring: "and upon this rock {Petra, in Greek) i. e., upon this solid, clear-sighted confession of faith that I am the Christ, the Son of the truly living God — I will build my Church," it is evident that Christ " surnamed (Mark 3: 16) Simon Peter (which is ^^ Cephas ") (John i: 42), because He saw in him the sterling qualities for leadership in His Church, fully proved by Peter's foremost activity, even during Christ's life, and at and after Christ's resurrection, ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the establishment of the primitive Apostolic Christian Church, seen in the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles and Peter's own Epistles in the New Testament. 86 "the God-Man. IV This answer Peter's then is showing That sure conviction he had gained And at that time, in part, was knowing What, later, he of Christ maintained.* V "Who did no sin," he, later, stated, "And in whose mouth was found no guile," "Who when reviled," — oft deprecated Reply, and thus, " would not revile; " VI ** Who threatened not, when He was suffering. To him that judgeth righteously His cause'' He rather would be oiFering; — He His own self upon the tree ' VII " Our sins was in His body bearing That we, who unto sins have died. Be living holy," * — be preparing. His saved ones,^ to be glorified;® VIII *' Redeemed," ' he, especially, asserted, " Not with the things corruptible," — To costly treasuries converted — " But with Christ's blood most valuable." ^ 1 I Pet. 2: 22 ff. 2 I pet_ ^. ^^ ff. (Rev. Version.) » i Pet. 2: 24 fF. * 1 Pet. 2: 24; i: 15. ^ i Pet. i: 18-22 etc. ^ I Pet. l: 4; 2 Pet. i: 4 etc. ' I Pet. i: 18 ff. ** I Pet. I: 19 fF, Part Fill. 87 IX "As of a lamb " entirely holy — • •' Without a blemish or a spot; " ^ — And as God this accepted ^ wholly, ** Our sins He now remembers not." ^ — X That answer Peter's, then, too, basing On what of Christ's works he had seen And which to him appeared amazing. Divinely great, sublime, serene,* XI The Son of God was nobly sealing; His royal seal He thus has giv'n: •* Blest art thou, this thee was revealing My Father only, who's in heav'n." XII '* My Church on this rock-bound confession That I'm the Christ I'll build ^ fore'er. Against which Hades' * vast possession And hosts shall not prevail, no, ne'er ! " ^l Pet. i: 18 fF. 2R(,jj, e, etc., etc. ^ ^^ts 3: 19; Heb. 10: 10 ff. etc. * Luke 5: 5-1 1 etc. ^Coinciding with my views here expressed ('The Christian Commonwealth,' London, May z, 1901) says: " In the New Testament we find (Mat. 16: 16) a simple and comprehensive confession of faith — ' Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God ' — on which Jesus the Christ said, ' I will build my Church.' — This confession has been practi- cally displaced by human formulas of doctrine more or less complex and elaborate which have been made the basis of denominational churches, — it should be restored to its proper place." ® Mat. 16; 1 8 ( Rev. Version) . The God-Man. XIII In this confession comprehended The Apostles their great gospel-creed When Christ's commission^ it impended All nations to this creed to lead. XIV Last Peter wrote: — all Christians grounding — "As of Christ's sufferings ye partake. Rejoice: the more in joys abounding When to His glory ye awake. ' ' * — ^Mat. 28: 16-20; Mark 16: 14-18 ; Luke 24: 44-49 ; John »0: 21-31. 2 I Pet. 4 : 13, 14, 16 ; I : 7 ; Rom. 8 : 17, 18 etc., etc. IX CHRIST'S TESTIMONY OF HIMSELF INCLUDING HIS TEACHING AS PRESENTED IN HIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT WITH HIS 'OUR FATHER' MODEL PRAYER, ETC., ETC. I The Life and Works of Christ narrated As in the Scriptures * they're set forth. What Jesus of Himself has stated. Must naturally enhance His worth. II Christ was both God and man by nature,* He bore the names, — to many odd' — The names of His own nomenclature, — Or «« Son of man," or " Son of God." * III The name of " Son of man " preferring. He used it more than any name. To Him *' The Son of man " * referring. Who as the " second Adam " ® came. IV *' From heaven," Christ says Himself, "descended The Son of man who is in heav'n. And no man into heav'n ascended. But He the Son of man"'— "of heav'n. "» V Christ came the ** author " ^ representing Of the salvation of mankind. The doom of Adam first preventing. In whose sin '" men their ruin find. 'John 5: 39. ^John I: 14; 2: 24. ^John 5: 18 fF.; 6: 41 ff. etc. *John 5: 19 ff.; 6: 27, 40, 53, 62; 8: 28 ff. *John 3:13. ^ I Cor. 15:47. 'John 3: 13, ^ I Cor. 15: 47 ( Rev. Version). » Heb. 2: 10; Eph. i : 22. lORom: £: 12-14 etc. "The God-Man. VI The **son of man," as Daniel stated, "Is given a kingdom ceasing ne'er. The Most High's saints" are indicated "As serving Him for e'er and e'er." ' — ' VII To this God's kingdom Christ was giving New laws ^ as King,' He claimed to be; — Christ's Kingdom are the Elected living Out of all times eternally.* — VIII Of what His kingdom's start be attending, Christ said: " God's angels, verily. From heaven — ascending — and descending Upon the Son of man ye' 11 see." ^ IX By " Son of man'''' Christ's humiliation,* — As deeply as it may be expressed, — That He achieve mankind's salvation,' In this name Christ did manifest. X Christ, consequently, was not counting Equality with God a prize,* To condescend to a state amounting To e'en the humblest 'neath the skies. 1 Dan. 7: 13, 14, 18. ''Mat. 5: 22 fF.; Mat. 28: 19, 20 etc. * Mat. 27: II; I Timothy 6 : 13, 15; Rev. 17: 14. * Rev. 5: 9 etc. *John i: 51. ^ Mat. 18: ii; Luke 19: loetc. ' Heb. Z; 9, 10 etc. ^Phil. 2: 6 (Rev. Version) etc. Part IX. 91 Wherefore Christ freely was confessing: «' The fox and bird have where to stay. The « Son of man ' yet is possessing No place where e'en his head to lay." ^ XII Christ God-like proved. His own words stating: " The Son of man can sins forgive," "^ « Is of the sabbath. Lord; " ' relating «' Himself the Life through whom His live." * XIII So Christ has clearly also stated That in the final judgment-plan, God Him as judge has designated, " Because He is the Son of man.'' * Christ's deep humility Him raises To climax all humanity — Its very depth creating praises Proclaiming His Divinity.® XV Christ's God-incarnate elevation Became His God-like saving goal. And thus the portal of salvation For every Christ-believing soul."' iLukeq- S8. ^ Mat. 9: 6; Mark 2: 6. » Mat. 12: 8; Mark a, 28. *John II : 25- 'J°hn 5 •• *7- " R^v. 5 : 9 ff- «c. 'John 3: 16; Eph. i: 3-14 etc. 92 The God-Man. XVI Christ often, too. Himself is naming Like " Son of man " " the Son of God,'" With utmost emphasis proclaiming, •* God's works the Son does in like mode." * XVII He's not the son of God like others. Who God in heaven their Father call. Like seraphs, angels, or saved brothers, God'' 5 only-born He is of all.'' XVIII Himself the Son whom God was sending' Christ represents continually; — From His own words we're comprehending That though on earth. He in heaven, too, be.*— XIX To God incarnate ^ thus related Christ's themes, in various forms maintained; ** My teaching is not mine,'''' He stated, ** But his that sent me," ^ — He explained. XX Before the Jews Christ was declaring:' ** My witness true is not alone,® My Father witness me is bearing. Thus 'in your law'' God's Son I'm shown." — I John 5 : 19 ff. 2john 3 : 16, 18 etc. *John 14: 24 etc. *John 3: 13. *John 6: 38. ^John 7: 16 ff.; 3: II etc., etc. »John 8: 14 ff. Pari IX. 93 XXI So likewise Christ was testifying: " My witnessing is not my own. On his, that sent me, be relying. The works I do, are his alone." ^ XXII Christ God " My Father " '^ e'er is naming. Himself, '* Thy Son," ' when he does pray, ** We're one," * He states; thus He's proclaim- ing: ♦< I am the Truth, the Life, the Way." * XXIII Repeatedly Christ is assuring : ** He saw the Father, who saw me," ® *' He and I are one," ' — thus fully insuring, Christ is *' God's Son " in verity.* XXIV •* My Father all things gave me," saying, " None knows him but alone through me; '* What far-bound truths these are conveying. What God-like, high authority ! — XXV How sweet is thus Christ's invitation To each with labor-burdened breast: ** Come unto me, — take my salvation, — Ye heavy laden, take my rest." ^ — *John 8: i8, 26, 29 etc.; John 5: 17-19, 32-34 etc. ^John 5: 17 etc. ^John 17: i etc. ''John 10: 30; 17: 11. ^John 14: 6. ^John 14: 9. 'John 10: 30. '*John 6: 68, 69 etc. 3 Mat. II: 27, 28. 94 1'he God-Man. XXVI ** I am the Life and Resurrection To all who do on me believe; " 'Tween both worlds I make the connection,— ** Eternal life to each I give." ^ XXVII There at the high priest's adjuration, — "Whether God's Son, the Christ, Thou be,"— Christ answered without hesitation: "Thou say St it," most deliberately; XXVIII And calmly prophesied, — referring To His return in victory, — Which on the clouds of heaven be occurring: — ** Ye henceforth me in power shall see." — XXIX The world's Redeemer Himself deeming' " He seeks to save that which was lost," Enfolding all, He is redeeming. Into the folds of heaven's saved host.* XXX With emphasis Christ is maintaining " That ere the world was. He has been,* ** Ere Abram was I am," — explaining: " For Abraham my day has seen." ® ijohn 6: 40, 54; ii: 25 ff. etc. ^ jyiat. 26: 63, 64. ^ Luke 19: 10 etc. *John 14: 2 ff.; Rev. 7: 17. *John 17: 5; John I: 1-3; Col. I: 16 ff.j Heb. 1: 2 etc. ^John 8: 56, 58 etc. Part IX. 95 XXXI Christ by His Tri-co-ordination — In Christian Faith e'en uppermost — His Church gives the Triune relation Of '* Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." » XXXII Christ oftentimes diversifyeth The Father's person, who Him sent,^ With whose Will His moreo'er complyeth,' Whose power in miracles He spent;* XXXIII With whom He was communicating, To whom He prayed, with whom He talked. With whom He all things ^ was creating. Before whom blamelessly He walked. XXXIV And likewise of the Holy Spirit Christ great distinctions clearly made. Entitling Him to highest merit; Him as to God, Christ homage paid.* XXXV *' Go," ' Christ, at last. His was advising, *• To me is given power uttermost. Disciple, in the name baptizing Of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; 1 Mat. 28: 19. ^John 17: 3. ^joh^ j^. ^_ *John ii: 41 fF. etc. *John i: 1-3 etc. •'John 14: 26 etc. ''Mat. 28: 19, 205 Mark 16: 15. g6 'The God-Man. XXXVI Teach all things ' — all to be observing, Whate'er commandments I commend; And lo, I'm with you, you preserving E'en to the world's remotest end." — XXXVII The words Christ of Himself has stated. Which filled His hearers with surprise. As of His Godhead they related The following, too, most emphasize. — XXXVIII When to that woman ^ Christ there beareth The news that He Messiah be. To her distinctly He declareth: **/, that speak unto thee, am //if." ' XXXIX His special work from God revealing That to repentance He but lead The sin-sick men, them to be healing: ** The whole not a physician need," * XL He said, and was occasion taking His foes and followers to let hear, — When foes objections had been making That He to "sinners" lent His ear." — *Luke 24: 47, 48. "John 4: 7 ff. ^John 4: 26. * Mat. 9: 12, 13. 5 Luke 15: I, 2; Mat. 9: 12, 13 etc., etc. Part IX. 97 XLI Then in His sermon on the mountain,* His Saviour- Mission Christ defined Himself to prove the God-sent fountain. Whence life, to save their soul, all find. XLII That those, who in seeking their salvation Repentant of their sins became, — Should fully attest His declaration: That "God"/ Son'^ to save sinners came." — XLIII The same truth Christ is also teaching By parables ^ most wondrously. Men's spiritual lost state fully preaching That