Page 72 - Jesus is coming - Class version

THE APOSTLES NOT MISTAKEN. 69

trine of the Fathers, placing so much stress upon what we
think they believed and taught, and yet upon this most
important theme, cast aside what we know was their faith
and testimony? Is it consistent? Dear reader, do let us
here emphasize Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians :
"Brethren, stand fast and
Hold the Traditions

(teachings) which ye have been taught whether by word or
39
by our epistle." That is, whether taught in writing, or or-
ally, see Verse 5. Now, what were these traditions (teach-
ings) if not the coming of Christ and the Reign of the
Saints, of which Paul and the other Apostles wrote so
freely? Being thus exhorted, it is reasonable to believe
that they did hold them, and that they are the very tradi-
tions which Whitby and the other 'authorities clearly prove
were held by the early Church. Then let us also hold, not
the comparatively modern post-millennial theory of Whitby,
but the aged faith of the Fathers.
The Apostles Were Not Mistaken.
We cannot believe (as some assert) that the Apostles
were mistaken, and consequently not inspired upon this
theme, nor that they and all the early Christians mocked
themselves with false hopes in regard to the pre-millennial
coming of Christ. They watched and waited for the return
of our Lord, as la sure event, the hour of which none but
the Father knew, but which had been enjoined upon them
40 41
as uncertain and imminent. And as they passed away
(39) 2 Tb.es. 2:5. Remember in what watch the thief would
ye not, that, when I was yet come, he would have watched,
with you, I told you these and would not have suffered his
things? house to be broken up.
15. So then, brethren, stand 44. Therefore be ye also
fast and hold the traditions ready : for in such an hour as ye
which ye were taught whether think not the Son of man corn-
by word, or by epistle as of ours. eth.
(40) Mat. 25:42. Watch (41) Luke 12:35. Let your
therefore for ye know not what loins be girded about, and your
;
hour your Lord doth come. lights burning ;
43. But know this, that if the 36. And ye yourselves like un-
goodaian of the house had known to men that wait for their lord.