We Have This Treasure
The truth is an inspiration
which gives health to the soul,
through which operates
nothing but good to the outward man.
Brother John Thomas
~
"How much of the Truth may I give up
without imperiling my salvation?"
NOT ANY.
The Truth is our city of refuge:
-in it we are safe.
Immediately we wander outside of it,
our life is in danger.
Brother Robert Roberts
~
When truth has once set her indelible seal on the minds and hearts of those who profess to love her,
it forms the strongest and most enduring cement or bond of union that can be found to exist.
It unites our aims, and hopes, and desires;
"we share each others sorrows, and weep each others tears,"
and partake each others joys.
Sister Eusebia Lassius
(brother Thomas' daughter)
The Christadelphian 1868 pg 352
~
Wisdom lies deep.
You have to dig for it:
sweet when found, but hard to get at-
Brother Robert Roberts
~
The Truth, followed in health,
is sure to be balm in sickness.
There is no courage at the last
like that which comes from the Truth.
Brother Robert Roberts 1870
~
How came into our possession the literature which, in these last days,
makes the Bible again an unsealed book
- Eureka, Elpis Israel, Christendom Astray , etc., etc.?
In what circumstances were these works produced?
Those who have read the “Life of Dr. Thomas,” and brother Roberts',
“My days and my ways,” know the answer.
They were produced amid difficulty and trouble, hostility, and misrepresentation,
as some similar work is being done to this day.
Well, for whose sake?
Let Christ say in the day of account.
Happy will they be to whom he will say:
Thou hast labored, and for my Name's sake hast not fainted.
And these shall sing the song of the redeemed from among men.
Honor to whom honor is due. Such men do not seek it now,
though not unthankful for a word of encouragement.
And God approves this from faithful lips.
The law said “Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.”
Doth God take care for oxen, or said He it altogether for our sakes?
For our sakes, doubtless, says Paul, this was written.
Yet was he careful not to take his right in this,
lest the doctrine be blasphemed.
And happy are the brethren to-day whose work is still a work of faith and labor of love,
for God is not unrighteous to forget ( 1 Cor. 15 .)
The Christadelphian
1913
~
The truth is a tender plant and easily killed,
as shown by its extinction after an age of miracles. The reason is evident.
The truth in its leading doctrines is opposed to the natural mind.
Its wisdom is higher than the thoughts of man, as heaven is higher than the earth.
It is, to the natural man, foolishness;
because God's ways are not as man's ways.
A constant attendance upon the word, which is the voice of the Spirit,
will educate a man into the wisdom of God,
and will hold him there if he continue the earnest heed begun.
But in the absence of vigilance,
the natural bias of the savage will gradually assert itself,
and incline the heart to departure from the high thoughts and strict ways of the Spirit,
which are distasteful to the mind of the flesh.
Brother Robert Roberts
1874
~
It is not the wise,
the noble, and the rich of this world
whom God employs in calling out a people for His Name.
He hath conferred this honor upon the unschooled,
the weak, the ignoble, and the despised.
Neither does He condescend to seek patronage for His Truth.
It will patronize all men who will heartily accept it; but asks patronage of none.
Brother John Thomas
Herald of the Kingdom & Age to Come
1851 p. 211
~
Truth,
like a prism, has many sides-
all beautiful and consistent one with another.
Childlike docility in its study will open up treasures
that are hid from the eyes of the proud.
Brother Robert Roberts
~
Dr. Thomas is not an apostle as a matter of commission: but as a matter of fact,
he has fulfilled the function of an apostle for the truth in relation to this age of the world.
He has brought to light and expounded the gospel when humanly speaking,
it would never have been known in the nineteenth century.
His patient and clear minded studies, providentially directed,
have extracted from the mists of theological absurdity on the one hand,
and philosophical speculation on the other, the clear shining of the truth as harmoniously developed in the whole scriptures of Moses, the prophets, and the apostles,
and his self-sacrificing labors have made it known
over an extended circle which would otherwise have remained unilluminated.
This is a fact which no generous and candid mind can ignore.
It is a fact which entitles Dr. Thomas apart from all other considerations,
to the deference and esteem of those who are sufficiently wise
to appreciate the truth he has made manifest.
In saying this, we do not inculcate hero worship.
It is a scriptural principle to hold in reputation,
and esteem highly those who are distinguished in the work
of ministering the truth to perishing men;
and this principle needs no defense.
It is only strictly accordant with the feeling which actuates the bosom of Deity,
and which will find judicial expression in causing to shine as the stars
those who have turned many to righteousness.
Brother Robert Roberts
The Christadelphian 1865
~
The truth is an inspiration
which gives health to the soul,
through which operates
nothing but good to the outward man.
Brother John Thomas
~
A three thousand years' steady fulfillment
of bible prophecy
is not to be brushed aside with a sneer or
to be got rid of by wrapping our heads in a blanket.
God has revealed His purpose, and is steadily marching on,
whether men understand it or not-
Brother Robert Roberts
~
The Truth
is but the doctrinal expression of the love which dwelt in the bosom of the Father from eternity;
and when men get hold of the doctrines without the love,
they get hold of a rose without the perfume.
Brother Robert Roberts
~
When we consider
that God is from everlasting to everlasting,
we may realize that the work He has been working
in the earth since the day he put Adam upon it
is a short work,
though it seems so oppressively long
to small mortals like ourselves.
Brother Robert Roberts
~
Our pioneers
did not possess the material means available today,
nor the help of large communities -
but because faith dominated their activities,
they did good in laying a sound foundation
upon which we have been able to build.
Let us never forsake that foundation.
Logos 1993
~
The Truth
has been recovered at much pains from the rubbish of the ages-
and it is too precious to be treated carelessly.
It is very easy to bring down the heaps of rubbish again
on the good foundation-
Brother Robert Roberts
~
I have said
with sincerity, and will
say perhaps many times over again,
because they are the words of sober truth-
that God has revived the Truth in our age by Dr. Thomas,
and that the best work a man can put his hand to do, in this age,
is to defend the work against all assaults,
whether the open antagonism of those who
call the Truth "blasphemy"
or the insidious attacks involved in theories
that make the Word of God of none effect.
Brother Robert Roberts
~
Let us not forget
the object for which we have been called even now,
"that we might shew forth the praises of Him who hath called us from darkness
into His marvelous light."
Even now are we the sons of God.
Even now are we His temple - if we are anything real in Christ.
Even now His praise will be our delight;
thanksgiving the daily incense of our hearts;
supplication the daily staff on which we lean.
If it be not so,
how can we be fitted to enter the state in which
"every one doth speak of His glory?"
Brother Robert Roberts
The Christadelphian 1887
~
There is no love so genial, none so rich,
so pure and lasting as that which springs from a unity of interest in spiritual things.
The real joys of existence are all connected with the truth;
outside the truth, there is nothing but doubt, anxiety, fear, distress, sin, and death.
They, therefore, make a great mistake who let the truth slip from any cause,
or who give the truth the second place in the economy of their life.
There are no circumstances that will justify such a mistake.
God will not accept any justification of it.
Brother Robert Roberts
The Christadelphian
1868 p.135
~
Time makes wonderful havoc of human things.
Each new generation treasures its own toys and mementoes.
Old Time looks on imperturbably with a smile of compassion.
The mighty wheel goes round, and alas!
for the perishing things.
The universal rot takes all at last.
Some things cannot be taken.
Happy are those who have these in possession.
~
Today,
the expositions and standards of conduct as laid down by the pioneers
are challenged, or removed.
As, one by one, the "ancient and honorable" fall asleep in Christ,
opportunity is taken to "remove the ancient landmarks" (Proverbs 23:10).
The Apostasy originally developed out of minor divergences from the strict bounds of the Truth,
but the further these went, the wider became the issues.
The landmarks were removed and the Ecclesia became the Church.
Today we need not merely the expositions of the pioneers, but
their attitude, their fighting spirit against the teaching
and trends of the world,
and their firm resistance to the torpedoing of standards within.
Books like Elpis Israel, Eureka, Nazareth Revisited, Christendom Astray.
Let us beware of those who ignore or remove the landmarks,
to make the way more palatable to the world without
or the worldly-minded within.
The separateness between Christadelphians and Christendom that once was so pronounced is disappearing.
The writings of the pioneers no longer hold in the affections of many the place they once did.
Brethren mouth their names, but ignore their lead.
Criticisms of their teaching are multiplying.
The past generation is said to have been too straitlaced and exclusive.
The clamor is increasing for a new literature.
The "old school" is recommended to leave public work and the dissemination of the Truth to "young blood",
and new, up-to-date methods. If the Truth is to survive, brethren will have to rouse themselves.
A great responsibility rests upon all.
Let us pray to God to multiply faithful shepherds,
not ambitious aspirants for power and notoriety,
but zealous, courageous, self-sacrificing brethren who,
by ability and consistency, can command confidence and whose landmarks are respected.
Brother H.P. Mansfield
November 1987
~
It is always good to have a reliable doctor to consult in times of ill-health;
and the Brotherhood has one in Dr. Thomas!
The best cure for the present malaise is a good dose of the medicine found within the pages of Elpis Israel.
The Truth is there set forth vigorously, clearly, decisively;
the difference between the ecclesia and the church is soundly stated;
the key to prophecy that forms the Third Section cannot be effectively faulted.
Many problems in the Brotherhood come from derating such books as Elpis Israel;
or from suggesting that to study the Bible with the aid of it is to surrender one's independence,
and give slavish deference to man.
Those who are interested in their eternal well being will ignore such talk.
Brother H.P. Mansfield
1984
~
Thankfulness
A working gratitude is the most logical and best appreciated form of thankfulness everywhere. An idle thankfulness is comparable only to the “fruitless branch.” It is odious both to God and man. Let us show our gratitude in “the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name,” “for this is the will of God concerning us;” and let us not forget to “do good and communicate” (that is, convey to others), “for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” And let us do this acceptably, not in fits and starts, blowing hot and cold, but with the steadiness recommended by Paul when he says, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” especially knowing that our labor in the case is not in vain, however much it may appear so.
Brother Robert Roberts
Seasons of Comfort
~
The progress of the Truth is like the moving of a house;
it makes many dead halts, and when it moves, it is with much straining,
and tediously slow.
The obstacle of the Gospel is the worldly prosperity of the people.
Brother John Thomas
~
The Ancient Mariner
"He held him with his glittering eye; The wedding guest stood still,
and listened like a three year's child:
The Mariner hath his will."
Early taught reverence for God and His Word
will ever prevent me receiving any man's words without due caution,
hence I disclaim being a “follower” of John Thomas,
but gratitude must acknowledge that I have learned much from him.
On one occasion I had walked 20 miles of unknown way,
guided by a small meager chart,
and sat on the banks of a lake not knowing my next step.
A gentleman kindly showed me his guide book,
displaying on one large map the desired route.
John Thomas found many following a puny clerical chart,
and very ignorant of the full revelation of God.
He unfolded “The Map of God's extensive plan”
and told, as few can tell, the wondrous working of the Mighty One,
and pointed to the graphic Word of Holy Writ
that spoke of blessings yet to dawn upon our cursed earth.
Ye whose eyes have been opened,
and your minds enlarged by the words of this man,
as you value the Truth of God, cherish affectionate remembrance of him,
and think less of his infirmities…”
Brother John Forman
~
EUREKA
THE APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED ( In three Vols. ),
Do you wish to understand the Apocalypse?
READ EUREKA.
Would you like to be made acquainted with the prophets?
READ EUREKA.
Do you desire to know all about the kingdom of God?
READ EUREKA.
Desire ye a scriptural exposition of the covenants of promise, and the Hope of Israel?
READ EUREKA.
Would you be instructed in the history and doctrine of God-manifestation in the flesh?
READ EUREKA.
Are you in any uncertainty on the subject of condemnation of sin in the flesh?
READ EUREKA.
Do you require a new translation of the book of Revelations, with a faith-satisfying and intelligible explanation of all its mysteries?
READ EUREKA.
Do you need enlightenment on the subjects of Paradise, the New Jerusalem, the New Heavens and the New Earth?
READ EUREKA.
Do you wish to become acquainted with Scripture Chronology with reference to the World's Age, and the fulfillment of the great Prophetic Periods?
READ EUREKA.
Are you troubled to know the meaning of the Apocalyptic seals, trumpets, vials, thunders, lightnings, earthquakes, &c?
READ EUREKA.
Have you any taste for a thorough and faithful exposure of the Papal Abominations, whether Romish or Protestant?
READ EUREKA.
Wonder ye after the meaning of the Apocalyptic Beasts and the kindred animals seen by Daniel?
READ EUREKA.
Do you desire to read a scriptural interpretation of the Devil and Satan of the Apocalypse,
the Lake of Fire, the Bottomless Pit, and the Second Death?
READ EUREKA.
Do you wish to be made acquainted with the Signs of the Times,
and the nature of acceptable preparation for the Second Appearing of the Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ?
READ EUREKA.
Are you puzzled to know the meaning of the mark of the Beast and the number of his name?
READ EUREKA.
Have you any capacity to appreciate a lucid, intensely interesting, and faithful demonstration and application of divine truth, as bearing on the times in which we live, treating upon upwards of 500 subjects pertaining to the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
READ EUREKA.
Do you want for company a book that is calculated to strengthen the wise heart, enlighten the eyes,
steady the moral nerves in our passage through this present evil world, purge the moral nature, and suffuse the whole man with a delightful spiritual glow?
READ EUREKA.
Are you wishful to become acquainted with the whole counsel of God, and be made wise unto salvation? by all means
READ EUREKA.
And should you be tempted to consider the foregoing recommendation extravagant or too highly-colored,
READ EUREKA.
And if you have read it......
READ EUREKA AGAIN.
The Christadelphian
1874
~
Eureka is a breeze of truth
that comes from the high hills of prophetic vision
upon the nearly-stagnant atmosphere of the plains of ignorance below,
blowing away the sultry vapors and dispersing incipient disease.
It is a temple of light, resplendent with the hues of precious stones:
in the courts of which, those who love the light and the truth,
will often be found.
Brother Robert Roberts
1869
~
The truth
connects us with
“the shoreless ocean of eternity,”
while the friendship of the world is confined to
“a narrow neck of land”
-the brief existence of this animal probation.
The Christadelphian
1915
~
No truth, much less the truth in whole or in part,
has been established in this world without controversy.
So long as error exists, controversy must continue.
It is indispensable, not only to the overthrow of error,
but to the preservation of truth.
Brother Robert Roberts
~
“Truth needs few words;”
And we may add,
that if the truth had never been perverted by human tradition and folly,
it would be self-evident.
Brother John Thomas
Herald of the Future Age
1846
~
There is no evil we can think of that a cure is not provided
for in the gospel:
no good we can desire but what is embraced in its covenants.
Having been put in possession of this most blessed hope,
let us hold fast the confidence of it with the tenacity inspired by the conviction of its truth,
and the certainty that at the last it will burst upon the world in glory, like the sun long hidden on a cloudy day.
Brother Robert Roberts
~
He is the freeman whom the truth makes free.
And all are slaves besides.
Dr. Thomas
The Christadelphian
1865