three persons, and of a compound Messiah, one of these three persons, constituted of a two fold nature, divine and human. t The Editor alludes to the term "Antichrists" found in the epistle of John; but I am glad that. we most fortunately are furnished with the definition of this term by that inspired writer, which decides at once the question who are the real subjects of its application. 1. John IV. 3. "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God and this is that Spirit of Antichrist." We accordingly rejoice to confess that Jesus Christ, who came in the flesh is OF GOD and that not only he, but his, apostles also were of God, (I. John IV. 6. V. 19.): But we feel sincerely for those who violate this standard, either by falling short or going beyond it, by denying that Jesus Christ is OF GOD, or by affirming that Jesus Christ is God him. self; since both these assertions, to wit, "Jesus. Christ is NOT of God" and "Jesus Christ Is God", are equally incompatible with John's proposition that "Jesus Christ is OF GOD." For example. The Prime minister by the law of the, land is appointed by the King, and consequently is acknowledged to be oF THE KING, to say therefore that he is not of the king would be to detract from the minister's dignity; but to say that the prime minister is the King is not only inconsistent with the assertion that the prime minister is of the King; but would be pronounced high treason, in like manner as deifying the Christ of God is both an affront to God, and an Antichristian doctrine. Lastly, I tender my humble thanks for the Editor's kind suggestion, in inviting me to adopt the doctrine of the Holy Trinity; but I am sorry to find that I am unable to benefit by this advice. After I have long relinquished every idea of a plurality of Gods or of the persons of the Godhead, taught under different systems of modern Hindooism, I cannot conscientiously and consistently embrace one of a similar nature, though greatly refined by the religious reformations of modern times; since whatever arguments can be adduced against a plurality of Gods strike with equal force against the doctrine of a plurality of persons of the Godhead; and on the other hand whatever excuse may be pleaded in favor of a plurality of persons of the deity, ean be offered with equal propriety in defence of Polytheism. N I now conclude my Essay by offering up thanks to the Supreme disposer of the events of this universe, for having unexpectedly delivered this country from the long continued tyrrany of its former Rulers, and placed it under the Government of the English, a Nation who not only are blessed with the enjoyment of civil and political liberty but also interest themselves in promoting liberty and social happiness, as well as free inquiry into literary and religious subjects, among those nations to which their influence extends. FINIS. |