look at actually existing facts, or facts dispensatorily existing; an observation which has strictly the same application to the expression of the Lord to the Jewish economy, “This generation shall not pass away till all these things be fulfilled:” the connection of which, indeed, with this subject is more strong than is at first sight apparent (for the fortunes[1] of the Church and the Jews are more coincident than we suppose as to dispensation, though for the same reason opposite in principle: the root bears us; though the branches may be broken off that we may be graffed in), and has its light increased by, while it casts light on, the passage at the end of St. John’s Gospel, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee.” This was taken as if he in person would not die. But, says the inspired writer, that was not said by the Lord, but “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” The Lord, then, in that expression, left something for the Church’s wisdom and spirituality to discover. He did not say he
- ↑ That is, the Church dispensation on earth, taking, as to time, the place of the broken-off Jewish branches, and therefore, in many respects, connected in dates, is for that reason just opposite in principle; for it is another and a heavenly thing instead of a failed earthly thing.
