BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 30TH, 1909
BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 30TH, 1909
Mr. R. S. Sinclair.
My Dear Mr. Sinclair, — I have been wishing for an opportunity all the week to acknowledge yours of the 23rd inst., which I duly received.
Some time ago the remarks made at the London reading regarding 1 Corinthians 3 had been mentioned to me by Mr. Bradbury. I am not satisfied that the interpretation of verse 12 is correct, although I do not like to be a critic of what is otherwise so helpful. Had I lived at Corinth when the letter of the apostle arrived, I think I should have had great difficulty in apprehending that he alluded to what was worthless by using the figures (for such they are) of gold, silver, precious stones; and in this I am not considering the sense in which they are employed throughout Scripture. But, taking the scriptural use of them into account, my difficulty would be all the greater. A series of figures are used in the chapter among them “building;” and it is hard to admit that gold could not be used in a building, or that, if used, it would not stand fire. It is true [p. 68] that Babylon is decked with gold and precious stones; but the question is as to whether even in this case, these things do not represent in themselves what is of God. I believe they do — also the purple and scarlet. They were seen in the tabernacle. There are things which in themselves are of God, such as royalty government, etc., which, for the moment, are outwardly in the hands of wicked persons. They belong rightly to Christ. Babylon was simply ‘gilded’ with gold and precious stones; whereas the heavenly city was gold, and the building or structure of its wall jasper. It seems to me, this would correspond with 1 Corinthians 3, “The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is”. “Sort” directs the mind to verse 12, where the material or work is sorted, or classified; and then comes verse 14, which corresponds with the first three kinds or sorts; and verse 15 would agree with the last three.
As to the elders praying, the remarks made are, in measure, supported in Revelation 5, but then the “saints” whose prayers are referred to would not be those in the church; therefore it is hard to make the principle apply at the present time, seeing there are no saints on earth now save those who form the church. Still it is true, I am sure, that those who are in the position of elders carry in their hearts (this would more answer to the bowls) before God the needs and prayers of the saints. But it has to be noted that the living creatures also have bowls, so that the thought is not confined to the saints viewed as elders. Moreover, what is said is that they have the golden bowls — nothing is mentioned as to the use made of them. Besides, they are vials or bowls, not censers; and the golden altar is not in view as in chapter 8: 2 - 5. Here we have what is more official — Christ is seen as Priest giving effect to the prayers of saints on the golden altar.
As to the sanctuary, I do not apprehend any difference for us between it and the holiest; but in the Old Testament the former includes the holy place and the holiest of all. The word is generally used of the Temple as a place set apart as God’s dwelling. The Father’s sphere of things, it seems to me, refers rather to Canaan than to the sanctuary. Of course, the Father’s dwelling is a sanctified place, but I would connect the sanctuary with God; and it is in contrast to a scene of defilement outside. It is a place where we get light rather than a place where affection involved in relationship is enjoyed.
[p. 69] I have just returned from the meeting at Duane Street. We had a profitable time on Genesis 28. The interest this season is greater than heretofore. Indeed, the interest lately in all our meetings has been very decided.
Affectionately in Christ,
James Taylor.