App. I. Page Line Hebrews, and draws attention to the fact that they are not the same on the Continent. Those of France, Spain, Italy, and Germany are all different, being based upon the metric system. The Coronation Stone.-" The kings of Ireland (Scotia Major) were 364 5 successively crowned upon this Stone until Fergus the Great, son 435 of Earc, the King of Ireland, having conquered North Britain, and about to be crowned King of Scotland (Scotia Minor), sent an embassy requesting the Stone to be sent, in order that he might be crowned thereon. 10 "He was crowned on this Sacred Stone (530 A.D.) in the Temple of Iona; but the Scots retained possession of the Stone. The kings of Scotland were subsequently crowned upon it until it was forcibly removed to Westminster Abbey by Edward I., and from that time the kings and queens [Mary, I believe, excepted] of England have 135 15 been crowned upon it. . . The sceptre has never departed from "* (Gen. 49, ver. 10.) Judah." " According to the late Arthur Stanley, Dean of Westminster, The chief object of attraction, to this day, to the innumerable visitors to the Abbey, is probably that ancient Irish monument of 20 the Empire known as the Coronation Stone." He calls it a "precious relic," and states that King Edward I. said that "It is the one primeval monument which binds together the whole empire," and "a link which unites the throne of England with the traditions of Tara and Iona."‡ 23 In "The History of the Coronation," a book published by the Herald of Arms, by special command of King James II., after his coronation, the following passage occurs, with reference to this Stone: History relates that it is the stone whereon the Patriarch Jacob is said to have lain his head in the Plain of Luga; and that 30 it was brought to Brigantia, in the kingdom of Spain, in which place Gathol King of Scots sat on it as his throne. Thence it was brought into Ireland by Simon Brech, or Breae, first King of Scots, about 700 years before Christ's time, and from thence into Scotland 439 by King Fergus, about 530 years after Christ, and in 850 A.D. was 35 placed in the Abbey of Scone." 40 Jacob's stone was for a long time treasured by the Jews, and is said to have been lost at the destruction of the Sanctuary, 588 B.C., and brought to Ireland § as the "Lia Phail" by Hebrews in the ships 396 *Life from the Dead," p. 362. Memorials of Westminster Abbey," p. 66. Edward III. claimed that in fulfilment of the terms of the Treaty of Northampton the stone should be delivered to the King's officers by the Abbot of Westminster for the return to Scotland. Dean Stanley writes that "the people of London would by no means whatever allow it to depart from themselves." The writ of the King. dated the second year of his reign, still exists in the 45 muniment room of the Abbey, where, until recently, it had been lost sight of for years. All the other articles of the Treaty were fulfilled, but they were unable to get possession of the stone. § This is a disputed point among historians. The earliest writer I know that mentions it as Jacob's Stone is William of Riseholme, in the 14th century, 50 although the 16th century writers refer to the Stone of Scone. George Buchanan and other Scottish writers of the 16th century speak of it as Jacob's pillow. Keatinge contests even that it came from Ireland. The Archbishop of Cashel, at the end of the 9th century, gives "ON" or "ONN" as the "Ineffable name of a Sacred Stone in Ireland." "ON" is the name given to Jacob's Stone in 55 the Septuagint. 28 26 21 ΟΙ 30 App. I. of Dan, about 584 B.C.* Lia or Liag is Irish, meaning "precious stone." "The Semitic race, a noble tribe, Where they may find the 'Stone of Fate,' 5 10 Professor Ramsay's report to the Dean of Westminster states that the only thing certain about this stone is that it was prepared for building purposes, but that it was never used. This is rather interesting when one recognises that Psalm 118, verse 22, The 15 stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner," is supposed, in its material signification, to refer to Jacob's stone. This stone, now in Westminster Abbey, has two large iron rings fastened to it by means of iron links and pins let in at the ends. 20 These are well worn, showing that it has been carried for a long time. Where could this have taken place but in the wilderness during the forty years of continued travelling? It also has a fissure in it. Numbers 20, ver. 8, shows that Moses was told to speak to "the rock"; evidently by the references to it, it was some well-known 25 rock, "and the water came out abundantly" (ver. 11). Col. Garnier points out that the reference in I. Cor. 10, ver. 4, bears this out, as the proper translation is: They drank of that rock [a large movable stone or boulder] that went with them." He also points out that Gen. 49, ver. 24, should be translated: "From this time 30 he [Joseph] keeps the stone [some celebrated material stone] of Israel." The children of Israel in the wilderness were estimated to number 2,500,000, and journeyed forty years, yet never wanted water. Rabbi Schwartz, of Cologne, informed Professor Totten that the stone was known amongst the Jews as the Ebon- 35 Shatyeah, and was called the 'Fountain Pillar of the Temple.' It was made use of as а stand on which to place the censer. Now Jacob, speaking of it, said: "This stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house" (Gen. 28, ver. 22). It is interesting to note that when Jehoash was proclaimed king under 40 exceptional circumstances the king stood by the pillar, † as the manner was (II. Kings 11, ver. 14). Again, when he took the oath, "the king stood by the pillar" (II. Kings 23, ver. 3). This stone is called "the pillar," ," "the rock," "Bethel," and "the stone of Israel." Young's Concordance gives the translation also as memorial stone." It is also interesting to note that Hosea (chap. 3, ver. 4) says: For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king . . . and without pillar" (A.V.M.). This came to pass during their long journey from Media into Britain, through Russia, the stone having gone via Spain. According to Col. J. Garnier, the 50 tradition among the Jews is that it was built into Solomon's temple. The Rev. F. R. A. Glover, in his "Remnant of Judah," says that the translation of Habakkuk, "But the Lord is in his holy temple: * O'Reilly says that it was carried to Scotland from Ireland by Fergus, in 513 A D., and was brought by Edward I. to Westminster Abbey in 1300 A.D. Some say that the Lia Phail brought into Ireland by the Tuatha Dé Danann is still on Tara Hill by the "Croppies" grave as described in "The Book of Leinster." Since this was written, I have seen this stone on Tara Hill and it is not likely that it was ever carried about. Revised Version. "a 45 53 1 App. I. let all the earth keep silence before him" (2, ver. 20), is noticeably wrong, and it ought to run: But the Dream Miracle-Stone has become the House of God! Therefore let all the earth keep silence.' Under the headings, "The Scots," and "Jewish Treasures," later on, 5 will be found further particulars of the history of this stone.* THE HOLINESS OF ISRAEL. Page Line The Prophet's Recognition of the Children of Israel as Spiritual.-"At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. . . For there 525 10 shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. . . . 549 Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off" (Jer. 31, ver. 1, 6, 10). This day has now come, and hastens to its meridian, while the 15 watchmen are calling with no uncertain voice. Which of the children will hear the glad news, and gain the innumerable blessings that immediately accrue? 1 46 "Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit" (Is. 27, ver. 6). "The Lord shall establish thee an holy 20 people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee" (Deut. 28, ver. 9); "thou shalt be a blessing" (Gen. 12, ver. 2); "in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22, ver. 18); "in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 28, ver. 14); “Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; 362 27 25 The Lord . . . said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom 30 I will be glorified. . . . my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth" (Is. 49, ver. 1, 3, 6). The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews understood what was to happen when he wrote: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: . . . after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them 35 a God, and they shall be to me a people: and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest" (Heb. 8, ver. 8, 10, 11). The writer was here quoting from Jeremiah 31, ver. 27-34. 40 The official organ of the Pope, the "Osservatore Romano," writes as follows of the English Constitution and Christianity: “The whole nation, in a word, is religious and Christian. If it is true that customs, laws, and government especially constitute a nation-and the condition of English legislation is to be particularly noted-it 45 may be said to be nothing else than the faithful echo of that of Sinai, received through Christianity. You see it the guardian of I believe that the statement by Mr. Glover that in Adamhnan's life of St. Columba, written in the 6th century, there is a reference to St. Columba having the Lia Phail brought to him so that he might die with his head on 50 Jacob's Pillow, is incorrect. Page Line App. I. that great law, and publicly maintaining the adoration of the true We have to recognise our inheritance and our duty toward the world in spreading the glad news of man's spiritual birthright and the approaching end of all evil, so enlisting all humanity on the side of good and of right thinking. 15 Victor Hugo has written: "Dare I murmur that the mists 20 will clear for me, that I shall not hear the rumbling wheels of the chariot of the hour of England? It will come-it is coming-it has come! The whole world, aroused as by some mighty galvanism, suddenly raises a wild cry of love and admiration, and throws itself into the bounteous bosom of England. Henceforth there are no 25 nations, no peoples, but one and indivisible will be the world, and the world will be one England. Her virtue and her patience have triumphed. The lamp of her faith, kindled at the apostolic altars, burns as a beacon to mankind. Her example has regenerated the erring, her mildness has rebuked the rebellious, and her greatness 30 has enchanted the good. Her type and her temple shall be the Mecca and Jerusalem of a renewed universe." 66 Israel a Religious Nation.*-Jesus said to the Jews : Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits" of righteousness, i.e. 35 Israel's nation (Matt. 21, ver. 43). Israel to Abolish the Slave Trade.-" Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" (Is. 58, ver. 6). England freed her slaves in 1838, 40 and America hers in 1861. Israel a Sabbath-keeping People." Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever" (Ex. 31, ver. 16, 17). "The 45 seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation" (Lev. 23, ver. 3), and we "call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord,' who causes us "to ride upon the high places of the earth (Is 58, ver. 13, 14). * The English nation has been pre-eminent for its adherence to religious life. On the coronation of the King the Archbishop hands him a Bible, saying, “We present you with this Book. the most valuable thing this world affords. Here is wisdom; this is the Royal Law; these are the lively Oracles of God." Moses . . received the lively oracles to give unto us" (Acts 7, ver. 37, 38). 64 50 5 App. I. When, as prophesied, the sceptre passed into the hands of a hereditary successor of King David by James I. ruling over United England and Scotland, the most stringent Sabbath laws came into operation. The English, Americans, and Icelanders, who are also part of the lost tribes, are the three nations with the strictest laws against working on Sundays, thus carrying out the prophecy. Legally no individual can open a shop on Sunday, and thousands of prosecutions have taken place against people who have infringed the Sabbath 1 laws. John Stuart Mill deliberately stated his opinion that the Sabbath was a divine institution belonging only to Israel. He declared that we as a nation were under no obligation to observe it as "it was only strictly binding upon the Jews." This was extensively placarded upon the walls in London by the National 15 Sunday League. These The Ten Commandments Specially Given to Israel. countries are the only countries whose laws are based on the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 6, ver. 9, says: "Thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house"; and the British alone have 2 the Ten Commandments on the walls of their National Church. The Americans have them also on the walls of their Churches. The Latin Church has not the whole of the Ten Commandments, as the second has been cut out, and the tenth split up into two. 66 Israel to Turn Towards Their Land.-The English always turn to 25 the East in national worship, the Anglican Churches almost invariably having the Communion Table at the eastern end. Our national churches are required to have an eastern window. If they ... pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly; If they 30 return to thee with all their heart. and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, . . . Then hear thou from the heavens" (II. Chron. 6, ver. 37-39). THE KINGS OF ISRAEL. Israel Kingless.-Hosea, at the time that Israel had a king, 35 foretold that for a long time they were to be without a king. "For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince" (Hos. 3, ver. 4). Page Line According to the Sunday Observance Act of 1677, no drover, horse-courser, waggoner, butcher, higgler, or any of their servants, may travel or come to his inn on the Lord's day, under forfeiture of twenty shillings, and no tradesman, labourer, or other person whatsoever, of fourteen years or upwards, is to do any worldly labour, business, or work of his ordinary calling upon the Lord's day ("works of necessity and charity excepted") under forfeiture of five shillings in each case. Exposing to sale any wares, fruit, goods, or chattels whatever on the Lord's day is prohibited under forfeiture of the goods. To obey a command the command must be understood. Should the command be obscure the fulfilment can only be 10 partial. Perhaps no command has been so little understood as that the Sabbath day should be kept holy." Primarily it was a resting from the exercise of creative power. No man is keeping the Sabbath holy who is maintaining the reign of false mental law, which is productive through the human being of all the sin, disease, and death of to-day. There is only one law to obey, and that is to love God and love our 45 neighbours as ourselves. When death is conquered these false creations will cease and we shall keep the Sabbath holy, throughout the week. To abstain on the Sab- 281 bath from innocent recreations that enable a human being more fully to assist his fellow during the week is moral madness resulting from ignorance, and leading to Pharisaical self-righteousness. This is breaking the original divine command. 38 |