Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 7: The Finished MysteryRussell, C. T. (Charles Taze)
Religion
Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 7: The Finished Mystery
Russell, C. T. (Charles Taze)
Bible -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.; Jehovah's witnesses -- Controversial literature
Drew the third part.—“The Roman Emperor Constantine saw a vision—probably
when wide awake—a vision of greater prosperity for himself and his Empire,
by a recognition of Christianity as the religion of his Empire instead of
paganism, which had previously been recognized. Constantine’s influence in
Church affairs became great. He proposed the calling of a council of all
the bishops, _numbering about one thousand_. He wanted to know why these
apostolic bishops, all inspired with the same Spirit of God, taught so
differently. He offered to pay the expenses of all the bishops to the
Council of Nice; but the majority, fearing that the Emperor would be under
the control of the Roman bishop (not yet claiming to be pope), declined to
attend. _Only 384 came._ But even they were unable to agree. Many held to
the Bible teaching, but the mystification thought of trinity had gained a
hold on some of the bishops. Thereupon Constantine decided the matter; and
the Nicene Creed, backed by the Emperor’s power, was declared to be the
Christian faith, and anything contrary to it, heresy. Yet be it remembered
that _only about one‐third_ of the bishops were present at the Council;
and that they could not be coerced into substituting ‘mystery’ for the
Word of God, until the Emperor lent his influence. Thus was the mystery of
trinity enshrined by a heathen emperor, not baptized—not even sprinkled.
The history of the persecution of all who would not worship the
trinitarian mystery would fill volumes. One sad illustration is familiar
to all—the burning of Servetus, by good Brother Calvin’s signature to the
death warrant. Is it any wonder that with such conditions prevailing for
centuries, the Bible ignored and the creeds worshipped, the true teachings
of the Bible on many subjects were completely lost sight of? Is it any
wonder that, when in the sixteenth century God began to bring the Bible
back to the attention of the world, it was burned by the Episcopal bishops
in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London? Is it any wonder that the
Christians of that time were persecuted for studying it, and could meet
only in secret?”—B. S. M.
Of the stars of heaven.—False stars, “wandering stars,” man‐ordained
lights of the nominal heavens.—D. 595. There the bishops became
substitutes for the true Apostolic stars.
And did cast them to the earth.—Forced them to teach what he told them or
else be banished, as was Arius.
And the dragon.—Imperial Rome, represented by Constantine.
Stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered.—The early
Christian Church.
For to devour her child.—Absorb it, make it a subordinate feature of the
Roman system of government.
As soon as it was born.—As soon as the development of the clergy class and
others equally unfaithful to Christ had made it impossible for them to be
retained longer in the true Church.
12:5. And she brought forth a man child.—The papacy.—Z. ’79‐12‐2.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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