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p420 [W Hooke] MY DEAR BROTHER, - I do not like the style of the tract* I confess; it is what we call in French a style ampoulé (I do not use a hard English word), but sets out to say wonderful things in a wonderful way. But to doubt that Christ is glorified, is to doubt the plainest passages of scripture. See John 13:31, 32; 17:5; 1 Timothy 3:16, and practically many passages, if the word glory be not used, as 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 2:33. The passage the tract alludes to is plain enough too, Ephesians 1:20-23. John 7:39 is specific in its statement: the Comforter could not come till Jesus was glorified; but He is come according to promise. John 12:16 is equally definite. I might go on citing passages in numbers, for it lies at the basis of Christianity, but it is hardly necessary after these.

{*[Entitled "Ephesians 5:30."]}

It is a mistake to deny actual union with Christ. It is true that it is not a material union of flesh, but Spirit is as real, and more real than flesh, though not material. "Of his flesh and of his bones" should not be insisted on, because it is not found in the best copies. Dead and risen with Christ is the scriptural language. Union with Him in death is not exact, because real union with Him is only when He is glorified, and we have received the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the power of this union (see 2 Cor. 1:21, 22), and the reality of this union is definitely stated in 1 Corinthians 6:17. Christians may not have learned this, and then we must have patience. They lose a great deal, but God can reveal this also unto them. The other point belongs to simple faith in the plain statements of scripture, and belongs to the basis of Christianity, because the baptism of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost was dependent on it, and it is part of Christ's glory, as the foundation of all we are entitled to. See Hebrews 2, as defining the position: He is glorified, but all things are not yet put under Him.

If you put these passages peacefully and graciously before our brother, he will doubtless see it is so, and that may lead him on to the other point, which, though plainly stated in scripture, is more connected with experimental acquaintance with that state.

Birkenhead, December 7th.

[52285E]

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