GC - 00.5-Introduction

Introduction The last Commission of Jesus Christ to His twelve Apostles is the fundamental law of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. In harmony with its principles and sublime enunciations, the Apostles went everywhere preaching the Word, giving laws and ordinances to the people, and administering the affairs of the Church.

It seems strange, therefore, that more has not been written on this organic law of the Kingdom; and that greater efforts have not been made to make the people understand its bearings, not only on the ministry of the Apostles, but also on that of the Church through all coming time. Surely, a right understanding of it would go far to remove popular prejudice, and to correct many of the popular errors that are prevalent in nearly all parts of Christendom. So, at least, it seems to me. And this is, there-fore, my apology for now giving to the Public the following brief treatise on one of the most sublime and comprehensive portions of the Living Oracles. If this little work serves in any measure to reestablish in the popular consciousness the paramount authority of Christ and of His Apostles, I will have gained my object in writing it.

I need scarcely say to the thoughtful reader that, in the following discussion, I am at brevity. My purpose is not to exhaust this wonderful document, but simply to help and induce the people to study it for themselves. In this rapid and eventful age but few exhaustive works are really necessary or desirable. We of course need a few such in every department of literature and science, chiefly for the use of the learned; but we need many suggestive works for the benefit of the masses. It is time that the popular mind should be aroused from the slavish lethargy of both Papal and Sectarian bigotry and prejudice, and that the people should be encouraged to think for themselves on all the great questions of life, death, and immortality. For this purpose we still need many works, written in a plain style, and adapted, in all respects, to the learning, wants, and circumstances of the masses.

Hoping, then, that, with the blessing of God, this little volume may have some influence in restoring the authority of God’s Word, and in promoting the purity, peace, and prosperity of Zion, I now affectionately commend and dedicate it to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and who reverently bow to His authority as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

R. MILLIGAN.

KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY,
May 12, 1871.