Dedication.
James Dodson
TO THE
REV. JOHN CUNNINGHAM, LL.D.,
Missionary from the Reformed Presbyterian Church to the Jews in London, England.
REV. AND VERY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER:—
Although we are “separated upon the Wall, one far from the other,” we are not altogether precluded from mutual salutation. Placed by our Master on two hemispheres, between which the electric current bears frequent tidings, our respective positions are advantageous for noting the events of providence. These constitute the signs of the times, and are the counterpart of prophecy. Prophecy and providence reflect light upon each other, and both are helpful to the interpretation of each; but He alone who is the “Wonderful Counsellor,” can cause us to understand either.
In submitting the following work to the public, I venture to do so under your auspices, if not under the sanction of your name. And I embrace the present occasion, Rev. Sir, to bear willing testimony to your acknowledged scholarship,—your profound erudition, especially in Natural Science and Philology. I do also cheerfully and joyfully recognise you as a public witness; and at the present time of general defection, as an official and consistent witness in the British Isles for the integrity of our Covenanted Reformation,—that reformation which in its fuller development is destined to secure the rights of God and man in reorganized society. Such, I believe to be one of the cheering lessons which may be learned by Christ’s witnesses from searching the Apocalypse.
That you, Dear Sir, may be long preserved, sustained and comforted by the providence and grace of the Most High, amid all your self-sacrifice, privation and reproach which you endure for the truth’s sake, is
the prayer of Your brother in covenant bonds,
PHILADELPHIA, February 1st, 1870.