The Second Book. The Redeemed.

The Second Book. The Redeemed.The Result of the Redeemer's Sufferings.In theFirstBook we have had before us the work of the Redeemer set forth as it concerned His own glorious person. In thisSecondBook it is presented to us as it affects others. Here we see theresultsof His humiliation, and conflict, and victory—“The sufferings of Christ”and the blessings they procured for His redeemed people.In Chapter I. we have the Blessings procured.In Chapter II. their Blessings ensured.In Chapter III. their Blessings in abeyance.In Chapter IV. their Blessings enjoyed.Chapter I. The Sign CAPRICORNUS (The Sea Goat).The Goat of Atonement Slain for the Redeemed.It is most noteworthy that this Second Book opens with the Goat, and closes with the Ram: two animals of sacrifice; while the two middle[pg 075]chapters are both connected with fishes.47The reason for this we shall see as we proceed.Both are combined in the first chapter, or“Sign”of Capricornus.In all the ancient Zodiacs, or Planispheres, we find a goat with a fish's tail. In the Zodiacs of Denderah and Esneh, in Egypt, it is half-goat and half-fish, and it is there calledHu-penius, which meansthe place of the sacrifice.In the Indian Zodiac it is a goatpassanttraversed by a fish.There can be no doubt as to the significance of this sign.In the Goat we have the Atoning Sacrifice, in the Fish we have the people for whom the atonement is made. When we come to the sign“Pisces”we shall see more clearly that it points to themultitudesof the redeemed host.The Goat is bowing its head as though falling down in death. The right leg is folded underneath the body, and he seems unable to rise with the left. The tail of the fish, on the other hand, seems to be full of vigour and life.The Hebrew name of the sign isGedi,the kidorcut off, the same as the ArabicAl Gedi.Capricornusis merely the modern (Latin) name of the sign, and meansgoat.[pg 076]Plate 16: CAPRICORNUS (the Goat)There are 51 stars in the sign, three of which are of the 3rd magnitude, three of the 4th, etc. Five are remarkable stars, α and β in the horn and head, and the remaining three, γ, δ, and ε, in the fishy tail. The star α is namedAl Gedi,the kidorgoat, while the star δ is calledDeneb Al Gedi,the sacrifice cometh.Other star-names in the sign, not identified, areDabih(Syriac),the sacrifice slain;Al DabikandAl Dehabeh(Arabic) have the same meaning;Ma'asad,the slaying;Sa'ad al Naschira,the record of the cutting off.Is not this exactly in accord with the Scriptures of truth? There were two goats! Of“thegoatof the sin-offering”it is written,“God hath given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before theLord”(Lev. x. 16, 17): of the other goat, which was not slain,“he shall let it go into the wilderness”(Lev. xvi. 22). Here is death and resurrection. Christ was“wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities.”“For the transgression of MY PEOPLE was He stricken”(Isa. liii.). He laid down His life for the sheep.In the first chapter of theFirstBook we had the same Blessed One presented as“a corn of wheat.”Here we see Him come to“die,”and hence not abiding alone, but bringing forth“much fruit”(John xii. 24). The living fish proceeds from the dying goat, and yet they form only one body.[pg 077]That picture, which has no parallel in nature, has a perfectly true counterpart in grace; and“a great multitude, which no man can number,”have been redeemed and shall obtain eternal life through the death of their Redeemer.It is, however, not merely the actual death which is set before us here. Thefirstchapterin each bookhas for its great subjectthe Personof the Redeemer inprophecyand promise. Thelastchapter in each book has for its subject the fulfilment of that prophecy in victory and triumph, in the Person of the Redeemer: while the twocentralchaptersin eachbook are occupied withthe workwhich is the accomplishment of the promise, presented in two aspects—the former connected withgrace, the latter withconflict.Thus thestructureof each of the three books is anepanodos, having for its first and last members the Person of the Redeemer (in“A”inProphecy; in“A”inFulfilment), while in the two central members we have the work and its accomplishment (in“B”in grace; and in“B”in conflict).It may be thus presented to the eye:—The First Book.A |Virgo.The Prophecy of the Bruised Seed.B |Libra.The work accomplished (ingrace).B|Scorpio.The work accomplished (inconflict.)A|Sagittarius.The fulfillment of the promised victory.[pg 078]The Second Book.C |Capricornus.The Prophecy of the Promised Deliverance.D |Aquarius.Results of the work bestowed (in grace).D|Pisces.Results of the work enjoyed (in conflict).C|Aries.The Fulfilment of the Promised Deliverance.The Third Book.E |Taurus.The Prophecy of the coming Judge of all the earth.F |Gemini.The Redeemer's reign. (Grace and Glory).F|Cancer.The Redeemer's possession (safe from all conflict).E|Leo.The fulfilment of the promised Triumph.Hence inCapricornuswe must look for theprophecyof this Coming Sacrifice. As a matter of fact it did actually point out the time when the Sun of Righteousness should arise, and“the Light of the World”appear. For when this Promised Seed was born the Sunwas actually in this sign of Capricornus!“The fulness of time was come,”and“God sent forth His Son TO REDEEM them that were under the Law”(Gal. iv. 4). The Sun was really amongst those very stars—Al Gedi,the kid, andDeneb Al Gedi,the sacrifice cometh—when this willing Sacrifice said,“Lo I come to do Thy will, O God.”The nights were at their darkest and[pg 079]their longest when Jesus was born. The days began immediately to lengthen when He,“the true light,”had come into the world.48Astronomers confess that the perverted legends of the Greeks give but“a lame account”of this sign,“and it offers no illustration ofits ancient origin.”Its ancient origin reveals a prophetic knowledge, which only He possessed who knew that in“the fulness of time”He would send forth His Son.We now come to the three constellations which give us three pictures setting forth the death of this Sacrifice and of His living again.1. SAGITTA (The Arrow).The Arrow of God sent forth.It is not the Arrow of Sagittarius, for that has not left his bow. That arrow is for the enemies of God. This is for the Son of God. It was of this that He spoke when He said, in Ps. xxxviii. 2:“Thine arrows stick fast in me,And Thy hand presseth me sore.”He was“stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, He was wounded for our transgressions”(Isa. liii. 4, 5). He was“pierced,”when He could say with Job,“The arrows of the Almighty are within me”(vi. 4).[pg 080]Plate 17: SAGITTA (the Arrow), AQUILA (the Eagle), DELPHINUS (the Dolphin)Here the arrow is pictured to us in mid-heaven, alone, as having been shot forth by an invisible hand. It is seen in its flight through the heavens. It is the arrow of God, showing that Redemption is all of God. It was“the will of God”which Jesus came to do. Not a mere work of mercy for miserable sinners, but a work ordained in eternity past, for the glory of God in eternity future.This is the record of the Word, and this is what is pictured for us here. The work which the arrow accomplishes is seen in the dying Goat, and in the falling Eagle.There are many other stars in the heavens in a straighter line, which would better serve for an arrow. Why are these stars chosen? Why is the arrow placed here? What explanation can be given, except that the Revelation in the stars and in the Book are both from the inspiration of the same Spirit?There are about 18 stars, of which four are of the 4th magnitude. Only γ and δ are in the same line, while the shaft passes between α and β.The Hebrew name isSham,destroying, ordesolate.2. AQUILA (The Eagle).The Smitten One Falling.Here we have an additional picture of the effect of this arrow, in the pierced, wounded, and falling Eagle, gasping in its dying struggle. And that[pg 081]pierced, wounded, and dying Saviour whom it represents, after saying, in Ps. xxxviii. 2,“Thine arrows stick fast in Me,”added, in verse 10:“My heart panteth, My strength faileth Me,As for the light of Mine eyes it is gone from Me.”(See also Zech. xiii. 6.)The names of the stars, all of them, bear out this representation. The constellation contains 74 stars. The brightest of them, α (in the Eagle's neck), is a notable star of the 1st magnitude, calledAl Tair(Arabic),the wounding. The star β (in the throat) is calledAl Shain(Arabic),the bright, from a Hebrew root meaningscarlet coloured, as in Josh. ii. 18. The star γ (in the back) is calledTarared,wounded, ortorn. δ (in the lower wing) is namedAlcair, which meansthe piercing, and ε (in the tail),Al Okal, has the significant meaningwounded in the heel.How can the united testimony of these names be explained except by acknowledging a Divine origin? even that of Him who afterwards foretold of the bruising of the Virgin's Son in the written Word; yea, of Him“who telleth the number of the stars and giveth them all their names.”3. DELPHINUS (The Dolphin).The Dead One Rising again.This is a bright cluster of 18 stars, five of which are of the 3rd magnitude. It is easily distinguished by the four brightest, which are in the head.[pg 082]It is always figured as a fish full of life, and always with the head upwards, just as the eagle is always with the head downwards. The great peculiar characteristic of the dolphin is its rising up, leaping, and springing out of the sea.When we compare this with the dying goat and falling eagle, what conclusion can we come to but that we have here the filling in of the picture, and the completion of the whole truth set forth in Capricornus?Jesus“died and rose again.”Apart from His resurrection His death is without result. In His conflict with the enemy it is only His coming again in glory which is shown forth. But here, in connection with His people, with the multitudes of His redeemed, Resurrection is the great and important truth. He is“the first-fruits of them that slept”; then He, too, is here represented as a fish. He who went down into the waters of death for His people; He who could say“All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me”(Ps. xlii. 7), He it is who rises up again from the dead, having died on account of the sins of His redeemed, and risen again on account of their justification (Rom. iv. 25).This is the picture here. In the Persian planisphere there seems to be a fish and a stream of water. The Egyptian has a vessel pouring out water.The ancient names connected with this constellation areDalaph(Hebrew),pouring out of water;[pg 083]Dalaph(Arabic),coming quickly;Scalooin(Arabic),swift (as the flow of water); RotaneborRotaneu(Syriac and Chaldee),swiftly running.Thus, in this first chapter of the Second Book we see the great truth of Revelation set forth; and we learn how the great Blessings of Redemption were procured. This truth cannot be more eloquently or powerfully presented than in the language of Dr. Seiss:—“This strange goat-fish, dying in its head, but living in its afterpart—falling as an eagle pierced and wounded by the arrow of death, but springing up from the dark waves with the matchless vigour and beauty of the dolphin—sinking under sin's condemnation, but rising again as sin's conqueror—developing new life out of death, and heralding a new springtime out of December's long drear nights—was framed by no blind chance of man. The story which it tells is the old, old story on which hangs the only availing hope that ever came, or ever can come, to Adam's race. To what it signifies we are for ever shut up as the only saving faith. In that dying Seed of the woman we must see our sin-bearer and the atonement for our guilt, or die ourselves unpardoned and unsanctified. Through His death and bloodshedding we must find our life, or the true life, which alone is life, we never can have.”“Complete atonement Thou hast made,And to the utmost farthing paidWhate'er Thy people owed:Nor can His wrath on me take place,If sheltered in His righteousness,And sprinkled with the blood.If my discharge Thou hast procured,And freely in my room enduredThe whole of wrath divine,Payment God cannot twice demand,First at my bleeding Surety's hand,And then again at mine.[pg 084]Turn, then, my soul, unto Thy rest;The merits of Thy great High PriestHave bought thy liberty;Trust in His efficacious blood,Nor fear thy banishment from God,Since Jesus died for thee.”Chapter II. The Sign AQUARIUS (The Water Bearer).Their Blessings Ensured, or the Living Waters of Blessing Poured Forth for the Redeemed.The Atonement being made, the blessings have been procured, and now they can be bestowed and poured forth upon the Redeemed. This is the truth, whether we think of Abel's lamb, of patriarchal sacrifices, the offerings under the Law, or of that great Sacrifice of which they all testified. They all with one voice tell us that atonement made is the only foundation of blessing.This was pictured and foreshown in the heavens from the beginning, by a man pouring forth water from an urn which seems to have an inexhaustible supply, and which flows forth downwards into the mouth of a fish, which receives it and drinks it all up.In the ancient Zodiac of Denderah it is the same idea, though the man holds two urns, and the fish below seems to have come out of the urn. The[pg 085]man is calledHupei Tirion, which meansthe place of him coming downorpoured forth.In some eastern Zodiacs the Urn alone appears.Plate 18: AQUARIUS (the Water Bearer) & PISCIS AUSTRALIS (the Southern Fish)This agrees with its other names—Hebrew,Deli,the water-urn, orbucket(as in Num. xxiv. 7); the ArabicDeluis the same.There are 108 stars in this Sign, four of which are of the 3rd magnitude. Their names, as far as they have come down to us, are significant.The star α (in the right shoulder) is calledSa'ad al Melik, which meansthe record of the pouring forth.The star β (in the other shoulder) is calledSaad al Sund,who goeth and returneth, orthe pourer out.The bright star δ (in the lower part of the right leg) is well-known to-day by its Hebrew nameScheat, which meanswho goeth and returneth.The bright star in the urn has an Egyptian name—MonorMeon, which means simplyan urn.Aquarius is the modern Latin name by which the sign is known. It has the same meaning,the pourer forth of water.Can we doubt what is the interpretation of this sign? The Greeks, not knowing Him of whom it testified, were, like the woman of Samaria, destitute of that living water which He alone can give. They therefore invented some story aboutDeucalion, the son of Prometheus; and another, saying he isGanymede, Jove's cup-bearer! But, as an astronomer says,“We must account otherwise for the origin of this name; for it is not possible to reconcile the[pg 086]symbols of the eleventh49sign with Grecian mythology.”No! we must go further back than that, and not cramp our vision, and distort the Scriptures, by confining our thoughts to“the Church.”The Church is nowhere seen in these Signs, as she is nowhere revealed in the Old Testament. This we shall enlarge on when we come to the sign Pisces. Meanwhile we must read the witness of the stars as if there had been no Church!Christ is first. Yea, He is all in all. The Scriptures testify of Him; and the very stars in this Sign tell of His going away and His coming again. These prophetic signs have to do with Him, with the Atonement He wrought, with the conflict He endured, with the blessings He secured, with the victory He shall win, and the triumph He shall have. For it is written:“He shall pour the water out of His buckets,And His seed shall be in many waters,And His king shall be higher than Agag,And His kingdom shall be exalted.”(Num. xxiv. 7.)It tells of that glorious day when“A King shall reign in righteousness;And princes shall rule in judgment;And a MAN shall be as an hiding placefrom the wind,And a covert from the tempest;As RIVERS of WATER in a dry place.”(Isa. xxxii. 1, 2).[pg 087]It speaks of that glorious time when Israel shall be restored, and their“eyes shall see the King in His beauty”; when the peace of Zion shall be no more disturbed,“but there the gloriousLordwill be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams”(Isa. xxxiii. 17, 20, 21). Then“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them;And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose,For in the wilderness shall waters break out,And streams in the desert.”(Isa. xxxv. 1, 6.)“I will open rivers in high places,And fountains in the midst of the valleys;I will make the wilderness a pool of water,And the dry land springs of water.”(Isa. xli. 18.)“Fear not, O Jacob, My servant;And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen,For I willPOUR WATERupon him that is thirsty,And floods upon the dry ground;I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed,And My blessing upon thy offspring.Thus saith theLordthe King of Israel,And his Redeemer theLordof hosts.”(Isa. xliv. 2, 3, 6.)This is the meaning of the Sign. The MAN Christ Jesus, who was humbled in death will yet be seen to be the pourer forth of every blessing.Physicallypouring forth literal waters, removing the curse, and turning this world into a paradise:“Making her wilderness like Eden,And her desert like the garden of theLord.”(Isa. li. 3.)Andmorallypouring forth His Spirit in such abundance as to fill the whole earth with peace, and blessing, and glory,“as the waters cover the sea.”[pg 088]Upon Israel restored He will pour out His blessing. They will be sprinkled with clean water, and possess a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. xxxvi. 24-28; Joel ii. 28-32).Such are some of the Scriptures which tell of this glorious Water-pourer. We need not rob Christ of His glory, or Israel of her blessing, in order to see in all this Pentecost or the Church. These are quite independent of the great line of prophetic truth. They are parenthetical, and distinct, and true, quite apart from the glorious prophecies of Israel's scattering and gathering. The physical marvels referred to in the texts above can never be satisfied or exhausted by any spiritual fulfilment. We may make anapplicationof them as far as is consistent with the teaching of the epistles; but theinterpretationof them belongs to the Person of Christ, and the nation of Israel. That interpretation is pictured for us in the Sign, and in its three constellations.1. PISCIS AUSTRALIS (The Southern Fish).The Blessings Bestowed.This first constellation is one of high antiquity,50and its brilliant star of the first magnitude was a subject of great study by the Egyptians and Ethiopians. It is named in ArabicFom al Haut,the mouth of the fish. There are 22 other stars.[pg 089]The constellation is inseparable from Aquarius, in connection with which we have shown it in PlateXVIII. In the Denderah Zodiac it is calledAar,a stream.It sets forth the simple truth that the blessings procured by the MAN—the coming Seed of the woman, will be surely bestowed and received by those for whom they are intended. There will be no failure in their communication, or in their reception. What has been purchased shall be secured and possessed.2. PEGASUS (The Winged Horse).The Blessings Quickly Coming.Not only shall they be received, but they shall be brought near. They will not have to be fetched, but they will be caused to come to those for whom they are procured, and will yet bebroughtby Him who has procured them.Plate 19: PEGASUS (the Winged Horse)In the Denderah Zodiac there are two characters immediately below the horse,Peandka.PekaorPega, is in Hebrewthe chief, andSusishorse. So that the very word (Pegasus) has come down to us and has been preserved through all the languages.The names of the stars in this constellation declare to us its meaning. There are 89 altogether; one of the 1st magnitude, two of the 2nd, three of the 3rd, nine of the 4th, etc. And, as astronomers testify,“they render Pegasus peculiarly remarkable.”[pg 090]The brightest, α (on the neck of the horse at the junction of the wing), comes down to us with the ancient Hebrew name ofMarkab, which meansreturning from afar. The star β (in the near shoulder) is calledScheat,i.e.,who goeth and returneth. The star γ (at the tip of the wing) bears an Arabic name—Al Genib,who carries. The star ε (in the nostril) is calledEnif(Arabic),the water. The star η (in the near leg) is calledMatar(Arabic),who causes to overflow.These names show us that we have to do with no mere horse. A winged horse is unknown to nature. It must therefore be used as a figure; and it can be a figure only of a person, even of Him who is“the Branch,”as the starEnifshows, who said,“If I go away I will come again,”as the starScheattestifies.He who procured these blessings for the redeemed by His Atonement, is quickly coming to bring them; and is soon returning to pour them forth upon a groaning creation. This is the lesson of Pegasus.“Come, blessed Lord, bid every shoreAnd answering island singThe praises of Thy royal Name,And own Thee as their King.Lord, Lord! Thy fair creation groans—The earth, the air, the sea—In unison with all our hearts,And calls aloud for Thee.Thine was the Cross with all its fruitsOf grace and peace divine:Be Thine the Crown of glory now,The palm of victory Thine.”[pg 091]3. CYGNUS (The Swan).The Blesser surely Returning.This constellation repeats, emphasises, and affirms this glorious truth. It has to do with the Great Blesser and His speedy return, as is testified by all the ancient names connected with it.In the Denderah Zodiac it is namedTes-ark, which meansthis from afar.Plate 20: CYGNUS (the Swan)It is a most brilliant and gorgeous asterism of 81 stars; one of the 1st or 2nd, six of the 3rd, twelve of the 4th magnitude, etc. It contains variable stars, five double stars, and one quadruple. The star marked“61 Cygni”is known as one of the most wonderful in the whole heavens. It consists of two stars which revolve about each other, and yet have a progressive motion common to each!This mighty bird is not falling dead, like Aquila, but it is flying swiftly in mid-heaven. It is coming to the earth, for it is not so much a bird of the air, but a bird peculiarly belonging to both the earth and the waters.Its brightest star, α (between the body and the tail), is calledDeneb(like another in Capricornus), and meansthe judge. It is also calledAdige,flying swiftly, and thus at once it is connected with Him who cometh to judge the earth in righteousness.The star β (in the beak) is namedAl Bireo(Arabic),flying quickly.The star γ (in the body) is calledSadr(Hebrew),who returns as in a circle.[pg 092]The two stars in the tail, now marked in the maps as π 1 and π 2, are namedAzel,who goes and returns quickly; andFafage,gloriously shining forth.The teaching, then, of the whole sign ofAquariusis clear and complete. The names of the stars explain the constellations, and the names of the constellations explain the sign, so that we are left in no doubt.By His atoning death (as set forth inCapricornus) He has purchased and procured unspeakable blessings for His redeemed. This sign (Aquarius) tells of those blessings being poured forth, and of the speedy return of Him who is to bring“rivers of blessing,”and to fill this earth with blessing and glory“as the waters cover the sea.”“Then take,Lord, thy kingdom, and come in Thy glory;Make the scene of Thy sorrows the place of Thy throne,Complete all the blessing which ages in storyHave told of the triumphs so justly Thine own.”

The Result of the Redeemer's Sufferings.

In theFirstBook we have had before us the work of the Redeemer set forth as it concerned His own glorious person. In thisSecondBook it is presented to us as it affects others. Here we see theresultsof His humiliation, and conflict, and victory—“The sufferings of Christ”and the blessings they procured for His redeemed people.

In Chapter I. we have the Blessings procured.

In Chapter II. their Blessings ensured.

In Chapter III. their Blessings in abeyance.

In Chapter IV. their Blessings enjoyed.

Chapter I. The Sign CAPRICORNUS (The Sea Goat).The Goat of Atonement Slain for the Redeemed.It is most noteworthy that this Second Book opens with the Goat, and closes with the Ram: two animals of sacrifice; while the two middle[pg 075]chapters are both connected with fishes.47The reason for this we shall see as we proceed.Both are combined in the first chapter, or“Sign”of Capricornus.In all the ancient Zodiacs, or Planispheres, we find a goat with a fish's tail. In the Zodiacs of Denderah and Esneh, in Egypt, it is half-goat and half-fish, and it is there calledHu-penius, which meansthe place of the sacrifice.In the Indian Zodiac it is a goatpassanttraversed by a fish.There can be no doubt as to the significance of this sign.In the Goat we have the Atoning Sacrifice, in the Fish we have the people for whom the atonement is made. When we come to the sign“Pisces”we shall see more clearly that it points to themultitudesof the redeemed host.The Goat is bowing its head as though falling down in death. The right leg is folded underneath the body, and he seems unable to rise with the left. The tail of the fish, on the other hand, seems to be full of vigour and life.The Hebrew name of the sign isGedi,the kidorcut off, the same as the ArabicAl Gedi.Capricornusis merely the modern (Latin) name of the sign, and meansgoat.[pg 076]Plate 16: CAPRICORNUS (the Goat)There are 51 stars in the sign, three of which are of the 3rd magnitude, three of the 4th, etc. Five are remarkable stars, α and β in the horn and head, and the remaining three, γ, δ, and ε, in the fishy tail. The star α is namedAl Gedi,the kidorgoat, while the star δ is calledDeneb Al Gedi,the sacrifice cometh.Other star-names in the sign, not identified, areDabih(Syriac),the sacrifice slain;Al DabikandAl Dehabeh(Arabic) have the same meaning;Ma'asad,the slaying;Sa'ad al Naschira,the record of the cutting off.Is not this exactly in accord with the Scriptures of truth? There were two goats! Of“thegoatof the sin-offering”it is written,“God hath given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before theLord”(Lev. x. 16, 17): of the other goat, which was not slain,“he shall let it go into the wilderness”(Lev. xvi. 22). Here is death and resurrection. Christ was“wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities.”“For the transgression of MY PEOPLE was He stricken”(Isa. liii.). He laid down His life for the sheep.In the first chapter of theFirstBook we had the same Blessed One presented as“a corn of wheat.”Here we see Him come to“die,”and hence not abiding alone, but bringing forth“much fruit”(John xii. 24). The living fish proceeds from the dying goat, and yet they form only one body.[pg 077]That picture, which has no parallel in nature, has a perfectly true counterpart in grace; and“a great multitude, which no man can number,”have been redeemed and shall obtain eternal life through the death of their Redeemer.It is, however, not merely the actual death which is set before us here. Thefirstchapterin each bookhas for its great subjectthe Personof the Redeemer inprophecyand promise. Thelastchapter in each book has for its subject the fulfilment of that prophecy in victory and triumph, in the Person of the Redeemer: while the twocentralchaptersin eachbook are occupied withthe workwhich is the accomplishment of the promise, presented in two aspects—the former connected withgrace, the latter withconflict.Thus thestructureof each of the three books is anepanodos, having for its first and last members the Person of the Redeemer (in“A”inProphecy; in“A”inFulfilment), while in the two central members we have the work and its accomplishment (in“B”in grace; and in“B”in conflict).It may be thus presented to the eye:—The First Book.A |Virgo.The Prophecy of the Bruised Seed.B |Libra.The work accomplished (ingrace).B|Scorpio.The work accomplished (inconflict.)A|Sagittarius.The fulfillment of the promised victory.[pg 078]The Second Book.C |Capricornus.The Prophecy of the Promised Deliverance.D |Aquarius.Results of the work bestowed (in grace).D|Pisces.Results of the work enjoyed (in conflict).C|Aries.The Fulfilment of the Promised Deliverance.The Third Book.E |Taurus.The Prophecy of the coming Judge of all the earth.F |Gemini.The Redeemer's reign. (Grace and Glory).F|Cancer.The Redeemer's possession (safe from all conflict).E|Leo.The fulfilment of the promised Triumph.Hence inCapricornuswe must look for theprophecyof this Coming Sacrifice. As a matter of fact it did actually point out the time when the Sun of Righteousness should arise, and“the Light of the World”appear. For when this Promised Seed was born the Sunwas actually in this sign of Capricornus!“The fulness of time was come,”and“God sent forth His Son TO REDEEM them that were under the Law”(Gal. iv. 4). The Sun was really amongst those very stars—Al Gedi,the kid, andDeneb Al Gedi,the sacrifice cometh—when this willing Sacrifice said,“Lo I come to do Thy will, O God.”The nights were at their darkest and[pg 079]their longest when Jesus was born. The days began immediately to lengthen when He,“the true light,”had come into the world.48Astronomers confess that the perverted legends of the Greeks give but“a lame account”of this sign,“and it offers no illustration ofits ancient origin.”Its ancient origin reveals a prophetic knowledge, which only He possessed who knew that in“the fulness of time”He would send forth His Son.We now come to the three constellations which give us three pictures setting forth the death of this Sacrifice and of His living again.1. SAGITTA (The Arrow).The Arrow of God sent forth.It is not the Arrow of Sagittarius, for that has not left his bow. That arrow is for the enemies of God. This is for the Son of God. It was of this that He spoke when He said, in Ps. xxxviii. 2:“Thine arrows stick fast in me,And Thy hand presseth me sore.”He was“stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, He was wounded for our transgressions”(Isa. liii. 4, 5). He was“pierced,”when He could say with Job,“The arrows of the Almighty are within me”(vi. 4).[pg 080]Plate 17: SAGITTA (the Arrow), AQUILA (the Eagle), DELPHINUS (the Dolphin)Here the arrow is pictured to us in mid-heaven, alone, as having been shot forth by an invisible hand. It is seen in its flight through the heavens. It is the arrow of God, showing that Redemption is all of God. It was“the will of God”which Jesus came to do. Not a mere work of mercy for miserable sinners, but a work ordained in eternity past, for the glory of God in eternity future.This is the record of the Word, and this is what is pictured for us here. The work which the arrow accomplishes is seen in the dying Goat, and in the falling Eagle.There are many other stars in the heavens in a straighter line, which would better serve for an arrow. Why are these stars chosen? Why is the arrow placed here? What explanation can be given, except that the Revelation in the stars and in the Book are both from the inspiration of the same Spirit?There are about 18 stars, of which four are of the 4th magnitude. Only γ and δ are in the same line, while the shaft passes between α and β.The Hebrew name isSham,destroying, ordesolate.2. AQUILA (The Eagle).The Smitten One Falling.Here we have an additional picture of the effect of this arrow, in the pierced, wounded, and falling Eagle, gasping in its dying struggle. And that[pg 081]pierced, wounded, and dying Saviour whom it represents, after saying, in Ps. xxxviii. 2,“Thine arrows stick fast in Me,”added, in verse 10:“My heart panteth, My strength faileth Me,As for the light of Mine eyes it is gone from Me.”(See also Zech. xiii. 6.)The names of the stars, all of them, bear out this representation. The constellation contains 74 stars. The brightest of them, α (in the Eagle's neck), is a notable star of the 1st magnitude, calledAl Tair(Arabic),the wounding. The star β (in the throat) is calledAl Shain(Arabic),the bright, from a Hebrew root meaningscarlet coloured, as in Josh. ii. 18. The star γ (in the back) is calledTarared,wounded, ortorn. δ (in the lower wing) is namedAlcair, which meansthe piercing, and ε (in the tail),Al Okal, has the significant meaningwounded in the heel.How can the united testimony of these names be explained except by acknowledging a Divine origin? even that of Him who afterwards foretold of the bruising of the Virgin's Son in the written Word; yea, of Him“who telleth the number of the stars and giveth them all their names.”3. DELPHINUS (The Dolphin).The Dead One Rising again.This is a bright cluster of 18 stars, five of which are of the 3rd magnitude. It is easily distinguished by the four brightest, which are in the head.[pg 082]It is always figured as a fish full of life, and always with the head upwards, just as the eagle is always with the head downwards. The great peculiar characteristic of the dolphin is its rising up, leaping, and springing out of the sea.When we compare this with the dying goat and falling eagle, what conclusion can we come to but that we have here the filling in of the picture, and the completion of the whole truth set forth in Capricornus?Jesus“died and rose again.”Apart from His resurrection His death is without result. In His conflict with the enemy it is only His coming again in glory which is shown forth. But here, in connection with His people, with the multitudes of His redeemed, Resurrection is the great and important truth. He is“the first-fruits of them that slept”; then He, too, is here represented as a fish. He who went down into the waters of death for His people; He who could say“All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me”(Ps. xlii. 7), He it is who rises up again from the dead, having died on account of the sins of His redeemed, and risen again on account of their justification (Rom. iv. 25).This is the picture here. In the Persian planisphere there seems to be a fish and a stream of water. The Egyptian has a vessel pouring out water.The ancient names connected with this constellation areDalaph(Hebrew),pouring out of water;[pg 083]Dalaph(Arabic),coming quickly;Scalooin(Arabic),swift (as the flow of water); RotaneborRotaneu(Syriac and Chaldee),swiftly running.Thus, in this first chapter of the Second Book we see the great truth of Revelation set forth; and we learn how the great Blessings of Redemption were procured. This truth cannot be more eloquently or powerfully presented than in the language of Dr. Seiss:—“This strange goat-fish, dying in its head, but living in its afterpart—falling as an eagle pierced and wounded by the arrow of death, but springing up from the dark waves with the matchless vigour and beauty of the dolphin—sinking under sin's condemnation, but rising again as sin's conqueror—developing new life out of death, and heralding a new springtime out of December's long drear nights—was framed by no blind chance of man. The story which it tells is the old, old story on which hangs the only availing hope that ever came, or ever can come, to Adam's race. To what it signifies we are for ever shut up as the only saving faith. In that dying Seed of the woman we must see our sin-bearer and the atonement for our guilt, or die ourselves unpardoned and unsanctified. Through His death and bloodshedding we must find our life, or the true life, which alone is life, we never can have.”“Complete atonement Thou hast made,And to the utmost farthing paidWhate'er Thy people owed:Nor can His wrath on me take place,If sheltered in His righteousness,And sprinkled with the blood.If my discharge Thou hast procured,And freely in my room enduredThe whole of wrath divine,Payment God cannot twice demand,First at my bleeding Surety's hand,And then again at mine.[pg 084]Turn, then, my soul, unto Thy rest;The merits of Thy great High PriestHave bought thy liberty;Trust in His efficacious blood,Nor fear thy banishment from God,Since Jesus died for thee.”

The Goat of Atonement Slain for the Redeemed.

It is most noteworthy that this Second Book opens with the Goat, and closes with the Ram: two animals of sacrifice; while the two middle[pg 075]chapters are both connected with fishes.47The reason for this we shall see as we proceed.

Both are combined in the first chapter, or“Sign”of Capricornus.

In all the ancient Zodiacs, or Planispheres, we find a goat with a fish's tail. In the Zodiacs of Denderah and Esneh, in Egypt, it is half-goat and half-fish, and it is there calledHu-penius, which meansthe place of the sacrifice.

In the Indian Zodiac it is a goatpassanttraversed by a fish.

There can be no doubt as to the significance of this sign.

In the Goat we have the Atoning Sacrifice, in the Fish we have the people for whom the atonement is made. When we come to the sign“Pisces”we shall see more clearly that it points to themultitudesof the redeemed host.

The Goat is bowing its head as though falling down in death. The right leg is folded underneath the body, and he seems unable to rise with the left. The tail of the fish, on the other hand, seems to be full of vigour and life.

The Hebrew name of the sign isGedi,the kidorcut off, the same as the ArabicAl Gedi.Capricornusis merely the modern (Latin) name of the sign, and meansgoat.

Plate 16: CAPRICORNUS (the Goat)

There are 51 stars in the sign, three of which are of the 3rd magnitude, three of the 4th, etc. Five are remarkable stars, α and β in the horn and head, and the remaining three, γ, δ, and ε, in the fishy tail. The star α is namedAl Gedi,the kidorgoat, while the star δ is calledDeneb Al Gedi,the sacrifice cometh.

Other star-names in the sign, not identified, areDabih(Syriac),the sacrifice slain;Al DabikandAl Dehabeh(Arabic) have the same meaning;Ma'asad,the slaying;Sa'ad al Naschira,the record of the cutting off.

Is not this exactly in accord with the Scriptures of truth? There were two goats! Of“thegoatof the sin-offering”it is written,“God hath given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before theLord”(Lev. x. 16, 17): of the other goat, which was not slain,“he shall let it go into the wilderness”(Lev. xvi. 22). Here is death and resurrection. Christ was“wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities.”“For the transgression of MY PEOPLE was He stricken”(Isa. liii.). He laid down His life for the sheep.

In the first chapter of theFirstBook we had the same Blessed One presented as“a corn of wheat.”Here we see Him come to“die,”and hence not abiding alone, but bringing forth“much fruit”(John xii. 24). The living fish proceeds from the dying goat, and yet they form only one body.[pg 077]That picture, which has no parallel in nature, has a perfectly true counterpart in grace; and“a great multitude, which no man can number,”have been redeemed and shall obtain eternal life through the death of their Redeemer.

It is, however, not merely the actual death which is set before us here. Thefirstchapterin each bookhas for its great subjectthe Personof the Redeemer inprophecyand promise. Thelastchapter in each book has for its subject the fulfilment of that prophecy in victory and triumph, in the Person of the Redeemer: while the twocentralchaptersin eachbook are occupied withthe workwhich is the accomplishment of the promise, presented in two aspects—the former connected withgrace, the latter withconflict.

Thus thestructureof each of the three books is anepanodos, having for its first and last members the Person of the Redeemer (in“A”inProphecy; in“A”inFulfilment), while in the two central members we have the work and its accomplishment (in“B”in grace; and in“B”in conflict).

It may be thus presented to the eye:—

The First Book.

A |Virgo.The Prophecy of the Bruised Seed.B |Libra.The work accomplished (ingrace).B|Scorpio.The work accomplished (inconflict.)A|Sagittarius.The fulfillment of the promised victory.

A |Virgo.The Prophecy of the Bruised Seed.

B |Libra.The work accomplished (ingrace).

B|Scorpio.The work accomplished (inconflict.)

A|Sagittarius.The fulfillment of the promised victory.

The Second Book.

C |Capricornus.The Prophecy of the Promised Deliverance.D |Aquarius.Results of the work bestowed (in grace).D|Pisces.Results of the work enjoyed (in conflict).C|Aries.The Fulfilment of the Promised Deliverance.

C |Capricornus.The Prophecy of the Promised Deliverance.

D |Aquarius.Results of the work bestowed (in grace).

D|Pisces.Results of the work enjoyed (in conflict).

C|Aries.The Fulfilment of the Promised Deliverance.

The Third Book.

E |Taurus.The Prophecy of the coming Judge of all the earth.F |Gemini.The Redeemer's reign. (Grace and Glory).F|Cancer.The Redeemer's possession (safe from all conflict).E|Leo.The fulfilment of the promised Triumph.

E |Taurus.The Prophecy of the coming Judge of all the earth.

F |Gemini.The Redeemer's reign. (Grace and Glory).

F|Cancer.The Redeemer's possession (safe from all conflict).

E|Leo.The fulfilment of the promised Triumph.

Hence inCapricornuswe must look for theprophecyof this Coming Sacrifice. As a matter of fact it did actually point out the time when the Sun of Righteousness should arise, and“the Light of the World”appear. For when this Promised Seed was born the Sunwas actually in this sign of Capricornus!“The fulness of time was come,”and“God sent forth His Son TO REDEEM them that were under the Law”(Gal. iv. 4). The Sun was really amongst those very stars—Al Gedi,the kid, andDeneb Al Gedi,the sacrifice cometh—when this willing Sacrifice said,“Lo I come to do Thy will, O God.”The nights were at their darkest and[pg 079]their longest when Jesus was born. The days began immediately to lengthen when He,“the true light,”had come into the world.48

Astronomers confess that the perverted legends of the Greeks give but“a lame account”of this sign,“and it offers no illustration ofits ancient origin.”

Its ancient origin reveals a prophetic knowledge, which only He possessed who knew that in“the fulness of time”He would send forth His Son.

We now come to the three constellations which give us three pictures setting forth the death of this Sacrifice and of His living again.

1. SAGITTA (The Arrow).The Arrow of God sent forth.It is not the Arrow of Sagittarius, for that has not left his bow. That arrow is for the enemies of God. This is for the Son of God. It was of this that He spoke when He said, in Ps. xxxviii. 2:“Thine arrows stick fast in me,And Thy hand presseth me sore.”He was“stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, He was wounded for our transgressions”(Isa. liii. 4, 5). He was“pierced,”when He could say with Job,“The arrows of the Almighty are within me”(vi. 4).[pg 080]Plate 17: SAGITTA (the Arrow), AQUILA (the Eagle), DELPHINUS (the Dolphin)Here the arrow is pictured to us in mid-heaven, alone, as having been shot forth by an invisible hand. It is seen in its flight through the heavens. It is the arrow of God, showing that Redemption is all of God. It was“the will of God”which Jesus came to do. Not a mere work of mercy for miserable sinners, but a work ordained in eternity past, for the glory of God in eternity future.This is the record of the Word, and this is what is pictured for us here. The work which the arrow accomplishes is seen in the dying Goat, and in the falling Eagle.There are many other stars in the heavens in a straighter line, which would better serve for an arrow. Why are these stars chosen? Why is the arrow placed here? What explanation can be given, except that the Revelation in the stars and in the Book are both from the inspiration of the same Spirit?There are about 18 stars, of which four are of the 4th magnitude. Only γ and δ are in the same line, while the shaft passes between α and β.The Hebrew name isSham,destroying, ordesolate.

The Arrow of God sent forth.

It is not the Arrow of Sagittarius, for that has not left his bow. That arrow is for the enemies of God. This is for the Son of God. It was of this that He spoke when He said, in Ps. xxxviii. 2:

“Thine arrows stick fast in me,And Thy hand presseth me sore.”

“Thine arrows stick fast in me,

And Thy hand presseth me sore.”

He was“stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, He was wounded for our transgressions”(Isa. liii. 4, 5). He was“pierced,”when He could say with Job,“The arrows of the Almighty are within me”(vi. 4).

Plate 17: SAGITTA (the Arrow), AQUILA (the Eagle), DELPHINUS (the Dolphin)

Here the arrow is pictured to us in mid-heaven, alone, as having been shot forth by an invisible hand. It is seen in its flight through the heavens. It is the arrow of God, showing that Redemption is all of God. It was“the will of God”which Jesus came to do. Not a mere work of mercy for miserable sinners, but a work ordained in eternity past, for the glory of God in eternity future.

This is the record of the Word, and this is what is pictured for us here. The work which the arrow accomplishes is seen in the dying Goat, and in the falling Eagle.

There are many other stars in the heavens in a straighter line, which would better serve for an arrow. Why are these stars chosen? Why is the arrow placed here? What explanation can be given, except that the Revelation in the stars and in the Book are both from the inspiration of the same Spirit?

There are about 18 stars, of which four are of the 4th magnitude. Only γ and δ are in the same line, while the shaft passes between α and β.

The Hebrew name isSham,destroying, ordesolate.

2. AQUILA (The Eagle).The Smitten One Falling.Here we have an additional picture of the effect of this arrow, in the pierced, wounded, and falling Eagle, gasping in its dying struggle. And that[pg 081]pierced, wounded, and dying Saviour whom it represents, after saying, in Ps. xxxviii. 2,“Thine arrows stick fast in Me,”added, in verse 10:“My heart panteth, My strength faileth Me,As for the light of Mine eyes it is gone from Me.”(See also Zech. xiii. 6.)The names of the stars, all of them, bear out this representation. The constellation contains 74 stars. The brightest of them, α (in the Eagle's neck), is a notable star of the 1st magnitude, calledAl Tair(Arabic),the wounding. The star β (in the throat) is calledAl Shain(Arabic),the bright, from a Hebrew root meaningscarlet coloured, as in Josh. ii. 18. The star γ (in the back) is calledTarared,wounded, ortorn. δ (in the lower wing) is namedAlcair, which meansthe piercing, and ε (in the tail),Al Okal, has the significant meaningwounded in the heel.How can the united testimony of these names be explained except by acknowledging a Divine origin? even that of Him who afterwards foretold of the bruising of the Virgin's Son in the written Word; yea, of Him“who telleth the number of the stars and giveth them all their names.”

The Smitten One Falling.

Here we have an additional picture of the effect of this arrow, in the pierced, wounded, and falling Eagle, gasping in its dying struggle. And that[pg 081]pierced, wounded, and dying Saviour whom it represents, after saying, in Ps. xxxviii. 2,“Thine arrows stick fast in Me,”added, in verse 10:

“My heart panteth, My strength faileth Me,As for the light of Mine eyes it is gone from Me.”(See also Zech. xiii. 6.)

“My heart panteth, My strength faileth Me,As for the light of Mine eyes it is gone from Me.”

“My heart panteth, My strength faileth Me,

As for the light of Mine eyes it is gone from Me.”

(See also Zech. xiii. 6.)

The names of the stars, all of them, bear out this representation. The constellation contains 74 stars. The brightest of them, α (in the Eagle's neck), is a notable star of the 1st magnitude, calledAl Tair(Arabic),the wounding. The star β (in the throat) is calledAl Shain(Arabic),the bright, from a Hebrew root meaningscarlet coloured, as in Josh. ii. 18. The star γ (in the back) is calledTarared,wounded, ortorn. δ (in the lower wing) is namedAlcair, which meansthe piercing, and ε (in the tail),Al Okal, has the significant meaningwounded in the heel.

How can the united testimony of these names be explained except by acknowledging a Divine origin? even that of Him who afterwards foretold of the bruising of the Virgin's Son in the written Word; yea, of Him“who telleth the number of the stars and giveth them all their names.”

3. DELPHINUS (The Dolphin).The Dead One Rising again.This is a bright cluster of 18 stars, five of which are of the 3rd magnitude. It is easily distinguished by the four brightest, which are in the head.[pg 082]It is always figured as a fish full of life, and always with the head upwards, just as the eagle is always with the head downwards. The great peculiar characteristic of the dolphin is its rising up, leaping, and springing out of the sea.When we compare this with the dying goat and falling eagle, what conclusion can we come to but that we have here the filling in of the picture, and the completion of the whole truth set forth in Capricornus?Jesus“died and rose again.”Apart from His resurrection His death is without result. In His conflict with the enemy it is only His coming again in glory which is shown forth. But here, in connection with His people, with the multitudes of His redeemed, Resurrection is the great and important truth. He is“the first-fruits of them that slept”; then He, too, is here represented as a fish. He who went down into the waters of death for His people; He who could say“All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me”(Ps. xlii. 7), He it is who rises up again from the dead, having died on account of the sins of His redeemed, and risen again on account of their justification (Rom. iv. 25).This is the picture here. In the Persian planisphere there seems to be a fish and a stream of water. The Egyptian has a vessel pouring out water.The ancient names connected with this constellation areDalaph(Hebrew),pouring out of water;[pg 083]Dalaph(Arabic),coming quickly;Scalooin(Arabic),swift (as the flow of water); RotaneborRotaneu(Syriac and Chaldee),swiftly running.Thus, in this first chapter of the Second Book we see the great truth of Revelation set forth; and we learn how the great Blessings of Redemption were procured. This truth cannot be more eloquently or powerfully presented than in the language of Dr. Seiss:—“This strange goat-fish, dying in its head, but living in its afterpart—falling as an eagle pierced and wounded by the arrow of death, but springing up from the dark waves with the matchless vigour and beauty of the dolphin—sinking under sin's condemnation, but rising again as sin's conqueror—developing new life out of death, and heralding a new springtime out of December's long drear nights—was framed by no blind chance of man. The story which it tells is the old, old story on which hangs the only availing hope that ever came, or ever can come, to Adam's race. To what it signifies we are for ever shut up as the only saving faith. In that dying Seed of the woman we must see our sin-bearer and the atonement for our guilt, or die ourselves unpardoned and unsanctified. Through His death and bloodshedding we must find our life, or the true life, which alone is life, we never can have.”“Complete atonement Thou hast made,And to the utmost farthing paidWhate'er Thy people owed:Nor can His wrath on me take place,If sheltered in His righteousness,And sprinkled with the blood.If my discharge Thou hast procured,And freely in my room enduredThe whole of wrath divine,Payment God cannot twice demand,First at my bleeding Surety's hand,And then again at mine.[pg 084]Turn, then, my soul, unto Thy rest;The merits of Thy great High PriestHave bought thy liberty;Trust in His efficacious blood,Nor fear thy banishment from God,Since Jesus died for thee.”

The Dead One Rising again.

This is a bright cluster of 18 stars, five of which are of the 3rd magnitude. It is easily distinguished by the four brightest, which are in the head.

It is always figured as a fish full of life, and always with the head upwards, just as the eagle is always with the head downwards. The great peculiar characteristic of the dolphin is its rising up, leaping, and springing out of the sea.

When we compare this with the dying goat and falling eagle, what conclusion can we come to but that we have here the filling in of the picture, and the completion of the whole truth set forth in Capricornus?

Jesus“died and rose again.”Apart from His resurrection His death is without result. In His conflict with the enemy it is only His coming again in glory which is shown forth. But here, in connection with His people, with the multitudes of His redeemed, Resurrection is the great and important truth. He is“the first-fruits of them that slept”; then He, too, is here represented as a fish. He who went down into the waters of death for His people; He who could say“All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me”(Ps. xlii. 7), He it is who rises up again from the dead, having died on account of the sins of His redeemed, and risen again on account of their justification (Rom. iv. 25).

This is the picture here. In the Persian planisphere there seems to be a fish and a stream of water. The Egyptian has a vessel pouring out water.

The ancient names connected with this constellation areDalaph(Hebrew),pouring out of water;[pg 083]Dalaph(Arabic),coming quickly;Scalooin(Arabic),swift (as the flow of water); RotaneborRotaneu(Syriac and Chaldee),swiftly running.

Thus, in this first chapter of the Second Book we see the great truth of Revelation set forth; and we learn how the great Blessings of Redemption were procured. This truth cannot be more eloquently or powerfully presented than in the language of Dr. Seiss:—

“This strange goat-fish, dying in its head, but living in its afterpart—falling as an eagle pierced and wounded by the arrow of death, but springing up from the dark waves with the matchless vigour and beauty of the dolphin—sinking under sin's condemnation, but rising again as sin's conqueror—developing new life out of death, and heralding a new springtime out of December's long drear nights—was framed by no blind chance of man. The story which it tells is the old, old story on which hangs the only availing hope that ever came, or ever can come, to Adam's race. To what it signifies we are for ever shut up as the only saving faith. In that dying Seed of the woman we must see our sin-bearer and the atonement for our guilt, or die ourselves unpardoned and unsanctified. Through His death and bloodshedding we must find our life, or the true life, which alone is life, we never can have.”“Complete atonement Thou hast made,And to the utmost farthing paidWhate'er Thy people owed:Nor can His wrath on me take place,If sheltered in His righteousness,And sprinkled with the blood.If my discharge Thou hast procured,And freely in my room enduredThe whole of wrath divine,Payment God cannot twice demand,First at my bleeding Surety's hand,And then again at mine.[pg 084]Turn, then, my soul, unto Thy rest;The merits of Thy great High PriestHave bought thy liberty;Trust in His efficacious blood,Nor fear thy banishment from God,Since Jesus died for thee.”

“Complete atonement Thou hast made,And to the utmost farthing paidWhate'er Thy people owed:Nor can His wrath on me take place,If sheltered in His righteousness,And sprinkled with the blood.

“Complete atonement Thou hast made,

And to the utmost farthing paid

Whate'er Thy people owed:

Nor can His wrath on me take place,

If sheltered in His righteousness,

And sprinkled with the blood.

If my discharge Thou hast procured,And freely in my room enduredThe whole of wrath divine,Payment God cannot twice demand,First at my bleeding Surety's hand,And then again at mine.

If my discharge Thou hast procured,

And freely in my room endured

The whole of wrath divine,

Payment God cannot twice demand,

First at my bleeding Surety's hand,

And then again at mine.

Turn, then, my soul, unto Thy rest;The merits of Thy great High PriestHave bought thy liberty;Trust in His efficacious blood,Nor fear thy banishment from God,Since Jesus died for thee.”

Turn, then, my soul, unto Thy rest;

The merits of Thy great High Priest

Have bought thy liberty;

Trust in His efficacious blood,

Nor fear thy banishment from God,

Since Jesus died for thee.”

Chapter II. The Sign AQUARIUS (The Water Bearer).Their Blessings Ensured, or the Living Waters of Blessing Poured Forth for the Redeemed.The Atonement being made, the blessings have been procured, and now they can be bestowed and poured forth upon the Redeemed. This is the truth, whether we think of Abel's lamb, of patriarchal sacrifices, the offerings under the Law, or of that great Sacrifice of which they all testified. They all with one voice tell us that atonement made is the only foundation of blessing.This was pictured and foreshown in the heavens from the beginning, by a man pouring forth water from an urn which seems to have an inexhaustible supply, and which flows forth downwards into the mouth of a fish, which receives it and drinks it all up.In the ancient Zodiac of Denderah it is the same idea, though the man holds two urns, and the fish below seems to have come out of the urn. The[pg 085]man is calledHupei Tirion, which meansthe place of him coming downorpoured forth.In some eastern Zodiacs the Urn alone appears.Plate 18: AQUARIUS (the Water Bearer) & PISCIS AUSTRALIS (the Southern Fish)This agrees with its other names—Hebrew,Deli,the water-urn, orbucket(as in Num. xxiv. 7); the ArabicDeluis the same.There are 108 stars in this Sign, four of which are of the 3rd magnitude. Their names, as far as they have come down to us, are significant.The star α (in the right shoulder) is calledSa'ad al Melik, which meansthe record of the pouring forth.The star β (in the other shoulder) is calledSaad al Sund,who goeth and returneth, orthe pourer out.The bright star δ (in the lower part of the right leg) is well-known to-day by its Hebrew nameScheat, which meanswho goeth and returneth.The bright star in the urn has an Egyptian name—MonorMeon, which means simplyan urn.Aquarius is the modern Latin name by which the sign is known. It has the same meaning,the pourer forth of water.Can we doubt what is the interpretation of this sign? The Greeks, not knowing Him of whom it testified, were, like the woman of Samaria, destitute of that living water which He alone can give. They therefore invented some story aboutDeucalion, the son of Prometheus; and another, saying he isGanymede, Jove's cup-bearer! But, as an astronomer says,“We must account otherwise for the origin of this name; for it is not possible to reconcile the[pg 086]symbols of the eleventh49sign with Grecian mythology.”No! we must go further back than that, and not cramp our vision, and distort the Scriptures, by confining our thoughts to“the Church.”The Church is nowhere seen in these Signs, as she is nowhere revealed in the Old Testament. This we shall enlarge on when we come to the sign Pisces. Meanwhile we must read the witness of the stars as if there had been no Church!Christ is first. Yea, He is all in all. The Scriptures testify of Him; and the very stars in this Sign tell of His going away and His coming again. These prophetic signs have to do with Him, with the Atonement He wrought, with the conflict He endured, with the blessings He secured, with the victory He shall win, and the triumph He shall have. For it is written:“He shall pour the water out of His buckets,And His seed shall be in many waters,And His king shall be higher than Agag,And His kingdom shall be exalted.”(Num. xxiv. 7.)It tells of that glorious day when“A King shall reign in righteousness;And princes shall rule in judgment;And a MAN shall be as an hiding placefrom the wind,And a covert from the tempest;As RIVERS of WATER in a dry place.”(Isa. xxxii. 1, 2).[pg 087]It speaks of that glorious time when Israel shall be restored, and their“eyes shall see the King in His beauty”; when the peace of Zion shall be no more disturbed,“but there the gloriousLordwill be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams”(Isa. xxxiii. 17, 20, 21). Then“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them;And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose,For in the wilderness shall waters break out,And streams in the desert.”(Isa. xxxv. 1, 6.)“I will open rivers in high places,And fountains in the midst of the valleys;I will make the wilderness a pool of water,And the dry land springs of water.”(Isa. xli. 18.)“Fear not, O Jacob, My servant;And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen,For I willPOUR WATERupon him that is thirsty,And floods upon the dry ground;I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed,And My blessing upon thy offspring.Thus saith theLordthe King of Israel,And his Redeemer theLordof hosts.”(Isa. xliv. 2, 3, 6.)This is the meaning of the Sign. The MAN Christ Jesus, who was humbled in death will yet be seen to be the pourer forth of every blessing.Physicallypouring forth literal waters, removing the curse, and turning this world into a paradise:“Making her wilderness like Eden,And her desert like the garden of theLord.”(Isa. li. 3.)Andmorallypouring forth His Spirit in such abundance as to fill the whole earth with peace, and blessing, and glory,“as the waters cover the sea.”[pg 088]Upon Israel restored He will pour out His blessing. They will be sprinkled with clean water, and possess a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. xxxvi. 24-28; Joel ii. 28-32).Such are some of the Scriptures which tell of this glorious Water-pourer. We need not rob Christ of His glory, or Israel of her blessing, in order to see in all this Pentecost or the Church. These are quite independent of the great line of prophetic truth. They are parenthetical, and distinct, and true, quite apart from the glorious prophecies of Israel's scattering and gathering. The physical marvels referred to in the texts above can never be satisfied or exhausted by any spiritual fulfilment. We may make anapplicationof them as far as is consistent with the teaching of the epistles; but theinterpretationof them belongs to the Person of Christ, and the nation of Israel. That interpretation is pictured for us in the Sign, and in its three constellations.1. PISCIS AUSTRALIS (The Southern Fish).The Blessings Bestowed.This first constellation is one of high antiquity,50and its brilliant star of the first magnitude was a subject of great study by the Egyptians and Ethiopians. It is named in ArabicFom al Haut,the mouth of the fish. There are 22 other stars.[pg 089]The constellation is inseparable from Aquarius, in connection with which we have shown it in PlateXVIII. In the Denderah Zodiac it is calledAar,a stream.It sets forth the simple truth that the blessings procured by the MAN—the coming Seed of the woman, will be surely bestowed and received by those for whom they are intended. There will be no failure in their communication, or in their reception. What has been purchased shall be secured and possessed.2. PEGASUS (The Winged Horse).The Blessings Quickly Coming.Not only shall they be received, but they shall be brought near. They will not have to be fetched, but they will be caused to come to those for whom they are procured, and will yet bebroughtby Him who has procured them.Plate 19: PEGASUS (the Winged Horse)In the Denderah Zodiac there are two characters immediately below the horse,Peandka.PekaorPega, is in Hebrewthe chief, andSusishorse. So that the very word (Pegasus) has come down to us and has been preserved through all the languages.The names of the stars in this constellation declare to us its meaning. There are 89 altogether; one of the 1st magnitude, two of the 2nd, three of the 3rd, nine of the 4th, etc. And, as astronomers testify,“they render Pegasus peculiarly remarkable.”[pg 090]The brightest, α (on the neck of the horse at the junction of the wing), comes down to us with the ancient Hebrew name ofMarkab, which meansreturning from afar. The star β (in the near shoulder) is calledScheat,i.e.,who goeth and returneth. The star γ (at the tip of the wing) bears an Arabic name—Al Genib,who carries. The star ε (in the nostril) is calledEnif(Arabic),the water. The star η (in the near leg) is calledMatar(Arabic),who causes to overflow.These names show us that we have to do with no mere horse. A winged horse is unknown to nature. It must therefore be used as a figure; and it can be a figure only of a person, even of Him who is“the Branch,”as the starEnifshows, who said,“If I go away I will come again,”as the starScheattestifies.He who procured these blessings for the redeemed by His Atonement, is quickly coming to bring them; and is soon returning to pour them forth upon a groaning creation. This is the lesson of Pegasus.“Come, blessed Lord, bid every shoreAnd answering island singThe praises of Thy royal Name,And own Thee as their King.Lord, Lord! Thy fair creation groans—The earth, the air, the sea—In unison with all our hearts,And calls aloud for Thee.Thine was the Cross with all its fruitsOf grace and peace divine:Be Thine the Crown of glory now,The palm of victory Thine.”[pg 091]3. CYGNUS (The Swan).The Blesser surely Returning.This constellation repeats, emphasises, and affirms this glorious truth. It has to do with the Great Blesser and His speedy return, as is testified by all the ancient names connected with it.In the Denderah Zodiac it is namedTes-ark, which meansthis from afar.Plate 20: CYGNUS (the Swan)It is a most brilliant and gorgeous asterism of 81 stars; one of the 1st or 2nd, six of the 3rd, twelve of the 4th magnitude, etc. It contains variable stars, five double stars, and one quadruple. The star marked“61 Cygni”is known as one of the most wonderful in the whole heavens. It consists of two stars which revolve about each other, and yet have a progressive motion common to each!This mighty bird is not falling dead, like Aquila, but it is flying swiftly in mid-heaven. It is coming to the earth, for it is not so much a bird of the air, but a bird peculiarly belonging to both the earth and the waters.Its brightest star, α (between the body and the tail), is calledDeneb(like another in Capricornus), and meansthe judge. It is also calledAdige,flying swiftly, and thus at once it is connected with Him who cometh to judge the earth in righteousness.The star β (in the beak) is namedAl Bireo(Arabic),flying quickly.The star γ (in the body) is calledSadr(Hebrew),who returns as in a circle.[pg 092]The two stars in the tail, now marked in the maps as π 1 and π 2, are namedAzel,who goes and returns quickly; andFafage,gloriously shining forth.The teaching, then, of the whole sign ofAquariusis clear and complete. The names of the stars explain the constellations, and the names of the constellations explain the sign, so that we are left in no doubt.By His atoning death (as set forth inCapricornus) He has purchased and procured unspeakable blessings for His redeemed. This sign (Aquarius) tells of those blessings being poured forth, and of the speedy return of Him who is to bring“rivers of blessing,”and to fill this earth with blessing and glory“as the waters cover the sea.”“Then take,Lord, thy kingdom, and come in Thy glory;Make the scene of Thy sorrows the place of Thy throne,Complete all the blessing which ages in storyHave told of the triumphs so justly Thine own.”

Their Blessings Ensured, or the Living Waters of Blessing Poured Forth for the Redeemed.

The Atonement being made, the blessings have been procured, and now they can be bestowed and poured forth upon the Redeemed. This is the truth, whether we think of Abel's lamb, of patriarchal sacrifices, the offerings under the Law, or of that great Sacrifice of which they all testified. They all with one voice tell us that atonement made is the only foundation of blessing.

This was pictured and foreshown in the heavens from the beginning, by a man pouring forth water from an urn which seems to have an inexhaustible supply, and which flows forth downwards into the mouth of a fish, which receives it and drinks it all up.

In the ancient Zodiac of Denderah it is the same idea, though the man holds two urns, and the fish below seems to have come out of the urn. The[pg 085]man is calledHupei Tirion, which meansthe place of him coming downorpoured forth.

In some eastern Zodiacs the Urn alone appears.

Plate 18: AQUARIUS (the Water Bearer) & PISCIS AUSTRALIS (the Southern Fish)

This agrees with its other names—Hebrew,Deli,the water-urn, orbucket(as in Num. xxiv. 7); the ArabicDeluis the same.

There are 108 stars in this Sign, four of which are of the 3rd magnitude. Their names, as far as they have come down to us, are significant.

The star α (in the right shoulder) is calledSa'ad al Melik, which meansthe record of the pouring forth.

The star β (in the other shoulder) is calledSaad al Sund,who goeth and returneth, orthe pourer out.

The bright star δ (in the lower part of the right leg) is well-known to-day by its Hebrew nameScheat, which meanswho goeth and returneth.

The bright star in the urn has an Egyptian name—MonorMeon, which means simplyan urn.

Aquarius is the modern Latin name by which the sign is known. It has the same meaning,the pourer forth of water.

Can we doubt what is the interpretation of this sign? The Greeks, not knowing Him of whom it testified, were, like the woman of Samaria, destitute of that living water which He alone can give. They therefore invented some story aboutDeucalion, the son of Prometheus; and another, saying he isGanymede, Jove's cup-bearer! But, as an astronomer says,“We must account otherwise for the origin of this name; for it is not possible to reconcile the[pg 086]symbols of the eleventh49sign with Grecian mythology.”No! we must go further back than that, and not cramp our vision, and distort the Scriptures, by confining our thoughts to“the Church.”The Church is nowhere seen in these Signs, as she is nowhere revealed in the Old Testament. This we shall enlarge on when we come to the sign Pisces. Meanwhile we must read the witness of the stars as if there had been no Church!

Christ is first. Yea, He is all in all. The Scriptures testify of Him; and the very stars in this Sign tell of His going away and His coming again. These prophetic signs have to do with Him, with the Atonement He wrought, with the conflict He endured, with the blessings He secured, with the victory He shall win, and the triumph He shall have. For it is written:

“He shall pour the water out of His buckets,And His seed shall be in many waters,And His king shall be higher than Agag,And His kingdom shall be exalted.”(Num. xxiv. 7.)

“He shall pour the water out of His buckets,And His seed shall be in many waters,And His king shall be higher than Agag,And His kingdom shall be exalted.”

“He shall pour the water out of His buckets,

And His seed shall be in many waters,

And His king shall be higher than Agag,

And His kingdom shall be exalted.”

(Num. xxiv. 7.)

It tells of that glorious day when

“A King shall reign in righteousness;And princes shall rule in judgment;And a MAN shall be as an hiding placefrom the wind,And a covert from the tempest;As RIVERS of WATER in a dry place.”(Isa. xxxii. 1, 2).

“A King shall reign in righteousness;And princes shall rule in judgment;And a MAN shall be as an hiding placefrom the wind,And a covert from the tempest;As RIVERS of WATER in a dry place.”

“A King shall reign in righteousness;

And princes shall rule in judgment;

And a MAN shall be as an hiding place

from the wind,

And a covert from the tempest;

As RIVERS of WATER in a dry place.”

(Isa. xxxii. 1, 2).

It speaks of that glorious time when Israel shall be restored, and their“eyes shall see the King in His beauty”; when the peace of Zion shall be no more disturbed,“but there the gloriousLordwill be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams”(Isa. xxxiii. 17, 20, 21). Then

“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them;And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose,For in the wilderness shall waters break out,And streams in the desert.”(Isa. xxxv. 1, 6.)“I will open rivers in high places,And fountains in the midst of the valleys;I will make the wilderness a pool of water,And the dry land springs of water.”(Isa. xli. 18.)“Fear not, O Jacob, My servant;And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen,For I willPOUR WATERupon him that is thirsty,And floods upon the dry ground;I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed,And My blessing upon thy offspring.Thus saith theLordthe King of Israel,And his Redeemer theLordof hosts.”(Isa. xliv. 2, 3, 6.)

“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them;And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose,For in the wilderness shall waters break out,And streams in the desert.”

“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them;

And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose,

For in the wilderness shall waters break out,

And streams in the desert.”

(Isa. xxxv. 1, 6.)

“I will open rivers in high places,And fountains in the midst of the valleys;I will make the wilderness a pool of water,And the dry land springs of water.”

“I will open rivers in high places,

And fountains in the midst of the valleys;

I will make the wilderness a pool of water,

And the dry land springs of water.”

(Isa. xli. 18.)

“Fear not, O Jacob, My servant;And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen,For I willPOUR WATERupon him that is thirsty,And floods upon the dry ground;I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed,And My blessing upon thy offspring.Thus saith theLordthe King of Israel,And his Redeemer theLordof hosts.”

“Fear not, O Jacob, My servant;

And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen,

For I willPOUR WATERupon him that is thirsty,

And floods upon the dry ground;

I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed,

And My blessing upon thy offspring.

Thus saith theLordthe King of Israel,

And his Redeemer theLordof hosts.”

(Isa. xliv. 2, 3, 6.)

This is the meaning of the Sign. The MAN Christ Jesus, who was humbled in death will yet be seen to be the pourer forth of every blessing.Physicallypouring forth literal waters, removing the curse, and turning this world into a paradise:

“Making her wilderness like Eden,And her desert like the garden of theLord.”(Isa. li. 3.)

“Making her wilderness like Eden,And her desert like the garden of theLord.”

“Making her wilderness like Eden,

And her desert like the garden of theLord.”

(Isa. li. 3.)

Andmorallypouring forth His Spirit in such abundance as to fill the whole earth with peace, and blessing, and glory,“as the waters cover the sea.”

Upon Israel restored He will pour out His blessing. They will be sprinkled with clean water, and possess a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. xxxvi. 24-28; Joel ii. 28-32).

Such are some of the Scriptures which tell of this glorious Water-pourer. We need not rob Christ of His glory, or Israel of her blessing, in order to see in all this Pentecost or the Church. These are quite independent of the great line of prophetic truth. They are parenthetical, and distinct, and true, quite apart from the glorious prophecies of Israel's scattering and gathering. The physical marvels referred to in the texts above can never be satisfied or exhausted by any spiritual fulfilment. We may make anapplicationof them as far as is consistent with the teaching of the epistles; but theinterpretationof them belongs to the Person of Christ, and the nation of Israel. That interpretation is pictured for us in the Sign, and in its three constellations.

1. PISCIS AUSTRALIS (The Southern Fish).The Blessings Bestowed.This first constellation is one of high antiquity,50and its brilliant star of the first magnitude was a subject of great study by the Egyptians and Ethiopians. It is named in ArabicFom al Haut,the mouth of the fish. There are 22 other stars.[pg 089]The constellation is inseparable from Aquarius, in connection with which we have shown it in PlateXVIII. In the Denderah Zodiac it is calledAar,a stream.It sets forth the simple truth that the blessings procured by the MAN—the coming Seed of the woman, will be surely bestowed and received by those for whom they are intended. There will be no failure in their communication, or in their reception. What has been purchased shall be secured and possessed.

The Blessings Bestowed.

This first constellation is one of high antiquity,50and its brilliant star of the first magnitude was a subject of great study by the Egyptians and Ethiopians. It is named in ArabicFom al Haut,the mouth of the fish. There are 22 other stars.

The constellation is inseparable from Aquarius, in connection with which we have shown it in PlateXVIII. In the Denderah Zodiac it is calledAar,a stream.

It sets forth the simple truth that the blessings procured by the MAN—the coming Seed of the woman, will be surely bestowed and received by those for whom they are intended. There will be no failure in their communication, or in their reception. What has been purchased shall be secured and possessed.

2. PEGASUS (The Winged Horse).The Blessings Quickly Coming.Not only shall they be received, but they shall be brought near. They will not have to be fetched, but they will be caused to come to those for whom they are procured, and will yet bebroughtby Him who has procured them.Plate 19: PEGASUS (the Winged Horse)In the Denderah Zodiac there are two characters immediately below the horse,Peandka.PekaorPega, is in Hebrewthe chief, andSusishorse. So that the very word (Pegasus) has come down to us and has been preserved through all the languages.The names of the stars in this constellation declare to us its meaning. There are 89 altogether; one of the 1st magnitude, two of the 2nd, three of the 3rd, nine of the 4th, etc. And, as astronomers testify,“they render Pegasus peculiarly remarkable.”[pg 090]The brightest, α (on the neck of the horse at the junction of the wing), comes down to us with the ancient Hebrew name ofMarkab, which meansreturning from afar. The star β (in the near shoulder) is calledScheat,i.e.,who goeth and returneth. The star γ (at the tip of the wing) bears an Arabic name—Al Genib,who carries. The star ε (in the nostril) is calledEnif(Arabic),the water. The star η (in the near leg) is calledMatar(Arabic),who causes to overflow.These names show us that we have to do with no mere horse. A winged horse is unknown to nature. It must therefore be used as a figure; and it can be a figure only of a person, even of Him who is“the Branch,”as the starEnifshows, who said,“If I go away I will come again,”as the starScheattestifies.He who procured these blessings for the redeemed by His Atonement, is quickly coming to bring them; and is soon returning to pour them forth upon a groaning creation. This is the lesson of Pegasus.“Come, blessed Lord, bid every shoreAnd answering island singThe praises of Thy royal Name,And own Thee as their King.Lord, Lord! Thy fair creation groans—The earth, the air, the sea—In unison with all our hearts,And calls aloud for Thee.Thine was the Cross with all its fruitsOf grace and peace divine:Be Thine the Crown of glory now,The palm of victory Thine.”

The Blessings Quickly Coming.

Not only shall they be received, but they shall be brought near. They will not have to be fetched, but they will be caused to come to those for whom they are procured, and will yet bebroughtby Him who has procured them.

Plate 19: PEGASUS (the Winged Horse)

In the Denderah Zodiac there are two characters immediately below the horse,Peandka.PekaorPega, is in Hebrewthe chief, andSusishorse. So that the very word (Pegasus) has come down to us and has been preserved through all the languages.

The names of the stars in this constellation declare to us its meaning. There are 89 altogether; one of the 1st magnitude, two of the 2nd, three of the 3rd, nine of the 4th, etc. And, as astronomers testify,“they render Pegasus peculiarly remarkable.”

The brightest, α (on the neck of the horse at the junction of the wing), comes down to us with the ancient Hebrew name ofMarkab, which meansreturning from afar. The star β (in the near shoulder) is calledScheat,i.e.,who goeth and returneth. The star γ (at the tip of the wing) bears an Arabic name—Al Genib,who carries. The star ε (in the nostril) is calledEnif(Arabic),the water. The star η (in the near leg) is calledMatar(Arabic),who causes to overflow.

These names show us that we have to do with no mere horse. A winged horse is unknown to nature. It must therefore be used as a figure; and it can be a figure only of a person, even of Him who is“the Branch,”as the starEnifshows, who said,“If I go away I will come again,”as the starScheattestifies.

He who procured these blessings for the redeemed by His Atonement, is quickly coming to bring them; and is soon returning to pour them forth upon a groaning creation. This is the lesson of Pegasus.

“Come, blessed Lord, bid every shoreAnd answering island singThe praises of Thy royal Name,And own Thee as their King.Lord, Lord! Thy fair creation groans—The earth, the air, the sea—In unison with all our hearts,And calls aloud for Thee.Thine was the Cross with all its fruitsOf grace and peace divine:Be Thine the Crown of glory now,The palm of victory Thine.”

“Come, blessed Lord, bid every shoreAnd answering island singThe praises of Thy royal Name,And own Thee as their King.

“Come, blessed Lord, bid every shore

And answering island sing

The praises of Thy royal Name,

And own Thee as their King.

Lord, Lord! Thy fair creation groans—The earth, the air, the sea—In unison with all our hearts,And calls aloud for Thee.

Lord, Lord! Thy fair creation groans—

The earth, the air, the sea—

In unison with all our hearts,

And calls aloud for Thee.

Thine was the Cross with all its fruitsOf grace and peace divine:Be Thine the Crown of glory now,The palm of victory Thine.”

Thine was the Cross with all its fruits

Of grace and peace divine:

Be Thine the Crown of glory now,

The palm of victory Thine.”

3. CYGNUS (The Swan).The Blesser surely Returning.This constellation repeats, emphasises, and affirms this glorious truth. It has to do with the Great Blesser and His speedy return, as is testified by all the ancient names connected with it.In the Denderah Zodiac it is namedTes-ark, which meansthis from afar.Plate 20: CYGNUS (the Swan)It is a most brilliant and gorgeous asterism of 81 stars; one of the 1st or 2nd, six of the 3rd, twelve of the 4th magnitude, etc. It contains variable stars, five double stars, and one quadruple. The star marked“61 Cygni”is known as one of the most wonderful in the whole heavens. It consists of two stars which revolve about each other, and yet have a progressive motion common to each!This mighty bird is not falling dead, like Aquila, but it is flying swiftly in mid-heaven. It is coming to the earth, for it is not so much a bird of the air, but a bird peculiarly belonging to both the earth and the waters.Its brightest star, α (between the body and the tail), is calledDeneb(like another in Capricornus), and meansthe judge. It is also calledAdige,flying swiftly, and thus at once it is connected with Him who cometh to judge the earth in righteousness.The star β (in the beak) is namedAl Bireo(Arabic),flying quickly.The star γ (in the body) is calledSadr(Hebrew),who returns as in a circle.[pg 092]The two stars in the tail, now marked in the maps as π 1 and π 2, are namedAzel,who goes and returns quickly; andFafage,gloriously shining forth.The teaching, then, of the whole sign ofAquariusis clear and complete. The names of the stars explain the constellations, and the names of the constellations explain the sign, so that we are left in no doubt.By His atoning death (as set forth inCapricornus) He has purchased and procured unspeakable blessings for His redeemed. This sign (Aquarius) tells of those blessings being poured forth, and of the speedy return of Him who is to bring“rivers of blessing,”and to fill this earth with blessing and glory“as the waters cover the sea.”“Then take,Lord, thy kingdom, and come in Thy glory;Make the scene of Thy sorrows the place of Thy throne,Complete all the blessing which ages in storyHave told of the triumphs so justly Thine own.”

The Blesser surely Returning.

This constellation repeats, emphasises, and affirms this glorious truth. It has to do with the Great Blesser and His speedy return, as is testified by all the ancient names connected with it.

In the Denderah Zodiac it is namedTes-ark, which meansthis from afar.

Plate 20: CYGNUS (the Swan)

It is a most brilliant and gorgeous asterism of 81 stars; one of the 1st or 2nd, six of the 3rd, twelve of the 4th magnitude, etc. It contains variable stars, five double stars, and one quadruple. The star marked“61 Cygni”is known as one of the most wonderful in the whole heavens. It consists of two stars which revolve about each other, and yet have a progressive motion common to each!

This mighty bird is not falling dead, like Aquila, but it is flying swiftly in mid-heaven. It is coming to the earth, for it is not so much a bird of the air, but a bird peculiarly belonging to both the earth and the waters.

Its brightest star, α (between the body and the tail), is calledDeneb(like another in Capricornus), and meansthe judge. It is also calledAdige,flying swiftly, and thus at once it is connected with Him who cometh to judge the earth in righteousness.

The star β (in the beak) is namedAl Bireo(Arabic),flying quickly.

The star γ (in the body) is calledSadr(Hebrew),who returns as in a circle.

The two stars in the tail, now marked in the maps as π 1 and π 2, are namedAzel,who goes and returns quickly; andFafage,gloriously shining forth.

The teaching, then, of the whole sign ofAquariusis clear and complete. The names of the stars explain the constellations, and the names of the constellations explain the sign, so that we are left in no doubt.

By His atoning death (as set forth inCapricornus) He has purchased and procured unspeakable blessings for His redeemed. This sign (Aquarius) tells of those blessings being poured forth, and of the speedy return of Him who is to bring“rivers of blessing,”and to fill this earth with blessing and glory“as the waters cover the sea.”

“Then take,Lord, thy kingdom, and come in Thy glory;Make the scene of Thy sorrows the place of Thy throne,Complete all the blessing which ages in storyHave told of the triumphs so justly Thine own.”

“Then take,Lord, thy kingdom, and come in Thy glory;

Make the scene of Thy sorrows the place of Thy throne,

Complete all the blessing which ages in story

Have told of the triumphs so justly Thine own.”

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