Anf-03 iv.xi.xxxv Pg 14
Matt. xi. 14.
Well, then, was it really in a Pythagorean sense that the Jews approached John with the inquiry, “Art thou Elias?”1739 1739
Anf-03 iv.xi.xxxv Pg 16
Mal. iv. 5.
The fact, however, is, that their metempsychosis, or transmigration theory, signifies the recall of the soul which had died long before, and its return to some other body. But Elias is to come again, not after quitting life (in the way of dying), but after his translation (or removal without dying); not for the purpose of being restored to the body, from which he had not departed, but for the purpose of revisiting the world from which he was translated; not by way of resuming a life which he had laid aside, but of fulfilling prophecy,—really and truly the same man, both in respect of his name and designation, as well as of his unchanged humanity. How, therefore could John be Elias? You have your answer in the angel’s announcement: “And he shall go before the people,” says he, “in the spirit and power of Elias”—not (observe) in his soul and his body. These substances are, in fact, the natural property of each individual; whilst “the spirit and power” are bestowed as external gifts by the grace of God and so may be transferred to another person according to the purpose and will of the Almighty, as was anciently the case with respect to the spirit of Moses.1741 1741
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge, Chapter 27
VERSE (47) - Mt 11:14 Mal 4:5 Mr 15:35,36
