This statement from Keith appeared in November 1882

I will appreciate thoughtful comments on this.

A Townman’s Teaching.

            Editor Advertiser: In complying with a request for a synopsis of what I am teaching, I shall necessarily have to be so brief as to only give some of the principal features; and take the risk of being misunderstood and misrepresented, though not more so than at present, perhaps. But I will say first that I do not believe that this earth will be purified by a literal fire, and all but an insignificant portion of the people destroyed.

            I do believe that the God is dealing with the race according to a prearranged system, called the purpose or plan of the ages – Eph. 3:11; Heb. 1:2, 11:3. Rev. Ver. N. Y. margin, and that there are yet ages to come, during which God will show to the world the riches of his favor, in kindness toward us, in raising us up to sit with or reign with Christ – Eph. 2:6, 7.

            I believe, in common with thousands of others, that there are many indubitable evidences that we are now in the ending of the gospel age, and that the period of transition or lap of something over thirty years, will be marked by great revolutions, political, social and religious.

            In other words, it is the “day of the Lord” so often referred to in both old and new testaments, and in such a way that many have thought and still think there would be a great conflagration – 2 Pet. 3:10.

            The length of the past ages, and this transition period, is shown by the chronology and time measurements found in the bible. The frequent misapplication of those measurements, which have caused many to look for a burning time, does not prove that there may not be a right application, in harmony with God’s great application, in harmony with God’s great system of the ages. The fact that they are in the bible is a sufficient argument for their importance, and that the wise would understand them in due time. One of the intensely interesting features of the time, is the Jewish question, which is already attracting the attention of the civilized world, and, because of being the fulfillment of so large an amount of prophecy, and at the exact time given, it will be a powerful argument against the increasing infidelity of our day.

            Many who now scoff, will see the importance of the subject in a few years.

            I believe that the position taken by three general classes of religionists are based on scriptures, and, though contradictory, as advocated, will be seen to be beautifully harmonious in time; and it is being shown even now. Many are learning every year. I refer to Calvinism or election; arminianism or “free grace” and universalism. While based on scripture, the advocates of each line of thought must be more or less wrong in their conclusions, because of not seeing the force of the other two, and not rightly applying. The three classes of scripture can not be true in one age.

            God’s promise and oath in regard to the development of a Seed, and the work to be done by the Seed, after development, must be the basis of right application, and consequent harmony.

            The promise first appears as a threat to the serpent, to bruise his head – Gen. 3:15; it was ratified with Abraham oath, saying: In thy Seed shall all the nations be blesses – Gen. 22:15, 18.

            Paul says that Seed is Christ and those who are Christs chosen in the gospel age – Gal. 3:16, 29.

            The elect are represented as the body of Christ, and called Christ – Rom. 12:4, 5;  1 Cor. 12:12; and they are called the children of promise – Gal. 4:28, 6, 7, 9.

            God has been electing a few, not to torment nor annihilate the many; but because he will ultimately justify the nations through faith – Gal. 3:8, Acts 15:14, In his wisdom he permitted evil for man’s development, and he will bring good out of it – 1 Cor. 1:21.

            The Seed, then, means the “head and body” united, glorified together, as the Christ of Scripture; and God has chosen this Seed as the mediator between God and men – the nations – to give them the truth in due time – 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; and to reconcile the world to himself – 2 Cor. 5:19.

            God has sworn by himself that every knee should bow, and every tongue confess – Is. 45:20, 23. Paul says every knee and tongue means: those in heaven – angels; those on earth and under the earth; under ground ones, and they will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father – Phil 2:10, 11. This work of the Seed belongs to the times of restitution or ages to come – Acts 3:19.

            I have tried to state as briefly as possible, some of the principal lines of thought which I am teaching; and have given a few of the many passages of scripture which support them. All who will try to understand them, will see that election, as taught in the Bible, is true and beautiful; God’s favor is free; and in due time will be manifested to all his creatures.

B. W. Keith