Adolph Saphir

Alexander Keith (1791–1880) was a minister of the Church of Scotland and later the Free Church, primarily recognized for his extensive writings on biblical prophecy. His work often focused on a premillennial interpretation of Christ's return and the role of the Jewish people in relation to biblical prophecies. Keith was part of a missionary trip to Palestine with other ministers, during which he contracted cholera in Budapest, an event that led to the establishment of a mission to the Jews in Hungary. He remained a committed minister and prolific author throughout his life, particularly after aligning with the Free Church during the Disruption of 1843.

His most famous work, "Evidence of the Truth of the Christian Religion Derived from the Literal Fulfilment of Prophecy," achieved widespread popularity, with numerous editions and translations. This book explored how the history of the Jewish people and the state of biblical lands served as ongoing evidence of prophecy's fulfillment. Keith also advocated for the restoration of Jews to their ancestral homeland, a concept that resonated with other Christian Restorationists. Despite health challenges, he continued to publish on prophetic subjects and was offered leadership positions within the Free Church, which he declined.

Alexander Keith's literary legacy is largely defined by his deep engagement with biblical prophecy. His seminal work, "Evidence of the Truth of the Christian Religion Derived from the Literal Fulfilment of Prophecy," became a cornerstone text in the study of Christian evidences. Keith meticulously collected contemporary accounts from travelers and historical data concerning the Jewish people and the lands mentioned in scripture. He argued that the literal fulfillment of prophecy, particularly concerning the dispersed yet enduring Jewish nation and the condition of biblical territories, served as tangible proof of divine providence and the veracity of Christian scripture. This approach resonated widely, leading to the book's extraordinary popularity, multiple editions, and its translation into various languages, influencing many readers and theological discussions.

Keith's commitment to biblical prophecy extended to practical missionary endeavors, particularly concerning the Jewish people. In 1839, he joined a notable mission to Palestine, alongside figures like Andrew Bonar and Robert Murray M'Cheyne, to investigate the readiness of Jewish communities to embrace Christianity and return to their homeland. During his return journey, he fell gravely ill in Budapest. This personal crisis unexpectedly led to the establishment of a significant mission to the Jews in Hungary, supported by influential figures and yielding notable converts like Adolph Saphir. Keith later revisited Palestine, documenting his travels and advocating for the concept of a "land without a people for a people without a land," a slogan that became prominent among Christian Restorationists who supported the re-establishment of a Jewish state.

Keith's theological convictions were clearly articulated, particularly his stance on national covenants. He asserted that God's national covenant was exclusively with the descendants of Abraham, expressing his opposition to any church recognizing other national covenants. This firm position was evident when he joined the Free Church of Scotland during the 1843 Disruption, diverging from the established Church. Despite recurrent ill health, which prevented him from accepting repeated offers of the moderatorship of the Free Church, Keith continued his ministry at St. Cyrus and remained an active author. His later works continued to explore prophetic themes, though none achieved the same level of acclaim as his initial "Evidences."

“Moderator, God never made, and never will make, a National Covenant with any people but one — the children of Abraham; and the day that sees this Church recognising any other National Covenant than that, will see me for the last time a member of it.”

“Greece was given to the Greeks, and in seeking any government for Syria, may not a confederacy of kings ... give Judea to the Jews?”