TRANSLATION OF THE SCRIPTURES

Attention was recently drawn to the urgent necessity for the translation of the Scriptures into African languages and dialects. We are glad to have the following letter from our brother Will Deans on the subject:

Lunyoro is the language spoken by the Bahema people (of which Kihema is a dialect), and is generally used as the vernacular throughout Uganda. The C.M.S. have produced an excellent translation of the complete Bible, with the New Testament separately, in Lunyoro, printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. I usually send money to the C.M.S. for a supply, and sell them to our people here. The Bible sells for twenty-eight francs (more than a dollar now), the New Testament for twelve francs. In addition they have a nice little primer which contains the vowel combinations, and in the back has several pages of well chosen Bible verses. The Ten Commandments are also printed in the primer (having only the Word of God in it, and the vowel and consonant combinations which make the reading of the Word possible), and the New .Testament and Bible are extremely valuable. I am never without a supply. The Bahema people have Kingwana for a part of the New Testament (through Mr. Lowder), but from the above-mentioned source we are able to supply them with the whole Word in their own tribal tongue.

The work here on the station has proceeded from being primarily a Babira work to a Bahema. Thus, although none of us speak Kihema, we are able to reach them in their own tongue through the Bibles we buy from C.M.S. As to the current Kingwana situation, a translation is being prepared which is a revision of Mr. Lowder's work, together with the incorporation of new forms of speech in use. The British and Foreign Bible Society has arranged for a conference for the users of Kingwana, with a view to consolidating existing translations into one general translation, which they will publish. The brethren here suggest that I go to this conference, and transportation has been offered by neighboring missionaries, so we are looking to, the Lord for His will in the matter.

Brother Deans also sends us the following interesting account of gospel activity:

Two new Gospel centers are being opened this month, One is in the Walesi District in the forest. This is at the edge of the forest in a different direction from our other forest work. One of the teachers was passing the village and the Walesi people clamored around him, "Are you a teacher?" To, his reply in the affirmative they led him to a small building which they had built in hopes some day they would be able to have a teacher. The brother gathered them together in the hut-some ISO of them, he said-and they heard the gospel for the first time. In answer to their pitiful beseechings a brother has gone (a volunteer) and will spend his time with the gospel among them. The other is in a Mubira village, where several Christians have been enthusiastic about meeting for Bible study. When we were there last week they had seventy poles cut. Since then they have erected them, and the meeting-house is under way. We will be able to reach several large villages from there. One brother has it on his heart to go. His name is Kimereki. He has elephantiasis, and his feet are huge, but he loves the Lord, and may God bless him.

At the other Babira village interest continues, and the day before yesterday the chief showed me a big drum he had bought for fifty francs, to call the people together. The meeting-house will be half-way between two villages whose chiefs have been very favorable. Situated very near to both (in a grave of eucalyptus trees) we hope it will be a gathering place for Christians and a rendezvous for seeking sinners. I firmly believe one of these chiefs is a Christian.

During the year 1933 ten new Gospel Centers have been opened in villages in which no permanent work had been done. These centers, chiefly in the Balendu groups, act as bases from which the evangelists who settle bring the Word to villages in a given radius. At the center a Scripture school is conducted daily, natives being instructed in the rudiments of learning and given a training in the Word.

God brought about a revival in Sesabo's village, where work had been practically abandoned due to keen R. C. opposition…. Twenty-one new workers, many accompanied by their wives, have entered the field of service this year… .At Nyangkundi in early November we had the privilege of baptizing 162 believers. Fully half of these are from the bush areas, having been reached from the Gospel Centers. Truly, we can praise the Lord.

A missionary writing from another part of Africa makes the following remark:"If there are any who require prayer more than others it is the native Christians who live in the heathen villages and whose testimony means so much for the propagation of the gospel. We trust that you will pray for these and for the many native assemblies."

CHINA-Brother Foggin writes as follows:

Taitowying, Jan. 13, 1934.

The work here goes on about the same, except for the meetings which brother Kautto is holding every evening on the book of Exodus. Mrs. Kautto and baby are progressing fine, baby having gained 2 lbs. 9 oz., in two weeks. If it pleases the Lord I hope to leave again for Kansu soon. Kindly give my love to all the saints.

BRAZIL-Brother Penna writes as follows:

Parintins, Jan. 19, 1934.

Is. 40:31; 2 Thess. 3:1. "Grace unto you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Since April, 1931, we have been laboring in the Lord's work here in the Amazon Valley, in the vast district of Parintins of more than 20,000 kilometers, with a scattered population of about 22,000 souls. The neighboring districts of Barreirinba and Maues, each comprising more or less the same extension of Parintins, lie yet unreached by the Gospel, although the heretical Seventh-day Adventists have been working for years in a few points of the district of Maues. This serves to show you how vast this field is, and haw you are called to cooperate with us by prayer, praying the Lord to send laborers to His harvest here. This is our great need. Will you pray for it?

Our Lord has been pleased to bless and to show His approval of our work for Him. An assembly has been formed at Uicurapa River, where breaking of bread is observed every other Sunday, and where a Sunday School is regularly going on with about forty persons enrolled. This small assembly, although encouraged, has been fiercely aimed at by the devil, desiring to mar the testimony. We are carrying on here by God's grace. There are some difficulties to overcome. Will you pray to the Lord in our favor? Be pleased to cooperate by prayer, and our great foe shall certainly be defeated and our blessed Lord glorified.

At Mirity Lake there is a company of believers, about twenty in number. It has been our desire to begin breaking of bread there and to start in a regular Sunday School. We hope to do this very soon this year. The lack of a S. S. teacher is a great hindrance. Will you pray that the Lord may grant us to begin breaking of bread soon and to have Sunday School there?

Lake Joseassu is a new place reached with the Gospel in the past year. Five persons are now converted in this place and there are a few more interested. We preach there every other Sunday, the meeting being well attended. There is a good hope of many being converted in this place. Will you pray that definite fruit may be seen there this year?

Boca do Ramos is another place reached with the gospel in the past year. A couple have been converted there. The Japanese settlement is situated here. Gospel work among Japanese living in the Amazon Valley is a challenge to a Japanese-speaking God's servant. We preach at Boca do Ramos every second Saturday, and we hope others will be brought to the Saviour. Will you pray that this may be so indeed?

At Castanbal, in the neighboring district of Barreirinba, some twelve persons confess our Lord as Saviour. During the past year we could pay but one visit to these brethren, owing to the great distance from here, almost three days' journey by canoe. These brethren believe on the Lord Jesus as Saviour, but are without teaching from the Word. Will you pray that the Lord will enable us to take care of them, feeding them from the Word?

Our canoe for the Lord's work here is only half-ready. The hull is finished, but the interior work, the wooden covering, cabin, sails, floor on the bottom of the hull, etc., are yet to be done. We hope our Lord will grant that we may finish our canoe very soon. As the region where we live is a region of rivers and lakes, transit is only by water. Hence the urgent need of a good canoe. The currents of the rivers are strong, and we must reach many places in a short time. This is the reason why we are praying the Lord to give us an engine to be placed in our canoe. The hull is made for this purpose, and an engine of six h.p. can be used to advantage. Will you pray for this?

Oh, pray for us! You can positively help us through your prayers. Our Lord's coming is soon approaching and souls are perishing without Christ. Thank God, twelve souls were saved here in the past year. But how small this number! Again, pray for us. Thank you in His Name.

WORK AMONGST SEAMEN

"They that go down to the sea in ships, and do business in great waters, these," says the Psalmist, "see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep." Amongst these too it has been our privilege to see the wondrous work of the Lord in changed lives and bright testimonies, of those who have believed the gospel and have Christ for their Master and Pilot. Our brethren who devote their time to visiting ships for tract-distribution and personal work among seamen, could doubtless tell of many bright conversions and of lonely Christians being helped and encouraged. Our brother Holwill, writing of his work in the port of Montreal, tells of several ships that have been wrecked or lost at sea during recent years, and emphasizes the solemn thought that each time a, seaman is spoken to or a ship visited with tracts it may be the last opportunity for such word or work on that vessel. The following are a few instances which he gives of this kind:

S. S. Teesbridge. – I remember visiting this ship with Gospels, tracts, etc., and spoke a personal word wherever possible concerning the welfare of their souls. Shortly after the vessel foundered in mid-Atlantic, leaving no trace of either ship or crew.

S. S. Enton.-We only had a brief time to witness a-board this ship but as with the Teesbridge it was her last voyage. The vessel was wrecked in the Pacific, but fortunately some of the crew were rescued.

S. S. Cariboo, a vessel well-known here in Montreal, was wrecked off the coast of South. Africa, her crew barely escaping a watery grave. Many happy hours I had spent aboard that vessel and knew almost every man of the crew.

S. S. Saxilby. – Lost off the coast of Ireland a few months ago. This ship had been an open door to me during the last year. God in His mercy may have used some of our tracts for His glory.

S. S. Pennyworth.-On October 12th we had the happy privilege of spending about four hours on this vessel. It was a Lord's Day evening and it was bitterly cold. The ship's forecastle was very uncomfortable, owing to a smoky stove, but after tea, to which I was invited, about sixteen gathered, and I was able to speak on the Prodigal Son, urging the hearers to take their place as lost sinners before God, and cast themselves on His mercy. The ship sailed the following day, and a few days later was wrecked and became a total loss.

S. S. Fernmoor.-This ship also was visited about that time, and also became a total loss. In both of these case! the crews were rescued, but it certainly shows how the sailor's life is fraught with danger and makes us long to reach them with the gospel.

Brother Holwill also tells us of a way in which the sisters can help in this work. He says, "Sailors have, as part of their outfit, what is known as a 'ditty bag.' That is a small bag about the size of a brush-and-comb bag, used for keeping sewing materials and other odds and ends. Sisters in their Sewing Circles could make some of these bags for free distribution, and the following are a few suggestions for contents which may be helpful:A few rolls of bandages, made of new or old material, and of assorted sizes. A small tube of salve, or curative ointment, such as Mecca. A package or two of sewing-needles, and a reel or two of thread. Darning-needle and a small quantity of wool. Note-paper and envelopes are appreciated. A few pads of different sizes. One or two small cakes of soap. Into these bags the worker puts a Testament or Gospel booklet." Many hundreds can be used, and any interested and wishing to help could get in touch with MT. S. J. Holwill, 5233 Wellington Street, Verdun, P. Q., Canada, for Canadian ports, and Mr. R. A. West, c|o Loizeaux Bros., for American ports.

Sydney, Australia.-Our brother Herman E. Martens, of California, U. S. A., was called Home on December 7th. Of his work it is reported that during the first eleven months of 1933 he visited 485 ships, distributed amongst the sailors 8,335 portions of Scripture, Testaments, and Bibles in the English language, and 9,233 in various foreign languages. May the seed sown by our brother before his Home call have much fruit to our Lord's eternal glory. "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days" (Eccl. 11:1).

(Deut 18:15-19; Heb. l:1)

The Scriptures so represent the Lord Jesus Christ.

Though other prophets were both called and qualified of God, they were finite and fallible, only human and necessarily imperfect. Their inferiority to Him will appear if they are contrasted with Him in the following particulars:

1. In numbers, many. He one, alone, solitary.

2. In limitations of knowledge. He without limitations.

3. In scope of power. He having all power.

4. They sinful and imperfect. He sinless and perfect.

5. They inspired at times only. He always the divine mouthpiece

6. They not always understanding. He omniscient and original.

7. They but partially foreseeing. He Framer and controller of the ages.

8. They witnessing to the Light. He Himself the Light of the world.

9. They revealing truth in part. He Himself the Truth.

10. They giving place to others. He without rival or successor.

Adapted from A. T. Pierson

Brother E. K. Hitchcock of San Jose, Calif., was called home on May 20th., at the advanced age of 88 years. A native of Indiana, he had lived for many years on this coast, where he was well known as a tract-distributor and local preacher. In the absence of brother Carroll, brother Craig and I went down for the funeral.

–R. B. EAMES.

KEY WEST, FLA., May 23.-Yesterday we laid away the body of our dear sister Mrs. J. Roberts, who for many years was in fellowship with the Lord and His people here. She has been a succorer of many. The Lord's servants have found her home their home, and both she and her husband were known for their liberality and hospitality. A word to saint and sinner was given by the writer from "work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope" (1 Thess. 1:3; Phil. 3:20, 21).

–A. VAN RYN.

"Until very recently the chief thought that presented itself to me in connection with baptism was that of death and burial; but now it seems to me that the thought of resurrection and new life is by no means to be omitted, but rather to take the leading place. In 1 Peter 3:21 it is directly connected with the resurrection of Jesus Christ; and baptism, being called 'the interrogation of a good conscience towards God,' implies life. As the new-born babe cries, so new-born souls call upon Him who is the source of their life." – Extracts from "THE life and explorations of F. S. Arnot" (p. 208).

UNITED STATES

MIAMI, FLA., Sept. 12.-The assembly is going on steadily. Different ones are engaged in gospel work in the jail, hospital, prison camp, open air, meetings on Sunday afternoons, and the regular gospel preaching in the hall. Recently I went for a short visit to Key West, where a record crowd came out two nights to hear the Word, and also at Matacumbe Cay we had a few meetings with the little number gathered to the name of the Lord.

Have been giving some addresses to believers through the week, gathering valuable practical lessons. Last night the subject was from the book of Job, and the saints were cheered and helped in the contemplation of the pity and tender mercy of the Lord in His dealings with Job, and with us after the same manner. In the end He will be glorified and we will be doubly blessed.

We are contemplating a visit North, D. V.

–AUGUST VAN RYN.

BOWEN, KENTUCKY.-The work in the mountains of Kentucky continues to grow, interest is shown in widening fields as our endeavors are to reach new districts while keeping in touch with those where the Lord has given great blessing in the past.

At Nada School recently (our first visit here) the Lord gave blessing and allowed us to see fruit. One night, however, the meeting was broken up by a shooting-affair outside the school, in which one man lost an arm, and the other killed outright. Our congregation, the next night, was not quite so large, but on the second night it was back to normal.

At North Fork, where we have had meetings on and off for two years, the Lord also allowed us to see fruit. Satan had been busy among the young converts in this place, and the Lord restored some to the joy of their salvation. Although only one openly confessed the Saviour here at this time we have reason to believe that that day will declare others.

Karl Pfaff continues his work here, and when I am in this section we live together in the Gospel car. Tomorrow, D. V., we start a series of meetings at Pitts, Ky., where there has been great interest in the past.

Trusting the saints will uphold us at the Throne of Grace that we may have boldness in hard places.

–THOS. H. LACEY.

MUSKEGON, MICH., Sept. 13.-How marvelous the grace that not only saves but also calls us for service as co-laborers with God, and how encouraging to know our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

During the past summer it has been my privilege and joy to work with the gospel in various ways and places. Preaching the Word in assembly halls, school-houses, town halls, etc., also in the open air and tract distribution. In some places children's meetings were held with lively interest.

Known and definite conversions were very few. We wish it were otherwise, but leave the results with Him who says, "Preach the Word:be instant in season, out of season" (2 Tim. 4:1-5).

Last week I had several meetings with saints at Grand Haven assembly. At the present we are planning a series of meetings in our local hall, giving lantern-slides on "Pilgrim's Progress" and other subjects, with the hope of building up attendance and reaching souls with the gospel. Pray for us that we may prove faithful and fruitful for Christ's sake.-o. j. hommes.

PEMBROKE, N. C.-Gospel tent work is the order of the day here, and we have had much to encourage us to believe that it will not have been in vain. The numbers attending each night, in spite of very wet weather, are all that could possibly be expected. Wm. T. Henderson is coming down to carry on the meetings for several weeks longer, while I shall be journeying northward to give further lectures on the Tabernacle with the model. Brother Henderson has devoted considerable time to pioneering with his gospel tent this season in and around Charlotte, N. C., and I personally feel that such is worthy of the practical support of God's people who may have the wherewithal to do so. Such help could be sent through Loizeaux Bros, at any time.-50:t. chambers.

PORTLAND, OREGON, Sept. 15.-I came here from the Oakland Conference, where we had two happy days over the Word of God. Attendance was better than last year, and a happy spirit prevailed. Here have had one week in the hall on Prescott Ave. Next week will be with our brethren in hall on Stark St.

Through the kindness of a brother, I will be "on the air" Sunday morning over radio KWJJ. Thank God for these openings to give His Word to so many. A little later I go on to Washington and British Columbia for a few weeks.-E. A. Buchenau.

SEATTLE, WASH.-I have had the joy of working during August among the young people at the Seaside Services in Vancouver Island, and at Crescent, B. C., on the mainland. Times of good interest and encouragement and quite a number professing to receive Christ Jesus the Lord. May they become His witnesses and walk in Him.

Now I am obliged to rest awhile. My heart gives me notice that I am no longer young.-Inglis Fleming.

On Sept. 3, Labor Day, the assembly at Holland, Midi., arranged for an all-day meeting at Brother H. Ebelink's home at Central Park. Many saints (about 250) gathered from various places. The day being rainy, a place was found in a large garage and so, happily seated together, we enjoyed ministry, song, praise and Christian fellowship. The meetings were from 10 to 12, from 2 to 4:30, and from 7 to 9. Those who ministered were Brother McLean from Detroit, Brother Neibour from Kalamazoo, A. Hartsema (to young people) and O. Hommes from Muskegon, H. Stadt from Grand Rap-ids,also brethren from Dearborn, Midi., and G. C. Mischler from Elkhart, Ind. R. Thompson and family from Texas were also with us and gave a word as to their labors there. Our thanks go out to our brethren who enabled us to have the meeting and enjoy the day- all because of Calvary!-H. Stadt.

CANADA

DESERONTO, ONT.-I thank God for granting my heart's desire to come amongst the French R. C. and Protestants of the Arundel sections. I have found quite an interesting field among the French Protestants of these parts. They have been left alone for years, and many have settled amongst the R. C. Many of them have nowhere to go; the Word of God is not preached to them, and very few read it. Among these dear people there are quite a few who are true believers in Christ who need to be visited and helped in every way possible. I am going from house to house, and seek to help as opportunity is given me. The "Go-Preachers," and "Russellites," have been busy, and have carried away a number of souls.

One of the French Christians gave me the use of part of one of his houses, some planks, and helped me make a few benches to have meetings in one of the rooms. We have had two meetings on Lord's Day, and a Bible Reading on Thursday night.

On the 22nd inst. we had a baptism at the river; two were baptized, and yesterday, six of us remembered the Lord in the Breaking of Bread for the first time. As far as I know, this is the only French assembly in Canada. God is blessing His Word, and though many are cold and indifferent, others are getting interested in the divine and eternal things. How good and wise!

–LOUIS J. GERMAIN.

HAMILTON, ONT., Sept. 12.-In August I had four meetings in Chicago at S. A. Shelter, with Hoekstra Brothers of Roseland meeting. The men numbered 100 at times. Many listened attentively while the Gospel was preached. Attended open-air meeting in Joliet, Ill., with Roseland brethren. Here we gained a good hearing while several gave brief messages. I spoke seven times in Roseland hall. Then I went to Oak Park, 111. The brethren there are quite active, and show a nice interest. Two meetings in hall and one in a downtown mission, culminated my stay in those parts.

-G. W. Coombs.

LAKEFIELD, ONT., Sept. 14.-Last Lord's Day we held our second small Conference here. Believers from Norwood, Peterboro, Bobcaygeon, Lang, and Bancroft came together, and a day of real profit and blessing was spent around our Lord. Brethren S. Taylor, Lynn, McConkey and the writer ministered the Word, and many of the Lord's people from these out-of-the-way districts spoke of help received.

Two were baptized in the lake nearby at the close of the afternoon meeting.

Tomorrow Brother R. E. Harlow and I expect to drive into the country north of here to work in some of the neglected communities. School-houses, homes, and sometimes churches are available for Gospel meetings.

–C. ERNEST TATHAM.

WALKERVILLE, ONT., Sept. 14.-I spent two-and-a-half weeks the latter part of August in Stonehaven, a new place in New Brunswick. Had been there before several times, and again found a fine interest. Even on Lord's Day mornings at 10:30 we had the hall well filled with eighty adults.

Several professed to be saved, and some are now dissatisfied with what the "churches" have to offer. So we are hopeful of a permanent work being done there.

We have left the East, and are now in the Mid-West. At present I am having a week's meetings in Holland, Midi., with interest. After visiting a few places and friends we hope to return to Quebec in November, Lord willing.-SAMUEL STEW ART.

As seen especially in 1 Pet. 3:10–4:6.

Those early Christians to whom Peter wrote-and its application is universal-were in need of sustaining power far beyond their own. They were in the midst of a world which did not, and could not, appreciate suffering for Christ's sake.

Through those early saints "the Light shone in the darkness, and the darkness apprehended it not." Still, with them as with us, it is most encouraging to know that our God does not expect His children to stand in their own strength-"For My strength is made perfect in weakness." The Holy Spirit, in Person, is here to act on our behalf. Indeed, while here on earth, our Lord trod the same path that we are called to pursue; but He descended into depths-the depths of the cross-infinitely beyond anything we are obliged to experience.

Then let us "consider Him who endured so great contradiction from sinners against Himself," that we be not weary, fainting in our minds (Heb. 12:3). What if men do misjudge our motives and speak evil of our best endeavors? What if the world turn the cold shoulder and receive not our testimony? What if we get no response, no sinner turning to Christ from sin? Are we to give up the good fight?

Let us not be discouraged. "Consider HIM," who also by the same Holy Spirit, through His servant Noah, preached for a hundred and twenty years to disobedient men "when the longsuffering of God waited… while the ark was preparing, "yet with no response from that violent and corrupted world! Peter wrote about that fruitless endeavor in those early ages so that suffering saints in his day, and ours, might not be disheartened "in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the
Lord."

Then Peter cautions us in chapter 5:8-"Be vigilant, watch. Your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour." Evidently this adversary would frighten us by his "roaring," and so discourage the saints of God from testifying before an opposing world!

We may greatly injure our message by the tongue, in reviling those who revile us (ch. 3:10-12); here the "lion" has the advantage. "The sword of the Spirit" is the weapon to use against such an adversary. But even should he devour us, it will be only as to the body- that is his limit. "But if also ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed are ye.. .But sanctify (set apart) the Lord Jesus in your hearts" (ch. 3:14-16).

Really, there is nothing to be discouraged about in our path of faith; for our God is above all, and whether or not our eyes behold any fruit, "we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish" (2 Cor. 2:15,16). For even if in our day it is as it was in the ministry of Christ through the Spirit of God in the days of Noah (as we have seen), still the gospel of God's grace to a ruined world must be sounded out to His praise and to His glory.

It is impossible to draw any conclusions as to the merit of our work while here in the body. For as Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 4:4, 5, "For I am conscious of nothing in myself. . .but He that examines me is the Lord; so that do not judge any thing before the time, until the Lord shall come, who shall also both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and shall make manifest the counsels of hearts; and then shall each have praise from God."

-HERBERT COWELL.

its relation to us in the present time

1 John 3:1-5. The first point to emphasize is that the hope of Christ's coming is a purifying power in the present time. The aspect of the hope given in this passage is that of the believer entering upon the full meaning of being a child of God. The Father in His wonderful love has called those who believe His children. But it is not that they are so called in prospect of future realization, they are now in that blessed relationship. However, it does yet appear what they shall be. Though in the relationship already, they are still in the circumstances incident to the fallen condition of man. On the other hand the world knoweth us not, any more than it knew Him whose life and nature we possess. Thus the inward spring of Christian life, its purposes and aims, is entirely foreign to the world, and as so governed we are strangers to this world. But when as to both circumstances and condition, that which accords with our present and known relationship is manifested, God's children shall be found like His Son, that is, conformed to His image and revealed in glory. Then, "When Christ who is our life shall appear we also shall appear with Him in glory." We shall then bear the image of the Heavenly One. Now he who has this hope in Him (that is, Christ), purifies himself, even as He is pure. This hope as known and enjoyed will sanctify, since it engages heart and mind with Christ. Being the objects of the Father's love, it is His purpose that we should be conformed to His Son, and now knowing this and being occupied with Him, enjoying the Father's love revealed fully in the Son, we shall be purified in our daily living according to the purity we find in Him. If this is our occupation, we will seek to be increasingly like Him to whose blessed image we are to be conformed. It is thus we abide in Him and learn to walk even as He walked. This is the present moral and spiritual relation of the hope to the believer.

James 5:8. As to present circumstances, it bears relation to us as an incentive to patience in view of oppressive world conditions. Then we shall receive the full fruit of our labor and the answer of God to any measure of injustice or oppression experienced at the hands of men. Thus we are to run with patience the race set before us, knowing that we have fulness of joy in prospect. Let us find present strength and establishment of heart in knowing that the coming of the Lord has drawn near (Greek perfect:"Hath [already] drawn near, and is therefore at hand," Alford).

Hebrews 10:23-25. In this passage we are exhorted not to forsake our present opportunities to assemble together. The urge to this is to be found in the approaching day, that day of appraisal of and reward for the present course, into which the second coming of Christ will usher all who believe. If we as God's children are neglectful or careless as to present privileges, how will this appear in that day? We are to steadfastly confess our hope (ver. 23, New Trans.), we are to exercise continuous care to incite one another to love and to good works, to which end the assembling of ourselves together is of vital importance, for it is thus in a very real way that we are able to encourage one another."And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and all intelligence, that ye may judge of and approve the things that are more excellent, in order that ye may be pure and without offence for Christ's day, being complete as regards the fruit of righteousness, which is by Jesus Christ, to God's glory and praise" (Phil. 1:9-11).

1 Cor. 11:26. This blessed hope is connected with the remembrance of the Lord. We show forth His death until He comes. While primarily in the breaking of bread we look backward to the cross where our blessed Lord's holy body was given for us as an offering for sin, and His precious blood shed for our redemption, we may also look forward to the moment when, seeing Him at His coming, the feast of remembrance will be needed no longer. We may thus think of and keep in close relation the thought of the price paid for our salvation and the glorious consummation of God's redeeming purpose at the Second Coming. Both are of present sanctifying power to the Christian who maintains them in his soul. "Do ye not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God; and ye are not your own, for ye have been bought with a price:glorify now then God in your body." "Wherefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope with perfect steadfastness in the grace which will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as children of obedience, not conformed to your former lusts in your ignorance; but as He who has called you is holy, be ye also holy in all your conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. And if ye invoke as Father Him who, without respect of persons, judges according to the work of each, pass your time of sojourn in fear, knowing that ye have been redeemed… by precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, the blood of Christ." "But you may the Lord make to exceed and abound in love toward one another, and toward all, even as we also toward you, in order to the confirming of your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints" (1 "Cor. 6:19, 20; 1 Pet. 1:13-19; 1 Thess. 3:12,13, New Trans.). 1 Thess. 5:8. This scripture enforces the fact that since we are of the day, no longer being in the darkness, we are responsible to be watchful and sober in our lives, putting on as a helmet "the hope of salvation." We cannot be in this world for God apart from conflict; for this, armor is needed. There is the breastplate of faith and love-faith which reaches up to God, love which reaches out to one another-this guards the vital processes of spiritual life; and then the helmet-that part of the soldier's armor which protects the head, the seat of government and direction for the activities of life, the " mind which is to be girded about with truth, and in particular the truth of "the hope of salvation." This refers to our actual salvation or deliverance out of this present evil world, for the wrath which is to fall upon it is no portion of ours, we are appointed to salvation from it by our Lord Jesus Christ. This will take place at His coming. The Son for whom we wait to come from heaven is "our Deliverer from the coming wrath" (1 Thess. 1:10, New Trans.). But if this is our glorious prospect then we are to walk in separation from the course of this evil age. For the grace of God which has brought us salvation, teaches us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, justly, and piously in the present course of things, awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all lawlessness, and purify to Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14, New Trans.). John Bloore

Detroit, Ore., Feb. 2.-I was called to Hoquiam, Jan. 2, to place in its temporary resting-place the body of our Sister Mrs. Alfred Major, who was called Home quite suddenly and most unexpectedly early that morning. She had been apparently quite well, and her going was indeed a shock to all, and a blow to her husband and their little girl Jerry. "In the midst of life we are hi death," but how blessed to. be ready.

Ruth, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Berney, in the Springdale assembly, also departed to be with Christ after a lingering illness of about two years. She had married three years before, but owing to her sickness, was with her parents most of that time. She was happy and bright in the prospect of seeing her Saviour, and now waits in His presence.-R. R. Elliot.

Winnipeg, man. – On Dec. 19, 1933, our beloved brother John McMillan, of Minnedosa, was called Home to be forever with the Lord. Our brother was well known and loved by all, and was loyal to the Lord and His Word. He was held in high esteem by the writer ever since we met for the first time twenty-eight years ago. and many times his wise counsel has come to us all at a needed time. We will miss him greatly. The service was held at the Bible Truth Hall in Minnedosa, on Dec. 21. The writer gave words of comfort to the sorrowing hearts, and the gospel from John 5:24-29. The Hall was full. It was a cold day, so at the grave we briefly committed dust to dust to await that morning when the day breaks and the shadows flee away.-Duncan Fraser.

May 1st, Joshua 20; May 15th, Judges 10; May 31st, 1 Sam. 1; June 15th, 1 Sam. 16.

After the record of how the land was allotted to the tribes (Joshua 12-21), instructions and warning follow in the closing chapters. Divided interests cannot fail to bring in difficulty and strife. This appears to be the lesson in connection with the two and one-half tribes separated from their brethren by the river Jordan. Their choice was governed by self-interest, not guidance from God. Material advantages had ruled their thoughts. Now we see that misgivings trouble them (ch. 22:24, etc.). This is one of the results arising from not being fully in God's place- resulting in lack of assurance, fear as to the future and effort to provide against possible emergencies. It necessitates, in some degree, confidence in the flesh; this brings a lack of rest and peace, which is only enjoyed by leaving all in God's hand. Hence, these tribes built their great altar through fear and uncertainty. It is another step dictated by expediency, for they are not in the simple path of dependence on God. This only leads to further difficulty, and even conflict threatens. How much better to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first, to give Him and His claims first place, and rely upon the following promise that all needful things shall be supplied. Paul followed this course (Phil. 3 and 4).

Moreover, this altar-building appeared to deny the unity of Israel and looked like rebellion, which would bring judgment upon the whole assembly. It is a serious thing for God's people to act in any way which shows divided interests. Christians who follow the path of fleshly interest and put present, material advantages first, practically deny the truth of that separate, not-of-the-world place which goes with oneness in life and interest with God and Christ. From this very thing how much has arisen to bring difficulty and strife into the company of God's people! We cannot sacrifice what is of moral and spiritual worth for present and material gain without suffering loss ourselves, and in measure bringing loss to others also.

The two last chapters give Joshua's final appeals to God's people. First, he declares how God had acted for them, and gives assurance of what He will do. On this . ground he appeals for courage and obedience. They are to be a separate people, cleaving to the Lord. If faithful to their high calling, no opposing power could effectually resist them. The lesson abides for us. We are first called to remember God's great grace in Christ, blessing us with every spiritual blessing, and His great and precious promises as to the future. Faith must lay hold of them and act. upon them, accounting Him to be faithful who has promised. Our responsibility is to obey His revealed will. Victory is then assured.

But God is righteous as well as gracious, light as well as love. Because He must be sanctified in those who draw near to Him Joshua warns as to disobedience, and then reviews God's work for His people. This they, and we too, need to have constantly before us. In grace God had taken Abraham out of idolatry, giving him wonderful promises and blessing him richly. In like manner He had dealt with Abraham's people, and now they were in the very land promised to him. This is something like Eph. 2. The apostle calls us to remember our former place, and shows how in mercy and grace God has blessed us in Christ.

On the ground of these things Joshua calls the people to fear and serve the Lord in separation from the evil among the nations. Compare Ephesians 4. The people declare their purpose to be faithful, and a memorial is set up to remind them of their pledge.

Joshua's closing messages foreshadow failure, and the beginning of the book of Judges shows this to have quickly developed after his death and that of the elders who outlived him.

Judges has three main divisions.

Chaps. 1-3:4 are introductory, setting forth the general failure of Israel to take possession, violation of covenant obligations, and Jehovah's attitude and action toward them in view of their disobedience.

Chaps. 3:5 -16:31 recount the several periods of servitude to which Israel was subjected because of departure from the Lord. The deliverers He repeatedly raised up were in answer to the people's cry of distress. Spiritual lessons are to be gathered from a study of the nations which afflicted Israel; they represent different aspects of evil to which we fall a prey through disobedience to God. Likewise, the Judges, and the circumstances connected with them, teach us the ways and means used by God to effect deliverance and restore blessing when there is repentance and self-judgment as to the past.

Chaps. 17-21 form a distinct section in which the shameful conditions characteristic of the Judges-period are set forth, in which idolatry, immorality, and violence prevailed. It is a terrible record of departure from God's Word, and consequent lawlessness among those professedly His people. These two things go together, and our own days are a witness of it.

Ruth presents a pleasing contrast to the sad history of Judges, and shows how amid the abounding evil God still works, keeping alive a testimony, and through adverse circumstances fulfils His purpose. This little book is full of what illustrates the grace of God and the blessings of redemption.

Primarily, the application is to Israel in the last days when that nation shall be restored to the land, redeemed and "built up" through Christ, of whom] Boaz is a type. Naomi pictures the present state of Israel, the result of unbelief and departure from God, and away from His land, while the daughters-in-law may well illustrate two prominent features of the nation's condition at the time of the return-the apostate part which is associated with Antichrist, as Orpah, who clings to her heathen people and gods, and the believing remnant in whom the nation is revived and blessed. This finds its type in Ruth who, despite all contrary circumstances and the helplessness of Naomi, has God and His land before her soul. She is a beautiful example of faith.

Many moral and spiritual lessons here apply to both believer and unbeliever. It is thus with all Scripture; every part of it is freighted with profit and instruction for all.

These brief comments touch only some salient features. We are taught first what always makes man empty, barren and unhappy. It is self-choice and consequent departure from God. Whatever the test, man fails under it. It is God's right! to test, man's privilege to turn to Him under it; but here he breaks down, turning to his own way, the bitterness of which God must allow him to learn to break his will and smite! his pride and boast, until, humbled and broken in spirit, he acknowledges God's dealings and confesses his need. Such was Naomi's experience; such is that of every soul that finds the blessing in God's grace and love. When we are stripped of all vain trust, then God has tidings of mercy for the destitute and sorrowing soul.
"They came to Bethlehem," God brings back to the point of departure; thus the soul is made to reach bottom. Then the rise begins into a sphere of expanding blessing. The following chapters show steps of progress in the soul's experience as it grows in grace and in the knowledge of the Kinsman-Redeemer-our Lord Jesus Christ. The energy of faith leads to deeper acquaintance with Him, and obedience to His word opens the way to larger supplies. Assurance, protection, provision, and fellowship result (ch. 2).

But there is also exercise and testing, for apart from such spiritual experiences the full blessing is not enjoyed. Yet these only serve to give what confirms, commands, and sustains the child of faith, as hindrances are met and removed, so that joy and rest may be complete.

It is thus we are brought to find our all in and through Christ. For the soul's full rest it must learn
that only in Him, our Boaz, is strength found. Thus we come into! the realization and enjoyment of our relationship so that fruit-bearing results-the fruit of the Spirit.

The warning of the apostle, "But this I say, Let I no man beguile you with enticing words," should incite us, in all cases, to follow the only infallible Word of God with holy fear, as a shining light on our path. But whence comes the deplorable ignorance which we meet with hi the present day with regard to the truth of God in so many souls? Whence comes it that so many professed Christians "are carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness" (Eph. 4:14), and open their hearts to errors which relax the conscience, rob the truth of every support, and will inevitably entail the most disastrous consequences? Is not disregard of the Word the cause of this lamentable state of things? Ah, how little is it searched with prayer and conviction of its divine power and majesty! How little is its influence to be perceived in the walk of many Christians? Oh, that they might begin again to prize this precious Word according to its divine value!

Truly, the human understanding is not the judge of this Word, but the Word is the judge of the human understanding. "It is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). When God Himself speaks, all the reasonings and imaginations of man must be silent. Everything may deceive-who can venture to deny it? But the Word of God never deceives. The suggestions and wishes of our hearts may lead us astray; the Word of God alone casts a clear light on our path. Reason and feeling are, by reason of sin, like troubled and muddy streams; the Word of God alone is a clear, untroubled, springing fountain, giving forth its pure, life-giving water.

-From "Does Man Live Forever, or Perish Like the Beast?"

its principles and practice

We learn from Scripture that Abraham is the pattern man of faith in God. He is there called "The father of all them that believe"(Rom. 4:16). We know that there were others before him who believed God, as Abel, Enoch, Noah, but in Abraham first, God revealed His purpose to establish a "house" for Himself which is to outlast the ages, because built upon the foundation which He has provided for faith as a secure and abiding resting-place.

The martyr Stephen reminded the Council at Jerusalem that, "The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said unto him:Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I will show thee. Then came he out," etc. (Acts 7:1-8). God's first communication with Abraham was not long after the boasted attempt, but dismal failure, of Babel to concentrate its forces in "the city and the tower which men builded." Evidently, God's desire for man was that rural and pastoral life which leads toward dependence upon Himself; and thus He appointed that man "should spread" upon the surface of the earth. But man, in rejection of God's will, sought to centralize himself in commercial and religious enterprise. But not having God with him in this design, it came to nothing. In like manner it is said of "all that is in the world" that it "passeth away and the lust thereof," while "he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

God's call to His servant Abraham tested him as to finding his heart's sufficiency in God Himself-His character and glory. As Stephen said "The God of glory appeared" to the patriarch. And the revelation God gave of Himself to His called one, enabled him to endure all that followed. By this means he was enabled to turn his back upon all that nature might claim from him, though, until Haran was passed, there were hindrances to this in its fulness. But God knew that the faith which He implants and inspires, though an exotic in the world, is able to find its strength and nourishment in drawing upon His resources, and so, though Abraham at times sadly failed, his "faith failed not." In Abraham, therefore, God has taught mankind what a beautiful thing is faith, as a plant of renown, not indeed of earth, but of heaven.

Thus, though faith is as insignificant in the eyes of the world as is a "grain of mustard seed" (Matt. 17:20; Luke 17:6), yet it accomplishes through laying hold upon GOD, that which all the schemes of men, united though they be, fail in carrying through. But the shame is, that even though we have the same faith as that which Abraham had, faith which is in the same GOD, we so little avail ourselves 'of its powers and resources laid up for us in the "living God." Ought we not in our day, as did Abraham in his day, manifest to the world that our GOD is One who maketh "not ashamed" those who trust in Him?

It was after the flood that Satan sought to corrupt the "seed of the woman," when he saw that he could not destroy it. God preserved that seed in Noah and his family, when He was compelled to destroy the earth. But Satan had his jealous eye upon it, and caused a great union of the families of men to take place, intending to hold them together by those ingredients which the enemy supplied. But "brick and slime" are not the material with which faith builds its structure, though the world affords nothing better. Prominent in Babel was not only idolatry but adulteration, 1:e., the mingling of things which have in reality nothing in common. The result of this is to nullify the power of what is pure and render it impure and obnoxious. Plainly, to attempt to institute communion between "light" and "darkness" is to efface the former and establish the latter. "Light" and "darkness" cannot commingle so as to bring about a pure offspring. Yet this is just what Babel stands for, and it is well-named "confusion." It is this, and nothing else, which marks every system of worship the world has ever known, save that only which builds faith's altar, and worships there. Hence we find Abraham leaving not only his native country (his politics) and his kindred (his natural ties) but also his father's house (his religious connections) in order that he might enter the "house of God" and worship according to faith. In Canaan Abraham builds his altar after the pattern of those of Abel and Noah; not after the pattern of Babel.

But it was not only adulteration, or compromise between truth and error (which in reality cannot be), for which Babel stood. As we have said, the other principle which comes out prominently there is Idolatry, the worship of the creature. In Babel the worship of man is especially in view, although Satan's ultimate object is to deflect all worship to himself, that he might become the "god of this age." In a subjective sense, he has been worshipped in all ages since the fall. But his aim is to have that accomplished which he daringly proposed to the Son of Man-"Fall down and worship me" I And it is one of the surest signs of the end drawing near, that men openly advocate within certain widening circles, the worship of Satan. During this "present evil age" Satan has advanced his cause to that extent that he not only has led the world to deny the true God, as witnessed in the rejection of Christ, but has substituted, in the thoughts of the world-leaders, those principles and institutions which are headed up in himself. As yet, he has done this by "blinding the minds of the unbelieving," so as to lead his dupes, Eve-like, into complicity with himself. At the opportune moment, which seems just upon us, he will lead men open-eyed, as he did Adam, into open rebellion against the true God. But this will be the signal for evil men and the arch-rebel to receive their just doom.

We see then that it was as much a new beginning, in God's ways with man, when He called out Abraham from this-denial of Himself of which Babel bore the double-stamp, as when He severed Noah and his family from the wicked generation about them, so as to preserve them through the flood. But in Abraham God established a principle, ever since active wherever faith has had its unchecked flow, that of a true separation in heart and life from the world. "Get thee out" has been the call of God to faith from that day, wherever it has found itself surrounded by principles or practices which deny or dishonor God. Nor can the abuse of this principle, through well-meaning or over-zealous advocates, misguided by following their own judgment in these things, reverse or set aside the command of God. Coming from His lips, it must apply in all ages, wherever faith finds itself hindered or thwarted in its purpose to glorify God. There has been no divine movement through man's history since Abraham's day which has not been in obedience to God's call to that separation to Himself and from the evil surrounding, such as the patriarch heard ere he left Ur. Therefore, the attempt on the part of some to suggest that the family of faith can worship and serve in common with those who are manifested as of Babel-character, is clearly a denial of God Himself in His true character, for how can He be "Light, in whom is no darkness at all," and have His people worship or serve at the shrine where darkness is honored?

The "living stones" with which God builds His house are patterned after the heavenly One. We read of these in 1 Pet. 2:4, "To whom coming as unto a Living Stone .. .ye also as living stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ." This One who was "counted worthless indeed by man" is the "Chosen of God and precious." They who are of faith are built upon the Foundation laid by God, even upon Him who has been exalted to heaven, when man sought to dishonor Him, and to cover His name with shame and reproach. It is that Name which God has singled out from all others, making it the gathering-point for faith during this age when He is unseen by the world. When the great Babel-edifice upon which Satan and man have bestowed so much labor and admiration shall totter and fall, it will manifest to the intelligent universe that those who, being "taught of God" have come unto the "Living Stone" and been built upon Him, have been the true children of Wisdom.

We do not mean to say that Abraham knew the things which only since the death and resurrection of Christ have been the subjects of revelation; but in his faith, we have (in germ, at least) the principles by means of which God was about to carry out His purposes of love and grace among men. And we must not forget that those purposes are very large and far-reaching. The mistake the Jews made was in supposing that they, as the natural seed of Abraham, were the sole heirs of God's blessing. But not only has God in mind that His blessings in grace should reach out to all the "families of the earth," on the same principle of faith as evidenced in Abraham, but it is also according to His sovereign purpose that "no flesh shall glory before Him."Therefore, before Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah, circumcision must bear witness of this very thing. Hence the cry of the unbelieving Jews,"We are Abraham's seed," showed that they had entirely lost sight of the real meaning of the rite in which they boasted. If it meant anything at all, it was that Abraham must go (along with all the rest of mankind, as a man after the flesh), to give place to the man of faith. To boast therefore, as did the Jews, in their natural relationship with Abraham, was as if one put his boast in a decayed and worthless house, upon which judgment had been passed. Abraham knew better than this, for he did not build his hopes upon himself, but upon Isaac, that is, upon the Seed of Promise, of whom Isaac was but the type. And if Abraham, after entering Canaan under the leadership of God Himself, saw in that country a figure of "a better, that is, an heavenly," in Isaac too-may we not say?-he also saw a figure of the true Isaac. In this One indeed, "all that hear" with the ear of faith can "laugh" with Abraham and Sarah, since they, like that aged man and wife, are in possession of the true "Heir," now risen from among the dead, and about to enter upon His inheritance in company with those children of faith given to Him by His Father. -Wm. Huss.

THE LANGUAGE QUESTION

At Pentecost men of God spake in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance, but since that time missionaries have had to acquire the knowledge of other languages by laborious study, to enable them to make known "the wonderful works of God" to the people of other countries or nations.

Chinese, with its many-lettered alphabet, has always been a difficult language to acquire, and missionaries going to that country should be especially remembered in prayer.

Africa's language problem is its large number of tribal languages or dialects, and the difficulty of reducing them to writing. It is estimated on reliable authority that there are 514 languages and 314 dialects. To-day efforts are being made in the Belgian Congo to translate the Scriptures into one or two inter-tribal languages such as the Kikongo and Kingwana, which will greatly simplify the work of missionaries in that country.

Added to the difficulties of acquiring and translating native languages, is the need of a knowledge of French, in French and Belgian colonies, and of Portuguese in Angola and other Portuguese colonies.

In French West Africa a trade language called Bam-barra is now becoming widely known and used.

As far back as 1884, F. S. Arnot wrote concerning African languages:"The languages, though of course perplexing to a stranger, are undoubtedly easy, both in construction and pronunciation. Speaking as they do in fidelity to the natural law of euphony, they are wonderfully accurate. When reducing the languages to a written form, missionaries find that if they can but discover the grammatical rules the work is easy, as there are few exceptions.

"African languages are not to be learned at all correctly by direct conversation with the natives. They are more accurately acquired by constantly listening to their conversation with one another. Their manner of conversing with a European is absurd and very misleading. Not only do they distort their own language greatly, but they are constantly using outlandish sounds, which they think belong to the white man's tongue, and which they in their smartness have picked up.

"Again, if a European wishes to be intelligible to the raw native who has not been tutored to understand the sounds of strange tongues, he must remember that African languages are composed not only of sounds but of accentuated sounds. If he does not pay the closest attention to this, though he may be able to speak fluently to the native in a white man's store or town, he will require a person to interpret his words to a company of raw villagers. The Bushman's language goes to an extreme in this respect; certain sounds and clicks accented differently, pitched in a higher or lower key, shrill or deep-sounding, have all their different meanings; their language is consequently very musical."

Two years later Mr. Arnot wrote:"My progress in the languages has been, contrary to my expectations, slow and difficult."

At Ruwenzori a group of missionaries are translating the Scriptures into Kingwana, and in this work they are being assisted by Mr. Searle, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Deans and Ella Deans. Earnest prayer is requested that this work may be blessed of the Lord, and that the Scriptures so translated may bring light to many in heathen darkness. Prayer too should be made that funds may be forthcoming to pay for the cost of printing and distribution of the Scriptures when translated.

Concerning this work our Brother Wm. Deans writes as follows:

"During the week of June 14-23 we had a number of neighboring missionaries as guests, while we translated and revised the Gospels of Mark and Luke. The work which we are now doing is more along the lines of a revision of Mr. Lowder's excellent work than a new translation. We are most impoverished for Kingwana literature at the moment, hence haste is felt necessary that the translation may be printed and made available for distribution. As the work was not finished when our week was over, it was decided that one of us should go on to Ruwenzori and continue. Hence Brother Searle has gone for this month, and Dora and I expect to go to carry on next month if the revision is not finished."

We give below extracts from other letters received.

AFRICA

Nyangkundi, May 9.

There are now about twenty out-stations, or rural evangelistic schools, conducted from this station, besides about half-a-dozen along the Irumu-Stanleyville road being looked after from Lolwa, and conducted by native brethren from Nyangkundi, with one exception. We praise God for His grace thus in evidence, and for sending these His servants forth to labor in His harvest.

Then too there is the great need out here and the great gap in workers. When one sees the failure of the Church to evangelize, the burden of proof rests upon her to tell the reason why the utter and desperate need of the neglected areas has not been met before. Are not even now many, many "at home" who should be "out" to the ends of the earth with Christ's Gospel? And should we not encourage to the utmost the few that do volunteer, if it be at all possible for them to go in faith? Let us do our best by prayer, and any other means the Lord gives us, to help them forward on their way for this good work and thus be fellow-helpers in the truth!

–GORDON SEARLE.

Lolwa, Irumu, July IS.

Our hearts rejoice from day to day as we behold the goodness of our Lord in His long, lingering patience. What a wonderful Lord we serve! What a blessing to us all and the world likewise that this day of grace is in the Lord's hands! It is the goodness of God which leads to repentance.

Ella has gone to a place called Ruwenzori to help in the translation of the book of Mark, and to do the typing. A new hymn-book is also to be printed, of which we are greatly in need. Bob is doing well here and speaks the Kibila language quite well. It is a very difficult language, as the same sentence could be said two or three times and each time with a different meaning, brought about by the inflection of the voice. Mrs. Deans has not been so well, although now is on her feet again, for which we thank the Lord.-robert deans.

The following extract is from the Congo Mission News:

The death of Mr. Alec McTavish on Feb. 22 is a great loss to the Westcott Mission. Mr. McTavish was living at Mitombe, near Tshofa, among the Basongi tribe. He had prepared the New Testament in the language of the Basongi, and was hoping to have it printed this year when on furlough.

Mr. McTavish had taken one of their number down to the railway. It seems that his truck broke down, and he had to hire another to tow him home. After two strenuous days he reached home, and was at once taken ill with black-water fever, to which he succumbed.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs. McTavish, who has herself been in very poor health for some time, and to the little daughter, and also to the colleagues so suddenly deprived of a valued worker and friend.

CHINA

Taitowying, Hopei, July 2.

We were very glad to get the tent out at last, nearly two weeks ago. We have had very interesting meetings every evening, though on account of the rain on some evenings the tent has not been very full. The womenfolks especially are not able to come through the mud and water. We hope and pray the Lord will bless us in this village. Many are much interested in the Gospel.

-CHARLES O. KAUTTO.

INDIA

Bangalore, So. India, July 25.

We have had a visit from a great "guru," or spiritual leader of the people. He arrived three days ago in the city. He has a great retinue and is escorted by elephants and camels, and when he moves about the city he has an escort of mounted Indian police, by order of the Rajah, or king, of Mysore State. The guru himself reclines on satin cushions in a silver-mounted palanquin, which is carried on the shoulders of his disciples. It makes quite a parade when he moves abroad. He spent two days in a congested area not far from our house. Every Hindu house was levied two rupees for his entertainment and that of his retinue and animals. Two rupees represent almost a week's pay for working-men, and most of them had to borrow the amount to give to him. I asked the people what spiritual teaching the great guru gave them, and they said "None." He simply sat in state, and was admired or worshipped from a distance. The schools were closed so the children could share in the benefit of just being in the vicinity of one whose very presence was a benediction. He was worshipped as God. Giving to him or praying to him was just the same as doing it to God. Of course, it was humbug, and even many of the people submitted rather reluctantly instead of with religious enthusiasm. Yet they feared the great powers of such a holy man and did like the rest. After he left the neighborhood we told of the great Guru, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Kanarese Bible calls Him Guru, where the English calls Him Teacher. We contrasted the two gurus and shouted out to the glory of God that this Guru said He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.-Rowland Hill.

CHILE, SOUTH AMERICA

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rigg report the birth of a daughter, Dorothy M'ae, born June 24. We rejoice with our brother and sister in this token of the Lord's goodness to them.

I

THE TRINITY

Some of the Scriptures which imply the Trinity, or Tri-unity, of God:-

OLD TESTAMENT:

The Hebrew word Elohim, God, is the plural form of El, or Eloah, meaning primarily "Mighty One;" for example:"In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth."

Notice the plural pronouns referring to God in Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:7 and Isaiah 6:8.

God, the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit, are constantly mentioned as co-equal and in unison, for example:Gen. 1:1,2; 6:3; Job 26:13<z; 33:4; Ps. 139:7; Prov.8:22, 23; Isa. 11:1, 2; 61:1; 63:9, 10; Mic. 5:2; Zech. 4:6.

Some prominent prophetic passages concerning the Messiah, the Christ:Gen. 3:156; 9:26a; 12:36; 49:10; Exod. 12:13; Lev. 17:11; Num. 24:17; Deut. 18:15; 2 Sam. 7:16; 23:3,4; Job 19:25; Psalms 2; 8; 16; 22; 23; 24; 40; 45; 69; 72; 102; 110; 132; Prov. 8:22-31; Song 2:3,4; Isa. 7:14; 9:6,7; 11:1-5; 32:1,2; 40:3-5; 42:1-7; 49:1-8; 52:13-53:12; 61:1-3; 63:1-5; Jer. 23:5,6; 33:15,16; Lam. 1:12; Dan. 2:34,44; 7:13, 14; 9:26; Hos. 3:5; Mic. 5:2; Zech. 3:8; 12:10; 13:7; 14:4; Mal. 3:1-3; 4:2.

NEW TESTAMENT:

The initiatory ordinance for Christian discipleship – water-baptism – is in the Name of the Trinity:Matt. 28:19. The Trinity is mentioned in the Mission of Jesus:at the beginning:Matt. 3:16, 17; at the climax:Heb. 9:14; in its purpose:2 Cor. 1:18-22. The Son sends the Holy Spirit from the Father:John 15:26.

The Trinity manifest as to the believer individually:Rom. 8:15-17; the Church unitedly:1 Cor. 12:4-6.

The Trinity in Paul's summary:Eph. 4:4-6.

The Trinity in Paul's benediction:2 Cor. 13:14.

The Trinity in eternity:Rev. 4:5b, 86; 5:5-7; 22:16-21.

Notice the "Holy, Holy, Holy!" in the worship rendered by the seraphim and the cherubim in Isaiah 6:3 and Rev. 4:8.

God in His existence:(1) was, (2) is, and (3) ever shall be.
In His government is:(1) omniscient, (2) omnipresent,

(3) omnipotent.

In His character is:(1) life, (2) light, (3) love.

The record in the New Testament of the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy, constitutes a remarkable link binding the two volumes together. The "scarlet line" runs through the whole book from beginning to end.

II. GOD'S MARK ON CREATION

The number three, the number of the divine trinity, appears as the basic number of the universe.

Matter exists in space, time, motion.

Space occupies three dimensions:length, breadth or width, height or depth.

Time has three relations:past, present, future.

Motion has three relations:direction, velocity, distance.

Stability is maintained by support in three directions:for example, a stool, or a flag-pole.

No enclosure can be made with less than three straight lines.

Surveying is based upon triangles.

Matter exists in three forms:gaseous, liquid, solid.

Kingdoms in creation are three:animal, vegetable, mineral.

Basic colors are three:red, blue, yellow. Upon this principle is based the art of color-printing.

Dominant notes in music are three:do, me, sol.

The sun's rays give light, heat, chemical action.

Man is a trinity of body, soul, spirit.

Spiritually he has mind, heart, conscience.

His personality is manifest in intelligence, emotion, volition; to which corresponds his responsibility in thought, word, deed; and his reasoning depends on major premise, minor premise, conclusion.

The family is a trinity of father, mother, children.
Government has three functions:legislative, executive, judicial.

And in all branches of science and art, the number three appears in a fundamental manner.

III. GOD'S MARK ON THE BIBLE

The number three, the number of the divine trinity, is also stamped upon the make-up of the Holy Scriptures, indicating that our Bible is a perfect and complete book.

Old Testament writings:36=4x3x3 God's Testimony as to the world.

New Testament writings:27=3x3x3 God's Testimony in Jesus the Christ.

Complete writings:63=3x3x7 God's Testimony complete.

Note that 1st and 2nd Samuel, 1st and 2nd Kings, and 1st and 2nd Chronicles, in the original Hebrew, are one book each, making the total for the Old Testament 36. Notice the prevalence of the divine number, three, indicating divine control in the production of the Holy Scriptures.

The Old Testament number is three times twelve. Twelve is the number of the tribes of Israel. The Old Testament is largely their history and experience. Jehovah selected this nation as an experimental sample of the human race, in order that the whole world might learn by His dealings with them, their need of Him and of the Saviour, whom He had promised (Gen. 3:156; 12:36). See Rom. 3:19 and its context; also 1 Cor. 10:11; Hebrews 1:1,2; 10:1,2,12.

Twelve being three times four, indicates the divine taking hold of and controlling the human. Four, a divisible weak number-in contrast with three-readily suggests our north-south-east-west world of men. Twelve signifies government.

In the New Testament, which is essentially the record of the "Second Man"-in contrast to that of the "First Man" and his progeny (1 Cor. 15:45-47)-there appears only the number three, and this is cubed-expressed in the third power-suggestive of solidity, certainty, assurance, reality (2 Cor. 1:19, 20).

Then in the total appears the number seven, which readily stands for completeness, perfection. Seven has this meaning not only in Holy Scripture, but also in Nature, as in the seven steps of the musical scale, or the seven primary colors of the spectrum of light as manifest in the rainbow.

There is thus written wide and large before men, the fact that the Triune God is both' the Creator of the Universe, and the Author-in-chief of the Bible.

Concerning the numerals of Scripture, see F. W. Grant's "The Numerical Structure of Scripture;" also the Introduction to the First Volume of his "Numerical Bible," and one of the appendices to the volume on the Psalms. -E. B. Craig.

BY J. N. DARBY

To live of Thee-blest Source of deepest joy!
To hear e'en now by faith Thy voice of love-
Thou living spring of bliss without alloy,
Bright inlet to the light of heaven above!

Come, fill my soul! Thy light is ever pure,
And brings from heaven what Thou alone canst give,
Yea, brings Thyself, the revelation sure
Of heaven's eternal bliss:in Thee we live.

I hail Thee, Lord! Of Thee my song shall speak-
Poor and unworthy strains, yet still of Thee:
Yes, fill my soul! Tis this my heart doth seek-
To dwell in love, and God my dwelling be.

Thou'st made the Father known:Him have we seen
In Thy blest Person:infinite delight.
Yes, it suffices:though we here but glean
Some foretaste of His love-till all be light.

Oh, dwell with me! Let no distracting thought
Intrude to hide from me that heavenly light:
Be Thou my strength! Let not what Thou hast brought
Be chased by idle nature's poor delight.

Father, Thou lovest me, Favor, all divine,
Rests on my soul:a cloudless favor! There
Thy face shines on meas it still doth shine
On Thy blest Son! His image I shall bear!

But now, e'en now, Thy love can fill my soul-
That love that soars beyond all creature thought-
In spirit bring where endless praises roll;
And fill my longing heart till there I'm brought.

Thee will I hail, O Lord, in whose blest face
God? I glory shines unveiled! Thee will I praise,
Whose love has brought me nigh in righteous grace;
And soon wilt come, eternal songs to raise!

And oh, how deep the peace, when, nature gone
The Spirit fills the soul strengthened with might-
With love divine; and God, as Love, is known!
Lord keep my soul, and guide my steps aright!

Praise be forever His who giveth songs by night.

For several years past an increased interest has been shown in the study of Prophecy. One feature particularly has engaged the attention of many, the termination of "the Times of the Gentiles." Some think this period will end this year, 1934. This conclusion is based on the supposed length of that period being 2520 years from the date of Nebuchadnezzar's complete subjugation of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in B. C. 586. The method of arriving at this date is by supposing that the seven times which were to pass over Nebuchadnezzar, and the seven times mentioned in connection with Israel's punishment for unfaithfulness to Jehovah, represent seven times of 360 years, a calculation based upon the prophetic year of 360 days, and making a day count for a year, as in the prophecy of the seventy weeks of Daniel (or, 490 years), the period determined upon Daniel's people at the end of which their full blessing is realized in the kingdom of the Son of Man, David's Son and David's Lord.

Now before remarking upon the basis of this calculation, let us be clear as to what takes place at the termination of the period called "the Times of the Gentiles."

It has been stated correctly by one of the chief advocates of this system of prophetic dates:

The Times of the Gentiles is "the long period of history which began with the beginning of the succession of the four great Gentile monarchies revealed to Nebuchadnezzar, and which ends with the close of these four empires, and the manifestation of the kingdom of God….the joint duration of the rule of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome… the period which elapses between the fall of the throne of Judah, in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, and the restoration of the throne by the establishment of it forever in the person of Christ, the Son and Lord of David…the period which, according to prophecy, is to be immediately followed by the establishment on earth of a universal monarchy of a wonderfully different description, by the setting up of the long-predicted, long-prayed-for kingdom of God, the kingdom of the . Son of Man of which Christ so often spoke."

That this is correct Luke 21:24-28 proves, with a number of other passages familiar to the prophetic student, which show that the kingdom of Christ is set up after a time of unequaled tribulation affecting all nations, this time coming in the end of the period of Gentile dominion.

This being so, if 1934 terminates this period and the kingdom follows, as is evident, then this year will witness the public manifestation of Christ in glory in the land of Palestine.

Granting this conclusion for a moment, let us inquire as to what then becomes of Daniel's seventieth week- the last seven years of the 490 years, or seventy determined weeks, at the end of which Israel's full blessing is accomplished.

It is clear that the sixty-nine weeks have expired with the coming of Christ, followed by His crucifixion. But it is not possible to find in the subsequent history up to the present any events or circumstances which fulfil the conditions mentioned as obtaining during the seventieth week. That week, one of seven years like the others, is distinguished by the making of a covenant between a
coming prince of the, Roman Empire and the Jewish people. In His prophetic discourse, the Lord links its events with that tribulation immediately after which the Son of Man comes in power and great glory, that is, the Times of the Gentiles end then and the kingdom is set up in glory. If this is due to take place in 1934, the seventieth week of Daniel began hi 1927. It is evident that not then nor since has any event transpired which fulfils what is said about the seventieth week in Daniel's prophecy.

Even supposing that this week was fulfilled in the past, as some try to show, it is clear that a time of unequaled tribulation precedes the coming of the Son of Man, that this lasts for 42 months, or three-and-a-half years, and while affecting all nations it centers in Pales-.tine, and the Lord speaks of the flight from Judea to the mountains coincident with the setting up of the abomination spoken of by Daniel. It is immediately after these events that the Son of Man comes. If His coining is in 1934 then these events must be sought for during the past three-and-a-half years. But Judea has witnessed no such conditions. Even the present depression has not affected it like the rest of the world, and only last fall it was stated in the Press that Palestine was prosperous while the rest of the world suffered.

These considerations serve to show that it is a mistake to fix 1934 as the terminal year of Gentile Times, and therefore the year of the coming of the Son of Man.

But apart from this the basis of calculation is faulty. Students of Prophecy admit that the prophetic year is 360 days. This is indicated by the various measures of time mentioned, that is, the 42 months, the 1260 days, and the expression, "a time and times and half a time." Thus a year of 360 days is the unit of measure in prophetic time.

On this basis if we allow that the Times of the Gentiles cover 2520 years of prophetic measure, then that is equivalent to only 2484 solar years, since for such a period there is a difference of about thirty-six and a quarter years between the two forms of reckoning. This, of course, is because the solar year is five and a quarter days longer than the prophetic year. Thus, though accepting B.C. 586 as the date for the commencement of the period under consideration, we , cannot be correct in simply adding 2520 years to that date as though the years were of solar measure, and so arrive at A.D. 1934; and if we add the 2484 solar years (the equivalent of 2520 prophetic years) we reach A.D. 1898-an utterly meaningless result. Either method of calculation brings us to a date for the expiration of this prophetic period which is untenable in the light of Scripture. Therefore the attempt to fix this period as being 2520 years appears to be a mistake, and a misapplication of the scriptural statements used to establish it, since it really leads us to no date in connection with which those things are found which Scripture states belong to the end-time of this period.

The efforts to establish prophetic dates in this way has served to bring prophetic truth into disrepute, and often to strengthen the hands of those mockers of whom Peter speaks.

These efforts are aimed at solving "the times or seasons which the Father hath set within His own authority" (Acts 1:7, Am. R.V.). They refer to the' establishment of the kingdom, its restoration to Israel (ver. 6). "The Times of the Gentiles" belongs to those "times or seasons." After the cutting off of Messiah, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans under Titus is the last specific event in Daniel's prophetic calendar which has been fulfilled, and the next event in that calendar about which we can be certain, as far as concerns a point of time, is what commences Daniel's seventieth week-the covenant-making already mentioned. With the end of that week Gentile Times terminate and the Son of Man comes. Between that last specific event and the covenant-making which opens the seventieth week, Scripture gives no measure of time. This is set within the Father's authority, and it has not been revealed, though that does not involve the conclusion that it has not been determined in the Father's counsels. Therefore, when, as to date, the seventieth week begins we do not know; but what commences it and the related world-conditions we do know. Many Scriptures furnish us knowledge as to the what, but none as to the when that week of seven years will commence. We cannot determine the date when the Times of the Gentiles will end, but how they will end we are clearly told.

Before the seventieth week commences we believe Christ will come for His Church, according to 1 Thess. 4, after which world-conditions will fully ripen, and the seventieth week be inaugurated by the Roman Prince, the head of the then revived Roman Empire, in a treaty with the restored Jewish commonwealth. The preparation for these things we may discern already in present events in Europe and Palestine. The Jews are looking to the formation of a Jewish State, the re-establishment of Jewish sacrifices, and a new temple in Jerusalem. These are the shadows of approaching events, they indicate the trend of things, they show that the end must be near. To see this is one thing, to attempt the establishment of dates quite another, and we deem this entirely outside the range of Scripture. John Bloore

In view of the coming season when there are special opportunities for Gospel Work, it is well to be stirred up as to making use of them. We particularly appeal to our younger brothers and sisters regarding this line of service for the Lord, and in this connection a few short papers will be contributed by our brother, C. Ernest Tatham, the first appearing this month. It will be appreciated if those interested would send brief articles, or make such suggestions as may be of real help to younger believers in the matters of their life and service.-Editors.

LOVING THE STRANGER

"Love ye, therefore, the stranger, for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Deut. 10:19).

ITS MEANING

Again and again Jehovah reminds His people of their former condition as Pharaoh's bondmen. He would never have them forget that formerly they were victims of the cruel despotism of a foreign Power, and, incapable of self-deliverance, were redeemed by blood and power by God Himself. Being themselves loved when strangers, He would ever have them compassionate toward those in a similar condition.

Inasmuch as they had been the object of such high favor from Heaven, there might be a danger of their regarding foreigners with a condescending pity and self-complacent patronage. But God's command was explicit; they were not to pity or patronize, but to love them.

If such a word applied to Israel most certainly it has tremendous application to us. We are to "remember that we in time past were Gentiles in the flesh… and without God in the world," and, as such, loved of God. Therefore it is only to be expected that we in turn love not only other members of the Divine family, but "the stranger." If we are to be successful soul-winners we must love men. We-cannot approve their ways, but, God-like, we must love them. How often we read in the Gospels that our Lord was moved with compassion. The gracious pity of His great heart moved Him to actions of blessing in behalf of needy people. Similarly, Paul served "the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears." From the day of Pentecost to the present hour the devoted servants of Christ have shed tears of a passionate love in the course of their service for the souls of eternity-bound men and women. Such love has sped Christ-devoted missionaries to earth's remotest corners and given them endurance to bear almost indescribable sufferings. It is the one requisite, we repeat; for "love endureth all things."

May I -ask my younger brethren and sisters, Do we love the unsaved? Do we yearn to see them delivered from sin's bondage and rejoicing in the salvation of God? If so, our word of testimony to them, and our earnest prayer for them, will be in proper adjustment. If not, we will regard them with little more than a passing religious interest.

ITS MOTIVE

As we should expect, the motive of true evangelism is the glory of Christ. He will be supremely glorified in having Himself surrounded in that day with an innumerable throng of those who were once the victims of sin's merciless power. With triumph He will introduce such to an unfallen heavenly populace in the language of Hebrews 2:13, "Behold I and the children which God hath given Me." It should be our highest aim to contribute to that glory, and if this thought seizes our souls it will fill our hearts and our mouths with burning words to speak to our unconverted acquaintances. Hear the glowing testimony of the greatest of all apostolic soul-winners, "The love of Christ constraineth us." "Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more…. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

If you and I are just casually interested in the spread of the gospel and the conversion of men, we may rest assured that we are in a seriously unhealthy state of soul. It is not meant, of course, that we are all equipped with powers of public utterance, but rather that the normal condition of spiritual health will fill us with a longing desire for the salvation of others.

In view of the approaching Summer Season with its increased opportunities for gospel testimony, let us cry to our Lord to give us greater zeal to make Him known. Remember:nothing short of love for precious souls is necessary.

"Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
And love that soul through me;
And may I nobly do my part
To win that soul to Thee."

John Vassar, while visiting from house to house distributing tracts, was met at the door .of one cottage by a powerful Irish woman. On recognizing the soul-winner who had caused quite a stir in the community she promptly slammed the door in his face. At once the man sat down on the door-step, and sang out sweetly:

"But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away-
Tis all that I can do,"

As a result the woman was savingly converted, and afterwards confessed that it was those "drops of grief" that reached her heart. -C. Ernest Tatham.

(Ezekiel 34:29)

"For He (hall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground" (Isa. 53:2).

Here we have one of the many symbols God uses in His wonderful Word to portray to us the beauty and glory He sees in His blessed Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire chapter is taken up with the humiliation and exaltation of the Messiah, Israel's Redeemer, and the Redeemer of all mankind. When we read it we are standing at Calvary, where the Son of God in all the divine fulness of His love gave Himself for our sins that He, by virtue of His most precious blood poured out as a vicarious sacrifice to God, might bring us to Him.

When our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world He did so by way of incarnation. He was the Child born and the Son given, spoken of in Isaiah 9:6, the same prophet having previously spoken of how He would be given:"Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign:Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).

In His incarnation He identified Himself with the Jews, and thus became as to His humanity a Jew. He was planted in the midst of that peculiar nation. They were Jehovah's chosen people whom He had taken into covenant relationship with Himself through Abraham, the root of that nation, and later on through David, of whom concerning our Lord Jesus Christ it is written, "I am the Root and the Offspring of David." As the Root of David He was David's Lord. As the Offspring of David He was the Son of David, in incarnation having come by way of that posterity.

Four times He is spoken of as "The Branch." In Isaiah 4:2 He is called "The Branch of the LORD," and we read, "In that day shall the Branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel." We see Him here in all the glory of His essential Deity, of which glory John tells us so much in his wonderful Gospel and his other writings. When He comes to establish His glorious administration in the earth and set up His kingdom in peace and righteousness, He will be fully manifested to restored Israel as Jehovah in perfect Manhood, having taken the body prepared for Him.

In Isaiah 11:1 we read, "And there shall come forth a Rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." Of this Branch Jeremiah tells us, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth" (Jer. 23:5). Again he says, "In these days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of Righteousness to grow up unto David; and He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land" (Jer. 33:15). Here we see the King, "of the seed of David according to the flesh," reigning in all His glory, the Branch of David. Matthew in his Gospel gives us a wonderful unfolding of Christ as the true King, the Son of David, who will sit one day on the throne of His father David and take the reins of universal government into His hands. The earth will never enjoy true peace and righteousness until He comes.

"Behold, I will bring forth My Servant the Branch" (Zech. 3:8). Here our blessed Lord is before us as the lowly gracious Servant of Jehovah. Down here He served both God and man, and when He is brought forth again (Heb. 1:6) it will be to make peace and plenty abound where strife and poverty are now known. Mark gives us the lovely picture of the true Servant as viewed in lowly grace taking the "form of a servant," and in deepest love going all the way to the cross in His faithfulness that He might glorify the Father. Isaiah and Zechariah see this Servant both in His humiliation and exaltation. "Behold, .My Servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men:so shall He sprinkle (startle) many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at Him:for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider" (Isa. 52:13-15). "Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the Man whose name is THE BRANCH:and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the Lord:even He shall build the temple of the Lord; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne:and the counsel of peace shall be between them" (Zech. 6:12,13). Zechariah refers to The Branch as "the Man," and Luke hi his Gospel portrays the perfect Manhood of our Lord Jesus Christ. There we see Him in His moral glories as the perfect Man. This is the Man who one day will rule the nations with a rod of iron. Once on earth, living and serving in marvelous grace, He went to the cross, there to die that poor sinners might be saved, and future glories assured. Then, come forth in the glory of resurrection, we hear Him proclaim that all power in heaven and earth is given to Him, and soon, leaving earth's scenes behind, He ascends into the glory from which He had come. There He takes His place at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Soon He will come to take His Church out of the world, and then at the close of the great tribulation as Son of Man He will come to reign in power and glory.

John got a glorious vision of His coming administration, and wrote, "He showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month:and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations" (Rev. 22:1, 2).

The psalmist sang of this Blessed Man, "And He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth His fruit in His season; His leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever He doeth shall prosper" (Ps. 1:3).

Adam and his posterity have proved to be failures in every dispensation. Conditions continue to grow worse and worse, and soon these perilous times will close with the rapture of the true Church which is the Body of Christ, His Bride. After the translation of His true people the dispensation of the great tribulation will run its course, marked throughout by; the most terrible forms of evil, but, thank God, when it is darkest, Christ will come in glory and light up the scene with His divine presence and institute His perfect government. What a glorious day it will be! Then Israel, now scattered and dispersed, will be regathered and restored to their land, becoming the chief nation in the earth. T. W. Carroll

Many a child of God is reproached as being legal, and narrow-minded, on account of a decision, born of grateful, heartfelt desire, to humbly "wholly follow the Lord" (Josh. 14:8,9,14), and a decided refusal of the "very appearance of evil," in joining with worldlings 'in their, so-called, "innocent pleasures," and other pursuits.

Legality is opposed to grace and its teachings. From Titus 2:11-14 we learn the holy character of grace, producing fruits far removed from legality's denial that the blood of the cross alone possesses atoning value that sets the believer before God in perfect righteousness and acceptance in Christ. Let us consider how far removed devotion is from legality. Following true conversion, the soul, settled as to being saved by grace alone, enters upon sacred experiences, such as communion (1 John 1:3; 1" Cor. 1:9), friendship (John IS:14), and faithfulness (Luke 19:17; 1 Cor. 4:2). These, however diligently and earnestly sought after, cannot be termed legal.

Communion is the delight of sharing with our Lord that which He enjoys, and hearty agreement with Him in all His desires, finding our joy in His company-intent on pleasing Him-privileged to gladden Him, with our hearts made happy in the sense of His approbation. Legality has no place in such fellowship. Communion leads us to realize that there can be no Home feeling for the Christian here. The fact that we are "strangers" with Him leads us to view all that the world presents with His eyes; very soon He will judge it, meanwhile it is no legality for us to shun it.

Friendship for Christ and obedience are linked together. If we "obey" Him and His Word the world will not want us; nor could we walk with the unsaved, for lack of agreement would part us from them. "Me it hateth" the Lord says of the world; out of friendship for Him we walk apart, and refuse intimacy with worldlings because of their treatment of our dearest Friend, for where He is unwelcome, we should be found unwelcome too. We must choose between the worldling's friendship or friendship for Christ. The Lord is treated as not wanted, so will the world treat His friends who dare to manifest their friendship by "doing whatsoever He has commanded." His commands, such as 1 John 2:15; Col. 3:17, 23 and 1 Cor. 6:19, 20, test which friendship we value. Evading the consequences of devoted obedience, the luke-warmness He rebukes so chills friendship that its profession becomes nauseous to Him. The friendship that cleaves to Him and to His Word has no legality about it.

Faithfulness is evidenced by walking in the footsteps of our Divine Master and Lord, who has left us an example. Where we cannot trace His footsteps, we should not go, and our refusal to forfeit His company for the companionship of the unsaved,.or participation in their pursuits or pleasures, cannot be termed legal. The Lord Jesus has given us a whole heart-we ought not to give Him anything less in return. To "esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than Egypt's treasures," is not legality. Conformity to 1 Thess. 4:1 is not legality, for who dares to condemn the heart bent on "pleasing God?" Since "the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not," popularity with worldlings would be to our shame and the Lord's dishonor. The Lord Jesus has made us personally His objects and He looks for it that we make Him ours. -E. J. Checkley.

As to the authority of the Word, it is of the deep-|est interest to see that in the consecration of the priests, as well as in the entire range of the sacrifices, we are brought immediately under the authority of the Word of God."And Moses said unto the congregation, 'This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done'"(chap. 8:5).And again, "Moses said, 'This is the thing which the Lord commanded that ye should do:and the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you'" (chap. 9:6).Let these words sink down into our ears; let them be carefully and prayerfully pondered:they are priceless words."This is the thing which the Lord commanded."He did not say, This is the thing which is expedient, agreeable, or suitable; neither did he say, This is the thing which has been arranged by the voice of the fathers, the decree of the elders, or the opinion of the doctors. Moses knew nothing of such sources of authority. To him there was one holy, elevated, paramount source of authority, and that was the Word of Jehovah, and he would bring every member of the assembly into direct contact with that blessed source. This gave assurance to the heart, and fixedness to all the thoughts. There was no room left for tradition, with its uncertain sound, or for man, with his doubtful disputations. All was clear, conclusive, and authoritative. Jehovah had spoken; and all that was needed was to hear what He had said, and obey. Neither tradition nor expediency has any place in the heart that has learned to prize, to reverence, and to obey the Word of God.

And what was to be the result of this strict adherence to the Word of God? A truly blessed result indeed. "The glory of the Lord shall appear unto you." Had the Word been disregarded, the glory would not have appeared. The two things were intimately connected. The slightest deviation from, "Thus saith Jehovah," would have prevented the beams of the divine glory from appearing to the congregation of Israel. Had there been the introduction of a single rite or ceremony not enjoined by the Word, or had there been the omission of aught which that Word commanded, Jehovah would not have manifested His glory. He could not sanction by the glory of His presence the neglect or rejection of His Word. He can bear with ignorance and infirmity, but He cannot sanction neglect or disobedience.

Oh, that all this were more solemnly considered in this day of tradition and expediency! I would, in earnest affection, and in the deep sense of personal responsibility to my reader, exhort him to give diligent heed to the importance of close-I had almost said, severe-adherence and reverent subjection to the Word of God. Let him try every thing by that standard, and reject all that comes not up to it, let him weigh every thing in that balance, and cast aside all that is not full weight, let him measure every thing by that rule, and refuse all deviation. If I could only be the means of awakening one soul to a proper sense of the place which belongs to the Word of God, I should feel I had not written my book for naught or in vain.

Reader, pause, and, in the presence of the Searcher of hearts, ask yourself this plain, pointed question:Am I sanctioning by my presence, or adopting in my practice, any departure from, or neglect of, the Word of God? Make this a solemn, personal matter before the Lord. Be assured of it, it is of the very deepest moment-the very last importance. If you find that you have been in any wise connected with, or involved in, aught that wears not the distinct stamp of divine sanction, reject it at once and forever. Yes, reject, though arrayed in the imposing vestments of antiquity, accredited by the voice of tradition, and putting forward the almost irresistible plea of expediency. If you cannot say, in reference to every thing with which you stand connected, "This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded," then away with it unhesitatingly, away with it forever. Remember these words, "As He hath done this day, so the Lord hath commanded to do." Yes, remember the "as" and the "so;" see that you are connecting them in your ways and associations, and let them never be separated. -From "Notes on Leviticus," by C.H.M. (pp. 161-164).

The Roman Prince and the Antichrist

There is confusion in the minds of many in relation to the two Beasts of Revelation 13. The chapter describes the world conditions after the rapture of the Church, when the course of prophecy-interrupted by the Church period-will be resumed, and the last week of the seventy prophetic weeks of Daniel's prophecy, will run its course to completion.

THE FIRST BEAST, THE ROMAN PRINCE

The first Beast arises from the sea (ver. 1), the second, out of the earth (ver. 11). Their place of origin should guide as to their identity.

The prophecy of Daniel describes four great Beasts which come up from the sea (Dan. 7:3). It is the fourth one of these (ver. 7) which is seen in the opening verses of Rev. 13, and is descriptive of the Roman Empire in its future revived form. The identity will be apparent if Dan. 7:7 is compared with Rev. 13:1.

To be more accurate, the first Beast of Revelation is the final form in which the fourth Beast is viewed in Daniel 7; that is, as the "little horn" (vers. 8, 20, 24) which subdues three of the ten kings and becomes the Imperial Head. This little horn has a "mouth speaking great things." He "makes war with the saints." He speaks "great words against the Most High." He continues for a "time and times and the dividing of a time." All this is also stated to be true of the Beast in Revelation (compare Dan. 7:8,21-25; Rev. 13:5-7). He is also the same person who is described as the "Prince that shall come" (Daniel 9:26, 27), who will make the seven years' covenant with the returned Jews, and it is assumed that he is the Conqueror of Revelation 6:2.

THE SECOND BEAST, THE ANTICHRIST

The second Beast (Rev. 13:11) has two horns like a lamb, but the dragon voice betrays him as a false Christ. He is an apostate Jew (rising out of the earth). The Jews will not accept as their Messiah one who is not of their own people. He is variously called the "Antichrist," the "False Prophet," and the "Man of Sin." His miraculous powers will win the confidence of the people in Palestine, and he will be hailed by apostate Judaism as the Christ. He is that other of whom the Lord says, "Another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive" (John 5:43). His seat of authority will be Jerusalem. He is the "wilful king" of Daniel 11:36. He does not regard the God of his (Jewish) fathers, but honors the "God of munitions" and a God "whom his fathers knew not" (ver. 38).

He will do honor to the first Beast, the Gentile Imperial Head of the Revived Roman Empire, and will be constantly subservient to him from whom he derives hfs authority. Jerusalem, too, will be under Gentile control and dominion all the time of the Antichrist's rule there. He has no number, but designates "666" as the number of the first Beast, the Roman Prince, as a careful reading of the text makes clear. These two are closely allied in all their activities, but the Antichrist occupies a secondary place, just as his apostate people occupy their land by Gentile permission and covenant.

It would appear to be wide of the mark to speak of either Mussolini, or any successor of his, as being the Antichrist. The Antichrist will never -rule the Roman Empire. His sphere is the ecclesiastical, rather than the political realm. The Imperial Head rules in Rome. The Antichrist will rule in Jerusalem, and derive his authority from Rome.

TWO APOSTATE GROUPS, CHRISTENDOM AND JUDAISM

I desire now to direct attention to the two apostate groups or systems which will be found remaining in the world after the true Church has been translated, and which will then attain to their full development of iniquity.

For nineteen centuries the Gentiles have had the gospel presented to them, and an elect number is being gathered out from among them (Acts 15:14). This work of grace still continues while the mass of Christian profession has become constantly more indifferent to the gospel story. Christendom no longer regards the message of "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" as of vital importance in the matter of salvation. The Father and the Son are more and more openly rejected. Many substitutes have been found for the "gospel of Christ" of which the Apostle says, "I am not ashamed." There is what is called a social gospel, education, character-building, home betterment, health-talks, personal testimonies, and music. Such subjects are more palatable to this present age.

Christendom, we may say, has not continued in the goodness of God revealed in the gospel. The privileges enjoyed have been despised, and, as in the figure used by the Apostle in Romans 11, the "wild olive tree" is about to be cut off. This is what happened to Israel in part, at the beginning of the Christian era. They were the "natural branches" of the olive tree and were "broken off" because of unbelief, and now he says of Christendom, which he likens to a "wild olive tree," "Thou also shalt be cut off."

As the Jew at His first coming said, "We will not have this Man to reign over us," so the Gentile on the eve of His second coming is voicing a similar refusal. The Jew goes back to his land denying that "Jesus is the Christ." His heart is still unchanged toward the Crucified One, but open to receive one who is the enemy of Christ. As the empty, swept, and garnished house to which he is returning, Judaism-dormant for many centuries-is now awakening, only to take to itself "seven other spirits more wicked" (Matt. 12:45).

This apostasy from Christ on the part of both Christendom and Judaism will reach its culmination at the revelation of the "man of sin" who is the Antichrist, and is summed up in 2 Thess. 2:2, where it is explained that the "day of the Lord" will not come until he is revealed.

The Protestant churches will become linked with mystic Babylon, which is the church of Rome, the mother of harlots, who will gather her children-the spiritually dead systems of Protestantism-back to her bosom, only to meet her doom at the hands of infidel nations, the Beast followers, over whom for a short time she will assume the ecclesiastical reins of control. "And the ten horns which thou sawest, and the Beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil His will" (Rev. 17:16).

The judgment of Babylon will clear the way for the unrestrained activities of the Roman Prince and Antichrist. To quote the words of another:"Babylon is not the only evil which must perish that Christ may reign; and Babylon's removal only makes way for the full development of another form of it more openly blasphemous than this. The woman makes way for the man."

This destruction of the Babylonish system will take place during the last prophetic week.

THE JUDGMENT OF THE ROMAN PRINCE AND ANTICHRIST

The Antichrist will come into more universal prominence and power after Babylon is removed. He will rule in Palestine as the viceroy of the Imperial Head in Rome. Both will claim divine honors from the people. The Antichrist deifies the Imperial Head and commands that all worship him or his image (Rev. 13:IS). He also himself takes an official place in the temple assuming to be God (2 Thess. 2:4). This assumption of deity on the part of these two arch-rebels against the authority of God and of Christ will meet with summary judgment. Because of their blasphemous pretensions they become the objects of the peculiar wrath of God at the time of the manifestation of Christ with the armies of heaven.

"And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the Rorse, and against His army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Rev. 19:19,20).

It is abundantly evident to those who are familiar with the prophetic Word that the course of world affairs is leading unmistakably toward the climax to which all prophecy points. "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us" (Ps. 2). This revolt has already begun in the earth and is constantly assuming larger proportions. Ungodly man rages against the God who made him and to whom he owes all. Inspired with Satanic hatred, he seeks to climb up to the very throne of God, and to cast God from His throne. In the face of man's impotent rage it is no wonder that the same Scripture continues:"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision.. .Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion." Let Satan rage as he will, yet the Lord of glory, God's Anointed King, shall reign. Hallelujah! R. B. Eames

We are facing serious conditions today. No one (except the child of God who knows his Bible) can tell what is before us. In our own land, those who are in authority are striving earnestly to lift the country out of the depression and despondency in which it lies.

Among the nations at large are distress and fear; leading statesmen wondering when the explosion is coming which will set the entire world in an uproar. In society, rottenness and corrupt morals prevail among the educated and cultured people, as well as among the ignorant and degraded. In the Church is Modernism, infidelity and unfaithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Men who think, see no way to improve conditions. The outlook is most dark and dismal. But to the child of God with his Bible in hand a bright star shines resplendent and glorious in the midnight darkness-

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST-OUR HOPE!

And here our soul rests. Here our heart rejoices.

Here we

".. look beyond the long dark night, And hail the coming day."

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ our hope." Thus commences Paul's first letter to Timothy. First, let us recall that there was a time when Paul did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord, or as his hope. Looking back upon those days he speaks of himself as chief of sinners. Then he thought he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. He persecuted the Church of God, and when Stephen, the first martyr, was stoned to death, he consented, and the witnesses laid down their clothes at his feet. He was a blasphemer, a persecutor and injurious. At the same time he profited in his own religion, and so far as he knew, he kept the commandments of God. He was self-righteous and hated the gospel of the grace of God, which is always the case with those who are endeavoring to please God by their own goodness and works (Acts, chs. 7, 9, 26; Gal. 1:13, 14; 1 Tim. 1:13). What caused the change in his life? What caused the self-righteous Pharisee, who loved his religion and hated the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and all who belonged to Him, to turn about?

He saw himself in the presence of God!

He found he was a sinner! His own works could not save him. The only way of true blessing for any one is to find himself in the presence of God, just what he is -a lost, helpless, hell-deserving sinner-then to confess his sins in true repentance and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He who does that finds forgiveness of sins, new birth, eternal life, an inheritance in heaven, everlasting security in God our Saviour and a blessed hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" (1 Tim. 1:15). Now Paul bowed at the blessed feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with other saints owned Him as his Lord and his God. With Mary, the mother of Jesus, Paul owned Him as "God my Saviour" (Luke 1:47). With Thomas, he could say, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). To Titus he could write of Him as "God our Saviour" (Titus 2:10,13), and to the Philippians of Him who, subsisting in the form of God, thought it not a thing to be grasped it to be equal with God, but humbled Himself to the death of the cross, that He might save us. Now the One whom he hated, Paul delights to own as his God and Saviour, commanding his life, and through all his trials his eye is fixed upon the Lord Jesus Christ our Hope. Amid all the darkness and despair of these trying days, is the Lord Jesus Christ your Hope? Not some creed or religious profession. Not some dream of world improvement. Not some hope in the betterment of men. But the one bright star of cheering ray, shining out in this world's midnight darkness is,

The Lord Jesus Christ-Our Hope

And He is a living Hope. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively [living] hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pet. 1:3). Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He was buried, but He arose again the third day, according to the Scriptures, for our justification; and now sits at the right hand of God, where He ever liveth to make intercession for us, and from whence He shall come to receive us unto Himself, that where He is, we may be also.

This is what differentiates Christianity from every religion in the world. Every other religion is but a system of dead works, or of moral teachings and philosophies, propounded by a teacher who is now dead. Christianity is a vital relationship with a living Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, on the throne of God. We have a living hope because the Lord Jesus laid down His life for us on the cross, and after completing the work of our redemption, took it up again, now no more to die. All who believe on Him are united to our Living Head, in everlasting relationship. "Because I live," He says, "ye shall live also" (John 14:19). The living Lord Jesus, on the throne of God, is the evidence that our sins, which were laid on Him, are forever put away and that the life we have in Him is everlasting.

Then our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ is not only a living hope, but it is sure and steadfast, for it rests not upon some failing foundation on earth, but its foundation is within the veil, even in heaven itself, whither the Lord Jesus has entered for us, and so we have this Hope as an anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:17-20). Things on earth change, decay and pass away. The things in heaven are eternal, where our Forerunner is for us. We see the Lord Jesus, who went to the cross to bear our sins and God's judgment due to us, crowned with glory and honor and seated on the throne of God. There is our security. There is our peace. There is our hope.

And seeing our Forerunner there, we understand His words in John 5:23:"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come unto judgment; but is passed from death unto life." And seeing Him on the throne of God, enables us also to realize the force of His other word in John 10:27-30:"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me:and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand, I and My Father are one,"

The Lord Jesus Christ within the veil is our sure and steadfast anchor, the Hope of our soul. He is not only our living Hope, our sure and steadfast Hope, but also the blessed Hope. The living Christ has gone before us into the glory-but we look for Him to come again and take us to be with Himself there. Blessed hope!

"The grace of God which bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world; looking for that

BLESSED HOPE,

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:11-14). It is for His coming glory we look. It is for His coming we wait. It is Himself who is our Blessed Hope. We do not look for death. We look for Him. Amid the darkness and distress all about us, shines forth the bright beams of the Morning Star-the blessed Hope of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to take us to be with Himself in the glory for ever.

We turned to God to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven. And He may come today. "Perhaps today" the sorrows and trials and pains and disappointments and failures and sins of our pilgrimage way, may be ended by His awakening shout as He calls the sleeping saints from their graves and takes us all up instantly to meet Him in the air (1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52). Then we shall be forever with Him and like Him (1 John 3:2,3). In solemn contrast to the living, sure and blessed hope of the child of God, who is saved by faith in Christ, is the awful condition of those who will not trust Him. Eph. 2:2 tells us, "At that time ye were without Christ -having no hope, and without God in the world." Solemn word of God! All who are without Christ as their Saviour, are without hope, without God!

May we be faithful and earnest in pointing men to the only Saviour and hope, while we await His coming, the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ-our Hope! F. L. French

(Rev. 19:10)

The word "spirit" as used in this statement relates to what is the vital feature, the essential characteristic of Prophecy, that without which, as James says of the body without the spirit, it would be dead. So that which gives Prophecy vitality, so to speak, which makes it living, as does the spirit inhabiting the human body, is what is here called "the testimony of Jesus." This expression means the testimony borne to Jesus-a testimony rendered by the Holy Spirit, speaking and writing through chosen vessels as, for example, the holy men of old of whom Peter speaks (2 Pet. 1:21). This testimony is the substance and essence of Prophecy, its spirit, its breath of life.

The Holy Spirit who communicated prophecy to those used to speak or write it as now found in the Holy Scriptures, is spoken of as the Spirit of Christ in the prophets of old, who thus testified before of the sufferings of Christ, and the glories after these (1 Pet. 1:11, New Trans.).

Now because this testimony proceeds directly from God, in fact, He first spoke prophetically of Jesus (Gen. 3:IS), homage is to be rendered to God alone, and not even to an angel, though used as in John's case to communicate in vision "the true words of God" (Rev. 19:9).

Briefly, then, let us outline the way this testimony of Jesus is essential to the whole of Prophecy.

Heaven and earth are the two great spheres with which the purposes of God are concerned. In relation to these spheres, and in them, Christ is to be manifested in absolute preeminence-Head over all things. The mystery of God's will is that of heading up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth (Eph. 1:10). Christ is the established Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2).

Speaking in a general way the things of these two spheres occupy the two major parts of Scripture. The Old Testament treats of the earth and God's plans regarding it. Hence Israel is the prominent subject of its history and prophecy. The New Testament, while amply showing that the purposes and promises of God revealed in the Old Testament are to be literally fulfilled, introduces us to heaven into which the world-rejected Christ has entered, sitting on His Father's throne until His enemies are made the footstool of His feet and He takes His own throne. In His heavenly relations and the kingdom-glory, Christ is to have a body of redeemed people in most intimate association with Himself. This body is called "the fulness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:23). It is the Church now being formed by the operations of the Holy Spirit, commenced at Pentecost. This mystery of Christ and the Church is the great feature of Paul's ministry. Hence the prominent subject in the New Testament is the Church, the Body of Christ, of which He is the Head in heaven. Its calling, testimony, relations, and destiny are all heavenly in character. Those of Israel are all earthly.

The book of Revelation unfolds the glorious supremacy of Christ in both of these spheres in which all things are to be headed up in Him as God's anointed Man-the Seed of the woman, the Seed of Abraham, the Seed of David, the King of Psalm 2, the Son of Man of Ps. 8, the Branch, the Chief Corner Stone, the Judge of Israel, and the Sun of Righteousness; the Child born and the Son given upon whose shoulder the government shall rest, whose name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace; Head over all principality and power, all being made subject to Him in both the heavenly and earthly spheres.

The Father has delivered all things into His hands, He possesses all power in heaven and on earth.

He is the Firstborn from among the dead, Second Man and Last Adam, Head of the New Creation which ever abides according to the perfection of its glorious Head, all the things of which, when finally established, shall be found new, even in fullest agreement with His character and glory.

He is Firstborn among many brethren (the whole redeemed company), and He is Head of the Body, the Church, He has the first place in all things.

He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, of all divine revelation, of all divine purpose, and of all glory.

He is presented to us from beginning to end of the Holy Scriptures, so that He bears immediate relation to both the earthly and heavenly things revealed in them.

Let us now consider some of the leading features of this revelation. God's purpose stands disclosed to us first of all in the promise of the woman's Seed (Gen. 3). He is to bruise the head of the serpent. This means the complete overthrow of all Satan's plans and works. It involves the judgment of the whole world-system of which he is god and prince, in both its natural and spiritual aspects. Both wicked men and wicked spirits are involved. It means the deliverance of creation from the bondage of corruption with which it has been enthralled by Satan as a serpent coils around its prey. Creation will be brought into the liberty of the glory of the children of God (Rom. 8:21). Toward this consummation God's plans and works have ever moved forward through all the changeful centuries of human history.

In due time with this object in view after the utter ruin of fallen man had been manifested in his development both before the flood and after, and when idolatry, back of which is spiritual wickedness (1 Cor. 10:20), had engulfed the race, God called Abram out of all his associations in this world to be the depository of unconditional promises of blessing which would come to fulfilment in his Seed. These promises have to do with all nations, with his own descendants who are to be a great nation, with the land of Canaan given to him and his seed in solemn covenant. His seed is to be as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore and shall be completely victorious, possessing the enemy's gate, while in that Seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. Paul tells us that Seed is Christ (Gal. 3:16) while we know that the great nation out of Abraham's loins is Israel, "of whom, as according to flesh is the Christ" (Rom. 9:5). So Christ is the Seed of Abraham (Matt. 1:1). Here we can see that the promises embrace those two great spheres first mentioned-heaven and earth, and also victory over that great enemy who operates in both. That enemy hates Abraham's Seed, who is the same as the Seed of the woman, and opposes Him by every conceivable means. Satan also fights against his seed as found in Israel the great nation of earthly destiny, and also against that larger company of heavenly calling in which there is a present fulfilment of the promise of blessing to all nations through the gospel of grace (Gal. 3:8,9). The time is still future when on earth and through Abrahams great nation all other nations shall be blessed, in the kingdom of the Son of Man. He, being Abraham s Seed to whom the promises were confirmed, will bring m me reign of righteousness, peace, and prosperity of which Old Testament prophets and psalmists so often preach and sing.

Plainly all depends upon the Seed, first promised to Adam and Eve; then announced as coming through the family of Abraham, and pointed out as his Son, also David's Son, the Lion of Judah, the Son of Man, Heir of all things, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. God's purposes and promises as to the earth, Israel, and the land will be accomplished by Him.

BY ROGER B. EAMES

KARL BARTH. Last autumn Dr. Barnhouse, of Philadelphia, had an interview with Mr. Earth, the Swiss theologian, at his home in Zurich, asking him many questions as to his faith. Mr. Earth stated clearly his "belief in the eternal Sonship, the bodily resurrection, and the premillennial coming of Christ. He was also equally emphatic regarding the new birth of the sinner as the work in him of the Holy Spirit." "I do not wish to be classed," he said, "otherwise than as being a Bible Christian."

The interview made it clear that he is a genuine Christian and ones who is earnestly contending for the faith. Speaking of Hitler and the oppression of the Protestants, he said, "In this frightful catastrophe that has; occurred in Germany, the conservatives as well as the liberals have run with the Nazis.. .We are face to face with a vigorous paganism, strong and solid, and we are fighting for very life. What we 'are seeing today in Germany is the end of Christianity."

Until recently Dr. Barth held a professorship in the great German university of Bonn. In view of his attitude toward the Hitler regime it is not surprising to read in a recent number of Revelation the following:

"Karl Barth has been dismissed from his professorship, in the University of Bonn, by the Nazis, because of his antagonism to Hitler's attitude toward the church. It was Barth who gave vigor to the opposition from the very beginning. In his own pamphlet, a warning to the churches of Germany, Barth wrote last summer, 'My answer is simple:I say, No, to the spirit and the letter of this doctrine. It is a No that is absolute and without reservation. It is my opinion that this doctrine should have no place whatsoever within the evangelical church; that it would be the end of evangelical Christianity if this doctrine should triumph; that it would be better to see the church reduced to a mere fugitive group, retiring to the catacombs, than to abandon the struggle against such a doctrine; that all who accept such doctrine are either deceivers or deceived."

Here is evidently a man of God such as is rarely found among Theological Professors in these days; one who may be used of God in a preeminent way in his stand against the flood of evil. Let us remember him in our intercession.

The Catholics also oppose the "Nazi paganism," their representative being the Archbishop of Munich, upon whom Pope Pius has recently conferred the title of Papal Legate, which carries with it "diplomatic immunity from arrest."

THE BRAIN TRUST. "The Wirt charges of a 'brain trust' plot to overthrow the established order in America and eventually' replace President Roosevelt with a Stalin,'" by Dr. Wirt, Supt. of Schools in Gary, Indiana, aroused a demand for official investigation. Dr. Wirt has since appeared before a committee in Washington to verify his charges. It would appear that the present popularity of the Administration is such that it is impossible to halt the un-American course of political intrigue, and the doctor has become the butt of much ridicule and censure. He has faithfully discharged his responsibility in the matter and can now afford to hold his peace for the present. Time may reveal to an unsuspecting public that it would have been wiser to have listened to his warning voice. The devil is quite willing to have people believe that he does not exist. He can carry on his work more effectively. This appears to be the policy of those who are alleged to be secretly working to supplant the present! Government with Communism.

MUSSOLINI AND THE NEAR EAST. "When Premier Mussolini linked Italy, Hungary and Austria in a diplomatic and commercial pact at Rome, he… .fixed the political focus of all Europe on that ancient capital." The day following the signing of the tri-nation agreement the Premier outlined a sixty-year program of internal and external expansion, that in the twenty-first century should give Italy "the primacy of the world." He maintained that "her future lay in the east and the south, in Asia and Africa." Recently a Fascist newspaper carried a headline, "Is he after Palestine?" It would appear that Palestine is after him, if an open letter addressed to Mussolini by a Jewish Editor in Palestine is any indication. This Editor intimates that Britain has failed as a mandatory power and implores Mussolini to become the savior of the Jews in Palestine by obtaining the control and supervision for Italy.

It is not probable that Britain would willingly surrender the mandate to any. other power, as Palestine is the key to control of much of Asia and Africa. It would appear that she is in something of a dilemma in relation to it, owing to an earlier agreement with the Arabs which seems to conflict with pledges made to the Jews, and also the fear of offending the Arabs to the extent of stirring the Moslem world to revolt, which Britain cannot afford to risk because of her already precarious hold on India, so that it seems evident that Palestine has become to her a "burdensome stone."

GERMAN JEWS. It is reported that "Some 50,000 Jews have left Germany as refugees since the persecutions began there, and these are living wretched lives' as nomads on the borderlands in all directions out of Germany. Every effort is being made to secure from the British Government special permission for the greater part of these Jews to be allowed to enter Palestine shortly, but the outcome is doubtful, as there is fear that such an inflow of Jews ai. this time would cause trouble, possibly violence, on the part of the Arabs, and would also present the problem of providing livelihood for so many."

The above furnishes another reason why Italy might handle the situation more ably than Britain, as the former would be free to pursue a more vigorous policy with the Arabs-a policy which must eventually be adopted by the ruling power.

RUSSIA AND JAPAN continue to increase their armies in their respective areas to the east of Lake Baikal. This great body of fresh water, stretching from north-east to south-west, is 386 miles long, and from 9 to 50 miles wide. It is surrounded by mountains/ and forms a natural barrier between eastern and western Siberia. At the time of the Russo-Japanese conflict, thirty years ago, all supplies for the Russian forces had to cross the lake either by ferry or on the ice. Since then the Trans-Siberian Railway has been completed around the southern end of the lake.

The reported plan of the Japanese high command is to cut the Russian lines here, which would "shorten her military boundary on Russia from 2,000 to 300 miles, and gain the wheat valleys and fishing waters of Pacific Siberia. Her forces are in position to strike at the little area south of the lake through which Russia's only artery, the Trans-Siberian Railway, passes." In the event of war Japan expects aid from the "White Russians," and other elements in Russia who are groaning under the present regime. It is reported that a secret alliance has been formed between Japan and Germany.

"THE WHITE MAN’S EXIT" is the title of an article in "Scribner's" in which the writer depicts the rule of the white man in Asia as near its terminus. It relates the success of Japanese goods in capturing the markets of India and other Asiatic countries, and foresees the defeat of every effort of Britain and other European nations to retain their control in these countries. It is doubtless consistent with the teaching of the prophetic Word that the Asiatic nations should regain their freedom from white domination and fill their place in the end-time drama as the "Kings of the East."

ASSYRIANS. Of passing interest is the report that a committee of. the League of Nations has been searching for a suitable home for Iraq's discontented and unwanted minority of some 60,000 Assyrian Christians- the neighboring countries are all Moslem. It seems inevitable that the Assyrians should be removed to another part of the world altogether. Brazil offers to accept the whole community at a rate of 500 families a month if they show an aptitude for agriculture. The Parana Plantations Company, on whose land it is proposed to establish them, would provide tools, seeds, and other things necessary to make a start. The Iraq Government would welcome their departure. Their destitute condition has come to the notice of the League since the massacre of many last, summer.

(Isa.32:1)

Earth soon shall have a reigning King
Who shall to it rich blessing bring;
He'll rule with power and righteousness,
And banish all man's wickedness.

He'll make the desert bloom and sing,
And take away the serpent's sting;
He'll make the lion feed on straw-
Its thirst for blood He shall withdraw.

He'll lift the curse from off the earth,
And bring about its second birth;
Hell banish Satan from his throne,
And take earth's kingdoms as His own.

Now, heavenly glory crowns His brow,
Then, earth before His throne shall bow;
As all up there before Him fall,
So earth shall crown Him Lord of all.

All creatures-whether foe or friend-
Submissive to His will shall bend;
His ruling power shall reach as far
As space admits, or shines a star.

Oh, come, Thou mighty "King of Peace,"
And bid earth's woes and sorrows cease!
The universe has none but Thee
To lift the curse, and set earth free!

Come down, O Lord, and renovate,
And bring about that glorious state,
That prophets echoed in our ears
Should come within the roll of years.

While Thou art gone the demons strive
In league with man to make sin thrive,
Sin spreads and grows in every form,
And wilder roars the devil's storm.

Oh, come, and speak Thy "Peace be still!"
Creation then shall do Thy will:
The suffering world, th' "exiled race,"
Must groan till Thou dost take Thy place.

Thy saints, Lord, too, are sore distressed,
And long for Thine own hallowed rest.
Come, Lord, and take Thy crown and throne,
And reign supreme o'er every zone.

We gaze, O Lord, with anxious eyes
Into those deep and silent skies;
We know from yonder radiant dome
Thou soon wilt come to waft us home.

We long, O Lord, Thy face to see,
And find our endless joys with Thee-
Grant us with fervent love to wait
Until we pass the "rapture" gate.

C. C. Crowston

In 1 Samuel 4 we read of the Philistines conquering Israel and taking away the ark of the covenant. The Israelites in despair had said, "Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto us, that when it comes among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies." So they brought the ark into the battlefield. But they were defeated, nevertheless.

Some 300 years previously the ark had gone before the Israelites into the waters of Jordan, -and the waters had fled, and let them over dryshod. Then soon after the ark was likewise effectual in the destruction of Jericho. But now circumstances were different. Notice the word "it" in the cry of the Israelites-"that it may save us." Jehovah was not vividly before them, they had departed from Him, and were serving Baal and Ashtaroth, and now they expect that the ark of Jehovah, whom they have forgotten, will have magic power to deliver them. But it proved to be nothing but a gilded wooden box. Even its mercy-seat of gold, with the cherubim, was powerless. The cherubim were but lifeless images. "Ichabod" (the glory is departed) was on the ark, even before the Philistines took it. It had no power in itself, no more than Moses' serpent of brass, which at one time was a symbol of salvation, and later nothing but "a piece of brass" (Num. 21:2 Kings 18:4, margin).

God requires reality. When our Lord said, "God is spirit, and they who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth," He was declaring truth that men should have known and acted upon from the beginning. Ordinances, sacrifices and typical things were ordained to be representations of spiritual realities, but when they came to be regarded as something more than shadows, as having value in themselves, and people imagined they could appease God with such things, so that He would be tolerant toward their persistence in transgression, then such things became to Him abomination like unto abominations of the heathen (Deut. 10:16; 30:6; 1 Sam. 15:22; Isa. 1:11-17; Jer. 4:4; Rom. 2:25-29; Acts 7:51; Phil. 3:3; Ps. 40:6-8; Heb. 10:5-9).

There are mysteries in truth, but no magic. A mystery is something which invites attention and inquiry, such as the mysteries of gravitation and electricity, and in the higher realm, the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, etc. But magic fosters credulity. Magic belongs to the realm of darkness. It characterizes false religion, false Christianity included. It is found too in false science-for example, evolution and relativity-much that goes under these terms is nothing but magic. False religion allows man to go on in sin while making a show of devotion by ritual, ordinances and sacrifices.

Even with the two ordinances appointed by the Lord Jesus, water-baptism and the breaking of bread,-the valuation of these in man's mind may become magical rather than spiritual, even on the part of Christians who are not given to ritualism. There may be the setting of value upon the performance of the ordinance itself (as is the case with ritualists), instead of the realization that the ordinance is but a symbol appointed for expressing the faith of the heart, to be confirmed by the works of the life.

Now, to return to the subject of the ark. Another change occurs, circumstances again differ. The Philistines at first had feared when they heard that the ark was come into the camp of Israel (1 Sam. 4:6-8); but having defeated the Israelites they are encouraged, and bring the ark into the house of their god, under the impression that their Dagon had proven to be as great or greater than Jehovah of Israel. However, the bringing of the ark into the house of Dagon by the Philistines was quite a different matter from the bringing of the ark into the battle by the Israelites. Jehovah had rebuked the idolatry of the Israelites by not manifesting Himself in connection with the ark, because they were trusting in the ark and not in Him. Now by action the very opposite He rebukes the idolatry of the Philistines. To the Philistines the ark represents Jehovah, a Jehovah who is no more powerful after all than Dagon. So Jehovah manifests Himself, and Dagon falls twice, the second time more disastrous than the first (Read 1 Samuel 5, and see comment in The Numerical Bible).

There is something" similar in more recent history. In Japan, in the 17th century, persecution broke out against Christians. Many Romanist converts suffered torture and death rather than trample on a cross or on a picture of Christ, as they were commanded to do. Though such symbols were to a large extent magical charms, the paraphernalia of Christianized idolatry, yet by the circumstance that enemies took these symbols as evidence of Christian faith, we may believe that the attitude of these martyrs towards such symbols at such a time, did give evidence that out from all the superstition and idolatry, there was shown real faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour.

So in the spiritual realm also, circumstances alter cases.

-E. B. Craig.
"BE STILL AND LET GOD MOULD THEE"

(Read all Scripture references)

I muse on the work of Thy hands," the Psalmist said (Ps. 143:5), and so may we, as we consider Isa.48:13,"My hand.. .laid the foundation of the earth…. spanned the heavens" (repeated in Isa. 45:12; Ps. 102:25; Heb. 1:10), "made me.. .fashioned me. . .give me understanding" (Ps. 119:73; Isa. 64:8), the "government in His hand" (Isa. 22:21) and, "All things given into His hands" (John 13:3; 3:35). The hand that opens to "satisfy the desire of every living thing" (Ps. 145:16) possesses "power and might" (2 Chron. 20:6), and "is not shortened that it cannot save" (Isa. 59:1). But a more glorious contemplation engages us as we think oi the One who "sitteth at the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1; Rom. 8:34; Acts 5:31), who draws near as Man to man saying, "My hand shall not be heavy upon thee…I also am formed out of the clay" (Job 33:7). This surely appeals to our hearts as we link with it His words, "Behold My hands" (John 20:27), showing to us the nail-prints (John 20:20; Luke 24:40). Just such a sight will yet cause even Israel, now in unbelief, to own their blest Messiah, as wonderingly they say, "What are these wounds in Thy hands?" (Zech. 13:6). They will then see and believe, but now those who believe though not seeing have deeper joy and a richer portion in glory, even now possessing the confidence that "no one" shall pluck away from His dear hand the sheep, once lost, but sought and found by Him (John 10:28).

"In the shadow of His hand hath He hid me" (Isa. 49:2), and even though, if need be, His "hand presseth me sore" (Ps. 38:2), the exercised soul declares, "It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good" (1 Sam. 3:18). To "hear the rod and who hath appointed it" (Mic. 6:9) leads the soul to happily adopt the language of 2 Cor. 12:7-10, rejoicing because "grace sufficient" turns the sharpness of the "thorn" into such "perfecting" as enables the spirit to rise above the soreness, singing,

"The hand my many sins had pierced
Is now my guard and guide."

Three times over we are told "God shall wipe away all tears" (Isa. 5:8; Rev. 7:17; 21:4). Soon that tender, Divine hand will be gently laid on every tear-stained face and all the sorrows of the way home be exchanged for the gladness of His presence.

The blessing pronounced, as with lifted hands He ascended from earth's sad scenes to heaven's glorious throne (Luke 24:50), we possess; and from thence "at Thy right hand, pleasures for evermore" (Ps. 16:11) are drawn by faith to gladden our souls and quicken pilgrim steps. Knowing that "Our times are in Thy hand" (Ps. 31:15), "All saints in Thy hands" (Deut. 33:3), and that the "skilfulness of His hands" (Ps. 78:72) ensures the God-ordained glorious finish', we join with the faithful of Ezra's day, and realize the blest reality of commencing and ending too, with "the good hand of the Lord upon us" (Ezra 7:9); while, "in the way" (Ezra 8:22, 31); the enemy is overcome by the same "good hand," and timely help is ministered. So, encouraged by knowing that our names are "engraved on the palms of His hands" (Isa. 49:16), and that His heart of love proposes that in ecstasy of delight we may say, "His right hand doth embrace me" (Cant. 2:6), the glorious coming sight may be anticipated, "On Thy right hand…the Queen" (Ps. 45:9). Blest consummation for our Lord and His redeemed!

Read for further joy of heart Ezek. 33:22; 1:3; 3:14, 22; .8:1; 37:1; and 40:1. We thus conclude, surely, "the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand" (Isa. 53:10), singing, in anticipation,

"I'll bless the hand that guided,
I'll bless the heart that planned,
When throned where glory dwelleth
In Immanuel's land."

E. J. Checkley

"His Name's Sake"

What"s in a name, anyway?" The remark is sometimes thrown out when an explanation is offered concerning some name that may be difficult to spell or pronounce. It is too readily taken for granted that the answer to the question is simply, "No importance at all!"But this can scarcely be true. Solomon by inspiration has told us that "a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" (Prov. 22:1). Bible names always have significant meanings and very often these afford valuable clues as to characters themselves.

Above all in importance is, of course, the Name of our Lord. Scripture abounds with precious teaching concerning the significance of His Name and titles. First of all every believer is

SAVED

or "forgiven for His Name's sake" (1 John 2:12). This passage in 1 John is like a little love-letter to each young Christian. First, there is the salutation-"My little children." Then comes the introduction-"I write unto you." But how important is the content of the letter- "Your sins are forgiven you!" And the signature follows-"For His Name's sake."

I trust that every reader has personally received this letter from the Lord.

Then, in the third epistle of John (ver. 7), we read of some who

SERVED

"for His Name's sake." These men, having been forgiven, had launched out in full dependence on the Lord for every supply to tell out the story of grace. No board, committee or council, had authorized them; their marching orders had come from the Head of the Church. He had equipped them, and so out they went bearing precious Seed. Nor did they rely for support on the world; they took "nothing of the Gentiles." Their Lord, for whose Name they had gone forth, had received nothing from the world save a borrowed cradle at the beginning and a borrowed grave at the end, and to Him alone they would look for the meeting of every need.

One of the great needs of the hour is for concentrated, Spirit-filled young men who are willing to sacrifice for the Gospel's sake, and lean upon God for each arising requirement. Does it not woefully weaken the dignity of the message when the professed messenger of a rejected Jesus solicits help from His enemies to support His work! Let us get back to apostolic methods, and then we may expect apostolic results; "for the sake of the Name they went forth taking nothing of the Gentiles."

But if salvation and service are connected with His Name so also is suffering. In Matt. 24:9 we read of some who

SUFFERED

"Ye shall be hated of all nations for my Name's sake." As sinners we are forgiven, as servants we serve, and as disciples we suffer-and all for the worth of the peerless Name He bears.

The more we confess its sweetness the more we shall suffer. The world detests it, and even religious people prefer to speak of the "Man of Nazareth," "the Carpenter," and "the Master," rather than give Him His full appellation, the Lord Jesus Christ.

O young believer, His Name has been put upon us- the Name that fills the Glory-Land with fragrance. Let us speak of it, sing of it, and boast of it increasingly till He come! -C. Ernest Tatham.

It may be of interest to consider the conditions under which Enoch walked with God. His day was one of measureless wickedness. The earth was filled with violence and lawlessness. In short, Enoch's day was not unlike our own. Murder was not a capital offence. It was not until God established a covenant with Noah on the cleansed earth that man's blood was to be required by man of the murderer. Whenever murder goes unchallenged and man fails in government God's government comes into evidence in a marked way. For a number of years before the great war, civilization was becoming squeamish on the question of execution. France had abolished the capital sentence, even as she disclaimed belief in the existence of God. Murder, however, became so frequent that the guillotine had to be re-instated. Belgium failed to bring to book the authors of the Congo atrocities. Swift judgment fell on Belgium and France. It was then no Paradise in which Enoch obtained the
witness that he was well-pleasing to God. Moreover, he did not drift with the current of the times. The Apostle Jude tells us that he warned his contemporaries that lawlessness was not always to go unpunished that the Lord was coming with myriads of His saints to execute judgment on the ungodly.

Evidently, then, this simple Mesopotamian pastoralist was no hermit. He faithfully discharged his responsibility in the scene with which he had no fellowship. As in the case of Elijah, his acquaintances did not believe that he had ascended to heaven, and they sought for him in vain. The Epistle to the Hebrews tells us that he was not found, and this may well imply that a search had been made.

Unlike Elijah, however, no details are given of the translation of Enoch. We may think of Enoch as typifying the man in Christ, and it would have been inconsistent with this character to enter into details about his translation. The Apostle Paul speaks of a man in Christ being caught up into the third heaven. He could not say whether he was in or out of the body. Indeed, such a qualification was of no consequence. Paul was not dealing with the responsible life down here which relates to the body, but to the new life in Christ Jesus, and hence ' being in the body, or out of the body was immaterial to the man in Christ. It is therefore only in the Christ-life we can walk with God. The flesh-life, even apart from sin, is hopelessly lame in that walk.

Though there was a physical discontinuity involved in Enoch's translation, there was no moral break. He continued to walk with God.

Dispensationally then, Enoch gives us a type of the man in Christ. In this era of God's super-abounding grace the Christian calling is heavenly. He is called to walk with God. The New Testament teaching is beautifully summed up in that sentence in the Epistle to the Philippians, "Our conversation is in heaven." The word politeuma, translated "conversation," literally means politics or citizenship. Our politics, the engrossing theme of our life, is there, so our translators very aptly rendered the word "conversation," because it is a man's politics, local or national, which absorb the major part of his conversation. A man's heart is where his treasure is.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Enoch's history is its brevity. It is summed up in that brief statement, "He walked with God, and he was not." That should not surprise anyone, for the man in Christ has his place and portion in the heavenlies, and the Christian who walks in the power of heavenly things will not be making history according to the standards of this world. Though one of those of whom the world is not worthy, he will be accounted as sheep for the slaughter-in fact, as one who is crucified as far as the world is concerned-but he, in the reckoning of faith, will account the world to be that in the power of the cross, and so be an overcomer while he is in it, walking with God, and soon not to be found, for he will be taken to his own country at the hour of translation. Blessed hope!

Till that hour comes, we are called to walk the path of . individual separation so admirably set forth in the case of Enoch, and to exhibit not the pride of life but the mind of Christ, both in the assembly and in the world through which we are passing as pilgrims and strangers.
T. Oliver (Galashiels)

The first grand and capital point is to have the end and design of God clearly and settledly in mind, so that it should be constantly before us as the key and test of all. For "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation.. .but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." The divine glory is ever the end of all things; but I speak now of the effect of divine counsels in which God glorifies Himself. Now this is altogether in Christ, known in the various glories in which He is revealed. In the Church the office of the Holy Ghost, who moved the holy men of old, is to take the things of Christ and show them to us. Hence, though Jerusalem, or Israel, or even the Church, may be that in connection with which Christ may be glorified, it is only as connected with Him that they acquire this importance. So of the word even of the Old Testament Scriptures:they are all to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. On the other hand, as it is evident that this alone gives, to whatsoever subject may be mentioned, its true and just importance, so, if Jerusalem is connected with Christ, with His affections and glory, Jerusalem becomes important; and I get in its connection with Christ, so far as I understand His glory, the key to interpret all that is said of it. It has, in the mind of God, its development in connection with the manifestation of His glory.

There may have been in the times of Israel certain manifestations of the governmental dealings of God, important for their faith and subjection to God by the way, which were partial accomplishments of such or such a prophecy. But these, though true, and though research may discover them, are in a certain sense, comparatively lost now in the sum of the whole scheme of all which closes in Christ. It may be interesting and instructive historically, as regards God's dealings, to observe them in their place, but they become history- important, interesting history-not prophecy, for us.

The first point, then, important to understand is, that neither the Church, nor Jerusalem, nor the Gentiles, are in themselves the objects of Prophecy, still less Nineveh, or Babylon, or the like, but Christ. But this is what give us the true scope and intelligence of the real importance and place of each subject; namely, as Christ is to be the center in which all things in heaven and earth are to be united, various subjects become the sphere of His glory, as connected with Him, and each subject is set in its place in its connection with Him, and by this connection I get the means of understanding what is said about it. Thus, if the Church is the Lamb's wife, it is in this character and in this relationship I must apprehend what regards it. If Jerusalem is the city of the great King, it is in this that I shall get the key to the dealings of God with it. If the saints are to live and reign with Christ, and to be kings and priests unto God and His Father, here I shall find the intelligence of what concerns them in this character:not united with the Bridegroom, but associated with the King and Priest. And so of the rest.

Not only is this the only way of understanding Prophecy as to the objects of it, but, the affections being right, the understanding is clear-the eye is single and the body full of light. I see with God in the matter, for He regards Christ; and thus Prophecy becomes sanctifying, not speculative, because what it teaches becomes a part of Christ's glory for the soul. The importance of this cannot be well over-rated. I ought not to have to persuade Christians of the truth of this; I gladly would of its importance. This, however, is the work of God. Objectively, I may cite Eph. 1:9-11 as stating this great truth. J. N. Darby

UNITED STATES

SCHENECTADY, N.Y., March 29.-Brother L. T. Chambers is bringing to a close a series of lectures on the Tabernacle, illustrated with his beautiful model. The lectures began on March 18, and have gone on every night but Saturday. There has been deep interest shown, some coming every night from considerable distances. Attendance has been encouraging, varying from about SO to well over 100. We are praying that the stirring and instructive ministry our brother gave may be the means of drawing all who heard it nearer to the Lord Jesus and to one another.-S. W. Mauger.

Leaving Oakland, Feb. 17, E. B. Craig spent two weeks in Salinas. The little company there much appreciated his ministry. He also worked among the Japanese in that city, distributing tracts, giving the gospel message to individuals, at cottage meetings and at Japanese Sunday Schools. At Santa Barbara he met brother E. K. Bailey on a trip south in his gospel car, and after meetings there in English and Japanese, traveled with him to Los Angeles. Brother Craig visited South Alhambra,
Monterey Park, Venice, Riverside, and Redlands, and is now in" the Imperial Valley.

During February and March, H. S. McNair labored in Contra Costa County, Calif., holding meetings at Clayton and Pacheco, and distributing tracts. Brothers Slater and Lee, with a number of sisters, aided in these meetings and tract work.

RICHMOND, CALIF.-Brother Geo. Raust from Denver, Colo., had two weeks' meetings, using his Chart of the Ages. This was followed by a week's meetings for! children which met with good response.

RIVERSIDE, CALIF., April 2.-I came here for the conference, after two weeks in San Diego. Meetings there, though not largely attended, were marked by a nice interest and the Lord's blessing. The conference here on Easter Day was largely attended. Some 360 remembered the Lord. Shortly, I hope to begin meetings in Alhambra.-T. W. Carroll.

MUSKEGON, MICH., April 12.-In Feb. and March I spent some six weeks in Detroit ministering the Word in several assemblies and visiting, in the homes of many of the saints. Their kind and hospitable fellowship was very refreshing, and I trust the spiritual things ministered among them will bear fruit to the praise of His name. Detroit presents a large field where there is great need for both gospel and pastoral ministry.

During this month I am in Muskegon, having meetings in the Gospel Hall three nights each week, teaching dispensational truths with the aid of a Chart. May the Lord richly bless and encourage in every place all His servants who labor for Him.-O. J. Hommes.

MIAMI, FLA., April 13th.-We have just concluded two weeks' special gospel meetings here. The brethren advertised them extensively! and we were encouraged by the excellent response in attendance and interest manifested. The Lord gave much liberty in the ministry of the gospel. Souls were exercised, the saints refreshed and stirred, and we do trust and pray that fruit will follow. I go from here to Tampa and Zephyrhills for a couple of weeks to visit the little companies in these places who are seeking to go on in fellowship and testimony for the Lord.

We purpose to make our home in Miami when school closes for the summer. At present the family is in Key West.-August Van Ryn.

POTTSTOWN, PA., April 10.-Young People's meetings for the study of the Word, long held here, have been revived. We held the first, March 31st, and another the following Friday. The purpose is to continue these, holding them on the last Friday of each month, and the plan is to study the books of the Bible. In the past, subjects or special questions of interest were taken up. We covet the prayers of the Lord's people for this work.-G. W. Coombs.

CANADA

BLACK CAPE. QUE.-Two days' meetings were held at Cullen's Brook, Que., over the Easter Lord's Day and Monday. Such a gathering has not been held there for ten years and it was a cheer to see the revival of interest. Goodly numbers were present from near-by assemblies. The Lord gave a refreshing season. Brethren Campbell, Belch, and the writer ministered the Word.

At present I am at Cascapedia, having a series of special meetings.-S. Stewart.

TORONTO, ONT.-Brother L. T. Chambers, of Pembroke, N. C., is giving addresses on the Tabernacle, using a very fine model. He writes of encouragement and blessing in each place visited. He is now in Toronto, Ont., at the Westmoreland Gospel Hall. On Lord's Day evenings the hall has been filled to capacity, and during the week there is also a good attendance.

At the East End meeting, Toronto, our brother reports that many have been saved recently, and that he is finding it his happy privilege to help establish these in their most holy faith.

NEW RICHMOND STATION, QUE., April 10.-Brother H. L. Campbell writes of ministering the Word in five different places! during the past; month. The Lord used His Word to the help of His people. On his return he shared in the ministry at the Easter Conference at Cullen's Brook." He says it was a very happy season of fellowship and spiritual blessing.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS.-Here the saints have had a spiritual uplift at the Conference held on April 8th. The fellowship of the saints, and the ministry of the Word afforded refreshment and edification. God also blessed the Gospel messages given. Those helping in the ministry of the Word were Brothers Bertram, Nottage Brothers, W. Farrington, T. Thompson and the writer.

It is on my heart to visit the South of Andros, a truly needy field, and with this in view I desire the prayers of the saints.-R. Jewers.