The epistles to Timothy are of the greatest importance to us at the present time. In the first place, they are to an individual, and so have their true force to the individual as such. It is what our individual path should be in the times referred to in them.

These two letters anticipate the day of apostasy- the end of Christianity-and what the still faithful Christian should be and do at such a time. They are a declaration of God's mind for the individual at such a time. In the first place, Timothy is exhorted to "abide still at Ephesus." Ephesus was the church of first love. It did not retain it, and so various evils were coming in, and called for the apostle's special concern, and Timothy's continued labor. It is only in the warmth of first love that our walk will be in power and joy. and true testimony.

Then he is to beware of questions that do not edify; to keep in the liberty of Christ; for there are some who would be law-teachers, and who, as is always the case with such, "understand neither what they say nor whereof they affirm." Then there must be holding faith and a good conscience; a right attitude towards dignitaries at a time when lawless-ness is prevalent; then sobriety; he must beware of the love of money, which is a root of every evil; "they that will be rich" are a proof of that-he must flee such things; then the '' great house," and his responsibility therein; then the apostasy, but its control by God-"they shall proceed no further." And lastly, he is to turn away from all who do not love sound doctrine, and to be faithful, that he may win the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give at that day to all who love His appearing.

But with the waxing worse and worse of seducers,:and the abounding of evil, and confusion, there is yet one thing that keeps the heart fresh and at the same time brings out the grace of God in all its beauty and long-suffering and patience:"Do the work of an evangelist." Blessed be God, though man goes from bad to worse, God's heart still goes out to the sinner. How apt we are to think that this is the very time when gospel work would be dropped. But no! Do the work of an evangelist, Paul, by the Spirit, says. Oh, may our hearts go out to the unsaved! and burn with earnestness to see the good news proclaimed till Jesus comes. "O Timothy, keep, by the Holy Ghost, that which is committed to thy trust." Amen. F. H. J.