The commandment of the Lord that "women keep silence in the churches" (1 Cor. 14:34) has been the subject of much study, of discussion and debate. Yet, occasionally, a remark from a sister indicates that she does not understand the reason, and that there remains a more or less subdued protest in her mind to what she instinctively feels to be an assignment to a place of inferiority. Why is this? Because she does not perceive the purpose of the love that ordained the commandment.

Man, in the assembly, unquestionably occupies an important place:if he speaks, he is to speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11); he is thus to represent CHRIST- both in the gospel and all public ministry, especially in the midst of the assembly; it is a ministry characteristically of the mind or spirit.

If the man is a type of Christ in the assembly, the woman is a type of the BRIDE of Christ. The Bride is silent in the presence of the Bridegroom, her Lord-listening to His voice, as is fitting, in silence! The response is in the love and worship to Him who loved her and gave Himself for her-the spontaneous and beautiful language that He understands and appreciates.

Is the woman's place, then, an inferior one? Not so. If the Lord has kept her from occupying the public position before man, it is to shut her in the more to that rich and precious ministry of the heart before Him; she is peculiarly representing His bride, whose blessed eternal occupation, or privilege, is primarily to glorify the Lord Jesus, "to show forth His excellencies." Which is of the highest value-service or worship? Which the gold, and which the silver? There is but one answer, to which Scripture uniformly witnesses.

Beloved sisters, the Lord has given you an exceedingly precious place and privilege. Service there is for you, surely, and abundantly. But that should not be the primary object of your life. That was Martha's error; she was "cumbered about much serving" (Luke 10:40), and was rather reproved than commended. Mary illustrates the more approved place, at His feet, beholding Him, listening to His words, communing with Him- could she do less than worship? Could she be less than blest even with the un-worded language of love? How refreshing this must have been to Him in the wilderness-life that He was treading, surrounded by the hatred of man spite of His love! So your worship is as fragrant incense to His heart, a little fruit from His vineyard for His own taste. Would you give Him joy? He has shown you what is His greatest appreciation.

The sister's place therefore, is one of highest privilege- occupation with the Lord of Life. The brother should also so be occupied if he would really serve-but there is a difference in appointment. This heart-occupation brings into fullest knowledge and fellowship with Christ (John 17:2). To be conformed to His glorious image is the prize of our high calling; and the Lord Himself has drawn the sister's path on earth in such a way that, it seems to me, she should reach the goal first. In eternity, we shall surely find as great a degree of glory conferred upon the obscure sister who has steadfastly traveled the appointed path with her Lord, as upon the brother who through the Holy Spirit's power has won a thousand souls to Christ. May sisters, and brothers too, strive for the prize of His approval. It is worth obtaining.

"Oh, to be nearer Thee, my Saviour;
Oh, to be filled with Thy sweet grace;
Oh, to abide in Thine own favor,
Oh, to behold Thy glorious face!"

R. P. H.