FOLLOWING THE DEVINE PLAN

We have been much impressed from time to time when reading letters from missionaries, to notice how the characteristics of the early Church have been duplicated over and over again in heathen lands where the gospel has been preached in simplicity and in dependence upon God, and where Scriptural order has been followed.

God has a plan for His people of this dispensation, just as He had in the past. When giving Moses instructions concerning the tabernacle He said, "See that thou make it according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount;" and today if God's approval and blessing are to be obtained our service should be in accordance with the pattern so clearly revealed in the New Testament Scriptures. The following remarks and extracts from missionaries' letters will show the blessing which is given when the Divine pattern is followed.

About nine years ago a few Christians, after much exercise and waiting upon the Lord for guidance, set out to preach the gospel in a far-off heathen land. They went forth for His Name's sake taking nothing from the Gentiles, after having first obtained the commendation and fellowship of their brethren.

On arrival at the place laid upon their hearts, houses had to be built, language and customs of the natives studied. Bricks were made for the foundations of the houses, and much prayer for the foundation of the work. In a letter we read:

"We are laying the foundations, and bricks are being made," etc.

"We are praying that the Lord will open up a work here."

"We long with you for the salvation of these people, and earnestly desire help in prayer."

Two years pass by, and then we read:

"We are putting in long hours, and have the satisfaction of seeing the work grow."

A few more months, and then we are told of the great joy felt when the first convert publicly confesses the Lord. Others follow, and we read:

"We have been much rejoiced to have five ask for baptism. The truth as to this was put to them in classes for Christians during the past few months, and we believe that these have asked to be baptized as a result of exercise. We trust that this is the earnest of what the Lord may be doing among these people."

Four months later we again read:

"Last Lord's Day it was our pleasure to baptize eight natives in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This was a very happy occasion for them all, and we are thankful to the Lord for those who shall be His throughout eternal day."

The good news continues almost month by month, and we frequently observe such statements as:

"There have been a number lately who have confessed Christ. Blessed be the Lord who alone doeth wondrous things."

"There has been increasing interest and attendance at our recent meetings, and several more have confessed the Lord."

The increasing number of con verts, makes the missionaries deeply conscious of their responsibility to guide and instruct. As in the early Church, this of necessity has to be almost entirely by oral ministry, for up to this time even the New Testament had not been completely translated into the native tongue. We read:

"We are seeking to bring believers into the full knowledge of the Lord's mind regarding gathering and ministry, also the relationship of Christ and His Church. May the Lord lead them on and reveal His mind to them and to us."

"Pray that the Christian women may come to see their place in the assembly and learn to rejoice in the Truth."

That prayer was answered is very evident, for it was net long before we read:

"We have been remembering the Lord with the native brethren, and it has been a happy occasion. A number gather, including three sisters."

Two more years pass by, during which time it might be said of the native Christians, "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers."

Soon it could also be said of them as of the Thessalonians, "For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord." Letters came to hand telling us that:

"Four young men have lately gone out into the Lord's work, preaching the gospel and teaching. We thank God for laying the work on their hearts and for giving them grace to go and do it."

"Interest grows fast and we only pray that His hand, His power, and His glory may be completely manifested; that, and that only."

"The Lord has heard prayer in turning several young men and women to Himself."

"The Lord's grace has been manifested lately in a further number being saved. Last Lord's Day twenty-three were baptized."

"We are setting before our native brethren the need of evangelization work at every opportunity."

"The work of the Holy Spirit is in evidence in thp hearts of the people on the station. Not a few are confessing Christ as their Saviour; some twenty persons confessed Him at a recent gospel service."

The need of and requests for prayer have been noticed in almost every letter, and now comes a special request for "gifts."

"We seek your prayers that the Lord will greatly edify and establish His saints here, and to this end may He raise up among them gifts whereby to strengthen them in the Lord."

"We expect to leave here and to be away for some time. Our native brethren are taking over the responsibility of the local assembly, school," etc.

How this reminds us of that passage in Philemon, "In time past… .unprofitable, but now profitable."

After a year's absence the missionaries return and find in answer to prayer, the saints going on happily, gifts developed, the gospel preached, and many led to the Lord.

Yet, too, as in the early Church, Satan has been busy; some have turned back to their old ways, and others have been enticed by the false doctrines of Rome. Prayer again is made and requested, and we read:

"The Lord is working here, as also is Satan."

"Will you please pray, as we do, that the dear people of the Lord here may be delivered from all their former superstitions and fears of witchcraft."

"Pray especially for His sheep; the Enemy seeks their spiritual downfall by every means."

"'Some who have fallen have confessed and been restored."

How true is the Scripture, "But now the Lord saith… for them that honor Me I -will honor" (1 Sam. 2:30).

CHINA

Our brethren Kautto and Foggin, after spending a month visiting cut-stations, have returned to Taitowying. Owing to the unsettled state of the country they found it difficult to get people out to gospel meetings-Brother Kautto reports the birth of a son, Paul Daniel. Mrs. Kautto and baby are doing well. We. rejoice with the happy parents in this token of -the Lord's goodness to them.

AFRICA

Brother Robert Deans writes as follows:-

How very grateful we all are for your continued thoughtfulness in the Lord's work in these parts. May He enrich your souls daily with the knowledge of Himself (Phil. 3:10).

The Roman Catholic opposition is showing up here. They, the "white fathers," have planted a teacher about half-a-mile from one of our out-schools, thus making it far harder for the Christian out-school teacher, as many of his boys are easily led away by the medals the Roman Catholics give to hang around their necks. Let us hope the medals will prove to be, what they rightly are, millstones.

With all the vexation of spirit caused from both "within" and "without," the Lord gave a very precious text the other day, in fact one that was greatly needed:"When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?" (Job 34:29).

May we all learn to cast our burdens upon Him for He has invited us to do so.

Mr. and Mrs. Searle and children were well the last time we saw them-all busily engaged in the work of the Lord.

Bill has either undergone, or is to undergo, an operation on his tonsils. He has already gone to Dr. Decker, who is now much nearer than where he was before, namely Aba-he is now at a place called Beni, the same distance from Irumu as Mambasa, in the forest, but S. W. of Irumu, while Mambasa is direct West.

The last time we heard from those at Mambasa, they were all well, and finding much to do in spreading the gospel story.

We do praise His gracious and blessed name for the evidences of His grace shown daily here. The natives are still coming to Christ, one by one.