Into the Presence of his Lord,
As weary pilgrim seeks his rest,
Or bird that flutters to its nest
When shadows of the night have lowered,

He now hath passed.
We are alone With memories-the vacant chair!
His life of labor, toil and care
Exchanged for peace, where he has gone.

The world still rushes madly on,
On pleasure bent, toward its goal;
And little heeds that one more soul
Is with the Lord-his life's work done.

Oh, blissful change! That home on high!
Within the Father's house to dwell!
Oh, perfect peace, where all is well,
No groans of earth, or bitter cry.

Our life, like some short Autumn day,
So soon declines toward its close;
But oh, the sense of sweet repose
In Christ, our Lord, the living Way.

The sprinkled blood before the throne
Still points to our eternal rest,
Though troubled waves leap to their crest,
And shadows o'er our path be thrown.

Yet He can never us forsake;
Though skies be dark and days be drear,
Our Saviour-God stands ever near,
Who gave His life for our poor sake.

Perchance before another day
Has dawned, our Lord, our Life, may come,
And call us to Himself-and Home,
To dwell in Love's unclouded ray.

We sorrow; we are human still;
We miss him whom no more we see,
But, knowing that he lives in Thee,
We are content-it is Thy will!
Portland, Oregon – John Wilson

(Genesis 2 and 3.)

The very word "Eden" suggests how lovely and delightful must have been this fair creation when first it came from the hand of God. And, as Gen. 2:8 tells us, in this fair spot the Lord God planted a garden, to be the abode of the lord of creation and his bride-a garden in the midst of a creation which itself is called "Delight." Does it not suggest to us that our God has prepared a place of special beauty and delight for Christ and His Bride in the midst of the fair creation that shall be, when He and His Bride shall reign for ever and ever in the new heaven and the new earth?

How much, however, has come in between Gen. 2 and Rev. 22! How much of shame and sorrow for man! How much, too, for our Lord ere the blessed prospect of the New Paradise could become a happy reality.

The Lord God put the tree of life in the midst of the garden; in which was also the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It is not said that man had been forbidden to eat of the tree of life, but he was told not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for in the day he ate thereof he would surely die. It was, thereof, the tree of death. Life and death are here set before man, and God is saying, as it were, like Moses in Deut. 30:19, "I have set before you life and death.. .therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." The tree of life was there for them; they might eat of it and live. It was set in the midst, the central attraction of that fair scene; yet neither Adam or Eve ever ate of it (Gen. 3:22). And, like them, we too for many years ignored or despised the tree of life and-solemn thought-chose death.

On the contrary, though forbidden to eat of the tree of death, in ch. 3 we find the woman at its foot. Whether or not in the midst of the garden, it was in the midst of her thoughts, and probably had been so since the moment she had heard from Adam's lips the divine command to leave its fruit alone. Satan, the father of lies, said "Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." How solemn that this should or could be a temptation to Eve. "All you will gain," suggests Satan, "by disobeying God, will be the knowledge of evil," for she already had the knowledge and enjoyment of good. All that men gain in their disobedience of God is evil-sin, with all its awful appendages, all its temporal and eternal consequences. Yet how attractive sin looks! The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, a tree to be desired to make one wise. But are not those very things said of all the trees (ch. 2:9)? And were they not true also of the tree of life? Nay, they were more true of the tree of life, for:

"O cross of Christ! O glorious tree!
What place can be compared with thee?"

Now let us look at another scene(Matt. 27:36-44). Again we see a garden, and One there gazing, like Eve, on the tree of knowledge of good and evil-the tree of death. Not indeed tempted to eat thereof, as she was, by Satan; but led there by God the Father."They went both of them together" (Gen. 22:8). Eve had this tree in the center of her thoughts from the moment she heard the divine prohibition; but long before that time (1 Pet. 1:19, 20)the Eternal Son had before Him that awful tree of death which here He views in all its unutterable terribleness. Eve knew only good until by disobedience she learned what evil was. And our blessed Lord knew only good, as from all eternity He was the delight of the Father, and the Adored of all created beings, until He too learned, not by disobedience but by obedience, even unto death, what evil was. With bated breath, in adoring wonder, we see our Lord here in the garden, at the foot of the tree of death; looking, like Eve, on the tree whose fruit He is so soon to taste. Eve saw the tree to be good for food. But listen to the Sufferer in Gethsemane as He looks on the tree, as the awful pressure of anguish forces the blood in great sweat-drops from His holy brow:"My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me, nevertheless, not as I will but as Thou wilt. O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me except I drink it, Thy will be done." There are not two trees here. Man's awful choice in Eden had left but the one tree for Him, the tree of death. The Holy One is about to taste what sin in all its awful horror has wrought. Good for food to Eve; to Him it is the bitterness of death, which He tastes for us. Pleasant to the eyes it was to her; who will ever know what it was to Him? To be desired to make one wise, to Eve; but to Him only that which spoke of the mockery and hatred of man and the wrath of a sin-hating God. But thanks be to God, while Eve's-yea, our awful choice-wrought such havoc, His obedience unto death in abounding grace not merely put away sin, nor restored the blissful condition of Eden, but enabled God to pour out all the wealth of His wisdom, love and power in blessing which nevermore can be forfeited.

In Genesis we see two trees, with a choice between them; in Gethsemane but one, the tree of death. And yet, may we not say we also see two there? For,

'"To us Thy cross is life and health,
'Twas shame and death to Thee."

Here, also, is a choice between the two. Here, too, men may choose life or death. He died, that we might live. And as we remember Him in His death, those emblems speak vividly to us of how His death is our life; His sorrow our abounding joy.

As we turn to the New Paradise, once more we see the Tree of Life in the midst, as of old. We look in vain for the tree of death; and yet, do we not see in the Lamb as it had been slain, who gives us to eat of the Tree of Life, the marks that ever remind us of the tree of death where our sins were borne by Jesus? The two are blended into one. We are not forbidden now to eat of the tree of death, nay, rather are we told that except we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we have no life in us, but as we do so, we dwell in Him and He in us.

Our eternal occupation in the paradise above will be to feed on Him, with an ever-deepening sense of the mighty love that won our hearts. May we, even now, gazing on Him, be enraptured by His beauty, love and glory! A. Van Ryn

(Col. 3:12,13.)

(Continued from p. 74.)

We mentioned that the features presented in these verses may be associated with our blessed Lord. They are perfectly and fully true of Him. So it is with this term "holy." It is transcendently applicable to Christ, as also the term "blameless;" and both of them apply to believers, as we have seen. That they should so be used indicates that their perfectness as to standing before God and their acceptability to Him is linked with the absolute perfectness and sinlessness of Christ.

We have the threefold testimony as to Him:

"In Him is no sin" (1 John 3:5).
"Who did no sin" (1 Pet. 2:22).
"Who knew no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21).

Neither intrinsically, actively, nor as a matter of objective knowledge, had sin any place in relation to Him. Thus there is special meaning to the appellation "holy" as applied to Him from the time of conception (Luke 1:35; Acts 3:14; 4:27,30; Rev. 3:7; Acts 2:27; 13:35; Heb. 7:26). Except in the three last passages the word is hagios, the one we have been considering in relation to God's elect. It signifies what is sacred, as set apart to God according to what suits His nature and requirements. So the Lord speaks of Himself as the One "whom the Father has sanctified (hagiazo, made holy as separated for special purposes) and sent into the world" (John 10:36). This reaches beyond time and into the past divine eternal counsels. Incidentally, it makes the truth of the Virgin birth essential in relation to His coming into the world, otherwise the polluted channel of human generation would defile the Sanctified One, and we read that He was the "undefiled." The word in the last three passages is hosios, properly meaning, "right by intrinsic or divine character; thus distinguished from hagios which relates to purity from defilement." All this shows the force of "without blemish" as used of the Lord (1 Pet. 1:19; Heb. 9:14)-an expression used exclusively of Him or those who are accepted by God and' stand in the perfectness of Christ as their Saviour (Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; Rev. 14:5).

Let us now consider the other word applied to God's elect-"beloved." It is repeatedly used in addressing the Lord's people, both collectively and individually, but we will simply notice two or three special instances of its use. The saints are spoken of as "beloved of God" (Rom. 1:7). We are embraced once for all by that love of which God is the source. It flows from Him to us who are His dearly loved ones, and as such belong to Him- God's beloved. The Thessalonians are called, "brethren beloved by God." The change in the preposition suggests a little different thought. Our being beloved is viewed here as the effect of a cause under the influence or power of which we have been brought, for in the sense of this phrase we are simply passively receptive. The cause is God Himself, He is the active One, manifesting and bestowing what inheres in and flows out from Himself-His love. Any thought of us being actively concerned, and so causing or promoting this, is excluded. We are beloved as the effect of being subjected to, coming under, the action of God. The thought is, as we may say, that He is the agent and the vessel from which all proceeds, and we being brought as a result of His own work (not any works of ours) under the influence coming out from Him, have as the effect, that we are His beloved. Jude writes to "the called ones, beloved in God the Father" (ver. 1, New Trans.). Primarily, with this preposition, the idea is that of place, of that within the limits of which we are set. It is attached to what describes the state or condition in which one is; it defines the character of his position, or his acts; it indicates what characterizes. Here, then, it is not the thought of from whence, that is, source nor that of our being under the power or influence of God as active, we passive, but rather what characterizes our being God's beloved. "In God" suggests that the element or sphere within which we are set as beloved is God- all that God is gives character to our place as such. In particular this is connected with Him as the Father. We are His "beloved children" (Eph. 5:1). As such we are set within all that God is. Who can tell the fulness and blessedness this imports for creatures like us? As God's elect, holy and beloved, we are brought to rest in and be fit for God who is light and love. Wondrous place and portion!

This term of highest affection and favor, like the others we have considered, is applied to Christ as we well know. And of us who are beloved of God it is said, "He has taken us into favor in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:7). Thus all that we have as so named is found in Him who preeminently bears that name-the Father's beloved Son. In this connection we may call to mind that we are "predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29). And so John says, "Beloved, now are we children of God, and what we shall be has not yet been manifested; we know that if it is manifested we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).

It follows that as we are to walk in holiness, we are also to "walk in love, even as the Christ loved us." "A new commandment I give to you, that ye love one another. By this shall all know that ye are disciples of Mine, if ye have love amongst yourselves." "And this is love, that we should walk according to His commandments." In the light of this we may well consider the seven features of Christian character and behavior which follow. We simply enumerate them now, leaving them for our next study.

1. Bowels of compassions. 2. Kindness. 3. Lowliness. 4. Meekness. 5. Longsuffering. 6. Forbearing one another. 7. Forgiving one another. John Bloore

Judas Iscariot, the lifeless professor, was found linked up with the opposers of Christ. He "stood with them." What shall we say if we find one who really loved the Saviour in a similar position? And yet it was so with Peter. Of his affection for Christ there can be no doubt. It was shown in numberless ways. But the flesh in the believer is the same as in the unbeliever, and it "profiteth nothing." If we have confidence in the flesh, it is confidence misplaced. Evidently Peter believed that it was impossible for him to deny that he knew Christ. It is plain from his statements that he could not conceive that his love for his Lord and Master would break down. Thus it was that he was not watchful and prayerful. So when the storm broke he fell before it.

The Lord having been seized by His enemies was led by them to the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest. Simon Peter and another disciple followed, and the other disciple who was known to the high priest went in, but, "Peter stood at the door without" (John 18:16).

He was in an uncertain position. His courage failed him, it would seem, and he did not press on with the rest. The other disciple missing his companion went out, and speaking to the door-keeper brought Peter inside. Was not his position very like to that of many? They follow Christ up to a point. There they stop. They do not openly side with their rejected Master. They fear to confess Him. Such are in the greatest danger. Their fellow-disciples and Christian companions may go forward, passing on with their Lord, and frankly showing that they are His; but they themselves hang back and stand "at the door without."

When brought inside, Peter apparently still feared to identify himself with the other disciple and found his place with the enemies of Christ. It was cold, and they had made a fire of coals and were waning themselves at it. And "Peter stood with them and warmed himself" (John 18:18). The same words are used again of Peter which were used of Judas. He "stood with them." It is true that those who stood by the fire were not then in active antagonism to the Saviour, but they were really His enemies, nevertheless. And soon it was shown. One after another they question Peter as to whether he was not one of the disciples of Christ. His self-confidence played him false, and again and again he denied Him.

We have before us here a true believer falling lower and lower until with oaths and curses he asseverates that he does not know his Lord. His action in standing with them had denied Him, and now words follow, and His fall is complete.

And is there not a danger of this to-day? Surely there is. If we stand at the world's fires to warm ourselves, if we associate ourselves with those who are strangers to the Son of God, if we find our pleasures where they find theirs, our actions tell against Christ, and soon our lips may deny that we know Him. We are only safe as we keep in the company of Christ. He is our salvation. He is our strength. We have no power of our own, and but for His grace we shall give way before the foe.

What a bright contrast to Peter is afforded by those of whom we read in John 19:25-27. "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

Where did these stand, weak women as some of them were?

They stood by the cross of Jesus. They were openly friends and disciples of the Lord. They were sharing with Him His rejection as they would soon share His glory. And is not this to be our place in spirit? To stand by the cross of Jesus is our highest honor. To witness for Him in the place of His refusal, to take sides with Him where He has been crucified, should be counted among our greatest privileges. No angel can serve the Lord thus. Shall we fail to do so? Soon we shall be with Him in His glory. Now we can be with Him, in spirit, where He suffered.

Then no opportunity shall be ours of owning our Lord in the time of His rejection. Comforting but solemn are the words:"If we suffer, We shall also reign with Him:if we deny Him, He also will deny us" (2 Tim. 2:12).

"Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock,
Within a weary land."

"I take, O Cross, thy shadow,
For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine
Than the sunshine of His face:
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss-
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the Cross."

Inglis Fleming

(1 Pet. 1:1-12; 2 Pet. 1:1.) an address at Montrose conference by A. E. booth

I purpose to trace out for a little the Holy Spirit's testimony concerning the Lord Jesus as it is recorded in Peter's epistles.

In these epistles there are many things that enlighten and edify, and also much of practical value, and we see in them the apostle fulfilling the last commission given him by the Lord before He returned to heaven:"Feed my lambs;" "Shepherd my sheep;" "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17), even as in the book of Acts he fulfils his first commission:"From henceforth thou shalt catch men" (Luke 5:10).

Both these ministries are as necessary to-day, that a proper testimony may be borne to the world and the Church. First, the gospel to all the world; then, the truth that edifies and sanctifies the Church. In the Jewish tabernacle in the wilderness there were four pillars at the gate of the court, and each one fulfilled its service in holding up to view the beautiful curtain with its different colors-the blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. Those pillars illustrate the special ministry of the four Evangelists – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, who present our Lord in His various glories and perfections for our contemplation and admiration. Then passing by the brazen altar, and the laver in the court, we have five pillars at the door of the tabernacle, whose service was to hold up to view, for the priestly family inside, the same beautiful colors. This illustrates the writers of the five epistles in the New Testament-Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude. All this when rightly understood is truth that ministers Christ to the soul. In searching Scripture there is ever a danger of gathering simply knowledge-historical, prophetic, positional, or ecclesiastical-without placing all in proper relation to the Lord Jesus. Knowledge by itself may puff up, but truth that makes Christ the center, and that brings heart and mind close to Him, is ministry by the Holy Spirit. This sanctifies and produces Christ-likeness in us. The apostle Paul, towards the close of his life, wrote from the prison in Rome those precious words which furnish us with an index for a proper desire and pursuit in Christian life, "That I may know Him."

First:My first point from these epistles will be the Deity of the Lord Jesus. "Our God and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:1). Observe carefully the change in the reading of this verse. The marginal reading gives us this correction, as also the best translations of the original text. The passage is intended to confirm to the reader, with the uniform teaching of all previous Scriptures, that Israel's Messiah who came down from heaven was none less than one Person of the Godhead. According to John we read, "The Word was God." According to Paul we read, "God was manifest in the flesh;" "God was in Christ." And our text is, "Our God and Saviour Jesus Christ." So that we gather a uniform testimony from the pens of Peter, John, and Paul concerning the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. For four thousand years the need of men was so great that a Saviour could not be found on earth, one able to save men from their guilt and depravity. Hence the cry arose again and again, "Bow Thy heavens, O Lord, and come down" (Ps. 144:5; Ps. 18:9). This cry had a partial answer in the land of Egypt when Jehovah bowed the heavens and came down and saved them. Next, in the incarnation of the Son of God, He bowed the heavens and came down. Great is the mystery that the Babe in Bethlehem, the Child born, the Son given, involves. He was also Emmanuel, God with us. Then again at the second coming of the Lord from heaven according to the various prophecies, He will bow the heavens once more and come down. This truth of our Lord's Deity is most important for us to recognize, for it lies at the foundation of our most holy faith. Men sometimes tell us they believe in the Lord's Divinity, but they will also state that they believe in St. John the Divine. But this will not satisfy Spirit-taught men. We must not bring down the glory and honor of God's eternal Son to the level of John, a fisherman. Nothing short of the eternal Deity of the Lord Jesus will satisfy the reverent student of Holy Scripture. He was, and is, and ever shall be co-equal and co-eternal with the Father.

Second:The next passage which I will read is:"Foreknown before the foundation of the world" (1 Pet. 1 20, R. V.). Note again carefully, not foreordained, as in the A. V. Foreknown is the correct reading of the text, and carries us back in thought to the distant and past eternity. In that unmeasured past we learn that He was known, fully known in tender and hallowed association, by the Father. In that ever memorable prayer in John 17, He refers to this when addressing the Father:"The glory I had with Thee before the world was," and again, "For Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world." As we touch in thought the sacred precincts of that past eternity it is most blessed for us to contemplate that there was a divine eternal glory, a divine knowledge, and a divine love, that ever existed between the Father and the Son. And we gather further unfoldings concerning these things in Prov. 8:22-30, where with spiritual and tender touches are revealed the nearness, intimacy, and eternal affections that entwined that hallowed relationship and association of both the Father and the Son. "I was by Him as one brought up with Him" (literally, the nursling of His love). Further we read, "I was daily His delight;" again, "Rejoicing always before Him." Thus we see both Old and New Testaments unite in one testimony concerning the Godhead glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Third:"Was manifest in these last times" (1 Pet. 1:20). This presents our Lord as having come to earth. "God was manifest in the flesh." As before we have sought to emphasize His eternal Deity, so now we express our faith in the record of the inspired Book concerning His true and perfect Manhood. He was the true Seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15), miraculously conceived in the womb of the virgin by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:35), and born of Mary; and the declaration of the Father reads, "This day have I begotten Thee" (Ps. 2:7). This whole testimony presents our Lord's perfect manhood, spirit, soul, and body (apart from sin). In this we get His manifestation on the earth, covering a space of thirty-three years. As we trace the God-given testimony at every step we discern both the glories of His absolute Deity and His perfect manhood glories, and both in closest association. Every miracle bore witness to His Deity (John 2:11). Every part of His life rose up to God as the sweet savor of the meal-offering (Lev. 2), so that over His head the heavens opened more than once with satisfaction and delight, and the Father's voice was heard saying, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" ("have found my delight").

Fourth:We have mentioned His eternal Deity, and His perfect Manhood, fundamental themes of prime importance, and that both Deity and Manhood were fully expressed in His lifetime. Now we pass on and give two quotations of great importance concerning His sufferings and death:"Who bare our sins in His own body on the tree;" "Suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18). In the atoning sacrifice and His vicarious sufferings we learn that He was a divine Substitute for others, and all the penalty due to them He took in their stead. This is a theme that fills the gospel message that we preach worldwide to-day. The Cross of Christ was the basis enabling God in perfect righteousness to declare His love, grace, goodness, and salvation to a needy, guilty world. In this, every evangelical preacher finds all his supplies in declaring the gospel to men everywhere regardless of race. The Cross of Christ is the only hope of salvation for a dying world. We preach Christ crucified now, and the marvelous perfection and fulness of that atoning sacrifice fills our gospel, as well as our hymns of worship. Mark Guy Pearse well said, "The birthplace of heaven's music is found at the foot of the cross."

Fifth:Now we pass on to "the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 3:21). In the great fact of Christ's resurrection we have another strong link in the golden chain – a chain of marvelous events that all connect directly with the Lord, and fill a fundamental place in the gospel message which we bear before men to-day. The divine record is that "He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:4). The Cross of Christ is the basis, and the resurrection of Christ the full declaration of our justification. Christ now risen from the dead is God's receipt in full that the whole
penalty of sin has been borne by the divine Substitute, for every man who has repented and received Christ by faith as his Saviour. The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus are two mighty pillars that bear up and sustain the whole fabric of the gospel of Christ. They are also a declaration of His Sonship and Deity (Rom. 1:4). Then to crown all, His resurrection is the first-fruits of a golden harvest to be gathered in and up by and by, and that for all the saints who have ever died.

Sixth:His ascension-"Who has gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God" (1 Pet. 3:22). As we contemplate this great truth we take our place beside the disciples at the base of Mount Olivet, and see Him with uplifted hands bestowing His parting blessing upon those that He so dearly loved. Then He was "taken up" from them. Here we behold also the royal chariot coming down to receive Him (the cloud). Then He, who came down from heaven in love and grace to bless and save, returned to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. It is ever blessed to keep this in view, that Christ is now glorified at the right hand of God, and the Holy Spirit, present now in and with each child of God, presents Christ risen and glorified as the commanding object for the heart and life of every true believer. Christ on the cross meets the whole need of men as sinners. His work there relieves and sets free every believer's conscience in the presence of God with rest and peace. But Christ in heaven is the adoring object for the believer's heart. On the cross He died for us. Now in heaven He ever liveth to make intercession for us, and the Holy Spirit indwelling each believer leads prayerful pious souls into the good of all this. Apart from occupation with Christ in heaven and daily communion with Him, a believer's life stands for little. AH boasting of heavenly position brought to us through the exceeding grace of God, or of ecclesiastical association here, will serve little in the divine estimate now, or at the judgment seat of Christ by and by, if the ruling, controlling object of the heart be not Christ as Lord in heaven glorified.

Seventh:But the apostle has more to unfold for us in this epistle. In chapter one we learn that our new birth Is of God, our redemption is through Christ and His blood, and our sanctification is by the Holy Spirit. These are truths of great value for the soul to learn properly. But to crown the apostle's teaching he writes in the closing chapter, "When the Chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Pet. 5:4). This truth when rightly understood and held by the power of the Holy Spirit will produce in us a sober and steadying spirit. Concerning the second coming of the Lord Jesus, one very beautifully has said, "All New Testament teaching leads up to Christ," and we add further, All New Testament teaching leads up to the Second Coming of Christ.

All the purposes of God concerning the calling out of the Church, and for each believer individually, shall then be completed, for at the second coming we shall be glorified, and we shall see Him face to face, and shall be like Him. For each believer this will be as the good (best) wine kept for the last. How such a hope, beloved brethren, should thrill us through and through! None of our conferences, which are held from time to time, should close their sessions without a soul-stirring testimony being given concerning the Lord's coming for us. This blessed theme has many lessons connected with it. Each one is of immense importance, but in this epistle the connection is with the reward which will be given for all service rendered to Him, "a crown of glory." This is intended to stimulate us to service, for each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. May we ever search Scripture-all Scripture, to learn of Christ, to know Him better, the sweetness, and loveliness of what the Holy Spirit delights to minister. Then the whole life shall be brought under the influence and power of the truth of the Lord's coming, which may be to-day!

Baka Mbule, Congo Beige. Beloved

Brother:- March 6, 1928.

In response to requests for the tidings of the work here I give the following:

The section in which this station is located is called Baka Mbule, or the children of Mbule, the tribe and district as a whole is called the Babindi. The tongue is called Bubindi. At Inkongo they use Luna Inkongo, similar in some ways, but different on the whole. Those at Inkongo work in the Baka Mputu district, and now that the new work has been taken up at Lusambo they will work in the Baluba tribe as well. Mr. and Mrs. McTavish, whose Station is at Mitombe, work the Basongi Tribe. Here at Baka Mbule we are in the midst of quite a few villages which are easily reached, all within two hours; that is, the farthest village can be reached in that time. Of course all could not be visited in this time. We have now about 160 native teachers in the Babindi District. There is a native village on the compound itself for the headmen and workmen and also for the school-children. We have had as many as 150 school-children on the place at once. There are fewer now because of the difficulty in securing food and the lowness of funds. When we visit the villages we. take the best scholars and bring them here to the Station to go through the school. They very seldom leave without being truly converted and the majority go to teach in the villages. All who are teaching now have been through the school on the Station. There really should be a man free to go about to the out-villages continually, to encourage and help the teachers and Christians. I made several journeys with Mr. Althorp when I first arrived, and since have made several more on the Inkongo road, but of late have not been able to leave the Station, with all its duties. The school was blown down in a wind-storm, and this has taken some time to re-erect, and then the workmen's houses needed repair; are working on these now. The school was finished some time ago. It is larger than the previous one, and will hold about 350. The gospel meetings on Lord's Day are overflowing ones. The school has been filled to capacity lately, and many have stood on the outside to listen. We trust the Word will be brought home in power to all who hear. Quite a few enquirers have come from the whole district of late, and there seems to be a move generally, whilst there is much to give exercise and cast us upon Him for wisdom and guidance.

You have heard of the orphans whom Miss Mercy Mc-Candless gathered up and rescued from starvation. Their names are Male, Diluba, Kyena Nkumbu, Misenga, Diambi, Mbeeme (boys), and Mabuku, Katengi, Ngeya and Bwamba, (girls). Several of these have confessed faith in Christ, and Malo, Diluba and Mabuku are able to read and write:the others are still going to school and are making progress. We have prayers every day the weather permits at 6:30, A.M., and the orphans and all the school-children attend. After this the school-children go to the fields to work until 10:30 A.M., then go to school until noon, when they rest until 2 P.M., and return to school again. They remain in school this time until 3:30, and then go to their work again until 5:,30 P.M. The little orphans do a little work now, Diluba and Katengi have returned to their villages and Diluba is helping in the school. We are looking to the Lord to do great things with these little ones for much effort has been spent on them. Miss McCandless started the work, Miss Desborough and Miss Chalmers carried it on, and now Miss Thomas continues it. They go into school with the rest of the children and are taught the Scriptures.
I have been on a short journey to the near-by villages. The sun is very hot and I have come back with a headache, but want to finish this letter to you before the mailman comes. We have been having overflowing meetings on Lord's Day at the Gospel meetings, with good attention. There has also been a stir among the Christians.

Mr. Althorp is off on a journey across the River, exploring new territory and visiting some of the teachers who have gone further afield. He has been greatly encouraged. I hope to be able to take a short journey on the Inkongo road to visit the schools there soon, and then go off on the other road if the way opens up.

There are a few enquirers here from a near-by Village, Bena Mbondo. We trust this will find you all well in the Lord's rich mercy. Please convey warm love in the Lord to all. Very affectionately,

Wm. G. Amies.

Dear Brother in Christ:Trinidad, June 17, 1928. I have just returned from Princess Town where I spent Lord's Day with the saints there. The special object of my visit was our dear brother Egbert McDonald, who has been laid on his back and suffered much pain, but was better yesterday.

I had the joy of seeing and conversing with our dear brother B. Montllau aboard the "Orinoco" on the 4th inst., while on his way to Spain. The boat was late in arriving so he could not come ashore, but we had a happy visit for two hours before his vessel sailed away.

With our united love, yours in our blessed Lord,

Jos. B. Hoze.

Lerida, Spain. Dear Brother in Christ:- June 22nd, 1928.

I arrived here on the 20th, finding the family well, thank the Lord. I was glad to see that the boys have been quite busy with meetings and distribution of literature during my absence and have a nice Sunday School here. There is breaking of bread now in Termens, Torreserona and Lerida.

We covet your prayers as to our definite residence, Between Lerida and Barcelona there are several large towns without any gospel meetings. We are praying for guidance as to our moving before winter to one of them. Yours in our Lord, B. Montllau.

A later card says that our brother has decided to move to Horta.

Beloved Brethren:- Finland, July 6th, 1928.I can but thank the Lord for His kindness and care over me through my long journey from China.

I left Tientsin, China, June 3rd, on the last train from there before the Government changed hands in Peking. It was on the same day that Marshal Chang-tso-lin left Tientsin. He got to Mukden a day ahead of us, and met his fatal accident in his home town. The following day I went over the same bridge on which Marshal Chang's train was blown up. There were some cars smoking yet. I had a good trip from Manchouli to Moscow, which took eight days. There were two Japanese (English-speaking) who professed to be Christians, so we had Bible reading every evening, singing of songs, and prayer. One of them was a delegate to the League of Nations, and was on his way to a conference in Geneva. He did not seem to have any Biblical understanding of the future of this earth at all, and when I told him what was going to be the end of their league and all the world powers, and that the peace which they were striving for would end with the bloodiest war the world had ever seen, he seemed surprised, and said that I was trying to make fun of ' their good work, and was hindering it, and that I should join with them, and preach it to others also, and this world would become what we made it. But when I showed him that as long as they were rejecting the Prince of Peace, there would be no peace, and that there was no peace to the wicked, he thanked me, and said, I had changed his thoughts entirely; that he had never heard anyone speaking on the books of Daniel and Revelation, and never knew those things were in the Bible. Arrived home June 23rd, and found all well. Since, I have been busy in private homes and public places, tell-them of China, their customs, habits, religion, and circumstances. Also on Sundays I have had meetings for children, and Gospel meetings. Next Sunday evening I have been invited to speak in a village a few miles from

After two weeks am expecting to go to other places, as father is to have his vacation, and we are going to visit relatives whom I have not seen for twenty years. I wish there were some literature in Finnish as to Christian walk and fellowship with the Lord and one another. Also some on dispensational truths, as I have not met any who know these truths, neither have they books on prophecy, such as Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation.

My old father has been a Christian for twenty-eight years, and never heard anybody speaking of those books I am reading Revelation with him and he seems to be much pleased with the truth that we find there.

With my best Christian greetings to all. Kindly continue to pray for me now as always.

Sincerely yours in the Lord.

Charles O. Kautto.

Tokyo, Japan, June 25, 1928.

Our return to America will be delayed somewhat yet it seems, for our boys have caught the whooping-cough which has been prevalent in Tokyo. We wait on the Lord for their recovery and for His guidance. E. B. Craig.

Shiprock, New Mex. Dear Brethren in Christ:- July 9, 1928.

Father has asked me to tell you that Mother went Home the evening of July 6th. Though she has been confined to her room for over two years and for the past year has been practically helpless, she has seemed fairly well until about ten days before she left us, when she began to fail rapidly.

My sister Clara is in Michigan, visiting, and our mail is so slow that we had not been able to get the letter telling that Mother was ill to the Post Office before she was buried.
Our only neighbors are either Mormons or Indians. The latter left us alone as soon as they found that there had been a death in the family, and we did not send word to the others since we felt they had nothing to offer as they do not trust in Christ. So we looked to God alone, and found our comfort in Him and in each other.

My husband made the casket, and he and Father dug the grave, and when all was done we met in our living-room and had a little reason of prayer and Bible reading to comfort our hearts, and sang a couple of hymns, and then carried the dear form to its resting-place, on a little knoll in sight of the Mission. After a short prayer we left it, "till our Lord shall call us Home."

Though we would not for an instant wish her back, we all miss her very much, especially Papa, for they had been married nearly fifty years.

Yours in our Lord, (Mrs.) Marie Holcomb Girdner.
'BELOVED OF GOD, CALLED SAINTS'

Calendar:Oct. 16th to Nov. 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING……….Oct. 16th, Ps. 84; Oct. 31st, Ps. 99; Nov. 15th, Ps. 114.
SUPPLEMENTARY READING … Oct. 16th, Mark 14; Oct. 31st, Luke 13; Nov. 15th, John 4.

Do you mark your Bible in your daily reading? One good way is to compare what you are reading, verse by verse, with the accurate version by Mr. Darby. Only such changes need be marked as give a distinctly different meaning. If a number is put by the word, and on the margin the same number is written, with the changed word, you will have before you many helpful alterations, with which you will thus become more familiar in your study of the Word. Those who are becoming familiar with the Greek, will be able occasionally to write in the same way the word in the original. Thus, in Matt. 24:3, the margin could show that the word for "world" is αv, or age; in John 21:15 for "lovest" could be written άγαπς, and in the same verse for "I love," the word would be φιλ. In this way you would gradually find helpful suggestions.

Another helpful way of marking is to write in the divisions of the book, and the subdivisions. There is nothing more helpful than to make your own divisions, the result of study and examination, but for permanent entry in the margin, it will be found that the divisions of the Numerical Bible are clear, accurate and illuminating.

You had better not attempt too much at a time; what is done, let it be neatly and with care. India ink and a suitable pen are all that is required, also a short ruler, if you underscore words, or join them with another part of the page. The old motto, "No day without a line," will yield, if followed out, gratifying results in due time.

The Parrot. Some students were visiting friends in Oxford one Sunday evening. The subject of Balaam's ass came up. Said the host:"We can scarcely be expected to believe that the animal really spoke human words. It is quite incredible. An animal could not speak." Just then a parrot which was in a cage in the room chimed in, "I say, what are you talking about! Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!" The host looked dumfounded for a minute, then joined the laugh.

Love Your Enemies. A Christian lady said when urged to forgive an injury:"It is not in human nature to forgive injuries as goading as these." "You are right, my friend," I replied; "it is not in human nature, but it is in the grace of Christ. He has charged us, 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven.'" Through the grace of Christ she overcame.

Many of us have had abundant cause to thank God for the exercise on our behalf of pastoral care. Our souls by it have been fed, and our faith strengthened; healing has reached our wounded spirits, and on many occasions we have thereby been saved from selfish and sinful tendencies, which might otherwise have brought us under the righteous government of God. We have thus learned to value its exercise on our behalf. This should lead each one of us to seek grace to enable us to exercise the same care on behalf of others-a service greatly appreciated by Christ Himself, and invaluable to His people.

A real pastor would watch for, and seek to feed and encourage those precious movements of affection (which spring up in the hearts of those he loves and cares for) towards Christ, and those that are His. His eye would be quick to observe any serious falling off of these movements, and he would endeavor at the earliest opportunity, in dependence upon "the Chief Shepherd," to exercise affectionate, individual, pastoral care. Nor would these ministrations cease when sin had been committed, and the Lord had intervened in discipline. Months after David had sinned, Nathan visited him, and was used by the Lord to bring conviction home to his soul. David had "kept silence" (Ps. 32:3) until he had seriously suffered in health, so intense had been his unhappiness (Ps. 51 and Ps. 32); but the Lord used the visit of Nathan, the long "silence" was broken, and David was able to describe in Psalm 32 the blessedness which resulted-a psalm which has led many sinners to be converted to God (see Ps. 51:13).

Like David, Job was under discipline, and God used the skill of Elihu to bring conviction to him, after all the efforts of his three "friends" had failed. Elihu interpreted God's ways with Job, thus helping him to submit himself to God, and to judge himself in His presence (Job 33:23; 34:31, 32). The result was, that Job took his true place before God, who Himself vindicated him, and blessed him greatly. All his friends returned to him, and he was received and comforted.

Should all other resources fail, and it become necessary to separate from any brother or sister, this should undoubtedly be done by all; and as a consequence of this united action, the assembly can do no more, save that all will look to the Lord for restoration of the erring one, and will bear in their spirits before the Lord, deep sorrow that one of themselves should have to be separated from, and feel humiliated on account of their having been unable to recover such through pastoral care.

We may gather, however, from 2 Cor. 2:6,7, 8, that even in such a case, individual pastoral care may come into exercise; for it is evident" that the apostle was acquainted with the true condition of the one who had been under the discipline of the assembly. He wrote of him as in danger of being "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow." How did he know this? Was it only by direct revelation from the Lord, or had pastoral care been in exercise? Evidently some one with the heart of a shepherd had personally got into touch with him.

The fact is, that Scripture abounds with encouragement to exercise pastoral care, to seek to help those who are in trouble, quite irrespective of the cause of that trouble; for our blessed Lord Himself, when the Pharisees and scribes complained that He received sinners and ate with them, asked the question, "What man of you… if he lose one.. .doth not.. .go after that which is lost until he find it?" the simple fact that it is lost being alone sufficient ground for the search. Doubtless there are many dear to Christ who have been under discipline, who would appreciate and respond to pastoral care on their behalf.

There appears only to be one case mentioned in Scripture of a man being put away or separated from, and this is in 1 Cor. 5. There are two other cases where the apostle (in the exercise of apostolic power) "delivered unto Satan," and In all these cases the object was restoration-"that the spirit may be saved, and "that they may be taught by discipline not to blaspheme." From this we gather that such a course is quite exceptional, and only to be taken when all other means (including rebuke where possible-see 1 Tim. 5:20 and Titus 1:12,13) have failed.

In the Epistle to the Galatians the apostle wrote, "I would that they would even cut themselves off
who throw you into confusion" (New Trans.). These men had troubled the brethren far more seriously than did many of those from whom, in our day, we have separated, for the foundations of Christianity were assailed by their legal teaching, yet no instructions were given to separate from them. John, in his first Epistle, wrote of those "who went out from us," and in another epistle wrote very strongly of one who cast the brethren "out of the Church," thus reminding us that the same God who uttered Isaiah 66:5 still regards such conduct with abhorrence.

In 2 Tim. 2 each one is enjoined to purge himself, by separating from vessels to dishonor, and to "follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call upon the Lord out of a pure (purged) heart."

The fact is, that to separate from one who "is called a brother" is to take the ground-

1. That all other resources have been exhausted, and

2. That the person from whom we have separated is quite unfit for Christian fellowship.

Then, when it has at last become necessary to take such a course, the objects are-

1. In order that which is more precious to us than life itself may be preserved, viz., the company and approval of our blessed Lord; and

2. That the one separated from, may by that means be recovered.

This leads us to reflect that the real reason why assembly discipline has so frequently to be resorted to, is that pastoral care is often at so low an ebb that there is no power to recover otherwise. H. B.

(Concluded from p. 135.) OCCUPYING TILL HE COME

The parable of the pounds (Lk. 19:12-27) brings a word for our consciences. It calls us to attention and diligence in using for our Lord all that which He has committed to us in stewardship. It is required of us as stewards that we "be found faithful."

"And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." "Ten servants-ten pounds." Each of the ten had his pound. Each had the same amount put into his charge to trade with. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 shows us the sovereign knowledge of the Lord, who gives to each according to His wisdom and according to the several abilities of those with whom He entrusts the talents. Here it is the individual responsibility, diligence and devotedness of each servant which are in view. "To every man his work" is the way this is expressed in Mk. 13:34. Every Christian has a pound. Every one has a mission to fulfil, a service to perform. Thus everyone- is called to perform his part, everyone is to use actively, constantly, the good deposit entrusted to him.

There is a danger lest we should leave all service to those who appear to have greater gifts and powers than we ourselves possess. Let us beware of this. In the day of manifestation everyone shall receive according to his own labor.

Use what you have and you will be given more. Employ your time in the things of our Lord and in seeking the welfare of others for His sake. If we live selfish, self-centered, self-occupied lives, seeking "our own and not the things which are Jesus Christ's," we shall see all burnt up "in that day" though we ourselves are saved in His great grace. And all that we have gained of spiritual intelligence and understanding in His mind will be of value for our fuller service in His kingdom glory.

HOLDING FAST TILL HE COME

The message to the believer in the midst of departure and darkness and the depths of Satan, as seen in "Thyatira" in Rev. 3, is "That which ye have already hold fast till I come."

It is a day when many, through the opposition of falsely-named Science, are giving up the fundamental truths of Christianity. The apostasy so long foretold seems setting in apace. Thus every believer is called to be steadfast and unmoveable. The exhortation, "Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong," falls upon our ears. The end draws nigh, and the attack of the enemy is pressed harder and still harder as the days pass. We need to keep the faith amid all the giving up on every hand.

Privilege great indeed it is to have the truth committed to us in any measure; but we have to watch lest in any way we should have any part of our possessions wrested from our grasp by the force or the subtlety of the foe.

"The words of the Lord are pure words:as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times" (Psa. 12:6). As we hold to, and proclaim the truth we shall find our Lord's support, for "He is a shield and buckler to all who trust in Him." And it is but "a little while" before His return. If it so be that we have to suffer for His sake or on account of maintaining the truth, we may rejoice that for this we are counted worthy. Our Lord has suffered for us. He has died here and "the servant is not greater than his lord."

SHOWING HIS DEATH TILL HE COME

This is one of our sweetest and choicest privileges. From the glory where He now is He gave to Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, that which he delivered to the saints at Corinth-"That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed," thought of His loved ones left in the world of His refusal and gave them a feast by which to recall Him in His great love. Instituting "The Lord's Supper" He gave us that which ever reminds us of the great foundation of all our blessing, His death for us, His body given and His precious blood shed on our behalf.

It awakens our affections towards Himself now risen, for "hereby perceive we the love because He laid down His life for us." It brings before us the fact that we are in the world out of which He has been cast. And it is the unfurling of His standard where His rights have been refused, and the announcement that He who has died here lives again and comes to set up His kingdom. It is the privilege of every true Christian to answer to the Lord's request and thus remember Him. It may be some reader may say, "I am not worthy to do this." But Christ is worthy that we should fulfil His request. No one could claim worthiness save that with which He clothes us for His own presence.

May it be ours "until He come" to be watching and waiting for His return, and to be like men who are awaiting their Master, with lip and with life saying, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Inglis Fleming

In Luke 12 our Lord Jesus prepares His disciples for His absence from them. The snares and the resources of His own whilst He is away and the attitude they should occupy till His return are the main points of the passage. What motives and encouragement are given! – God's light, God's care, Christ's reward and the Holy Ghost's power!

The great practical principles that are to mark His own are unfolded. They are not to think of to-morrow, but to trust in God. "Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things" is a lovely word indeed. If God's kingdom were sought, all else would be added. Precious instruction for our anxious hearts (vers. 22-31). Thus fear, covetousness, and care, three terrible foxes that spoil the grapes in God's vintage, are disposed of:the fear of man, by the fear of God; covetousness, by being rich toward God; and care, by the care of God. Thus does the blessed Lord set the heart free from earth, to enter into what is heavenly, and be occupied with Himself, while waiting for His return.

But there is more than this:"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Our hearts might fear lest we had not a crust for to-morrow; His heart shows itself by giving us the kingdom. The knowledge of this lifts the saint up. He becomes practically a pilgrim, and a stranger. He can part with things here, for he has a treasure in heaven; and "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (vers. 33, 34). The world's motto is "Slave, and gather." The Lord's injunction to His own is, "Sell, and give." What a difference! But this the saint never will do until he has a treasure in heaven-even Jesus Himself. Do I hear you say, "I am trying to make Him my treasure?" You will never manage it that way; but when you learn that He has a treasure on earth, and that you are that treasure, then, without an effort, you will make Him your treasure. "We love Him because He first loved us." Moth, rust, and thieves, sooner or later sweep away all we set our hearts on here. How good to have "a treasure in the heavens that faileth not!"

Notice that here three things influence the heart-the Father giving the kingdom, the prized treasure in heaven, and the expectation of the Lord's return. "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the lord, when he cometh, shall find watching:verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them… Be ye therefore ready also:for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not" (vers. 35-40). Until the Lord comes they were to wait and watch, the lamps burning, and all ready; the whole position expressive of expectation, while devoted service marked the waiting hours. When He returned, He would bring them into the Father's house, gird Himself, make them sit down to meat, and serve them. This, I take it, alludes to His ever remaining in manhood, in which He has already served us in love. Love it was that led to His incarnation, and to His death; and when He has His own in glory, He will yet serve them, for He will never cease to love. Love delights to serve; selfishness likes to be served. How great the contrast between Jesus and us oftentimes!

Now the teaching of this chapter seems plain enough, though confessedly it be difficult always to walk up to it; but evidently Peter was dubious as to its application, and so says, "Lord, speakest Thou this parable unto us, or even to all?" The Lord's answer is plain enough, as He says, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath" (vers. 42-48). Responsibility is the point here, connected with profession. All who profess the name of the Lord are clearly comprehended here. Whether true, or false is not the question, although the issue to the false is sad in the extreme.

Two things are to mark Christ's disciples-1. They are to wait and watch for Him; 2. They are to serve Him till He return. "Occupy till I come" is the Master's word, and the loving laborer's motto. The true-hearted watcher, that waits with girded loins for His return, labors patiently till He arrive, and then finds his reward and rest in being with his Lord, is feasted by Him-joy and happiness being ministered to him by the Lord Himself-while his faithfulness in service gets its recompense by his being set over what belongs to his Lord. If there be professed servants, without reality, the end of such is detailed to Peter (vers. 45-48) in a way that I doubt not left its mark upon his soul, a mark that reappears clearly in his Epistles-especially the second. God requires of men according to their advantages. If this be so, who will be so guilty as those who, while professing to be the servants of the Lord, neither do His will, nor wait His return? By W. T. P. Wolston

"Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus" (John 11:5.)

The love of Jesus is individual.

Martha was a practical woman. She owned a house. She was hospitable, and she entertained the Lord. Martha stands for practical service, and "Jesus loved Martha."

Martha was sometimes ruffled in spirit. She found fault with her sister and said, "Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me" (Luke 10:40). Yet after this, it is recorded, "Now Jesus loved Martha." The Lord loves His own with a personal love despite their failures.

Martha's sister, Mary, was a quiet, thoughtful woman. She sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word, and when she was criticized for inactivity, Jesus defended her, saying, "Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Jesus loved Mary.

Again, Mary was a pious soul, a devoted character. When Martha made a supper for the Lord, Mary brought very costly ointment and poured it on the feet of the Saviour and Lord. She was criticized by Judas the thief, but again the Lord defended her, saying, "Let her alone:against the day of My burying hath she kept this" (John 12:7).

We can well understand how the Lord's heart was refreshed by this devotion in contrast with the selfish greed of the traitor Judas. Jesus loved Mary.

And yet again, Mary was intelligent. She alone of all the disciples understood the Lord's approaching sacrifice and anointed Him beforehand for the burial. Surely the Lord appreciates every bit of piety and devotion, every act of intelligent worship by one of His own.

But what shall we say of Lazarus? We have no statement of his deeds, no hint of his character. Probably he was without remarkable traits, or out-standing deeds such as marked his sisters. He is an ordinary person, yet not unlovely to the eye and heart of Jesus. "Jesus loved Lazarus," and when he was ill they sent to the Master saying, "He whom Thou lovest is sick." What a comfort to know that the Lord has a peculiar love for the least known of His people. You may be lost to the eye of man, but not to the ken of the divine Lover of your soul.

So "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." The writer of this quaint and touching statement was the one who styled himself, "The disciple whom Jesus loved." He was keenly conscious of the personal individual character of the Lord's affection for himself:and he answered that love with his own unique love and worship:"We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

And may we claim the special love of Jesus for ourselves? We may indeed. The chief of sinners claimed it. Saul was stopped on the Damascus road in his mad course of persecution of the Church:and a voice said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest." The rebel was arrested and his heart won by the sovereign love of Jesus. Thereafter Paul lived for Christ, and said, "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

The Cross of Christ was the mighty act which proves the extent of His love. But the personal love of Jesus was enjoyed by His own before the cross. Let us bask our souls in the sunshine of His love.

He gave Himself for me-not only His life, His precious blood, but Himself-an abiding gift; a continual loving; a permanent ministry; His care and correction now, and His blest company throughout eternity. A. S. Loizeaux

(Ps. 110:7.)

The figure is of one who, having quenched genuine thirst by drinking "of the brook in the way," can sympathize with those fallen in the way, and wounded in the strife, who call, however feebly, for "Water! Water!" He shall "lift up the head," and put the cup to the lips Himself, so that the suffering one may know that it is His own blessed Hand that ministers.

David thirsted for a drink of water from the well that was by the gate at Bethlehem; and at the risk of their lives three men got it for him. Obtained at so great a risk, he poured it out unto the Lord as a drink offering. Such devotion, he realized, could only be exhibited by men who had learned it from the Lord.

This "Adonai" (plural), the "Judge," is also a real, true, sympathizing Man (vers. 5, 6); He is also "Adon" (singular), "my Lord" (ver. 1), says David. Wonderful mystery! "Adon," "Adonai," and also Jehovah, in one blessed Person:a Man, a Judge, "The Mighty God" (Isa. 9:6); yet a Man who had thirsted, and drank "of the brook in the way," and He is my Friend, my Shepherd.

Such sympathy, from One so sternly righteous as He, is marvelous! And why so sympathetic? Because He had Himself thirsted from sheer weariness, and, having felt it in Himself, He is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb. 4:15). "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Heb. 12:12,13).

I wandered far in the desert-
Away from the dwellings of men;
I fought with beasts of destruction-
I followed them into their den.

Alas! I thought myself stronger
Then the mighty beasts of the wild;
They did turn and fiercely rend me,
And left me as weak as a child.

My lips parched with thirst for water,
I lay in the sun all the day:
My cry was heard by the Master,
Who drank "of the brook in the way,"

Having fought with His mighty arrows,
And conquered all the beasts of prey;
My head with His Hand He lifted-
Who drank "of the brook in the way."

He brought to my lips the water,
For which I had thirsted all day;
In grace and mercy He saved me-
Who drank "of the brook in the way."

Thus hath He graciously taught me-
And for this I constantly pray;
How to give the cup of cold water
To those who may fall "in the way."

S. A. White

Shut in with Him-my Lord and I-
No stranger drawing near,
Though looking out I sigh and cry,
Yet looking in, He's here.

Such sweet communion! He with me,
As, sitting at His feet,
He opes the eye that I may see
Himself in my retreat.

As near to me as He can be,
A man-"like" me-a "part;"
So close to Him that I can see
The beating of His heart!

The same, yet-stranger still to know! –
So different from me too;
Yet in this knowledge I would grow,
How sinless He, and true.

His glory too, as in a glass,
I see with unveiled eye;
But how this e'er could come to pass
We know-my Lord and I!

S. A. White

Valentine, Arizona. Dear brother in Christ:- Sept. 11,1928.

A new school year has started, and many are the problems and new tasks before us. The past twelve years the Government has allowed us the Sunday night service, but this year, since the new Superintendent has come, they have given us another week night, and they are to have some sort of an entertainment here by the employees on Sunday night. Also dancing is going on each week and the children all have to go to it.

Eight years ago we had the same condition, but we believe through prayer it was stopped, and, oh, that this Superintendent may also see the evil of it and have it stopped. But we know that God is over all and will not forsake or leave us or His own here.

Other conditions seem rather hard just now also, but we still have much to praise Him for, and we do not forget this.

With love in our Lord to you, yours by His grace, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Anderson.

Los Angeles, Calif. Dear brother in Christ:- Sept. 13,1928.

Yours of the 5th inst. came to hand. We sincerely thank the dear saints for this kind token of interest and fellowship.

The Lord continues to give us much encouragement in the work He has graciously entrusted to us, for which we are thankful. I am sure you will unite with us in prayer for blessing on what is being done by means of the printed page.

Our love in the Lord. Yours in Him, our Hope,

W. H. Crabtree.

Inkongo, July 3, 1928. Dear brother in Christ:-

Another conference is over, and we have had a very happy time. We suggested taking up a subject, and "The Lord's Coming" was chosen. We examined passages from the Old Testament relating to it, and the word spoken by Enoch as to the Lord coming with His saints raised the question as to who these saints are, and how they can come with the Lord if earthly saints. It was most interesting to see how Old and New Testaments fit together, and I think the meetings were thoroughly enjoyed. Mwasa gave a very nice word as to what should be the attitude of Christians while waiting for their Lord. It would be impossible for those who have never been here to imagine what these conferences are like. We are two white people on the place, and the hundred or so visitors naturally look to the white man for ministry as to the Word. But in addition to this we have to feed them, give them medicine, sell them books, give them new school registers for next quarter, and other things. Some came with their wives and children, and among them Mwaku, who at the best of times wants several kinds of medicine for each of them. This time, a few seconds with the microscope showed they were all suffering from Hookworm, or Negroes' Consumption, as it is called, so we treated them and many others. The widow of Luke 18 must have been something like brother Mwaku, and we do not wonder at the judge settling her palaver in order to get rid of her. One day he came in the midst of a great rush to get books, then he wanted names put in them, though he can write quite nicely himself. When that was done and we expected him to go, he calmly asked for pieces of paper to cover them. We did not throw the books at him, for we have learned to take Mwaku (and others) as tests as to whether we know anything about self-control. The calmer one can keep under trying circumstances, the longer one is able to go on without a fever, and while one cannot afford to waste a single moment of the day, it pays to keep calm, and to "let the peace of God rule in your hearts." One man wanted a letter to the Judge to order a man to pay a debt owed to his grandfather, and nearly everybody wanted1 something or another. But it is over now, and we are thankful for the meetings, and quite expect that many too will be better in body for their, visit here, while we ourselves are none the worse for a very strenuous week. Our stock of New Testaments is almost exhausted, and we wonder if more are being printed. All are well both at Baku Mbule, Lusambo and here. Hy. Wilson.

Baku Mbule, Congo Beige. Beloved brother:- July 23, 1928.

I have been kept very busy since our brother Althorp and his wife and baby left us for furlough. He was ill for a long time before he left. Mr. Upton Westcott is old and totally blind and so unable to do any of the active work of the Station, so this falls to me. Mr. Westcott generally interviews the enquirers and sees to the petty palavers of the natives, etc. We now have teachers in over 100 villages and in some two or three teachers, depending on the size of the Village. Then we have the children here on the Station attending the school. One must look after their food and clothing also have houses erected for them and these houses need continual care. To add to this there is the care and repair of our own houses. We would like very much to build in brick or cement but this means a big outlay of money and we are unable to put out what we do not possess. If we could have them it would save a lot of time. The present houses are made of poles and clay, and white ants are continually working to eat the wood-work. There is great need of more workers. We have heard of the possibility of a party leaving soon for the Congo consisting of Mr. T. Nixon and his nephew, Miss M. P. Chalmers, and a new worker Miss Flett. We hope Miss Chalmers will be able to come to Baku Mbule, as she was here before she left for furlough and wants to return. I would like very much to be free to go to the out-villages more but do not seem to get time to get away from the Station except for long journeys.

I made a journey through the whole of the Babindi before our Teachers' Conference, and was very thankful for the opportunity. It was the first time I had been able to go through the whole district. I have been on quite a few short journeys but I would like to be on the road continually, for the teachers need some one to care for them and cheer them. At Inkongo they have the same difficulty for Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are now alone; also at Lusambo Mr. and Mrs. H. Moyes are alone; and likewise in the Basongi Mr. and Mrs. Alex, McTavish are alone. Mr. Nixon has been in England a long time due to illness. I believe he has worked harder than any one on the field, he never spared himself. He travelled with as little as possible, in fact in the beginning he used to travel with a blanket and sleep on the floor of a native house; it is no wonder that he is now suffering from rheumatism. We travel now with a camp-bed with a mosquito netting; thus we are protected from colds and fevers. He has done the greater part of the wood-work on all the houses at Inkongo and even sent some framework here to Baka Mbule and at Mitome, Basongi. He has also made a lot of the furniture, for we have to make our own furniture here in Africa.

Must now draw to a close. I do trust you will overlook the long delay but it really could not be helped. We deeply appreciate your continued interest, and we do seek a very special interest in all your prayers, we do desire to be led very definitely of the Lord in all things. Kindly convey our very warm love in the Lord to all. Thanking you once again for this fresh expression of fellowship.

Very affectionately yours in Christ our Hope,

Wm. G. Amies.

Irumu, Congo Beige. Dear brother:- July 31, 1928.

I have neglected you lately but it could not be helped. In fact I would not have been able to write for this mail if one of our main bridges had not been washed away this week. I had an urgent call to-day, but fifteen miles from here found a bridge over a wide stream completely swept away. The water had risen to a height of six feet above the bridge and there was not a stick of it left. And this was a fairly well-built bridge on a concrete base. I could find no way of getting across so had to give it up and return home. The Government is building a temporary bridge there to-day though and I hope to cross to-morrow. The terrific cloud-bursts of this country bring a great deal of water in a few minutes. In fact the very storm that took this bridge away was on a day when I was bringing Mr. and Mrs. Searle back from Bogoro, an A.I.M. station, where they went for a week's change; we crossed over just a few hours before the high water or we would have been prisoners on the wrong side of the stream and away from home.

Thank you very much for that paper of the South' Sea Evangelical Mission. I enjoyed the articles by Dr. Deck very much. How different work in different places is. What he describes there is much unlike what we find here. His characterization of the people as "by nature, loveable and transparent. So that it is comparatively easy to know where they stand spiritually" is briefly, but very comprehensively just what the Babiras are NOT! But I am consoled by remembering God's description of the Cretans and He had fruit among them in spite of that.

I am now working on a three room building (brick) for the native Dispensary, After that I want to put up a small building for a white Hospital, with two bedrooms, operating room, office, anaesthetic room, drug room, and dental operating room. When this building is up it will save me much time, for now I frequently have to make several trips and calls to care for patients who ought to come here to me but we have no place to accommodate them.

Recently we visited the schools with Mikairi and had the boys demonstrate their ability to read without mistakes. All those who could read ten verses without more than three mistakes received a prize. Some fourteen in all qualified; some of them from the school Miss Wilson has had under her care. Now at home you would give a copy of the Bible or a good book of ministry for a prize, but here we have given them what copies we have of the Scriptures free already, and there are no other books, so we made the prize of what they love very much, a shirt and pair of pants. These are made of calico, and most of the boys had never owned clothes before. They were a happy bunch. I had them all come here to the station together with all the boys from the outschools and we had a holiday. They all had a good time. I have taken some pictures of them with their new clothes and will send you a copy when we receive them back from Kampala. We made it clear that we are not paying them for going to school but rewarding them for excelling. It has given a great boost to the interest in the schools, whereas there had been a slump before due to the activities of the Roman Catholics, with their' taunting of, "What profit is it to go there to school? You get no beads, you get no cross to wear, you get no medal to hang around your neck," etc., etc. Empty talk, but it makes a great effect on small boys.

Much love in our Lord's Name and in the Truth.

Yours in Christ, R. C. Woodhams, M.D..

Irumu, Congo Beige. Dear brother in Christ:- Aug. 7,1928.

I regret that I have been forced to be inactive for a number of weeks owing to ill health, but pray for calm submissiveness to the will of my Lord, knowing that He orders all things according to His wise purpose. Seasons of sweet communion alone with Himself have been experienced during this season of being much alone. Hebrews 12:11.

Commending you and the saints everywhere to the love of God in our Lord Jesus Christ, I am,

Yours by His grace,

C. De Jonge.

Alajuela, Costa Rica. Dear brother in Christ:- Aug. 30,1928.

Thank you all very much in our Saviour's Name, for the fellowship and love manifested, which must mean prayer behind it all, which we surely need. The next two months is the hard part of our rainy season, and there is much sickness in all parts here, yet I am thankful to report good health and encouragement in the Lord's work. Our little hall is quite central and each Sunday night we have a good company outside as well as in. The priest tells them it would be an awful sin to enter such a bad Protestant place. Hence many listeners, who fear man, will not come inside. Our Sunday School is growing, and last Friday night we commenced a Young People's Meeting. All afternoon and evening there was much rain, still twelve came out. I look for fifteen to twenty regularly. It will be a privilege to help on some of the young in a priest-ridden country like this.

If feelings were to be our guide, we might seek the homeland. However, knowing the terror of the Lord we are thankful to persuade men of their need and of the wrath to come. On my last trip down the line in the lower country, I had meetings in Sequeres, Germania, and Columbians.. In Columbiana, all are Spanish; many times I have given tracts and Gospels there, which they appreciate, but I never had an opportunity to speak to them before. When the train pulled out, which I had come on, I spoke from the depot platform on life after death from the Spanish Catholic Testament. About 150 men and women sat down on the iron rails, and drank in the truth, seemed so thankful.
Kindly remember us in prayer. Yours in Him, . D. Lamorue.
"AT ALL TIMES"

Calendar:Dec. 16th to Jan. 15th

DAILY BIBLE READING:………Dec. 16th, Ps. 145 Dec. 31st, Prov. 10; Jan. 15th, Prov. 25.
SUPPLEMENTARY READING:… .Dec. 16th, Acts 15-Dec. 31st, Rom. 2; Jan. 15th, 1 Cor. 1. '

Near the dose of the year we reach the end of the wondrous Book of Prayer and Praise-all praise at the end. May the sweet savor of it remain a comfort and joy to us as we enter upon the New Year. We go on now, if the Lord please, to the Book of Wisdom for the path, Proverbs. Christ is here, as everywhere in the Word, the theme, and His grace is absolutely necessary for the walk here. In the New Testament we "begin the year, practically, with the Epistles, the storehouse of truth for the present time, and giving special light by which the Old Testament is made to show forth its treasures of Christ. May we all have special and abundant blessing in these daily Bible Readings.

(Continued from p.205).

Striving Lawfully

Having noticed the various names given to the crowns of reward, I would now desire to emphasize some exhortations and warnings in regard to them which we find in the New Testament.

We have already touched on the possibility of being disapproved at last if not careful to walk before God in self-judgment, keeping the physical appetites in subjection (1 Cor. 9:27). And we have glanced also at 2 John 8:

"Look to yourselves that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward."

It is self-evident then, that the reward is forfeitable, though eternal life is not. How then may we, perchance, labor in vain and fail of the proffered crown?

Let us notice 2 Tim. 2:5. In the A. V. we read,

"And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully."

The 1911 Version (Oxford) translates this verse as follows:

"And if a man also contend in the games, yet is he not crowned if he have not observed the rules."

Here is a principle that is both important and far-reaching. The illustration is plain. In the athletic contests of the Greeks and Romans, as amongst us to-day, there were certain recognized demands to which each contestant must conform. A youth might be strong and vigorous, and display great prowess and ability, but if he failed to go by the rules of the game he was disqualified, and could not receive the victor's wreath.

At the celebrated revived Olympian games held at Stockholm, Sweden, some years ago, a young Indian, James Thorpe, excelled all others in a number of contests of strength and skill. He won many medals and was the envy of scores of white athletes, who tried in vain to defeat him. When the King of Sweden bestowed the prizes upon him he took him by the hand and exclaimed, "You, sir, are the greatest amateur athlete in the world to-day!" It was a moment to be proud of, and the Indian could be excused if a feeling of gratified elation filled his breast at such a time. But after his return to America certain men began an investigation into his past. Finally they discovered that one summer, while still a student in a Government School, Thorpe had played on a village baseball team for a few dollars a week. This fact disqualified him from entering an amateur contest. When it was put before the King, he had to write to the Indian demanding the return of his trophies. The poor lad was nearly heart-broken, but he sent all back and wrote a straightforward letter in which. he begged His Majesty not to think too hardly of him, reminding the King that he was "an ignorant Indian boy," and did not know he was violating any rule in entering the games after having taken money for sport. But his ignorance of the requirements could not save him from losing his wrongly-bestowed honors. While no kindly person could feel other than sympathetic to Thorpe, yet all had to acknowledge the righteousness of the King's ruling.

And so will it be with those who are seeking after an incorruptible crown. The rewards will only be for those who "strive lawfully," who "have observed the rules " laid down in the Word of God.

There may be great self-denial, intense devotion, and deep earnestness, while after all one's entire program of life and service may be thoroughly unscriptural. Therefore the need of knowing the Bible and "going by the Book." Much that passes for Christian service to-day is merely fleshly activity. Much that is dignified as "Church work" is thoroughly opposed to the divine revelation as to the Church and its responsibilities. Much that is counted as evidence of spirituality is simply natural refinement, and in no sense the result of the in-working of the Spirit of God. Much that is "highly esteemed among men" is an "abomination in the sight of God."

The service which will meet His approval, and which will be rewarded at the judgment-seat of Christ, is that which is of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Word of God. Nothing else will stand the test.

Men may weary themselves in seeking to "build up the cause," as it is called, and may display most commendable faithfulness to "principles" which they believe to be sound and right, only to find "in that day" that time and labor have gone for nought because they had no "Thus saith the Lord" to warrant the efforts they have put forth. Our thoughts will not change God's Word.

It is of primary importance that the laborer devote much time to the prayerful conscientious study of his Bible, in order that his mind may be directed by the Truth, and that he may thus learn to readily detect what is contrary to sound instruction.

Otherwise he may have to look back with regret on wasted energies and Wasted years that might all have been devoted to the glory of Christ, but were devoted to the building up of some unscriptural system instead, and therefore will be consumed when "the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

The apostle did not want to "run in vain" nor "labor in vain." Nor should we. Rather let us seek to make every day count for God as we pray:"Order my steps in Thy Word." H. A. Ironside

(To be continued, D. V.)

The beloved saints throughout the whole country will hear with sorrow, as of a personal bereavement, of the death of our beloved and faithful brother in Christ, Mr. Benjamin C. Greenman. In one sense we have not associated the thought of this tireless worker with ceasing from the activities which have marked his long and well-spent Christian life of more than sixty years. He was far on in years-being seventy-seven this Spring-but this seemed to make little difference in the activity which kept up to the last. The end of his earthly course came on Saturday, April 28th, at or near Los Angeles, California, where he had very recently arrived in an auto from San Antonio, Texas, Florida, and other points eastward. Details have not yet been received, save that on his arrival he was evidently very sick, but had the best care that affection would freely give to one dearly beloved in the Lord.

Our dear brother had a severe attack some two years ago, when he was tenderly cared for and nursed back to a measure of strength at the home of the "beloved physician," Dr. C. J. Loizeaux, in Des Moines, Iowa. This perhaps indicated the need of continued care, but he was constrained to press on in his course which he has now finished. This last portion of his life was crowded with the same tireless activity in "journeyings oft," which took him several times across the continent from California to Nova Scotia-of late years chiefly by automobile, driven by the loving hand of some younger brother. His last journey as has been said, was from Florida through the southern part of the country. He had motored from Toronto, taking in many points, till Miami, Fla., was reached. Thence by boat he took a rapid journey to the Bahamas, constantly preaching and laboring, and returning to Florida, resumed the travel by motor.

Nor must we think of this as a simple and easy matter. Often it was new territory, and instead of hospitable homes of fellow-Christians there would be a lodging in some wayside "camp." But our brother was not seeking ease, and pressed on day by day in his labor of love.

The words at the head of this paper may not seem to accord with his earnest tireless service, but in a sense they do, and we would now seek to point out how "rest" really was the characteristic of his entire Christian life.

He was born in England, but his father dying suddenly and accidentally when he was quite young, his brave and devoted mother determined to take her children to Canada. Here she married again, and she and her husband, Mr. Adamson, were later brought into personal enjoyment of salvation, so that our brother had Christian instruction in early life. He found rest through believing in the Lord Jesus as his Saviour at about the age of fourteen years. The need of salvation came home to his soul and led him to seek peace in various ways except the only right one. But the Spirit of God was striving with him, and brought him to rest his soul upon the Lord Jesus Christ. The scripture used was Romans 10:9, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.'" And so his life began.

Having been brought under a deep conviction of sin, his subsequent gospel testimony was to the need of men for the salvation of Christ the Lord. Improvement, prayers, resolves, labor-nothing could be substituted for the perfect salvation of the perfect Saviour of sinners.

Remaining in the shelter of his home, and the atmosphere of Christian fellowship, he learned his early lessons. He was brought up to a life of labor, and whether with his hands or in study he knew but little of the selfish leisure which puts a blight upon so many lives.

He greatly valued meeting with fellow-Christians and enjoyed the privilege of being under the ministry of J. N. Darby, G. V. Wigram, F. W. Grant, and others. He was a lover of good literature, and to the last used to impress upon others the importance of reading useful books. Without any display of learning, he had a knowledge of the Word of God as. unfolded by gifted men, and this coupled with his own diligent study gave him a thorough furnishing in the truth. He was thus preserved from many snares of the enemy of souls, not only those for his feet, but the subtle forms of error which abound on every hand.

And so this part of his Christian life may be seen to be marked by the word rest. He had taken the Lord at His word-"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." From the time that he thus believed, he had rest of conscience, little if ever disturbed even at the start, for it rested upon the Person and Word of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it was founded upon His atoning work.

While yet a lad he had begun to engage in gospel testimony and work, and this went on steadily until very early in his Christian life he began what went on without intermission until the close. His "ordination" was that of the "pierced hands," for his entire Christian life was practically outside the various Christian denominations, although he ever had a love for all the people of God, whatever name they bore. Much of his ministry will never be known until "the day shall declare it." Nor is it for us to dwell unduly upon these '' labors more abundant:" We will merely speak of their general character, both in nature and extent, and see how this word rest marked even these many years of toil. His testimony may be described in one word-scriptural. He was active in gospel work, in bringing souls to a knowledge of their sin and their Saviour. But he did not rest satisfied with bringing the gospel message. He loved to minister the Word to Christians, and many are they who can bear witness to the words of cheer, help and encouragement given by him. But we might almost say that his chief characteristic was pastoral care. He counted no time lost in which he was seeking out the Lord's lambs and sheep in many a lonely spot over a radius which had no limit. He might have said with Wesley, "The world is my parish."

Thus in the pursuit of these objects he traveled far and near, both before and after his marriage, for he did not allow the ties of family or friends, while ever mindful of them, to keep him from leaving on long and extended journeys by land and sea. He was what might be called "a poor traveler," often made sick by the tossings on sea or rail. But who would think so to follow his itinerary? Throughout a large part of Canada and the States he went on foot, by rail, by carriage, and later by motor. Going from house to house with tracts and kindly talk, holding meetings in homes or out-of-the-way places; in the mountains or on the sands, he went ceaselessly on. In England and in New Zealand it was the same-giving out tracts, personal conversation, holding informal Bible readings, preaching in the open air or to large or small audiences inside. It was work, work.

And yet it was rest, for it was a labor of love-love for the Lord and for souls. He loved the companionship of fellow-servants and sometimes extended trips would be taken with them, as to Newfoundland, or in the West. But whether alone or in company, it was ever labor-
"The love that fills my grateful breast
Makes duty joy, and labor rest."

With these characteristics it need hardly be said he loved fellowship. He eagerly sought from the first to profit by the assemblies of the Lord's people. Not only the regular stated meetings were gladly enjoyed, but he would take long journeys to avail himself of the "general. meetings." To the last we may say these were his objectives, and all over the land at or near the time announced his familiar face would be seen and cheering words of greeting be given to well-known or newly-made friends from far and near.

He was ever ready with a word of exhortation or instruction, taking his share in the various meetings, with prayer and hymn and word. He ranged through the entire Scriptures, the Gospels and epistles being woven in with portions of the Old Testament. He particularly loved to bring out the lessons of faith and obedience from Old Testament character, of Joseph, David, Elijah, Elisha and others, and no matter how frequently he turned to some familiar character, there would come out fresh lessons for the saints, or a word of gospel for others. A diligent reader of the Bible, he brought out "things new and old" from its exhaustless stores. In the Bible Readings he was ever ready with instruction, or confirmation of what was being brought out.

As years went on, instead of losing zest for companionship with young Christians, the reverse, if anything, was true. He loved to talk to children and the young of his early days and experiences.

Early in his service he made diligent use of correspondence, and letters he deemed useful were copied out and multiplied by mimeograph for wider circulation. Probably this gave him the idea of having a channel of communication between the Lord's scattered people, which resulted in the establishment of "Field and Work," which for many years served to be a medium for records of the Lord's work both at home and abroad, and for matters affecting fellowship, or of general interest, particularly in the defense of the truth, when assailed by false doctrine.

In addition to this periodical, which had a place near his heart, were the other monthly papers issued by him. These took form-first as '"Goodly Portions," later as "The Home Friend," with its four parts-for the home, for children, for young believers, and for the unsaved. This has gone on for many years, upheld by the tireless service of one whose rest it was to labor. Many of the different articles appeared later as separate tracts, circulated far and wide. Wherever he went, our brother was a diligent tract distributor.* *He had a case made for the tracts in three compartments, whose initials-his own-marked their contents, for Believers, Children, and Gospel.* He also carried about with him large numbers of helpful books, combining thus the labors of the colporteur and the preacher.

Into his private personal life it is not for us to enter beyond the recognition that he was a man of prayer, and of faith. The Lord Jesus was the Object of his faith and his adoring love. That love was shown in good measure by the fulfilment of the Master's word to Peter, "Lovest thou Me? Feed My lambs. Shepherd My sheep … Feed My sheep."

And amid all this busy life of labor he had rest. And now, his labors are over. He has taken his last journey. He has entered into God's rest-"with Christ, which is far better." He leaves a wife, two daughters and a son.-May they be abundantly blessed and sustained by "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort."

"Whose 'faith follow." Each believer has his own particular path. We are not to imitate the manner, nor the detailed actions of any one, no matter how devoted he may be. Our beloved brother would not have thus set himself up as a model for others to copy. But the simple faith, the childlike confidence, the self-denying love, the tireless thought for others, the diligence in prayer, the patience and endurance under trial; these are left behind as a rich portion for our prayerful imitation.

Above all, may we be all the more cast upon One who "dieth no more," and who says, "Because I live, ye shall live also." May the silent lips, the folded hands of him who has entered into his rest speak to us still, with their message-"Christ is all." In that home of bliss into which his redeemed spirit has entered, to wait with the Lord until His coming to take all His own to Himself from the earth and from the tomb, there is but one theme. It is Himself, the First and the Last. And now, as in the final day of glory and passing on into the "ecstatic joy" of eternity, the song shall be, "Unto Him that loveth us, and hath washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father, unto Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

So we rise from these few memories of our beloved brother, to look upon Him who was the Source and Author of all that was good in him, the merciful and faithful Priest for all his infirmities, and his exceeding great reward.

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." S. Ridout

"And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him, and He vanished out of their sight" (Luke 24:31).

How aptly does this describe what must have been the spiritual experience of most of us, or all, at some time. The momentary glimpse caught, so sweet, so brief as to be almost a sorrow in memory, won as it would seem by effort, but which no effort could retain. What is the meaning of this, and what is its remedy? Is it normal for us, the necessity of a life of faith, or the failure of faith, and to be judged as such?

In the case of the two at Emmaus; what held their eyes? Was it divine power for their discipline, or human weakness, or what else?

It is plain they had failed in faith. The Lord's words were a rebuke; His difficulty in yielding to their desire a greater rebuke. These are things which those who know their Lord should have no difficulty in interpreting. The latter we may find again, or what resembles it in a case which should be familiar to us in the earliest book of the Old Testament. Lot in the gate of Sodom found his angelic visitors slow to yield to an invitation which at Abraham's hands a Greater than they had accepted without the smallest hesitation. Here the Lord Himself had stayed behind with Abraham. Sodom could not receive Him save in judgment. Lot's dwelling there kept God out of his dwelling. Was it arbitrary dealing that we read in his case no such words as meet us in the case of the "friend of God"-no appearance of Jehovah to Him, no "I am the God of Lot?" As little was it arbitrary dealing when the messengers of judgment had to say, "Nay, but we will abide in the street all night."

And when his importunity had prevailed, and he had put such fare as he had before his guests, and they had sat down, was he accountable or not for the clamor of the men of Sodom at his doors which interrupted them? Did he not abhor the wickedness? Did he not grieve for the interruption? Both, most undoubtedly. Yet Abraham had no men of Sodom to interrupt. Was that to his credit, certainly as it was his gain? Clearly it was the result of being where the men of Sodom had no place. Lot had chosen Sodom, and he must have the conditions attaching to his choice.

What does this tell in our ears? Does it tell nothing? The thoughts that throng in upon us as unbidden, if not as unclean, guests, when we would so gladly have them away – at the Lord's Table, at the prayer-meeting – hindering communion. Have we any similar responsibility as to these? The effort necessary to obtain what we cannot hold, while other things throng in uncalled, when we do not want them:why are these things so? There is no accident, be assured, there is nothing arbitrary. How often would the Lord be absent from us when He might be present? No, we have lost authority to keep out what (so licensed) must keep Him out. We have given the key of the house to those who now hold it in defiance of us; we have resigned our authority and lost it. They control us, when we should be controlling them. We have shut Him out, who could control them by the necessity of His holiness.

With Lot there was not even a glimpse of the Lord possible, but it was the fruit of a place where association not only defiled, but where much rather the choice of such association was in itself defilement. How many thus by these associations shut out the sunshine from their hearts effectually? Is it not only a lesser degree of a similar cause when but a ray now and then struggles with the clouds that again banish it? From "Helps by the Way"-1880

Any one can readily see, by turning to the word "crown" in a critical or analytical Bible Concordance, that there are two words so translated in the New Testament. One is literally "diadem," and refers to the regal circlet worn by a king or emperor. This is the word used in Rev. 12, 13 and 19. In the first instance the Great Red Dragon, "that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan," is seen wearing seven diadems. He is the prince of this world. Then we see the wild-beast of chapter 13-the coming prince of Dan. 9-wearing ten diadems. This is Satan's Man, who will some day arise and will accept the offer that our blessed Lord indignantly spurned when shown all the kingdoms of earth and promised their rulership if He would worship the Adversary. In chapter 19 the descending Lord Himself comes to take the kingdom, and "upon His head are many diadems." He is to rule as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The other word-"stephanos," from which the name "Stephen" comes-is, literally, a victor's wreath. It refers to the chaplet of laurel or other leaves placed upon the brow of the triumphant athlete in the games of old, or the golden band worn upon the head of the victorious general as he marched in triumph through the city amid the plaudits of the people. Subject kings wore a crown of this character in contrast to the imperial diadem. When the soldiery mocked Jesus they put upon Him a crown-or, Stephanos-of thorns, the fruit of the curse. Yet He was indeed the Victor, even in the hour of His apparent defeat, and He is now "crowned with glory and honor," as He sits at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens.

"His be the Victor's Name
Who fought the fight alone,
Triumphant saints no honor claim,
His conquest was their own.

By weakness and defeat
He won the meed and crown,
Trod all our foes beneath His feet
By being trodden down."

And He, the Overcomer whom the Father Himself has crowned, is the Judge of the contests in which His saints are engaged, and will in due time sit upon the Bema-the judgment-seat-and give to the overcomers the crowns they have won in the conflict with sin. We have a list of the heroes of faith who have fought and overcome in Heb. 11, and in chapter 12 we read, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us law aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (vers. 1, 2).

"Bless, bless the Conqueror slain;
Slain in His victory;
He lived, He died, He lives again,
For thee, His Church, for thee."
We likewise are running a race and for us as for Him there is a crown at the end. It is of this the apostle Paul writes when he speaks of

"AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN,"

in 1 Cor. 9:24. He has been speaking of service-of his own call to preach the gospel-of the importance of faithfully fulfilling his ministry; and then he uses the striking illustration of these closing verses. "Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." It is not salvation of which he speaks. We do not obtain the gift of God-eternal life-by diligence, or by "running." "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy" (Rom. 9:16).

But we are, as Christians, running a race-we are contending in the arena-and for the victors there are fairer crowns than ever were bestowed on the winners in the Olympic games or on the battle-fields of earth. Let us then see to it that we so run that we may obtain the reward.

In the next verse he goes on to remind them that "every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." The youth who would win the race is careful to subdue his natural appetites, to "train down" to the proper weight, to hold himself in check lest by self-indulgence on any line he unfit himself for the contest. "Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible." In a few hours the laurel wreath will fade or the metallic circle tarnish and corrode. We are striving for an imperishable prize, a crown that is incorruptible.

All believers who die will be raised in the first resurrection to incorruptibility (as 1 Cor. 15 assures us), but the incorruptible crown is the prize for faithfully running the Christian race. It is the Master's "Well Done!" at the end of the course.

With such a reward in view, what an incentive do I have for holy living – for self-denying devotion to Christ. Into this Paul himself fully entered. He says; "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." This last word is the negative form of the word that means "approved." It means therefore "disapproved," or "rejected."

The apostle covets above all else the Lord's approval. He would receive the victor's incorruptible wreath at the hands of Him who once wore the crown of thorns. With this in view he will not permit the body to be master. He will hold its tendencies in check that he may not by any possibility bring dishonor on his Lord's name through any carnal indulgence, and so miss His approbation at last.

How many a one has preached to others who has been set aside as a servant and-in some instances-proves utterly unworthy even to bear the name of Christian because he has not held his body under but has given way to fleshly lusts and passions which war against the soul.

To preach well is but to increase one's condemnation if one does not live well. Like the clean beasts of old, mouth and foot must agree, speech and walk must both be according to godliness, if one would win the crown.

The race may seem long, and the way rough and difficult, but the reward is sure for him who keeps his eye on Christ and follows on in the footprints He has left on the wilderness road. To save one's life is to lose it. To lose it now for His name's sake is to keep it unto life eternal, and thus to win the incorruptible crown. H. A. Ironside

Saints of God, is it not time for us to take seriously to heart the state of things which prevails in our midst?

God has in wonderful mercy and grace restored to us many a truth that has been lost sight of for ages. We know that our sins are now forgiven, and for ever put away. We know that God has justified us from all things. We know that we have eternal life in the Son of God.

We know that we are indwelt by the Holy Ghost, and thus united to the Lord Jesus Christ as the members of His body. We know that the present favor in which we stand, and the future glory to which we shall be shortly introduced, can only be measured by the delight which the Father has found for His heart in the Person and work of His beloved Son. And we know that our Lord Jesus is coming to take us to Himself, when His heart shall be satisfied, and our joy shall be full for ever.

I say we know these things, and by this I mean that they are common subjects of ministry amongst us, and as doctrinal truths the saints are familiar with them. But where is the practical godliness, the zeal, the devotedness, the watchfulness and prayerfulness, which should be the result of knowledge so extensive, and blessing so rich as this?

That there is much separation from open worldliness, we have to thank God for; but, alas, is it not oftentimes lest our reputation among the saints should suffer, rather than because we have found in Christ a present portion of heavenly joy?

Do we not often come together to read the Word, to pray, and even to break bread, in a cold, formal way, without having the springs of praise, desire, and worship, touched and opened in our hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Are not our seasons of private prayer and meditation frequently cold and powerless, lacking in fervor and devoid of blessing, even when such seasons are not wholly neglected?

Does there not exist among us an appalling indifference.

Have we the same desire for the blessing of others to the interests of Christ; plainly evidenced by the lack of prayer -private, social, and public? which the Apostle had, who could say, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some;" and again, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved?"

When we speak to other Christians are we not often more intent on proving that they are wrong and we are right, than on ministering something that will be strength and blessing to their souls? and is there not often an assumption of spiritual superiority on our part, which counteracts all that we say?

O brethren beloved of God, may our hearts take warning! How terrible would it be if we became nothing more than a sect with a beautiful, correct, scriptural, but lifeless and cold, theology! The special device of the enemy to-day is to reduce the blessed revelation of our Father's will to a theology that may be discussed, and reasoned over, and made the subject of controversy. Remember, saints of God, that though the Apostle says, "Take heed to the doctrine," he puts before it the solemn admonition -alas! well-nigh forgotten to-day-"take heed unto thyself."

The question may be asked in surprise by those who have not noted with sorrow the declension that has been gradually creeping in for so many years, and which is now so manifest to every godly heart;-"What would you have us to be or to do?"

The desire of the heart of God is expressed in the word, "Be filled with the Spirit." In affectionate earnestness let me ask you, my brother, my sister, who are now reading this paper:Do you know the fulness of present joy; the ineffable peace; the plenitude of power for prayer, worship, and testimony; the abounding hope, that are the fruits of being "filled with the Spirit?"

Are you habitually controlled, directed, energized, and filled with the Holy Spirit of God? or is this a state of soul you desire to cherish?

If so, do you not mourn the lack of power and dearth of blessing which are so frequently noticeable in the meetings for prayer, ministry, and worship; and will you not go in brokenness of spirit into your closet, there to pour out your heart to God in confession of the low spiritual state everywhere apparent, and to beseech Him to visit us with a true revival in the power of the Holy Ghost, that we may be found a waiting, watching, and working people, at the fast-approaching moment when the Coming One shall shout us up to meet Him in the air?

And oh, my brother, if your soul is not bright, and fresh, and happy in the realized love of Christ; if you are not in the deep secret of your own heart walking in fellowship with the Father and the Son through the power of the Holy Ghost;-oh, suffer not the enemy to deceive you by leading you to think that you are becoming more intelligent. Is Christ more precious to you? Have you more real delight and joy in thinking and speaking of Himself? In intelligence you may be more advanced- but is your affection deeper, truer than when you first learnt that He loved you, and gave Himself for you? Does your heart glow with the ardor and fervor of "first love " the memory of which is even now so precious, as you recall it? Remember His appeal to the gifted and "advanced" assembly in Ephesus, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." What is the worth of a greater amount of intelligence as regards His Person and work, if it be gained at the expense of that soul affection which He prizes so dearly!

And then as regards His coming-Are you longing to hear His shout, and see His face, with a desire that grows deeper, and permeates your life more and more, every day? Correct and orthodox you may be as to the doctrine of the Lord's Coming, but, let me ask-is it a hope you dearly cherish, and for the fulfilment of which you are hourly waiting? Is it a doctrine you merely "hold," or does its power hold you tenaciously in its embrace, separating you in practice from this present evil age, and occupying your thoughts with the Person who is coming again?

Oh, that in this solemn, critical moment the cry may be heard-above the strife of tongues so prevalent, and amidst the indifference so wide-spread-ringing down in heavenly power to the depth of every ransomed soul:"AWAKE! AWAKE!" "behold the bridegroom! GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM."

That great Welsh preacher, Christmas Evans, once said that if a long filmy thread were to float down out of heaven and fasten itself to any one of us, if we knew that God were at the other end, none would lightly brush it aside. Now prayer is not a thread linking us in a tangible way with God, but it is a line of communication with heaven, and God is at the other end of that line, so that by it we may enter into spiritual communion with Him. Is it not strange, therefore, that we so often neglect it?

Perhaps one of the greatest reasons for such neglect is an inability to approach God in a seemly and effective way. It is, therefore, an astonishing thing to find "Directions for Using the Communication Line" often so utterly disregarded. This is not merely a neglect shown in public but also in private prayer. And yet people sigh that they so seldom "get through."

There are certain instructions given us in Matthew 6 that have, perhaps, been peculiarly neglected by a certain class of Christians, because they regard them as given to Christians of a lower caste than themselves. They have reached a higher plane; they have more efficient means available; "the Spirit teaches them to pray;" "there are certain details of the instruction referred to that are too difficult to be followed;" "the prayer is not in His Name." Such and such are the reasons very piously and very sincerely advanced by the "caste."

If, however, we remember (and how can we do otherwise?) how ineffectual our prayers often are, how discouraged we become because of this, may we not very properly turn to the chapter again, study it once more for practical suggestions, and consider the wisdom displayed?

One of the great things that it teaches is that all prayer is to God and to God alone. The evangelist, Mr. Torrey, says in one of his books that this simple fact taught him more about prayer than he had ever learned elsewhere. "All prayer is to GOD." In prayer we address GOD. GOD is at the other end of the line. A man speaking over the radio must surely be impressed by the fact of the distance his voice is carrying, the multitude he is addressing, that possibly people of prominence are "listening in," but, oh, how much farther are we speaking, how vastly more important is He who listens, when we "get through" to GOD. Surely if we pray, forgetting this, or even if we give it a secondary place in our thoughts, our prayers are almost irreverent. "This people draweth nigh unto Me with their lips," but alas, too often lips and mouth are all there is to it. Such praying is mere formalism; it is as formalistic almost as the "Omi, mani, padmi, hum" of the ever-turning Buddhist prayer-wheel. Shakespeare has very cuttingly characterized such prayer in,

"Our words fly up, our thoughts remain below,
Words without thoughts never to heaven go."

Let us briefly refer to the objections to using our Lord's prayer as a model, above referred to.

All who are in the Church are also in the Kingdom. If the prayers of those in the Church are manifestly inferior (as they so often evidently are), then how much better would it be to shape their prayers after this great model.
"The Spirit now teaches to pray." It is, of course, a blessed thing that we do have the Holy Spirit to teach us, but does then that Great Teacher never lead us. at all to pray after the "manner" that He taught who was the burden and glory of all the Spirit's message to us? And is not the prayer of Him who was "full of the Holy Spirit" and whose words well forth from the great treasure-house wherein are hid "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," to be for the guidance of all them that call Him "Lord?"

And is not a prayer molded by the very words of the Lord, if not exactly "in His Name," utterly worthy to have that Name appended to it?

Yes, indeed, there are times and seasons and "dispensations," and questions of rightly dividing the Word of Truth, but let us not in this way suffer ourselves to be robbed of any available blessing in any of them. "All things are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's."

There are two main divisions to the prayer. The first half is a prayer for God's things, the second half for our things. This is, of course, as it should be. God's things should come before ours, and when we remember that God even goes halves with us, it is very wonderful, astonishingly gracious. It is, also, alas, almost equally a matter "of course" with us, however, that "our things" have the first place, and sometimes that His things scarcely get much place at all. It is so natural for us to be selfish. A great English poet says:

"He prayeth best who loveth best
All things both great and small,"

and indeed the spring of prayer lies deep within the well of love.

Mr. Wilbur Chapman tells of a man who was very downcast and miserable and came to him for advice. Mr. Chapman asked him if he prayed often. He said that he did, that he was constantly beseeching God to help him, but that instead of getting happier he only grew more miserable. Mr. Chapman then told him to drop all prayer for himself for a period of two weeks and to come back and let him know the result. The prescription was carefully followed and shortly afterwards the man returned full of joy. Now, of course, it would not do to make such action a talisman whereby to attain our own selfish aims, that would be a mere bit of hypocrisy. But to lay aside selfish praying because we are ashamed of it, disapprove it, that is another matter.

And this prayer begins with "our." The one who prays does not once say "I" or "my." Assuredly it is not wrong thus to say, "I" and "my," and yet to lose the individual interest in the interest of the mass; actually, and not as a mere matter of form, to lose ourselves, and how good it often is to lose ourselves. People now-a-days are laying great stress on "community" interests, "community" aims; they are almost hoping by exalting the community over the individual to inculcate a practical unselfishness hitherto unknown. The principle, however, was long ago adopted in Christianity. It is, in its place, a very good principle indeed. Let then the spirit of "our" often possess us, and let the "our" in prayer impregnate us with fraternal feeling. Let us be full of "esprit de corps."

Notice, moreover, that the prayer is indeed to God, but it is to God as Father. Christians have grown so accustomed to the thought that God is a Father that the wonder of this revelation of the Father as given us in Jesus Christ is almost lost upon us. A prominent newspaper writer says that the, great message that our Lord brought is that "God is friendly," and it is a wonderful thing for anyone who has regarded God simply as a dread Being, to "be propitiated but never sought as a Friend, to awake to the fact that God is indeed "friendly." If you and I had lived in the heathen world of the Lord's day and had worshipped the gods many, that cluttered the temples of the world with their idols, to have learned that there was but one omnipotent, omniscient Creator would have been a tremendous revelation, and to feel that He was friendly might well have created an ecstacy of joy within us. Yet how far beyond all this does the revelation of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ go, one who is "kind unto the unthankful and the evil."

The story is told of a newspaper-boy in New York who used to run up to a gentleman who occasionally purchased papers from him, and almost every morning affectionately brush his coat.

Finally the gentleman, considerably puzzled by this conduct, said to him, "Tell me, why is it you so often do that for me? What is the reason?" The boy promptly replied:"Oh, sir, some time ago, when you bought a paper from me, you said,''My child.' I never had anyone call me that before, and I love you for it." Poor little waif, hungering for natural affection, it made him seem less alone in the world. And if God is shown to us as a heavenly Father, does not merely call us that, but assumes the relationship, how we poor, agnostic "orphans of nothing," as Tennyson phrases it, should be glad and rejoice that God is a Father, a Father who is kind unto the "unthankful and the evil." And how much happier still for us who know Him as "children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Yea, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God."

Let us never, in prayer, allow that precious name to become a mere form. Let every ounce of force that the expression will carry go into it. Let us pause when it does not, and let us sluice out our dry formalistic minds with fresh streams from the Word of life, lest we seem to trifle with so sacred a relationship.

It may perhaps seem strange that the words "in heaven" should be appended to the title. It pays, however, to watch every expression when the Word of God utters it. His words are supremely practical as well as doctrinal, and the doctrinal should ever be reinforced with the practical. "Missionary Joys in Japan" tells us that the Japanese in Bible Readings were never content to get mere doctrine without the practical, spiritual application of the doctrine. What then is the practical lesson of "Who art in heaven?" Here, we must call upon the Book of Experience, in order to understand, though no doubt were we sufficiently familiar with the Bible, we might also appeal to it for an interpretation.

There is such a thing as becoming too "familiar" with God. There is such a thing as losing proper reverence for Him, because of His infinite graciousness in bringing us into such close relationship with Himself. Sometimes we talk to our "Father" (or am I mistaken?) in ways that we might hesitate to adopt with an earthly father. We do well then to be reminded that it is our "Father who is in Heaven," whom we address. Listen to words from the Prophet Isaiah, teaching a similar lesson:"For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." The contrite and the humble will never be guilty of such an offence as undue familiarity, but we often are filled with pride or a kind of indifference. It is an astonishing and shameful thing that we are so, when we consider the grace shown us by this High and Lofty One. How sacrilegious prayers may become! May we duly humble ourselves before Him when they are.

The next clause of the prayer very suitably therefore follows, as if it would reinforce this all-important lesson:"Hallowed be Thy Name."

The Name represents the Person. The name "Father" in the prayer represents the Person whom we sometimes hymn:

"Glorious in holiness, fearful in praises,
Who shall not fear Thee and who shall not laud?
Anthems of glory the universe raises,
Holy and Infinite, Father and GOD."

And fancy turning the blessed liberty He has so freely accorded us into un unholy license. Shame on us!

Very suitably therefore may we apply the petition, "Hallowed be Thy Name," not merely to the outside world but to ourselves also. And how joyously should we hasten to hallow it, when we think of the many abominable irreverences to which it is subjected. How we should yearn after the abusers and profaners of it everywhere! This is but to remember that Name is now "Father," and that He is clothed in all the graces and tenderness of the father of the prodigal son; nay, more, of Him who was full of "grace and truth."

"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name." This is the key unlocking a bountiful answer to the petitions that now follow. May we ever be deeply imbued with the spirit of it. Surely then, and then only,

"Prayer is the breath of God in man
Returning whence it came,
Love is the sacred fire within,
And prayer the rising flame."

"Thy Kingdom come." It is only those who have realized the full significance of the name, Father, who can utter this petition with all the fervor with which it should be uttered. It is His kingdom, but the blessedness of His kingdom may be understood only as He is understood. However, the fervor of such utterance is most necessarily increased when the sorrow of all other kingdoms is fully and completely realized. To desire this kingdom intensely, as it should be desired, requires a "hungering and thirsting after righteousness," and alone in the Father's kingdom is that righteousness attainable. But the "hungering and thirsting" cannot be in those who fail to feel how little of it there is even in the best of kingdoms (or republics, if you will) now upon earth. Had one the pen of a Carlyle, what a picture one might draw of the scene about us. How one might pillory even the best of the governments of men. A prominent scientist has pronounced the "annals of the (professing) Church) the annals of hell." How much more pertinently might he have lashed the "annals" of the world that knows nothing of Christ. To know all this and then to know the Father as revealed in Christ, how it should break open the fountains of the great deeps of yearning after the Father's kingdom, "wherein dwelleth righteousness."

Moreover, we the better utter this petition, when we remember that in that day, our King, Jesus, will "have His own again." If we sigh and cry over the abominations around us and sometimes within us, how must He, who once wept over the wicked rebellion of Jerusalem, look forward to the time when the sons of God shall be fully manifested. "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of My Father." Just imagine all selfishness eradicated from the earth! Just imagine all the fruits of selfishness banished! Just imagine the sin that doth so easily beset us besetting us no longer; just picture for once Him who amidst the contradiction of sinners endured so patiently, and think of Him then seeing of the travail of His soul and being perfectly satisfied.

"Oh, the transporting rapturous scene
That rises to my sight!
Sweet fields arrayed in living green
And rivers of delight.

O'er all those wide extended plains
Shines one eternal day,
There God, the Father, ever reigns
And scatters night away.

No chilling winds or poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore,
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more."

"Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." It is to be feared that a keen "discerner of spirits" if called upon to study us at prayer, might find much in us of the spirit of "My Father, may my will be done on earth, as it ought to be in heaven." Of course there would be nothing of the kind in the form of our words, but it would be the sub-conscious turn of the mind cropping up in little things that would give us completely away. In fact, the writer must acknowledge that he often discovers it in himself without any outside assistance. We are intellectually aware that God knows more than we do, that He is wiser than we are, that He looks to the end, that He is "telicly minded," as the learned phrase it, but we have our own plans and thoughts, and God's plans and thoughts conflict with ours; we cannot see far ahead and therefore feel that His plans are wrong. We would absolutely eliminate the caterpillar and the cocoon, and have the larva develop at once into the glorious butterfly. And even as I write, my mind tends to say, "And why not? Why not?" But after all God knows really so very much more about all things than I know about anything, that anybody but a fool would rather leave things to Him than have me govern them. This long prologue introduces us to what I might have said at once -GOD'S WILL IS BEST.

And as God's will is best, it ought to be a delightfully easy and pleasant thing for us to say:"Thy will be done."

How then is it that it is so unconscionably hard often to say it from the heart? The reason is no doubt simple. We have wills of our own and we have very frequently taken good care to see that we had our own way, to follow our own wills, and the oftener that is done the harder the wrench it takes to drag us back to His way and the truly pleasant path. If we had been accustomed always to yield to His will when our wills came into conflict with it, if we had always actually walked in the path of FAITH, then this violent wrenching of our wills would never have occurred. It would never have been an agonizing thing to say, "Thy will be done."

But it will be said:"How can I know what His will is?" Well, it is not as hard even as that. We don't always have to know. But just as this beautiful little prayer-model puts God's things first so we only need to "Seek 'first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." Let God be first, and then in its wider application we shall find it true:"He that will do His will shall know of the doctrine." And how good it is to yield to Him.

"I said, 'I shall miss the light;
And my friends will miss me, they say.'
He answered, 'Choose to-night,
Whether I am to miss you, or they!'

Then into His hand went mine,
And into my heart came HE,
And I walk in a light divine
The path I had feared to see."

Oh, my dear reader, make it the most important thing in your life to yield to Him always and to seek His things first. Take the word of the living Son of God for it, and sing heartily, as unto Him:

"My God and Father, while I stray
Afar from Thee on life's dark way,
Oh, teach me, from my heart to say:
'Thy will be done.' "

F. C. Grant

POSSESSION:

I've a wonderful possession,
Peace with God through Christ my Lord;
Mine forever, He hath said it,
In His own unerring Word.

POSITION :

Having naught, deserving nothing,
I am standing in His grace;
I've no right, but still I'll stand there,
Till I see Him face to face.

EXPECTATION :

I've the greatest expectation
Ever known to earth-born sons,
For my blessed Lord is coming,
To reclaim His purchased ones.

OCCUPATION :

Now I meditate the glory,
Occupied until He come,
Joying in my God and Saviour,
Till He takes me to His home.

A sermon in Nutshell,
preached by J. McK; condensed by H. McD.

E. B. Craig and family made a brief visit to some Eastern Assemblies, returning to Parker's Landing, Pa., their present address. Mrs. Craig and the two boys will be living there with her parents, and our brother will be visiting various Assemblies in the country.

Chas. Kautto has been visiting Assemblies on his way to the Pacific Coast where (D.V.), he will spend the winter. He has been warmly received and finds considerable interest in the work in China. We trust this may be increased and the Lord use the visit of our brother to give us to realize the importance of reaching out to the needy in the dark parts of the World.

J. B. Hoze writes of his safe arrival in Speights Town, Barbadoes, the securing of a hall and fitting it up for Gospel meetings. There has been already a good response in the way of crowded meetings. Let us pray that he may be used of the Lord there to reach precious souls.

Robert Deans, 1236 Fountain St., Alameda, Calif., who is warmly commended by the Assembly at Oakland where he attends, writes of an earnest desire to witness for the Lord in Africa. He was brought to Christ in 1901 at the age of twenty, in -Aberdeen, Scotland, and was early exercised as to the foreign field through hearing an address by Dr. Guinness soon after his conversion. He writes of realizing a duty to the colored race because his father was brought to Christ through the instrumentality of Dr. C. J. Davis, "the good black doctor," and his own rescue from drowning by a colored man out of a crowd of 200 of both races, when he fell from a ship in Panama. Our brother and his wife being both forty-seven years of age, are beyond the age usually thought expedient to go to a foreign country, but have excellent health and desire only the Lord's will in the matter. They have three children, the oldest, a son of twenty years, in fellowship at Los Angeles; a daughter of fifteen years, in fellowship at Oakland; and a boy of ten, who has confessed the Lord. They desire our earnest prayers that the Lord may lead them in this very important matter. Let us do this heartily.

The following letters we are sure will be of interest:

9 Rue de Clamart, Compiegne (Oise) France. Dear brother:- Oct. 29,1928.

Many thanks for the Christian's Calendar 1929, that came to me this morning like a delightful surprise. Thanks to God and thanks to you. "He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world!"-What a text! Enough to carry us all through the coming year, and the following ones, till we see Him face to face! I am, thank God, still on this lower side of heaven and I sometimes wonder how long the "thread" will hold, for I feel awfully weak at times; but He knows, and, in spite of my feebleness, uses me still. Prance is just being visited by a tidal wave from on high, and there are stirrings among the dry bones, chiefly in the South. Many are expecting a great 'awakening this year and the next one, in France and her colonies. So cheer up and pray through until it comes and Satan be once more defeated. We are now living in the Niagara Rapids of times, and the fight between light and darkness will be increasing tremendously, but we know the ultimate glorious victory is nigh and our ever blessed Lord is very soon coming back to rule and bring (with Him) the true peace (not the Kellogg-Briand one!) Once more, many thanks for all your kindness to me for monthlies and tracts and especially for your prayers, and may God's very richest blessing remain upon your indispensable work until the "Rapture." I am yours most heartily in the exalting hope of His imminent return "in the clouds" (or upon the clouds).

FRANCE:-

In the months of July, August, and half September, our brother J. Rhein (a converted Jew),28 bis rue d,Exincourt, Audincourt, Doubs, was enabled to go to thirty-two markets, to sell over 1150 New Testament three Bibles, and to give away some 9000 go tracts and to preach the Gospel to hundreds of May we pray for our faithful brother, and for + that he has been enabled to sow.

Rue de Verdun, Quiberon, Morbihan:- Our aged Mr. Le Garrec (formerly a Roman Catholic Br still going on in the preaching of the Gospel. He and another brother had a meeting in the main Roman Catholic city of the province of Morbihan. Some 500 people came to hear the message, and, though it was not a quiet meeting, our brethren were able to give the Word and to witness for Christ. Our brother also spent some time at the seaside (a famous resort where some 30,000 visitors come during the season) , where he had the joy of distributing many tracts and portions of the Word.

He also went to a market not far from where he is living to give out tracts. A priest, to whom Mr Le Garrec had given one, went among the people calling our brother an apostate, deceiver, etc.

Pray for our brother that he may be sustained of the Lord, and that his efforts may be blessed to others.

MARTINIQUE:FRENCH WEST INDIES:-

Our aged colored brother F. Fataccy, writes; "I have received the parcel of books and tracts that you sent me. Many thanks. Some of the tracts have been a means of blessing to us. I am ready to go out to distribute them". I hope that they will be a help to those who will receive them. The persons who had asked for Bibles received them with pleasure. All are sold; I have only four New Testaments left. God, in His mercy, will bless His divine Word to many. The love of Christ constraineth me to give that good Word that many be blessed."

HAITI :-

The Mission House, Port-de-Paix :- On Monday the 27th of August I chartered a sailing boat and cogged to the island of La Tortue, taking with me our two evangelists Jonas Pierre and Sem Salvant. I remained on the island five days, during which time we visited many of the inhabitants in their homesteads, holding informal meetings under trees or on the shady side of hut$. Many of the islanders came from considerable distances to visit us in our temporary Mission House, each visit gave us an occasion to preach Jesus. Two men and one woman professed to accept Jesus' Christ as their personal Saviour.

Please continue to pray for us, and ask your friends to pray that we may be kept in the love of God, and that we may be enabled by the Holy Spirit to carry on the work of the mission on New Testament lines.

J. Alfred Pearce. Canada:-

554 Sixth Ave., Verdun, P. Q.-It is with thankfulness that we can report that the Lord is sustaining and encouraging us in the sowing of the precious seed. This Summer and Fall we have been privileged to do pioneering work amongst the French Roman Catholics. We sought to scatter the seed as we went along, and we thank our God that some wrote for gospels and New Testaments. Here is the translation of two letters from a French woman and a girl:"Dear Sir, I have found on the road some papers of which you say that you will send free the gospels or the New Testament to those who would like to read them. I am one who truly would like to do so."

"Dear Sir:Having found on the road a paper on the which you say that you will give the four gospels as well as other papers, I would like much to read them."

The books and papers have been sent to them both as well as to others who expressed the same desire. Kindly pray that the seed sown may be much to His glory and for the eternal blessing of many.

Louis J. Germain.

According to the United States Census estimate, there are 70,000 blind in the United States. Much has been done towards providing them with the Scriptures in what is called Braille, which is a raised type made by embossing, so that they can read with their fingers. It will be of interest to know in this connection that the Gospel pamphlet, "The Reason Why," by R. A. Laidlaw, has been issued in Braille by the Christian Life Literature Fund through the efforts of the director, Mr. Oliver Richard Heinze. On account of the large expense of such work, the actual cost per copy has been about $1.25; but Mr. Heinze has succeeded in placing two copies with each of the libraries for the blind in various parts of the country. May God use these in bringing many to our blessed Lord.

The response to the letter sent out as to the sufferers from the Hurricane in the Bahamas and Porto Rico, as will be noticed from the report, has been generous and we thank the Lord for the relief thus afforded to our dear brethren. We sincerely hope that this will not in any way curtail ministry to those who have gone into foreign lands and we earnestly commend our beloved brothers and sisters who are carrying the Gospel of Christ to the needy parts of the world, to the fellowship of our brethren everywhere. In connection with this it will be of interest to know that our brother, Dr. Woodhams and his wife have on their hearts the carrying of the Gospel to a new tribe not far from where they are. Dr. Woodhams writes in part:-

Now about the Walesi. My wife and I feel that we ought to undertake a work 'among this tribe. Or rather I will .say that we are rejoicing over the fact that the Lord has laid this upon our hearts and we believe that God is thrusting us forth into this harvest field. These people have been increasingly upon our hearts for the last six years at least, and I have often prayed for them and for a work among them but until now had not seen the way open nor felt the conviction that we ourselves' were to go. The work here at Nyankunde, though more pleasantly carried on by the two of us, I admit, can all be done by one under the urgent conditions-which urgent condition is that the Walesi have been unevangelized since our Lord first spoke of "every creature." Mr. Searle is very happy to stay here and we are agreed about the need of work among the Walesi. He has a good hold of things now, knows Kingwana well, and will undertake Kibira since sure of staying here, nearly all necessary buildings are up, ground cleared, roads graded, etc., so that, he will be free for the work of evangelization. I have not thoroughly looked over the territory yet and will not do so until ready to act-rumors and such might thus do us harm and hinder a good location. What I have in mind is a point about fifty miles West of here and thirty west of the Ituri River, if that proves to be the center of the tribe. There is a motor road, the first lap to Stanleyville which is not finished all the way through as yet. It is the main forest and we will have to clear a place for a home. I will go over by motor bike and be back and forth until I can erect a temporary house and get a start.

One of the things that has precipated this is the fact that on this side of the Ituri there are so many settlers etc., that I am forced to spend too much of my time with medical practice, which if I had wanted to do I" should have stayed in America. Some weeks I am away five or six days, home at nights but separate calls. I cannot (professionally) refuse to go, but I do not like it, and it is getting worse and worse and will do so as more Europeans move in. But beyond the Ituri is forest and not a country for settlers, and it is across a wide river which, must be crossed by a canoe barge and I will be "protected" from calls!

There is a Dr. at Irumu and one at Kito whom they can call and will call if I am that far away, instead of calling me. If I build a European Hospital here I would be tied down worse than I am now, and what is the profit. So we came to the conclusion that the logical place for us is farther West. And I believe that we have the Lord's mind about this also.

I hope to come here once a month for native medical cases and for the rest of the time leave my trained Dispensary native who can look after ordinary dressings and ulcers, etc.

I must not write more now for it is very late. The actual start waits on the trip first to Kampala, which trip waits now on a maternity case. I hope the truck will be here by the time we begin for taking goods to the new location. It will be a great joy to begin. I feel that our past ten years are preliminary for what is now before us in the Lord's mercy, and should He tarry, seek grace to be a servant of the Walesi Gentiles whom our Lord would gather out for His name.

With much love in our soon coming Lord, R. C. Woodhams, M. D.

May the Lord guide them in this, and us in our responsibility as to this new work. Our brother Searle his wife and our sisters Miss DeJonge and Miss Wilson, will continue with the work at Irumu so that there will be now two stations in that part of the field. In the Sunday School Visitor for December 2 will be seen a picture of the auto truck being sent out to Irumu. This was made possible by the gifts chiefly of a brother greatly interested in the work and who has asked that his name should not be mentioned, and will be a very great help to our brethren, especially in view of the proposed beginning of a new station.

(2 Sam. 23:1-7.)

The last words of men are always of interest. Frequently they reveal the true man. The heart of his whole career is then ofttimes summed up in a few short final utterances. The vain show in which the world walks is passing away. The realities of death, judgment, and eternity are before the mind. Then the truth will out, and the heart express itself as never before.

How well it is to hear the triumphant words of faith, and hope and love on the lips of the dying Christian, and to see how that which has been his stay in life is his comfort and refuge as he faces the end of all his pathway here. Then all of man and his world is seen at its true value, and all of Christ and the verities of the things which are really life assume their true importance.

So it was with David.

His "last words" summarize his history. And these last words are among his best words. The Spirit of God caused him to utter and to pen them for our learning, and we may occupy ourselves profitably in the consideration of their teaching.

The fourfold presentation of the speaker himself is important.

1. "David the son of Jesse." Here he is viewed in his natural state. He was the younger son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem-Judah; and evidently of little account among his brothers. They were men who could go to war while he was left to keep the "few sheep in the wilderness." Here is pictured what we are in our natural state as part of a fallen race. Of this we shall speak further.

2. What we are in nature is of small account if God be pleased to take us up. So now we get a view of David as chosen of God for His service-"The man who was raised up on high." Exalted from his low estate he becomes the deliverer of his people, and in due . course their king, with all their enemies subdued under them. And what we are in grace as taken up of God may cause us to cry with joy, "What hath God wrought!" Our sins are gone from the sight and memory of our Saviour-God. We are brought into a nearness unknown even to angels. We behold the manner of the Father's love in that we are called the children of God. We share with Christ in everything that it is possible for Him to share with us, His joy, His peace, His given glory, the knowledge of the Father's communications to Him and of the Father's love in which He delights. All these are ours, and we are "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." We are "lifted up on high" indeed.

3. "The anointed of the God of Jacob." David was anointed of Samuel for the kingship. "Anointed unto" Jehovah as named of Him to be leader of His people (see 1 Sam. 16:3). And anointed unto Jehovah for the comfort and blessing of the Lord's own down all the centuries of time. "The God of Jacob" had chosen to take him up in spite of all that he was and all that he might be or might do. And we who believe find a refuge in this, that the same One who took up Jacob and David has taken us up and is "our God for ever and ever."

The infidel may scoff about "the man after God's own heart," because he will not own what his own heart is, or what he himself has done or is capable of doing. But the believer who knows "the plague of his own heart" rejoices that David's God knows all concerning every Lone of His own, and delights that they should flee away from self and find their nestling-place in the eternal God as their refuge.

And was it not for this that David was "the man after God's own heart," that he ever fled for shelter to God (1 Sam. 30:6)? He did this when his city had been burned, when his loved ones had been carried captive, and when his followers spoke of stoning him, for his God still remained. And he did this when in the sore straits following upon his numbering of unredeemed Israel, saying, "Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord .. .let me not fall into the hand of man." He could say of God, "for His mercies are great," and could trust Him even in government, while the great penitential Psalm (51) makes plain the broken heart and the contrite spirit of the sinner after his "blood-guiltiness."

It is David who sings, "How great is Thy goodness which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men" (Psa. 31:19). Our God delights in those who confide in Him, and who in their sorrows or in their sins seek Him continually. And He it is who anoints us that we may know our present and permanent blessing, and that power may be ours to serve Him.

4. Finally, "The sweet psalmist of Israel." Here we find the gift peculiar to himself; the gift the results of which are in our hands to-day, and oftentimes express the deep sentiments of our souls in prayer and praise. And in his gift-as is the case in all those who are true "gifts" of God for the succor of His own-he pointed on to Christ, as psalms 1, 2, 8, 22, 40, 45, 69, 102, and others, abundantly witness. The sinner saved from his sins becomes the singer, and the singer sings of the Saviour who saved him, and sings thus for the help and encouragement of saints in every time and clime.

Thus we see David in nature, in grace, in power, and in gift, set up of God to sing of Christ and to express the heart's delight in Him and in God Himself, his own "exceeding joy." Inglis Fleming

(To be continued, D. V.)

Saviour, I gaze on Thee,
Dying on Calvary,
Bearing my woe;
Suffering to set me free,
Smitten to ransom me,
O Lord, my God, to Thee,
All, all I owe! '

Though angry billows roll,
Darkening upon my soul,
Safe on Thy breast;
Since, Lord, Thou lovest me,
Fierce though the tempest be,
Cleaving, by faith, to Thee,
In Thee I rest.

Carla C. Atwood

NOTHING.-"Let nothing be done in the spirit of strife or vain glory, but, in lowliness of mind, each esteeming the other as more excellent than themselves; regarding not each his own qualities, but each those of others also" (Phil. 2:3, J. N. D. Trans.).

What a word for ourselves in this day! A day surely of strife and confusion, of which God is not the author, for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Cor. 14:33). As one has well said, "Others " is the keynote here. How we need to consider this! How much in evidence in the life of our blessed Master was the thought for others, for "Even Christ pleased not Himself," is the testimony to Him who spent His life for others, whose love could go e'en to death for others-for you and for me. John says, "We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:16). The giving heed to what the Scriptures say would doubtless keep us from much that otherwise genders strife.

One thing.-"This one thing, forgetting the things behind, and stretching out to the things before" (Phil. 3:13).

"One thing have I desired of the Lord…. to behold the beauty of the Lord" (Ps. 27:4).

Unpleasant memories! How many such the past affords! Our life, our ways, our surroundings, our circumstances, each and all contribute their part to memories of the past. How must the apostle have viewed his journey to Damascus as the thoughts of the purpose of that journey loomed up before him! But now, forgetting the things that are behind, he stretched out to the things before, with the goal in view, the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus. We do well to be imitators of him.

The desire of the Psalmist also, what a remedy for many ills and ailments that spiritually are ours, as it shall yet be for Israel in the future day. "Beholding the beauty of the Lord." Occupation with Christ, what transforming power! "Looking on the glory of the Lord with unveiled face, are transformed," and so we are bidden not to be conformed to the world, which has its own objects, but transformed by the "renewing of our minds." What can tend to do this better than occupation with Christ? "Behold My Servant," "Behold the Lamb of God," "Behold the Man;" "Behold the Bridegroom;" "Behold your King;" and yet again from His own lips, "Behold My hands and My feet."

"Lo, the tokens of His passion,
Though in glory, still He bears;
Cause of endless exultation
To His ransomed worshiped."

A FEW THINGS. "But I have a few things against thee" (Rev. 2:14).

While this was said to the assembly of Pergamos, do we not well to enquire, Is there not aught against us also? Does He not have a controversy with His people? Do we not well to "Hear the rod, and who hath appointed it" (Mic. 6:9)? A few things:coldness of heart perhaps, indifference to His claims upon us, lack of purpose. May our hearts be aroused afresh to our responsibilities toward God, toward our brethren, toward our fellow-men.

MANY THINGS. "In many things we offend all," or, "for we all often offend." "If any offend not in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body too" (Jas. 3:2, J. N. D.'s Trans.).

Oh, those words! How oft we would call them back, had we but the power so to do; but they are spoken, they are written, and cannot be called back. What careful consideration then is necessary, and need of heeding another scripture, "Speak not evil one of another, brethren" (Jas. 4:11). "Wherefore (or, so that), my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for man's wrath does not work God's righteousness" (Jas. 1:19, J. N. D.'s Trans.).

THESE THINGS. "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17). But what are these things? Blessed example of our Master, what an interest He had in the welfare of His disciples, in lowly service stooping down to wash His disciples' feet, with the added word:"What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter," and yet again, "If I, therefore, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought to wash one another's feet; for I have given you an example, that, as I have done to you, ye should do also" these things-fruit-bearing (John 15:11), the power for fruit-bearing, spoken that His joy might remain in us and that our joy "might be full." These things manifest fruit, our love one for another, coupled with the remembrance that the servant is not above his Lord. These things spoken unto us that in Him "we might have peace" (John 16:33). The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit, with all that as a result of His coming would be made ours, made good to us by the way.

ALL THINGS. "Let all things be done to edification." "Let all things be done comelily and with order" (1 Cor. 14:26,40).

It may be said these two scriptures refer directly to the question of speaking in tongues, but does not the all things have a wider application? "All things for edification," improvement of the mind and soul in knowledge or moral character, the Word of God adhered to, the same Word presented for the lifting up of our hearts heavenward, setting our affections, our minds, on things above, and comelily, as becomes those who have been purchased at such infinite cost.

SUCH THINGS. "They which do such things, shall not inherit God's kingdom" (Gal. 5:21). What a category! The works of the flesh manifest! God has given us the power also to distinguish between its awful workings and the fruit of the Spirit, in direct contrast, with the injunction, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

OLD THINGS. "The old things have passed away" (2 Cor. 5:17).. Such is our position before God that all things have become new. If it is good to know that God no longer sees us under the old headship, in our former standing, this ought the more to exercise us that our state corresponds more closely to our standing.

GLORIOUS THINGS. "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God" (Ps. 87:3). Glorious things not only for Israel but for us also. Before God deals with them we shall enter into those bright scenes of glory, for we are going in with the Bridegroom, then coming out with the King.

EVERYTHING. "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18).

A thankless spirit marks decline. How much we have to be thankful for!

"We thank Thee, Lord, for weary days
When desert springs were dry,
And first we knew what depth of need
Thy love could satisfy.

We thank Thee for that rest in Thee
The weary only know,
That perfect, wondrous sympathy
We only learn below."

The Psalmist of old could say, "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord," and it is written of the decline and apostasy of Romans, "They neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, their foolish heart was darkened." Realizing it is the will of God, may we truly "in everything give thanks." R. S. Stratton

A blacksmith, about eight years after he had given his heart to God, was approached by an intelligent unbeliever with the question:"Why is it you have so much trouble? I have been watching you. Since you have been converted as they say, and seem to love everybody, you have twice as many trials and accidents as you had before. I thought that when a man gave himself to God his troubles were over. Isn't that what the parson tells us?"

With a thoughtful but glowing face, the blacksmith replied:

"Do you see this piece of steel? It is for the spring of a carriage. But it needs to be 'tempered.' In order to do this, I heat it red-hot, and then cool it with water. If I find it will take a 'temper,' I heat it again; then I hammer it, and bend it, and shape it, so it will be suitable for the carriage. Often I find the steel too brittle, and it cannot be used. If so, I throw it on the scrap-pile. Those scraps are worth less than one cent a pound; but this carriage spring is valuable."

He paused and his listener nodded. The blacksmith continued:"God saves us for something more than to have a good time. That's the way I see it. We have the good time all right, for the smile of God means heaven. But He wants us for service, just as I want this piece of steel. And He puts the 'temper' of Christ in us by testings and trials."

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings:that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1 Pet. 4:12,13).

"He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10).

"Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God" (Isa. 62:3).

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." How great and various are the sorrows experienced by the human race! And our Lord's invitation to come to Him is not confined to those laden with sin. Is any one bowed down under any sorrow, any anxiety, any trial too grievous for the heart? It is to you Jesus calls and says, "Came unto Me, and I will give you rest."

"I believe"-but do I? Am I sure?
Can I trust my trusting to endure?
Can I hope that my belief will last?
Will my hand forever hold Him fast?
Am I certain I am saved from sin?
Do I feel His presence here within?
Do I hear Him tell me that He cares?
Do I see the answers to my prayers?
Do no fears my confidence assail?
Do I know my faith will never fail?

"I believe"-ay, do I! I believe
He will never fail me, never leave;
I believe He holds me, and I know
His strong hand will never let me go;
Seeing, hearing, feeling-what are these?
Given or withheld as He shall please.
I believe in Him and what He saith;
I have faith in Him, not in my faith;
That may fail to-morrow or to-day,
Trust may weaken, feeling pass away,
Thoughts grow weary, anxious or depressed;
I believe in God-and here I rest.

Annie Johnson Flint
(From Songs of Faith and Comfort.)
The VALLEY of BERACHAH