DAILY BIBLE READING ……. Dec. 16th, Exodus 21; Dec. 31, Exodus 36; Jan. 15th, Lev. 11.

God sought Adam in the garden,
Sought him in his sin and shame,
Sacrificed a life to clothe him,
For He loved him just the same.

Pointing thus to Christ the Saviour,
Who would give His life for us,
Shed His life's blood to redeem us
From our sin, on Calvary's cross.

E'en sought Cain, when he had offered
Fruit of his own work to God,
Told him why 'twas not accepted,
And why He must use the rod.

God sought Jacob, when he'd wandered
Far from Him, in wilfulness;
Sought, and brought him to repentance,
Where He could the wanderer bless.

Christ sought Peter, who denied Him
Cursing; said, "I know Him not:
Melted him to tears, most bitter,
Broke the heart of him He sought.

God sought you, and me, and found us,
Pointed us to Calvary's hill,
Drew our hearts that He might teach us
All submission to His will.

Oh, the shame that we could wander
From such love as Thine for us!
Saviour, may we e'er remember
Thee, and glory in Thy cross.

H. McDowell

The World is Drifting far from its Moorings

The earth itself is unsettled and threatened with a terrific upheaval. Science now recognizes the fact that the earth is in a state of constant quaking, moving slightly to and fro in its interior masses. This constant moving and quaking will no doubt culminate in some sudden great movement or quake, resulting in the wrecking of cities, changing the face of the earth, and the destruction of thousands of lives. It is quite evident from seismic study that this process is accelerating, and it cannot be otherwise; it will result in some not distant day in a world-wide terrific shock to all the earth.

Our Saviour said in His great Olivet prophetic discourse that there should "be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places," among other things, in describing the course of the present age (Matt. 24:7). Earthquakes have been common occurrences down through the centuries, but they have been greatly multiplied both in their number and their intensity within recent years. The earth itself seems to have grown sick, so that now and again it trembles and quakes with violent force. But the end is not yet. In the apocalyptic visions there is reference to a dreadful and a terrific earthquake."And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings:and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath" (Rev. 16:18,19). The earthquake here spoken about shall be so great and terrible that it will surpass all that ever occurred in the history of mankind. To the careful student of the Scriptures it will be quite evident that whatever has been and is characteristic of the age in general will be intensified in the end of the age, as wickedness comes to the full and the judgments of God impend. This great end-time earthquake will be one of the culminating shocks which the earth will experience. We may readily believe, then, that the movements of the internal masses of the earth with the frequent shocks that are felt, are but the foreshadowing and portents of the terrific quakes that are predicted to occur in the end of the age.

Not only is the earth sick and moving in its internal masses, threatening a terrible upheaval and shock, but the moral world is sick as well. There is a constant moving of the internal masses of society and the movement is rapidly increasing. Society itself is unnerved and sick. There is a constant and a rapid drift. First of all, men are drifting far from their former recognition of God. Multitudes no longer believe that there is a God, and multitudes more, if they still believe in His existence and being, think of Him in such vague and indefinite terms that their belief practically means nothing. The masses no longer recognize God as the Ruler of the universe, who, because He is absolutely holy, must judge and punish sin. And so in popular thinking God is not really recognized, and hence the influence of His authority is no longer felt, and His Word is despised with arrogance and impudence. In popular thinking the Almighty has departed from men, or else He never did exist.

The masses have drifted into the attitude of denial. All the great spiritual verities are being boldly denied these days. There is no God, no moral law, no hell, and no hereafter. With the denial of the supernatural there follows the sweeping away of all sense of recognition of accountability on the part of multiplied thousands. Thus, multitudes are drifting farther and farther into darkness and sin. With God gone, hell removed, the moral law dispensed with, and accountability eliminated, men are sinking deeper and deeper into sin. There is, therefore, the wholesale indulgence of passion and every form of lawlessness. Sacred institutions are being prostituted and the law is being scoffed at. Society is reeking with moral filth and corruption, and multitudes are reveling in utter wantonness. The evil passions of men are let loose, being set on fire of satanic forces, so that sin stalks about in the open, with such impudence and arrogance that the authorities of the law are unable to deal with its victims. The whole world is drifting onward in moral evil and unrighteousness, unhindered and unrestrained, preparing for a shock so dreadful and terrific that it will surpass any other ever experienced in any former age. The world has drifted far away from its moorings.

The World is on the Verge of a Terrific Judgment from God

A great and a dense darkness is spreading over the face of the earth. It is the darkness of a coming judgment. Civilization is on the verge of an utter collapse. The sins of mankind are fast filling up the cup of the iniquity of human society, and the world is rapidly ripening for judgment. "Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together" (Matt. 24:28). The '"carcase" represents corruption and sin. The "eagles" represent the judgments of God. Wheresoever corruption is, there will the judgments of God be gathered. The corruption of sin is rapidly spreading over the whole earth and the judgments of God are impending. The judgments that will fall upon the earth are those of war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes and other indescribable horrors.

The honest and unprejudiced observer of the times and of European affairs must be convinced of an impending war. The situation surely is far from pleasing. The multiplying inventions of men in the conquest of the earth, the sea and the air, are no doubt rapidly hastening the impending crisis. Satan, who is the prince of this world, politically, seizes upon them, and manipulates them to his own deadly purposes, and deceives men into glorying over their achievements to the ignoring of God. It is said that the nations of Europe are at present far better prepared for war than in 1914, the year of the beginning of the late great world war.

The present unemployment enters vitally into the situation. The number of the unemployed in the world is enormous. It is reported that the unemployed in England, Germany and America now number well over twelve millions – England, 2,600,000; Germany nearly 5,000,000, America between 4,500,000 and 7,000,000; with a world-total i which was estimated even a year ago at not less than 30,000,000, and which must now be much greater. These figures are staggering. And this unemployment is preparing the minds of millions for the poisonous teachings of Communism. The gravest peril of the hour is Russia with the deadly and poisonous propaganda of this fatal teaching. She is spending millions to broadcast her foul propaganda over all the earth, and millions are embracing it and becoming carried away by it. This deadly teaching is gradually and effectively saturating the minds and lives of great multitudes, so that the sacred institutions of human society are being threatened. There is much bitterness of spirit, a great deal of lawlessness and the spirit of revolution, and much dissatisfaction in evidence everywhere.

Over against this we see the restlessness of Italy, with its ambition for empire, the fear of France in respect to war, and the constant growth of political unrest in Germany, with millions of its citizens cherishing revenge in their minds. The Old World is setting the stage for so great and fearful a conflict as was never waged in the history of the world. All Europe may be likened to a boiling volcano. Just how soon the millions will move on to the conflict God alone knows. But the crisis is impending and the foreshadows are manifest and ominous. And their risings, when they do move, will mean that Jehovah has risen to accomplish the judgments upon the nations so long foretold in the Scriptures.

There never was a time like the present time. These are crisis days, days fraught with momentous import and a great deal of peril. They are also days filled with spiritual opportunity and responsibility. The close of the age is at hand. The Lord Jesus Christ may come at any moment to receive the redeemed unto Himself. This great event will usher in their day of eternal glory and the world's night of the antichrist rule and the great tribulation. In the meanwhile exiled Israel longs for home and rest. Her destiny will be settled on the field of Armageddon, after she has endured the horrors of the Great Tribulation. Her rejected Messiah and King will return and deliver her in His mercy and faithfulness from all her enemies and plant her in the Holy Land. And our glorious Christ with His triumphant Church will take over the dominion of all the earth. W. S. Hottel

Nowhere in Holy Writ do we find a dispensational limit upon the atoning work of Christ. From the garden of Eden, through successive ages, down to the consummation of Time, the precious blood of the Lamb was, and is, and shall be efficacious in cleansing from all sin. The dissenting view, indeed, may seem to be in harmony with Scripture, yet in following it one is led by a half-truth, opening the way for imagination.

The Old Testament saint, it is alleged, had only the promise of sins forgiven, and not actually atoned for until the death of Christ had become an accomplished fact; these saints at death, it is said, could not possibly come into the immediate presence of a most holy God! And so those departed souls were to be held "captive" in sheol or hades, not of course, with the lost, but in what is termed an "Old Testament paradise," not "the paradise of God."

A further review of this teaching would be of no profit were it not that so many dear servants of Jesus Christ, who otherwise are true to the faith, seem to uphold a doctrine which tends to disparage rather than to magnify the power of the Cross. One marvels that such a belief could engage the attention of any careful Bible student, but such is the course of conjecture when it reaches out beyond the written Word.

"New birth," the entrance of life eternal into the soul, is also an Old Testament truth. Our Lord did not introduce His enquirer, Nicodemus, to something new (John 3:1-10):"Art thou a teacher of Israel, and knowest not these things?" David had cried to God in his penitence, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow… Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:7-10).

David received full assurance of sins forgiven and of a clean heart through the power of the Cross. Still, if David's confidence be taken simply as the language of faith, and not a present, personal experience, we have Isaiah 6:1-7 to assure us of a then very present experience:"Lo, this hath touched thy lips:and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged." Also in chapter 61:10-"My soul shall be joyful in my God:for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness."

There was, then, an absolute blotting out of sins centuries before the death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; for the evidence of the entire Old Testament Scriptures is sufficient to justify the belief that saints of former dispensations were granted full salvation from their sins, were indeed begotten of God, were actually , the sons of God, and in possession of life eternal, fully prepared to dwell in His most holy presence. It is cited, however, that saints in former dispensations are never spoken of as "sons of God," but that the term when used refers to angels only.

Yet from Gal. 4:1 we learn that saints under the old covenant were sons in fact, although treated as children under age, as minors:"Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all." The failure to recognize the force of Paul's argument as to why those children of God in former ages were not given the title of "sons" as yet, may have led to this unscriptural thought regarding them.
It is evident from that "honor roll" in Hebrews 11, that souls marked with such a record of faith were fully prepared through the atoning sacrifice of Christ to dwell in the very presence of the One whom they had loved more than life itself. Verily, the cleansing power of the blood could reach back to the days of Abel. If Adam's sins, for example, stood against him, in reality, until atonement had been made at the cross of Calvary, how could our Saviour "His own self bear our sins in His own body on the tree" committed long afterwards?

God is not limited by years, neither is He baffled by conditions nor circumstances in working out His eternal purposes; for He is the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. With HIM, the past and the future are as the present; and most beautifully expressive are the "lines:

"O mystery of mysteries!
Of life and death the tree;
Center of two eternities,
Which look, with rapt, adoring eyes,
Onward and back to Thee-
O Christ of Christ, where all His pain
And death is our eternal gain."

H. Cowell

(No. 4)

In Isaiah 45:1, fully one hundred years before King Cyrus was born, we read concerning the capture of Babylon:"Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden to subdue nations before him; I will loose the loins of kings (make them careless) to open before him (Cyrus) the two-leaved gates, and the gates shall not be shut."

When we read Daniel's prophecy and Herodotus' account of the fall of Babylon, we see a marvelous prediction this was.

When Cyrus besieged Babylon he soon discovered that it had a wall three hundred feet high and fifty feet wide, and was well provisioned. Finding he could not take it by force, he adopted another plan. The Euphrates river ran right through the center of ancient Babylon, and the great wall was carried over it on pillars. Great two-leaved gates stretched across the river from shore to shore, the water flowing between the iron bars. This prevented any enemy entering the city by way of the river.

Some distance up the Euphrates Cyrus discovered an old channel which once had carried that river around the city of Babylon. Herodotus tells us thousands of men were put to work to dig out this old river-bed, while Cyrus ordered others to build a dam across the present channel. When all was ready, he suddenly withdrew his troops from the city. King Belshazzar thought he had abandoned the siege, and as Daniel informs us, sent out invitations to a thousand of his lords to come to his palace that night and celebrate the event. About midnight Cyrus closed the dam and changed the course of the Euphrates around the city, thus making the river-bed through the city dry. He then marched back to Babylon, found the two-leaved gates wide open, as Herodotus informs us, and thus entered the city exactly as Isaiah predicted he would do. Such a prediction, giving the very name of the conqueror a hundred years before he was born, proves most clearly that the Bible is God's own Book.

-From "The Bible:Its Christ and Modernism," by T. J. McCrossan, 213 pp., $1.00.

The plain teaching of the Bible on this subject is that at any moment the Lord Jesus may descend from heaven into the air with a shout, raise the dead and change the living who are His, and catch up all to be for ever with Him (1 Thess. 4:14-17). Since this event will take place in "the twinkling of an eye," literally, an "atom" of time (1 Cor. 15:52), the world will go on as if nothing had happened.

The consummation of the mystery of iniquity, the elements of which are already working, is prevented by the presence of the Holy Ghost. He will be caught up with the Church, and thus the way will be opened for the revelation of Antichrist, the master-genius of the ages (2 Thess. 2:7-12). "The Man of Sin" will be manifested with all lying wonders and miracles (Rev. 13:14). God will give men up to strong delusion, and they who have rejected God's truth will believe the devil's lie without question.

After the catching up of the Church, God will resume His dealings with Israel, and a selected sealed company will be entrusted with "the gospel of the kingdom" (Matt. 24:14), to proclaim it to the millions who have not heard the gospel of the grace of God. Then will come the great tribulation (Matt. 24:21), when the abomination of desolation will be set up in the holy place (Matt. 24:15; Dan. 12:11), when Antichrist will sit as God in the temple and will demand universal worship (2 Thess. 2:4; Dan. 11:30-39), the head of a world-wide religious-political-commercial syndicate (Rev. 13:18). The persecution to which the godly remnant of the Jews will be subjected will be so severe that God will intervene about seven years after the rapture of the Church (Dan. 9:27), and will shorten the tribulation for the elect's sake. Then the Lord will come as a thief in the night with myriads of His saints to the Mount of Olives, and Antichrist will be destroyed with the brightness of His coming, and the Devil will be chained. Then the Lord will set up His kingdom in display on earth by a judgment of the living nations, when He will separate the sheep from the goats according to the way they will have treated His Jewish messengers ((Matt. 25:31-46). That judgment has no reference whatever to Christendom or the gospel of the present dispensation. After the earth has been purified the Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing in His wings, and will establish His millennial kingdom, and will reign in equity for a thousand years.

At the end of the millennium, Satan will be loosed from prison and will go out once more to deceive the nations. Men will again unite and compass the camp of the saints, but they will be destroyed by celestial fire (Rev. 20:8,9). The devil will be cast into the lake of fire where the Beast (the political head) and Antichrist (the false prophet) will have been for a thousand years. Then will come the judgment of those who have died out of Christ. A Great White Throne will be set up. The earth and heaven will fly away from the face of the One who will sit thereon. Death and Hades will deliver up the dead, small and great, that they may be consigned to the lake of fire. Then will be ushered in the new heaven and new earth:the era of no night, no tears, no pain, no death, for the former things shall have passed away and everything will be lighted up with the glory of God (Rev. 21).

One of the primary functions of the Spirit of truth is to show us these "things to come." His operation will preserve the matter from becoming a mere intellectual exercise for the curious, and will keep us on the tip-toe of expectancy for our blessed Lord's return! T. Oliver (Galashiels)

As another year begins we gratefully acknowledge the Lord's goodness in permitting us still to be of service in forwarding funds to those on the foreign field.

While the amount sent during the past year has been considerably less than in previous years we judge from letters received the sacrifice has been greater. In one just to hand from an aged couple in very poor circumstances we read, "Our dear Lord has graciously made the oil and meal last for us throughout the past year, for which we praise His precious Name, and as a little token of appreciation to Him we have laid by in His treasury $5, and desire that it be used to His honor and glory." Surely a sacrifice "well-pleasing to God."

Concerning Christian Giving the following extract is worthy of note:

The world forms its estimate according to the getting. Christ's estimate is measured by the giving. The world reckons what sum is given:the Lord's reckoning is as to how it is given. Men consider the amount:Christ considers the motive. With the world the great question is:What does a person own? The Lord takes notice as to the use a person makes of it. How much is suggested by the Lord's remarks about the widow's offering! "The poor widow cast in more than they all:for all these did of their superfluity cast in their gifts, but she of her want did cast in all the living that she had" (Luke 21:3,4). There was little, if any, sacrifice in their case. They were as comfortably off afterwards as before. She had nothing left. Theirs was a matter of religion:hers was a matter of love and devotion to God. After all, the great criterion was, not how much she gave, but how much she kept. What a difference between their balance and her nothing!

Love and devotion to God! That imparts the real value to giving. And this perhaps serves to explain why no command as to the amount is laid down for believers. To obey a command stating the amount or proportion would be easy, but what exercise of heart would there be? Where would the motive lie? Loyalty would be superseded by mechanical religion. Love would be replaced by formalism. Both individuals and local assemblies would lose their sense of the high motive which should inspire in the offering a loving response to the love of the great Giver Himself.-From "Echoes of Service."

MISSIONARY ITEMS

We have on hand no fresh news from the field since our last issue, owing no doubt to the slowing up and congestion of mail arrival on account of the holiday season.

Prior to returning to Africa our brother Gordon Searle is spending some time in the middle West, so far having visited the assemblies in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota. At present he is in Chicago and hopes to be in the East about the middle of January.
NEW WORKER

Brother Searle writing on December 9th from Minneapolis says:

Our brother, Duncan McNeil, who was out previously with a Gospel-car, and who has for a long time been exercised as to going to Africa, has now definitely decided to do so, being assured, he says, that the Lord has called him. He has notified the assembly where he is, and they are going to have a farewell meeting to commend him to the Lord's work in that needy land. He has habitually and actively engaged himself in the Lord's work for some years, although also working with his hands (as Paul did). If the Lord will, he will be coming East with me, visiting the assemblies and ministering the Word. We have been, and will be, much before the Lord as to our path. When the Lord "putteth forth His sheep He goeth before them and they follow Him, for they know His voice," and so I believe it is with our dear brother and his wife, who also is in full accord with him. We have been much encouraged by the fact that it was not until the priest's feet touched the water that a path was made through it for the Lord's people Israel to pass on. And so when the Lord's servant steps out in faith in Him He opens a way. It is the obedience of faith that is necessary before the glory of the Lord is manifested.

HARBOR WORK

Brother Holwill gives us the following account of his work for the Lord in the Port of Montreal during the past season:

Let us together thank God for His manifold mercies, and the many blessings and benefits that we have been permitted to share during another summer's work on the ships in the harbor.

"Behold, I set before you an open door," was never more true than in this year 1932, and the Lord has permitted and opened doors all the way through from April 15th to November 20th. There was not one Lord's Day afternoon but what it was possible to reach some of the ships, and many times the evening was spent in the harbor as well. Altogether 265 ships have been visited, and although the number may not mean much it is a record, never having reached as many before. . Having had more time at my disposal I have been able to do more visiting.

Please pray for the unsaved sailors; also pray for the saved sailors who while at sea are usually not more than one on a ship, and who have to fight their battle alone with no other brother or sister to give a word of encouragement or cheer. The sailor's life is a hard one, but for the believer at sea it is more so.

SOME MISSIONARY PROBLEMS OP TODAY

Missionaries are now facing many new and difficult problems, and need our prayers and fellowship more than ever before. We believe truly that the "coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Current events in the world are but the signs of the times, showing that the Day is at hand, yet until that Day dawn the gospel testimony should be maintained and the hands of those engaged in the work be upheld. "Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing" (Matt. 23:46).

A condition which is being felt by many missionaries today is the apathy and lack of interest on the part of many assemblies and individuals in the home-lands toward gospel and missionary endeavor. Again, missionaries on furlough find in many places the saints occupied with party strife or local difficulties, and instead of being refreshed in spirit by the ministry of the Word and fellowship with saints, so longed for when away, they return to the field saddened and discouraged.

On the field, too, missionaries are ofttimes embarrassed by the confusion caused to native Christians by the false doctrines taught by missionaries of various sects or cults. Just recently a missionary laboring in Rhodesia (South Africa) reported that years of labor had almost been frustrated and the whole district inflamed by the activities and teaching of missionaries connected with the so-called "Watch-tower" movement. In another letter from South Africa just to hand a friend writes:"It is certainly a sad thing to see missions fighting one another. One can sympathize with the old Kaffir chief whose sons were Christians converted through hearing the gospel preached at the local mission station. They were naturally anxious for their father to be converted too, and when the old chief was dying they made a final appeal, to which the old man replied:"Go and tell the missionaries to agree among themselves, and then come and tell me about their God."

Another problem in connection with missionary work at the present time is the matter of remitting funds and the decreasing value of American currency in the rates of foreign exchange. The continued depression with consequent reduced incomes, or unemployment, of many of the Lord's people has caused a considerable falling off in ministry, to which is now added the exchange problem. One interested in missionary work writes as follows :"While it is true that God can make up the loss to each missionary, yet a responsibility doubtless rests on the Christians at home, for we know that when we send abroad our usual sums they shrink in foreign exchange from twenty to thirty per cent."

Yet another disturbing factor is the increased and still increasing activity of Rome in the so-called heathen lands. Added to this in some places is intense nationalism and communism, all active agencies causing missionaries to face difficulties, testings, burdens, and persecutions in a new and serious way.

These conditions call for continued and fervent prayer, by the missionaries themselves, and with and for them from the saints in the home-lands. "That ye strive together with me in your prayers for me" (Rom. 15:30).

As an example of prayer-help in connection with missionary work we quote the following from an article written concerning a work started in the almost unknown and unreached territory in the interior of Papua (New Guinea). The work is mostly done by itinerant evangelists, both white and native, who, though away from their base for months at a time, are continually remembered in prayer. Telling of this prayer remembrance the writer says:

"Needless to say every step of their journeys is faithfully remembered at the prayer meetings here at Kwato, at each out-station, and in many villages where the Lord now has His own Papuan remembrancers. It is this backing that makes their progress often a triumphant one. And it is this same backing of prayer that we need from our friends overseas if the strong fortresses of the Evil One are to be stormed in the Name of our Master. The resentment of the enemy is strong in our midst. But the Holy Spirit is working, and there can be no limit to what He may do. Our burden, and one that we would share with all who belong to the Master's service, is the unevangelized areas of this country. We think of the cannibals, the depraved and degenerate inhabitants of the vast maze of intersecting waterways of the West, of the endless forests, and the hidden mountain heights. There is no hope for these, or any, apart from the Saviour who came to open the eyes of the blind, and to loose the captives from their chains. And this we have seen Him do abundantly, before our very eyes, in Papua."

May we not add that it is this same backing of prayer that is needed for our brethren in every part of the world where they have gone with the Gospel. "Brethren, pray for us" (1 Thess. 5:25).

AFRICA

The following is a brief extract from a letter recently received from our brother Gordon Searle:

Here in the Congo again we have been kept very busy getting settled into the work and environments. As to material things nearly everything needs attention and remedying, which is also the case in the spiritual realm to a great extent. There are those that wander from the right ways of the Lord for one reason or another, that need to be cared for and brought back, nourished and strengthened, that they may stand again, and then serve the Lord acceptably. Prayer plays a most effective part in this as in all else, and we are constantly reminded that without Him we can do nothing, but with Christ how much can be accomplished through waiting on Him and for His gracious guidance…. One of our out-schools which has twice fallen a prey to the Roman Catholics has now twice been resurrected as it were, and although for five months the drum has been beaten thereat summoning attendance without any result, at last out of a clear sky, as it were, come twenty-five pupils. The chief's son now assists the local teacher to round up some of the former pupils. All this time prayer has been made for the out-school which is at a very strategical point. The chief there, who opposed us, is sick, and so is one of his children; he sends over for medicine and gets it. We trust he will become more favorably disposed toward our school and the Gospel being preached in his village.

Also from Nyangkundi our Brother Will Deans writes:

In all ages God has chosen some and sent them forth with the Gospel into needy foreign fields. To others he has committed the work of preaching the Gospel to sinful people on domestic shores, and of using Spirit-given gifts for the edification and building up of the saints. Others are diligent in prayer. Whether serving at home or afield the servant of God is assured of blessing if he is in the place which God has chosen for him.

My father tells the story of an old crippled saint in Scotland to whom he was wont to go for comfort and encouragement, and for what he as a young man needed most of all, prayer. He related how that Miss Cowie would learn of someone out of Christ, either through my father or some other Christian worker, and take the name as her special item of intercession over an extended period of time, constantly and diligently looking to the Lord for the salvation of that individual. God was pleased to look down upon that invalid woman, and honor her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ by giving her miraculous answers to prayer for the salvation of souls. My father tells of one time when, after a rousing Gospel meeting, he ran up to Miss Cowie's room and burst out with the news that fourteen had accepted Christ that night. He quickly gave the names, and Miss Cowie quietly replied, "Half of them are mine." The dear saint had striven in prayer many days for those who that night claimed Christ.

Consciousness of groups of Christians, yea, and of individual saints at home, who are able to say, "Half of them are mine," makes our hearts rejoice and spurs us on to greater zeal in the service of our Lord.

Five old Balendu women forsook their idols and charms last month (in the village of Katcho) and trusted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. These five are the first-fruits among the old Balendu people, and we ask your earnest prayers on their behalf that God may by His Spirit lead them on. They are indeed ignorant, yet possessing spiritual understanding. They were blind, but now see. Two Christian men have left their own tribe and gone to this particular section of the Lendu tribe with the Gospel. They are resident in the village where these mammies believed, and are themselves wonderfully impressed by the way the old women have taken a decisive stand for Christ, against tribal customs and conditions. May they be but the first-fruits of many.

From a Bagaya village in which several Christians reside, Christians who have gone forth from Nyangkundi, came the news recently of the conversion of nine young people. Another village sends word of seven who have given their hearts to the Saviour. Eleven Gospel centers are now operated from Nyangkundi, and from each the clarion call to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is daily sounded forth. Evangelists called by the Spirit, have gone forth, mostly in twos, to reside at these various points.

CHINA

Up to the time of writing we have not received further news of our brethren Kautto and Foggin. It will be remembered that they had to leave their station owing to difficulty with bandits. Prayer is requested for their safety and that they may soon be able to return to Taitowing.

BAHAMAS

In a letter from our brother Jewers dated November 10th he tells of having to go into a hospital on November the 14th for an operation, and requests our prayers that he might be speedily restored to health. He also tells of many in need, unable to help themselves through conditions brought about by the recent hurricane.

BRAZIL

We have again received the following requests for prayer from our brother Penna. Our brother labors single-handed in the Aicurapa River District in the heart of Brazil. He writes:

I wish to request prayers in our favor as to this. We are greatly encouraged as to the gospel preaching. Every two Sundays we preach in the lake "Joseassu," and we are thankful for the interest we see in a few sinners listening to the Word there. Have also begun weekly trips to preach the gospel from house to house in the vicinities of the river. There is much to be reached yet, this region being so vast. Our canoe is not yet ready, and I am making use of a small and old one which I acquired at a cheap price to serve our urgent need. As soon as our canoe is ready I will try to go out for longer trips, carrying further the blessed gospel to the poor lost sinners living on the banks of the many rivers and lakes comprising this region. But I want to remind you again, dear brother, of my desire to have here a fellow-helper, a servant of the Lord to help us, and for this and also for the things I mentioned above I make to you and to all the dear saints my prayer request.

(Rev. 22:20)

"Surely I come quickly." "He that testifieth these things," the Author of Revelation, made this positive statement nearly nineteen centuries ago! And still He tarries! In defense of the verity of Scripture, 2 Peter 3:8 has been adduced-"That one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." And so, in God's mind, scarcely two days have elapsed since our Lord's promise was given!

Still, God not spoken to mankind in the language of eternity, but in words commensurate with human understanding. We do not comprehend the expression, "quickly," to be anything like a millennium! Among some old "advent" hymns we find these words:

"His Church has waited long
Her absent Lord to see."

And it has been a long, long time that saints have waited for their Lord.

Centuries of trial and persecution have come and gone; the night has been long and dark, with hardly a streak of the coming dawn-and growing darker as the years advance. And yet our blessed Lord had no thought to inspire His people with a hope far beyond their apprehension! We must interpret His word, "quickly," to mean just that, not something else. It is a direct statement; it is not figurative.

It will not do to quote 1 Cor. 15:52 (true as that is) as an explanation-that when He does finally come it will then be "in the twinkling of an eye." Nor to say that our Lord has been coming quickly into the hearts of believing sinners to give them life eternal. Neither that He comes quickly to saints who fall asleep in Jesus. The promise evidently refers to His personal, bodily, literal descent into the air to receive His own unto Himself, both the dead and the living. It means "the first resurrection" and rapture of all saints in bodies like unto His body of glory.

Doubtless the experience of Jacob working and waiting for his promised wife Rachel might throw a ray of light upon this apparent difficulty. "Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her" (Gen. 29:20). May we not think of Christ's love for His Church in the same way?- yea, far exceeding Jacob's love to Rachel! Are not the centuries of our Lord's patience but as "a few days" to Him as He works and waits in joyous expectation for His promised Bride?

Who can measure, who can estimate, the love of Christ? -waiting, even before the foundation of the world, for His chosen ones (Eph. 1:4-6). Brief, then, is this night of our Lord's absence when compared with such infinite love. But if this be the love of Christ to His Church, fervent and unmeasured in the computation of years, what can be said of our love to Him? Shall we mark the fleeting years as tedious, and be led to say, "Where is the promise of His coming?" Let us return to our "first love," and none will say, "The Lord delayeth His coming." Is He not our "Treasure?" Then our hearts will be there with Him, our loins girded about, our lights burning; and we ourselves like men that wait for our Lord (Luke 12:34-36).
One might say that the Lord's coming has been imminent from apostolic days, and thus the word "quickly" is quite appropriate in any period of the Church's history. The early Christians walked in the light of His speedy return; they did not count time by years; they lived in constant expectation of that promise being fulfilled:"I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." And may this be the expression of our love to Him-

"I'm waiting for Thee, Lord,
Thy beauty to see, Lord;
I'm waiting for Thee-
For Thy coming again.

"Thou'rt gone over there, Lord,
A place to prepare, Lord;
Thy home I shall share
At Thy coming again.

"E'en now let my way, Lord,
Be bright with Thy praise, Lord,
For brief are the days
Ere Thy coming again."

Herbert Cowell

"And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile; for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure"-Mark 6:31.

This, this is rest, Lord Jesus,
Alone with Thyself to be!
The desert is a gladsome place
With Thy blest company!
Oh, sweet to hear Thy tender voice
Bidding me, "Come apart"-
Such rest for throbbing aching mind,
Quiet for weary heart!

Yes, this is rest, Lord Jesus,
Alone with Thee to be,
And when I sigh for fellowship,
To find it all in Thee.
Thy saints on earth-how dear they are!
Their love is passing sweet;
But I would leave them all to sit
Alone at Thy dear feet.

Such precious rest, Lord Jesus,
Alone with Thee to be;
Thy secret words of love to hear,
Thy look of love to see!
To feel my hand held fast by Thine,
To know Thee always near;
A happy child alone with Thee,
My heart can nothing fear.

This, this is rest, Lord Jesus,
Alone with Thee to be!
The desert is a happy spot
With Thy blest company!
Amid the throng I might forget
That I am all Thine own;
I bless Thee for the "desert place,"
With Thee, my Lord, alone.

Author Unknown

A Chat with Young Christians

(Continued from page 117)

The second of four papers, used by permission of the author, and to be had in pamphlet form when completed, as will be announced later.

Now let us get on with our hunting expedition. Before settling down to the "beasts" we shall find that we have to deal with some winged enemies.

Abram had made a sacrifice to God, to confirm a solemn covenant made with Him. But, as he watched, the fowls of the air came down on the sacrifice and would have snatched it away. Abram was, however, on his guard, and we read that he "drove them away" (Gen. 15:11).

Without any doubt we shall find that unclean birds of the air will come down upon the sacrifice which we lay on God's altar as those who owe all to the blood of Christ, and will seek to pluck away some portion of that sacrifice. Ananias and Sapphira did not watch, and were entrapped by the temptation to "keep back part of the price"-to take back part of that which they had professedly surrendered to God. How many since then have allowed unworthy, disloyal suggestions, like birds of prey, to alight upon their sacrifice and pluck it off the altar!

Like Abram, we must watch unceasingly and drive these spiritual vultures away, or, better still, we should, as David exhorted, "Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar" (Ps. 118:27). Our Lord drew us with "cords of love" (Hosea 11:4). Let us use the same cords to bind our "living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1) to the altar, so that we may never withdraw nor diminish our heart's loyal allegiance to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us!

We will now go fox-hunting. Foxes are beasts that we must fight with to the death.

Now, whoever heard of a dove being invited to join in a fox-hunt? Yet this is the proposition made in the Song of Songs 2:14, 15:"O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock…take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines!"

It is essential for the progress of our spiritual life that we "take the foxes." Yet at the outset we must understand clearly that we are as unfit for such exploits and have as little hope of success, by our own unaided efforts, as a dove would have in setting out to catch a set of foxes! The whole project would have to be abandoned, were it not that the Organizer of the hunt says, "Take US the foxes;" in other words, "Let US take the foxes. You and I together will hunt these beasts and overcome them. My strength is made perfect in your weakness." Thus we start on our hunt with assurance of success, because His presence is with us and will ensure the victory.

Emphasis is often laid on the fact that the foxes referred to are "little foxes." They are able to squeeze themselves through holes where larger ones could not penetrate. We need to watch most carefully the tendency to palliate certain sins, because we think they are only "little sins." The reason why "little sins" are so dangerous is that they grow up inevitably to be "big foxes." They do not stay little.

Our Lord referred to a full-grown fox in Luke 13:31, 32:"Go and tell that fox," He said of Herod. That lustful, superstitious coward began his despicable career as a "little fox." No doubt in the nursery he lay down on the floor and kicked, if he did not get just what he wanted. When he grew to be a man, he did the same thing in a grown-up way. If he set his vile, undisciplined heart on anything, he let no consideration of right and wrong, no law of God or man, stand in his way. There is no knowing what "little foxes" may grow into. That is why we must despatch them while still little. What if your heart is harboring an embryo Herod?

There is a type of fox called the "fennec fox," which some declare to be the kind referred to in this passage in the Song of Songs. It has large eyes and enormous ears. The "lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16), the longing to see things which are not permissible or profitable, and "itching ears" (2 Tim. 4:3), the inordinate longing to listen to things not helpful to true Christian manhood, are characteristics that must be dealt with while still "little foxes," or we may soon find we have developed a full-grown Herod!

The reason why the dove is exhorted to join in "taking the foxes" in Solomon's Song, is because they "spoil the vines," and the vines "have tender grapes"-that is to say, it does not take very much to spoil them. My readers will doubtless remember that the Lord Jesus Himself is "the Vine," and His believing people are "the branches" (John 15:1). While the spiritual fruit they are bearing is still undeveloped and "tender," how particularly watchful they should be, lest one or more of these "little foxes"-self-indulgence in various apparently 'innocent forms-creep in and spoil the "tender grapes," the fruit that His Spirit is bearing in us! Here are some of the "tender grapes" that the "little foxes" cast longing eyes on:"Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control," described as "fruit of the Spirit," in Galatians S:22,23. The "birds of the air" and the "little foxes" will do all they can to mar our Christian life, if we give them the slightest opportunity of doing so.

It is a fact of natural history that on no account will a fox eat any kind of bird of prey. We shall find that the "little foxes" and the "birds of the air" are in league with one another to accomplish, if possible, the downfall of our soul.

Here is a test that every reader ought to apply to himself. Could it be said of your heart:"Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head?" Have those "little foxes" been allowed to squeeze through the meshes of your self-discipline and make "holes" for themselves in your heart? And have the "birds of the air" been allowed not only to swoop down occasionally to pick something off the altar, but even to build their nests within the realm of your spiritual nature? And is there little or no place where the Son of Man can be "at home?"

May your heart never have room for the "foxes" and the "birds of the air," but always be a place where the Lord Himself may "come and abide," as He said:"If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him and make our abode with him" (John 14:23). Author Gook

(To be continued, D.V.)

"And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people:for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off" (Ezra 3:10-13).

Israel had terribly failed, and that which lay at the root of all the failure, and brought in all the disaster that had overtaken them, was disobedience to the Word of God. Solomon's Temple, reared in the midst of the beloved city, had been the visible answer on their part to God's gracious thoughts and purposes towards them. It was His dwelling-place and there He had set His name; but it had become a heap of ruins in consequence of their sin, and the city itself had been laid waste. But now they had come to a time of reviving. They discovered that God was faithful though they had failed, and in a mighty paean they celebrated the fact that, "The Lord is good and His mercy endureth for ever." What a consolation was this to them! What a comfort and joy it is to us!-for it is as true for us as it was for them. Let the thought of it sing through our souls until it brings us into tune with the triumph of God which shall be celebrated by His Church in everlasting praise.

The laying again of the foundations of the temple made the people realize that though Israel had failed God had not. His purposes and promises remained unchanged, and though they were a feeble band and their work as feeble as themselves, yet they associated themselves now with God, His purposes, and His house. It is this that we must do. And though they were a feeble band, a mere remnant, they were able to take up sanctuary service to the Lord and to praise Him "after the ordinance of King David"-and David's day was the brightest hour of Israel's history. This was not imitation on their part, but the joy of the Lord's house, and their devotion to it because it was His house produced in them the same results that were produced in David. And we only need to come afresh under the influence of Christ, and have our hearts devoted to Himself and His assembly, because it is His, and there will be effected in us the joy and liberty of the best days.

But many of the chief of the fathers and the ancient men wept as they thought of the splendor of the former days, so that the noise of the joy could not be discerned from the noise of the weeping. It is the failure that causes the tears. They wept as they looked back, but shouted as they realized God's unfailing grace and the glorious future that it will bring to pass. The truth will not make us indifferent to the failure; the more we know it the more deeply we shall feel the failure; but it will not depress us if we view it with God, it will then deliver us from self-confidence and we shall turn from it to the Lord, "because He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever," Here is no cause for weeping, but much for shouting.

The Brightest Days are Before Us
Now let us hear the word that the Lord sent to those weepers through His prophet Haggai in the second chapter of his prophecy:"Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison as nothing? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work:for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts:according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remaineth among you:fear ye not."

Note that the Lord goes back to their deliverance from Egypt, and spans the whole period and story of their failure, and says, "My Spirit remaineth with you." He had remained true to His own word and purpose, and if that was true for Israel it is more intensely and blessedly true for the assembly.

"Christ with His Church hath ever stood." And His Spirit is still here.

Then He goes on to tell them that He would shake everything-the heavens, the earth, the sea and the dry land. So that everything that was mutable and without foundations would be removed out of the way; but He would fill that house with His glory, and the glory of it should be greater than any that had gone before.

The shaking has begun, beloved readers, and nothing that is not founded upon God's immovable foundation will stand; but His assembly will stand, for it is founded upon the ROCK, and the glory that is coming is greater than any that has gone before. The best days are before its, and hope lifts up her head and rejoices. You may tell me of those Pentecostal days, when all were together of one mind and one heart, and the power of the Holy Spirit went forth in widespread blessing. We can rejoice in it, but there are brighter days before us. You may recall later days when God graciously gave revival, and the Word was greatly prized. Again we rejoice, but there are brighter days before us. We are hastening on to the time when the assembly completed, as the holy Jerusalem shall descend "out of heaven from God, having the glory of God:and her light like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone clear as crystal" (Rev. 21:10,11). In view of that bright day let us labor, for what privilege could be greater, or honor higher than to be permitted to hold on to the truth and work on for the truth, and to be found doing this when the Lord comes to catch up His assembly for that glory? Can you imagine anything more blessed than for the Lord to come and find us maintaining His truth and testimony, holding steadfastly the fact of His supremacy and walking in the truth of His assembly? But we must know the truth if we are to hold it, and if we know it and hold it we shall be like the people who shouted for joy in Ezra's day, and we shall not dwell upon the past with its failures, but we shall look forward to the future with its glory, and we shall sing as we press on to that future:"The Lord is good and His mercy endureth for ever." J. T. Mawson

(No. 5)

In Isaiah 44:28, we read:"He (King Cyrus) is My shepherd, and shall perform all My pleasure, even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built, and to the Temple, Thy foundation shall be laid." History records that at the close of the seventy years' captivity in Babylon Cyrus did issue two decrees, one to rebuild the Temple and the other to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. But how did Isaiah know that a king named Cyrus would issue such decrees fully one hundred years before Cyrus was born? There is just one explanation:the Bible is God's book.

Daniel 8:21 predicts that one would come forth out of Greece and conquer this combined kingdom of the Medes and Persians. Alexander the Great did this very thing fully 200 years after Daniel died.

Daniel 8:22 predicts that Alexander's great kingdom would be divided into four parts. It was so divided after his death. These four parts were Macedonia, Thrace, Egypt and Syria.

In Daniel 11:2 we have a remarkable prediction:"Behold there shall stand up three kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than they all, and by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against Grecia. (4) And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken."

These three kings were Cambyses, Smerdis and Darius. The fourth, the richest of them all, was Xerxes. Herodotus tells us he stirred up his people against Greece, and then invaded that country with two and a half million men; but was utterly defeated at Salamis 480 B.C. How did Daniel know these facts fully one hundred years before Xerxes was born?

-From"The Bible:Its Christ and Modernism," by T. J. McCrossan, 213 pp. $1.00.

Calendar:Feb. 15th to March 15th DAILY BIBLE READING …….. Feb. 15th, Matt. 27;

Feb. 28th, Mark 12; March 15th, Luke 11.

For ever in the presence of the light of heaven,
The Lamb of God for guilty sinners given;
For ever drinking in eternal jot,
His glorious presence gives without alloy;
For ever gazing on that beauteous face
Once marred for me in wondrous love and grace;
For ever only at His bidding move,
For ever resting in His changeless love.

O blessed Saviour, where is love like Thine?
Or where such light as in Thy face doth shine?
Eternity can never be too long|
To sing to Thee an everlasting song
Of peace, and joy, and everlasting braise-
'Twould take an everlasting age of endless days,
And then be none too long!

The beloved author of these lines, Miss Helen McDowell- whose poetical contributions to this magazine for many years have been a "sweet savor of Christ,!' refreshing to the children of God–departed to be with Christ on Jan. 21st.

Scripture defines three distinct groups of powers which will be prominent in relation to Palestine in the last days. They are the last great confederacies which will bring to a climax the "times of the Gentiles." Their fall will mark the end of Gentile dominion in the earth.

The first group is that of the Roman empire, revived after being non-existent for many centuries. It is the "Beast that was, and is not, and shall be present" (Rev. 17:8). According to the prophetic Word it will consist of ten nations allied together. We find this notably in Daniel (chs. 2:40-43; 7:23-25) and Revelation (chs. 13:1; 17:12). It would appear from the present alignment of powers in western Europe that the empire of the future will occupy about the same geographical boundaries as the old Roman Empire.

Exactly what powers will comprise the future alliance may not be certainly stated, but it is not difficult to count ten powers, large and small, of which it may consist. Conditions in Europe would seem to be rapidly shaping for the rise of this empire of which the prophet Daniel spoke so precisely twenty-five centuries ago. It is evident from the extremity to which the European nations have been reduced that the hand of God is heavy upon them, and when the time arrives, by His permission, the alliance to which prophecy points will immediately spring into being.

Of the second group, Russia will be the chief power. It is well known that "Gog.. .the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal" (Ezek. 38:3) is Russia. Linked with her will be Germany, which is indicated by "Corner and all his bands" (ver. 6). In Genesis 10, where the peoples were divided according to their nations, we find their beginning among the sons of Japheth. There were Corner, and Ashkenaz, his son; also Togarmah who is mentioned with Gog in the end times. The descendants of the sons of Corner are the German peoples of to-day, and their alliance with Russia grows daily nearer of accomplishment.

At present Germany is a member of the League of Nations, but this is not where prophecy places her. In the final line-up she will be found in her place with the central powers. A Dictator has arisen in Germany who is hostile to the Jews. This is consistent with her identification with the central powers, whereas the western alliance of which we have spoken, will be friendly to the Jews and will doubtless be instrumental in restoring them to their land in unbelief (see Isa. 18). Of this we see a forecast already in Great Britain's present attitude toward them.

Finally, the third group will consist of an alliance of the kings of the East. This union would appear to be an assembly of the yellow races, but may not be limited to them. China's troubles grow more acute as the years roll on, and just now Japan is threatening her northern borders. All this may be a part of the birth-throes which will eventually produce the unification of the vast masses of population of central Asia. We may also visualize the millions of India as included in this alliance. Their number is said to be, "two hundred thousand thousand." These are prepared for "an hour and a day and a month and a year" (Rev. 9:15,16), and when the predetermined moment arrives these vast armies will begin their march to cross the Euphrates toward Palestine. The river Euphrates represents some obstacle or opposing force in their path. In days of old the Assyrian was likened to a river which overflowed, and swept over "Immanuel's land" (Isa. 8:7,8). In the future the drying up of the Euphrates clears the way for the onward sweep of these vast hordes. This will occur under the sixth trumpet and vial judgments (Rev., chs. 9,16), and the object of their attack would seem to be the armies of the Roman empire who will also be in the land at that time. The Euphrates was the boundary of the old Roman empire, and it is also the boundary of Israel's future inheritance (see Num. Bible, Hebrews to Revelation, p. 414).

The judgment of all these armies will take place in the land of Palestine. The leader of the western confederacy, called the "Beast," will become the object of the special judgment of God. The friendship to Israel will have turned to hatred, as under Satanic influence he will break the covenant made with them at the beginning and become their bitter persecutor, so that, in common with other nations, they will say, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance" (Ps. 83:4). This will be met by the glorious appearing of the Lord, with the armies of heaven, so graphically portrayed in Revelation 19. It is at that time that this great political leader called the "Beast," together with the "false prophet," will be cast alive into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:19, 20).

The remaining alliance, that of the central or northern powers, will meet their doom some time later. They will see the restored people of Israel dwelling defenseless and in peace in the land, and will propose to march upon them and secure immense riches in silver and gold, cattle and goods (Ezek. 38). As Pharaoh pursued Israel when they left Egypt, and came to an ignominious end in the Red Sea "That the Egyptians may know that I am Jehovah" (Exod. 14:4), so Russia and her many bands will sweep down "upon the people that are gathered out of the nations," and here again the Lord will intervene in their behalf, pouring out judgment upon their old persecutors, "That the heathen may know Me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes" (Ezek. 38:16).

The ways of God are consistent with, and true to, His written Word. "When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance…. He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel" (Deut. 32:8). He told Abram, in the first promise made to him, "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). Centuries later, by the prophet Jeremiah, He says, "Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the first fruits of his increase. All that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the Lord" (Jer. 2:3). This has been consistently adhered to in God's dealings with the nations all down the centuries. Nor could it be otherwise, since, in the purposes of God, the world's blessing is bound up with, and dependent on, the blessing of His chosen people, Israel. So in the final judgment of the living nations, God will mete out to them according to the attitude they have assumed toward the people of His choice. R. B. Eames

"The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks" (Prov. 30:26). It is said that owing to the conies being destitute of claws they are unable to make holes in the ground, and so, when seized by the apprehension of danger, they have perforce to take refuge in holes in the rocks. The rabbits, on the other hand, being well endowed with scraping ability are independent of external agency, and soon make burrows in the earth in which they seek shelter when trouble arises.

The contrast between the habits of these two classes of animals is a wonderfully accurate description of the two classes of Christians, believing and unbelieving. The expression, "unbelieving Christian," may seem incongruous to many ears, but if we look closely at our practice as Christians we shall conclude that the expression is not so far-fetched as at first sight it may seem to be.

The children of Israel all passed through the experiences of being sheltered by the blood in Egypt and of crossing the Red Sea. These are two figures of different aspects of redemption. Yet the Israelites continually provoked God in the wilderness by their unbelief. So we Christians having trusted Christ and received the assurance of eternal salvation very frequently fail to apprehend that He is a Saviour to the uttermost-that is, right through the little interval of time which it has pleased God that we should spend on earth and also as to the most minute details of our lives-as well as "the Obtainer" of redemption in view of eternity.

So we go on like Jacob seeking to circumvent circumstances by the exercise of our own natural ingenuity, oblivious of the fact that all the fulness of God in Christ is at our disposal, and that He is waiting to carry our burdens if we will only trust Him.

How good it is to be able to exclaim with the Psalmist, "Thou art my hiding-place." David, like the conies, knew the security of the rock, and speedily hid himself in a refuge not cut out by human hands. Needless to say, he was never disappointed. God never disappoints faith. Faith is not credulity; it is the knowledge of the essential character of God. "God is faithful, by whom ye are called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9).

When, like the rabbits, we seek refuge from earth-cares in earth-devices constructed by our own cleverness, we are invariably disappointed, because the longings of the new life cannot be satisfied short of the conditions of heaven. T. Oliver (Galashiels)

(Psalm 18:30)

Dear Editors:We crave a little space in the pages of Help and Food for a testimony which we believe will be for the glory and praise of God, and for the cheer and encouragement of its readers-especially for the tried and suffering among His people.

Some might label this "A dying testimony," but we are pleased to call it "A living testimony." We often call things by a wrong name, like the man who went a long distance to see a sick friend. From reports of his condition he feared he would arrive too late, but thought at least he could be a comfort to the widow. Finding him alive, he said, "I am glad to see you still in the land of the living." The sick one replied, "No, brother you are mistaken, I am still in the land of the dying, but I am going shortly to the land of the living." He made a right diagnosis of both worlds.

Months ago when three skillful surgeons pronounced the word "hopeless" in our case-knowing the nature of the malady (cancer of the stomach) we knew (naturally speaking) there lay before us a long distressing siege of nausea accompanied by emaciation through starvation, and hence intense weakness and languor as the disease made progress, and our first thought was-Why were we not called like a brother beloved who recently dropped in his garden, and like a flash his spirit was in the presence and glory of God?-no weary days and painful nights for him. The rude hand of disease had no time to ravage his form or even to drive the flush from his cheek. But we can neither choose our way of going nor our time. This lies with Him "who doeth all things well." Down through the ages the Lord has taken His people to Himself as He sees fit-some through months and years of pain, and others on the echo of a thunderbolt, and it is for us to meekly bow and say "Thy will be done."

Had we been instantly winged home we would have missed much that we would not have missed under any consideration, for we have found to our intense joy and spiritual profit that He has His time and way of deepening and intensifying in the soul the truths of His Word, thus making Himself real and precious in ways hitherto unknown, or undreamed of. "He hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet." The desert, the fiery furnace, the lion's den, and the dungeon are choice training schools for the soul. The devil may do the "thrusting in," but the Lord there does the sustaining and teaching.

The vine dresser is never nearer the vine than when training it. Our pruning is bitter to the flesh, but most profitable and exhilarating to the soul. The wildest storm is often His kindest whisper, and the heaviest rod His greatest blessing. He not only adjusts the burden to the back, but He prepares the back for multiplied burdens. He does more than "temper the wind to the shorn lamb." He uses the tempest to drive the lamb deeper into His haven of love. He makes what the enemy intends to be our overthrow our very mecca of blessing.

During recent weeks He has at times taken us to such Pisgah heights of joy that the adequate language of our soul might be expressed in Jacob's words of ecstasy, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." And as Peter expresses it, "Joy unspeakable and full of glory." These spiritual symposiums, or "glory spells" are the outcome of meditating on Himself and His Word – "My meditation of Him shall be sweet" (Psalm 104). Thus He has become more real and precious to us than we ever supposed He could be on this side of that rapturous hour of seeing Him face to face. He has given us "songs in the night," joy in sorrow, and "bliss" beyond all wilderness expectations.

If joy so great is often ours
On time's dark mountains cold,
What will the glorious fulness be
When we Thy face behold?

If such o'erwhelming stores of bliss
Forestalls that happy hour,
What will the flood tide blessing be
Of God's eternal dower?

Lord, lend Thy grace that we may have
The patience here to wait
The glory of Thy full reserve
Beyond the "rapture" gate.

What must the Apostle have experienced when wafted to Paradise and thrilled and swathed with waves of heavenly glory? The thorn in the flesh was the answer to the earthly side of that question-the heavenly side we know not-Paul himself could not even tell it.

Another side might be briefly stated. If we were more devoted to Him-engrossed with HIMSELF as we should be-He would not need to take us by the hand and lead us into the "The valley of Baca" (weeping) to learn our lessons there.

It is possible to be actively engaged in His service, to serve Him in an average way, and yet be dwelling on the outer rim of things. But He desires us to be constantly abiding in the center and warmth of His love.

Whether He speaks in thunder or in a whisper, let us with calm resignation hear His voice and value whatever deepens in the soul "The things concerning Himself."

Wilderness lessons are not learned in the glory, but we shall praise Him there for all we learn here-by whatever process they were taught.

Let us with meekness kiss the rod-
In patience bear the yoke-
The rod that's wielded over us
Falls not with angry stroke.

It's in the skillful hand of One
Whose heart is filled with love-
For every lesson taught us here
We'll praise Him there, above.

C. C. Crowston

(Mark 11:11; Jeremiah 7:11)

Leaving the temple, its ritual and ceremonies-the falsity of mere profession seen and appraised by Him as hateful (compare Col. 2:19-23)-Jesus turns away to Bethany, characterized in the sight of heaven as "the town of Mary and her sister Martha" (John 11:1), to find a response to His love that ever cheered the "Man of Sorrows." The place where His loved ones lived evidently was dear to His heart.

After rising from the grave triumphantly, we find the Lord giving His company to humble followers in an "upper room" rather than in temple courts, thus further emphasizing His own words as to the gorgeous temple:"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" (Matt. 23:38).

He still "looks round about upon all things," seeing not only the profane and immoral, but also the world-wide nauseous religious profession that ignores His Person, love and claims. Away from all such semblance of devotion He would lead the "little flock," and give His company to hearts drawn by His love to render the response He values.

In our days those all-seeing eyes still behold the secret intents of every heart. He sadly, yet lovingly, looks upon those of His own redeemed ones who choose the company and pursuits of His defamers, as He looked upon Peter, in order that they too may "weep bitterly" for having wounded His loving heart, even though delivered from the terrors of the damned, rescued from the horrors of an endless hell, and claimed by the love that sought and found their lost souls. His look of love assures recovery to Bethany, produces the heartfelt response toward Him which His heart desires. Thus the restored soul with kindred spirits may consort, that the repast prepared for Him at Bethany long ago may still be spread to refresh the "High and lofty One" who yet deigns to abide with "humble, contrite spirits" found at the Bethanys He loves.

Bethany afforded Him, of old, His last resting-place on earth. Not from the temple or confines of Jerusalem, but from Bethany He ascended. As from Bethany still, as from the hallowed presence of the Lord, loyal hearts may be found viewing the world's religious and irreligious disregard for His Person, work and Word; and feeling, besides, the deeper grief to His heart occasioned by the cold indifference of any of His own whose first love He laments as "left" (Rev. 2:4). Such loyal hearts, such sharers of "His reproach," turn away from "the camp" (Heb. 13:13), in order to welcome HIM in, as Martha did into "her house"; adopting the young believer's answer, "Every room," when asked the question, "Have you any room for Jesus?"

The blessed Lord comes when and where He is wanted. May we perceive in the Holy One (as the Shunammite did in the "holy man of God," 2 Kings 4:9) such attractiveness as may lead us to desire His company; to make for Him a "little chamber'' on the "wall" of separation; to minister to Him rest (the "bed"); to obediently learn at His feet (the "stool"); and to have the light of His Word (the "candlestick") dismiss all darkness from the chamber, from the heart, He occupies. Such a chamber will not be tenantless. John 14:23 tells us that abiding occupancy by the Father and by the Son is assured. Our Beloved's communings He directs to hearts (Lk. 24:32), not to intellects. A heart for us how wondrously He has evidenced! Those who have a heart for Him yield refreshing to the glorious God who by every right lays claim to undivided hearts.

A sanctuary we may provide as we answer our Father's plea, "My son, give me thine heart" (Prov. 23:26); the plea of Christ our Lord, "that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" (Eph. 3:17). We may welcome the entrance of the Spirit, "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts" (Gal. 4:6); we may enjoy His love, "Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts" (Rom. 5:5); and seek to honor the sacred Word of the living God, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Ps. 119:11).

In Luke 10:38-42 we have words for hearts to cherish and obey placed above service that hands may render. His Word expresses His will, before which the fairest of seemingly pious expressions of self-will earn but condemnation.

To hear Jesus is the "one thing needful." Martha's "many things" would only end in disappointment for her and for Him. The hearing ear for His Word ever delighted and glorified Him, and still does so (Rev. 2:7,11, 17,29; 3:6,13,22). We are told (Col. 3:23) that "whatsoever" we do is taken account of. The motive determines whether valuable or worthless. Self-occupation is the death-blow to all true service, for, as with Martha, it leads to our judging others (as she did her sister), having no good word for them; souring instead of sweetening our spirits.

Martha's "my," "me," "dost Thou not care?" (ver. 40), betray the unrest of soul within, and the lack of such needful preparation for true service as occupation with Him and lowly attention to His Word would afford. Let us contemplate the significant difference between Martha distracted and Mary attracted, and learn, as Martha did, to serve acceptably, as in John 12:2. Heavenly motives in smallest things lift the meanest drudgery of daily life to highest service, and earn His loving commendation rather than rebuke. When no longer "cumbered" Martha's service gladdened the Lord, and won an honored place in the imperishable record of that blessed Bethany household, each an object of the love of Christ and heartily responsive to it. Note how naturally their message to the Lord as to Lazarus speaks of, "Him whom Thou lovest,'' still equally true of every child of God.

His love led our glorious Lord to enter Martha's lowly "home," and sacred words from His blessed lips corrected her faulty service, as the sequel shows, for we read in John 12 that "Martha served," the record of divine approval when all the work connected with the supper she lovingly prepared was performed for "Hin." The heart set right, drawn by the constraining love of Christ, ears, hands and feet were governed to suit Him, and were no longer moved by self-occupation or unbroken will. As listening to the Lord expressing His tender heart's desires for His loved ones, in true lowliness "at His feet," humbly hearing and heeding His Word, who could read chapters 13,14, IS, 16 and 17 of John's Gospel, and fail to render responsive service in hearty compliance with His Will? E. J. Checkley

(To be continued, D. V.)

AFRICA

We are indeed thankful to hear from Dr. Woodhams of continued encouragement in getting the gospel to the natives in the vicinity of Mambassa. He also speaks of the medical work being helpful in making contact with the natives. He writes as follows:

I sometimes wonder as to the value for the gospel's sake of all this medical and surgical work which we do here, and yet on the other hand when we go out to preach in the villages, either near or far, we always come across numerous familiar and grateful faces of natives who have been here for one reason or another. These always greet us very sincerely and remind us that they are known to us, and while one may not be able to count up a large list of Christians directly from this contact, yet the friendly feeling of the people toward us is associated with this at least.

Yesterday we went in the afternoon to the village of Shaifku, a Mangwana, near Mambassa. We had a very good crowd standing around, and they listened attentively to the reading of most of the third chapter of John. New birth! What a revolutionary doctrine to present to the Mohammedan! It surely must give them a mental jolt (after having been taught, as they have all their years, to pamper to the flesh and make provision for it in every way, in anticipation of their old sinful natures being able to enter heaven and making heaven itself a place of continued sin in conformity to their thoughts and nature) to have the Lord from heaven announce in this chapter, "Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." The spirit of the principalities and powers is different in a Mohammedan village than when we go to the other natives. There is a certain sense of fear when we go there for this reason; yet nearly always there is also a feeling of satisfaction and joy in having announced Christ to these hardened sinners. The Lord has encouraged us in this Sunday afternoon work. We all go, and take the organ, and there is always an attentive crowd. The Mangwana listens well and hears what is said.

The new road is now opened through to Stanleyville. That is, the road we live on has been extended in the west. The official opening took place last month, and the Governor from Stanleyville was the first one to drive a car through. It is really a big accomplishment for the Belgians and will make a big change as to the development of the colony. Consequently we are gradually being moved out of our forest retreat into the noise of civilization again. Whereas one or two cars a week used to pass, now there are four or five a day, and big trucks roaring by to disturb the quiet of this Ituri forest. It is 525 kilometers to Stanleyville from here, and this could be made in one day by pushing. There are five rivers to be crossed on a raft of native canoes attached to a cable, and these usually cause a half-hour's delay. I have not been to Stanleyville and probably will have no occasion for going.

Our young brother William Deans reports continued improvement in his physical condition, and by this time should be back in Nyangkundi. He writes:

The time has come when my physical condition warrants my return to Nyangkundi, hence I will be returning there immediately after the new year begins, God willing, possibly on the second of the year. The time spent here has not been in vain. It has not been merely a year of medical treatment. A number of souls have been won to Christ, and He has been pleased to use the ministry among saints, both white and black. I have succeeded in annexing another language, Bangala, which will be of inestimable value in working among prisoners, soldiers and Indians, and have obtained a groundwork in French. My hour's rest after dinner every day has been utilized in the study of Ancient Greek and I have made some progress in that. But best of all, it has been a year in which the Lord has been teaching me many things. I trust the lessons have been learned.

It has touched our hearts very much to see the way in which the saints in the homeland have ministered to our wants in this time of financial stringency. The Lord has in a simple way met our needs. And the trial of our faith has done us good. Yes, the Word says that it is more precious than gold that perisheth. How true!

We also have tidings direct from our sister Miss De Jonge who writes on Nov. 16th:

In the great goodness of our Lord He has again restored me to a measure of health and strength so that I can take up a part of the school-work once more. Mrs. Woodhams still has charge of the school. Last Lord's Day another native, a workman who has been on the station a long while, stood up to confess the Lord Jesus as Saviour, and last evening at the native Bible reading, '-a school-boy stood up acknowledging his faith in the Lord Jesus as Saviour. We pray that the Spirit may so deepen the work in the hearts of each one that real evidence of a new life may be seen in their lives.

We are looking forward to having the Deans come here next week for a few days to have another Bible conference, the Lord willing. Today's mail brought word from the Searles telling of their hope to return here early in the following year. The Lord is able.

The following extracts from recent letters from our brother Robert Deans are of interest:

We came into the new house last Thursday, but there are many things to be done yet. We thank the dear Lord that we are on a higher level, even though the place in general is many times so depressing. It would surprise one however what a change of 300 feet up makes. We are on a knoll, and the house is much cooler, for which we are exceedingly thankful.

We had a service last night at one of the out-schools in the moonlight. It would have made your hearts rejoice to see the crowd of natives singing lustily and listening so attentively, as the Word was being spoken. Yes, beloved saints, God is working, and even though Satan is trying to hinder he cannot stop what our Lord wishes to continue.

The work at Mambassa is growing splendidly, and the day will declare what has been done for His glory. We had a splendid time there on Thanksgiving Day and were refreshed in spirit. These times remind one of "the twelve wells of water and the seventy palm-trees." Oh, that we could encamp more and more by those waters of refreshment!

The work here is growing, and even as I have said before, opposition is now showing up. Who can hinder when our God says, "Go forward?" And by His grace we will.

The saints at Nyangkundi are standing fast in the Lord and we do especially ask our dear brethren at home to remember them at that blessed place-"the mercy-seat."
BRAZIL

Our brother Penna, writing on November 23rd, says:

I am thankful to the Lord for the interest our brethren are showing in this work here and for the prayers made by them in our favor.

On November 2nd, which is the day of the dead for Roman Catholics, we went into the cemetery where many hundreds of people were gathered to light candles on the graves of their dead and to recite prayers for their souls, and there we gave out hundreds of gospel tracts which they received willingly. After we left the cemetery the priest called the people together, and collected the tracts we had given out, made a fire and burnt them. This is only a glimpse of how things in this poor country are under the sway of Rome.

On November 6th we preached for the first time in Josemiry, which I mentioned in my last letter. A man living in this place accepted the Lord Jesus as Saviour, and he invited me to preach there on that Sunday. I went, and nearly one hundred people heard the word of life from Isaiah 53. It was a good meeting and many of them seem quite interested. At least we can say two are decided for Christ there. This seems to be a new door opened by the Lord. All glory to His Name.

CHINA

We would earnestly request the prayers of the Lord's people on behalf of our brother and sister Kautto. The war between Japan and China is becoming intensified, and approaching nearer the district where they have been called to labor. We have no doubt that, in common with all the Lord's people in North China, they are having to undergo many trials. May they be able to say, as the apostle Paul could, "Out of them all the Lord delivered me."

WEST INDIES

Our brother J. B. Hoze writing from Barbados on December 29th says:

Our brother H. P. Barker is now on this island and we are arranging special meetings. We hope to get the Methodist church, not many feet from our hall here, as our meeting-room is small, and we are not able to accommodate a large number.

RETURNING WORKERS

Our brother Searle writes:

We are looking to the Lord Jesus that if it be His will, we may be enabled to return to that needy land early in the Spring, and that it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Mrs. Searle and the children have had the flu, but they are now better, thanks be to the Lord.

One of the most difficult subjects to deal with is that of "Giving," for it often leads to argument and controversy, to discussions on law versus grace, and percentages versus all, and so usually ends up in no definite action being taken.

To be effective the subject must be lifted far above the plane of controversy to the high levels of personal dealing between one's own soul and God. Let us put it there, for only there can it be settled satisfactorily. I believe it to be one of the most vital things of the Christian life, and failure to be liberal with God one of the most prolific causes of spiritual barrenness.

In Matthew 6:24 Christ says:"Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Mammon (or money) is the great symbol of materialism, and never before has it been so true a symbol as today. Our attitude toward money has a great deal to do with whether we are serving mammon or God, and the amount of our weekly wages has very little to do with it. A man with $25 a week may be more interested in money than one with $25,000 a year, or a girl with $10 a week than a woman with a housekeeping allowance of $5,000 per annum. "According to that a man hath," is God's standard; it is not the amount but the attitude toward it.

I spoke to a young sister in our assembly a few weeks ago who is boar ling in the city. Knowing her well I asked her how she was managing. She told me she was receiving $6.50 per week and paying $4.50 board. I said, "Two dollars is not much for car-fares and dress." "Oh, but," she said, "I have not got $2; I deduct 10 percent for the Lord first and when I take off 65 cents I have only $1.35, but I cannot tell you what a joy it has been to me since I started giving a tithe."

As the first reference in the Word of God to any subject is usually of great significance, look for a moment at Genesis 14:17-15:1.Here we have the first instance of tithing. Abraham has pursued Chedorlaomer and has recaptured the goods and the people of Sodom, and now he is nearing Jerusalem. We have two cities and two men:Sodom, built upon the lowest spot of the earth's surface, 1200 feet below sea level, and because of its practices still the symbol of the grossest sin and worldliness; and Jerusalem, a type of the heavenly city, built on a mountain top. Two men come forth. Melchizedek, king of Salem (or Jerusalem, as it is now called), meaning a "vision of peace"-he is the priest of the most high God, El-Elyon; and the king of Sodom, the representative of the world and its sinful pleasures. Melchizedek, the King-Priest according to Hebrews 7, is a type of Christ in resurrection. He has with him bread and wine, memorials of sacrifice that is past, and therefore typifying Christ in His present ministry. He takes a tithe from Abraham and introduces him to God under a new title-El-Elyon, the Possessor of heaven and earth. The tithe is an acknowledgment that it all came from God, and all belonged to Him. Jacob realized this in Genesis 28:22 when he said, "Of all that Thou givest me I will give a tenth to Thee"-an acknowledgment that it all belonged to God.

Note the significance of Melchizedek as King and Priest. The King who has the right to exact dues comes out and takes a tithe, and then as Priest bears it in as an offering-a tribute of praise to God. Is this not a beautiful illustration of what Christ does with our gifts of today? Then comes the king of Sodom and offers Sodom's goods and gold to enrich Abraham, who refuses them and declares he will not take so much as a shoe latchet. "Why," he says, "I have just been introduced to God as El-Elyon, the Possessor of heaven and earth, and I have lifted up my hand to Him, I have acknowledged that it is all His, by giving a tithe to His King-Priest, and therefore I can take nothing from the world." Now note what happens:"After these things the Lord appears to Abraham saying, I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen. 15:1). "I, El-Elyon, the Possessor of heaven and earth, not what I have got, but what I am Myself. You gave Me money, Abraham; I give Myself to you in return." This is the very truth that Christ enunciates in Luke 16:11:"If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to you the true riches?" Or, in other words, if you are unfaithful in money God will not commit to you spiritual blessing and gifts.

I remember an honored servant of the Lord, after fifty years' public service, saying:"In all my wide experience I have never met a man who was mean in money matters with God, who was blessed with spiritual gifts." Malachi 3:10 gives us the same thought:"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse," and the promise follows that the windows of heaven shall be opened and the blessing poured out, while verse 11 adds that there shall be material reward as well.

In Exodus 23:19 the first of the first-fruits of the land were to be brought into the house of the Lord, not what is left over after the rent, and the butcher and the baker are paid, but the first charge is to be the Lord's portion. To give a definite portion to God as a first charge on the wages, salary or income, lifts giving to a high level, because the money is first given to God and then guidance is sought about its distribution, whereas if there is no definite portion set aside, money is just given to a work or a worker as different matters are brought to one's attention.

When someone tells you that to give a tenth puts you on Old Testament ground, just tell him you are afraid to go through on to New Testament ground, because the only percentage example in the New Testament is in Luke 19, where Zacchaeus gave 50 per cent-"half of his goods to the poor."

Statistics prove that most people are converted young, and that when they get old it is hard to change their attitude, so it is true in giving-those who have not started right have accumulated expenses that make them think it impossible to give a tithe; yet we have all suffered a 10 per cent cut in wages, and a 5 per cent unemployment levy, and we are still alive, so that it would not have been as impossible as some of us thought. But because it is harder when we get on, I make an appeal to young Christians who read this to start at once. Put God's portion aside first, and let other expenses be incurred only out of what is left.

Suffer a personal reference here. I have an old notebook which contains these entries:

"Feb. 1st, 1904, age 18, wages $5 per week. Decided to start giving one-tenth to the Lord.

"Feb. 12th, 1906. Before money gets a grip of my heart, by the grace of God I enter into the following pledge with my Lord, that I will give 10 per cent of all I earn up to–. If the Lord ever blesses me with –, I will give 15 per cent of all I earn. If the Lord ever blesses me with –, I will give 20 per cent of all I earn. If the Lord ever blesses me with –, I will give 25 per cent of all I earn, and so on. The Lord help me to keep this promise for Christ's sake who gave all for me. Followed by my signature.

After these many years I want to bear testimony that m spiritual communion and in material things God has made up to me one hundred-fold. Get to know El-Elyon the Possessor of heaven and earth, who graciously accepts from us material things He has given us, and "pours u out untold spiritual wealth.-R. A. L., New Zealand.

Those parts of the New Testament which describe these last days make it very clear that the spheres of Fellowship and Service are not the same. The second Epistle to Timothy especially brings this out, and being written for those servants of the Lord who desire, at least, to be "faithful men," it is 'of exceptional value in guiding us as to those supremely important questions.

The first consideration with the faithful man will be how he stands in regard to the testimony of the Lord, and to God; to be not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord and to be approved unto God will take precedence of all else. Then will come his fellowship with others, and this can only be with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. To be fit for such fellowship he must have purged himself from vessels to dishonor. He must be absolute in his separation from those who are not faithful to the truth as to the Person and work of Christ, or who deny in any way our holy faith. 2 Timothy 2 encourages us to believe that those who do this will not lack company; they will find others who have purified themselves from unholy associations too, and with these they may walk. The bond that will bind such together will be a very positive one-the Lord Himself; they "call on the Lord out of a pure heart." But is 'this possible apart from separation from evil? It is significant that immediately before speaking of the truth of His Assembly for the first time in Scripture (Matt. 16), the Lord warns us against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. These leavens are ecclesiastical and doctrinal pride and iniquity, and because they are leaven they must contaminate more or less all who are in association with them."Evil communications corrupt good manners," and the truth as to the Person of Christ and as to His Assembly cannot be held with one hand while that which destroys the truth is gripped by the other. That which is pure does not purify what is corrupt, but is quickly corrupted. Hence, let "him that nameth the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." Let him purify himself from the vessels of dishonor by separating from them. But the bond that binds such a man in fellowship with others must be a positive one. Mere separation from evil is no guarantee that our feet will be kept in the path of truth; our separation must be unto the Lord, or it will have small value in His eyes, and will only tend to pride, and spoil us for both the spheres of Fellowship and Service. In addition to this separation to the Lord from evil, there must be diligence and energy of purpose in pursuing "righteousness, faith, love and peace." These were the brightest traits of the Church on earth in the freshness of its first love for Christ; they were then the general habit and practice of all, the very atmosphere too in which the disciples lived and rejoiced and prospered. But it is not so now:worldly principles and aims have displaced them in the house of God on earth, and if they are to be practiced now they must be pursued; there must be diligence in reaching out after them and holding on them, and this entails constant exercise of heart and conscience. Thank God, they are not beyond the reach of any or of all, but it is only in separation from evil and in the energy of faithfulness to the Lord that any can hold on to them. The earthly days of the Church were as when all Israel gathered themselves to David at Hebron and made him King. These last days are as when David fled before Absalom; then were brought to light the Cherethites and Pelethites and Gittites, and Ittai and his men and little ones. Their love to David was their bond. They were gladly willing to share his rejection, and to be with him in life and death. They did not form a new fellowship; they were but true to that which was from the beginning, to the covenant made more than thirty years before at Hebron. So those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart form nothing new when they walk together; they only go back to that which was at the beginning, to find in the Lord in the darkest day that which He was to His Church in the brightest. The Lord is the bond. This is the fellowship, and it demands that we are uncompromising with that which is really treachery to the Lord.

The sphere of Service is much wider than this sphere of Fellowship, and carries us into chapter four of our Epistle. How solemn is the charge with which that chapter opens. "I charge thee, therefore, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." Not before his brethren must the faithful man serve the Lord, as though they could define when and where he might serve, for that would make him the servant of man and bring him under a yoke of bondage; nor yet before the standard of his own will must he serve, as though he were his own judge, for that would lend to self-will and independency; but before God, the source of his ministry, and before the Lord Jesus Christ, who will scrutinize all that is done in His Name according to His own perfect standard when it is finished. Upon what a high plane does this charge lift all true service; in what searching light does it set it! Who with a sense of the gravity of it could serve with levity? Or compromise the truth that he is called to preach. Or pander to the notions of men for popularity? Or hide the truth for fear of men? Or even limit the sphere of his service to meet the prejudices of his brethren? The service of the Lord is sacred; it is directly from God, and everyone who takes it up is held by the Lord as responsible to Him alone, and will be called to account by Him in regard to it. The thought, by its very solemnity, brings the exercised servant to his knees. He bows before the God who knows all, and before the Lord who will test all; and men and time sink into their own insignificance, or become the objects and opportunities for the carrying out of this great trust that lies outside and beyond their control or criticism.

Our fellowship must be marked by purity, but our service is to be exercised where need is. "Do the work of evangelist" brings out this latter. No matter how completely those who profess Christianity abandon or oppose the truth; no matter how godless and indifferent to the claims of God the multitudes become; the faithful man will still proclaim the fact that God is a Saviour-God, that the precious blood of Jesus is the great proof of His love and justice, and the ground upon which He can justify and bless even the worst of men. Those who slight the gospel, or say that it is not their interest, only prove how faithless to their great trust they have become, or how their faith has succumbed to the general pressure. The servant of the Lord must seek the unconverted; if the love of God fills his heart he will. He will meet with disappointments, with rebuffs, and opposition and persecution; prayers, and tears, and exercise of heart will be his portion, but having received his trust from the Lord he will be sustained by grace from Him, and will not flag; for sin and sorrow, and death and hell-fire are the same as ever they were; and the world does not satisfy the souls of men, and their hearts are empty and often broken; and Christ died for them, and God yearns for them, and life is offered them, and heaven is open for them, and "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," for every soul that is saved will be for the eternal glory of the grace of God.

There are those who are specially entrusted with the work of the evangelist; let them exercise their gift whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself, in season and out of season; but they and all others who would serve the Lord as faithful men must address themselves also to those who profess the name of the Lord, must "preach the Word":reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. This surely means that they must carry the Word into the very circles where it is opposed, where those are who "will not endure sound doctrine," and when "they turn their ears away from the truth."But how shall the servant of the Lord preach the Word to such? They certainly will not come to him to hear it. Then he must go to them if he is to fulfil his God-given trust. Could anything be clearer than this? If we dismiss all our prejudices and face the Word as it is, is it not clear that the servant of the Lord, subject to the guidance of the Lord, must seize every occasion and enter every open door in making full proof of his ministry?

But what wisdom, what courage will be needed for this! How easy it is for "fools to rush in where angels fear to tread," and having rushed in proclaim their own folly instead of the truth of God! How easy, if not sustained of the Lord, to break down in courage, and water the truth to the surroundings, or be drawn into fellowship with what is hateful to God. But if, according to Jude, while we build ourselves upon our most holy faith, with those who are like-minded, we are also to snatch others out of the fire, having compassion upon them; we must go where they are, as the angels went to Sodom to drag Lot out of the doomed city; but the pernicious soul-destroying doctrines and worldly lusts in which Christendom is wallowing along with the world, and out of which we have to drag souls, will be just as obnoxious to us as was the filth of Sodom to those angels from heaven. J. T. Mawson

Roman Catholicism is a system of religion founded on Superstition.

Superstition has been aptly and correctly defined by an eminent writer (J. N. Darby) as "the subjection of the mind of man-in the things of God-to that for subjection to which there is no warrant in divine testimony." The same writer remarks further:"The object of our superstitious reverence gets between our souls and God, and in practice supplants Him, and takes His place. God is indeed never entirely forgotten…. the introduction of the one true God may be in a greater or lesser degree, but it remains true that, in general, where any object intervenes between us and God, He is so far hidden:and the effect upon men is that they are lowered to the standard of what they reverence. God's presence (whatever their fears) does not act immediately on their conscience as light, or elevate their hearts to Himself as love. Faith, on the contrary, is the reception of a divine testimony into the soul, so that God Himself is believed, 'Abraham believed God' " (Romans 4:3).

Now the whole fabric of Roman Catholicism rests upon superstition, and not upon faith in a divine testimony. The Church of Rome, therefore, is only as old as apostasy from the truth makes her. Her boasted antiquity is untrue. She is not as old as the New Testament. Hence her antagonism to the Scriptures. She finds nothing in them to support her superstitions, but everything to contradict and destroy them.

The Church of God was founded upon a divine testimony, and the Scriptures were and are her authoritative chart and compass.

The Church of Rome is not the Church of God now, nor for many centuries, but a counterfeit system which has displaced it, and persecutes it.

Declension, no doubt, was gradual. There were the beginnings of it even in the Apostles' day, as the epistle of Jude and Revelation 2 and 3 show. By the fourth century it had greatly increased. Mosheim, the eminent historian, says of this period:"An enormous train of different superstitions were gradually substituted in the place of true religion and genuine piety. This odious revolution was owing to a variety of causes. A ridiculous precipitation in receiving new opinions, a preposterous desire of imitating the Pagan rites, and of blending them with Christian worship, and that idle propensity which the generality of mankind have towards a gaudy and ostentatious religion, all contributed to establish the reign of superstition upon the ruins of Christianity….. The reins being once let loose to superstition, which knows no bounds, absurd notions and idle ceremonies multiplied every day" (Ecclesiastical History, p. 98).

The state of things got gradually worse, superstitions were continually being added, and the general state of Christendom in the seventh century and onwards was one of apostasy, though here and there God maintained in individuals, and in small and obscure communities, a testimony for Himself.

In the eleventh century under the rule of Hildebrand -Pope Gregory VII.-we find Roman Catholicism practically full blown and superstition reigning supreme; well may those times be termed "The Dark Ages."
Looking back upon them, it is not difficult to understand how needful it was for those interested in the papacy to invent something to bolster it up, nor to discover the "depths of Satan" (Rev. 2:24) as displayed in the resultant myth of the apostle Peter having been the first Bishop of Rome, along with the endeavor to establish Apostolic Succession. One has only to read the ungodly and, in many cases, infamous lives of the popes, even as recorded by Roman Catholic historians, to be convinced as to the Satanic origin of this lie (of apostolic convinced as to the Satanic origin of this lie (of Apostolic Succession), apart altogether from the fact that the apostle Peter was never at Rome, and that his charge was not the Gentile, but the Jewish sheep of Christ. The Gentiles were the apostle Paul's care (Gal. 2:7,8; Romans 11:13; 15:16; 2 Cor. 11:28).

It is a solemn thing to notice in these days that Roman Catholic ritualism and Modernistic rationalism unite in their opposition to the Bible. Divine testimony is abhorrent to both, and both are infidel at heart.

Modernism vaunts itself as being wiser than God. Roman Catholicism demands the belief that its superstitions are better than the Word of God, and more important, as witness the following:

Referring to the Scriptures in Irish Schools, Pope Pius VII. in a Bull issued in 1819 says, "This sowing of weeds, giving corrupt teaching, whereby children in early years are inoculated with most injurious poison."

He had already in 1816 spoken of Bible distribution as "a most artful crime…. a pestilence which must be healed and extirpated, a most corrupting influence to the faith of any soul."

Pope Leo XII. in 1824 refers to a society which he says "is spreading over the world the Bible, which is the doctrine of the devil."

In 1844 Pope Gregory XVI. wrote, "We have decided to condemn by Apostolic authority, every Bible Society."

In 1850 Pope Pius IX. says, "The Bible Society ventures to spread abroad the Scriptures in the mother tongue, without ecclesiastical notes or warnings… .You, reverend brethren, will see with what watchful wisdom you must bestir yourselves to awaken in the faithful a holy horror of such poisonous reading."

It may be asked, "What are the superstitions alluded to in the foregoing?" The most prominent and important are the blasphemous Mass, the worship and invocation of Mary and "saints," image worship, belief in the "divine right" of the popedom, its supremacy and infallibility, belief in priests having supernatural powers as claimed by them in the celebration of the Mass, in the confessional, and in the hour of death; belief in purgatory, and in any efficacy attaching to relics, pilgrimages, indulgences and prayers for the dead.

These are all inventions of the human mind. There are more, but take these away and Roman Catholicism ceases to exist.

None of them are found in the Word of God, the Bible, and all are contrary to its teaching.
Roman Catholicism then, in brief, is a system of religion built upon superstition, antagonistic to the Word of God, apostate from the truth, and thriving only upon ignorance of and opposition to it.

By denying the value of the atonement it makes God a liar (1 John 5:10,11).

In practice it is corrupt, idolatrous, and persecuting. It awaits the imminent judgment of God, as prophetically depicted in Rev. 17 to 18, and the fall of it will set all heaven rejoicing, and no wonder! (Rev. 19:1-4).

That many are being ensnared by it at present is terrible evidence of the power of Satan over the minds of men. If men will not have the truth they will be given over to believe a lie, so that we must not be surprised at the progress Rome is making in some parts (2 Thess. 2:11-13).

This little paper is meant to warn and deliver. May God graciously speed its mission. F. L. Harris

(Revelation, chapters 4 and 5)

These two chapters present a most glorious scene in heaven. In vision, the rapture of the saints at the Lord's coming will have taken place. And chapter 4 begins:"After these things"-it does not say, immediately after-"I saw, and behold, a door opened in heaven, and the first voice which I heard as of a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show thee the things which must take place after these things" (Darby translation). After what things? The things recorded in the preceding chapters, evidently; the things pertaining to the Church during her testimony here on earth.

Now, in verse 2, John continues:"Immediately I became in the Spirit; and behold, a throne stood in the heaven.. . And round the throne twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments; and on their heads golden crowns." Those elders clothed in garments of white, with crowns of gold on their heads are most significant in view of 2 Cor. 5:10 and 2 Tim. 4:8-"For we must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body, according to those he has done, whether good or evil." And then, "Henceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, WHICH THE LORD, THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, WILL RENDER TO ME IN THAT DAY; but not only to me, but also to all who love His appearing" (Darby translation).

Clearly, that scene in heaven-looking on to its future accomplishment-portrays the judgment-seat of Christ as an event already past. The righteous Judge will have awarded the golden crowns and the white garments to those elders SITTING upon thrones. They do not "stand" any longer before that righteous tribunal (Rom. 14:10 with 1 Cor. 3:9-15). Many other things are of record in those two marvelous chapters, the 4th and 5th of Revelation, following "the first resurrection" and rapture of the saints; which also must take place before the opening of the seven-sealed book at the time appointed.

There must be, then, a period of time necessary for those manifestations in heaven-heaven in preparation for the coming judgments upon the earth. Consequently a corresponding period of time there must be on the earth to prepare things here also. The Jews will have much to accomplish in "the land" ere things are ready there when "he shall confirm a covenant with the many for one week" (Dan. 9:27). In truth, there is nothing to show that the seventieth "week" of Daniel's prophecy will begin its fulfilment IMMEDIATELY upon the rapture of the saints, but rather a respite intervening would better accord with those movements in heaven and with God's ways upon earth.

The hand of God moves slowly as He approaches "His work, His strange work" (Isa. 28:21), and His grace will not cease in the earth with the close of this day of grace. God must prepare a people, subjects, for Christ's Millennial kingdom from both Jew and Gentile. Indeed, the Holy Spirit will continue to convict of sin even as He had been doing in Old Testament days; although His indwelling presence in the glorified Church will not be here (2 Thess. 2:5-8). How like our God it will be to hold the winds of judgment for a brief season after that whirlwind of glory has translated the Church to her home above – an event that will shake "this present evil age" to its very foundation!
What an opportunity that forbearance of God will be to preach the gospel of the kingdom through His Jewish "remnant"-to the young especially, to the ignorant, and to all who have not hardened their hearts and consciences beyond conviction! (2 Thess. 2:12,13). The 7th chapter of Revelation is conclusive of this; although God's grace will be expressed finally in an evangel of judgment-until the "wheat," in unnumbered multitudes, shall be beaten from the "chaff" by the flail of judgment; the effect of those vials of wrath (Rev., chapter 16) indicates that nothing remains but "chaff."

The duration of this probable "interlude" is not given; it may be months or years; but Oh, how imminent it makes the coming of our blessed Lord! Should He come today, the events leading up to the hour of His judgments may easily transpire AFTER He comes into the air to receive His waiting people unto Himself. Nothing hinders our Lord's return save the longsuffering of God "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Then will God begin anew His dealings with Israel, and through them to the nations, just where He had broken it off at their rejection of Messiah (Dan. 9:26).

Then will the Spirit of God begin to move upon "the dry bones" in the valley of desolation (Ezek. 37:14). Then God will begin to graft into their own olive-tree the broken-off branches, and the blindness in part begin to disappear (Rom., chapter 11). Then the "beginning of sorrows" (Matt. 24:8; Mk. 13:8) will come both for the Jew and the world at large. Indeed, many Jews are turning to the Lord even in our day; will they not harken to "the gospel of the kingdom"-which is but one phase of the gospel of grace-in far greater numbers after such an event as the translation of the Church? Yet ft will require "the time of Jacob's trouble" to bring in a national repentance-when "a nation shall be born in a day." Herbert Cowell Plainsfield, Illinois

The publishers regret that the signature (George Mackenzie) to the article in the July number, "Some Remarks on Daniel's Prophecy" was omitted.

Compare also 1 Cor. 12:12,13.

The wondrous truth as to the oneness of Christ and His people was not an after-thought with God; for it bespeaks His counsels "before the foundations of the world." "The Bride, the Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:9), was in the mind of God ere the earth was brought into being. All creation, it would seem, was incidental and leading up to that initial purpose-to prepare a people who should be "the Assembly, which is His Body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:23).

What a mystery, "a great mystery," that our God should be pleased to take out from among rebellious Jews and idolatrous Gentiles, both at enmity with Him, "a people for His Name," one Body in Him (Eph. 2:13-16 with Acts 15:14), forever to be in holy, conjugal unity with Christ! And that mystery was "hid in God" through the former ages; neither could it have been revealed, in the wisdom of God, while humanity was still unprepared to receive such a display of God's grace.

Four thousand years were required to demonstrate man's utter helplessness and inability to produce a righteousness for God. During that probationary period God worked out a commonwealth, an earthly people, the children of Israel, with earthly hopes and blessings, set apart unto Himself to be a light amid the darkness. These were in covenant relationship with Jehovah; and though they too failed, they shall be again "the head, and not the tail," with respect to the nations "in that day." Indeed, Israel shall be, with Him, earth's glory and blessing even unto the ages of ages.

But that unique, unprecedented "Unity of the Spirit," one Body in Him, even now "in Christ," quite distinct from Israel's earthly glory, soon shall be with the Lord, to be the celestial glory of the entire universe. We often hear the expressions, "mystic" and "invisible," as applied to the Body of Christ. Yet neither of these terms convey the true Scriptural thought. Christ's Body here on earth is neither mystic nor invisible; for it is made up of living, active, visible saints of God, to whom He has intrusted "the faith once for all delivered."

Of course, God's people are scattered over the face of the earth; but that does not necessitate invisibility any more than the Body Politic of a country is invisible! And the recognition of God's people as one, as He does, "using diligence to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace," is our present and urgent responsibility. It is impossible to sever one's relationship from the Body of Christ, even as one cannot be "separated from the love of Christ."

Satan may erect his camouflage of mere profession, may interpose some veil to darken the Light, may devise names and systems, all to obscure "THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST"; yet faith is not bewildered by these. Faith will keep the channel of ministry open "by every joint of supply, according to the working in its measure of each one part, works for itself the increase of the Body to its self-building up in love" (Eph. 4:16, New Trans.).

However, God has not confined Himself wholly to plain, direct statements in defining His Church. In the Old Testament, as we know, there are many lovely pictures of Christ and the Church and His enduring love and willing sacrifice for the Companion of His heart. For example, the "deep sleep" that fell upon Adam, from whose side the woman was taken. Isaac, who most obediently submitted to the will of his father to become the sacrifice, and who in after years was rewarded in Rebekah his wife. Jacob too, who labored seven years for Rachel, and which "seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."

Again we have Joseph, himself a beautiful figure of Christ all through his life, to whom was given a Gentile bride. Even Israel, in her national unity, was a type of that Unity in Christ; as seen especially in "The Song of Songs:"Thou art all fair, My love; and there is no spot in thee" (4:7 with Eph. 5:27). And again, "My dove, My undefiled, is but one" (6:9 with Eph. 4:4). Oh, the mystery of grace!

Coming to 1 Cor. 12, the Holy Spirit takes up the human body in order to demonstrate in a most logical and practical way the inseparable unity and functions of the Body of Christ. So clear is the analogy that it calls for little comment. One thing of special interest we may learn from the physical body is that the eye and the hand minister to the feet most tenderly, and even to the toes. What a lesson this, in loving care and fervent solicitude for those "little ones" in Christ, those who are the "weak" ones of His flock!

Finally, in Eph. 5:22-32, we have the crowning picture of all, the marriage relationship. In 2 Cor. 11:2 Paul writes:"For I am jealous as to you with a jealousy which is of God; for I have espoused you to one Man, to present you a chaste virgin to Christ." Paul's jealousy should be ours; nothing less than the one Body of Christ our aim in ministry unto edification-"That He might present the Assembly to Himself glorious, having no spot, or wrinkle, or any such things" (Eph. 5:25-27).

In that beautiful poem, "The Bride," we hear the Church's own voice as she testifies:

"Midst the darkness, storm and sorrow,
One bright gleam I see;
Well I know the blessed morrow,
Christ will come for me.

"Oh, the blessed joy of meeting!
All the desert past!
Oh, the wondrous words of greeting
He shall speak at last!

"Meet companion then for Jesus,
From Him, for Him made;
Glory of God's grace forever
There in me displayed.

"He who in His hour of sorrow
Bore the curse alone;
I who through the lonely desert
Trod where He had gone.

"He and I in that bright glory
One deep joy shall share-
Mine, to be forever with Him!
His, that I am there!"

H. Cowell

Calendar:March 16th to April 15th

DAILY BIBLE READING ……. March 16th, Luke 12; March 31st, John 3; April 15th, John 18.

(Exod. 12:13; 13:12)

The story of the redemption of the firstborn at the time of the passover is well-known. The blood of the lamb without blemish or other defect was shed and sprinkled. And Jehovah pledged His word that He would deliver the houses marked by the blood, saying, "When I see the blood I will pass over you."

One of the clearest types of the salvation of the believer in these Christian days is presented thus:"Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us" (1 Cor. 5:7).

Connected with the passover was the feast of unleavened bread. The two were intimately, inseparably associated. Thus we read in Mark 14:1, "After two days was the feast of the passover and of unleavened bread." And again in Luke 22:1, "Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the passover." In the one case the thought of the passover has precedence, and in the other the thought of unleavened bread. The two are joined together and are not to be put asunder.

We are called to practical separation from all evil. This is pictured in "unleavened bread," leaven being a usual type of evil (see 1 Cor. 6:8; Gal. 5:9). For us today holiness of conduct is called for by all who partake of the Lord's Supper, whether before so-doing or subsequent thereto, just as the Israelite must be clean ceremonially and his house free from leaven, both before observing the passover and for the seven days following- the "seven days" being a complete period, answering in our case to the whole course of our life.

But more than this, Jehovah claimed for Himself the firstborn who was delivered from the destroying angel's sword on the passover night. His life was spared, but it was claimed by Jehovah. He was saved to serve.

Thus we read in Exodus 13 that the firstborn was to be set apart to the Lord, or, as an alternative translation gives it, he was to be caused to pass over to the Lord. Having been redeemed he was to be transferred to the Lord as His property henceforth. So in Numbers 3:13 we read, "Because all the firstborn are Mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto Me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast; Mine shall they be:I am the Lord."

"CAUSE TO PASS OVER." Another pass over this altogether. Cleared in the passover of Exodus 12. Claimed, and to be consecrated in the pass over of Exodus 13 and Numbers 3.

"Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price." "Mine shall they be," "They are Mine," said Jehovah.. Because this was so, the firstborn were to be set apart for His service. Later on, Jehovah chose to take the Levites instead of the firstborn for ministry connected with the tabernacle. This was His sovereign right, for all belong to Him.

Has this second pass over had its proper place in our thoughts? Have we not been greatly occupied solely with our clearance, and frequently forgotten God's claim?

We are His by redemption and we should yield ourselves to Him for His service where and when and how He will. So it is that the apostle Paul having shown the abundant mercy of God in our deliverance from the judgment of God to which we had been subject (a deliverance effected by the death of Christ for us), calls upon us to present our bodies a living sacrifice acceptable to God. And he adds, "Which is your reasonable (or intelligent) service" (Rom. 12:1). It is the only right answer which we can give in the light of God's."so great salvation."

The illustration of a purchase made in shop or store has been used. If I buy and pay for an article, then that article is mine. What would be said of a merchant who refused to hand over the goods which had been bought? If righteous, he would of course deliver the goods to their new owner.

Have we delivered the goods? Have we yielded ourselves to God that He may have the service which He claims? Are we honest? Are we righteous? Or are we robbers? We would object to such a title being applied to us; would we not? But "ye have robbed Me" was the solemn charge of Jehovah against Israel. "How have we robbed Thee?" they indignantly enquired. It was in their "tithes and offerings." What He had claimed of them was not forthcoming. They were robbers in that they did not give Him His rights. Again then let me ask, Are we robbers? God claims us for His service. We are saved to serve, just as the firstborn was. We may give a part of what we possess, but He claims us. We cannot substitute either by sending out a missionary or other servant. It is our person and personal service which He claims.

Let us then cause ourselves to pass over to Him, to be His and His alone, so that our lives may be for His glory and praise. Inglis Fleming

(No. 2)

Deut. 28:68 gives us a marvelous prediction regarding the Jews:"And the Lord shall bring these (the Jews) into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee. Thou shalt see it no more again; and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you." Was this ever fulfilled? Were the Jews ever taken by ships into Egypt, and there sold as slaves with no one to purchase them? Yes.

Josephus and Diodorus both tell us that when Titus took Jerusalem (70 A.D.) all the Jews over seventeen years old, both men and women, were sent by ships into Egypt to labor in the mines. There they were actually sold as slaves, but the slave-market was so glutted that none would buy; exactly as Moses predicted 1400 years before. How did Moses know this would happen fully 1400 years before it came to pass?

-From "The Bible:Its Christ and Modernism," by T. J. McCrossan, 213 pp. $1.00.

I would not give the Christian's Faith
For everything on earth;
I am an heir with God's own Son-
A child of God by birth.

I would not give the Christian's Peace
For this whole mundane sphere;
For had I not the peace of God
My future would be drear.

I would not give the Christian's Hope
For all the worlds that roll;
For what would these possessions be
Compared with loss of soul?

I would not give the Christian's Joy
For all the world holds dear;
For he who only has the world
Has nothing real to cheer.

Earth's hopes and joys are but a name,
Are marked by fell decay,
Are like the mists before the sun,
Which quickly roll away.

Who, who would give the boundless joys
Of heaven's eternal day
For all the empty things of time?-
The chaff that flies away.

Faith, peace, and hope-O boons divine!-
By Thee, O God are given.
I thank Thee for sweet foretastes here
Of all I'll share in heaven.

C. C. Crowston

The pen of fiction never produced such a story as the Story of the Love of God. The pen of fact, the divinely inspired pen, yields us the wonderful narrative. And it is God Himself who is commending to us, sinners as we are, this tale of His surpassing grace. Thus we read,

"God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

He would have us know and delight in the revelation of Himself.

Now there is no part of the Word of God where the truth connected with the love of God is so fully presented as in 1 John 4:7-5:3. It is the passage which speaks of the love of God as viewed from many standpoints. His love towards us, His love to us, His love in us, His love through us, finding at last an echo in the hearts of believers upon His beloved Son, in that "We love Him," and then love one another.

Let us look for a little, first of all, at verses 7 and 8. There we find the

SOURCE OF LOVE

This is in God Himself. "Love is of God," "GOD IS LOVE."

How little this great truth is believed. There are those who think and teach that God was against the sinner, and that the Lord Jesus came and died upon the cross in order to turn God's heart toward us. This is far from the truth of the gospel. The Lord Jesus did not die to make God love us BUT because God loved us. It was God who sent His Son to be our Saviour. So we read of the Son of Man being lifted up at Calvary "FOR God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son"-His only One, His delight-in order "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God loved. God gave. His Son came. His Son died. This is the order. Then, believing in Him, everlasting life is ours.

All down the centuries the people of Egypt owed the fertility of their country to the overflowing of the River Nile. They rejoiced in what it did for them, but they did not know from whence the mighty waters came. It was left for modern exploration to discover the vast lakes where the river has its rise, and it is said that the travelers who had sought for weary months to discover the source of the great stream, wept for joy when at last their eyes beheld the expanses of water they had searched for amid much toil and travail.

The gospel which brings present and everlasting blessing comes to us by way of the cross of Calvary but it has its rise in, and flows from the heart of God Himself. There is its source. It was in the cross the love of God was declared. There it was that

THE MANIFESTATION OF THAT LOVE WAS GIVEN

But let us remember the order, God loved first, then His Son died. The great love of God found its expression at Calvary, but it was in the heart of God before. Thus in verses 9 and 10 we read, "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Here then we find that

THE SUBJECTS OF THAT LOVE

WERE sinners, just such sinners as we know ourselves to be. As such we are viewed in two ways in our deep need. We are seen as dead in our sins, and also as guilty before God's holy throne.

As dead in our sins there was no movement whatever in our hearts towards God. We were morally, spiritually dead. We were alive enough to that which we judged to be to our advantage as we served divers lusts and pleasures, but God was shut out of all our thoughts. We read of such in 1 Timothy 5:6, "She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." Or again, in the parable of the prodigal son, when he had come back, the father said of him, "This my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found." He had been in the far country away from his father and had never given a word to his parent to show that he was alive. Thus it is with the sinner away from God. He wants nothing to do with God to whom he knows that he is accountable and so he lives in distance and darkness, saying in his heart, "No God for me." It was for such that God sent His Son so that we might live, live in the light of His life, and in the enjoyment of the knowledge of Himself now and for ever.

Then, as guilty sinners, we needed that the Lord Jesus should become the sacrifice of sin and sins and glorify should become the sacrifice of sin and sins and glorify God about them, meeting all the claims of His holy throne. "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures," tells of this, as also "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." God loved us in our guilt and need and knowing what was needed gave His own Son to meet that need.
Inglis Fleming

(Concluded in next number, D.V.)