M. Men are best kept where Christ alone is the object.

N. None can pray well but he who lives well.

O. Our sufficiency is in God’s all sufficiency.

P. Please God in all you do, and be pleased with all God does.

Q. Quickened by grace, quicken your pace.

R. Repentance is the tear drop in the eye of Faith.

S. Spiritual exhortations never offend the new nature.

T. Those who are alive to God’s glory are dead to vain glory.

U. Upward and heavenward be always your motto.

V. Virtue is a jewel of great price.

W. We cannot trust God too much nor ourselves too little.

Y. Yokes are good for youthful shoulders. (Lam.3:27).

Z. Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. (No one knows where it will go or what mischief
it will do.)

As I sat at home during the lunch hour today, the daily news came on over the radio and the
various items of interest were announced. Among them was one which had a tendency to make
one shudder. Announcement was made of the solemn fact that two European women had been
burned to death in their car by an Arab mob. As I thought on the seriousness of the act, I realized
that the Scriptures teach that "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof
are the ways of death." Also "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes." These things
only serve to show us in some measure what is coming upon this poor Christ rejecting world. "Re
who now letteth will let, until he is taken out of the way, and THEN (Oh, the thought!) shall that
wicked one be revealed."

We are thankful for the bright prospect that Is ours as believers, "Because thou hast kept the
word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all
the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

In what has been said at the start of our paper, we see man’s way and the fruit thereof. Now we
will turn to something better_God’s way, which is pictured before us in that beautiful 24th
chapter of Genesis.

As we read the first verse there is brought very forcibly to our attention the past, the present, and
the future. Abraham, at this time of his life, is no doubt very conscious that his earthly sojourn is
nearing its close. Looking back over his past life there is one thing that is quite evident, "The
Lord had blessed Abraham in all things."He is encouraged to consider the one (Isaac) who would
be left behind. He therefore endeavors to bring about a provision whereby his loved one would
continue in the path of blessing. So he calls his proven and trusted servant and issues instructions
which, from his own personal experience, he was sure would mean ultimate blessing and comfort
for the son of his love.

Having received his master’s instructions in the presence of God, the faithful servant (a type of
the Holy Spirit) made preparation and proceeded on his mission. Having arrived at his
destination he, being conscious of his responsibility and his immediate need, turns in dependence
to God for guidance and for special provision in the mission which he was to perform. We now
see how soon his prayer was answered, and as we meditate for a moment we realize that it was
according to his request. This brings us to our first thought as he expresses it, "I being in THE
WAY, the Lord led me." In this we have a beautiful picture. If we desire blessing the only
possible way to obtain it is in obedience to His word, "This is THE WAY, walk ye in It." Isa.
30:21.

Passing on our journey as pilgrims, with the fervent . desire of being faithful, we may find
encouragement in the next thought, "The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with
thee, and prosper THY WAY." Can we have anything more encouraging than such a promise?
No! All we need to do is "Follow thou Me."

In this portion there are so many practical expressions which link themselves with other portions
of Scripture. As the Spirit unfolds the truth to our hearts, how truly humbling it is when we think
of our unworthy selves. Let us then follow this example and go over our past and be like the
servant as he, recounting the events of the journey, could tell of his supplication, "If now thou do
prosper MY WAY", telling also of the wonderful way in which it all worked out.

As we continued on we cannot help (unworthy though we be) but be solemnly impressed with the
attitude and admission of this faithful servant. The servant is overwhelmed with the blessings of
the way, and sets forth such a precious example in that which is next in line. He says "I bowed
down my head and worshiped the Lord and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham, which
had led me in the RIGHT WAY." We might ask ourselves the question, "Where else could we be
if led by the Holy Spirit?"

Every step of the way we are made more responsible. We are being molded in time to fill a place
in eternity. It is our solemn duty to be alert an watchful, laying aside everything that would tend
to make us tardy or unfaithful, whatever it may be. In this portion we see certain arguments
advanced to halt the marvelous progress which had been made thus far. In the face of all the
claims, natural or otherwise, he says, "Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered MY
WAY." Relationships, however dear, and tradition, however pleasing, are not in any way
whatever to influence us in the sphere in which He has placed us for service! Alas, we must
confess it does, and it is to our own shame.

The effect of the servant’s faithfulness is seen in that which follows. "Rebekah arose and her
damsels and they rode upon the camels and followed the man:and the servant took Rebekah and
went HIS WAY." With this mission completed the journey is soon ended, and Isaac meets them
in THE WAY and takes her to himself. How wondrous as we apply these precious thoughts to
ourselves in the light of present day conditions when there seems to be much HINDERING in
one way or another. The end, so to speak, is in sight. May it be ours, by His grace, to endeavor to
follow the word given us in Rev. 3:2, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that
are ready to die."

Our thoughts in Genesis 24 have been as follows:The Way (v.27), Thy Way (v.40), My Way
(v.42), Right Way (v.48), My Way (v.56), His Way (v.61), and The Way (v.62). You will notice
that we have a beautiful line of truth beginning with the first expression THE WAY, and running
through to the last THE WAY. Surely it reminds us of Him who said, "I am THE WAY." May
He keep us all looking up.

FRAGMENT
In the desert God will teach thee
What the God that thou hast found;
Patient, gracious, powerful, holy,
All His Grace shall there abound.

When wilt thou come, Lord Jesus,
And take us to Thy home?
While here on earth as strangers,
In loneliness we roam.

Though trials sore and heavy
Press down our weary heart;
We’re looking for Thy coming,
When we will never part.

On that resurrection morning,
Thou wilt appear from heaven;
To take us to be with Thee,
Whose sins Thou hast forgiven,

Our hearts will swell with gladness,
When we behold Thy face;
And gaze upon Thy beauty,
Through everlasting days.

Then may we be encouraged,
While waiting for Thee here;
To follow Thee with patience,
Let this our spirits cheer,

The waiting will be over
Our race will then be ran;
When we behold Thy glory,
Far brighter than the sun.

Soon after the year 1845, when the numbers at Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse had
reached about a thousand souls, troubles arose which caused the first breach among the Brethren;
but it was not until 1848 that what had been strongly suspected by some came to the light and
brought matters to a crisis’ at Plymouth. It was discovered by Mr. Harris_through copious notes
of Mr. Newton’s lectures accidentally falling into his hands_that he had been diligently and
systematically teaching, not only that which is ecclesiastically, but that which is fundamentally
heretical as to Christ. When this became known, Brethren in all parts were deeply affected by the
sad tidings, and numerous meetings were held in different parts of the country to investigate the
charges. Nearly all were agreed, after much prayer and confession, that the doctrines which Mr.
Newton had been teaching were not only false, but utterly subversive of all that is essential to
Christianity.

But though they were thus agreed as to the character of the heresy, they were divided in their
judgment as to the principle of separation from it. One part thought that the poison of the
doctrines_which had been insidiously taught for some years_might have infected more than
were yet manifested; and, therefore, they could have no fellowship with any who sympathized
with the doctrines, or had fellowship with their author at the breaking of bread. Others thought
these terms of communion were too strict; that each one applying for fellowship should be
examined, and if it were found that they neither understood nor had imbibed the false doctrines,
they should be received, even though they came from Mr. Newton’s meeting; that every true
Christian should be received on the ground of his individual soundness in the faith, no matter
from what meeting he came. But many strongly objected to this way of dealing with so grave a
matter. They maintained that the glory of Christ was in question, as well as the purity of His
assembly; that, on this principle, the door was left open for the heresy to come in, and that it was
giving up the unity of the church of God, as the ground of action, and going back to
independency.

This ninth chapter of second Samuel is a very fine sample of the kindness of God. David, the
king, is chosen to set it forth in his treatment of a grandson of Saul, the enemy of David. Blessing
to this remnant of the house of an enemy no doubt foreshadows blessing for the remnant of a
nation in a future day. But we are here concerned in applying this picture to the fallen race of
man – and seeing the kindness of God extended to those deserving death.

Mephibosheth could expect no mercy at the hands of David; for in the usual course of things he
would be put to death. He comes before the king in great fear, for the king says, "Fear not, for I
will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake.

This poor man, lame on both his feet, conscious of being but a dead dog, is to receive all this
kindness for the sake of another.

Here is a picture drawn ten hundred and forty years before Christ, and all that time the love and
grace of God’s heart had been pent up, waiting that death when fully and consistently it might be
expressed; when John 3:16 could be read, believed and enjoyed; when God’s love overflowed Us
banks; and when His grace broke bounds or superabounded (see Rom. 5:20). The veil of the
temple was rent in twain -from the top to the bottom; it was God’s doing; and not only was it that
man might be within in righteousness, but that God might be out in grace.

Some reader may say I do not think God is kind; I have a thought that He is very austere. But is
not that because you do not know yourself? For when you know yourself as a sinner, then you get
to know God as a Saviour. When you confess your sins, then He forgives you because of what
Christ has accomplished.

Here is an outline of a study of this kindness of God. It was ABSOLUTE GRACE:"Is there not
yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? … for Jonathan’s
sake" (verse 3), like Titus 1:2, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised
before the world began."

It is also SEEKING GRACE, "Where is he"(ver.4). "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to
save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

And COMPELLING GRACE_"David sent, and fetched him" (ver.5); "For God so loved the
world, that He gave His only-begotten Son" (John 3:16; 4:10), and who could resist such pace?

It is UNCONDITIONAL GRACE_"I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan they father’s
sake" (v.7); "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shall
make them drink of the river of thy pleasure" (Psa. 36:8, also Eph. 3:18,19).

And ENNOBLING GRACE_"As one of the king’s sons" (v.11); "Having predestinated us unto
the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself" (Eph. 1:5; Heb. 2:10; John 14:2).

CONTINUOUS GRACE_"Eat continually at the king’s table" (v. 13); and see Psa.84:5:
"Blessed are that dwell in thy house:they will be still praising thee."

And HEART-WINNING GRACE_"At the king’s table and was lame on both his feet (v.13);
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Rpm.5:6);
"Hold up my goings (says the Psalmist) in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not" (Psa. 17:5). So
the last thing mentioned is his lameness, as if to magnify the grace, with his feet under the table
out of sight; but his presence would be a constant reminder of the beloved Jonathan. "For Christ
also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (I Peter
3:18).

"How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation" (Heb.2:3).

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more
out." Rev. 3:12.

In John 10 the Lord says, "I am the door:by Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall
go in and out, and find pasture." It is no longer the Jewish sheepfold and the bondage of the law,
but perfect liberty, going in for worship and out for service, everywhere finding food and
blessing. How sweet to think that the time is coming when we shall go in, never to come out
more! It will be always service in immediate connection with the Lord Himself_enjoyment of
the presence of God and of the Lamb_eternal worship! And let me again ask, for whom would
this be a welcome and happy promise? For those who had valued and enjoyed worship here
below_for those who have thought of Christ now, Christ will provide all the joy He can give
them then. The Lord grant that this may be our comfort while we wait for Him!

We may for Christ be outside all that looks strong and orderly. In that day we shall go no more
out, but enjoy the most intimate association with Christ, be a pillar in the temple of His God.

After showing the general trend of Christendom, and the increase of apostasy in that which once
professed to hold the truth of God’s Word, a writer, in a letter written quite a number of years
ago, states, in conclusion, and in humility:

"We have the truth. I trust we have it in oat hearts. Let us use it, by holding fast Christ’s Word,
and not denying His Name. We are set, every one of us in our different and humble spheres, for
the defense of the Gospel, and let us by every means circulate the truth that corrects these evils.

"Let us not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. The great corrective is the truth as to
Christ’s Person and work_a true Christ_God and man, and the atoning merits of His sacrifice.
These let us rejoice in, meditate upon, and speak often one to another of, and to the needy world
around.

"Let us hold fast the lost and ruined condition of men; that it is not teaching they need, but
salvation, and when the enemy comes in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard
against him. To be ready for all this we must be with our blessed Lord and Master, serving Him
and one another in true love. Honoring Him He will honor us (with this, of course, we must hold
fast to the whole Word and every word of God.)

"What an opportunity our lives are. May we step in and fill up the breach, serving God and our
generation in our day. Prof. Drumond has had great influence towards the down grade through
his beautiful way of neutralizing the real application of God’s Word. He so glibly applies, in true
Unitarian style, the precious truths and exhortations which belong only to the Christian, to the
unconverted, to man as such. Thus he denies the lost state of man negatively in all (I suppose) of
his earlier books. Even Christians, very many, not noting this important thing, have been carried
away by its beautiful manner and now he has them nearly evolutionized."

"Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?" (Rev. 5:2).

The whole universe is challenged_is there anyone in heaven, on earth, or under the earth that
can deal with the evil and bring in the blessing? The result of the challenge is that no one "was
able to open the book", and no one "was found worthy to open the book".

For thousands of years men have been endeavoring to redress the evils of the world and introduce
a time of universal peace and blessing. To use the symbolic language of Rev. 5, men have been
endeavoring to open the book. They have tried by codes and laws, by courts of justice, by prisons
and reformations to repress evil:they have Sought by every form of government_monarchial
and republican, dictatorial and democratic_to bring in a time of peace and plenty. Every class
has been tested, kings and nobles, plebeians and socialists; but amongst them all no one has been
found with either ability or worthiness. Yet men still proceed by desperate efforts, by leagues,
conferences, and pacts, to redress the wrongs of the world, and to bring about a time of universal
peace and blessing; every effort only proving that they have never yet heard the voice of the
strong angel. Those who have heard that voice know full well that it loudly proclaims that all
efforts of men are foredoomed to failure, inasmuch as they are attempts to put the world right
without God and Christ. Men consider only the rights of man, they ignore the rights of God and
the requirements of His throne.

The letter continues:"The Bible Church is more scriptural here (in having a constitution) for in
Acts 16:4 ‘they delivered them the decrees for to keep.’ This could be similar to a constitution."

Can any "constitution" or "decrees" written since the days of the apostles claim what was written
of the decrees in Acts 16:4? "for it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us" (the apostles). The
"decrees" of Acts 16 formed only a part of the ministry of Paul to the churches, for in Acts 20:27
he says, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God".

It is asserted:"That is why some of the brethren of various assemblies do not see eye to eye on all
interpretations."

Alas, we must own our failure here, we do not all speak the same things, there have been
divisions among us; we have not been perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment (I Cor.1:10). Is this because we have no humanly written constitution as this writer
contends? No, that would be to put the blame for our failure on God – to imply that His provision
in His Word was not adequate – that man could do with a constitution what God could not
accomplish by His Word. What does the scripture say? "If any man will do His will, he shall
know of the doctrine" (John 7:17). Let us place the failure where it belongs, not in God’s
provision by His Word, but rather upon ourselves. "We have sinned, and have committed
iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled even by departing from Thy precepts and
from Thy judgments….. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of
faces, as at this day" (Dan. 9:5,7).

There is divine light in the Word of God for every possible exigency, and if we have not that
light, we had better wait on the Lord, and see whether the precious fullness of scripture will not
be rendered without doubt applicable to the difficulty, by the power of the Spirit, without
presuming to add anything like a rale (or constitution) to meet the case. It is not meant that there
will never be perplexity, nor that we may not feel our weakness and lack of wisdom. Humility,
patience, and faith will ere long prove better solvents than all the appliances of human art. God
has undertaken to provide for us in His word; and spiritual power consists in bringing that word,
by the Spirit, to bear practically upon every case that comes before us. (To be continued.)

FRAGMENT
Thy Word, 0 Lord, Thy precious Word alone,
Can lead me on;
By this until the darksome night be gone,
Lead Thou me on!
Thy Word is light, Thy Word is life and power;
By it, O guide me in each trying hour!

Whate’er my path, led by the Word ’tis good:
Oh, lead me on
Be my poor heart Thy blessed Word’s abode_
Lead Thou me on!
Thy Holy Spirit gives the light to see,
And leads me by Thy Word, close following Thee.

Led by aught else, I tread a devious way,
Oh, lead me on!
Speak, Lord, and help me ever to obey,
Lead Thou me on!
My every step shall then be well defined,
And all I do according to Thy mind.

"Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall." Neh. 5:16.

In Chapter 6 we find the enemy making another and most determined effort. If he cannot succeed
by attacking the captives from without, and if the internal trouble is settled, he will now try to get
the remnant to be less exclusive. "Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet
together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief."
(Chap.6:2).

Here is the cry for union:"Why are you so exclusive? Cannot you join with us in the work of the
Lord?" Now, beloved, Nehemiah teaches us, and Jeremiah also, how we are to meet all such
advances. God in His grace has called us out from the evil that has come into His Church, and we
must be careful not to lessen in the eyes of others, nor to lose the sense in our own souls, of the
distance between the ground on which we are and that out from which we have come. Beloved
saints of God are where We were, but true love will cause us to walk in the light we have
received, that they also may learn and obey the truth in the love of it.

Listen to what Nehemiah said to the messengers of Sanballat and Geshem, "I am doing a great
work, so that I cannot come down:why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down
to you?"(Chap.6:3). This was a beautiful answer. So sure as we depart practically from the
ground of thorough separation to which our Lord has called us, our strength will be seen to go.
Any vacillation brings in weakness. In the world it is said, "Nothing succeeds like success;" but,
amongst saints, "Nothing succeeds like consistency". Nehemiah said, "Why should the work
cease whilst I come down to you"? And Jeremiah said another very plain, and most helpful word,
which it is well we should heed, each one of us:"If thou take forth the precious from the vile,
thou shalt be as my mouth; let them return unto thee, but return thou not unto them".

The separated one must say, "I am here for God, and I must abide with God". But if Nehemiah
will not listen to this proposal, Satan will put forth one more effort. Tobiah, Sanballat, and
others, sought to make Nehemiah afraid, but again he goes to prayer. In everything he turns to
God, and at verse 15 we read:"So the wall was finished in fifty-two days. And it came to pass,
that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things,
they were much cast down In their own eyes:for they perceived that this work was wrought of
our God". (From "Nehemiah and His Workers".)

FRAGMENT. He everywhere hath sway, and all things serve His might; His every act pure
blessing is, His path unsullied light. We comprehend Him not, yet earth and heaven tell God sits
as sovereign on the throne and ruleth all things well.

"And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of
this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:and it shall be with him, and
he shall read therein all the days of his life:that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all
the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:that his heart be not lifted above his
brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left:to the
end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel."
(Deut. 17:18-20).

In the wisdom of God He gave the foregoing exhortation for any king whom He would choose to
rule over His people. Kings were no better than the common people and needed the word of God
to guide then in their responsibilities. Their success and blessing depended upon being thus
guided. Their failure and sorrow would be due to the neglect of divine guidance. The history of
the kings of Israel and Judah, as recorded in the Bible, manifests who adhered to God’s Word,
and who sought to rule independently of God.

King David said, "The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men
must be just, ruling in the fear of God." (II Sam. 23:3).

"When the righteous are in authority, the people mourn."(Prov. 29:2).

If Kings were required to have the word of God by them all their days for their guidance and
blessing, how equally true and essential for the Lord’s people, young and old, to have the word of
God for their daily reading and guidance and blessing.

"For whosoever shall give you a cap of water to drink, in My name, because ye belong to Christ,
verily, I say unto you, he shall not love his reward." (Mark 9:41).

The least expression of service or ministry on the part of anyone towards one of the Lord’s own,
having this motive in it – "because ye belong to Christ," will not go unrewarded. It is hardly
possible that an enemy of God would have such a thought or motive.

There may be some conscientiously inclined towards God and His Word, who might have this
motive in ministering to a child of God, and would not fail to be rewarded, in the mercy of God.
However, such reward cannot be taken to mean in material things, necessarily, but spiritually,
which would surpass any earthly blessings.

What a wonderful thing it is to "belong to Christ!" A child, born into a family, we say "belongs"
to its parents, And, again, of anything purchased by us, we may say "This belongs to me". And,
further, anything received as a gift, of this we can say "This is mine; it belongs to me".

So, it is true, that all who have trusted Christ for salvation, being ransomed, or "bought" by His
precious blood, can say "I belong to Him". Or, as being born again, we can say, "I belong to God
my Father".

Paul said to the Corinthian believers, in connection with their ways, "Ye are not your own. For ye
are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
(1 Cor.6:19-20). This further emphasizes the fact that we belong to God and to Christ, having
been bought with His precious blood, and as such we are here exhorted to glorify God in our
lives, viz. by service and praise.

“And it came pass . . . that the brook dried up, . . . and the word of the Lord came to him, saying,
Arise, get thee to Zarephath. . . . I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.” (I
Kings 17:2-9).

God knew when the widow’s cruise was low
And the meal was almost gone,
And He dried the brook where Elijah drank,
And He sent his servant on,
That the handful of meal should not be spent,
Or the little oil grow less,
And that, when the widow’s son lay dead ,
The prophet’s prayer should bless.

Hath He dried the brook where thou long hast dwelt?
Canst thou find no solace there?
Zarephath is ready if Cherith fail,
With oil and meal to share.
Oh, tarry not, should He bid thee go,
His messenger thou shalt be;
Thou shalt carry a blessing to those who wait,
And a blessing waiteth thee.

Meetings for prayer and praise were frequent throughout the Catacombs. Cut off from ordinary
occupations of worldly business, they were thrown entirely upon other and higher pursuits.
Deprived of the opportunity to make efforts for the support of the body, they were constrained to
make their chief business the care of the soul. They gained what they sought. Earth with its cares,
its allurements, and its thousand attractions lost its hold upon them. Heaven drew nearer; their
thoughts and their language were of the Kingdom. They loved to talk of the joy that awaited
those who continued faithful unto death, to converse upon those departed brethren who to them
were not lost but gone before; to anticipate the moment when their own time should come.
Above all they looked every day for that great final summons which should raise the dead,
transform the living, and bring His blood-bought, blood-washed people about Him in the meeting
place in the air; and for the judgment seat of Christ, where He will bestow the rewards for
faithful service. (I Thess. 4:13-18; Phil. 3:20,21; I Cor.3).

FRAGMENT.

Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress (Psa. 4:1).

The harp, ere it gives forth its sweet sounds, must have its cords stretched, near the breaking
point, perhaps. So we who would lead others into the path of faith, and give praise to God, must
know experimentally the difficulties of the way.

Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory, while we look not at tire things which are seen, but at the things which are not
seen:for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2
Cor. 4:17,18).

AFFLICTION LIGHT MOMENTARILY

Glory
Weight of Glory
Eternal weight of Glory
An exceeding and eternal weight of Glory
A more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory
A far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory

GLORY WEIGHT ETERNAL