QUES. 3.-"Is it necessary that a Christian should know the exact time or date of his salvation (of his conversion) ? Some here claim that we should know."

ANS.-The date of our natural birth is not gotten from our experience, but from our parents' testimony. In like manner we depend upon God's testimony for the certain knowledge of our new birth. (See John 5:1, 24, etc.) On the authority of God's word therefore we may, and should, have a present assurance that we are born of God and have eternal life through faith in Christ; but what is the need of trying to fix the date of its beginning, which we cannot prove? Many Christians can speak of the time when they found "peace with God;" but that may be subsequent, or separated in time from new birth. To trust to our experiences for assurance in such matters is a poor foundation.

QUES. 4.-"Are the Psalms expressive of Christian experience, and suited for the edification of the saints in our gatherings for the breaking of bread on the Lord's day?"

ANS.-A judicious use of the Psalms (as well as other portions of the O. T.) has often been used to the edification, instruction and refreshment of saints at various occasions. It is important, however, to remember that they voice the experiences of the godly in Israel; David and his afflictions being largely representative of them. Hence God's people in all dispensations have drawn consolation and encouragement from the Psalms. Prophetically, they express the deep exercises, distresses and deliverances of the Jewish godly remnant in "the great tribulation" under the reign of "the Beast."

In a few psalms our Lord's unique sufferings are prophetically expressed:-in the 22nd as the sin-bearer of His people; in the 40th as the whole burnt-offering willingly offering Himself for His own; in the 69th as the trespass-offering, restoring what He has not taken away.

The following extract from Mr. Darby's Synopsis, presenting a succinct view of the application of the Psalms, should be useful:

"The Psalms are, almost all, the expression of the sentiments produced in the hearts of God's people in the events through which they pass, and indeed express the feelings, not only of the people of God, but often those of the Lord Himself. They are the expression of the part the Spirit of God takes in the sorrows and exercises of the saints. We find in them consequently, the hopes, fears, distress, confidence in God, which respectively fill the minds of the saints-sometimes the part which the Lord Himself takes personally in them, and occasionally, exclusive of all but Himself.

"Hence a maturer spiritual judgment is required to judge rightly of the true bearing and application of the Psalms than for other parts of Scripture; because we must be able to understand what dispensationally gives rise to them, and judge of the true place before God of those whose souls' wants are expressed in them; and this is the more difficult as the circumstances, state, and relationship with God, of the people whose feelings they express are not those in which we find ourselves. The piety they breathe is edifying for every time; the confidence they often express in God in the midst of trial has cheered the heart of many a tried servant of God in his own trials.

"This feeling is carefully to be preserved and cherished; yet it is for that very reason so much the more important that our spiritual judgment should recognize the position to which the sentiments contained in the Psalms refer, and which gives form to the piety which is found in them. Without doing this, the full power of redemption and the force of the gospel of the grace of God is lost for our own souls; and many expressions which have shocked the Christian mind, unobservant of their true bearing and application, remain obscure and even unintelligible."

Calendar:Apr. 16th to May 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING:……….Apr. 16th, Job 36; Apr. 30th, Psalm 8; May 15th, Psalm 23.

GOOD READING:"The Minor Prophets," by H. A. Ironside. Pages 135-179.

MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY CLASS:Colos., chap. l:10-12.

Our Daily Bible Reading

Last month we outlined Job, and must refer our readers to the brief notes then given for the concluding chapters of that book which we read this month. We now turn to the Psalms.

It is well known that the Psalms are divided into five books, and that the first of these comprises psalms 1-41. This five-fold division suggests a comparison with the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses, and when carefully considered, some real correspondence is found to exist. For example, one commentator of note assures us that all the figures and illustrations of the first book of Psalms are from Genesis, and those of the second book from Exodus. In any case it is evident that the first book largely sets forth the counsels of God concerning Christ and Israel. In accord with this the covenant name Jehovah is chiefly used, and God in this relation to His people is presented as the source of all blessing. Thus this group of psalms fittingly occupies the first place.

The psalms of this first book fall into three sections.

(a) Ps. 1-8. Christ is the perfect Man, decreed King, and world-wide Ruler. In Ps. 1 the righteous man and the blessedness of his obedience are set forth. While the godly remnant of Israel is contemplated, it is certain that the Lord Jesus alone gives full expression to this beautiful moral picture. He is definitely before us in the next psalm, giving us God's counsels concerning Him as King, and the banded opposition from which He suffers rejection for a time. The consequences of this for the godly, and the exercises through which they pass, through the opposition of the ungodly, is next given in psalms 3-7. Ps. 8 is the glorious issue reached, rebellion subdued, and Christ as Son of Man manifested in supreme dominion.

(b) Ps. 9-15. In this series, by contrast, the sinister figure of Antichrist, the false king, is prominent – the wicked, lawless "man of the earth" who oppresses the God-fearing remnant (cf.9:5; 10:2, 3, 7-10, 13, IS, 18, etc). Over against this, however, faith can speak with confidence about Jehovah's righteousness, pure words, power, and deliverance for His people, as described in Ps. IS.

(c) Ps. 16-41. The figure of the Blessed One who first came before us (Ps. 1-8) now reappears. His character, personal glory, perfect work, and final triumph over the enemy are presented, intertwined with the results enjoyed by God's people through Christ displayed in grace or government.

Our reading does not carry us beyond Ps. 23 so we will only speak of those psalms which form the first section of this series (16-24).
First we see Christ taking His place in humiliation, identified with those of faith, Himself finding Jehovah all His object and portion (16). Next we read faith's appeal against oppressive and abounding evil, and the cry for Jehovah's intervention (17). This is given in wonderful detail in Ps. 18. The following three (19-21) are linked together in praise of God's glory in creation and revelation, for Christ and His salvation, for His glorious exaltation and manifestation in judgment on enemies. Again Ps. 22-24 stand united together by the great theme of Christ's atoning sacrifice and its results-death, resurrection, and coming glory. His sacrifice is the basis of all blessing, made good in resurrection-power, and is characterized by fullest acceptance in divine glory.

Structural Outlines of the Minor Prophets Amos

Our good reading for this month is Mr. Ironside's Notes on the Prophet Amos. As an accompaniment to this, and for the help of any who may wish to mark their Bibles, we give the following outlines.

Div. 1. (chs. 1,2). The Divine arrangement. The prophet has both Israel and Judah in view, but he first arraigns the surrounding Gentile nations, then brings in God's people who have fallen to the same level. Hardly anything could be more serious and far reaching in its results than such failure on the part of the separated and favored nation.

1. (1:1, 2). Jehovah, the Judge, whose smiting hand is felt (as in the earthquake), and whose mighty voice is heard through the lips of His commissioned servant (ch. 7:IS).

2. (1:3-2:3). The nations:their hostility, cruelty and hatred.

(1) vers. 3-5. Damascus.

(2) 6-8. Gaza, the Philistines.

(3) 9,10.Tyre.

(4) 11,12.Edom.

(5) 13-15. Ammon.

(6) 1-3.Moab.

3. (2:4-16). Judah and Israel.

(1) vers. 4, 5. Judah:the law despised and lies followed.

(2)"6-16. Israel.

(a). 6-8.Unrighteousness, oppression, and idolatry. (6)9-12.The despisal of God's mercies, (c) 13-16.Stripped of strength and adornment; their vanity revealed.

Div. 2 (chs. 3-6). Jehovah, judge in His own house, charges His family with their sins, reproves, warns, and announces overwhelming judgment which can only be averted by whole-hearted repentance.

1. (ch. 3). The certainty of coming judgment which will reach to the greatest.

(1). vers. 1-8. Broken fellowship, and punishment administered.

(2). vers. 9-12. The call to the adversary who shall spoil and devour.

(3). vers. 13-15. Jehovah's visitation against idolatry and the prosperity in which they trust.

2. (ch. 4). A review of past corrective dealings utterly unheeded, while increasing iniquity calls down special judgment from God.

(1). vers. 1-5. Abounding iniquity and hypocrisy.

(2). vers. 6-11. Chastisement, producing no result. (There are five parts each ending with the refrain, "yet have not returned.")

(3). vers. 12,13. God's power and majesty must be met in this controversy.

3. (chs. 5, 6). The fallen virgin:woe upon her because of corruption through inveterate idolatry.

(1). 5:1-15.A lamentation over the coming ruin with one only way of escape:to Jehovah they must seek, (a)1-3. Fallen and forsaken. (6) 4-15. A call to repentance, for Jehovah is gracious.

1:(4-6). Forsake evil or endure fire unquenchable, 2:(7-15).Contrasts:the people's evil ways; Jehovah mighty and gracious.

(2). 5:16-6:14. Alas! Alas! the woes of judgment. (a) vers. 16,17. The wail of death. (6)"18-20.Vainly self-confident.

(c)"21-27.The Holy One, and their idolatry; judgment is inevitable.

(d) vers. 1-6.Sinful, in ease and luxury:warning unheeded.

(e) vers. 7-11.The divine recompense.

(f) '"12-14. The limit set to evil by extreme judgment.

Div. 3. (chs. 7-9). Visions from Jehovah revealing Israel's doom; He directs its execution according to divine measure. The final issue to be complete restoration in blessing under David's house.

1. (ch. 7:1-9). Three visions:mercy twice shown and despised makes judgment sure in which they must meet Jehovah Himself (cp., Ch. 4:12,13).

2. (vers. 10-15). Opposition and contradiction.

3. (vers. 16, 17). The adversary's doom, and Israel's banishment reaffirmed.

4. (ch. 8). The fourth vision:ripeness for judgment which will bring utter prostration to land and people.

(1) vers. 1-3. No longer delay.

(2) " 4-10.Oppression and falsehood, their bitter fruits.

(3) vers. 11-14. The closed sanctuary.

5. (ch. 9:1-10). The fifth vision:Jehovah Himself executing judgment in righteous recompense.

6. (ch. 9:11-15). Divine limit to the overthrow:final victory and blessing through David's house.

Our Monthly Bible Study Class Col. 1:10-12.

Vers. 10,11. These things are to be desired that we may walk worthily of the Lord so as to be pleasing to Him in every way. The features of such a walk are:bringing forth fruit in every good work; growing by the full knowledge of God; being strengthened, etc. Each of these features calls for our careful study that we may know what it means to walk worthily. The first two are joined together by the conjunction; the other stands out separately with two special features-endurance and long-suffering with joy-for which we are capacitated through the strengthening spoken of. First, then, there is a relation between fruit-bearing in good works and spiritual growth. Here it is not growing that we may bear fruit, but being occupied in that which is good, and growing by, etc. These two features exist or occur together, and the latter will not be experimentally true unless the former is characteristic of our walk. The standard by which we are to determine what is good is set up in the Person spoken of-the Lord. The order of this double statement is striking and important. In exercising ourselves in that which is good we cut loose from and avoid what hinders growth. This growth is by means of the full knowledge of God which, of course, is in Christ and the truth concerning His person, His place in the divine counsels, His work by which all is accomplished. In this connection carefully note 2 Pet. 1:2-4, where this full knowledge is twice referred to in plain relation to the experimental side of Christian life. Note further that in the verses we are studying there is a difference, in ver. 9 it is "of His will," in ver. 10 "of God." The latter is more personal, so that out of growth by such knowledge comes the ability to say, as Paul does, "My God" (Phil. 4:19; 2 Cor. 12:21). The former is rather a question of His purposes or counsels as relating to Christ and those who are Christ's. Compare Eph. 1:5,11.

Ver. 11 tells us with what we are to be strengthened- power, the measure of it-the might of His glory, the end in view-endurance, etc. The thought of power here is what is inward, that which is spiritual or moral (e. g., Eph. 3:16). This is to be realized according to the might of God's glory-a word also denoting power (used only of God), but in its relative and manifested form. Thus in Eph. 1:19 the strength which indwells God, which we may say is embodied in Him, came out in relative and manifested form, that is as might, in the glorious resurrection and ascension of Christ. Thus we read of "the might of His strength" (Eph. 1:19, N. Trans.). It is according to God's glory as thus displayed in Christ risen and glorified that the Christian is to be strengthened with power. In faith's knowledge and contemplation of this might of glory there is empowerment for all those experiences connected with walking worthily in this present evil world. In this is found that which enables the believer to endure and to suffer long, all with joy. Here there is a suggestive shade of difference. The term for endurance suggests patience under trials, referring to things; and that for longsuffering, patience under provocation, referring to persons.

The apostle's prayer then is for the in filling of the saints, in view of a walk worthy of the Lord (vers. 9:10) and he gives the features of such a walk.

First, spiritual growth through the revelation God ha» given, in which He imparts full knowledge of Himself; then strengthened in the manner spoken of in ver. 11, and finally, "giving thanks," etc. (ver. 12). These are characteristic features of the worthy walk. Thus we have the object-the Lord and His pleasure; the active life of fruit-bearing and growth; the source of strength; and the thankful spirit which is to mark the believer.

The apostle now turns to what the Father has done, then to what we have in the Son, His distinctive place, glory, preeminence and divine fulness (vers. 12-20).

The Father to whom we give thanks has done three marvelous things:(a) made us meet, or fit; (b) delivered us, (c) translated us. First, the fitness means that He has made believers competent "for sharing the portion of the saints in light" (New Trans.). This involves the removal of what could not enter that light, and the bestowal of what enables us to enjoy what is in the light. Only those born of the Spirit can enjoy this blessed portion. This action of the Father is expressed as now being complete, for present sharing in the portion referred to, and is not limited to future glory. The words "in light" are not to be construed as so limiting the thought; for the children of God are spoken of as now being light in the Lord, and so are already called to share that portion in light. Compare John 3:21; 8:12; Eph. 5:8,9 (New Trans.); 1 Thess. 5:5; 1 John 1:5-7. This portion in light is the revelation of God in Christ, for the enjoyment of which the Father has made believers fit, so that their fellowship is with Him and His Son, as led by the Holy Spirit. To this also are attached purposes of glory which await future accomplishment. See those passages which speak of the Christian's inheritance, co-heirship with Christ, the kingdom and glory.

Calendar:June 16th to July 15th.

DAILY BIBLE BEADING:……..June 16th, Psalm 55; June 30th, Psalm 69; July 15th, Psalm 84.

GOOD READING:… ."The Minor Prophets," by H. A. I. Pages 213-247.

MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY CLASS:Colossians, ch. 1:14.

Our Daily Bible Reading

The 2nd book of Psalms concludes with Ps. 72, and our reading this month takes us almost through the 3rd book, of which Ps. 89 is the last. We have referred to the series closing with Ps. 55 as setting before us the "man of sin" and his company, from whom the faithful Jewish remnant of the last days will so greatly suffer. It seems fitting, in view of this, that we get now what strengthens faith, and so sustains the remnant in their trials. This occupies us in psalms 56-60. First, God is trusted in as the all-sufficient (Ps. 56:3, 4, 9,11). This lead to faith's exultant praise (Ps. 57), for in the shadow of God's wings is found a refuge amid the calamities of verses 4 and 6. Faith, being in the current of God's mind, looks forward to the complete overthrow of evil (Ps. 58). Faith can speak with assurance of God's judgment of evil, as did Enoch, Noah, and all the prophets. In Ps. 59 the work of judgment broadens out to the ungodly nations in these last days which are constantly before us in these psalms. In Ps. 60 the cycle returns to God as alone sufficient, though here looked at in ways of discipline.

In the concluding psalms of this 2nd book (61-72) Christ comes prominently before us. How beautiful this grouping together, as we come to the One who brings all evil to judgment, who answers faith's call, and gives the desired blessing, founded of course, as all must be, upon His cross, of which Ps. 69 treats. From Ps. 72 we see that the results are universal in character and affect all nations. Note the contrast in this to Ps. 59, which, however, is the necessary prelude to Messiah's kingdom and glory. This series ascends to the full triumph of God in Ps. 68, in and through Christ as the ascended and glorified Man. But immediately (Ps. 69) follows the depth of humiliation to which the blessed Lord descended. Compare Eph. 4:1-16. Suitably, there follows the judgment of those who proved themselves adversaries in connection with that humiliation; and the climax in peace and rest is found in Ps. 72, as already suggested.

The 3rd book of Psalms gives us the principles of holiness according to which God deals with Israel, and in fact with all the nations. His sure mercies abide forever under the true David (Ps. 89).

First, in Ps. 73, the understanding of things is found by entering the sanctuary; there the soul is instructed in the ways of God, and is delivered from a false appraisal of the ease and prosperity of the wicked. Then the defiled sanctuary is seen in Ps. 74, and the invading enemy is seen as God's enemy, as well as of the people, and deliverance is pleaded for. He who brings deliverance, when all other source of hope is prostrated, appears in Ps. 75. Then God is known in Judah and Israel, while all other power is laid low (76). The sanctuary again appears in Ps. 77, and the soul contemplates God's ways in mercy and faithfulness, known from of old. The questions raised in the early part of this psalm lead to a review of Israel's history in Ps. 78, which causes faith to count upon God's sovereignty and electing love for the realization of complete blessing. The defiled inheritance and holy temple again come into view with the realization that this must be due to God's anger with His people, but which, because of the reproach it brings from the enemy, becomes a plea "for the glory of God's great name," and at the same time purging away His people's sins for His name's sake. This develops in the next psalm to an enlarged plea for revival and restored glory, in connection with the Branch, the Man of God's right hand- Christ (80:15,17).

The trumpet call for Israel's awakening is next sounded, accompanied with the declaration of Israel's responsibility to hear; for, in not doing so, she had so grievously failed in the past. In all of this the judges of the people had failed, necessitating God's judgment; but this means too that He will judge the confederacy of nations who took the opportunity to destroy Israel because of God's anger against His failing people. In result it shall be His opportunity to make His Name known universally (83). All this finally leads to the blessed conclusions of Ps. 84, in which the preciousness of the sanctuary and God's ways are again celebrated.

Our Good Reading

The prophet Micah occupies us this month. He speaks concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. They stand as representatives of the ruling classes in both kingdoms; it is the gross misrule in both which he exposes. Then he sets before us the true and great Ruler who shall be the peace of the nation in the last days. Finally, the remnant is in view, to whom the Deliverer will come in those days.

The following structure of this book is suggested as a guide for our reading.

Div. 1. (chs. 1:1-3:12). The Lord, the Judge of all the earth, presents the indictment against His people and decrees the punishment.

1. (ch. 1). The holy and irresistible Judge calling the guilty to account:His testimony against, and announced judgment of Samaria and Judah.

(1)vers. 1-5. He who commences the work of judgment

(2) vers. 6, 7.The word against Samaria.

(3) vers. 8-16.The smiting of Judah.

2. (ch. 2.) The Judge's woe upon those who make evil use of power; His requital; His denunciation of the rejectors of prophecy, a spirit of error and folly shall come upon them, vainly promising complete deliverance to Judah after Israel's fall.

3. (ch. 3.) Evil uncovered in high places:the unholy use of divine place and privilege.

(1) vers. 1-4. The source of the evil among those who should judge and rule in righteousness:from them the righteous Lord will hide His face.

(2)vers. 5-7. Their supporting arm:false prophecy, leading into error, darkness and confusion.

(3) vers. 8-12.The Lord's true prophet:his message of denunciation and judgment.

Div. 2. (chs. 4, 5). The coming salvation and Saviour, with the judgment of all that offended, the dross purged away.

1.(ch. 4). The purposes of God.

(1) vers. 1,2. The Lord's house established:source and centre of blessing.

(2)vers. 3,4.Conflict ended:peace and plenty.

(3) vers. 5-8. Israel re-assembled and restored.

(4)vers. 9,10. Affliction, captivity, the needful experience, yet harbinger of deliverance.

(5) vers. 11-13. The Lord's subjugation of oppressing enemies.

2. (ch. 5.) Messiah and His work-the accomplisher of the divine purposes.

(1)vers. 1-4. The Person and His place.

(2) vers. 5, 6.The last great enemy subdued-peace.

(3)ver. 7. The remnant of Judah made the agency for earth's blessing.

(4) vers. 8, 9.Captivity ended; the remnant supreme.

(5) vers. 10-15.The Lord with His people, making complete purgation of evil.

Div. 3. (chs. 6,7). In the light of the sanctuary:all searched out that full blessing may be realized.

1. (ch. 6:1-8).The controversy of the righteous Lord.

(1) vers. 1-5. His appeal.

(2) vers. 6,7. How shall He be approached? What does He require?

(3)ver. 8. The right and good way.

2. (ch. 6:9-7:7.) The Lord's voice in accusation; the remnant's concurrent testimony.

(1) vers. 9-16. Barrenness:result of evil ways.

(2) vers. 1-6. What can the righteous do?"Cease ye from man."
(3) ver. 7. The true Refuge and Stay.

3. (ch. 7:8-20.) Restoration through the grace and mercy of God.

(1) vers.8-13. Jehovah the light and hope of His people.

(2) vers. 14-17.His saving power as of old.

(3) vers. 18-20.Who is like unto Him?

Our Monthly Bible Study Class

Our verse (Colos. 1:14) is, "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (New Tram.). It seems that "by His blood " should be omitted. The statement of course links with the Lord Jesus-into whose kingdom the believer is translated. In Him we have this twofold blessing which will engage our attention for a little.

Redemption is a large subject. It includes not only what is directly connected with the precious blood of Christ, but also what shall be effected by the exercise of His power, founded of course upon the ever-abiding merit of His perfect sacrifice. Perhaps the omission of "by his blood" in our verse was intended to suggest the larger view of the subject.

An illustration of our subject may be found in Israel's redemption by blood at the Passover; then by power at the Red Sea. The former was in relation to God as judge, requiring the full execution of judgment upon man because of sin. The latter asserts God's claim upon His redeemed people-they are to be under His guidance and control, no longer under Pharaoh's. This, as already suggested, is like what verse 13 speaks of. But as Israel's redemption involved the bringing them into the land, with purposes of blessing and glory, so also redemption for the believer embraces not only what the Passover and Red Sea typify, but also the redemption of our bodies, fulness of sonship, through the power of our Saviour when He comes from heaven (Phil. 3:21). This, too, is called salvation (Heb. 9:28; 1 Pet. 1:5; Rom. 13:11), which is different from the salvation of our souls, of which Peter speaks in his first chapter. This distinction is much like the one just before mentioned as to redemption.

We might epitomize our subject under the following heads:

(1) Redemption by blood from the stroke of divine judgment against sin.

(2) Redemption by power, freeing us forever from the dominion of our great enemy.

(3) Redemption from this present evil age, and therefore from the lawlessness which characterizes it. This is practically entered into now through the power of the Word operating in the heart and conscience of the believer.

This links with the cross, where Christ gave Himself to redeem us; the full result of which will be when we are translated out of this world-system when He comes for us. With this aspect of redemption we also link our sanctification by the Word of truth as now used by the Holy Spirit.

(4) Finally, the redemption of our bodies, by which all who are Christ's shall bear His heavenly image – our bodies then being in the likeness of the Lord's body of glory. The redeemed company will then be presented faultless in the presence of God's glory, holy and without blame.

In following up these suggestions consider these scriptures :Rom. 3:24; 8:23; 1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:7,14; Gal. 1:4; 3:13; 4:5; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19; 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; Heb. 9:12.

Let us turn now to the subject of forgiveness-"the forgiveness of sins." First, we may note that the Greek word for "remission" in the following passages, Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:22; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 10:43; Heb. 10:17, 18, is the same as rendered forgiveness in our verse, and in Acts 5:31; 13:38; Eph. 1:7; Mark 3:29. It is also rendered "deliverance" and "liberty" in Luke 4:18. If you consider the first group of passages above mentioned you will see that remission or forgiveness is linked with the blood of the new covenant; with the proclamation of Christ glorified; and the new covenant with Israel on the principle of grace, not law. But such sovereign mercy on God's part toward Israel opened the way for just such mercy to Gentiles, even before Israel comes into the good of it; for there is now one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, whose shed blood is the blood of the new covenant. In line with the thought of this grace which "carries with it salvation for all men" (Tit. 2:11, New Trans.) we have the apostle's argument as to mercy in Rom. 11:25-36.

Forgiveness then is what God grants in grace, the mercy He shows to the guilty on condition of repentance. The nature which produced the sins is not linked with the thought of forgiveness. Its fruits are forgiven, but the root is condemned; it was judged at the cross, for it is utterly corrupt, and God now sees it as consumed in the burning kindled by His holiness when judging His holy Son as a sacrifice for sin; thus He condemned sin in the flesh (Rom. 8:3). But forgiveness is based upon the work of holy judgment at the cross, and faith can appropriate the language of Scripture and say, "He bore my sins in His own body on the tree," knowing that He was delivered for our offences; for Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and His blood cleanses from every sin (1 Pet. 2:24; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:3; 1 John 1:7, New Trans.). But as already mentioned, this blessed truth is linked with the fact of Christ glorified. He was raised again for our justification; if this were not so we would yet be in our sins. Our good conscience is "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ who is at the right hand of God," where He ever liveth to make intercession for us, and is able to save completely those who approach God by Him. He is our ever-prevailing Advocate, and because of Him God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:12-19; 1 Pet. 3:21, 22; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1; 1:9).

What themes wherewith to occupy us with careful study during this month!

Calendar:Aug.16th to Sept. 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING:…….Aug. 16th, Psalm 116; Aug. 31st, Psalm 121; Sept. 15th, Psalm 146.

GOOD READING:… ."The Minor Prophets," by H. A. I. Pages 292-327.

MONTHLY BIBLE CLASS:…… Colossians, chap. 1:18.

Our Daily Bible Reading

The next four psalms (116-119) close the second main part of the 5th book of Psalms. A glad note of salvation pervades them. First, we are told how Jehovah heard and answered Israel's cry, bringing in salvation and awakening worship, rendered to Him in His house. Next, all the nations are called to praise the Lord for His goodness to Israel, for their return and reception into God's favor shall be as life from among the dead to the world (Rom. 11:15). Ps. 118 enters more into the details of this great transaction, and leads up to Christ, the headstone of the corner, through whom all is realized. The meaning of the psalm is made clear by the Lord's references to it (Matt. 21:42; 23:39), and by Peter's remarks recorded in Acts 4:10-12. Ps. 119 is saved Israel's testimony to the Word of God, coupled with confessions of failure, all showing how in the future, to which these psalms refer, the new covenant work will be accomplished-the law written in their hearts (Heb. 8:9,10; 10:16).

Another section now opens (120-136), in which we find the 15 psalms entitled, "Songs of degrees," to which the closing two (135, 136) seem to stand as an answer, expressing in praise and thanksgiving the blessed conclusion of those "degrees" or steps in Israel's restoration at "the time of the end," when her national salvation will be realized. These "Songs" develop the blessings of grace. Fifteen in number (5 x 3) may well suggest how God in grace exercises His great love and power toward His failing and oft-troubled saints, whose experiences are made to issue in an outburst of praise at the end.

Ps. 120 expresses the distress and loneliness of the soul as evil presses on every side; but the eyes of faith are lifted up to Jehovah (Ps. 121). Then rest and worship in the sanctuary-city follow. Again (123) the trial from the scorn and contempt of evil men is expressed, but with this comfort that those thus tried have the Lord, supreme over all, to wait upon. Then Jehovah's deliverance is owned as from the One who alone did and could effect it (124). And it is not only deliverance from evil, but the Lord is round about His people forever (125). The following three psalms (126-128) tell out the fulness there is in Jehovah for His delivered people, who from Him have joy, fruit, and peace.

A different strain runs through the next series (129-131). Affliction and persecution lead to self-judgment and acknowledgment of sin, but the glory of redemption is shining for the soul so that, though humbled and contrite, the Lord is known and hoped in "now and forever." The three closing songs (132-134) celebrate, first, Jehovah's faithfulness to His Word and promise; then the blessedness of His people as blessed through that faithfulness; finally, the sanctuary-worship of Jehovah's redeemed. Ps. 135 and 136 are evidently supplementary, and give Israel's witness to God.
The next nine psalms (137-145) form another section, and the last which we read this month (146) opens the closing group of this wonderful book of praise and experience.

These psalms (137-145) lead upward from the desolate and solitary condition of the captive people through varying experiences in which men and things around are found. The Lord must be their all, and is proclaimed preeminent, His kingdom everlasting.

Our Good Reading

For this month covers Zephaniah and Haggai.

Zephaniah. He states the time of his ministry-the days of Josiah. He and Nahum were probably close together. The latter engaged our attention with the great external enemies, but Zephaniah deals in detail with Judah and Jerusalem, reproving their great iniquity, declaring the purgation that Jehovah must effect that He may take His place as King and Blesser forever of the saved remnant.

Zephaniah is a prophet of salvation, but shows this can only come through judgment purging out evil, which leads God's people to separate from it. He presents Israel's failure, and Judah's in particular, marked by constant rejection of the divine witness, which made necessary His desolating judgment. The nations, in whose ways Israel had walked, must also bear judgment, for longer patience would compromise the character of Jehovah. They, too, were without excuse, for He had sent warning messages through His prophets repeatedly. These are features of Zephaniah's prophecy with which he weaves the precious ministry of comfort and grace to the meek and faithful remnant.

This prophecy may be divided thus:

Div.1. (ch. 1:1-13.)The announcement of world-wide judgment in which Judah and Jerusalem shall be especially involved because of their evil.

1. (vers. 1-3.) A complete clearance.

2. (vers. 4-6.) Judah and Jerusalem must be smitten because of idolatry.

3. (ver. 7.) Action according to holiness.

4.(vers. 8-13.) Separate features of the judgment.

(1). vers. 8,9. It shall fall upon those following heathen customs.

(2) vers. 10,11.Lamentation and destruction:outside reliance cut off.

(3). vers. 12,13. The divine search which none will escape who merit judgment.

Div. 2. (chs. 1:14-2:IS.)A detailed description of the day of Jehovah.

1. (1:14-18.)The terror of the Lord in its characteristic features.
2. (2:1-3.) An appeal:Jehovah will be a refuge to those who seek and obey Him.

3. (2:4-15.) The far-reaching storm of judgment:every quarter reached.

(1). vers. 4-7. The Philistines-the blow westward.

(2). vers. 8-10. Moab and Ammon-the blow eastward.

(3). ver. 11. The gods of the earth-spiritual powers of evil.

(4). ver. 12. The Ethiopians-the blow southward.

(5). vers. 13-15.The Assyrian-the blow northward.

Div. 3. (ch. 3.) The manifestation of Jehovah for those who wait upon Him:the remnant delivered, purified, glorified with Jehovah in the midst.

1. (vers. 1-7.) Reproof from the just and holy One whose sanctuary has been polluted and law violated.

2. (vers. 8-13.) "Stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah:" evil purged out, rest and security realized.

3. (vers. 14-20.) Regathered around Jehovah, who in exultant joy shall dwell among the restored people.

Haggai. His interest is in the rebuilding of the temple by the remnant returned from Babylon after the 70 years' captivity. The immediate cause of this prophet's activity was that the returned remnant, yielding to the pressure of their enemies, had given up the building of the temple instead of vigorously carrying it forward as permitted by the decree of Cyrus. In obedience to the prophetic word they could count upon God's protection. Instead of thus acting in faith they had ceased to work, turning their attention to self-interest instead of God's claims. For this He had chastened them (ch. 1:6,10,11).

Haggai's messages were given for the re-awakening of the remnant, that they might again take up the work of rebuilding the temple. The desired effect being produced, and a revival taking place after the first message, Jehovah then responded with words of assurance as to His favor, with which He coupled comfort and great promises.

Div. 1. (ch. 1.) A word for heart and conscience, giving the cause of failure and lack of blessing:neglect of Jehovah's claims, and self-indulgence.

1. (vers. 1-11.) Jehovah not first, but self-interest, then barrenness and desolation-give God first place.

2. (vers. 12-15.) Obedience answered by assurance of the Divine presence. (Compare Ezra 5:1-5,14,15.)

Div. 2. (ch. 2:1-9). Contrasts:despondent recollections and promises as to increased glory in the future. (Obedience required first, as in Div. 1. This being rendered, hope is given encouragement, and fulfilment is pledged by Jehovah of hosts.)

1. (vers. 1-5.) Mighty through God who is faithful to His word.

2. (vers. 6-9.) God in His might emptying the earth that He may fill it with glory and peace of which His house shall be the centre.

Div. 3. (ch. 2:10-19). Sanctuary lessons:holy and unholy, the ways of God in relation thereto.

1. (vers. 10-14.) Instruction concerning things which differ.

2. (vers. 15-19.) Chastening:the Holy One must be sanctified in those that draw near to Him.

Div. 4. (ch. 2:20-23.) The world-wide convulsion through which Jehovah's servant (representative of the people) shall be brought to final glory.

Our Monthly Bible Class Col. 1:18.

The verse we now come to sets before us the glory of Christ in an entirely different relation-that of the Church which is His body, so that He has the first place in all things. Four things are stated:

(a). He is the head of the body, the assembly-quite distinct from anything yet considered. It is a special place He now fills in relation to the saints of the present dispensation, who have been baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body (1 Cor. 12:13). His presence in the world has formed this body, which when perfected will be presented in glory as the instrument to administer under Christ the fulness of times according to God's good pleasure. But there is a Head over all this to the Church; the Church is not everything, but Christ is Head over all. The Church has obtained inheritance in Him and He is not only Head over all things to it, but He is Head of it. A Man in the glory, all is under His feet (Eph. 1:20-22; 1 Pet. 3:22). The point is that if there is a company of the redeemed called to this distinctive place in the system of God's glory, Christ must be the head of that company, for to Him belongs preeminence in all things. That company, however, is not simply that, but is viewed as His body to which He bears the relation of head.

(b). "Who is the beginning." This term is used in slightly different ways. In Revelation we find it associated with "the End," and "Alpha and Omega"-to which it would seem to be an explanatory or parallel expression -"beginning, end." The use of the term here suggests a different thought, similar to that in Rev. 3:14-"The beginning of the creation of God," that creation of which it can be said, "All things have become new; and all things are of God" (2 Cor. 5:17,18). Of this new creation He, as Man, is the beginning, and is set in that place as being "Firstborn from among the dead." The grain of wheat having died, in resurrection bears much fruit. The whole company now identified with Him will bear the image of the heavenly One (1 Cor. IS:49), so that they being then conformed to the image of God's Son, He will be seen as the "Firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29), for He must have preeminence in all things.

(c). The third thing is, "Firstborn from among the dead." He is the first Man brought out from among the dead, consequent upon the whole question of sin being settled to the glory of God; so that in His sight, man in the flesh has been judged, and those now in Christ (the second Man and last Adam) are past all judgment. Thus He stands as "the beginning of the creation of God."

(d). This new creation abides in perfection in God's sight, with Christ as its Head; this is the fourth thing in this verse. To Him pertains "the first place in all things" (New Trans.). –John Bloore.

RESPONSES FROM THE WORKERS.-We are very glad that we are now beginning to receive letters from our beloved brethren and sisters abroad in fuller measure than before, and will share some of these with our readers. A word of explanation is also due to the saints at home, which we are sure will be a cheer to them. In response to the simple mention of the hope of the six who had Africa on their heart, and who have doubtless now settled down in their permanent field of labor, abundant means were supplied to meet all expense of outfitting, travel, freight, custom dues, etc. In addition to this, further contributions came in which left it to the judgment of the committee to what use to put them. They felt glad therefore to send these funds to the other fields of labor, and it is in response to this ministry that a number of the letters have come.

While speaking of the matter of support of the laborers abroad, we need hardly remind our readers that current expenses must be met. This will call for periodic ministry, and we are sure "the Lord of the harvest" will sustain those whom He sends forth. "Whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:because for His name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth" (3 John 6-8). We are glad to report that some gifts have come in during the summer, which have been acknowledged to their donors, and we trust these will now increase.

Taitowying, via Changli Chili, N. China. My Dear Bro. Fawcett:- June 27,1925.

Many thanks for your kind letter, also for the N. Y. Draft, which I found waiting me upon my arrival from Shuang-Shantze, which is our out-station. I had much joy with brethren out there, 6 men confessed Christ as their Lord and Saviour in baptism. There were also 7 or 8 school-boys who profess their faith in Christ, but as they are yet rather young, from 12 to 15 years, I suggested that they should wait for a year or two until they should more fully understand the meaning of salvation, as not consisting in baptism.

Our work does not seem to yield as great results as we would like, but it gives us much joy to see that the Lord is with us, and is blessing our incompetent labors.

We badly need more foreign help in the work. I am the only white person in N. China representing "Brethren" from America. [Our brother next speaks of some who, he understood, desired to come to China, and adds, "They would be a great help, and are much needed. Please help us in prayer, that the Lord's will may be accomplished in this matter."]

Faithfully yours in the soon coming Lord, Charles O. Kautto.

Our brother Kautto also writes of some of the discouragements which the work meets with, and which apparently hinder it. He tells of one of the professing

Christians who had been guilty of extortion in overcharging, and had brought reproach upon our Lord's name. Some who had been showing interest "went back and walked no more" with them. But we may be sure when such cases are dealt with in firmness and grace, God will overrule all, and it will turn out rather "to the furtherance of the Gospel." The Lord sustain, guide and bless our dear brother.

468 Shimo Shibuya, Tokyo.

Dear Brother Fawcett:- June 30,1925.

My wife and I appreciate indeed that the work of the Lord with us here has been also remembered in connection with the happy stirring up of interest in His work in regions beyond. And we desire to express our hearty thanks for the kind token of partnership received through the Missionary Fund by draft.

The brethren and sisters here and ourselves have been much affected by the death of our young sister Mercy McCandless in Africa, and the way the Lord has used this to stir us all up. We pray that the brethren and sisters here may also profit by an increase of interest and zeal in the Lord's work on their part, for their own people and others.

The Lord is blessing the work here. He has been doing so for some years past, though there has been no great operation as far as numbers would tell, but gradually souls have been added and the believers have increased in knowledge of the Word and in zeal in the Gospel.

We are always very busy. I am hoping to be able to get out a news-letter in English soon. In letters recently to Brother Herrmann, Brother Daniel Loizeaux and to my brother Harry, I gave some news of the work, which they will doubtless pass on.

We trust that you are much blest of the Lord in every way.

Our greetings and love in the Lord to all. The Japanese brethren and sisters always desire to be included in greetings to the saints abroad.

Affectionately yours in our Lord,

Eugene B. Craig

Box 541, Ponce, Porto Rico. Mr. H. Gillings, New York, N. Y. Sept. 9,1925.

My dear brother in Christ:-Your welcome letter with enclosed gift from fund for general distribution came to hand in due time. Please accept my heartfelt thanks in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The work here continues quietly on. The attendance in the Sunday School was low in these months, but now that schools are open, we hope to have again the nice group of children. One of the young sisters married and another is gone to the capital to enter the University. We have the latter much upon our hearts as she is quite young and going to the wickedest place in the island. All her family are Roman Catholics and opposed much to her beliefs. She has been faithful to Him despite all. We hope the Lord will keep and guide her I have just returned from a trip to places in the interior where I found good opportunity to distribute tracts and preach several times the Word of Life in the open air. In a little town the Baptist pastor invited me to give the Word in their chapel. In this place one of the Sunday School children died and they asked me to speak at the cemetery where a large crowd gathered. I took good advantage to present Christ and eternity to this people. I trust the blessing of the Lord to be upon the seed sown and that it will bring fruit for His own honor and glory.

We would value much your prayers, that He may guide and give us wisdom in spreading His Word.

With thanks and Christian love in which my wife joins me- I am your brother by His grace,

Rafael Heunandez.

Letters from our brothers Hoze at Trinidad and Germain in France, which belong with the above are omitted for lack of room, they will, (D. V.) appear next month.

Tidings is just received of the safe arrival at their destination of the party who left last May for Irumu, , Congo Beige, Africa. The journey from Mombassa furnished some very real trials and difficulties, but these in the Lord's mercy were overcome, and they report finding conditions better than they had looked for. We shall hope to give more information in our next number.

It will be of interest to the saints to know that our sister in Christ, Miss Minnie Armerding of Plainfield, N. J., who has had the Lord's work among foreigners much i| on her heart for several years, has left to labor among the Indians in Arizona. Our sister will find openings, we doubt not, among the children and the Indian women, and a we bespeak for her an interest in the prayers of the saints. We hope to give further d stalls of the work there in an early issue. S. R.

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:5).

The testimony of the Holy Spirit through Paul shows that there is a faith which stands "in the wisdom of men/' It accepts God's teaching doctrinally, but is not a living faith from above. The apostle was quite conscious of the success he might win by changed methods-methods not manifestly evil, of course. If, with persuasive words of man's wisdom, his preaching might have brought many to own Christ, he denied himself this opportunity.

The mesmeric power of a personality, the enthusiasm of a meeting, the forcible flow of language of a gifted speaker may win many to-day, and the preacher may be unconscious of the real result. "Converts" may profess Christ's name earnestly, but….! This is the key to much of the sad spiritual condition that we deplore. Seemingly successful missions are held:those who come in the inquiry rooms are counted and registered; and if the results claimed were permanent, London would be a different city. Numbers have professed Christ, but….! Mere human methods are plentifully used, and the humbling testimony of the cross of Christ is neutralized (1 Cor. 1:17).

People may accept with human affection the attractive aspects of the gospel, yet know nothing of that which appeals to a soul in whom God is working. Faith is professed, but it is not spiritual. The hearer is not a conscious hypocrite:no, he thinks he believes; he accepts the teaching set forth; but our ruin and the gospel of the rejected Lord being lightly passed over, if not neglected, the true meaning of salvation from oneself is hidden. The natural man likes part of the gospel:that part is preached, that part is believed, and preacher and hearers are satisfied, but there is no building for eternity.

Ah, beloved friends, shall we share in this delusive attraction, or humbly raise a testimony, in the enabling of the Holy Spirit, for the still despised gospel of the grace of God, with its accompaniment of simple, unworldly discipleship?-From "The Student of Scripture."

Calendar:Feb. 16th to Mar. 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING:……… Feb. 16th, Ezra 10; Feb. 28th, Neh. 12; Mar. 15th, Job 4.

GOOD READING:"The Minor Prophets," by H. A. Ironside. Pages 50-109.

MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY CLASS:Colossians, ch. l:l-8.

Our Daily Bible Reading

The two closing chapters of Ezra tell us of a sad lapse by the remnant into ways contrary to God's word. From Ezra's attitude and action we may learn how to meet such conditions. We see in him what is the spiritual meaning of eating the sin offering (Lev. 10). He deeply enters into the shame of the people's trespass, and pours out his soul in earnest entreaty and confession before God.

Ezra's godly example is used to bring the people into exercise so that they make confession, submit to God's word, and put away the evil. Individual faithfulness is of prime importance in days of declension and departure from God. To this must be added spiritual energy which acts for the deliverance of God's people, with heartfelt mourning (ch. 10:6), not with fleshly haste or harshness, lest greater disorder ensue, but with due care, and in conjunction with the rulers and elders of the people. That God is a God of order, not confusion, needs to be remembered in dealing with evil. The work requires patience as well as zeal.

In Nehemiah we find a man of kindred spirit with Ezra j, man of great interest in and affection for all that relates to God's glory. Great spiritual energy and practical wisdom is shown in ordering the work and relations of God's people in a broken – down condition. These captivity books furnish much instruction for us who have our place in the broken condition of the Church.

The confession of sin and of the ruin is characteristic of those who are much used of God in such days. They are marked by manifest dependence upon God, and the acknowledgment of His merciful and good hand being upon them (Neh. 1; 2; 4:4, 9, 15; 5:15).

In the building of the wall we have lessons of how to guard against the enemy, and protect what is holy. Notice that the priests are first mentioned in this good work, and the sheep gate is first set up. This brings thoughts of the sanctuary, of the altar and sacrifice, and of what God's people are to Him-the sheep of His pasture. These things must always be first in any work that is of God.

Reproach and conspiracy are met by appeal to God; not as indifferent, however, concerning what the enemy may do, nor neglectful in preparing against possible attack. Nehemiah is careful also to guard against a spirit of independence, and he seeks to cultivate a sense of unity and mutual dependence among the people.

Neh. 5:9 is a verse to search our hearts, and by which to try our ways. One in the spirit of Nehemiah is given spiritual discernment by which to detect the deceit and falsehood of those without and within. Obedience to God is the sure way of being furnished against evil workers (ch.6).

Chapters 8 and 9 show that when God's Word is given its rightful place, His people take a right attitude, judge themselves, separate from evil associations, and worship Him whose goodness and righteousness they recount. In a word, it is sanctification by the word of truth which these closing chapters set forth.

The book of Esther is quite distinct in character and object. The omission of God's name is significant, yet the reader cannot fail to see that He rules throughout, and that not simply in events of local and passing interest, but of abiding meaning for the whole world. Ezra and Nehemiah present the remnant returned from captivity to the true center of worship and testimony, but Esther views Israel as dispersed among the nations, and God's providential ways with His people while He cannot publicly own them. The end, however, must be in the kingdom and glory of which Mordecai's exaltation is a type.

Structural Outlines

In our Good Reading for this month we complete the Notes on Hosea. As a companion to this we continue the outlines of this prophetic book. Last month we carried this to the end of part one of division 2 (ch. 6:3) in which the rebellion and alienation of the people are set forth with the ensuing consequences. The second part of this division we put down as including chapters 6:4 through 11:11, and entitle it thus:

Jehovah's faithful testimony being rejected, He will abandon His unfaithful and wilful people to captivity and derision in the lands of those vain helpers to whom they had turned instead of to the Most High.

This second part divides as follows:

(1) chs. 6:4-9:17. Sowing the wind, reaping the whirlwind.

(a) 6:4-7:7. Abounding revolt "the whole head is sick"-the corruption of the ruling classes.

(b) 7:8-16. Defiling associations and deceitful ways.

(c) 8:1-7.The covenant transgressed and the law broken:a corrupt sanctuary.

(d) 8:8-14. Israel, a vessel to dishonor.

(c) ch. 9.The divine recompense of their evil ways.

(2) ch. 10. The destruction of false worship and iniquitous rule which supported it.

(3) ch. 11:1-11. The rekindling of the divine compassions.

The third part of the second division embraces the remainder of the book (chs. 11:12-14:9). Its subject is as follows:The path recalled as admonition for the present, and as giving assurance of God's promise of future blessing.

This third part divides as follows:

(1)chs. 11:12-12:14.Wicked independence set over against the divine grace shown in the past.

(a)11:12-12:2.The ground of accusation.

(b)12:3-6.An example, and call based upon it, to bow in humble submission.

(c) 12:7-14. Devoted to iniquity, and reaping its fruits, despite divine ministry.

(2) chs. 13-14:3. Contrast:the divine affections which yearn over the wayward, and the divine judgment which must needs be executed.

(a)13:1-4.As chaff; yet Jehovah is their God.

(b) 13:5-8. Known of old, but shamefully forgotten:merciless smiting can alone awaken their memory.

(c) 13:9-14. Self-destroyed, yet will Jehovah save.

(d)13:15,16.Utter abasement.

(e) 14:1-3. With God there is mercy. (3) 14:4-9. The divine assurance of complete restoration.

Our Monthly Bible Study Class (Colos. 1:1-18.)

For our "Bible Study Class," which was mentioned in December we will take up the Epistle to the Colossians. These lesson papers have as their object a detailed study of the Word. Large portions of the epistle will not be taken at one time, but rather small sections, one each month, until we have finished the book. Any correspondence regarding this work will be gladly received, and anything thought helpful to others will be given space in these pages.

May the Lord give us all a deeper interest in His Word, and awaken a prayerful and diligent searching of it as for hid treasures.

Christ's preeminence in all things, and the believer's completeness in identification with Him, is the general theme. The Person of Christ, and wonderful scope of His work, are especially brought out. This makes the epistle of great value to us in view of present day conditions. There is much in Ephesians similar to Colossians; but the former has a different object, that of developing the purposes of God in relation to the Church, and her place in relation to and with Christ.

In these verses, after the salutation (1, 2), the subject is the life and fruit produced by the truth received, for the evidence of which in the Colossians the apostle gives thanks.
Note how the apostle speaks of himself-"an apostle," etc. Compare the different expressions he used in Gal., ch. 1, and other epistles, as to his apostleship. There is a wealth of thought in them which we may well study. See 1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 1:1; Rom. 1:1,2.

As to Timothy refer to 2 Tim. 1; Phil. 2:19-23; 1 Thess. 3:2.

Ver. 2 should read, "To the holy and faithful brethren." As a matter of position in Christ they are holy and faithful, not in the sense of fidelity and perseverance, but as believing. Compare John 20:27; Acts 10:45. Then the grace and peace are not those of standing as in Rom. 5:1,2; but rather what he wishes for them in their Christian experience.

Consider the difference in thought between "God our Father," and "God and the Father of our Lord," etc.

Vers. 4 and S give several important subjects for consideration:(1) faith in Christ Jesus; (2) love to all the saints; (3) hope laid up in heaven; (4) the gospel, the means by which these things are known. The first gives us our object; the second speaks of the new relationship, and circle of affections; the third, of our destiny and sphere of interests; the fourth shows God's Word as the means by which we enter upon these divine realities, detaching us from earthly things and attaching us to what is heavenly. Compare 1 Thess. 1:3-5 where the same order of thought is followed-with an instructive difference. In 1 Pet. 1 the hope conies first, then faith in the One loved, though unseen; then the love of the new relationship.

Ver. 6 should read, "And is bearing fruit and growing," etc. The gospel is not exhausted in producing faith, love, hope, but has power for continual increase with knowledge, with which believers are to be filled. In saying this of the gospel the apostle declares its all sufficiency; it denies that there is anything to add to it, as certain false teachers were asserting, to whom he later refers.

Vers. 7 and 8 show Epaphras' relation to the Colossians, and the occasion which drew forth this epistle.

We are thankful to report a continued and, we trust, growing interest in the work. At present, attention is still largely centered upon the African field, to which our six brothers and sisters have devoted themselves; we speak therefore of that first.

We have been thankful that all of these but one have been able to come to New York for purposes of acquaintance and conference. It was striking that several exercises that had been expressed were answered without any direct questions being asked. One of these was that the workers should come with letters expressing fellowship from their local meetings. The two sisters who came East presented their letters of commendation with just such fellowship expressed. Our brother and sister Searle have also the fellowship of their gathering in Montreal. Another brother wrote of the importance of having a medical examination made as to the physical fitness of those going. This also has been done, and satisfactory reports have been given. So that we may say that without undue prominence being given to it, the saints are satisfied as to the physical, mental and spiritual qualifications of those who purpose, D. V., sailing on May 2nd.

The saints at large have shown much interest and fellowship in this undertaking. Already at the time of this writing about $6,000 has been received. This has enabled us to supply the workers with a good sum for securing their outfits. Their passage has been booked for Mombasa, the point on the East coast of Africa at which they debark, and much of the passage money has been paid in advance. Through the kindness of our brother, Captain Barlow of the Cunard Line, every arrangement for their comfort has been made. Our sister, Mrs. Searle of Montreal, is to be given release from her position of teaching in a Christian school there, and her husband, while in New York, on the advice of our beloved brother, Dr. Farel Jouard, had his tonsils successfully removed by him. The present month will be busily occupied with packing and other final preparations for the journey. It is a matter for thankfulness that two of the party are familiar with the work, its difficulties and needs, and all, we doubt not, are looking with soberness, rather than undue enthusiasm upon their path. Our hearts follow them, and our prayers are constantly laid before the Lord on their behalf.

In this connection it will not be out of place to suggest to the beloved saints the importance of having stated meetings for prayer for the Foreign work. This is, of course, done in various places. It may not be practicable always to add another meeting to the regular ones; but could not the first prayer meeting in each month, for instance, be specially devoted to this purpose, and announcement always be made beforehand? At such a meeting letters from the Foreign Field and other helpful literature could be read, and definite prayer be made for individuals and stations. It is purposed, if the Lord please, to write brief articles upon each field, and to suggest to the saints helpful literature for study, such as accounts of the work in other days, and at present, biographies of well-known laborers, etc. Let us, however, begin if we have not already done so, with special prayer, in private, in the household and in the assembly. Let us ever remember the words of the Psalmist, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."

The meeting in New York on Saturday, March 14th, was one of special interest. Four of the six prospective workers were present-also a number of traveling brethren. There was a good spirit of prayer and much brotherly conference. There was also a report of the means coming in, which was a cheer. The question was asked as to the scriptural authority for such a collection, and we turned to 2 Cor., chaps. 8, 9. Here we found the propriety of letting saints know of a proposed service (ch. 8:6,7); of putting the details in the hands of several to look after and to distribute the offerings (ch. 8:4,6,16-23) ; details of collecting and exhortation as to liberality are all included in these important chapters, while 1 Cor. 16 emphasizes the value of a weekly laying by, and Eph. 4 speaks of the unity of action, the unity of the Spirit, so necessary for all work. The spirit of love and of grateful praise is mingled with it all-"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." In the New Testament we are not held down to a rigid tithing, as they were under the law, but surely grace is a greater power. Similarly, we are not hedged about with hard and fast rules for giving or distributing; "He that giveth with simplicity" is our guide here.

We had with us also our beloved brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Inglis Fleming, of England. He gave some account of the foreign work there. It was especially a matter of thanksgiving to have these "Glanton" saints with us during the past six months, and to send our heartfelt love and greetings to our beloved brethren in England, from whom we had been so long separated.

In view of the isolation of our beloved brethren in Africa, it was suggested that we prepare a library for their common use, and this is being done through the generosity of saints.

We were also cheered to have a brief account of our brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Gross, formerly of Philadelphia, who have been laboring in Nigeria, Africa, in sole dependence upon the Lord for support. Their work has been known to comparatively few assemblies and saints. Let us remember these also in our prayers and fellowship.

As already stated, our brothers and sisters are booked to sail from New York on Saturday, May 2d, on the Cunarder "Carmania." In view of this it was suggested and heartily agreed to, that we defer our next meeting until Friday, May 1st, and have a farewell meeting at the Hall, 162 East 56th Street, New York. The saints there are gladly cooperating in this, and arrangements are made for two meetings at 3, with an intermission for tea together, and at 7:30. These meetings will be for prayer and fellowship and ministry of the Word, and indications are that they will be largely attended. Let us pray that this meeting may be one of great spiritual blessing to the travelers, and to those remaining at home.

We add a few extracts from the letters received with subscriptions to this work.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS

New York State.-We are glad and thankful to God our Father who has put it in the hearts and brought forward those who have volunteered to take active part in the work. Our prayers will continue to rise up to the throne of grace for them.

Kansas.-We can rejoice in seeing this work go on, and that our Lord gives us a share in it.

Wisconsin.-We are very happy to have fellowship with them in this work, and trust the Lord will bless it greatly.

Penna.-We are glad to have our part in the responsibility of this work, and hope from time to time to further help in the Lord's work in foreign fields.

Minn.-We pray for rich blessings on them all, and that the Lord will keep them under the shadow of His wing.

Missouri.-We desire to express a full expression of our interest in this work and love for those engaged in it. We have decided to contribute a regular monthly amount to it.

British Columbia.-We are glad that a number of brethren have taken the responsibility in the homeland, to keep the different assemblies informed as to the progress of work in South Africa and elsewhere. We pray that many souls may be brought to the Lord Jesus through the labors of our brethren.

Mass.-It is a great satisfaction to me to know that the brethren are going out in faith depending upon the Lord. I hope and pray that this new step in the path of faith will be sustained, and that all the Lord's people in fellowship will show hearty fellowship in it.

Iowa.-May it please the Lord to bless the effort being put forth to let our light shine in the dark places of the earth; thus we are privileged to be co-workers with Him to the praise of His blessed Name.

New York State.-The children of our Sunday School send a large portion of our contribution, as they take a great interest in this work.

Penna.-From an aged sister in an Old People's Home, we received a contribution earned by dressing dolls, etc.

Ontario.-From a sister and four others in the family we received a most generous contribution. She adds, "Later I hope to be able to send more. Gladly would I go too, but the way does not seem open now; since I am denied the privilege I shall do all I can to help those who are able."

Minnesota.-We have been burdened in our prayer-meetings over foreign work, and had requested prayer for it, and nothing has cheered me more personally for a long time than to know we will now have these dear ones as our own special charge.

Minnesota.-We would like to say that you have our whole-hearted approval in this matter. May our God bless these dear brethren.

Ontario.-We entirely approve of the way the work is to be carried on.

New Jersey.-We count it a privilege to have fellowship in this work of the Lord, and appreciate the service of the brethren in taking the responsibility of applying the funds to the need.

Penna.-We have been neglecting to have regular collections for work in foreign lands. We now propose to have regular collections and a special missionary meeting to hear any special news as to the Lord's interests in the dark places of the earth. We believe we should try and awaken a deep interest in this good service for the Lord.

We have lately heard, without details, that upon learning of the death of our dear sister Mercy McCandless, a young sister in Edinburgh offered herself for the work. Thus we may be sure that the Lord still has the willing-hearted who offer themselves for His service.

While speaking of this, we may be permitted to call attention to the apparent disproportion of the sexes in the foreign work. So many more sisters seem to be ready than brothers. Is there a reason for this? If so, what is it? Surely there is great need for men in this work. Indeed, it is almost impossible for sisters to engage in it alone, great as their helpfulness is when in the company of brethren. Our young men, for business reasons, leave home and sometimes country when it is to their advantage. Are there not some who feel the urge to go forth with the unsearchable riches of Christ? S. R.

In pursuance of the suggestion as to regular monthly prayer meetings for the work abroad, we are glad to know it is being taken up, and we hope to have some interesting and suggestive reports to lay before our readers in the near future. Such meetings are part of the seed-sowing, and we may look for the harvest in due season. "Let us not be weary."

Recent letters from China give cheering accounts of the work there, where our brother C. Kautto finds his hands more than full in both public gospel work, and in the schools. These latter, together with the work among the women, offer a most inviting field for sisters to serve according to Scripture.

We are thankful to say we have heard of a brother and wife who have been thinking of China-although feeling the time was not yet ripe for them. We trust the Lord will make all this plain in His own good time and way. Our dear sister, Miss Minnie Armerding, of Plainfield, N. J., has devoted herself, should the Lord please, to the work in China, and should the couple referred to be led to go she would gladly join them. Let us pray for the Lord's special guidance in this entire matter, that we may neither run ahead, nor lag behind, His leading.

Our beloved brethren who have so faithfully undertaken the care for the funds sent for the work in Africa, are expecting to send out a full report of their receipts and disbursements. The whole matter has been a great cheer and encouragement, and has proved so simple and efficient that we trust they may continue their service of love. Already they have sent out ministry to other fields, and we would suggest that they be asked to mediate in a similar way between the assemblies and the various fields abroad. May we have suggestions as to this matter? Meanwhile any desiring to contribute to the work abroad may write as before to Mr. Hughes Fawcett, 115 Franklin St., New York City.

We would call the attention of the saints to the really foreign work among the Navaho Indians in New Mexico and Arizona. It will be remembered by many that last winter the roof of the small house at Shiprock, New Mexico, was blown off in a storm. The money was provided to replace this, but there is great need for a larger house than the two-roomed cottage and the garage, which are the only accommodations for six adults and a little child. We trust that this will be provided for before the cold of next winter comes upon this band of workers for the Lord.

We add below an account of the farewell meetings with the beloved brothers and sisters who sailed for Africa, on May 2nd, which we are sure will be read with interest. Letters from England tell of their safe arrival at that stage of their journey, after a remarkably smooth passage, May the Lord propel them on their way.

Short report of the FAREWELL MEETING held at the New York Meeting Room, May 1, in connection with the outgoing to the Belgian Congo, Africa, of Dr. and Mrs. Roy C. Woodhams with three children, Mr. and Mrs. Searle from Montreal, Canada, Miss Cornelia De Jonge from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Miss Esther Wilson from Rochester, New York.

As planned, the prayer meeting in the afternoon commenced at 3:30, from 150 to 200 persons being present. The number gradually swelled beyond this as the meeting proceeded, those present being from all the near-by gatherings, namely:Brooklyn, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Passaic, New Orange Park, Trenton, Newark, Plainfield, Boston, Philadelphia, Reading, Sunbury, Grand Rapids, Montreal, etc.

The first hymn sung was 285, small book, "Jesus, Thy Head Once Crowned with Thorns," and the second hymn 359, large book, "From Greenland's Icy Mountains." These were followed by prayers by Bro. Hughes Fawcett, Bro. Jeffries and Bro. James Arthur, for what those going out would have to face, and earnestly commending them to their Lord and Master for journeying mercies, as well as asking for open doors in the regions where they are going.

We then sang hymn 16 in the large book, "Hail to the Lord's Anointed." This was followed by prayer, Bro. Ridout asking not merely for their needs, but that they might be the means of gathering souls to Christ our Lord, as those that are gathered out to Himself.

Bro. T. O. Loizeaux read a portion of Acts 13, and commented on (1) The meeting for prayer and the Word, dwelling upon the importance of this if we are to learn the mind of the Lord. (2) Sent forth by the Holy Spirit with the fellowship of the saints and in brotherly companionship. (3) The working of the Lord through His word and in power. (4) The weakness of nature as seen in John Mark's turning back. All these features indicate the special need of dependence upon the Lord for all things.

Brother Gottshall then followed by prayer, after which Brother MacKenzie read Gen. 3:15 with 1st John 1:3, bringing out the consequences of the fall of man and the blessings resulting through the death and resurrection of Christ, and in further connection, the pre-eminence of Christ, and the importance that our service be in the spirit of lowliness, sanctifying Christ as Lord in the heart. He also related his experience of over twenty years ago, when during his sickness he was looking back on his service to the Lord with a good deal of complacency, but God graciously revealed to him HIS estimate of it. Bro. MacKenzie then said that experience had a sobering effect on him ever since, not to exalt his own service, but to exalt Christ.

This was followed appropriately by hymn 283 in the small book, "When We Survey The Wondrous Cross," whereupon Bro. Allaben prayed extensively, followed by a short prayer by another for the children of our beloved brother and sister Woodhams, commending them especially to the Lord's tender mercy and keeping, that they might grow up, the Lord tarrying, not only to be believers, but to carry on their parents' work in service to Him.

It then being 5:30 P.M. the meeting closed. It was announced that the missionary party was leaving the next day by steamer "Carmania" of the Cunard Line, to sail at noon.

By this time the company present had reached to nearly 300, taxing the room to its utmost capacity, and there wag a happy time of fellowship while refreshments were served. In the evening the first hymn sung was 315 in the large book, "Praise the Saviour, Ye Who Know Him," and the second hymn, 241 in the small book, "Saviour, Through the Desert Lead Us" (how precious the words, "Let Thy presence cheer us all our journey through"), whereupon Bro. Manahan from Elizabeth prayed, and Bro. Ridout followed by reading 2 Cor. 2:14-16 and 3:4-6 with 3:17,18. He dwelt on the position of those about to go out, and asked the question,"Who is sufficient for these things?"-sufficient in the face of what we are, and in relationship with each other, sufficient in the midst of all kinds of difficult circumstances, and sufficient face to face with those stony hearts of the natives. We here ask ourselves the same question, and all have but one answer, "Our sufficiency is of God"-but where? In our blessed, glorified Lord, Christ on high, the exhaustless source of all our competency for all things. Bro. Ridout also stated that he hoped that once a month in each gathering there would be a prayer meeting devoted specially (though not necessarily exclusively) to the work in foreign fields.

Bro. Gottshall followed, reading 2 Cor. 1:3-7, speaking of God's way of training His servants through trials. He pointed out that these lessons are not only for those experiencing them, but for the blessing of others. He then spoke of God as the source of all encouragement, and also how the apostle Paul had well learnt this, as we could see from Phil. 4:11-13 and 2 Cor. 6:6-10.

Dr. Woodhams followed by giving out hymn 23 in the' small book, reading after that Eph. 6:18 and Col. 4:2, 3. He showed how the apostle depended upon the prayers of the Lord's people, and spoke of the utter futility of all without such help. He also read 1 Thess. 1:1, and asked for the privilege of substituting for the name of the Thessalonians the names "Babira" and "Walesi." He pointed out that just as the meeting we had to-day was a vision some time ago, but now a present reality, so our vision should look out into the future to have our heart's desire realized to see a gathering raised up in those distant tribes.

The meeting was closed with prayer by Brother John Bloore at about 9:30.

A large number, 75 or more, gathered at the pier to give the parting farewells, as the ship drew out at noon. The group of the Lord's messengers stood on the deck, and the saints were massed at the end of the pier. As the great vessel began her voyage, the sweet hymn of praise, "How good is the God we adore!" was wafted from the shore and found response in the hearts of the dear travelers-all rising in worship to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. They go accompanied by prayer and many ardent wishes for every blessing by the way.
S. R.

An interesting letter from our bro. E. B. Craig gives a number of items to engage our prayers. He writes:"We rejoiced at the renewed interest in the work of the Lord in the regions beyond, which has been stirred up by the death of Mercy McCandless in Africa, and that several have already given themselves to that field. Our young sister's death has not been in vain. The 'baptized for the dead' have gone forth to that front in good number. May there be much fruit from that dark land.

"In our monthly news letter for the Japanese brethren and sisters, I put news from abroad. So the Lord's servants from other lands are remembered in their prayers. They have been much touched by the death of sister McCandless, and prayed for' the bereaved father and mother and family. One of the brethren prints this little magazine on a Japanese multigraph. In one number lately there were 32 letters or notes from Japanese brethren and sisters in different places, telling of the Lord's blessing, or of their experiences in connection with the gospel testimony. This little monthly serves to keep the scattered flock in touch with one another, and is a great cheer to them.

Our Shinri no Kura (Treasury of Truth) monthly is printed. It is circulated near and far; some also going to Japanese in America. Lately about 8000 "Cherry Blossom Gospel" leaflets were distributed in connection with our Cherry Blossom Gospel Open Air campaign under these beautiful trees at Cherry Blossom Resorts near Tokyo. One large town, Kumagayah, where we preached, ten days later was about half destroyed by one of those disastrous conflagrations which are so common in Japan. There was some loss of life too. We hope that this may have proved to be a plowing in of the seed sown in some hearts.

My wife and the sisters have a Sister’s Meeting on Thursday afternoons at our house. And on Sunday mornings we get some of the neighborhood children in for Sunday School. There are five or more Sunday Schools now in connection with the work.

There seems to be a work of the Spirit going on here in Japan in spite of the indifference or idolatry of the great majority. Mr. Aurell, of the American Bible Society here, tells me that there is a greater demand than ever for the Bible.

We baptized four young men lately. Several have been baptized at Ikaho since the first of the year, and both there and here, and in other places, more souls are coming on in the knowledge of the Lord.

The room we use in back of Dr. Tsukiyama's house for the assembly is too small for us and, beside, inconvenient for the gospel. We are all looking to the Lord for a better place.

Our love in the Lord to all as ever (the Japanese brethren and sisters always desire to be included in greetings sent abroad). -Eugene B. Craig. 468 Shimo Shibuya, Tokyo.

We call special attention to the evidence of prayerful interest in other regions than their own, by our beloved Japanese brethren and sisters. This work of "knitting together" is a mark of the Spirit's work, and is most encouraging. How good too it is to see the various saints going on steadily and happily in the Lord's work. May the Lord bless it all abundantly.

Our Bro. Mr. H. Wilson of the Baka Mbule district in Africa, is returning with his wife for a furlough to England. It was our brother who was privileged to minister to our beloved sister Mercy McCandless in her last illness. We are glad to see from his letter, part of which we quote, that there is a possibility of their visiting America, and telling of the Lord's work in the vast regions of Central Africa. Let us pray that, if it be the Lord's will, their way may be directed to our shores.

To G. H. McCandless:

"Dear Brother in the Lord,

Your kind letter of Jan. 29th has reached us here, just as we are preparing to leave. We are awaiting the arrival of the McTavishes and Miss Isaac, and hope to leave as soon as possible when they have arrived. Their boat is expected in about two days now.

"Your suggestion as to my visiting America is a grave one, and I scarcely know what to say about it…I have been looking forward to a quiet time in England in the country, and to visiting isolated saints and small meetings, and I have rather a dread of large places, especially with a formidable name like "America" attached to them. Still if it is the right thing to do, and the brethren would like to hear about the work here, God would give me strength and courage necessary. He has never failed me yet…I trust that God will make the path clear… and enable to take it ,and be used in blessing for others; for even in giving what is called a "Missionary Address," I think there is something better than just awakening interest in a foreign land; and that is, being used of God to reach the hearts and consciences of the hearers for their own good and blessing. -H. Wilson."

A SERMON WITH TWO HEADS

Sometimes preachers are troubled as to the best way to divide their sermons into heads, and many strange arrangements have been made. Here, as in all things relating to God's truth, simplicity and clearness should be the guide. Such were the characteristics which marked the great sermon preached by the devoted shoemaker-missionary, William Carey, regarded as the pioneer of the great Missionary Revival of 1792. His sermon marked the beginning of the great movement toward foreign lands, which has continued from that day to this.

The Heads were:(1) "Expect great things from God." (2) "Attempt great things for God."

How simple, yet how all-embracing, and in order, are these heads. First things are put first, and the rest follows. God is the source of all blessing, the liberal Giver.

He has already given His Son, His Spirit, His Word. His salvation, full, free and eternal, has been given; His grace, exhaustless and suited to every need, has been and is at our disposal; His will is made known-"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mk. 16:15). He has never withdrawn His command, nor reduced His promises. Why then should we not "expect great things from God?" He who sent forth His apostles, who called Barnabas and Saul to the work, then hedged about their way toward the open door in Macedonia and Europe (Acts 16:6-13), is still ready to make known His will, and to supply all needed grace. Let our eye be on Him, not on one another, and will He disappoint?
Next, in its proper order, flowing from the expectation from God, we have the side of our responsibility, "Attempt great things for God."

When we drink in the greatness of God's love, and the grandeur of His purposes, we will be moved into the current of that purpose, and love to take our share in its accomplishment.

And what are some of the "great things" we should attempt?

(1) Let us attempt great things in prayer. Let us truly ask, Are we seeking to be, in our measure, intercessors for the world-wide spread of the gospel?

(2) Let us attempt great things in our conversation, our testimony. Let us be known as deeply and actually interested in this Foreign Work.

(3) Our gifts will follow our prayers and our witness, and there will be found abundant means for carrying the work forward.

(4) "Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I, send me." S. R.

Under date of July 10th our brother W. J. Poehner, Pereira, (Caldas) Colombia, writes of not receiving mail since May 25th. He says it was burned in the fire which almost completely destroyed the large city of Manaizales. Will any who have written and not received a reply, please write again. Letters should be addressed, Via Panama.

What a scene of indescribable glory that will be, when the Lord Himself will descend to gather His redeemed to the home He has prepared for them!

What a moment of supreme delight, when at the shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, His sleeping saints raised, and living saints changed, "shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall they ever be with the Lord!"

All the hosts of the redeemed will be marshaled there in bodies of glory, instinct with divine life; the saints of old, who on the faith of a promise were worshipers, pilgrims, strangers-those to whose faith dens and caves bore witness, "of whom the world was not worthy;" the elders and just men, who "died in faith, not having received the promise" will be there; "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;" "Noah, Daniel, and Job;" "Moses and Elias," will be there; Abel and the long line of martyrs; Aaron and the Lord's priests; Samuel and the Lord's prophets; David and the men of faith who sat on his throne; all God's renowned ones, the perfected just, shall stand in that scene for which they in faith waited.

"The Church of the firstborn ones," as the Bride, prepared for her Lord, will then take her place with Him; all down to the last new-born soul who shall form the completion of the mystery. She, too, will recount her worthies-the many who have stood forth in other days, and in our own day, as the witnesses of God's truth and the heralds of God's salvation:all shall ascend together and swell the countless multitude of Christ's redeemed ones who shall take their place in their respective glories:
"every man in his own order"-star differing from star in glory, and each reflecting the image of Jesus.

There will be seats in the Kingdom; thrones for ruler-ship over the tribes of Israel; mansions in the Father's house; thrones around the throne of God; all shall be occupied by the redeemed, each invested with the insignia that sovereign love has assigned him.

All will know even as they are known, each known to each-all known to all. What a season of unutterable joy, of holy intercourse, of uninterrupted communion! But the rapturous thought of each one of this innumerable company will be that they are Christ's. "I am my beloved's, and His desire is towards me."

To be Christ's own will be a source of deep, unmixed pleasure then, and should it not be so now? The absorbing object of their heaven-inspired vision will be christ; to be for ever with Him, to behold Him; to cast their crowns at His feet, paying the heart's deep homage to Him in one united utterance of "Thou art worthy, for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to god by thy blood!"

The power of Christ's resurrection will be applied to the bodies of His saints; they will be raised, because He has been raised. By virtue of having His life, and being indwelt with His Spirit, they will be presented in the perfection of that life, in its full triumph over death, and over him who had the power of death. They are raised -not for judgment, that to them is passed, Christ bore it for them-but because they are Christ's.

Christ's resurrection was the first-fruits and the pledge of that abundant ingathering. He was the first sheaf presented to the Lord, the sample and earnest of the harvest that shall then be gathered into the garner of God. The reunited dust shall be reanimated with divine life; weakness shall be transformed into power; corruption into incorruption; dishonor into glory; the natural body into a spiritual body; it will bear the impress of the heavenly, even as it has borne the image of the earthy. Where is the sting of death? Gone! Where is the grave's victory? Gone! Victory, full, complete, eternal is theirs, and Satan bruised under their feet for ever!

The saints will stand before the tribunal of Christ to receive the rewards of the Kingdom, but they will appear there as glorified saints; no stain of sin shall be there; the last trace of the curse shall have been removed; the reproach of Egypt for ever rolled away; the death of the slain Lamb will be learnt in the light of glory, and in the presence of God.

Earth may move on still in its course and projects, as it did when its light was set in the darkness of the cross; its religion may go on too, compatible with its godless pursuits, until judgment breaks the spell of its delusion and dissolves the dream, awakening men to the dread reality of "falling into the hands of the living God."

The light, God's light, shall have been removed to its own proper sphere, there to reflect in each one of the redeemed its peculiar brightness, shining as the brightness of the firmament, and as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father-with Him who is the Sun and Centre of that heavenly sphere, undimmed by any cloud of unbelief or doubt. There they will see the counsels of God unfolded before them, whether relating to the heavens above, or the earth beneath. In the presence of His glory, they shall be presented faultless, with exceeding joy; and when He "takes His great power, and reigns" over a judged and renovated earth, they will be with Him there.

After the course of the Kingdom shall be complete, and He delivers up the Kingdom to the Father, He will be tabernacled in the dwelling-place of righteousness, in the new heavens and new earth, and they will still be with Him. They are Christ's present and eternal portion, and their place is to be "for ever with the Lord." Whether in the Kingdom, or in the new heavens and new earth, they will enjoy the rest of God in its perfection, and bear witness to His glory in the exalted sphere in which grace has set them, and for which grace has adapted them.

The hope for which we wait is not judgment nor the Kingdom in power, not Israel's restoration or the deliverance of creation from its present bondage (which is all true in its place), but we wait for God's Son from heaven! He is coming not only to fulfil prophecy, but to fulfil promise:"I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). Judgment waits for this. The restoration of Israel and creation's deliverance, all waits suspended until the rapture of the saints shall have taken place.

After the Lord Jesus has gathered His own to Himself in the heavens, He will make good the prophetic word in its bearing towards the earth, and deliver creation, bringing it into the liberty of redemption.

Well may the affections and longings of our hearts be moved at the prospect! Well may the sound of that well-known scripture reverberate in the inner man, "Behold, I come quickly!" Yes, He is coming, to appropriate to Himself that which He has purchased at His own personal cost, to whom He can say, "I have redeemed thee; thou art Mine!" He will surround Himself with the trophies of redeeming love!

The Father's will shall be fully accomplished in the resurrection and glorification of those who are the objects of it; for this they were saved. Our necessities were not;; the first cause-God is glorified in the redemption He has wrought, and the objects of His love are prepared for the glory that awaits them. They shall stand in the unclouded light of divine righteousness, and be at home there. The robe in which they are arrayed is divinely righteous, and meet for the occasion.

God, resting in the complacency of omnipotent love, will welcome them to Himself. His own immediate presence will be their rest; His unclouded glory, the sphere of their worship; God and the Lamb, their light and their temple:He will dwell in their midst-they are His people, and He their God.

What a prospect! Even the anticipation of such a hope lifts our spirits above the clouds and mists of earth; but we need purified hearts that the rays of that glory may reach within, and shed its light. The Holy Spirit will then lead us to look after the house, and rid it of its corruptions and intrusions.

Oh, that our constant position may be as those who are "turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God"-to wait for His Son from heaven with purified heart and a single eye, with staff and girdle, ready to welcome the shout in the air whenever it may be uttered; with nothing to leave behind that would retard our upward flight, nothing that may clash with that oft-expressed desire:

"Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20). G. V. Wigram

People very often take the Kingdom of Heaven as if it was the same thing as the Church of God; but this is in no way the case, although those who compose the Church are in the Kingdom. Supposing for a moment that Christ had not been rejected, the Kingdom would have been set up on earth. It could not be so, no doubt, but it shows the difference between the Kingdom and the Church. The Kingdom of God was there in the person of Christ, the King; only as He was on earth, it was not the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ being rejected, He could not take it outwardly then, but ascended on high. Thus the sphere of the rule of Christ is in heaven. The heavens rule, and the kingdom is always the Kingdom of Heaven, because the King is in heaven; only at the end it will be subdivided, so to speak, into the Kingdom of our Father, the heavenly part, and the Kingdom of the Son of Man, the earthly part.

If we understand the Kingdom of Heaven as the rule of Christ, when the King is in heaven, it is very simple. If Christ had set up a kingdom when He was with the Jews, it would not have been the Kingdom of Heaven, because He was not in heaven. Hence, it is said, "The Kingdom of God is among you," but "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

The gospel is the only means we have of gathering souls into the Kingdom, and such are properly "the children of the Kingdom;" but within its limits Satan works and sows tares, and they too are in the Kingdom… tares which have been sown where the good seed has been. The Church, or rather the assembly of God, has nothing to do with the thought of a kingdom. J. N. D.

It is not the purpose, in the present series of brief articles, to go into detail as to the nature, unity and order of the Church of God, but rather to dwell upon those characteristics which at the present time appeal to us, for the refreshment of our memories or the awakening of our consciences. This indeed calls for a brief recapitulation of the salient features of the Church, so that we may have before us the standard, the Church as unfolded in Scripture-the ideal, "without spot or wrinkle." Such it will be in the day of glory toward which we are hastening; such it ever was, and is, in the mind and heart of God.

But why, it may be asked, do we speak of present day papers on this subject? Is there a condition now existing which calls for some other provision of divine grace, some modification of the character and testimony which was sufficient in other days, but which has outlived its usefulness? To the thoughtful, reverent mind, such questions may seem needless, but as we go on with our subject, it will be seen that perhaps most of us may profit by at least facing conditions and giving the only answer possible to faith.

While details will come before us as we go on, it may be well to call to mind the prominent scriptures which present the Church to us. These include:-Ephesians, where we may say we have the abiding nature of the Church as Body, House and Bride; 1 Corinthians, giving us the formation, functions, and responsibilities of the Church as a vessel of testimony and of service upon earth; 1 Timothy and Titus giving its order and government; 2 Timothy, the provision for faith in a day of human failure; the epistles to the churches in Rev. 1-3, the moral conditions-which have marked the Church throughout the various stages of its entire history. This, of course, does not exclude other portions of the Word, notably Matt. 16, the book of Acts, 2 Corinthians and Colossians, together with other scriptures which apply to the subject. Those named,, however, are the principal portions which will claim our attention.

It may also be added that some special remarks will be made upon the character of various meetings of the saints, and other activities which are not literally prescribed in the Scriptures, but which we all recognize as being neither unscriptural nor useless. This will be seen when we come to those features. Perhaps in connection with these matters we shall find special need for mutual exhortation, and personal exercise.

One further word before we begin our main examination :It need hardly be remarked that we are living in the closing days of the Church's history, in which we have the fulfilment of divine predictions before our eyes. Great spiritual and moral declension are everywhere manifest; the mixture of mere profession with the true people of God is an admitted fact, even defended by many; rationalism, false doctrine, the hydra-headed forms of Modernism are bold, insistent and vicious in their assaults upon the truth; at the opposite extreme are increasingly numerous fanatical cults, laying claim to miscellaneous and apostolic manifestations-of "perfect holiness," the gifts of tongues and of healing.

Outside of all these we find various anti-Christian forms of error calling themselves by Christian names, gradually shading off into oriental heathen darkness. Truly, we are living in days of apostasy. It seems only necessary to advance some extravagant theory in order to find willing adherents.
The low moral tone of public and private conduct, the mad rush after wealth, pleasure, power; the increasing disregard of all authority – parental, governmental and divine; the wretchedness of poverty in many nations, the restlessness of the masses both politically and socially, and the mutterings of war-alas, it is a dark and dreadful picture, but is it not a true one? Again we hear a Voice, the Shepherd's voice, "Little children, it is the last time."

What, then, is the Church of God? What its nature and destiny? The answer is given with divine clearness in the Scriptures. It is the Body of Christ, of which He, the risen Lord, is Head (Eph. 1:22, 23). As such it is already united to Him, indwelt and baptized by the Holy Spirit. Looked at as a temple, it is built upon the immutable Rock, "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16-18). It is also presented to us as the Bride in glory, in the future,

"Meet companion then for Jesus."

1. We will speak first of the Church as the Body of Christ. This is sometimes spoken of as "the mystical body"; but such an expression is apt to be misunderstood, as implying something vague, indeterminate and inexact. The reverse of all this is true. While no sober Christian thinks that it means a literal, human, material body, it does mean a true, vital, organic reality. The Body of Christ is as real as the Head of the body, for it is united to Him by unbreakable ties. We hesitate to say that the body is an illustration of the relationship of the Church to the Lord. It is more than an illustration, as will easily appear upon thoughtful meditation.

For it is a participant in His life. While new birth and the baptism of the Spirit are to be distinguished, they cannot, in this dispensation, be separated. "You hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins." "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Eph. 2; Gal. 2). The opposite of the life in Christ is death. So that while life was the portion of believers from the beginning, throughout all dispensations, yet it is now characterized by the presence and fulness of the Spirit, who dwells in every believer, and thus has baptized him into the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). Since Pentecost this blessed fact has been true. We cannot conceive of the Church as composed of rejects member, partakers of a life held independently of the Head or of each other.

Therefore it is a unity. This follows immediately upon what has been said. If all believers are partakers of a common life, united to one Head, they must be also united to one another. That unity is so wide that it includes every participant in the life of the Head; so narrow that it excludes every one not a partaker of that life. But this gives a definite fixed Body of which every child of God in this dispensation is a member. Nothing is left to human skill and wisdom, nothing to the choice of men. It is a divine workmanship-"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus." I find myself, through infinite grace, trusting, as an unworthy sinner, in the blessed Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour; I am, by that very fact, sealed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit who has united me to the risen Son of God. What is true of me is also true of every other sinner saved by grace. What folly then to attempt to separate what God has thus joined together. So surely as we have been joined to the Lord, we have been also joined to one another.

And could we by any ingenuity of human energy introduce a single soul into such a unity? It is by the sovereign, omnipotent grace of God alone that such a membership is formed. We can only wonder and exclaim as each new born soul is united to the Body-"What hath God wrought!" Preach the word we must; warn, beseech, persuade men; labor, pray, weep over souls-but the work is God's. This does not tie our hands, nor make us slothful or indifferent; it will rather stimulate us to increasing earnestness, but it will cast us all the more upon God.

It will also lead us to lay stress upon the divinely given instrument of conversion. We will be more concerned with preaching the Word, in its fulness, its simplicity, its holiness and its love than with "methods of Gospel work." Far be it from us to criticize beloved servants of God needlessly; rather let us pray for every laborer in the white harvest fields; but we would most earnestly and affectionately emphasize the necessity of the Holy Spirit's work. Anything that savors of mere human excitement, of unduly pressing persons to make a public profession, of sweeping them off their feet (only to meet the inevitable reaction) -we surely need to guard against such methods. After all, nothing can take the place of the "still small voice" which bows the soul in the presence of infinite truth and holiness, of infinite love and grace.

Here then is the true unity. The same divine power has wrought in all; souls have passed out of death into life; they are alike sharers in the salvation of God. They are thus already a unity, which our sad failures but too easily break-so far as outward appearance goes-and blur the oneness of all believers. Thanks be to God, it cannot be really severed; but how sad it is when newly born souls are told to "unite with the church of their choice," to take up with this or that unscriptural practice. We do not minimize the confused state of things in Christendom, or think lightly of a path strewn with many stumbling blocks of human expedients, and too often of human pride and self-will. But we do plead for a simpler, larger faith in the all-sufficiency of the Word of God to order all things for the path in consistency with its truth -"There is one Body and one Spirit." "Now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him" (1 Cor. 12:18). This is as true today as when it was first spoken. Let us not think lightly of it.

Alas, we have sinned, have failed utterly to exhibit this unity of the body. We have allowed worldliness, and a low spiritual state, unjudged conduct, to mar our testimony. We have made our poor little shibboleths the touchstone instead of the infallible Word of God. We have allowed pride of knowledge to place us on a pedestal above our brethren, instead of being at their feet in lowly, loving service.

But while we have failed, the truth of God has not failed. Granted that our state might warrant our being set aside as a testimony, still there remains in all its peerless beauty the truth of the one Body of Christ upon earth. God has no other way of testimony; reverently we say, He cannot, for it would deny what He Himself has established.

We hear whisperings of forming a fresh testimony in view of the abounding infidelity in the various Protestant denominations. God grant that the awakening of conscience may result in a true reviving, a clearer witness to the truth of the Church of God. But what is this new testimony to be? A fresh denomination? A voluntary society with its own creed, organization, methods? Most earnestly would we declare there can be no true testimony that does not rest upon the solid rock of divine truth. There can be no "Body" but the one Body formed by Christ through the Holy Spirit. We cannot, we would not, set aside that divine work.

So we would say to all, "He that hath an ear let him hear." Let us take nothing but the word of God as our guide, our charter, our constitution. Will it lead us into different paths? Will it encourage us to say, "I am of Paul, I of Apollos?" Humble us it will, bring us to our knees and to great searchings of heart; but it will leave us facing the truth of the unity of the Church of God as unfolded in His word. We will not think lightly of any effort, no matter how feeble, to obey this word, nor will we deride the little companies of those who have nothing to show but His word, His name as their authority for standing as witnesses for Him.

And oh, what shall we say of those who see these priceless truths, and who becloud them with their worldly pride, their spiritual conceit and slothfulness, their strife and discord! We shrink from the assumption of "apostolic succession," but are we not in as great danger of proclaiming ourselves as the lineal descendants of those who have laid down their necks for Christ and His truth, while destitute of the devotion which marked those men of God? Let us not deceive ourselves, nor boast of our knowledge, our literature, our outward correctness. Surely we may find a message for ourselves in the word to Ephesus- "Thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works" (Rev. 2:4,5).

Truly, God is calling to His whole Church to give heed to these things. It will be vain for us, while ignoring these foundation facts, to pride ourselves upon our attainments, activities, position, whatever it may be. And here, as in all things which have to do with our God, the work is individual, and must begin in the closet. If not another person in the world is exercised about these conditions the call is all the louder to me, to thee, beloved Christian reader, to awake and call upon our God.

But our message is not one of gloom or discouragement. We have to do with the "God of hope;" the Lord Jesus is "our hope," not only for the bright prospect of His coming-oh, the gladness of that day-but to lead us on, to deliver us from ourselves, from the spirit of the world, from the pride of man. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me" is still His word for us, individually and corporately. Blessed Lord! There is no one but Thyself to whom we can turn. S. R.

To the Editor of Help and Food.

My dear brother:-It seems to many of us that the Lord in His goodness is directing our minds at this time to a special interest in the work of the gospel in foreign fields, whose great need appeals to every Christian heart. I say "a special interest," and "at this time." From the beginning of the gospel it has been an extending power, reaching out ever further to "the regions beyond." This was our Lord's "great commission" to His disciples after His resurrection, repeated prior to His ascension:"Ye shall be witnesses unto Me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth"-ως έσχάτoυ τς γς,-"as far as the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

In the joy of their first love the disciples "went everywhere preaching the Word." A diminution of this first love is ever accompanied by declension, worldliness, coldness, and, correspondingly, when the saints have been revived, there has been a renewal of gospel zeal in foreign parts. Even among so-called "Brethren," whose testimony had to do largely with the condition and walk of believers, this zeal for work in foreign parts has not, thank God, been lacking. Without boasting, we may mention the work in Egypt and among Arabic-speaking peoples, that in Persia, India, China, Japan, Africa, Central and South America, the American Indians, and in Spanish and Portuguese lands, together with the immense circulation of Bible Truth literature all over the world.

But I have said that at this time the Lord seems to be stirring us up to a renewed and special interest in this most blessed work, and it is of this that I wish particularly to speak. The recent departure to be with Christ of our beloved sister Miss Mercy McCandless, who laid down her bright young life for our Lord Jesus in the Congo region in Africa, has stirred many hearts. So far from such a life being wasted, we can say of her as our Lord said of another heart His love had touched, "She hath wrought a good work on Me;…. she hath done what she could. How many fragrant memorials of love to Him will in that day meet His appreciative "Well done." Nor would I be greatly surprised to learn that her call home has been a call to service for some others. May the Lord grant it.

I may mention also the presence with us of our beloved brother Dr. Woodhams and his wife, who are expecting shortly to return to their work in Central Africa. This has awakened much interest, and brought to a focus a number of practical questions relating to the nature of work abroad.

Perhaps what I wish to say further may best be given in the form of a report of a meeting held in New York on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22nd of this year. This was in response to an invitation to come together for prayer and consultation as to the foreign work. A number were present from Boston, New York, Brooklyn, Elizabeth, Passaic, Plainfleld, Camden, Philadelphia and Buffalo. A spirit of prayer and brotherly unity marked the meeting. Fundamental questions were considered, together with much detailed discussion of the work in Africa-Dr. Wood-hams giving much practical information.

Back, however, of the work in any special field, it was considered that the time had come for perhaps a fuller recognition of the foreign work in relation to the truth which the Lord has in great mercy permitted us to learn. It was our conviction that no matter where the Lord's work was, nor what varied details marked it, there was ample provision in the Word of God for the manner of conducting it.

For instance, it was felt that the great truth of the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:1-3) should be our guiding principle both at home and abroad; that nothing should interfere with that unity in the relationship of those who go abroad with those in the assemblies at home; that the sea made no difference in the continuity of that scriptural fellowship which we would seek to maintain in all lowliness and meekness; that assemblies on the foreign field are recognized as absolutely, organically one with those at home, and should act on that principle, commending to and receiving from one another in the manner we have learned from the Word of God. In other words, fellowship abroad means the same as fellowship at home. Correspondingly, all the saints at home should meet the responsibility of support, counsel and encouragement of those who have gone forth "for His name's sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles" (3 John?). Nothing less than this would meet the spirit of Ephesians 4:1-6.

We all realized in a fresh way the call of God to carry the banner of the Cross forward, but were more than ever convinced that in His Word we have abundant and sufficient guidance for methods of work and all the details incident thereto. Thus we are sure there is no need for the formation of any society or organization. The various gifts in the Body are ample for all its proper activities. Nothing should in any way divert the mind of the laborers from their sovereign Lord and Master, who fits, calls, equips and sustains His servants. How dishonoring it would be to agree for a stipulated "salary," or anything of that kind.

But on the other hand, Scripture is equally clear that we are to "bring forward on their journey after a godly sort" those who are going beyond the immediate presence of the saints (3 John 6). The importance also of a knowledge of the work and its needs was felt, and a scripture precedent indicated in the sending forth and the return again of Paul and Barnabas in fellowship with the assembly at Antioch (Acts 13,14). It was thought to be in full accord with the spirit of such scriptures to devote a few pages in Help and Food to accounts, of the Lord's work, and matters of general interest to the saints regarding the foreign field.

Then, too, for work of such magnitude and importance it was felt that it would fall into the hands of one or more brethren who would act as intermediaries between the saints and the workers. These would receive financial ministry, and, unless specially indicated, use it where there was special need. They would purchase and send out medical and other supplies where they could not be procured on the ground, give counsel and encouragement, and act in any way indicated as "joints and bands ministering nourishment" (Eph. 4:16; see also 2 Cor. 8:16-24).

But I will not take up more valuable space at the present time. Enough has been said to show that interest has been aroused, and to indicate some of the exercises all are having. It is proposed to have another such meeting in New York in the latter part of February, at which we hope to have an even larger attendance. Might it not be practicable to have similar meetings at other points? I know this is done already in some places, and I would welcome any correspondence relating to these important matters. Above all, let us be in prayer for the Lord's guidance and blessing on the work of our hands.

Affectionately in Christ out Lord,
Samuel Ridout

P. S.-We would not suggest that there has been no interest in this blessed work hitherto. The monthly reports of money received and forwarded by the publishers would show the contrary. Our only desire is to seek to awaken and to co-ordinate these exercises, and to secure greater efficiency by giving fuller liberty to the Spirit of our God.

Four great messages are made sure to the believer in the verbally inspired Word of God.

I.–THE DEITY OF CHRIST

From the Sacred Scriptures we are assured that Jesus our Lord, the Son of God our Saviour, existed eternally with the Father; that by Him all things came into being (John 1:1-3); that, according to the Father's counsel of love, in coming to this earth the manner of His incarnation was through a virgin, as fully explained in the Divine record (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:30-35; 2:7-11). We are assured that He was seen and heard by men that companied with Him here upon earth, and that multitudes were blessed by His gracious power. Upon earth, in humanity, He was "the Holy One of God;" now risen and glorified in heaven, He is the very same Jesus, and forever unites God and man in one glorious person.

The believer in the verbally inspired Word of God rests with perfect security and delight upon these testimonies, and refuses all skeptical suggestions that do not coincide with what the Scriptures have said; and, "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know" Him that is true; and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life" (1 John 5:20).

II.–THE ATONEMENT

At the Cross we contemplate a wondrous scene. For four thousand years, divinely appointed sacrifices had taught men to look forward to a great event, that "Center of two eternities, which look onward and back to Thee." Prophecy after prophecy, from Gen. 3:IS to Zech. 13:7, had pointed to, and kept the great Sacrifice of the cross in view, where all types and shadows, and every prophecy concerning His sufferings and death were fulfilled.

Reverently let us meditate upon those six hours on the cross where our Great Redeemer suffered, both at the hands of man, because He was righteous, and at the hand of God as a Divine Substitute for man. The cry, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" in those hours of darkness, point to what those sufferings meant for Him when "He bare our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24). In emerging out of the darkness into the light of the Father's countenance, we hear those memorable words, "IT IS FINISHED." Then, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." In thus dismissing His own spirit, we see a reflection of His Godhead power in laying down His life, when His work was finished, and taking it up again in resurrection. Thus has God's love been manifested toward us:"He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).

"O cross of Christ! O glorious tree!
What place can be compared with thee-
Where God's own Son was crucified,
And for our sins a ransom died!"

III.–OUR SALVATION SECURED
God's dealings with man now are in grace, based upon the atoning sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus upon the cross. Being risen and glorified, He has commanded that the good news of salvation through faith in Him be proclaimed in all the world. Millions have heard and received the message, and in the power of the Holy Spirit have been born anew and received remission of sins. Eternal life and eternal salvation are thus secured to every believer who is thus put in association with Christ, the glorified Head of the New Creation. The Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation are filled with messages of assurance concerning each of these blessed themes. Divine peace and rest for the soul are the sure result of receiving in the heart these statements of Scripture. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).

IV.–THE SECOND COMING OF OUR LORD

The whole New Testament, from Matthew to the close of Revelation, bears witness to our Lord's coming again as the hope of the believer and of the Church, as He who came from heaven and suffered upon the cross has promised, "I will come again and receive you unto Myself." This word "again" implies a second coming. When our Lord came first, He gave full proof as to His Divine Person and mission-by His life, His teaching, His mighty miracles, and finally by His resurrection from among the dead (Rom. 1:3,4). And now we await His second coming.

Our authority for such a hope is based, as is that for our salvation, upon the testimonies of Holy Scripture. He Himself has said, "I will come again and receive you unto Myself." Angels confirmed this promise after His ascension (Acts 1:11); the Holy Spirit through the Apostles has abundantly confirmed it (1 Thess. 4:13-18); and we await its fulfilment. Let this be our daily hope, and in view of it gird our loins afresh from day to day, and trim our lamps, and be as men that await their Lord's return. To His last word of promise, "Surely I come quickly," let us respond with a loyal, joyful heart, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." A. E. Booth

"A Christian who has heaven before him and a Saviour in glory as the object of his affections, will walk well upon the earth; whilst he who has only the earthly path for his rule, will fail in the intelligence and motives needed to walk in it. He will become a prey to worldliness, and his Christian walk in the world will be more or less on a level with the world in which he walks. The eyes upward on Jesus will keep the heart and the steps in a path conformable to Jesus, which consequently will glorify Him, and make Him known in the world. Seeing what we are, we must have a motive above our path to be able to walk in it. This does not prevent our needing also for our path the fear of the Lord, to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear, knowing that we are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ."

Synopsis, J. N. D.

"And the chief priests accused Him of many things; but He answered nothing. And Pilate asked Him again, saying, 'Answerest thou nothing ? Behold, how many things they witness against thee.' But Jesus again answered nothing; so that Pilate marveled" (Mk. 15:3-5).

"They also that seek after my life lay snares for Me:and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs" (Ps. 38:12-14).

"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth:He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth" (Isa. 53:7).

Suffering as none upon earth ever suffered, our precious Saviour never protested! Misunderstood by those He loved, and whom He came to bless and to save, calumny and shame were heaped upon Him! Devil-inspired accusations were made against Him, yet never a demand that He be heard to their rebuke and clearance of Himself. He did not "cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the streets." "He was despised:" a man usually has gotten very low when his fellow-men despise Him. We resent it when men hate us and say ugly things about us, even though we sometimes give them cause. He was hated "without a cause," yet "He opened not His mouth." He "made Himself of no reputation:" false witnesses rose up against Him:they laid to His charge "things that He knew not," but "He answered nothing"-and "Pilate marveled." He was "brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."

In the 26th chap, of Matthew, vers. 67 and 68, we have this amazing record:"Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him; and others smote Him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us thou Christ. Who is he that smote Thee?" They spat in the face of Him who was "fairer than the children of men." They vented their passionate hatred by smiting Him in the face, so that "His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men." Bitter mockery came from their mouths as from open sepulchres full of corruption. But "He opened not his mouth"-not even in rebuke! "He gave his back to the smiters" of the brutal Roman soldiery, and "his cheeks to them that plucked off the hair." They stripped Him of His garments, dividing them among themselves, exposing Him to open shame-yet He opened not His mouth-He despised the shame that man cast upon Him, and He endured the cross where He bore our sins!

Then He could say, "I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do;" and, "I have overcome the world"-victor He came over every trial, and the secret of it all was this:"I came not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me"-He was wholly surrendered to the Father's will. "The archers sorely grieved Him, and shot at Him and hated Him, but his bow abode in strength and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob."

The passions of evil men vented their fury upon the unresisting coverings of the Tabernacle, and sadly tore at them, but nothing within was ever disturbed."

"Oh, 'tis all wonderful, wonderful!
And blessed be His Name."

We may notice that angels were always near, ever ready to minister unto Him; and the Holy Spirit's word, when He bringeth in the First begotten into the world, is, "Let all the angels of God worship Him!"

O reader, how do we measure up to Him, our holy pattern? What a mess we make when we seek to establish our righteousness before our fellow-men; do we not? And if we speak ill of a brother, how humiliated and defeated we are when, as an answer, he opens not his mouth!

Let us remember that angels are beholding us too:for "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

Oh, for well-garrisoned hearts, and God-kept lips. M. S. Gallagher

"Whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth Me" (Matt. 8:5).

"The Lord in His grace identifies Himself with the least of His own, so as to assure every one that his littleness will not make him of little account to Him. This is an assurance which prevents the consciousness of nothingness becoming a distress; nay, rather, it enables us only the more to realize the sweetness of a love so great." F. W. G.-Num. Bible.

Calendar:Dec. 16th to Jan. 15th

DAILY BIBLE READING:………. Dec. 16th, Isa. 37; Dec. 31st, Isa. 52; Jan. 15th, Jer. 1.

GOOD READING:… ."The Minor Prophets," by H. A. I. Pages 422-451.

Continuing our reading in Isaiah, chs. 37 and 38 conclude the section dealing with Hezekiah, his sickness and recovery, then failure in entertaining the ambassadors from Babylon. This gives occasion for the announcement of the Babylonish captivity and the desolation of Jerusalem.

The next section of the book (chs. 40-48) presents God's great controversy with His people concerning idolatry, His judgments because of it, yet also messages of comfort and promised restoration. This is followed by the introduction of the True Servant, seen in both His sufferings and final victory, and through whom Israel is brought into full salvation (chs. 49-60).

The closing division gives us the glorious completion of God's counsels, all His purposes concerning Israel and the nations finding fulfilment in the coming forth of the Deliverer out of Zion.

Our Good Reading

We complete, during this month, the reading of Mr. Ironside's book on the Minor Prophets. Malachi is the book before us. The following outline may serve as a help in following those Notes.

1. (ch. 1:1-5). Jehovah's expostulation with His people in which He gives proof of His love, and reproves their ingratitude, for He does not change.

2. (chs. 1:6-2:17). Jehovah's rebuke of priests and people.

1. (1:6-10). Jehovah dishonored:He is denied His rightful place of authority, and His love is requited with base ingratitude.

2. (1:11-14). Jehovah's name defiled:His service despised and His majesty condemned, as shown in their evil offerings by which their shameful disregard of His Word is made evident.

3. (2:1-10). Jehovah's covenant profaned by the priests; the unfaithful ministers of the sanctuary have utterly failed to bring glory to Jehovah as the responsible leaders and teachers of the people.

4. (2:11-17). The people unfaithful in their relationship with Jehovah:separation from evil not maintained, hypocrisy, injustice, and evil ways prevailing.

3. (chs. 3,4). Jehovah's coming to accomplish purification, and establish the spiritual condition suited to His name and glory.

1. (ch. 3:1-7). Jehovah unchanging, who in righteous judgment must purge out all that offends.
2. (ch. 3:8-15). Jehovah's claim:obedience to His word:to this He will respond in blessing and deliverance.

3. (ch. 3:16-18). Jehovah's treasure:they who fear Him, and make Him their refuge and strength.

4. (ch. 4:1-3). Jehovah's day:consuming judgment upon the wicked; healing, blessing, victory for those who fear Him.

5. (ch. 4:4-6). Jehovah's law:the divine interposition alone averting final divine retribution.

Each day I live should always be
One little life
(A fraction of eternity)
Lived unto God ,
Who gives each day that it may be
Filled full for Him:
His store-house, His own treasury,
Yea, His own joy fulfilled in me.

'Tis not so much how I have lived
As unto whom,
To-morrow's not, nor can it be
Till He shall come.
The morning thoughts decide the day;
Then let them be
Toward Him, who gladly leads the way.
Thus is fulfilled my little day.

H. McD

(Continued from p. 36.)

Of the Evangelists we have already briefly spoken. Their work is manifestly the proclamation of the glad tidings of salvation, and comes first, in point of time, in what we may call the ordinary personal gifts for the Church. We need say little, but pray much for God's evangelists. How beautiful are their feet, as they go about proclaiming the glad news of sins forgiven, of peace with God, and everlasting joy in holiness through a crucified and risen Saviour. Fain would we dwell upon the blessedness of the work of the evangelist. Theirs is no easy task, but as their message cost the agony and bloody sweat, the wrath-bearing and death of the Son of God, so its delivery calls for fellowship in the deep yearnings of the Lord over souls.

' "Did Christ o'er sinners weep,
And shall our tears be dry?"

Think of Him alone on the mountain continuing all night in prayer to God. Shall not the evangelist have some of that spirit of prayer? The gospel was preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, which means, we judge, not only the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost, which inaugurated the great work of the gospel, but His abiding presence in the heart and the message of the evangelist. The preaching must be in "the demonstration of the Spirit and of power." The evangelist might well take as his motto, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord" (Zech. 4:6).

And upon what is his message based, or what is his message? The Word of God, "quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword." He comes as God's messenger, he is a sweet savor of Christ in them that believe and in them that perish. Well might the apostle add, "Who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Cor. 2:15,16). As we think of eternity, of the destiny of souls, of the awful, irrevocable doom of the lost-well might we remember the apostle's words:"Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Cor. 5:11).

But we turn to the present time and conditions and ask, What is needed for successful gospel work? Perhaps we might see a little of what has been done during the past 70 years or more. Coincident with the reviving of the truth of which we are more directly speaking, there was a definite revival of the truth of the gospel, and a zealous preaching of it. Indeed, we may say that the recovered truths could be divided into three departments; the ecclesiastical, the prophetic, and the evangelic. The separate place and testimony was taken by a people who had heard the "midnight cry," and had, in spirit, gone forth to meet the Bridegroom. The coming of the Lord was no formal doctrine, but a living truth. If we were waiting for God's Son from heaven, there was an exercise as to Church position and testimony. It was seen to be a matter of the will of God, and not of the opinion of man as to where and how the saints were gathered, and what was their Church testimony.

Similarly, and in a blessed way, there was a great stirring of soul in the gospel. The fearful condition of the lost pressed upon the souls of brethren, and much activity marked their efforts to carry the glad tidings to needy ones. Not only was there a clear understanding of the truths of the gospel, but it was preached with earnestness, love, and power. Set free from the trammels of clerisy, all whose hearts stirred them up went about proclaiming the good news. Halls, public grounds, and private homes-the stately and the lowly-were the preaching places, and many will bless God for all eternity for this great evangelic revival. Not only were large numbers brought "into fellowship," but the clear grasp of truth, the love for souls, and the corresponding activity in winning them to the Lord, reached multitudes who perhaps never suspected the human channel of their blessing. We may say that great clearness, simplicity, earnestness and love marked this gospel movement. We cannot go into further detail, but the reader would be well repaid by a study of God's work at that time.

Without undue criticism, we can but admit that much of the earnestness seems to have departed; that a consuming love for souls is often lacking; and while the truth is still, thank God, proclaimed with clearness and simplicity, there does not seem to be that spirit of prayer, of expectation, which once marked us, and there is a corresponding fall in the number, clearness, and depth of the conversions. In short, the work of the gospel seems to be less a work of God and more a work of man. Alas, that we should have to pen such lines; but is it not true? Are not our efforts rather a stirring up of human instrumentalities than a fresh taking hold of God alone?

Further, with mingled gratitude and shame, we see the Spirit of God passing by knowledge and gift, to honor some lowly, empty and broken vessel whom He can fill and use. How can we take pleasure in our gifts and abilities, when the Lord says – as He did of David's brothers-"This is not he." We bless Him that He does continue His work; and if we, individually or corporately, are not "meet for the Master's use," we praise Him for every one whom He finds and can use. But do we not sympathize with Rachel in her cry, "Give me children, or else I die?"

Thanks be to our blessed Lord, barrenness is not altogether general. There are numbers of blessed exceptions in various places, over which we would rejoice with exceeding joy. But these are only the droppings, not "the sound of an abundance of rain." They should not feed our complacency, but stir us to more fervent prayer and exercise.

Nor will faithfulness permit us to give the impression that the dew of the Spirit's work is falling with abundance upon the ground around the fleece (Judg, 6:36-40). It is to be feared that the dearth is more general than we sometimes imagine. There is acknowledgment of this from various quarters, and we cannot accept the statements from sensational sources of large in gatherings of souls at their face value. God is undoubtedly calling the whole Church to its face to enquire, "Why am I thus?" Even were this not the case, we cannot follow every evangelistic movement because of its apparent success. God never absolves us from obedience because He uses others who may be ignorant of His path and His Word. Surely we must recognize this.

And we must add a word about the precious souls whom God has given through our gospel service. Have we been satisfied to see them pass "from death unto life," and then leave them in the condition of the babe in Ezek. 16? Does not the mother-instinct in every Christian heart cry out against "casting the children into the river" of this world, exposing them to the snares and the sins all about them? Does not the word of Pharaoh's daughter regarding the newly-found infant Moses, express the proper thought and care-"Take this child and bring it up for me, and I will give thee thy wages?" But this brings us to the next of these gifts of our risen Lord for His Church.

It will be noted by the attentive reader that the next two gifts are linked more closely together than the preceding ones. It is not "Some, pastors; and some, teachers," but "Some, pastors and teachers." There is instruction in this slight change of form. We will dwell more fully upon this a little later; here it is sufficient for our immediate purpose to note that the gifts of pastor and of teacher are cognate. Each needs the other to supplement his special work. The pastor must be "apt to teach;" the teacher must have the heart of a pastor.

Returning to the subject of care for souls, we come to the pastor. The word is literally "shepherd," which has many suggestive and tender associations throughout Scripture. From Abel on, the shepherd was closely connected with the sacrifice, pointing forward to the "Good Shepherd" who gave His life for the sheep. The word "rule" is, both in the Old and New Testaments, literally "to shepherd." The only one fitted to be the "Great Shepherd" was first the "Good Shepherd." As such He gained title, we may say, to lead and feed His sheep and lambs. Even the "strange work" of judgment, when He shall rule (lit., "shepherd") the nations with a rod of iron (Ps. 2:9, and kindred passages in Revelation), is connected with the rejection of the saving and tender care previously offered to them. Because they would not receive the mild and righteous sway of the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (the Lamb as it had been slain, see Rev. 5:5,6), they must feel the ruthless hoofs of the human conqueror, the rider on the white horse, together with all the woes following, and culminating in the divine sway of righteous vengeance of the King of kings and Lord of lords (see Rev. 4:7, with 6:1, 2; 12:5; 14:14-20; 19:11-21). But this judgment-work is not our theme, save to remind us that there is no weakness in the wise, tender and firm care of the "Shepherd and Bishop of our souls."

The care of souls! Words fail to express the solemnity of such a trust. Those who cost the precious blood of the Son of God, are committed into the hands of men! What an honor, what responsibility to be in any way permitted to feed the lambs, to shepherd the sheep of Christ. Let us, instead of attempting to enlarge upon the thought, bow our hearts in the presence of the Shepherd-our Shepherd -and hear His voice regarding this sacred trust.

"He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when He putteth forth his own sheep, He goeth before them:and the sheep follow Him, for they know his voice.. .they know not the voice of strangers."

"He that is an hireling and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth:and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep… I am the good Shepherd and know my sheep and am known of mine" (Jno. 10:4, 5,12,14). "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that have young" (Is. 40:11).

Do we say, This was the Lord; we are but men ? "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?.. .Feed my lambs …Shepherd my sheep… Feed my sheep" (Jno. 21:15-17). Doubtless with the memory of this sacred trust committed to him, Peter later wrote, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ" (for His sheep), "and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:Feed (shepherd) the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's (lit., your own) heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Pet. 5:1-4). What wondrous and touching grace it was in our blessed Lord to put a once-wandering sheep in charge of His flock! And is it not, in a real sense, the consciousness of saving and restoring grace that fits one to minister to others?

And ministry it is, of the most delicate and important character. Nothing but companionship with the Good Shepherd, with a sense of the value, the need of the sheep, can qualify one to walk in His steps. Any wolf can scatter the sheep; any hireling can and will forsake them. Nothing but love, unconquerable, faithful, holy love, can shepherd them.

Let us hear the word of the Lord to His shepherds in a former dispensation. "Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds ; woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed:but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them… My flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them… Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand" (Ezek. 34:1-10, ff). "They watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do ft with joy, and not with grief" (Heb. 13:17).

O Lord, what shall we say to these things? We have sinned, we have failed in the holy trust, and in care for the flock of God, the purchase of Thy blood. Thou mightest well remove us from this service, and we could but own its justness. Do Thine own holy will, and spare us even yet from the sorrow and shame of such retribution, restoring us in our own souls to Thyself, working in and through us with Thine own affections for Thy beloved lambs and sheep.

The shepherd's life is largely a quiet one. The flock cannot be over-driven or frightened. The main duty of the shepherd is-to love the sheep. The rest will follow. He will feed them, causing them to lie down in green pastures; he will lead them besides waters of quietness; he will protect them as they pass through shadowy and dangerous places; their enemies are his enemies. The young are his especial care; they learn to love and to cling to him. Indeed, the whole flock instinctively trust and follow him. Significantly, the Hebrew words for "shepherd" and "friend" are practically the same.

Naturally the shepherd is given to meditation; and, naturally too, he learns to pour forth his thoughts in melody. The model pastoral came from the hand of one familiar with the sheep; indeed, his kingship was but an exalted shepherd care (Ps. 78:79-72). Rule, if it be truly that, is shepherd care. David looked on the people as a flock:"These sheep, what have they done?" (2 Sam. 24:17). He would interpose himself between them and the smiting rod. The sheep love to hear the melody of the shepherd. So a spirit of quiet praise is becoming to the pastor; it warms not only his own heart, but the hearts of those for whom he cares.

As already suggested, the pastor is by no means a weakling. There is nothing effeminate, in the offensive sense of the term, about his work. Who dreams of branding a mother's love as effeminate, or who dare call the gentle firmness of a father effeminate? Brutal harshness may pass for firmness, but the shepherd never mistakes force and cruelty for strength. Love is firmer than wrath; it can "exhort, reprove, rebuke;" but it has previously gained the right to do this by showing patient love, and winning the confidence of the saints. There is an authority which appeals to the conscience; a firmness which weeps as it smites. But this is the exceptional work of the pastor.

How beautiful it is to see a caretaker visiting in the homes of the saints. He is a welcome guest; the children gladly come to one who has an ear for their joys, an interest in their little affairs, who they know has their welfare at heart. Presently the little one will come from the shadow of mother's protection and sit on his knee, and lisp the little verse he teaches. How the mother loves to seek counsel and help in the guiding of the home. Presently the husband and father comes in. How good to see the two men clasp hands and look each other in the eye. No hostility and no cringing on either side. The visitor is not conscious of performing some duty, nor does the family regard the visit as an intrusion. Hospitality is given as to a member of the family. After the meal, the precious Word of God is opened and the sheep and lambs get their food, with little thought perhaps that the presence of the pastor has added light and warmth to the usual evening family prayer. May such scenes be multiplied a thousandfold.

Or, danger threatens. The father has met one who has brought strange and deadly doctrines to his attention. He is interested; the specious teaching of the pamphlets attracts him. But he has a friend in whose judgment he confides; he will lay the matter before him, and the pastor is enabled to point out the error, to warn, even to admonish.

Perhaps a more insidious danger threatens:the eldest daughter has formed acquaintances at school, or at work, and is receiving the attentions of an unsaved young man; or the reverse may be true; the son is being led off. Most earnestly does the pastor watch for their souls; in secret he has been interceding for them, seeking suitable time and opportunity to speak. They know his love and care, and in the confidence of youthful trust accept his warnings. How many heart-breaks and shipwrecks would be spared if such care were abounding. "If any man desire oversight, he desireth a good work"-what an excellent and needed work!

But we must close. Enough has been said to recall the whole thought to the minds of the saints. What a work, what a privilege! Do we not crave to have a share in it? But you say the pastor is a gift, not all are pastors. Undoubtedly true, but the pastor's heart is not a gift; and his work is to perfect all the saints to this work of the ministry. The pastor is no self-important person, conscious of his "gift." Most likely he has never thought whether he has such a gift. But he loves the sheep, and does the work.

Where are the pastors to-day? No time for visiting? Too busy? Too many meetings? Ah, we shall not so answer the Chief Shepherd when He appears.

Where are the pastors to-day? The wolves are busy scattering the sheep; men arise to draw disciples after them; divisions and worldliness press on every hand. Compromise, neglect of Christ's interests, disregard of His honor-all these are present; where are the pastors today?

A writer, with not the friendliest feelings toward "Brethren," in analyzing the secret of their growth, attributed it largely to the spirit of pastoral care. He was right.

The Church has all the gifts; there are brilliant orators, scholarly teachers; good men and true. There are schools and colleges; education can be gained by any desiring it. Surely the Lord has not forgotten the need of His people, nor is He indifferent when He sees them scattered as sheep without a shepherd. Where are the pastors today? S. R.

(To be continued, D. V.)

We have been dwelling chiefly upon the characteristics of the Church as the Body of Christ. Enough has been said, we trust, to emphasize in the minds of God's people this transcendent theme. When once the grandeur, the dignity, and the amazing grace displayed in this great fact take hold of the soul, there will be no need to complain of indifference or unworthy thoughts on the part of the saints.

Beloved brethren, have we or have we not to deal with God as to these things? Has He revealed His mind to us -His heart? Has Christ our most blessed Lord been made known to us, not merely as our personal Saviour, but as the risen, glorified Head of His body, the Church? If so, we cannot, we dare not, be indifferent to what He has thus made known. It is for us, for every child of God, to own the truth of which we have been seeking to speak, and to let our lives in a practical way answer to the grace thus laid upon our hearts.

Let us not apologize for giving prominence to these things, nor be ashamed to emphasize them in our conversation and testimony. Anyone who despises "Church truth," despises Him who has revealed it. Along with the crying need for a genuine revival among the people of God, the great necessity for a true awakening on this theme stands out prominent.

Let us mark, too, how these varied gifts of the Body have as their goal our display in perfection with Christ in glory:"Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." So there cannot be the thought that present day conditions have abrogated these original endowments, that they have been superseded by expedients suggested as more suitable to modern problems.

The church as the body of Christ began at Pentecost, on the basis of the cross, with its twofold testimony to a perfect accomplished redemption, and the complete setting aside of the first man, with all his works and capabilities. That was its beginning, in the testimony of the Holy Spirit come down from a risen, glorified Christ. That was the terminus a quo; the ending, the terminus ad quern, is the goal, the prize of the calling on high at His coming again, the being with our Lord in the glory, forever associated with Him there. This, and this alone, is the "perfect man, the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Till He comes thus to display the Church, these gifts are for its growth and upbuilding, "in the unity of the faith," -there can be no other upbuilding-"and of the knowledge of the Son of God"-for He is the first and the last, the all and in all.

The vacillations of human thought are the marks of spiritual infancy; they lead to the deceptions of men with their various systems of error, which abound wherever the truth of God is unknown, neglected, or forgotten. Their wreckage strews the shores of the Church's history.

In contrast with all that, we have the provision of perfect love at which we have been looking-"Speaking the truth in love,"-living in the atmosphere of the truth of God, and nourished by the ministrations of His love- "may grow up unto (not into, for we are already in Christ) Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ, from whom the whole Body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint (rather, "joining," as the blood vessels and nerves unite the body in one vital organic whole) supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the Body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:13-16).
What is lacking in this provision of divine grace? Where then is the difficulty of making actual proof of its sufficiency in the Church to-day? Shall we not address ourselves anew to the simplicity of subjection to God's order?

II.-the church as the house of god

We come next to consider the Church as the House of God, and here too we will find food for thought and room for exercise of soul.

We will begin with the teaching of Ephesians which has given us much of that which has already occupied us. Chapter one is closely linked with the beginning of chapter two, the first part of which we may say is the enlargement of the general statement in chap. 1:22, 23. Here we see the Church, composed of living members who have been quickened out of death with Christ, raised and linked with Him, and with each other, to be the vessel for the display of His eternal love and kindness in the ages to come. We are His workmanship, and that workmanship suggests the functioning of the whole body in its walk and activity here-"Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:1-10).

The next portion of the Epistle (chap. 2:11-22) opens up a new, yet closely allied theme. The apostle dwells upon the former distance and enmity of the Gentile believers, and contrasts it-not with the outward nearness and privileges of the Jews-but with the present nearness, peace and unity of all believers, who thus have access to the Father by the Spirit through Christ Jesus.

How beautiful is every detail here of the grace which has wrought for and in us. Let us take the briefest of glances at them, for we are to "remember" the mercy that has been shown us.

We were "Gentiles in the flesh," by nature as well as position away from God. Those who were outwardly the people of God spoke of such as "the uncircumcision," with no covenant relation to Him. Our wretched condition is described in the briefest of solemn words-we were "without Christ," therefore aliens from the commonwealth of His people, strangers from the covenants made with the fathers. If without Christ, we were without hope, without God. How absolutely dark and hopeless was our state.

Then the contrast to all this is set forth with equal clarity and blessedness.

"In Christ" describes us, and as in Him the distance has been annihilated, on the righteous ground of His accepted sacrifice, "made nigh by the blood of Christ." Here we have the suggestion of the House of God, the temple and sanctuary of His presence; "Having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus."

But the apostle enlarges upon the character of this nearness, both in its aspect Godward and manward. Christ Himself is our peace, embodying in His person the measure and the character of this wondrous new relationship. He has united the two discordant elements of Jew and Gentile, not by making all Gentiles Jews, or all Jews Gentiles, but by making one new man, in Himself. The former impassable barrier of legal ordinances has been abolished by His cross. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of value, but "a new creation."
Here indeed is true peace, in Christ Himself. Here is the reconciliation of both Jew and Gentile to God, in one Body. Thus we find the essential identity of the though:of the Body and the House. They interlace, and so far from being contradictory, are mutually complementary. At this we will look later.

All is by the Cross, which has set aside all connected with the first man, and opened the way for the full outflow of divine love in and through the blessed Son of God. How completely this eliminates human schools of thought, and all the differences of natural men. What room is there for "I of Paul, and I of Apollos," where all that is set aside by the Cross?

Here is indeed a reconciliation resting on a solid basis -it is a reconciliation to God, suited to His holiness and displaying His love. It is a reconciliation which applies to Jew and Gentile alike, for all were alike away from God. And both have access through Christ, in the power of the Spirit, to the Father; not merely to God, but to Him whom the Son has made known in this most precious relationship, borne witness to by the Spirit.

Thus we have another thought of the House. It is not merely the sanctuary of God's presence, but it is where the Father is known, worshiped, and obeyed. What grace is shown in all this! Hand in hand the erstwhile enemies of God and of each other enter into His presence on the ground of the blood, to enjoy and to worship-the Father!

The apostle now (vers. 19-22) sums up these various truths and, after the manner of Scripture, adds further features. We are no longer strangers and foreigners, as Gentiles, but fellow-citizens-not with Israel in an earthly commonwealth-but of the saints, all the children of God. We are members, not of the house of Israel, but of God; children of God, united together in Christ and by the Spirit in a divine fellowship.

But we are a building as well as a family. The apostles and prophets who have been used of God to reveal these wondrous truths are the foundation of a new structure. Christ Himself is the essential element in this building. He is the chief corner stone, and it is in Him and on Him that the whole building-not "every several building," as the Revised Version would have it-but one complete structure, fitly framed together, is growing up to a holy temple in the Lord.

Here again we have a thought closely related to that of the Body. Like that, the building is not yet complete. All goes on toward that time when God's abode, His house, will be seen in its heavenly glory.

We see thus the material of which this house is formed -believers, Jew and Gentile, made nigh to God and united to one another:"To whom coming as unto a living Stone, ye also as living stones are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 2:4, 5).

While the full display and completion of the house awaits the coming of the Lord, the characteristic features and responsibilities are true at the present time. "In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit." The Spirit here and now has formed the Church for the house as the abode of God. We are "builded together," which shows the absolute unity of the house. "Together" suggests the fellowship which belongs to the house, a fellowship characterized by the presence of God, the holiness that becometh His house, and the unity of all who are His in this the day of His amazing grace.

We have thus gathered the general features of the Church as the house of God. It is a divine unity of once discordant elements brought together, and brought to God in all the nearness of Christ on the ground of His redeeming work, in the complete setting aside of the flesh, and in the power of the Spirit; as thus made nigh forming the building, the holy temple of God, who is revealed in all His perfection as Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our God and Father, for time and eternity.

What shall we say to these things? How all that is of man, the wood, hay, and stubble of his vain architecture is, in the anticipation of faith, burned, leaving in its majestic grandeur the abode of God in the midst of His adoring and obedient children. "The temple of His body" has a wondrous meaning, for in it we see not only the perfection and glory of the Son of God, but His redeemed people resting upon and united with Him-"a holy temple in the Lord."

Compared with this stately and enduring structure, what are the vast piles of ecclesiastical fabric, whether buildings of stone or systems of human pride? What are the efforts of men to erect some "altar to see to," something in which they can boast?

Rather let us dwell upon the solid and enduring foundation, upon those living stones, "polished after the similitude of a palace." Let us think of our priestly nearness to God by the blood of Christ; of our unity in one body as thus reconciled to God and to each other. Let us realize in the power of the Spirit our perfect access to Him whom we call Abba, Father. Surely in even a fuller, higher way than the prophet we should say, "The Lord is in His holy Temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him." S. R.

(To be continued.)

Three brief lessons we select from the sacred Scriptures concerning the future.

1.-THE COMING.

Our Lord and Saviour is coming again. On the basis of His atoning sacrifice, we who believe on His name are forgiven, possess now eternal life, and when He comes again we shall see Him face to face. The Old Testament again and again predicted for four thousand years His first coming, and in due time He came, was crucified, rose from the dead, and then returned to heaven. He has now been on the Father's throne for eighteen hundred and ninety years, but His parting promise was, "I will come again" (John 14:1-3).

As He returned to heaven, two heavenly messengers appeared and thus confirmed this promise:"This same Jesus.. .shall so come.. .as ye have seen Him go" (Acts 1:9-11). Another message was sent to His people still later, "A little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Heb. 10:37). The early Church believed those promises, and looked for Him as their present hope; but the day of grace has been extended, and God's long-suffering with men (and seeming delay) has brought salvation to millions; but He is coming.

2.-THE CHANGE

When He comes a cluster of miraculous events will take place.

(1) All believers who have died will rise from their graves first.

(2) The believers then living "shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye."

(3) They all "shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

What a great throng will rise from earth to heaven! The Lord Himself, with the clouds His royal chariots, will descend to meet them, and escort the whole company home to glory, and we shall see Him face to face. This may be at any time, even this very hour; then we shall be "forever with the Lord." What a precious promise! What a bright prospect, and what a glorious anticipation! (1 Cor. 15:51,52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

3.-THE COMFORT.

This great revelation was intended to minister comfort to all who are born of God. The Lord's second coming runs like a golden thread through the entire New Testament; and is enshrined in more than 300 verses. It runs through the four Gospels; then through the book of Acts, and the twenty-one Epistles, then through the book of Revelation, from the first chapter to the last. In the last chapter the promise of His coming shines out like the glory of the Shechinah of old. The last words of the risen and glorified Saviour from heaven were, "Behold, I come quickly;" and again, "Surely, I come quickly."

Are you poor in this world? He is coming. Have you lost friends near and dear? He is coming. Has death taken some of your loved ones home? He is coming. Have you experienced disappointments on earth? He is coming. Has the Church and Church-testimony failed, and disappointed you? Remember that He-the Holy and the True-has never failed, will never disappoint, but will keep every promise. he is coming. This precious theme, Christ's second coming, is like a living spring
sparkling with purity and freshness. Draw near to il, and receive from its supplies-largely and freely-the comfort, the consolation, and the encouragement that it contains; then, as you think of the whole company of His redeemed, remember the apostle's words, "Comfort one another with these words."
A. E. Booth

In these days of wide-spread publicity of all the affairs of man, we need not be surprised that the truths of God's word also form material for news and comment by the public Press. The Press, partaking in the efficiency which is a sign of this age, is diligent in collecting and disseminating news on all sorts of subjects. Along with its records of the daily crimes, disasters in the world, and its political questions, we find it exploiting and largely encouraging the controversies between Modernism and Fundamentalism, between agnosticism and revealed truth. Nor is this to be regretted. The apostle could rejoice when Christ was preached, whether in pretense or truth, and we may be sure that divine truth will not suffer by being set before men, whatever the motive that is behind the discussion.

What we had specially in mind is the attitude of the Press toward the Truth. It is practically impossible to be neutral or colorless in reporting controversies. What is noteworthy in the prominent journals, is their manifest sympathy with the so-called liberal side of questions. With the Press evidently those who report the proceedings of conventions are inclined favorably toward the "Modernists." If an editorial is written, it is nearly always on the same side.

We must not be surprised at this. "The world knoweth us not, as it knew Him not." Avowedly the Press represents the world, it stands for man's day. The truth of God humbles man, brings him low, and shows his need of new birth, repentance, faith in Christ. The theme of the Press is this present life; God's truth reveals the life to come. Could we expect the world to dwell upon that which tells of its impending doom?

Naturally, those who are the purveyors of news select what will interest and please the public. Those who are engaged in such work, are doubtless of similar tastes, most of them ignorant of the amazing grace of God, the glories of Christ, and the fruits of His redemption. We say this in no spirit of harshness or unkindness. May the Lord open blind eyes, and win hard hearts to Himself.

But we have spoken of the hostility of the Press. "The mind of the flesh is enmity against God." The world has never repudiated the rejection of the Son of God. We must not expect that its hostility has changed to friendship. This hostility may scarcely be known to the writers, but "He that is not with Me is against Me." This will account for the tone of levity in speaking of divine things, for the slurs at faithful testimony to Christ, and other tokens of opposition to the Truth.

And yet the Newspapers are the great formers of public opinion. Their influence is immense, and it is largely cast against the truth of the gospel. We are thankful for honorable exceptions to this, but its general truth is only too manifest.

The pertinent question for the child of God is, What effect upon me does this attitude of the Press have? Do I realize in reading it that I am in an enemy's country?

We are not asking the saints to discard entirely the newspaper. But we do most affectionately urge them to give the word of God the first place, literally in point of time, as well as the place of preeminence. Let us not allow our convictions to be formed or modified by hostile influences. May we be formed by the Truth. "Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy Word is truth." S. R.

The character which sin has stamped upon the man race is apparent in the scenes and acts centering in the Cross, where the Holy One of God is acclamation substituted for a robber and murdered It is no mere coincidence, but a revelation of ma as God views him. For when He presents His Son in infinite goodness, man declares himself by bringing fo ward his choice. It shows what sort of people Christ is dying for, and what sort of person they choose instead of the Holy One, the Saviour of sinners. The human family is thus justly represented by thieves and robber for, in his relations to God, man is dishonest. He is this as a sinner, for a prominent trait of sin is dishonest) as we shall see.

Speaking of the devil Scripture say she "sinneth from the beginning;" he began it. And it is clear it began in dishonesty, for while in a position of trust he endeavor to steal divine honors, and entangled others in his conspiracy. He introduced lying into existence; he is "the father" of lies; they spring from him as their source.

But let us see how this diabolical thing, grafted upon| man, evidences itself.

ADAM AND HIS RACE

The first man knowingly partakes of stolen fruit and when questioned, attempts to place the blame upon Go He has the temerity to argue that the divine arrangement of things has led to this. This course of dishonesty as a "fallen nature" is imparted to his children, for who the question is asked, "Will a man rob God?" Malachi on behalf of God, affirms it, saying, "Ye have robbed Mcf even this whole nation." The nation of Israel being pta in a position of trust, proved to be but robbers in its
transactions with God. They were in honor committed to bring "tithes into the storehouse" of God's dwelling place, but while pretending to do so, they donated merely the "torn, and the lame, and the sick." When indicted with this crookedness they insolently answer, "Wherein have we robbed Thee?" They blandly say to God:What have we done now?

When, in the fulness of time, the Lord Jesus Christ comes to this nation, he finds it not better, but worse. So much so that He charges its leaders with having turned His Father's house into a "den of thieves." And when they ask by what authority He drove the traders out from the temple, He tests them by the counter-question, "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or of men?" and they merely lie, saying, "We cannot tell!"

We hear Judas making a philanthropic speech about giving "to the poor," but he is only a thief who carries the bag; his fair words are but a thin cover to his purpose. Occupying a place of trust to the very last, he betrays his Master by embracing Him! And when the Lord arises from among the dead, the chief priests and elders instruct the guard to say, "His disciples stole him away." Instinctively they suggest the idea of stealing, and the guards circulate their lie.

And what is the first glaring sin that invades the infant Church? Ananias and Sapphira seek a reputation for devotedness which does not belong to them; and lie about it to an apostle-really to God. Dark indeed is the record of Adam and his race, but, thanks be to God, there is another page, even the record of

THE LAST ADAM, AND HIS RACE

He could say:"I restored that which I took not away." More than that, He came that we might have life, and have it very abundantly. Moreover He brings glory to God that could not have been gained had sin not entered the world; He brings blessing to man which transcends the blessing of Eden.

The Holy Ghost speaks of Him as, "He that is true;" and He can say, "I am… the truth"-for nothing is really right apart from Him. If any ask, Why was He not believed? He gives the answer Himself:"Because I tell you the truth, ye believe not"-that is to say, truth was so foreign to man that He was rejected. And to the question, Why do you seek to kill "a man that hath told you the truth?" the answer is:Because ye have learned of your father in whom is "no truth." Being like their father who trained them, they must get rid of the One who is true.

Now, will this holy and true One, who is obedient to His Father, who is faithful to His trust-will He die "in the midst" of thieves? Yes! for in the depths of Divine love and grace He would put Himself between the sinner and his doom; He will even place Himself as near to the impenitent thief as to the one who confesses His glory. Will He die as a substitute in the place of a "robber?" Yes! for that robber is an exponent of man's disposition and conduct toward God. All this Jesus will do, for He was manifested to "destroy the works of the devil;" and He is going to change thieves and liars who turn to Him, and make them like Himself. Thus a thief is heard condemning his own "deeds"-he tells the truth about himself, his neighbor, and about Christ. For not only is he sheltered from divine wrath by the precious blood of the Lamb of God, but he is born again and begins to exhibit the character of Christ. Paradise is now his proper place, where the Saviour is beforehand to receive him.

Now He who wrought amidst Calvary's throes in the heart of a thief, has also wrought in the hearts of people whom He leaves for a short time in this world that they may be like Him where He was rejected. This we can see if we note what is said to and about the various assemblies of believers after Christ's ascension to the right hand of God.

The saints at Rome are exhorted to owe no man anything, but to love one another. All evil, including stealing and false witness, is to be disallowed in the power of that love which acted as a motive power in their souls. They are to walk honestly, as in the day. For they are in this world as Christ's representatives, and are therefore to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Rom. 13:8-14). They are to be found

"Showing to all where once He trod,
Nothing but Christ, the Christ of God."

To the Corinthians the same apostle says, "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." Could any have read the apostle's heart he would have seen Corinth written there in unquenchable love to them. And why were they so dear to him? It was because they were "manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ;" so to speak, they were a letter of commendation of Christ; and he, Christ's servant, could say, "We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God"-he is a standard of conduct for the Corinthians-and for us.

The Galatians are taught to "walk in the Spirit," and to turn away from "the works of the flesh. They are exhorted to walk according to the new creation in which by new birth they had been introduced.

The saints which are at Ephesus were not to be like babes easily shifted or toppled over with every wind of doctrine. They had been rescued by infinite grace from a system of Satanic darkness, and should know how to reject its every attempt to entangle them in any degree. Let them keep to the good exercise of "speaking the truth in love" so that they may apprehend what is revealed in Christ and grow up to Him. Let them "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (holiness of truth). Thus will they certainly put "away lying" and speak "every man truth with his neighbor." As God's dear children they were to "walk in love, as Christ loved us," and was a sweet-smelling savor to God in the offering up of Himself (Eph. 5:1,2).

To the Philippians the summing up of the apostolic counsel is:"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (4:8). These traits they would see in perfection in Christ, and in measure in their brethren, if they looked for them. By this wholesome exercise they would be strengthened and enabled to be good representatives of Christ.

The Colossians are reminded of the testimony they were committed to, seeing they had "put off the old man with his deeds;" and had "put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him."

The Thessalonians had received a gospel that was "not of deceit," but which had turned them to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven. They were to follow the apostle as their example, and to turn away from deceivers, for there was even then an iniquitous but mysterious system of error at work which only the Holy Ghost could retard, which would culminate in "the lie" that would insure the damnation of its recipients (2 Thess. 2:1-12). But the Thessalonians had been chosen to salvation through "sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." Let them therefore stand fast and not be "weary in well doing."

Finally, the apostle John tells the family of God that a lie about Christ is part of a system of error already at work in Christianity. But the anointing in them "is truth, and is no lie," and frustrates all that is false. As Christ is the truth objectively, so is the Spirit the truth subjectively, for He works in our souls by directing our attention to Christ as a pattern.

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." R. J. Reid

JAPAN.-As an illustration of the character of the work of Modernism we learn from our brother Craig that the Japan Times of Tokyo, printed in English, published a recommendation of Dr. Fosdick's book on the Modern use of the Bible. Our brother Craig wrote a brief reply to the attack upon the Bible account of the earth's creation in Genesis. This reply was published, but the Times refused to allow any further communication from Mr. Craig or other missionaries, because of protests received from readers. So the enemy is to be allowed to spread his error, without equal opportunity for those who would defend the truth of God. What shall we say of one who professes to be a Christian, a leader of thought, a teacher in a Theological School, and who uses his high position to drag the truth of God down from its place of supremacy? And what must be the thought of educated Japanese of what purports to be Christianity from America? Our resource is only in the living God, who will care for His own glory, and bring to nought the devices of the enemy.

Our brother Craig writes, "We are awaiting expectantly the arrival of brother and sister Gustave Koll, for the service of the Lord here, and count on the Lord making them of much blessing, beside a cheer to ourselves."

In a circular enclosed he gives a list of meetings in Tokyo and throughout Japan. Quite a number of bright spots are scattered through that most interesting land, whose civilization calls for a clear and intelligent presentation of the truth of God. Our brother publishes a monthly magazine-"Shimri no Kura," or "Treasury of Truth," also an occasional paper with news of the Lord's work, with the familiar name "Field and Work." May the Lord abundantly bless the work.

Returning Workers.-It was our privilege to stand on the pier of the great Cunarder, the Aquitania, and greet our brother H. Wilson from the Congo, upon his arrival to visit some of the gatherings in America. Mrs. Wilson and the little one were left in England, where they are recuperating after the perils of a long stay in Africa. These furloughs are necessary for the preservation of the precious lives and health of these servants of the Lord. It also gives the opportunity of becoming mutually acquainted, thus adding a new link of interest in the work, and making us more intelligent in prayer. An element of special and tender interest in this visit of our brother lies in his having been in attendance upon our beloved young sister Miss Mercy McCandless in her last illness, and this will bring special comfort to the dear parents of our sister. We also learn that our bro. Wm. G. Amies has started on his return on furlough, and was expected soon in England, en route to his home in this country. It will indeed be a pleasure to greet these servants of their, and our, Master, and to seek to make their period of rest both that and one of refreshing and profit to us all.

THE LORD’S WORK IN SPANISH HONDURAS

I am asked to give some "brief account" of the work of the Lord in Honduras. It has proved one of the hardest of the Central American republics to evangelize, for some reason or other. This is not because of the people, for I think those who have labored in other States have found the inhabitants of Honduras less fanatical and more friendly to strangers than those of other parts of Central America. The C. A. M. was about the first to place missionaries there, I believe, if we except a mission, chiefly educational, at San Pedro Sula by the English Wesleyans. This was abandoned when we entered the country in 1909, with a neat chapel and immense mission house standing empty, the last burned to the ground during the recent revolution. Brethren Groh and Dillon had preceded us, the latter soon returning home to die, leaving Mr. Groh to labor on alone. We found a few believers there when we came, to whom some were added. Conditions were such that we did not feel free to form them into a meeting. I speak now of San Pedro Sula, the chief city of the republic, though not its capital. In going about over the northern and eastern parts of the republic we found individuals and groups of believers almost everywhere, all greatly in need of help and further teaching, hence we were much out on the trails and could not bind ourselves to San Pedro Sula, which, we would have been compelled to do were a meeting formally started there. The bulk of the population living on the coastal plain, little above sea-level, and hence full of malaria, made our work very trying to the health, and in my last illness the doctor when called at two in the morning, said, "You have called me too late; the man is dying." Finding it impossible to continue in the field on account of constantly recurring fever I came home. Brother Groh also came home, but to die; and Brother Armerding tried to stick it out but he also was brought to death's door and concluded the climate was too much for him. Miss Fannie Arthur who joined us in 1915 (I think it was), remained behind, only to stay for good and gain the martyr's crown. Mr. Dillon (not the young man,) of the C. A. M. also laid down his life there, leaving his devoted widow to continue the work begun by him alone; she too, some years later, was taken down while on a journey and went home to her well-earned rest. So it has proved something of a graveyard to missionaries, and the ranks kept thinned. No one of our own fellowship being ready to take up the work where we left it off in 1916, a devoted young man of the 0. B. took my place, using what equipment we had left and shepherding faithfully the souls of those who had been reached by the truth. Under him the work has gone on steadily; the Lutherans, too, have a mission there now, mostly educational, though one of the staff seems full of zeal for souls, and has much fellowship with our Brother Hockings. I could relate some most striking and interesting cases of conversion there, but space not permitting, I must close with the hope that the way may be open later to tell these instances of the power of the gospel, sometimes the bare Word alone, without the intervention of a missionary. The Lord sustain and greatly use those still left on the field. It is on my heart to visit the country again some day, if only for a few months. I keep in touch with the work by correspondence. C. KNAPP.

A letter received from an isolated brother gives much cheer by its hearty expressions of faith and love, and its fellowship with those unknown by face.

Dear brother in Christ:-

Enclosed please find my gift offering, being contributed to the necessities of the missionaries who are carrying the "wonderful words of life" abroad. I also have remembrance of them in my prayers (2 Tim. 1:3). How wonderful it is to be a new creature in Christ! To be indwelt by the Holy Spirit! Words fail to express the deep joy of it all…. I hope some day to meet you "Brethren," to enjoy your fellowship face to face, but as I am absent from you in the body, I will continue having fellowship with you in the Spirit."

Are we, are you making use of the monthly prayer meeting for the foreign work? It has been suggested that instead of adding another meeting during the week, one of the regular prayer meeting nights be devoted to this special subject. Such a meeting should command the interest and attendance of the saints. It should, if anything, be more largely attended than the regular prayer meetings. Is this the case? And if not, can we not seek the reason? Perhaps we are not praying as diligently in private as we might; perhaps we are not reading intelligently upon the subject. May we be aroused to a steady interest that will make these monthly meetings occasions of real blessing, from which we shall later on hear in answers to our prayers.

New Orleans.-"Many Romanists in this city are willing, and often eager, to read the Scriptures. I met a very interesting case at the Marine Hospital, a young Romanist, but very anxious to obtain and read the Word, and gladly listening to the Gospel. I have enjoyed the truly wonderful opportunity to preach Christ in English and Spanish to officers and crews on ships of many nations, singly and in groups, and to distribute the word in many languages."

-Ernest Atkinson.

BRITAIN'S MODEL COLONY

Our readers will be interested in reading this account of a province in Africa very near where our bro. Dr. Woodhams and others are laboring. Let us pray that with material prosperity, this land may open its doors to the preaching of the true riches.

"While many governments like spendthrifts, live beyond their means, Kenya Colony, the British East African dependency, keeps within its income. Revenues exceeded expenditures last year by $1,250,000 and the floating debt has been converted into a surplus of $295,000. After providing for $550,000 expenses for future improvements, the Acting Governor. E. B. Denham, told the Legislative Council at Nairobi that the surplus will reach $522,000 by the end of 1925. During the first six months of this year the customs revenue showed an excess of $547,500 above the estimates.

Kenya's increased trade brings heavier charges. Facilities of the ports are severely congested, harbor tonnage has increased more than 40 per cent in a year, lake traffic 82 per cent and cotton-seed receipts 72 per cent. Kisumu, on Victoria Nyanza, one terminus of the Uganda Railway, and Kilindini harbor, on Mombasa Island, its ocean terminus, can scarcely handle the goods. The railway takes practically all the sea-borne traffic of Uganda as well as of Kenya. The Government is planning rather late to build more deep water piers.

The colony is actually suffering from too great prosperity. Like New York city, it has grown too fast for its facilities. Farming returns abundant harvests with restricted markets. The coffee crop is valued at $5,000,000, corn is flourishing and wheat promises to supply Kenya and the neighboring territories with all the local flour needed for their bread. Dairying is extending and soon will not only meet home demands but have an exportable surplus. The outlook is very favorable for this model British colony."

A Series of Meditations on Prayer

NINTH PAPER

Prayer Answered in Judgment

There are not wanting in Scripture striking illustrations of what sometimes happens when there is persistence in demanding of God what He is loath to give, because in His infinite wisdom He has something far better for us than we in our folly realize. We have already seen that it is only as abiding in Christ and with His words abiding in us that we can pray in His name, knowing that whatsoever we ask the Father, we shall receive of Him because we do His will and are pleasing in His sight. An in subject, restless will may lead us to pray to our own hurt, and if there be not a timely recognition of this, accompanied by self-judgment and submission to the word of God, we may find our prayers answered only to our deepest distress and sorrow afterwards.

The fretful demands of the people of Israel in the wilderness when they insistently cried for flesh meat is a case in point. When the Psalmist recapitulates their desert experiences, he tells us how "they soon forgot His works; they waited not for His counsel:but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul" (Ps. 106:13-15). Faith would have reckoned on the unfailing care of God, and a subject people would have left it to Him to provide the kind of food which He saw would be best for them, but their lustful hearts were set upon one particular thing. Without it they were sure they could not be happy. At the moment, nothing seemed so important as the gratification of their desires. Not content with "angels' food," the manna from heaven, which He gave them so abundantly, they cried, "Our soul loatheth this light bread; who will give us flesh to eat?" We are told in another psalm that "He caused the east wind to blow in the heaven, and by His power He brought in the south wind. He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:and He let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations. So they did eat, and were well filled:for He gave them their own desire" (Ps. 78:26-29). Doubtless many would have looked upon this as a most remarkable answer to prayer, and would have taken it for granted that the answer in itself proved that the prayer was right and proper. Such a conclusion, however, would have been far from correct; for in the verses that follow we read:"They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel" (vers. 30, 31). The fact that we receive what we pray for does not, therefore, in every instance, indicate either a right state of soul on our part or, on the other hand, God's pleasure in our petition. It may be just as true now as then that God will hi His indignation grant our request and send leanness into our souls.

The mistake has often been made of taking it for granted that if God seems to prosper a certain undertaking, for instance, in which the heart is engaged, therefore, it must have His approval. Later circumstances may show clearly that He was simply allowing us to have our own way in order that we might learn a lesson through eating of the fruit of our own devices, a proof of our own folly in persisting in a course for which we did not have a "Thus saith the Lord."

Another striking example of what we are considering is that of Israel when they desired a king. Earnestly they pleaded that they might become like the nations around them with a king ruling over them and leading them out to battle. God took them at their word; a king was provided, and when they saw him, they were filled with delight. A heroic noble figure, he towered head and shoulders above the people. Just the ideal ruler and warrior, as men might think. But He who looks not on outward appearances, but on the heart, knew well the character of the man who was so readily acclaimed as king when presented to them by Samuel the prophet. Years afterwards He says through Hosea:"Oh, Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help. I will be thy king:where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath" (Hosea 13:9-11). In their demand for a king, they were really rejecting God who had ruled them hitherto, yet He allowed their plea, provided a king Himself, and used that king to chasten and afflict them. It was another case of prayer answered in judgment.

It is never safe to trust to what some people call Providence while neglecting obedience to the Word. Let me cite a case in point that came recently under my notice. A Christian young woman became deeply infatuated with a brilliant but Christless young man. An engagement was entered into, but Christian friends were earnestly praying that God would deliver her from an unequal yoke, which they felt would only bring sorrow into her life. It was a delicate matter to discuss with her. In fact, she resented what she called any interference with her private affairs. However, in a short time an estrangement ensued, and the young man himself broke the engagement. Instead of recognizing that this was God's method of deliverance for her, the young woman was greatly distressed, and prayed day and night that the offended one might return to her and the engagement again be entered into. All that Christian friends could do to occupy her mind and heart with other interests, or to show her that God had acted in mercy toward her, availed nothing. Constantly she grieved, and persistently she prayed that the desire of her heart might be granted. Strikingly enough, he returned to her most unexpectedly, took all the blame of the past upon himself, and asked for a renewal of the engagement. Gladly she entered into this, and shortly afterwards they were married. If I thought that there was any possibility that her eye would fall upon this page, I probably would not pen these words. Years of sorrow and misery have resulted from her disobedience to the Word of God; yet she insisted at the time that it was God who had answered her prayer, and brought back her loved one to her. His deep hatred of Christ and the things of God, camouflaged for a time by a gentlemanly exterior, soon manifested itself, and before long a separation ensued, and she was left in wretchedness and misery with two little children dependent upon her. Deeply has she realized as the years have gone on that what she thought was a token of God's approval was but His chastening hand upon her because of her wilfulness.

Instances such as the above might be multiplied almost without number in the lives of God's children. I was in a home some years ago where a poor mother was laboring under the grief of caring for an imbecile son who did not so much as seem to recognize her in the slightest way. She told me that years before, when he was a little baby in his cradle, he was taken ill with scarlet fever. The physicians gave him up, declaring there was no hope, but her heart was rebellious. She felt she could not let him go. Going into another room, she fell upon her knees, and told God she could never love Him again, if He took her child from her. Within an hour, there was decided evidence of improvement. The little one recovered, but he never recognized his mother again. Her own heart had become tender and subdued through the years. The rebellion was all gone, but she said to me:"How much wiser it would have been, if I could have said, 'Thy will be done.'"

When a seeming crisis is reached in the life, and the soul is filled with perplexity as to what would be for the best, it is always the part of wisdom to remember that the Holy Spirit Himself indwells the believer, and when we know not what to pray for as we ought, He can be trusted to make intercession for us according to the will of God with groanings that cannot be uttered. The subject heart, instead of insisting that God do according to its natural desires, will pray with Jeremiah:"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest Thou bring me to nothing" (Jer. 10:23,24).None need be afraid to trust everything in His hands who is deeply concerned about the welfare of each of His own, and who has declared in His Word that "All things work together for good to those who love God; who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

We often have to learn, indeed, that His ways are not our ways, but infinitely above them, and we shall praise Him at last for every seeming disappointment when we see "the end of the Lord."

"I asked the Lord that I might grow
In truth and love and every grace,
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.

" 'Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He I trust has answered prayer;
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair."

He is the Husbandman. We are the trees of His planting. He can be depended upon to do what is best for His own. We have cost Him too much for Him to be indifferent to our welfare now. And so we may well say,

"O Lord, whate'er my path may be,
If only I may walk with Thee
And talk with Thee along the way,
I'll praise Thee for it all some day."

It is part of the chastening of the Lord to put the soul through experiences where it learns the utter unprofitableness of the flesh and is cast entirely upon God. No such experience is without real value, and recognizing this, we shall tread softly and pray submissively, remembering with whom we have to do. Nor should we think of chastisement as though it were synonymous with punishment. It is the educative process of the soul, and is all in love, and never in anger. Its object is ever our blessing, and it invariably yields "the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised thereby." H. A. I.

The Son of God is more to me
Than all the world could ever be,
Because He died on Calvary's tree
From sin and death to set me free.

I was so much to Him, He came
To save from hell, from sin and shame.
Now, blessed be His matchless name,
I love His glories to proclaim,
And own o'er me His righteous claim.

His love to me
Is like the sea-
Fathomless;
My love to Him
Is faint and dim-
Shallowness.

As the slender fragile vine
Doth the massive oak entwine,
My soul to Christ doth cling-
My strength, my all, in Him is found.
In Him I've all things, and abound;
Well may I then with triumph sing.

C. C. Crowston

"Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there" (Gen. 35:1).

It is worthy of note that whenever declension sets in among God's people, He recalls them to first principles, whether it applies to the nation of Israel or to the Church. We find this emphasized in the Lord's charge to the seven churches. To Ephesus He says, "Repent and do the first works." To Pergamos, "Repent." To Thyatira, "I gave her space to repent." To Sardis, "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent;" and to Laodicea, "Be zealous therefore, and repent." The happy exceptions to this are Smyrna, who is encouraged to be faithful unto death, and Philadelphia, who is commended for devotedness, keeping His word and not denying His name, though having but little strength.

Twenty-eight years prior to the command given to Jacob, as recorded in Gen. 35:, God had appeared to him at this place (he being at that time a fugitive from his father's house), and declared Himself to be the Jehovah, God of Abraham and of his father Isaac, and confirmed to Jacob the covenant He had made with them. Jacob, though but feebly apprehending this, took the stone that had been his pillow, set it up for a pillar, poured oil upon it, and called the name of that place Beth-el (the house of God).

Passing over Jacob's checkered career, ending with the shameful story of Shechem, God now says to him, "Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there, and make there an altar unto God that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother." This command at once awakens Jacob to a consciousness that something about him is not right with God. He says to his household, "Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make there an altar unto God." Is there not in this a lesson for us in these days of spiritual declension? As "all Scripture is.. .profitable for correction, for instruction in righteousness," let us hear the voice of God in this connection.

In every dispensation, even in antediluvian days (Gen. 5), God has had a few separated from the mass, marked by a measure of fidelity, according to the light they had and the times in which they lived; so in these last days when the apostasy is so much in evidence, and Laodicean-ism is leavening the ranks of Christian profession, God calls upon those who, though in feebleness, would hold fast the faithful Word, to stand for His principles with purpose of heart as at the first. We need to remember that the truth has never been popular, and never can be while Satan is "prince of this world;" hence to stand for it will doubtless bring those who are doing so into reproach; but, "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye" (1 Pet. 4:14); this should be sufficient for the faithful heart.

As the enemy is seeking by every means in his power to neutralize the truth, and in many specious ways seeks to dull the spiritual senses of the people of God, may God's voice to Jacob be heard by us also, "Arise, go up to Bethel"-1:e., get back to first principles and first works. Turning to Christ our Lord with self-judgment will give fresh courage and spiritual light. It will not be the stimulus of mere fleshly energy, but the comfort and joy of the Holy Spirit. Strange gods will be put away; the Word of God will do its purifying work; habits that have hindered will be judged-a change of garments-and the truth will acquire new freshness, nourishing the heart. Love for souls, and for every member of the Body of Christ will be strengthened; every legitimate effort to spread the knowledge of the truth will be made, and the hands of every true servant of God will be held up.

We should remember that since the canon of Scripture has been completed, the Holy Spirit unfolds only what is written-nothing is to be added to it, nor detracted from it. New things and new ways are being foisted upon the people of God, and some are so much attracted by what seems to them great results compared with what they find among those gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus, that they look upon the truth as imposing too much restraint, and join hands with those who, in their estimation, are doing so much more for the Lord. We can assuredly own with sorrow how much we have failed in zeal and devotedness, in being "instant in season and out of season," in "redeeming the time," and perhaps in being rigid as to ecclesiastical matters whilst lacking in practical display of the grace of God; but an unscriptural course is not the remedy for this. Better get down low before God and confess our poverty and short-comings- "go up to Bethel" with chastened spirit, but let us not surrender the truth as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word-truth which not merely separates from evil, but to the Lord. This will enable us to maintain a happy balance of truth, and to enjoy that liberty of which He speaks, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32,36). This will be more effectual in helping fellow-Christians than any compromise of truth. But God forbid that we should for one moment take the self-righteous stand of "I am holier than thou," for many with less light may put some of us to shame by their consistent and godly conduct in accord with the light they have.

We must remember that it is only in communion with God that the truth becomes effective in our life. We may have much knowledge which remains unfruitful (for "knowledge puffeth up") if love is not ruling the heart. We need wisdom to use knowledge aright, for as another has said, "Knowledge is the material, but wisdom is knowing how to use it."

The Laodicean spirit may boast of being "rich and increased with goods, and having need of nothing," but the Lord's estimate is, "Thou art wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." But the wisdom that is from above is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits" (Jas. 3:17).

May we, therefore, both as individuals and as companies, be before God in self-judgment as to the failures that have come in, and in which we all have a part. Let us "go up to Bethel" where God is the ruler of His own house. Let us search our hearts and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord our God, acknowledging that we have declined from what He in His grace has revealed to us by His Word. The end is approaching, and in view of that, and in the light of the judgment-seat of Christ, where all things will be estimated at their true value, may we be stimulated to more devotedness. We are exhorted to "fight the good fight of faith" in laying hold of eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12). Let the apostle Paul be an example for us. At the end of life's journey, when the time of his release had come, he could say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;" for whilst those of Asia had turned the back to him, Christ had not, but was ready to give him "a crown of righteousness."

Let us not think that the glorious truth again brought to light by holy men of God a century ago is not practical now; that the times in which we live are different, and we must therefore adapt ourselves to present-day conditions. 0 brethren, in whatever measure we may be guilty of this, let us "go up to Bethel" and put away the strange gods-the fear of man, popularity, worldliness, whatever it may be-let us cleanse ourselves and change the garments of unfaithfulness for those of fidelity to our Lord and His truth. Let us remember that "to obey is better than sacrifice," for the Lord will not say when He greets us, "Well done, good and successful servant," but, "good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

These are trying days, especially for young Christians, and they need in a special way the steadying influence and encouragement of their older and more experienced brethren. The ardor of youth may lead them to think that things are going too slow; that there is not enough gospel energy displayed (which may in a measure be true), and adopt easier and more popular methods. They need to be given all due encouragement, while keeping within the bounds of the truth. Talk of narrowness or bigotry in this connection is not in place when we remember the wide range of truth with which God has honored His devoted saints of a previous generation. If we are walking and acting according to the revealed will of God, not merely standing for the fundamentals, but for the "whole counsel of God," the whole Body of Christ and the whole world as the sphere for our activities are before us. Let us recognize every true gift which the Lord has given, "esteeming others as better than ourselves."

Let us not forget that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not legislative but executive, 1:e., we are to carry out only what God has written, avoiding any attempt to introduce man's ways. The truth handed down to us through the apostles was intended by God to be just as effective in the twentieth century as in the first. There is a tendency with some to think that, owing to the sad divisions that exist, it is useless to stand for the principles enunciated in Scripture; that the Church is in such confusion that to "maintain the unity of the Spirit" is impracticable. But why so? Has Christ given it up as impossible or hopeless? Is He not doing patiently what He has been doing from the beginning-"loved the Church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word; that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:25-27). This should encourage us in the thought that as the result of this, when He presents the Church to Himself it will be far more glorious than at the day of Pentecost. Let it stimulate us to fresh devotedness to stand for all that has been committed to our trust. We cannot get back to Pentecostal or apostolic days, truly, but "let us go up to Bethel," and with fresh purpose of heart contend earnestly for the whole faith; encouraging one another in these times when Satan is, as it were, making his final effort to destroy what God has given us to keep.

In conclusion, let us humbly seek the face of our God, and give earnest heed to His exhortation in the last Epistle:"But ye, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God; awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." "Now unto Him that is able to keep you without stumbling, and to set you with exultation blameless before His glory, to the only God our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority from before the whole age, and now, and to all the ages, Amen" (Jude 20, 21, 24, 25; J. N. D ,New Trans.). F. J. Enefer

(2 Tim. 1:15.)

The Apostle Paul's commission, as given in Ephesians 3:8,9, was a double one. The first part was, "To announce among the nations the glad tidings of the unsearchable riches of Christ." The second part, "To enlighten all with the knowledge of what is the administration of the mystery hidden through the ages in God, who has created all things."

The first applies to the spread of the gospel as we speak of it to-day, the announcement of God's salvation to the unsaved. In obedience to it the Apostle carried out his missionary tours, and multitudes heard the Word, believed it, and were saved.

The second part is further truth. It refers to the unfolding of the mystery-the Church, the Assembly. Its administration was committed to Paul. Under authority from His glorious Master, he was for the first time to unfold and everywhere teach, the doctrines of the Assembly-what it is, its order, its procedure, and its government. Consequently, we must turn to Paul's writings to find instruction in the order of the Assembly's activities and exercises as the Lord wishes them to be practiced. So that they are His regulations for its procedure, its responsibilities, and its government.

These hitherto unrevealed truths, comprising the second part of the commission, are the truths which distinguish the dispensation in which we live from those which have preceded and from those yet future. And it is with them that God has in an especial way identified the Apostle. In the first chapter of Colossians he again speaks of the twofold character of his ministry. In verse 23 he declares that the Lord had made him minister of the gospel; in verse 25, that He had also made him minister of the Church. In this latter case, the personal pronoun "I" is in the emphatic form in the original. In other words, the Apostle was the preeminent minister of the truths which reveal God's thoughts and purposes as to the Church. They have an identification with him which no other servant of the Lord may claim.

In carrying out this latter portion of his commission, the Apostle, and his associates, like Timothy, taught these truths to the saints far and wide; and they constantly fought against the attempts of the enemy to overthrow the testimony which the Apostle had established in the practices of the Lord's people everywhere.

But in spite of their unflagging efforts, and owing to the insubjection of the saints to God's Word, as given to him, these attacks of the enemy soon made themselves apparent in the midst of assemblies by the formation of parties, as we learn from the first epistle to the Corinthians. The outstanding weaknesses among the Lord's people which gave the enemy his opportunity were, pride of gift; favoritism; an undiscerning sentimentality, often mistaken for love; and the substitution of expediency, dictated by fleshly wisdom, for simple, faithful, whole-hearted, unswerving subjection to God through His Word. As the offspring of these, party-spirit developed, the line of cleavage became more marked, until it widened into actual division, as mentioned in our text. What selfishness and self-will on the part of so favored a people!

With Timothy, the disaster seems to have left him in a maze of uncertainty as to what course to pursue. And discouragement, incident to the refusal of his faithful ministry, had apparently driven him into a measure of retirement. To afresh fan into flame his gift, and to mark out a God-defined course under these new and difficult conditions, the Apostle addressed this second letter to him.

After an introduction of a personal character, he turns directly to the conditions confronting them:"This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me."

Evidently this "turning" was not from the truths of the gospel-not from God's salvation; that is, the truths which formed the first part of Paul's commission; for he does not accuse them of turning from Christ. That would have been open and complete apostasy. They were really Christians. The division was not of the nature of the present Fundamentalist-Modernist struggle. What is now known as "Fundamentalism" falls wholly within the bounds of the first part of the commission. Consequently, all those of whom the Apostle writes in this verse were what would be called Fundamentalists in the strictest sense of its modern usage.

But he does charge them with "turning" from him; that is, from those further truths with which God has especially identified him-the truths of this dispensation, and which form the second part of the Apostle's commission, as we have seen. They had refused subjection to those principles and practices in connection with their collective testimony, which the Lord had ordered through him. In thus turning away, they had necessarily established another order, a human one, in place of the inspired.

They had turned from him; they had left the divinely marked out path, and the Apostle could not go with them in their defection. For him to do so would be himself to abandon the practice of those truths which God had ordained. It would make outward unity of more importance than subjection to God; and this principle carried to its logical conclusion would entirely rule God out as the director of His people, and would mean spiritual anarchy.

No! The Apostle could not go with them in their departure, even though they were Fundamentalists. He must be subject to God and His Word at all cost. He has no intention of sacrificing divine principles for outward unity. Better for him to walk the narrowed path than to dishonor his Master. Sad as division among the people of God is, it would have been sadder still if, under those circumstances, it had not occurred.

The division of Paul's and Timothy's day is still with us in principle, only in greatly multiplied forms in the various systems which surround us – all foreign to God's Word. God allowed the beginning of them to occur in the Apostle's day, that we might see how the Apostle, to whom was committed the administration of these things, acted under the circumstances. Time does not change principles. Therefore, the principle of the Apostle's action is for the guidance of the Lord's people to-day. His action carries with it the full authority of God. That is enough for the Christian whose desire is to walk in simple, hearty subjection to the Lord.

Therefore, we cannot go along with every Christian, even though he be a Fundamentalist, and still be true to our Master. We must maintain obedience to divine principles, even though it separates us from many who are truly our brethren in Christ, if we wish to be in fellowship with the Apostle. His position was a distinct testimony against the departure of brethren, and so must ours be. Under the conditions of the day, our responsibility is to "follow righteousness, faith, love, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart"-a limited fellowship.

The Lord, in grace, give us that singleness of eye which will enable us to abide by His will at whatever cost. R. LeB. Daniel