"All Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."-2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

"THY TESTIMONIES are wonderful: there­fore Both my soul keep them. The en­trance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

Thus wrote the Psalmist. (Psalm 119:129-130.) In this wonderful Psalm there is a constant strain of appreciation of the beauties and beneficial ef­fects of the law of God. Under all the various con­ditions and experiences, the daily study and appli­cation of the comprehensive revelation of God is shown to be a source of perpetual strength and joy. Again and again the attentive reader is reminded that the commandments, precepts, warnings, and promises- of the Scriptures, meet every circumstance in the life of the child of God. Thus we have one of the evidences that the Bible is eternal truth; the infallible word of God. to men. Other books may contain much of learning according to the wisdom of this world, subject to change with the passing of time, but the Bible alone remains unchanged and sufficient to make wise unto eternal salvation. Other writings may flood the intellect with a knowl­edge of the various sciences, puffing up the minds of men with a sense of mastery over the mysteries of life, but only the Word of God can, besides en­lightening, thoroughly search and cleanse the heart from self and pride, and sanctify the life by bring­ing it in touch with the living Fountain of all truth.

But it is well to remember that the Bible can do this for us only when we search its pages as wise and sincere seekers after all truth pertaining to life and godliness, intent upon having it thus search our hearts and correct our ways. It is only when the entrance of the light-giving Word fastens upon our hearts the imperishable lessons of Divine revelation that we can be thoroughly-furnished men of God, and stand unashamed in the day that will prove every man's work of what sort it is. A knowledge of doctrine will be of little worth to any one unless there has been uppermost the. desire for the all-important work-the personal sanctification by the truth revealed. In so far as the letter of the truth is concerned, both Scripture and experience have shown that it may be tenaciously held, but in unrighteousness, lovelessness, and used for ignoble ends. Going "out of the truth" does not necessarily involve a repudiation of doctrine, as many seem to suppose. Indeed a denial of the ransom itself is possible without a rejection of the fact that Jesus died as a ransom price. A man may be "worse than an infidel" and "deny the faith" by the persistent neglect of the requirements of the Truth in his daily life. He may be so barren of the chief mani­festation of the Truth-love, that even though possessing the letter, there can be no vital relation­ship to God. (See 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 John 3:16-17.) If as the Scriptures declare, "Love is the fulfilling of the law," it must follow that the absence of love be­tokens the absence of the spirit of that law in the heart, regardless of the amount of doctrinal or gen­eral knowledge possessed. Who cannot see that the lovelessness which will consign to eternal de­struction, brethren whose only crime is their love of Christian liberty, is dangerously near a denial of the power of the blood of Christ. No Roman Catholic would admit that his Church denied the one sufficient sacrifice of Christ; but we believe -that it does, for it demands that on pain of death and eternal separation from God, the observance of the Mass must be subscribed to by all. This substitu­tion, contrary to the one and only foundation of the believer's hope of eternal life, is a denial of the all­sufficient merit of the ransom sacrifice -offered once for all. Likewise any other substitution, by whom­soever introduced, is equally as serious a repudia­tion of the Scriptural teaching of the believer's per­sonal stand "On Christ the solid Rock" and on Him alone.

Washed by the Water of the Word

Much has been said about being enlightened by the Truth, of knowing the Truth. Much has also been heard about being equipped for the service of the Truth, and properly so, for the Lord's Word abounds with emphasis on the importance of these things. But the Bible also has very much to say about being washed by the water of the Word. Again and again we are reminded that this is the special purpose of our enlightenment at this time. Since we are called to be children of our Father in heaven, the Bible comes to us as the reve­lation of His -character, and that Word, backed by the power of His Holy Spirit, is effectual in making us like Him. This is the assurance given us by the Apostle: "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are^, changed into the same image [character] from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18.) Our main object, therefore, in studying God's Word, and His character as therein revealed, should al­ways be to bring our hearts and minds into closer sympathy .,and likeness and cooperation with Him. As the Apostle elsewhere says (1 Thessalonians 4:3), "This is the will of God, even your sanctification" =our full' setting apart, or consecration of mind and heart entirely to the Lord, that He may com­plete the good work of transforming us into His own glorious likeness by the operation of His Spirit through His Word, and thus fit us for the enjoy­ment of His abounding grace in the ages to come.

In the above words of the Apostle we notice par­ticularly that the statement is made of all the Church -- we all are being, changed from glory to glory. The inference is consequently a strong one that those who are not being so changed are not of the class addressed. This is a solemn thought, and one that claims the most careful consideration of all the consecrated. The question with us now is not only, Have I made such a full consecration of myself to the Lord? but, having made this vow, am I, in accordance with that consecration, fully sub­mitting myself to the transforming influences of the Spirit of God to be changed more and more fully into the glorious likeness of our God? Through all the great list of the moral and intellectual graces which go to make up a glorious character, we see in the mirror of the Divine Word the model for our imitation; and in contemplation of all that is lovely, as embodied in Him, and of all that is pure and holy and beautiful, we are changed little by little in the course of years to the sane blessed likeness-from glory to glory. So be it. Let the good work go on until every grace adorns the spotless robe of our imputed righteousness, received by faith in the blessed Son of God, whose life was a perfect illustration of the Father's character, so that He could say-"He that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father." Let us, therefore, mark well the love of Christ, the gentle­ness, the patience, the faithfulness, the zeal, the personal integrity, and the self-sacrificing spirit­mark well, then imitate His example and shine in His likeness.

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Thus it will be seen that to gain the approval of God, as a student rightly dividing the sacred Word, involves much more than a knowledge of ages and dispensations. It includes a correct under­standing and deep appreciation of the "whole counsel of God"-"every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." It comprehends an intelligent understanding of the plans and purposes of God, and the correction and transformation of the char­acter through a continuous study and application of the cleansing water of the Word. To be "thor­oughly furnished unto all good works implies that there must be due and proper attention to every feature of Divine truth. If the mind becomes so occupied with prophecy, or types, or the sins of nominal Christianity, or with the impending time of trouble, to the neglect of the preponderating volume of divinely inspired revelation respecting the character of God's elect, there may indeed be a cause for shame in the: near future. Perhaps to these the Master must once again say, "These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other. undone."

"The dear Lord's best interpreters
Are humble saintly souls;
The gospel of a life
Is more than books or scrolls.

"From scheme and creed the light goes out
The saintly fact survives:
The blessed Master none can doubt
Revealed in holy lives."

The knowledge of God's purposes is given to those who are willing and anxious to cooperate with Him in their development; for God does not display His plans to satisfy mere idle curiosity. To make progress in the path of light, there must always be the earnest inquiry arising from a grateful heart-"Lord what wilt Thou have me to do?" Such, and only such, are worthy to know, and such only ever come to see, in the sense of really understanding and appreciating, the deep things of God. Such are the called according to the Divine purpose, their lives attesting to the fact that they are led by the Spirit of God. Such are the righteous for whom the light (truth) is sown. "The meek will. He guide in judgment; the meek will He teach His way." These plain statements of the Word cannot be ignored. They set bounds which no amount of learning or human ability can abrogate. Let the Scriptural distinctions between true piety and mere mental acumen be seen, and there will be no difficulty in understanding the Apostle's statement, that only the spiritual can assimilate the "deep things of God." The bane of the Church has been evil men capable of displaying a knowledge of the Truth, gaining for themselves positions of leadership therein, having a "form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." The words of our Lord Jesus are worthy of special note in this connection. "But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundred fold, some. sixty fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Sooner or later the fruitage reveals whether the heart was good ground, spiritual or carnal, whether the acceptance of the truth and its service was an energy of the flesh, or in the power of the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven into the heart.

A Faithful Workman is Obedient

Well did the Apostle Peter write to the brethren of his day: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto un­feigned love of the brethren, . . being born [begotten] again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth. forever." (1 Peter 1:22, 23.) "The secret of true obedience-let me say at once what I be­lieve it to be, . . . is the clear and close relationship to God. All our attempts after full obedience will be failures until we get access to His abiding fel­lowship. It is God's holy presence, consciously abiding with us, that keeps us from disobeying Him.... It is the joy of ever hearing' the Father's voice that will give the joy, and the strength of true obedience. It is the voice that gives power to obey the Word; the Word with­out the living voice does not avail. How clearly this is illustrated by the contrast of what we see in Israel The people had heard the voice of God from Sinai and were afraid. They asked Moses that God might not speak to them. Let Moses receive the Word of God and bring it to them. They thought only of the command; they knew not that the only power to obey is in the presence of God and His voice speaking to us. And so with only Moses 'to speak to them, and the tables of stone, their whole history is one of diso­bedience, because they were afraid of direct contact with God. It is even so still. Many, many Christians find it so much easier to take their teaching from godly men than to wait upon God." And, alas, many, many, such men are not even thus godly. But faithful workmen will never forget in the face of all unauthorized innovations, the pointed ad­monition of Scripture, "Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of rams."

Thus we see that "it. is a great mistake to think that the truth is given chiefly for our mental illu­mination, and correction in doctrine. Its chief intention has to do with our reaction toward the great principles of the. Divine character which it reveals. How possible it is to attain accuracy in the understanding of the doctrinal framework of the Plan, without having learned the spiritual prin­ciples of its great Architect. The great difficulty with some is that they seem to have a greater knowledge of God's past and future operations, than of His present dealings revealed experimentally in hearts and through lives which have been wholly submitted to His power here and now." The work­man who will have no occasion to be ashamed, therefore, will be the one who while not neglecting the importance of doctrinal purity has given special attention to the supreme importance of the "gold, silver, and precious stones" of truth and righteous­ness woven into the life, without which there can be no character approved of God.

A Workman Needing not to be Ashamed

A further thought contained in our text is hidden beneath the surface. All the requirements of faith­fulness to the Truth are not embraced in one's merely holding fast to it, against all the errors by which it may be subverted; neither are we faithful to God if we endeavor to wrap ourselves up in 'the personal enjoyment of the knowledge_. He has given us, and settle down to a life •of inactivity. The very term used by the Holy Spirit is significant "a workman." How frequently we are reminded in the Scriptures that we suffer in -our spiritual life when we confine our thoughts to the narrow hori­zon of our own individual welfare, and step aside from the activities involved in membership in the Body of Christ. "Occupy till I come," is the Mas­ter's word. If the great remedy for unselfishness, and the true standard of faithfulness, be the ex­ample of Jesus, then there can be no slacking of our service on behalf of the household of faith until He says, "It is enough, come up higher." The great work of Jesus, the Father's faithful Workman, was to finish the work the 'Father had given Him to do. If His great work was to sacrifice Himself for us, to literally pour Himself out in service on our be­half, then surely he must be the truest follower whose hopes and joys, interests and aspirations, are not wholly absorbed with the silence and seclusion of his own spiritual life. The glory of Christ's in­fluence upon men is that it opens the heart, and en­larges the affections, constraining us to love others.

"But as touching brotherly love," says the Apostle, "ye have no need that I write unto you ; for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one anoth­er." Peter's ordination, if we may so speak of our Lord's examination of him, was simple, but searching, "Lovest thou Me?" and 'again "Lov­est thou Me?" and yet once more, "Lovest thou Me?" and the conditions under which he might verify his thrice repeated affirmation was stated in terms just as simple, and just as search­ing, "Feed My lambs," "Feed My sheep." Is it any wonder that we find him in later years penning these words, "Yea, I think it meet, as long as-I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto -you ; in which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy Prophets, and of the -commandments of us the Apostles of the Lord and Savior." (2 Peter 1:13, 14; 3:1, 2.) Truly he was a faithful workman, fully awake to the fact that his Lord required of him a faithful "continuance in well doing" so long as there were brethren to serve.

No Man Liveth to Himself

"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. (Psalms 137:5, 6.) Thus wrote a servant of God's natural Israel. Do we of the spiritual house experience such a deep and sensitive love for^- our religious life and all that is connected with it? Would absence from its sacred fellowships be as painful to us as the Prophet declares it would have been to him? If deprived of its contacts with the blessings that flow out from its unities, and its helpful cooperations, would we experience as distressing a blank in our lives? If so, then' we have the spirit of God's workmen, for such is the influence of His Spirit, when in control of the life.

"O Thou from whom all life doth flow,
In whom doth life begin,
Make all our deeds with life to glow;
Be nothing dead but sin!

"Be Thou in us the life to will,
The eager life to do;
Thy life through all our living thrill,
And still our life renew.

"Till life goes on by life's increase
To fuller life above;
Where life is light and joy and peace,
And best of all, is love."

The wise observation of another is worthy of notice here: "We lose our religion if we do not use it, just as we lose friendships when our interests and those of our friends no longer continue to cross and recross each other. I know of no way in which faith may be kept in cold storage." Here then is a feature of our privilege and responsibility we cannot afford to overlook ; and well may we be concerned regarding our spiritual life, if we are not aflame with devotion to God and His people. Not idlers, but alert and active servants will re­ceive the Master's Well done. Only those who keep the wave offering aloft in hands of gratitude and love, until our great High Priest says, It is enough, will be reckoned of Him as faithful workmen. Happy indeed is the one who feels within his heart those surging impulses begotten by an overflowing thankfulness for benefits received from the hand of God. How beautiful is the service that springs from soil like this-not of constraint, but of a will­ing mind, with no other explanation than this, "We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard." Such are those who can truly sing:

"Sweet is the work, my God, my King,
To praise Thy name, give thanks and sing;
To show Thy love by morning light,
And talk of all Thy truth at night. 

"My heart shall triumph in the Lord,
And bless His works, and bless His Word.
His works of grace how bright they shine!
How deep His counsels! how Divine!"

If, then, we are mindful of these two aspects of the Christian life, we shall surely enjoy the ap­proval of God. If, as obedient workmen, we have taken time to listen to the voice of God, we will have been safeguarded from all pseudo works of our own. The wood, hay, and stubble of fleshly, carnal presumption will not have marred our service. The wisdom of all the Divine order will have so rejoiced our hearts that we will tread reverently and pray­erfully before the Lord, desiring only that He may hear and answer our prayer: "Teach me Thy way O Lord, and lead me in a plain path." (Psalms 27:11.) To such earnest inquirers the work so definitely re­lated to the undertaking of making "our calling and election sure," becomes unmistakably clear, and almost intuitively they are constrained to "draw nigh to God," remembering that "without holiness no man shall see the Lord, and that those honored in His service must be clean vessels. Then everything in life is made to serve this pur­pose. Our personal attainment of the Spirit of Christ is held pre-eminent, and all things contrary thereto are forsaken and rejected.

In Due Season We Shall Reap in Joy

And if this first aspect has been realized in our experience, there will be little need of the outside urge to faithfulness in bearing our testimony be­fore others, or the urge to lay down our' lives for the brethren. The zeal of a consuming love is so spon­taneous that it is never found asking, "Must I serve," but it will be always found inquiring, "May I sacrifice." Are there discouragements in the way, and so much •of the toil seems barren of results? Are there times when we would gladly seek the solitudes far from the haunts of men, and bury ourselves in the rich storehouse of truths revealed to us?_. Yea, are there not times when we feel that it were a useless expenditure of time and energy, to seek to •elevate the collective mind up to the plane of things that really matter?-the "war of words" the endless genealogies," the over-empha­sizing of works, and the meager attention given to the spirit-filled life, coming in at every turn to dis­courage the hopes we long to see materialize. But even so, love cannot let go. The "zeal of thine house hath consumed me," and "no real joy in life I know, but in His service sweet."

This unquenchable love and undiscouraged min­istry, is precious in the Master's eyes, and for our encouragement the comforting assurance is given to all who labor on while it is called day, that He treasures up all these evidences of devotion to Him. "Your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Therefore, "Be not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not," If there be tears mingled with this labor from which love cannot refrain, how blessed and consoling is the promise, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that Goth forth and wept, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalms 126:5, 6.) Let us, dear brethren, seek to be such faithful messengers, such faithful workmen, determined to finish -our course with joy, and not with shame.

"HIS WILL NOT MINE BE DONE"

"O thou of little faith! Why dost thou fear?
Didst thou, forget that Jesus is so near?
And hast thou thought that thou must walk alone?
Behold now at thy side the loved One. 

"Aye, more than this, thou'rt held within His hand,
And 'twas Himself that hath thy trial planned!
There was a need be seen by Eye Divine,
Although, perchance, not visible to thine.

"And wherefore wouldst thou see? Thou canst not tell
If what thy heart contends for would be well
Perhaps thy hope's fruition would be vain,
Or prove a life-long discipline of pain!

"There's rest 'supreme for souls that choose His will;
A blest security from every ill,
The things God chooses for us never fail!
They have their anchorage within the veil."

The Visit to Great Britain

By BROTHER I. F. HOSKINS

The Nottingham Convention

THE Nottingham Convention was the first occasion of your meeting with brethren again on the second tour in Great Britain on returning from the continent. This con­vention which was arranged by the Bible Students Committee was held over Whit­suntide, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 23, 24, and 25. Nottingham is quite a central and favorable location for a convention in the midlands of Eng­land, and furnished opportunity for friends of a wide area to assemble and partake of convention fellowship and joy. The number who availed them­selves of this privilege was indeed encouraging; there were probably 350 to 400 present at the various sessions. Not only was north and central England well represented, but a goodly number -from London and environs, South Wales, Scot­land, and Ireland were present. As was evidenced in the various expressions of peace and joy, as well as in the heartfelt testimonies, they were three days of sitting together in heavenly places at Christ's feet, in meditation and contemplation of those spiritual truths, including the exceeding great and precious hopes and promises of the Divine Word.

Various brethren of ability addressed the conven­tion. Some of those whose names appeared on the program were selected from various parts of Eng­land, while others from South Wales, Ireland, and Scotland also served very acceptably. The addresses of the brethren were of a seasonable character dealing with questions and lines of thought perti­nent to the present circumstances and experiences of the -children of God, and such as to provoke unto love and good works as the love of God, the love of Christ, love of the brethren. More and more, we believe, the brethren are appreciating the need for forgetting the things which are behind, past trials, heartaches, sorrows, etc., and of applying them­selves diligently to the study and consideration of those spiritual truths that alone can nourish the inner life, the new creature, and build up in char­acter-likeness of Christ, without which none shall be permitted to share in His resurrection.

The absence of uncertain and unsound teaching, and speculative ideas and notions on types, par­ables, and symbols, in the discourses of the brethren, was regarded as a consoling and encouraging sign. There was the general evident desire to be rooted and grounded in that which is sound and substan­tial and well established and proved by the unfailing Word of God. The Spirit of the Lord wherever it exists is the same. It is a spirit of love, of power, and of a sound mind. It prompts the brethren to desire above all things the knowledge of God's will, that that will being worked out in them may devel­op the image of God's dear Son. It was gratifying to recognize that the testimonies, discourses, and expressions of the brethren, centered around those great and vital truths that relate to the Church's development, her transformation to Christ's likeness, and her preparation and change to the heavenly glory by the power of the First Resurrection. Con­sideration was given to the necessity for constantly beholding the example of the great Head of the Church, and of observing His character, and be­holding as in a glass His blessed righteousness, His glory, that we may be changed from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord.

Matters of Prime Importance

It was plainly observed that the friends recog­nized the significance of the Lord's providence in connection with the trials and tests that are upon the Church; and that the lesson to be drawn from all the experiences of recent years is that the Lord is testing, proving, purifying and making ready a people for His name, to be exalted as the bride and joint-heir with His dear Son through whom all the grand and glorious promises of the Bible are to be fulfilled.

It was our privilege to address the convention at two sessions. We took occasion to convey mes­sages of warm greetings and love not only from brethren in America but also from many of the Classes in Great Britain and of various points on the Continent, and all were reminded again of the bond of the Spirit that unites the chil­dren of God, though they are of various climes and tongues. Again in our addresses to the brethren earnest effort was made to stress the things that are of prime and peculiar importance,' especially at this time when there are many conflicting opinions and much confusion, and when the very air seems charged with the spirit of contention and strife. Again it was recalled that the secret of the Church's success in the beginning of the Age was her posses­sion of the Holy Spirit, even as the Master had promised, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit has come upon you." It was the min­istry of the Spirit, the spirit of brotherly love in the Apostolic period that was the antidote for the ad­verse spirit of selfishness,' carnality and sectarian­ism. Similarly all through the Age the true follower of Christ has triumphed by the grace of God and been enabled to meet the various tests as they have come, in the power of that unction from above. All these lessons coming to us from the past are remind­ers of how in these days of crucial trial upon the Church, it is of the utmost importance that disciples of Christ shall permit their hearts to be constantly examined by the great Searcher of spirits so thor­oughly that roots of bitterness, sectarianism, and intolerance may be swept away and that there may be the more abundant filling of the Spirit from above.

During the various sessions of the convention lov­ing thought and solicitude were expressed for all God's dear people throughout the world, and as all were repeatedly remembered in prayer, the great hope that in the not far distant future there is to be a glorious reunion and gathering of all the Divine family, seemed to shine out with increasing luster. An impressive love feast was the concluding feature of the convention, and the brethren went apart with renewed courage and thanksgiving that they had been privileged to dwell together these days in heavenly places.

It is with much pleasure that we acknowledge in this connection the very kind hospitality of Brother and Sister T. Holmes, in whose home we were sheltered during the three days of the convention. The atmosphere and influence of this home was such that at once it was evident that Christ was "the Head of this house," so manifest was the Spirit of the Master, of loving self-sacrifice on the part of these dear ones who showed us many kind­nesses. Brother Holmes is regularly engaged in traveling in the Pilgrim work throughout Great Britain, and it was a source of much joy to find in our travels the excellent reports the friends gave of this brother's ministry and of its helpfulness to the brethren in a spiritual way. The large measure of confidence of the friends which this brother enjoys amongst the Classes generally, speaks highly of the loving esteem in which his faithful labors are regarded..

The three days following the Nottingham Con­vention were spent visiting friends in northern England, Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, and Man­chester. In each of these places we found several friends standing free in Christ and earnestly striv­ing to preserve the purity and simplicity of the faith, and desiring to encourage one another in the things that pertain to life and godliness. Warm ap­preciation of these seasons of fellowship and meet­ings was expressed by the brethren in each of these places.

The Convention in Belfast

Our next appointment was Belfast, Ireland; three appointments had been contemplated in Ireland, namely, Belfast, Lisburn, and Portadown, but as the week-end was a favorable time for 'a gen­eral gathering, the three Classes united in a conven­tion in Belfast, convenient to all, for Saturday, Sun­day, and Monday, May 30, 31, and June 1. Three of the brethren in Belfast and Lisburn participated in the program much to the edification of the lis­teners. We can scarcely speak too highly of this conference of three days, in that it was richly blessed of the Lord. Like that of the gathering at Nottingham, the testimonies and discussions centered around those questions and themes that properly lie nearest to the hearts of God's children and that constitute the faith once delivered unto the saints-God's providential dealing with His peo­ple, the significance of events and developments in the Church in these recent years, the importance of faithful endurance of trials, and the close proxim­ity of the Church's hope, etc. Quite evident it was that the pure minds of the friends were stirred up by way of remembrance. The largest attendance at this convention was approximately 125 at the Sunday evening service.

During our four days' sojourn in Ireland it was our privilege to share the hospitality of Sister Kearney of Lisburn, great kindness and loving con­sideration being shown us during these days. It will be of much interest to the reader to learn that here we were brought in close -contact with . an un­usual and remarkable family: four sons and three daughters with Sister Kearney constitute the fam­ily circle, all 'consecrated to the Lord and earnestly striving to serve Him. Up to a few years ago all of this family were loyal adherents to the Roman Catholic faith; then the light of Present Truth came to them through the various volumes of Scripture Studies, and now they are well versed in the things of the Divine Word and possess a clear knowledge of the Truth, and are accordingly of one mind in the appreciation and the enjoyment of the blessed lib­erty in Christ. The acquaintance and fellowship of this family was , most inspiring, and we thank, God that in the time of this pleasure-loving and faithless generation, there are such fine exhibitions of faith in the Lord and loyalty to Him and His holy will as we witnessed in these dear ones in Lisburn.

During the three days following our departure from Ireland, we spent with friends in Swansea and Cardiff in South Wales, and in Bristol, Eng. Good­ly numbers assembled in each of these places, some coming from some distance in the surrounding country; the attendance at the meetings was be­tween twenty-five and fifty. From the expressions of the countenance as well as by word of mouth, we were assured of the heartfelt appreciation of the discussion of the Lord's Word and the things ap­pertaining to our spiritual heritage. In these parts we met brethren who have been seriously affected by the financial depression, particularly in Wales, where the mining industry is the principle means of securing a livelihood. Several of the brethren who are miners have not been able to secure em­ployment for two,, three, and four years. Our heart went out to these dear brethren in deep sympathy as we know such experiences mean sore tests of faith. On the other hand, the loving patience and trust exhibited by these friends, and their willing­ness to wait upon the Lord was such as to call forth deep thankfulness to the Lord that in the midst of present crucial trials, He is able to keep all His faithful ones according to His promise, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." At both Swansea and Bristol we met brethren that we had known on previous visits, and it was of much cheer and encouragement to find these friends still holding fast to the faithful Word, and earnestly looking forward to the blessed consummation of their hope.

The New Interest in Birmingham

The visit to Birmingham was next on our itinerary, and the appointment there was' for Sunday. Five years ago as we passed through this place there was no visit and no Class in sympathy with our viewpoint of things. The developments of these years in between ^-have wrought some im­portant changes, and many in the old association have been awakened to realize the unhappy sur­roundings and evidences of apostasy and the need for coming out of that condition. There were about eighty present at the largest meeting on the occa­sion of this visit; some of those in attendance how­ever came from out of town points, but the regu­lar Class numbers about fifty. The warm, appre­ciative hearts in Birmingham and the spirit of con­secration, brotherly love, and Christian zeal, ex­pressed by the brethren, gave much joy and encour­agement. Their studies and experiences have evi­dently led them to a proper comprehension of the things of the Spirit and. of the things that make for development of Christ-likeness and maturity of Christian character. At the home of Brother and Sister Drinkwater, there was extended to us every comfort and kindness, and the influence and fellow­ship of this home we much appreciated.

Having arrived at Birmingham Saturday noon, accompanied by Brother Drinkwater and at his suggestion, we spent a portion of the afternoon on a visit to Stratford-on-Avon, some thirty miles dis­tant from Birmingham. The particular point of interest here is the home of Shakespeare. We were permitted to go through the building which con­tains a number of relics and pieces of furniture, some of which were used -by its celebrated occu­pant nearly three hundred years ago. To no town, perhaps, has the memory of one famous son brought wider publicity than that which the memory of Wil­liam Shakespeare has brought to Stratford, yet we are advised that this notoriety sprang into strong growth only toward the end of the eighteenth cen­tury. The task of preserving for modern eyes the buildings which Shakespeare himself saw, was not entered upon until much of the visible connection with his time had been destroyed. Yet the town is under no great industrial or further moderniz­ing influence, and therefore stands in the position of an ancient shrine, drawing the pilgrimage of modern origin.

During the week following the visit at Birming­ham, we met with the Classes in four places as fol­lows : Bournemouth, Windsor, Maidstone, and Eastbourne. The character of the meetings at these towns was much the same. Each of these seasons of fellowship seemed much appreciated, and as we spoke together concerning the things of chief­est importance, the hearts of all seemed warmed by a fresh sense of the love of Christ, and were stirred to new resolves to walk more faithfully if possible in the Master's footsteps.

The Fellowship in Malvern

Our appointment for the week-end and for the following Sunday was at Malvern. This city is beautifully situated on the eastern slopes of the Malvern hills, which rise abruptly from the flat valley of the Severn. The modern fame of this town rests on its fine situation, fine air, and chaly­beate and bituminous springs. The open-air cure for consumptive patients is very extensively prac­tised. Here also we were to have a very interest­ing and profitable time. While at the London Con­vention at Easter time we had met Brother and Sister Firmstone who are residents of Malvern. These dear friends have been very active in the Master's service, in helping the ministry and encour­aging the friends generally. The very gracious hospitality extended to us by these dear ones, called, forth very warm gratitude indeed. May the Lord graciously reward their work and labor of love. The very beautiful surroundings and environment of their lovely home, savoring of Paradise itself, were most conducive to rest and refreshment. Notwith­standing a very violent storm that occurred on Sunday afternoon, there were some fifty of the friends who gathered in the little chapel where they regularly worship :and study the Word of the, Lord. It was good to -be there, we are sure, was the sentiment of all present. ' And again the breth­ren truly seemed refreshed in spirit as we reviewed together a number of important Scriptures that are pertinent to the present times and the experiences through which the Lord's people are passing. In­deed in our study of our Father's Word, we realize increasingly the force of His kind providences in having provided so many spiritual lessons that mark out for us the course of wisdom and suggest what manner of persons we ought 'to be in all holy conversation and godliness, while we look unto the great consummation of all things.

Christ had been to Pontypool

With the visit at Malvern our regular schedule of appointments was concluded in Great Britain; but still we were to visit one more Class. While at the Nottingham Convention, we met friends from Pontypool, in South Wales, who earnestly re­quested a visit to their town. We promised to go to Pontypool if the circumstances at all permitted. The opportunity came on Monday following the visit at Malvern. This visit proved of rather excep­tional character in some respects. While the regular Class here probably number something like fifteen or twenty, there were upwards of forty friends gathered at the second meeting in the evening. Fully one half of these came from points of some distance. The very warm response to the message, and the sweet spirit of humility and brotherly love that per­vaded the meeting was most gratifying. We were much impressed by the remarks of the brother in opening the evening service. He expressed appre­ciation of the fact that we would condescend to come to the humble and lowly town of Pontypool, and comparing it with Nazareth, he remarked that it was said, "Can any good thing come out of Pontypool?" Then turning to us he said, "But Brother, Christ has been here ahead of you; and because of this fact there are some of His true dis­ciples in this town who are very happy in welcom­ing you here today, and rejoice that in His provi­dence you have come to speak to us." Surely the Lord hearkened and heard, and very graciously added His blessing in connection with the humble endeavors, inasmuch as the hearts of the brethren seemed very warm and filled to overflowing with the spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude to the Master. Again we met with brethren who had been unemployed for four or five years, and who ac­cordingly have keenly felt and known the meaning of adversity; yet with all, they were patient and submissive and full of loving trust in the Lord's overruling providences. And we thanked the Lord for such inspiring lessons and examples of devo­tion and patient waiting upon Him. In the home of Brother and Sister Wooley where we were shel­tered for that night, we realized much of the Master's spirit, and in personal conversation with these dear ones, were deeply impressed that their consecration and experiences have been such, and the dealings of the Lord's providences of that character, that have made them very fruitful in the things of the Spirit and in the various graces of that spirit that adorn the true Christian character. Again we were most thankful for the privilege of being brought in close contact with, such as these dear ones who have learned valuable lessons at the feet of the Master and are true exponents of those holy lessons in their daily lives.

We returned to London the following morning, where we remained for two days. During this time preparation was made for sailing the following Wednesday evening for Denmark, where we had engaged with brethren in that land to visit a number of the Classes. Report of this feature will be taken up in the next installment.

Half Hour Meditations on Romans

No. 20

"God . . . commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness." - Acts 17:30, 31.

WHILE all would admit the general principle stated in the verse we last considered (2:2), namely that the judgment of God - is according to truth (or without partial­ity) against them (whosoever they are) who commit evil, yet St. Paul knew that there were men who secretly cherished a hope of escape from punishment. While the context shows that he has in mind the Jew, yet his argument "applies to any, whether Jews or Gentiles, who while continuing in sin, hope to escape because of the special kindness of God. To show the worthless­ness of this hope Paul brings it out and looks at it in the light of day. By a pointed question he ruth­lessly tears the darling thought from the thinker's breast, and exposes it in its naked absurdity to the view of all." As another has paraphrased verse 3:

"Now is this your calculation, O man, you who judge those who practise such things, and do them yourself, that you will escape God's judgment?" Do you surmise that some by-way of privilege and indulgency will be kept open for you?" Or in the words of yet another: "How can any man, who is guilty of the same wickedness, which he judges will exclude others from mercy, be so foolish as to reckon that whatever becomes of them, he shall escape the judgment of an infinitely holy and righteous God?" Surely a false calculation, this. Yet it apparently is the explanation of the sense of security which the Jew felt, and maintained. Not, be it noted, that he would stand acquitted at God's tribunal, but that on account of his unique position he would escape the just punishment his sins merited! But "perhaps this false calculation proceeds from a moral fact hidden in the depths of the heart? St. Paul drags it to light in what follows."

The Riches of His Goodness

"Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"-Ver. 4.

"Is there something even worse than an illusion; is there contempt? The case then would be more foolish, it would be impious"-such seems to -be the Apostle's meaning. "The riches of goodness, of which the Apostle speaks, embrace all God's bene­fits to Israel in the past: that special election, those consecutive revelations, that constant care, final­ly, the sending of the Messiah, all that constituted the privileged position which Israel had enjoyed for so many ages."

"The conduct of Jehovah towards His ancient people had also, through their entire history, been marked, in an astonishing degree, by 'forbearance and long-suffering.'