21
It is not enough to say that they have the
Bible, (although upon them is cast the fearful
responsibility by this circumstance). They have
the Bible it is true, but is it not a sealed book
among the people; and more, is it not a neg-
lected book? There might as well be no Bible
in the world as far as the great body of
mankind are concerned. We have thus an
exalted function to perform – a noble oppor-
tunity to turn to account; and shall we indulge
in ignoble indolence? Shall we shrink from the
task of unfolding the Bible’s blessed truths to
the perishing, and unsealing its gushing inspi-
ration? To put the matter in another light –
shall we refrain from giving a testimony for
God in this conceited, hard-hearted, unbeliev-
ing generation?
The common instinct of the brethren will
supply the right answer; and if in the estima-
tion of some that answer be a wrong one, we
put it to them whether such an occupation for
brethren would be displeasing to Christ, or
altogether unprofitable to themselves? Or
whether the retrospect of their lives is likely
on a death-bed to be any the sweeter for
having acted otherwise?
O
ur duty is to go on and not to rest content
with the amount of knowledge possessed
at baptism. All scripture has been given for our
learning, not merely the few texts which
opened our eyes to the first principles. Quite
as essential is it to pursue our Scripture studies
as before. In no other way can we possibly
obtain the necessary strength to overcome the
many and varied faith-testing experiences of
our probation. Whether we recognize it or not,
brethren, it is only a growing familiarity with
the prophecy, history, and general teaching
contained in the books of God’s library that
will enable us to stave off our native unbelief,
and acquire courage and wisdom enough
to keep at a distance “Mr. Bad Laugh,”
“Mr. Lover-of-the-present-world,” and “Mr.
Sinwithin,” with their unsound reasonings, at-
tractive invitations, and criminal suggestions.
Is proof wanted in regard to this? Then a look
at yonder brethren will supply it, brethren
who, as we know, grew negligent of the
divinely-appointed means of securing knowl-
edge, became careless in their daily readings,
indifferent to the up-building meetings, hyper-
critical and scornful over the works of others.
Are we “going on”? Yes, if we have willed it
so, but not if we are treading the path of the
lax ones, or hoping that by the mere associa-
tion with the brethren and sisters, apart from
earnest, personal study, things will be all
right. No; apart from an incessant reading,
marking, and inwardly digesting, no headway
can be made.
A.T.J.
Aim at Efficiency
“Be Not Ye Called Rabbi”
| Bro Melusi Ndlolvu (Gweru, Zimbabwe)
“B
e not ye called Rabbi, neither be ye
called Masters, for one is your Master,
even Christ. The head of every man is Christ.”
God who put all things under the Saviour’s
feet, gave Him to be the head over all things
to the ecclesia, which is His body, the fullness
of Him that filleth all in all.
The ecclesia is built upon Christ as its founda-
tion; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not
to depend upon man, or be controlled by man.
The Saviour declares, all ye are brethren. All
are exposed to temptation, and are liable to
error. The Rock of faith is the living presence
of Christ in the ecclesia. Upon this the
weakest may depend, and those who think
themselves the strongest, will prove to be
the weakest – unless they make Christ their
efficiency.
“Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and
maketh flesh his arm. The Lord is the Rock,
His work is perfect. Blessed are all they that
put their trust in Him.”
| Matthew 23:8, 10 | 1 Corinthians 11:3 |
| Ephesians 1:22-23 | Jeremiah 17:5 |
T
he Rock! Perfect is His work,
For all His ways are just; God of
stedfastness, and without iniquity:
Righteous and upright is He.
Deuteronomy 32:4