Global Warming

Global Warming

The sequel to "Evolution, a Fairy Tale for Adults."

Here in the U.K. this subject has taken on an extraordinary significance, bolstered by so-called "experts." These experts are accepted as such either simply because they say they are, or a number of people afford them some kind of credence based on gullibility. A great exponent of this new theory is Sir David Attenborough, on whose words whom a great many hang with amazing tenacity. He is of course one of the "foremost" stalwarts of the silly "Theory of Evolution." With his total rejection of the divine Creator, he is fiercely opposed to the Word of God, and to any well-taught believer ,with whom he will not engage in discussion. Thus we have "the blind leading the blind into the ditch." Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:40.

God has never rescinded His promise to mankind when He said, "Henceforth, all the days of the earth, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall NOT cease!" Genesis 8:22. 

Furthermore, there awaits the Millennial Reign of Christ to run its course; obviously a duration of 1000 years! While men suggest a virtual extinction of the human race!

God has His own "calendar," and He will determine when "the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the elements, burning with heat, shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works in it shall be burnt up. All these things then being to be dissolved...the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements burning with heat shall melt. 2 Peter 3:11&12.

And it is God who will bring "time" to a close, ushering in the eternal state, when He will judge all who died in their sins.

It is a wise course to cease from, and ignore "scare-mongering," which is becoming evermore characteristic of this Nation and the world at large. It is also sagacious to reflect upon this: "Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"

1 Corinthians 1:20, and has it ever been more apparent? 



Eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ

Eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have been privileged to read through the entire book titled, "The Son of His Love," written by W.J. Hocking. I have no intention of attempting a synopsis of it, or any significant remarks. Suffice to say that it is the definitive defence of the intrinsic, inherent deity of the Lord Jesus, and is the most robust vindication of the truth of His personal Eternal Sonship that I have ever read.

I commend it most heartily and indeed unconditionally to every one who loves the Saviour in sincerity; Careful contemplation of this dual truth as set out so clearly here, will reward you and do your soul immeasurable good.

Letter Regarding the "Morning Meeting"

A Letter Regarding the "Morning Meeting."

I trust you will forgive me for my use of the expression "Morning Meeting," but it is used in this book and also by many "Brethren commonly so called" in general conversation.

I am presently re-reading the little book  entitled "The Brethren;" (commonly so called) written by Andrew Miller near the close up of the nineteenth century. It includes a letter from the same period, apparently November 1891, written by a brother styling himself "C.H.H." (Perhaps Charles H. Hall?) The book having been edited with some revisions and omissions by G.C. Willis in 1963.

It is a beautiful insight into the manner in which the "Breaking of Bread" meeting was conducted. It thrilled me as answering to my own souls' appreciation of this precious portion divinely made available to the Lords' people still. Its simplicity and reverence, its profundity and rapture, shine through in clearest light and with a sense of the redolence of the fragrance of the Lords' presence in the midst of His own. The letter gave me afforded me a confirmation of that which I hold dear in connection with these halcyon moments in this scene overshadowed by the absence of the Lord Jesus having be despised and rejected by men at large, those He came in infinite love to seek and save.

A further section is entitled "The Effect of Separation From the World," and must cause the reader some intense exercise as to this scriptural principle. The sacrificial giving manifest early in this "movement" mirrors that of the early church as recorded in Acts 4:32-37. I suppose such a path would be considered untenable or impossible today, but one wonders why!

The little book is not without its failure; the discussion of the Christ-dishonouring "division" that shattered the unity of the believers at that time, appears to me to be convoluted and ambiguous in the extreme, and to increase the difficulty of making any clear judgement. The authors' argument is in places both irrational and beclouded. His conclusions are biased and will not withstand any real counter to them.

I feel so sad to express myself in this way about a brother dearly beloved, who has rendered such spiritual bounty for Gods' people in his other writings. His lovely commentary on the "Song of Songs" is exquisite, the most Christ-centred I have ever had the joy to read. 

Annihilation Divinely Refuted

Annihilation Divinely Refuted

In my devotional reading of the Word of God, I was forcibly struck by a statement made by the Saviour. In reference to the betrayer He spoke these solemn words, "the Son of Man goes indeed as it is written concerning Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is delivered up; [it were] good for that man if he had not been born." Mark 14:21.

The latter part of this verse serves to refute any thought of annihilation for any soul of man. Surely annihilation asserts non-existence. With this in mind it is easy to see that something infinitely worse awaits the unrepentant sinner. The words of the Lord Jesus indicate that there is that which is more terrible for a man than non-existence, for "it were good for that man if he had not been born," i.e. that he had never existed!

Who dare gainsay the words of the Son of God!



Matthew 16:18. "Gates of hell shall not prevail..."

"And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18.

I have this phrase etched upon my mind at this moment in time. Being familiar with our lovely Authorised Version of the Scriptures, which I read every day of my life, you will appreciate that I am not intending to speak ill of it. But this is a mistranslation of some considerable moment. The nature of this error is found in many verses in the A.V. and gives ammunition to the many and various blasphemous teachings of the cults and isms who wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction. 2 Peter 3:16.

The correct translation is: "And on this rock I will build My assembly, and Hades' gates shall not prevail against it." J.N. Darbys' New Translation, which I also read every day!

The Lord Jesus was speaking to His own in this passage concerning "Hades," not" Hell," which  is "Gehenna" [Greek], "the lake of fire, the place of eternal torment. Where these two words are not rightly distinguished problems of interpretation arise. Note especially "death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire" i.e. "Hell." Hell cannot be cast into Hell. Some brethren will speak of the "powers of hell;" I feel disinclined to permit them "poetic licence." Please, let me enquire, Who is in Hell? What is in Hell? I answer unequivocally, no one, and nothing! If any creature terrestrial or infernal were imprisoned in Hell, there is no escape for them to use any such "powers!" No powers of Hell exist, nor any hellish foes! Better expressions are "devilish" or "demonic" power when referring  to the enemies of the souls of men.

While the body of those who have departed this scene lie in the grave, their souls are in Hades. The body tends to corruption, while the soul is imprisoned in Hades. The Psalmist records prophetically the intimate prayer of the suffering Saviour, "For Thou wilt not leave My soul to Sheol, [Gk."Hades" ] neither wilt Thou allow Thy Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16:10. See its citation and fulfilment in the book of Acts.

Acts 2:27, 31;13:35, 37.

[If able, do look at the footnotes of the various passages of Scripture in J.N.D.]

Seven Words of Wisdom

SEVEN WORDS OF WISDOM

The following "words of wisdom" are not mine, though in many cases I wish that they were my own. I have no idea either, as to the identity of the various Godly saints who are the authors, but I trust many will be blessed by their inclusion on my "Blog."

"Sonship supposes mutuality of delight--God delighting in His people and His people delighting in Him."

"Affection is the Spring of Holiness."

"Holiness in us is the fruit of love enjoyed."

"The secret of holiness lies in love."

"We trust His love, where we cannot trace His hand."

"Faith is the hearts' response to God,

"Service is the lifes' response [to Him]."

"The way to heaven is as free as the way to Hell."



Pioneering

Pioneering

The Apostle Paul writing to the saints in Rome joyously claimed his aim was to "announce the glad tidings, not where Christ has been named, that I might not build upon anothers' foundation;" Romans 15:20.

It is difficult for most of the Lords' people to engage in a "pioneering" service for the Lord Jesus, as we remain each in our native countries. only a relatively few venture to lands not their own, but not necessarily "going before to prepare or clear the way," the meaning of "pioneer."

Yesterday I realised that such an exercise is possible in this sin-benighted nation, and no doubt in every nation upon earth; for the gospel message has been "lost" in many, many areas here in the U.K. and I suspect everywhere else.

I was engaged in tract distribution in an area I had never visited before. It is characterised by obvious poverty, not an area where one feels at ease. But it came forcibly upon my heart that these dear people may never have heard the truth of the love of God in sending His only begotten Son as Saviour of the world. This is not intended to be melodramatic, one needs to be there to grasp what I am saying; and perhaps this is "mirrored" in a multitude of places up and down our favoured land.

That these folk may never have ventured into a "place of worship" gripped my soul as I recall my sweet fellowship with like-minded saints regularly, and in danger of taking for granted such privileges as are mine. It felt like a dark place, (I don't mean demonic,) but the absence of any spiritual light. Please pray that the contents of the magazine distributed there may be used of the Holy Spirit to enlightenment and should it please the Lord, salvation blessing to some, or restoration perhaps to some erring saints.

Finally, it was quite startling to walk up a longish pathway to the door of a large and contrasting residence; for screwed to the door was a narrow brass plate, on which were inscribed the "title," name, and academic qualifications of the occupant. He is a Romanist, I hesitate to use the term "catholic" as wrongly secured by them; Furthermore he blasphemously called himself "father," and is a Jesuit to make things even worse! Tragic to find such a deceiver amidst a place where there is so much spiritual and material need. Please pray for that area beloved brethren. 

A Simple Answer to Prayer

A Simple Answer to Prayer

We (believers) are blessed by a God who not only hears, but answers prayer. How infrequently we fail to realise blessings, or appreciating them, fail to give thanks to Him. He is interested in the, dare I say, things perhaps the world sees as "trivial," as well as those things we understand to be infinitely beyond the abilities of men to resolve.

Yesterday my wife and I took our disabled son Adam, and his youngest sister, with another friend to visit a centre for the preservation of birds of prey. It was a beautiful day and a lovely experience. Adam travelled with Esther, his sister, and their friend, in one car, my wife and me in our car. I felt the Lord had heard my supplication to Him for a day of safety and legitimate enjoyment, indeed He had.

But making our way home Bernice and I became increasingly aware that we were fast running out of petrol! There was no Service Station anywhere nearer that we could reach before we arrived home. The gauge dropped ever more quickly, and more than ten miles from the nearest services it read "0!"

Prayer had been made for some time before this eventuality and we "held on" in feeble faith. We travelled for those last ten miles or so with the gauge reading zero! A simple experience in the ways of Gods' faithfulness, perhaps. But significant to us; breaking down on the Motorway is very ill-advised!

"Having cast ALL your care upon Him, for He cares about you!" 1 Peter 5:7; Indeed, nothing is too trivial for Him, and certainly nothing is "too hard (wonderful) for the Lord!" The Law and the Prophets assert this is so, and the New Testament concurs: Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17,27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27.



A Strange Phrase

A Strange Phrase

Last Lords' Day evening I was engaged in conversation with a fellow believer, seeking his help regarding an exercise I had for a needy Assembly. I felt quite early on that I had perhaps made a mistake in approaching him in connection with this delicate matter. He seemed to be "speaking down" to me and was a little forceful as the conversation proceeded. But what I have been unable to dismiss from my mind was his constant use of the phrase "sanctified common sense." I had heard it used before, but not as often is so short a space of time.

Troubled by it I pondered it thoughtfully and I trust prayerfully in regard to it. I have concluded that it is fallacious in the extreme. The "flesh" cannot be sanctified for it means separation to God; separation from evil things and ways, and further truth of this nature. Common sense is the reasoning of men, not faith! Faith infinitely surpasses all the mind of man.

This strange phrase is used in connection for questions arising in the believers pathway for which there is no absolute definitive statement in Scripture. If I may give an example or two: Is it right to use stimulants as alcohol and tobacco? Should we "vote" in political elections? Is it acceptable to play cards, frequent night clubs etc. Are we able to become members of clubs, institutions, organisations? The phrase "sanctified common sense" has been given full rein here by many believers.

What then is the spiritual alternative? Where no absolute definitive word in Scripture exists there ever remains general principles and the clear tenor of the Scriptures. Without replying to the questions I have raised, and no doubt many others too, I state categorically that there is no such thing as "sanctified common sense," and to suggest such is dangerous, allowing a loophole through which to bolster ideas without any support from the Word of God.

If this seems harsh, please believe me I intend no offence to ANY of my beloved brethren and sisters in Christ.  

Love For The Holy Spirit

Love For The Holy Spirit

It is difficult to convey my thoughts regarding the above "title" to this "post." It is not a "typo," it is not supposed to read "of the Holy Spirit." Of late I have come to appreciate more and more the precious ministry of the Holy Spirit afforded to me personally. I am overawed at the subject place He has been willing to take here in this scene, even as did the Son, although in a much more profound way, I mean in incarnation. But the lowly place the Holy Spirit has taken here below is very precious too, for His pre-eminent design is to exalt Christ, to magnify Gods' Son. And so He recedes as it were into the background in beautiful humility so as not to obscure the wondrous person of the Lord Jesus.

                                                               Just as the Lord Jesus never divested Himself of one iota of Godhead character, essence and attributes, neither has the Holy Spirit! His faithfulness to me personally has overwhelmed my heart; taking my stammering, feeble expressions of worship of Gods' Son and making them intelligible, and acceptable to the Father, clothing them in the language of heaven, and the fragrance of Christ Himself.

                               I have constantly known the Spirits' enlightening, enabling and empowering in my simple ministry for the Master. Always cast upon God for help in these weighty responsibilities, the Holy Spirit has never ever filed me. Why it should be so I understand, it is divine love; why to me I cannot understand! 

                                                                                                                     But this experience of the Spirits' help and undertaking has caused me to learn to love Him. A new lesson in my pathway here. We never address Him, nor sing praises to Him, but that does not prevent us from telling the Father of our love for Him; as a Person of the Triune Godhead is He not worthy of our love and our thanksgiving? Is He not our Paraclete, Comforter and Instructor in things eternal?

                                                                                           May the increasing awareness of our debt to Him call forth love and affection for the Holy Spirit of God. All for the glory of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.    

He is Preciousness: A Poem

He is Preciousness: A Poem

Father how precious is Thy Son

To Thee, to us, to all Thine own,

Whether upon the accursed tree,

Or seated on Thy glorious Throne.

Ever He was Thy hearts' delight,

The "altogether lovely" One,

Who trod this scene at Thy behest,

His one desire, "Thy will be done."

He healed the sick and raised the dead,

He stilled the tempests' raging storm.

Met all mans' need in love divine,

The Son of God, in servant form.

He spake as ne'er man spake before,

With voice of calm authority,

He fed the hungry multitudes,

He walked upon the restless sea.

Holy, guileless and undefiled,

The subject, humble, obedient One,

Down here in manhoods' lowly guise,

Very Man, yet Gods' own Son.

Nailed to the cruel, shameful cross,

He hung in deepest agony,

Abandoned by the holy God,

He suffered, bore it all, for me!

Raised from the dead, no more to die,

Atonement wrought, salvation won,

The Father satisfied, appeased,

Must glorify His blessed Son.

Seated upon His Fathers' Throne,

A Man in the glory now is set,

To us He is "the preciousness,"

To Thee, O God, more precious yet.

Whilst searching through my "papers" scattered hither and thither in my study, I came across this poem I had written many years earlier. I doubt that it has any literary value, but it must have had its beginning in my heart at some juncture in my lifes' experience. I publish it simply because I wrote it and feel it does feebly express something of my appreciation of Christ.



International Tract Distribution Day -- Experiences

International Tract Distribution Day-- Experiences.

Today is the designated day for the believers in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to participate with one another throughout the entire world, in distributing the printed word of the Glad Tidings concerning Himself.

                                                                              I planned my route and the amount of magazines I hoped to deliver. I asked the Lord to overrule for me and protect me from both "unreasonably men that have not faith, and from unfriendly dogs!

                                                                                                                         I set out to deliver in an area I had not reached before in all the years I have been engaged in this humble but  precious exercise. Unfortunately I dressed for the weather we have been experiencing here in the U.K. for some considerable time. Wearing a warm waterproof coat over a black long-sleeved shirt. The weather just became nicer and nicer, hotter and hotter! I became dried mouth and terribly thirsty after a while and later ravenously hungry as well! It was an uncomfortable couple of hours, and I felt I was suffering for His Names' sake! How pathetic! It was trifling in comparison with that which multitudes have undergone for Him. I felt quite ashamed.

                                                                                                             One of the roads I found myself in was a "close" or cul-de-sac; quite extensive too. I had a polite refusal which is not unusual; but what really struck me was the vast majority of houses with a large orange sign "No Junk Mail. I am used to seeing this sort of notice but never in that proportion. I am always in a quandary as to what to do, and I am not consistent in my actions in these circumstances. I truly do not know why. I always ponder whether to "post" the magazine anyway or not. Whether leaving the Word of God with them out-weighs giving them offence. I would value any thoughts as to this perplexing question. If there is a notice which reads "No Religious Bodies," a surprisingly oft repeated practice. I do not leave any literature then; as I feel that would be offensive with such a clearly stated request.

                                                                                            I must say I felt a sense of joy and achievement in completing the task; and when considering that perhaps many, many saints contributed to this days' spiritual exercise, that if it please the Lord will have already, and later too, redounded to His glory.

                                                                                        For all who participated or will yet do so today, and for all who prayed on behalf of this venture for the Lord Jesus, may I just say a warm and sincere "thank you." If the Lord will we intend to do the same next year, that would be the third year!

                                                                  In the meanwhile as we await Gods' Son from heaven, among many other exercises we will continue to distribute the living Word of God in printed form whenever He enables. 

International Tract Distribution Day: A Gentle Reminder

INTERNATIONAL TRACT DISTRIBUTION DAY

A Gentle Reminder

Beloved brethren and sisters in Christ, I would just lovingly ask you to consider participating in distributing one, or more, items of Gospel literature on:

Wednesday 18th April 2018

THE INTERNATIONAL TRACT DISTRIBUTION DAY

We commenced this simple exercise for the glory of the Lord Jesus in reaching many, many souls for whom He died, last year on the same date. The response was amazing, even global as intended.

                                                         Please help in this venture for Him if you are able, and please uphold it, and those who participate in it, with much prayer; in particular that souls "having no hope and without God in the world," may be gloriously won for Him!

        With warm affection in Christ, Tom.

TOM WYATT

Gathering only to the Name of the Lord Jesus, with the saints at

Pensford Gospel Hall

Bristol

U.K.



International Tract Distribution Day (2018)

INTERNATIONAL TRACT DISTRIBUTION DAY (2018)

Wednesday 18th April

Dear brethren and sisters in Christ

Just a brief and gentle reminder about this years' International Tract Distribution Day. If the Lord will, we purpose to "nominate" the 18th APRIL as we did last year according to His gracious help. The response last year was absolutely magnificent and humbling. We realise that it is the most simple "exercise" while believing it can be used by the Holy Spirit to great effect in glorifying the Son of Gods' love.

We simply ask, beg, even entreat every believer who is physically able, throughout the whole world, to distribute at least ONE gospel tract, leaflet, booklet, magazine or portion of the Word of God, on that Wednesday; so that a tremendous volume of written testimony to the saving grace of God may saturate the entire world which is still, despite its wickedness, "so loved" by our compassionate God.

Whether you are able to participate or not, beloved of the Lord, we covet your prayers for the glory of out lovely Saviour, and for much "fruit of the travail of His soul" thereby bringing Him to be joyfully "satisfied."

In anticipation of your faithful help in this lowly exercise for Him, I would thank you from my heart and state with total conviction, He will recompense each of us, immeasurably!

Finally, dear brethren and sisters in Christ, I would earnestly seek your prayers for my son Adam. Adam remains tetraplegic, completely paralysed down his left side, and with many accompanying consequences. My wife Bernice and myself, with our other three children are a little fearful for the 19th April, if the Lord will. That day, should it dawn for us, will be the third "anniversary" of the day Adam was cruelly struck down by a spinal stroke. Please pray for him especially on that day that he may be kept from dwelling overmuch on what happened to him, and that he might have peace and tranquillity of heart and mind. Thank you!

Adam has been GREATLY blessed by the Lord in the significant healing he has received, and we believe that the Divine Physician will yet complete His healing process. 

Bless you all for permitting me to ask for your fellowship in these things. Every blessing.

In Him, Tom.

TOM WYATT

Gathering to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone, with the saints at Pensford Gospel Hall, Bristol. U.K.



The Second Death

THE SECOND DEATH

How remarkable it is that the Word of God as applied by the Author, the Holy Spirit, is able to confirm every line of truth and that with superlative simplicity.

In my "devotional time" this morning, one of my readings was found in the precious book of The Revelation. The very first verse of the book declares it to be nothing less than "Revelation of Jesus Christ!"  My meditation was upon chapter 20 verses 7-15.  

Immediately I was gripped again by a simple statement in the Word, that destroyed in a moment one of the most heinous fabrications of the mind of men.

"This is the second death!" Physical death cannot be the cessation of being, however much men would have it to be so. If we peddle this devilish delusion we deny the veracity of the Scriptures and make out God to be a liar!

Oh, for the simplicity which is in Christ, and for hearts quickly instructed by the imperishable Word of God.



International Tract Distribution Day (2)

INTERNATIONAL TRACT DISTRIBUTION DAY

Wednesday 18th April 2018

Brethren and sisters in Christ

If it should please the Lord, we have nominated the above date as the International Tract Distribution Day for 2018. last year was our first exercise for such a humble, simple and yet precious service for the Lord Jesus. it entailed requesting as many believers as possible to distribute a single tract on that designated day. Not limiting it to just ONE tract, Gospel portion, magazine etc. of course, but happy if that was all that some saints could manage. The intention was to saturate the whole earth with the message of Gods' Gospel of grace on that particular day, bringing untold glory to the Lord Jesus and absolute misery to the one who holds sway over the hearts of so many in this "vale of tears."

last year the response was overwhelming, and we received such uplifting feedback from many places in the world! How we long for similar results, though aware we will not know all that transpired for His glory then until the dawn of eternity. So dear brethren and sisters let us seize every favourable moment in time to serve our lovely Saviour whilst we await His coming.

If you feel a response in your own heart, please tell others, please announce it in your Assemblies, and prat earnestly that all will redound to and for His glory alone.

All we have asked from you, and await anticipatively, is of course if He will.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Sincere love and affection in Christ,  Tom.

TOM WYATT

BRISTOL  U.K.

Gathering to the Lords' Name with the saints at Pensford Gospel Hall, Bristol, U.K.



Our Portion for the Lord

Our "Portion" for the Lord

The inclement weather that we have suffered in the last few days here in the U.K. has had dire effects upon our lives; disproportionately so!!

My disabled son was not able to receive his absolutely necessary visits from his Carers; the amount of effort that they were prepared to make was NIL! But they expected us (his family) to substitute for them on a daily basis without any of the training they have received. We did of course do all that we could to ensure his personal safety and quality of life; but  what a sad reflection on the world generally. My son is not able to "take a few days off" from his paralysis; and furthermore we travelled to visit and help him further than the Carers would have had to travel! Two inches of snow and the entire U.K. grinds to a halt. I imagine any of the saints reading this who live in other parts of the world will be astounded.

But what is as heart-breaking for me, is the lack of effort put forth by the Lords' people, those particularly who enjoy Assembly fellowship, in continuing to gather to His Name under these conditions; I realise it is uncomfortable, but could not alternative arrangements be made, e.g. meeting at a different venue, one more accessible; perhaps a home of one of the brethren in the particular Assembly? Or do we feel that there is something "special" about the Gospel Hall building? I do so hope not!

My wife and I felt the need to remember the Lord Jesus in His death for us in answer to His loving, longing invitation. We "broke bread" together in the home ,with no other believer present, but assured that the Lord Jesus was "in the midst." I know some if not many will take exception to this practice, but I am more conscious of failing to render to Him, the One Who loved me even unto death, His rightful portion. I verily longed for a portion from Him, and He faithfully granted it and made me to know His help in "calling Him to mind."

I fear that our lovely Saviour-Redeemer was "robbed" of much that His heart desired from His own during this Lords' Day. But I trust too that many brought their "baskets full" to refresh and rejoice His heart in this dark vale of tears. 

Good News--Thrice Over!

Good News -- Thrice Over.

In the last few days three items of good news have come to my attention and given me, and doubtless other saints too, such encouragement. It is pleasing to be thus spiritual heartened in days seemingly so sad, grief-filled and often really darksome. But this well may cheer every believer with a longing for realised blessing amidst the gloom.

My humble ministry is mainly confined to the South West of England and South Wales, and it is within these bounds I have learned of these things. In an Assembly in Somerset two newly arrived believers, one a young lady the other a young man, have both asked for baptism and will obey the Word in submitting to baptism next Lords' Day! The young lady is a restored backslider; while the young man exhibits a heart for evangelism and has been assisting brethren in open air preaching. 

In a "small" Assembly in Gloucestershire, I mean of course where very few are "in fellowship," the Hall having been closed for an entire year, the saints have determined with the Lords' help and in accord with His will, to re-open and continue a testimony for Him in that locality. There is no other Assembly witness or even "evangelical" denominations for many miles around; another important reason for rejoicing under such circumstances.

Finally, an Assembly in Wiltshire has just received a believing couple into their fellowship, already appreciating the brothers contribution in gathering to call to mind our blessed Saviour in the Breaking of Bread meeting.

These precious instances of Gods' grace thrill my heart, as there seems to be so little to excite it over a good number of years. Some of you dear saints may feel these things to be of little account as you enjoy more largeness of blessing in your native country; but the U.K. is generally so apathetic about spiritual things and our law-makers have made things increasingly difficult. "Political correctness" and "Safety Regulations" have spiralled at almost blinding speed, and can hamper so many endeavours and efforts for the furtherance of the Gospel and the Word of God generally. You need to experience it first-hand to appreciate what I am saying! But nevertheless, our God is still Sovereign and rules in the Kingdoms and affairs of men! 

I still believe it to be my obligation to be subject to the authorities appointed by God, as it is clearly taught in the New Testament; e.g. Romans 13:1; but where such legislation is in definite conflict with that Word, I "must obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29.

Abraham Lincolns' Devotional

(Abraham) Lincolns' Devotional

I have just received a copy of a little "vest-pocket" book entitled "Lincolns' Devotional," with an introduction by Carl Sandburg. This "Devotional" published in 1852 was "The Believers' Daily Treasure; bearing the sub-title "Texts of Scripture, arranged for every day in the year." Overall the introduction is a little disappointing, as I expected much more detail about Lincoln himself. What is recorded of him amounts to just 10 or 11 small pages, while the information in respect of Lincolns' faith is scant, with few facts supplemented by conjecture.

My personal judgment regarding Lincolns' belief, purely based on this brief outline was of a  "good" man in the sense of Romans 5:7, nevertheless without appreciation of the Son, as every one of his recorded utterances where in relation to the Father. I would be apprehensive to form any real opinion as to whether Lincoln was really "born anew," if this was the only "evidence" of his faith available to us.

But a number of years ago I learnt of a letter signed by the President in connection with his desire to be baptised as a public confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The letter was written by him on April 13, 1865, and the baptism was scheduled for the following Lords' Day, April 18.

On April 14, just one day after Lincoln had professed faith in Christ in that written form, he was assassinated. How wondrous is the grace and loving-kindness of our God, preserving Abraham Lincoln from an eternity of loss!

Another "Home-Call"

Another "Home-Call"

Just a little over a week ago I learnt of the Home-Call of another dear saint of God. I feel disposed to just render to his memory a little appreciation.

I met Jacob ("Jake") Andrews on just eight occasions. Each time when I had the privilege in preaching the Gospel at the Gospel hall in Nantgarw in South Wales, U.K.

If ever there was a saint who revelled in hearing the "preaching" it was Jake! He graciously and forcefully "supported" the speaker with constant interjections of "amen." Whenever he "opened up" the meeting for the visiting speaker, he punctuated many lines of the hymns to be sung with fervent affirmations of the truths expressed, repeating in a reverential tone "yes" as it took hold of his heart.

No doubt some brethren found him a little to unabashed and unashamed in adding his little "aside," but I found it to be so precious and knew he was uph9olding me before the "Throne."

After I had met Jake but a couple of times, I expressed this sentiment, and repeat it here unequivocally, "Every Assembly should have a least one Jake!" He is now in the enjoyed presence of the One he loved, and I am sure there is a constant beaming smile, even more apparent than when he was in the body.

It grieves me that he has "departed," but thrills me that for him it is "very far better."

May it please the Lord to raise up more "Jakes" in the Assemblies of His believing people, for His Names' sake and glory.