29th April 1882  

Today is the 29th of April 2021, the 139th anniversary of the death of that beloved servant of Christ, J.N. Darby. I only became aware of this significant date because by coincidence I am reading: "Unknown and Well Known A biography of John Nelson Darby," having reached the chapter concerning his "last days." I have struggled from time to time in the reading of this volume authored by W.G. Turner, "with additional material by Edwin Cross." But in persevering, I have found much reward. 

I owe a debt of some magnitude to J.N.D. whose writings have given much help in understanding the Scriptures. But above all else, I am indebted to him for his "New Translation," for its unparalleled accuracy, ( in my humble opinion,) and for the sublimity of language he employed, so reminiscent of the beautiful Authorised Version.

Less than three weeks before "his home" call Darby humbly said, "I never knew till the other day, or thought, that "We love Him because He first loved us" refers to God, not Christ, as I have imagined. This is plain from the context." I admit I have always thought just as J.N.D. had done, what a lovely lesson to learn because the context DOES indeed make it plain.

One other little remark that I remember from a long time ago was his exhortation to "read the writings of John;" I think he perhaps thought that brethren read Paul's writings so much that John's writings were neglected. I thoroughly endorse Darbys' desire in this exercise.

Finally, I would just commend the hymns of which J.N.D. was the author. They are most sweet,  utterly occupied with Christ, and reach to such depths of spirituality in their perception and profundity.

  

International Tract Distribution Day: A Personal Report

Today the Lord's Day 18th April is the day I suggested saints worldwide might utilise for distributing the Word of God in written form wherever, and however, they are enabled. It is the fifth year, by the grace of God, that this humble exercise has been in operation, so to speak.

At the close of my time of worship this morning, I felt it incumbent upon me to set an example in contributing to the above exercise. I filled my bag with two hundred copies of "Via," a lovely Gospel magazine produced in Canada. I always take two hundred copies with me as it is the full capacity my bag affords me, and it is better to return with some copies rather than to run out of them.

I must admit, although it is a beautiful day with warm sunshine, I was somewhat weak in faith and could not see how I would manage to exhaust my supply; I am not getting any younger! Once more, as is often the case, I posted the magazine in houses I have never been to before, and some I had never even seen before! Houses are being built at an alarming rate, and they seem to appear almost overnight!

Well, the Lord both constrained me and sustained me, and I delivered every copy. The glory is ALL His alone!

Now I would like to just mention something else, perhaps even for your amusement. As many of you will know a surprising number of households, at least in the U.K. affix little lists of things they consider to be undesirable; things they do not want to be posted through their letter-boxes: Menus, surveys, calling cards, and most comprehensive of all in its scope, "junk mail!" I try to act carefully and prayerfully in posting Via even when "junk mail" appears on the list, as it is clearly a beautiful little publication. But when the list includes "nothing religious," "no religious bodies?" or any such-like sentiments, I do not risk giving offence to the householders.

So to my amusing little anecdote. walking up a fairly long path to the door of an inconspicuous house, I read the lengthy list of "things undesirable." I neared the end of the list without a suggestion of anything of a religious nature. But alas, the last line read thus: "No God-Botherers." I am not sure if I laughed out loud, but I was bursting with amusement. I did not leave a magazine, but as I walked on I felt a little glow of pride when I realised I am indeed a God-Botherer,! I "bother" Him all the time, and He loves it, He would have it to be so. I trust you know exactly what I mean!  

The Realised Presence of the Lord 

With the dawning of a new Lords' Day, as is our wont, my wife Bernice and I gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus, claiming His presence in the midst. As ever in His infinite grace and faithfulness, He did not disappoint us. Moreover as on every occasion, since our local Assembly closed the doors to the Gospel Hall immediately upon the introduction of the first lock-down, we knew the wonderful help and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our expressions of worship, both audible (mine) and silent (Bernices'); He indited the words addressed to the Father concerning the Son of His love, as we told Him of "all His glory," and "announced His death" once more ere "He come." 

I know that many of my fellow believers will be unhappy with our "custom," but I have felt more and more assured that we have acted aright. If the Lord Jesus has so graced us with His presence and the Spirit of God composed our worship how can it be otherwise?

We make no boast in this matter, but approach this sublime provision for the "twos and threes" who gather thus to His name; always endeavouring to come with our hands full as consecrated, and our baskets full in thanksgiving; if He will never "empty."

I would appeal to every believer, everyone who loves Christ, to seize "every favourable opportunity" to worship Him and serve to Him, that He may be rejoiced and glorified.     

His Presence - A Poem

His presence "in the midst,"

Such blessing fraught with bliss,

Can I forgo this feast and miss

Himself? His longing tones resist?

His presence "in the midst,"

E'en two or three may claim,

Just two or three who love the Lord,

And gather to His Name.

His presence "in the midst,"

What privilege sublime

To gaze upon with unveiled face,

My Saviour so divine.

His presence "in the midst,"

The One without compare,

The Son of God, the Son of Man,

His glories I declare.

His presence "in the midst,"

My love would full know,

As bowed at His pierced feet,

My worship I bestow.

His presence "in the midst,"

My languid love eclipsed,

My feeble worship shamed,

Yet joyed His heart unchanged.

His presence "in the midst,"

Responsive love will raise,

While head, heart, knee, all bow,

In reverential praise.     

"Remember Me" - A Poem

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

As graciously He broke the Bread,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"The Cup bespeaks My life-blood Shed."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

Whilst prostrate on the Ground,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

In anguish deep, Profound.

"Remember Me," the Saviour said, 

When hanging on the Tree,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"I did all this for Thee."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"Myself now risen from the Dead,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

The Churches' Lord and glorious Head.

"Remember Me," the Saviour Said,

As death sweeps through the World,

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"Thus let My saving Word be Heard."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"For I am with thee to the End,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"I, thy Beloved and thy Friend."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"No matter what betide,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"My Word must be thy Guide."

"Remember Me," the Saviour said

"Let nothing bid thee," "nay,"

"Remember Me," the Saviour said,

"Until My "coming" Day."