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No.

2.

AUCKLAND,

N.Z., FEBRUARY,

1907.

TWOPENCE.

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~~= OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE ~~

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HITHERTO our annual gatherings have been characterised by the spice of variety, and this Conference has been no exception to the rule. The passage of the year generates some fresh topic which calls for collective consideration, and yields opportunity for the exercise of the wisdom of the Conference. At the present assembly new topics were discussed, and the results reached were attained with quite remarkable unanimity. We believe that all who were present returned to their homes feeling that the time had been well spent, and that the Conference of 1907 had its own features of interest which would make it stand out from those of former years, and that it had yielded no small amount of help and encouragement to all who took part in it. Our list of visitors was not so large as on former occasions. No representative from the Southern Churches was able to be present, and we were not favoured by any Australian friends who could give us cheer by their presence. But we were heartily glad to see some of the old friends who came to us from districts nearer home, and who assisted to make our Conference both interesting and profitable. Our programme had arranged for a picnic on January 1st to Pine Island. The long spell of beautiful weather we had enjoyed did not allow for thc possibility of this being prevented, but the rain came on, and fell so heavily and so continuously that the excursion was quite out of the question. Those who ventured down to the wharf, "to see if others went," afterwards adjourned to the church building in West Street, and arranged to have the day there. Word was sent to others, and, in the course of the afternoon, several of the friends wended their way to the building, and engaged in the conversation and games going on.

Advantage was taken of the opportunity for the le iding brethren in the Association to have an informal meeting, which, ill! some fashion, helped to prepare for a part of the following day's proceedings. 'I'he social continued until eight o'clock' in the evening, and then it was judged wise to close .the proceedings, that all might have no excuse for late attendance at the meeting on the morrow morning. MORI I
G

SESSION.

On January 2nd the Conference commenced its duties under the presidency of Bro. T. Eo Wilcock. All joined in singing" All Hail the Power of Jesu's Name," and the following prayer earnestly besought the Divine blessing and guidance upon the deliberations to follow. The roll of delegates was called. Amongst these was Bro. 'I'aylor, of the Thames; Bro. Cameron, of Helensville; Bro. J enkin, of Ahuroa ; Bro. Aldridge represented 'I'imaru, and Bro. Grigg was expected to represent Dunedin, but he was unable to be present. The President then gave his opening address:DEAR BRETHREN IN CONFERENCE ASSEM:BLED,-It is my pleasant duty to welcome you heartily to this Conference. It is a great pleasure to me to see so many present who have grown grey in the service of this cause. It is also a pleasurc to see present the young men and women who are taking their place in this important work. I fecl personally grateful to Almighty God that we have bccn spared another year, and that we are now met together in strength of body and vigour of mind to consider. once again the progress of the past and! the hope for the future. At the close of last Conference we were somewhat enthusiastic regarding the prospects

18

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

FEBRUARY,1907.

laid before us. A~brief and effective policy for the incoming year was laid down! by the Executive as soon as it got to work. It was early recognised that to carry on any effective labour more money was required. We adopted a plan, ineffectively tried heretofore, to reach a wider circle by means of mission boxes. A number of the sisters in West Street Church sympathised with our plan, and willingly agreed to become collectors. The fund thus inaugurated has resulted in a sum equivalent to one pound per week. The inauguration of this successful scheme encouraged us in our desire to send out a man, as urged at our last Conference. We considered that our Bro. Taylor would be the most suitable man to send in response to the request that came to us from Dunedin. That Church stated what it could promise towards a year's salary, and we agreed to supplement that. After these preliminary arrangemeruts, a deputation was sent to interview Bro. Taylor, who, upon consideration of the matter, could not see his way to enter upon this field. Our Dunedin friends were disappointed, and, after a time, they made a request for the services for a time of Bro. Aldridge. This was laid before the West Street Executive, with the result that a three months' visit was arranged, and good work was done. It will remain for this Conference to see how this work can be continued. I will press upon you to-day the importance of the message sent by Paul to Thessalonica, that to us is "entrusted this gospel." I feel a certain amount of responsibility is resting upon me, and I desire you to realise that the responsibility also rests upon you. If we carry on this work with a single eye to the glory of God, it will not be task work, but our responsibility will become pleasurable activities, and we shall enter with joy into the service to which God has called us. I pray that our business this day may redound to the honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom we serve. The Secretary read the minutes of the last Conference, which were confirmed. This was followed by the
SECRETARY'S REPORT.

owing to the very few in Taranaki who could be present at the proposed Conference, it was decided to abandon the project. The unsatisfactory state of the funds of the Association called for our consideration, and, after a long discussion, it was decided to recommence with renewed energy the system of collection by means of boxes, which were to be placed in the homes of sympathisers. This was started, and up to the present has proved a great success, the result being an income of about 1 per week, which is really about double the amount we considered would likely be obtained in this way; and at this juncture I would record the thanks of the Executive to all those who have subscribed to our funds in this WI1.y,"nil also to the sisters who have so kindly acted as collectors. At our next meeting a letter was read from the Dunedin Church, and its tone was a familiar one, viz., "Send someone to help us." Bro. Taylor, of the Thames, was mentioned, and a deputation was appointed to interview our brother, but without success; as he could not see his way to accept of the offer made. MW-WINTER MEETING.-We held our Mid-Winter Meeting on the 8th August. These meetings are held primarily for the purpose of keeping the Association and its claims and work before the people. There was a fair attendance. The programme consisted of a solo, a recitation, and one or two items by the choir, and two addresses, one from Bro. White, and one from Bro. Aldridge, followed by short responsive talks from the audience. The Association has under offer from a brother the sum of 1 per week for twelve months, to be used to assist in the support of a travelling evangelist. We regret, however, that up to the present we have not been able to take advantage of this money,. but hope that soon we may be able to avail ourselves of our brother's very generous offer. Our Editor, Bro. Aldridge, has just returned from a three months' visit to the Dunedin Church, and during his absence the STA'NDARD was left in the hands of Bro. Emest Aldridge. and to him we record our thanks. As soon as possible after our brother's return we held a meeting, at which he gave a verbal report of the work in the Southern city, and impressed upon us the necessity to follow up as quickly as possible the work which he had just left. Anxious to do what we could, and, if possible, to strike while the iron was hot, we made another attempt to find the much-wanted man, but without success. A deputation was appointed to interview Bro. Chas. Garratt, in order to find out what his feelings were in regard to taking up evangelistic work, and he replied that, after a careful and prayerf'ul consideration of the matter, he could not see any indication that he should take up the work, and at the same time feeling his inability, and the call for his labours in another corner of the vineyard. BIRKDALE.-"Ve continue to take advantage of the third Sunday of each month to hold a meeting (unsectarian) in the School room, where we get fair attendances. These services bring us the sum of 4 per annum. HELENSVILLE.-The meetings at Helensville have also been continued during the year without intermission. ALEX. PAGE, Secretary.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS, There has just closed one of the busiest years experienced by your Executive for some considerable time, and although we cannot report having done great things, we have done the best we could to further the cause of our Association. Our efforts have not brought about the results which we could have desired. but we feel that our endeavours have not been lost, and that the over-ruling hand of the Almighty has been with us. Your Executive got to work early, the first meeting being held on the 18th January. The first business which met us was the consideration of a letter from Waihi Church. requesting a periodical visit from Bro. Aldridge. This we laid before the Auckland Church, with the desired result. At that same meeting a letter was read from Bro. Green, of New Plymouth, suggesting that a conference be held at Easter in Taranaki, with a view to the spread of the Truth in that province. We approved of the suggestion, and four of our number volunteered their presence and assistance should it eventuate. The brethren in New Plymouth, however, did not meet with the encouragement which they expected from the outlying districts, and your Secretary, being in New Plymouth early in March, was instructed to report to the Executive that

The Treasurer's balance-sheet was read, and some questions relating to items appearing therein were put, and a short discussion took place upon the payment of fares for preachers visiting Helensville, Bro. Bunker, the Mission Secretary, read a statement of receipts from Mission Boxes. The President gave a statement as to the origin of this fund, and the objects to which the Executive arranged it should be applied. He stated that 5 of this sum had been applied to the STANDARDliabilities. Now it was for the Conference to determine how this fund should apply in future. Bro. Green moved that all returns from Mission Boxes shall be allocated to General Account, and used

FEBRUARY,1907.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
During the year the Word has again been faithfully proclaimed both morning and evening, and some good results have followed. Our Bro. Aldridge has held services at the Thames, Waihi, and Duned in. At the latter place he laboured for three months, and. we believe, with beneficial results. During his absence at the above places several brethren have very efficiently conducted the services at West Street. Since our last report, death has laid its unrelenting hand upon two of the household of faith. Five have been immersed and received into fellowship, and six from sister churches have received the right hand of fellowship. This gives a gain to the' Church of nine members, making the total number on the Church roll to three hundred and forty-eight (348). The Bible Class has been well attended, and great interest has been taken in the subjects brought before it, producing an interchange of thought to the benefit of all present. Fully trusting our Heavenly Father for guidance in the future, as in the past, and praying for still greater blessings in the proclamation of the truth of Life only in Christ, On behalf of the Church, Yours in the faith, W, GIBSON, Secretary. 10. Ponsonby Road, January 2, 1907.

from time to time as the Executive shall deem advisable. After some discussion this was adopted, with the proviso that not more than 20 per cent. should be taken for STANDARDaccount. Bro. A. Smith then read the
PUBLISHER'S REPORT.

DEAR BRETHRENAND SISTERS, The last year has been productive of nothing very startling in the publishing department. VVehave succeeded in get ting the monthly issue posted generally well up to time, and although some mistakes. and blunders have been made, yet the subscribers, on the whole, have been, I think. well served. One thing which has given trouble in the past has been that subscribers, when changing their address, do not give sufficient instructions, and so confusion arises. If subscribers would include old address, name, and new address, it would save us trouble. But the worst trouble of all is, when the subscriber changes his address, and six months afterwards the Postal authorities notify us by a return that he is "Gone, no address." "Ve have had in this way the usual .number of losses during the year. Also. we have had to re-register with the P.O. officials our paper, which is now accepted by them as a magazine. The Postal authorities discovered that, registered as a newspaper, it was evading the Id. postal rate charged outside of the colony, and notified us accordingly. This increased the cost of postage by about 10s. per issue, thus bringing up our monthly bill to 36s.-a serious item to us. After some correspondence by our Secretary. the P.O. accepted the paper as a magazine, so putting us legally on our old footing of a halfpenny per copy within and without New Zealand. The usual figures of our monthly issue are as follows:Sent to the Thames .. 50 Sent to Auckland Auxiliary .. 160 Poated to Auckland and Suburbs 72 232 Posted within New Zealand 365 154 Posted to Australia .. Posted to Great Britain 40 Posted to America .. 22 Posted to other places 7 870 Of this number, 20 are on the free list Left on hand . 130 1,000

-----Hope Street, 23, 1906. To THE CONFERENCE ASSEMBLED: Dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ,-On behalf of the Church meeting in Stuart Street Hall, I am asked to convey to you its hearty Christian greetings, and to wish you God's blessing and guidance in your deliberation in conference, and throughout the coming year. We are sorry that the Church is unable to be represented by one of our own members, but as Bro. Grigg was with us for some time, and is pretty well acquainted with our affairs, we have asked him to represent us. The Church feels its indebtedness to the Auckland Church for the great help they have rendered us by the recent visit of our esteemed Bro. Aldridge. We feel that his visit and earnest work has done much good in teaching and strengthening the Church and enlightening others who have attended our meetings. We had the pleasure of baptising into Christ four on the last Sunday our brother was with us, two of whom were received into Church fellowship this morning, a brother and a sister, and we trust others may follow. This addition brings our membership to thirty. Considering the adverse circumstances we have passed through during the year, we are thankful to God that we are still bound together in the bond of love and fellowship. We regret having lost during the year six, at least, from our little number. This has weakened our working staff, and made the work more arduous for others; but, with God's blessing and help, we shall continue to do what we can to hold up the banner of Life to the perishing, waiting and hoping that help will eventually come. We held forty-eight meetings in all during Bro. Aldridge's visit. These meetings, as on every other occasion, increased in interest and numbers as we neared the end of the mission, and it has further borne out two things: first, that the visit is far too short, and that success would sure to follow a longer stay. Our experience has always been that just as our brother begins to get the ear and move the hearts of the people, he is compelled to leave us. Nevertheless, we are pleased and thankful for the help he has rendered us by his wonderful knowledge and powerful exposition of the Word of God. We thank God and congratulate the Auckland Church in having such a powerful exponent and teacher of God's truth. Our Bro. N eilson has returned from Auckland and broke bread with us this morning. We had very good meetings both morning and evening. We still hope and pray that if it is God's will someone may be touched with the desire to hold up the banner of "Life only in Christ" in our' city. Wishing you all a" Happy and prosperous New Year," I remain, on behalf of the Church, Yours in Christ, S. LAWRENCE, Secretary. Dunedin, December

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In closing my report, let me add the thanks of the Publisher and this Association is due to those members of the Christian Band who so freely and constantly have helped during the past year in the issue of our paper. Yours faithfully, W. A. SMITH.

.-

..

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The Book Steward's was read and adopted.

report was next called for, and

Church reports were read in the following order:REPORT FROM THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, STREET, AUCKLAND. WEST

To

THE CONFERENCEOF THE NEW ZEALANn EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION,ASSEMBLEn: GREETINGS.

Dear Brethren,-It is with grateful hearts that we return thanks to our Heavenly Father for His watchful care and continued grace and blessings during the past twelve months .. As in the preceding year we could not count many accessions to our membership, so this year we have the same story to relate; but we are thankful that some progress has been made, in spite of the manifest universal indifference to the worship of God.

20

==============0=============-=========-ANNUAL REPORT, TIMARU OHUROH. To OUR BRETHREN OF LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH IN OONFERENCE ASSEMBLED: GREETING. Again, by the grace of God, we are permitted to forward to you our Annual Report, which we have pleasure in doing by the hand of our esteemed Brother Aldridge, whom we desire should represent us at Oonference, it being impossible for any of us to get away at present. 'We also desire that he should convey to you the expression of our heartfelt Ohristian love and greetings. We most earnestly pray that you may have the special help and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all your deliberations, and that rich and abundant blessing may be the outcome of your gathering together, that not only may God's people be blessed, but His name be glorified. Regarding ourselves, we have not much to report, save that, though few in number, we realise in some measure oar responsibility in regard to the precious truths we hold and love, and therefore strive to "hold fast that which we have, that no man take our crown." And although we have no ability for public preaching amongst us, yet we desire to remember "whose we are and whom we serve." True, our testimony may be feeble, but it is not the less sincere, and so we watch and look and wait, every year and every day bringing us nearer to the coming of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Ohrist. And so, as "we watch and wait," we have the comforting assurance of Scripture that "Everyone that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." God grant that it may have its purifying effect on us all. The particulars that we have to present to you are few. Our present number on the roll is ten (one more than last year), owing to our aged Sister Fairbourn having returned in the early part of the year to again reside amongst us. The only meeting we are able to maintain is our Sunday morning Fellowship Meeting. This we still value and appreciate, and are thankful to be still able to meet in the Sophia Street Hall, as heretofore. Truly it is not man's eToquence that keeps us together. It is nothing short of God's Word and its verities. These meetings have been well maintained throughout the year, and occasionally we have had a visitor, but not often. Financially we get along all right, as shown by the balance-sheet presented at the Annual Meeting on December 13th, the cash receipts for the year being 1 Is. 9d. over and above the expenditure. Finances never give us any serious trouble. What we want is a good preacher to set forth our views of Bible Truth, and if the Association could obtain that boon for us we will always do our best to help them to finance such a project. Wishing you all a truly Happy and Prosperous New Year, and that you may have a pleasant and helpful time at Oonference, I remain. yours in the Faith, of the Church at 'I'imaru,

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

FEBRUARY,1907. ---=_

who, by the way, is a daughter of our old and tried friend, William Duthie, of Onehunga. On Friday, December 7th, our young brother and sister were buried with Ohrist in the waters of Baptism. We are hoping that their example in following the command of the Master may influence others who may be hesitating to take the same step. Our Sunday School has grown during the year, and we now number forty scholars in three classes. After the holidays we think we must make four classes. Bro. Foster continues, as heretofore, to visit Waikino once a month, where united services are held in the Victoria Hall. and, generally, Our brothel' has a fair congregation to listen to him. We are arranging for a weekly Bible Olass to be held, when we hope to get into closer touch with each other and more knowledge of our Master. During the year we have been favoured with two visits from our Bro, Aldridge. Needless to say, these visits are always appreciated, and we beg herewith to convey our thanks to the Association and the Auckland Church for his services. We regret not having had our Bro. Taylor, from the Thames, but we intend (D.V.) to claim a visit from him at an early date. Our finances for the year show only a few shillings credit balance over actual working expenses. D. DONALDSON, Secretary.

On behalf

HENRY H. KING, Secretary. December, ANNUAL 1906. REPORT OF CHUROH ENDING DEOEMBER OF OHRIST. 23, 1906. WAIHI,

Bro. Cameron, of Helensville, gave a verbal report of the Church meeting in that township. He described the town as having a moving population, but the evening service always attracted a fair number of attendants. There are fifteen members on the roll, and the Sunday School has sixty-five children. He believed that number could be doubled if a larger supply of teachers could be secured. A preacher from West Street came up once a month, and the visits were appreciated. Some time ago two sections of land were gi ven to the Church, and now an attempt was being made to secure sufficient funds to erect a building suitable for church and school purposes. Bro. J enkins, of Ahuroa, gave a few words commendatory of the work at Helensvile, testifying that it was worthy of the countenance and support of the Association. He considered that work attempted in that district would not only benefit the settlements in that part, but would also enrich the Association. The fields are white unto the harvest. Bro. White also testified to the great encouragement received by the preachers visiting Helensville, and said that one pleasing feature in connection with the meeting there was the number of young people that attend. Bro. Taylor, Thames: Our Helensville brethren will not feel hurt at what I am going to say. I cannot understand why there is always the item of travelling expenses to be met. In every case where I have instituted country work the offerings have always covered the travelling expenses. I believe there is good work being done in Helensville, but I beg the brethren there to feel that they ought to bear the expenses of the preacher's visit. Somebody has to find the means. Bro. King: We are dependent upon the people who meet here, and we find it necessary to ask them for the supplies to meet our own expenses, and also the cost of the Helensville expenses when we send a preacher. Bro. Cameron, in reply, pointed out that the rnem-

DEAR BRO. PRESIDENT, BRETHREN AND SISTERS, I have much pleasure in reporting that we have maintained our little meeting during the year. We have had times of discouragement, but are thankful to say we have also had much encouragement. Our meeting for fellowship and the breaking of bread has been a source of strength and benefit to the few who have attended. Our evening meetings for proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus the Ohrist have been attended in a manner that, on the whole, has given us much encouragement. Bro. J. Foster has discharged the duties of Evangelist in a faithful manner, and has always, except when on the monthly visit to Waikino, been found of a Sunday evening at his post of duty. . Perhaps the most pleasing and encouraging thing for the whole year. both to Bro. Foster and everyone of us, was the confession of Christ by our Bro, VV. Hood, and his wife Mary,

FEBRUARY,

1907.

THE

BIBLE STANDARD.

21

bers were not of a rich class, most of them being gumdiggers, who did not get much money. He felt that he could not say to them, "You must give more." Some discussion then ensued on the proposed church building at Helensville, and the basis of the proposed union between the churches represented in that meeting. This matter was adjourned to a later stage of the Conference, to allow of the election of officers. The following letter of greeting was read:HJNDMARSH PLACE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

indicated how greatly his efforts to instruct the brotherhood are appreciated. His topic wasTHE CHURCH AND THE WORLD.

December 22, 1906. To

'l'HE CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT AUCKLAND IN ASSEMBLED, OUR HEARTY GREETINGS. CONFICRENCE

We Christians with like precious faith with yourselves in the coming of our Lord and life only in Him, express our sympathy with you in sending out the glad tidings of God's salvation to all parts of your land, and we long for the day when you will be able to help us in this department of the work. We are grateful to the Lord for the blessings we are receiving from the ministry of His Word. Since the return of our Pastor eleven have been added by confession and baptism, and we still pray the Lord to further the good work with us and yourselves. On behalf of the Church here, I would like to thank al) those who so royally entertained our Pastor and his wife, and made their holiday so pleasant and enjoyable while in your wonderland. 'Ve were pleased to have them back renewed in health and vigour. With kindest regards to the brethren in Conference assembled, I am, yours in the Faith,
JOHN VVILLlAMS,

Hon. Sec. H.P.C.C. Richard Street, Hindmarsh, S.A.

The following officers were chosen to form the Executive for 1907 :-President, Bro. Wileock ; Vice-Presidents, Bros. C. B. King and L. E. Falkner; Secretary, Bro. Page; Publisher, Bro. A. Smith; Editor, Bro. G. Aldridge; Book Steward, Bro. E. H. Falkner ; Advertising Agent and Mission Secretary, Bro. Bunker; Committee, Bros. Phipps, Skeates, and White. Considerable discussion arose as to the method of nomination of officers, a proposal that the outgoing Executive should nominate the officers at each Conference for the ensuing year being lost. Nearly all present at the morning session remained and partook of the excellent lunch provided by some of the sisters. A short time elapsed before the 'commencement of the afternoon session, and this was availed of for interesting social talk amongst the visitors and the local brethren.
AFTERNOON SESSION.

At two o'clock the Conference again assembled, the attendance being increased by some who came specially to hear the papers and discussions. At the request of the President, Bro. C. B. King occupied the chair. After the opening exercises, and a few words from the Chairman, Bro. C. C. Brown was called up to read his paper. He was received with a hearty applause, which

Onn existence as an Association is justified by the fact that a careful study of the Word of truth has compelled us to reject much that is commonly held by other Christian folk. We do not speak evil of Christian brethren who still believe that which we regard to be false'doctrine, but we regret what we consider to be their deplorable departure from the faith as it was once delivered to the saints. We expose and oppose some venerable doctrines of their theology in order that we may establish in- their rightful position of supremacy some more venerable doctrines of Holy Scripture. For instance" the doctrines of Resurrection, the Second Advent, and Immortality in Christ, are not only as old as Christianity itself, but they are essential and integral parts of the Divine system. They are truths which lie at the very heart of revelation, and if, therefore, they are belittled or forgotten or ignored, the way is instantly opened for something that is new to creep in-something which, being new, is of course false. The old truth of the Second Advent is displaced, and the new error of " the conversion of the world by the Church" takes its place; the old fact of man's mortality is set aside, and the fiction of "man's immortality" is received in its stead; and the old belief in the resurrection of the dead is made of none effect by the assertion that" the life of the soul survives the death of the body." When we look around on the various sects and divisions of Christianity, with their extraordinarily varied creeds, from Roman Catholicism on the one hand to Plymouth Brethrenism on the other, what conclusion can any reasonable man come to respecting them except that -whatever be their origin-they are all to-day, to a large extent, merely human institutions? From one end of Christendom to the other all is confusion. The divergences of thought and action are beyond computation. Christendom is at present known quite as much by its quarrels as by its agreement. And it is confessed on every hand that uniformity of creed and practice is a consummation never likely to be attained. In saying this we are not attacking the Churches or seeking their overthrow. With all their faults, they are part of the machinery by which men are being led from the lower to the higher, and are used by God to that end. Our contention simply is, that no ecclesiastical corporation, Papal or Protestant, and no brotherhood of professed disciples of Jesus has any right to appropriate to itself the high and honourable designation of "The Church." The visible Church, as viewed by heathendom, is a shattered thing, broken beyond repair. Nothing can now restore Christianity to its original state. One of the last reported words of Ernest Renan was this: "There is nothing that I know, no power I know, that can save what I conceive to be Christianity from its fast-approaching decease." And he was perfectly right. We cannot

tar

22

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

FEBRUARY, 1907.

hide away, and we cannot explain away, the fact that many of our Churches, if they are not dead, are practically dying. Not a few Churches to-day are little better than means, agencies, for providing godless people with amusement. The institutional Church has been devised with the hope that the world may be brought into the Church. And we read how, in influential circles, a scheme has been devised by which Church and stage may be brought close together. We repeat, we do not decry any scheme by which mankind may be helped and cheered, but we demur to such societies calling themselves by the name of Church-which is the word universally used to indicate a corporate body consisting of professed disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is impossible to read the New Testament with attention, without perceiving that it contains pictures of a visible and an invisible, a nominal and a real Church. Things are said of the nominal which are inapplicable to the real, and of the real which cannot be affirmed of the nominal. Unless this distinction be kept in mind, a clear idea of the Church of Christ, which is His body, cannot be realised; but it is of the utmost importance both for doctrine and practice that we realise this idea. There is a Church of God and of Christ in the world, but assuredly it is not of it. There is a holy community, inhabited by the Holy Spirit, whose members are scattered among the several nominal Churches. The servant of Christ is a member of the true and invisible Church of the first-born, and he does not forfeit his membership even though he does not belong to any visible earthly Church. It is the (to us) invisible-not the visible-Church that is the real object of God's regard and love. But we may go a step further, and say that the true Church has not yet fully come into existence. Our Lord has not yet finished building His assembly (Matt. xvi. 18), the living Temple has not yet ceased growing (Eph. ii. 19, 22), the Christ has not yet presented to Himself His ecclesia all glorious and complete (Eph. v. 25-27). This Church, the body of Christ, complete, glorified, revealed, is not yet in being. The word" Church" is never used in apostolic writings to denote the definite organisation into one community of the scattered local assemblies of any country or continent. We never read of the Church of Asia, the Church of .Iudrea, the Church of Macedonia. It is always the churches of Asia, Judsea, Macedonia, etc. (1 Cor. xvi. 19; 2 Cor. viii. 1; Gal. i. 22). It is true, the apostle sometimes wrote of "the Church of God" (Gal. i. 13), but this was a comprehensive way of referring to the Lord's people as a whole. There seems to be a marvellous resemblance between the Jewish Church of ancient times and the Christian Church of later days, both as regards their decline and the manner in which each is dealt with by God. Both, it may be said, started well, and both began to fall away with melancholy rapidity, while in both there were yet numerous individuals who remained faithful to their

God. Both of these became more or less heathenised, and, just as theJ ewish Church was eventually rejected and cast away, so-the apostle Paul threatens (Rom. xi. 22)shall end the Christian Church should it become apostate. Both Jewish and Christian Churches went astray . much in the same way, viz., by adopting heathen doctrines and heathen customs. The pure and simple worship of J ehovah was soon corrupted when the Jewish Church intermarried with the idolatrous nations of Canaan, and the worship of the idols of Canaan was taken up and adopted. In like manner the pure and simple belief of the Christian Church gradually became adulterated by the infusion of the teachings of heathen Gentile philosophers, until to-day the intermixture has become socomplete that the simple soul has difficulty in knowing what is of Christ and what is of Plato. Instead of relying upon facts and principles, as did the early Church, Christianity came to rest more upon words and definitions. But the day of creeds, confessions, and catechisms is clearly drawing rapidly to its close, and when we see subscription to the Thirty-nine Articles relaxed in England, the revision of the Westminster Confession and Catechism decided on in Scotland, and even what is called" The Apostles' Creed" objected to in some quarters, we may well take comfort that all that is really vital in Christianity is contained in facts and principles, and not in any human theories we may construct and believe. And these "facts and principles" we find clearly set forth in the Bible-which Book we, as an Association, believe to be "inspired of God." We must never forget, for it is a ground of immovable assurance and consolation, that Christianity is not Christ. Christianity is one thing, the Gospel, or the Christian revelation, is another. The Gospel is, as to its great truths, always the same. But Christianity is the building raised up on the Gospel foundation, and this building may be, and, indeed, must be, very variously con-. structed.. And the construction will vary in worth of material and in power of endurance, according to Paul's well-known illustration in his first epistle to the Corinthians (iii. 10-15). Christ is one, true and unchangeable, but a man's Christianity, a family'S Christianity, a nation's Christianity, may at any time be proved to be inconsistent and untrue, and liable to and needing change. As each age and country has its own fashion, so every Christian man and every Christian body has its own man's fashion of following Christ. It is no pleasant task to dwell upon the dark side of a great subject, but it is better to know the truth, even though it may disturb fond notions which are derived from the ecclesiastical atmosphere which surrounds us. How many there are who hold certain views simply because they belong to one particular ecclesiastical community and associate themselves with its general belief, without ever having made any personal investigation as. to the correctness or otherwise of such belief. There is a Church of God and of Christ in the world,

FEBnUABY,

1907.

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23

but assuredly it is not of the world. What is the Church? The apostles speak of it as a stranger and a pilgrim on earth; they say that its members are citizens of a better country, that the Church is the temple of the Holy SpiritWe hear a great deal at the present time about the union of the Church and the world-that the world is to be brought into the Church. The idea of the fusion of the two is a very general and popular one. The Church is to adapt itself to the requirements of the age, and its teachings to be such that" men of the world" may find that, after all; there is not so much difference between the one and the other as has for so long been mistakingly thought. Jesus is spoken of as if He had been a Socialist, and His teachings anticipatory of and preparation for a sort of commune, in which social wrongs will be righted, and fraternity, equality and liberty be enjoyed by all mankind. As an Association, we have no leanings towards such a view. On the contrary, if we rightly read our Bible, the exact opposite is the truth. Our Lord claimed to be . King, and, moreover, a King wielding absolute and uncontrolled power. Democracy and Republicanism are not from heaven, however necessary and helpful they may be at the present moment for the wellbeing of mankind, who have suffered and groaned under the oppression of the aristocrat and the monarch. But our Lord's claim to be a King was absolutely rejected by the world as it then existed. Monarch, Aristocrat, Democrat, as represented by the crafty Herod, the proud Pharisees, the ignorant mob, joined hands, and with one voice declared their enmity to God's appointed King. And every generation since has approved and applauded the act of these misguided men. Whether or no the world and the Church may one day become united in an unholy marriage is a speculation we do not now stay to enter upon, but it is quite certain that the uiorld will never be the bride of Christ. Let us speak gently and regretfully. Not in any spirit of Pharisaism or of glad antagonism to the world do we say this, but simply state this as our belief, because the LOTd Jesus Ohrist Himself said so. On the night in which He was betrayed He spoke those touching words which are recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of the Gospel according to John. Read them, and it is manifest that Jesus stands on one side and the worlcl on the other. "The world hateth Me . . . Because I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. . . . I will send the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive. . . If ye were of the world, the worlcl would love its own. . I pray not for the world. They are not of the world. . . . Because I go away the world will rej oice." W ere it a Scriptural revelation that the Church and the worlcl shall presently become one in gracious thought, holy action, and in loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ, no Association of Christians would receive the welcome news more gladly than should we. But the Scripture distinctly states the reverse. To the end of the chapter-to the close of this

dispensation-Christ and the world remain in antagonism. Not that our Merciful Lord is antagonistic. He died for the sins of the whole world, so the way is open for the salvation of every child of Adam born, if all Adam's children will only ask for mercy. Hear Christ's yearning cry over Jerusalem, which we may take to represent His pity on the whole world: "0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, and ye would not." Ye would not. Christ is willing, but the world is not. And two cannot walk together except they be agreed. And the sin-loving world will never link itself to a sin-hating Jesus and say, " Do Thou be our Friend and Guide." I repeat, we say this, not exultingly nor haughtily, as if we, in ourselves, are superior to the world. Each of us once belonged to the world, and if we are escaping from its sins and the wrath which will surely come upon it, it is only because of the exercise of Divine mercy toward ourselves. If we differ, we remember who made us to differ (1 Cor. iv. 7) ; we are "sinners being saved by grace." And our attitude towards that world of which we once were citizens cannot be better expressed than in the language of that pathetic paragraph in Bunyan's "Pilgrim's-Progress" concerning what the pilgrims saw from the Delectable mountains. The shepherds "bade .them look afar off, and they saw several men walking up and down among the tombs, and they perceived that the men were blind, because they stumbled upon the tombs, and could not get out from among them." And when it was explained to the pilgrims that it was Giant Despair of Doubting Castle who had put out their eyes and left them to wander sightless to that very day, that the saying of the wise men might be fulfilled, He that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead, "then Christian and Hopeful looked upon one another, with tears gushing out, but yet said nothing to the shepherds." The pilgrims, Christian and Hopeful, remembered that they themselves had likewise been prisoners in Doubting Castle, and only by God's mercy had escaped ere their eyes had been put out, and were filled with gratitude to find themselves free and journeying to the Celestial City instead of being blind wanderers till they died among the tombs of the dead. They said nothing to the shepherds about their miraculous deliverance, but their tears were tears of sympathy and pity for the blind ones in their captivity and misery-tears of thankfulness for their own escape. We do not question the benevolence, the high principle, the sincere wish to do God service which animates many believers who take part from generous and philanthropic motives in trying by political and social means to improve the world. We would notlift a little finger to hinder any such effort. For, after all, the utmost efforts put forth to ameliorate the ills and remove the sufferings of the untold millions of each generation are but as a few drops of healing balm poured upon countless sores. We pray God's blessing upon every man and woman who seeks the welfare of mankind. And such

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service is not unacceptable to God. "To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction " is coupled with" and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (J ames i. 27). If such loving kinclness is done as man to man, well and good, but if the proclaimed intention is that by such philanthropic efforts the world is to be redeemed to God and the Kingdom of God established on earth, then we join issue at once, and say, "Brethren, you have forgotten your high calling, you are losing sight of the purposcs of God, you are striving for that which our Lord Himself .said will never be, you are denying the royalrights of Jesus thc Son of God. Your high calling, brethren, is to have been delivered from the present evil world, the purpose of God is that till the time of harvest tares and wheat grow together, our Lord declared the world will not receive the Spirit of truth, and it is not until our Lord Himself returns from heaven that thc kingdoms of this world will become His." And here let us say that even when the world is converted it will not become amalgamated with the Church. They will till be diametrically opposed in many things. The number of the elect Church is completed at the time of the econd Advent. It is a completed Church that mects the Lord in the air. And the Church, resurrooted, immortalised, glorified, reigning with Christ, associated in the Divine government of the world, is not to be confounded with the world over which Christ and the Church are reigning. The world may be-will bemore or less sanctified, consecrated, and righteousness may abound; but the world can never even then become part of the Christian Church, neither will the Church be identified with the world. The Church is Christ's body. The world is never spoken of under the figure of " Christ's body." But God must have a purpose in selecting certain men and women out of the world and forming them into one body called "the Church." What is that purposc? God once had a Kingdom on earth. Its territory He called "My land." Its subjects He called "My people." Its metropolis He called "the city of the Great King." Its throne was" the Throne of the Lord." Its King was "J ehovah's anointed." David understood this when he said, "Thine is the Kingdom, 0 Lord" (1 Chron, xxix. 11). Where is that Kingdom now? Overturned and no l1W1e. The Hebrew nation is scattered, the land of Israel is a desolation in the hands of the Turks; the city of Jerusalem is trodden down of the G~tiles; the Kingthe Son of David-despised, rejected, crucified by His own people, is an exile, as it were, in heaven, waiting for the times of the resiiiuiioti of all things of which God hath spoken by His prophets. And pre-eminent among the things spoken of as to be restored is the Kingdom of Israel (the Kingdom of God) under the Son of David, Jesus the Christ, the King of Israel, who is also the Son of the living God. But what has this to do with God's purpose concerning His Church? In what way is the Church concern cd

in Israel's restoration and supremacy over the Gentile nations? I reply, it concerns the Church because the Church and Christ are one. Christ is the head of His body the Church. The Church is, in fact, Christ-head and members. And Christ's glory is to be the glory of the Church. "Know ye not," says Paul, " that the saints shall rule the world? Know ye not that the umighteous shall not inherit (possess as masters) the Kingdom of God?" (1 Cor. vi.). To rule the world and" inherit the Kingdom" are equivalent sayings: for the inheritors of Goel's promised Kingdom (J ames ii. 5) arc the world's future kings and rulers: "they reign upon the earth" (Rev. v. 10). Speaking for himself and fellow apostles, who had left all and followed Christ, believing Him to be Israel's I\ing, Peter asked, "Lord, what shall we have?" The Lord's reply fully and clearly states God's purposc concerning His Church. Said the Great King, "Tn the regcneration, when the Son of man hall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, ruling the twel ve tribes of Israel." Does not this promise associate the Church of God with Israel restored? Who can wonder, in view of it, that the apostles asked Jesus after He rose from the dead, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the J( ingdom to Lsraeli" Until that time shall come therc can be no Kingdom of God, no throne of David, no resurrection of the dead in Christ, no change of the living saints, no perfected salvation :01' the Church of God. Meanwhile, the faithful of every generation-living and dead-are waiting for Christ's return 'from heaven to restore again the Kingdom to Israel. This is the special privilege of living now. And this will enhance the mental pain hereafter of those who here and now reject the gracious invitation of our Lord to become His followers and members of His Church. For, following Christ now, while the worlel rejects Him, means hereafter a singular and unique honour. We are to be enthroned with Christ! What mortal mind can conceive all that is implied in such a promise? The exact words of the promise are: "He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with Me on my throne" (Rev. iii. 21). And this position of dignity, with all its magnificent opportunities for service during the eternal a.ges, is what the men and women of this generation regarcl with indifference and treat with studied contempt. They will not be identified with Christ and His people now, so they will lose the exaltation and the' wondrous joy of being identified with Him in the coming clay. If I would have part and lot with the reigning Christ, I must first of all stand by Him in this day while He is despised and rejected of men. The Church! The world! Two companies of human beings living together on earth, and so intermixed in business and social relationships that only an omniscient eye can cliscern and an orr-nipotent arm divide the one from the other. But the cleavage cometh soon, and the worlcl that now rejects the Lord's Christ must pay the

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rtHE: BIBLE STANDARb.

are one. In doing this we should see to it, while telling the world of the power of the message, that we maintain ourselves spotless amidst all the allurements of the world. 'I'hesc have led to the downfall of the reformed Church, which to-day is fallen from the high position which Luther took up. BlW. GREEX: Tracing right down the centuries, and looking at the Churches even in this colony, we see the same influences at work which wrought to the downfall of the early Church. We, who are looking to the Lord as the Life-Giver, must be careful not to rely upon the arm of flesh. 1 am afraid the unity advocated is being bough t at too dear a price. Truth is often in danger of being the-cost. As soon as any degree of unity is gainecl, there arises the danger of getting the secular arm to do the work of the Church, instead of relying on the power of the Word and the Spirit. If we take the paper to heart, we shall see that to-day, as of old, the Gospel must be the power of God unto salvation, and we must be careful not to use the arm of flesh, not to use political power, to advance the Gospel. It will not work. Only as we keep the Church separate from the world, can we do the work set for us in calling men and women for His own purpose. BRo. WHITE: As we think of the work of the orthodox Churches, which teach so much of what we regard as error, we cannot but be struck with this remarkable fcahue, that God is recognising and using these institutions for the furtherance of His own work. vVe cannot get away from the fact that, in spite of all the error, there is a vast amount of good being done. We claim to have more truth than other Church organisations, but this must be borne in mind by members of every Church, that the evil, which has been in the world ever since the creation of man, is still here. Satanic agency is manifest on every hand. The Satanic lie to Adam is still holding its own to a great extent amongst the Churches. Ernest Renan, in alluding to Jesus Christ, made the statement that He was the most remarkable man that ever lived, and that it was an utter impossibility to deny the faet that Christ lived, and that He was what He claimed to be. Christianity, I take it, can never fail, can never perish, because it is true, being founded on Jesus Chri t. Christiani ty must last so long as Christ endures. 'I'hat which is spurious may go, but even then when the dross is removed we will have the gold left. BRO. DONALDSON:I was wondering if we might apply to ourselves the advice given in the paper. Bro. Brown has pointed out the many deficiencies in bygone days, when error has crept in and truth has, for the time being, gone under. Is not the greater responsibility thrown upon us who have a larger amount of truth than our less fortunate brethren, to make doubly sure that when truth is assailed we, at all events, shall be able to ring out that truth which sounded forth from the Founder of the Church and His apostles, and right down to the present day by men who have never been able to compromise with that whieh is not truth? Many lose

awful penalty of their fatal unwisdom in the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. How sad the doom of a mistaken world. And the Church! The faithful men and women of this company shall be associated with Christ in governing and ruling this earth in righteousness, and-clad in robes of imrnortali tythey shall reign for ever and ever. How glorious is the rlesti nv of the Church of God! Hotorua. C. CRI P BROW:-f. BRO. E. H. FALKNJm: I think we ean add nothing to the paper; we have nothing to criticise. I thank Bro. Brown for the splendid essay, and hope it will be published as usual. (Hear, hear.) BlW.KING: Our attention is sometimes directed to churches wh ich are apparently doing evangelistic work on lines of which we do not approve; and we are sometimes incl ined to condemn the slowness, the beh ind-Ihetimes condition, of th is Church. Bro. Brown has referred us to conditions which exist in the ordinary churches of to-day, conditions which appeal to the world to associate with some religious organisation, and the effort is made by making the services attractive, to bring the people Sunday after Sunday to what are really entertaining services. The probability is that those people have not properly estimated the standing of those who are in Christ Jesus, and that we sometimes perhaps make a mistake in estimating that which is expected of us in carrying the message to the world. We should not renounce any of the dignity which rightly belongs to us as sons of God on purpose to cater to a feeling abroad in the world, that we must at all costs adopt some measure which will bring the people outside the churches into touch with the message. I have for a long time fel t that we are not called upon to go to these extreme measures and almost to degrade the Gospel through associations which are not in harmony with truth. BRO. JENKJNS: One side of the question seems not to have been brought to the front. If we look to see the cause of the downfall of the first Christians, to see where the mystery of iniquity worked in their day, we shall have something to guide us. When the Roman Empire became powerful, the churches became wealthy, both throughout Asia and at Rome itself, and as the Imperial power fell, the power of the Bishop of Rome increased, and he sought to enforce upon all the teachings of the Church of which he had been chosen to be leader. He claimed to have temporal power. In this particular, in this dalliance with the world, in not keeping itself unspotted from it, the early Church fell. The Church to-dav is said to be making progress; attention is called to its wealth and advancement. Is the Church maintaining it separateness from the things of the world? It can still proclaim, as it does, the manifold wisdom and love of God as shown through Christ to man. That is its duty. Tt should also manifest its unity, and in that we are attesting the truthfulness of Christ that we

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1907.

their usefulness because their sound is uncertain. Men of the world do not know whether the services are entertainments or something to bring men's minds away from the world and into touch with God. If we can make the application to ourselves, we shall arise to the recognition of our responsibility, that whatever truth we have we must ring it out with no uncertain sound. BRO. BROW : I thank you for the kindly reception of the paper. It becomes increasingly difficult to choose a subject to present to you. One of the boasts which Spurgeon made, and said he always would make, was that for 27 years thousands of people came to hear him morning and evening, and many were shut out, and there was no attraction inside except the preaching of the Gospel. There was a man who for a whole generation held that mass of people simply by the preaching of the Gospel, naked and unadorned, without any artifice to bring the people in, and the Spirit was working and men were saved. Amusements are being put to the front everywhere. David said, "I muse." 'I'he Church now says, "I amuse." Anyhow, those who hold the truths we hold are never likely to degenerate into that sort of thing. The Churches are being turned into theatres, and performances are given to tickle the taste of the people. Whether they belong to Christ or not is a secondary matter. Primarily, the object of the Church is the salvation of men of this world for that which is to come. Bro. A. Smith was then called upon to read his paper on " THE STANDARD and Our Work as an Association." An elaborate statistical diagram was shown upon the blackboard to enable the audience to follow the ideas presented iru the paper. Being largely statistical, we deem it best not to print this paper. It called forth, however, a vigorous discuss on, and served to give all present a clearer idea of the work, responsibilities, and finances of the Association. As an outcome of this discussion, it was decided to recommend the Executive to secure, if possible, the services of a capable man to act as colporteur evangelist. TJ:-m CLOSING SESSION. Alter tea the session was resumed and the matter of the church basis at Helensville, reserved from the morning session, came up for discussion. It was shown that, according to the Trust Deed, one Sunday in the month was to be under the full use and control of the West Street Church, and the point of difficulty was as to whether or not this arrangement could be viewed as satisfactory. It was held that inasmuch as the Church at Helensville claimed to hold with the Association on all things pertaining to man's nature and destiny, it would be consistent and only right that there should be some recognition of these things in the Deed, so that neither now nor at any future time should the brethren be called upon to support the advocacy of that which opposed these great matters of fact. Eventually a resolution was reached which recommended a consideration -of the subject by the Executive, and that the Helens-

ville Church should be conferred with to sec if some better decision could not be arrived at. After this was disposed of, the chairs were rearranged and tables were con veniently placed, and a brief and enjoyable social season was spent. At nine o'clock the meeting was brought to a close. During the whole of the sessions the spirit manifested was admirable, and though sometimes fecling ran high, yet amity prevailed, and all sought to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of love. Thus closed another annual gathering. For many years now these have been held, and at each we have sought how best to advance the message that has been entrusted to us. Hitherto we have met with hindrances to the attainment of our high aims but we press forward in faith, believing that the time will come when not only will there be open doors, but, with men and means available, we shall be able to enter in and take possession in the name of the Lord.

aeeoctanon

lRotet3.

The issue of our Conference Number of necessity shuts out some of the usual features of the paper, but the interest of the annual gathering should more than repay our readers. Our readers will do us good service if they will endeavour to get this month's paper into the hands of others, and seek to secure their annual subscription to the paper. Several numbers of the Faith. Libl"ary a 1"<) to hand, having arrived during the Editor's absence in the South. Notice wil be taken of these in the March issue. It was suggested at the Conference that the in troduction of elementary papers on the themes advocated in the STANDARDwould be a helpful thing. Already, in the papers, " Talks on Eternal Life," an attempt is being made to supply such aid. We are glad to inform our readers that a series of short, helpful papers will commence in the March issue, dealing with prophetic themes in a simple fashion, under the general heading, "Letters to a Y oung Friend on the Study of Prophecy," by "Carpus." In these, the effort will be made to meet the wishes of some who attended the Conference. Some questions of interest are to hand, for which we cannot find space this month. We expect to be able to deal with these in due course.

I believe that the reason for the standard of Christian life being so low is that we are living on stale manna. You know what I mean by that. So many people are living on their past experience-thinking of the grand times they had twenty years ago, perhaps, when they were converted. It is a sure sign that we are out of communion with God if we are talking more of the joy and peace and power we had in the past than of what we have to-day. We must "grow in grace."-D. L. Moody.

FEBRUARY,

1907.

THE

BIBLE

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27 'Rest.

'"mbat is tbe :!Life 1l)rtnctple in f1Den?

ALL

that is known, or can be known, of this matter, is

THEHE

what God Himself has been pleased to reveal by the holy men who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. What is their statement concerning the nature of man, and particularly the life principle that emanates from Him? loses said in Gen. ii. 7, "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground." Please notice that this dust formation is, at the stage of that statement, man without life. What will animate with active life this wonderful dust formation? 'I'he passage continues, "and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life"-with what result ?-"and man became a living soul." Was he a lifeless soul before and a living soul after receiving the breath of life? What is this breath of life? It is the merest assumption, without a scintilla of evidence, to say that this "breath of life" is either entity or identity. We cannot go back of the statement of this passage; we cannot expect, in going forward from this starting point, to find a single passage in the entire Bible, when properly understood, that will at all interfere with this original statement. Will mere atmospheric breath, then, reproduce life if the lungs of a dead man be inflated? Mere atmospheric breath is not the breath of life until vitalised by the life-giving power of God. This, and this only, constitutes the life principle of which we are hearing so many distracting things. It has been said by the holy men that, "With 'Thee (God) is the fountain of life;" "He giveth to all life and breath;" "Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust." Now, what is the spirit which returns to God who gave it? Why, just what God gave, of course; and all theories and arguments concerning the spirit should be governed by this simple truth. "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish." What is it to perish-cease to be? Mr. Webster says, "To come to nothing." Did it require the same vitalisation of breath by the power of God to give and sustain life in every animal organisation as in man? Let a Bible man answer: "That which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: As the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath, so that a man hath no pre-eminence above a beast; for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?" By a theological construction, Solomon is made to contradict in the 21st verse all that he said in the 19th and 20th. At this point the wise-acres always take refuge in the original language.-G EO. H. W ALLACE in W orid' s CTisis.

is something soothing in the very sound of the word. Hest! It falls upon the ear like gentlest of music.

To the toil-worn pilgrim, laboriously treading the rugged highway of life, beset at every turn by difficulties stern and unexpected, the hope of rest beyond thrills the tired soul as no other thought can do. From babyhood to the grave, life is intensely real. In infancy and youth we pursue the shadow with the same ardour and zeal that in after life we expend upon the substance. At every stage there are "battles to be fought and won"battles with self, battles with temptations, battles with hard, unyielding circumstances. Tempests thicken above our heads, thorns gather about our pathway, and disappointments keen, stinging, bitter, attend us, upon the right and upon the left, as step by step we make the journey. Oh, the woe, the wretchedness, heartache, the weariness and unrest that go to make up this fitful, feverish life! Is it any wonder that the great heart of the Infinite Father, as He looks down upon this hurrying, grieving, restless, surging tide of humanity, should throb wiLh tenderness and pity? Or, is it strange that we long for rest, even though it come by folding quiet hands above a pulseless breast? Yea, there arc moments when we long for it with a longing that is unutterable. "And so through this weary world we go, Bearing our burdens of needless woe, Carrying hearts that are heavy and slow Under their load of care; When, oh! if we only, only knew That God is tender and kind and true, And that He loves us through and through, Our hearts would be lighter than air." Can this be possible? Are we really "bearing burdens of needless woe ?" Here, though we lay the burden down sometimes, there clings to us a sense of weariness still. True; but in that blessed Book, where the case of every suffering soul is clearly represented, we read, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Dear tired ones, if we would have our pathway brighter, we must take God into our lives, as a living, loving personality. Not a far-off, divine substance, taking cognisance of us only in a general way, but our own individual Friend. Listen. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." And, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Infinite love dictated those words for our encouragement. Then let us look beyond the clouds and the darkness, beyond the unrealised ambitions and yearnings, to the actual, earnest work, the blessed possibilities, the hopes sweet and tender that are nestling in our hearts, and, above all, to that strong and abiding promise, "There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God." -CMistian at Work.

FEBRUARY, l(l07.

:fl3ooke.
BOOKS, says Thoreau, are the treasured wealth of the world, the fit inheritance of nations. The oldest and best stand rightfully on the shelves of every cottage. 'I'heir authors are a natural aristocracy in every society, and exert an influence on mankind more than kings or emperors. Two thousand summers have imparted to the monuments of Grecian literature, as to her marbles, only a maturer golden and autumnal tint, for they have carried their own severe and celestial atmosphere into all lands to protect them against the corrosion of time. A wri tten word is the choicest of relics, the work of art nearest life, not only read, but actually breathed from all human lips; not represented on canvas or in marble only, but carried out of the breath of life itself. Men read as they cipher, to serve a paltry convenience; but of reading as a noble, intellectual exercise, when the highcr faculties are alert and tip-toe, most of men know little or nothing. They sit on the lowest forms and for ever
repeat a, b, ab, n1llllching iuteliectu.l ging"rlll'eild as a

four-year-old cons his two-cent tale of Cinderella, Even 1iberally educated men have little acquaintance with English classics. We spend more on almost any article of food than on our mental aliment. It is time we had "uncommon schools," not leaving off one's education when we begin to be men and women.

and hastens to payoff his indebtedness. On the way he meets a friend, who, knowing his difficulties, and seeing him so buoyant in spirits, hails him and asks him which way? The man tells him that a friend has presented him with a bank-note sufficient to pay his debts, and he was on his way to do so. The friend says, 'Let me see your note.' He shows it to him. The friend condemns it as counterfeit-good for nothing. 'I'he man's spirit sinks within him. He is disposed to turn back; but thinks again, '1 will show it to another friend.' He does so. The second friend says, 'The note is good.' 11 is spirits are again elevated, and he proceeds onward and meets a third person, to whom he shows it. He says, 'It is a counterfeit.' The man is discouraged, and returns home and relates the whole thing to his wife. 'l'he wife says, '1 tell you, my dear, what I would do. I would take it to the cashier, and ask him; he will tell you all about it.'" By the time Father Collins got thus far, the brother caught the idea, and with extended arius 11e arose, his countenance beaming with celestial splendour, and shouted at the top of his voice, "Glory to God, my note is genuine I" -Christian Standard.

... 'Ikllll)

,We lRiglJt

of flr)'lIl.

cotuue ano tbe JJ3anhRote.

IN 1832, when the General Conference held its session in Philadelphia, Rev. John Collins spent the Sabbath in 'I'renton, N.J., and related the following anecdotes to Wm. C. Howell, Esq., with whom he put up. In a letter to me, Mr. Howell says: Father Collins, of Ohio, was a very interesting man. He was fun of anecdotes, but all were of a serious character, and calculated to profit. The only one I recollect distinctly is that of the genuine bank note. When Mr. Collins was presiding elder in Ohio, he held a quarterly meeting where the congregation was entirely new to him. At the lovefeast, a brother of timid, doubting disposition, arose and said, "Brethren, I feel to-day as though I was in doubt what to say. Sometimes I think I have religion, and then, again, I hardly know whether I have or not. I wish to be a child of God and save my soul; but I hardly know how it is with me. I should like to know what the brethren think me;" and then sat down. Brother Collins sat some time waiting for some one to reply to the brother. As no one spoke, he said he was moved, as if by inspiration, to say what follows, although he did not know when he began where he would end, viz. : "A man is in utter poverty, deeply in debt, and has nothing to pay with. He is sorely afflicted in consequence of it. He owes a thousand dollars. A friend pities him, and presents him with a bank-note sufficient to pay the whole. The man receives it with gratitude,

1 honour the man who is willing to sink Half his present repute for the freedom to think, And when he has thought, be his cause stronzb or weak , Will sink t'other half for the freedom to speakCaring nOllgbt for wh.u, vellgeallce the mob has ill store,

Be that mob the upper ten thousand or lower.

,. .

LoweU.

Ureasurer's

BcJmowlel)gments.
24, 1907.

TO JANUARY

Standard. SlIbs.-iYJesdames H. T. Garratt, Jas. Moodie Matthews, R. Gray, lV[itchell, ~fcGillivray, Vinnicombe, llobel:tson, J. Cropp, Roy Civil, Revell , Barker, E. G. Borrnann, Hawes, Dickson, :llarshman, Messrs. Crelling, F. Ba.Lard, M. r:al~~rd, W. Broadben t, D. Graha.m, Thos. Snodgrass, Fallow, N. 1. Maunder, J. P. Mayer, W. Mason, Armstrong Little .J. b'Ietchcr, J". Murray, w. H. Cla rke, 'vV. Houston, H.' Taylor; C. Daly,. W. Langclon, L. C. Hanson, J. Holland, S. Holland Geo. i)ll'stone, J. Taylor, W. Manson, W. Stout, F. S. Shearer; ~. ,\ hILb,urn, B .. H. L~nd, A. L. white, Carnpbell, W. Stoupe, 1,. Bloomfield, l!ordyce, J. R. Norne, Geo. Alclridge, vVngl~~, J. H,ansen, Duth ie, H. H. Kin,g, V\. Hodge, V,7. Berryman, 1hos." Craze, J. B. Jordan, w. E. Mason, S. Judd, J. R. Wheeler, H. Levi nge, Sherr'iff', Hampton, T. N. Baker, Joseph Mui r, G. G. ~Ienzles, E. Ling, C. Gambe, T. Oliver Worden D:wie, C. Dickinson, C. Beverley, J. McIntyre, W.' R. Carr; VV. Pear-son, H. Cropp, H. Stewart, O. Veale, F. B. Hughes, w, S. Hughes, D. Donaldson, Wm. Hood, John Moore C. Nielsen, Wm. Hales, K Bestie, A. Lang, C. Ludwig, J. Salt, Walker, Caradus, E. Williams.

p.

Associcttion B-ubs.-Nlesdames A. Page, Brewster, G. Green, Misses J3. Jessop, A. J. Green, Messrs. E. Phi pps, E. White, VV. J. wua, E. H. Falkner, ,T. Caradus, L. E. Palkner, R. M. Cameron, L. \Villcock, Cropp, W. E. Mason, S. H. Green, H. Cropp, Goode, Churches of Christ, Auckland, New Plymouth Waihi. '

FEBRUARY, 1907.

THE

BIBLE 81'ANDARD.

29
alive." "As the Father raiseth the dead and quickeneth them, even so the Son also QlilCKENETU WHOM HE WILL," and lest we should hesitate to accept the great issue here declared, it is said in confi rmation and in explanation, "For as the Father ha.th life in Himself, EVEl\ SO GAVEHE TO THE SON TO HAVE LU'E i x HIMSELF" (v. 21, 26). Yes, tbose are very telling passages, and I think it may be asked at this point, "Can it be that this eternal life of which our Lord thus often and thus solemnly speaks is not truly eternal life after all, but only a certain improved condition of life, pure and blissful indeed, but still only an attribute of the eternal life which is the portion of all men by nature 1" Yes, that is a proper question, and, for myself, I declare that such a view completely stultifies the teaching of this gospel, and makes its language the sport and plaything of any man who may desire to show his skilfulness in flndinu mean ings for Scripture terms to sUPPol1 any fanciful doctrine he may wish to put forth. In our talk together I think it may be said that we are agreed, but there is one matter on which 1 have a littlc doubt. I notice that some writers affirm 'that there is a difference betweeen "eternal life" and "immortality." They say that eternal life may be enjoyed without necessarily possessing the boon of immortality. One is " the life of the age," and thc other is the state of being" not subject to death." What is your view of this poirit ? I cannot make such a distinction. I believe it to be made in complete oversight of obvious facts. You will notice that we now possess life, but it is "temporal life," because it is possessed in mortal bodies. The state, then, in which we now are is "mortality." The life is temporal, and the state of a corruptible physical .body' in which that life is, is characterised as "mortal." Now, we have hut to carry over this to the future application to see the fact and the significance of the distinction. Eternal life is bestowed, but only in connection with an incorruptible organism. The state of an incorruptible organism possessing eternal life must be immortality. You see it is supposed by the friends who hold the view you refer to that God will give eternal life to some who remain in corruptible organised bodies. But we may patiently await the proof for this view. The Scripture contains no such a.noma.ly. Thanks, I will think over that matter. In the meantime I can certainly say that this short talk has more than ever confirmed me in the belief that the doctrine of Life only in Christ is first, and all the time, a positive message. .'1 "The Lord does not say, 'You shall have no trouble,' but He does say, 'My grace is sufficien t for thee.''' The man was never born, nor ever will be born, who can reform the money power. The incorporated body of money is the nearest thing on earth to eternal death.-John G. Woollell.

'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
r

....... ..... .....

No. Since our former

Cb~ fiom~ ircl~.

~

Talks on Eternal Life.

n.
talk, I have reflected considered and more tocon-

Yes, that is a striking text. It seems to convey that John has chosen the items of testimony which he thinks will clearly establish his claim, and that these should lead to that conviction of mind which would result in the acceptance of the truth, and the certain reception .of Life. In the Iigh t of tha t state men t by the apostle, the whole of his language regarding Life becomes "ery clear. 1 noticed when reading the opening chapter the striking assertion, "IN HIM WAS LIFE." It seems to stand as a fit preface to the teaching that follows, as if it would prepare us for the unfolding of the provision by which men may become possessed of this wondrous boon. Ought we not to strengthen that thought by the remembrance of the fact that Adam, by his sin, forfeited life, and was driven Jrorn the garden lest by having access to the tree of life he "should cat and live for ever 1" Yes, T think it a helpful thought, and as we briefiy examine this Gospel of .Ioh n we shall learn that man's basic need of life lies in his present mortality, and in his liability to sin's penalty. John iii. 16 is usually called the" epitome of the Gospel," but how few will accept its literal terms. Yet nothing can be clearer, " Whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but HAVE ETERNAL LIFE." This is a new life bestowed by a new birth (see verses 3-6). Why should we not believe that it is really "life?" I urn much interested in that discourse which the Lord held with the woman of Sa.maria. How tonderty, yet how firmly, he dealt with the woman, but it was that he might turn her attention to Himself as the source of life. "'Nater of life" is a figure, doubtless, but it surely is not used to represent another figurative idea! It must point to a reality. Whilst on the figures of this gospel, I should like to mention that very telling chapter about the" Bread of Life." Here is no reference to happiness and misery, hut to life and death, and the comparison of the Lord as the Bread of Life, with the manna sent down from heaven, can point to but one thing, that is, the litera.litv of the life which He came to give. 1'1:ow forceful the verse, "Yonr fathers did eat tne manna in the wilderness and they DIED. This is the bread which cometl; down out of hea.ven, that a man may eat thereof and NOT DIE" (vi. 49, 50). The disciples had no doubt as to His meaning, for I find them saying at the close of that discourse, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the WORDS OF En:RN AL LIFE" (vi. 68). These passages, and many others, relate to the offer He came to make, but there is another remarkable phase of the subject presen tecl in th is gospel. The fi fth chapter puts before us the time and effects of the judgment, and in the light of that august tribunal and period we see clearly the nature of the gift. I do not think it possible to have clearer speech than is here found, and it is the more remarkable because of the word which is here used. It is the word "quicken," which signifif)~ to "l11aJ;~

upon the position we gether, and I feel more vinced that that
we

it is imperatively the positive

necessary side of our

assert

message. Whether or not it be that the early advocates of Life only in Christ felt compelled to war against the oversufl'ering, shadowing d?ctrine of eternal

and so emphasised that "the wages that that public

the side setting forth of sin is death," so was first called it to is cer-

attention

side of the presentation,

tain that the impression got abroad that this was the prominent feature of ou r inessage. A better acquaintance with it, and the changed conditions of orthodox faith, ought now to enable us to present our teaching in its true form as a posi tive message for human salvation. Yes, the man who from our side lays greatest emphasis on the death penalty, is not approaching the subject as the Bible does, and I may add that the theological student who to-day characterises our teaching from that side is not very well acquainted with the subject. Only a few evenings ago I heard an able teacher speak of the "doctrine of annihilation" as "an enormity." We consider that the doctrine of eternal suffering is certainly an enormity, but we venture to say to that gentleman that to speak of our teaching from the aspect of punishment is to ignore the fact that first and foremost ours is a doctrine of Life, and in fairness ought so to be named. Our former talk stirred my mind to activity, and I tried to think just how the New Testament presents this matter, and my mind was drawn immediately to the Gospel of John. I found that in the first six chapters of that Gospel the word "life" is found no fewer than twenty-eight times. It seems that here we have the gospel of immortal life clearly set forth in its positive aspect by the Lord Himself, and, if so, should we not, in our teaching, follow His example? Most decidedly. There is another item wh ich seems to escape the orthodox reader. If you turn to chapter xx, 30, 31, you will see that it was one of the special objects that John had in view in writing his gospel, to put this positive message of Life before men. Read that passage in the light of that idea, and the whole of his book becomes luminous. Notice what he says: "These are written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, believing, YE MAY HAVE LIFE' IN HIS ;NAME."

30
~

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

FEBRUARY, 1907. Roman authorities conceived the idea of drowning those Christians who resolutely held to the pestilent faith with these stone weights. During ten popular outbursts of cruelty and inhuman fiendishness did these saints of Home witness for the Truth, being regarded as the "filth of the world and the offscouring of all things." In the reign of Diocletian the tenth persecution broke out, and the faithful were cast into the sea or the Tiber with these stones tied to their necks. The stones were buried with the martyrs' bodies. St. Saline, whose memory has been preserved, desired that the stone which should carry him beneath the fatal waters should be buried with his body. .Of such noble Christians truly" the world was not worthy." The apostle Paul, writing to the sain~s at Rome, commends them because then "faith was proclaimed throughout the whole world." He earnestly desired to visit them, that he might establish them in the faith. That he did so is shown by the sufferings the Christians underwent at Home, at Ephesus, and other places. "That form of sound teaching" which the apostle had imparted was valued by them above life itself. Staunch to the faith were they, strong and deep were their convictions, which even forced them to seal their testimony with their lives. Many Christians of to-day regard much concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as matters of opinion. Under the idea of broad-mindedness, there has arisen an accommodating, easy-going, supine style of belief. Fundamental truths are nowadays loosely held. Ah! it wasn't for mere opinions, nor was it for a slip-shod faith, that these martyrs died. The passage of time but gives added forcefulness to th e message. It is th e same as came to the first Christians. These stones attest that the faith of the witnesses was clear and certain, as was their hope. Surely the vagueness, the unintelligibleness that marks present Scripture teaching is accountable to it considerable degree for its falling on heedless, unresponsi ve hearts. It was then Christ or Ceesar, Christ or Diana; to-day it is Christ or Antichrist, Christ or Worldliness. These martyrs crave their answer, so must we. They ~onfessed Christ's name; He will own them before His Father and the angels. They have borne the stone of ignominy; they shall blossom forth radi~nt with immortality, receivin~ a " wlllt~ ,~tone whereon a new name IS wri tten ; they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy." Shall our testimony be faithful like theirs? Does that Blessed Hope animate your heart? Do you own that same Jesus as these saints did? Then own Him faithfully, trust Him fully putting on the armour of the Gospel of Peace, ready to cry, "Master, here am 1."-1'. O. JENKINS, Ahuroa.

Chnreh lInd Mission News.

III .....u.....I!IiL~~

I
'*
.. THANK YOU." The Executive of the Sunshine Committee would like to say" Thank you" to all who helped to fill the Christmas hampers we mentioned in ,the December issue. With the contributions of friends and the "pounds" of good things brought along to us, we were able to ~ake up eighteen well-filled, healthy-lookmg packages, and these were personally delivered by members to homes where, to the best of our knowledge, they would make a great difference in the manner in which Chr istmas time was spent. We may say some of the readers .of this Sunshine Corner did not allow dIStance to prevent them taking a share i~ this Christmas work. A helpful contribution came 187 MILES, and another about 150 miles, specially for " pound" night, anc~ many a~ ha~d here proved how sincere IS the active interest they take in this work. THE YEAR'S WORK. A new year is with us, and we would like it to be well filled with service. Perhaps you can suggest s~me ideas by which the usefulness of th is department of the Band may be increased. Some may have had experience in similar work, and we, as young people, are ready at any time to consider any proposals for the better service toward our Lord and to our fellow-man as ma~' lie in our power. The Secretary, Bro. I-1. Aldridge, Brentwood Avenue, Mount Eden, would be pleased to receive your suggestions.

****** *****
AUCKLAND.-The year was ushered in by unseasonable weather, but Sunday, 1'3th, was a record day for a steady downpour of rain; only a very few braving the elements both morning and evening. Sunday, December 30: Bro. Aldrid;5e presided. We had the pleasure of WItnessing a sister put on Christ in the water of baptism this morning, Sister Le Roy. We had with us in fellowship Bros. C. C. Brown, of Rotorua, and Jenkins, of Ahuroa, and Sister Robertson. In the evening the subject was "The Events of the Year 1906." Sunday, January 6, 1907: Bro. Aldridge presided. Again the baptistry was called into requisition. Sister Newman obeyed the Master's injunction (Matt. iii. 15). With us in fellowship were Sister Sanderson, Bro. \. .Iudkins, and a visitor and Sister Matthews, of VICtoria. ' In the evening the subject was "The Morn ing Corneth : A Talk for Ne\\" Year." Sunday, January 13: Bro. Dix?~ pre sided. Subject from Romans .VIlI. 1.617. We were pleased to have WIth us m fellowship this morning Bro. F. Grigg. In the evening the subject was "M~n and the Tree of Life." A very wet, bOISterous night, only a few being presen.t, but those who did come were well repaid by listening to a. lucid address on this interesting subject. . Sunday, January 20: Bro. C. B. Kmg presided. Bro. G. A. Green gave an address, basing h5s remarks. upon !ohn's Gospel, iii. 12. We had WIth us III fellowship this morning Bro. Cropp, of t~e Thames, who is on his way to settle m America. Several strangers were also present. In the evening th~ subject was " The Tree of Life in Paradise, Past and Future." Owing to the holidays, no Bible Class was held on December 26. Wednesday, January 2, 1907, the annual Conference was held. . Wednesday, January 9: Bro. Aldn~ge conducted the Bible Glass, the subject being" Reverence for the Word." \ednesday, 16th: A series of lectt~res was commenced this evening at the BIble Class on the Book of Job. Wednesday, 23rd: Church Social. W.G. Christ never asks for anything we cannot do. But let us not forget that He always does expect and require, of each of us the best we can do. I'he faithfulness Christ wants and approves implies the doing of all our. wor~, our business, our trade, our daJly. toi l, as well as we can. Let no one t.hmk t~lat religion does not apply to private Iife. It' applies to the way you do your most common work just as really as to your praying and your keeping the comma~<llllents.-J. R. Miller.

I~APIDES Home is noted

MAHTYRlJM. for its memorials of

bygone times. Among them none occupy a worthier place than what are called "Lapides Martyrs." Martyrum, Though or Stones of the somewhat of that

which is related concerning them is perhaps traditional only, yet their use ~s instruments of death for many Chnstians who had the courage to abide by their convictions is amply verified. Eloquently they bear a noble .testimony to the "fai th once for all delivered to the saints." These stones are of a hard, dark material about twice the size of a man's head, 'rounded in shape, with top and bottom flattened somewhat. Into the top surface an iron ring was secured. It is supposed that they were O1:iginal.ly us~d as weights, but had fallen into disuse III the third century. By way of a change from pitch pole or skins of animals, the

They who have lived by His grace think only of His glory when the grave draws near.

FEBRUARY,

1907.
POPE OF. ROME.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
rangue of five or ten minutes about what he believes or doesn't believe, or what he heard somebody say, or saw somebody do, till the meeting seems dead as a stone, and all go away disgusted, then he has gained a point, and almost made the meeting a failure. "Covet earnestly the best gifts;" but do not reckon "the gift of continuance" among them. Remember, there is a time to be silent. Try and find out when it is. Not every thought that comes to your mind in meeting is to be told of at once. Sometimes the Holy Spirit bids you learn; be careful how you utter to others those things which the Lord designed you to know especially for yourself. Inquire continually, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" and then rest in the Lord and wait patiently for His direction, for "the meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way."

COWPER

AND THE

(From the Unpublished and Uncollected Poems of lVilliam Courper. T. Fisher

nwin, London.} "Hast thou admitted, with a blind, fond trust. The lie that burned my fathers' bones to dust, That first adjudged them heretics, then sent Their souls to heaven, and cursed them as they went? The lie that Scripture strips of its disguise, And 'execrates above all other lies, The lie that claps a lock on mercy's plan, And. gives the key to yon infirm, old man, Who once ensconced in apostolic chair Is deified, and sits omniscient there; The lie that knows no kindred, owns no friend. But him that makes its progress his chief end, That, having spilt much blood, makes that a boast, And canonises him that sheds the most? Away with charity that soothes a lie, And thrusts the truth with scorn and anger by; Shame on the candour and the gracious smile Bestowed on them that light the martyr's pile, While insolent disdain in frowns expressed Attends the tenets that endured the test! Grant them the rights of men, and, while they cease To vex the peace of others, grant them peace: But trusting bigots whose false zeal has made Treachery their duty, thou art self-betrayed." "The' above was actually set up, but only a few copies were struck off. It was no doubt cancelled for fear of wounding the feelings of Cowper's esteemed Roman Catholic friends. the Throckmor-

as you are, a reader of Passing Notes. Strictly, there can he no favour in quoting, no preference, no partiality; the quotation is apt or inapt, and that settles it. I maintain, then, that no man, no sane man, can possibly have a favourite quotation. He may think he has, but he hasn't; what he offers you under that name is merely a favourite phrase or favourite passage in some favourite author. I make one exception. In my own domestic economy grace before meat is, I think, a favourite quotation. Brought up in Puritan circles, I quote it regularly, and it is well received. But if I greeted the cold boiled mutton with a tragic start and "Angels and ministers of grace defend us! "-if in response to the telephone bell or a knock at the front door I exclaimed, "Oh, my prophetic soul, my uncle! "-alleging these to be "favourite quotations," I should become an offence to the wife of my bosom and a derision to my infant children. There are no favourite quotations.-"Civis" in Otago Daily Times.

PHUSSANDPHHET.

THE GIFT OF CONTINUANCE. IT was said of one man whose protracted remarks sembled "length in social meetings probably rea mathematical line-having without breadth or thickness,"

that "he had the gift of continuance, and that was about the only gift he did have." This can hardly be regarded as one of the "best gifts;" it is a sign of mental infirmity, as well as of spiritual emptiness, when a man's twaddling tongue gets going and never knows when to stop, but pours out a wishy-washy, everlasting flood-a stream of empty words which meanders away, no one knows where. Many people come to prayer meeting entirely unfit for any earnest, decisive action. They are like an old, wet, rusty gun. It takes longer to clean it and dry it, than it would to fire a good one a dozen times; and when you do try to get it off, quite likely the damp powder will fizz! and never explode, or else it will kick and do more damage to friends in the rear, than it does to foes in the front. A good soldier will load, aim, fire, and hit the mark, long before one of these rusty old blunderbusses can be made ready to deliver its scattering shots. "Short and to the point," is a good motto in prayer meeting. Leave off prefaces and conclusions-say your word and get through; tell your story and stop; fire and fall back, and give others a chance. Five minutes is long enough for most talkers; th ree is often better, and in the last half-hour of a social meeting, when hearts are throbbing and burning with zeal and love, one or two minutes is quite as much as a live Christian will usually want to occupy. And just then, when prodigals are returning, publicans confessing, children crying Hosanna, and angels rejoicing over sinners coming home, if the devil can get an old rusty backslider, formalist, or controversialist to crowd in a long ha-

you heard of the land called Phussandphret, Where the people live upon woes and regret? Its climate is bad, I have heard folks say, There's seldom, if ever, a pleasant day. "I'is either too gloomy from clouded skies, Or so bright the sunshine dazzles one's eyes; 'Tis either so cold one is all of a chill, Or else 'tis so warm it makes one ill; The season is either too damp or too dry, And mildew or drought is always nigh. For nothing that ever happened yet Was just as it should be in Phussandphret. And the children-it really makes me sad To think they never look happy and glad. It is, "Oh, dear me!" until school is done, And 'tis then, "There never is time for fun!" Their teachers are cross, they all declare, And examinations are never fail', Each little duty they are apt to shirk Because they're tired or 'tis too hard work. Evervone is as grave as an owl, And has pouting lips or a gloomy scowl; The voices whine and the eyes are wet In this doleful country of Phussandphret. Xow, if ever you find your feet are set On the down-hill road into Phussandphret, Turn and travel the other way, Or you never will know a happy day. Follow some cheerful face-'twill guide To the land of Look-a t-the-Pleasant-s.ide. Then something bright you will always see No matter how dark the way may be. You'll smile at your tasks ancl laugh in . your dreams, And learn that no ill is as had as it seems. So lose no time, but haste to get AR far as you can from Phussandphret.

Have

tons."-Extrapt.

FAVOURITE QUOTATIONS, Amongst amusements that are quaint and curious is the collecting of "favourite quotations." A book under that title, "Favourite Quotations," produced in our own midst. so to speak, has met with much acceptance. Was I invited to contribute? Necessarily. How could I be passed by? I was asked for my favourite quotation, and was unable to give it. having no such commodity about me. I never had it in the past, nor am I likely to have it in the future, A quotation is something you quote; else why "a quotation?" You quote it for a reason-it says something you want said just then and just thus; it fits the occasion. If it didn't fit the occasion, you would have no use for it. Then would you quote it? I hope you wouldn't, or I should think less of you than I wish to think, being,

Selected,

32

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

FEBRUARY,1907.

New Zealand Evangelistio and Publioation Association.

BALANCESHEET FOR YEAR 1906. To " " " " " " Balance at 30th November, 1905 Association Members' Subscri ptions Donations a11(1Collections Sales and General Subscriptions Auckland Church Auxiliary Profit on Lunch and Picnic Agencies-Dunedin Thames Tirnuru New Plymouth Amount Accrued from Meetings held at Birkdale Half Balance at Credit of Mount Roskill Mission Account at December, 1905, Transferred to General Account Balance of Mission Fund Transferred to General Account Advertisements s. d. s. d. 13 7 11 24 0 0 6 16 21J,! 47 18 3 14 10 9 0 7 5 El DED 'OVEMBER 30TH,

~/)~

J.6101e S(an~ar~.

The Bible Standard. can be ordered direct from the 'I'reasurer MR. ALEX. PAGI<':,Murdoch Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland,
Price per armum, Si ngle copies

.. BOOK STE WARD-E. H. FALKNER, Queen Street. AGENTS FOH. 'fHE BIBLE ::i1'ANVARD:

post fret!

..

s. d. 2 6 0 2

4 Hi 2 14 1 5 o 10

0 0 0 0 9 4 5 0 0 0

NEW ZEALAND. Auckland-Mr. Hancock, Bookseller, Queen Street. Wellington-H. J. Barraclough, Myrtle Crcscent. Cht-istch urch-c T. P. .Iud kins, 80, Brougham Street. Sydenham. Dunedi n-c Mr. Lawrence. Great. King Street. Kaiapoi-Mr. Jarnes Holland. Rarrgiora-Mr. Will. Smith. i:iouLhBrOOK. New Plymouth-Mr. Fred Goodacre, Courtney Road. ~~astUxford-Mr. A. England. Thames-Mr. C. Sanders, Macky Street. 'I'Imaru c-Mr. H. H. King, Stafford Street. Tin wald, Ashburtun-Mr. Shearer. Waihi-Mr. .Ioseph Foster, SOUTH AUS'l'RALIA. Adelaide-Mr. C. Gamble, Magill Road, Stepney. NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney-Mr. H. Cropp, Mitchell Street, Kogarah. Oomrnunications to the Editor to be addressed : G"~O. ALIJRIDGE Avenue, Mount Eden. Telegraphic Address, .. Hocky Nook." All communications to the Association and orders for Bible Staauia rd to be addressed to the Secretary and 'I'reasurer MR. ALEX. PAGK Murdoch Road, Grey Lyn n, Auckland.
Brent.wood

2 10 1::114 7 15 144 104 18 0 3 12 4 5 s. 0 19 17 16 0 12

9 0 0 3% d. 0 5 0 6 0 4%

By Printing B-ible Standa,'d Postage and Telegrams .. " Stationery (Wrappers) " Fares (Preachers and Deputations) Editor's Allowance to August 31, 1906 Balance

CHURCH

OF CHRIST

144

3%

Hold Services as nnder: AUCKLAND-West Street. Sunday, at 11 o'clock a, m., Fellowsblp Meetln~ 6.45 p.m., Preaching- Service. Sunday School at 2.45. Wednesday evening, Bible Class at 7.45. Evangelist'. address-Geo. Aldridge, Brentwood Avenue Mount Eden. Secretary-Wo Gibson, Ponsonby Road. ROSKILL HALL. Sunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting.

LIABILITIES. Printing October and November Standard Editor's Allowance, 3 months Balance Issues of Bible 16 0 3 0 0 12 19 12 0 0 4% 4% s. d.

OUNWDIN-Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart 8treet. Sunday at 11 a.m .. Fellowship and Meeting. revenlng Preaching Servlcp, 6.30. Secretary's Address- S. A. Lawrence, Great King Street. CHRISTCHURCH-30, Elgin Street, Sydenharn. Sunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting. .. 6.30 p.m .. Gospel Address. Evangelist-Ernest Tuck, 30, F.lgm Street, Sydenham. Secretary-To P. Jut'lkins. 80, Brougharn Street, Sydenham . 8ELENSVILLE-Foresters' Hall. Sunday Morning, Fellowship Meeting. Sunday Afternoon, Sunday School. Sunday Evening, Preachlng. Church Secretary, R. M. Cameron. Street Lecture Hall. at 11 a.m., l"pllowshlp Meeting. Evening Service at 6.30. Sunday School at 2.30. Blb!e Class every Wpdnesday evening at 7.:m Evangelist-E. H. Taylor. Howen Street, Parawai. Secretary-C. Sanders. Macky Street. W AI HI-The Miners' Union Hall. Sunday 11 a.m. F"llowshin Meet.ing; " 2.30p.m. Sunday School. Sunday Evening. at 7. A Public Bible Address. Church Secretary-D. Dona.ldson. Evangelist-Joseph Foster-, Waihi. TIMARU-Sonhla Street Hall. Sundav. at 11 R.m.. Fpllow.hlp Mpptlfill:. Secretary's Aooress-H. H. King. Rtn/Toril Rtr<,pt, 'I'Ima rn
Sundav

.--..-:-::::::::--:-:
ASSETS. Cash in Hand Estimated Book Debts

s. d. 4 12 4% 15 0 0 19 12 4%

THAMES-Pollen

ALEX. PAGE, Treasurer. Examined December and found correct. CUAS. B. KING, Auditor.

31, 1906.

1J)reacbers' 1J)lan.
MONTH.

--------
J.
DIXON

BIRKDALE,

HELENSVILLE. C. B, KING

ADELAIDE. S.A.-Druids' Hall. Bel1]ah Roan. Norwood. Rc'('rptnry's Acldr... s-F. R. HI11<'hes;Woodvllle. Printed by 1'H'" fiR"'''''' PRIN1'ING ANDPUBLISHTNG COMPANY. hort S land Str~"t, for the N"w Zeatarid EvangRlist.icand Publ icatrion Associa.tirm. Ann rmblished bv W, A, SMI1'1{,Selwyn Read, Mt Alhert, FEBRUARY. 1907.

Feb,

17