Vol 3:9 (Sept 1957)
Editorial
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psa. 126:6). This promise we might accept as a word of encouragement to an evangelist. In several respects it might be a suitable message to all soul-winners. In this work there must be a conscientious exercise for souls as one “that goeth forth and weepeth;” there must be a constant endurance as suggested by the marginal reading, “bearing a trial of seed;” there must be a concealed energy to go forth and to bear this precious seed; there must be a concerted effort to gather as well as to bear the precious (the acquired) seed. Then, eventually, there will be the culminative enjoyment, for with rejoicing the sower will return bearing his sheaves.
Throughout this summer, many Christians have been scattered in many different vacation districts. We read about the early Christians, “Now they which were scattered abroad …travelled …preaching (talking or gossiping) the Word.” It is to be hoped that much precious seed, the incorruptible Word of God, has been sown during the summer holiday season.
Our brother Wilkie encourages our hearts in his article, “The Parable of the Seed,” explaining to us the miraculous growth that follows planting, and by assuring our hearts of a certain harvest. May we be as the blessed that sow beside all waters (Isa. 32:20).
In the “Doctrinal” section, the article by brother Albert Upton in some respects continues the teaching relative to the Church as given by David Kirk in our last issue. Let each reader be as the Bereans of old for they were noble, “in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
John Bramhall, in this issue, completes his exposition of First Timothy. It is hoped that Paul’s letter to that young man in the first century A.D. may be of great help to young believers in the twentieth century.
In our “Bible Study” section, attention was drawn months ago to the profit found in the examination of Bible types. This method of Old Testament study is both fascinating and instructive. Donald Taylor’s “The Supreme Test,” is an example of this kind of Biblical research. This article not only guides us in the steps of such work, but it exalts the person of Christ, and emphasizes for us the sinlessness of our blessed Lord Jesus. Let this article be read carefully, and if possible more than once.
Some letters have been received that have resulted from the recent articles on “Demonology.” All of these seek further explanation or amplification of various difficulties. Certain of these letters have been forwarded to brother Tharp for specific answers to some of these problems. Please watch “The Forum” for his replies.
We are always delighted to serve the Lord’s people, and to investigate with them, through “The Forum,” any matter relevant to the truth of God.