2
2
“I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH”
C. J. H. Davidson
2 Timothy 4: 5–8; 2 Peter 1: 13–19
Beloved, when we are in the presence of death there is always
loss on our side, but there is gain for Christ in having our
departed and beloved brother with Himself, according to the
divine purpose and word. It is wonderful to think of that by way
of comfort; and comfort is needed; a husband has been lost
down here, a father, and, in regard of the beloved brethren in
this locality, a spiritual father. Everywhere amongst us is felt
the loss of a beloved servant, and every one of us has lost a
beloved brother. I knew beloved John Welch for more than fifty
years since he first came into the pathway of the truth and
came to live at Ealing. I have loved him ever since, and it
means much to think of what would have been his desire in
this meeting today. He is not here to speak, but, in the manner
of speaking, he being dead yet speaketh. He had ministered
Christ in an outstanding way for a long, long period, and I am
sure it would be in his heart if he had been here that the
exhortations given by the beloved apostles Paul and Peter
should reach our hearts in stimulation in the presence of
death. There is not to be the silence of death with us; we are
here to go through with the ministry unswervingly, beloved, in
true affection for Christ to the end.
Now Paul says, “But thou, be sober in all things”. There is a
remarkably helpful note of Mr.
Darby as to that word “sober”, that we are to have a clear view
of everything, not coming under any evil influences whatever
from this world. The whole world lies in the wicked one; we
need,
beloved, the holy, sanctifying influence of the Spirit at this time
that we might be “sober in all things, bear evils”. How much