THE HEART OF CHRIST FOR HIS CHURCH

THE HEART OF CHRIST FOR HIS CHURCH

I believe the opposition increases at every step which we take in advance. The conflict in the Spirit is at the other side of Jordan, and when there, Christ is everything and Adam is displaced. I believe if the gospel were fully known, the truth as to the church would follow. I think that the gospel would give me the grapes of Eschol, and victory over death here, in the place where death faces me; but in union with Christ I am over Jordan and eating of the old corn of the land. I trust that souls are waking up to the deep interest which Christ has in the church. I can never act rightly towards any member of the body, but as I am in concert with the Head about him. The feet may refuse to obey the counsel of the heart; the Head alone can give impetus and enforce concerted action in ^[p. 36] the right path. I do not believe that any one who is not on heavenly ground, and consequently not in the present power of the Spirit, can keep the unity of the Spirit. We should have before us the simple fact that our blessed Lord has an object on this earth to which His heart is devoted, and the more we desire to act for Him, the more must we seek to share in His mind touching every atom of that object which is of so great interest to Him. The more I know of the heart of Christ, the more I shall care for all His own, and as He gives me grace and opportunity I seek to lead on souls by ministering Christ to each of His own. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, I have to refuse the evil but I have to choose the good.

I do not look in the present ruin for a perfect church. I look for a company set on following Christ, and I seek to help on every true soul. To edify, feed and cherish souls is the great thing, and it is thus that evil is exposed. There is no way in which darkness can be removed but by light.... I am sure we may be too much occupied with the evil. First love cannot be indifferent to evil; but it is engrossed with its Object, and what suits its Object determines everything: what He likes is good, what He does not like is bad. The Lord bless you, and lead you into the heart of the bride, and thus into the gladness of full concert of heart with Him.