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history, all our histories. We said in the reading that it is

inclined to get you down. Whatever your history might have

been, the Lord has entered into that, taken it up and

accomplished redemption. We do not talk enough about

redemption, among ourselves or in the preaching. That

meeting should be full of the thought of redemption, what

Christ has accomplished in relation to the whole question of

history, our own histories. Our histories tend to discourage us,

but there is a way out of it, a glorious way, and thus there can

be comeliness; that is to be the result.

Now she says, “I am black, but comely”. Comeliness is not a

colour; black is a colour, but comeliness is a way of life, it is

characteristic; she is characterized by certain features. It is

how we go; it brings up the whole question of suitability and

order in your walk—“black, but comely”, it is a wonderful thing,

dear brethren, admitting the history, to get to this side of

things—where there is this comeliness, this suitability that is

according to God, according to Christ—“black, but comely”. It

is beautiful to think of it. It is very encouraging for us sinners,

people with a history; you can view this divine work, what the

Spirit of God is bringing about, for He is the great Former. He

is bringing about something in our souls that corresponds to

Christ—comeliness, suitability. This is all proceeding from the

side of history.

That is why I read this well-known scripture in Luke 7. What

comeliness marked the woman! On the side of history both

these scriptures are the same, the beautiful features that were

found in both of them proceeding on this line, as I said. I think

it is wonderful, dear brethren, that there can be peace of mind

and restfulness with us. That can be our portion as we are

conscious that the past has been met and is blotted out in

redemption. By the death of Christ all that is met; that side is

closed and there is this side going on, producing the

comeliness of which the Spirit of God is the Artificer. The

assembly is the fruit of His work, the great Artificer; not only