EXTRACTS

There are peculiar difficulties in the sorrowful conditions of the last days. Very many of our brethren do not become available to us in a practical way. There may be many believers in the town where we live whom we do not even know! It is a sad witness to the state of departure and ruin, and is to our common grief and shame. But our affections can still be open towards all saints, and we can rejoice if even a few become practically available to us on the principles laid down in 2 Timothy, an epistle which is specifically direction for us in the last days. While keeping our hearts open towards all saints, our associations have now to be adjusted on the principle of withdrawing from iniquity, separating from vessels to dishonour, following righteousness, faith, love, peace, and calling upon the Lord out a pure heart. In the present state of things we can only receive practically those who become available, but the fact that is says, “receive ye one another”, makes it possible for even two saints to act upon it. Our great exercise should be to walk together as brethren according to the truth, so that no one could say that he had a divine reason for not walking with us. If saints walk together according to the truth, they will rejoice to receive all the brethren who desire to walk with them in the same path, and all the brethren ought to be exercised so to walk. What is in view in the scripture before us is that there may be no hindrance to a united note of praise from the saints as come together.

C. A. Coates (‘Outline of Romans’, pp.228, 229)

We have also here a precious and most perfect rule for our walk, namely, to be simple concerning evil, and wise unto that which is good. Christianity alone could have given such a rule; for it provides a walk that is positively good, and wisdom to walk in it. As Christians we may be simple concerning evil. What a deliverance! While the man of the world must needs acquaint himself with evil, in order to avoid it in this world of snares and of artifice, he must corrupt his mind, accustom himself to think of evil, in order not to be entrapped by it. But soon there should be entire deliverance—soon should Satan be trodden under their feet, (Romans 16: 19).

J. N. Darby (‘Synopsis’ Vol. 4, p.152)

I notice the effect that heavenly scenery has on the soul. It is not only a revelation, it is something with which you feel yourself connected; and being connected with it necessarily has the effect of detaching you from the scene in which you are, and that in proportion as you realise your connection with the better thing.

J. B. Stoney (Vol. 8, p.449)

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