EXTRACTS

What interests me at the present time peculiarly is the young. That is what Eutychus signifies, and he was resuscitated from the dead by the embrace of Paul. What an example of the power of Christianity there! This young man, Eutychus, is taken away by those who cared for him. They brought away the boy alive, suggestive of how parents should look after their boys spiritually. He is now alive by the power of God through Paul, who discerned that as in his arms his life was in him. That life is to be nourished in the meeting at Troas. The suggestion is of great potentiality in the “boy alive” through Paul’s instrumentality.

All this links on with what I have been saying about Elijah and Elisha, the continuity of the testimony—generation after generation. The things thou hast heard of me, writes Paul to Timothy (two generations), the same commit thou to faithful men (three generations), who shall be able to teach others also (four generations). Paul’s measure, as it were, is carried on. It is carried down to us. The Spirit of God being here, these things are possible, the continuation of the very best results of the gospel.

It was left to Timothy peculiarly to bring those things and as he came, those things would not be omitted, Paul’s cloak, his books, and his parchments. Young brothers and sisters should read the Scriptures. It is said of Timothy that he knew them, from a child. How important to bring up the young to read the Scriptures! Fill their minds full of the Scriptures, and in due time results will be manifest. Then there are books which help us to understand the Scriptures; these should be read; also books containing the direct ministry of the Spirit. I believe the Lord would encourage us to build up wholesome libraries. Nevertheless we must attend to the Scriptures themselves, but as we are apt to read them in a perfunctory way, we are enjoined to search them. Philip said to the eunuch, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” He replied, “how can I, except some man should guide me?” Thus we may read and not understand, but the Spirit will guide and would use books to this end. Why should we not have the very best things to read? They do not cost much materially. There is divine provision for us in this sense and wisdom would lead us to use it.

This is a very simple incident, but it has a place in Scripture, and it has to be noted. Paul wanted the cloak and he wanted these books to read, then he wanted the parchments to write on—as it seems. The Spirit of God would not write this incident without some meaning in it for us.

J. Taylor (Vol. 41, pp.272, 273)

It is wonderful to see how human perfection shines in Christ in every temptation. He is tested in regard to food, as Adam was; and He is tested in regard to government, as Noah was; and lastly in regard to the house of God, as Israel was, but in all, infinite perfection is seen in Man. It is complete triumph! And Satan, completing every temptation, departs from Him for a season. The strong man is bound, and now the Stronger than he goes about to spoil his goods.

J. Taylor (Vol. 89, p.449)

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