EXTRACTS

All true service must flow from communion with the source of service; it is no service if we are not drinking in Christ, and conscious that we are doing His will; if I should take up any service, without being confident that God would have me do it, there would be no power in it.

Service then, if real, must flow from direct communion with God. We may go on in a course of action as a consequence of communion for a good while. Thus, for instance, we may compare the state of the Thessalonians with that of the Church of Ephesus in Revelation. To the Thessalonians it is said by Paul, that he knows their work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope—here we see the three cardinal points faith, hope, and charity, as springs of work, labour, and patience; but not so in the address of the Lord to Ephesus—it was work, labour, and patience; but there was not the present spiritual power, which comes from God direct, therefore the candlestick was threatened to be removed. How often do our attempts at service flow more from thought of something we may have to do, than from direct communion with God! It then becomes, or is in danger of soon becoming, the mere activity of the flesh, and at any rate is the drudgery of duty without power, instead of serving with the spirit; what a comfort that all my life through I may be serving the Lord with my spirit!

J. N. Darby (‘Collected Writings’. Vol. 26, p.28)

I think that God’s glory is the satisfaction of His nature in the accomplishment of His purposes, in that His nature is satisfied.

F. E. Raven (Vol. 5, p.189)

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