whom Jehovah has been preparing for Himself to be brought forth when needed, at a time when he would. be valued.

Moses was eighty years preparing for forty years service. Of Elijah, we know nothing until he stood boldly out in the presence of the idolatrous King, Ahab, and predicted the judgment of God by drought. "As Jehovah, God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word" were his first recordedwords. This was the summary of his life; to stand before Jehovah, to hear and declare His words. Beloved, this also is the real value of ours. It was thus with David. That which first made him prominent, was his anointing in order to the kingdom, while as yet Saul, although rejected, was reigning. The true David, the Lord Jesus, who spent thirty out of thirty-three years in comparative privacy was, by His baptism and the descent of the spirit, made manifest to John and to Israel.

The time of David's anointing was a remarkable time. Israel having become tired of Theocracy, having rejected God, they had chosen a man to be their King. They had tasted a little of the bitter fruit, and Jehovah, who had given Saul in anger, was about to take him away in His wrath.

Saul, for his impatience in offering sacrifice, and disobedience in sparing Agag, the Amalekite, was wasting under the judgment of God, having forfeited the kingdom. Samuel was mourning for this, when Jehovah suddenly remonstrated with him, and sent him to Bethlehem to anoint a King in Saul's place. Samuel hesitated, stating difficulties which were over-ruled, and he, in obedience to Jehovah's word, went to Bethlehem, and called Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice; one of those sons was to be chosen King. Jesse, father-like, no doubt, was delighted to present his sons to the Man of God. When assembled Samuel looked on them, and, fixing on Eliab the firstborn, said, "Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him." Age and personal appearance, doubtless were in his favour, but he was not the chosen of God. Jehovah gently remonstrated with the prophet, instructing him not to look on countenance nor height of stature. "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart." Jesse then caused Abinadab, and again Shammah, and at length all present passed, and were refused. Doubtless, those young men were the subjects of thought, enquiry, astonishment, and perhaps

disappointment as they advanced, stood, and retired. Samuel then enquired if all Jesse's sons were present, and he said, "There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold he keepeth the sheep." And Samuel said unto Jesse, "send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither."

David, the beloved, was brought. "He was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, fair of eyes, and goodly to look to; and the Lord said, arise, anoint him for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward." The errand accomplished, the King chosen, Samuel returned to Ramah. The family returned to their home, but who shall tell what their thoughts and feelings were; what of God, and what of nature. This only is recorded-" The Spirit of Jehovah came upon David from that day forward"-of Saul it is written, "But the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him".

Thus Jehovah made His choice according to His knowledge of the heart. He whose occupation was that of a shepherd caring for the lambs and sheep, was in training for his future position as the King of Israel, the feeder and ruler of Jehovah's flock. (Ps. lxxviii. 70), &c.

David was God's man, while Saul was the people's choice; David was a type of the Christ, Saul of the Antichrist; Saul was the man of the earth; David the chosen of God. Like all who have foreshadowed the Antichrist, Saul would have taken the precedence with man; while the man of Jehovah's choice would have been passed by-even Samuel was mistaken in the Cain, Adam's first-born, I imagine, would have been more important than Abel; that Esau would naturally have been preferred to Jacob is certain; and while the Christ of God was disowned and rejected, all the world will wonder after the beast, who will indeed be "the man of the earth," as it is written, "That the man of the earth no more oppress". (Ps. x. 8.)

man.

The choice of God is separation to Himself, and leads in a path of trial of faith and patience. Honour and trial go together here, and doubtless David's first step in honour was a step into trial. Satan who is ever seeking to do mischief, would not fail to bring in, if allowed of God, trial in David's family, and that, by the very honour God had put upon him. Whatever Jesse may have felt of pleasure and gratitude, Eliab's

words spoken soon after imply much, "I know thy pride and the naughtiness of thine heart". David, had to learn, even as Joseph had experienced before, that honour from God provokes envy, even in a brother's heart. In this David tasted beforehand his sorrows, of whom it is said, "Neither did His brethren believe in Him," who Himself said, "A man's foes shall be they of his own household ".

Saul went on his way, and David retired to the sheepfold to prepare for his next appearance in public, as our beloved departed brother, J. L. Harris, has termed it, "The School of God"; and who teacheth like Him? Dullness in us does not provoke Him, nor severity in Him discourage us. He may teach us through others, but reserves to Himself the special discipline of each believing soul. The sheepfold was the very place to learn how to rule men. There David had to go after the wandering, care for the sick, nurse the lambs, and prudently feed the entire flock. Here also he learnt the ways of Jehovah, as the shepherd, and who shall say that he did not, while tending his flock, touch the harp and sing, "Jehovah is my shepherd, I shall not want," &c.

The twenty-third Psalm has for years been to me a proof that Christians can commune with God in their calling. Surely if they do not, there must be something wrong either in their spirit or their calling.

David, the anointed one, went forward in obedience to his father, while another reigned. Young as he was he was a man of faith, trusting Jehovah with his future, and waiting his turn for the crown and kingdom. His antitype was Born king of the Jews". He in Nazareth, with the full knowledge of His dignity, was subject to Joseph and his Mother, doing his Father's business while another reigned, neither would He have the kingdom, save in God's time and way. He fulfilled His course of obedience to the Father's will even unto death, and although taken by the Jewish rulers and crucified, slain by wicked Gentile hands, died under the title "King of the Jews". When wicked hands had crucified Him, and loving hands had buried Him, God raised Him from the dead, and in due time received Him up into heaven and enthroned Him at His right hand. Thus we see again, the refused by man accepted by God, or God's choice not man's. H. H.

I

GROWTH.

"The great means of Christian growth is the word of God and prayer; in prayer we speak to God and He never turns a deaf ear to His children. In the word, God speaks to us and we ought not to turn a deaf ear to Him." DO not believe that the enemy tries to hinder us in anything more than in the word and in prayer. I can say for myself, and it is a great many years, nearly half a century, since the Lord first touched my heart, that I never have known the temptation of the devil more than on my knees and over the word; and this is what we may expect, because it is there we get strength and power and light. I have not one single ray of light in my soul that does not come from that source. I have not one particle of power that does not come from God, and so the adversary hinders me from studying the word. It is his business. He knows what he is about; and, dear friends, when we consider his devices, his cunning craft, his wiles, his snares, the way he gets about our hearts-watching every opportunity, deceiving, tempting, and accusing--we should be watching every hour of our lives. The Christian should never leave his watch-tower.

GLASGOW

C. H.

The Lord's People will please make the above meetings subject of special Prayer, both privately and in their Assemblies. And let all who purpose being present specially endeavour to be in their seats at the intimated hours of meeting.

Good Tidings to All. A Four-page Leaflet of Texts from the Word of God, arranged under the following heads-Guilty before God; A Saviour for You; The Death of Jesus; The Invitation; The Accepted Time; What Must I do to be Saved; Not of Works; Assurance. In Packet containing 50, price Sixpence; or 7/6 per 1000, carriage extra.

"I Have a Message from God unto Thee." Being passages of Scripture arranged as follows:-State by Nature; God Loves You; You May be Saved; Now; Believe and Live; Reject and You Perish.

In Packet containing 50, price Sixpence; or 7/6 per 1000,

carriage extra.

Isaac's Dwelling Places.

By A. E. W.

Price Threepence per Dozen.

Macleod Wylie.

Price Ninepence per Dozen.

By the same.

Price Sixpence per Dozen. We Beheld His Glory. By the same. Price One Penny. Salvation. 1. Christ the First Step. 2. Not of Works. 3. Salvation is of the Lord. 4. The Death of Jesus. 5. Saved by His Life. 6. The Salvation which we now Have. 7. The Salvation which is yet future. 8. Saved so as by Fire. 9. To the Unsaved.

Price 6d. per dozen; or 3/6 per 100, post free. Plain Words about Baptism. By Charles F. Perrin. Price 6d. per dozen; or 3/6 per 100, post free. Teaching, Worship, and Rule. Price 6d. per dozen;

or 3s. 6d. per 100, post free. The Building of the Wall (Nehemiah). By A. S. Price 2d.; 6 Copies, post free, 1/-. The Church: Its Worship and Ministry. By J. R. C. Price 6d. per dozen; or 3/9 per 100, post free. On Giving: A Subject of Personal Interest to all Believers. By J. R. C. Price 1d.; or 12 Copies, post free, 1s.

THE UPPER CLAPTON IRON-ROOM SERIES. Price One Penny cach, or in One Volume, cloth, 1/6. 1. Immediate Salvation. By J. Denham Smith. 2. Ruth; or, Communion. By Howard Johnston. 3. The Coming of the Lord: For and With His Saints. By T. Shuldham Henry.

4. Abiding in Christ. By J. Denham Smith.

5. The New Birth. By T. Shuldham Henry.

6.

My Presence shall go with thee; or, Wilderness Rest. By J. Denham Smith.

7.

What hast thou done? By Herbert Wilbraham Taylor.

8.

Abigail; or, Divine Knowledge. By J. Denham

10. Substitution. By J. Denham Smith.

11. The Redeemer and Redemption.

W. H. Williams.

12. Separation to God. By J. G. M'Vicker.

Also in Assorted Packets of the Twelve Kinds, 1/-, post free.

Just Published, Revised Edition, Price 4d.,

THE CHURCH AND ITS MINISTRY

BY GEORGE F. TRENCH.

CONTENTS.-The Church-What is it? The Church's Ministry. Baptism. Oversight. The Church's Assemblies. Prayer. Praise. The Lord's Supper.

and 36 Baker Street, W.

DUBLIN DUBLIN TRACT REPOSITORY, 10 D'Olier Street. ABERDEEN: Miss KEMP, 25 St. Andrew Street.

SHADOWS OF CHRIST.

THE MANNA.

PART XV.

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven."

FROM

John vi. 51.

Egypt to Canaan was but a short journey, it might have been accomplished in a fortnight (see Deut. i. 2), but God had lessons to teach His people in the wilderness of more value to them and to all succeeding generations of the faithful, than a speedy entrance into the land of promise.

They knew not their own hearts, and they knew not the heart of God. Therefore it is written, "the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness to humble thee and to prove thee to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldst keep this commandments or no; and He humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live". (Deut. viii. 2, 3.)

Thus Israel's first journey after their victory song at the Red Sea was one of trial. Three days they journeyed and found no water, and when at length the water was reached it was bitter, and they could not drink it. And is not such very frequently the experience of new born sculs. As soon as they have rejoiced in new found pardon, peace, and liberty, they find themselves face to face with trials and difficulties, oppositions and temptations unknown to them before. But wherefore is this? Witness the result in the case

of Israel. The trial drew fourth bitter murmuring. It manifested the deep-rooted unbelief of the heart, ever ready to spring up into rebellion and accusation against God.

But this manifestation of Israel's unbelief was also the occasion of the revealing to them of Jehovah's grace. They find that God is sufficient for them in the dry and thristy land as well as at the Red Sea; they find that with the temptation, He also makes a way of escape that they may be able to bear it--they know Him as "Jehovah Rophi." "I am the Lord that healeth thee."

Thus it may have been with some who read this paper. The trial of surrounding wilderness circumstances may have found them off their guard. They fret and chafe and murmur at the circumstances (as they suppose) when really they are murmuring and rebelling against the God who has appointed the circumstances in perfect love and wisdom.

Evil is thus discovered to be only dormant within The desperate wickedness of the heart which seemed to be subdued or eradicted, is found to be only a latent force awaiting the spark of trial to cause it to burst forth in flame. Such discoveries are ever painful, and through ignorance of God may sink the soul in despair. But let it be remembered that however unexpected and alarming such discoveries of the evil within may be to the child of God-it has all been known before to God. The trial did not reveal it to HIM but to us; and only as the believer learns by experience what the corruption of his own nature is, can he estimate aright the grace that has known and provided for it all, so that even the murmur of unbelief is hushed by a fresh outpouring of blessing.

A little respite is given at Elim. The wells and the palm trees affording refreshment and shade; and who does not know the mercy that provides such seasons even in the wilderness; but Elim is not Canaan, and soon they are called away to another journey and another experience.

The path in which God leads His people is always new. Of every day's experience it may be said as of Israel at Jordan, "ye have not passed this way heretofore". The God of salvation and of all grace is also the God of providence, and He orders the circumstances and events of every day so as best to discipline His people in the lessons He would have them learn. If daily trials and daily blessings were met in the assured belief of this, how differently would they be borne? Instead of this daily grace being received to a large extent in vain, it would issue in fruitfulness to the glory of God. The foe would be met in the confidence that victory is secured; the thrist would be borne in the assurance that water is at hand, and the bitterness would be patiently endured, knowing that it is but for a moment, and soon Jehovah Rophi will appear to sweeten the bitter and to cheer the faint.

Israel's next journey brought them to the Wilderness of Sin. It was the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from Egypt. By this time doubtless the unleavened cakes would be all consumed, which they had baked of the dough which they brought forth from Egypt. (Ex. xii. 39.) The good land flowing with milk and honey was as far off as ever. "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them." Nevertheless, Jehovah was leading them by "a right way"; but again unbelief broke forth as at Marah, and even more bitterly and more directly against the Lord.

Most gracious was the response of Jehovah, "Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you". (Ex. xvi. 4.) Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Thus are they made dependent on Jehovah alone. For their daily bread they are taught to look directly to their covenant God. Nor is any lesson so important or when learned, so blessed and fruitful as this. It was the special feature of the life of the Son of God on earth, and therefore would He have it to characterize us; "As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth Me, even he, shall live by Me". (John vi. 57.) Thus as he taught them to pray, Hə fastened on them the same lesson, "Give us this day

our daily bread". Not bread for a year or a month or a week, but bread for the day,. Likewise would He teach us in all things to live by the day. "Take no thought for the morrow-i.e., let not the burden that belongs to-morrow come in to oppress to-day. So there is the daily renewing of the inner man (2 Cor. iv. 16) by the Holy Spirit, through the ministry of daily heavenly bread to the weary soul, and this in order to strengthen for the taking up of the "daily" cross. (Luke ix. 23.)

But this lesson of continual dependence on the grace of a never-failing God was specially pressed on Israel by the manner in which the heavenly bread was given.

It was the gift of God unmerited and unasked, like the heavenly gift we now enjoy without money and without price-as free as the air, the sunshine, or the

rain.

And not only was it given apart from the labour of their hands, and thus contrasted with the conditions imposed on Adam at his expulsion from Eden, "by the sweat of thy brow shall thou earn thy bread"— but in connection with it God gave them also the Sabbath; He even ven commanded them to rest, and assured their hearts by giving them on the sixth day the bread of two days. How completely this told out the grace into which redemption had brought them.

Moreover, it was given at night. While the camp was folded in sleep, Jehovah, the keeper of Israel, who slumbers not nor sleeps, was providing for the murmuring children the sustenance of the day. Forty years did they grieve Him with incessant provocations, but never one morning did Jehovah fail to provide the daily bread. Upwards of fourteen thousand mornings was Jehovah their willing provider-yet they knew Him not. Perhaps they came to regard it as a kind of natural phenomonon-certain it is they came to esteem it lightly.

And such is the tendency of the heart if not under the control of grace. Neither temporal nor spiritual blessings are discovered as coming from the hand of a Father in heaven-hence they are received as common things without thankfulness-God is robbed of His glory, and blessing is restrained.

When the sun waxed hot it melted away. Thus by a further arrangement were they taught not only the lesson of dependence, but also of diligence. Whilst in no sense was it the product of their labour, yet was it not gathered without diligence-nay it was to be the