1939 Bible Studies - page 3

EDITORIAL.

A study of the excellencies of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ has always proved itself an appealing force.  It is the drawing power of our Beloved !  We are highly pleased with the number and standard of the papers received from far and near, and we desire to express our welcome and appreciation to all Corners and correspondents.  May the outcome of our studies be a more sincere, warm and devoted service to our Lord and Master.

We would briefly recall three occasions when the Apostle Paul reached lofty heights of expressions of appreciation, and was constrained immediately to call upon disciples to a more worthy walk, to a more liberal giving, and to a more complete self-sacrifice.

In Ephesians 3. 18-21 the fulness of the love of Christ is extolled, followed by a rich uplifting doxology.  In contemplation of such a

theme, the Apostle writes, " I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, with all lowliness and meekness (chapter 4. ).  Humility, in the light of such excellencies, is not only comely, but essential.

To the Corinthians the Apostle, in speaking of the privilege of ministering, of our substance, to the Lord, again exclaims, " Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift ! " (2 Corinthians 9. 15), whereupon he is once more constrained to write, " now, I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of C h r i s t . . . I beseech you, "

stressing again the need for humility (2 Corinthians 10. 18).

Finally we recall his message to the Romans.  What words can extol the power in the Gospel that can transform a scene from that in which " the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungod-l i n e s s . . . " (Romans 1. 18) to that wherein " God hath shut up all unto disobedience that He might have mercy upon all ! " (Romans 11. 32).

" O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and the know-ledge of G o d ! " . . . a knowledge and a wisdom, and riches long beforehand extolled by Isaiah (40. 18) and Job (41. 11).  Here too, we have a glimpse of His Alpha and Omega character, "for of Him (1 Corinthians 3, 6) and through Him (1 Corinthians 12. 6, Hebrews 2. 10) and unto Him (Colossians 1. 18-20) are all things, " calling forth spontaneously the doxology. " To Him, be the glory lor ever. Amen !

. . . I beseech you therefore, brethren, by th? merries of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service " (Romans 11. 36--12. 1). Here again in the third strand of the three-fold cord, humility of mind is stressed (Romans Jas. Martin.

12. 3).

THE DAYS OF THE KINGS.

The government of people is one of the oldest problems which men have faced.  In our language itself we hive evidence of the variety of methods which have been adopted in the exercise of govern-ment.  For example, in oligarchy we have government in which the supreme power rests with a few powerful families.  Aristocracy is government by nobles.  Democracy is government for the people, as the true supreme power, by the people.  Then ii monarchy we have government in which a single person holds supreme power. Theocracy is a people governed by God.  It seems clear from the Scriptures that the earliest form and sphere of government amongst men were seen in the