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the leaven, or the snare which interferes with and hinders progress. To the servant who cares for the church it is simple and easy, if led of the Lord, to feed the saints with "food convenient" for them. As he is in communion he is sure to be instructed; "out of his belly will flow rivers of living water:" that is, that the Lord's mind, and the truth suited to their state, will be supplied to him from the word. Often from the same chapter, he will be led to dwell on one part at one time, and on another part at another time, according to the need of souls. The Spirit leads him to supply through the word, the particular instruction which the Lord would impart. Now, though everyone is not a teacher, everyone as he is walking in communion in word and ways, helps and promotes the new nature in each one with whom he is in contact. Here let me say, that one caring for the church, will not only be watchful in the congregation not to grieve the Spirit, and thus make all to suffer, but he will remember that

wherever he is, he is a member; and if the joint be hindered, there is a damage to the whole body, though the members may be scattered all over the universe.

It only remains now to add a word on discipline. The aim of all discipline is the welfare of the church, while at the same time it seeks to effect the welfare of the offender. If I care for the church, I must seek to purge out all leaven. So long as the Lord retains His place in an assembly, my duty is to urge on the assembly to look for His help to put away the one who leavens when there is no possibility of eradicating it. When the Lord has been displaced in an assembly, which is generally when evil doctrine [or gangrene] has been taught and countenanced; then there is no option but to purge oneself from the vessels to dishonour. The necessity for this indicates the disordered state of the house, but also declares the ability of every believer to preserve a space in it suited to God, in His dwelling-place;

and such a company is ever, thank God, to be found.

So far I have dwelt on what is generally called church-discipline, where we can see the principle of it in the clearest way. But besides this, it is incumbent on every saint to exercise discipline towards his fellows with whom he associates. There are some so bad that he is to "turn away" from them "receive him not into the house, and greet him not." There are others whom he must not receive socially; "have no company with him, that he may be ashamed; yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." Then, finally, each one is responsible to "wash each other's feet." That is, that in love I am charged to remove from my brother the soil on his conscience which interrupts his communion with the Lord. A most blessed service and an endless one. Every check to his joy and blessing claims my attention, in order that I may cooperate in helping him to his proper and happy place with the Lord. The

ministry of the word, when effectual, is the means by which the cloud is cleared away, and then the word becomes food through the grace of Christ to "nurture and cherish."

May each of us enter more into the blessedness of caring for the church for the Lord's sake.

THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM.

JERUSALEM on high,

Where God Himself doth dwell;
O scene of rest and bliss so nigh,
Who can Thy glories tell?

There God in light displays
His wondrous thoughts of love;
While songs of joy and ceaseless praise
The bride's full blessing prove.

There on those streets of gold,
From all defilement free;

With Christ I'll walk, His face behold

Where all is purity.

God's glories there enfold

His saints on every side,

For there shine forth in full display
The Bridegroom and the Bride.

Each heart is fill'd with praise,
No temple can be seen;
God is the temple and the Lamb,
No cloud to intervene.

God's glory is its light,

The Lamb Himself its lamp,
No need of sun or moon to shine;
All bears the heavenly stamp.

In it shall be the throne

Of God and of the Lamb;
Then all His love we'll fully own,
In one eternal psalm.

While hosts in glory sing,

Eternal anthems raise;

The heavenly courts shall ever ring
With songs of fullest praise.

My heart in deep delight

That scene anticipates;

Where God in bright unsullied light,

His purpose consummates.

J. McF.

FRAGMENTS.

It is a wondrous consolation, and a profound depth of joy that we can say as we walk about this world, Christ is my life-yes! I can point to Him and

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