through the revelation which He has made of Himself in Christ Jesus, and by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that we may acquire the knowledge desired. Are we anxious to know what privileges Christ wishes us to enjoy, and what duties we have to discharge? We may find full instruction in the word. Is it our wish to know what ordinances should be observed by the Church-what order He desires to be recognised, and the place which the various gifts ought to occupy? We may find all our wants anticipated in the directions given by inspired writers, men who wrote as they were guided by the Holy Spirit. Are those of us who are called by Christ's name, and who profess to be called of God, manifesting our love at all times and in all circumstances, by observing His word and keeping His commandments? Assuredly a sinner would be quite as much justified in saying there is no necessity for him to believe in Jesus Christ, as any Christian is in saying that, because he is saved by grace, he cannot be under any obligation to obey the Lord in all things. Alas that so many lose sight of the words, "His servants are ye to whom ye yield yourselves willing to obey"! If there is any hesitancy in our hearts in doing what we know the Lord wishes us to do, there must be a want of love for Him and His word.

Under former dispensations commandments were given and blessings promised on condition that they were obeyed. Christ, however, does not give com

mandments to any, except those who are already saved through faith in Him. It is after such distinguishing grace has been received that the Lord says to us, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." 'Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth" (1 John ii. 3-8). Again: "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus

Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the hath given us" (1 John iii. 18-24).

Spirit which He

"If a man say,

he is a liar for

And

I love God, and hateth his brother, he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John iv. 20 to v. 5.)

CHAPTER VI.

FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE.

"Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me."-JOHN xvii. 7, 8.

BEFORE proceeding to set forth in detail how knowledge of spiritual things is still, as it ever has been, dependent on faith, we shall do well if we think over the important statements contained in these verses respecting the Saviour Himself. As these refer to some of the foundation truths, which must of necessity be believed before one can rejoice in the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, their consideration will be seen to be of paramount importance.

The statements alluded to are the following: "I came out from Thee"; "Thou didst send Me"; "I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me."

There are also some important statements respecting the disciples of our Lord. The same will apply to His people in all ages: "They have received the words which Thou gavest Me." They "have known surely that I came out from Thee." "They have believed

that Thou didst send Me." "They have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee."

It must be understood and remembered that in such expressions as "I came out from Thee," "Thou didst send Me," and "I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me," Christ is presented to our view as the God-Man. In Deuteronomy xviii. 18, 19, He is spoken of as the Prophet: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require it of him." In Isaiah xlii. 1-4 He is brought before our notice as a servant: "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My Spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law." In John vii. 16 the Saviour speaks of Himself as being sent by the Father: "Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me."

It must not be supposed that the Scriptures quoted above, or the words now under consideration, militate