Local Responsibility

In this paper, Coates shows the position I should take in the Christian gathering I am attached to, and how it relates to others in the same town, and others with a similar outlook. It helps us too to see how we should behave if division comes in.

Local Responsibility

by Charles Coates (1862-1945)

It is evident that the words “local responsibility” mean something quite different in the minds of different persons. … What I understand by “local responsibility” is that saints, though undoubtedly having their place in the one assembly of God, viewed in its totality as comprehending all saints on earth, have also a place, clearly recognised in Scripture, in relation to the locality in which they reside. We read of the assembly in Jerusalem, in Antioch, in Ephesus, in Cenchrea, in Corinth, etc., etc., and we learn from Revelation l-3 that each local assembly is viewed and addressed by the Lord as having a distinct place and responsibility before Him. It is true that the one who has an ear, wherever he may be, is called to hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. This makes clear that the assemblies are not independent of each other, but that what is said to any assembly is necessary and profitable for all who desire to have the Lord’s mind as to things. The Lord has not one mind for the assembly in Ephesus, and another for the assembly in Smyrna, but He does regard each in its own place and condition, and addresses it accordingly. Now it seems to me, that we should clearly see and acknowledge this local responsibility, as well as truth which pertains to the assembly at large, viewed in its general unity.

I fully believe that the assembly is a heavenly stranger, not indigenous to earth; not morally linked with anything in the present world system. As a matter of fact, it is on earth as the vessel of God’s testimony, and for the expression of Christ. It is in an actual company of men and women here on earth that God dwells and Christ is expressed. Scripture clearly recognises that this company in Ephesus is distinct from the company in Smyrna; they are two distinct assemblies and each is addressed by the Lord in its local responsibility and according to its local condition.

I judge that the recognition of this is not as many seem to suppose, a mere point of ecclesiastical order or formal correctness, but that it is of great moral importance, because all questions in regard to the practical walking together of saints stand connected with what is local. That is, as resident in Teignmouth, all my immediate relations and associations are with the saints in Teignmouth. It is in relation with them, that I personally maintain, compromise, or abandon the truth of the assembly. I recognise the assembly of God in Teignmouth, of which all saints in the town form part. Therefore with scripture before me – the Lord’s mind as to things – I must hold to the fact that the assembly in Teignmouth is viewed by the Lord as distinct from the assembly in Exeter or in Plymouth. That is, it has a local position and responsibility of its own.

The saints are the assembly of God, the temple of God, Christ’s body, 1 Timothy 3: l5; 1 Corinthians 1:16; 12:27. They are in this holy position by the call of God and in virtue of the presence of the Spirit. It may be said that many of them do not know or recognise the position to which they are called, and in which they are set by God. But speaking as an individual saint enlightened by God as to His will, I see what the saints are according to God, and I hold to it as the truth, even if no other agrees with me. I own the one assembly locally as well as the one assembly universally, because I see both aspects of the truth in Scripture.

Assembly order and discipline are necessarily local. It is to the local assembly you tell your grievance, In Matthew 18: l7, it is the local assembly that puts away from itself a wicked person; that comes together to break bread and so on. All this must be admitted, I think, by those subject to Scripture and we are to follow it as righteousness, 2 Timothy 2:22: that is, what is right and according to God.

I take it that it is a part of righteousness and that which faith would assuredly hold fast, that the assembly of God is to be owned locally as well as generally. In owning it, love would surely come into activity towards one’s local brethren, and we should use diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace. All this would be moral evidence that we were calling upon the Lord out of a pure heart.

Much of the difficulty of the present situation seems to me to arise from the fact that the “meeting” in a town is viewed as having some kind of corporate existence and responsibility apart from all other saints in the town. This, I submit, is really a sectarian idea and ought not to be entertained.

If but one individual in a town were seeking to pursue righteousness, faith, etc., he would necessarily have to walk alone locally, though being quite free to join his brethren elsewhere in their privileges as opportunity occurred, if no moral questions intervened as a barrier. If two or three, or twenty or thirty saints in a town were individually set to walk in the path I have indicated, they could, of course, walk together but they would not embrace in their thoughts anything less than the whole local assembly composed of all saints in the town. … Evil may come in amongst them, which they may have to judge and put away from amongst themselves. Or it is even possible that iniquity may come to predominate so much, that nothing remains for the faithful but to depart from it. …

In connection with this, does it not seem clear from Revelation 2 & 3 that the Lord must be owned as having to say directly to each local assembly? He does not commission Philadelphia to deal with Laodicea. It is He Himself who rebukes, chastens and calls to repentance.

It seems to me that if saints really held the scriptural thought of local responsibility they would not think of taking up, save by prayer and counsel, the case of saints in confusion in another town. They would press upon them to seek the Lord, and to act before Him according to their own exercises and faith in their own town. It would be no question of whether they were a “meeting” or not, but of recognising them as being of God’s assembly in another place.

Much has been said as to a case where prolonged endeavours have failed to bring about local reconciliation between divided saints. The question is asked, “How long is this to go on?” Well, surely if a number of saints, waiting on the Lord and humbled before Him, were really clear so as to be gathered to His name, He would make it plain when His time had come for them to break bread together again. I judge they would be able to show themselves to be so clear of all the past confusion, and as to their position in regard to their unreconciled brethren, that saints in other towns would have no difficulty in extending to them the right hand of fellowship. …

One word, in conclusion, as to the course, which brethren in many places have adopted, of declining for a time to receive from places where division occurs. Great exception has been taken to this course, but I fail to see on what scriptural grounds. No person instructed in the truth of the assembly would advocate going to both parties in a case of local division, but would it be wise or gracious to assume at once that every local breach is irreparable, and to decide at once which of the two parties – perhaps equally culpable – we will go with? If brethren go on with one party in such a case, they necessarily refuse the other, and thus decide the case at once. But should not patience be exercised, and space given for repentance, and healing of the breach? No principle is involved in this; it is simply a time of waiting upon God to grant local healing, if it is His will. If healing be not granted, time is needed to enable saints in other places to consider the facts and principles involved therein, of any local breach, and to wait on God for wisdom and guidance in regard to it. So, as far as I know, this is all the brethren desire, and I think any godly person would be quite willing to waive for the time his individual privilege in breaking bread, that such patience might be exercised.

Charles Coates (1862-1945)

Note

I was given the last paragraph as an excerpt and have published it as ‘How we should React in Regard to an Assembly where there is Division’. I am indebted to two brothers in the Mid West USA, who have given me the full paper, which has been reproduced digitally, slightly abridged, here.

Sosthenes, May 2014

ADOSS Newsletter – No. 7 – April 2014

Σωσθένης Ὁἀδελφὸς – Sosthenes the Brother

sosthenes@adoss.co.uk –

ADOSS Newsletter No 7 – April 2014

Dear Christian Friends

Here is my latest newsletter

Easter

I am writing this on what is traditionally known as Good Friday. Do I regard the day as anything special? Not really; there is no scriptural justification for celebrating the Lord’s death at the time of the feast of the Jewish Passover. Indeed many Christians believe, with some justification, that the crucifixion took place on a Wednesday, the first day of the Passover being the Thursday – and this gives time for the Lord’s body to have been in the grave three days and three nights.

I have no problems with those who wish to celebrate Easter in a simple way. Indeed I am very pleased when people remember the One who died on the cross at Calvary, laying down His live for millions, bearing their sins and securing their eternal salvation.

We are told to remember Him. “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Cor. 11:26). The frequency is not specified. It is clear that they gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday – see Acts 20:7), and most Christians who celebrate the Lord’s supper, myself included, do this.

It is a sad thing when Christians who can answer to the Lord’s request fail to do so. I would encourage ADOSS readers to do so, and to ‘call on the Lord out of a pure heart.’ (2 Tim. 2:22)

JND’s Man of Sorrows

I guess it is a good day to post that wonderful poem by John Nelson Darby. Here are a few of the 36 verses. For the full poem click her

O ever homeless Stranger,
Thus, dearest Friend to me;
An outcast in a manger,
That Thou might’st with us be!

We cling to Thee in weakness–
The manger and the cross;
We gaze upon Thy meekness,
Through suffering, pain, and loss;

Still in Thee love’s sweet savour
Shone forth in every deed,
 And showed God’s loving favour
To every soul in need.

In death, obedience yielding
To God His Father’s will,
Love still its power is wielding
To meet all human ill.

We worship, when we see Thee
In all Thy sorrowing path;
 We long soon to be with Thee
Who bore for us the wrath.

Come then, expected Saviour;
Thou Man of sorrows, come!
Almighty, blest Deliverer!
 And take us to Thee–home.

All Roads lead to Rome

There is little doubt that things are moving quickly. At one time Rome persecuted true believers using torture and even the stake. Many dear saints perished in the Spanish Inquisition – and even now this is celebrated in some parades. Manuel, a friend of my father, as a young man during the Spanish civil war, was shown a coffin by a priest and told, ‘That is where you are going!’ He fled. Rome’s heart hasn’t changed.

Its tactics have changed though. Protestants are being lured back – ‘ there isn’t much difference really’. Indeed many are pleased that the Catholic church takes a firm line on abortion, gay rights and promotes moral rectitude, despite the fact that many priests have fallen miserably.

A few weeks ago I came across this video on You Tube Ecumenism: Spiritual Whoredom – a bit frightening. It might have overplayed things, critical of some who have served the Lord. But whoever they are, none are immune from the charms of the harlot.

Recent Postings

In addition to ‘Man of Sorrows’ I have posted other compositions by JND – A Holy Father’s Constant Care, All through this Desert Dry , and others.

I have also posted a couple of articles by Charles Coates bearing on the situation when Satan is active in dividing the Lord’s people.

May you be blessed, awaiting our Lord’s near return

Your brother

Sosthenes

The Man of Sorrows – John Nelson Darby

O ever homeless Stranger,
Thus, dearest Friend to me;
An outcast in a manger,
That Thou might’st with us be!

How rightly rose the praises
Of heaven that wondrous night,
When shepherds hid their faces
In brightest angel-light!

More just those acclamations,
Than when the glorious band
Chanted earth’s deep foundations,
Just laid by God’s right hand.

Come now and view that manger–
The Lord of glory see,
A houseless, homeless Stranger
In this poor world for thee–

To God, in the highest, glory,
And peace on earth to find;
And learn that wondrous story,
Good pleasure in mankind.

How bless’d those heavenly spirits,
Who joy increasing find,
That spite of our demerits
God’s pleasure’s in mankind;

And chant the highest glory
Of Him they praise above,
In telling out the story
Of God come down in love!

Oh, strange yet fit beginning
Of all that life of woe,
In which Thy grace was winning
Poor man his God to know!

Bless’d Babe! who lowly liest
In manger-cradle there;
Descended from the highest,
Our sorrows all to share.

Oh, suited now in nature
For Love’s divinest ways,
To make the fallen creature
The vessel of Thy praise!

O Love, all thought surpassing!
That Thou should’st with us be,
Nor yet in triumph passing,
But human infancy!

We cling to Thee in weakness–
The manger and the cross;
We gaze upon Thy meekness,
Through suffering, pain, and loss;

There see the Godhead glory
Shine through that human veil,
And, willing, hear the story
Of Love that’s come to heal.

My soul in secret follows
The footsteps of His love;
I trace the Man of sorrows,
His boundless grace to prove.

A child in growth and stature,
Yet full of wisdom rare;
Sonship, in conscious nature,
His words and ways declare.

Yet still in meek submission
His patient path He trod,
To wait His heavenly mission,
Unknown to all but God.

But who, Thy path of service,
Thy steps removed from ill,
Thy patient love to serve us,
With human tongue can tell?

Midst sin and all corruption,
Where hatred did abound,
Thy path of true perfection
Was light on all around.

In scorn, neglect, reviling,
Thy patient grace stood fast;
Man’s malice unavailing
To move Thy heart to haste.

O’er all, Thy perfect goodness
Rose blessedly divine;
Poor hearts oppressed with sadness
Found ever rest in Thine.

The strong man in his armour
Thou mettest in Thy grace,
Did’st spoil the mighty charmer
Of our unhappy race.

The chains of man, his victim,
Were loosened by Thy hand;
No evils that afflict him
Before Thy power could stand.

Disease, and death, and demon,
All fled before Thy word,
As darkness the dominion
Of day’s returning lord!

The love that bore our burden
On the accursed tree,
Would give the heart its pardon,
And set the sinner free!

Love, that made Thee a mourner
In this sad world of woe,
Made wretched man a scorner
Of grace–that brought Thee low.

Still in Thee love’s sweet savour
Shone forth in every deed,
And showed God’s loving favour
To every soul in need.

I pause:–for in Thy vision
The day is hastening now,
When for our lost condition
Thy holy head shall bow;

When, deep to deep still calling,
The waters reach Thy soul,
And–death and wrath appalling–
Their waves shall o’er Thee roll.

O day of mightiest sorrow,
Day of unfathomed grief!
When Thou should’st taste the horror
Of wrath without relief.

O day of man’s dishonour!
When, for Thy love supreme,
He sought to mar Thine honour,
Thy glory turn to shame.

O day of our confusion!
When Satan’s darkness lay,
In hatred and delusion,
On ruined nature’s way.

Thou soughtest for compassion–
Some heart Thy grief to know,
To watch Thine hour of passion–
For comforters in woe.

No eye was found to pity,
No heart to bear Thy woe;
But shame, and scorn, and spitting–
None cared Thy name to know.

The pride of careless greatness
Could wash its hands of Thee;
Priests that should plead for weakness,
Must Thine accusers be!

Man’s boasting love disowns Thee;
Thine own Thy danger flee;
A Judas only owns Thee
That Thou may’st captive be.

O man! How hast thou proved
What in thy heart is found;
By grace divine unmoved,
By self in fetters bound.

Yet with all grief acquainted,
The Man of sorrows view,
Unmoved–by ill untainted–
The path of grace pursue.

In death, obedience yielding
To God His Father’s will,
Love still its power is wielding
To meet all human ill.

On him who had disowned Thee
Thine eye could look in love–
‘Midst threats and taunts around Thee–
To tears of grace to move.

What words of love and mercy
Flow from those lips of grace,
For followers that desert Thee,
For sinners in disgrace!

The robber learned beside Thee,
Upon the cross of shame–
While taunts and jeers deride Thee–
The savour of Thy name.

Then, finished all, in meekness
Thou to Thy Father’s hand
(Perfect Thy strength in weakness)
Thy spirit dost commend.

O Lord! Thy wondrous story
My inmost soul doth move;
I ponder o’er Thy glory–
Thy lonely path of love!

But, O divine Sojourner
‘Midst man’s unfathomed ill,
Love, that made Thee a mourner,
It is not man’s to tell!

We worship, when we see Thee
In all Thy sorrowing path;
We long soon to be with Thee
Who bore for us the wrath.

Come then, expected Saviour;
Thou Man of sorrows, come!
Almighty, blest Deliverer!
And take us to Thee–home.

From Spiritual Songs,

Selected verses form three hymns in the Little Flock Hymn Book – 1951, 1962 and 1973 – Numbers 188, 189, 190
Part of the above is in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs 1978 – Nos 400 and 452

J. N. Darby [1867]

How we should React in Regard to an Assembly where there is Division

When a local assembly is divided, we should be patient and give time for matters to be worked out, before breaking bread with either side.

This excerpt from the ministry of C A Coates, is very practical, when unfortunately a local assembly is divided, and when they are endeavouring to heal the breach. Should we break bread with one side or the other?

Charles Coates

J N Darby – A Holy Father’s Constant Care

God’s care

138 L.M.
1 A holy Father’s constant care
Keeps watch, with an unwearying eye,
To see what fruits His children bear –
Fruits that may suit their calling high;

2 Takes ever knowledge of our state:
What dims communion with His love,
Might check our growth, or separate
Our hearts from what’s revealed above.

3 O wondrous love! that ne’er forgets
The objects of its tender care;
May chasten still, while sin besets,
To warn and guard them where they are;

4 Yet ne’er forgets, but feeds them still
With tokens of His tender love;
Will keep till, freed from every ill,
They find their rest with Him above.

5 O wondrous, infinite, divine!
Keep near, our souls, to that blest place
Where all those heav’nly glories shine,
Which suit the brightness of His face.

6 O lowliness, how feebly known,
That meets the grace that gave the Son!
That waits to serve Him as His own,
Till grace, what grace began, shall crown!

J. N. Darby 1800-82

Little Flock Hymn Book 1962/1973 – No 138

What would happen if Somebody from Thyatira left that Company and tried to Break Bread in Philadelphia

A letter written by Charles Coates

… The question is raised by you as to whether the breach of 1908 was not caused by some misunderstanding. It appears that it is still your conviction that it was so. I would most gladly do anything possible to remove misunderstandings.

You say, I do not see disorder if, say, a saint in Laodicea or Thyatira, feeling the condition of things, and having read the instructions of 2 Timothy 2, withdrew and was received at Philadelphia. I cannot see that Philadelphia would be interfering with the Lord’s prerogative in receiving such a one.

If such a one had gone to Philadelphia it seems to me very probable that the brethren would have said something like this to him:

Dear brother,

We are deeply interested in you, as being of the assembly in Thyatira, for we love the brethren everywhere, and we feel a special care for those who are comparatively near to us, as you are. We are conscious that the spiritual power we have is only little, but this makes us desirous of clinging tenaciously to every intimation of the Lord’s mind that we can gather from His word. And we should like to put before you what we have learned from Him.

For a long time we have had a copy of a letter written by the apostle Paul, and we recognise that the things he wrote are the Lord’s commandment to us. We have gathered from that letter that assembly exercises are to be taken up and worked out in each locality where the saints are found, for not only was it addressed to ‘the assembly of God *which is in Corinth*’, but to ‘all that *in every place* call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’. This has taught us to recognise the assembly of God as in local responsibility in each place where saints are found, and that ‘in every place’ the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ can be called on as One who is available to direct His saints, and to adjust them locally. Indeed we count it a most precious privilege that we can thus refer directly to the Lord in our own locality, and obtain His grace and help in seeking to keep His word and not to deny His Name. We thankfully own that we are set in Philadelphia in responsibility to maintain here all that is due to the Lord, and also to avail ourselves of all the resources and sufficiency that is in Him for us. We feel it to be a great privilege that in our local exercises we have not to look to our brethren in Sardis or Smyrna, but directly to our beloved and only, Lord. We have proved His grace and faithfulness and sufficiency in our local needs, and we earnestly and affectionately entreat you not to call upon us, who are of another assembly, but to call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ that He may show you His mind and act for you in the locality in which He has set you.

We may say, further, that we have just recently received from Patmos a copy of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him, and we have been intensely interested in John’s letters to the seven assemblies in this district. These have greatly confirmed us in what we had previously gathered from Paul. We have been greatly comforted by having a direct communication from the Lord to us locally. It has given us the sweetest sense of His love and concern, not only for the assembly universally, but for His saints in each local assembly. This is exceedingly precious to us, and we earnestly desire that you should prove the value of it in your own locality. We know something of your exercises, for we have read the epistle to the angel of the assembly in Thyatira, and it encouraged us much to know that the Lord was taking direct account of you in your locality even as He did of us in ours. We counsel you to attend to what He says. He is addressing you in your local responsibility, and your blessing will lie in owning this, and in obtaining His grace to answer to His mind.

As to what you say about withdrawing from the assembly in Thyatira, we do not understand what you mean. Are you not one of those of whom the Lord has spoken as the assembly in Thyatira? This is how *He* regards you, and therefore how *we* regard you. We could understand your having to withdraw from iniquity, and to purify yourself from vessels to dishonour, for we, too, have read Paul’s second letter to Timothy. But we believe it to be impossible for you to withdraw from the assembly in Thyatira so long as you are resident there. The Lord is unquestionably addressing you *there*, and though we have observed with sorrow that there is much in the assembly there of which He does not approve we have also noted that there are some exercised souls there whom He has addressed as ‘the rest who are in Thyatira’. Why cannot you take up your exercises with them?

If you have not been able to get on happily together with them you need the Lord’s grace locally to enable you to do so. He wants you to recognise His voice, and to obtain His grace for the adjustment of your local differences. We are ready to help you in every spiritual way that is in our power, but we believe the greatest help we can give you is to exhort you to be cast upon the Lord that you may prove His sufficiency in your own locality where He addresses you. He has reserved to Himself the authority to adjust and regulate things amongst you at Thyatira; He has not committed any charge as to this to us. We believe it to be your great privilege to recognise His direct authority where you are, and to obtain His personal direction and grace for every difficulty and exercise in regard to your walking together there. We believe it to be His holy and perfect ordering that it should be so.

Are you not prepared to accept that the above is according to Scripture? Then why accept another kind of action which is not at all in accord with it? If there is a divine order, that which is not consistent with it must be disorder. To acknowledge that there is a divine principle which should govern our action, and in practice to go contrary to it, is a course which I find it difficult to understand.

With love and greetings in our Lord, on behalf of your brethren in Philadelphia

Your brother X.

ADOSS Newsletter No 6 – March 2014

Σωσθένης Ὁἀδελφὸς – Sosthenes the Brother

sosthenes@adoss.co.uk –

ADOSS Newsletter No 6 – March 2014

Dear Christian Friends

ADOSS is progressing well, thank God, which gives me a lot to pray about.

I summarised two groups of articles – JND’s Faith once delivered to the Saints and the Present Hope of the Church. These have been prepared for e-publication but I have not had enough replies from critical readers correcting the work. Thank you for the input so far – but I need more before the booklets can be released in electronic or hard copy form.

The Sufferings of Christ

I have done a summary of JND’s The Sufferings of Christ – on Christ’s Sufferings from Men and from God, in His Spirit, and in Anticipation. It is a most holy subject, and I am surprised it brought out so much criticism in Darby’s time.

This is the second of a series which can go on indefinitely ‘Fundamental Truths’. The first was on ‘The Resurrection’. More will come, if the Lord will. Your suggestions are welcome.

The Righteousness of God

I must confess to the fact that I am struggling with this one, originally in Doctrinal vol 2 (Series vol 7). Darby sought to counter the belief, which was taught at that time, that Christ became our righteousness, that is that what was due under the law from us, He took on himself. Hence He would help us walk in according to the same law here if we are to follow Him. Personally, I have not heard this taught, nor do I know where it is still taught, but any tendency for Christians to place themselves under a legal obligation must have its root in this unscriptural teaching. There is that favourite Easter hymn ‘There is a green hill far away’. It goes on ‘He died to make us good’ and ‘try his works to do’. Oh dear!

I hope to have this one done in a week.

Co-operation

I still need friends who will review ADOSS critically. I am all too aware of my shortcomings, but I do not want anything erroneous to be on the website, or worse still in print. So PLEASE take an article and compare it with the original (ask me for this) and see if I have covered the ground accurately and comprehensively, but in modern language, and reduced to about 1/3 the length.

So long as you have a love for the truth, love for the Lord and His people, and have the capabilities I do not mind who helps me: male or female, old or young, ‘or whatever church connection.

Some new Friends

I am receiving more and more correspondence with godly souls. Some of course are people just wanting money – one Roman Catholic priest wanted funds for Mass vestments and other things. I pointed out that God was not interested in vestments, they were not necessary and, besides, all real priests in his congregation (ie all believers), were already clothed in the ‘best robe’!

But there are others – one sister hanging on to the idea that we will have to face the great tribulation – but most sound.

The Church

More and more, the ruined state of the Church is evident. Wouldn’t we all like to see it totally united in its pristine pentecostal state? But there are inconsistencies everywhere. It just casts us on God. When I was a boy, there was a brother in London who served widely, Percy Lyon. He might have been a bit eccentric, but his teaching on the ‘broken-hearted churchman’, has remained with me all my life.

May you prove God’s grace. Maranatha!

Your Brother, Sosthenes

All through this desert dry My path His footsteps trace, And He doth all my need supply

Hymn by John Nelson Darby (1800-1882)

Originally in Fench – Click here for French version.

1. All through this desert dry
My path His footsteps trace,
And He doth all my need supply
In this sad, empty place.
Up to the Father there
Doth He attract my heart –
Doth make this earth a desert drear,
And draw me quite apart.

2 In Christ I find repose,
Nor follow Him in vain;
My soul no loss nor sorrow knows
When He Himself’s my gain.
Though long and hard the road,
Faith’s eyes are on the goal;
He uses trials for my good,
And thus preserves my soul.

3 Thus joyful, bright and free,
I take the heav’nly road;
My soul vibrates with melody,
My song is ever – God!
To Thee I have recourse
When sorrow fills my soul;
Thy staff and rod are my resource,
To comfort and console.

4 O what amazing grace
To know Thee here below!
To this great end my steps I trace,
And onward, upward go.
Thy face I soon shall see,
O mighty Saviour, there;
I have in Thee full victory,
And shall Thy glory share.

Little Flock Hymnbook 1962/1973 No 228
Thought to have been written by John Nelson Darby in French and translated.

J N Darby – Rise, my soul, thy God directs thee

sung to Beecher

by J. Zundel (1815-1882)
(8.7.8.7.D.)

1 RISE, my soul, thy God directs thee;
Stranger hands no more impede;
Pass thou on, His hand protects thee,
Strength that has the captive freed.

2 Is the wilderness before thee,
Desert lands where drought abides?
Heavenly springs shall there restore thee,
Fresh from God’s exhaustless tides.

3 Light divine surrounds thy going,
God Himself shall mark thy way;
Secret blessings, richly flowing,
Lead to everlasting day.

4 God, thine everlasting portion,
Feeds thee with the mighty’s meat;
Price of Egypt’s hard extortion,
Egypt’s food no more to eat.

5 Art thou weaned from Egypt’s pleasures?
God in secret thee shall keep,
There unfold His hidden treasures,
There His love’s exhaustless deep.

6 In the desert God will teach thee
What the God that thou hast found,
Patient, gracious, powerful, holy;
All His grace shall there abound.

7 On to Canaan’s rest still wending,
E’en thy wants and woes shall bring
Suited grace from high descending,
Thou shalt taste of mercy’s spring.

8 Though thy way be long and dreary,
Eagle strength He’ll still renew:
Garments fresh and foot unweary
Tell how God hath brought thee through.

9 When to Canaan’s long-loved dwelling
Love divine thy foot shall bring,
There with shouts of triumph swelling,
Zion’s songs in rest to sing,

10 There no stranger-God shall meet thee,
Stranger thou in courts above.
He who to His rest shall greet thee,
Greets thee with a well-known love.

In Hymns for the Little Flock 1962 and 1973 and in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs 1978 – No 76

J N Darby: And shall we see Thy face,

Hope

AND shall we see Thy face,
And hear Thy heavenly voice,
Well known to us in present grace!
Well may our hearts rejoice.

With Thee in garments white,
O Jesus, we shall walk;
And, spotless in that heavenly light,
Of all Thy sufferings talk.

Close to Thy trusted side,
In fellowship divine,
No cloud, no distance, e’er shall hide
Glories that there shall shine.

Fruit of Thy boundless love
That gave Thyself for us –
For ever we shall with Thee prove
That Thou still lov’st us thus.

And we love Thee, blest Lord,
E’en now, though feeble here;
Thy sorrows and Thy cross record
What makes us know Thee near.

We wait to see Thee, Lord!
Yet now within our hearts
Thou dwell’st in love, that doth afford
The joy that love imparts.

Yet still we wait for Thee,
To see Thee as Thou art,
Be with Thee, like Thee, Lord, and free
To love with all our heart.

Author: Sosthenes