Edwin White
Edwin White (1846-?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. His first pastorate was with the church meeting at Orphington (1877-1879). After two years, the communion question cropped up, the majority of members deciding to throw the Table open. He forthwith resigned his office. His second pastorate was with the church meeting at Clare, Suffolk (1881-1887). After six years of blessed ministry, he resigned the office due to health reasons. His third pastorate was with the church meeting at Woolwich, Enon Chapel (1891-1919). In 1911 was elected president of the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches.
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The Word Of God Found, And Fed Upon
The prophet had to write some bitter things which often made his heart sad; he was a man of strife and contention to the whole earth; he had to rebuke sharply for sin, and tell his own people of their coming judgments, that they would be carried away into captivity to Babylon; this raised him up enemies and persecutors for his faithfulness; but he appeals to his God; he was not left without comfort and help. God strengthened him by His Word: this Word which others hated and despised he found his greatest consolation. So is it still with the godly man; let us note a few things in this passage for our instruction, dear reader.
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Sin Discovered And Punished
God had done much for Israel. Their wilderness wanderings were at an end. They had crossed the Jordan, entered upon the fair land of promise. They had seen Jericho's walls fall prostrate before the Ark of God; and now, with full confidence they march on to Ai. But here they meet with a reverse, which humbles their leader, Joshua, and drives him to his God in prayer. God soon reveals the cause, "Israel hath sinned," therefore their enemies have triumphed over them; there is an Achan in the camp.
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Pressing Forward
It is well at the beginning of another year to pause, see what advancement we have made in the past in spiritual matters, what growth in grace we have made. This seems to have been the feeling of the apostle when he penned the above words. l. We learn he was not satisfied with past attainments.—There were heights to climb he had not reached, truths which God had revealed with which at present he was but very imperfectly acquainted, great purposes for which God had called him by His grace in services for Him, from which he felt he came very short indeed.
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The Great Transition
In stepping over the threshold of another year and into another century, 'tis well to pause and ask ourselves where we stand. The rapid march of time bears us irresistibly onward, but what is our goal? Has there been such a change in us, that the words which stand at the head of our meditation are true of our inner experience and our life? If so, the opening century will add to our joy, "For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed; "our redemption draweth nigh; eternity's morn is already breaking upon us, that day which will know no sunset in the new heavens and the new earth for evermore.
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“Hitherto”
The review of the past fills the heart with gratitude: every waymark has a voice to awaken praise to Him who has brought us thus far on life's journey: it enkindles hope for the future. These stones of help which we have reared, are stepping-stones to higher and nobler efforts than have as yet been achieved. These are the lessons we would gather. Let us note in this instance,
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“Be Ye Ready”
In commencing a new year, the question arises, Are we ready for what it may bring forth? As the events which it may unfold are as yet shrouded in mystery, it is well to be prepared for the unknown path lying before us.
