PSALM 127


1 Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

AN ecclesia may possess good speakers, a shrewd executive, a first-rate hall, plenty of money, and yet die! If these possessions are to be of profit, the brethren must employ them as God's gifts, and as in His sight. Let us not forget that an ecclesia (if formed on the basis of the truth), with all its privileges and abilities, is of God's creation, and that its life is in His hands.

To hide this truth by ignoring Him, or by taking to itself praise which belongs to Him, is a sure road to ruin. We are so apt to be unwise in this matter-so prone to speak loudly and proudly of our achievements, whilst only feebly recognising that these, however great, can only have efficiency when God is pleased to note them.

To overlook God is not only madness; it is an insult which we cannot expect Him long to brook. If an ecclesia is to survive-to last and prosper-it must (and the importance of this demands all the emphasis we can command) acknowledge God, and by sincere and fervent prayer, incessantly solicit His help and co-operation.

Without this blessing collapse is inevitable.

 "Neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase" (1 Cor. 3:7).

Bro AT Jannaway

The Christadelphian, Nov 1906



"A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE,"

If a true solution of the prophecy has been attained, we must conclude that it has been given by the Father, through the Son ; for, as it is Written concerning the building itself,

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build i t " (Psalm cxxvii. 1),

so it may be said that the understanding of this vision could only come by His directing hand. Man need not be inspired to be the subject of His direction and control. Thereare innumerable ways in which thoughts are caused to come into the mind, and a man may analyse and synthesize from youth to old age without getting at the comprehension of a prophecy unless the Father give the key.

The development of the present exposition appears explicable only upon this principle.

In the course of his study, curious incidental circumstances have at certain points led the writer's mind, directed his thoughts, and called his attention to features which are essential to the understanding of the vision, and yet which a casual attention could not have noticed.

The writer cannot attribute to his own wisdom and skill the result attained. His profession as an architect, and his knowledge of The Truth, appear, however, to have been sufficient to prevent him (as one hath said) putting a ยท" horse's head on the body of a bullock', but God selects His own instruments to perform His will, and even prepares them before use.

Preface - Bro Sully




2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of Yahweh: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.