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ized the religion of the scribes and put it into practice. This is why the NT mentions the
scribes and Pharisees together 19 times, all in the Gospels (e.g. Matt. 5:20; 15:1; 23:2, 13,
14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29; Luke 11:39, 42, 43, 44, 53). The Pharisees were the religious lead-
ers of the Jews, not the practical politicians (like the more liberal Sadducees)" (NIV Dic-
tionary of the Bible, p. 454, "Pharisees").

to be continued...

Be Not Weary

"Be not weary in well-doing," Paul wrote to his friends.
He who travelled on a mission to the world's far ends --
Knew, what Love demands of those who heed the Master's call
He knew the cost of sacrifice. He knew. He knew it all.

He knew how duty drains the strength when there is none to spare,
To do that extra task -- He knew the agony of prayer --
And how the whips of circumstance drive you down a road
You do not choose because your back is bent beneath your load.

Be not weary in the doing of the thing that's right --
Working at the same old treadmill, walking in bad light --
Thankful for the little blessings found beside the way --
And crumbs of comfort gathered at the ending of the day...
Be not weary in the doing. Trust God and you'll find
Healing for the mending of the body and the mind.
-- Patience Strong

God's Watchman

"Prophesy not unto us right things: speak unto us smooth things." This accusation against His people Israel came
from God by the mouth of His messenger, Isaiah. In those days, as now, the mass of the people had no desire to
listen to warnings of impending disaster -- although it loomed on every side and finally descended. They de-
manded instead that news released and instructions issued should be inevitably "good" and that they should be al-
lowed to continue in their own devious ways without let or hindrance and without their being bothered by the
possibility that things might ever be different.

It is a trait of humankind that bad news must be held taboo until the last possible moment. And when it breaks
thus, those concerned with the common well-being are usually loudly upbraided and accused of complacency.

There can be no hope of solution of the menacing problems which confront our land and people until, as a whole,
they show themselves willing to face and grapple with the various types of unpleasant malaise which threaten
them. As a "Watchman to the House of Israel" this magazine stands in the invidious position occupied by God's
prophet. In the eyes of the majority of our people, the news and the forecasts are consistently "bad" and we may
look for no thanks for our conveying His warnings, through the Scriptures, of the difficult times which lie ahead.

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