it known, the mystery lay hidden in the mind of God. It was not hidden in types and

symbols in the Old Testament, nor veiled in the parable form in the New. While it rests

solidly upon the great basis of justification as taught in Romans, it is a superstructure

which was unknown and unexplained to those to whom the gospel was perfectly clear:--

It was not hidden by the rubbish of tradition, but by the will of God. This being so, it

is not faith that seeks for the truth of the mystery in O.T. prophecy or type, but perversity.

It is not faith to hold fast to the ministry of Christ in the Gospels, and to ignore His risen

ministry; just as it was not real faith that prompted the bringing of the spices at His

burial, ignoring His testimony that after three days He would rise again.

The significance of Col. 1: 26, for our friend, was twofold. To learn that the mystery

had been hid from all ages and generations would of itself bring no joy, teach no truth,

and set no course; but to learn that what had hitherto been so hidden was now "made

manifest" was news indeed. Shall God open His treasures, and man despise His grace?

Alas, many seem to ignore the wonders of love that are herein displayed. They say, with

the Jew, "The old is better".

This, then, is another testimony to the truth of the mystery. It will be using a passage

already blessed to others if these two related features ("hidden" and "manifest") are given

due weight by those who would enlighten their fellows as to what is the dispensation of

the mystery (Eph. 3: 9, R.V.).