."

"Framed." Hebrews 11:3, "Through faith we understand that the worlds
were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not
made of things which do appear."

"Restored." Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a
fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of
meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

"Mend." Mark 1:19, "And when he had gone a little farther thence, he
saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in
the ship mending their nets."

The illustration has been used of a man with his leg out of joint. He
cannot walk except with great pain, but when he puts himself without
reserve into the hands of the doctor and the leg is set he can then
rise and walk. He is not a perfect walker, but he is made perfect to
walk. And the idea of all the verses above quoted is that we may be
set with right relations to Christ that he may have his way with us,
that we may stand where he willed we should stand; and as a result we
shall be well pleasing in his sight.

VII

_Prayer for Peace_. 2 Thessalonians 3:16, "Now the Lord of peace
himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."
Peace is most difficult to define. It is the opposite of unrest,
confusion and strife; and this peace for which the Apostle prays is,
first, not the peace of indifference. Let this never be forgotten.
Second: It is not the peace of prosperous surroundings. Some people
frequently fail at this point but it is the very peace of God himself.
The peace here prayed for looks in three directions.

First: Godward. "Being justified by faith we have peace with God."
His pardoning voice we hear and he is reconciled.

Second: Inward. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; let
not your heart be troubled."

Third: Outward. With such a possession we may meet trial and bear
burdens and never be moved. How may we secure such a possession?

(1) By having confidence in Christ's work, for when he met his
disciples and showed them his hands and his side, he said, "Peace be
unto you."

(2) By submission to Christ's rule. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect
peace," or, as the literal translation is, "Thou wilt keep him in
peace, peace, who trusteth in thee because his mind is set on thee."
This is our possession, and for that Paul prays.

A STARTLING STATEMENT

TEXT: "_The wicked shall not be unpunished._"--Prov. 11: