IN the fourth chapter of Ephesians, beginning at the eleventh verse, we have an enumeration of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which have been placed in the church, a statement of the object of those gifts, and the period during which they are to continue. Then in the 15th and 16th verses, we have an illustration. The Church is compared to the human body with Christ as the head, "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of body unto the edifying of itself in love."
Notice, the whole body is fitly joined together and compacted "by that which every joint supplieth." Now every one who is at all acquainted with the human body, knows that "every joint" supplies what is called joint-water. This fluid is found in every joint of the body, and its office, or work, is to prevent friction. The different members of the body are brought together at the joints, and were it not for the presence of the lubricating joint-water, there would be friction, and such friction as would make it almost, if not quite, impossible for the body to exist.
The most important office of this joint-water, however, is "the effectual working in the measure of every part." That is, by means of this joint-water every part, or every member of the body, is enabled to attain to its full measure, or size. Whereas, were it not for the presence of this lubricant, the stronger member coming in contact with the weaker one, would prevent its growth, and the body would thus present an unnatural, or abnormal appearance, instead of being symmetrical in all its parts as it should be.
And the Creator has displayed no less wisdom in supplying this important joint-water to the spiritual body as well as to the natural body. The passage quoted above, and other passages, make it plain that this important fluid is love. The church is made up of members coming together from all the various stations of life, entirely unacquainted with each other's peculiarities and needs, and often having no sympathy for the weaknesses and failings of their fellow members,—weaknesses and failings which they, with their superior advantages in life, know little about. Under such circumstances it is nothing to be wondered at that there should be more or less friction at the joints; and in these days of confusion and general misapprehension it is of the utmost importance that every church-member be provided with a liberal supply of joint-water.—Canadian Union Messenger.