The End Thereof

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof' wrote the Preacher (Eccles. 7:8). I suppose he meant that a task completed brings its own recompense. As notified last~ month this is to be the final contribution from this writer under the caption "COMMENT by Torchlight". Whatever the Preacher meant the present writer confesses to more than a twinge of sadness at the severance of this monthly link with Needed Truth readers. But all service for the Lord is limited by time and circumstance. Each plays his part in various fields of the Lord's work and then passes the torch to others. Since early youth the ministry of Needed Truth has been a formative influence in the spiritual development of the present writer. This is one reason why he is grateful for opportunities that have come his way to contribute to the magazine in recent years.

In taking leave of readers who have shown interest in this monthly feature I record my thanks, especially to those who have expressed appreciation of its monthly messages. I am indebted to some who have suggested themes suitable for review in COMMENT, and to others whose criticism - not always complimentary! - has been a wholesome restraining influence.

Nor can I ever forget the support and encouragement received from editors of Needed Truth, past and present. To be yoked in service with men of God who give themselves without stint to self-effacing labour in the field of written ministry to God's people has been a stimulating experience.

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all" (2 Thess. 3:18).

AN APPRECIATION

The articles entitled COMMENT, which since January 1964 have appeared monthly under the nom de plume Torchlight, were contributed by our co-editor Mr T.M. Hyland, of Birkenhead. They have been greatly appreciated by readers of this magazine. As already indicated this feature will now be discontinued.

Editors of Needed Truth, on their own behalf and on behalf of readers, thank Mr Hyland very sincerely for his painstaking labours in contributing his helpful COMMENT during the past sixteen years.

The subject matter covered by Mr Hyland has been varied. At times he gave clear exposition of scriptural statements. At other times he exposed the serious consequences of erroneous interpretation of God's word and the dangerous trends of modern cults. Time and time again he dealt faithfully with the general moral deterioration in the standards of human society and he warned as to the impact this decline could have on disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In connexion with the topical aspect of his contributions it was, of course, necessary that he should give his comments as close as possible to the date of publication. In this he displayed impressive skill. He enjoys a rare ability to assess a given situation in world affairs and to predict what developments are likely to follow. This ability is clearly revealed in his contributions.

But Mr Hyland was not a political columnist. When he analysed and presented important happenings in the world he did so in the context of the significance of these happenings and their consequences in the light of divine revelation. To Torchlight, Scripture was the infallible, supreme arbiter. His own mind illuminated by that light and disciplined by that authority Mr Hyland shared the guidance which he had received in his perceptive examination of world affairs. In particular he focussed attention on the meaningful international developments affecting the nation of Israel. This he did not only to provoke prayer but also to arouse anticipation of the soon return of Christ for His Church.

And so we say, Farewell, to the Torchlight feature but not to Mr Hyland. We are glad and grateful to say that as occasion offers he will continue, if the Lord will, to be a valued contributor to Needed Truth magazine.

It is proposed, God willing, to replace Torchlight by a feature under the heading "FOCUS", in which trends and problems of current times will be reviewed in the light of the word of God.

(Editors)

unknown | Dec 1979
Comment By Torchlight