CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH

Daily Bible Reading.. July 1, Isaiah, ch. 52; July 15, ch. 66
Memory Work………………… Galatians, chap. 2.
Good Reading…… …. C. H. M. on Genesis, to page 174

With July 1st we begin the last part of the wonderful prophecy of Isaiah; we reach the end of the book, chap. 66, on the 15th of the month, and begin Jeremiah on the 16th. Morning is the best time to do your reading, in most cases at least. Try to make it a part of your " before breakfast" work, and be sure to read carefully, slowly, and seeking to get the meaning.

Did you get through Galatians 1 for June ? There are some particularly good verses to hold fast-" Who gave Himself for our sins," etc.; " To reveal His Son in me," etc., and others. Coming now to the second chapter we have a little stiff work, as the sentences are a little involved. But who can afford to miss the last half of the chapter-the very title-deeds of faith? So let us take good hold, and encourage one another. I have found a good way to memorize was to set down in my note-book the first line of each verse, as much as I could write on a line of my book, like the index of a hymn book. This helps to fix the order of the verses in your mind until you can dispense even with this aid.

I am very glad we have taken up C. H. M. for our Good Reading. Isn't it beautiful ? So simple and clear, yet so profound. As a mere matter of literary style it is well worth reading. It is said that Mr. Gladstone particularly admired its beautiful diction. But its value is chiefly that it unfolds this first book of the Bible, and lets us see some of its rich types of Christ and His gospel. Next to its clear gospel teaching, I have been struck by its intense loyalty to the Word of God. That is what we need, the deepening conviction of the all-sufficiency and the perfection of the Word of God.

But shall I tell you one little worry I have had about this Good Reading proposition ? How many are availing themselves of it? Are you, and you, and you? It is so easy not to begin. Maybe you haven't a copy of the book, or it is loaned, or something. Well, you can get a copy-buy or borrow one-only don't miss it. As we did not begin till near the middle of June, I am setting page 174 as the limit for our July reading. This will allow time for all to catch up by the close of July.

I am tempted to propose that we form a list of those who are reading with us. Let's do it. Who will send on their names on a post-card, saying they are at it ? Let us see how quickly we can get the first twenty-five, and the first one hundred ! While you are at it, you can mention about the daily Bible reading too.

I think it may be well to say a word to more advanced students, who desire to go more deeply into the study of Genesis. Such books as, " Creation in Genesis and Geology," by F. W. Grant; " Meeting-place of Geology and History," by Sir William Dawson; " Modern Science and Christianity," by F. W. Bettex, are most interesting and very helpful, in showing that true knowledge is not against but for the truth of God's Word. Any High-school graduate will be able to enjoy these books. They can be had from the publishers of this magazine.
Five Minute Men

During the past war there was organized a band of public speakers, if I mistake not, who were to present to the public important questions for general welfare, such as War Savings Stamps, Loans, Thrift, etc., and who were supposed to make their appeal in four minutes.

Did you ever calculate how much 5 minutes a day will amount to in a year ? Thirty hours. And how many pages the size of C. H. M. could be easily read in that time ? About 900, or 3 volumes as large as Genesis. Take another 5 minutes, and how many verses of ordinary size could be committed to memory in a year ? I think for an ordinarily quick person the first 10 chapters of John's Gospel could be memorized. Worth while ?

Who then are going to be " Five Minute Men," and women? Here's your "slogan"-"Five minutes a day means 30 hours a year."

An "Honest Objector" on a Submarine

He was not there as a prisoner, but doing service under the appointment of his Government. Being a Christian, he shrank from the thought of taking the life of his fellow-creatures. But how could he avoid it on a Submarine ? Well, he asked the Lord to keep him from anything of that kind. The vessel was ordered to a part of the sea where its duties were to convoy merchant ships, and they never had to fire a torpedo. " Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass " (Ps. 37 :5).

Modesty is a beautiful trait. It is shown by having respect for those who are older, a willingness to listen rather than to force itself upon the attention of others.

It does not boast, nor argue beyond the point of politeness. It is cheerful without being too boisterous. Modesty is a beautiful thing.

Correspondence

The letters are beginning to come in, and we must share some of their contents. All have a kind word to say about the Y. B. D. "It is a good thing," "just what we have needed," etc. It is cheering, you may well believe, to get these letters.

One writes :"Our Young People's meeting was most interesting and helpful. We took up different thoughts in Isa. 40 to 43. There were 16 out." This correspondent describes these meetings, which are held every Sunday evening at 6.45, for about half an hour before the Evening Meeting. " We have a few hymns and prayer at the opening. Then a talk is given by one of the boys for at least 5 minutes and longer. Those who have spoken are all in fellowship, between the ages of 14 and 24. The subjects have been varied . . . on Old Testament saints, prophecies, gospel subjects and warnings to believers. The boys have done splendidly with God's help and guidance." There is a great deal more in this very interesting letter, and it speaks of other plans for Bible work which leave things a little more informal, with opportunity for the "girls" to ask questions. It is all very cheering and interesting.
" Most happy indeed and thankful are we all that you have been led to open a department for the young people ; this is doubtless the answer to the prayers of some of the saints, and begins already to show exercise and fruit. May we, as the Lord leads, gives grace and helps, come behind in nothing, and may the Spirit bring not a few of us into earnest persistent prayer that what has been started may continue increasingly to stimulate, encourage and aid us, that the Lord may be pleased in making us useful to saint and sinner." This is from a young brother who finds an open door for tract work in the great city where he lives.

" I am so glad for the portion for Young Believers, and mingle my prayers with the many others for the help of the dear young people who have to face the world in these perilous times in which we live." This writer then goes on to speak of a difficulty that is by no means uncommon. " There are so many of the children of families of the Lord's people so isolated from the fellowship of young Christians, etc. . . they make companions of those not with us, and often get among worldly companions as well."

What is the remedy for these isolated ones ? Let us remember them in prayer, and if you have any suggestions to make as to ways of helping, let us know. The writer makes one suggestion which I may speak of after prayerfully thinking of it a little longer.

We have a letter from a young man who speaks of being very much alone, although in a large meeting with many just a little older than he. Now that should not be. Let him seek to put himself under their influence, and let these older ones not overlook any who may be backward and lonely.

But we must stop, leaving some letters for next time.