CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER

Daily Bible Reading, Oct. 1, Ezek. 21; 15th, 35; 31st, Dan. 3
Memory Work………………… Galatians, chap. 4:1-16
Good Reading.. …. C. H. M.'s Notes on Exodus, pages 1-95

This month will see us nearly through the " Major Prophets," so called simply because of their greater size, with the exception of Daniel. You will have noticed that each prophet has a character all its own, though a divine unity runs through them all. Jeremiah and Ezekiel write during the same period; the one from within, at Jerusalem, the other among those deported out of Judah to Babylon. Both show the moral condition of the people most sad-the cause of all their sufferings-while some still made strong outward professions. But the Spirit of God is not merely occupied with the sins of the people and their judgment, but with the purpose and grace of God which was yet to deliver and restore His poor backslidden people.

I want to call your attention again to the importance of a note-book in connection with the daily reading. You will find something in almost every chapter that strikes you, and which you would like to remember. Jot it down in your note-book.

This applies also to the memory work. Set apart in the back of the book as many pages as will allow for an index of the first line of each verse, and fill it in as you memorize. When we are through, you will have an index to the whole of great value in reviewing. You can easily do this now, as it will not take long to catch up the verses from the beginning of Galatians, a dozen a day.

And now we are to begin that wonderful book, Exodus, the history of redemption. What a theme ! and holy blessedly C. H. M. opens it up, chapter by chapter. Let us enlist the interest of as many as we can in this, old as well as young.

I am in the habit of marking the books I am reading, if they belong to me. It helps to fix striking portions in one's mind, and is of interest to others as well as ourselves, who may take up the volume in after-years. For a while I used a lead pencil to mark, but decided that a pen was better, as the marks and writing would not then blur, and there is no need of ever rubbing them out. If neatly done, these marks really embellish the book, and are like footprints for any other reader, who will see that some one else has been traveling this way before him.

As we recommended several books on Genesis for more advanced and detail work, I will mention some for Exodus:" Typical Teachings of Exodus," by E. Dennett, is most excellent, especially on the Tabernacle. Other books on the Tabernacle are " Foreshadows,'' by Mr. Pressland, and " Lectures on the Tabernacle," by S. R. The writings of Mr. Darby and W. Kelly on the whole book are excellent;* and special recommendation of F. W. G.'s " Numerical Bible " on Exodus is made. *These, for the present, are out of print.-[ED.* I don't suppose you will attempt all of these, but you may want to refer to some special part, and the writings of these may be helpful. Eventually, you should read all these books, but do not attempt too much at once.
It is interesting to remember that Mr. Grant finds Galatians corresponds to the book of Exodus. Each has the same numerical place, too-the number of help, salvation and deliverance. It is nice to trace these things, as they are most helpful and striking.

That Little Library

While on the subject of books, I want to advise you to own your books as far as possible. For instance, I hope some of you have bought C. H. M. on Genesis- then you are free to mark it, and know you always have it on hand for reference or lending.

There is a peculiar charm in owning your books ; and by this I do not mean buying a large number all at once. This is not desirable, even if you have the means, which many have not. But buy a book as you need it; if it means a slight pinch, you will value it all the more. Your books will thus have a little history peculiar to themselves. Pretty soon you will have a neat little row looking down brightly upon you in your room.

The Social Question

This little article is more like an opening of the subject than any long talk on my part. So as in all our matters, I hope you will remember you have a share.

Nothing is more painful than to see a young Christian discontented, and constantly talking about, " no company," " so lonely," etc. Not that it isn't a very real difficulty, which calls for sympathy and relief, if possible. But we must be plain, and say that a good deal of this discontent is selfish. That sounds hard, and I don't want to be hard; so will try to explain. Aren't you thinking about your own pleasure, rather than the pleasure of others ?

Now what about company ?-" No one of my age -not many to get together," etc. But think it over. Isn't there any one ? Suppose they are a little older or younger, can't you have pleasant intercourse ? And then, let one whisper it, Isn't there any one to whom you can give pleasure by speaking to them, talking with them, visiting and showing an interest in them ?

I believe there is a great reward in this whole matter if we take it up prayerfully and unselfishly. Let us make the best use of what we have, and we will find we are not so lonely as we thought. Now this is only a start, but we will keep at it in love and faith.

"The Summer is Ended"

We read these words when we were going through Jeremiah. They referred to Israel's time of privilege, which they had abused. They solemnly apply to the unsaved, whose summer-time of divine patience is rapidly passing away. But they may well be taken to heart by us all. The summer is ended, with its enjoyments, opportunities and temptations. What can we say of' it ? Do we begin the cool weather with strength renewed, with loins girded for what is before us, to make the best use of our time and talents ? Or do we find ourselves spiritually relaxed, unready for "the good fight of faith," hampered by fleshly habits, or worldly friendships-in general," out of communion ? " Well, if this last be the case, let us return at once to the Lord, with full confession, and He delights to restore. Let us not waste more time with vain regrets, but finding the Lord's restoring grace, go on our way with renewed purpose of heart.

Stragglers

Stragglers are hurtful to the army in two ways:they are so much useless material themselves, and they injure the morale of the whole body by their example. Don't think for a moment that when you fall out of rank it hurts nobody but yourself. You, once in while, go to certain places, you indulge in such and such habits; "Well, it's my own business, I am the only loser." Don't you believe it! Somebody else has followed your example, and gone further and stayed away longer. Do you want to be the cause of driving some one into the world ? I am afraid we all are in danger of becoming spiritually "soft," and thus becoming laggards instead of " good soldiers of Jesus Christ." May the Lord arouse us.

A Good Pamphlet

In close connection with what I have just been saying, I want to recommend a most excellent pamphlet which a brother has recently sent me; it is called "Worldly Entanglements, or, The Triple Alliance of 895, B. C." The author is a well-known English brother, H. P. B. I would advise you to get and read this booklet of only 16 pages. You can get it from our publishers.

Correspondence

" First of all we want to express our heartfelt appreciation of your interest in us … We are going to ask for a place in your prayers that we may be able to continue in this study, to the praise and glory of our blessed Saviour."

Here is something from " a lonely one," which ought to touch our hearts and stir us to prayer. Do we feel our responsibility regarding these isolated children of God ? They have not the incentive of numbers, of meetings, of many young companions; so let us think of and pray for them :

" I am reading C. H. M. on Genesis, and I hope to finish it by Oct. 1st. Do I like it ? Indeed I do. I also am following the daily reading and memory work.

" I have read this Department with deep interest from the first. I do so appreciate your heartfelt interest in the young people. I'm sure the Y. B. D. will be a great help to all, especially to us isolated ones, who have no one to turn to for advice or encouragement. This Department has a place all its own, and will meet a need which nothing else does (that I know of), especially in objects 3, 5, and 6, as stated in the May help and food. May the Lord richly bless it to us all."

We would only remind our young correspondent that the Lord is with the loneliest of His people as much as if a thousand were together. May this be a greater reality and joy to us all.

" When I first memorized the first two chapters of Galatians, some time ago, perhaps my system' wasn't properly arranged; a two weeks' visit from a relative upset it; but with H. and F. coming each month to check up with, and others keeping me company, the work was so much easier; and now it is a real pleasure-a part of the day to look forward to.

"Already I have been able to use to advantage what I have memorized, in a talk with a ' Christadelphian' on the train. And what an inspiration C. H. M. is- may the Lord use this Department 'to bless many others as He has me."

This correspondent, for whose letter I am very grateful, also speaks of talking to others about Y. B. D., and trying to enlist their interest. Good work.

The Question Box

I have felt somewhat undecided whether to state the questions and leave you time to send in answers, or to give my own answers.

As is often the case, there is a good deal to be said on both sides; and I shall attempt to combine the good of both features. As we are just beginning, I will give some answers, but with the understanding that you are quite welcome to send in other answers, or express dissent. The questions are all bona fide. If I have any questions I will let you know they are from me.

Another thing :Please send in your questions ; surely there are things you wish to have more light on. Let the questions come in freely, and then I shall probably leave them open for your answers. So you see how interesting this will be-a symposium, in which I will have the privilege of summing up.

Question 1. Did Judas partake of the Lord's Supper (not the Passover, but what the Lord instituted)?

Q. 2. Is there any Scripture reason for memorizing the Bible ?

Q. 3. Will we be with Christ on the Great White Throne ?

Q. 4. In Gal. 1:6, what is " another gospel," and why does Paul say it is not another gospel ?

Answers :I am going to leave three of these questions and wait for your answers, which I hope you will send in promptly.

Q. 3. I suppose there was in the mind of the questioner the thought of 1 Cor. 6 :2, 3, where we are told the saints shall judge the world and angels. You will notice the apostle is speaking of the saints deciding questions of government and behavior. If the affairs of the whole world are one day to come under the government of God's people, how much more the small affairs between brethren ? Similarly the saints will be associated with our Lord in the government and control of the heavenly hosts; why not then the affairs of every-day life ?

But in the Great White Throne, with its unutterable solemnity, it seems out of place to think of the creature being associated with it. All judgment is committed to the Son, and in this last, the Eternal judgment, it seems meet that He should pronounce the doom of those who have sinned and have rejected Christ. I think of that awful scene as the final act of God-His strange work. How solemn! And oh, how blessed that we have been delivered from that " wrath to come!"