CALENDAR:Dec. 16th to Jan. 15th

Daily Bible Reading, …. Dec. 16th, fob 5; Dec. 31st, Job 20;
Memory Work.. 1 Peter 5…………….[Jan. 15th, Job 35
Good Reading,…… C. H. M.'s Miscellaneous Writ's., Vol. 2, "Eternal Punishment " and "The Lord's Coming."
Monthly Question:-What is the difference in meaning between the expressions " in Christ" and "in the Son?"

Our Memory Work

This month we complete Peter's first epistle. I hope we may have a large increase in the number of those who qualify in its recitation.

For Philippians we had the encouraging number of 30, one more name (Miss Frances Cox, of Cornville, Arizona) having come in since our list was published. Galatians was the first epistle successfully memorized, and we recorded 19 names. I hope we may have 40 or more for 1st Peter. It's a real cheer to see the list increasing, and to know there are many others engaged in this memory work, who continue steadfast in it, though not successful in meeting the requirements of final recitation. I am sure (as some of them have told me) that they are not without their reward, in the help and comfort they derive, as well as strength supplied for the day of battle; with present compensation, too, for such labor in the fields of Holy Scripture. The more the dark clouds of apostasy settle down upon this world, the more we who are young need the divine strength and sufficiency which alone comes through acquaintance with the Word of God- its language written upon our memories, its truths enshrined in our hearts, and our ways conformed to its holy instructions. The Spirit of God can only bring out from us what has first been taken in. To be able to use " the sword of the Spirit" we must first have some knowledge of it and know how to use it, as directed by Him.

Two things are important-Diligence in our spiritual things:" Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you." Obedience to God's Word :" This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" (or "do wisely"-margin).

" Thy Word, O Lord, Thy precious Word alone,
Can lead me on ;
By this, until the darksome night be gone,
Lead Thou me on!
Thy Word is light; Thy Word is life and power;
By it, O guide me in each trying hour ! "

Will those who successfully repeat 1st Peter, please send in their names not later than February 15th? Those complying with the usual condition (of not more than two slight errors in each chapter) will receive Mr. Ridout's book " From Genesis to Revelation," which is a valuable synopsis of the structure and contents of the Bible. It will open up to you the wonderful unity of God's book, and give you its great themes in a way that will stimulate further study and deeper interest.

Correspondence

"The young people here (Zephyrhills, Fla.) are displaying good interest in the Y. B. D., and the progress has been quite marked since we started our meetings. I think there would have been more names for Philippians had we known sooner of the time-extension; but look for more with 1st Peter; some of us are quite determined,"

Our correspondent also asks, "Have you given up entirely your idea of summer Bible Schools where young people might spend their vacations, devoting time to Bible study along with the enjoyment of wholesome recreation?,"

I have not spoken of this in these columns, but have mentioned it on different occasions to several brethren for their judgment and counsel. We may speak more of this later on; meanwhile let us seek to the Lord about it.

Indian Missionary Work

I am spending a few days at Albuquerque, New Mexico, where there are many openings for preaching the Word. It has been my happy privilege to spend part of the time in these parts with Mr. Ironside, but he has now gone to visit among the Indians in Arizona where Mr. Holcomb and his daughter carry on missionary work; also Mr. Anderson and his wife at Valentine. For many years gospel work has been limited to the Indian children who come to the Government schools, but now entrance has been gained to the older people of the tribes, and God is clearly working among them. The field enlarges, with blessing in the gospel, and there is a great field for home missionary work which should claim a good share of our interest. We pray that the Lord may call others into this field of labor to join those already devoting their lives to this work. May the Lord stir up among us such as are qualified for such service among those who, at our very doors, as it were, are in heathen darkness. I have asked Mr. Ironside to give me a little account of the Indian work, and I hope to have it for our next issue.

Our Daily Bible Reading

Our reading this month is entirely in Job. The principal features of the book might be given thus:(1) The perfect man-untried (ch. 1:1-12). (2) Tried by adversity (chs. 1:13-3:36). (3) World-wisdom expressed by the three friends (chs. 4-31). (4) Elihu-the mediator (chs. 32-37). (5) God speaks (chs. 38-41). (6) Job sees and confesses his nothingness (chs. 42:1-6). (7) Fullness of blessing closes the book. In it we get the test of man at his best, and he breaks down under it; it shows also that none, no matter how good, are exempt from severe trial in a groaning creation. God often makes use of such circumstances to bring man to the end of himself, and thus change the outward knowledge of God into an experimental knowledge of Him, with greatly increased blessing. The apparent mystery of human suffering gets its answer in that all is in the hand of One who knows the end from the beginning, and is able to make even Satan contribute to this divine purpose of final blessing. " I had heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear," says Job, " but now mine eye seeth Thee," and the former moral elevation in which he had prided himself, he now puts under " dust and ashes."

The book gives us much that is the best in human goodness and wisdom, while its impotence to meet man's need and its problems is made manifest. The soul with God is taught by Him-with how great and blessed results!

Let me suggest that you read Mr. Ridout's book on Job; also," Job and his Friends," by C. H. M. These will greatly help you to understand the lessons of this book, with which most seem to have very little acquaintance.

We need eyes illumined by the Spirit to see the glories of Christ; ears opened by the Spirit to receive the Word of God; hearts filled by the Spirit for service to the Lord.

Correspondence for the Y. B. Dept., please address to Mr. John Bloore, care of Loizeaux Brothers.