Calendar:Apr. 16th to May 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING:……….Apr. 16th, Lev. 17; Apr. 30th, Num. 4; May 15th, Num. 19.

MEMORY WORK ………………….. James 1:1-20.

GOOD READING:.. "Recovered Truths," by E. Dennett, paper covers, 30 cents.

MONTHLY QUESTION:-What is the difference in view as to justification as presented by Paul and James?

Our Memory Work

The Epistle of James is a book to which, generally speaking, not much attention is given. It is very practical in its teaching, and quite distinct in its viewpoint. Some think it was written before any of the other New Testament books, among which 1 Thessalonians ranks as the earliest. Some features of the epistle we are to study point to an early date, such as reference to the synagogue (2:2, margin) and other things of a Jewish tone, which may be taken to indicate that it belongs to the early transition period, while the Jewish Christians were being weaned from the old economy. Note those to whom it is addressed (the 12 tribes, 1:1); their place of meeting (the synagogue, 2:2); the way in which Old Testament characters are brought forward-Abraham, Rahab, Job, Elijah; God's name (5:4); the idea of law and practical obedience to which the epistle forms an almost continuous exhortation. While there is much that would thus appeal directly to the Jewish mind, there is a manifest similarity between the teachings of this epistle and the Sermon on the Mount-simplicity of faith, heavenly-mindedness, unworldliness of spirit and conduct, and so the spirit and mind of Christ are evident throughout.

The following contrastive thoughts may prove suggestive:

Chap. 1. Christian endurance over against world-trial.

Chap. 2. Christian lowliness over against worldly attitude.

Chap. 3. Christian works over against world-boasting, independence of God, inconsistency, hypocrisy.

Chap. 4. Christian submission over against worldly ways, self-pleasing, lust, and worldly friendship.

Chap. 5. Christian patience over against worldly oppression.

Our Daily Bible Reading

Leviticus, chap. 16, presents the great truth of atonement. In chap. 17 there are two main thoughts. First (vers. 1-9), emphasis is laid upon recognition of the divine center, the tabernacle, in relation to all sacrifices. Thus God would be given His rightful place as dwelling among His people. Secondly (vers. 10-16), the sacredness of blood, it being the symbol of life, which belongs to God alone. This shows that the creature has no inherent right to life. We have it only in constant dependence upon God, both in the natural and spiritual realms. In chapters 18-22 the theme is sanctification-the conduct becoming those who walk in the light of their relation to the sanctuary. Chapter 23 gives the divisions of the Jewish sacred year, which are prophetic of those periods through which God's purposes reach their accomplishment.

Ways of grace and government in various relations occupy chapters 24, 25. The last two chapters speak of the testing by the way.

We cover about half of Numbers, the book of wilderness experience through which God is known in the grace and mercy which meets His failing people along the way, and through which what they are in themselves becomes manifest. As the priestly house is prominent in Leviticus, because it is a question of the sanctuary and of access to God, so in Numbers the Levites are prominent, because it is a question of the transportation and care of the Sanctuary through the wilderness. In the former, it is service particularly Godward; in the latter, particularly manward. the first ten chapters have as their general theme, God's order for His people. This is developed in respect of their unity, service, sanctification, separation, giving, and direction for their journeying. In the next ten chapters (11-20) we get lessons concerning God's gracious provisions and His ways in government brought out through the people's failure. Note their murmurings, lust, envy, and rebellion against divine authority. On the other hand we find prevailing intercession, the resources of priesthood, means for cleansing from death's defilement, and refreshment ministered.

Some guiding precepts for the believer in these last and perilous days (2 Tim. 2:21, 22).

These verses give us eight such precepts. Let me say a few words on each one.

(1) "Purge himself"-that means individual separation to the Lord from surrounding evil-not as self-righteous, but self-judged; not in pride, but in meekness and humility; not as making pretentious claims, but in confession of the ruin and deep failure.

(2) "Unto honor"-that is, bearing a good report, both from those within and without, avoiding what would compromise the Lord's honor and truth.

(3) "Sanctified"-that means being set apart to the Lord in heart and daily life-not allowing what is a mere pleasing of the flesh, a gratifying of its desires (trying to veil itself sometimes under the guise of what is spiritual), but following what is pleasing to the Lord.

(4) "Meet for," or, "serviceable to the Master" (New Tr.)-this is in contrast to being of no profit, useless. To realize this fitness we must tread His path, manifest His spirit, lift up holy hands, maintain holiness in our intercourse with saints, and with men in general. "Be thou an example of the believers-in word, in conversation, in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity"(l Tim. 4:12).

(5) "Prepared unto every good work." This means readiness to give immediate response to the Master's word, whether to His simply expressed desire, or command.

(6) "Flee also youthful lusts"-not fight, not struggle against them, but flee. Next the apostle tells us what to pursue (a stronger word than simply "follow"). Here we might refer to the apostle John's admonition to the young men of God's family (1 John 2:15-17). Let me give here the thoughts of a devoted servant of Christ:

The young men, being characterized by vigor, does not mean natural energy, for there is nothing of grace in that. It was spiritual courage and power; and what maintained and regulated it was the word of God abiding in them. They so loved the Word that they had it always not merely by them but abiding in them … the Word puts an end to man's thoughts, and strengthens as much as it governs us, and rebukes our presumption. "Love not the world." Why is this warning particularly laid on them? Does this seem strange for souls spiritually so vigorous? Nay, this very vigor creates a danger. They went forth earnestly to spread the truth; fearlessly testifying of Christ, and the very victories won prove a danger; and commerce with men exposes to loving the world. For we are not to suppose that loving the world is merely a taste for show and pleasure, or what is grosser than these. The world is a subtle snare, far more so than the flesh. For many lusts of the flesh one may despise himself; and others, intensely devoted to the world, might be ashamed of such ways. But worldly lust is quite another thing. It looks eminently respectable; for is it not what is done by those of consequence? It is to covet what society likes; what is thought well of by those of light and leading. This has an immense influence, especially on the young. But this leads them boldly to venture here and there, thinking that they can go anywhere. At least they know the Saviour, and where may they not go? In this zeal they are warned particularly as to the world.

This speaks not of the world as God made it, of course, nor of the relationships in life which He has established, nor of the activities necessary to their maintenance does this speak, but of the moral character and the ruling spirit of the system of things built up by man away from God. It is marked by pride, lust, corruption, strife for preeminence, and in such efforts God and sin are easily forgotten.

Undoubtedly many conveniences found in the world can be used by a Christian. But one dark mark stamps it- the absence of the beloved Christ. Tell me one thing that Christ puts His sanction upon; Where is all that Christ valued, lived for and loved? This is the criterion which will prove sharp enough to (.at off a great deal; on the other hand, all that is outside Christ can be an object for the heart of fallen man; and such is the world.

Therefore it becomes a serious peril for the spiritually young, vigorous as they might be, if they do not retain an ever-growing sense of their relationship to the Father. For the danger is that world-principles are taken up because of what their use seems to achieve-strength is found in union; ease through compromise; position and fame, etc. The spiritually young need to beware of the world, lest in their ardor for accomplishments some of its varied features become valued objects.

Two precepts close the verses in 2 Tim. 2. (7) This defines the things we are to pursue-righteousness, in obedience to the will and word of God; faith, as dependent upon God alone; love, which is the manifestation of what God is in holiness and truth (1 Cor. 13); peace, as being with God in relation to all things. (8) The company with which we are to walk.

Let us be of those who can say, "I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep thy precepts" (Ps. 119:63).

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