Calendar:July 16th to Aug. 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING:…….July 16th, Joshua 11; July 31st, Judges 2; Aug. 15th, Judges 17.

MEMORY WORK ……………… James 3:13-4:17.

GOOD READING:-"Miscellaneous Papers," by J. G. Bellett. This is a valuable little book, affording real helpful instruction. Paper covers, 20 cents.

MONTHLY QUESTION:What do you understand by the term "New Creation?" (Compare Gal.6; 2 Cor.5; Eph.2.)

Our Memory Work

In studying James, I am sure we must feel that he is intensely practical, and that his words go to the very root of things. For him Christianity is not saying but doing, in every-day circumstances living the truth professed. In pressing the practical side of the truth professed, James follows much in the line of the Lord's teaching in the Gospels, while in no sense in conflict with Paul's epistles in either doctrinal or practical themes.

The sources, and what flows from them, are clearly defined (vers. 13-18), that' we may have no difficulty in tracing them to their right connections, and judge accordingly. Envying and strife are not from above. Purity, peace, gentleness, meekness, do not flow from an earthly or corrupt source. These things (in which purity comes first, not amiability) constitute the fruit of righteousness in peace; they result from partaking of the divine nature.

Worldly pleasures, gratifying the fleshly desires for a moment, are productive of strife, and when habitually followed; lead the way into greater evils. They naturally lead into friendship with the world, which as Scripture declares, "is enmity with God" (ver. 4). Our, enemy, the devil, works through these agencies, and he must be resisted. But, notice, the first thing is subjection to God (ver. 7). Thus only is strength found for resistance to evil. To be subject means that we draw near, and this requires that we consider who He is to whom we come. He is holy, therefore we must put away whatever is unclean. The heart, and the mind also, are to be kept holy unto the Lord. If it has! not been so, the only way is to humble ourselves in self-judgment before Him, and He will exalt the( obedient. Consider how Jacob's history in Gen. 34, 35 illustrates these things.

Then the apostle reproves the evil of speaking against, or judging, others in a way beyond our province, and not according to God. It is assuming the place of judge in matters not before us for judgment. (See also Matt. 7:1-5.) It is quite right to judge manifest evil according to the Word, and within the limits it prescribes; but to act otherwise is to invade the Divine prerogative, in doing which we cannot escape being found guilty.

Finally, all boasting as to the morrow, or self-confidence as to what we purpose, is most unbecoming in those who must ever be debtors to mercy. Our attitude should ever be the opposite. As to all our purposes, let this thought ever be uppermost-"If the Lord will."
Our Dally Bible Reading

The remaining chapters of Joshua treat first of the land's allotment to the tribes (chs. 12-21); then instructions and warning occupy chapters 22-24.

The division of the land among the tribes is full of spiritual instruction. It is given in great detail and calls for patient and careful study.

A thought or two may serve as suggestions. We mentioned last month what the land typifies. The tribes may be considered as pointing to the character and relation pertaining to God's people, individually or collectively. Thus Judah (praise) suggests the worshiper, the one who rejoices in the Lord. Simeon (hearing) speaks of the consecrated ear, opened to God's word, to which obedience is rendered, for "hearing" involves doing. Naphtali (wrestling) points to the warrior character;, we are to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Then the different directions-north, east, etc.-suggest aspects of the world and its influences. The cities in their various groupings and the meaning of their names give lessons of experience which link with the former two lines of thought.

There is a foreshadow of failure in Joshua's closing messages to the people, and the beginning of Judges shows this to have quickly developed after his death, and that of the elders who outlived him.

Our reading carries us almost to the end of Samson's history. Chapters 17-21 form a distinct section in which the shameful conditions characteristic of the Judges-period are set forth, in which idolatry, immorality, and violence prevailed.

Chapters 1-3:4 are introductory, setting forth the general failure of Israel to take possession, violation of covenant obligations, and Jehovah's attitude and action toward them in view of their disobedience.

Chapters 3:5-16:31 recount the several periods of servitude to which Israel was subjected because of departure from the Lord. The deliverers He repeatedly raised up were in answer to the people's; cry of distress. Spiritual lessons are to be gathered from a study of the nations which afflicted Israel; they present different aspects of evil to which we fall a prey through disobedience to God. Likewise, the Judges, and the circumstances connected with them, teach us the; ways and means used by God to effect deliverance and restore blessing when there is repentance and self-judgment as to the past.

Correspondence

The following is taken from a study on prayer, by one of our readers.

Why do we Pray?-Is it but a selfish motive that causes us to pray? Or have we primarily in view God's will and the honor of Him who has done so much for!' us? Do we appreciate, in some degree at least, that "the Father seeks worshipers in spirit and in truth?" (Jno. 4:23). Solomon wrote:"The prayer of the upright is His delight" (Prov. 15:8).
Why do we pray in times of trouble? Is it not because we are made to feel our helplessness and need? and as the blind man whose eyes were opened, we can say, "If a man doeth God's will, him He heareth" (Jno. 9:31). James also says:"The prayer of faith will save the sick;" and "the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

We know our prayers are heard, for at times we have had special answers to them. We can take courage when we think of Cornelius-"Thy prayer is heard," and not only was he blessed, but many with him. That is one thing we should look for-blessing, not only for ourselves, but for many others.

What do we Pray for?-There are many things we might desire to make life easier, as riches, advance in position, etc., but the apostle Paul says (Heb. 13:5) :"Be content with such things as ye have, for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Material things are not to be the Christian's chief object, but as the apostle Paul says(l Cor.12:31), "Covet earnestly the best gifts,'' and Peter, "Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord) and Saviour, Jesus Christ."

Often we feel the truth of Rom. 8:26, "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought," but our comfort is that "the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

As to definite items for Prayer, Paul says to Timothy (1 Tim. 2:1):"I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." We are very apt to forget our rulers in prayer. James says (5:16) :"Pray one for another."

How do we Pray?-Do we first consider that all reverence and homage is due to Him to whom we appeal? David said, "Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Jesus kneeled down and prayed (Luke 22:41); and the apostles did likewise (Acts 20:36; 21:5).

The Lord told His disciples not to use "vain repetitions as the heathen do" (Matt. 6:7), but we are also taught in Luke 11:5-13, and in 18:1-8, that prayer may not stop at one asking, but that pressing need will cause importunity, and God loves to see earnestness in our requests.

Our Lord reproved the Pharisees' long prayers for show of religiousness (Luke 20:46,47), and the Holy Spirit surely does not lead us to make long wearisome prayers before hearers in public; but personal and secret prayer may continue all night (Luke 6:12).

In Matt. 21:21 it is a prayer of faith that God will answer, and in the 22nd verse it is believing prayer. If it is a believing prayer of faith, an answer of peace is certain.

Do we pray and soon forget our requests, lacking in faith's expectation, and in giving thanks? This would seem like unbelieving prayer or an unwatchful attitude. Can we expect God to honor such prayer? If we pray fervently (Col. 4:12), how can we forget? "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephes. 6:18). With thanksgiving let your requests be made (Phil. 4:6).
When do we Pray?-Paul tells the Ephesians (6:18) to "pray always." We can be in a praying attitude; while not always on our knees, we can look to our Father for guidance in every circumstance of the day and seek to please and serve Him. If we follow the examples given in Scripture we will be often in prayer; Daniel prayed three times a day. A certain time should be set apart for secret prayer in our own room (Matt. 6:6), otherwise things are apt to come in to hinder it, and it is neglected. From such neglect we, and others, become spiritual losers. It is well to start and close the day with worship, thanksgiving, and request for guidance. Then family worship should not be forgotten.

In the Acts of the Apostles we read:"They continued with one accord in prayer" (Acts 1:14), and they must have had a set time and place for gathering together, as we read-"Where prayer was wont to be made" (Acts 16; 13), and, "As we went to prayer" (Acts 16:16). In this regard we do well to consider the following verse which refers to prayer as well as to exhortation, etc.:"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more; as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:25).