Calendar:Aug. 16th to Sept. 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING:……Aug. 16th, Judges 18; Aug. 31st, 1 Sam. 8; Sept. 15th, 1 Sam. 23.

MEMORY WORK………………………. James 5.

GOOD READING:…… "Life and Times of Samuel the Prophet," by C. Knapp. Paper covers, 40 cents.

MONTHLY QUESTION:What are the principal lessons to he learned from the book of Ruth?

Our Memory Work

This monthly portion concludes the study of James. Recitations will then be in order, and the names of those who successfully memorize this epistle should be sent in not later than Sept. 30th. To those who are successful there will be sent a cloth bound copy of Mr. Ironside's book on Esther-a very interesting and instructive exposition.

"Be not FASHIONED according to this age" (Rom. 12:2, R. V.).

Two words in this statement call for consideration- fashioned and age. The former (suschematizo, which occurs only in this passage and 1 Pet. 1:14) means to take on the same form, to adopt in mode or circumstance what is characteristic of this age, and refers to what is external. The believer is expected to at least exercise care as to the adoption of anything, even of a merely external or outward character, which is an evident mark of the age and its course.

God does not expect His children to take on the same form of things as characterize this age. He desires them to be spiritually awake, to discern and approve of the more excellent things. This must necessarily cause exercise and raise many questions for the believer who necessarily takes part in the affairs of everyday life. The Word of God can supply needed wisdom for every circumstance. Acquaintance with it through prayerful daily reading and meditation will always afford counsel, guidance, and strength for our path in this world.

But what are we to understand by "this age?" This needs to be defined since we are not to fashion, or form, ourselves according to it-that is, outwardly to adopt its ways as our own. The word age properly refers to some particular period in the world's history, and in our passage means "the present course or state of things." What characterizes it?

Ungodliness,
Worldly lusts,
Lack of self-restraint, producing
Lawlessness,
Unrighteousness.

Little wonder the apostle speaks of "the present evil age" (Gal. 1:4). In another place he tells us that the grace of God teaches us that, "having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts (this we do by taking as Christians the place of obedience to the Lord), we should live soberly (that is, discreetly or with self-restraint), righteously, and godly in this present age" (Titus 2:12, N. T.). The believer is responsible to hold himself in leash, and not run blindly or wildly into this or that; he is to do the thing that is right for a Christian, manifest a godly character, 1:e., piety in word and act. In both Gal. 1:4 and Titus 2:14 our deliverance from this evil, lawless age is connected with what the cross, upon which Christ gave Himself, should teach us. "The rulers of this age" crucified Him (1 Cor. 2:8). Those who are of this age put Him upon the cross, and by those who are of it He is still rejected, His Word denied. What a solemn fact for the believer to consider! Who is "the god of this age" who blinds the mind to the glory of God in Christ?

What then does it mean not to be fashioned according to this age? Simply that the believer is not to take on its form, adopt its mode, or subscribe to its dictates as expressed in the fashions of the day. It is not of trifles that we speak; but of subjection and faithfulness to the Word's directions as to every part of our conduct. There is no necessity to be outwardly peculiar before men-in which there may be as much of fleshly pride as when one becomes a slave to human opinion, and fears to be other than always "in style," as it is said. Without violating any specific injunction of the Word one may so follow the changing modes of this age as to clearly show that the heart is set upon being conformed to this world, instead of being "transformed," as we are commanded to be (Rom. 12:2). Spiritual joy, appreciation of Christ, the fellowship of the Spirit-in which the precious things of the Father and the Son are enjoyed-are thoroughly hindered, if not made impossible, for those whose mind is set upon the things of the world; then its ways are followed, worldly habits are formed, and all soon accords with the world in forgetfulness of God!

Oh, dear reader, if you have been seduced at all in what we have mentioned, to you the Spirit of God calls, saying, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from among the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee" (Eph. 5:14, R. V.)-Let us not be like Demas who deserted Paul, "having loved this present age." To be conformed to the world and be a companion of Paul was impossible. Not less so to-day. To hold fast Paul's teaching and walk as he walked can never be joined with a fashioning of ourselves according to this age. Surely, Christians are not to spend their time seeking to appear as others, or follow the world's fads and follies, which are so marked a feature of the days in which we live.

God's word gives us this direction:"Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." This is a matter of constant exercise. The need of not being fashioned on the one hand, and of being transformed on the other is an ever-present necessity for the believer. If the former is outward in character, the latter refers to what is inward, and so the "mind" is spoken of as was the body as to not being fashioned according to this age; for it is by the body that this fashioning of ourselves is manifested. The body is to be presented to God as a living sacrifice for His use, according to His good pleasure.

As to transformation, the mind is in question. It must be renewed, it needs to be refreshed, invigorated. It becomes dulled to spiritual realities by being cumbered with the things of this life. The Word cleanses it, stirs it up to remembrance, girds it with strength, and gives direction to its activities. "Have your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth." The Word develops a right mental attitude, promotes godly affections, warns us against evil, and arms us to meet its assault. Only thus shall we be able to walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work. Then our first consideration will be, not what pleases ourselves, but what becomes the gospel of Christ. How will our conduct or manner of life affect it? Will it be commended thereby to others, or weakened? It may even be a reproach, and others be stumbled by it. Snares abound, dangers lurk on every side, need is everywhere; so may we walk circumspectly and maintaining watchfulness, and persevere in prayer that we may be found acceptable to Him at His coming.

Our Daily Bible Reading

The book of Judges closes with a terrible record of departure from God's Word, and consequent lawlessness among those professedly His people. These two things go together, and our own days are a witness of it.

Ruth presents a pleasing contrast to the sad history of Judges, and shows how amid the abounding evil God still works, keeping alive a testimony, and through adverse circumstances fulfils His purpose. This little book is full of what illustrates the grace of God and the blessings of redemption.

The books of Samuel begin with the chaotic conditions with which Judges has made us familiar. The end is reached in the days of Eli when the priesthood fails, and judgment falls; but the mercy and grace of God breaks out in raising up Samuel as a prophet and judge. Thus revival is effected in due season, only to be followed by the people in self-will desiring a king. Instead of sole reliance upon God they desire to be like the nations. Sad experience follows, and though they get the man of their choice, one suiting their own thoughts, he proves to be a failure. Saul's history is a lesson book which teaches what man by nature really is, although set up in most favorable surroundings and under the best of tutelage.

Saul's rejection opens the way for David's introduction, the man after God's heart, whose history furnishes us with what is typical of our Lord, both in rejection and exaltation, while the checkered character of his experience provides much that is instructive for the believer, illustrating both God's grace and government in connection with his path, in which what man is in himself becomes manifest, and must be dealt with according to the holiness of God.