Calendar:Oct. 16th to Nov.

DAILY BIBLE READING……….Oct. 16th, 2 Sam. 23;

Oct. 31st, 1 Kings 14; Nov. 15th, 2 Kings 7. MEMORY WORK …………………… 2 Timothy 2.

GOOD READING:……. "Life and Times of Elijah" by C. H. M., paper covers 25 cents.

MONTHLY QUESTION:What difference in thought is suggested by the two expressions "the house of God" (1 Tim. 3) and "the great house" (2 Tim. 2) ?

Our Memory Work

As we commit to memory the chapter for this month, let us particularly note the characters which should mark the believer as taking part in the conflict of the gospel.

The first; is that of strength. This is not found in the flesh, in man, or in organization such as the world boasts of, but in "the grace that is in Christ Jesus." That grace may be thought of as displayed in Christ personally (John 1:14; 2 Cor. 8:9); then as expressed in our standing or perfect acceptance (Rom. 5:2; Eph. 1:6, 7); and in connection with the future at His coming (1 Pet. 1:13).

Secondly, faithfulness in the stewardship of God's manifold grace communicated through the word of truth. Then in the soldier-character which requires devotion to the Lord whom we serve.

Next, the believer is viewed as a contestant for proffered reward. To acquire this, there must be purpose of heart, and obedience must be rendered. He must expect also to be a sufferer; must study that he may be a good workman; and must be a watchman guarding against profane and vain teaching.

Finally, he is called to be a vessel meet for the Master's use. This requires a godly separation from evil associations, from vessels to dishonor. May we be watchful and prayerful so as to give expression to these characters.

Defenders of the Truth

The need for us to be always ready, in a right way and in a right spirit, to contend for the truth of God is increasing every day. More than ever conditions demand from us much more than mere dogmatism and assertion. They call for the truth to be manifested in the life of those who make profession of it, and defend it. There is power in our testimony when others can plainly see that what we speak of has power over us. God expects the life we live .and the word we speak to be in accord.

In the second place, because infidelity is increasing so rapidly, "evil men and seducers waxing worse and worse," we must not become apathetic, nor let a feeling of feebleness overcome us. If we do, the ever watchful enemy will gain some advantage, and we may lose our crown. We cannot hold fast what we have unless we defend the truth against the assaults being made upon it. Because the end is near we must not permit relaxation, but rather increase our vigilance and zeal. "Behold, I come quickly:hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Peter said that "the end of all things had drawn nigh," nevertheless he called for soberness, watchfulness and vigilance. We have the example of Paul, Peter, John, and of the Lord Himself. They resisted, those who sought to undermine or deny the truth. They suffered in defense of it. With only two or three exceptions all of Paul's epistles were written in defense of the faith. So also with 2 Peter, Jude and John's letters. The Lord Jesus often defended Himself and His teaching (e.g., Matt. 12; John 5, 7,8). The greatest of David's mighty men are signalized as those who "brandished the spear," and would not give up even a plot of ground bearing lentils, the food of the poor; they gave no place nor quarter to the ungodly Philistine hordes that would trample down and devastate God's heritage. In all of this, however, we must ever remember that the arms of our conflict are not carnal but spiritual (2 Cor. 10:3-5); and that we need to know what it is to be in the secret place) as well as in the arena.

There is a third thing needed for our defensive endeavors:it is the spirit of wisdom by which we may rightly discern, between good and evil, ability to take forth the precious from the vile. With this in view, we are cautioned to "take heed how ye hear" and "what ye hear;" to "beware of false prophets" who come "in sheep's clothing, but are ravening wolves;" to "prove the spirits," and to "prove all things:hold fast that which is good." On the other hand we are assured of the unction of the Spirit to enable us for this testing work; and those who receive not what the Holy Spirit has given through the apostles-are not of God. Our responsibility is plainly set forth. Our equipment which God has provided is complete. Our contribution must be obedience and devotion.

"Be strong in the Lord… put on the whole armor of God."

FRAGMENT Walking in separation unto the Lord, and so from evil,, we enjoy His companionship, sitting at His feet, refreshed and strengthened for the journey. As we walk with the:Lord, the world will reject us, and make us feel its reproach. But it is being reproached with Christ. Better far to walk with Him through present trials than in the future to have the fire of His holiness bum up as worth
less the work; of a selfish life. How great the loss in the latter case! In the former, how His smile will recompense the sufferings of this little while.

Our Daily Bible Reading

This occupies us with the closing scenes of David's life; the accession of Solomon to the throne and his glorious reign; the dividing of the kingdom and the history of the kings which followed, giving those of Israel in most detail. The ministry of Elijah and Elisha is largely dwelt upon, to show how in the darkest period God in grace raises up special testimony. When the enemy comes in like a flood He raises up a standard against him.

Solomon's early years of glory and power pass into the shadow of great failure and weakness toward the end. Because of this departure, Jehovah must smite. His history at the close shows how our enemies arise from our own failures and sins. Though even in such circumstances faith may rise up and lay hold of God's grace and mercy, yet the course of God's government can not be turned aside. The dark close of Solomon's life surely turns our thoughts to Him in whom no darkness is found nor shade of turning from the way that is right, the scepter of whose kingdom is righteousness, and His kingdom everlasting.

Jeroboam, though given his place and power by Jehovah, cannot trust Him to preserve it to him, but raises up centers of idolatry for fear that he might lose his people if they go up to Jerusalem to worship. This fatally affects the whole history of the ten tribes. Jeroboam's folly is often repeated. How vain of man to think that he can keep for himself through his own devices that which he never could have possessed at the first unless God chose to bestow it.

As we read day by day these chapters of Israel's kingdom-history, may we seek to get some practical lesson for our daily life. In the changing light and shadow of this history many circumstances are brought into relief which will richly repay time spent in prayerful meditation upon them.

Let us think too that as God has patiently recorded the bright and the dark, the good and the evil, in the lives of these kings and servants of His, so will the record of our lives be unrolled in detail in the day of manifestation. What will the record show?

Servants of God

All the redeemed by Christ Jesus are His servants. And this, not merely in some things of a special nature, but in all things. Life for them is to be a continual and joyful service to God. In the measure in which this is not allowed, it is failure.

This blessed soleness of object in the Christian's activities constitutes a great purifying factor in life. The purpose that thus comes to rule the heart leads to separation from evil, excluding what cannot be rendered as service to God. The flesh will say, This means loss; it may mean present disadvantage-it usually does, but the Christian's recompense is found in fellowship with God through obedience to His word, and as to circumstances, for what can we think He is not sufficient? His promises "are exceeding great and precious."

"Have faith in God"