Calendar:Nov. 16th to Dec. 15th.
DAILY BIBLE READING:…….. Nov. 16th, 2 Kings 8; Nov. 30th, 2 Kings 22; Dec. 15th, 1 Chr. 12.
MEMORY WORK:…………………..2 Timothy 3.
GOOD READING:"Malachi; or the State of things at the End." By E. Dennett. Paper covers, 25 cents.
MONTHLY QUESTION:-Give incidents from our daily Bible Reading which illustrate governing principles in God's ways with men, such as:
"God is not mocked:for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
"God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
"To obey is better than sacrifice," etc.
"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man.. .blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord."
"Them that honor Me, I will honor."
"When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."
Our Memory Work
A few names have been received for the successful recitation of the Epistle of James. To them we are sending Mr. Ironside's book on "Esther," doth bound. We feel sure you will find it helpful and suggestive.
We had hoped that the list of successful ones would increase, rising in number at least to what was formerly received. There were 30 names recorded for the study of Philippians. On six other occasions the number has ranged from 19 to 26. This time we have:
Thus far we have studied eleven memory portions. Many, we feel sure, are keeping up with this work, and whether successful or not in meeting the requirements for recitation their gain is found in increased acquaintance with God's blessed Word which cannot fail to be strength and comfort to the inner man. The Word is living and operative, and brings its blessing to every believer who with purpose of heart and perseverance stores it up in the mind.
"Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee."
"The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide."
Our Daily Bible Reading
In the second book of Kings we see how the abounding evil both of rulers and of the people leads to the great captivities of both Israel and Judah, the dispersion of Judah, and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. With this begins the period called "The times of the Gentiles," which closes at the glorious appearing of Christ as King, and then Jerusalem shall be no longer trodden down.
The dark course of this history, the deepest shadows of which are found in the reigns of Ahab in Israel, and Ahaz and Manasseh in Judah, is broken by the bright revivals under Hezekiah and Josiah. In them the people were made to see that blessing comes only through dependence upon God, the judgment of evil, and obedience to His revealed will.
It is of great help to link with the study of this history a careful reading of the prophetic ministry which was given during the same period. By it God sought to correct and instruct His people, so that delivered from the abounding evil, they might escape the judgments of which the prophets warned them. Then, too, they were messengers of hope, for they set forth in glowing words the glory of the coming kingdom which Jehovah would set up. As ever, faith was called for to lay hold of the promises, and thus find strength to overcome amid the surrounding evil and walk with God through existing circumstances. The mass of the people gave no ear to the message, rejected and persecuted these men of God who spoke in Jehovah's name, and wrote as moved by the Holy Spirit. In due time God's judgments were executed, first by the Assyrians upon the apostate ten tribes, and then upon Judah by the Babylonians under the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
Thus God gave confirmation to His word after exercising long patience with great evil. Along with the deep sorrow and shame connected with the smiting and scattering of Israel, faith could nevertheless find comfort, for through it all God was shown to be true, faithful, righteous, and this afforded assurance that His glorious promises would be fulfilled in due season.
The prophetical books especially linked with the course of the kingdom history are:Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Joel, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Obadiah, Zephaniah. These books give us the moral and spiritual state of things, while the books we are now reading record the outward course of events. These bear a distinct relation to one another, which it is profitable to consider as this portion of Scripture is studied.
Gospel Work
It is a cheer to hear of young believers being active in this line of work in one form or another, and at different places. There are many openings for those who with purpose of heart seek to reach precious souls with the Bread of Life. Besides street preaching, there are opportunities for visitation in various institutions, whether hospitals, prisons, or homes for the poor, which afford the privilege of distributing tracts, getting into personal contact with the inmates, and often give opportunity for more public testimony by short services of song and preaching. The great need for all true service is that our own souls abide in communion with God, in the freshness of love to Christ and our fellow-men. Let the seed sown be well watered with prayer that it may be fruitful. It is in the secret place we secure needed strength to go forth before men.
Now that winter is approaching some of the things which have engaged us during the past months will of necessity be discontinued. Let us then put the spare time we may thus have to good account, and partly at least; make it a time of replenishing our spiritual store-house, thus more fully equipping ourselves for the conflict of the; gospel. We do well to prepare ourselves through diligent study of the Word and the use of the many helps which! God has given, so that we may wisely and efficiently meet| the various needs of souls, and unsound teachings which face us when dealing with people of all classes. In this connection it is a good thing to be acquainted with the large variety of tracts and pamphlets which are at our disposal, and which so scripturally answer almost every form of evil teaching now prevalent. One can hardly carry a supply of these for distribution, but when we come into personal touch with ensnared souls, if we are acquainted with our literature we can procure what is needed and pass it on later personally, or by mail, as opportunity is given.
Manner of Life
This bears a close relation to what we have been just speaking about. As soon as men know the colors under which we are sailing we become objects of their observation and scrutiny. They are quick to detect inconsistencies, and to make much of little things about which we may be indifferent or not count important. Often the enemy makes use of such to hinder or stumble souls. From many passages of Scripture we may learn that we are to conduct ourselves as becomes the gospel of Christ. The life controlled by the truth proclaimed adds a needful element of power to the testimony of the lips. This does not only mean practical righteousness, and separation from evil, but also the spirit we show in meeting with and having to do with people day by day. In a word this means the life and spirit of Christ. These we may increasingly absorb if we ponder over the Gospels, for in them Christ is set before us, that we should follow in His steps.
"It is a good and safe rule to sojourn in every place as if you meant to spend your life there, never omitting an opportunity of doing a kindness, or speaking a true word, or making a friend. Seeds thus sown by the wayside often bring forth an abundant harvest. You might so sojourn among strangers that they should be better and happier through time and eternity for your works and your example."-Sel.
"Beloved, I exhort you as strangers and sojourners, to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that as to that in which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may through your good works, themselves witnessing them, glorify God in the day of visitation" (1 Pet. 2:12, New Trans.).
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all things to God's glory. Give no occasion to stumbling, whether to Jews, or Greeks, or the assembly of God; even as I also please all in all things; not seeking my own profit, but that of the many, that they may be saved" (1 Cor. 10:31-33, New Trans.).
FRAGMENT "He that loves the coming of the Lord is not he that asserts that it is near, nor he that asserts it is not near, but rather he who waits for Him in sincerity of faith, in firmness of hope, and ardor of love." Augustine.