Calendar:March 16th to April 15th
DAILY BIBLE READING:………Mar. 16th, Ezek. 4; Mar. 31, Ezek. 19; Apr. 15th, Ezek. 34. MEMORY WORK :………Reviewing of Gal. 5 and 6.
GOOD READING:.. .Complete "The Moral Glory of the Lord Jesus," by J. G. Bellett.

Let us hear how you have succeeded in giving the Bible Reading the first place in your morning work. No doubt some of you would find it difficult, possibly you have said, "impossible." But forgive me for pressing it; I have found it such a help. I am quite aware that it is not everything, and that "first place" in our hearts is of greater importance; but I think the two go together. And just as other things "crowd out" the Bible, so the Bible, if given its place, will "crowd out" many other things. For instance, it crowds out the newspaper, the periodicals of fiction, and other time-stealers. It will push such things into such a subordinate place that they will not mar our taste for "that which is good."

Let me hear of your experience in this matter.

Memory Work

You will find it good to remember the numbers of the verses, as well as the words. It helps to preserve the whole passage in your mind. We all know "John 3:16," and do we know 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 2:21; Col. 3:16; 1 Cor. 1:9, and many other verses? It helps us in referring to them, or giving these passages to others. You have heard of the anxious soul who was accompanying a Christian friend to the train. He was longing for some word that would give him peace-but none seemed to
suit. At last the friend boarded the train and looking out on the anxious one on the platform he said, "Isaiah 53:6; Go in at the first all and come out at the second." The inquirer went home, opened at the verse, and found peace in God's message to him.

I need not always remind you that in speaking of these various methods, I am not making them the chief thing; but I have found them helpful, and pass them on to you.

How delightful it is to meditate on what we have memorized, to go over each precious verse and dwell upon every clause, almost every word in it. This answers to the mastication of our food. We know it is not wise to bolt our food; it produces dyspepsia. So may we learn to turn over the "handfuls of purpose" we have found, and get the benefit of their divine meaning. We will enjoy our food more, and get nourishment and strength for service from it.

Good Reading

Don't try to finish Mr. Bellett too quickly. He wrote out of a full heart that had meditated much on the Word. "Non multa, sed multum," is a good motto here- "Not many things, but much."

I spoke last time about some special work for the girls, and now I want to lay a proposition before the boys, though the girls are not necessarily excluded. The other day a dear brother asked me what I thought about starting a correspondence class in New Testament Greek. I had been spoken to by several who were already working in that line, and I want to lay it before us all for our prayerful consideration.

It is not something to be entered into lightly. Nor is it so easy that it will require no study. It will call for perseverance, whether you feel like it or not; and you will not begin to see much fruit of your work, in practical ability to read the New Testament for a good long time. Perhaps you may never become scholars, but you will learn to see fresh beauties in the Word of God of which you have not dreamed. I wouldn't sell what I know of my Greek Testament for a great deal.

This is just a little preliminary notice. I know of quite a few who, I think, are ready to undertake this work. I would be glad for us all to start together. We would probably have two lessons a month, which might take as much as fifteen minutes each day. And you know 15 minutes a day means 7 ½ hours a month, or 90 hours a year. But that means every day, and if you miss a day to catch it up. Many might think, "Oh, I can give more than 15 minutes," but they forget the days when it seems as if you couldn't give even five minutes. So let us count carefully the cost, and then, with the Lord's blessing, we will find real profit.

The lessons would probably be announced in Y. B. D. and then written out by each member of the class, and sent to me with a stamped and self-addressed envelope for return. They would be gone over and marked, and sent back to you with any suggestions that seemed needed.

If the undertaking is thought feasible, I will give list of books required (not many), and perhaps we can make a start in May. What do you say?

I will only add that any High School scholar would be able to undertake it; indeed a Grammar School "grad" could by steady work make progress. But I would advise only those to begin who are old enough to appreciate and understand the work. The reference to the Grammar School refers only to those who were obliged to leave school before taking up High School work.

And speaking of the High School, what a temptation it is in very many cases to worldliness. There seems to be no question that the moral and spiritual tone is low. We hear of sad and disgraceful scenes in which foolish young students engaged, which must bring the blush of shame to the cheeks of those who attend such schools. And even where sinful extremes may not be indulged in, can we without self-reproach think of attending dances, give theatrical plays, and such things that belong only to the world? May the Lord keep your precious young lives, dear young fellow-believers, that you may walk apart from all such things. May you be good soldiers, who are not ashamed to confess their Lord. So let us set Him always before us, and we will have guidance and strength to keep ourselves "unspotted from the world."

Correspondence

I am glad to begin this part of Y. B. D., and shall be thankful for all letters of interest, or questions you may have.

"Last year has been to me one of much blessing. I have been able by the help of the Lord, to set aside an hour each day for this work; have followed the instructions given in your book, 'How to Study the Bible,' etc. Though I did not at first see much profit, I am now reaping the benefit, and am able, by the help of the Lord, to teach a believers' Bible Class. I would say this for the encouragement of others to keep on, remembering the words, 'Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.' I think it would be profitable if a number of questions were put up each month, to be answered; and if 'the class' could not answer, then you could give the correct answer. We are living in times of worldliness, and how good if the young believers, in place of seeking pleasures, would find enjoyment in Bible Study."-J. D., Zeeland, Mich.

I am glad to get this letter, and think we will adopt our brother's suggestion as to having a question and answer department. It is rather late to begin this month, but our brother has sent on several questions which we will begin with.

Ques. 1.-Why are we told in John 4:2 that our Lord did not baptize, and in John 3:22 it is said He did?

Ques. 2.-Have we any record beside 1 Cor. 15:6 of the 500 brethren who saw the Lord after His resurrection?

Please send in answers to me promptly, so that we may publish them in the May number, if possible.

Address, S. Ridout, 1138 E. 7th St., Plainfield, N. J.

"I have just completed reading your letter, in Y. B. D., and am very much interested in the Department,"-E. J., Seattle, Wash. Our young sister goes on to ask what is the usual age for believers to attend the Young Believer's meetings. Some have suggested 15 years as the limit on the side of youth, and I don't know how old for the other side. I am sure we welcome all to these meetings who are young in heart, and who will not change the character of it, as adapted to young Christians. Judging from her letter, I would gladly welcome our young sister, though she is only 14. It is good exercise to adjust ourselves to the age and condition of others.

I have another very interesting letter from a young sister calling for a more personal answer, about which I want to speak to you, in order that our prayers may be engaged for her. She has been entrusted with care of her brother's child, a boy of 12, whose mother has died, and is anxious that he should be instructed in the Lord's ways, and safeguarded from the world. Let us pray for her.