Calendar:May Kith to June 15th.

DAILY BIBLE READING:…….May 16th, Gen. 43; May 31st, Exod. 8; June 15th, Exod. 23. SUPPLEMENTARY READING:. .May 16th, Mark 15; May 31st, Luke 14; June 15th, John 5. MEMORY WORK:………… Gospel of John, chap. 4.
MEMORY OUTLINE:……………. .Gospel of John.
GOOD READING:. .. .. ."Life and Times of David," and "Jehoshaphat," by C. H. M.

Daily Bible Reading

Nearing the end of Genesis! What a wonderful book it is! How suggestive is every chapter, and how closely it links with all the other books of the Bible. It has been well called "The seed-plot of the Bible," for we find in it the germs of all the great doctrines, either literally or in type.

I hope a good number are keeping a note book at hand, and jotting down special topics of interest, together with questions for further study. Many of you may have already read C. H. M.'s "Notes on Genesis." A reading, either for the first or second time, would repay you. For those who wish to look a little more deeply, "Genesis in the Light of the New Testament" would be very helpful. But I would advise you to see if you haven't some question on each chapter as you read it, which you wish to understand more clearly. For instance, in chapter 3, who are the serpent's seed? We know who the woman's Seed is. Or, in chapter 4, what is meant by "sin lieth at the door " ver.7? If we can do no more than ask the question, we shall find that we will at least learn how many things there are in every chapter that we do not understand.

We are now, as I write, also reading the first part of Matthew, with, I hope, real refreshing and help. Those of you who have memorized the outlines of the Gospel will find it helpful in placing the chapters in their setting. I hope to have more sending in the outlines of Luke. Perhaps you are nearly through it but think it too late to send in. No, it is not too late, and I had rather you would finish Luke before you start on John. So I hope to hear from you as to this.

Memory Work

If you find the portions too large to be covered in a month, do not hesitate to let me know. We want to do thoroughly what we undertake, rather than to go over a larger amount superficially. It will be a great help to have large portions of this wonderful Gospel stored in our minds-and in our hearts. I have already spoken of the Memory Outlines. The regular portion is also John, which will work in nicely with your memorizing work.

Young Believers' Meetings

I had a letter some time ago asking whether I thought it a violation of Scripture for young sisters, who are past the age of childhood, to take part in reciting verses or selections in a public meeting. I am giving my answer, which may also meet other questions which some may have.
My dear Brother:

Your letter has just reached me, and I will endeavor, the Lord enabling, to give what I believe to be for our guidance in the whole matter.

(1) The local Assembly is composed of all those gathered to the Name of our Lord Jesus at a place. When they gather as such, the full instruction as to their conduct is given in 1 Cor. 10 to 14, specially chaps. 11,14. This is primarily as we meet at the table of the Lord, but its spirit applies to all meetings where the assembly as such are gathered, as the Prayer meeting and Bible Reading. Of course the Gospel meeting would also be of similar character, only there the responsibility of the meeting rests upon one or more brothers who may be in charge. In addition to these meetings, our entire conduct is to be of that sobriety and subjection to the Word which become the saints of God. A spirit of holy, happy obedience in the freedom of the grace of God will guide us in all this.

(2) There are numbers of spiritual exercises which are frequent and most precious privileges, which do not come under the thought of the assembly, 'as, for instance, family prayer, a most necessary and important matter; the instruction of the children at home, in reading, memorizing and reciting the Scriptures, and in singing, or learning suitable selections in prose or poetry. Many a happy and most blessed time could be had thus in the homes, to which the children would look back, in after years, with pleasure, and whose influence would remain with them. If children from neighboring families came in, so much the better. No limit would be set to age or sex at such meetings.

(3) The Sunday School is simply removing such a company from a private house to the more convenient hall or meeting room, kindly loaned by the assembly for the purpose. Naturally, the number being larger, there must be more order and more helpers. Thus one brother takes the direction, in connection with the other brothers and sisters who are helping in the work. In each class similar studies are carried out, with the reciting of verses, etc., in public before the whole school. It is a school and every one has the privilege of being a scholar. I know of nice instances of the grown-up brothers and sisters reciting their verses just as the children, the other scholars, do. The whole thing is the family affair transplanted into more convenient quarters.

(4) The Young People's Meeting is of a very similar character. While sobriety should mark it, there should be happy freedom, and all, young and old, should participate in the Bible study, which should form the central part of the meeting. I don't go more fully into this, as not directly covered by your question, though it is all most important and interesting.

(5) This brings me to your question, and I think what I have said so far will prepare us to see the true character of the public exercises, I suppose of a yearly kind. At such a gathering hymns, verses, recitations, etc., are prepared for beforehand, and the parents and friends come to hear the exercises. I am sure the same freedom and holy, happy sobriety should mark such a gathering. Just as in the secular schools the older scholars, boys and girls of High School age, take part, so where the Word of God is the theme they should be equally free.

(6) Of course there are dangers and abuses on either side. Things may be done in a careless, frivolous way that grieve the Lord, or there may be a hard legal spirit which the Lord rebuked when they told Him to silence the children crying their praises in the temple (Matt. 21:15,16). All that we do should be in the light of eternity and of His presence.

(7) Lastly, beloved brother, we must "consider one another." Weak consciences must not be despised, and sober advice must not be ignored. All should be laid before the Lord individually and unitedly. We need one another, and even where we do not see eye to eye, "God shall reveal even this unto us." A spirit of yieldingness, of mutual forbearance, will be owned of God. It would be best for those not directly engaged in the Sunday School work to leave all details in the hands of those who have the care of the children. We should trust one another. On the other hand, these latter should seek to profit by the advice of the others. Most important of all, let us individually be much in prayer-abiding communion with the Lord, and He will lead, opening or closing doors, as He in His holy love sees best.

I think I have covered the points made in your letter, but shall be glad to answer further if you so desire. I shall also be glad to hear how you got along at your exercises.

I have also had inquiry as to the Young Believers' Meeting which may also be the question which others would like to have answered. It was whether the leader of such a meeting should always be a young man, or could a sister take her turn. My answer was that where sisters and brothers are present, it is always best that the brother should take the lead, opening with prayer, etc. The sisters would be entirely free to join in the Bible study and other parts of the meeting.

I add two reports of meetings which furnish some interesting questions which may be suggestive to others. They show a good deal of work, and of home work, which is a good sign.

67th Meeting Y. B. D., held at home of J. D., Dec. 1926. Total present, 20.

Report on:"Bible:Whence is it?" (M. DeV.). "Roll up the Catalogue" (M. D.). "Humanity of Christ" (J. D.).

Question of "What is the third Heaven?" answered by B. G. Discussion followed and questions arose:"What are first and second heavens?" and "Where do angels dwell?"

Explanation of Rom. 14:3 by H. F., followed by general discussion of Amusement Question.

Questions for next meeting:

1. Is Satan's domain in the first or second heaven?- Assigned to B. G.

2. Can conscience be our guide? Study different kinds of conscience. This is to be studied and answered by all.

3. Rev. 21:13:"And they were judged according to their works." Does this mean that there will be degrees of punishment?-Assigned to R. L. and E. B.

4. John 10:16:"Other sheep I have, not of this fold." Does this justify the thought that other planets are inhabited?

68th Meeting Y. B. D., held at home of E. B., Feb. 9, 1927. Total present, 20.

Meeting opened with singing of hymns and prayer.

"Where Does Satan Dwell?" was answered by B. G.

As to Conscience; discussed by all.

"Other Sheep I have which are not of this Fold," answered by E. V.

Questions for next meeting:

1. Does Satan dwell in people as when the Lord cast out seven devils? Assigned to L. McK.

2. Gen. 4:14:"Every one that findeth me shall slay me." What does it mean? Assigned to A. H.

3. Explain Heb. 10:2; 6:21. Assigned to C. S.

4. Are bodies going to be raised and then changed? Assigned to R. S.

5. Are sinners going to stand in mortal bodies before judgment seat of Christ? Assigned to A. Q.

All my stay on the coast has been marked by very happy interesting meetings with the young people. At Oakland and at Burlingame we had large gatherings and the hours slipped by very quickly.

Correspondence

"After several attempts which had to be given up on account of sickness, I have succeeded in finishing the outlines of Luke at the last minute. It surely is a very pleasant and most interesting work, and is worth more than all the effort we may put forth in doing it.

Our Young People's meetings are going on nicely. We are now working on the 2nd chapter of Romans, with an attendance of 25 to 35. There are several strangers coming in, who seem to be enjoying it very much."-G. I. B.

I am thankful to say a number more have sent in their outlines on Luke, among them two new ones, who are more than welcome.

I have a most interesting letter which however we have not space for. I will only add some of the paragraphs:

"I have kept up with the daily chapter this winter, and I have memorized John 2, but not all of John 1, which I hope to spend more time on now that I have finished the outline of Luke. Memory work is hard for me; I'm slow in everything, and have such a wandering mind. I have not seemed to make a budget that works yet, but I'm going to try again. It seems as though the unexpected is always happening, so that I can't carry out any routine. I plan to go on with the daily chapter in Genesis.-Am not sure about Matthew. With the warm weather will come house cleaning, gardening and baby chicks. But the Lord is true to His word, "As thy days so shall thy strength be," and I only have to live a day at a time.

I like Mr. Bellett on John very much. I was specially impressed with the gracious way the Lord Jesus deals with the Samaritan woman in John 4…. He would give her ease and confidence in His presence. What grace! This led me to see something more of the same thought in Luke 7:36-50. "

It is a cheer to see one whose hands are so full, keeping steadily at it. Courage, dear sister, in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Thank you for your kind words about our little paper. I pray that it may more and more answer to its name.

"I have had my first real grief and sorrow. We laid my dear father away last Tuesday afternoon. He had been sick 8 months, and had wasted away to a mere skeleton. His death was beautiful. Five of us children with my mother were standing around his bed. He was conscious to within four hours of his death, although too weak to talk. About two hours before he died, his eyes opened wide, he motioned with his hands. We could see he was looking into heaven itself. His spirit just wafted away to God, and he died looking steadfastly into heaven. It was so beautiful. During his long months of weakness, his mind dwelt much upon Christ, His work and His riches, or, rather, our riches in Christ. So we sorrow not as those who have no hope. Through the prayers of the saints, God mercifully spared him much suffering, and sustained us wonderfully. We have prayed that his sickness and faith during that sickness may be the means of bringing the three boys to Christ. Six of us are Christians, but we pray for the others. He dwelt much on the Song of Solomon, ch. 2:10-14, which he said was the call; and 2 Tim. 4:6-8 which he said was the answer."

-A. P.

May the Lord comfort our dear sister and all the family, and make this parting from a beloved father a real blessing to them all. What an inestimable treasure is the example and instruction of a godly parent. It speaks louder than many a sermon and is a call to follow the faith of the dear ones gone before.

I add a letter from a dear young sister who has been an invalid. May we all learn to rejoice in our blessed Lord in our dark days as well as our bright ones.

Dear brother in Christ:-

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" (Ps. 27:4).

How glad I am to say that I am rejoicing in Christ my Saviour, and that even at times when my faith is small He will not let me fall.

I can not praise Him enough for what He has done for me. He has answered prayer and used Dr. E., who has helped me without another operation. What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus our Lord, for nothing is impossible with Him. How I praise His Name for the joy of being home again and with those that love the Lord.

The beautiful Spring is here when Nature will awaken in praise to Him who gave us all the beautiful things to enjoy. I love the beauty of God's handiwork-the lovely flowers, the golden sunshine, the green and swaying trees and the beautiful blue sky and oh, how I wish I could be out to enjoy all. The doctor says that I must be quiet for four or five months, so I will be shut in from all these lovely things. How I praise Him that I am not blind as some of His dear ones are, and so cannot see the beauty of these lovely things. But the loveliest and dearest thing is the Love of Christ. Sickness or trouble, or whatever may come cannot separate me from His love.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:38,39).

I often long to be in the presence of my Saviour, and in the heavenly home, for when I think of the things I have mentioned, I remember that they are but shadows of the glories of Heaven.

I enjoyed your visit very much, and wish that we could meet here again. But we know that we shall meet above to part no more.

"A little while though parted,
Remember, wait, and love,
work in the foreign field
Until He comes in glory,
Until we meet above."

Ever your loving sister in Christ-L. G.

United Prayer

10. For a brother, of foreign birth and language, who desires special guidance as to work among his fellow-countrymen.

All letters please send c|o Loizeaux Bros.,

1 East 13th St., New York City.