CALENDAR:Nov. 16th to Dec. 15th, 1920.

Daily Bible Reading

Nov. 16th, Gen. 46; Nov. 30th, Ex. 2O; Dec. 15th, Ex. 25
Memory Work ……………… Colossians 1:2O-2 :5
Good Reading, C. H. M.'s Notes on Deuteronomy I. pp. 1 to 107
Monthly Question:-What are the chief truths typically presented in that portion of Exodus which we read this month ?

It would be fine if some of you would send in written answers to our monthly question, within the scope of about 200 words. The exercise of putting down one's thoughts in order, in as brief form as possible, is very helpful. It enables us to fasten more firmly in the mind and heart the result of our reading and study-a desirable result for us all. And why not share together a little of these things? Let us be helpers together of one another. Let us, as Christians, be co-operative in seeking the good of all.

A little while ago I had a talk with you on our missionary work, and I am thankful to hear of interest awakening in reference to it. I hope it may increase and crystallize into definite action, as the Lord may lead, and that helping hands will be found to further activity along this line.

There is another matter as to which I would like to stimulate your interest; it is that of having a book and tract depository, in connection with the assemblies in the larger cities, especially, not simply for our own convenience in obtaining what may be desired, but with the distinct purpose and effort to reach beyond our immediate circle with what we have. I believe that with a little enterprise and " push " there are many Christians who might be served and ministered to in this way, and who would be glad to patronize a book-room from which sound evangelical literature could be obtained. This would be a good service for some of you who are young and energetic to take up, if exercised and interested in it for the Lord's sake. You may only be able to begin in a small way, but the field is large, and if commenced and carried on in dependence upon the Lord, with prayerfulness, He will give expansion. Think of it as an aspect of Home Missionary effort. Few of us can take a place in the foreign field, yet I hope some among us will be led to do so; but are there not some who could more definitely take up work at home ? Might we not with a little more consultation and mutual effort realize more co-operativeness of spirit, while maintaining unimpaired what is individual to us? There maybe obstacles, and even opposition, but where shall we not find difficulties to test our faith and steadfastness of purpose ? Let us be overcomers, serving one and all in the energy of faith and the joy of love.

Some Injunctions from the Word

Be kindly affectioned one to another.
By love serve one another.
Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted.
Bear ye one another's burdens.
Forbearing one another.
Forgive one another.
Comfort one another.
Edify one another.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
Pray for one another.
Use hospitality one to another.
For ye are members one of another.
I have not given you chapter and verse, hoping that you would look each up, and read and meditate upon the context.

FRAGMENT It is delightful and profitable to carefully and prayerfully study a single passage. You may do so by considering the external circumstances which concern the writer and the subject-matter itself; by considering the scope of the context; the structure of the passage, its connection with other scriptures by use of references; meditate upon the words; endeavor to grasp the idea they present, and make the suited application.

Contentment

To have this is very important for all of us. The absence of it has led how many a Christian, young and old, into by-paths productive of sorrow and regret. The extravagance in the lives of many in these days is opposed to the quiet contentment to which God's Word exhorts us. Man's fall came by his desire for more than what God had given. But "godliness with contentment is great gain," says God's Word (1 Tim. 6:7). Note the remarks which follow this scripture, concerning present circumstances and desires or ambitions which may arise in connection with them. The thought is that of having satisfaction, of complacency. But how ? Everything around us tends to the opposite. The same Greek word is used in 2 Cor. 9:8; there rendered " sufficiency." See the connection. It is because " God is able to make every gracious gift abound toward you, that, having in every way all-sufficiency, ye may abound to every good work " (New Tr.) And this is connected with giving of our temporal things for the need of others; it has to do with our material circumstances about which we often allow much discontent. Our sufficiency, or contentment, rests upon the fact that " God is able" is realized and acted upon by us. Hence our abilities or achievements, by which we seemingly realize our purposes and ambitions, are not the source of the " contentment "of which Scripture speaks. God must be the source of it to us, and so contentment is linked with " godliness," or " God-fearing." Many are the promises God has given which, if taken into our hearts and acted upon, will produce contentment, while diligently fulfilling our responsibilities and duties in daily life, instead of the restless discontent which the spirit of the world produces. Our mind may be in a peaceful, restful state, if, like the apostle, we count that " God is able," and walk as His dear children, obedient to His Word.

To a young Christian it was said," Be a model of the believers, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Opportunities and Responsibilities

Profound silence has reigned for several months along this line. I hope we are not too busy to embrace them; or careless, so that they slip away; or fearful, so that we shrink back when they are presented to us. " See therefore how ye walk carefully, not as unwise but wise, redeeming the time (1:e., by seizing every good and favorable opportunity), because the days are evil." (Eph. 5 :16, New Tr.)

Requests for Prayer

No. 7. "I wish you would join me in praying for a young sister who has broken down physically and mentally in connection with her work as a nurse, that the Lord may grant full recovery, if it be His will, and cause blessing to result through her affliction."

Are we making prayer a very real part of our meetings? But, first of all, have we private seasons for prayer, with examination of our conduct with God, for confession of sins and failures, and requests for others ? " The end of all things is at hand:be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."

The Question Box

There are five questions still before us, which appeared in the August issue. No answers have been received to any of them, nor have additional questions come in. Surely some of you have questions which arise out of your study or reading, perhaps real difficulties or perplexities. Why not present them for help, or solution? It may not only be a benefit to yourself, but also to others.

A word as to questions 25 and 26, Matt. 10:23 :Have not the cities of Israel been gone over as yet? Not in the connection referred to. The verse says, " Till the Son of Man be come." He was then present, so that the coming spoken of is His second coming, shortly before which the Jewish faithful remnant will again preach the message of verse 7-the message which the Lord sent His disciples to preach. That such a message will again be proclaimed, after the rapture, and shortly before the Lord's appearing in glory, is also shown by Matt. 24:14. The remnant testimony of the Lord's day, and that of this still future time, are looked at as one in Matt. 10.

Matt. 16 :28. How could there be some there that would not taste death before the Son of Man's return ? The transfiguration is the answer. Peter affirms they " were eye-witnesses,"-1:e.,' admitted into immediate vision of the glory;' a word used for full initiation into the mysteries of His majesty," (J. N. D. Trans.)