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Briggs, Manager, Willard Tract Depository, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. DEC 8 1950 k il^i .1 PREFACE. The object of the present publicaiion is to stimulate to a more diligent and systematic study of God's Word. In compiling and preparing the collection of " Notes for Bible Readings" herewith presented to the Christian public, no attempt has been made at an elaborate arrangement of subjects, or to give exhaustive explanatory notes in connection with any subject ; but the aim has been rather to collect such matter •as would prove suggestive and awaken further study and research into the golden depths of the Word. A large amount of matter has been added, all bearing on Bible reading, Bible study, &c.; this has' been done in order to give the best thoughts of some of the most prominent Bible students and Christian workers of our time, upon this most impor- tant Christian duty and privilege. These " Notes " have been gathered from various sources ; many of them have been kindly contributed by friends, and others are clippings from different religious publications. Where the authors are known their names or initials have been given. For all such favors the parties interested will please accept the thanks of the editors. This informal volume is now sent out with a prayer that the promised teaching of the Holy Spirit may attend its use, and that through its instrumentality many may be led to the Great Teacher, many led to an entire consecration, and to a deeper and more attentive study of the Word of God. Toronto, September, 1877. S. R. BRIGGS. JOHN H. ELLIOTT. N.B-All profits arising from the sale of this book will be devoted to the Toronto Willard Tract Society's fund for free distribution. he at :at nd ^M nto Introiritttorg. WAhtn I oil xtixH i^t 5acreb Scriptures, or mm otber booh, mber t^inh how j)ou reub but what i^ou reutr/'-Kemble. BIBLE READINGS. BY D. W. WHITTLE. I St. How prepared : Select some doctrine or exhortation as to Christian living, prac- tical in the application, and exalting Christ. Among such subjects will readily occur Grace, Lore, Faith, Redemption, Sanctifica- tion, the Blood, Prayer, the Two Natures, the New Birth, Work, Warfare, and so on. Take the concordance and read, with prayer, all the passages bearing upon the topic selected. Get full yourself of the truth taught. Praise God by yourself and < or ;y ourself for its preciousness. Then, divide your topic into heads, according to its natural and logical divisions. This is the key to the preparation of an interesting, profitable, and instructive reading. The bring- ing together of passages in a jumble, selecting them because they all contain the same word, cannot interest or profit. There must be order and a development of thougnt in the exhortation of doc- trine for the mind to receive and profit by it. The reading below is presented as suggesting this plan, not as the best execution of it. Be careful in not making the reading too long. Better to di- vide your topic into five or six readings, and bring out the Scrip- tures upon each head to your own satisfaction, than to crowd too many heads into one reading. You will find the instruction thus given more easily apprehended and more carefully retained. The fault with most of us lay workers, who have been uninstructed in logical presentation of truth, is in the beginning of our work to make our readings too cumbersome. My first Bible reading on Faith contained some sixty Scripture references. Before they were all read the audience were tired, and it was a source of anxiety and difficulty for me to interest them. That same Bible reading pre- pared for one meeting has now developed into seven, given as a course, at seven successive meetings, with seeming interest and appreciation on the part of the people, and pleasure to myself. I have used for this reading, and for others, as a matter of convenience, the Scripture suggestion of the number seven, in making up the heads of the topics. For instance, upon Faith the or- der of the readings and their divisions is as follows : ist. Seven reasons for reasonableness of Faith (all Scripture texts). 2d. Seven directions as to how Faith is received. 3d. Seven things possessed by Faith. |j 8 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 4th. Seven fruits of Faith. 5lh. Seven trials of Faith. 6th. Seven things said of those without Faith. 7th. Seven triumphs of Faith. Two or three Scripture references are used under each head, making each reading consist ot between twenty and twenty-five texts. It will, of course, be understood that this subdivision and elabo- ration is recommended only for those topics that in the nature of the case, by the wide scope of truth embraced by them, require it. More simple topics would be better treated condensed into one reading. After your Scripture texts are arranged, endeavor un- der each one of your headings to have one or more appropriate illustrations, to make clear the truth and to fasten it in tne memory. 2d. How to give Bible readings. The method should vary with the character of the audience and the circumstances and surroundings of the meeting. In a very large audience it is better to read the passages yourself, asking the audience to turn to them and all join with you in the reading. Give time for all to turn to the passages, and read slow and dis- tinct enough for all to join. Pay much attention to emphasis in reading. The proper interpretation of the text will often be revealed by proper emphasizing of th^ words. In a small audience, in a lecture room where persons reading in different parts of the room can be readily heard, give out your references — one text to a person, if you have good readers enough, if not, two or more texts to the same person. Use slips of paper in giving out the references. Have them prepared before you go to the meeting, and ask some one who is acquainted with the audience to distribute them to good readers as you are singing the opening hymn, or (this is far better) before you commence the exercises. It is not safe to call out references and let them be taken by volunteers. Some will have wrong passage^ and some will not read distinctl)'. The slips will also give yea trouble unless the person giving them out is judicious, and makes each one who receives a slip understand that they are to read the passage promptly when called for. It is best for the leader, also, as he opens the meet- ing to distinctly explain what he expects of those who have re- ceived slips, and to request them if they do not intend to comply to pass the slip back. After calling for a reference twice, with slight interval, the leader had better read himself, not delaying the audience for those who have lost the place. Let the word stand out clear and speak for itself. Simply call attention to the obvious truth each reference presents, and its connection and place in the subject you are developing. Have faith in the presence of the Holy Spirit as the teacher. Have con- fidence in the power of the Word to do its own work. Be humble NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 9 in the advancement of your interpretation of the text, and always fortify your interpretation, not by quoting human authority, but the Word itself. Remember James iii. i. " My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condem- nation." The less of owr thought and onr ideas in the reading, the more profitable it will be to us and to all. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE. BY REV. LYMAN ABBOTT. I. — Means of Study. — In answering the question whiph I have epitomized in the title of this and three succeeding letters on the subject, I shall assume that you have neither the means to pur- chase a large library nor the time and opportunity to make good use of it if you had it. I shall assume that you are engaged in some form of Bible instruction, and that you want some suggestions to aid you in getting a clear, practical knowledge of the Bible yourself, which you may impart to others. For this purpose you need a library. You cannot study with- out books. But your library need not be large or expensive ; a jack- knife in skilful hands is better than a full tool-chest in the hands of a bungler. First you must have a reference Bible, and a good one. It is a matter of no mean importance to have one Bible that is good enough to last a life-time. I have one, a Bagster, that I have carried over twenty years. I can turn to a book, a chapter, or a text with celerity, for I have learned to know the verses by their locali- ties ; in anotner Bible I might ransack the pages for the missing verse in vain. Buy your Bible in flexible binding. It costs more but it never wears out. Next to a reference Bible is a Bible Text-book and a concord- ance ; the Text-Book is more important than the Concordance as well as cheaper. The difference between a Text-book and a Con- cordance is that the former gives you references to Scripture teach- ing according to subjects, while the latter gives a classification of all Scripture texts according to words. Thus, if you look in your Concordance for the word " atonement" you will find only one verse referred to, for the word only occurs once in the New Testa- ment ; but if you look in your Text-Book you will find many references, for the New Testament is full of the doctrine. The use of a Concordance is to find a given text, one important word of which you know ; the use of the Text-Book is to find a collection of Bible texts on any given theme, not one of which you may have known before. Next to the Text-Book and Concordance, which are simply contrivances for finding out what is in the Bible, comes a good Bible Dictionary. The object of this is to give a knowledge of bib- lical geography and antiquities, without which much that is in the zo NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. h H Bible is but imperfectly intelligible. For scholars who want to study the conflicting themes and opinions of learned men there is nothing so good as the American edition of Smith's Bible Diction- ary, in four volumes. Rut he who has not acquired some practical skill in the balancing pros and cotu is liable to get lost in the labyrinthine discussions of this scholarly work. For such, a "Dic- tionary of Religious Knowledge" is j)ul)lishcd by Harper & [brothers which aims to include both all l)iblical subjects and all impor- tant theological and ecclesiastical topics. Of tliat, since I was its chiet editor, I shall not say anything more than that it was pre- pared with especial view to the wants of those i)iblical students who desire a volume to give them the results without the processes of scholarshin. Next to a Bible Dictionary is a good Commentary on the Bible. I know a great many persons express a contempt for commenta- ries, and as commentaries are often used the contempt is natu- ral ; only it is deserved by the use, not by the book. The com- mentary is not a book to be studied, it is a book to help you study the Bible. Knives and forks are better than fingers for the purpose of eating ; but the man who should attempt to eat knives and forks would have a sorry meal. Study the Bible; let a good commentary help you in your study. It will give you the best reading when there are variations. It will give you the meaning of the original when the English version is inadequate. It will give you light on- manners and customs when they are needed as interpreters. It will give you the connection with the context and light from parallel passages when the meaning is obscure. It will indicate to you the spiritual purpose of the writer and of the Spirit of God in the writer, and it will give you the best suggestive thoughts of the best thinkers, or some of them, respecting the meaning and use of the passage. It is the very folly of self-conceit to assume, as some of the critics of the commentaries do, that any man can pick up his Bible, and in half an hour read as much in a verse or a chapter, without aid, as lie can after a conference with the most devout and scholarly thinkers who have spent days and weeks in the reverent study ol the same book and perhaps the identical passage under consideration. Finally you need to complete your library, a blank-book in which to enter the results of your study. I do not advise any sys- tem of Bible-marking. Keep your Bible clean to express to you God's thoughts, not to serve as a journal, or a diary of your own. The best blank-book for library purposes is an interleaved Bible: the best for use in the class is a little blank-book to be carried in the pocket; better than either is a combination; a small blank- book to jot down the thought at the moment — to serve as the merchant's day-book — and an Index Rerum or an interleaved Bible into which these thoughts are transferred from time to time — to serve as the merchant's journal and ledger. One other means of study is as important as a library — that is time. If you will select half an hour — the morning half hour is NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. It the best, in my judgment — for regular and systematic study of the Word of God, though each day you will do hut little, you will be surprised to find how much you have learned in the course of the year. The tortoise still beats the hare in the race. 2nd. Methods: Turn a college student adrift in the Astor Library or the Con- gressional Library, and though he might enjoy himself in a de- sultory way in mouvsing amcmg the books he would come out at the end of the day little wiser than he went in. He should first ask. How is this library arranged ? Where are the historical alcoves? Where is the philosophy? Where the belles-lettres ? Fitful dashes at the Bible — the Psalms to-day, the Epistles to-morrow, E^xodus the day after — give a man about as much knowledge c^f the Bible as a child gets of Botany who goes gathering wild fiowers in the woods in May. A study of the Bible as a whole is a necessary preliminary. What is the Bible ? It is a library. How long was it in process of evolution — or creation, if that is a more orthodox word ? About sixteen hundred years. Of what does it consist ? Laws, political economy, history, poetry, biography, fiction, theology. How do you divide it ? The first five books of the Old Testament are laws and political economy ; the next twelve books are history ; the rest are poetry and prophecy. The first four books of the New Testament are biography ; the next one is history ; the rest, ex- cept Revelation, are theology and philosophy, but always writ- ten for a practical purpose and with a practica' application. The last book is a poem, a picture, a drama. This short catechism indicates what I mean by the study of the Bible as a whole. This gives the outlines of the structure. Some knowledge of authors, their times, their civilization, their purpose in writing, the characteristics of Jewish laws, of ancient history, of Hebrew poetry are equally necessary. Any good Bible Dictiona'-y, any good Commentary, will give you more or less material for such preliminary study. In connection with many Sunday-schools are Normal Classes to pursue such courses of study. They ought to be more numerous than they are. The study of individual books is a secondary preliminary. How many of even tolerably well educated Sunday-school teachers have any idea of the significance and purpose and character of single books of the Bible — Leviticus, Ruth, Job, Ecclesiastes ? How many know any generic difference between the Epistle to the Philippians and that to the Galatians ? We read the Bible as Jack Horner ate his Christmas pudding — pick out the p'ums and sometimes with the same result ; when we are thi >ugh our morning chapter we take our reward in a sweet sense of self-satis.- faction, "What a good boy am I !" Let me illustrate what I mean by the study of individual books.. The scholar has read verses and chapters from the book of Job> He has heard repeatedly quoted, "Oh that mine adversary had written a book !" He has no idea what it means, for the quotation 12 NOTKS FOR BIBLE RKAOINGS. II' If! is always semi-jocular. He takes u\> the book of Job to study it. What is it? A poem, a parable, a story— whether fiction founded on fact or fiction without any fact-foundation is not very material, it is certainly as true as the parable of the prodif^al son, and that is true enouf^h. Who was Job? A man who lived in the world's twilif^ht. No "Sun of Righteousness" had risen on him. He never refers to law, or priest, or projihet, or dream, or divine revelation of any kind He was a worshipper of a true but a wholly unknown God. He was a Hebrew Socrates. His religion was the "religion of nature." if it be said that he possessed in ad- dition that knowledge of God which had trickled down through tradition from the patriarchal age, it may be replied that every devout heathen has possessed the same knowledge. He lived in the faith of the aphorism, Be virtuous and you will be happy. So long as he was prosperous his "religion of nature" stood him in good stead. But adversity came. His property was swept away; his children were killed; disease laid hold on him ; nothing •was left but his wife, and she was almost the direst misfortune of all. He was utterly overwhelmed; was in hopeless perplexity. The "very foundations of his faith were broken up. His three friends insisted on it that a'.i this was a punishment for his sins. He was too good a man to play at mock humility, and indig- nantly denied it. He maintained his virtue, and yet he could not give uj) his faith in God ; so his perplexity embittered his grief. Out of it comes the cry for just that which the divine revelation gives to us in our sorrow. "Oh for a Daysman ! Oh for a divine disclosure of the unknown! Oh that this divine Enemy who has suffered blow on blow to fall upon me had written a book to •explain his ways and reveal his will! " Natural religion fails in great sorrow. Then the soul wants a Saviour ; wants a Bible. When the student has gotten this general view of the book of Job, as a parabolic poem teaching the need of a supernatural Christianity, all in the book, every cry of Job, every super- cilious consolation offered by his three miscalled friends, becomes significant. No man can understand a part that does not under- stand the whole. He that would interpret aright a single flower in the tapestry must first stand off a little and get a view of the whole pattern. "Vanity of vanities ; all is vanity." It is not true, all is not vanity. This world is Gods university. It is magnificently -endowed. As a training-school for another life beyond it is ad- mirable. No man can read aright the book of Ecclesiastes who does not consider it as the experience of a man who had not taken this world as a training-school : who had sought for happiness in wealth, pleasure, riches ; who had drank life's cups and found it foam on top and dregs at the bottom. " Vanity of van- ities ; all is vanity " is not the Christian verdict ; it is the mis- anthrope's wail. It is the testimony of the blase man of the world. It is true only from his point of view. The student must know the author of Ecclesiastes and his life and his purpose NOTES FOR BIDLF, READINGS. 13 before he can iinderstancl the book. Who would interpret Childe Harold as though Cowper had written it ? The Epistle to the Philippians is the letter of thanks of a for- eign missionary box. The Epistle to the Galatians is the letter of admonition to the fickle-minded Frenchmen of the first century because their zeal of love had turned to ceremonialism. The Epistle to the Romans is a treatise on systematic theology in the form of a letter. Each must be read in the light of its origin and object. This general course of study of the structure of the whole Bible and of individual books in the Bible is preliminary to study in detail of their contents. It will give all the advantage to be gained by reading the Bible through in course. I do not advise any one to undertake such a reading. I should as soon think of attempting to read a library through, or a cyclopedia. I should almost as soon think of eating a hotel course all through, dispos- ing of all the soups in order to-day and beginning on the fish course to-morrow. The only, certainly the chief, use of such a course of reading is that thus you may get a general kowledge of the contents of the Bible, and the method of study which I have indicated is far better for that purpose. 3. More About Methods. — The possible ways of studying the Bible are as diverse as human minds. To lay down rules for Bible study would be as preposterous as to lay down rules of locomotion for fish, flesh, and fowl. The first and fundamental principle is this : Let each man study the Bible in his own way. One man who is systematic will do it with regularity ; another who is moody will do it according to his moods ; one who is analytical will do it by collation and comparison of texts; another who is not will study its historical books and its biographies ; still another will find most nutriment in its books of poetry. Let each bee go where he gets honey. Buzzing at a flower whose honey is beyond your reach is useless. Do not take another man's method unless it fits your mind. A shepherd's sling and a smooth stone are better for David than Saul's armor. All that I shall attempt to do in this and a succeeding and a final letter will be to illustrate, from my own experience, three methods of Bible study. I. Biographical. I began a few weeks ago reading the story of Joseph at family prayers. I found that it solved very satisfac- torily the problem presented by a pastor's wife last week in her article, " Babies in prayer-time." The youngest sat in my lap, the next youngest sat in his chair by my side. I take it for granted that the older members of the family can read the Bible for themselves ; I therefore conduct family prayers for the benefit of the youngest members. As I read I explained; substituted short words for long ones ; stopped for questions, and answered them. The episode about Potiphar's wife I omitted. I read but little at a time. The Scripture reading served as a serial story. Both the "babies in prayer-time" wanted me to read more» •14 NOTES FOR BIBLE RBADINGS. Two or three Sundays after we had completed the course I over- heard them playing church. The youngest was preaching ; and he told the whole story of Joseph with only now and then a blunder. Then the next older one corrected him. One is four years old, the other is five and a half. This is the biographical method in its simplest form. It is capable of indefinite expansion and variation. The life of David affords admirable material for a course of study. " Townsend's Bible" or Harper's " Dictionary of Religious Knowledge" will give you the occasion of the composition of his various Psalms. Read the life ; look up the geographical refer- ences in your Bible Dictionary; and read the Psalms in connec- tion with the experiences from which they were evolved. Psalms xlii., xliii., which are really one, have a new meaning wlien you read the story of anguish and bitterness out of which they sprang, like a flower watered by the springs of Marah. There is no such song in the night as this Psalm. David's declaration in Psalm iii., "I laid me down and slept," is meaningless until you know when he slept. It only indicates that he was sleepy ; men have even been known to go to sleep of a Sunday afternoon in church, and it was not imputed to them for righteousness. But consider the circumstances. He was fleeing from Jerusalem, his life threatened by his favorite son, his kingdom apparently wrested from him, some of his most trusted counsellors turned against him, desolate in the present and not knowing whai was before him in the future, and then and there, on the edge of the wilder- ness, with only the sky above him for a roof, and but a few firm friends for companions, he was able to sleep in peace. Now see in this simple declaration one of the strongest illustrations of the power of faith and trust which the Bible contains. How often •that text has sung me to sleep in times when but for it I must have passed an anxious, troubled and sleepless night ! No man knows 'either David or his Psalms who has not read the story of his life .through in chronological order, and in connection with the record- ed experiences which his life produced. The; life is God's hands striking the heartstrings ; the Psalms are the music the heart gives forth. The life of Paul is an admirable theme for a course of biograph- ical study. And the autobiographical passages in his epistles , should be studied in connection with Luke's history ; e, g., Phiiip- pians iii., 4-10, with Acts ix., 1-18. Any good religious dictionary or commentary will give the references. Best of all is the "Lite of Christ." Mr. Beecher somewhere has given an account of the light borne in upon his own soul by reading through at a sitting one of the gospels, for the purpose of ;• getting a clear and connected idea of the character of Christ. That his ministry has always been so peculiarly a Christly ministry is in no small measure attributable to that one experience. A more •elaborate study may easily be made by taking either a Harmony ^ ' r one of the many lives of Christ, and then study- rospei 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 15 ing in detail each incident, miracle and teaching in its appropriate place, and with a consideration of its relation to Christ's whole life-work. The story of the Syro-Phenician woman has been a perplexity to many minds, simply because they did not know that Christ was off on a vacation, and that to have performed the miracle asked of him would have defeated his purpose ; did in fact defeat it, and drive him from the rest and retirement he was seek- ing in a heathen country. It is ^somewhat more difficult, but not less profitable, to trace the growth of character by a comparison and collation of scattered passages; the development of Peter from the rude and profane fisherman to the eloquent revivalist, or the development of John from the fiery disciple who would have called divine destruction down upon the Samaritan village to the gentle and loving author of John's Gospel. 2. Topical. The topical method is one of endless variety ; but the principle is always the same. The object of the student is to ascertain what is the teaching of the Bible on any give topic. The instruments are very simple. They are a reference iiible, a Bible Text-book, a Concordance ; and common sense. Last year at Chautauqua Dr. Vincent asked me to conduct an Eventide (Conference on the " Peace of God." I borrowed a Bible Text Book and a Concordance; and I prepared four or. five slips of paper, on which I wrote such questions as the follovying, a separate question on each slip : In what does this peace consist ? What are its characteristics ? Who can ittain it ? How can it be attained ? How is it lost .? Then I took my Bagster Bible and my wife took the Con- cordance, and together we looked for the Bible answers to these questions. She read to me from the Concordance every text that contained the word " peace;" I looked them up in the Bible and put the answers which they gave me in their appropriate places on my memoranda. Thus, " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed op thee" went down on two memoranda : under " characteristics of peace" I wrote perfect; under "how attained" I wrote by trust in God. The text, " The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus," thiee times. This is a guardian peace ; it is too deep for intellectual analysis ; and it is given through faith in Jesus Christ. So we went through the Concordance ; then we went through the Bible Text Books, which gave us additional texts that did not contain the word peace ; such as that promise in Isaiah, " When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee," and such as that invitation in Matthew, " Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The result of three or four hours of such study was a series of answers some- i6 NOTES FOR BIBLE RRADINGS. n thing like the following ; I am writing from memory without my notes before me. The peace of God is (i) God's own peace, the peace that be- longs to the divine nature ; (2) it therefore belongs to the children of God just in the measure in which they become partakers of the divine nature. (3) It is deep, perfect, everlasting. (4) It is peace /row the burden and curse of sin. (5) It is peace in all times of sorrow and trouble. (6) It is given by God through faith in Jesus Christ. (7) The conditions of receiving it are consecratior^ to God and trust in God. (8) The lack of peace always indicates either imperfect consecration or imperfect trust. This account may serve to illustrate what I mean by the topical study of the Bible. The varieties in method are endless, as the reader will at once perceive. It requires no great scholarship to piirsue such a study. And I believe that if the ministry generally would search through the Bible in this way for its answers to their questions, instead of going to thfeir Cabin's and their Watson's Institutes, their sermons on theological ^)oints — and theology is of all themes the one of the greatest popular interest — would be more original, more striking, more authoritative, and more potent in their direct practical and spiritual appeal to the hearts and con- sciences of hearers. 4. Studying the Sunday-School Lesson.— Paul has told us what the Bible is good for. It is profitable for doctrine — i. e., for religious instruction. And then he specifies the particulars : for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness ; that is, it is useful to convince men of their sins, to set them on the road to reform, and to instruct them on questions of right and wrong when they have started out on that road. The Bible is a tool, and this is the work that is to be done with it. Now, in using any tool, the first and instinctive question of a good workman is, What am I to do with this tool at this time ? The chisel in the hand of a carpenter is not one tool, but many ; and he always, though not always consciously, considers what he means to do with it before he begins his work ; and of all his various chisels he selects that particular one which is best fitted for his purpose. The first question you, as a Sunday-school teacher, are to ask yourself — the first question that your pastor ought to ask himself in preparing his sermon, is this : What am I goirig to do with this Scripture ? Am I going to use it to convince my scholars of their sins and their need of a Saviour, or to awaken in them a resohi- tion of repentance and reformation, or to instruct them in the right way — assuming that they already want to walk in it ; or am I to use it in all these ways according to my scholars' characters and dispositions ? And again : Am I to use it to convince generally of sin, or of some particular sin ; to lead generally to repentance and reform- ation, or to a resolution of reform in some particular ? To get the answer to these questions, take first your Bible and the golden text, which you will generally find useful because it NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 17 represents what some able Bible scholars think to be the use of the particular Scripture before you. Study these before you look at the " Lesson Helps." Fix firmly in your mind what you think to be the use of that lesson to you in your class, no matter what some one else could find in it for a different class of minds. For you, in a Bible class, are not to use it as your companion in Christ is to use it in the infant class. The answer to these ques- tions is something that no one else can give to you. It must simply come from much and prayerful pondering of the text itself. Sometimes it will flash upon you on the first reading ; sometimes it requires a long pondering to arrive at a result. But whenever this result is arrived at, half your work and the best half, is done. Next, with this aim clearly before you, and I think that it is often an advantage to write it down to give clearness to your own mind, begin your study of the details. Study these as far as they will help you to accomplish your object. Your lesson is the folly of Rehoboam. It is small matter whether he got his name from his father prophetically or whether it was subsequently given to him in derision by the people. Do not waste much time over that. Your lesson is the conversion of Paul. You are going to use it in an endeavour to bring some of your hesitating, procras- tinating pupils to a final decision. Do not waste time in deciding which of the three routes Paul probably took to Damascus. Your lesson is Elijah by the brook Cherith. You have a skeptic in your class, and you determine to use this lesson to show the reality of the miracles in the Old Testament. Then you need to know whether the ravens were really ravens, or were, as some scholars contend, merchants; but if you are going to use the lesson to confirm faith in the Providential care of God over all those who trust in him, it is a matter of small or no account whether he used merchants or ravens for this purpose. So your pre-determined use of the lesson will determine the nature of your subsequent studies. When you have thus laid out your lesson in your own mind,, considered the questions most likely to arise and most important to be answered, and perhaps put your thoughts down in a note- book, you may advantageously take up your lesson helps ; but in general they should not be taken up before. They should be " helps" to an independent study of the Bible, not a substitute for it. Not till this preliminary work is done are you ready to get the full benefit of the thoughts of others, which you are otherwise liable to substitute for your own. They must become your own before you can make the best use of them ; but for this purpose they must be engrafted on your own stock, filtered through your own brain. You must be a fruit-tree, not a barrel of plucked apples ; a spring, not a cistern. Finally, of all helps the Bible is the best. That is, in deter- mining what is the meaning of any teaching or the use of any incident, find out if you can what use the sacred writers have 2 i8 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ii'if made of it themselves, or what truth contained in it is elsewhere illustrated or enforced by other parallel teachings of Scripture. Let me interpret and illustrate these principles by their use in the latest lesson that I have studied — the one m this week's paper. I first turn to my Bible and read the passage, i Kings xvii. i-i6. Why was this story told ? What lesson has it for me? For if I can apply it to myself I can, with power such as is only derived from personal experience, apply it to others. I see in it a threefold trial of courage : first, the courage of work ; second, the courage of patience ; third, the courage of charity. This lies on the surface. Are there other lessons ? Yes, there are two that the Lord himself drew from this incident, one in Luke iv. 25-26 ; the other in Matt. x. 41, 42. The ground of courage, the Lord's provision for his own, is there also ; a more beautiful illus- tration of the principle that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, Matt. vi. 26, I know not where you will find. This is the use I will make of it ; to inculcate a stronger courage, a broader charity, a more hopeful trust. Then come the questions, 'Where was the brook Cherith ? Why did God employ ravens ? Where was Zarephath ? What were the peculiarities < f an Eastern famine, etc. ? II the ascertainable answers to these questions aid in accomplishing my object I study them ; if they do not I pass them by without an answer. Then follows the use of the work of previous writers in the same field — Stanley, Robinson, Taylor, Keil, Maurice, etc. — from whom I glean but do not reap. These are the outlines ; the varieties in method are endless. Sometimes the lesson calls for but little extra-Biblical study ; sometimes it requires a great deal ; ordinarily, study of the Bible comes first, " helps" afterwards ; but sometimes the study of geography, or customs, or seemingly secondary questions, must precede the determination of the question. What use shall I make of this Scripture ? Thus, in order to understand the meaning of the fire test between Elijah and the priests of Baal, it is necessary to know something more about Baal than is disclosed in the Bible, at least on a mere reading of it. But however he may var}'^ in his method — and he will never study two lessons exactly alike, and no two teachers will study the same lesson exactly in the same manner — he must always study it with the same object kept steadily in view ; the moral and spiritual benefit, first, of himself, and, second, of his class. Not he who is the most learned, or the most polished, or the most eloquent, but he who ts most " apt to teach" is the best teacher. And he who most constantly keeps in view the great fact that the lesson is but an instrument, that his real object is the development of Christian disposition and character in his scholars, that all Scripture is profitable for this purpose, is the one "most apt to teach." HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE. SYNOPSIS OF AN ADDRESS BY W. J. ERDMAN, CHICAGO. There are two books of God — Nature and the Bible- Creation and redemption are the two works of God, and the works are words, John xiv. lo. Both Creation and Redemption Jead to faith m God, John iii. 12 : iii. 31 ; Luke xii. 22-28 ; Psalm cxix. 64; Rom. X. 17-18. Both should be studied in the same way. If it seems surprising to discuss the methods of Bible study at so late a day after it has been in the hands of men for hundreds of years, let us remember the marvellous discoveries of natural science fall within the last two centuries, and are due to a change of the methods of investigation. Have we studied the Bible as scientists now investigate nature ? Science creates no new facts, theology no truths ; all is finished for man to search out. How shall he search out the work of Creation and the work of Redemp- tion. L The spirit in which to study is that of a child. Lord Bacon said, " - ne must enter the kingdom of the natural sciences as one enters the kingdom of heaven, like a little child." A child is humble, trustful, docile, without prepossessions, theories or fixed opinions. The world before it is like to an Adam new and fresh. If a botanist finds a strange flower, he lets the flower tell him what it is ; he has neither knowledge or name for it ; what it is, becomes, or rather is its name ; if a mineralogist meets a strange stone he asks it questions, and puts into a stone only what he first gets out ; in like manner a Bible student must wait on a verse or text or epistle or any book or part thereof to tell him what it is. Many readers get out of a verse just what they first put in, and that may be all of man's wisdom and not at all the mind of God. We must go to the word of God therefore with the humil- ity, simplicity, and receptivity of a little child. But the question is also what kind of a child ; and the answer is a child of God ; and if a child of God, then must the Spirit of God be the Light in which to study the words and works of God. The written word is like the word made flesh, divine and human, and it must be studied with the light of the divine Spirit in the human. God alone can show God. This is the axiom in the study of the two books, God is : Heb. xi. 6 ; but more needful to study truly is it to know not only that God is, but that He is the Father, and the student and reader His child. The " natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God," whether revealed in the Bible or in nature, for the flower and the Cross teach the same lesson, trust in God ; but scientists rarely read the lessons from off the lily and the bird which Jesus ^ J full of the Spirit of God read, Luke xii. 22-28 cxix. 18 ; Amos iv. 13 ; John i. 1-3 ; i. 14 ; i. 18 I Cor. ix. 10; Ps. iii. 16-18. 20 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. God's word is thus written for His children and must be receiv- ed humbly and reverently and eagerly, and in the absolute faith in which a child takes the word ofhis lather. Always then take for granted that God is. Never try to prove it. It is Father's book. He wrote it Himself. He wrote it for us. Believe every word of it, or we shall never get the good of it. Men think prophecy is a dark subject, and the only use of it is to prove that God knew something beforehand, and that he has not lied to us. Prophecy is to teach God's children His purposes. A person may think he knows all about the Bible because he has read it through six or seven times. But this may be mere surface work. I may go through a country on an express train several times, and still know nothing of it. To walk through it and get ac- quainted with its stones and trees and flowers and dells and streams and to love it as all my own, is a very different matter. We must love the word and not only for our sake, but for His sake who is in it. Reading it through and through will do no good, unless we love it and see into it as a lover of nature sees into the woods and stones. In brief it must be searched in sim- phcity, with colorless desire to be taught ; with earnest quest, as men seek for a knowledge of nature ; in the receptive, humble, reverent faith of a child, with the attention and intentness that shall let nothing escape notice ; with the love and appropriation with which a child reads his own father's letter for himself, and above all, with the dependence upon and illumination of the Spirit of God which leads one to unlock every Scripture with the key of filial expectant prayer. Such is the way in which we should study tli vvord of God. II. The method of study is the inductive. All the parts to jot and tittle must first be gathered together before a conclusion is stated or a name given. The stones of one kind must all be brought together however varied their forms, and the flowers classified though scattered through many parts and climes. Ecc. iii. II ; Ps. xl. 5 ; xix. 1-6. Take a concordance and find a word — run it through the Bible. Take for instance, glory, glorified. You will find in it a wonder- ful line of thought. The cloud of glory is associated with it. In that cloud is wrapped both the blessing and the wrath of God. Study by phrases. Separate them. See how they are used. . Get their meaning in every context. Find out their exact force and colour. Such study will bring to light resemblances and differences, types and antitypes, shade. vs and body, times and seasons, peoples and dispensations, the eternal purpose, the varied pre- paration, and the final fulfilment. Such method is self-interpreting, light is seen in light, Ps. xxxvi. 9 ; cxix. 6 ; and the conclusions reached become in turn keys and openings to further knowledge. The Bible is a living growth. Its structure is mathematical like the universe, and its numbers are symbolic. It is photographic and so microscopic. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ax The thought is one hke the mind ; one yet manifold through ages of revelation. It is timeless as one thought from the beginning, and so can have no contradictions ; and when finished and ful- filled all its seeming contradictions will be known as the parts of a vast, tar-reaching harmony. The Old Testament is found in the New and the New in the Old, i Cor. x. ii ; Rom. v. 12-19 ; Eph. V. 32 ; Gal. iv. 21-31 ; i Pet. iii. 21 ; Gen. i. 3 ; a Cor. iv. 6. III. The instruments, means, and helps may be briefly stated in the order of their nearness to any one: I. A reference Bible. 2. A Text-Book. 3. A Bible Diction- ary. 4. A Concordance. 5. A Translation. 6. An English- man's Greek Concordance. 7. A Commentary. Never consult a Commentary on any doctrine in cold blood ; think, study, search first yourself. IV. The result of such study is life, love, worship, likeness. One leads to the other, John xvii. 3 ; i. 1-4; i John iv. 7-8; Rom. ii. 32-36 ; xii. 1-2 ; John iv. 20-24; 2 Cor. iii. 18. — From The Truth. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE. First. There must be a profound conviction of the truth that •' ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof (or evidence, as the word is rendered in Heb. xi. i), for correction, for instruction in righteousness," (2 Tim. iii. 16) ; " For the prophecy came not in old time (or, as the margin has it, at any time) by the will of man : but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," (2 Pet. i.21); " For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of man, but, as it is in truth, the word of God," (i Thess. ii. 13.) Similar testimony in a more or less direct and positive form might be cited from hundreds of passages, for the whole Bible proceeds upon the assumption, so apparent even to the casual reader, that it is the voice of God speaking through men unto men. It is obvious, therefore, that each little word, as of, the, in, from, to, which we are so apt to overlook in human writings, is worthy of particular and devout attention. It is true that unim- portant errors may have crept into this and that version or trans- lation, but when competent scholarship conducts us to the words the Holy Ghost really used, we are to consider every one of these as having its own definite place and meaning in the book of God. Hence it is never proper in quoting Scripture to give what we may suppose to be its sense, but we should see to it that the very language of revelation is presented to the minutest particle. Second. All Scripture is designed to lead us to Christ. " Search the scriptures," He said to the Jews, and of course He referred to the Old Testament scriptures ; " for in them ye think ye have 22 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. eternal life : and they are they which testify of me," (John v. 39). He does not say that some of the Scriptures merely, but all of them, testify of Him. •' Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me : for he wrote of me," (John v. 46 ; *• And beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself," (Luke xxiv. 27). He began at Moses, and not only at some, but all the prophets, and expounded unto them not simply in some, but in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. " These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets and in the psalms, concerning me," (Luke xxiv. 44). These were the three great divisions of the Old Testament, and our Lord declares that all were written concerning Him. It is not strange, therefore, that Paul could persuade his countrymen " concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening," (Acts xxviii. 23). From all this it is clear that if we read a chapter in the Old Testament, and do not see Christ there, we must go back and read it again, lor we have not found the key to its true meaning. Out of the innumerable events that occurred during nearly four thousand years in the history of nations and families and indi- viduals, it pleased the Holy Ghost to collect and recoid only those that bore in the way of type or illustration upon the person and work of God's promised Son. This must be admitted at once by those who will take the trouble to compare the quotations from the Old Testament applied to Christ in the New, that very often at least as they originally appear do not seem to have the slight- est reference to our Saviour. If, therefore, some in the early Church, and in the davs of the Reformation carried their search after types to a dangerous extreme, the modern Church exhibits a tendency to a far more dangerous extreme in the opposite direction, by failing to see that all the narratives, and offerings, and feasts, and predictions of the Old Testament centre about the cross and ciown of Jesus. Third. We must study the Bible with the full persuasion that we have to do personally with all it contains. " Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope," (Rom. xv. 4). The inspired apostle, after enumerating a number of events that occurred in the history of the Israelites, says, " Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples, (or types, as it is in the margin); and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come," (i Cor. X. 11). We can not, then, read the Old Testament as we read the history of some ancient nation, with a feeling that it is all past, and that it possesses no interest for ourselves ; but it has a present value, speaking not less earnestly to our souls than it did to those who lived and died thousands of years before we were born, rhe abiding presence of the Holy Ghost in the Scriptures NOTES FOR BIBL£ READINGS. n 39)- 11 of ave ning all 7). lets, the mrds Old and secures for them all the authority and potency ol* an immediate revelation addressed directly to every reader. Fourth. It is almost needless to add that the Bible must be studied with a deep sense ot our entire dependence for light and guidance upon the Spirit of God. ** The natural man," or the flesh, or the Adam nature in a believer, is just as ignorant and helpless and perverted as the same nature in an unbeliever, and it is as true of the natural man in the former as in the latter that he " receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned," (i Cor. ii. 14). But it is comforting to hear our Lord saying concerning this Spirit to His followers^ •• He shall teach you all things, and bring all thmgs to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you," (John xiv. 26). Again He says in words we should never forget m connection with the work of the Spirit, " He shall testify of me," (John xv. 26.) J. H. B. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE. BY D. L. MOODY. " And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water-gate ; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the s«venth month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water-gate from the morning until mid-day, before the men and the women, and those that could understand ; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law." — Nehemiah viii. 1-3, The children of Israel had been in captivity for seventy years, and now they had come back into their own land ; and the description given in these verses is what we should call a Bible- reading ; just getting the people together and reading the Word of the Lord to them. And perhaps it would be a good thing if we could have more meetings where the Word of God is read and explained. It is better to hear God rather than man, and I be- lieve we are living in a day when the Bible is neglected, although we are living in a land of Bibles. The children of Israel had been in a strange land, and God wished them to understand His law. It says that they were attentive to the law ; that is to say, they were just leaning for- ward and drinking in the words that were read to them. You have sometimes seen a nest of birds, and the n>other comes with a little worm to feed them, and in an instant every mouth is wide open ; and in like manner every one of us ought to have our ears wide open to catch the meaning of the Word of God when it is read to us, and if there is anything we don't understand we ought to go to the minister and have an enquiry meeting with him, and ask him to explain it to us. i < snamrn 34 NOTES FOR BIBLE RT.ADINGS. We read in the ninth verse, •' For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared : for this day is holy unto tiie Lord ; neither be ye sorry ; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." What we want, now-a-days, brethren, is a joyful church. If we are in Babylon, with our harps hanging on the willow trees and our heads bowed down, we are not likely to succeed in winning souls to Christ. No ; it is when we are back again on the resurrection ground that we may hope to succeed in that. A backsliding church is a nuisance in the world. It is just a stumbling-block, and nothing more. In the seventeenth verse we read, " And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children done so. And there was very great gladness." And there always will be great gladness when a backsliding people come back to God. The Word of God in the Heart. — When the Israelites were going into Babylon, trodden down by their oppressors and led away into a foreign land, we read in Jeremiah xx. 9. " Then I said, 1 will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His name : but His word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forebearing, and I could not stay." Yes, it is a good thing to have the Word of God in our hearts, so that it just burns within us, and we cannot hold our peace. When the Psalmist said it was hidden in his heart, some one has remarked that it was a good thing \n a good place, for a good purpose. We want the Word to burn right down into our souls ; then a man cannot restrain himself, it begins to burn, so that it would actually burn him up if he held his peace and did not speak out. " Is not my Word like as a fire, saith the Lord, and like a hammer that breaketh a rock in pieces ?" The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, and if you young converts want to be used of God you must feed on His word. Your experience may be very good and very profitable at the outset, and you may help others by telling it to them ; but if you keep on doing nothing else but telling your experience, it will soon become stale and un- profitable, and people wiU weary of hearing the same thing over and over again. But when you have told how you have been converted, the next thing is to feed on tiie Word. We are not fountains ourselves, but the Word of God is the fountain. And if we feed on the Word, it will be so easy then to speak to others ; and not only that, "but we shall be growing all the while in grace, and others will take notice of oiir walk and conversation. Now, I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible. If a man neglects his Bible, he may pray and ask God to use him in his work, but God cannot make use of him ; for there is not much for the Holy Ghost to work upon. We must have the W'*)rd itself, which is sharper than any two-edged sword. INL NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 25 Now, if you read the sermon spoken by Moses before he left the children of Israel, you will find it was just a rehearsal of what God had done for them, and of their deliverance from the cruel hands of Pharaoh ; of the destruction of their enemies in the Red Sea, and their safe conduct through the wilderness ; and yet I do not suppose there wp^ a boy in the camp who could not have told it ten times over. And you will find that Joshua did the same ; and when Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of the Lord was in him, and he went on quoting Scripture to the people, and that was the arrow that went down into their souls. Then, again, what did the devout and martyred Stephen do but just rehearse and expotind the Scriptures from the time of Abraham downwards ? Victory by thk Word. — People are constantly saying, We want something new; some new doctrine, some new idea. Depend upon it, my friends, if you get tired of the Word of God, and it becomes wearisome to you — you are out of communion with Him. What you want is some one who will unfold and expound the Scriptures to you. We cannot overcome Satan with our feelings. The reason why some people have such bitter experience is, they try to overcome the devil by their feelings and experiences. Christ overcame Satan by the Word. He simply said : " It is written ;" and a second time, " It is written ; " and Satan came again and tried to misquote the Scripture, but Christ said again, '• It is written," and that was the arrow that shot right into him, and drove him away. The devil does not care a bit about our feelings. He can play on our feelings just as a man can on a harp. He can make our feelings good or bad ; he can take us up on the mountain, or down into the valley; and we can only vanquish him by ^.he Word, which is the sword of the Spirit. And then bear in mind there is no situation in life for which you cannot find some word of consolation in Scripture. If you are in affliction there is a promise for you ; if you are in adversity and trial, there is a promise for you ; in joy and sorrow, in health and in sickness, in poverty or in riches, in every condition of life, God has a promise stored up in His Word for you. Three Books every Christian Should Have. — I can imagine some persons asking, How can I get to be in love with the Bible? Well, if you will only rouse yourselves to the study of it, and ask God's assistance. He will assuredly help you. There are three books which I think every Christian ought to possess. The first, of course, is the Bible. I believe in getting a good Bible, with a good plain print. I have not much love for those little Bibles you have to hold up right under your nose to read the print ; and if the church happens to be a little dark you cannot see the print ; but it becomes a mere jumble of words. Ye., but some of you say you ^annot carry a big Bible in your pocket. Very well, then carry it under your arm ; and if you have to walk five miles you will just be preaching a sermon five miles long. I have known a man convicted by seeing another carrying his Bible under his arm. ■MMM 26 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. You are not ashamed to carry hymn-books and prayer-books, and tlie Bible is worth all the hymn-books and prayer-books in the world put together. And if you get a good Bible you are likely to take better care of it. Suppose you pay thirty shillings for a good Bible, the o'.der you grow the more precious it will become to you. But be sure you don't get one so good that you will be afraid to mark it. The next I would advise you to get Cruden's Concordance, and a " Scripture text-book," not a " Birthday text- book." These books will help you study the Word of God with profit. If you have not got them, get them to-morrow, for every Christian ought to have them. Study Topically. — Then I find one of the best ways to study the Scriptures is to study them topically. I used at one time to rend so many chapters a day, and if I did not, I thought I was getting cold and backsliding ; but mind you, if a man had asked me two hours afterwards what I had read I could not tell him. I had forgotten it nearly all. When I was a boy I used, among other things, to hoe turnips on a farm, and I used to hoe them so badly, to get over so much ground, that at night I had to put down a stick in the ground so as to know next morning where I had left off. That was somewhat in the same fashion as running through so many chapters every day. A man will say : "Wife, did I read that chapter ?" '• Well," says she, " I don't remember," and neither of them can recollect, and perhaps he reads the saaie chapter over and over again ; and they call that studying the Bible. I don't think there is a book in the world we neglect so much as the Bible. Merely reading the Bible is no use at all without we study it thoroughly, and hunt it through as it were for some great truth. If a friend were to see me searching about this building, and were to come up and say, " Moody, what are you looking for ? have you lost something .-'" and I were to say, " No, I haven't lost anything, I'm not looking for anything par- ticular," I fancy he would just let me go on by myself, and think me very foolish. But if I were to say, " Yes, I have lost a sov- ereign," why, then, I might expect him to help me to find it. Read the Bible, my friends, as if you were seeking for something of value. It is a good deal better to take a single chapter and spend a month on it, than to read the Bible at random for a month. WoRk Out Subjects. — I find some people now and then who boast that they have read the Bible through in so many months. Others read the Bible chapter by chapter, and get through it in a year ; but I think it would be almost better to spend a year over one chapter. If I were going into a court of justice, and wanted to carry the jury with me, I would get every witness I could to testify to the one point on which I wanted to convince the jury. I would not get them to testify everj'thing, but just on that one thing ; and so it should be with the Scriptures, I took up that word " love," and I don't know how many weeks I spent in study- ing the passages in which it occurs, till at last I couldn't help loving people. I had been feeding so long on love that I was NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 27 anxious to do everybody good that I came in contact with. Take up grace, take up faith, take up assarance. Some people say, I don't believe in assurance. I never knew anybody who read their Bible but believed in assurance. This book teaches nothing else. Paul says — " I know in whom I have believed." Job says — " I know that my Redeemer liveth." It is not, *' I hope, I trust." The best book on assurance was written by one called "John," at the back part of the Bible. He wrote an epistle on assurance. Sometimes you just get a word that will be a sort of key to the epistle, and which unfolds it. Now, if you turn to John xx. 31, you will find it says — *' These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God ; and that believing ye might have life through His name." Then if you turn to i John V. 13 you will read thus: •' These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." That whole epistle is written on assurance. I have no doubt John had found some people who doubted about assurance, and doubted whether they were saved or not, and he takes up his pen and says, " I will settle that question ;" and he writes that last verse in the twentieth chapter of his gospel. I have heard some people say it was not their privilege to know that they were saved ; they had heard the minister say that no one could know whether they were saved or not, and they took what the minister said instead of what the Word of God said. Others read the Bible to make it fit in and prove their favourite creed or notions, and if it did not do so tjjiey would not read it. It has been well said, that they must not read the Bible by the blue light of Presbyterianism, nor the red light of Methodism, nor the violet light of Episcopalism, but by the light of the Spirit of God. Now, if you will just take up your Bible and study assurance for a week you will soon see it is your privilege to know that you are a child of God. Feed on the Promises. — Then take another thing — the pro- mises of God. Let a man feed for a month on the promises of God, and he will not be talking about how poor he is. You hear people say — " Oh, my leanness ! how lean I am !" My friends, it is not their leanness, it is their laziness. If you would only go from Genesis to Revelation, and see all the promises made by God to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to the Jews and the Gentiles, and to all his people everywhere; if you were to spend a month feeding on the precious promises of God, you wouldn't be going about with your heads hanging down like bulrushes, com- plaining how poor you are : but you would lift up your heads with confidence, and proclaim the riches of His grace, because you couldn't help it. After the Chicago fire a man came up to me, and said in a sympathising tone, " I understand you lost every- thing, Moody, in the Chicago fire." "Well, then," said I, " some one has misinformed you." " Indeed ! Why, I was certainly told you had lost all." " No ; its a mistake," I said, "quite a mistake." 28 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. " Have yod got much left then ? " asked my friend. '* Yes," I replied, " I have got much more left than I lost, though I cannot tell how much I have lost." " Well, I am glad of it, Moody ; I did not know you were that rich before the fire." " Yes," said I, " I am a good deal richer than you could conceive ; and here is my title-deed — • He that overcometh shall inherit all things.' " They say the Rothschilds cannot tell how much they are worth, and that's just my case. All things in the world are mine ; I am joint-heir with Jesus, the Son of God. Then suppose you spend a month on "prayer," run through the Scriptures on prayer ; why, then the Bible becomes a new book to you. And then take up hope, and faith, and grace, and feed on them. I remember the first time I studied grace I got so full of it that I stopped every man and woman I met, and told them how God loved them. When Christ came with His message of grace to the Jews the bottles would not hold ; it burst the bottles, and began to flow on to the Gentiles all around. . And then they got angry with Him, and sought to put him to death. You may pray for the blessing, but if you neglect your Bible you won't get it. Study One Book at a Time. — Then another way is to study one book at a time. If you take Genesis, it is the seed-plant of the whole Bible ; it tells us of life, death, resurrection ; it involves all the rest of the Bible. Or take just one word that runs through a book. Some time ago I was wonderfully blessed by taking the seven blessings of the Revelation. If God did not wish us to understand the Revelation He would not have given it us at all. A good many say it is so dark^and mysterious common readers cannot understand it. Let us only keep digging away at it, and it will unfold itself by-and-by. Some one says it is the only book in the Bible that tells about the devil being chained ; and as the devil knows that, he goes up and down Christendom, and says, " It's no use your reading the Revelation ; you cannot understand the book ; it's too hard for you." The fact is he doesn't want you to understand about his own defeat. Just look at the blessings it contains. In chapter xxii. 14, '• Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city;" chapter xvi. 15, " Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth His garments ; " chapter XX. 7, " Blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book." Then there is a blessing on them that are kept from the world. We do not belong to the world, but belong to the new creation. God has taken us out of the old and put us in the new, and there- fore we keep ourselves from the world. " Blessed are those that die in the Lord ; for they shall rest from their labors." ♦' Blessed are they that have part in the first resurrection ; for on such the second death hath no power ; and they shall live and reign with Christ a thousand years." " Blessed are they that are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. " Or you may take the eight ** overcomes'' of Revelation, and you will get wonderfully blessed i<« NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 39 with them. They take you right up to heaven ; you climb by them right up to the throne of God. Assurance. — There is that word "know" I mentioned just now. It occurs six times in i John iii. In the fifth verse it says : " And ye know that He was manifest to take away our sins ; and in Him is no sin." The next is the nineteenth verse : " Hereby we knom that we are of the truth." Some people tell us that it doesn't make any difference ; that a lie is as good as the truth if we are only sincere. Why, no doubt those ialse prophets on mount Carmel were sincere ; but John says, " Hereby we know that we are of the tnith.'' Then, in the fourteenth verse : " We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." There's assurance for you. Then, in the fifteenth verse : " He that hateth his brother is a murderer ; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." The Christian is not full of jealousy, envy, hatred, and malice ; but he is full of " love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentlen-^ss, goodness, faith, meekness, tem- perance." These are the fruits I shall bear if I have got Christ in me. Yes, that fifth chapter of Galatians will soon tell us if we have got the right kind of fruit. Make the tree right, and you will soon have the right fruit. Then, in the twenty-fourth verse : " He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the spirit which He hath given us." Then, in the second verse : " Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him ; for we shall see Him as He is." There's assurance for you again ! In that one chapter six assurances. Every truth I get, my Iriends, seems to make me lighter and lighter, till I expect to fly away by-and-by. I heard Mr. Aitken one day, and he told us about a boy who had some gas-bags fastened round him, and they were so light that when he came to a hedge or a ditch he had only just to touch the bags and away they carried him right over. And it is just the same when we read the Bible, it makes us lighter and lighter, and we leap over the obstacles in our way. The truth makes us freer and freer. A brother in the Lord gave me some key-notes this week. He said Peter wrote about hope, " when the chief Shepherd shall appear ; " the key-note of Paul's writing appeared to be of faith, and of John's love. " Faith, hope, and charity ;" these were the three characteristics of the three men — the key-note to the whole of their teachings. The Gospel of John. — Then, again, I have been greatly blessed by going through the " believings " of John. As I said before, he wrote his gospel that we might believe. All through it is " believe, believe, believe." If you want to persuade a man that Christ is the Son of God, John is the gospel f him. Take him right into and through the gospel of John. Matthew was a Jew, and he writes of Christ as a Jew — as the Son of David coming to take His throne. He commences with Abraham, and he treats of the kingdom all the way down to Christ. Mark begins with Malachi. ^,J ■ jas 30 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. He takes it up where the Old Testament left off, and speaks of Christ as a servant coming to do the will of God. Luke begins with Zacharias. He takes up the human side and speaks of Him as a physician, healing the sick, making the lame to walk, and giving sight to the blind. But John brings Him out of the bosom of the Father. He goes beyond Malachi, beyond Abraham, be- yond Adam — away beyond the morning stars, and brings Him out of the Father's bosom, and with one stroke of the pen settles the question of Unitarianism for ever. John was no Unitarian : every word he wrote was against it. He says the Son of God was manifest in the flesh. Go through John's Gospel, and study the " believes," the " verilys," the " I ams," and go through the Bible in that way, and it becomes a new book to you. Make Marginal Notes. — Another plan, and a good one, too, is when a preacher gives out a text just take and mark it, and as he goes on preaching, just put a few words in the margin, key- words that shall bring back the whole sermon again. By that plan of making a few marginal notes, I can remember sermons I heard years and years ago. Every man o^ight to take down some of the preacher's words and ideas, and go into some lane or alley and preach them out again to others. We ought to have four ears, two for ourselves and two for other people. Then, if you are in a new town, and have nothing else to say, jump up and say, "I heard some one say so-and-so," and they will always be glad to hear you if you give them heavenly food. The world is perishing for lack of it. Little and Wise. — Some time ago, about eight years, I think, I heard an Englishman in Chicago preach from a curious text (Proverbs xxx. 24) : "There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise." " Well," said I to myself, " what will you make of these little things ? I have seen them a good many times." Then he went on reading, " The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." He said God's people were like the ant. "Well," I said, *' I have seen a good many of them, but I never saw one like me." They were like the ants, he said, because they were laying up treasure in heaven, and preparing for the future; but the world rushed madly on, and forgot all about God's command to lay up for our- selves incorruptible treasures. " The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks." He said the conies were very weak things ; if you were to throw a stick at one of them you would kill it : but they were viery wise, for they built their houses in the rocks, and where they are out of harm's way. And Gc4's people are very wise, although very feeble, for they build on the Rock of Ages, and that Rock is Christ. " Well," I said, " I am certainly like the conies." Then came the next verse : " The locusts have no king, yet go they, forth all of them in bands ;" and I wondered what he was going to make of that. Now God's people, he said, had no king down here ; the world said, " Caesar is our king ;" but he was not our king, our king was the Lord of hosts. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 31 «« The locusts went out by bands, so did G»d's people ; here was a Presbyterian band, here an Episcopalian band, here a Methodist band, and so en ; but by-and-by the great King would come and catch up all those separate bands and th6y would all be one, one fold and one Shepherd. And when I heard that explanation I said, " I would like to be the locusts." I have got so sick, my friends, of this miserable denominationalism, I wish it could all be swept away. Well, he went on again. " The spide taketh hold with her hands, and is in king's palaces." Well, when he got to the spider, I said, " I don't like that at all, and don't like tl idea of being compared to a spider." " But," he said, " if you went into a king's palace there was the spider hanging on his gossamer web, and looking down with scorn and contempt on the gilded saloon ; he was laying hold of things above. And so every child of God ought to be like the spider, and lay hold of the unseen things of God." " And so," he said, " you see, my brethren, we who are God's people are like the ants, the conies, the locusts, and the spider, little things, but exceeding wise." I just put that down, my friends, and the recollection of it does me as much good this morning as when I first heard it. Now, I have carried this Bible with me a good many years. It is worth more to me than all the Bibles in this place, and I will tell you why; because I have got so many passages marked in it, and if I am caHed upon to speak at any time I am ready. I have got these little words in the margin, and they are a sermon to me. Whether I speak about faith, hope, charity, assurance, or any subject whatever, it all comes back to me; and however unexpec- tedly I am called upon to preach, I am always ready. Every child of God ought to be like a soldier, and always hold himself in readiness. If the Queen's army were ordered to India to-morrow, the soldier is ready for the journey; but we can't be ready if we don't study the Bible. So whenever you hear a good thing just put it down, because if it's good for you it will be good for some- body else; and we should pass the coin of heaven round just as we do the sovereigns and other current coin of the realm. Job, the Key to the Bible. — In the year 1872 an Englishman remarked to me : " Mr. Moody, did you eter notice this, that the book of Job is the key to the whole Bible ; if you understand Job yy.u will understand the entire Bible?" *'No," I said, *'I don't understand that. Job the key to the whole Bible! How do you make that out?" He said, "I divide Job into seven heads. You know ministers generally have a great many heads to their sermons. The first head is: A perfect man untried. That's what God said about Job ; that's Adam in Eden. He was perfect when God put him there. The second head is : Tried by adversity; and Job fell as Adam fell in Eden. The third head is : The wisdom of the world. The world tries to restore Job; the three wise men came to help Job. That was the wisdom of the world centered in those three men." "You cannot," said he, "find any such eloquent language or wisdom anywhere in any part of the world as these three men 32 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. if had; but they did not know anything about grace, and could not therefore help Job." And that's just what men are trying to do, and the result is they fail. Take the scientific men of our day who talk against the Bible. Have they made the world any better ? The wisdom of man never made man any better. These three men did not help Job, but they made him worse. Some one has said the first man took him and gave him a good pull, and then the second and third did the same, and the three of them had three good pulls at Job, and then flat down they fell. Yes, my friends, and a good many men fall when they get into an argument. Very unprofitable things these arguments are. Job could stand anything better than those three men ; he could even have stood a scolding wife better than his three friends. "Then in the fourth place," said he, "in comes the Daysman," that is Christ. Then in the fifth place, Godspeaks, and in the sixth, ^ob learns his lesson. "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." And then down came Job flat on the dunghill. " I abhor myself," and down he went in the dust; and had learnt his lesson. "And the seventh head is this, that God restores him.'' Thank God, my friends, it is so with us, and oitr last state is better than our first. I would rather be a resurrected man with Christ than be Adam in Eden without Christ. Adam might have been in Eden ten thousand years, and the devil might have come in and he might have fallen. But now Satan cannot get at us, so that we are better than Adam was in Eden. God came down and gave man an earthly kingdom, and Satan came and said, " I will mar the work of God and destroy it." But God came down again and said, " I will lift up Adam and all his sons higher, even unto the heavens, and will break the power of Satan;" and God kept His promise, when He gave His Son to die for us. A friend of mine said to me, "Look here. Moody, God gave to Job double of everything." He would not admit that Job had lost his children. He had taken them to heaven, and He gave him ten more. So Job had ten in heaven and ten on earth — a goodly family. So when our children are taken from us they are nof Ipst to us, but are merely gone before. I have not time to say more, but in conclusion I would advise all young converts to keep in the company as much as they can of more experienced Christians. I like to keep in the society of those who know more than I do, and 1 never lose a chance of getting all I can out of them. Study the Bible carefully and prayerfully, ask of others what this passage means and what that passage means, and when you have become practically acquainted with the great truths it contains, you will have less to fear from the world, the flesh, and the devil. HOW TO READ THE BIBLE. BY D. L. MOODY. In order to understand the Bible we have to study it carefully. If we will go to the Word of God and be willing to be taught by the Holy Ghost, God will teach us, and will unfold his blessed truths to us. There are three books that every Christian ought to have if he cannot have but three. The first is a Bible — one with good plain print that you can easily read, not so good that you are afraid to mark it. I am sick of these little fine types. It is a good thing to get a good-sized Bible, because you will grow old by-and-by, and your sight may grow poor, and you wont want to give up the one you have been used to reading in after it has come to seem like a sort of life-long companion. The next book to get is " Cruden's Concordance." You cannot get on very well in Bible study without that. There is another book printed in this country by the American Tract Society called the " Bible Text- Book." It was brought out first in London. These three books will be a wonderful help to you in studying the Word of God. For a number of years I have made a rule not to read any book that doec not help me to understand the Bible. I am a greater slave to that book than any man is to strong drink, and I am sure it does me a great deal more good. I think I have got the key to the study of the Bible. Take it topically ! Take " Love," for instance, and spend a month in searching what the Bible says about love, from Genesis to Revelation. Thus you will learn to love everybody, whether they love you or not. In the same way take " Grace," " Faith," " Assurance," " Heaven," and so on. When you read your Bible, be sure you hunt for something. Read the same chapter over and over again till you understand it. I would add — make yourself thoroughly familiar with St. Paul's Epistles. They are the key to all the Holy Scriptures. Get a reference Bible, and you will find the best commentary in the mar- gin. Take up one word in a book, such as the " believes'' in St. John. Every chapter but two, speaks of believing. Look up the nineteen personal interviews with Christ. Take the conversions of the Bible: the seven "-blesseds'' and '' overcemes'" of Revelation. See what I John 3 says about ''assurance,'' and the six things worth knowing. Take up the five ''precious" things of Peter, the "vm/j5" of John, the seven "walks" of Ephesians, the four "much mores" of Kom. 4, the two " receiveds" of John i, the seven "hearts" in Prov. 23, and especially an eighth, the "look ings" the " lookings back" the "beholds" of the Bible. Study the word in God's presence, with the help of the asked" 3 f 34 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. for Spirit of God. If you have sin upon your conscience, it will hinder your understanding. Remember the blood. The light which shines from Calvary is the lighi that unfolds the Scriptures. Additional Suggestions. — i. Have for constant use a portable Reference Bible. 2. Carry a Bible or Testament with you. 3. Don't be afraid of marking it, or making notes on the margin : promises, exhortations, warnings to Christians, and invitations to the unsaved. 4. Do not be satisfied with simply reading a chapter, but study the meaning of at least one verse every day. 5. Study so as to ascer- tain the whole truth contained in a single incident or miracle : when and why written, how it applies to yourself, and how to use it for others. 6. Study to know for what, and to whom each book of the Bible was written. Study the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles together, also Leviticus and Hebrews, etc. 7. Believe in the Bible as God's revelation to you, and act accordingly. 8. Learn at least one verse of Scripture each day. Verses from memory will be wonderfully useful in your daily life and work. See Josh, i: 8 ; Psa. cxix:ii. 9. Study how to use the Bible so as to "walk with God" and lead others to Christ. 10. Set apart at least fifteen minutes each day for studying it ; this little will be grand in re- sult, and never be regretted. 11. Read the Book as if it were written for yourself. 12. Always ask God to help you to under- stand it, and then expect that He will. 13. Have Cruden's Con- cordance and a Bible Text-book at hand ; also in all cases refer to parallel passages and margin notes, and take time to think. HOW TO READ THE BIBLE. BY REV. J. E. SAMPSON. it I have hope of the worst man, as long as he will read his Bible. 1 feel sure he will turn to God some day. I am full ol fear for the best man, if he neglects his Bible. He is almost certain to fall before the enemy. Amid these last day perils, there is no safeguard but in the Word of God. Two men of God have lately given good advice about studying the Bible. Mr. Moody says, " For a number of years, I have made it a rule not to read any book that does not help me to un- derstand the Bible. I am a greater slave to that book than any man is to strong drink, and I am sure it does me a deal more good. Every Christian ought to have a good Bible — not so good that you are afraid to mark it — and a Concordance. I think I have got the key to the study of the Bible. Take it topically. Take Love, for instance, and spend a month in searching what the Bible says about love, from Genesis to Revelation. Then you will love everybody whether they love you or not. In the same way take Grace, Faith, Assurance, Heaven, and so on. When you read your Bible, be sure you hunt for something. Spend six months studying Genesis : it is the seed-plant of the ^1' NOTES FOR BIBLE READING!. 35 Bible. Read the same chapter over and over again, till you un- derstand it. I would add — make yourself thoroughly familiar with St. Paul's Epistles. They are the key to all the Holy Scrip- ture. Do not think you would do better with a Commentary. They are useful to consult sometimes. But it is better for you to be without one, than that you should depend on one. Get a Reference Bible, a^id you will find the best commentary in the margin. " Take up one word in a book, such as the believes in St. John. Every chapter but two speaks of believing. Look up the nine- teen personal interviews with Christ. Take the conversions of the Bible : the seven blesseds a.nd overcomes of Revelation. See what I John iii. says about Assurance, and the six things worth knowing. Take up the five precious things of Peter, the verilys of John, the seven walks of Ephesians, the five much mores of Rom. v., the two receiveds of John i., the seven hearts in Prov. xxiii. and especially an eighth, *'the lookings, the lookings back, the B^//o/st human of books. It is God speaking, but speak- ing to our fnite minds. While its topics of thought are lofty be- yond all tlie topics of human learning and science, the reverent student of the Word, though unlearned, may master that which " makes wise unto salvation." It deals not in terms of scientific theology, but uses language current among the people, and is found to change its fashion of thought and expression with the changes of the fashions of thought and expression in successive civilizations for 4,000 years. (3.) The Bible is the most human of books in revealing m.an to himself. Its grand idea is, that we need not merely a revelation of God but of man's nature as well. Hence this revelation con- nected itself with the history of man for five thousand years, and developed itself through the ever-varying phases of humanity. It records not simply utterances of God speaking from Heaven to man, but the utterances also of the human soul answering back to the voice of God ; now in cries of mysterious terror ; now in shouts of defiant impenitency ; now in penitential wailing for sin ; now in the joyous cries of child-like faith and trust. This book is no divine monologue, but an amazing dialogue of the ages be- tween earth and heaven. It records both how God spoke and how man responded, or rather how God is ever speaking and how NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 41 it is t is man is ever answering. And thus while it reveals God in His in- finite mysteries that we may understand Him, it no less fully reveals man in the dreadful mysteries of his nature that he may understand himself. Where, in classic tragedy, ancient or modern, is there any painting of human nature comparable to that in the Scripture .'' With a few touches Pharaoh stands before us far more distinctly than the Dido of Virgil, the Medea of Euripides, or the Lady Macbeth of Shakespeare. As you study the human side of this book, are you not ready to say, like the woman at Jacob's Well, " Come, see a man who told me all things that ever I did." While, therefore, we come reverent- ly to study the awful mystery of God the Saviour, we come hum- bly to learn also the deceitfulness and depravity of our souls — our guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, and godlessness, till infinite love interposes for us. The study of the Scriptures is a failure if it does not produce penitence for sin and faith in the Sin-bearer. Such study the Holy Ghost uses for awakening the soul to peni- tence and inspiring faith that is " unto salvation." Indeed, such study can be inspired only by the Holy Ghost. Hence meditation should be accompanied by the earnest supplication, " open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law ;" " sanctify me through thy truth — thy word is truth." (4.) With all its variety of era, civilization and authorship, the Bible is a book of one idea. The apostle who did not shun to de- clare the whole counsel of God, sums up that whole counsel in two words : "Christ crucified." A most fruitful source of error is in not distinguishing between the religion of nature gathered from reason and the works of God, and the religion of Christ re- vealed in this book. The former, combining with the conscious instincts of man, demonstrates him a sinner doomed to death. The latter shows the sinner how he may stand guiltless before God by means of an infinite substitute, Christ crucified. To ex- pound the relation of the substitute to God on the one hand, and to man, the sinner, on the other, is the one idea of the book. I am told simply to take that substitution made by Him for me, and put it between me and the Judge, and He cannot see my sin. But men get their ideas from natural religion, and teach that you must be good. To the question : " What must 1 do to be saved ?" all false gospels say: "Do something," "go and perform the ritual," " go into the true church," " go through the ordinances of baptism and extreme unction," " go and be baptized." But Christ answered, " there is nothing to do. ' This is the work of God, that ye believe in him whom he hath sent.' " As I sometimes tell my Unitarian friends, your religion is very good in itself, if you would only not call it Christianity or the gospel and thereby im- pose upon the people a mere religion of nature for the religion of Christ the Saviour. Your religion tells me that if I behave my- self God will be good to me. That is no " good news,'' for I knew it before. Nature taught me that, as one of the primary instincts of my moral nature. But the trouble is, 1 have not behaved my- ■'TT- 42 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. M self, and I want now to know how such a sinner can stand ac- ceptably before God. This is what the gospel comes to tell me. You steal the gospel brand and trade-mark and affix it to your natural religion, manufacturing therefr n a spurious imitation of the waters of life. And the structure v 1 this revealed system of theology is not such as ours, who construct our system as we do a house, laying beam upon beam. God constructs His system of theology as he does the living oak of the forest. He plants the germinal acorn among the clods of a wasted Eden, and it grows and expands parallel with the germ of the race till the fulness of time, when under its mighty boughs all nations may have shelter. Each successive revelation is an expansion of the revelation be- fore it, till all is closed up with that great seal, written all over with curses against him who shall add or take away a syllable from what has been said in all the foregoing books of the revela- tion. That it means to cover all the foregoing books is evident from the fact that each of the foregoing revelations from the Pentateuch onward calls for something to follow. But this last book closes up all with a great seal. If you examine the gospel germ in the Eden revelation " I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed. It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel," you will find in it the elements of all the great doctrines of salvation subsequently revealed. Thus : 1. The promised Redeemer and Restorer of the race is to be tnan, since He is to be the seed of the woman. 2. He is to be more than man and greater than Satan, for He is to be the conqueror of man's conqueror. He must therefore be Divine. 3. Man's redemption shall involve a Jiew nature, for it shall be at enmity with the Satan nature to which man has now become subject. 4. This new nature is to be a regeneration by Divine power, for the declaration is " / (Jehovah) will put enmity,'' etc. 5. This redemption is to be accomplished by vicarious suffering — since the Redeemer is to suffer the excruciating torture of the bruising of his heel in the work of recovery. 6. This redemption is to involve the ultimate triumph of the woman's seed, and therefore involves a triumph over death, and a resurrection and restoration of humanity to its original estate — the union of a spiritual nature with a physical in complete blessed- ness as before the fall. This is the germinal gospel, and the purpose of all the succeed- ing revelations recorded in the book is the fuller expression and development of this Eden gospel. Hence it is just as much the gospel according to Moses, the gospel according to David and Isaiah, as it is the gospel according to Matthew or Mark or Luke or John or Peter or Paul. It is all alike gospel. And no one who fails to see this can ever have a clear comprehension of the Scripture. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 43 ac- me. for (5.J Bible truth must, in the nature of the case, be at least two- sidea, and often many sided. As it is the utterance of the divine mind to a human mind, every proposition must have its divine and its human side. On its divine side it may involve secret things which belong to the Lord, but on its human side are the things which concern us. Thus, it tells you in one place that " Pharoah hardened his heart." Again that " the Lord hardened his heart," and in another place, that " Pharoah's heart is hard- ened." " All that the Father giveth me shall come to me." Here is redemption viewed on its divine side. " And him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." Here in the same proposition is redemption viewed on its human side. So again, " Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Here is the process of salvation viewed on its human side. ♦' For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Here is the process of saving a soul viewed on its divine side. So again, Paul declares to the centurion : " Be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship ; for there stood by me this night the angel of God, saying, God hath given thee all that sail with thee." Here is the ground of implicit confidence, viewing it from the divine side. Yet a little after, as the ship is going to pieces, and the sailors, pretending to fix it, are getting away in their boats, the same Paul says to the same cen- turion : '• Except these abide in the ship ye cannot be saved." Here is the proposition of their safety viewed from the human side. '• Why," the centurion might have said, *' did not you tell me that not a man would perish ? Now you say, unless I keep the sailors on board they are going to be lost ; that is a contradiction." Yes, you will find the Bible full of such contradictions ; and if you want to show off your superior intellect, you will have a life work with them. Again, propositions relating to practical duty are two-sided or many-sided. " He that is not with me is against me," is the rule by which to judge your own heart. " He that is not against us is for us," is the rule by which to judge your neighbor, whose heart you cannot see. One man coming to Jesus, in answer to His summons " Follow Me," says " Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father." Jesus says : ♦' Let the dead bury their dead." Another, a wild man, living in the tombs, whom Jesus heals, is so full of gratitude, that he wants to follow Him. But Jesus answers ; •' Go home to thy friends and tell how great things the Lord hath done for you." In the first case, the endearments of the family had got too fast a hold of the man ; he was not ready yet to forsake all. But this wild man had never known anything of such endearments. He must be fitted by them for Christ's service. The truth seems contradictory but it is the na- ture of the truth. And here is the secret of much religious controversy between Evangelical Christians. One takes his stand on the divine side of a great proposition of scripture, and will not g around and I t 44 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 11 look at the human side ; while the other, taking his stand on the human side, will not go around to the divine side. Each stands on his side rattling the dry bones of his metaphysics and devising theories of interpretation, instead of simply comparing scripture with scripture, and looking at all sides of the great truths of in- spiration. If you would get at the mind of the Spirit, you must bear in mind this many-sidedness of the truths revealed. The caviler who is searchmg for contradictions may hr /e as much room for displaying his subtlety as he pleases. The Bible has nothing to say to such — has nothing to say to any other than earnest souls. (6.) Though we have the scriptures translated out of the Hebrew and Greek into the language of the people, still, being ancient books given in different ages, it is needful also that they be trans- lated out of the forms of thought belonging to ancient civilizations into those belonging to our civilization. Hence the importance of acquainting ourselves with the peculiarities of the ancient peoples to whom the oracles of God were originally given. The teacher skilful in this art may always rely upon an attentive and mterested hearing. I have been at this thirty years. Beginning at Genesis I went through book after book and chapter after chapter to Revelation. The first time it took me seven years. The next time at the rate I went, it would have taken twelve years ; the third time fifteen years. After the war, I went home and took up the part before omitted, and it will take me twenty years to get through. (7.) I have said nothing as to how we may know that the scriptures are the Word of God. The best of people sometimes have doubts. David Brainerd said, the morning before he died, "that his mind was full of dark, atheistic doubts." Satan is not going to let you alone. He will give you doubts. But to the class of minds contemplated in these remarks the scriptures have a self-evidencing power more convincing than all external proof; indeed, to them elaborate demonstration seems impertinent. In our variable climate you have sometimes seen how spring, as if impatient, obtrudes into the domain of winter its mists and warm showers; and winter, that has seemingly abdicated, suddenly returns on the wings of the north wind, and as if to punish the intrusion, steals upon the rain drop in the darkness of night as it is gathering upon the twig, and the moisture upon the dripping walls, and the mist as it is floating over hill and dale, and, with one blast of his cold breath, transmutes all into solid crystal. And of the return of the day, behold, all nature sparkles in jeweled robes. As if under the fascinations of the magic lamp of Aladdin, each withered blade is decked in a glittering robe, surpassing that of "Solomon in all his glory." The trees of the field smile in a gorgeous foliage that weighs down every twig as with a load of burnished silver; the walls of hedges gleam in beauty as the jasper walls of heaven ; the hills, the craggy cliffs, the lofty mountains, far as the eye can reach, seem floating in a sea of light, which NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 4^ dazzles the vision with its effulgent brightness. Suppose, now, as you gaze entranced upon a scene, some piatitudinal philosopher should propose to demonstrate to you by the principles of optics the self-evidencing truth that it is the sun in heaven yonder that gives this scene all the light and beauty ! Yet it would be hardly less absurd to obtrude external and internal evidences of the scriptures upon the spiritually-minded student to whose eye, '* A glory gilds the sacred page," that the source of its light and beauty is the glorious Sun of Righteousness. There is little to be gained by arguments on evidences with these half-earnest, or unearnest, unspiritual cavilers and sceptics, who want to be demonstrated into the Kingdom of Heaven. " If any man will {i.e., is willing to) do His will," saith Jesus, "he shal know of the doctrine whether it be of God." It is want of will rather than want of argument that leads men to doubt and cavil at the gospel. And upon such argument and proof are labor lost^ and more than lost. (8.) The best model in guiding and directing sinners is the -example of Jesus. Notice his instructions to them, and you have the very primer of the whole science. (a.) He spoke with great simplicity, so as to be understood by all. He rejoices that the things of His kingdom "are revealed unto babes." In his inaugural sermon He declares that he is " anointed to preach the gospel to the poor." To John the Baptist he sends, as part of the evidence of His Messiahship, the announcement, "To the poor the gospel is preached." AH His. teaching is couched in simplest language, level to the understand- ing of all, and "the common people heard gladly." (6.) He spoke with authority. He used no learned arguments. He tells them " I know this is true, for I came down from Father to declare it," and "no man knoweth the Father but the Son." So Christians, like Him, should speak with authority, not reason- ing on the high points of theology, but giving simply the testimony of God's word. (c.) He spake by parables. As a mother, in reply to her child's questions, labors to build up the idea, piece by piece, by a sort of parable, so Jesus would say to his disciples: "You want to know whether my gospel is to go on by the power of God ? Did you ever see a man sowing wheat in a field ? Some fell on the way- side, and was eaten up by the birds. Some fell on the rock, and came up very quickly ; but was soon burnt up. Some fell among thorns, and started off well; but the thorns and weeds choked it. And some fell on good ground, and brought forth much fruit. That is the way my kingdom is to grow." And that is a perfect description of every audience which from that day to this has assembled to hear the gospel. And again Jesus said: "Did you ever notice a woman making bread .'' She puts the yeast in the centre of the pile, but she doesn't stir it, and soon it leavens the 46 NOTES FOR BlBLl READINGS. whole lump. That is the way my kingdom is to leaven the world." It is to plant in a community, in the very heurt of it, a Y. M.C. A., like yeast in the meal, and let them work away, and soon you will see the whole community leavened. (d.) A fourth method of our Lord's teaching, the meaning of which has been surprisingly overlooked, was by miracles. Why are so many miracles recorded ? One would have been sufficient simply to attest the divine power of Christ. It is to illustrate in things of an external nature that transcendent spiritual work which goes on in the soul. Notice that at one time a blind man sees as soon as Christ speaks. At another time the healed man says: •* I see men as trees walking," two miracles are required, all objects are like shadows moving over a picture. So Christ performs another miracle, He rectifies his judgment as well as his sight. So in your spiritual darkness you get discouraged, but go on toward Christ and as He has done one miracle for you He will do the other. The cure of the deaf mute is a miracle to encourage the most ignorant. This man sees and wonders who Jesus is. Perhaps he thought He was a learned rabbi. Jesus takes him aside from the multitude, one evangelist says "out of the town," — just as when a mother wants a little child to learn its Sunday school lesson, she takes it into a room away from the play-ground. Then He touches his tongue with His spittle and puts His fingers in his ears. He was talking to him by signs. After He wakes up the desire and the hope that leads to faith, the poor deaf mute thinks a great man is dealing with him. Then, with His fingers in his ears He looks up to Heaven and sighs, as if saying " see deaf mute, no power but that which comes dow/ from Heaven can cure you." After this He says: " Ephphatha," be opened. Christ never wrought a miracle until the blessing was wanted. Often he awakened the desire as in the cripple at the Pool of Bethesda. He had became a cynic, his whole nature was soured. ** Wilt thou be made whole?" "This is a curious question. I would not have lain here thirty-eight years if I did not want to be made whole." But what he asked it for was this: The man thinks, "This man is unlike others, for He even comes here and speaks to me." Jesus awakes hope in the frozen soul. He listens as he tells him how they get ahead of him, and then come the words : " Rise, take up thy bed and walk." His miracles are so many diagrams of His work of grace on souls in darkness, under a sense of moral impotency or of utter ignorance. The first thing, the first step, is to come to Him. The sum and substance of all scripture is that Jesus Christ wants to be the Saviour of every one who wants Him to be his Saviour. Look at the gospel figures ; they all form a single picture. The gospel tells the sinner to *'fiy to the stronghold." "But," he says, "I have not strength to fly." Then "come unto me and I will give you rest." "Him that cometh to me," viz., him that is coming or is. making a motion to come, whether he feels I could help or not. Him that is coming " I will in no wise cast out." But if you can- NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 47 not cotne, then reach out your hand Hke that man in the synagogue. If you say "I cannot reach it cut," then '* look to Jesus" as the children of Israel looked at the serpent which Moses lifted up in the wilderness. Will you say "still there is a spiritual veil over my eye; I can see nothing distinctly;" then says the gospel "Lie still where you are and I will throw my robe of righteousness around you." This is the gospel. And the last word that Jesus Christ sent back after being on the throne fifty years — the last word before the curse is pronounced against any that shall add to or take from the sacred oracles — against the Koran's and Joe Smith's revelations — was "Close the Record." No; there is something else to come. Malachi closes up the Old Testament calling for something afterwards. Jesus goes away and calls for the spirit; and just before that seal is put on, the love of Jesus from the Throne yonder crowds down before the seal of the last gospel. The Spirit saith "Come," in those whisperings ot con- science that are heard in every man. The Bride, the Church I have planted upon earth, say to every man "come," "come." That is what the Church is on earth for. But some poor sinner, where there is no church, may not hear the invitation. Then, "let him that heareth say come." The private member of the church, man, woman or child, can say " Hear my voice." To whoever has the love of God in his heart, God says, "I will make you a missionary." There is the authority for Young Men's Christian Associations. If any one asks your authority for preaching the gospel just take that text, "Let him that heareth say come." Is not that wide enough? No! Some poor sinner may say: No Christian invited me to 'come.' " Shall, therefore, that poor soul be lost? No. Write, "let him that is athirst come," — come to the waters of life. Now the door is wide enough. No ! not yet. Some simple soul says: " I am thirsty enough, but it don't say me." Therefore, says the love of Jesus, in the last of th^ gosf>el that ever came from God and from Heaven : " Strike oiit ' athirst,' and put it m the widest language the thought of man can conceive — ' Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely,' " and that means any sinner that will come. For the critical study of God's word, and we have a conversational Bible class for young men. The Association will prosper in pro- portion as its members are brought together over God's Word. In studying this, we should in the first instance shut ourselves up exclusively to it. The Bible is its own best commentator. Then use other helps within reach. I believe with Geo. Muller, of Ashley Downs, that man who has been living a life of faith for fifty years, and whose mind is saturated with Bible truth, that it is best to commence with Genesis and go through to Revelation, because otherwise we are apt to go over repeatedly the parts of Scripture that more particularly attract us, to the neglect of other parts that are important for us to know. Let us determine to know more about this precious truth, looking at it for ourselves, that our souls may rest in the Lord. Always have a Bible with i TT 48 N'OTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. marginal references. Let us familiarize ourselves with chapter and verse, that we may the more easily refer to, and apply the Word. READ GOD'S WORD ORDERLY. E. C. CHENERV. From an old book by Elnathan Parr, in my library, given me by a mother in Israel now eighty-eight years old, printed in London in 1632, or twelve years after the landing of the Pilgrims, and six years before the founding of Harvard College, and formerly the property of one of the first graduates ot that College, I transcribe the following in both the spelling and punctuation, doubting not that it will interest your readers, while its instruction may be safe for us to follow : — "The second thing required in reading of the Word, is Order and Method ; which is a great furtherance of knowledge, and a singular helpe of memory. An army disranked and out of battell aray, never getteth the victory ; so neither doth disorderly and confusedly reading get any great measure of grounded knowledge. "As St. Luke wrote the Gospel in an orderly manner from poynt to poynt : so we are to reade the Word in an orderly manner, going forward from poynt to poynt. Memorable is the example of our Alphonsus a King of Spayne ; who, notwithstanding the affairs of his Kingdom, read over the Bible fourteene times in order, with certayne Commentaries upon the same. As his dili- gence is here very commendable, and for our imitation ; so also this He reade in order. "If therefore I were worthy to give directions this way, I would thus advise : First, What booke soever we take to read, to begin at the beginning, and so continue reading till wee come to the end of it. And thus shall wee carry the summe and the drift of the History and argument before us : of which in a great part, they which read now a chapter in one booke, now a leaf in another, must needs be ignorant. Such simple Readers I may liken to those simple women, which are alwyes reading, but are never able to come to any sound knowledge of the truth. For as hee that goeth but an easie pace in the right way, speedeth his journey fa- ster than hee that maketh more haste in a wrong way. Even so a little read in a good order, advantageth the knowledge more than greater paines, if it be confused. "Second, I would advise, that in our reading we begin first with easiest and plainest Books, as the History of Christ, set downe by the evangelists, and the Booke of Genesis ; then to reade the Epis- tles, first the shortest, as the Epistles to the Philippians, Colossi- atis, the first and second to the Theslaonians : then the Epistles to the Galatians, and to the Romans, which last Epistle is called of some, the Key of the Bible. And when we have tryed ourselves ittam NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 49 er he in these, then to begin the Bible, and to read it through ; For even as in Trades there are some things more easie, to the which the apprentice is applyed ; and afterwards as he groweth in capacity, hee is taught the harder and more secret things of his mystery ; so in the Scriptures, there are some things easie and familiar for lear- ners, and beginners, as milke for babes ; and there are other things, hard and obscure, which is not sate to meddle withall, till we have oui" sences well exercised in the Word. "Theodosius the second Emperor of that name, is reported to have written out the Bookes of the New Testament with his own hand, accounting it a speciall Jewell ; and out of it hee read every day, praying with his Wife and Sisters, and singing of Psalms. And it was a famous Eunuches practice, as we may gather out of the eyghth Chapter of the Acts. I reade of another Emperour of Rome, who was wont to account that day lost, in the which he had not bestowed a benefit upon some of his subjects : So we may well reckon that day among our losses, in the which we reade not, or meditate not of something in the Word Hath the body neede of nourishment, and hath not the soule much more ? Now the bread of the soule is the Word of God. O Lord, give us evermore of this bread. Amen. "The third thing that is to be done is Application ; to make use of that we attayne unto in our reading, in the reforming of our lives. Many esteem highly of the tree of knowledge, with Eve ; but they regard not the tree of life ; when as the very life of our know- ledge consisteth in the practice of that which we know. "As it issaydof Hearers, so it is sayd of Readers. Not the readers of the Word, but the doers shall be justified Some read onely to this end, that they may know more than they did ; and this is vanity : Some, that they may be knowne to know more ; and this is pride : Some to make a gaine of their knowledge ; and this is filthly lucre : Some, to edifie others ; and this is charity : Sorrie to edifie themselves ; and this is Christian prudence ; such like words hath one of the Ancients. Another sayth thus : " Then is our reading to be commended, when we turne the words into works. The Scriptures are God's Epistie, written to men, to the end they should live well. . . . Now to God onely wise, be honour and prayse.for evermore. Amen ! Amen ! ' " METHODS OF BIBLE STUDY. BY THE REV. HENRY S. DE FOREST. The International Lesson Series, of necessity, has to hop, skip and jump through the Bible. The three hundred and fifty lessons allowed by the seven years only suffice to look at a small part of what God has written. And while no undue thought is given to the selected paragraphs, there is great risk that the Bible as a whole may be neglected. It is well to keep in mind methods of 4 50 NOTES FOR UIBLE READINGS. ^i'A e study other and in addition to the preparation of the Sun- .y-school lesson. For one thing, the Bible should be read in course, over and over again, till we are well familiarized with the whole. Revelation was progressive. Like the rising of the sun, the light is dimmer at first than at high noon. The promise that the seed of the w-o- nian shall bruise the serpent's head is the dawn. We find midday when in the fulness of time Christ came and brought life and im- mortality to light. The Old Testament leads the way to the New, as a porch stands before a more stately temple. The Gospel ac- cording to John gives us views of Christ which we do not find in the synoptical Gospels. The Acts give us the growth and develop- ment of the church, whose foundation only is recorded by the evan- p^elists ; and the great doctrines, as that of justification by faith, i presented in their fulness only in the Epistles. Then since elation has been a progressive work, to understand it well we K^-d to begin at the beginning and advance to the end. Another reason for this systematic study o^ the Bible is, that without it we shall lose much of the rarest worth. For God's word is a deep mine ; its treasures are found where we do not ex- pect ; nuggets of the purest gold are hidden in the deepest depths ; gems and sparkling jewels are found wher. we thought was noth- ing but sand and gravel, — mere debris. Nuw to get it all, we must explore the whole, and nothing that God has made in nature or written in his word is beneath our attention. Then early in life, while the memory is yet tenacious, let God's word be read in its entirety, and till it has become familiar. After mastering the Bible as a whole, we may well turn to those parts which are best suited to our present needs, and read them again and agam with ever-increasing delight. The Bible speaks to all classes of men, and is adapted to the varying moods of each. It has been called a stream in which the lamb may wade, the elephant find depths to swim. To the wayfaring man it is a plain directory, while the philosopher may test his strength in its inscrut- able mysteries. So it is suited to our different moods and chang- ing emotions. David speaks to the soul cast down and disquieted within ; he also gives the imprecatory Psalms for the man fight- ing the enemies of God and of his country. Does the reader seek poetry ? Job gives him Oriental imagery, and Isaiah Hebrew majesty, which the uninspired page has never equaled. Is he sententious and epigrammatic ? Let him read the Proverbs of Solomon and he will find apothegms to his mind. Is his heart breaking over a new-made grave .'' Let him read in John of one who came from heaven, yet, standing with the sisters at Bethany, ** wept." Is he going through tlie dark valley and shadow of death ? He may find the Twenty-third Psalm a rod and staff. But the death-bed suggests another method of Bible study, now- a-days too much neglected. Scripture should be committed to memory. This is an age of reading; it is not an age of retaining. The memory once did stereotyping, now it is all done in the print- Miiiiin NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 5t ing-office, and very little that we read is really our own. The Bible should be with us in the dark and when the eyes are closed ; when we cannot read, when we cannot hear, when from sickness or the approach of death we are too weak to think, then, unbidden and unsought, promises and consolations from God's word should come floating into the darkened chambers of thought, and, like angels of light, they should minister to the sick and to the dying. They will not come then, unless we entertain them now. We must invite them till they are wonted with us and at home ; then they will not fail to minister to us when our hand forgets its cunning and the tongue cleaves to the roof of our mouth. This memorizing some portion of God's work should be a daily duty. Three hundred and sixty-five promises will in a year make a bundle of wealth. Pursue this course from early life, when the memory is especially active, till old age, and a man may not only come down to his grave like a shock of corn fully ripe, but he may carry with him a harvest of wealth, sheaf piled on sheaf in more than autumnal luxuriance. If the selection be made a pillow verse, and taken to bed with us, our couch will be softer, and our rising will be with a brighter light. BIBLE STUDY. A WORD TO YOUNG WORKERS. BY C. P. In these days of busy working, when God is calling so many- labourers into His great harvest-field, we are hearing inquiries on all sides for improred plans and new methods of work, for the best schemes and the most successful organizations. We would not for a moment discourage this eager energy, or undervalue the import- ance of framework and machinery. But we confess to being a little jealous on behalf of our younger workers, lest, while sweeping on in the express train of modern activity, they should forget that the character of the worker weighs more heavily in the scale of real success than the whole aggregate of improved plans or novel ex- pedients; and that what we are, will tell more upon the men and women around us, than any amount of work we may do. It is possible to astonish people by our marvellous energy of action, or to call forth their applause while we spent with the " tongues of men and of angels," and yet leave no impression of abiding blessing, no mark engraven for Eternity. It is with this conviction that we venture to put forth a few suggestive thoughts upon the principles which must be embodied in all true work for the Mascer, and the deep heart-discipline which must underlie all that will be owned as success in the great day of revelation. Shall we place at the very outset of our education for service, an habitual and child-like study of the Word of God ? — child-like in this sense, — that we come to it with no theories, no party views, no Ill 52 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ♦'school of thought," to throw a coloring on its pages; but, with God's pure white light shining on the Book, we look up and say, " Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth." Such a student of Scripture will reject no assistance, and despise no contributions of help. He is like a man looking for precious stones, and every tool will come to hand in turn — whether spade or shovel, pick-axe or trowel, it matters not, if only he may find his jewels. So with our Bible Study; let science and history, travel and research, all be pressed into the service, while we dig deep for the treasured wealth which we shall surely find. We often hear it said that the "Christian is a man of one Book." This is quite true; but he honors that one, not by ignoring all beside, but by laying all others under contribu- tion, for the discovery and elucidation of its wondrous teaching. Shall we love its blessed promises the less because we have searched into its chronology or studied its geography ? Shall we tremble to look into the works of God around us, lest their lessons should be at variance with the written revelations of the same Divine Author? Surely the great Master Teacher made no mistake when he threw open the pages of Creation's book before His servant Job, and led him, as it were, through its picture galleries till he could exclaim : " I know that Thou canst do everything; I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine eye seeth Thee, wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes." /gain; we read that "God gave Solomon wisdom and under- standing exceeding much and largeness of heart even as the sand that is on the sea-shore." If this largeness of heart came so directly from God Himself, it was undoubtedly lor His own glory ; and can ive suppose that ignorance and " irrow mindedness should honor him now? " With Him is no variableness neither shadow of turning." W i.ile we claim forthe Word of God its place of unrivalled pre-eminence, we also claim for it all the supplemental results of investigation, and all the tributary streams of knowledge, bring- ing, if we may use the expression, " their glory and their honor into it/' But to pass on to our more immediate subject — the study of the book itself. The question is so continually coming before us, " How shall I most profitably read the Scriptures ? " that per- haps the simplest hints, and the most ordinary experience, may be permitted to help some one among the many inquirers. Let us not fall into the mistake of supposing that one mode is to be adopted to the exclusion of all others, or one scheme, strongly recommended by some Christian friend, to be necessarily more useful than any other. Let us realize our object, rather than be engrossed with our plans. There is treasure to be found, and we want to dig it out ; there is honey in the rock, and we wrnt to taste it ; there is bread to be eaten, and we want to feed upon it. Let us see to it, in the first place, that we are in the right attitude, and in the place of blessing; where is it? Down, low down, on our knees, at the feet of the Teacher, with the fixed eye, the listening ear, the child's heart ; and, as surely NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 53 J > re [e le Jit le M :h lis e. as God is true, we shall come away exclaiming, " I rejoice in Thy' Word as one that findeth great spoil !" But, again, we seem to hear the question, " What plan of study are we to adopt ?" Of course, there must be, in the first place, an accurate know- ledge of the letter of Scripture, an intelligent reading of its his- tories and acquaintance with its biography. We cannot expect to understand typical teaching while we know very little of the circumstantials of the types themselves, or to derive spiritual les- sons from facts of which we are very imperfectly informed. Spirit- ual apprehension is not based on mental ignorance, nor have we any warrant to plead that our eyes may be opened '• to behold wondrous things out of God's law." while we are ourselves closing them in a sleepy indolence. I believe we are verily guilty in this matter. Many are wearily saying, " We ask and have not," as though " God were slack concerning His promise," when there has been no putting " the wood in order," no furnishing the cham- bers," no " rolling away the stone." Shall the " strength of Israel" be expected to contravene His own laws, or to reverse the Word which He hath spoken, " The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing?" We are deeply convinced that much of the doubtful teaching and unstable profession of the present day is consequent upon a superficial, and in many cases, a second-hand acquaintance with the Book of God ; and this, again, is often to be traced to an un- suspected indolence which has crept in upon the heart and mind, at the very time when outward activities were largely on the in- crease. It is easier to receive a doctrine than to examine it, to accept an induction than to inquire into the steps by which it has been reached ; and the carelessness and inaccuracy resulting from undud haste or idle credulity, is banefuUy telling on much of our Christian life and work. But while we raise a note of warning, our purpose is rather to encourage earnest and willing hearts, who are desiring the " sin- cere milk of the Word that they may grow thereby." We will suppose, then, that you are fairly acquainted with the letter of Scripture, but are anxious to go deeper, to learn how to profit by it yourself, and how to use it for the profit of others. The fact that we pay to this Book a homage which can be yielded to no other, and deal with its inspired pages as the recorded messages from God to man, should surely increase rather than diminish the spirit of reverent but searching mquiry with which we bring every faculty to bear upon the study of it. Let us endeavour to ascertain the scope and bearing of each several book, before we take up its separate chapters — gathering up all attainable information respecting the writer or writers of it. If a prophetical book, for instance, let us remind ourselves of the time and circumstances under which the Prophet wrote ; the character of the reigning monarch ; the special sins or afflictions of the people primarily addressed ; and all such preliminary in- formation as may clear our way to an intelligent understanding Wk ^TT' 54 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ' ( of the teaching before us. This may be done with more or less assistance from other sources, but even where extraneous help is at hand, we shall find that such subsidiary knowledge will be more fixed in the memory when gathered from the Bible itself. How much light is thrown on the Epistles of St. Paul by tracing his different journeys from place to place, gathering up every mention of the Church to which he wrote, and then finding out, as we generally may, the special condition of things to which he addresses himself in the letter we are studying. There is often a key-note, which can be traced through endless variations, a stratum ot thought or vein of teaching which crops up again and again, and helps us to comprehend the whole. A careful examina- tion into the general bearing of a book, or the structure of a pass- age, would save us trom many of those ignorant deductions which might provoke a smile were it not that "the place whereon we tread is holy ground. We might say much more on this point, but our readers will follow out the suggestion lor themselves, and there is no lack of valuable help from abk pens — only let these come after rather than before their own diligent investigations. There is no doubt that some of our best Bible-teachers are those who in their earliest studies, have been thrown mainly on the blessed Book itself, and planted their foot deep in its virgin soil before they brought in the added stores that may be gathered in many fields. Having, as it were, become acquainted with the growth of the tree and its general character, take Luther's advice, and " shake every bough," examine every leaf, that nothing may pass unheed- ed. And when the book (be it history, prophecy, poem, gospel, or epistle) has been grasped as a whole, return to it in its several chapters and paragraphs, verse and clauses, gathering up their more specific lessons as you pass along. Shall we take another line of thought ? There are certain chap- ters or passages in the Bible which seem, so to speak, like great trunk-roads, from which a variety of paths branch out in every direction, and these should be carefully studied and kept in re- membrance. Take, for example. Genesis iii., with its brief and comprehensive outlines of ruin and redemption, of death and re- surrection. We have temptation, disobedience, shame, fear, follow- ing one another in sorrowful sequence ; then the cursed ground, with its thorns and thistles, the toil-worn man and the sentence of the tomb ; the subject woman, with her suifering mother-life, — and we have never once lost sight of these things from that day to the present. Agriculture, history, family life, have all borne witness to the inspired record, and successive centuries have " set to their seal that God is true.' But along with the dark shadows, we have the bright gleam of love and promise, starting from the same point, and carrying its wondrous line of light through all the darkness of intervening ages, till a golden star stands over the manger of Bethlehem. Or, again, take Genesis x., beginning from chapter ix. 25, and NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 55 read it with a map of ancient geography before you, bearing in mind Deuteronomy xxxii. 8, as an inspired comment upon all its geographical allotments. We might refer to the blessings of the tribes in Genesis xlix. and Deuteronomy xxxiii., with their mys- terious and far-reaching significations; but we pass to another suggestion. Let us begin again at Genesis iii., and take up the line of the " holy seed," now no longer indigenous in earth's soil, but become, as it were, a stranger iv a " strange land." Observe frome the time of Abel onward that God leaves not Himself with- out a witness, and watch the light touching on the lives of Seth, Enoch, and Noah, till it rests more broadly on the head of Abraham, the progenitor of Israel, the Father of the Faithful in all genera- tions, and the friend of God, following it on in all its after develop- ment till we pause at the Apostle's conclusion : " He saith not, And to seeds, as of many ; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Gal. iii. i6.) Or, again, let us take the thought of THE KINGDOM, SO prominent throughout the whole course of Scripture teaching. We go back to Gen. iii., and see Adam — God's appointed vicegerent on earth — descending at the instance of the tempter from his high position, and voluntarily allowing his government to pass into the hands of the usurper ; but inas- much as the Almighty word has gone forth that humanity should " have dominion," the faithless act must be retrieved, the abdicat- ed throne must find its occupant, the bartered inheritance must be purchased back again, even though the redemption shall cost the life of the conquering Redeemer. There are years of darkness and of waiting to come between, there are depths of mysterious agony, which none but the God-man could fathom, but "He shall not fail nor be discouraged." We may trace through the law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms, all things that were to be fulfilled concerning Him, and following Him through the dark passage of the tomb and the open gate of His glorious Resur- rection, the eye of faith sees Him now crowned with glory and honour (Heb. ii. 9). We shall see Him ere long wearing His many crowns — the " last Adam, the Lord from heaven," as reign- ing Monarch of the universe (Psalms viii., Heb. ii.,)the once reject- ed but now triumphant Messiah of Israel (Psalms ex. Luke i. 32, 33), the risen Head and Bridegroom King of His blood-bought Church (Cant. iii. 11, Rev. xix). Then, and not till then, shall the God of Heaven vindicate His insulted honour, and " the king- doms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ." All this is very cursory. It is merely thrown out as suggestive, and such suggestions might be multiplied indefinitely. There are the successive dispensations, each with its own peculiar teaching. There is the elect nation, involving and foreshadowing the great truth of an elect Church, to be hereafter manifested to the praise of the glory of His grace. But enough, if we may only be per- mitted to put the latch on the door for a few yearning hearts, into some of the chambers of God's great treasure-house. Shall ^ i'^ 56 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. we not all realize, as we launch out on the ocean of His revealed love, that " there are shallows in which the lamb may wade, and depths in which the elephant must swim ? " Let us come now to some very simple and practical hints. The right use of the Concordance is a more important subject than may appear at first sight. When legitimately employed, it is invaluable ; but as commonly resorted to in these hasty and superficial days, it may become a positive evil. Let us make every effort to discover a verse, and recollect its context, before we fall back on such help. We believe no one will ever become a good textuary who opens a Concordance without any feeling of rei^ret or sliavie at the necessity of applying to it. The practice should certainly not become habitual with our young Bible- students, however much it may be needed in after years of pressure and failing memory. But a mode of study which the Concordance will be found most helpful, is the selection of some subject in which the leading word may be traced through all the pages where it occurs, and afterwards worked out in the variety of its bearings. Take, for example, redemption, hoi-iness, charity, any central word embodying the thought you wish to investigate, and follow it out through the length and breadth of the Scripture field, till it becomes in-wrought into the tissue of your memory and mind. It will be food for your own soul, and subject-matter for your teaching. Again, take the life of some child of God, as recorded by the inspired writers — gathered out, as it often needs to be, with much care and diligence from various sources ; — sometimes an allusion in one place, or a quotation in another, adding to our material where we least expect it (for instance, we go to Psalm xci:. to find that Moses was called a priest : to Acts vii. to be told that he was "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians;" and to Heb. xi. to learn that he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter ;) and, having sketched the biography with as much accuracy as possible, go through it again, with special reference to its typical meaning. And this brings us to a subject where we must tread softly, and speak very humbly — the allegorical and figurative teaching of Scripture history. While we see, on the one hand, the marvellous depth and fulness of the Book of God, promise within promise " infolding itself,' prophecies reaching on into the "ages of the ages," stories wrapping up within their simple outline lessons of undeveloped mysteries ; yet must we be very jealous, on the other hand, lest human wisdom usurp the office of the Holy Ghost, or human fancy play with the typical and the mystical, and bring its own flowers into the hallowed garden of the Lord. Wherever we have Scripture interpretation of symbolic language, or Scripture light falling on typical actions and persons, let us apply it to the utmost extent, but beware at the same time that we never speak dogmatically where God has not spoken, lest we be found to " darken counsel by words without knowledge." How many books of so-called Bible-teaching are calculated to bewilder rather than enlighten the student. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 57 ed nd le m is iid Perhaps one check upon the fanciful inventions which so dis- honor the Word of God might be found in a more earnest desire and faithful purpose to discover its practical bearing on our daily life. It needs be that we maintain an exact proportion between increase in knowledge and growth in holiness, a corresponding development of the enlightened understanding and the "enlarged heart," lest we be found among those whose crushing sentence will be that they "knew their Lord's will and did it not." An in- tellectual apprehension of Scripture truth which leaves the affec- tions untouched and the life unsanctified, will prove a powerless thing when we are called to witness for our absent Master, in daily conflict with the world, the flesh, and the devil. The Bible loved and the Bible lived, will be the only true sequel to the Bible studied. y CONSECUTIVE READING OF THE BIBLE. The Bible is one book. It is human history by a Divine Historian. No other book would yield any such result as the Bible, if it were read piecemeal and spasmodically, as the Bible is read. For just as the Church is built of living stones, so the Bible is composed of truths, every one of which is full of life. But as the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ is exhibited in the church, which is his body, the fulness of Him who filleth all in all, so if we want to know the full blessedness of the Word of God, we must receive it in its entirety, and read it as the Holy Ghost has given it to us. Perhaps nq chapter is more familiar than Luke XV. ; but how few have observed that chapters xv. and xvi. are but portions of one discourse, and that the five parables must be consecutively read, if we would see how the Lord not only justifies Himself in receiving and eating with publicans and sin- ners, but rebukes the accusing Pharisees and Scribes, and, as the elder S9n, the unjust steward, and the rich man, shows their self-righteousness, their unrighteousness, and their doom. Mr. George Muller, of Bristol, says : — Though in my earlier life I was engaged in "-he ministry of the Word in my own country, I neglected for four years the consecutive reading of the Bible. The consequence was, I was a babe in knowledge and in grace. I made no progress, because I neglected God's own appointed means for nourishing the divine life. But it pleased God to lead me to love His Word. I was led to see that the Holy Ghost is the only in- structor of the soul, and that the Word is the medium by which He teaches. Spending three hours on my knees, I made such pro- gress that I learned more in those three hours than in years before. From that time I became a lover of the Word of God ; and in this way I have been going on ever since. In July, 1829, I began this plan of reading from the beginning the OM and the New Testa- ments. Before I had been treating the Bible as a lottery, reading it just where I opened. Of course after a time it opened just in .58 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ■ the same place, and I got accustomed to read only certain portions. Consequently I knew nothing even of the letter of much of the Word of God. But under my new plan, little by little, I made more and more progress ; and thus it came to this, that when I was asked where any text was to be found I could give chapter and verse — became, in fact, a living concordance. A few years after I began this method I was in a large drawing-room in a nobleman's house. Most there had known the Lord longer than I, but they referred to me, and I could tell where passages they wanted were to be found. This came by habitually reading the Scriptures through. At one time I came to i Chronicles. I thought " The first ten chapters consist almost entirely of names. I have read them recently ; I may pass them over now." But I reflected that it was the Word of God, and read the whole. At the fourth chapter I came to Jabez's prayer, " Oh, that Thou wouldest bless me indeed," &c., and God gave me a rich blessing in my soul in reading that God gave him that which he requested. I now read i Chron. with the same delight as the Gospels, the Psalms, or the Epistles. I would recommend you not to read always the Old or the New Testament, but alternately, e. g., the Old in the morning, and the New in the evening. One especial blessing that will come to the soul is this : God furnishes a variety of food, and this He gives in His whole revelation. This is deeply important. We are thus kept from partial and favourite views, which are poison to the soul. There seem apparent contradictions in the Word, but by patiently and calmly going on reading and meditating, these are removed. I have read through the Bible more than a hundred times, and I find no stumbliiig-block at all. This is because I am satisfied with God. The first, the greatest thing in the divine life is to know God — not according to notions of Him current in the Church, but as He is revealed in the W^ord. You will find Him such a lovable Being, of infinite wisdom and power ; and He exercises these on behalf of His people. How kind, how gracious, how gentle He is ! The great point is to become acquainted with Him as He is revealed in his Word, not according to men's notions of Him. Have we not thought of Him as an austere Being ? but he that has become acquainted with God says with the Psalmist (ix.) " They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee." By thus regularly reading, the love of the Scriptures is kept up. Wlien I have read them through I am as delighted to begin again as I was forty-six years ago. Of course this is by the grace of God, but instrumentally it is through this habit of consecutive reading. Mr. Muller closed with two illustrations of the value of consec- utive readi.ig, one showing the connexion between Exodus iii. 5 and Joshua v. 15 ; the other between John vii. 53 and viii. i ; both of which would probably be unperceived if the Bible were not con- secutively read. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 59 READING AND MARKING THE BIBLE. Some useful hints have been freely taken from Mr. Moody and other sources, but the chief features of this view of the subject are the result of several years' experience of the writer and various friends who have adopted his system. We assume that the reader has opportunity and inclination to read the precious Word of God at least two or three times a day. We earnestly recommend him to observe these occasions regularly, and to follow a systematic course of reading, or two or three courses. For instance, there are few who cannot by means of early rising procure twenty minutes, or even an hour, for Bible-reading in the morning ; if this is his longest opportunity, it might be best employed in getting a connected view of an historical period, with- out entering deeply into the subject, (see No, i below). In the evening he may employ the same length of time in reading a short- er portion from some one writer (as No. 2 below). Each of these exercises must be entered upon with earnest prayer ; but the study of a single passage (as No. 3) is perhaps of the most devotional the former modes upon the heart We would recommend the latter it may be blended with the or character, though the effects of and mind cannot be less evident, for noonday reading, if available, others. On all these occasions the reader may carefully mark any- thing which strikes him. The reader should have a good, portable reference Bible — either Bagster's Polyglot edition, or the Oxford S. S. Teacher's with con- cordance, index, &c., Frowd's Margin or Bagster's wide margin Bible, is recommended. The first is in extensive use, and is pub- lished in three sizes, fac simile of each other ; the second is well suited for tabulating and marking, the last has the advantage of wide margins for notes. The following works are more or less in- dispensable, and the price of the first two is very little : — " Cruden's Concordance"; " The Scripture Text-Book and Trea- sury," recommended by Mr. Moody ; " Inglis' Bible-Text Cyclo- paedia"; " Townsend's Chronological Harmony of the Bible"; and the " Englishman's Greek Concordance," in which the Greek par- allelisms are exhibited for English readers in the words of our English version. I. The simplest course of reading should be chronological — i. e., in the order of the narrative, without regarding the ordinary ar- rangement of the books, nor of their several contents. Thus, one book must sometimes be inserted in another, and the different parts of a book transposed. It will give a great additional interest to the historical portions of the Sacred W"ord to have them thus naturally interspersed with the poetical or prophetical writings, while it will also show the progress of revelation. The reader who il 60 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. has not access to a good " Harmony" can generally find indica- tions of date in the references, or in the inspired inscriptions of some of the chapters, as, for instance, Psalm li. : " A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him" : so with Psalms lii. and liv., Isaiah vi, and vii., and many others. The following rough sketch of the historical order of the Old Testament may be acceptable to some of our readers : — Genesis i. to X., Job (date uncertain). Genesis xi. to the end ; Exodus i. and ii., Psalm Ixxxviii., Exodus iii. to end ; Leviticus ; Numbers i. to xiv.. Psalm xc, Numbers xv. to the end ; Deuteronomy ; Joshua; Judges i., ii., xvii. to xxi., and iii, to xvi. ; Ruth ; i Samuel i. to xxx., with about twenty ol the Davidic Psalms (i Chronicles i. to ix. is a genealogy of the preceding history); i Chronicles x. to the end, parallel with i Samuel xxxi. to the end of 2 Samuel, and the remainder of the Davidic Psalms ; i Kings i. to iv., 2 Chronicles i.; Song of Solomon; Proverbs; i Kings v. to xi., 2 Chronicles ii. to ix.; Ecclesiastes; i Kings xii. to the end of 2 Kings xiv., and 2 Chronicles xxv., 2 Kings xv. to the end, 2 Chronicles xxvi. to the end, parallel with the prophets (see inscriptions, &c), as follows : Ionah, Joel, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, eremiah, Lamentations, Habakkuk; Daniel; Obadiah ; Ezekiel ; laggai; Zechariah ; Esther; Ezra; Nehemiah; Malachi. 2. Simultaneously with this he may study one book separately ; noticing, firstly, its external circumstances — who wrote it ? when ? where ? &c. ; then its natural structure and scope ; discover and analyse its natural divisions; and thus, if he wishes, draw up his own table of contents. Take an illustration of this : — The last twenty-seven chapters of Isaiah form one single great prophecy, the subject of which is Jehovah's Servant, Christ. The prophecy is subdivided into three books; the first and second both end with the solemn words: "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked"; ard at the end of the third the lot of the wicked is more fully described: " Their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched, and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh." Each of these books consists of three sections of three chapters each, corresponding pretty closely with the divisions in our English Bibles, though not exactly. The following table exhibits this division to the eye : — Chapter. LVIII. LIX. LX. LXI. LXII. LXIII. 1-6. LXiii. y-LXiw. end. LXV. LXVI. Thus the fifty-third is the middle chapter of the middle book oi Chapter. Chapter. XL. XLIX. XLI. L. XLII.-XLIII. 13. LI. XLIII. I4-XLIV. 5. XLIV.,6-23. LII. I-I2. LIII. XLiv. 24-XLV. end. LIV. XLVI. LV. XLVII. LVI. 1-8. XLVIII. LVI. 9-LVII. 21 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 6z iica- s of of alms Old this great prophecy, as it is indeed the" heart of the prophetic writings of the Old Testament ; and the central verse of this central chapter contains the central truth of the Gospel, — the truth that both among Jews, and Greeks, and heathen of every name and nation is the power of God unto salvation : — " He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with his stripes we are healed." Similarly, Psalm xxii. occupies the centre of the first book of Psalms (Psalm i. and ii. being introductory), and the sentence, "They pierced my hands and my feet," is in the middle. [The above instances were suggested by Dr. Kay's excellent work on the Psalms.] It does not seem generally known that the Psalms are composed of five books, naturally divided thus : — (Psalms i. and ii. introduction to the whole Psalter, or included in) Book I., Psalms i. to xli.; Book n., I Psalms xlii. to Ixxii. ; Book HI., Psalms Ixxiii. to Ixxxix.; Book IV., Psalms xc. to cvi.; Book V., Psalms cvi. to cl. 3. But perhaps the most delightful and profitable spiritual exercise is to carefully and prayerfully study a single passage. Proceed thus: consider the external circumstances, both as to the writer and the subject-matter itself; consider the scope of the paragraph or chapter containing the passage ; remark the structure; compare it with its co)inexion, and with marginal references; ponder tne words; endeavour to grasp the idea of the words ; and make the required application. A. B. USE OF BIBLE IN INQUIRY ROOM. BY D. W. WHITTLE. I St. Unconditional submission to the authority of the Word. Enter inco no argument upon the authenticity of the Scriptures. Lessen the power of no part of the Bible by any admission as to any part not being of God, given by inspiration ; with rare excep- tions, those who desire such arguments are not honest, they are not seeking light, but fortifying themselves in darkness. You can- not help them, bhould you meet svith one who has an honest desire for information as to the history of the composition and compilation of the Scriptures, you can place him in the way of obtaining it ; but do not occupy the time in the Inquiry Room upon the subject. If two men were to meet to engage in conflict with swords, and one were to say to the other : " Now before be- ginning the battle, I desire to know the history of your sword, and to have proof of the authenticity of its claims as a sword," a proper repl)' would be, " That question can be easily settled by our at once commencing the conflict. I will show you by my use of my weapon, the reality of its being a sword." So we ought to so use the Word as " the sword of the Spirit," m 62 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. in the application of its truths to the conscience of the sinner, that he will not want any historical proof as to the message being from God. Infidelity concerning parts of the Bible is very prevalent. Many professed Christians are not ashamed to say that they do not believe all the Bible, and, as a rule the unconverted man reserves the right of rejecting whatever he pleases. To one who has been but a surface student of the Word, and has not seen the place, in gradual unfolding, in typical teaching, in prophetic symbolism, that every chapter and verso of the Bible has in the revelation of God's scheme of redemption for ruined man and sin cursed earth, it seems an unimportant matter to answer the doubts of the unbeliever by saying, •' Well, perhaps that ought not to be in the Bible," or, " It is probably a mistranslation. It would have been better to have had several books of the Old Testament left out," or, " It isn't necessary that you should believe that," or some similar admission that yield the point to the devil and makes God a liar. Such do not realize their sin in dishonouring God, nor the evil consequences of their infidelity to the inquirer. If the Word is impeached in one part, discredit is thrown upon every part. And whatever profession a man may be led to make that he trusts Christ as his Saviour, if he has admi'ted doubt into his mind as to any part of the Scripture, he has no assurance as to his own acceptance, and no peace in believing. Every worker in the Inquiry Room will frequently meet with the question : ** Now do you really believe all the Bible ? Must we believe that Jonah was swallowed by a whale, and about the flood, and so on ?" The answer should be given with the same seriousness, and in a manner calculated to make the same impres- sion, that the reply of a wife, who justly revered her husband, would produce if she were asked if she really believed her husband always spoke the truth. Let the answer of every child of God ever be : " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Every part of the Bible is literally true. I believe the Word just as God has spoken it, how dare you suggest that I doubt it ! " Much might be said upon this subject, and, perhaps, not too much if it led us into a deeper sense of the reality of the Bible as the word of the living God, and a more profound reverence for it as the book of truth. Certainly the Holy Ghost cannot use an infidel to bring souls to Christ, and if infidelity is in our hearts, our labor will count for naught. We must go to God and confess it as a sin, and look to Christ for deliverance from it. And, as we should treat it as a sin in ourselves, so we should treat it as a sin in others. It is not for us to sympathise, in a false sense, with those who say they can't believe the word of God, but to tell them plainly that unbelief is the vilest sin the soul of man is capable of committing against a Holy God, and that it must be repented of and forgiveness through the blood of Christ received, or it will inevitably land the soul in eternal perdition. A dear minister, in St. Louis, was met in the Inquiry Room one jii^- ■■IB NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 65: evening by an intelligent man who answered his appeal to him to accept Christ, by saying, that he couldn't believe the Bible. His reply was, "Well, sir, whether you believe it or not the Bible is true, and if you don't believe it you will be lost." The gentleman looked at him for a moment and knew from the expression of my friend that he had replied from the profound convictions of his own soul. His next objection was, " I can't believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God ;" the answer was, " Well, the Bible says He was the Son of God, and whether you believe it or not, He is the Son of God, and if you do not believe it you will be damned." The minister turned away with the impression that the gentle- man would be angry, but believing he had been guided aright. A friend of the inquirer remonstrated with him, that he had not argued the question, but he left it in the hands of God. Within a few minutes, the gen<-leTian came to him with the question : " W^hat must I do about this matter? How can I be saved ? " Was pointed to the cross, and knelt with tears of thanksgiving and praise to Christ as his Saviour. God admits of no excuse, no palliation for unbelief; and surely God cannot be beseeching sinners by us, while we are in a mock condition of sympathy with the unbeliever, and smoothing over and palliating his sin, rather than showing him its heinousness and awful condemnation. Our power in the use of the Word depends upon unanswering laith in its infallibility, " Thus saith the Lord," must be to us all sufficient, for ourselves and for others. With the firm belief of the truth of Christ's declaration •' That the Scriptures cannot be broken," we will handle our weapon with confidence, we will wield it with all our strength. With these words of introduction as to the Word let us pass on to specific suggestions as to its use in bringing souls to Christ. In the army, the ammunition for the soldiers starts from the ar- senal. In a general sense all the ammunition for the army is pre- pared there from same material and for same purpose. When sent out, it is sorted, and each command receives that fitted to the calibre of their weapons. Each soldier receives all he has capacity to carry, and for which he is expected to have immediate use. So with the Bible. It is God's arsenal. All of its truths are from Him. All for the purpose of glorifying Christ, and over- coming the power of sin. But when these truths are to be put in action, they are sorted. We are to select as led of the Holy Spirit, passages adapted to our calibre. W^e should never put before others a message from God's word, that dosen't come hot from our own hearts, or use truth that we have not ourselves digested. So we are made able ministers, as in 2 Cor. iii. 6. We should gather from the Bible, for use according to our capacity. We should not attempt to teach beyond our apprehension ; and of the passages that have fed us, and that we can carry, we should al- ways have at hand, as the individual soldier the forty rounds in his cartridge box, supply for immediate use. Classify in your 64 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. mind, or, what is better, upon a sheet of paper, the truth needed for presentation to the sinner, then under each head of the classi- fication note your passages, and make yourself famihar with them, and with their position in your Bible. Always use your Bible in referring to them. Do not use a slip, printed or otherwise, and do not quote from memory. Your own classifications, and your own selections of passages, will be better for your own use than any would be that is provided for you. But it is wise to compare with others, and to receive suggestions from others. And, as a suggestion, I offer the following classification, which you can note down, and fill out with your own Scripture references. I St. Requirements of God's law. 2nd. Failure of man to keep the law. 3rd. Condition of man condemned by the law. 4th. Man's rejection of God's Son. 5th. Christ as the substitute under the law. 6th. Forgiveness through Christ. 7th. Illustrations of faith. 8th. Illustrations of salvation. Wifh the general line of truth here set forth, in mind, other classilications will suggest themselves. In sitting down with an inquirer do not expect that you must use all your ammunition upon him. Be natural, kind, and courteous in your approach to those who may be strangers to you ; win their confidence by your sym- pathy and genuine interest in their welfare, and ascertain their condition ; ask them to tell you frankly just how much they are interested, and how much concern they feel as to their personal salvation. My first question usually to an inquirer is, " Do you believe that you are a sinner before God, and lost without a Saviour ?" And the answer to this determines the direction of the instruction. If you find that conviction has been produced by the sermon, and that an anxious sinner is before you, do not seek to reproduce what has been alieady done by the Holy Spirit, but, if he admits his lost condition, show to him the testimony of God's word as to the full and complete satisfaction made by the death of Christ for his sins, that forgiveness is offered to faith, and, that faith is to take God at His word and believe the record. Urge his imme- diate surrender to Goi, and acceptance of the Gospel. On the other hand, if the inquirer is only awakened, to a sort of half-way desire to become a Christian, and has no deep convictions as to his present lost condition, and of the nature of sin, present the truth to him under the first four heads. If conviction is produced present Christ, and urge immediate acceptance. If the inquirer denies the testimony of the Word as applied to himself, and tries to justify himself, and make out a good character, and clings to his self-righteousness, he is not in a condition to be urged to say that he will trust in Christ. Show him what Christ has done, in connection with the truth as to his own utterly lost condition, and jeave such truth with him as will sweep away his false views of NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 65 himself and lead him to Christ. Great harm is done in pressing a sinner to a decision before the Spirit of God has prepared the way. Our one anxiety in dealing with souls should be, to be faithful, as in Christ's stead, and not go beyond the Spirit's lead- ings. The large majority of those we shall meet in the Inquiry Room, during Mr. Moody's meetings, if \ve can judge by reports of his work, and by our personal knowledge of the Holy Spirit's power that he has received, will be those prepared by faithful presenta- tion of the truth, accompanied by the Spirit's power to their souls, to be told in the simplest possible way how to believe ; they will see that they are lost, they will see that Christ is a Saviour, they will see the plan of redemption, the one absorbing thought will be, " Is there salv^ation for me ? Can I be saved ? How can I get hold of Christ ? " Here is the blessedness of this personal work, God seems to have so ordered it that right here there must be personal contact between the Spirit of God through a believer, and in the word of God, by the mouth of a believer, and the sin- ner, and the result is life. The passages most used by the Holy Spirit in this way, in meetings in this country, and as I have seen by the reports, and have heard from Mr. Moody himself in meetings in England, have been those that most plainly set forth Christ as the sinner's sub- stitute. John iii. 16, and its use will illustrate this. Also Isa. liii. 6. Rom. iii. 25. Gal. iii. 13. i Peter ii. 24. We can have great confidence in magnifying God's grace, and preaching an uncondi- tional salvation. Our part is to make known the Gospel — both «ides of it. (2 'Cor. ii. 16.) God will take care of the result if we use his Word in dependence upon the Holy Spirit. To get the sinner to look away from self to Christ is our work. The sinner under conviction is kept in darkness by looking at and into himself. He has a conception of what a religious ex- perience ought to be, and waits for it to come to him. He tries to work up his feelings by thinking of his sins, and by thinking of the sufferings of Christ, with the idea that when he has pro- duced feeling enough that will be a religious experience, that will be conversion, while he has not really laid hold of Christ at all by a saving faith. By the use of the Word, we present Christ to the sinner as the object of faith, and the Scriptures revealing Christ as the ground of faith. God's promises in the Gospel are like so many hands held out to the sinner to draw him to Jesus. We read of Jesus many times when on earth "He put forth his hand and touched him," *' He laid his hand on. every one of them and healed them." So his hands are still put forth in the Gospel invitations. A dear old lady came once to a meeting where Christians were having much joy in the apprehension of Christ, and trembling, and with tears, arose and said : " I want you should pray for me. I have been forty years a member of a Church, but am not a 66 NOTES FOR BIBLfi READINGS. Christian. I have never had any assurance that my sins were forgiven. I was convicted of sin when young, and earnestly sought acceptance with God. I was told to join the Church and the experience I desired would come. I did so and have strug- gled on for forty years, doing every duty, so far as in my power — doing everything that Christians do — but I am not saved." She sat down weeping, and many wept with her for sympathy, at the recital of her long, weary, fruitless forty years in the wilderness. She was pointed to the record, as in Rom. iv. 24, 25, and v. i, and saw by the Word that her justification was an accomplished fact in Christ, and that the way to appropriate it and to realize it was, not by feeling, not by struggling for an experience, not by joining the Church, not by doing, but by simply believing what God said about it. Her joy was like the joy of a little child. This Scripture had revealed Ciirist to her, and enabled her by faith to receive Him into her heart. It is of the enemy of souls to lead the convicted sinner to look for the experience of feeling and the results of believing before he believes. He is told, and truly so, that all the steps of his conversion must be the work of the Holy Spirit ; that he must be drawn by the Spirit, quickened by the Spirit, and that when he is born again that "the Spirit will bear witness with his spirit that he is a child of God," — all of which is most blessedly true — but all of which the anxious soul will invariably misapply. We are to show him that the Holy Spirit does all this through the Word, as presenting Christ. That he is drawn by the Gospel in- vitations, Matt. xi. 28 ; that he is quickened when he believes ; that "Christ was delivered for his sins, and was raised again for his justification," Rom. iv. 25, and his attention should be speci- ally directed to the testimony that the sinner can know nothing of the indwelling and the witness of the Holy Spirit until after he believes. See John i. 12; vii. 38, 39; i John v. 10-13, Eph.i. 13, and Rom. viii. 16, in connection with Rom. v. i and viii. i * * * * * * * * ¥f In all these Scriptures, and in every Scripture that refers to the testimony of the Holy Spirit in the soul, it is stated or implied that the soul has first believed, and that the witness of the Spirit accompanies the faith that is exercised in the message of salva- tion, and never comes until such faith is exercised. We must lift up Jesus — Jesus only, as revealed in the Word, with the message of a finished and complete salvation, before the sinner, and insist — without reference to his excuses, his plea of inability, or his desire for delay — upon his immediate duty being the surrender of his will to God in the believing on the Lord iesus Christ. Insist that the will, on his part, to be saved is all e wants. Show him that he is permitted to take salvation, and to take it free. Rev. xxii. 17 ; that he is invited to take it. Matt, xi. 28. Show him that he . entreated to take it, 2. Cor. v. 20 ; that he is commanded to take it, i John iii. 23 ; and finally, that NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 67 your warrant for urging him is that your Lord has said : ''Compel them to come in," Luke xiv. 23 ; nd that Christ has said they are lost because they will not come. John v. 40. Always leave the inquirer with his finger upon the chapter and verse that has been used by the Spirit to give hmi light. Tell him to make much of that Word ; to rest upon that and not upon his feelings as to th^j fact of h^s salvation. Never consider your work as done until you have evidence that the sinner fully accepts Christ, and he can say that he fully and joyfully believes, John v. 24, and testify on the authority of the Word that he is saved. Be faithful in presenting to the new born child of God his posi- tion as a follower of Christ in this world. Show to him that his growth and usefulness as a Christian, and his communion with God, will depend upon his being dead unto sin, and living in the spirit of entire consecration to God and separation from the world, and that this result is attained, not by any power in him- self, but by looking constantly unto Jesus. Urge upon him his responsibility for the souls of others, and his immediate duty to labor for their salvation. If we can lead converts to convert others, we have a double joy, a double crown. HOW I USE THE BIBLE WITH CHRISTIAN WORKERS. BY REV. DR. JAMES H. BROOKES, OF ST. LOUIS, MO. I. — Acquaint yourself with the Bible. To use the Bible efficiently in your work, you must first be acquainted with it. Jesus says (John v. 39) " Search the Scriptures," impljang that you must go down beneath the surface to discover the depths of the riches of the wisdom of God. In Acts xvii. 11 it is written, " These were more noble than those in Thessa.'onica." Notice the stamp of nobility which God recognizes. Is it nobility of birth? social station? wealth? learning? No! These were noble men and women, "in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scri'^tures daily whether these things were so." That is the title to nobility in God's estimation. Last winter in St. Louis, when the snow was deep, a gentleman on leaving a house one night to enter his sleigh dropped a diamond ring. It sank in the snow. No casual search for it would answer. He at once placed near the spot a large box, hired the policeman to keep watch during the night, and at the early dawn made persistent search until he found it. He did this because it was something precious in his estimation. But what is a diamond compared with the riches of grace and glory which will be found in this blessed book? Seek this acquaintance because, (i) By it we are born again: James i. 18; i Peter i. 23. (2) It makes clean: John XV. 3. (3) It builds up. Paul says to the elders at Ephesus, IJ I'M I II I! 68 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. " The Word is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among them which are sanctified." Also, i Peter ii. 2. (4) It sanctifies and saves. Jesus says (John xvii. 17), "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy Word is truth." So Paul, 2 Thes. ii. 13. (5) It accomplishes God's will: Isaiah v. lo-ii; Jer. xxiii. 29. (6) It is all powerful. 2 Cor. x. 4. In Ephesians vi. 17, the one weapon given for attack upon the foe is the " Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (7) It is all sufficient, as Jesus declares. Luke vi. 31, and in John xv. 10-13, ^^ ^.re told " He that believeth not God hath made him a liar." Why ? Simply " because he believeth not the record which God gave of his Son." 2. — All Scripture is of God: 2 Tim. iii. 16. From the first word of Genesis to the last word of Revelation, all is inspired: 2 Peter i. 19-21. "We have a more sure word." More sure in one sense than the brightest flashes of glory that were ever seen upon the Mount of Transfiguration. A great many people think prophecy is a dark place. God says here, it is "a light which shines in a da k place." They "spake as they were moved," not as they thought, not as they imagined, but as they were "moved by the Holy Ghost." Hence Jesus in His charge to His disciples, Matt. X. 19-20, said: " It is not ye that speak but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." See also Acts iii. 21 ; iv. 25 ; 2 Samuel xxiii. 2. Moreover the Scripture is called: (i) The oracles of God: Rom. iii. 1-2. (2) The word of God: Mark vii. 13. (3) The word of the Lord: Acts viii. 25. (4) The word of Truth: 2 Cor. vi. 7. (5) The word of Life : John vi. 68. (6) The word of Christ : Col, iii. 16. (7) The word of Faith: Rom. x. 8-9. I want to press this text home upon any unsaved friends. The Word is nigh you to night; nearer than when St. Paul wrote these verses. An insane woman had shut herself in a room with a little child till both were nearly dead. When we burst into the room we found the child lying on the bed able only to whisper, " water, water." When her little trembling hands pressed the goblet to her lips she was scarcely able to hold it; but, as it refreshed her, she seized it with a strong, nervous grasp. When your perishing, thirsty soul receives the word of faith, and not the strength of your grasp on it, but the divine power of refreshing Word will give consolation and strength. 3. — All Scripture is about Christ; John v. 39-46. He does not say. Search part of them. Again read Luke iv. 21; also Luke xxiv. 25-27. Now observe, that beginning at Moses and all the prophets he expounded concerning Himself ; Luke xxiv. 32. I do not wonder that their hearts burned within them. Many of the hearts of God's people have burned within them when they have found Christ in the Old Testament, where they never thought of discovering him before. In Luke xxiv. 44-45 he says, ''All things are written there about Me," in those three great divisions of the Old Testament. Look at what is said in Matt. i. 22-23. Now turn to Isaiah vii. 14. A still more emphatic proof is found in NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 69 Matt. ii. 13-15, in the light of which read Hosea xi. i ; Acts xvii, 2-3. He did not reason with them out of human science, human logic, or human learning, but out of the Old Testament Scriptures. Remember this when you are attacked as Christian workers by fallible science ; and never study the Bible in the light of science, but study science in the light of the Bible. If you want to make efficient workers, build not on a metaphysical basis, but on the divine interpretation of God's blessed word. Apollos was mighty here; Acts xviii. 28. In the last chapter of Acts, 23d verse, we see Paul occupied all day with the Old Testament Scriptures. How many of us find enough in the Old Testament to occupy us all day? Mr. Whittle told me last summer of an unlettered man who had studied the Bible until he had become convinced, without any outside suggestions, that the last clause of Romans viii. i, did not belong there. I believe that man was taught that by the Holy Spirit. 4. — All Scripture is for ourselves: Rom. xv. 4; i Cor. iv. 2. Believe and act as if you believed that the word of God is for you ; become acquainted with its precious words, and gently lead the lost into the palace of God: i Thess. ii. 13. The poor Empress Carlotta had escaped from her palace. Her physician knew that a rude shock would dethrone forever her tottering reason. Knowing her fondness for flowers, he scattered them in her pathway, and she, charmed like a child, was safely led bad- again. If you want to become efficient workers for the Master, st^k for and strew the beautiful flowers of Scripture in the paths of those who have wandered, and lure them back to God. 5. — Cherish as Christian workers a feeling of dependence on the Holy Spirit. In John vii. 38, 39, and Acts i. 8, Jesus inculcates this dependence upon his disciples. In Acts vi. 5, Stephen is "full of the Holy Ghost," and in 8th verse, we find him "full of power." We also receive the spirit of adoption: Rom. viii. 15, and Gal. iv. 6. Until with child-like confidence we know God as our Father, we cannot be efficient workers. Little May Newton, three years old, in her father's arms, fired the explosion v/hich opened Hell Gate to commerce. And the child of God who is filled with His spirit finds nothing impossible to him : 2 Tim. i. 7. 6. — To become efficient workers, make use of prayer in connection with the Word: Matt. xxi. 21; Lukexi. 9; John xiv. 13, and xvi. 24. What hath God wrought in answer to prayer: Jas. v. 17, 18. 7. — In your work think of the value of the soul: Matt. xvi. 26 ; xviii. 10, II, 14; and of the Lord's approval: 2 Cor. v. 9. II : t 1 70 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. A HELP TO READ THE ENGLISH BIBLE. It is not generally known that in the Bibles of the American and British Bible Societies, and also in those of some publishing houses, at least three different names of God in the Old Testament are indicated by a difference of type. Let any one read the Bible with a knowledge of the meaning of these names, and of the hint given in the kind of type, and many passages will shed forth more light. Especially will this be found true of many psalms and prophecies wherein different persons are heard either as speaking or as spoken to, as in Ps. ii. and ex., and in Is. vi. The full force of certain quotations or allusions in the New Testament will then be felt ; and the identity of Christ with the God of the Old Testament will be clearly proven. Elohitii is the general name of God as God. By it He is rela- ted to Creation and Providence. It is the plural of El which ra- dically signifies force or strength. El as a name of God is often used in poetry, and elsewhere usually with an adjective or epithet. The plural form suggests a fulness of powers, though scholars differ as to its origin and import. Kindred to these two names arc two more Elfiah and Elah, the latter being Chaldee, and all these are translated by the one name God. The name jfehovah is explained in Ex. iii. 13-15, vi. 1-8, Rev. i. 4. Jehovah is God as the eternal unchanging One. His special relations under this name are to grace and redemption. He is the God who promises and covenants. Being the everlasting God He will keep the everlasting covenant, no matter how many centuries of seeming forgetfulness and delay, or apparent impossi- bilities come between the promise and the fulfilment. ' As Jehovah He is the God of Israel. •' Jehovah is thy Elohim." — Jah is a contraction of Jehovah. — The name Adonai or Adon signifies Lord, Master, Owner. Adon is rarely used for God and is applied generally to men. Un- der the name Adonai, God is related to His people as one who owns and disposes, judges and delivers, rebukes and helps, and all, it might be said, because they are His possession through redemption. This name is peculiarly illustrated by what Jesus has done for and is to the Church as His Body, His Bride, His Servants, His House, His Own. He has all power and is Head over all things to the Church, and He is the Saviour of the body. In brief. He is " our Lord Jesus Christ." On comparing Ps. ex. i with Rev. iii. ai ; and I'^a. vi. i with John xii. 41, and on reading what fol- lows in that psalm and in that prophecy, it is evident that Jesus is the Adonai, and as the Adonai He is addressed by the name NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 7r Jehovah, and Jehovah is the Elohim. Exod. xxxiv. 23. Amos V. 16. The following is the help to recognize each name : LORD=Jehovah. Lord=Adonai or Adon. GOD=Jehovah. God=rElohim, Eloah, El, &c. Lord GOD—Adonai Jehovah. Lord GOD the God of Israel = The Adon, Jehovah Elohim of Israel. Ex. xxxiv. 23. " Trust ye in Jehovah forever, for in Jah Jehovah is a rock of ages." Is. xxvi. 4. W. J. E. A HOUSE OF MANY MANSIONS. REV. A. N. SOMERVILLE. The Bible may be compared to a magnificent edifice that took sixteen centuries to build. Its architect and builder is God. Like the beautiful world, the work of the same author, it bears on it everywhere the impress of a hand divine. This majestic tem- ple contains sixty-six chambers, capacious, yet in size unequal, — the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. Each of its thirty-one thousand one hundred and seventy-three verses is a stone, a beam, a panel of the building, which is a temple more glorious far than that of Solomon or of Zerubbabel, with their hewn stones from Lebanon, their pillars of cedar, their doors of olive, their floors, walls and ceiling overlaid with fine gold of Parodim, their holy places, their courts, their porticos, and gates. No portion of this wonderful structure will the Lord suff"er to be mutilated or defiledo Within the sacred enclosure dwells the whole family of God on earth. The Bible is the home of the redeemed below. When the Lord Jesus was departing from the world, He said, •* In My Father's house are many mansions ; if it were not so I would have told yLU. I go to prepare a place for you." That house is the temple in heaven above, whence the entrant shall go no more out, and where Christ's friends abide as priests to God for ever- more. But the Bible is the " house of many mansions " prepared for Jesus' disciples on earth. Here they have their residence ; here they are fed ; here they are strengthened, comforted and blessed ; here they are nurtured for immortality. The Bible is not merely the dwelling-place of God's people, it is the chosen abode of God Himself. Would you have fellow- ship with the Father ? you will be sure to find Him within the precincts of this holy house. Shall we take advantage of the King's permission and step inside ? We approach by the beauti- ful garden of Eden, with its innocent flowers, its groves and lucid streams. The first part of the building, that of highest antiquity, bears the name of the Chambers of Law and Justice. These are 72 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. I ill five in number, the books of Moses. One of these, is a sort of vestibule to the others, and resembles a long gallery hung with portraits and pictorial scenes of surpassing interest, mementos of persons and events that had place before a stone of the building was laid — such figures as those of Abel and Enoch, Noah, Abra- ham, Hagar, Sarah, Jacob, Esau and Joseph, and such scenes as Paradise and the Flood, the Departure from Ur of the Chaldees, the Tent-door at Mamre, the Flaming Cities of the plain, the Of- fering of Isaac, Rebecca at the Well, and the Governor of Egypt weeping on the neck of his Brethren. Thence we pass through an extensive range of imposing apartments, the Chambers of His- toric Record. These comprise the library of the edifice, and in them are laid up the Church's archives for more than a thousand years. These rooms are twelve in number, and stretch from Joshua to Esther. Then we come to a wide space called the gymnasium of the building, or the saints' exercising ground, the Book of Job. Entering right of this, we find ourselves in the Mu- sic Gallery of the Psalms, the orchestra of the house, where dwell all the sons and daughters of song, with cymbal, trumpet, psal- tery and harp. Issuing thence we pass at once into the Chamber of Commerce, the Book of Proverbs ; not far from which is the Penitentiary of the place, where sorrowful bankrupts and other defaulters may remain for a time with profit — the Book of Eccle- siastes. A little further on, we open into a tiny parlour in the midst of larger rooms — the chamber of sympathy with mourners — the Book of Lamentations. Interspersed among all these, the eye is regaled with such delightful conservatories of flowers as the books of Ruth and of the Song of Solomon. And next, we come to a noble suit of lofty apartments, some of which are of great capacity and are laid out with extraordinary splendour, no less than seventeen in number. These are the Halls of Ancient Prophecy, and follow in grand succession from Isaiah to Malachi. Thence we pass to the portion of the edifice of more modern construction, and we enter four spacious chambers of peculiar beauty. These are of marble fairer far than e'er was taken from the quarries of Paros, Pentelicus, or Carara ; chambers, of which one does not know to admire more the simplicity or exquisite finish. At once the walls arrest us. On them we see not golden reliefs of palm trees, lilies, pomegranates, and cherubim ; but four full-length portraits of the Lord of the building Himself, drawn by the Holy Spirit's inimitable hand. These are the Books of the Four Evangelists. Stepping onward, our ears are saluted by the loud sounds of machinery in motion ; and entering a long apart- ment, we find ourselves face to face with wheels and shafts and cranks and pinions, whose motive power is above and out of sight, and which will bring on changes all the world over. This is the Chamber of Celestial Mechanics — the great workroom of the build- ing — the Book of Acts. Leaving it we are conducted into the stately Halls of the Apostolic Epistles, no fewer than twenty-one NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 73 in range. The golden doors of fourteen of these are inscribed with the honorable name of the Apostle to the Gentiles, those of the seven others with the names of James and Peter and John and Jude. Within these hails the choicest treasures oi the Lord are stored. And last of all we arrive at that mysterious gallery where brilli- ant lights and dark shadows so curiously interchange, and where, in sublime emblems, the history of the Church of Jesus is unveiled till the Bridegroom come — the grand Apocalypse. And now we have reached the utmost extremity of the building. Let us step out on the projecting balcony and look abroad. Yonder, beneath us, is a fair meadow, through which the pure River of the Water of Life is winding its way ; on either side of which stands the Tree of Life, with its twelve manner of fruits and its beautiful leaves for the healing of the nations. And in the distance, high on the summit of the everlasting hills, the city, all of gold, bathed in light and quivering with glory — the new Jeru- salem ; its walls of jasper, its foundations of precious stones, its angel-guarded gates of pearl ; the city that needs no sun, no moon, "for the glory of the Lord doth lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof!" Oh ! let us make this beloved house our home. Let us make haste, with our little children in either hand and with all our kin- dred at our back, to enter its portal. But of one thing make sure; see that you ask and obtain the great Interpreter, who waits at the gate. Himself to lead you in and take you all over the building. Say to Him whose name is the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, reverently and with faith, " Lord, open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous thmgs out of Thy law;" and, oh! let it be 3'ours also to seek that the millions ot India, China, of dark Africa, and all America, parents and little children alike, and every islander of the sea, may enjoy the advantages that you possess; that they may have their home with you in this "house of many mansions," provided for the faint and weary here till they have a place with you hereafter in the Father's house above. BIBLE READING. BY REV. J. H. VINCENT, D.D.. Bible Reading in Public. — i. The Church should place a higher estimate upon the public reading of God's word. It should be considered a part of divine worship. Well trained and res- pectful people never enter church during the "prayer." Why should they have less reverence for the reading of God's word ? 2. The pews should always be supplied with Bibles, that the people may follow the minister when he reads or join with hira in responsive reading. 3. The minister should read with great distinctness and impres- ^1 74 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. i' i siveness, that the whole congregation may understand and be in- terested. 4. A brief invocation at the opening of the Bible might produce a salutary impression upon the congregation. 5. In responsive reading it is not necessary that the congrega- tion should read in perfect harmony. Let each individual read aloud for himself and fix his mind on 7c>hat he reads. Exact har- mony is not a necessity, and there is danger of losing the senti- ment in one's solicitude to "keep with the rest." True Methods ©f Associated Bible Reading. — i. Read the Bible in the fatnily. Hold " family worship." Have a large Bible. Read consecutively, or topically, or in connection with the current Sundav-school lesson. Read responsively. Give every member of the family a Bible to use at this service. 2. Study the Bible in the family. Hold a little home school every Sabbath. The mother and the little ones with a good series of Bible pictures, the father and the larger children with some special theme to be examined — these form beautiful domestic pictures, and the work accomplished is immortal. 3. Let those members of the household upon whom responsibi- lity rests the most heavily unite in searching the Bible as a means of special grace. A husband and his wife spent an hour in col- lecting from a single book in the New Testament — one of the epistles — every phrase or statement which indicated the possibil- ities of religious experience. The time passed by swiftly, and when they kneeled together to ask of God the blessing of which hey had been reading there came upon them a baptism of power. What a saving of "wear and tear" in every day life, what conciliatory temper, what patience, what forbearance, what do- mestic love and peace might thus be won from the Spirit by means of the word of God. 4. Use the Bible in the prayer-meeting and in the class-meeting. Look less at self and more at Christ as he is revealed in his word. Forget self and remember Him. Forget the past and look at the glorious promises and possibilities which shine out of the Scrip- tures. Thus, as the people of God muse on the truth, the fire will burn. The open Bible is to-day one of the great needs of the social meetings of the Church. 5. A concerted scheme for Bible reading in a whole Church may be prepared and urged by the pastor. The pulpit, the prayer- meeting, the family altar, the closet, the Sunday-school, and the special Bible reading meetings, may be united in a plan for read- ing certain portions of the great book during the year. This co- operation will inspire many to enter upon the service and to con- tinue in it. 6. As frequently as possible turn the tide oi casual conversation into scriptural currents. Where "two or three are gathered to- gether" by circumstances, easily and without vi-'snce lead them toward the word, and let the meeting be "in His name." Thus let our "speech be with grace, seasoned with salt," and our "con- NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 75 versation," in the accepted use of that term, be "in heaven." 7. Introduce Bible readings, as -widely as possible : — I.) Parlor Bible readings, where friends meet by special invita- tion to spend an hour or two in the study of some special Bible chapter, book, or topic. 2.) Church Bible readings where in large numbers believers come together to look at Christ in his own word. The Chautau- qua "Eventide Conferences" are of this character. The Bible classes of the Sunday school may frequently resolve themselves into meetings for Bible readings in the line of the day's lesson, thus promoting spiritu; results, and substituting edification for discussion and controversy. Bible Readings. — There are many forms which this delightful service of the modern Church may take. Let me indicate a few of them : — 1. Expository Bible readings. The minister often gives these in his reading of the regular Bible "lesson" for the morning. The same plan may be followed at the "Bible reading" on a week evening, whether conducted by minister or layman. The gift of exposition should be cultivated by all the people. These exposi- tory readings may take the form of a conversation, a verse being read, and opportunity given to all to make remarks upon it. 2. Elliptical or mutual readings. Let all sit down with open Bibles. One of the company asks a question, to which the rest give answer by simply reading the verse or a portion of the verse. This resolves itself into an elliptical reading, and not by any means a drill or recitation. For example, we take up Paul's letter to the Philippians at the first chapter. All have Testaments open, and the reading goes on much in the following way : — Leader. Two persons are here named — Class. Paul and Timotheus. Leader. They are called — Class. The servants of Jesus Christ. Leader. Paul and Timotheus address this letter — Class. To saints. Leader. To what saints ? Class. All the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi. Leader. What officers among the saints are here mentioned ? Class. Bishops and Deacons. Leader. What two things does Paul invoke upon them ? Class. Grace be unto you, and peace. Leader. From whom come grace and peace ? Class. From God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, without degenerating into discussion, and without any speeches at all, definitions may be given of the words " servants," "saints," "bishops," " deacons," " Philippi" may be located, and all this will require but a little time, and it is little more than an elliptical or interrogative reading ; but the attention of every body is held, and a whole book may be read in this manner to the profit of all. This is the simplest form of Bible reading. ^ 76 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. I t |i ' ' I 3. Random readings. Gather texts. Read at random. Pick up a verse here and a verse there in the Bible and a third farther on, as you wander through these wide fields of history, and poetry, and doctrine. Gather flowers of instruction and promise, until you will lorm a bouquet such as you collect m the fields on a mo*"-- ing's walk — fresh and fragrant. This plan is very simple, ar never fails to gratify and profit. 4. Topical readings. Select a theme — a word, a doctr' ic and bring everything to be found in Scripture to bear upon it. Use the *' Concordance" freely. Use a good " Bible Index." Study the marginal references. Consult the texts employed in a good " Cyclopedia" — such, for example, as M'Clintock and Strong's. Explore particular chapters and books of the Bible for yourself upon it. Have these passages classified according to a good analysis of the subject, which you may make for yourself ; (i.) The topic defined in Scripture ; (2.) The topic proved in Scripture ; (3.) The topic commended or insisted upon ; (4.) The topic illustrated ; (5.) The topic harmonized with other themes. Let the various texts be indicated on slips of paper, to be distributed among those who will read distinctly and loud enough to be heard by every body. Having written such text-slips, verify them to see that no blunders occur when they come to be read. I have spoken above of the personal exploration of the Bible for proof texts. This is better than to depend upon Concordances and Indexes, A Sunday-school class or a company of friends may agree to divide the books of the Bible among themselves and ex- plore them for passages upon specified topics. A complete analy- sis of every book in the Bible is thus possible. 5. Comparative Bible readings. Take the account of a miracle, for example. Dividing the meeting into sections, let each section open one of the evangelists, and as the successive unfoldings ot the miracle are named see what statement the several writers make concerning it. Do the same with parables. In the same way compare Daniel and Paul, Paul and James, Moses and David, etc., in reference to great doctrinal and practical teachings. 6. Memory Bible readings. The word should be hidden in the heart. It is a wholesome exercise to recall texts which have been already committed to memory. " Promise meetings" are common. A promise is quoted, then another, and another. This plan may be carried further. We may apply it to Bible topics — the " work of the Spirit," the " pardon of sin," the " fruits of faith," etc., etc. It is desirable in all such memory readings to be accurate, there- fore any mistakes in quotation should be at once correctecf, kindly but faithfully. Many so called " familiar texts" are usually mis- quoted. We should seek accuracy in using the words of God. ^' Promise meetings" should be held for collecting promises under special heads, that is, promises of God to the penitent ; to the tempted ; to the poor ; to the faithful ; to the self-sacrificing ; to those who win souls, etc., etc. 7. Polyglot Bible readings. Language is the medium of thought. il NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 77 Human language is the medium of divine thought. God adapts himself to our infirmities, and has put his great thoughts into the frail medium of human speech, and adapting these thoughts to many nations, he has employed different languages, and made it possible for men, as they need it, to translate from tongue to tongue this precious revelation. The Bible was given in Hebrew, in Chaldee, in Greek. It has since been translated into more than one hundred and fifty languages and dialects. In this effort to cdnvey divine thought to the human understanding, all languages have been carefully and critically studied. We know that in one language shades of meaning are detected which others fail to give, and it is not only curious, but profitable to trace the varying in- terpretation in several translations, which, without affecting the radical sense, give most beautiful and valuable shades of thought. Therefore, for a profitable Bible reading, let as many versions be brought together as possible, and let them be carefully examined. Take five verses for example, and collect several English versions. Then read the same in Spanish, the French, the Italian, the Modern Syriac, etc., etc. Thus the linguistic ability of a community may be utilized in the study of God's word. 8. Bible Experience Meetings. Personal experience may furnish some illustration or exposition of a passage. Every life has its own interpretations of the divine word. Every soul has had some experience in which a text of Scripture has found a sol- vent. Some verse has come with peculiar power at a particular time in a human life. A lady told me that on one occasion when crossing the plains — long before the railroad was built — the whole company was in danger from hostile Indians ; when night came the emigrants were forbidden to have any light in the encampment. In her waggon tent, (as it always had been lier custom to read a verse of Scripture before retiring,) after having opened her Bible, she hurriedly lighted a match, and her eye rested upon this text : •' The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." She said, " This text always meant more to me after that, for I read it, and lay down without fear or danger, and slept as sweetly as a child throughout the night." Let these readings of the word in the light of the soul's experience find a place in the social circle. By this means the Church class- meeting becomes a source of instruction. Said good Father Reeves, •' the model class-leader " of England : '* Give your ex- perience in Bible language." In Bible readings it may be well, occasionally, to use the black- board, or to prepare a scheme by means of the Papyrograph process for distribution. On this scheme, appropriate verses of hymns may be distributed to be sung during the service. Cff 78 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. lii BIBLE STUDY. i* M\ As much attention has lately been drawn to the subject of Bible reading and marking, may I submit to your readers one or two thoughts on the matter ? I used to pick and choose what I thought were nice bits, but somehow I did not seem to profit much, and then there was the danger of attaining one-sided views of truth. I was, thank God, led to see this, and have for some time in read- ing tried to grasp the scope and purpose of the various books of the Bible ; and in reading the Epistles, to watch and keep in Vnind the line of argument adopted by the writers. It is only lately that I have finished reading the Epistles of Paul to the Ephesians and Hebrews. I read them consecutively, and they seemed under God to open up in a manner I never realized before. Permit me to give you a skeleton of each :-*- Ephesians. — Keyword, " /«." Our position, '*in Christ" ^Safety, (i., ii.) Our possession, "Christ in us"=Power [for) (iii.) " Walking," and " Standing:' (iv.-vi.) Paul knew it was no use to tell the poor weak one to walk with- out showing him first the full meaning of " Abide in Me, and I in you," and " He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." It is no use to tell the poor trembling one to quench all the fier)^ darts without showing him in whom he has to be strong, and what armour he was to be clothed in. % Hebrews. — Keyword, ''Bttter:' The Person of Christ, (i.-vii.) Christ as Son of God, and much better than angels, (i.) Christ, although better, yet made for a little while lower, than they, as Son of Man. (ii.) Christ better than Moses, as a son is than a servant, (iii.) Christ better than Joshua, (iv.) Christ's Priesthood shown as better than the Levitical. (v.) Christ better than Aaron, (vii.) New covenant better than the old. (viii.) Christ's work better than that done under the old covenant, (ix., X.) Faith and its fruits, (xi.) Exhortation, (xii.) Note the twelve ''Let us'' and the seven " once" (ix., x.) in this glorious epistle. May God bless his own Word; and He will when we read it as He gives it. F. G., 20th Hussars. NOTES FOR BIDLE READINGS. n BIBLE STUDY. The man who first seeks Divine guidance will not undervalue subsequent careful and critical study. The Holy Spirit blesses the industrious, not the slothful man. He guides in study, not in the neglect of study. But the guidance should be asked for at the start, not expected as a matter of course by him who fails to re- quest it. The assurance is that our Heavenly Father will " give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him." " For every one that asketh receiveth ; and he that seeketh findeth ; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Not until a man has asked and received the guidance of the Holy Ghost is he ready to begin the study of a passage of Scripture which he is set to teach. Then he may examine the Word itself. Afterwards he may safely con- sult the best human helps to its understanding and applications. God best understands His own Word. He is first to be looked to to make it clear to him who would teach it to others. — S.S. Times. KEY NOTES TO THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE. OLD TESTAMENT. 1. Genesis. The book of the beginnings. 2. Exodus. The book of redemption — types. Leviticus. The book of sacrifice and priesthood. Numbers. The book of wilderness walk. Deuteronomy. The book of conduct for Canaan. Joshua. The book of warfare in Canaan. 7. Judges. The book of failure in Canaan. 8. Ruth. The book of typical prophecy. 9. I Samuel. The book of royal government in the hands of Saul. 10. 2 Samuel. The book of royal government in the hands of David. 11. I Kings. The book of royal government in the hands of Solomon and successors. 12. 2 Kings. The book of royal government in its decline. 13. I Chronicles. The book of God's earthly elect connected with the Throne and the Ark. 14. 2 Chronicles. The book of God's earthly government in the house of David. 15. Ezra. The book of ecclesiastical history upon the return from Babylon. 16. Nehemiah. The book of civil condition, upon the return from Babylon. 1?": :m 80 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 17- 18. self. 19. 20. 21. Esther. The book of God's secret government towards Israel. Job. The book of individual discipline for the learning of Psalms. The book of experimental holy song. Proverbs. The book ot wisdom for the world. Ecclesiastes. The book of one who found the world too small for his heart. 22. Canticles. The book ot one who found the object too great for his heart. 23. Isaiah. The book of comprehensive and magnificent prophecy. 24. Jeremiah. The book of judgment upon Judah, natir>ns, and latter-day blessing. 25. Lamentations. The book of godly feelings in view of Israel's sorrows. 26. Ezekiel. The book of judgment upon Israel and connected nations with future blessing of Israel. 27. Daniel. The book of Gentile political history. 28. Hosea. The book of Israel's moral condition — past, present, and future. 29. Joel. The book of universal judgment and latter-day blessing for Judah. 30. Amos^. The book of certain judgment upon the Gentiles and all Israel, with future resto'"ation of the latter. . . _ 31. Obadiah. The book of judgment upon Edom. 32. Jonah. The book of judgment upon Nineveh, and its repentance. 33. Micah. The book of judgment and future blessing of Jerusalem and Samaria. 34. Nahum. T' c book of utter judgment upon proud Assyria. 35. Habakkuk. The book of Jewish spiritual exercise. 36. Zephaniah. The book of unsparing judgment and blessing upon the remnant of Israel. 37. Haggai. The book of encouragem.ent in rebuilding the Temple. 38. Zechariah. The book of "the last days" connected with Israel. 39. Malachi. The book of Jehovah's last pleadings with Israel. To understand the Old Testament, consider Christ and Israel as the cent/e and key. NEW TESTAMENT. 40. Matthew. Christ, Son of Abraham, and David's Son and Lord according tj promise. 41. Mark. Christ the servant of His Father, and the mceter of man's need. 42. Luke. Christ the Son of Man in Kis service amongst men. 13. John. Christ the Son of God in the moral glory 01 His person and ways. . . , .. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 8i 44. Acts. Christ in heaven, and the energy of the Holy Ghost on earth. 45. Romans. Christianity unfolded. 'j{j.i, 46. I Corinthians. Church order and discipline. 47. 2 Corinthians. Christian ministry and superiority over all circumstances. 48. Galatians. Christian blessing contrasted with law. 49. Ephesians. Christ the measure of Christian standing and blessing. 50. Philippians. Christian exiicrience. 51. Colossians. Christ and his glories — the Church's Head. 52. I Thessalonians. Christ's coming for the eternal blessedness of His people. 53. 2 Thessalonians. Christ's coming for the eternal judgment of unbelievers. 54. I Timothy. Church c Jer according to God. 55. 7 Timothy. Church disorder and the individual pathway. 56. Titus. Christian qualifications for ministry, and godly conduct. 57. Philemon. Christian love counting upon love between brother and brother. 58. Hebrews. Christ the Apostle, Sacrifice, Priest, and Witness. 59. James. Christian morality in and out of the Church and Synagogue. 60. I Peter. God's righteous government in relation to the saints. 61. 2 Peter. God's judgment upon the public Christian profession. 62. I John. Christ the eternal life and power of communion with God. 63. 2 Johi?. Christ and the truth the safeguard against heresy. — International Lesson Monthly. :i THE TRUE SPIRIT OF BIBLE STUDY. ' I. The spirit of implicit faith, recognizing it as the word of God, who is himself the truth. 2. The spirit of self-appropriation, accepting it as th word of God to ME. He speaks to each soul in the Bible as though that soul were alone in the universe. 3. The spirit of cordial assent to all that it teaches, whether the truth be clear or obscure to the understanding, palatable or unpalatable to the moral taste. 4. The spirit of profound reverence for the book and its contents, because of him who is its author, substance and inspiration. The holy oil m the Jewish tabernacle was never put to a profane use under pain of death. Exodus xxx. 32, 33. The old Jews in their private houses never placed another book upon the Bible. They washed their hands before touching it. They refused to sit on the 6 ' !'" 83 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. bench where it lay, and they kissed it as they opened and closed it. Shall the Christian revere less his larger anc" fuller Bible, with its wealth of Gospel truth ? 5. The spirit of prompt and perfect obedience to all that it com- mands ; the obedient spirit is the receptive spirit. Matt. v. 8. 6. The spirit of fervent believing prayer, inspired by a sense of need. As we open the word we should open the heart. We should pray before we study. We should turn the very Scripture we read into a prayer. Moses prayed when the ark was taken up or set down. Paul prayed when he opened, and when he closed his epistles. Since the Spirit of God alone knoweth the deep things of God, we should call upon God for his light when we look into his word. 7. The spirit of patient waiting tor the divine spiritual interpreta- tion. The Spirit of God moves in Scripture. Words which mean little to the carnal mind are weighty with significance to him who is spiritually enlightened. Lines which are dull to the superficial and worldly student, are brilliant to the persistent, diligent, and devout student, who, on bended knee, looks into the mysteries of the word under the illumination cIi. i. 8. Ps'^'ins i. J-3. 2 Tim ii, 15 ; iii. 16, 17. Heb. iv. 1?. " Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly."— Col. iii. 16. TiiR Ieacler.- John xiv. 26; xv. 26 ; xvi. 13-15. I Cor. ii. 9-13. I. 2 3- 4- 5- 6. 7- PREACH THE WORD. •' ' It is Life — Phil. ii. t6. ItisLif^ht. — Psalms cxi.v. 105. It is Power, — Rom. i, 16. It is Pure — Psalms cxix, 140. It is unchanging, — Psalms cxix. 89, It searches — Heb. iv. 12. It judges — ^John xii. 48. THE WORD OF GOD. , I. the preciousness and power of the word. — To what it is compared in the Bible itself.— Psa. cxix, 32, 35 ; Deut. xxxii, 2 ; Psa. xii, 6 ; Isa. Iv, 10, 1 1 ; Psa. xix, 10 : Psa. cxix, 105 ; Psa. cxix, 127 ; Prov. vi, 23 ; Psa. xix, 10 ; Psa. cxix, 14, 72 ; 2 Pet. i, 19 ; Psa. cxix, 103 ; Heb. iv, 12 ; Luke viii, 1 1 ^ Psa. cxix, 162 ; Jer. xxiii, 29. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 87 ) 2. The efficiency of the word.-Ps. cxix, 130 ; Psa. cxix, 50 ; I Pet. i, 22 ; Acts xviii, 28 ; Psa. xix, 7 ; Psa. cxix, II ; Psa, cxix, 99, too ; Psa. cxix, 9 ; ijohnii, 14; John xx, 31 ; John xv, 3 ; Acts XX, 32 ; James i, 2i ; John xvii, 17 ; 2 Tim. iii, 15-17 ; i Thess. ii, 13 ; Eph. V, 26 ; 2 Pet. i, 4. 3. TRUE use of the WORD. — Mk. iv, 24; Josh, i, 8 ; 2 Tim. ii, 15, 16 : Luke viii, 18; Psa. i, 2, 3 ; 2 Tim. ii, 23-26 ; Heb. ii, I ; James i, 22 ; 2 Tim. iv, 2-5 ; Deut, xvii, 18-20 ; Psa. cxix, 54; Titus i, 9, 13, 14; Acts viii, 27, 28 ; Titus ii, 7, 8 ; Psa. cxix, 18 ; Neh. viii ; Deut. vi, 7-9 ; Luke xxiv, 44, 45 ; Deut. xxxi, 9-13 ; Acts xviii, 26; John v, 39; Josh, viii, 32-35; Acts xxviii, 23 ; Acts xvii, li ; 2 Chron. xvii, 9 ; Ezra vii, 10 ; Deut. vi, 6 ; Acts viii, 29-31, 35 ; James i, 21 • 2 Tim. ii, 2. 4. Spirituaitty essential to the RIGHT understanding OF GoD's WORD. — ^John iii, 20, 21 ; Psa. xcvii, 11 ; I Cor. xii, 8 ; John v, 44 ; Psa. xxv, 9 ; Mutt, vi, 22 ; John viii, 43, 47 ; John viii, 3 I, 32 ; Eph. i, I 7. ; 2 Cor. iv, 3, 4. ; i John ii, 20, 27; Jnoh vi, 17 ; i Cor. ii. 12-15 ; Psa. cxii, 4 ; 2 Pet. iii, 18. , ., ,, —Rev. J. H.Vincent, D.D. "THE WORD OF GOD," HOW USED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EFFECTING SALVATION. 1. In Regeneration. — Life springs from a seed. Of the new life, "the seed is the Word of Gcxl." This seed must fall into the understanding, Matt. 13 : 23. 2. By it is the nevvr life begot- ten. James i : 18. 3. Of it is the new life born. I Pet. I : 23. Thus it converts the soul. Ps. 19 : 7. And makes wise unto salvation. 2 Tim. 3 : U-I7- 2. In The Production of Repen- ' .iNCE. — The impenitent heart is hard as a rock. Would you break it ? Jer, xxiii, 29. It is insensible. Would you pierce it ? Use the sword of the Spirit. Eph. vi, 17 ; Heb. iv, 12. How Peter used it on the day of Pentecost. Acts ii, 22-36. See the result in verse 37. 3. In The Production of Saving Faith. — How is faith imparted ? Rom. x: 17. See the whole chap. Instances, Acts viii. 35-38 ; xvi: 32-34; xvii. 11-12. See also, Jno. xx. 31 ; i Cor. .». 5. 4. In the Sanctification of the Believer. — For this Chrisi prayed. Jno, xvii. 17-19. It was Paul's doctrine. Eph. v : 25-27. And Peter's, i Pet. I. 22, Do we desire the conversion of men, and their subsequent development of spiritual character ? How safely, then, may we rely on the Word of God ? Is. Iv, lo-ii. —Rev. J. H. Castle, D.D. THE WORD OF GOD. 1. Is OF Divine Origin. — It was God who spoke through all the Prophets. Heb. I. I. It was God who by His Spirit inspired the writers of the Scrip- tures, they were not its authors, it was God's Word. 2 Pet. L 21. At last God spoke Himself. Heb. T. 2. The Divine mind became incarnate. John I, I. 2. Hence the Authority of the Word of God. — When God speaks, men should hear and obey. We nowhere read "hear ye the word of Moses, of Samuel, of David," but " hear ye the Word of the Lord," Jer. xxii. 29. The Bible is not a Book of opinions ; it is not simply true, it is Truth divine, abso- lute, final. John xvii. 17. 3. The Unspeakable Value of this Word. — "Words" are the me- dium of communication between mind and mind, the " Word of God " is the mind of God. If there be a God it is of the ut- most importance that we communicated to man should know what His mind is concerning us. It is essential to man's true life tha.t he should have this mind of God. Men may exist, but they cannot live without Jt. Luke iv, 4. p 88 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 4. Some Characteristics of the Word of God.— It is Divine power to a divine end — salavtion. Rom. I. 16. It illumines, Ps. cxix. 130. It quickens, Ps. cxix. 25. It cleanses, John xv. 3. It emancipates, John xiii. 32. It is a lamp for stumbling feet, and a light for dark paths. I's. cxix. 105. It is as gentle as the dew or the rain. Deut. .cxxi. 2. It is a "hammer" for the stubborn. Jer. xxiii, 29. Its precepts, supply laws for life. Its examples, stimulate to holiness. Its promises, comfort when all else fails. Happy the man who loves the Word of God. Ps. cxix. 127. Woe to him who scorns this word, for it will be his fall. Matt. vii. 24, 29. — Thomas W, Handford. Meditate on the Word of God. — Psa. i.2. Live up to the Word of God. — ^Joshua i.8. THE WORD OF GOD. For Conversion. — ^James i. 18, 2X ; I Pet i. 23, 25 ; Jno. iii. 5 ; Titus iii.5. For Cleansing. — ^John xv. 3 ; Eph. V. 26 ; Ps. cvii. 20 ; Ps. cxix. 9. For Growth. — i Pet. ii.2. '. ! What it is. It is the sword of the Spirit. — Eph. vi. 17 ; Rev. ii. 16. It is the word of life. — Rev. xix. 15 ; Phil. ii. 16; Deut. viii. 3. '' ' It is like as a fire and as a hammer which breaketh the rock in pieces. — Jer. xxiii. 29. It is a two edged sword. — Heb. iv. 12. It is the only, but sufficient, ground of confidence for time or eternity. — ^John x. 28 -; Num. xxiii. 19. " Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." ,,j —Col. Burton. THE BIBLE. Read the Bible. John v. 39. For it is God's Book. Isaiah xxxiv, 16. Obey the Bible, i Peter iv, 17. For it is God's law. Psa. xix. 7. Love the Bible. Deut. vi. 4-9. For it is God's gift. Ezek. xx. 11. Tmst the Bible. Isa. xxvi. 4. For it is God's promise. Heb. vi. 13-20. Vou are in darkness. Eph. v. 8. It is your lantern. Psa. cxix. 105-130. You are in the enemy's land. 2 Cor. iv. 4. It is your sword. Eph. vi. 17. You are in the midst of sin. John iii, 19. It is your safeguard. Psa. cxix, 9-n. You are exposed to falsehood. John viii. 4.|, It is truth. John xvii. 17. It tells the sinner of a Saviour, Matt. i. 21, It promises the slave Freedom. John vm. Isa. It proclaims to the rebel pardon, Iv. 6, 7. It assures the weak of strength. Isa. XXV. 4. It guides the lost to heaven. John xiv. 6. It tells the dead of life. Prov. viii. 35, Eph. ii. 1-8. It points the exile to a home. 2 Sam, xiv. 14. It offers the weary rest. Matt, xi, 28, 30- .'J .t CXIX. i .n-v.' cxix. THE WORD OF GOD. Love the Word of God.— Fsa, 140. Search the Word of God. — ^John v. 39. Understand the Word of God. — Luke xxiv. 45. SCRIPTURE EMBLEMS, 1. A lamp, lantern, light, Psa 105 ; Prov. vi, 23, 2. A Fire. Jer. xxiii. 29. 3, A Hammer, Jer. xxiu. 29. 4. A Sharp Sword. Eph, vi. 17 ; Heb. iv, 12. 5, A Graft. James i, 21, 6, A Glass Mirror. James i. 23, 24, 7, Pure Mi.k, 1 Pet. ii. 2. 8. The Food of the Soul. Jer. xv. 16. See the heading of Acts in our Au« [ thorized version. ^j-^Hi.M.. . --j-^-».^. ..^ -.. J .■.£iw« : -;BSfci4iftife&i^.^jaiaai(M&B a fi^to — ^,t.>(i',- -r 90 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. THE SOUL'S CRY AND THE SAVIOUR'S ANSWER. 1 ARRANGED BY RALPH WELLS. Lord, be Thou my Helper : Ps. xxx. 10. Fear not ; I will hHp thee : Isa. xli. 13. O Lord, I am in trouble : Ps. xxxi. 9. Call up0n Me in the day of Irotiile, and I loill deliver thee : Ps. I. 15. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin ; Ps. li. 2. /will; be thou clean: Matt. viii. 3. Keep the door of my lips : Ps. cxli. 3. / will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shall say : Exod. iv. 12. God be merciful to me a sinner : Luke xviii. 13. Christ jfesus came into the world to save sinners : I Tim. i. 15. What must I do to be saved ? : Acts xvi. 30. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved : Acts xv. 31. that I knew where I might find Him ! Job xxiii. 3. Ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me xvith all your heart .* Jer. xxix. 13. Behold I am vile, what shall I answer Thee ? Job xl. 4. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow : Isa. i. 18. Create in me a clean heart, O God : Ps. v. 10. A new heart also will /give you : Ezek. xxxvi. 26. 1 am weary with my groaning : Ps. vi. 6. Cast thy burden upon the Lord : Ps. Iv. 22. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation : Ps. xxvii. 9. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee : Heb. xiii. 5. Who is sufficient for these things ? 2 Cor. ii. 16. My grace is sufficient for thee : 2 Cor. xii. 9. My soul tliirsteth for God, for the living God : Ps. xlii. 2. Thine eyes shall see the Kin^ in his beauty : Isa. xxriii. 17. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning ; Ps. xxx. 6. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength : Isa. xl. 31. The terrors of death are fallen uoon me : Ps. Iv. 4. He that believeth on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : John xi. 25. Come, Lord Jesus : Rev. xxii. 20. Surely I come quickly : Rev. xxii. 20. , ^W THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION. Ephesians I. 13, ^- '•' T HE only true God. — John xvii. 3. ' -he God of all grace. — i Peter v, 10. he only wise God, our Saviour. — ^Jude 25. H-o ! every one that thirsteth f^wt'. — Isaiah Iv. I. -ear and your soul shall live. — Isaiah Iv. 3. -ave faith in God. — Mark xi. 22. [John iii. 3. E-xcept a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. — -very good gift is from above. — ^James i. 17. -ven Eternal Life. — i John ii. 25. . 1 's. G S P E L F NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. od it Lffvf. — I Tohn iv. i6. _-od who is rich tn mercy. — Ephesians ii. 4 '' od who hath reconciled us to Himself. - 9t 2 Cor. V. 1 8. •ne thing is needful. — Luke x. 42. -btain salvation. — i Thessalonians v. 9. •nly believe. — Mark v. 36. -alvation is come unto the Gentiles. — Romans xi. li. -alvation which is in Christ Jesus. — 2 Timothy li. 10. -urely His salvation is nigh. — Psalm Ixxxv. 9. -eace through the blood of His cross. — Colossians i. 20. •eace with God. — Romans v. i. -erfecied for ever. — Hebrews x. 14. -ternal Redemption. — Hebrews ix. 12. •xceeding great and precious promises. — 2 Peter i. 4. ternal glory.- -2 Timothy ii. 10. •ord if Thou wilt Thou canst make me clean. — Luke v. -ook unto Me and ix; ye saved. — Isaiah xlv. 22. ord I believe. — ^John ix. 38. 12. -ught not (.'h'ist to have suflV red — Luke xxiv. 26. -nee suff red for sins, the just fur the unjust. — I Pet. m. -ffeied Himself without spot to God. — Hebrews ix. 14. -ull of grace and truth. — John i. 14. -reely ye have received, freely give. — Matthew x. 8. ollow ihou yJ/^ 1^ l£ t m I.I 2.0 1.25 6' 1.8 1.4 11.6 ^^M ^^^ VI c*^ -.<"! > '^ > /^ /; ^y f o / Photographic Sciences Corporation \ 1. «. \\ ^^ c^ a ' 23 WEST .MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 I w. CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1980 •92 NOTES FOR BIBLE RBADIMGS. V A T I N -ain is the help of man.— Psalm Ix. ii. -ictory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -csK«';^ of mercy. — Roiaaiis ix. 23. I Cor XV. 57. -ccording to His mercy He saved us. — Titus, iii. 5, -hraham believed God. — Romans iv. 3. -ccordirnj to your faith be it unto you. — Matthew ix. -hus saith the lord. — Exodus iv. 22, -hy sins are forgiven, — Luke vii, 48, -hy faith hath saved thee, go in peace.— Luke vii. 50- •f Christ be not raised ye are yet in your sins. — i Cor. •know that tny Redeemer H7;l '■■ i 94 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. AGAINST CHRIST. ! m IN THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. MICAH III. 1'. "The hends tl^creof jn'V^e for rewprd, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and ihe p,(t;-lieis ''i \ '. .e;s - Dociors of the law — Scribes — Lawyers — RulciS o.'" Syii.-'-Mi,!'^-- rj?e ('A\'^i Triesis- -The chief of the people — The Elders- Judas IscariiM--C:i;'« .li.is — '.J;'{')tai;is < f the TempK" — Herod- -Men of War — Piluie, iv. 28-29 They in ihe Synagogue we-e filled with wrath. .Thrust Him ovt of I he i-'ly..L..'d him unio ihe biow of the hill.. That they might casv Him down. V. 17&21 Pharisees and doctors of the law. .Scribes and Pharisees began to reason. Scribes and Pharisees murmured against His disciples. Phaiisees said, why do ye ihat which is not lawful? II Scribes and nharisees watched Him.. That they might find an accusa'.ion. .They were filled with madness. Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God. V. vi. vi. VII. XI. XIX. xix. XX. XX, 30 2 30 Xlll. 14 xiii. 31 XIV. I &3 :xv. 2 XVI. 14 XVII. 20 39 47 1-2 53-54 The Scribes and Pharisees began to urge Him vehemently. . Provoke him to speak of many things, laying wait. . . Seeking to catch something out of His mouth, that *hey might accuse Him. The ruler of the Synagogue answered with indignation. There came. . Pharisees saying, .get thee out. . Herod will kill thee. The lawyers and Pharisees watched Him. The Pharisees and Sciibes murmured. The Pharisees, .who were covetous, .derided Him- He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come. Some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said . . rebuke ihy disciples. The chief priests and the scribes sought to destroy Him. The chief priests and the scribes came upon Him, with the elders. . saying. . By what authority doest thou these things ? or who is he that gave Thee ihis authority ? 19-20 The chief priests and the scribes, .sought to lay hands on Him. They watched Him, and sent forth spies., feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of His words, xxii. ?. The cb'el priests and scribes sought how they might kill him. xxii. 3 to 'Judas Iscarioi. .communed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray Him. .they covenanted to give him money, xxii. 52 The chief priesis and captains of the Temple and the elders . .were come., as ag.iinst a thief, with swords and staves, xxii. 66 The elders, .the chief priests and the scribes .. led him into their council, xxiii. 10 The chief priests and scribes, .vehemently accused Him. xxiii. II Herod with his men of war set Him at nought and mocked Him xxiii. 24-25 Pilate gave sentence . .he delivered Jesus to their will. )V. V. VI. vii. viii. viii. ix. ix. xi. xii. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. FOR CHRIST. 95 IN THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE = ST. MARK XII. 37. " The common people heard Him gladly." Great, innumerable multitudes of the people. The publicans — Sinners. iv. 42 The people sought Him, and came unto Him . . and stayed Him that He should not depart. V. 15 Great multitudes came together, to hear.. to be healed. vi. 17 to 19 • A great multitude of people, .came to hear, .to be healed .. sought to touch Him. vii. 29 All the people, .and the publicans, justified God. viii. 4 Much people were gathered together. viii. 40 The people gladly received Him. .they were all waiting for Him, ix. II The people. .'^oUowed Him. ix. 37 Much people met Him. xi. 29 The people were gathered thick together, xii. I Gathered together an innumerable multitude of people.. they trode one upon another. xiii. 17 All vhe people rejoiced. * XV. I DrckV near. . the publicans and sinners, .to hear. xviii. 43 All the people, .gave praise unto God. xix. 17 The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice. xix. 48 AH the people were very attentive to hear Him. XX. 19 And they feared the people. xxi. 38 All the people came early in the morning, .to hear Him, xxii. 2 For they feared ihe people. xxii. 6 Betray Him. . In the absence of the multitude. xxiii. 37 There followed Him a great company of people which .. bewailed and lamented. xxiii. 48 All the people «mote their breasts. fW'vimf^^'i^i'^Mf^l 96 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. I MISERY REQUIRES MERCY. Jesus Christ wants to make you happy. — Psalm xxiii. Jesus Christ wants to give joy.— John xvi. 22-24. Jesus Christ wants to give peace. — ^John xiv. 27. Jesus Christ wants to wipe away my tears. — Isaiah xxv, S; Rev. vii. 17. Jesus Christ wants to stop every sigh. — Isaiah xxv, 10. Jesus Christ wants to satisfy hunger and thirst.— John vi. 35 ; Matt. v. 6 ; Psalm cvii. 9. Jesus Christ wants to give rest to the weary. — Isaiah xxvi. 3. SEVEN THINGS THE UNSAVED HAVE. No God. Eph. ii. 12. No Christ. Rom. viii. 9. No Life. I John v. 12. No Peace. Rom. iii. 1 7. No Hope. Eph. ii. 12. No Excuse. Rom. i. 20. No Escape. Heb. ii. 3. " COMES " OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Come and see. John i. 39. Come unto Me. Matt. xi. 28. Come down. Luke xix. 5. Come. . . .apart and rest. Mark vi. Come forth. John xi. 43. Come and dine. John xxi. 12. Come, ye blessed. Matt. xxv. 34. I will COME again. John xiv. 3. 3»- lili SEVEN OTHER " COMES." Come into the ark. Gen. viii. i. Come, let us reason together I a i 18. Come, My people, enter into thy chambers. Isa. xxvi. 20. Come ye to the waters. Isa. Iv. i. Come out and be ye separate. 2 Cor. vi. 1 7. Come out of her, My people Rev. xviii 4 Come up hither. Rev. iv. i. WHAT SHALL I DO WITH CHRIST ? He created me. Col. i. 16. He upholds me. Heb. i. 3. He redeemed me. Isa. xliii. i. He is my mediator, i Tim. ii. 5. He is my advocate, i John ii. i. He is my brother. Mark iii. 35. He is my Saviour. 2 Peter iii. 18. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoso- ever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii. 16. GOD'S WORDS. Man lost. Rom. iii. 12 ; iii. 22, 23 ; Ec. vii. 20. Isa. liii. 6. Redemption provided. Isa. xliii. i ; i Cor. vi. £0 ; i Peter i. 18, 19 ; Isa. xHv, 22. Substitute offered. I Peter ii. 24 ; Isa. 1. 8 ; liii. 11 ; Rom. v. i. Sins forgiven. Eph. iv. 32; Matt. vi. 14; Isa. i. 18; Isa. xliii. 25. IF Man accepts His word, i John i. 4 ; xi. 2. Man accepts His name. Acts, x 43. Man receives His gift. John iii. 16 ; i. 12. Man loves His counsel. Psa. cxix. 97 ; Isa. Iv, 6. Man follows His teaching. Psa, cxix. 2 ; I John V. 13. JESUS CHRIST,OUR SIN BEARER. John i. 29 ; Isa. liii ; Rom, iv. 25 ; 2 Cor. V. 17-21 ; I Peter ii. 25 ; Heb. ix. 26-28 ; Acts xiii. 38-39 ; Heb. i. 3 ; I John iii. 5 ; Heb. x. 12-14. JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOUR. Matt. i. 21 ; Luke Xix. 10 ; i. Tim. i. 15 ; Lsa. Ixiii. 2 ; Heb. ix. 12*; Gal. i=:. 13 ; I John iv. 14-15 ; iPeter i. 18, 19 ; Rom. iv. 25 ; Isa. xiv. 21, 22, 27 iii. ix. 24: Act 18; Col YO siai T 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 97 HELPS FOR INQUIRERS. Do you doubt ? read i John v. 13 ; Hi. 2, 14, 24. Have you strayed ? read Jer. ii. 5, 19, 27, 32 ; Jer. iii. 12-14, 22. Are you good enough ? read Rom. iii. lo,ji2, 23 ; Isa. i. S, 6 ; i John i. 10. Too great a sinner ? refd Isa. i. 18 ; liii. 4, 5 ; xliii. 25 ; xliv. 2^ ; Rom. v. 6. Don't know how ? read John i. 12 ; iii. 15, 16, 18, 36 ; vi. 29, 47 ; Isa. xxvi. 3 ; Psa. xxxiv. 8 ; Rev. xxii. 17 ; Rom. vi. 23 ; Isa. Iv. I. Do you trust and doubt .•' read Rom. 9, 10 ; Matt. X. 32. Afraid you will fail ? read Isa. xlvi. IQ, 13 ; 2 Tim. i. 12; Rom. viii. 38, 39; Col. iii. 3. 4. Heed the invitations. Read Matt. xi. 28 ; Rev. iii. 20 ; Rev. xxii. 17. OUR STATE OF NATURE Rom. iii. 9-23 ; Rom. v. 12 ; Col. ii. 13 ; Gal. iii. 22 ; Eph. ii. 1-3; Isa. Ixiv. 6 ; Job xiv. 4 ; Psa. Ii. 5 ; Gen. vi. 5 ; Jer. xvii. 9, Foh. iv. 18 ; Eph. ii. 12. JESUS CHRIST, THE SOURCE OF PEACE. Col. i. 20 ; Eph, ii. 14, 17,; John xiv. 27 ; Rom. V. i ; Phil. iv. 7 ; 2. Thess. iii. 16 ; John xvi. 33 ; Zech. ix. 10 ; Isa. ix. 6, 7 ; Isa. xxvi. 3. FORGIVENESS. Isa. i. 18 ; 'Eph, i. 7 ; Col. i. 14 ; Rom. iii. 25 ; Acts v. 31 ; xiii. 38, 39 ; Isa. xliii. 25 ; xliv. 22 ; Psa. Ixxxvi. 5 ; Isa. Iv. 7 ; Luke vii. 36-50 ; Micah vii. 18 ; Ex. xxxiv. 6, 7 ; i John i. 9 ; Mark ii. 5 ; Psa. xxxii. 1,2; Psa. ciii. 3, 12. JESUS CHRIST. A LIVING SAVIOUR. Rom. viii. 34 ; Rom. vi. 8, 9 ; Heb. ix. 24 ; Heb. vii. 25, 26 ; Heb. x. 12, 13 > Acts ii. 22-36; Acts V. 30, 31 ; Rev. i. 17 18 ; John xiv. 19 ; Matt, xxviii. 18, 20 Col. iii. 1-4. COME. Come and see. John i. 39. Come anr' rest. Matt. xi. 28-30. Come and dine. John xxi. 12. Come and drink. John vii. 37, Come and buy. Isa. Iv. i. CHRIST SAYS Come unto Me — for rest of soul. Matt. xi. 28. Follow Me— for growth in grace. John xxi. 19. Abide in Me — for power to serve. John XV. 4. FOR WHOM DID JESUS DIE ? Galatians ii. 20 ; Romans v. 6 ; Rom. V, 8 ; Romans v. 10; i Peter iii. 18 ; i Timothy i. 15 : 2 Corinthians ii. 10. CHRIST JESUS. OUR SAVIOUR. " Shall save His people." Matt. i. 21 ; Jer. xxiii. 6. "Seek and save." Luke xix. 10. " Camp to save sinners." i Tim. i. 13. "Beside me no Saviour." Isaiah xliii. II. "By His own blood." Heb. ix. 12. "Christ hath redto/.ied." Gal. iii. 13. "Father sent." i John iv. 14, 15. "Precious blood." i Peter i. 18, 19. " Raised for justification." Rom. iv.25. " Look unto me and be saved." Isaiaii xiv. 21, 22. ' ' Exalted to be a Saviour. ' ' Acts v. 3 1 . "Captain of salvation." Heb. ii. 10. " Author of salvation." Heb. v. 9. YOU MAY KNOW THAT YOU ARE SAFE. I John v. 13 ; 2 Timothy i. 12 ; Colos- sians i. 14 ; John v. 24 : John iii. 36. 7 CHRIST JESUS. THE SOURCE OF PEACE. "Peace through blood of His cross." Col. i. 20. " He is our peace." Eph. ii. 14, 17. " Peace I leave with you." John xiv.27. " Peace with God." Rom. v. i. Peace of God." Phil. iv. 7. "Lord of peace." 2 Thess. iii. 16. "In Me ye have peace." John xvi. 33. " Prince of peace." Isaiah ix. 6, 7. "Perfect peace." Isaiah xxvi. 3. 98 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ADOPTION. What we are by nature. Eph. ii. 1, 3-12. Cast out polluted. Ezek. xvi. 5, 6. God gives life and washes. Ezek. xvi. 6, 9. God's question and answer. Jer. ill. 19. "Now sons of God." i John iii. 2. "Power to become sons of God." John i. 12. '.'Restores likeness lost in Adam." Eph. iv. 23, 24. " Spirit of adoption." Rom. viii. 15. " Makes members of Christ's body." Eph. V. 29, 30. " Children — then heirs." Rom. viii. 17. "Partakers of Divine Nature." 2 Peter 1-4. "Led by the Spirit."Rom. viii. 14, GOD'S DESCRIPTION OF YOU "WHO ARE UNCONVERTED. Dedd in trespass and sins. Eph. ii. I. Abominable. Job xv. 16. Corrupt. Psalms liii. i. Filthy. Psalms xiv. 3. Lost. Luke xix. 10. Miserable. Rev. iii. 17. Blind. 2 Cor. 4; Isaiah liii, 2. Naked. Rev. iii. 17. Ungodly. Rom. v. 6. Full of evil. Eccl. ix, 3. Mad. Eccl. ix. 3. Deceitful and desperately wicked. Jer. xvii. g. Enemies. Rom. v. 10. Hopeless. Eph. ii. 12. Children of disobedience. Eph. ii. 2. Far off, aliens. Eph. ii. 12, 13. Deaf. Psalms Iviii. 4, 5. Without excuse. Rom. i. 20. Laden with iniquity. Isaiah i. 4 — 6. Every imagination of the thoughts of his heart only evil continually. Gen. vi. 5. All guilty before God. Rom. iii. 19. There is no difference. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Rom. iii. 22, 23. FOURTEEN CRIES WITH WHICH JESUS WAS MET. The cry of defiance. Matt. viii. 29. The cry of faith. Matt.^ix, 27. The cry of terror. Matt. xiv. 26. The cry of danger. Matt. xiv. 30. The cry of intercession. Matt. xv. 23. The cry of importunity. Matt, xx.31. The ery of homage. Matt. xx. g. The cry of the children. Matt. xxi. 15. The cry of hatred. Matt, xxvii. 23. The cry of involuntary subjection. Mark iii. 11. The cry of weak failn. Mark ix. 24. The cry of baffled rage. Mark ix. 26. The cry of testimony. John i. 15. The cry of rejection. John xix. 15, Reader, which will you take up ? W.H.S. GODS WAY OF RECONCILIA- TION. "Without shedding of blood is no remission. ' Heb. ix. 22. "It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Lev. xvii. 11. "When I see the blood I will pass over you." Exodus xii. 13. "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. v. 8. ' ' In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Eph. i. 7. "Who His own self baje our sins in His own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteous- ness; by whose stripes ye were healed." 1 Peter ii. 24. "And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." 2 Cor. v. 18. "To wit, that God was in Christ recon- ciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Cor. v. 19. " Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. v. 20. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no si^, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. v. 21. e;-«C, 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 9J COD'S INVITATIONS TO COME. " Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord ; though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow, though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool." Isaiah i. i8. " Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money ; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isaiah Iv. i. " Come, for all things are now ready." Luke xiv. 17. "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. xi. 28. "Jesus stood and cried, saying. If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink." John vii. 37. "And let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. xxii. 17. "He that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out." John vi. 37. THE RESULT OF BELIEVING. " God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John iii. 16. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John iii. 36. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me hath everlasting life- and shall not come into condemnation, but is j^^ssed from death unto life.' John v. .^. "These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through His name." John xx. 31. " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Aots xvi. 31. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. x. g. " To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth on Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts x. 43 - CONSEQUENCES OF UNBELIEF. " If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." John viii. 24. " He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar." i John v. 10. " He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John iii. 18. " He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John iii. 36. " How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation ?" Heb. ii. 3. "To-day, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. iv. 7. THE UNIVERSAL TIME TABLK THE SINNERS — NOW ! r Thus saith the Lord, now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Him- self. — Hebrews ix. 26. Now is Christ risen from the dead. — I Cor. XV. 20. Come now, and let us reason to- gether, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool. — Isaiah i. 18. Now is the accepted time, Now is the day of salvation. — 2 Cor. vi. 2. Come, for all things are now ready. — Luke xiv. 17. THE believer's — NOW ! Thus saith the Lord, There is there foEe now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. — Romans viii, I. Now in Christ Jesus ye who some- times were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. — Eph. ii. 13. Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him ; for we shall see Him as He is. And every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. — i John iii. 2, 3. ''I 'I H5" ZOO NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. I FALSE PEACE. Deuteronomy xxix. 19, 20; Jeremiah vi. 14; Jeremiah xxxiii. 16, 17; Isaiah xxviii. 15, 17; I Thessalonians v. 3; James i. 22. ETERNAL LIFE IS THfe GIFT OF GOD. I John V. 11; John x. 28; John iii. 16, 17; Ephesians ii. 8, 9; Romans vi. 2, 3; John i. 12. WHAT GOD SAYS OF MY SlNS WHEN I TRUST IN JESUS. Blotted out. Isa. xliii. 25 ; xliv. 22; Acts iii. 19. Borne by another, i Peter ii. 24. Cast behind God's back. Isa. xxxviii. Covered. Rom. iv. 7. Cast into the depths of the sea. Mic. vii. 19. Finished. Dan. ix. 24. Forgiven. Col. ii. 13. Not beheld. Num. xxiii. 21. Not imputed. Rom. iv. 8. Not remembered. Heb. viii. 12. Pardoned. Micah vii. 18. Passed away. Zach. iii. 4. Purged. Heb. i. 3. Put away. Heb. ix. 26. Acts x. 43. Psalms ciii. 12. Micah vii. 19. Sought for and not found. Jer. 1. 20. Washed away with blood, i John i. 7. Taken away. Isa. vi. 7. Remitted. Removed. Subdued. THE SINNER AND THE SAVIOUR The Sinner. The wages of sin is death. Rom. vi. 23- God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke xviii. 13. What must I do to be saved ? Acts xvi. 30. The Saviovr. The gift of God is eternal life. Rom. vi. 23. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoso- ever believoth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii. t6. The Sinner I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job xlii. 6. Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Psalm Ii. 9. The Saviour. I have blotted out, as a thick clou '. thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins : return unto Me ; for I have re- deemed thee. Isaiah xliv. 22. The Sinner. Cast me not away from Thy presence ; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Psalm Ii. II. The Saviour. Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. John vi. 37. The Sinner. All we like sheep have gone astray.. Isaiah liii. 6. The Saviour. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilder- ness, and go after that which is lost until he find it ? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Luke xv. 4, 5. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke xix. 10. The Sinner. Shew me Thy ways, O Lord ; teach me Thy paths. Psalm xxv. 4. The Saviour. Search the Scriptures. John v. 39. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Tim. iii. 16. The Sinner. Open Thou mine eyes, that I may be- hold wondrous things out of Thy law. Psalm cxix. 18. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. Psalm xxvii. 9. The Saviour. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Heb. xiii. 5. Yea. I have loved thee with an ever- i lasting love ; therefore with loving-kind» I ness have I drawn thee. Tor. xxxi. 3. Lovest thou Me ? John xxi. 17 NOTES FOR BIBLE RFADINGS. lOI The Sinner. Lord, Thou knowest all things ; Thou Icnowest that I love Thee. John xxi. 17. The Saviour. If ye love Me, keep My. command- ments. John xiv. 15. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another ; as I have loved you, that ye alsa love one another. John xiii. 34. The Sinner. To will is present with me ; but how to perform that vvhich is good I find not. For the good that I wouid I do not ; but the evil which I would not, that I do. Rom. vii. 18, ig. The Saviour. My grace is sufficient for thee ; for My strength is made perfect in weakness. J2 Cor. xii. 9. The Sinner. Lord, increase our faith. Lukaxvii. 5. The Saviour. Ask, and it shall be given you. Luke xi. 9. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone ? Luke xi. II. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him ? Luke xi. 13. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good- ness, faith, meekness, temperance. Gal. V. 22, 23. The Sinner. O Lord my God, in Thee do I put my trust ; save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Psalm vii. I. The Saviour. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. iii. 12. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake ; for theirs is the Jungdom of heaven. Matt. v. 10. Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also con- fess before the angels of God. Luke xii. 8. The Sinner. Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe. Psalm cxix. 117. The Saviour. Fear thou not ; for I am with thee : be not dismayed ; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, 1 will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Isaiah xh. 10. The Sinner. The Lord is my light and my salva- tion ; whom shall 1 fear ? The Lord is my strength of my life ; of whom shall I be afraid ? Psalm xxvii. i. Yea. though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I %vill fear no evil : for Thou art with me ; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Psalm xxiii. 4. The Saviour. 1 am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. John xi. 25, 26. Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that heareth My word, and believeth on Kim that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death unto life. John v. 24. The Sinner. O death, where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victory ? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Chnst. 1 Cor. xv. 55, 57. The Saviour. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. ii. 10. Surely I come quickly. Rev. xxii. 20. The Sinnek. Amen. Even so, come. Lord Jesus. Rev. xxii. 20. zoa NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. M'il* Words op Comfort for the Sick. 1. Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Matt. viii. 17. 2. Jesus went about healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matt. iv. 23. 3. They that are whole need not a physician ; but they that are sick. Luke V. 31. 4. Say in a word, and my servant shall be healed And they that tvere sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. Luke vii. 7-10. 5. Lord, he whom Thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that. He said, This sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. John xi. 3, 4. 6. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing : Thou wiit make all his bed in his sickness. Psalm xli. 3. 7. The inhabitants shall not say, I am sick. Isaiah xxxiii. 24. HELPFUL PASSAGES FOR DIF- FERENT CLASSES OF SEEKERS. For Backsliders. — ^Jer. ii. ig ; iii. 13, 14 ; Hosea xiv. 4. For the Slightly Convicted. — Rom. iii. 10, 23 ; vii. 24; i John i. 10; Eccl. vii. 20 ; Isa. liii. 6 ; Psa. cxliii. 2 ; Acts xiii. 39 ; Gal. ii. 16 ; Eph. ii. 8, 9. For those who are too Great Sinners. — Isa. i. 18; xliii. 25 ; xliv. 22; Rom. v. 6; I Peter ii. 24; Rev. xxii. 17. For those who are afraid they will not Hold Out. — I Peter iv. 19 ; Psa. cxxi. i ; Isa. xliii. 2 ; i Cor. x. 13 ; 2 Cor. xii. 9 ; Rom. viii. 38, 39. For those who Stumble at the Incon- sistencies of Christians. — Rom. xiv. 12 ; Jno. xxi. 21, 22 ; Matt. vii. i, 3 ; Rom. ii. I ; xiv. 3, 4. For those who have Tried to Become Christians Without Success. — Jer. xxax. 13 ; Deut. iv. 29 ; Rom. iv. 5. For those who Wait a M^re Conveni- ent Season. — Prov. xxvii. i ; James iv. 13, 17; 2 Cor. vi. 2 ; Heb. iii. 13. For those who have too many things to Give Up. — Mark viii. 35, 37 ; Phil. iii. 7.8. Foi those who want to Know How to Believe. — Jno. v. 24. It is to receive, Jno. i. II, 12. It is to trust. Isa. xxvi. 3, 4. It is to take. Rev. xxii. 17. Results of believing : Joy. — ^Jno. xv. 11 ; Rest — xi. 28. Peace — xiv. 27. Inquirers who have believed some- times are in darkness, because they have not confessed. Rom. x. 10. Contrast instances of Conversion, Paul. Acts ix. Cornelius, Acts x. For skeptical Inquirers. — ^Jno. vi. 40 ; Psa. XXV. 14; Jno. vii. 17. WE IN OUR NATURAL STATE, ARE— Born in sin : Psa. Ii. 5. Under the curse: Gal. iii. 10; Eph. ii. 3. As prisoners before the bar of God, con- demned already : John iii. 18; Rom. iii. 19-23. JUSTIFICATION— Frees the sinner (who by nature stands guilty before God) from condemnation. Isa. liii. 6 ; liv. 17; Rom. viii. 1-33. It is the act of God. Isa. 1. 8 9. Not of works. Gal. iii. 11. But freely by His grace. Rom. iii. 24 ; Ps. ciii. 2, 3 ; Eph. i. 6. Through Christ alone. Acts iv. 12 ; Rom. V. 18, 19. And secured by God's faithfulness and justice, i John i. 9. It is NOT by righteousness impart- ed to ivs, or inherent in us ; but through Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to us. 2 Cor. V. 21. Not only are we thereby freed from condemnation, but we are accounted righteous. Isa. Ixi. 10; Rom. V. 18. We are called by the very same name as Christ. Jer. xxiii. 6 ; xxxiii. 16. Have a good title to eternal life. Titus iii. 7. And our glorification is ensured. Rom. viii. 30. We work not FOR justification, but from, after, or because of justification. Gal. ii. 1&-21 ;. Rom. viii. 1-4, NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 103 . OUR SALVATION IS— Not of works. Eph. ii. 9. It is by grace through faith. Eph. ii. 8. And flows to us through ordinances appointed by Christ himself. Rom.i. 16 ; Mark xvi. 16. I Cor. xi. 23-26; Psa. cxlv. 18, 19. GOOD WORKS— Are the evidence and fruits of faith. James ii. 17-20. They do not precede justification. Rom. iv. 3-8. They are not " the meritorious or procuring cause" of justification. Rom. iii. 20; Acts xiii. 39. But they follow justification. Rom. vi. 18-22. REGENERATION- IS the new birth — "he second birth. It imparts a new nature. Without it none can see the kingdom of God. John iii. 3-5. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. John i. 13 ; iii. 5-6. By means of the Word of God. James i. 18; i Pet. i. 23. It changes the will, the affec- tions, and the conduct : causes us to hate sin, and produces likeness to God. Eph. iv. 20-24. The evidences of the new birth are — A belief that Jesus is the Christ. I John v. i-io. And living only for God's glory. 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. adoption- Is God's receiving us into his family. I John iii. i ; Rom. viii. 15, 16. Making us His. John i. 12 ; 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. Making us co-heirs with Christ. Rom. viii. i; It produces in us — Filial love. I John iv. 19. Filial •bedience. i John V. 1-3. SANCTIFICATION— Follows justification. It is not. like it, perfect, i.e., at once complete and equal in degree in all believers — but it is a progressive work, i Thess. iv. 1-3. Justification is attained through a right- eousness eternal to us, viz., the perfect righteousness of Christ imputed to us. I Cor. i. 30. Sanctification is a work within us — a righteousness imparted to and wrought in us by the Spirit of God. I Cor. vi. II. Justification gives us our title to heaven ; Sanctification makes us meet for heaven. Eph. v. 25-27 ; x Thess. V. 23. THE BLESSEDNESS OF BELIEV- ERS IS BEGUN ON EARTH, AND THEIR GLORIFICATION PERFECTED IN HEAVEN. In this Life— They are blessed with all spiritual blessings. Eph. i. 3. T^ey experience God's presence, favour, and love. John xiv. 23 ; Rom. v. 5. They are already fellow-citizens with the saints Eph. ii. 19. Their joy is full of glorj'. X Pet. I. 8. Angels minister unto them. Heb. i. 14. They are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph. iv. 30. And are changed from glory to glory. 2 Cor. iii. x8; Prov. iv. 18. At D^ath— They feel secure. Ps. xxiii. 4 ; i Cor. xv. 55- 57. They are more than conquerors. Rom. viii. 37-39; 2 Pet. i. 11. They die in the Lord, and are blessed. Rev. xiv. 13. They go to be with Christ which is far better. Philip, i. 23. The soul becomes perfect in holiness. Heb. xii. 23. And enters into glory. 2 Cor. v. 6- 8. The body (united to Christ) rests hi the grave. Isa. Ivii. i, 2; i Thess. iv. 14. Awaiting its redemption. Rom. viii. 23. In the ResUrrectign . — The body sown in dishonour shall be raised in glory. Philip, iii. 21 ; i Cor. xv. 43. The soul and body shall be re-united, i Thess. iv. 15-17 ; I Cor. xv. 51-53. The dead in Christ rise first, i Thess. iv. 16. The redeemed shall appear with him in glory. Col. i'i. 4. They shall be like Him. x John iii. 2 ; Ps. xvii. 15. They shall be glorified with Him. Rom. viii. 16-18 ; 2 Tim. ii. ix, 12. They shall see Him face to face, i Cor. xiii. 12. Experience fulness of joy. Ps. xvi. xi. Serve Him day and night. Rev. vii. 15. And shall be for ever with the Lord, i Thess. iv. 17. 104 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. THE SONG OF THE REDEEMED. Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, Ivev. vii. ID. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blc >d, and hath made us kings and }MHjst3 unto God and his Father ; to him be glory and dominion ior ever and ever. Amen. Kev. i. 5, 0. J. B. A. THINGS WORTH KNOWING. Onr StnU hy Nature. — For I know that in r.ic (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing : for to will is present with me ; but how to pei*fonii that which is good I find not. Rom. vii. 18. The Purpose for w/iieh Christ was mauift'stcd. — And ye know that he was mfuiifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 John iii. 5. Christ Himself. — .\nd we believe and are sure [know] tliat thou ait that Cluist, the Son of the living God. Jolin vi. 69. I am the good shepherd, and know rrw,' sheep, and am known of mine, John X. 14. For the which cause I also siifl'ei" these things : nevertheless I am nH ashamed : for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that whicn I have committed unto him r.gainst that day. 2 Tim. i. 12. The Holy Spirit. — Even the Spirit of truth ; whom the world can not receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him : but ye know him ; for he dwelleth •with you, and shall be in you. John Jiiv. 17. GchI the Father. — And this is life •«ternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent, John xvii. 3. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, > Jung men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, becausie ye have known the Father, i John ii. 13. The Grace of Christ. — For ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ding to his purpose. Rom. viii. 28 though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. 2 Cor. viii. 9. Tlhe L'Tve of Christ. — And to know the love of Christ, v/hich passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all tii«J fulness of God. Eph. iii. 19. Christ Risen. — Jesus saith unto them, come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask Him, who art thou ? knowing that it was the Lord, John xxi. 12. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more ; death aath no more dominion over Him, Rom. vi.g. Piiowing that He which raised up the Lo«d Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 2 Cor. iv. 14. The Way of yustification. — Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that - 'e might be justified by the fiuth of Chrisi and not by the works of the law : for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Gal. ii. 16. That we have Passed from Death unto Lije. — We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brothc; "■•lueth in death, i John iii. 14. Our Election of God. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God, I. Thess. i. 4. According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Eph. i. 4. That we have Eternal Ltfe. — These things have I written unto you that bjlieve on the name of the Son of God : that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. i John v. 13. That all Things rvork Together for our Good. — And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called accor- 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ^05 1 hat oiir Old Man %vas Crtieified 7vith Christ. — Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. Rom. vi. 6,7,8 That Trilmhition leads to Patience and Experience and Hope. — And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also ; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: a" J hope makcth not ashamed ; because tht. love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. v. 3, 4, 5. That Resurrection Awaits Us. — Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in rtie resurrection at the last day. Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrec- tion, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever believeth in Me shaM never die. Believest thou this ? John xi. 24-26. 7Vi0t in the last days Perilous fimes shall Come. — This know also, that in the last days perilous timess shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those -that are good, traitors, heady, high- minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ; having a form of godliness, iDut denying tho power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Tiro. iii. 1-5. That if Death comes 7ve har'e a House in Heaven. — For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from Heaven : if so be that be-ng clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith not by sight). 2 Cor. v. 1-7. That the day of the Lord cometh as a Thief in the Nif^ht. — For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a tliief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and safety ; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child ; and they shall not escape, i Thess. V. 2, 3. IViat Christ our Life shall Appear. — Beloved now are we the sons of God and it coth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. i John iii. 2. That in Heaven we have a better Sn /'Stance than on Earth. — For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods knowing in yourselves that ye have in Heaven a better and an enduring sub- stance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. Heb. x. 34, 35. THINGS WORTH HAVING. Faith in God. — And Jesus answering saith unto them, have ffith iu God. Mark xi. 22. Everlasting Life. — He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life : and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John iii. 36. The Joy of Jesus. — And now come I to thee ; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. John xvii. 13. io6 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. The Light of Zi/^-.— Then spake Jesus again untt) them, saying, I am the light of the world : he that followeth Me shall not wajk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John viii. 12. The Commandmeftts 0/ Jesus. — He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him. John xiv, 21. Hope toward God. — And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and the un- just. Acts xxiv. 15. A Conscienci VoU of Offence. — And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts xxiv. 16. Peace xvith God through out Lord Jesus Christ. — Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. v. i. Access by Faith, into this Grace wherein we Stand. — By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. V. 2. Fruit unto Holiness. — But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and theendeverlasi life. Rom.vi.22. The First Fruits of the Spirit.— And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to-wit, the redemption of our body. Rom. viii. 23. The Holy Ghost xvhich is in us. — What ! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own ? i Oor. vi. 19. A Building of God. — For we know that if our earthly house of this taber- nacle we-" dissolved, we have a building of God, ai. louse not made with hands eternal in th' heavens. 2 Cor. v. i, All Sufficiency. — And God is able ta make all grace abound toward you ; that ye, always having all sufi&ciency in all things, may abound to every good work. 2 Cor. ix. 8. God's Promises. — Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. vii. i. Redemption through the Blood of Christ.— In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, aC' cording to tlie riches of His grace Eph. i. 7. Access ly one Spirit unto the Father. — For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Eph.ii.i8. A desire to Depart and to be with Christ. — For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ ; which is far better. Phil, i. 23- The same Loi'e. — Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love b^ng ot one accord, of one mind. Phii. ii. 2. Promise of the Life that now is, and of that which is to com^,— For bodily exercise profitet)h little : but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. I Tim. iv. 8. A Great Hi^h Priest. — Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of Qod, let us hold fast our profession, Heb. iv. 14. Hope as an Anchor of the Soul. — Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which, entereth into that within the veil. ^ Heb. vi. 19. A Strong Consolation. — That by two immutable things, in which it was mpossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. Heb. vi. 18. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 107 Boldness to Enter into the Holiest. — Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Heb. x. 19. Fello7vs/tip with Him. — If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. I John i. 6. Fello^vship one with Another. — But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. i John i, 7. An Advocate with the Father. — My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, i John ii. I. Boldness in the day of yndgrnent. — Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judg- ment: because as He is, so are we in this world. I John iv. 17. The Petitions that we desire of God. — And if we know that he hears us, what- soever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. \ John V. 15. ASSURANCE OF SALVATION. I Cor. i. 18 ; Heb. x. 39 ; 2 Tim. i. 9 ; Titus iii. 5; Gal. iii. 13; i John v. 11, 13 ; John iii. 18, 36 ; John vi. 47 ; Isa. xliii. I ; Ps. evil. 2 ; John v. 24. HAPPINESS OF THE SAVED. Rev. ii. 17, 26 ; Rev. iii. 5, 12, 2i. FOR ANXIOUS SOULS. The scape goat. Leviticus xvi, 21, 22. Behold the Lamb, &c. John i. 29, All we like sheep, &c. Isaiah liii. 6. As far as the East is from, &c. Psalms ciii. 12. I have blotted out, &c. Isaiah xliv. 22. I even I am He, &c. Isaiah xliii. 25. Having made peace, &c. Colossians i. 20. God is reconciled. 2 Cor. v. 14-21, His own self bare our sins, &c. i Peter ii. 24. His blood cleanseth from all sin. i John i. 7. God hath given to us eternal life, i John V. II. Whosoever shall call on the Lord, Sec, John iii. 15-18. SUDDENLY! Thoughtful and observant men and women must have noticed the events of life that have come upon us suddenly. We find as early as Miriam the Lord spake to her, and she became leprous "suddenly." Num. xii. 4, 10. At the battle of Gibeon Joshua came upon the people " suddenly." Josh. x. 9; xi. 7. The temple was sanctified "suddenly." 2 Chron. xxix. 36. The wicked are cursed " suddenly" (without remedy). Ps, Ixiv. 7; Prov, vi. 15. Yoxmg men are entrapped ** sudd$nly." Prov. vii. 22 ; Eccles. ix. 12. The visitation of the Lord with thun- der, earthquake, noise, storm, tempest, flame, was, and is to be in an instant "suddenly." Isaiah xxix. 5. The daughter of Babylon was made a vwdow and childless — desolate " sudden- ly." Isaiah xlvii. n; xlviii. 3. Jerusalem was destroyed " suddenly." Jer. iv. 20; vi, 26; xv. 8. The war-cry was heard "suddenly." Jer. xviii. 22 ; xlix. 19. Babylon fell " suddenly." Jer. Ii. 8. The spoiler of nations — the proud, covetous, blood-thirsty, and violent, are to be destroyed " suddenly;" Hab. ii. 7. The Refiner and Purifier of the Gold and the Silver shall come " suddenly,*, and who shall abide the day of His coming? Mai. iii. i. Angels ministered to the babe Jesus " suddenly." Luke ii. 13. Jesus was transfigured "suddenly." Mark ix. 8. Demons possessed, and possess, "sud- denly." Luke viii. 28, 33 ; ix. 39. io8 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. The Holy Ghost came " suddenly." Acts ii. 2. Saul of Tarsus was smitten " sudden- Jy." Acts ix. 3. Paul and Silas in prison were liberated " suddenly," and the prison g toler con- verted " suddenly." Acts xvi. 26. This mortal is to put on immortality, and we are to be changed " suddenly ;" "in a moment, in the twinkling of an •eye." 1 Cor. xv. 52, 53. The Master Himself comcth " sud- denly ;" watch therefore. Mark xiii. 36- He who testifieth these things saith, " I come quickly. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." May the Spirit bless this retrospect, and day by day enable us all more de- votedly to work in His strength and more calmly to prepare to meet our God — for every death-roll tells us that old and young die "suddenly." Sarah P. Atkinson. BLINDNESS. Typical — Lev. xxi. 18, 21 ; xxii. 22 ; Deut. XV. 21 ; Mai. i. 8. Spiritual — Jer. v. 21 ; Isaiah xliv. 18 ; xxix. 10, II ; vi. 9, 10; Judges xvi. 20; Is. i. 3 ; Rom. xi. 25 ; 2 Cor. ii. 3, 14, 15. Of the natural man — i Cor. ii. 14 ; 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4 ; John xiv. 17; Acts xxvi. .17, 18; Eph. iv. 17, 18. Exhortation— Eph. v. 8; 2 Peter i. 9.10; I John i. 5, 6; ii. 9, 11; Rev- .iii. 17, 18. SIN— GODS TESTIMONY ABOUT IT. Its Nature. — Sin is the transgression of the law, or lawlessness. 1 John iii. 4. All unrighteousness is sin. i John v. 17. Its Origin. — The devil sinneth from the beginning, j John iii. 8. How it came into this World. — By one man sin entered into the world. Rom. v. 12. And the Lord God commanded the man saying, Of the tree of the know- ledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it. Gen. iii. 16, 17. And he did «at. Gen. iii. 6. Its Extent— To all Men.— The Scrip- tures hath concluded all under sin. Gal. iii. 22. Both Jews and Gentiles, they asc, all uaaer sin, as it is v/ritten, there is none righteous, no not one. Rom. iii. 9, 10. There is no difference; for all have sinned. Rom. iii. 22, 23. There is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not. Ecc. vii. 20. If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. i John i. 8. We are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags. Isa. Ixiv. 6. How it is Revealed. — By the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. iii. 20. I had not known sin but by the law ; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. Rom. vii. 7, 9. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Gal. iii. 24. Its End. — The soul that sinneth it shall die. Ez. xviii. 4. The wages of sin is death. Rom. vi. 23. Sin when it is finished bringeth forth death. James i. 18. Then Jesus said again unto them — if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins. John viii. 21, 24. God Knoivs Them All. — O God thou knowest my foolishness ; my sins are not hid from thee. Psalm Ixix. 5. I'hon hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy counten- ance. Psalm xc. 8. IVill Certainly Find the Sinner. — Be sure your sin will ifind tyou out. Num. xxxii. 23. Fools make a mock at sin. Prov. xiv. 9. Reader, do you* think lightly of sin ? Do you regard it as a little thing? Are you unconcerned and careless about your sin ? Do you make a mock at it ? God says that such a man is a fool. And viewed in the light of the solemn declarations of Jehovah, no wonder God so regards the man who will trifle with sin. 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. lOQ- How we art Freed from iV.— Without shedding of blood is no remission. Heb. ix. 22. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and saith, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John i. 29. God com- mendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Rom. v. 8. Now once in the end of the world hath he [Chfist] ap- peared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. Heb, ix. 26, 28. His own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, i Peter ii. 24. And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. i John i. 7. Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts xiii. 38, 39. IVhat Becomes of the Believer's Sins ? They are — Forgiven — God, for Chrict's sake, hath [not will] forgive you. Eph. iv. 32. I write unto you little children because your sins are [not shall be] for- given you for his name's sake* i John ii. 12. Blotted Out — I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions, and, as a cloud thy sins. Isa. xliv. 22. Covered— Thou hast covered all their sin. Psalm Ixxxv. 2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm xxxii. i. Removed — As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm ciii, 12. Cast into the Sea — Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah vii. 19. Hid — The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up ; his sin is hid. Hos. xiii. 12. Behind God's Back — Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. Isaiah xxxviii. 17. Forgotten — I even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isa. xliii. 25. And their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Heb. X. 17. Not to be even Mentionbd unto HIM — None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him. Ez. xxxiii. 16. Believer, ponder these precious figures —forgiven, blotted out, covered, removed, cast into the sea, hid, behind God's back, forgotten, not to be even mentioned. If these figures do not teach full, perfect, complete, and present salvation, what language can teach it. Conclusion. — Come now and let U9 reason together, saith the Lord ; though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow ; though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool. Isa. i. x8. OUR WARRANT FOR COMING Ta CHRIST. 1. We are permitted to come. "Whosoever will, let him take of the- water of life freely," Rev. xxii. 17; Rev. xxi. 6; Isaiah Iv. i. 2. We are invited to come. " Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt, xi. 28. 3. We are entreated to come. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as- though God did beseech by us: we pray in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. V. 20. 4. We are commanded to come, "This is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ." i John iii. 23; Heb.xi.6. 5. We are comtielled to come. " Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." Luke xiv. 23. 6. We are assured of a present and certain salvation if we come. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth- in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John iii. 16; John vu 37; John vi. 47; Actsxvi. !?i . Rom. iv, 5. no NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 7. The sinner will be lost forever, if he does not come. "He that believeth not shall be damned. " Mark xvi. 16 ; John iii. 18; John v. 40; 2 Thess. i. 7,8; Heb. ii. 3; John iii. 36. J.H.B. WHY MEN DO NOT BELIEVE IN CHRIST. Men often say that they would be glad to become Christians, but they can not believe the Bible. Belief, they affirm, is a matter of simple reason and not subject to the will. A man is no more responsible for his belief than he is for jhis complexion. Now, Christ asserts the opposite of this. He affirms that the reason why men do not accept Him, is, that they will not, (John v. 40) ; and that any man who is willing to serve God, or to know the truth, will infallibly come to believe in Christ, (John vii. 17 ; xviii. 37). If now, we examine the New Testa- ment more widely, we shall see that, in every instance, where men are represent- ed as fai'ing to believe in Christ, it is never merely because their intellect is unconvinced : there is something sinful either in heart or will. The reasons why men do not believe in Christ are these : — Pride, which may be national, Matt, iii. 9 ; John viii. 33 ; Acts xiii. 45 ; xvii. 5; xxii. 21, 22 ; intellectual. Matt. xi. 25 ; John ix. 39-41 ; Rom. i. 21, 22; i Cor. i. 19-21 ; or social, John vii. 48. Self-righteousness, M ark ii. 16 ; Luke vii. 39 ; xviii. 10, 14 ; Rom. x. 3. Love of praise, John v. 44 ; xii. 43. Love of the world, 3 Tim. iv. 10; James iv. 4 ; i John ii. 15. Love of money, Mark x. 17-24; Luke xvi. 13, 14; I Tim. vi. 9, 10. Cares of the world, Matt. xiii. 7, 22 ; I^uke X. 40. Fear of man. John vii. 13 ; ix. 22 ; xii. 42. Worldly self-interest, Mark v. 16. 17 ; John xi. 48. Unwillingness to separate from im- penitent friends. Luke ix. 59-C2. Unwillingness to believe what they can not understand, John iii. 9 ; vi. 52, 60 ; Acts xvii. 32 ; i Cor. ii. 14. Unwillingness to have their sins ex- posed, John iii. 19, 20. Unwillingness to submit to God's authority, Luke xix. 14 ; xx. 9-18. Prejudice against the messenger. Matt. xii. 24 ; xiii. 57 ; John i. 46; vi. 42 ; vii. 52 ; ix. 29. Spiritual blindness, Matt. xiii. 15 ; i Cor. ii. 14. Unfaithfulness to the light which they had, John xii. 36. Waicing for a convenient season, Acts xxiv. 25. Frivolous excuses, Luke xiv. 18. Lack of deep convictions, Matt. xiii. 5 ; xxii. 5. Lack of earnestness, Luke xiii. 24. Neglect of the Bible, Luke xxiv. 25 ; John V. 39 ; vii. 27 ; Acts xvii. 11, 12. Neglect of religious meetings, John xx. 24. Blindness to special opportunities, Luke xix. 44. Desire for special signs, Matt. xii. 38, 39 ; xvi. 1-4 ; John vi. 30 ; i Cor. i. 22. Regard for human traditions, Matt. XV. 9 ; Mark ii. 23-28. Insincerity. Matt. xv. 7, 8 ; xxi. 25-31 ; Acts xxiv. 26. A controversial spirit, Matt. xxii. 15- 40. A murmuring spirit. Matt. xxv. 24. Having no desire for God, John v. 42 ; Rom. i. 28. Hatred of God and of Christ, John XV. 22-25. Hatred of the truth. Acts vii. 51-54; 2 Thess. ii. 10-12 ; 2 Tim. iv. 3. The power of the devil. Matt. xiii. 4, 19 ; John viii. 44 ; 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4. These passages embrace nearly the entire teaching of the word of God on this subject. That word, which is " a discemer of the thoughts and intents of the heart," (Heb. iv. 12), as truly inter- prets human nature to-day as it did in the days of Christ and the apostles. It is not intellectual doubt which keeps men from believing in Christ : it is sin in the heart. They are responsible for NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. XZI rejecting the Saviour. The sentence pronounced in John iii. 36, is just. We are not arguing with sincere honest doubters, but with men who at heart are opposed to Christ and to God. We need in our arguments to be possessed by the spirit of i Cor. iv. 2-5 ; 2 Tim. i^ • 23-26. E. P. Gardner. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY. Rom. xiv. 12 ; Isa. xlv. 23 ; Phil. ii. 10, II; Matt. xii. 36: Gal. vi. 4, 5; Rom. ii, 6 ; l Cor. iii. 8 ; Job. xxxiv. II ; Psalm Ixii. 12; Prov. xxiv. 12 , Jer. xvii. 10 and 32, 19 ; I Peter iv. 5 ; Matt. xiv. 24. Luke ix. 23-26; 2 Cor. iv. 14-17; Matt. XXV. 31, 32 ;' Rev. ii. 23 ; Rev. XX. 12 ; Rev. xxii. 12 ; Mark xiii. 34 ; ^ tt, XXV. 1 4-46 ; Luke xvii. ID; Ezek. xxxiii. i-ii. THE FOOL. 1. His Belief. — The fool has said in his heart, There is no God, Ps. xiv. i. 2. His Walk. — The wise man's eyes are in his head, buth the fool walketh in darkness. Ecc. ii. 14. 3. His Standing Before God. — When thou vowest a vow unto God, de- fer not to pay it ; for he hath no pleasure in fools : pay that which thou hast vowed. Ecc. V. 4. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight, Ps. v. 5. 4. His Mirth. — The heart of fools is in the house of mirth, Ecc. vii. 4. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools. This also is vanity, Ecc. vii. 6. 5. His Food. — The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious : but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself, Ecc. x. 12. 6. His House. — Every one that hear- eth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand, Matt. vii. 26. 7. His End. — Thou fool 1 this night thy soul shall be required of thee, Luke xii. 20. THE FOOL. his person. His eyes are in the ends of the earth, Prov. xvii. 24. His ears despise wisdom, Prov. xxiii. 9. His mouth smoother than oil, Prov. v. 3- His mouth near destruction, Prov. x. 14. His mouth in it a rod of pride, Prov. xiv. 3. His mouth poureth out foolishness, Prov. XV, 2. His mouth feedethon foolishness, Prov. XV. 14. His mouth is his destruction, Prov, xviii. 7. His mouth calleth for strokes, Prov. xviii. 6. His lips enter into contention, Prov. xviii. 6, His lips swallow up himself, Ecc. x.12. His lips are the snare of his soul, Prov. xviii. 7. His tongue flattereth, Prov, vi. 24. His tongue shall be cut out, Prov. x. 31, His voice known by multitude of words, Ecc. v. 3. His neck stiff. Ps. Ixxv. 45, His bosom, anger resteth there, Ecc. vii. 9. His heart saith there is no God, Ps. xiv. I. His heart fretteth against the Lord, Prov. xix. 3. His heart is in the house of mirth, Ecc. vii. 4. His heart is slow to believe, Luke xxiv. 25, His hands (passive) folded together, Ecc. iv, 5, His hands (active) pluck down the house, Prov. xiv. i. His back, a rod and stripes prepared for it, Prov. x. 13 ; Prov. xix. 29. His feet go down to death, Prov. v. 5, His steps take hold on hell, Prov. v. $• his food. His own flesh, Ecc. iv. 5. His foolishness, Prov. xv. 14. Fruit of his own way, Prov. i. 31. His own devices, Prov. i. 31. Ashes, Isa. xliv. 20, HIS CHARACTER AND WAY. He says in his heart, NO GOD, Psa. xiv. I, His way is right in his own eyes, Prov, xii. 15. He trusts his own heart, Prov. xxviii. 26. ZI2 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 'm He rageth and is confident. Prov. xiv. l6. He is soon angry, Prov. xiv. 17. He ansvverctli a matter before hearing it, Prov. xviii. 1 3. He uttereth shintler; Prov. x, 18. He uiterelh al! his mind, Prov. xix. Ii. He enters into contention, Piov. xviii. 6. He layeth up treasure for himself, Luke xii. 21. He is not rich towards God, Luke xii. 21. He builds his house on the sand. Matt, vii. 26. He takes a lamp without oil, Matt. XXV. 3. He doubts resurrection, I Cor. xv. 36. He is slow of heart to believe, Luke xxiv. 25. He would be made perfect by the flesh. Gal. iii. 3. He despiseth wisdom, Prov. xxiii. 9. He despiseth instruction, Prov. i. 7. He despiseth his fath;;r's instruction, Pruv. XV. 5. He despiseth hir, mother, Prov. xv. 20. He despiseth his own soul, Prov. xv. 32. Meddling, Prov. xx. 3. He layeth open his folly, Prov. xiii. 16. He saith to every one he is a fool, Ecc, X, 3. He hates knowledge, Prov. i, 21. Hisabv-mmation is to depart from evil, Prov. xiii. 19. HereproachethGoddaily,Psa.lxxiv.22. Clamorous, Prov. ix. 13. Simple, Prov, ix. 13. He knoweth nothing, Prov. ix. 13. He poureth out foolishness, Prov. xv. 2. His father hath no joy, Prov. xvii, 21. To him he is a grief, Prov. xvii. 25. To him he is a calamity, Prov. xix. 13. To his mother he is a bitterness, Prov. xvii. 25. To his mother he is heaviness, Prov. X. I. To his companions he is destruction, Prov. xiii. 20. HIS PLEASURES. To mock at sin, Prov. xiv. 9. Folly his joy, Prov. xv. 21. His laughter as the crackling of thorns under a pot, Eccl. vii. 6, Mischief his sport, Prov. x. 23. HtS PROMOTION. Shame, Prov. iii. 35. Prosperity shall destroy him, Prov.i.32. HIS INCURABLENBSS. The instruction of fools is folly, Prov. xvi. 3. Though thou shouldst bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him, Prov. xxvii. 22. A hundred stripes will not enter into him, Prov. xvii. 10. HIS END. He dies for want of wisdom, Prov. x. 21 . Thou fool this night thy soul shall be required of thee, Luke xii. 20. The great God shall reward him, Prov, xxvi. 10. PRESENT SALVATION FOR YOU. 1. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. iii. 23. The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah liii. 6. 2. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. I John i. 8. He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the right- eousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. v. 21. 3. When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. v. 6. God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. v. 8. Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteous- ness ; by whose strii^es ye were healed* I Peter ii. 24. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our peace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah liii. 5. Jesus said, "It is finished." John xix. 30. 4. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up : That whosoever be- lieveth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved th« world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 113 life. John iii. 14 — 16. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name ot the Lord shall be saved. Acts ii. 21. Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. Acts X. 43. If thou shalt confess vfith. ■thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom. x. 9. 5. This is his commandment that we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ, i John iii. 23. He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar ; because he believeth not the record Ihat God gave of his Son. i John v. 10. He that believeth on Him is not condemned : but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not beiieved in the Name of the only begotten Son of God. John iii. 18. There is therefore now no l indemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. viii. i. As many as re- ceived Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, e\ten to them that believe on his Name. John i. 12. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. v. i. 6. The wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi. 23. I give Tinto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John x. 28. He that believeth on Me hath ever- lasting life. John vi. 47. These things have I written unto you that believe on -the Name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life. J John V. 13. 7. If we confess our sins. He is faith- "ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleans3 us from all unrighteousness. I John i. 9. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thv sins : return unto Me ; for 8 I have redeemed thee. Isaiah xliv. 22. Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. Isaiah xxxviii. 17. Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea, Micah vii. 19, As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm ciii. 12. Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Heb. x. 17. 8. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His Name's sake, i John ii. 12. I love them that love Me ; and those that seek Me early shall find Me. Proverbs viii. 17. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shaU search for Me with all your heart. Jer. xxix. 13. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matt, vii, 7. 9. Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I w 11 give you rest. Matt. xi. 28. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. xxii. 17. Jesus said. Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke xviii. 16. Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out. John vi.37. He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make interces" sion for them. Heb. vii. 25. ID. Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name ; thou art mine. Isaiah xliii. i. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. John xiv. 27. lie hath said, "1 will never leave thee, nor forsake thee* Heb. xiii. 5. God is faithful, who will not sufler you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor. x. 13. I will heal their backsliding, 1 will love them freely. Hosea xiv. 4. II. Come now, and let us reason to* gather, saith the Lord: though your M T 114 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. ; •ins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though they be red like crim- ion, they shall be as wool. Isaiah i. 18. Behold, now is the accepted time ; be- hold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. vi. 2. Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua xxiv. 13. THE BLOOD MAKETH AN ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL. Leviticus xvii. 11 ; Exodus xii. 13 ; Hebrews ix. 7, 14, 22 ; i John i. 9 ; Col. i. 14; Ephesians ii. 13; i Peter i. 18, 19 ; Revelation v. 9 ; Revelation vii. 14 ; Revelation i. 5. THREE GREAT FACTS. If man's state by nature. God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen. vi. 5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalms li. 5. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ; who can know it ? Jer. xvii. 9. From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, forni- cations, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. Mark vii. 21, 22, That which is born of the flesh is flesh. John iii. 6. The carnal mind [or rather, the mind of the flesh], is enmity against God; lor it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. viii. 7. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins — and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. Eph. ii. 1,2. man's state by practice. . They are all gone aside, they are altogctlier become filthy; there is none that (loelh goqd, no, not one. Psalms There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. £cc. vii. 20. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags ; and we all do fade as a leaf ; and our iniqui* ties, like the wind, have taken us away, Isaiah Ixiv. 6. There is none righteous, no, not one.- Rom. iii. 10. There is no difference ; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. iii. 22, 23. By one man sin enter'*'' Into the world, and death by sin ; and m death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Rom. V. 12. If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us : — if we say that we have not sinned,, we make Him a liar, i John i. 8, 10. there must be a change. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt, xviii. 3. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke xiii. 3. Except a man be born again [or from above], he cannot see the kingdom of God. John iii. 3. The wages of sin is death. Rom. vi.23» Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Gal. iii. 10. Sin, when it Is finished, bringeth forth death. James i. 15. He that committeth sin is of the devil, I John iii. 18. HELL. IS there a hell? For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, 2 Peter ii. 4. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death, Prov. vii. 27. The way of life is above to the wise,. NOTES FOR BIDLB READINGS. "5 that he may depart from hell beneath, Prov. XV. 24. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear ; fear Him which, after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell, Luke xii. 5. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off ; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into hell, Mark ix. 43. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers ; how can ye escape the damnation of hell. Matt, xxiii. 33. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God, Fsa. ix. 17. WHAT KIND OF A PLACE IS IT ? The sinners in Zion are afraid ; fearful- ness hath surprised the hypocrites, who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire ! Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings, Isa. xxxiii. 14. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out with- out mixture into the cup of his indigna- tion ; and he shall be tormenced with fire and brimstone. Rev. xiv. icx And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone, Rev. xix. 20. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever And death and hell were cast into cne lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of are, Rev. xx. 10, 14, 15. But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idola- tors, and all liar^ shall have their place in the lalie which burneth with fire and brimstone ; which is the second death, Rev. xxi. 8. The Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity, and shall cast them in« to a furnace of fire ; there shall be wail- ing and gnashing of teeth, Matt. xiii. 41, 42. IS THE PUNISHMENT EVERLASTINO? Who among us shall dwell with the de- vouring fire ? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings, Isa. xxxiii. 14. And some of them that sleep in the dust of 'he earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt, Dan. xii. 2. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor and gather his wheat into the garner ; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matt, iii. 12. And if thy hand offend thee cut it off ; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go in- to hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched ; where their worm dteth not and the fire is not quenched, Mark ix. 43, 44- Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye accur- sed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels, Matt. xxv. 41. Read, also, Luke xvi. 22-26 inclusive. WHO GO THERE. The Fool — Prov. xv. 24. Adulterers — Prov. vii. 27. Those who offend — Matt, xiii. 41, 42. Those who fear not God — Luke xii. 5. Lustful Persons — 2 Peter ii. 4, 10. Hypocrites — Isa. xxxiii. 14. Pharisees — Matt, xxiii. 33. Wicked — Ps. ix. 17. Unbelievers, etc. — Rev. xxi. 8. Those whose names are not in the book of life — Rev. xx. 15. Whose names are in the book of life? — Rev. iii. 5. Who overcome?— John v. 4, 5. By these last three passages we under- stand that all who reject Christ are cast into hel. ii6 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. Neither iarfhere salvation in any other ; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, Acts iv. 12. We pray that no one who may read this may be "cast into outer darkness." — L. W. MUNHALL. WE CANNOT HE SAVED BY WORKS. James ii. 10 ; Isaiah xliv, 6 ; Ephe sians u. 8, 9 ; Romans iv. 5 ; Romans iii 20 ; Romans xi. 6 "" xiii. 39. Romans x. 3 ; Acts JESUS HAS FINISHED THE WORK. John xix. 36 ; Hebrews ix. 26, 28 ; r John 1. 7 ; I Peter iii. 18. ALL ARE SINNERS. Ecclesiastes vii. 20 ; Proverbs xx. 9 ; 1 John i. 8 ; Romans iii. 9, 10, II, 12, 19, 2a, 23 ; Isaiah Uii. 6. BACKSLIDERS, Jeremiah xiv. 7 ; Jeren-iah ii. 9 ; Jere- miah iii. 22 ; Hosea xiv. 1,4; Luite xxii. 61, 62 : Luke xv. I to 22, SEVEN SOLEMN QUESTIONS. HE IS ABLE. 2 Timothy i. 12 ; Ephesians iii. 20 ; 2 Corinthians ix. 8 ; Jude 24 ; Phiiippians iii. 21 ; Hebrews vii. 25 ; Daniel iii. 17 ; Hebrews ii. iS ; Romans xiv. 4; Actsxx. 32 ; Matthew ix. 28. FEAR NOT. John xiv. I, 27 ; Isaiah Ii. 12 ; laaiah xli. TO, 13, 14 ; Deuteronomy xxxi. 8 ; Joshua i. 9 ; Psalm xxvii. 6 ; Psalm Ivi. 3, 4. Psalm iii. DOOR OF MERCY NOT ALWAYS OPEN. Luke xiii. 25, 27 ; 2 Corinthians vi. 2 j Proverbs i. 24 to the end ; Jeremiah viii, 20. WHO ARE INVITED. Matthew xi. 28 ; Isaiah Iv. i ; Revel- ation XX. 17 ; Matthew x. 12, 13 ; Mat- thew xxii. 9, 10 ; Luke xiv. 21, 22, 23 ; John vii. 37. GOD WILL KEEP YOU. John X. 28 ; Jude 24 ; 2 Timothy i. 12 ; % Corinthians xii. 9 ; Phiiippians L 6. PEACE WITH GOD. Job. xxii. 21 ; Colossians i. 20; Ephe- sians ii- 14, 17 ; Romans v. i. WHAT IS SIN ? I*roverhs xxiv. 9 ; i John iii. 4 ; Mat- thew xii. 36 ; James iv. 17 ; Proverbs x. 19 ; Proverbs xiv. 9 ; Numbers xxxii. 23 ; K^ekiel xviii. 4. I. — WHOM AM I TO BELIEVE ? If it seem evil un^o you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve, Josh. xxiv. 15. How long halt ye between two opin- ions? if the Lord be God, follow him : but if Baal, then follow him, i Kings xviii. 21. All nations before him are as nothing ; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. To whom then will ye liken God ? Isa. xl. 17, 18. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all tho ends of the earth ; for I am God, and there is none else, Isa. xJv. 22. And the Father • himself , which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me, John V. 37- If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works : that ye may know and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him, John x. 37. 38- If we receive the witness of men, the witness of Gk)d is greater : for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar ; because he believeth not the record (witness) that God gave of his Son, I John v. 9, 10. ir. — WHAT AM I TO BELIEVE ? God so loved the world that he gava his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John iii. 16, I NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. n? He that heareth my vrord, and be- lieveth on him that sent me, hath ever- lasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death unto life, John v. 24. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever be- lieveth in him shall receive remission of sins, Acts X. 43. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house, Acts xvi. 31. God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, Rom. v. 8, The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin, i John i. 7. And this is the record [witness] , that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Suii hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not Ufa, i John v. II, le. III. — HOW AM I TO BEf ,IEVE ? See, here is water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Phillip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Acts viii. 36, 37. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness, Rom. iv. 5. Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, Rom. vi. 17. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved, Rom X. 9. ICnowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justi- fied by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law ; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified, Gal. ii. 16. By grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves ; it is the gift of God.— Eph. ii. 8. Hereby we know that he abideth in as, by the Spirit which he hath given us. — I John iii. 24, IV. — WHY AM I TO BELIEVE ? He that believeth not shall be damn- ed. — Mark xvi. 16. He that believeth on him is not con- demned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. — ^John iii. 18. He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. — ^John iii. 36. This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom He hath sent. — John vi. 29. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flam- ing fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 2 Thess. i. 7, 8. This is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ. — i John iii. 23. The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore- mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brim- stone : which is the second death.- — Rev, xxi, 8. V. — WHEN AM I TO BELIEVE ? Come : for all things are now ready,^ Luke xiv. 17. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. — 2 Cor. vi. 2. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. — i Thess. v. 2. Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden net your hearts. — Heb. iii. 7, 8, For yet a little while, and he that J Ii8 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. iifi shall come will come, and will not tarry. —Heb. X. 37. Behold, the judge standeth before tbs door. — James v. 9. He which testifieth these thing? saith, Surely I come quickly. — Rev . xxii. 20. VI. — MAY I BEUEVE AS I AM ? Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matt. xi. 28. The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. — Luke xix, JO. Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out. — John vi, 37. If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. — John vii. 37. Christ is the end of the law for right- eousness to every one that believeth. — Rom. X. 4. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners • of whom I am chief. — i Tim. i. 15. Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. — Rev. xxii. 17. VII. — CAN I EE SAVED WITHOUT BELIEV- ING ? Neither is there salvation in any other ; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. — Acts iv. 12. Whatsoe'er is not of faith is sin. — Rom. xiv. 23. If righteousness come by the law, tbea Christ is dead in vain. — Gal. ii. 21. If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteous- ness should have been by the law. — Gal. iii. 21. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation. — Heb. ii. 3. But without faith it is impossible to please him. — Heb. xi. 6. Ihe time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God : and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God ? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear ?— i Peter iv. 17. 18. TWELVE GRhAt FACTS. " Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." — Matt. XXV. 35. I. — man's state by nature. God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, ^nd that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually — Gen. vi. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. — Ps. li.5. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked : who can know ii ? — Jer. xvii. 9. From within, out 01 tiie heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, forni- cations, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. — Mark vii. 21, 22. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. — John iii. 6. The carnal mind [or rather, the mind of the flesh] is enmity against God : for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. — Rom. viii. 7. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins — and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. — Eph. ii. 1, 2. II. — man's state by PRACTICE. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. — Ps. xiv. 3. There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneih aot. — Eccl vii. 20. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags ; and we all do fade as a leaf ; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. — Isa. Ixiv. 6. There is none righteous, no, not one. — Rom. iii, 10. There is no difference ; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. — Rom. iii, 22. 23. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 119 «ipDn al? men, for that all have sinned. — Horn. V. 12. If we say that we have no sin. we de- ceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us ; — if we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar. — i John i. 8, lo. III. THERE MUST BB A CHANGE. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. — Matt, xviii. 3. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. — Luke xiii. 3. Except a man be bom again [or from above] , he can not see the kingdom of «God. — John iii. 3. The wages of sin is death. — Rom. vi. -23- Cursed is every one that continueth .not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. — Gal. iii. 10. Sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death. — James i. i^. He that committeth sin is of the devil. — I John iii. 8. IV. god's thoughts of MAN. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked ; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Eze. xxxiii. 11. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii. 16. God conimendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ (lied for us. Rom. v. 8. God our SavioiT, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the Jcnowledge of the truth, i Tim, ii. 3, 4. The grace of Gou that bringeth sal- vation hath appeared to all men. Titus ii. II. The Lord — is long-suffering to us- ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Pet. iii. 9. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that beloved us, and .sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, i John iv. 10. V. Christ's work for man. He was wounded for our transgres- sions, he was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa. liii. 5. The Son of Man came not to be min- istered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matt. xx. 28. When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. V. 7, o J Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, i Cor. xv. 31, He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin : that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. v. 21. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. Gal. iii. 13. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, i Pet. ii. 24. VI. VALUE OF Christ's blood. When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you. Ex. xii. 13, It is th.e blood that maketh an atone- ment for the soul. Lev. xvii. r i . This is my blood of the new testa- ment, which is ohed for m. Rom- ans V. I, 6-10 ; Romans viii. I ; i Cor- inthians XV. 1-4 ; 2 Corinthians v. 18-21 ; Galatians iii. 10-13 ; i Timothy i. 15 ; I Peter ii. 24 ; I John v. 9-13 ; I John iv. 9, 10, 19, and any other portion of the Vv ord to which you may be led. D. L. M. ON SPEAKING AND WORKING. I cannot speak, I am a child, &c. — ^Jer. j. 6, 7. Be not afraid but speak. — Acts xviii. 9, 10. Be strong, work for I am with you. — Haggai ii. 4. Go and I will be with thy mouth. — • Exodus iv. 12. Out of weakness became strong. — He- brews xi. 3-34. Your faith but in the power of God. — I Corinthians ii. 5. It is not ye that speak. — Matthew x.20. Christ speaking in me. — 2 Cor. xiii. 3. Thou shalt talk, &c. — Deut. vi. 7. We are ambassadors for Christ. -2 Cor- inthians V. 20. Workers together with Him. — 2 Cor- inthians VI. I. Causes us to triumph. — 2 Cor. ii. 14. It thou shalt confess, &c. — Romans x.9. Whosoever therefore, &c. — Matthew x. 32, 33 i Mark viii. 38. CHRISTIAN WORK. Matt. xiii. 38 ; Gal. vi. 10 ; J' iin iv. 35 ; Matt. ix. 37 ; 2 Cor. vi. I ; I Cor. i. 9 ; Matt. XX. 6-7 ; Mark vi. 41 ; xiii. 34; Matt. xxv. 14 ; Eccl. ix. 10; John ix. 4; I Cor. XV. 58 ; Acts x. 38 ; Luke vi. 40 ; John xvii. 4 ; Acts ix. 6 ; Isa. vi. 8 ; Psalms cxxvi. 6 ; John iv. 36 ; Dan. xii. 3 ; James v. 20 : 2 Cor. ix. 8, H. B. C. BIBLE STUDIES FROM A SCRIP- TURE TEXT BOOK ON GOS- PEL WORK. * I, THE WORK. The work of the Christian in reaching and saving men, is, under the Holy Spirit, to make known to them the finished work that God has wrought in Christ for their salvation. The Scripture truth to be taught will be found in full in a compan- ion pamphlet. The foilowing outline, however, is given to show the general character of the work to be done. The worker is to declare (i Cor. ii, i.) 7Ae testimony of God.—T)\sX all the world is guilty before Gcxl. Rom. iii, 19. That God is not willing that any should perish. 2 Pet. ; iii, 9. That God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoso- ever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii, 16. That Christ has borne our sins in his own body on the tree. I P :t. ii, 24. That it is through him the forgiveness of sins is preached. Acts xiii, 38. That God now commands all men everywhere to repent. Acts xvii, 30. That the benefits of Christ's death are re- ceived through repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ* Acts XX, 21. That, thus believing in Christ, the sinner is at once saved. Acts xvi, 31. John v, 24- * Oospel Work published by American Tract Society, and for sal* at the Willard Tract DepoBitory, Toronto. i>l 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 123 II. 1»E WORKER. The believer is the ivorker. — God's work in Christ comes first. The believer's work is in and from Him. Separated before sent. John xvii, 16, 18. Communion before testimony. John XV, 27. Acts iv, 13, 20. I John i, 1-3. Loving Christ before teaching others. John xxi, 15-17. Preaching is being a witness. Acts i, 8, 21, 22. Acts V, 32. Saul believed, and "straightway he preached Christ". Acts ix, 20 ; John i, 41, 45 ; iv, 28, 29. Ministry is received from the Lord Jesus. Acts XX, 24. The method of the law — doing that one may live — fails. Zeal without know- ledge sets aside God's work in Christ. Rom. x, 1-5. The method of the gospel — life that one may do — puts Christ's work first, and is God's order. Rom. x, 6-17. The Word of God. Believing witn the heart. Confession with the mouth. 6-10 Hearing. Calling upon his name. Sent to preach. 11-17. Gifts for service flow from being mem- bers in the body of Christ. Rom. xii, 3-8. Eph. iv, 7, II, 12. God pours from filled vessels. Rom. xv, 29; 2 Cor. iv. 7. Receiving and knowing'before speaking and teaching. I Cor. ii, 9-13. God's co-workers, i Cor. iii, 5-9. a Cor. vi, I. Jesus Christ, the foundation. l Cor. iii, lO-II. Our sufficiency is of God. 2 Cor. ii, 14-17; iii, 5-6- Enlightened before giving light. 2 Cor. 4-6. Believing and knowing, therefore speaking. 2 Cor. iv. 13-14. Knowing our acceptance, therefore laboring to be acceptable. 2 Cor. v. i, 5, 6, 9 (Eph. i, 6-7.) The Greek of verse 9 requires the rendering "acceptable" in- stead of • 'accepted". Knowing the fear of the Lord, there- fore persuading men, 2 Cor. v. 10, ii. Love constraining, 2 Cor. v. 13-15. Reconciled, therefore reconciling, 3 Cor. v. 18-20, It pleased God to reveal iiis Son in me, that I might preach Him, Gal. K 15, 16. Faith works by love, Gal. v. 6 ; I Thess. i. 3. A dead man's works are dead, Eph. ii, 1-3 ; Rom. vii. 5 ; viii. 5-8 ; Heb. vi. I. Dead works need to be repented of, and the doer of them, Heb. ix. 14, to be pur» ged by the blood of Christ. God's work in Christ, quickening, sav- ing, raising, seating in the heavenlies ; or grace giving salvation apart from works, (Rom. iv. 4-8,) comes first- I John iv, 9, 10 ; Eph, ii. 4-9. The good works, unto which the be- liever is created, (2 Cor. v. 17 ; Gal. vi. 15,) then follow. Rom. vii. 6 ; viii. 3, 4 ; I Thess. i. 19; ii. 13; Titus ii. 11-14; iii. 8 ; Heb. x. 19, 25 ; i John iv. 19, 20; V. 5. What God requires of the unbe- liever is, to believe. John vi. 28, 29 ; i John iii. 23 ; Eph. ii. 10. Sons of God shine as lights, holding forth the Word of Life, i Peter ii. 9-12 ; Phil. ii. 15, 16. My fellow laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Phil. iv. 3. Christ in the believer, as the hope of glory, is a power for service, 2 Thess. i. II, 12 ; Col. i. 25-29. "Gospel work," so called, which does not flow from love, out of a cleansed heart, a good conscience, and faith un- feigned, becomes vain jangling, and a teaching of the law, not according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, i Tim. i. 5-1 1. The Greek word rendered " pure " in this passage, occurs Matt. v. 8; "clean," John xiii. 10; xv. 3; "purge, " Heb. i. 3 ; ix, 14; "cleanseth," I John i. 7, 9, and elsewhere. We labour because we trust, i Tim. iv. 10. 121 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. |i < Unfeigned faith stirs up the gift of God in us, unto fearless testimony, 2 Tim. i. 5-8. The saved man is the called man, ready to suffer in bearing witness, because he knows, 2 Tim. i. 9-12. The testimony is committed to be- lievers. 2 Tim. ii. 2. The gospel is committed, by the com- mandment of our Saviour, to one who acknowledges the truth of God, who cannot lie. Titus i. 1-3. Examples of faith working. Heb. xi. Jesus the perfect example. Heb. xii. i- j. Works spring from faith, not from profession. James ii. 14-26. Unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do, to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth ? Psalm 1. 16, 17. Even a wolf will not preach except in sheep's clothing. Matt. vii. 15. The unbelieving gospel worker, even if good should result, is a worker of iniquity. Matt. vii. 21-23. Every Believer. — In all these pass- ages, believers, without distinction, are workers ; and the inspiration of the work is the faith that is common to all. Hence every believer is expected to work. For further evidence and illus- tration consult. To every man talents according to his several ability, but every man to trade. Matt. xxv. 15. Each servant has a pound. Every believer has the gospel. Luke xix. 1 1-26. All were filled with the Holy Spirit, and all spake. Acts iv. 31 : Acts ii. 1-4. Sons and daughters, young men and old men, servants and hand-maidens, all are iO prophesy. Acts ii. 17, i8. The church was scattered, but wher- ever there was a believer, there was a preacher of the Word. Acts xi. 19-21 ; Acts viii. 4. A husband and wife expound to a preacher, eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures, (of the law,) the way of God more perfectly. Acts xviii. 26. A pastor's helpers in Christ have their names recorded by the Holy Spirit. Rom. xvi. 1-15. Silencing a gospel preacher makes many brethren preachers. Phil. i. 12-14. Women are not excepted from evan- gelistic work. Phil. iv. 3; Rom. xvi. i, 2, 3, 12. An ignorant and unlearned man may speak what he has seen and heard with Jesus. Acts iv, 13, 20; Luke ix. 12-17; Acts iii. 6. One less than the least of all saints may preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Eph. iii. 8. The chief of sinners may tell that faithful saying, which is worthy of all acceptation, i Tim. i. 15. When the believer will not be expected to do gospel work. Heb. viii. 11. The Commission. — That God has commissioned eveiy believer to gospel work, is evident from the Scripture already adduced. For further teaching, examine the following references, and may the Holy Spirit use them to impress upon every Christian that he is personally called of GoJ to the work. Whosoever follows Jesus must become a fisher of men. Matt. iv. 18-22. What is light for unless to shine ? Cf. Luke viii. 16. Matt. v. 14-16. Seeing the need and praying for workers, prepares one to answer. Lord, send me. Matt. ix. 37, 38 (connected with ch. 10). As ye have received Christ Jesus, preach Him. Matt. x. 5-8; i Peter iv, 10, II. What we have heard in our hearts we must tell publicly. Matt, x. 27. Does the man possess Christ who never speaks of Him ? Matt. x. 32, 33 ; Cf. Mark viii. 38. The calling of the church in the world, like that of her Lord, is not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Matt. XX, 25-28. Son, go work to-day in my vineyard. Matt. x.\i. 28. IX. NOTES FOR BIBLE HEADINGS. J25 Go ye into the highways, and as many ! degree. Therefore study minutely. Matt. as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. Matt. xxii. i-io. Servants are reckoned with according to faithfulness in the gospel committed to their trust. Matt. xxv. 19, A saved man is not taken to be with Jesus, but is sent into the world with a message. Luke viii. 38, 39 ; Psa. Ixvi. 16. The most sacred duties of affection are no excuse from gospel work. Luke ix. 59, 60. The departing Lord says to every servant, " Occupy till I come." Luke xix, 13. On his -eturn, he will ask how much every man has gained by trading. Luke xix. 15. What would Jesus say to disciples who wanted to hold their peace ? Luke xix. 37-40. May the Lord now look (61) upon any Christian who, getting separated from Christ, (54) and failing to stand up for him, (55) comes at length to deny him. (57-60.) Luke xxii. 54-62. The believer is a debtor to the un- believer. He owes him the gospel. Rom. i. 13-15. Believer, a necessity is laid upon thee ; a dispensation is committed to thee; to fail is to bring loss upon thyself, i Cor. ix. 16, 17. The church, whose home is with her Lord, is left on earth to testify to all men, everywhere, the gospel of his grace. This is our one work on earth. How sacred and imperative to every Christian x ; I Timothy ; Titus ; Luke x ; a Timothy; i Peter v. i-ii. But above all, let each one continually study the gospel work of the Lord Jesus, our great example. To learn of Him is to be wise in winning souls. Special Qualifications. — All that goes to make up a fully developed Chris- tian character, whether in knowledge, experience, or communion, will unques- tionably add power to the gospel worker. The following particulars of inner equip- ment are therefore noted, not as being complete, but as being important, both to give direction to our prayers, and to open our hearts to the Spirit of God, by whom they are wrought. Assurance. — It must be remembered in this, and in all these special qualifica- tions, that only those references will in general be given, which, directly or indirectly, show the relation of the qualification to success in Christian work. For example, to get the full teaching on assurance, one must search the New Testament with a Concordance under the words assurance, sure, hath, now, know, etc. , and study such chapters as Eph. i ; Col, i ; Heb. x; i John v. 9- 13. But in connection with our present study upon Gospel Work, it is enough to notice that, in all the passages referred to under the headings, the believer is the worker, and every believer is expected to work, the faith spoken of is evidently an assured faith, and to give here only such references as will show assurance these last words qf our departing Lord, i to be important to the worker's highest Matt, xxviii. 18-20 ; Mark xvi. 15 ; Luke xxiv. 46-51; John xv. 13-16, 26, 27; John xvii. 18 ; Acts i. 7-11. IIL— THE PREPARATION. General Qualifications. — The spiritual preparation required for gospel work, whether by apostles, evangelists, pastors, and other church ofificers, or by the individual Christian, (zCor.vi. 1-13,) -does not differ in character, only in success. Luke X. 20 ; John iii. 1 1 ; see also iv. 42; Acts xxii. 14, 15; I Cor. i. 3-7; r Cor. ii. 12, 13; 2 Cor. iv. 13, 14; 2 Cor. V. I, with 9, 10. II ; 2 Tim. i. n. 12; I John iv. 13, 14. Love. — i Cor. xiii. ; i Cor. xiv. i ; i Thess. iii. 12 ; r John iv. 7-16. Hunger for the Salvation of Souls.— John iii. 16: Matt, xxiii. 37; za6 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. m Luke xix. 41, 43; Acts xx. 18-21. 26, 27 ; Rom. i. 11-15; Rom. ix. 1-3; Rom. x. i; 2 Cor, xii. 14, 15, see marginal reading; Phil. i. 8 ; I Thess. ii. 7. 8. A Longing to reach the Neg- tECTED. — Mark vi. 34; Luke v. 31, 32; Luke XV. 7 ; Luke xix. 10; Rom. xv. 20, 31 ; James ii. 1-9, Prayerfulness. — Mark ix. 29 ; Luke V. 15-17; Luke xi. 5-13; John xii. 21,22; Acts i. 4, 14 ; Acts iv. 24-31 ; Acts vi. 4 ; I Thess. V. 17; Rom. xv. 30; Col. iv. 12, 13 ; Eph. vi, 18-20. Fulness of faith and of the Holy Spirit.— Luke v. 18-20 ; Acts xiii, 9, Acts i, 4, 5, 8 ; Rom. xv, 29 ; Acts ii, 4 ; Eph. V, 18 ; Acts iv, 8, 31 ; I Thess. i, 5 ; Acts vi, 5, 8, 10 ; 2 Thess i, ll, 12 ; Acts vii, 55 ; i John ii, 20, 27, 28 ; Acts ix, 17. Obedience to the Spirit.— Luke v, 5-7 ; 2 Cor. iv, 2 ; John xxi, 3-6 ; t Thess. ii, 3-6 ; Acts iv, 18-20; i Thess. v, 19; Acts V, 28-29 ; John ii, 5 ; Acts viii, 29, 30 ; John vii, 3-10, 17, 18 ; Acts xiii, 2-4 ; Exod. xiii, 21, 22 ; Acts xvi, 6-10 ; Num. ix, 15-23 ; Rom. viii, 14. Confidence in the message.— Rom. i. x6, 17 ; 2 Cor. i, 18-22 ; 1 Cor. i, 17- 28; I Pet. iv, II ; I Cor ii, 1-5. Boldness.— Acts iv, 13, 29, 31 ; Eph. vi. 10-20 ; Acts vii. 51-60 ; i Thess. U. 2 ; 1 Cor. xvi, 9-14. Readiness to suffer and to wait.— Matt. V, n, 12 ; Acts v, 41 ; 2 Cor. iv, I ; Phil, i, 29 ; Phil, ii, 17 ; Phil. iv, H-I3 ; Col. i, 24 ; 2 Thess. iii, 13 ; James v. 7, 8, 10 ; i Pet. ii. 19-25 ; i Pet. iv. 12-19. Joy in the Lord. — Neh. viii. 10 ; 2 Cor. vii. 4 ; Phil. iii. 3 ; Phil. iv. 4- 7 ; I Thess. V. 16 ; Psa. Ii. 12, 13. Humility. — Matt. xs. 25-28 ; Matt, xxiii. 5-12 ; Acts xx. 19 ; Rom xii. 3-10 ; Phil. i. 15-18; Phil, ii. 5-8 ; Jude ix. Oneness of Heart and Soul with the Children of God. — Acts iv. 32, 33 ; Rom. xvi. 17, 18 ; Phil. ii. 1-4. Discrimination. — Matt. vii. 6; Matt, xii. 20 ; I Cor. ix. 19-22 ; I Cor, x. 23, 3:. 3:i ; I Cor. xiv.6-II ; 23-25 ; Phil. i. 10, marg. ; 2 Tim. ii. 15 ; Jude 20-23 ; Matt. V. 43-47. Tenderness. — Ps, cxxvi, 5, 6 ; 2 Cor. ii. 4; Phil. iii. 18 ; Luke xiii. 34, 35; Luke xix, 41, 42 ; Acts xx. 19, 31 ; Matt, xii. 20. Blamelessness. — Matt. vii. 3-5 ; Rom. ii. 17-24; Rom. XV, 14; Rom. xvi. 19; Eph. V. 11-18; Phil. ii. 15; Phil. iii. 17; Col. i, 9-11 ; I. Thess. ii. 10; James iii. 10-13 ; I Pet- >'• '!> 12* ^5' Consecration and devotedness. — Luke V. 10, 11; John xxi. 18-22; Acts XX. 18-27; Rom. xii, i, 2; i Cor. ii. 2; I Cor. ix. 23-27 ; 2 Cor. v. 13-15 ; Phil, i. 19-21 ; Phil. ii. 20, 21, (with Matt. vi. 24,) ; Col i. 28, 29 ; Heb. xi. 24-27 ; Heb. xiii, 12-15 5 Exod. xxix. i, 4-9, 19- 22, 35 ; Lev. xiv, 1-20; Isa. Iii. 11 ; 2 Tim, ii, 1-5, 19-22, The worker cannot have power except as he is spiritually a Nazarite, 2 Cor, vi, 14; vii. I ; Acts xx. 18-24 '» Num. vi. i- 27 ; Judges xiii. 4, 5 ; Judges xvi. 17, 21. God's sufficiency. — The call of God to work, and the qual.fications to which he calls his workers, makes one conscious of unfitness. But this God meets by the .pledge of his sufficiency, which inspires and girds to service. Moses, Exodus iii, iv. Gideon, Judges vi. 15, 16. Isaiah vi. 5, 8, Jeremiah i. 6-9. Paul, I Cor, xv, 9, 10 ; 2 Cor. ii, 14-17 ; 2 Cor. iii, 5, 6 ; 2 Cor. iv. 7 ; 2 Cor. xii. 9, 10, Every Christian, Phil, iv. 13, 19 ; 2 Cor. ix. 8. IV.— THE POWER. The worker can do nothing of himself. His power is entirely from the Spirit of God, given in answer to prayer, and in the use of God's Word. (i.) Power by the Spirit. — The general principle is stated Zech. iv. 6, " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. " Compare for illustration the vision in Ezek. xxxvii. See also John i, 12, 13. The service of saints in past dispensac IV. XV. ■^Hf! NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 127 tions was, therefore, only by the power of the Spirit upon them. Yet the in- dwelling fulness of His power is mani- fested in this, the dispensation of the Spirit, (John vii. 37, 38, and xiv. 16, 23,) and the service is that not of servants but of full-grown sons. Gal. iv. 1-7. EXAMPLES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT. Bezaleel. Exodus xxxi. 3. Moses and the seventy elders. Num. xi. 24-30. Joshua. Deut. xxxiv. 9. Othniel. Judges iii. 9, lo. Gideon. Judges vi. 34. Jephthah. Judges xi. 29. Samson. Judges xiv. 6, 19 ; Judges XV. 14 ; Judges xvi. 28. David. I Sam. xvi. 13 ; Psa. li. 12, 13. Elijah and Elisha. 2 Kings ii. 9, 15. Amasai. i Chron. xii. 18. Azariah. 2 Chron. xv. i. Prophecies of Christ. Isa. xi. 2, 3 ; Isa. xlii. I ; Isa. Ixi. 1-3. Ezekiel. Ezek. ii. 2 ; Ezek. iii. 12-14. Micah. Micah iii. 8. TEACHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. The baptism of the Holy Spirit. Matt. iii. II, cf. 16. The Spirit of your Father. Matt. x. 20. Endued with power. Luke xxiv. 49. . The Spirit gives new birth. John iii. 5. The Spirit quickeneth. John vi. 63. Rivers of living water flow from the indwelling Spirit. John vii. 38, 39. The Spirit, in the believer, is his teacher and reminder. John xiv. 17,26. The Spirit bears witness. John xv. 26; I John v. 6. The Spirit convinces the world. John xvi. 7-1 1. The Spirit is to the believer a guide into all truth. John xvi. 13. The work was not of man . Acts iii. 1 2. The Spirit gave great power. Acts iv. 31. 33 The Spirit is resisted and despised, (Heb. X. 29,) when the gospel is rejected. Acts vii, 51. The power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. XV. 13, 14. Faith stands in the power of God, the demonstration of the Spirit, i Cor. ii . 20. The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power, i Cor. iv. 20. Faith in Jesus as Lord is by the Spirit. I Cor. xii. 3. All gifts are worked by the Spirit, who distributes them, i Cor. xii. 4-1 1. To be strengthened with might, is by the Spirit. Eph. iii. 16. The Spirit uses the sword. Eph. vi. 1 7. The Spirit of power. 2 Tim. i. 7. We are to keep our gifts for service, by the Spirit. 2 Tim. i. 6, 14. EXAMPLES FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. Jesus. Matt. iii. 16 ; Matt. xii. 28 ; Luke ii. 25; Luke iv. 14, 18; Acts i. 2; Acts X. 38. John the Baptist. Luke i. 15. Mary. Luke i. 35. Elizabeth. Luke i. 41. Zacharias. Luke i. 67. Paul. Rom. xv. 19 ; i Cor. ii. 4, 12, 13. Paul and ApoUos. i Cor. iii. 5, 6, Paul. 2 Cor. iii. 3-6. Paul and Timothy. 2 Cor. vi. 6, 7. Paul. Col. i. 29. Among theThessaloniana. i Thess.i.s- For passages omitted above see Ful- ness of Faith and of the Holy Spirit. (2.) Power by the Word. — The word of God is the instrument, as the Spirit' of God is the agent, in saving souls. The worker, therefore, needs to know God's description of His Word, and to realize that it is His instrument in all- teaching, and that God will accordingly use the worker and clothe him with power in proportion as he brings His Word to bear directly on men's souls. GODS DESCRIPTION OF HIS WORD. Given by Inspiration. — 2 Tim. iii. 16; Actsi. 16; Acts iv. 24, 25; Acts xxviii» 25; I Cor. ii. 4, 5, 9-13; Heb. i. 2; cf. xii. 25; Heb. ii. 1-4; Heb. iii. 7; Heb. ix. 7, 8; Heb. x. 15; 2 Peter i. 2i. The Oracles of God. — Acts vii. 38. Rom. iii. 2; Heb. v. 12; i Peter iv. 11. The Word of God. — Prov. xxx. 5, 6; Isaiah xl. 8; Mark vii. 13; Luke iv. 4; Luke xi. 28; Acts iv. 31; Acts vi. 7; Acts xi. I ; Acts xii. 24; cf. xix. 20; Act9 xiii. 44; 2 Peter iii. 2-10. 128 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. The WonD op the Lord.— Jer. viii. ^; Acts viii. 25; Acts xiii. 4M'3 1 Acts -vi. 32; I Thess. i. 8 ; 2 Thess. iii. i. The Word of Truth.— 2 Cor. vi. 7 ; Eph. i. 13 ; Col. i. 5 ; 2 Tim. ii. 15 ; James i. 18. The Words op Life.— John vi. 63, 68 ; Acts V. 20 ; Phil. 2. 16. The Word of His Grace. Acts KX.32. The Word of Faith. Rom. x 8. The Word of Reconciliation. 2 Cor. X. 19. The Word of Christ.| Col. iii. 16. Settled in Heaven. Psalms cxix. 89. Not yea and nay. 2 Cor. i. 19, 20. A rock foundation. Matt. vii. 24. Very pure. Psalm cxix. 140. The seed sown. Luke viii. 11. The incorruptible seed, i Peter i. 23. It testifies of Christ. Luke jxxiv, 27, 44 ; John V. 39 ; Acts x. 43. It must be met in the Day of Judg- ment. John xii. 48 ; Rom. ii. 16. It liveth and abideth for ever. " And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached." i Peter i. 23, 25, Knowledge of the Word. — To be in heart thoroughly acquainted with God's Word, is to be thoroughly furnish- ed unto Gospel Work. 2 Tim. iii. 17. God's Word needs no supplement. Deut. iv. 2 ; Deut. xii. 32 ; Prov. xxx. 5, 6. Understanding God's precepts pre- pares one to speak. Psalm cxix. 27. God's testimonies give more under- standing than any human teaching. Psa. cxix. 97-100. The Christian needs his lamp in gos- pel work. Psalm cxix. 105. One full of God's word is not afraid, anywhere, to speak His testimonies. Psa. cxix. 46 ; Psa. cxix. 171, 172, Out of the mouth of the Lord cometh avisdom and knowledge. Prov. ii. 1-6. God's Word in the heart is a burning fire. Jer. xx. 9, The difference God puts between those who speak out of their ownjhearts, and those who speak out of his Word. Jer. xxiii. 16-40. To teach "views" of truth, instead of God's words, is irreverent to Christ. Mark vii. 9-13. God s Word is written " that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instruct- ed. " Luke i. 3, 4. Knowledge of the ruth, which is essential to gospel work, is dependent on continuance in the Word. Cf. Exod. xvi. 12-21, and Deut. viii. 3 ; John viii. God's witnesses can speak only what they hear from Him, John xv. 4-8 ; John viii. 26, 28 ; John xii. 50 ; John xiv. 10, 24 ; John xvi. 13, 14. To be a good servant of Jesus Christ, one must be nourished iti the words of faith and good doctrine, i Tim. iv. 6. He who would be wise to win souls (Prov. xi. 30) must attend to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine, and meditate upon these things, i Tim. iv. i3-i(J. Those who teach anything «lte than the health-giving words of our Lord Jesus Christ, are utterly condemned, i Tim. vi, 3-5- " Hold fast the form of sound word*," Cf. 2 Thess. ii. 15 ; 2 Tim. i. 13. By disuse of the Word, one becomes unskilful in it, remains a babe, and is un- fit to teach others, Heb. V. 11-14, From the W.ord, the worker can give a reason for the hope that is in him, 1 Pet iii. 15. He is strong, in whom the Word of God abideth, John xv. 7 ; i John ii. 14. How TO USE the Word. — Read it distinctly, and give the sense, that all may understand, Neh. viii. 8. Appeal to it, as the test of all teaching, Isa. viii, 20. Lead the inquirer to search out the passages and read them, that he may know the truth for himself. Isa. xxxiv. 16; John V. ■^); Acts xvii. 11. "He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully," Jer, xxiii. 28. Press God's words as authoratative, 1 N0TE3 FOR DIBLE READINGS. 129 Matt. vii. 29; I Thess. ii. 13; Rom. iii, 3.4. Teach the way of God in truth, not re- garding the person of men, Mark xii. 14. With boldness, Acts iv. 29. With simplicity, as the testimony of God, not with enticing words of man's wisdom, I Cor. i. 17 ; i Cor. ii. r, 4. In godly sincerity and posiiiveness, 2 Cor. i. 12, i8-20. As of God, in the sight of God, 2 Cor. f?. 17. Using great plainness of speech, 2 Cor. iii. 12. Not handling the Word of God by "ac- commodation," but manifesting the truth. 2 Cor. iv. 2. To give Christ himself, not human phil- osophy or tradition about him. Col. ii, 3, 4, 8. Cf. Titus i. 14. Not striving about words to no profit. 2 Tim. ii. 14, 23, 24. Cf. Titus iii, 9. Rightly dividing the word of truth, 2 Tim. ii. 15. Luke xii. 42, 43. In meekness, that God may give re- pentance, to the acknowledging of the truth. 2 Tim. ii. 25. With all long-suffering. 2 Tim. iv. 2. Our Saviour's use of the woRi.'' in His ministry. — It was his strength when tempted to swerve from his appointed path of service. Matt, iv, 4, 7, 10. Psa. xvii. 4. He referred to it, as showing that the gospel was for sinners. Matt. ix. 13. He appealed to it against tradition. Matt. xii. 3, 5, 7. Cf. Matt. xv. 3-9. John vii. 19-24. By it he rebuked an itching for signs and a carelessness of truth. Matt. xii. 39- 42. By it he interpreted human nature. Matt. xiii. 14, 15. From it he answered a question about divorce. Matt. xix. 4.6. He used it as a looking-glass, to show a man his own heart. Matt. xix. 17-22. It was His authority when he rebuked bargaining in the house of God. Matt, xxi. 13. He quoted it in defence of children who confessed him. Matt. xxi. 16. 9 From it he showed the judgment whi>;h would follow the rejection of his testi- mony. Matt. xxi. 42. From the use of a tense in the Old Tes- tament, he taught the resurrection. Mat*., xxii. 29-32. He used its types, as well as its state- ments of truth. Matt. xxiv. 37-39. I.uUe xvii. 29, 30 ;John iii. 14 ; John vi. 32, 51. He used it, to show men their ignorance of the Old Testament, when they did not see Him in it, Mark xii. 35-37; Luke xxiv. 25-27; Luke xxiv. 4.;-46; John V. 39, 46. He rightly divided. Luke iv. 17-20; Isaiah txi. 2. He noted the fulfilment of Scripiurs. John XV. 25: John xvii. 12. So also did Matthew and John. Matt. i. 22; Matt. ii. 15, 17, 23; Matt. viii. 17; John xii. 38 ; John xix. 24, 36, 37. So also did Peter. Acts ii. 16, 25, Stephen. Acts vii. Philip. Acts viii. 35. Paul. Acts xiii. 16-47. James. Acts xv. 13-18. Apollos. Acts xviii. 28. The Epistles and the Revelation ard lull of the Old Testament ; Hebrews is little more than an exposition of Leviticus; and the passages of the Old Testament quoted or alluded to in the Nev,, number 825. The Direct Testimony to the Power of the Word. — It converts the soul. Psalm xix. 7-1 1; Jer. xxiii. 22. It makes clean. Psalm cxix. 9; Joha xiii. 8-10; John xv, 3; Eph. v. 26. It quickens. Psalm cxix. 50. 93. It enlightens and convinces of sin. Psalm cxix. 130; Prov. vi. 20-23 ; Hosea vi. 4-6; John iii. 19-21; Eph. v. 11-14. It gives life. Isaiah Iv. 2, 3 ; Matt.iv.4; John V. 24; John vi, 63,68; John xx 31. It accomplishes God'spurpose. Isaiah Iv. II. It is like a fire and a hammer, jer, xxiii, 29, It is stronger than if one rose from the dead, Luke xvi. 29-31. It saves the soul. Acts xi. 14; Acts 130 NOTES FOR DIDLB READINGS. ziii. 26; Rom. i. 16: i Tim. iv. 16; 2 Tim. tii. 15: James 1. 21. It is able to build up. Acts xx. 32 ; Rom. XV. 4; I Cor. x. 11 ; 1 Peter ii. 2. It produces conviction of sin. Rom. iii. 20 ; Rom. vii. 9-13 ; James ii. 9. It produces faith. Rom. x. 17. It produces joy and peace. Rom. xv.13. It is the power of God. i Cor. i. 17-25; 1 Cor. ii. 4, 5. It is a savor of death unto death, or of life unto V.ie. 2 Cor. ii. i6, 17. It appeals to every man's conscience. 2 Cor. iv. 2. It pulls down strongholds. 2 Cor. x. 4.5- Is a schoolmaster unto Christ. Gal. iii. 19--24. It is the sword of the Spirit. Eph. vi. 17: Heb iv. 12. Stops the mouths of gainsayers. Titus i. 9-11. It gives the new birth. James i. 18 ; I Peter i, 23. It gives knowledge of the possession of eternal life. 1 John v. 9-13. v.— THE INCENTIVES. The great incentives to Gospel Work 1 are the facts thai man is lou and that j /■;/ Chrisi only u mlvation. (See Text- j Book of Gospel Truth.) These two I underlie and enter into all other incentives. The Salvation of men. — God would : not have them perish. John iii. 16, Ezek. xviii. 32 ; Ezek. xxxiii. ii. How shall they hear without a preacher? Rom. x. 12-17. Paul could not rest while men were perishing, i Cor. ix. 19-22. God would have all men saved. 1 Tim. ii. 4 ; 2 Peter iii. 9. Christ's Constkaining Love. aCor. V. 14, 15.— Abiding in Christ s love, and obeying his commands, are mseparabie. John XV. g-14. As we have received mercy, we faint not. 2 Cor. iv. i. Christ's love lives in our love for the lost, Gal. ii. 20. I We give ourselves as he hath given \ himself, Eph. v. 2 ; i John iii. 16. We love, because be tirst loved us, I John iv. 7-16, 19. The requiuk.ment to be faithful. —He who is unfaithful is guilty of the blood of .souls, Acts xx. 26, 27. F.iithfulness is required in stewards, i Cor. iv. 1-5. The ministry is to be fulfilled. Col. iv. 17- Every man is to minister as he has re- ceived the gift, 1 Pet. iv. 10. Pleasing the Lord.— Making the Father glad, Luke xv. 7, 10,22-24. Being wrought for resurrection, we la- bour to be acceptable, 2 Cor. v. 5-9. Christ's servant seeks to please him, not men, Rom. xv. 1-3; 1 Cor. x. 33; Gal. i. 10 ; I Thess. ii. 4. We are to walk worthy of the Lord un- to all pleasing, Col 1. 10. A soldier must please him who hath chosen him, 2 Tim. li. 4. A workman must be approved, 2 Tim. 11.15. The honour of being associated* WITH Christ.— Christ and his messen- gers are one, John xiii. 20. As friends, they know his plans, John X. xv They are treated as he was, Mat 25 ; John XV. 20. They are sent as he was, John xvii. 18, 21. He and the Spirit work in them, Rom. XV. 17-19 ; I Cor. ii. 4-13. They are ambassadors for him, 2 Cor. V. 20. They are encouraged by the joy set be- fore them, even as he waa, Heb. xii. 2-4. The pressing work and little time. — The harvest is plenteous, and the labourers are few, Matt. ix. 37. All nations are to be taught, Matt, xxviii. 19. The gospel is to be preached to every creature, Mark xvi. 15. The fields are white to harvest, John iv. 35-38. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. X3I The night ccmeth, when no man can work, John ;x. 4 ; John xi. 9, 10, It is high time to awake out of sleep, Rom. xiii. 11-14; i Peter iv. 7. The time is short, i Cor, vii. 29-31. The Success Promised.— Nothing is impossible, even to little faith, Matt, xvii. 20, 21 : Matt. xxi. 21, 22. From henceforth thou shall catch men. Luke V. 6-10 ; John xxi. 3-1 1. Christ in the believer's work is greater than in his own. John xiv. 12, 13. The weakness of Gcd is stronger than men, i Cor. i. 17-28. Labor is not m vain io the Lord, i Cor. i. 15-58. We shall reap if we faint not. Gal. vi. 9. Even adversiti-'S shall further the gospel, Phil. i. 12. We may save those that hear '^3, i Tim. iv. 16. He shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him, Psa. cxxvi. 6. The Certain and Proportionate Reward, — The least service shall in no wise lose its reward. Matt. x. 40-42 ; Matt. XVI. 27. It shall be to every man, according as his work snail be, 1 Cor. iii. 8-14 ; Rev. xxii. 12. Every one serving shall have praise of God, Cor. I iv. 5. Star differs from star in glory, i Cor. XV. 41. Our works follow us, Rev. xiv. 13. Various Warnings. — A servant who does not serve is classed with hypocrites. Matt. xxiv. 48-51 ; Matt. xxv. 24-30. And with unbelievers, Luke xii. 46. The greater the knowledge, the greater the responsibility. Luke xii. 47, 48. The eider son is rebuked, Luke xv. 25- ^2. Judging another and doing the same things, is inexcusable, Rom. ii. 1-16. The name of God is blasphemed through those who, teaching others, do not teach themselves, Rom. ii. 17-24. Matt, iidred I Cor. Destroy not him for whom Christ died. Rom. xi\. 10-23. An open door — let no man take thy crown. Rev. iii. 8-il ; 3 John viii. Present Blessings in Service.— God's care and su}>ply deliver from fear of want. Matl. vi. 25-34. God's care and protection deliver from fear of man. .Matt. x. 25-31. Wisdom is given by the Spirit in time of need. Matt. x. 18-20 ; James i. 5. The companionship of Jesu- xxviii. 20 ; Mark xvi. 20. Loss for the gospel's sake ik fold rewarded. Mark x. 29, 30. We are enriched in utterance, i. 5. We have deliverance in trouble. 2 Cor. i. 7-1 1 ; I Tim. iv. 17, 18. Future Blessings on Account of Service. — Shining in heaven. Dan. xii. 3. Greatness in hcavLii. Mail. v. 19. Treasures in heaven. Malt. vi. 19, 20. Confessed in heaven. Matt. x. 32. Reward at his coming. Matt. xvi. 27. Ruling with Christ. Matt. xxiv. 45- 47 ; Matl. xxv. 21, 23; a Tim. i. 11,12. Honor from the Father. John xii. 26. An incorruptible crown i Cor. ix.25. A crown of rejoicing, i Thess. ii. 19, 20. A crown of righteousness. 2 Tim. iv. 5-8- An unfading crown of glory i Pet. v. 4. Reverence and Godlv Fkar. — The judgment-seal of Christ. 2 Cor. v. 10, n ; 2 Tim. iv. I. Our God is a consuming fire. Heb. xii. 28, 29. Seeing all these things shall be dissolv- ed, what manner of workers ought we to be ! 2 Pet, iii. 10-15. VI.— THE OPPORTUNITIES. The whole of the Christian's life here, as contrasted with the life hereafter, is an opportunity to tell the gospel. And had we anointed eyes, and were we, as led by the Holy Spirit, en the watch In 132 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. i\ for opportunities, we should see them every day, and many times a day, SCGGESTIONS FROM THE OlD TESTA- MENT.— God'S words are to be m our mouths, at home and abroad, by night and by day. Deut. vi. 6-9. The sound of a going in the mulberry trees is a signal to oestir one s self. 2 Sam. V. 24. One wise to discern opportunities makes a good soldier, i Chron. xii. 32. A bow, drawn at a venture smote a king of Israel between the joints of his harness. 2 Chron. xviii. 33. Teaching in the New Testament.- Every mans necessity or distress is our opportunity to minister the gospel. Luke X. 29-37. Oui gospel opportunities are now, 2 Cor. i. 2. As we have opportunity, let U3 do good unto all. Gal. vi. to. Buying up the time, (every opportunity) . Eph. v. 16; Col. iv. 5, 6. In sear' n, out of season. In inese passages, the words " opportunity " "time, and "'jeason," are the same word in the original. 2 Tim. iv. 2. Exhort one another daily, while -'t is called to-day. Heb. ;m. 13. 1 Jesus, IN every Circumstance, found AN Opportunity. — When walking by the sea. Matt. iv. 18. When teaching in the synagogue. Matt. iv. 23. When multitudes were gathered. Matt. V. I ; Matt. xiii. 2., When he was asked. Matt. viii. 2, 5. Without being asked. Matt. viii. 14. When meii ' 'ould have nothing to do with Him. Matt. viii. 29, At a place of business. Matt. ix. g. When sitting at meat. Matt. ix. 10. Even when considered unlawful. Matt. xii. 10-12. When interrupted. Matt. xii. 46, 50. When he went out, and when he came in. Matt. xiii. i, 36. In his own town, (Luke iv. 16) and away from home. Matt. xv. 21-28 ; Matt, xiii. 54-57. When his privacy was invaded. Matt, xiv. 13 When men cried to catch him in hi» talk. Matt. xvi. i-i2. On the mount of vision. Matt. xvii. i 1-13 I Iff the valley of human need. Matt, xvii. 14-20. When the tax-gatherers came to him. Matt. xvii. 24-27, Taking advantage of questions pro- posed to him. Matt, xviii. 1, 21 ; Matt, xix. 3, 16, 27. When his enemies sought to entangle him. Matt. xxii. 15, 23, 35 When a poor woman touched him m the press, on his way to a .'uler's nouse. Mark v. 25-34 ; Cf. Matt, xx 29-34, When he overheard disciples dispuf" ,.g. Mark .x. 33. As ne sat over against the '.reasury. Mark xii. 41. As a child among the teachers of the law. Luke ii. 4.6-49. When he met a funeral procession. Luke vii. 12. When his attention was called to the persecution of God's messenger. Luke vii. 24. When a woman, who was a sinner, honored him in the presence of a rich Pharisee. Luke vn. 37. When men m jeopardy awoke hitn. Luke viii. 23. When men would learn of nim how .0 pray. Luke xi. t. When a woman praised mm. Luke xi. 27 When men were shocked at his disre- gard of reiigious proprieties. Luke xi. 38. When a lawyer (a teacher of the '.aw — God's word.) winced at his testimony. Luke xi. 45. When a man would use his influence to get property for himself. Luke xii. 13. When told of a murder and an accident. Luke xiii. i, 4. When an abstract theological question was proposed, he made it the occasion ot a personal admonition. Luke xiii. 23. When men would stop his work by warning him of danger. Lujce xiii. 31. " NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 133 When men contended for social posi- tion. Luke xiv. 7. W n some one made a pious obser- vation about heaven. Luke xiv. 15. Wh .n Pharisees murmured at his receiving .sinners. Luke xv. 2. When covetous men derided him, Luke xvi. 14. When he met self-satisfied religious people. Luke xviii. 9. When his disciples would have kept back children. Luke xviii. 15. When he met men by the way, he joined them that he might open to them the Scriptures. Luke xxiv. 13-32. When men gave indication of interest. John i. 38. When he attended a wedding. John ii. 2. When one came to him secretly. John iii. 2. When wearied he sat on the well. John iv. 6, 7. When men followed him though it was only for loaves and fishes. John vi. 26. When men were thirsty. John vii. 37. To a blind man he showed the Son of God, as the light of the world. John ix. 5. To the dead he preached Jesus and the resurrection. Cf. Acts viii. 35; xvii. 18 ; John xi, 1-45. Jesus was never at a loss to introduce the gospel. He made whatever was before men's eyes serve as an opportuni- ty ; e. g. sowing, grinding, fishing, a shepherd and his sheep, a fig-tree, a vineyard, bread, a well of water, the birds, the flowers, the wind, the sun. In all this he is surely our example. Every life, however ordinary, will be full of testimony and blessing, if only we see that its familiar events are oppor- tunities, and use them for the Master. WHAT AND HOW TO PREACH. MAN A SINNER. Under condemnation awaitingpcnalty. Rom. i. ii. iii. GODS REMEDY. Christ crucified, i Cor. ii. 2 ; xv. 3 : i Peter i. 19, 20 ; Rev. xiii. 8. I. Christ crucified the fulfilment of the word. Gen. iii. 15, 21 ; iv. 4 ; viii. 20 ; xxii. 7, 8 ; xlii.; Kx. xii. 5-7. The tabernacle and its services explained by the cross: so the sacrifices and feasts of Leviticus : so the mirarle of Num. xxi. so Elijah on Carmel. i Kings xviii : so prophecies. Isa. Hii. The shadow of the cross reaches from Genesis to Revela- tion, We can take hold of almost any verse and lift up the cross from it. 2. In preaching the cross we show the nature of sin. Luke xx. 13-15 ; John XV, 24 ; xvi. 9; Acts iii, 14; Acts vii. 52. 3. Wnith of God against sin. Gal. iii. 13; I Peter ii. 24; iii. 18; Lev. xxvii. 29 ; Ps. xl. 12 ; xxii. i ; Ixxxviii. 7, 14-16; Isa. liii, 4-6, 10. 4. God's love to the sinner. John iii. 16 ; Rom. v, 6-8 ; iv. 25 ; i John iii. i6 ; iv. 9, 10. 5. God just in justification of those deserving condemnation. Rom. iii. 24- 26 ; Isa. liii. 6 ; John v. 24 ; i John i. 7 ; Rom. V. I ; vi. 6, 7. 22 ; Rom. viii. 1. PREACH RESURRECTION. The apostles preached it. Acts i. 22 ; ii. 24, 32; iii. 15, 26; iv. 10. 33; v. 30-32; vii, 55, 56 ; X. 40-43 ; xiii. 30-39 ; xvii. 31 ; xxvi. 8-22. 23. DOCTRINES AN J TRUTHS CONCERNING CHRIST PROVED BY IT. 1, Christ as Son of God. Rom. iv. 4 ; Heb. i. 5, 2, The promised seeu of Abraham. Gal. iii. 16 ; Rom, ix, 7 ; Acts xiii. 32, 33- 3, The promised Son of David. Acts i, 32 ; xiii. 34, Justification declared by it. Rom. iv. 24-25; v. I ; I Cor. XV. 17. Eternal life is Christ's resurrection life in us, the new birth linked on to Him. John i;;. 3-5 ; Rom. vi, 3-5 ; Rom. vi, 22, 23 ; Gal. ii. 20 ; Eph. i. 19-23 ; ii.5. 6, All the hopes of the believer centre in the coming resurrection of his own body, of which the resurrection of Christ's body is the promise and type. 1 Cor. xv. WW- 134 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 20-23, 49-52 ; I Thess. iv. 14 ; Rom. viii. II, ig-25. HOW TO PREACH. Read Luke viii. ix. x. Christ's in- structions. 1. The preacher should be in conscious communion with God. Ps. li. I2, 13 ; Acts iv. 31 ; 2 Tim. i. 14 ; Acts vi. 4; I Cor. ii. 12, 13. Peter was praying when he was sent to Cornelius. Paul was praying when tlie jailor came to him. " Instant in prayer," should be our motto if we would have power. 2. Boldness in use of God's word. Confidence in our weapon. Rom. i. 15, 16 ; I Pet. iv, II ; Tit. li. 15 ; Jer. i. 6- 10 ; (study Jeremiah's experience all the way through upon this point), i Cor. ii. 3 ; 2 Cor. iv. 8-10 ; 2 Cor. vii. 4-6 ; 2 Cor. xii. 9, 10. 3. As witnesses, — not in worldly wisdom or argument, i Cor. i. 17-19 ; i Cor. ii. 4, 5 ; 2 Tim. ii. 23-25. Christ as witness. John iii. 11, 32, 33; so apostles. Acts x. 39, 41, 42 ; xxii. 14, 15; Acts xxvi. 22, 23 ; 2 Tim, ii. x, 2 ; i Tim. iv. 12. 4. Dependence upon Holy Spirit, Luke xxi. 15 ; i Thess. i. 5 ; Acts v. 32. 5. With senseof responsibility to God, I Cor. iii. 9 ; Gal. i. 10 ; i Cor. iv. 3, 4 ; I Thess. ii. 4, 6. 6. Adaptation to men, i Cor. ix, 20- 22 ; xiv. 18-20 ; I Cor. x. 32-33. Keep in contact with men by engaging in />c'rs on a/ work. The personal applica- tion of the gnspel in contact with indi- viduals should go hand-in-i.irid with preaching to audiences. In this way we keep in sympathy with men, know their needs and can adapt our public presentations of truth to them. Illus- trations to make Ihe gospel clear should be freely used, always making them the back-giound of the picture that shows "Jesus only." 7. In humility, i Cor, iv. 10-13 ; Acts XX. 19. 8. In sincerity, 2 Cor. iv. 1,2; 2 Cor. ii. 17; I Thess. ii. 3, 5. 9. In love, I Cor. xiii. i ; 2 Cor. v. 20 ; I Thess. ii. 7-9. 10. With joy, Lukex. 17; Isa. Ixiv. 5. FRUIT BEARING. (John XV. 8.) Fruit of the old man. Rom. vi. 21 ; Rom, vii. 5. Fruit of the new man. Rom. vi. 22 ; Rom. vii. 4 ; Gal. v. 22, 23. Fruit, our Father expects. Luke xiii. 6, 9 ; XX. 9, 10. Fruit, a mark of God's children. Matt, vii. 16 ; xii. 33. Fruit, Secret of. John xv. 45 ; Matt, xiii. 23 ; Col. i. 5, 6. Fruit, Hindrance to. Matt. xiii. 22 ; Luke viii. 14. Fruit, Progressive. Mark iv. 28, 29. Fruit, Subject of prayer, 2 Cor. ix. 10 ; Phil. i. II ; Col. i. 10. Fruit, Not necessarily working. 2 Pet. i. 5 ; Jas. iii 17, i8 ; Phil. iv. 17 ; Heb. xiii. 15 ; Rom. xv. 28. Fruit, Under chastening. Heb. xii. 11. Fruit, Not leaves, (profession). Mark xi. 13, 14. Fruit, Result of Christ's death. John xii, 24. Fruit, Result of not bearing. Jno.xv.2. The God The God The God The God The God The God The God The God The God The God 10. OUR GOD. of truth. Deut. of all grace, i of peace. Phil of \o\e. 2 Cor. of all comfort, of patience. Rom. xv. 5. of hope. Pom. xv. 13. of glory. Acts vii. 2. of judgment. Isa. xxx. 18 of merc'es 2 Cor. i. 13, xxxii. 4. Peter v. , iv. 9. xiii. II. 2 Cor. i. MUCH FRUIT. John XV. 8. ist, Fruit of "conversl.i of soul." Rom. xiii. 2nd, " Fruii unto holiness." Rom. vi. 22. 3rd, " The fruit of our lips, giving thanks," Heb. xiii. 15. 4th, " The frui* of giving." Phil.iv. 17, TT NOTF.S FOR BIBLE READINGS. 135 WINNING SOULS. Hi that winncth souls is zvise. Pro. xi.30. 1. Our Prayer. — Acts ix. 6 ; Psa. cxliii. 10 ; Ps. li. 2. Our Field.— Mark xvi. 15 ; John i. 41, 42. 45 ; John iv. 28. 29; Mark v. 19, 20 ; Acts viii. 26, &c ; Acts xvi. 13- 15 and 30-" ^ ; Jas. v. 20. 3. Our Time. — Matt. xxi. 28 ; 2 Cor. vi. 2 ; Ecc. ix. 10 ; 2 Thess. iii. 13 ; Rev. xxii. 7. 4. Our Motive. — 2 Cor. v. 14 ; Col. iii. 23 ; John xxi. 15-17. 5. Our Helper. — Matt, xxviii. 20 ; 2 Cor. xii. 9 ; John xv, 5 ; Heb. xiii. 5. 6. Our Theme. — ^John iii. 16 ; Gal. vi. 14 ; I Tim. i. 15 ; R'. mi. Iv. 25 ; v. i, 2 ; John v. 24. 7. Our Message. — Ezek. xxxiii. 11 ; 2 Tim. iv. 2 ; Rom. i. 16 ; i Cor. i. 18; 1 Thess. ii. 4 ; Eph. vi. 17. 8. Our Strength (or Power.) — Zee. iv. 6 ; John xiv. 16, 17,26; John xv. 26; John xvi. 7-11, 13; Acts i. 8 ; ii. 1-4 ; iv. 31. 33. 9. Our Example. — ^John ix. 4 ; Luke ii. 49 ; Rom. x. i ; Acts viii. 26, &c. 10. Our Reward. — Matt. xxv. 23 ; 2 Tim. iv. 8 ; Psa. cxxvi. 6 ; Rev. xxii. 12. S. R. Briggs. GODS THOUGHTS. Higher than your thoughts. Is. Iv. 9. Thoughts of peace and not evil. Jer. xxix. II. Very deep. Psalm xcii. 5. Precious unto me. Psalm cxxxix. 17. Cannot be reckoned up. Psalm, xl, 5. More than can be numbered. Ps.xl.5. Prayer. — Think upon me, my God. Nph. V. 19. Assurance. — The Lord thinketh upon me. Psalm xl. 17. GODS WORDS. Every word of God is pure. Prov. XXX. 5. The Word of God is quick and power- ful. Heb, iv. 12. The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, Heb. iv. 12. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my paths. P.salm cxix. 105. Thy Word is truth. John xvii. 17. Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart. Jer. xv. 16. How sweet are thy Words to my taste. Psalm cxix. 103. OUR WORDS. What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another ? — Luke xxiv. 17. I speak of things touching the King- Psalm xlv. I. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm xxxiv. i. I will speak of the honour of Thy majesty. Psalm cxlv, 5. My tongue shall talk of Thy righteous- ness all the day long. Psalm lx.\;. 24. I will speak of Thy testimonies. Ps. cxix. 46. I will mention the loving-kindness of the Lord. Isaiah Ixiii. 7. My tongue shall speak of Thy Word. Psalm cxix. 172. Ah, Lord God ! behold I cannot speak. Jer. i. 6. When I speak with thee I will open thy mouth. Ezek. iii. 27. It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. Matt. x. 20. GOD OUR ROCK. Salvation. — 2 Sam. xxii. 47. Stability.— Matt. vii. 24, 25 ; Matt. xvi. I, 8. Security. — Psalm xciv. 22. Shelter. — Psalm Ixi. 3. Satisfaction. — i Cor. x. 4. Strength. Psalm xxxi. 2 [Mar^.) Shadow, — Isaiah xxxii. 2. TITLES OF GOD. Jehovah, I am, was, and shall be. Jehovah Elohim, the Lord God. Gen. ii. 14. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide. Gen. xxii. 14. Jehovah Rt phi. II 136 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. the Lord that healeth thee, or thy physician. Ex. xv. 22. Jehovah Nissi, the Lord my banner. Exod. xvii. 24. Jehovah Shalom, the Lord send peace. Judges vi. 25. Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness. Jer. xxiii. 6. Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there., Ezek. xlviii. 35. TWO THINGS TAUGHT BY GOD HIMSELF. 1. Coming to Christ. — It is written in the prophets and they shall be all taught of Goii. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the father, cometh unto Me. John vi. 45. 2. Brotherly Love. — Bntasteaching brotherly love, ye need not that I writ-, unto you ; for ye yourselves are taught of Godio love one another, i Thess.iv.g. COVENANTS OF GOD WITH HIS PEOPLE. The covenant of law. Exodus xxxiv. 10-28 ; Deut. v. 2-21. The covenant of redemption. Gen. iii. 15. The covenant of peace. Isaiah liv. 10 ; Ez. xxxiv. 25, and xxxvii. 26. The covenant of possession. Exodus xxix. 45-46. Deut. xxix. 15. The covenant of safety. Gen. vi. 18 ; viii. 21-22, and ix. 9-17. The covenant of prosperity and bles- sing. Genesis vii. 1-13 ; xii. 1-3; xv. 18, andxxii. 17-18; Exodus xix. 1-6; Isaiah lix. 21. The covenant of knowledge. Jer. xxxi. 31. GOD'S COVENANT. With David. — 2 Sam. vii. 10-29 ; z Sam. xxiii. 1-5 ; Luke i. 30-33 ; Luke i. 67-75 : Acts ii. 29-36; Acts xiii. 32-39 ; Acts i. 9-11 ; Isaiah xi. 32, With Me. — iTim.i.15; i John i. 25. I Peter i. 3 ; John xiv. 1-3 ; John iii. i6j John iii. 36 ;. i Cor. iii. 23 ; John iii. 33. Made by God. Sealed by Christ. Accepted by Me, Witnessed by the Holy Spirit. THE SHINING OF GOD'S COUN- TENANCE GIVES Peace. — Numbers vi. 26. Saving Health. — Psalm Ixvii. i, 2. Salvation. — I'salm Ixxx. 3, 7, 19. By which we are taught God s statutes. — Psalm cxix. 135. COVENANTS OF MAN WITH MAN TOWARDS GOD. The covenant of union, Jer. 1. 5. The covenant of separation! Ez. x. 3. The covenant of search. 2 Chron.xv. 12. The covenant of obedience. 2 Kings xxiii. 3. The covenant of walk. Neh. x. 29. The covenant of service. Joshua xxiv. 25. The covenant of possession. 2 Kings xi. 17. S. C. W. H. ABLE. Power of God's word as an instrument of spiritual transformation. 2 Tim. iii, 15-17 ; 2 Cor. X. 4 ;, Acts xx. 32 ; Jas. i. 21. G'jd able to do in and through us. Matt. ix. 2& ; Luke iii. 8. Even the most unpromising. Romjv. 20, 21 ; Heb. xi. 19 ;. Rom. xiv. 4 ; Heb. ii. 18;. John X. 29; Rom. viii. 39; 2 Tim. i. 12 ; 2 Cor. ix. 8 : Eph iii. 20 ; Heb. vii, 25 J Phil, iiL 21 > Matt. ix. 26; Mark ix. 23. Human "ables." when guided by Divine strength. 2 Tim. ii. 2 ; 2 Cor. iii. 6 ;. Titus i. 9 ; Eph, iii, 17, 18 j Eph. vi. 11. i6 ;. 1 Cor. X. 13 ;. Jas. iiL 2 j 2 Pet. i.. 15. Mrs. M, GOD IS LOVE. He calls us sons, i John iii. i. His love is everlasting. Jer. xxxi, 3. He is for us. Romans viii. 31. He gave His Son for us. John iii, 16 j Romans viii 32. Who shall separate us from the love. Romans viii. 35. Nothing shall be able, &c. Romans viii. 39. We are safe in His love (No man. &c,) John X, 28. The extent of His love (Unto the end.) John xiii. i. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 137 He will come again for us. John xiv.3. He takes up His abode in us. John xiv. 23. He chastens us because He loves us. ileb. xii, 6. He will never forsake us. Heb.xiii.5. H< 4icketh cIo.ser than a brother to us. I'rov. xviii. 24, He has graven us on his hands. Isaiah xlix. 16. He has gone to prepare a place for us. John xiv. 2, His love gives peace. John xiv. 27. He loves us as the Father loves. John XV. g. He cares for us. i Peter v. 7. He gives us rest. Matt. xi. 28. GODS GIFTS.--NEW TESTAMENT. Every good and perfect gift from God, James i. 17. The Gift, John iii. 16; 2 Cor. ix. 15; Gal. ii. 20. The living water. John iv. 10, The true bread, John vi. 32. All things freely. Rom. viii. 32, Eternal life. John x. 28;, Rom. vi. 23. Rest, Malt. xi. 28. Peace. John xiv. 27. The Spirit. John xiv, 16 ; Rom. v. 5, Grace. Eph. ii. 8. More grace. James iv. 6. Whatsoever ye ask. John xvi. 23. Good things. Matt. vii. 11. Exceeding great and precious promises, 2 Peter i. 4, Power to overcome. Luke x. ig. God's word John xvii. 8, 14. The glory of Jesus John xvii. 22. All thinj^s that pertain to life and god- liness. 2 Peter i. 3. All things richly to enjoy, i Tim.vi.17. The crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. iv. 8. A crown of life. Rev. ii, 10, White robe. Rev. vi. 11. The Gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Rom. vi, 23, God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in His Son, i John v. 11. A free gift. Rom. v. 15-18. CIIRI.ST GAVE HIMSELF. The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John x. 1 1. Christ hath loved us, and given Him- self for us. Eph. v. 2. Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. Eph. v. 25. Who gave Himself for our sins. Gal. i. 4. Who gave Himself forme. Gal.ii.20. Who gave Himself a ransom for all. I Tim. ii. 6. Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us, Titus ii. 14. GIFTS IN THE UNSPEAKABLE GIFT. I will give you rest. Matt. xi. 28. It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke xii. 32, He gave power to become sons of God, John i. 12, John vii, 37-39 ; John John vi. 51, 52 ; John John xvii. 2; John x. I Peter ii. 21; John xiii. GODS "UNSPEAKABLE GIFT." (2 Cor. ix. 15.) Unto us a Son is given. Luke ii. 10, II ; Isaiah ix. 6. Given for "a covenant, a light." Heb. xii. 24 ; John viii. 12 ; Isaiah xiii. 6, Given for " a witness, a leader, a com- mander." Rev, i. 5; vii. 17; Isaiah Iv. 4, God . . . gave His only begotten Son. Eph. i. 22; John iii. 16. None other name given among men whereby we must be saved. Acts iv. 12. Living water, iv. 10, 14, 15. Bread of life, vi. 27. 31-34. Eternal life. 28. An example. My peace. Rom. v. i ; John xiv. 27. What; lever ye shall ask, Luke xi, 9; John xvi. 23. The words which thou gavest nie. — John xvii. 14; John xvii. 8. The glory which Thou gavest me. 2 Cor. iii. 18; John xvii. 22. He shall give you another comforter. Luke xi. 13; John xiv. 16. Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts V. 32 ; Acts ii. 38. God hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit, 2 Cor. i, 22; 2 Cor. v. 5. God hath given xmto us His Holy Spirit, r Thess. iv. 8. The Spirit which He hath given U3. 1 John iv. 13; I John iii. 24, The Spirit .... that we might know the things freely given to us of God. I Cor, ii. 12. Gifts by the Holy Spirit. Rom.xii.6; I Cor. xii. 4-11. 138 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. Love of God .... by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. v. 5. God hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. Luke i. 77, 79; 2 Cor. vi. 6. Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Eph. i. 17. Spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. i. 7. A Saviour, to give repentance and for- giveness of sins. Acts v. 31. Saved by grace through faith . . . the gift of God. Eph. ii. 8. His own purpose and grace given us in Christ Jesus. Eph. v. 7; 2 Tim. i. 5. Given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. 2 Thes. ii.i6. He giveth more grace— giveth grace unto the humble. James iv. 6. Wisdom. Every good and perfect gift. James i. 5, 17. Understanding. 2 Tim. iii. 16. — Scripture, i John v. 20. With Him freely give us all things. 1 Tim. vi. 17- Rom. viii. 32. AH th'.ngs which pertain to hfe and godliness. 2 Peter i. 3. Excecdinggreatandprecioaspromises. 2 Peter i. 4. Ministry of reconciliation. Eph. iii. 7, 8; 2 Cor. V. 18. Ability, i Cor. iii, 7. The increase. I i'cLci iv. II. Unto you it is given, not only to be- lieve, but to suffer. Matt. x. 19 ; Phil, i. 29. To eat of tree of life. Rev. ii. 7. A crown of life. Rev. ii. 10. Hidden manna. Rev. ii. 17. A white stone, a new name. Rev.ii.17. Power over the nations. Rev. ii. 26. A crown of righteousness. 2 Tim.iv.8. Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor. XV. 57. The Morning Star. Rev. ii. 28. White robes. Rev. vi. 11. Water of life freely. Rev, xxi. 6. Light. Rev. xxii. 5. Reward, according to work. Rev.xx. i. 12. I He hath sent Me ..... to give unto ] them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for I mourning, the garment of praise for the I spirit of heaviness. Isaiah Ixi. 3. I The Lord will give grace and glorj-. — I Psalm l.\xxiv. 11. The Lord will give strength unto His people. Psalm xxix. II. He giveth grace unto the lowly, Prov. iii. 34. He giveth power to the faint. Isaiah xl. 29. He shall give His angels charge over thee. Psalm xci. 1 1 ; Psalm Ixxi. 3. io He giveth His beloved sleep. L ...dm cxxvii. 2. I will give them an heart to know Me. Jer. xxiv. 7. A new heart will I give you. I will give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel xxxvi. 26. Delighc thyself in the Lord ; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm xxxvii. 4. THE WILL OF GOD. " Understanding what the will of God is." — Eph. v. 17, Jesus our example. — John vi. 38 ; John v. 30; John iv. 34; John ix. 4 ; John xvii. 4 ; Psalm xl. 8 ; John viii. 28; Luke xxii. 44 ; i Peter ii. 21. His Will towards us. — 2 Peter iii. 9 ; Luke xiv. 42, 44; James i. 18 ; John vi. 40 ; John iii. 16 ; John xi. 25 ; Eph. i. 5 ; Eph. ii. 19; Phil. iii. 20 ; i Thess. iv, 3 ; Eph. 1.4; John vi. 39 ; Matt. xvii. 14; John X. 28; Luke xii. 32 ; i Sam. ii. 8 ; Rev. iii. 21 ; Eph, i. 9. 10 ; John. X. 16 ; John xi. 52. How TO LEARN HIS WILL. — Phil. ii. 13 ; Heb. xiii. 21 ; 2 Cor. iii. 5 ; Rom. xii. I, 2 ; Rom. vi. 13 ; i Chron. xxix. 5; I John V. 14 ; Rom. viii. 27 ; Psa.cxliii. ID ; Psalm ex. 3 ; John vii. 17 ; Psalm cxi. 10; Psalm cxix. 99; Eph. v. 17; John xvi. 13 ; Col. i. 9 ; Eph. iii. 19 ; John i. 16. How TO DO HIS WILL. — Eph. vi. 6 ; i Peter iv. 2 ; Col. iii. 23 ; James iv. 15 ; Acts xxi. 14 ; Rom. i. 10 ; Ezra vii. 18 ; G( G. S as t St the St the St the Pf T fort NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 139 ito for he lis I Thess. V. 18 ; Psalm Ixix. 30 ; i Teter ii. 15 ; Eph. ii. 10; John xiv. 23 ; Matt, vii. 21 ; Luke xii. 47 ; James iv. 17. The end — Eveklasting Life. — i John ii. 17 ; Col. iv, 12 ; Eph. iv. 13 ; Ileb. xiii. 20, 21 ; 2 Cor. ix. 8 ; John xvii. 24 ; Rev. iii. 4 Thess. iv. 17. Rev. xxii. 3, 4 ; i SEPARATION. God'S command. — 2 Cor. vi. 17 ; Rom. xii. 2 ; t John ii. 15, 16. Christ's declaration. — Matt. vi. 24; Matt. vii. 21 ; Matt. x. 34-40 ; John xv. 18-20. The choice. — Heb, xi. 24, 25, 26. The promise to the faithful. — Mark x. 29, 30 ; 2 Cor. vi. 18 ; Rev. ii. 10. Unbelief says, God hath forgotten : faith says, I will remember the past power of //is rii^ht hand. Psalm ].\xvii. 9. JO. His ri^ht //rt/.i/upholdeth n^e from the enemy. Psalm Ixiii. 8. His right hand doth embrace me with affection and love — giving secnrity and Jcst. Cant. ii. 6 ; viii. 3. ABOUT THE GREAT THINGS OF GOD. O, the depth of the riches of God. Gift unspeakable. 2 Cor. ix. 15. Grace exceeding abundant. i Tim. i. 14 ; Eph. ii. 7. Greatness unsearchable. 3. Joy unspeakable. I Judgments unsearchable. Love that passeth know- ledge. Eph. iii. 19. Peace that passeth all understanding. Phil. iv. 7. Power exceeding great. Eph. i. 19. Promises exceeding great and precious. 2 Peter i. 4. Riches unsearchable. Eph. iii. 8. Ways past finding out. Rom. xi. 33. Weight of glory exceeding and eternal. 2 Cor. iv. 17. I will give Eph. ii. 7, The most Psalm cxlv. Peter i. 8. Rom. xi. 33. THE NAMES THE APOSTLES GIVE TO GOD. God is light, i John i. 5. God is love, i John iv. 8. St. Matthew characterizes the Lord as the King of the Jews. St. Mark characterizes the Lord as the Perfect Servant. St. Luke characterizes the Lord as the Son of Man. St. John characterizes the Lord as the Son of God. OF THE THE RIGHT HAND LORD. Power in redemption. Exodus xv. 6. The Lord is at my rix/it //rtw/— comfort for the desponding. Psalm xvi. 8. TWELVE THOUGHTS GOD. 1 . The fatherhood of God. I will be his Father, i Chron. xxviii. 6; Malt, vi. 9. 2. The bounty of God. thee riches. 2 Chron. i. 12 3. The most holy God. holy house. 2 Chron, iii. 8 ; Rev. iv. 8. 4. The covenant-keeping God. Per- formed His word, i Kings viii. 20; Psalm Ixxxix. 34. 5. The prayer-bearing God. Hear thou in heaven, i Kings viii. 30 ; Isaiah Ixv. 24. 6. The ever-loving God. Loved Israel forever, i Kings x. 9 ; John iii. 16. 7. The self-revealing God. I will make known. Prov. i. 23 ; Exodusxxxiv. 6, 7. 8. The law-giving God. Forget not my laws. Prov. iii. i ; James iv. 12. 9. The sin-hating God. These doth the Lord hate. Prov. vi. 16 ; Zech. viii. 17. 10. The kindly-warnirig God. Look not thou. Prov. xxii.; Ezk. iii. 17. 11. The virtue-loving God. Above rubies. Prov. xxxi. 10 ; Psalm xxiv. 4. 12. Thejudgment-rendingGod. Bring into judgment. Ecc. xii. 14; Acts xvii, 31- GOD OUR GUIDE. We need a guide. Rom. iii. 12 ; Isaiah Ii. 18 ; Isa. liii. 6 ; i Peter ii. 25; Luke xix. 10. God desires to guide us. Jer. iii. 4; Isaiah Iv. 4 ; Psalm xxv. 9 ; Psalm Ixxx. I J Isaiah xlviii. 27; xlii. 16; xlviii. 17, Why ? Isaiah Ixiii. 14. God must be our only guide. Deut. xii. 12. 140 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. iM' |||K( M ; f 1 (t « t ^ -i The only ground on which we can seek guiJance. Tsalm xxxi. 3, and xxiii.3. HOW GOD GUIDES US. I3y His Word. Psalm cxix. 105 ; 2 Tim. iii. 16. By His Spirit. Eze. xxxvi. 27 ; xi.19; John xvi. 13 ; Rom. viii. 14. By His Providence. Psalm xxxvii.23; Pro. xvi. 9. By His eye. Psalm xxxii. 8. By His counsel. Psalm Ixxiii. 24, Uy His hands. Psalm Ixxviii. 72. By His voice. Isaiah xxx. 21 ; Pro, viii. 4 ; Psalm Ixxxi. 11 ; John x. 3-5. By His strength. Exodus xv. 13. On every side. 2 Chron. xxxii. 22. By trial. Deut. xxxii. lo-ii; Isaiah xlii. 16; Jer. xxxi. 9; Cant. viii. 5; Prov. xvi. 9. WHEFE GOD GUIDES US. Into all truth. John xvi. 13 ; Psalm xliii. 3. Into the way of peace, Luke i. 79 ; psalm cxxxix. 24 ; Prov. viii. 20. To repentance. Rom. ii. 4 ; Prov. i.23. In tht wilderness. Psalm Ixxviii. 52, By springs of water. Isaiah xli.'c. :o; Psalm xxiii. 2 ; John iv. 10. How long? Psalm xlviii, 14; Exodus xii. 21, 22 ; Isaiah Iviii. 11. Even when straying. Isaiah Ivii. 17-18. In heaven forever. Rev. vii. 17; xiv.4. Other guides leaa to destruction. Matt. vii. 13; XV. 14; xxiii. 16. GODS KNOWLEDGE OF MAN. Read Psalm cxxxix. I Chron. xxviii. 9 ; Jer. xvii. 10 ; Psa. xliv. 21 ; Acts XV. 8-18 ; Heb. iv. 12-13 ; John xxi. 17 ; John ii. 24-25 ; i Sam. xvi. 7 ; 2 Chron. vi. 30 ; Jer. xxxii. 18-19; Job xxxiv. 21-22 ; Psalm xvi. 7 ; Prov. v. 21 ; Prov. XV. 3 ; Acts i. 24 ; Matt. ix. 4; John vi. 64 ; John xvi. 30 ; i Thess. ii. 4; Rev. ii. 23. GOD THE GIVER. Rom. vii. 23 ; i John v. n-13 ; John iii. 14, 16; 2 Cor. ix. 15; Gal. ii. 20; John X. 27-29 ; Eph. ii. 4-10 ; Rom. viii. 31,39; I Cor. iii. 21-23; Rom. xi. 29 ; Num. xxiii. 19. GOD GIVES TO ALL. Breath, spirit. Isaiah xlii. 5. The sun for a light. Jer. xxxi, 35. Seed-time and harvest. Gen. viii. 22. Food to all flesh. Psalm cxxxvi. 25. Life, breath, and all things. Acts xvii. 25- Openest thy hand. Psalm cxlv. 15, l6. To all men liberally. James i. 5. Every man according to his works. Rev. ii. 23. Tender mercies over all. Ps. cxlv, 9. GOD GIVES TO BELIEVERS. The living bread. John v. 51. Giveth light. Ps. cxix. 130. A mouth and wisdom. Luke xxi. 15. Songs in the night. Job xxxv. 10. Sufficient grace. 2 Cor. xii. 8. 9. All things. I Tim. vi. 17. The victory, i Cor. xv. 55, 57. Crown laid up. 2 Tim. iv. 8. To sit on His throne. Rev. iii. 21. A lively hope, i Pet. i, 3, &c. More grace. James iv. 6. GOD DELIVERS HIS PEOPLE FROM The power of Satan, Acts xxvi. 18 ; Ps. cxxiv. 7. The dominion of sin. Rom. vi. 14. Spiritual death. Eph. ii. i. The horrible pit. Ps. xl. 2 ; xxxii. 5. The unrest of the wicked. Isa. lviL20. The fear of death. Heb. ii. 15. The wrath to come, i Thess. i. All evil. Gen. xlviii. 16. The fear of man. Prov. xxix. 25. The love of money, i Tim. vi. 10, Out of trouble, Ps, liv. 7. Anxious care. Phil. iv. 6, 10, II. GOD CALLS HIS PEOPLE TO Marvellous light, i Pet, ii. 9 ; v. 10. Consecration and holiness. Rom. xii. ; 2 Thes. iv. 7. Liberty. Gal. v. 13. The fellowship of Christ, i Cor.i.9. Heavenly inheritance, i Pet. i. 4. Patience and suffering, i Pet. ii. 20. Eternal glory, i Pet. v. 10. Peace. Col. iii, 15. By name. Isa. xliii. i ; John x. 3. According to his purpo.se. 2 Tim. i.g. To walk before him. Gen. xvii. i. To the fight of faith, &c. i Tim. vi. 1 2. 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 141 Ps. cxxxviii. 3. Isa. XXVI. 4. 2 Cor. xii. 9. Isa. xl. 31. THE LORD OUR HELPER. Vain is the help of man. Ps. Ix. 1 1. Fear not, I will help. Isa. xli. 10. My helper, I will not fear. Heb. xiii.6. Very present. Ps. xlvi. i ; Ixxii, 12. Help of His countenance, Ps xlu. 5. Shield of thy help. Deut. xxxiii. 29. Power to help. 2 Chron. xxv. 8. Hitherto, i Sam. yii. 12 ; Acts xxvi.22. Thy judgments. Ps. cxix. 173, 175. Lord, help me. Matt. xv. 25. Name of the Lord. Ps. cxxiv. 8. THE LORD OUR .STRENGTH. Our refuge and strength. Ps. xlvi. i. Strength of heart and life. Ps. xxvu I ; Ixxiii, 26. Strength in my soul. Everlasting strength. Perfect in weakness. By waiting on Him. According to Thy word. Ps. cxix. 28. Take hold of. Isa. xxvii. 5. Saving strength. Ps. xxviii. 8. The strength of Israel. i Sam.xv.29. The joy of the Lord. Nehem. viii. 10. GOD'S PEOPLE— FARMERS. Break up fallow. Jer. iv. 3. Plough, break clods. Hos. r. Ii-i2. In the morning sow. Eccl. xi. 6. They that sow in tears. Ps. cxxvi. 5. Bearing precious seed. Ps. cxxvi. 6. The seed is the Word of God. Luke viii. II. The field is the world. Matt, xiii. 38. Sow beside all waters. Isa. xxxii. 20. In righteousness. Hos. x. 12. Sow to spirit — in due season reap. Gal. vi. 8, 9. Planteth— watereth. i Cor 111. 6 to 8 Whatsoever a man soweth. Gal vi 7 Receiveth wages. John iv. 36. Fields white to harvest. John iv. 35. Sower and reaper — rojoice. Tohn iv. 36- The vineyard is house of Israel. Isa. V. 7. Son, go work to-day. Matt. xxi. 28. Labourers together with God. i Cor. iii. 9. Harvest plenteous-labourers few. Mat. ix. 37. Pray the Lord of the Harvest. Matt, ix. 38. GOD'S PEOPLE— TRADERS. With Master's money. Matt. xxv. 14, Consider diligently. Ps. Ixxvii. 5, 6. Use good merchandise. Pro. iii. 14-15 If diligent, prosperous. Pro xu. 14 ;. xiii. 4. Stand before kings. Pro xxii. 29. Do it with thy might. Eccl. ix. 10. Prepared with all my might. 1 Chron. XXIX. 2. He giveth wisdom and might. Dan. ii. 20 to 23. Diligently done for God. Ezra vii. 23 to 28. Labours to be accepted. 2 Cor. v. 9 ^ Rev ii. 2, 3. Striving according to his working. Col. 1. 29. In all labour time is profit, Prov, xiv. 23- Profit of the earth for all. Eccl. v. 9. Wisdom is profit, defence. Ecc. vii. ii. On credit — The faith. — Heb. xi. i. Promptly — Redeeming the time. Eph. V. 16. Now — To-day. 2 Cor. vi. 2 ; Heb. iii. 13. Gains now. i Tim. vi. 6. Hast gained thy brother. Matt, xviii. 15- Gains in death. Phil. i. 21. Gains hereafter. Mat. xxv. 20 ; Dan. xii. 3. Labour not in vain, i Cor. xv. 58. GODS PEOPLE— PILGRIMS. Get thee out of thy country. Gen. xii. 1-4. No city to dwell in, Ps. cvii. 4. Not your rest— polluted, Mic. ii. 10. i. k way to Zion, Jer. I. 5. sihall come to Zion, Isaiah xxxv. lo. Go forth out of the land, Jer. 1. 8. Dwelling in tents, Heb. xi. g. The Lord leads, Psalm cvii. 6. 7. From strength to strength. Psalm Ixxxiv. 7. Through the enemy's world, i John v,- Snares laid for them. Ps. cxl. 1-*. I.' NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. Jtevived amid trouble, Ps. cxxxviii. 7. Pilgrims and strangers. Heb. xi. 13. A city prepared for them Heb. xi. 16. Affections on things above, Col. '•' 2. Abstain from fleshly lusts, i Pet. ii. 11. Walk worthy of God. Col. i. 10. Sojourning here in fear. 1 Pet. i. 17. Conversation in heaven. Phil. iii. 20. Find streams in the desert, Isaiah sxxv. 6. A highway— wayfarer — not err, Isaiah XXXV. 8. With supplications will I lead, Jer. xxxi. 9 God himself be with them. Josh. i. 9. Hear a word— This is the way, Isaiah \XX. 21. Come thou with us, Num. x. 29. THE GREAT THINGS OF GOD. " O the depth of the riches of God." Gift unspeakable. 2 Cor. ix. 15. Grace exceeding abundant, i Tim. i. 14 ; Eph. ii. 7. Greatness unsearchable. Psa. cxlv. 3. Joy unspeakable. 1 Peter i. 8. Judgments unsearchable. Rom. xi.33. Love that passeth knowledge. Eph. lii. 19. Peace that passeth all understanding. Phil. iv. 7. Power exceeding great. Eph. i. 19. Promises exceeding great and precious. 2 Peter i. 4. Riches unsearchable. Eph. iii. 8. Ways past finding out. Rom. xi. 33. Weight of glory exceeding and eternal. 2 Cor. iv. 17. DEPENDENCE ON GOD. Philippians iv. 13 ; Proverbs iii. 5. 6 ; Jeremiah x. 23 ; John xv. 5 ; 2 Chron. XX. 12 ; 2 Chron. xvi. 9 ; 2 Chron. xiv. 2 1 ; Ephesians vi. 10. THE DEEP THINGS OF GCL>. His unspeakable gift. 2 Cor. ix. 15. Joy unspeakable, i Pet. i. 8. The unsearchable riches of Christ, Eph. iii. 8. How unsearchable are his judgments, Rom. xi. i;^. His ways past finding out, Rom. xi. 33. The love of Christ which passeth knowledge. Eph. iii. 19. The peace of God which passeth all understanding, Ph. iv. 7. Thoughts which are to us-ward more than can be numbered, Ps. xl. 5, Unspeakable words, which it is not possible for a man to utter, 2 Cor. xii. 4. Intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered, Rom. viii. 26. Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Eph. iii. 20. The Spirit searcheth all things ; yea, the deep things of God, i Cor. ii. lo. 4' FATHER. Our Father. Matt. vi. 9 ; Luke xi. 2 ; Isaiah Ixiv. 8. A Father, Psalm ciii. 13. My Father, John xx. 17. Abba Father, Rom. viii. 15 ; Gal. iv. 6. Everlasting Father, Isaiah ix. 6. "1 BELIEVE IN GOD." I. — 1 BELIEVE. " I believe" is the one source of all spiritual knowledge, Heb. ii. i. " I believe " is the test of discipleship. It was the one requirement which Philip demanded of the Ethiopian, the one condition on which he was baptized, Acts viii. 37. " I believe" is the spirit and the ground of all true worship, John ix. 38 ; com- pare John XX. 28. " I believe" is the source of strength, the secret of obtaining Divine help, Mark x. 23, 24. " I believe" brings hope and comfort to the troubled, John xi. 27. " I believe " is the power of preaching and witnessing for Jesus, 2 Cor. iv. 13. II. — IN GOD. This must be the first article of our belief, Heb. xi. 6. There is a witness in our hearts, a something within every man that testifies that God is. There is a witness in nature. The design, harmony, and beauty which are so manifest in all created things, prove the existence of God, Acts xiv. 17. By these visible things, the invisible things NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 143 of God, even His eternal power and Godhead, are clearly seen. Rom. i. 19, 20 ; Ps. xix. I. But, above all, it is by His Word that God hath fully revealed his character and will to all men. •' In these last days" God hath spoken unto us by His Son, (Heb. i. i,) who both declares the Father (John i. 18), and shows him unto us.— John xiv. 8, 9. The purpose of this revelation is that we may be- come wise unto salvation, (2 Tim. iii. 15) ; that we may know the only true God, which is life eternal, John xvii. 3. Our word " God " means " good." We have the same word in the first syllable of " gospel," which means " good news." To the Jews he especially revealed himself by his name Jehovah, which ex- presses the self-existence and unchange- ableness of God. •' He that was, and that is, and that shall be." the great •• I AM ' (Ex. iii. 14 ; vi. 3). Jesus claimed this divine name (John viii. 58). Com- pare Heb. xiii. 8 ; Rev. i. 4, 8 ; iv. 8 ; XI, 17. He is Jehovah-Jireh, Who pro- videth (Gen, x.\ii. 14) ; Jehovah-Rophi. V/ho healeth (Ex. xv. 26) ; Jehovah- Nissi, Who defendeth (Ex. xvii. 15) ; Jehovah-Shalom, Who giveth peace (Judges vi. 24) ; Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Who is our righteousness (Jer. xxiii. 6) ; Jeho- vah-Shafnmah, Who dwelleth with us (Ezek. xlviii. 35); Immanuel, "God with us" (Matt. 1,23; Rev. xxi. 3; xxii. 3, 111. — 1 BELIEVE IN GOD. That is, not, I believe that there is a God, This the devils believe (James ii. ig). Only fools deny it (Ps. xiv. i). Nor is it merely I believe God. There may be intellectual belief in revelation, which leaves the heart untouched and the conscience unenlightened. But it is "I believe in God." Abraham "believ- ed in the Lord" (Gen. xv. 6). And the very expressive Hebrew word literally implies, to be carried, sustained as a child in its mother's arms Such is true ^a'.th. the clinging of the child in its helplessness and simplicity to the Love of the Father. We must thus become as little children (Matt, xviii. 3). MY F.\THER'S House, (earthly.) T<'h:i ii. 6. Name. John v. 43. Will. John vi. 39. Hand. John x. 29. House, (heavenly.) John xiv. 2, Word. John xiv. 24. Commandment. John xv. lo. THE EYE OF GOD EVERYWHERE. 1 . For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all His goings. Prov. v. 21 ; xv. 3. 2. All things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Heb. iv. 13 ; John iv, 24; i Sam.xvi.7. 3. His eyes are upon the ways of man and He seeth all His goings. Job xxxiv. 21 ; I John iii. 20. 4. Thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, &c. Jer.xxxii. 19; Psalm cxxxix. 12. 5. Can any hide himself in secret places, &c., &c. Jer. xxiii. 24. Proper effect on us. Psalm ii. ir. 6. Sinners try to forget that God sees them, but Ecc. xii. 14 ; Psalm cxxxix. II. Illustrations. Adam. (Gen. iii. 10.) Israel, Jonah. 7. Thou God seest me. Gen. xvi. 13 , A source of joy. ^ Chron. xvi. 9, GODS PRESENCE. (Exodus xxxiii. 14.) The secret of — 1 . Wisdom in daily life. Exodus xxxix. 2 ; I Sam. xvi. 18; 1 Sam. xviii. 14. 2. Power for testimony. iSam. iii. 19; Jer. i. 8; Acts xvii. g-io. 3. Strength in suffering. Gen. xxxix. 21; Psalm xci. 15; Isaiah xliii. 2; 2 Tim. iv. 17. Lo, I am with you alway. Matt, xxviii. 20. THINGS PREPARED BY GOD. 1 Cor. ii. g. I in grace (For those who don't love Him) salvation for lost. Luke ii. 31 ; ' Matt xxii. 4 : Psalm Ixviii. 10 : Rev. xxi. 144 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. mm 6; Isaiah Iv. i; Rom. iii. 24; Rotn. vi, 23; John iv. 14. For the hungry and unsatisfied. John vi. In glory (For those who love Him.) Matt. XXV. 33, 34 ; xx. 23 ; Heb. xi. 16; John xiv. 3. Heaven a prepared place for a pre- pared people. iVmv. Psalm xxiii. 5 ; Jonah iv. 6. 7, 8 ; Eph. ii. 10. Rough path but the loving hand places each stone. Ex. xxxiii. 20 ; 2 Kings v. 18 ; Prov. ix. 23 ; 2 Tim. ii. 21; Prov. xix. 29 ; Psalm ix. 7 ; Acts xiii. 46; Psa. vii. 13; Matt. xxv. 41* Amos iv. 12 ; Pro. xvi. i ; Psa. x. i ; 2 Chron. xixx. 36 ; Luke xiii. 47. GOD S HAND. Touched. Job xix. 21. Cleansing. Matt. viii. 3. Withering. Gen. xx.'cii. 25. Comforting. Rev. i. 17. Consecration, Eyes. Matt. ix. 29. Ear, Tongue. Mark vii. 33. No other may " touch." Zech. ii. 8 : I John v. 18. In Him. i John iii. 24. With Him. ;ss. v. 10. In His hand. wUt. xxxiii. 3 ••OUR FATHER.' One of the many titles of God. See Isaiah Ixiv. 8. We are taught by Jesus Himself '.0 call God "Our Father. Matt. v. (6. 45. 4«- Twelve references to God as " Our Father." Matt. vi. See aiso Matt. vii. ir ; John xx. 17. How do we become His children ? By adoption. Eph. i. 4, 5 ; Romans Deut. xxxii. 34; Paalm xviii. 30; Rom. xii. r!. GODS SOVEREIGNTY. Luko XV. 4; Pro. i. 24 ; John vi. 37 ; John vi. 44; Eph. ii. 5; James i. 18; John XV. 16; Acts xiii. 38; Eph. i, 4; Prov. i. 23. MANS RESPONSIBILITY. Luke XV, 19; Prov. i. 24; John vi. 37; John v. 46 ; Jer. xxix. 13 ; James iv. 8 ; Eph. V. 14; Isaiah xlv. 22; Prov. i. 23; Rom. i. 21-22; 2 Thess. ii, 10; Zech. ix. 12 ; I Thess. i. 9. THE LORDS PEOPLE ARE. Roundabout Him. Psalm Ixxvi. ii. After Him. Num. xxxii. 15 ; Song i. 4. Before Him. 2 Chron, xxix. 11. Behind Him. Luke vii. 38. By Him. Deut. xxxiii. 12. vni, 15. By His word By the Spi By faith ir Tohni. 12 ; i Pet. i. 2, 3. God. Rom. viu. 14. St Jesus. Gal. iii. 26. God's loveMS biiown in permittmg U3 to be called the sons of God. x John iii. I ; 2 Cor. vi. 18. How do we know we are children "^ By the witness of fb? Spirit. Remans viii. 16; Gal. iv. 6. If we have such a loving Father we may be sure He will take care of U3. Psalm ciii. 13; Isaiah xlix. 15. He will give us all things that He sees good for us. Psalm xxxiv. 9. 10, Rom. viii, 31, 32; Rom, viii. 28. We may pray to Him and ask Him for dAi we need. Matt. vii. 7-1 1 ; Epa. iii, 20. We may tell Him all our sorrows. Matt, vi, 6, 8; I Peter v. 7. Read Johnxvii. 21, 22, 23, 24. LOVE IS OF GOD. " Beloved, let us love one another : fot love is of God ; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." (i John iv. 7. 8.) Love is the evidence of life in Christ. I John hi. 14. Love is the first " fruit of the Spirit." Gal. V. 22. Love is the activity of faith. Gal. v. 6. Love is the " fulfilling of the law." Rom. xiii. 10. Love is the "new commandment." John xiii. 34. Pj hi rel NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 145 Love IS the debt we owe one another. Rom xiii. 8 Love IS the proot of true " disciple- ship. John xui. 35 Love IS the test of pastoral qualifica- tion. Jonn XXI. 15 Love 13 the bond of perfectness. " Col lii 14. Love IS more precious than earthly riches. Cant. vhi. 7. Love is strong as death. Cant. vui. 6. Love is not to be m word only. Love is to be m deed And in truth, i John iii. 18 Love is to be fervent, out of a pure heart. 1 Peter i. 22. Love is to abound yet more and more 1 Thess. iii. 12 Love constrains to self-denying service. 2 Cor. V. 14. Love becometh "dear children." Eph. V. I, 2 Love vill cover a multitude of sins. Prov X 12. Love suffereth long, and is kind. Love envieth not. Love vaunteth not itself. Love is not puffed up. Love doth not behave itself unseemly. Love seeketh not her own. Love is not easily offended. Love thinketh no evil. Love rejoiceth not in iniquity. Love rejoiceth in the truth. Love beareth ail things. Love believeth all things Love hopeth all things. Love endureth all things. Love never faileth. i Cor. xiii " This IS love, that we walk after His commandments." THE LOVE OF THE INFINITE GOD. The love of the Father. 1 John iv. 8 ; John iii. 16; 1 John iv. 9, 10 The love of the Son. Gal, ii. 20; Eph. V. 2 ; John xv. 19 The love of the Spirit. Rom. xv. 30. WAITING Should I wait for the Lord any longer ? 2 Kings vi. 33. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. My soul, wait thou only upon God. Psalm Ixii. 5. I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face. Isaiah viii. 17. It is good that a man both hope and quietly wait for the Lord. Lam, iii, 26. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Isaiah zl. 31. They shall not be ashamed that wait for Me Isaiah xlix. 2j (Mr soul waiteth for the Lord. He 1$ our help and our shield Psa. xxxiii. 20 1 waited patiently for the Lord , au<1 He heard my cry. Psalm xl i Blessed are all they that wait for Him Isaiah XXX 18. The Lord direct your hearts into the patient waiting for Christ 2 Thes* lii. 5 Since the beginning of the wcna mec have not heard, nor perceive:; by the ear. neither hath the eye seen O God beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him Isaiah Ixiv. ^. THE KING. Who is this King ? Psalm xxiv. 8. The Lord is King forever. Psalm x.i6. God is the King. Psalm xlvn. C. The Lord the King. Psalm xlviii. 6. The holy one of Israel is our King. Psalm Ixxxix. 18. My God, my King. Psalm Ixviii. 22. My King and my God. Psalm v. 2. The Lord shall be King Zech. ix 3 The Lord is our King. Isaiah xxxi).22. God is my King. Psalm Ixxiv 1 1. Where is He that is born King .' Matt ii. 2. Jesus the King. Matt, xxvii. 37; Acts xvii. 7. King of saints. Rev. xv. 3. King of kings. Rev. xvii. 14 ; 1 Iim. vi. 15. HIS FACE Make thy face to shine upon thy servant. Psalm xxxi. 16. Cause thy face to shine and we shall be saved. Psalm Ixxx. 7. I will behold thy face, Fsalm xvii. 15. His face did shine as the sun. Matt, xvii. 2. His face has the appearance of light- ning. Daniel x. His countenance is as Lebanon. Song V. 15. He is altogether lovely. Song v. \t. HIS voicii. (Song ii. 8.) As the sound of many waters Rev. i. 15- Like the noise of man y waters. £ze. xliii. 2. 146 MOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. irH, III ! I 1 i ) Like the voice of a multitude, Dan. X 16. Full of majesty. Psalm xxix. 4^ HIS FEET. Like unto fine brass. Rev. i. 15. The clouds dust of His feet. Nahum 1. 3 Shall stand upon he Mount of Olives. Zech. XIV. 4. Held Him by the feet. Matt, xxviii.3. Began to wash... with tears. Luke vii 38. Sat at Jesus' feet. Luke x. 39. Behold My hands and feet. Luke xxiv 39. They pierced My hands and feet. PsaUii xxii. 16. Hath put all things under His feet. Eph i. 22, HIS MOUTH. Most sweet. Song v. 16. The kisses of .... Song i. 2. No deceit in .... Isaiah liii, 9. We. . . .have heard of. . . .Luke xxii.71. They filled a sponge with vinegar and put it to His mouth. John xix. 29, A sharp two edged sword, went out of .... Rev. i. 16. Gracious words that proceeded out of ... . Luke iv. 22. HIS EVES. As the eyes of doves. Song v, 12. As a flame of fire. Rev. xix. 12 ; i. 14 As a lamp of fire. Daniel x. 6. HIS HEAD. As the most fine gold. Song v. n. Had not where to lay His head. Matt viii. 20, They smote Him on the head. Matt, xxvii 30, Platted a crown of thorns and put it upon His head Matt, xxvii. 29, On His head were many crowns Rev. xix 12. HIS HANDS, As gold rings set with the beryl. Song V 14 None can stay His hand. Dan. v 35 Hath given all thmgs into His bands, lohn 111, 35. Savest by thy right hand them which f ut their trust in Thee. Psalm xvii. 7. Thy right hand holdeth me. Psalm xviii. 35 Phey pierced my hands Psalm xxii. 10. He lifted up His hands and blessej them. Luke xxiv. 50, ] have graven thee upon the palms of My hands. Isaiah xlix. 16. HIS LIPS. Like lilies. Song v. 13. Grace is poured into thy lips Psalm xiv. 2. As the honeycomb. Song iv. 2. His lips are full of indignation. Isaiah xxx. 27. HIS NAME. As ointment ucnl forth. Song i. 3. Given by Goi I'hil. ii. 9. His name shall he called, &c. Isaiah ix. 6. Is called the word of God. Rev xix. 13; John i. I. His name shall be in their forehe.ids. Rev. xxii. 4, Thoy shalt call his name Jesus. Matt, 'i. 21. HIMSELF. Not for himselt. Dan. ix. 26. Gave Himself for me. Gal. ii. 10. Gave himself for us. Gal. i. 4. Ollered up h!nise!r. Num. xvi. 9. He himself hath suffered. HcL. ii. 18. Things concerning himself. Luke xxiv. 27. The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven, i Thes. iv. 16. THEY SAW THI-: FACE OF THE KING. (Jer. lii. 25.) The King.— Deu. xvii. 15 ; Ileb. ii. 14-17. King's Robe. — Isa. Ixi. 10; i Sam. xviii. 4. King's Sons.— 2 Sam. ix. 2 ; 1 Sam. xviii, 23 ; 1 Jo. iii. I ; 2 Sam. xix. 28 ; Eph. ii. 1 ; Judg. viii. 18 ; l John iv. 16. 17. King's Throne.— Rev. iii. 20 : Acts xii. 16 ; Lukt xix. 5-7 ; Col. ii. 6 ; l Pet. ni. 15. King's Face.— John vi. 40; xii. 21 ; Luke xxiv. 42 , Ex. xxxiii. ao ; 2 Cor. iv. 6 ; iii. 18. King's Table.— Ps. Xxiii ; l Kg. iv. 27 ; X. 5 ; Song ii. 4; i. 12 ; 2 Sam. ix ; Esther i. 7 ; ii. 18 ; John xii. 2 ; Eph. ii. 1-7 ; Phil. iv. 19. King's Friendship. — Prov. xxii. 11 ; Jer. xxxviii. 5 ; Mat. v. 8. I i. I R( 2 ■ 1 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. H7 King's Power. — Prov. xx. 8 ; Ecc. viii. 4 ; 2 Cliron. iii. 2, 8. King also a Shepheril. — Ps. xxiii ; I Sam. xii. 2 ; I^eui i. 30 ; John x. 4. Personal love to the King. — 2 Sam. iv. 36 ; XV. 21 ; 2 Sam. xx. 2. King's work. — i Sam. xxi. 8 ; Luke ii. 49 ; Num. xvi. 9. From the Bosom — John i. 18 ; I John i. 23 ; Rev. xxii. 4 ; Ps. Ixxxix. 15. Absalom — 2 Sam. xiv. 28 ; 2 Cor. iv, 4 ; I Chr. iv. 23 ; 1 Cor. vii. 24 ; i Chron. xii. 38 ; Heb. xi. 27 ; Acts vii. 55 ; vi. 15. King's reward. — 2 Sam. xix. 32-36 ; Mat. XXV. 40. King's presence. — Neh. ii. i ; E.sth. iv. 2 ; V. I ; Ps. xvi. ii ; Ezek. xivi. 10 ; 2 Sam. iii. 17, 18. — E. II. H. JESUS LOVED US, ANf) GAVE IILMSELF For our sins. Gal. i. 4. For me. Gal. ii. 20. For us. Ejih. v, 2. For the church. Kjih. v. 25, For all. I Tim. ii. 6. Fo-giveth GRACE APOUNDING. (Psa. ciii. 3-5 ) Luke vii. 36-50 Iloaleth. Luke viii. 43-48. Rcdeemelli. Luke viii. 49-56. Crownelli. Lukoxv. ri-24. Sali.stleth, Luke xv. 19-20, JESUS THE PRINCE OF PEACE, OR GOIX OF PEACE. Isa. ix. 6 ; 2 Cor xiii. 11 ; Micah v. 5 ; I Thess. v. 23 ; Eph. ii, 14 ; Heb. xiii. 20 ; Rom. xv. 33 ; Rom, xvi. 20; Heb. vii. 2. GIVES HIS PEOPLE PEACE. John xiv. 27; John xvi. 33 ; Phil, i. 2; Gal. V. 22 ; Eph. ii. 15 ; Col. i. 2 ; Col. iii. 15 ; Acts x. 36 ; Gal. i. 3 j Rom. v. 1 ; Rom. xiv. 17 ; Eph. vi. 15 ; i Thes. i. 1 ; Rev. i. 4 ; Rom. i, 7 ; Eph. i. 2 ; Rom. viii, 6 ; Rom. x. 15 ; Phil. iv. 7 ; 2 Tim. i. 2 ; I Cor. i. 3 ; 2 Cor. i. 2 ; Rom, XV. '3 ; i Cor. vii. 15 ; I Cor. xiv. 33 ; 2 John iii. C'IRIST THE PERFECT MINIS- TER. 2 COR. VI. 4-10. In much patience. Heb. xii. 3. In afflictions. Isa. Ixiii. g. In necessities. Luke ix. 58. In distrcssep. Isa. liii. 34. In stripes. Mark xv. 15. In imprisonmeni.s. Isa. Hii, 8. In tumults. Luke iv. 28, 29. . In labours. John xvii. 4. In walcliings. Luke vi, 12. By fastings. Matt. iv. 2. By purity. Heb. vii. 26. By knowledge. Jno. ii. 24, 25. By longsuiTering. i Pet. li. 23. By kindness. Titus iii. 4. By the Holy (ihost. Acts X. 38. By love unfeigned. John xv. 13. By the Word of Truth. John i.K. 45. By the power of God. Luke iv. 14. By armour, Isa. liv. 17. By honour. Luke \'ix. 35, 38. By disliouour. Murk xv. 19. By evil report and good. John x. 19, 21. As a deceiver. John vii. 12. As yet true, John xiv, 6. As unknown— "et well known. John i, 26-31. As dying — behold he lives. Rev. i. 18. As cha.stened — not killed. Isa. liii. v. As sorrowful yet rejoicing. Heb. xii. 2. As p'lor — making rich. 2 Cor. viii. 9. As having nothin^j. Phil. ii. 6, 7. As possessing all. Matt, xxviii. 18. AT HIS FKE7. For healing. Matt. :;v. 30. P'or life. Mark v. 22. For cleansing. Mark vii, 25. For pardon. Luke vii, '38. For protection and redemption. Ruth iii. 8. For rest. Luke viii. 35. For teaching. Deut. xxxiii. 3 ; Luke X. 3(). John xi. 32. I Sam. XXV. Luke xvii. 16: 27, 41, 42. Rov.i.17. spirit.) F or comfort. For blessing, In worship. IN HIS BOSOM. The lambs. Isaiah xl. ir. John, (the gentle childlike John xiii. 25 ; Song ii. 6. IN HI.S HAND. All His saints. Dc ut. xxxiii, 3. The seven stars. Rev. i. 16. The sheep. John x, 28. Thee. Isaiah li. 16. ON HIS SHOULDERS. The lest sheep. Luke xv. 5 ; Exodus xxviii. 12 ; Isaiah ix. 6, 140 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. u ON HIS HEART. Erodus xxviii. 29, 30 ; Deut.xxxiii.27. ON HIS FOREHEAD. Exodus xxviii. 38.; Jer. xxix. 11 ; Psalm xl. 17. IN HIS ARMS. Deut. xxxiii; Mark x. 15, 16. UNDER HIS WINGS. Psalm xci. 4. NEAR THE KING's PERSON. They saw the Kings face. Jer. lii.25. THE ROCK. (Christ. I Cor. x. 4.) Gave forth — Water (Ex. xvii. 6.) — Moses (the law) srnote the Rock (Christ), and there flowed forth the water of life. Psa. xxviii. 15 ; Num. xx. 8. The Rock once smitten in answer to the law's demands, now yields abundantly the water of life to them that ask it. Jno. iv. 10-14; Matt. vii. 7; Rom. v. lo ; Rom. X. 13 ; Psa. Ixxviii. 16. Fire. (Judges vi. 21) — The Rock itself supplied the fire that consumed the sacri- fice. Gal. i. 4 ; Gal. u. 20 ; Titus ii. 14 ; Jno. X. 17, 18. Oil (Deu. xxxii. 13 ; Job xxix. 6.) It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, etc. P.sa. cxxxiii. 2 ; see K\. XXX. 25-31 ; Isa. Ixi. i; Luke iv. 18, 19 ; John xvii. 19. Honey, — The perfection of earth's sweetness. Judges xiv. 18 ; Ps. xix. 10 ; Lze. iii. 3. liut it must not be mixed with the offering of the Lord. Lev. ii. 11. Christ ..s the perfection of God's sweetness. A sweet smelling savor. Eph. v. 2 ; Lev. i. 9; Col. i, 19. The conclusion. — "Their Rock is not our Rock, even our enemies Uiemselves being judges." Deu. xxxii. 31. 3. Refuge. — Ps. xciv. 22 ; Ps. Ixii, 1-8 ; Ps. xxvii. 1-5. 4. .Shelter. — Ps. Ixi, 2, 3; Job xxiv. 8 ; Ps. Ixxiii. 26 (margin); Prov. xviii. 10. 5. Satisfying. — Ex. xvii. 6 ; i Cor. X. 4 ; Ps. xxxvi. 7, 8 ; Ps. Ixxxi. 13-16 ; John iv. 14, 6. Strength. — Ps. xxxi. 2, 3 ; Is. xxvi. 4, (margin) ; Ps. xXviii. 7, 8. 7. Rest. — Is. xxxii. 2 ; Matt. ii. 28- 30 ; Heb. iv. 3. S. R. B. THE GOOD SHEPHERD. A MEDITATION AND EXAMPLE. Example. — John x. 11, 15. Rom. CHRIST— THE ROC". 1. Salvation.— 2 Sam. xxii.47 ; Jon- li. 9 ; Acts iv. II, 12. 2. Foundation. — Matt. vii. 24, 25 h Cor. iii. 1.; Is. xxviii. 16; Eph. ii. 19, 20 : I Pet. ii 1-8. Precept. — i John iii. 16. Illustration. — 2 Cor. xii. 15 ; xvi. 4. Revvard. — John x. 17 ; Matt. x. 39. Example. — He gathers tlie lambs. Isaiah xl. 11. Precept. — Psalm 1. 5. Illustration. — Heb. x. 25. Reward. — Matt, xviii. 20. Example. — He feedeth the flock. Isaiah xl. 11. Precept. — i Peter v. 2. Illustration. — i Cor. iii. 2. Reward. — i Peter v. 4. Example. — He carries them in His bosom. Isaiah xl. 11. Precept. — Eph. vi. 18. Illustration. — Phil. i. 7. Reward. — Matt. vi. 4, 6. Example. — He layeth it on His shoulders. Precept. — Gal. vi. 2. Illustration. — Col. vi. 3. Reward. — Col. iv. 12. Example. — He goeth after that whici. was lost. ^ Precept. — Mark xvi. 15. Illustration. — Mark xvi. 20. Reward. — Isaiah Iv. 11. Example. — He gently leads thi; burdened ones. Isaiah xl. n. Precept. — i Thess. v. 15. Illustration. -Genesis xxxiii. 13, 1.4 ; 1 Thess. ii. 7. Reward.- i Thess. ii. ig, 20. Leaving us an example. Lovest thor. Me ? JESUS CHRIST. 1. Jesus Christ the Son of Go I^ev. XX. 11-15. Exhortations. 2 Cor. v. 10- 11 ; i Cor. lit. 8 ; 2 Thes. i. 6-9 ; 2 Tim. iv. 1-8 ; Heb. ix. 27-28 ; i Pet. iv. 5-7-17-18 ; i Pet. v. 4; r John iv. 17. C. P. J. CHRIST IS ALL AND IN ALL. Christ is the Saviour of men. Re- ceive Him. 2 Tim, i. 10. Christ is the Door. Enter and be saved. John x. 9. Christ is the Way. Walk ye in Him. John xiv. 6. Christ is the Light of the World. Walk in the Light. John viii. 12. Christ is the Bread of Life. Eat and be satisfied. John vi. 35. Christ! is the Smitten Rock. Drink o' the living streams, i Cor. x. 4. Christ is our Peace. Rest in Him. Eph. ii. 14. Christ is our Shepherd. Hear His voice. John x. 1 1, Christ is our Example. Follow Him. John xiii. 15. Christ is our High Priest. Look up to Him. Heb. vii. 26. Christ is our Lord. Obey Him. John xiii. 13. Christ is the King of kings. Wait for His appearing. Rev. xix. 16. THE 'ALL THINGS* BIBLE. OF THE IN RELATION TO THE BELIEVER. They are of God, as to their source. 2 Cor. V. 18. Are for the sake of believers, as to iheir odjeci. 2 Cor. iv. 15. Work together for good, as to their purpose. Romans viii. 28. Christ head over the Church, as to their arrangement. Eph. i. 22. The believer may know, bence his privilege, i John ii. 20. The believer can do, hence his power. Phil. iv. 13. 10 Granted in answer to prayer, hence his dependence. Matt. xxi. 22. Only possible to faith, hence his responsibility. Mark ix. 23. Are to be proved, hence his diligence. I Thess. V. 21. Thanks to be given for, hence his gratitude. Eph. v. 20. Their end at hand, hence his watc-h- fulness, I Peter iv. 7. To be inherited by the believer, hence his hope. Rev. xxi. 5. "All Things" occiurs 22 j times in the Bible. PSALM CXLV.— KEY^VORD : ALL. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works. — Verse 9. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. — Verse 17. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. — Verse 18. The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all thost that be bowed down. — Verse 14. The Lord preserveth all them that love him. — Verse 20. The eyes of all wait upon thee ; and thou givest them their meat in due season. — Verse 15. " All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord, and thy saints shall bless thee." ALL THINGS IN CHRIST. All things are delivered unto me of my father, — Matt. xi. 27. All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. — Matt. xxi. 22. AU things are possible to him that believeth. — Mark ix. 23. All things work together for good to them that love God. — Rom. viii. 28. SINGLE WORDS OF WONDROUS MEANING.— -ALL." All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. iii. 23. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy ; there is none that doeth good, no. not one. Psa. xiv.3. The Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Gal. iii. 22. ib2 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. Ths blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanselh us from all sin. i John i. 7. Who forgivcth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. Psa. ciii. 3. In all their affliction He was afflictsd, and the Angel of His presence saved them. Isaiah Ixiii. 9. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. iv. 19. Son. thou art ever with me, and all that 1 have is thine. Luke xv. 31. Whether — the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things tf> come : all are yours ; and ye are Christ's : and Christ is God's, i Cor. iii. 22. THE GOOD SHEPHERD John X. 11-18. 1. Bible Shepherds, Gen. Ixvii. 3 ; Exod. ii. 17; Luke ii. 8, 20 ; i Sam. xvi. II, 19 ; Matt. XV. 24. 2. The ^^ord my Shepherd, Psa. xxiii. I, 4; I Pet. ii. 25 ; v. 4 ; Ileb.xiii. 20, 21. 3. He knows his Sheep, John x. i^ ; Ezek. XXXV. 11, 13 ; 2 Tim. ii. 19 ; John X, 27. 4. He provides for his sheep, John x. g; Psa. xviii. I, 2; Isa. Ixv, 11; Psa. xxxiv. 10; Rom. viii. 28. 5. He guides his sheep, John x. 3, 16 . Psa. xxiii. 3 ; Prov, viii. 28; Psa. xlviii. 14 ; John xvi, 13. 6. He gives His life for his sheep, John xviii. n, 15 ; Isa. liii. 6; Rom. v. 8 ; Cph. v. 2 ; Tit. ii. 14. ,', a delights in his sheep, John x. 28-30 ; Mai. iii. 17 ; i Pet. ii. 9; .Rev vii. 17; Psa. ciii. 13. J. II. Vincent, D.D. SEVENFOLD TESTIMONY TO CHRIST. The Father's. Luke iii. 22 ; Mark ix. 7 ; Rom. i. 4. The Spirit's. John xv. 26; Acts v. 32. Angel's. Birth. Luke ii. 10 ; Death. Dan.ix. 26; Resurrection. Luke xxiv. 4—7- Man's. Acts x. 43 ; John i. 7, 32 ; John vi. C9 ; Acts v. 32. Devils'. Mark v. 12 ; Luko iv. 41. Works'. John v. 3O ; x. 25 ; JScripture's. John v. 39; Luke xxlv.44. 25. 12. THE MIND OF JESUSj Compassion. Mark viii. 2. Resignation. Luke xxii. 42. Devotedness. Luke ii. 49. Forgiveness. Luke xxiii. 34. Meekness. Matt. xi. 29. Thankfulness. Matt. xi. Unselfishness. Rom. xv. Submission. Matt. iv. 7. Prayerfulneso. Luke vi. Love. Eph. V. 2. Sympathy. John xi. 35. Reprover. Luke xxii. 61. Gentleness. John xxi. 15. Endurance. Heb. xii, 3. Pleasing. John viii. 29. Grief. Mark iii. 5. Humility. John xiii. 4-5. Patience. Isaiah xiii. 7. Subjection. John xiv. 31. Forgiving, i Peter ii. 23. Bearing the Cross. John xix. 17. Zeal. John ii. 17. Benevolence. Acts x. 38. Firmness. Matt. iv. 10. Receiving sinners. Luke xv. 2. Guilelessness. t Peter ii. 22. Industrious. John ix. 4 Confidingncss. i Peter ii, 23. Love of Unity. John xvii. 21. Not of the World. John xvii. 14. Calmness in Death. Lulce xxiii. 46. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. It is named in God's word as that which believers should long for. 2 Tim. iv. 8 ; Titus ii. 13 ; Heb. ix. 28 ; Rev. xxii. 20. ATTITUDE OF THE EARLY CHURCH. I Thess. i. 10; Phil. iii. 20; 2 TheSS.ii.i. PRACTICAL DUTIES TAUGHT BY THE DOCTRINE. Watchfulness. — Matt. xxiv. 42-51 ; Mark xiii. 33-37; Luke xxi. 28, 34-36; Rev. iii. 3 ; Luke xii. 45, 46. Faithfulues.s. — Matt. xxv. 14-20; Matt, xxiv. 48 51 Luke xix. 13-15. Wakefulness. — Matt. xxv. 1-13 ; i Thess. i. 8. Joy. — Acts i. II. Compare with Luka xxiv. 52 ; Col. iii. 4; Phil. iv. 4, 5 ; i Pet. i. 7, 8 ; Rom. v. 2 ; viii. 24. The hope is in Christ's coming. Patience. — Heb. x. 3G. 37; i Cor. iv. 5 ; James v. 7, 8, In anticipation of trouble. — John xiv. r-3. In actual trouble — i Thess. iv. 13-18. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 163 MOTIVES ARISING FROM THE DOCTRINE. For holiness of believers. — i Thess. iii. 13; I Thess. V. 23; Titus ii. 11-15 ; 2 Peter iii. 1 1-13. For abiding in Christ. — I John ii. 28. For perseverance. — Rev. iii. 11. For ministers preaching it. — I Peter v. 2-4 ; 2 Tim. iv. 1-4 ; i Thess. ii. ig. WARNING AGAINST APOSTASY. Luke xvii. 24-37; 2 Thess. ii. 1-12; I Tim. iv. I, 2 ; 2 Tim. iii, 1-5 ; 2 Peter iii. 1-4 ; 2 John i. 7. AN APPEAL TO SINNERS. 2 Thess. i. 6-10 ; Acts iii. 19-21. A PERSONAL, NOT A SPIRITUAL COMING. Matt. X. 7 ; Matt. xiii. 11-52; Matt. ixiv. 3D ; xii. 44, 48 ; John xxi. 19-23 ; Luke xix. 11-15; John xiv. 1-3; Luke xii. 35-40 V/hat the angels say. — Acts i. 9-11. What Peter by ths Holy Ghost says. — Acts iii, 19-21. What Paul says by the Holy GhoGt. — I Cori. 7; i Thess. iv. 16. What Christ said to John. Rev. xxii. 7, 12, 20. RELATION OF THE COMING TO ISRAEL, THE CHURCH, AND THE WORLD. Israel (the Jews) to be restored to the Holy Land. The land promised uncon- ditionally. — Gen. xiii. 14-17. Its boun- daries not yet fully occupied.— Gen. xv. 17, 18. An everlasting possession. — Gen. xvii. 3-8; Deut. xi. 12; Lev.xxv.23. An everlasting throne.— i Chron. xvii. 4-17. Their restoration. — Isaiah i. 25- 27; I aiah ii. 2, 3; Isaiah xi. 10-13; Jcr.iii.3-8 ; Jer.xxxiii.7-1 5 ; Ezek.xxxvii. 21-28; Jcr. iii. i5-i8. To the church. — , Rom. viii. 23 ; i Cor. i. 7 ; Phil. iii. 20 ; Hcb. ix. 28 ; 2 Tim. iv. 8 ; Titus ii. 13 ; J Thcso. i. 10. Coming of the Lord in the air for believers. Christ seen only by believers after the resurrection. Acts i. 2, 3, 10 ; John xiv. 19; I Thess. iv. 16; Acts x. 41 ; I Cor. XV. 18. Shout, word of command. Saints only will understand the word of command. — John xii. 28, 29; Ac's ix. 7 compared with Acts xxii. 9 ; Dan. x. 7 ; I Cor. XV. 51, 52. The looking for Christ is not death. — i Thess. iv. 14-18; Phil. iii. 21 ; I Cor. xv. 23. 49-54. With Christ, — John xii. 26 ; John xiv. 3. 19 ; John xvii. 24 ; i Thess. v. 10. BELIEVERS AND THE JUDGMENT. Their persons and sins do not come into judgment ; but their works do. Rom. xiv. 10 ; i Cor.iii.8, 13-17 ; 2 Cor. V. 10; Eph. vi. 8; Rev. xxii. 12 ; James i. 12 ; 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8 ; i Peter v. 4 ; Col. iii. 25. COMING OF THE LORD TO THE EARTH. Coming of the Lord is when he comes for His saints. Day of the Lord is the day of judgments, visitations, and the thousand years of His reign. For His saints. — Matt. xxiv. 29, 30 ; Mark xiv. 62 ; 2 Thess. i. 7 ; Rev. i. 7 ; Zech. xiv. i, 4, 5 ; Rev, xvii. 14. Compare with Rev. xix. 14 ; Jude xiv; Col. iii. 4; I Thess. iii. 13 ; i Thess. iv. 14. THE BELIEVER REIGNS WITH CHRIST. Rom. viii. 17 ; i Cor. vi. 2, 3 : Matt. xix. 28 ; Luke xii. 25-37 '> 2 Tim ii, 12 ; Rev. i. 6; Rev. iii. 21 ; Rev. v. 9, 10. ORDER OF EVENTS IN CHRIST'S COMING. 1. The dead in Christ arise and those who are alive and remain are caught up together with them in the clouds. I Thess. iv. 14, 18. A literal restoration of the Jews to their own land. Part of them return in unbelief. — Isaiah vi. 9, 13 ; Isaiah xvii. 10-14; Dan. i.x. 24, 27. Compare with Zech. xi. 14-17. Zech. xii. 8-14 ; Isaiah .wiii. 3-7 ; Ezek. xxii. r-n ; Zech. xiii. 1-9. 2. The temple will be rebuilt. 2 Thess. ii, 4 ; Rev. xi. 1-8. 3. The Jews will enter into a covenant with antichrist. Dan.ix.27; John v. 43. 4. After three and a half years, anti- christ reveals his true character. Dan. vii. 19-25 ; Dan. viii. 23-25 ; Dan. ix. 27; Dan. xi. 36; 2 Thess. ii. 3, 9; Rev. xiii. 5. He stops the sacrifice in the temple and sets up his own image for wonhip. Dan. i.x. 27; Dan. xi. 31; Matt. xxiv. 15 ; Rev. xiii. 14-17; Dan. xii. 11. 164 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 6. The two witnesses are killed. Rev. xi. 7. 7. The devil cast out of the air into the earth. Rev. xii. 7-12. 8. The Holy City Qerusalem) trodden down. Dan, ix. 26 ; Rev. xi. 2 ; Luke xxi. 24. 9. Great tribulations come upon the world. Jer, xxx. 7 ; Dan. xii. i ; Matt, xxiv. 21; Rev. vii. 14; Rev. iii. 10; Luke xxi. 34-36 ; Zech. xiv. 12. 10. Israel is saved from these tribula- tions by the personal appearance of Christ. Zech. xiv. 1-3 ; Rev. xix ; 2 Thess. ii. 4-7. THE RESURRECTIONS. Difference in character of the resurrec- tions of the believer and unbeliever. John V. 28, 29 ; i Thess. iv. 13-18 ; i Cor. XV. 42, 54, 55. Difference in the time of resurrections of believers and unbelievers. Rev. xx. 4-6 ; Luke xiv. 14 ; Isaiah xxvi. 6-9 ; Isaiah xxvi. 12, 14, 19, 21 ; Ezek. xxxvii. 1-14; Dan. vii. 17-27; Dan. xii. 1-3; Matt. xiii. 38-43 ; Psalm xlix. 14, 15 ; Matt. xxii. 30 ; Luke xx. 35, 36 ; i Cor. XV. 23; Phil. iii. il : Acts xxiv. 14, 15. J.H. B. " UNTIL HE COME." When we eat the Lord's supper we show fortJ His death, until He come. 1 Cor. xi. 2U We are using our talents until He come. Luke xix. 13. We are fighting the good fight of faith, until He come, i Tim. vi. 12- 24. We are enduring tribulation, until He come. 2 Thess. i. 7, We are to be patient, until He come. James v. 8. We are to wait for a crown of righteous- ness, until He come. 2 Tim. iv. 8. We wait for a crown of glory, until He come, i Peter v. 4, We wait for a reunion with departed friends, until He come, i Thess. iv.13-18. We wait for Satan to be bound, until He come. Rev. xx. 3. D. L. Moody. JESUS IS MINE. Now I have found a Friend. Cant. V. 16. Jesus is mine. His love shall never end, Hebrews xiii. 8. He is divine. Though earthly joys decrease. Hab. iii. 17, 18. Though human friendship's cease. Psa. xxvii. 10. Now I have lasting peace. John xiT,27. Jesus is mine. Though I grow poor and old. Isa. xlvi, 4. Jesus is mine. He will my faith uphold. Psa.lxxiii.26. Jesus is mine. He shall my wants supply. Psa. xxiii.i. His precious blood is nigh. Eph. 17. Naught can my hope destroy, Heb. vi. 19, Jesus is mine, When earth shall pass away. 2 Peter iii. 10. Jesus is mine. In the great judgment day. John v. 28, 29. Jesus is mine. Oh what a glorious thing, i John iii. 2. Then to behold my King. Isaiah xxxiii. 17. On tuneful harp to sing. Rev. v, 8. Jesus is mine. Farewell mortality, Phil, i, 21, Jesus is mine, Welcome eternity, 2 Cor, v, i, Jesus is mine. He my Redemption is. i Cor. i. 30. Wisdom and Righteousness, i Cor i. 3°- Life, Light, and Holiness, i Ccr. i. 30 Jesus is mice. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 165 t. rs b. e. 7 A. 6. I. 7- lb. er 2. lab 50. 01 THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE NAMES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Spirit. Eph. v. 18. Holy Spirit. Luke xi. 3. Spirit of Truth. John xiv. 17. Spirit of Adoption. Rom. viii. 15. Spirit of God. Rom. viii. 9. Spirit of Christ. Rom. viii. 9. Spirit of Glory, i Teter iv. 14. Spirit of Grace. Heb. x. 29. Spirit of Promise. Eph. i. 13. Spirit of Wisdom. Eph. i. 17. Good Spirit. Neh. ix. 20. Spirit of the Lord. Luke iv. 18. Holy Ghost. Acts i. 5. Comforter. John xiv. 16. THE OFFICES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Comforter. John xiv. 16. Teacher. John xiv. 26. Guide. John xvi. 13. Witness. Rom. viii. 16. Intercessor. Rom. viii. 26, 27. Sanctifier. i Cor. vi. 11. Reprover. John xvi. 8. Revealer. Eph. iii. 5. Giver. Rom. v. 5. Justifier. i Cor. vi. il. Inspirer. 2 Tim. iii. 16. Author of our Life. John iii. 5-8. Quickener. i Peter iii. 18. Searcher, i Cor. ii. 10. Way of Access. Eph. ii. 18. Renewer. Titus iii. 5. SYMBOLS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Wind. John iii. 8. Fire. Acts ii. 3, 4. Fire. Matt. iii. 11. Rivers of Water. John vii. 38, 39. Dove. John i. 32. Oil. I John ii. 20. THB DWELLING PLACE SPIRIT. John xiv. 17. I Cor. iii. 16, 17. I Cor. vi. 19. Eph. ii. 22. OF THE HOLY THE SPIRIT. Resisitng ihc V/,rW/.— Refusing to ac- cept the tesiimony of Christ, as Acts vii. 51, 53 — the s(n of the unconverted. Grieving thf :^p,rit. — Yielding to things forbidden, as Eph. iv. 29 — the sin of the saints. Quenching the Spirit in others by despising prophesyings, i.e., the Spirit speaking by others, as in 2 Thess. v. 19,20. THE OFFICE OP. WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. To strive. Gen. vi. 3 ; Acts vii. 51. To send forth. Psalm civ. 30 ; John XV. 26 ; Gal. iv. 6. To move. Gen. i. 2. To speak. John xvi. 13 ; Acts x. 19; Rev. xxii. 17. To guide. John xvi. 13. To lead. Rom. viii. 14. To help our infirmiities. To testify. Rom. viii. 16 To reveal. Eph. iii. 5. To search, i Cor. ii. 10. To possess a mind. Rom. viii, 27. To prophecy. John xvi. 13; iTim.iv.i. To intercede. Rom. viii. 26. To sanctify, i Cor. vi. 11. To quicken. John vi. 63 ; i Peter iii. 18. To be pleased. Acts xv. 28. To be vexed. Isaiah Ixiii. 10. To work in the soul. i Cor. xii. 11 ; Peter i. 20 ; Matt, xxviii. iq ; 2 Cor. Rom. viii. 26. John XV. 26. xiii. 4 ; 2 Peter i. 21. PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I. The personality of the Holy Spirit as revealed [a) in the Old Testament. Gen. i. 2 ; Psalm xxxiii. 6 ; civ. 30 ; Job xxvi. 13; Isaiah xxxii. 14, 15; Ezek. xxxvii. 9. {b) In the New Testament. Matt, iii. 16; xxviii. 19; Mark i. 10; Luke iii. 22 ; John i. 33 ; i Cor. xiii. 14 ; Eph. iv. 30. /66 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. |l*i^ 2. Character and work of the Holy Spirit. — John xiv, 16-26; xvi.6.7 ; Rom. viii. 26; XV. 30; Acts xiii. 2. Agent (a) of Christ's birth. — Matt. i. 18, 20 ; Luke i. 35 ; John iii. 6 ; i John v. 6, 8. (/') Agent of the resurrection of Christ and of believers. — Rom. i. 4; viii. 11; i Peter iii. 18. From whom the Spirit proceeds. John XV. 26 ; xvi. 7-14. Dwelling of the Spirit in Christ. Luke iv. I, 14; John iii. 34 ; Col. ii. 9. Regeneration by the Spirit. John iii. 3, 5 ; iv. 10, 14 ; vi. 63 ; Titus iii. 5, 7. Dwelling of the Spirit in believer?. I Cor. ii. g-16 ; vi. 17; xii.13; Gal.iii.g; iv. 6; V. 25; Eph. ii. 22; iii.i6; v.i-18; 1 Peter i. 11 ; i John iii. 24. The Spirit given to the disciples. Acts ii. 1-4; vi. 3. The Spirit to be received by faith. John vii. 37-39 ; Luke xi. 13 ; Gal. iii. 2; Eph.i. 13, 14. Sanctification by the Spirit. Rom. viii. 6; I Cor. VI. II ; Gal. v. 22-26; 2 Thess. ii. 13 ; I Peter i. 2. The Spirit dwelling in the Church. Rom. viii. 9-1 1 ; i Cor. iii. 16, 17; vi. 13-19; 2 Cor. vi. 14-16; Eph. i. 22, 23; iii. 19 ; iv. 12-16; Col. i. 18, 24; i Tim. iii. 15 ; Heb. iii. 6. Prophesied in the Old Testament as a Gospel blessing. Isaiah xxxii, 15 ; xliv. 3 ; Ezck. xxxvi. 27. When the dispensation of the Spirit began and when it will end. Matt. iii. II ; John vii. 39 ; xiv. 16; xv. 26 ; xvi. 7 ; XX. 22 ; Acts i. 8; ii. 1-4 ; iii. 21 ; 2 Thess. ii. 7 ; Rev. iv. 5. Names and Titles of the Spirit. Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. — Psalm xli. 11; Isaiah Ixiii. 11 ; Matt, xxviii. 19; Mark iii. 29 ; Luke xi. 13. Spirit of God. — Gen. i. 2 ; Exodus xxxi. 3 ; Num.xxiv. 2 ; I Sam. x. 10; 2 Chron. xv. i ; Matt. iii. 16 ; I John iv. 2. My Spirit. — Gen. vi. 3 ; Prov. i. 23 ; Isaiah xxx. i ; Zech. iv. 6; Matt. xii. 28. Spirit of the Lord. — Num. xi. 29 ; Jud. vi. 34 ; 2 Chron. XX. 14 ; Acts v. 9. Spirit of Christ. — Rom. viii. 9 ; i Peter i. 11. The Com- forter. — John x.v. 16; xvi. 7. Spirit of truth. — John xiv. 17 ; xvi. 13. Spirit of holiness. — Rom. i. 4. Spirit of grace. — Zech. xii 10 ; Heb. x. 29. Spirit of wisdom, m.ght, counsel. — Isaiah xi. 2. Spirit of promise. — Eph. i. 13. Spirit of glory. — I Peter iv. 14. Good Spirit. — Neh. ix. 20; Psalm cxliii. 10. H. W. Brown. THE HOLY SPIRIT. Co-equal with Father and Son, Gen. i. 2 ; Psa. xxxiii. 6 ; Job. xxvi. 13. Author of the Word, i Pet. xx. 21 ; a Tim. iii. 16 ; i Thess. ii. 13. Author of the Atonement, Heb. ix. 14, Author of the Resurrection, i Peter iii. 18. Spiritual knowledge, John xvi. « ; i. 32-33; Rom. viii. 15-16; Jno. iii. 5-6; Eph. V. 26 ; John xv. 3 ; Luke iv. 1-2 ; Heb. ii. 17-18 ; Rom. viii. 26-27 ; i John V. 14 ; Acts xiii. 3-5 ; Acts xvi. 6-7; Eph. 1. 13T4. Dr. L. W. MuNHALi. WHAT THE COMFORTER SHALL DO. (" I will send him unto you.") Shall dwell with you and be with you, Jno. xiv. 17. Shall teach you all things, Jno. xiv. 26. Shall bring all things to your remem- brance, Jno. xiv. 27. Shall testify of me, John xv. 26. Will guide you into all truth, John xvi. 13. Shall show you things to come, John xvi. 13. Shall glorify me, John xvi. 14. Shall take of mine and show it unto you. John xvi. 15. WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES. John xvi. 8, II ; John iii. 5, 6 ; John xiv. 26; I Cor. xii. 8 ; Rom. v. 5 ; Rom. XV. 13 ; 2 Cor. iii. 17; Rom. xiv. 17; John xvi. 13 ; i John ii. 20; a Cor. i. 21, 22 ; I John ii. 17, 28. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 167 EMBLEMS OF THE HOLY GHOST. 1. Wind or breath, Cant. iv. 16; Ez. xxxvii. 9 ; John iii, 8 ; xx. 22 ; Acts ii. 2. Mysterious, sovereign, mighty. 2. Water, Isa. xliv. 3 ; Ez. xxxvi. 25 ; John vii. 38, 39. Pure, cleansing, re- freshing, fertilizing, free. 3. Fire, Matt. iii. 11. Penetrating, illuminating, warming, consuming. 4. Oil, Isa. Ixi. I ; Heb. i, 9. Heal- ing, comforting, consecrating. 5. Seal, Eph. i. 13; iv. 30. Authen- ticating, marking, securing. 6. An earnest, Eph. i. 14. The pledge of future and full possession. 7. A dovC: Matt. iii. 16. Gentle, peaceful, pure. 8. A guide, John xvi. 13. Tender, faithful, unfailing. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN? (Acts xi. 26.) The word rendered called in the text is found eight times elsewhere in the New Testament, Matt. ii. 12, 22 ; Luke ii. 26 ; Acts x. 22 ; Rom, vii. 3 ; Heb. viii. 5 ; xi. 7 ; xii. 25. This indicates the divine origin of the name. It is connected with the first missionary work of the Church. (The chapter follow- ing the text is a parenthesis). See Acts xxvi. 28: I Pet. iv. 16, ["on this be- half" should be "in this name;" Alford] ; James ii. 7, [worthy, or beauti- ful] ; Eph. iii. 15; 1 Cor. xii. 12, [^' the Christ," like Gen. v. 2]. 1. In faith he is a believer in Christ, John i. II, 12 ; iii. 14-18, 36 ; iv, 13, 14 ; V. 21-25; vi. 28, 29, 40, 47, 50-54 ; vii. 37-39; viii. 24; ix. 35-39; X. 7-11; xi. 25, 26 ; xii. 24, 32, 44-48 ; Acts x. 36, 43 ; xiii. 39 ; xvi. 31 ; Rom. iv. 5, 16 ; v. I ; Gal. ii. 16 ; i John v. 10-13. 2. In relationship he is a child, John i. 13 ; iii. 3-7, connected with verse 16 ; Rom. viii, 3, connected with verses 14- 17 ; Gal. iii. 26 ; iv. 1-7 ; i John v. i j V. 17. 3. In character he is a saint. [The word means, " separate from common condition and use ; dedicated,"] Acts ix. 13 ; xxvi. 10 Rom. i. 7; viii. I, 27; i Cor. i. 2 ; vi. 1 1 ; Eph. iii. 8 ; Heb. ii. II; x, 10, 14; xiii. 12; i Pet. i. 15 ; Lev. xi. 44, 45 ; XX. 24-26 ; Matt. \k 14-16. 4. In communion a friend, John xv. 15 ; XX. 17 Heb. ii. 11, 12 ; James ii. 23 ; Gen. xv, 6 ; xviii. 17, [communion is better than prayer] ; i John i. 3, [" fellowship," the same as "partner- ship " in Luke v. 7, lo], 5. In conflift a soldier, 2 Tim. ii. 3 ; Matt. X. 24, 25, 32-42 ; John xiii. 16 ; XV. 18-20; xvi. 33 ; xvii. 4-8 ; i Cor. ix. 24-27 ; 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. 6. In experience a pilgrim, Phil, iii, 20, 21 Heb. xi. 13 ; I Pet. ii. 11 ; Gal. vi, 14 ; 2 Cor, v, i. 7. In expectation an heir, Rom. viii. 17, [joint-tenancy for eternity] ; Gal. iii. 29; iv. 1-7; Tit. iii. 7; James ii. 5; Matt. xiii. 43 ; Rev. xx. 5, 6 ; xxi. 3, 4. To sinners. Rev. xxi. 6. WHAT THE CHRISTIAN MAY BE. 2 Timothy ii. 1. A son in the faith, verse i. 2. A teacher, verse 2. 3. A soldier, verse 3, 4. A labourer, verse 6. 5. A wrestler — striving not about words, but strive for mastery, ver. 14,15. 6. A workman, verse 15. 7. A vessel, verse 21. EXAMPLES. 1. Onesimus — A son, Philemon 10. 2. Epaphras — A teacher, Col. i. 7, 3. Paul — A soldier, 2 Tim. iv,7. 4. Nehemiah-A labourer, Neh.iv, 21. 5. Jacob — A wrestler (Gen. xxxii. 24) too strong in the Hesh. Abraham, the man of faith, quelling the strife of bis servants. Gen. xiii. 8. THE CHRISTIAN'S STATE, Has received the Spirit of God, Rom. viii. g. Is alive unto God, Rom. vi, 11. Is born of God, John i, 13. Is born of the Spirit, John iii, 6. Is born again, i Peter i, 22. rt ■; y;;* T i«i 1^. 'MM li :] ' r i68 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. Is a new creature, 2 Cor. v. 17. Old man put off. Col. iii. 10. Was in darkness now in light, i Pet, U.9. Now in the glorious liberty, Romans viii. 21. Under no condemnation, Rom. viii. i. Has peace, Romans v. i. Christ living in Him, Gal. ii. 20. Has everlasting life. Has passed from death to life, John v. 24. The sting of death is taken away, i Cor. XV. 57. THE CHRISTIANS BLESSED- NESS. Pardoned through Christ, Acts x. 43. Crucified with Christ, Gal. ii. 1-6. Risen with Christ, Eph. ii. 20. Accepted in Christ, Eph. i. 6, 7. Blessed in Christ, Eph, i. 3. Complete in Christ, Col. ii. 9, 10. One with Christ, i Cor. vi. 17. Preserved in Christ, Jude i. Devoted to Christ, Phil. i. 21, Working for Christ, Phil, ii. 16. Worshipping Christ, Rev. v. 7, 8. Separated to Christ, John xvii. 16. Fellowship with Christ, i John i. 3. Loved by Chi'ist, Eph. v, 25. Witness for Christ, John xvii. 18. Waiting for Christ, i Thess. i. 9, 10. Glorified with Christ, John xvii. 22-24. Eternally with Christ,! Thess. iv, 17. THE CHRISTIANS THREE R'S. A SPIRITUAL AND SCRIPTURAL GRAMMAR LESSON. The great business of life, to a Christian, is, to know and declare the character of God. To show how the Word may enable him to do this is the object of this GRAMMAR LESSON. God's name or character, as He was pleased to reveal it to Moses was " I am that I am." — Exodus iii. 14. Saying, in effect, whatever I am, that am I at this moment — ncnv. Thus all God's "I am's" are true just now. The lesson proposed is simply to connect a fragment of the verb " to be " with three aspects of Christian character. Thus : "I AM, I Teach us we f Receivers. Thou art, [ are to be \ Responders. He is." ) towards God, (Reporters. I " I am," IS God's frequent and varied revelation of Himself in Old or New Testament : for instance : — I am the Lord thy God. Exodus xx. 2 ; Lev. xix. I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus XV. 26, I am the Lord which sanctify you. Lev. XX. 8. I am thy salvation. Psalm xxxv. 3. I am the Light of the world. John viii. 12 ; ix. 5. I am the way, the truth, and the life* John xiv. 6. These revelations we are to take in in their simple and full meaning, adding nothing ; taking nothing away. This is Hae first lesson. When God says " I am." we are to be receivers. 2. We may then answer, with our lips, to God's revelation of Himself: saying — "Thou art," where He has said " I am." This is simple faith , just to appro- priate, or set our seal to, what God says, (Heb. xi. 6; John iii. 33), and not to make Him a liar (i John v. 10) but to reply to his " I am," "thou art," Thus: — Thou art the Lord my God. Thou art the Lord that healeth me, etc., etc. We are thus led to converse with the living God, and are responders. 3. There remains one other lesson, from " HE is '' — The duty of telling others what He is — what we find Him to be ; this is "The fruit of lips confessing His name.'' Heb. xiii. 15, margin. This is the duty of all who know Him; and thus, we are, to our God. witness^c. -•• NOT£S FOR BIBLB READINGS. 169 IS he ;b. REPORTERS. Jast as the moon tells, in the absence of the visible sun, that he is still existing and shining, so the Christian with open face (beholding as in a glass the glory of his Lord) gives out that light to others, even the light of the knowledge of the glory of God as seen in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. iii. 18 ; iv. 6. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee. Thou art my God, and I will exalt thee I O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever. Psalm cxviii. 28. 29 The exercise may be varied by taking the passages of Scripture where "I am, "Thou art." 'He is," " God is," " The Lord is," etc., occur, and interchanging them. Thus each Scripture " Thou art " will afford us an " I am " of God ; and thus the experience of all saints becomes to others so much blessed Revelation of God ; and thus, also, becomes the property of all. Take for example " Thou art," in Neh. i*. or Psalm Ixxxvi. Another thought now suggests itself :- That each of us has a special manifesta- tion in our lives of what God is which we alone can tell forth for His praise. O Lord open Thou our lips ; and our mouth shall show forth thy praise. G. S. COMFORTS FOR THE CHRIS- TIAN TRAVELLER Man's goings are of the Lord. Prov. xz. 24. Thou, oh Lord, art a shield &c. Psa. iu. 3. I am with thee. Gen. xxviii, 15. I will never leave thee, &c. Heb xiii. 5. Be strong and of good courage, &c Jos. i. 9. Fear not, neither be faint hearted Isa. vii 4. There shall no evil befall thee. Psa. xci. 10, II Thy shoes shall be as iron. Deut. xxxiii. 15. The eternal God is thy refuge, &c. Deut. xxxiii. 27. He shall cover thee with His feathers. Ps. xci. 4. Fear not. 1 am thv shield. Gen xv. i. THE CHRISTIANS HIDING PLACE. 1. Where and how to get hid. Psa, cxliii. 9. 2. VVith whom. Ps. xxxii. 7, 3 The Word in us. Ps. cxix. 11. 4. In thy Word. Ps. cxix. 114. 5. Under His wings. Ps. xvii. 8, 6. The God-man. Isa. xxxii. 2. 7. With Christ in God. Col. iii. 3. S. R. B. WHAT WE HAVE BY BELIEV- ING .[N CHRIST. Eternal I,ife — i John v. 11 Forgive- ness of sins — Eph. i. 7. Peace with God — Rom. V. I. Made new creatures — 2 Cor. V. 17. Partakers of the Divine Nature — 2 Pet. i. 4. Children and heirs of God— Gal iii. 26, and Gal. iv. 7 Our old man crucified with Christ — Rom vi. 6 Made free froni the power of sin — Rom. VI. 4, ,>ncl Rom. vi. 22 Victory through Christ — i Cor. xv 57 and i John v 4. More than conquerors through Him — Rom. viii, 37. One with Christ — John xvii. 21, and Eph. v 30. One with Christ in the Father's love — John xvii. 23. We have His joy — ^John XV. II. His peace — John xv 27 His glory — ^John xvii. 22. Complete in Him — Col. ii. ro. As He is, sc are we m this world — i John iv. i/. All things are your.s — i Cor iii. 21. 22. He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him, also, freely give us JI things — Rom viii. 32. THE PORTRAIT OF A CHRIS- TIAN LADY. DRAW.V FROM THE WORD OF GOD. She IS one of the family whom Jesus loves — John XI. 5. She has had her heart "opened," like that of Lydia, "to attend" — to take heed — to the Lord's Word. Acts xvi. 14. She has, through the Spirit, and by the Word, the same unfeigned faith which dwelt in Lois and Eunic— 2 Tim. i. 5 wherebv, like Hannah, her heart reioice I70 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. in the Lord, because she rejoices in Ilis salvation, i Sam. ii, i ; Isa. Ixi. lo. She sits at Jesus' feet, like Mary, to hear His word — Luke x. 39, and to have her understanding opened to understand the Scriptures, Luke xxiv. 45 ; and with "the other Mary," she keeps His say- ings, and keeps also all that is said con- cerning Him, pondering it hi her heart- Luke ii. 19, 51, She desires, and seeks, like Anna, to serve the Lord with self-denial, both by night and day, Luke ii. 36, 37 ; aiming to be holy both in spirit and body. And she is ever ready to speak good of His name, to speak of Him to all that are looking for redemption thi'ough Him alone. Luke ii. 36, 37 ; i Cor. vii. 34. She has a heart to labour for the Lord, like Tryphena and Tryphosa, Romans xvi. 12 ; and like "those women also laboured in the Gospel," and whose names are in the Book of Life. Phil, iv.3 She seeks out and ministers to the necessities of the Lord's people, especi- ally of the fatherless and widows, as Dorcas did. Acts ix. 36-39 ; Jas. i. 27. She bestows "much labour" upon them, as Mary did. Rom. xvi. 6 She is "a succourer of many," and " a servant of the Church,' like Phebe. Rom. xvi. I, 2 And thus, like Joanna and Susanna, who ministered to the Lord with their substance, she ministers to Him now in persons of His people. Luke viii. 3 ; Malt, xxv. 40. Such is she who is bless- ed among women because she hath be- lieved ! Luke i. 42-45. Such is she who "hath chosen the good pari, tbr.t shall not be taken away from her !" Luke X. 42. F. R. R. THE CHRISTIAN'S CALLING. Called by God. Rom. viii. 30 ; 2 Thes. ii. 14. Called of Jesus Christ. Rom. i. 6 ; i Peter v. 10. Called according to Ilis purpose. Rom. viii. 28, 29-30 ; 2 Tim. i. 9. Called the sons of God. I John iii. Gal. iv. 6, 7. Called in one body. Col. iii. 15. Called to be saints. Rom. i, 7 ; 1 Cor. i. 2 ; I Thes. iv. 7. Called into fello'vship. i Cor, i. 9. Called into the grace of Christ. Gal. i. 6. Called out of darkness into hght. 1 Peter ii. 9. Called m hope, Eph. i. 18 ; iv. 4 ; Rom. V ii. Called to virtue, z Pet. i. 3. Called by the Gospel. 2 Thes. ii. 14. Called to eternal life, i Tim. vi. I2. Called to an eternal inheritance. Heb. ix. 15 ; I Peter i. 4. Called to blessing. I Pet. iii. 9. Called to liberty. Gal. v. 13. Called to peace. I Cor. vii. 15 ; CoL iii. 15. Called to suffer, i Pel. ii. 21. Called to glory. I Thes. ii. i2 ; 2 Thes. ii. 14 ; i Peter v. 10 ; 2 Peter i. 3. A heavenly calling. Heb. iii. I. A holy calling, i Thes. iv. 7 ; 2 Tim. 1.9. That worthy name by which ye are called. Acts xi. 26 ; James li. 7. Ye see your calling, brethren, i Cor. i. 26. The prize of the high calling. Phil. iii. 14. Faithful is He that callcth you. I Cor. i. 9 ; I Thes. v. 24. Walk worthy of. Eph. iv. i ; Col. i. 10 ; I Pet. i. 15, 16 ; 2 Peter i. 10. THE BELIEVER'S POSITION IN CHRIST. As many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. John i. 12. Now in Christ Jesus ye, who some- times were far off, arc made nigh by the bloou of Christ. Eph. ii. 13. Accepted in the Beloved. Eph. \, 6. Ye are complete in Him. Col, ii. 10. There is therefore now no condemna- tion to them which are in Christ Jesus. Rom. viii. i. * Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Rom. viii. 17. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 171 ABIDING. Abi3e in Me, and I in you. John xv.4. If ye abide in Me and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you. John xv. 7. If ye keep My comn.ant. "s ye shall abide in my love. Jr • He that abidcth in Mc, a.. . him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. John XV. 5. He that lovcth not his brother, abideth in death, i John iii. 14. And he that keepeth His command- ments dvvellcth in Him, and He in him, and hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which lie hath given us. I John iii. 24. Whosoever transgresscth, and abidcth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 2 John ix. THE BELIEVER'S WALK. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. 1 John ii. 6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him. Col. ii. 6. I therefore beseech you that ye walk worthy of the voct^tion wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meek- ness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love. Eph. iv. i, 2. Walk in love. Eph. v, 2. See that ye walk circumspectly. Eph. V. 15. Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal. v. iG. SERVICE. No servant can serve two masters. Luke xvi. 13. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Rom. xiv. 17, 18. By love serve one another. Gal. v. 13. Not with eye service, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Eph. vi. 6. PROMISES TO BELIEVERS. Lo, I am with you alway, even untcf the end of the world. Matt, xxviii. 20. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, bo not dismayed for I am thy God ; I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee j yea, I will uphold thee with the right handofrny righteousness. Isaiah xli. 10. He hath said, I will n^.cr leave thco nor forsake thee. Heb. xiii. 5. God is able to make all grace abound towaid you ; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. 2 Cor. ix. 8. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do Ilis will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom bo glory for ever and ever. Amen. Ilcb. xiii. 20, 21, THE STANDING AND DUTIES OF BELIEVERS. I Thes. V. 8. 1. They are children " of the day." — (i) They walk in the light, vrs. 4 — 7, i John i. 6 — 8. as He is in the light, Eph. V. I — 15, avoiding thus the works of darkness, Eph. iv. 17 — 24, and following Him who is the world's only light, John viii. 12, and xii. 35, 36. (2) They wait for the day. Rom. xiii. 12 — 14; Heb. x. 25; Psalm XXX. 5; Mai. iv. 2; Psalm cxxx. 5, 6. 2. They stand prepared. — Be sober; or, as in verse 6. They watch and are sober, not sleeping as others do, vrs. 6, 7. Matt. XXV. 5 ; Eph. v. 14, not care- less, 2 Peter iii. 4, but sober; i Cor. ix. 24 — 27 ; Eph. V. 18 ; and watchful, Mark xiii. 33 — 37. watchful against sin, I Peter iv. 1 — 5; v. 8; watching for His coming, Titus ii. 13, 14 ; i Thess. i. 10 ; 2 Thess. i. 10 ; iii. 5. i'i 17a NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. it ■* 1 3. The power of their preparation, putting on the breast plate of faith and love, and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. — The breastplate, because we are still warring and need it ; i Tim. vi. 12 ; 2 Cor. x. 4 ; of faith in His sal- vation, Isaiah i. 18; i Peter ii. 24; of faith in Himself, Isaiah xxvi. 3, 4 ; Col. u 27, of love to Him, Rev. i. 4, 5 ; i Peter i. 8 ; of love to all for His sake, 2 Cor. V. 14, 15, and as our helmet the hope of salvation, Heb. vi. 18 — 20. sure and certain, for already within the veil, Rom. V. 5 ; John xvii. 24 ; i John iii. 2, 3. THE MEASURE OF THE BE- LIEVER'S BLESSINGS. " Not according to our works." We have been predestinated according to the good pleasure of His will. Eph.i.5. Called according to His purpose. Rom. viii. 28. Saved according to His mercy. Titus iii. 5. Forgiven according to the riches of His grace. Eph. i. 7. We are blessed according as He hath chosen us. Eph. i. 3, 4. Strengthened according to His glori- ous power. Col. i. II. Supplied according to His riches in glory. Phil. iv. 19. We shall be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. Phil. iii. 21, THE BELIEVER' S LIFE IN ALL THINGS. By Him all which believe are justified from all things. Acts xiii. 39. PROMISES IN ALL THINGS. All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matt. xxi. 22. All things are possible to him that believeth. Mark ix. 23. He that overcometh shall inherit all things. Rev, xxi. 7. POSSESSIONS IN ALL THINGS. His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. 2 Peter i. 3. All things are yours, i Cor. iii. 21. The living God giveth us richly all things to enjoy, i "rim. vi. 17. All things are for your sakes. 2 Cor. iv. 15. God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye always having all sufficiency in all things may abound unto every good work. 2 Cor. ix. 8. He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all ; how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things. Rom. viii. 32. Even as the green herb have I given you all things. Gen. ix. 3. God giveth to all, life and breath and ail things. Acts xvii. 25. TEACHING OF THE BELIEVER IN ALX THINGS. Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things, i John ii.20. We know that all things work to- gether for good to them that love God. Rom. viii. 28. The Holy Ghost. He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance. John xiv. 26. (All things, limited by the words, whatsoever I have said unto you.) The same anointing teacheth you of all things, i John ii. 27. God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. i Cor. ii. 10. In all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry. . . I can do all things through (in) Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. iv. 12, 13. The Lord give thee understanding in all things. 2 Tim. ii. 7. They that seek the Lord understand all things. Prov. xxviii. 8. EXHORTATIONS IN ALL THINGS. Watch thou in all things. 2 Tim. iv.5. Do all things without murmurings and disputings. Phil. ii. 14. But rather give alms of such things : NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 175 as ye have ; and behold all things are clean unto you. Luke ii. 41. Godliness is profitable unto all things. I Tim. iv. 8. Let all things be done unto edifying. I Cor. xiv. 26. Let all things be done decently and in order, i Cor. xiv. 40. Giving thanks always for all things unto God .... in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Kph. v. 20. Charity beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, i Cor. xiii. 7. Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, i Peter iv. 8. That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Tit. ii. 10. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matt, xxviii. 20. That God in all things may be glori- fied through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen, i Peter iv. 11. RICHES IN GLORY. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have present joy and peace arising from a sense of forgiveness of sins. Even on earth they have sweet foretastes of the happiness of Heaven — precious earnests of treasures to be enjoyed here- after They may not possess much treasure on earthy but their riches as well as their relationships in Heaven are glorious beyond description. The following are some of these inestimable blessings : — They have a sure hope in Heaven. Heb. vi. 19 ; Col. i. 5. A Saviour in Heaven, i Peter iii.22; Phil. iii. 20. Their life is in Heaven hidden with Christ in God. Col. iii. 1-3 ; Eph. ii. 6. Their citizenship, and therefore their conversation, is in Heaven. Phil. iii. 20. They have a great High Priest in Heaven. Heb. iv. 14. And an incorruptible inheritance in Heaven, kept for them and they for it. verses 4 and 5. i Peter i. 4. Their names are written in Heaven. Luke X. 20. They lay up treasure in Heaven. Matt. vi. 20. Their heart's affections are in Heaven. Matt. vi. 21 ; Col. iii. 2. They have a Master in Heaven. Col. iv. I. Who will give a good reward in Heaven for service on earth. Matt.v.ia. Chief of all, they have a Father in Heaven, who will soon welcome home the whole of His redeemed children. Matt.v, l6; John xx,i7; Rom. viii. 14-15. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now ar:d ever. Amen. Jude 24, 25. THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER. Because I live, ye shall live also. John xiv. ig. lie that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. John vi. 57. I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Gal. ii. 20. Called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ, i Cor. i. 9. God . . . hath quickened us together with Christ. Eph. ii. 5. We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor. V. 7, Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col. iii. 3. He that believeth on Me hath ever- lasting life. John vi. 47. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gal. v. 25. Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. 2 Cor. vi. 10. AIa^ ays bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus. 2 Cor. iv. 10. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil. i. 21. To be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom. viii. 6. Our fellowship is with the Father and •with His Son. i John i. 3. I0;Vt''SW/^-'jMf:p'7S ^74 NOTES FOR BIDLE READINGS. If any man will come aftei Me, let him deny himself. Matt. xvi. 24. Ye are complete in Him. Col. ii. io. We also should walk in newness of life, Rom. vi. 4. I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish,, John x. 28. For we are made partakers of Christ. Heb. iii. 14. Partakers of the divine nature, 2 Peter i. 4. When I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Cor. xii. 10. Alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi. 11, Risen with Christ, seek those things which are above. Col. ii. 3. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm cxvi. 9. Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling. Heb. iii. I. God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation. 2 Thess, ii. 13. Whosoever livetb and believeth in INIc shall never die. John xi. 26. I live by the faith of the Son of God. who loved mc. Gal. ii. 20, None of u? livcth to himself. Rom. X'V. 7, Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Rom xiv. 8. ATTITUDES OF THE BELTEVER. Leanmg. John xiii. 23. Lying dov;n. Psalm, xxiii. 2. Sitting. Luke viii. 35 ; Deut.xxxiii.3. Slaniling, Ep'.i. vi. 13; Phil. iv. I. Walking. Ei/h. ii 10 ; Gal. v. 25. Running, i Cor. ix. 24 ; Heb. xii. i. Mouutii.jup. laaiah xl. 31 ; i Thess. iv. 17. THE BELIEVERS CALLING. It ;g a high calling, Phil. iii. 14. It is a holy calling, 2 Tim. i. 9. It is a hcivcnly calling, Hob. iii. i. It is God who h-\'h ca'.lctl us, 2 Tim. i. 9- .'t is not according to our works, 2 Tim. i. c, ; Rom. viii. 28. It is in and by Christ Jesus, Phil. iii. 14 ; I Pc v. 10 It is a crlling independent of all worldly honor and disli.ictions, i Cor. xxvi. 3. We are called to be saints, Rom. i. 7; I Cor. i. 2 ; I Thess. iv. 7. We are called to follow Christ's steps, I Pet. ii. 21. We are called to exhibit (now^) all love, forgiveness, and Christian graces, £ph. iv. 1-3 ; I Peter iii. 8, g. We ar*" called to liberty. Gal. v. 13. We are called to glory and virtue, 2 Pet. i. 5. We are called to be with Christ. Rev. xvii. 14. We are called unto the fellowship of Jesus, I Cor. i. 9. We are called unto God's marvellous light, I Peter ii. g. We are called to eternal life, i Tim. vi. 12. We are called to an eternal inherit- ance, Heb. ix. 13. We are called to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Thess. ii. 14 ; Rom. viii. 30. God hath called us unto his kingdom and glory, i Thess. ii, 12; i Pet. v. 10. The believer pi ays to be counted worthy of this calling; to realize his high calling, Eph. i. 18. Tt sits before us a prize to press for- ward unto, Phil. iii. 14. We should seek to walk worthy this calling wherewith we are called, Eoh. iv. I ; I Thess. ii. 12. We should give diligence to make our calling and election •>ure, 2 Pet. i. 11. Faithful is He t!-iit calleth you who also will do it, i Thess. v. 24. THE PAST AND PRESENT OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD. (Ej>h. ii.) 1. Dead in trcipas^es and sins. Vcr. r. Dead to (lod — licars not God's voice, feels not Ilis love, sees not his beauty. I'sa. xxviii. i ; Psa. cxliii. 7 ; Isa. iiii. 2, 3 ; Luke xv. 24, 32 ; Col. ii. 13. 2. Walking accordinp' to the course of this world. Ver. 2. The sinnei. de.id to God, is yet alive and full of activities, ever going about. Rom. iii. 12-16 ; x. 3 ; Gal. v. 19-21 ; i John ii, 15-17 ; v, 19 ; James iv. i. >^-^ . NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 175 5. Walking according to the prince of the power of the air. Ver. 2. World and devil going same v/ay (2 Cor. iv. 4 ; John xiv. 30 ; Luke iv. 5, 6,) until the fulfilment of Matt. vi. 10; Rev. xi. 15, 17 ; xii. 10 ; Micah iv. 8. Contrast last clause verse 2 (Eph. ii.) with Phil. ii. 13. 4. Among whom (/. e. children of dis- obedience) we all had our conversation in times past. Ver. 3. Fellowship with the children of disobedience a thing of the past to the children oi God. i Peter iv. 2, 3 ; 2 Cor. vi. 14-18 ; Gal. i. 4. 5. In the lusts of our flesh. Ver. 3. A comparison of this with verse 2 shows that the v/orld, the devil, and the flesh, arc a threefold cord. See also why the Lord calls Peter "Satan." Matt. xvi. 23. 6. Fulfiiiiiig the desires of the flesh' and of the mind. Ver. 3. Sensuality and intellectuality may be simply on op- posite sides of tlie broad road. 7. By naUire the children of wrath, even as others. Ver. 3. Wrath i.s not only deserved, but inherited: the sinner's birthright. John iii. 36 ; Rom. v. 14,19. 8. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles. Ver, it Gentil- ism a thing of the past. I Cor. x. 32 ; xii. 2 ; Col. iii. II Malt. xv. 26 ; Phi), iii. 2. 9. Uncircumcision. Ver. il. Expres- sive of the unjuilgod condition of the na- tural man. I Sam. xvii. 26, 36 Col. ii. II, 13 ; Ezek. xxxii. 21, 32. 10. Without Christ. Ver. 12. Isa. liii. 3 ; John i. 10 ; Luke x.xiii. iS. 11. Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. Ver. 12, No national blessing like Israel. Ueut. xxxiii. 29 ; Ezek .\iii. 9 J John X. 16. 12. Strf.ngcrs from the covenants of promise. Ver. 12. No national pro- mise like Israel. Rom. ix. 4, 8. 13. No hope. No national hope like Israel. Luke ii. 25 ; Acts xxviii. 20 Hope a bright and sure expectation. 14. Without God (ver 12). A creature lost to its Creator, Psa. xiv. i ; Job. xxi. 14; Jude 13. 15. Afar off, (ver, 17), Luke xv. 20; Isa. vii. 19 ; Zech. ix. 10 ; Acts ii. 39. 16. Strangers and foreigners, (ver. ig), Isa. Ii. I. 17. Loved in this candi*^ion with a great love, (ver. 4 and first clause of ver. 5), Ezek. xvi. 6 ; Luke xv. 20; Titus iii. 4 ; Rom. V. 8 ; John iii. 16 ; Rev. i. 5 ; " loved and washed," not "washed and loved." 18. Quickened, (ver. 5), Ezek. xvi. 6; xxxvii. 3-10 ; John v. 24, 25 ; xi. 25 ; Col. ii. 13. 19. Raised, (ver. 6), Col. ii. 12; iii. I ; I Sam. ii. 8. 20. Seated in heavenly places, (ver. G), Eph. i. 20 ; I Cor. xv. 48. 21. In Christ Jesus, (ver. 6), Rom. vi. 11-23 ; viii. I, 39 ; Eph. i. i, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10; ii. 10, 13, 15, 21, 22; iv. 15; Phil. i. I ; Col. i. -i ; ii, 6, n, etc. 22. Vessels for the display of the ex- ceeding riches of God's grace in ages to come, (ver. 7). Rom, viii. 17, 18 ; ix. 23 ; 2 Thess. i. 10. 23. God's workmanship, (ver. 10), Ps. xix. I ; c. 3 (typical) ; cxix. 73 ; cxxxix. 14-16. 24. Made nigh by the blood of Chnst, (ver. 13), Heb, x. 19. 25. Having access through the Son, by the Spirit, to the Father, (ver. 18), John xiv. 6; Rom. v. 2 ; Eph. iii. 12 ; I Peter iii. iS ; contrast to the trinity of ver. 2, 3. 26. Fellow-citizens with the saints, (ver. 19), Phil. iii. 20, (Gr.) ; Heb. xii. 22, 23. 27. The household of God, (ver. 19), Gal. vi. 10; Eph. iii. 15. The master washes the feet of the servants, John xiii. 28. An holy temple, (ver. 21). Tho house of God now on earth to be filled with the sacrifice of praise continually, t Tim. iii. 15 ; i Pet. 2, 5. 29. An habitation of God through the Spirit, (ver. 22), i Cor. iii. 16 ; vL 19 ; contrast Rev. xviii. 2. 176 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 30. What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 2 Pet. iii. 11 ; Eph. iv. 12; Rom. xii. i ; Phil. iv. I ; E]^h. v. 8. 31. Henceforth lev us lii^e not unto ourselves, but unto Him who died for us, and rose again, 2 Cor. v. 15. THE BELIEVER'S FUTURE TREASURE AND REWARD. Matt. vi. 20 ; 2 Pet^ri. 11 ; i Cor. iii. lit ; 2 John viii ; Matt. xxv. 34 ; 2 Tim. iv. 8 ; Psalm cxviii. 8 ; Isaiah zvii. 7 ; I Tim. vi. ig ; Luke xvi. 9 ; Dan. xii. 3; Heb. xi. 40; Eph. i. 18; John xiv. 2 ; Psalm xvi. 11 ; Isaiah xvii. 5, 6; Isaiah ii. 22. A GIFT TO BELIEVERS. Unspeakable gift. 2 Cor. ix. 15. His Son. John iii. 16. Eternal life through jesus Christ, etc. Rom. vi. 23. A witness, a leader and commander. Isaiah Iv. 4. Eternal life and they shall never perish. John X. 28. THE SAINTS PORTION AND INHERITANCE. The Lord their portion. Psalm xvi. 5; Ixxvii. 26; Rom. viii. 17. God's testimonies. Psalm cxix. in. The earth. Matt.v.5; Psalm xxxvii.ii. Salvation, glory. Heb.i. 14 ; Pro. iii. 35. Everlasting life. Matt, xix. 29. Kingdom prepared. Matt. xxv. 34. A blessing, i Peter iii. 9, All things. I Cor, iii. 21, 22 ; Rev. xxi. 7. Is in Christ. Eph. i. 11, Eternal. Heb.ix.15 ; Psdm xxxvii.18. Incorruptible, i Peter i. 4. THE FUTURE OF THE BELIEVER. We shall be. ...changed, i Cor. xv. 51.52. We shall be. . . .glorified. Romans viii. 17. We shall be. . . .like Him. i John iii. 2. We shall be.... with Him. 2 Tim. ii, 12. We shall see Him as He is. z lohn iii. 2. Face to face, i Cor. xiii. 12. In His beauty. Isaiah xxxiii. 17. Altogether lovely. Song v. 1 6. THE CHRISTIAN ARMOUR. Put on the whole amour of God. Eph. vi. 11-13. Put on the armour of light. Romans xiii. 12. Armour of righteousness. 2 Cor. vi. 7. Breastplate of righteousness. Eph. vi. 14. Helmet of salvation. Eph vi, 17 ; i Thess. V. 8 ; Isaiah lix. 17. T^eet shod with the gospel of peace. Eph. vi. 15; Isaiah Iii. 7; Nah. i. 15. Peace I leave with you, &c. John xiv. 27. Shield of faith. Eph. vi. 16. Fear not, I am thy shield, &c. Gen. XV. I. He is our help and our shield. Psalm xxxiii. 20. His truth shall be thy shield. Psalm xci. 4 ; XXXV. 2. He is a shield. Prov. xxx. 5. Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Eph. vi. 17. Sword of the Spirit, in His quiver. Isaiah xlix. 2. Sharp two edged sword. Rev, i. 16. Sharp sword with two edges. Rev. ii. 12. Word of God, quick and powerful. Heb. iv. 12. Hour of my salvation, &c. Ps. xviii. 2. Prayer. Eph. vi. 18. Watch and pray. Matt. xxvi. 41 ; Mark xiii. 33 ; xiv. 38. Christ's example. Maik i. 35 ; Luke xviii. I. Pharisee and Publican. Luke xviii, x 1. Patient waiting for Christ. 2Thes.iii.5. Jehovah Nissi. The Lord my banner. Ex. xvii. 15. His banner over me was love. Cant. ii. 4. God is love, i John iv. 16. Instances ot fa! th. Heb. xi. I have kept the faith. 2 Tim. iv. 7. Fight the good fight of faith, i Tim. vi. 12. War a good warfare, i Tim. i. 18 ; Psalm liv. As a good soldier. 2 Tim. ii. 3. God which giveth us the victory, i Cor. xv. 57. Encouragements to those who over- come. 1 John V. 4; Rev. ii. 7, 11, 17, 26; Rev. iii. 5, 12, 21; Rev, xii. 10; Rev. xxi. 7. NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 177 THE BELIEVER'S STANDING. Phil. i. 6 ; Phil. iv. 19 ; Jude 24; Rom. XIV. 4; Rom. viii, 39 ; 2 Tim.i.12; i Peter i. 5. ESTABLISHED. By faith. — 2 Chron. xx. 20 ; Isaiah vii. 9 ; Rom, iv. 5 ; John vi. 28, 29 ; Rom. V. I, 3. By whom. — 2 Cor, 21, 22 ; Eph. ii. 4, 10 ; Rom. xvi. 25-27. On what foundation. — Psalm xl. 1-4; Eph. ii. ig, 20: i Cor. iii. 11. In a way of safety and power. — Psalm xxxvii, 23, 24; Psalm cxxi ; Isaiah xli. t^k 13 ; Rom. viii. 35-39 ; 2 Chron. xxvii. 6, margin. In the faith. — Col. ii. 6, 7 ; John vii. 16, 17; Acts xvi. 4, 5; Acts xvii. 11 ; Acts xiv. 22 ; 2 Cor. xiii. 5 ; i Cor. xvi. 13; Eph. iv. 5, 13, 14, 15 ; I Peter iii. 15; 2 Tim, iv. 6, 7, 8 ; Rom. i. 16. In holiness. — Deut. xxviii. 9 ; Eph. i. 3,4; I Peter ii. 9 ; i Thess. iii. 12,13; I Peter i. 13-19 ; 2 Cor. vi. 16, 17, 18. In grace. — Heb. xiii. 9 ; Rom. iii. 24 ; Rom. V. 1-2; Rom. vi. 14: Titus ii. 11 to 14; 2 Peter iii. 17, i8 ; Eph. iii. 14 to 21. In every good word and work. — 2 Thcss. ii. if>, 17 ; 2 Cor. ix. 8 ; John ix. 4; I Peter V. 6-11. S. R. B. PLEASING THE LORD. Praise, tliis also shall please, Psalm Ixix. 31. God is well pleased, Heb. xiii. 16, 21. Those things that please Him, John viii. 20. The good pleasure, etc, 2 Ihess. i. 11. Those things that please Me, Isaiah fxi. 4. It is pleasant, Fsa. cxlvii. i, ri. To please God, etc., i Ther.s. iv. I. Please Him, etc., 2 Tim. ii. 4. Unto all pleasing, Col. i. 10. Man's ways please, etc., Prov. xvi. 7. Well-pleacing to God, Phil. iv. 8. Father's good pleasure, Luke xl.. 32. Pleasing in his sight, i John ii". zz. - Without faith vt is impossible to please God, Heb. xi. 5 It is pleasant, Psa. cxxxv 3. Ii BE YE FOLLOWERS OF GOD. Ephesians v. i. In holiness, i Pet. i. 15, 16 ; Lev. xix. 2. In love, I John iv. 2 ; Matt. v. 44, 45 : Eph. v. 2. In being perfect. Matt. v. 48. In being merciful, Luke vi. 36 ; Eph. iv. 32. Illustrations : — Caleb, Num. xiv. 24. David, I Kings xiv. 8. Christ says "follow me," John xxi. 19 27. In what are we to follow Jesus ? In doing His Father's will, John iv. 34 ; V. 30 ; vi. 38. In going about doing good. Acts x. 38. In taking up the cross, Matt. x. 38 ; xvi. 34 ; Luke xiv. 27. We must n^;. follow afar oif like Peter, Luke xxii. 54. We must be willing to leave all to follow Him, Matt. ix. 20 ; Mark 1. 18 " Luke V. II ; xiv. 33. Promises to following Him : — Shall not walk in darkness, Mark x. 28, 29, 30; Luke xviii. 28, 29, 30. Shall be fishers of men, Matt. iv. 19. Shall sit upon thrones, etc.. Matt. xix. 28, WHAT IS GIVEN TO THE BELIEVER AND HE THAT OVERCOMETH. A new name. Rev. ii. 17. The morning star. Rev. ii. 28. The white robe. Rev. vi. 11. A now song. Rev. v. 9 ; Rev. xiv. 3. Lrown of life. Rev. ii. 10. Palms, Rev. vii. 9. Living fountains of water. Rev. vii. 17. Salvation. Isaiah Ixi. 10. Strength. Psalm xviii. 32. Joy, Rom. xv. 13. Wisdom, sanctification, righteousness, redemption, i Cor. i. 30. Power over all natioiis. Rev. ii. 26. Mansion in the Father's house. John xiv. 2. Eternal life. John x. 28. Seal in the for'^head. Rev. vii. 3. A seat on the throne. Rev. iii. 21. Bread of life. John vi. 35. Victory, I Cor. xv. 57, Peace, John xiv, 27. 178 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. 8.1 *tl CHOOSE THE THINGS THAT PLEASE ME. Isa. Ivi. 4. I Thess. ii. 4 ; Col. i. 9, 10 ; John xi. 12 ; Rom. viii. 8 ; Gen. v. 24 ; i Thess. iv. I ; John viii. 29 ; i John iii. 22; Heb. xi. 6 ; xi. 5 ; Prov. xvi. 7. THE BELIEVERS PEACE OF HEART. John xiv. 27 ; John xvi. 33 ; John xx. 19, 21, 26; Isaiah xxvi. 3 ; Phil. iv. 6, 7 ; Col. iii. 15. RELATIVE DUTIES OF BE- LIEVERS. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another : as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John xiii. 34. Now are they many members, yet but one body, i Cor. xii. 20. Ye ought to wash one another's feet. John xiii. 14. Be kindly affectioned one to another. Rom. xii. 10. In honor preferring one another, pom. xii. 10. f Be of the same mind one toward another, Rom. xii. 16. Receive ye one another, as Christ also rev_oived us to the glory of God. Rom. XV. 7. By love serve one another. Gal. v. 13. Bear ye one another's burdens. Gal. vi. 2 Be ye kind one to another, tender- hCc-ited. Eph. iv. 32. Forgive ore another. Eph. iv. 32. Forbearing one another. Col. iii. 13. Teaching and admonishing one another. Col. iii. 16. Comfort one another, i Thess.iv.i8. Edify one another, i Thess. v. 11. And let is consider one another to ji'ovoke unto love and to good works Heb. x. 24. Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching, Heb. x, 25. Confess your faults one to another. James v. 16. Pray for one another. Jas. v. 16. Having compassion one of another. t Peter iii. 8, Use hospitality one to another. 1 Peter iv. 9. AH of you be subject one io another, I Peter v. 5. Beloved let us love one another, for lovo i.? of God. f John iv. 7. SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUNG CHRISTIANS. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Cor. X. 31. 1. Never neglect daily private prayer; if possible have stated times for this exercise, and when you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears your prayer. Heb xi. 6. 2. Never neglect private Bible reading; and when you read, remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says. Backsliding generally begins with the neglect of pi vate prayer and scripti^p reading. John v. 39. 3. Never let a day paFs without trying to do something for Jesus. Every night reflect what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, what am I doing for Him ? Matt, vi. 13, 16. 4. If ever you are in doubt as to a ti.-ng being right or wrong, at once ask God's guidance and blessing. — Col, iii. 17. If you cannot do this, stand still. — Rom. xiv. 23, 5. Never take your Christianity from Christians or argue that because such and such people do so and so, that there- fore you may, — 2 Cor, x. 12. You should ask yourself, how would Christ act in my place? and strive to follow Him. — John X. 27, 6. Never believe what you feel if it contradicts God's word. Ask yourself, can what I feel be true, if God's wore be ti . J ? and if both car not be true, believe God and make your own heart a liar. Rom. iii. 4 ; i John v, 10, 11, Remember the Saviour's words : herein is my Father glorion them without reference to your feelings, will you have the witness of the Spirit. See i John v. 9-13 ; iv. 9,10,19; John V. 24 ; John i. 12 ; John iii. 14-18 ; Acts xiii. 38, 39; 2 Cor,v.i8-2i ; i Cor. XV. 1-4; Rom. v. r-8; Rom. viii. i; Rom. X. 8-10. All of these promises are for you. If you trust in them, God zvill keei> Bis word, you will have the salva- tion. Let the experience of feeling come as God please. 2. Having accepted Christ, turn square away from every known sin, looking to Jesus for power to do so. Rom. xii. 1-3 ; 2 Cor. vii. i ; Gal.v.13-16; Fph. iv. I, 2, 22-32. 3. Let not hi 1 11^ separate you from the love of Christ — that is, irom the lic'Hev'utg that He loves you — that He has com- passion upon your weakness, sympathy for your failings, a.nA/orgivatess for your sins under any and all circumstances. If you stumble and fall, if you are over- come, go to Him, confess, and He wi* forgive and restore you. As you confess, look away to the cropo, and see that the sins confessed were put there, and have been atoned for, and you will go in peace, with grace in your heart to have less confidence in yourself, anci more con- fidence in Christ to keep you ; ; future. John xiii. i ; Rom. viii. 31-39: 2 Cor. xii. 9 ; Heb, ii. 16-1S ; Heb. iv. 14-16 ; I John v. 8-10 ; i [ohn v. i. 4. Let no day pass without getting a portion of Gods word into your heart ; don't make any rule that you will read so many chapters a day, but study the word ; one verse in the heart, is better than twenty chapters carelessly read ; and let no day p-\ss without secret prayer. Cultivate the spirit of prayer ; lift your heart silently to God during hours of business, in hours of leisure, upon the street, in wakeful hours of night, and busy hours by day — when tempted, when depressed, when joyful. God loves youi you have become reconciled to Him, your sins are all forgiven, and lie loves to have you think of Him, and look to Him in all things. Phil. iv. 4-7 ; 2 Tim. iii. 14-17; I Peter ii, i, 2 ; James i. 5; James iv. 6-8. 5. Neglect no known duty. Be prompt in obeying the leadings of the Holy Spirit. Do not trifle with convicticr.s He may give you as you study God s word in regard to any command you find there, that you should obey. If you resist doing His will, you will grieve Him, and your communion with Christ wrill be overclouded. He commands us to confess Christ with our mouths and before men. Rom. X. 9 ; Matt. X. 32, 33. He commands us to be baptised in His name. Mark xvi. 16 ; Acts xvi. 31, 33 ; Acts viii. 35-38 ; r Peter iii 21, 22. He commands us to identify ourselves with His church, and break bread and drink the wine in memory of His death, and to show our hope in His coming. Luke xxii 17-20 ; Acts ii. 42, 46, 47 ; i Cor xi. 23-26 I Cor. xii. 13 ; Heb. x. 25. A saving faith in Christ will manifest itself in a readiness to obey these com- mands, and as God gives grace, all ihe injunctions of His word will bcconie precious to you, and it will be your ]n\ to walk in (^uedience to them, in the power of the new nature within you. And now -flear friend in Cbr'st Jesus, may God our Father and the Lord Jesns Christ our Saviour, fill you with all j aud ^eace in helieving. We commend I..:? "OTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. i you unto God and the word of His grace, which is able t