Cibrarjp of Che Cheological ^eminar^ PRINCETON . NEW JERSEY FROM THE LIBRARY OF ROBERT ELLIOTT SPEER •3 ^^ 8 * BV 4810 .S76 1923 ] Stone, John Timothy, 1868- 1954. To start the day Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library https://archive.org/details/tostartdaythoughOOston TO START THE DAT By John Timothy Stone, D.D. To Start the Day : A Thought, A Verse, a Song. $1.50 A simple yet extremely helpful volume of meditations and devotions with which to start the day, and start it in the right way. A key-thought for every morning in the year, which he supplements with a brief passage from God’s Word, and a verse from a more or less familiar hymn. Recruiting for Christ Hand-to-Hand Methods with Men. New Edition . 0 . . . . $1.50 An up-to-date edition of this helpful book on Evangelistic work of which The Presby¬ terian Adva?ice said : “ Suggestions, drawn largely from personal experience, as to the men to reach, preparation for the work, methods of approach, methods of work, etc.” Copyright, 1923, by FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY New York: 158 Fifth Avenue Chicago: 17 North Wabash Ave. London: 21 Paternoster Square Edinburgh: 75 Princes Street Preface LTHOUGH we recognize the place and value of beginning the day with God, we go to our tasks without the direct inspiration of God’s Word. The over-rush and restlessness of our day have frequently taken from us in actual habit the quiet moments of poise and restraint afforded by the “ Morning Watch ” and family worship. This little col¬ lection of moment thoughts is prepared with no desire to substitute for either of these, but to enable us, from the very beginning of our wake¬ ful moments, to focus life’s instruments of heart and mind aright, and thus see clearly as we view first things. “ When I awake I am still with Thee.” “ My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” In the preparation of this little volume sim¬ plicity and singleness of thought have been con¬ sidered and familiar verses of old hymns in the main. The verse of a hymn embodying a thought, and a verse of Scripture gives the heart uncon¬ sciously its direction. It is better to leave one’s 7 8 PREFACE room humming a familiar strain centering in words filled with. Christian sentiment, than to start the day with a mental void, or an irritable haste. For the verses of the hymns used I am much indebted to The Presbyterian Hymnal, The English Hymnal and “ Gospel Hymns,” to¬ gether with other familiar collections. Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago , III. J. T. S. Face the work of every day with the in¬ fluence of a few, thoughtful, quiet moments with your own heart and God. Do not meet other people, even those of your own home, until you have first met the great Guest and Honoured Companion of your life—Jesus Christ. Meet Him alone. Meet Him regularly. Meet Him with His open book of counsel before you; and face the regular and irregular duties of each day with the influence of His personality, defi¬ nitely controlling your every act. J. T. S. JANUARY January 1. Walking and thinking with God inspire devo¬ tion and establish character . Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. —Psalm 1:1, 2. YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION “Shun evil companions, bad language disdain, God’s name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain; Be thoughtful and earnest, kind-hearted and true, Look ever to Jesus, He ’ll carry you through. ’ ’ January 2. The upward look means God and goodness, and it leads to contentment and blessing. Acquaint now thyself with him, and he at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. . . . For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. —Job 22:21, 26. 9 10 TO START THE DAY UPWARD WHERE THE STARS ARE BURNING “ Upward where the stars are burning, Silent, silent in their turning Round the never changing pole; Upward where the sky is brightest, Upward where the blue is lightest, Lift I now my longing soul. ’ ’ January 3* Commitment establishes confidence and guar¬ antees divine consummation. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. —Psalm 37:5. LEAD KINDLY LIGHT “So long Thy power hast blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O ’er moor and fen, o ’er crag and torrent, till The night is gone; And with the morn those angels faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile .’ 9 January 4. Poise, peace, stability and confidence. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.— Isaiah 26:3. IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL 61 When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea-billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 6 It is well, it is well with my soul . 9 9 9 TO STABT THB DAY 11 January 5. A hopeful life is unlimited in influence, 'Now the God of hope fill yon with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. —Bomans 15:13. MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS ‘ ‘ My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name. On Christ, the solid Bock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand. ’ ’ January 6 . The true standard of a Christian life. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek¬ ness, temperance: against such there is no law. —Galatians 5: 22, 23. SPIRIT OF GOD DESCEND UPON MY HEART 1 ‘ Spirit of God! descend upon my heart; Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move; Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art, And make me love Thee as I ought to love.” ■January 7 . A Saviour Who is a sympathizer. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.— Hebrews 4:15. 12 TO START THE DAY I AM PRAYING FOR YOU “I have a Saviour, He’s pleading in glory, A dear, loving Saviour, tho ’ earth-friends he few; And now He is watching in tenderness o ’er me, And oh, that my Saviour were your Saviour, too.” January 8* The grace to sacrifice and share. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.—2 Corinthians 8 : 9. MASTER, NO OFFERING “ Master, no offering costly and sweet, May we, like Magdalene, lay at Thy feet; Yet may love’s incense rise, Sweeter than sacrifice, Dear Lord to Thee, Dear Lord, to Thee.” $anuar£ 9, God is visualized in Jesus Christ. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.—J ohn 1 : 14. WHEN MORNING GILDS THE SKIES, i ‘ When morning gilds the skies, My heart awaking cries May Jesus Christ be praised: Alike at work and prayer To Jesus I repair; May Jesus Christ be praised.” TO START THE DAY 13 January 10. Christ has power to control conditions and banish fear. And they came to him, and awoke him, say¬ ing, Master, Master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. —Luke 8:24. MASTER, THE TEMPEST IS RAGING “Master, the tempest is raging, The billows are tossing high; The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness, No shelter or help is nigh: ‘ Carest Thou not that we perish ? ’ How canst Thou lie asleep, When each moment so madly is threat ’ning A grave in the angry deep ? ’ ’ January 11. Strength, courage, obedience, faithfulness, prosperity . Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whitherso¬ ever thou goest.— Joshua 1 : 7. HOIV FIRM A FOUNDATION “Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed, For, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I ’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my gracious, omipotent hand.” 14 TO START THE DAY January 12 . God is the creator of order, life and light. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. —Genesis 1:1-3. GOD, THAT MADUST BARTH AND HEAVEN 1 ‘ God, that madest earth and heaven, Darkness and light; Who the day for toil hast given, For rest the night: May Thine angel-guards defend us, Slumber sweet Thy mercy send us, Holy dreams and hopes attend us, This livelong night.’’ January 13* Here is investment and treasure which remain. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth. . . . But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and wiiere thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. —Matthew 6:19, 20, 21. SWEET BY-AND-BY “There’s a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it afar; For the Father waits over the way, To prepare us a dwelling place there.” TO START THE DAY 15 January 14* The way, the truth and the life mean direction, guidance and fellowship . Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.—J ohn 14:6. SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS “Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me; Firm on the Rock of Ages Ever my trust shall be. Here let me wait with patience, Wait till the night is o’er, Wait till I see the morning Break on the golden shore.” January 15, Harmony with God means harmony with men . When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.— Proverbs 16: 7. HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not—I will not desert to his foes; That soul—though all hell should endeavour to shake, I’ll never—no, never—no, never forsake.” 16 TO START THE DAY January 16 ♦ Divine help and divine effort are sure and con¬ stant. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmi¬ ties : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: hut the Spirit itself maketh inter¬ cession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.— Romans 8:26. I’VE FOUND A FRIEND * * I Ve found a Friend; O such a Friend! He loved me ere I knew Him; He drew me with the cords of love, And thus He bound me to Him; And round my heart still closely twine Those ties which naught can sever, For I am His, and He is mine, For ever and for ever.’’ January 17* A life received, forgiven, and purified. Come now, and let us reason together, 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 1:18. WHITER THAN SNOW “Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul, Break down every idol, cast out every foe; Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. i 1 Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” TO START THE DAY 17 January 18* The most wonderful verse in the Bible. For 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 3:16. \ WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS i ‘ When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. ’ ’ (Matthew Arnold declared this the greatest hymi* of the English tongue.) January 19* Mind and will controlled for God assure bless 1% ing. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do ac¬ cording to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.— Joshua 1: 8. COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING 11 Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.’’ I TO START THE DAY 18 5anuat£ 20* Consistent life honours God and man. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Fa¬ ther which is in heaven.— Matthew 5:16. LIGHT OF LIGHT, ENLIGHTEN ME “Light of light, enlighten me! Now anew the day is dawning; Sun of grace, the shadows flee; Brighten Thou my Sabbath morning! With Thy joyous sunshine blest, Happy is my day of rest.” January 2U Poise and peace whatever happens. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. —Psalm 119:165. SWEET PEACE , THE GIFT OF GOD’S LOVE ‘ ‘ There comes to my heart one sweet strain, A glad and a joyous refrain; I sing it again and again, Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.” January 22* * An inheritance now and forever. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified to¬ gether.— Romans 8:17. TO START THE DAY 19 THE CHILD OF A KING “My Father is rich in houses and lands, He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands! Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold, His coffers are full,—He has riches untold.’ ’ January 23♦ The evidence of an indwelling Christ . But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.— Matthew 5:44. WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS i 1 Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care ? Precious Saviour, still our Refuge,— Take it to the Lord in prayer! Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.” January 24* Sincerity and forgiveness go together . He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.— Proverbs 28:13. JUST AS I AM ‘ ‘ Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come.” TO START THE DAY 20 . ■ & January 25. A soul at peace with God . For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. —Isaiah 55:12. JOY TO THE WORLD “ Joy to the world! the Lord is come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing.” January 26 ♦ The Friend Who never changes . Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.— Hebrews 13:8. WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.’* TO START THE DAY 21 January 27♦ The place where Christ may ever be found. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.— John 5:39. WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE 4 ‘ Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of Life; Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of Life. Words of life and beauty, Teach me faith and duty: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of Life.” Samian? 28 * An unfailing and universal contentment. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.—2 Thessalonians 3 : 16. DEAR LORD AND FATHER OF MANKIND ‘ ‘ Breathe through the heats of our desire Thy coolness and Thy balm; Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still, small voice of calm. ’ ’ 22 TO START THE DAY January 29♦ The universal burden-hearer of human life. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. —Isaiah 53: 6. I WAS A WANDERING SHEEP “ I was a wandering sheep, I would not be controlled; But now I love the Shepherd’s voice, I love, I love the fold. I was a wayward child, I once preferred to roam; But now I love my Father’s voice, I love, I love His home. ’ 7 January 30* A sure method to have happiness. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. —Psalm 37:4. O HAPPY DAY 1 ' 0 happy day, that fixed my choice On Thee, my Saviour, and my God! Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its raptures all abroad. 4 'Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away! He taught me how to watch and pray, And live rejoicing every day; Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away!” TO START THE DAY 23 January 3L A soul always calm and peaceful. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as tlie world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.— John 14:27. WHEN WINDS ARE RAGING “Far, far away, the roar of passion dieth, And loving thoughts rise kind and peacefully, And no rude storm, how fierce soe’er it flieth, Disturbs the soul that dwells, 0 Lord, in Thee.” FEBRUARY JFebruarp 1♦ A Christian must always he happy. These things have I spoken nnto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.— John 15:11. REJOICE AND BE GLAD “Rejoice and be glad! The Redeemer has come! Go look on His cradle. His cross and His tomb. Sound His praises, tell the story of Him who was slain; Sound His praises, tell with gladness, He liveth again.’’ jfebruavp 2* A believer’s confident faith finds expression in a radiant life. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. —1 Peter 1: 8. O THAT WILL BE GLORY “When all my labours and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore Will thro’ the ages be glory for me.” 24 TO START THE DAY 25 jfebruatg 3. Prayer must be accompanied by watchful per - sistence. Praying always with all prayer and suppli¬ cation in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.— Ephesians 6:18. SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER ‘ ‘ Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear To Him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless; And since He bids me seek His face, Believe His word and trust His grace, I’ll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer . 9 9 jfebruatp 4. Conversion, wisdom, joy and enlightenment go together . The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. —Psalm 19: 7, 8. 26 TO START THE DAY O WORD OF GOD INCARNATE “0 Word of God Incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky; We praise Thee for the radiance That from the hallowed page, A lantern to our footsteps, Shines on from age to age.” JFebruar$ 5, Beware of the subtlety of worldly wisdom . Beware lest any man spoil you through, phi¬ losophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.— Colossians 2: 8. LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT 1 ‘ I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou Shouldst lead me on; $ 7 I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead Thou me on. I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years.” 3 Februat£ 6* Eternal life is a present possession. 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 passed from death unto life.— John 5:24. TO START THE DAY 27 THE LORD’S MY SHEPHERD 16 Goodness and mercy, all my life Shall surely follow me; And in God*s house for evermore My dwelling-place shall be.” ffebruan? 7. Stability of character is built up by faithful study of God’s Word. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. —Acts 20: 32. BREAK THOU THE BREAD OF LIFE “ Break Thou the bread of life, Dear Lord, to me, As Thou didst break the loaves Beside the sea; Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord; My spirit pants for Thee, 0 living Word!” ffebruarp 8. Confidence in God must be heartfelt and un¬ selfish. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. —Proverbs 3:5. / AM TRUSTING THEE , LORD JESUS ‘ ‘ I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee! Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free. ’ ’ 28 TO START THE DAY jfebruary 9* Forgetfulness of God’s commands is a common and constant sin. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day.— Deuteronomy 8:11. MY SOUL, BE ON THY GUARD ‘ 1 My soul, be on thy guard; Ten thousand foes arise; And hosts of sins are pressing hard To draw thee from the skies.’’ ffebruan? 10* Prayer for missionaries and ministers is a di¬ vine command. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his har¬ vest,— Matthew 9:38. O ZION, HASTE “Give of thy sons to bear the message glorious; Give of thy wealth to speed them on their way; Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious; And all thou spendest Jesus will repay. ’ ’ jFebruarp it* The divine voice speaks through the words of Jesus Christ. God, who at sundry times and in divers man¬ ners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto TO START THE DAY 29 us by bis Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. —Hebrews 1:1, 2. IMMORTAL LOVE “We may not climb the heavenly steeps To bring the Lord Christ down; In vain we search the lowest deeps, For Him no depths can drown. 7 7 Jfebruar^ 12* Alertness to hear, and self-control in speech lessen anger and injury . Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.— James 1:19. YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION “To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown, Thro 7 faith we shall conquer, tho 7 often cast down; He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew, Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through. 77 ffebruaii? 13 . Returning to God has in it the joy of making UP after temper. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my peo¬ ple, and I will be their God: for they shall re¬ turn unto me with their whole heart. —Jeremiah 24: 7. 30 TO START THE DAY JUST AS I AM ‘ ‘ Just as I am! Thy love unknown Hath broken every barrier down; Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come! ’* ffebruar^ 14. The marks of human sacrifice for Christ are scars of honour. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. —2 Corinthians 4:10. JESUS, AND SHALL IT EVER BE c ‘ Ashamed of Jesus! sooner far Let evening blush to own a star: He sheds the beams of light divine 0 ’er this benighted soul of mine. ’ 7 ffebruarp 15. “ The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible.” Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.— Psalm 119:9. MY SOUL BE ON THY GUARD ‘ ‘ Oh, watch, and fight, and pray! The battle ne ’er give o ’er; Renew it boldly every day, And help divine implore . 7 7 TO START THE DAY 31 ffebruarg 16. The knowledge and wisdom one has of God is the only safe ground for pride. Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkind¬ ness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. —Jeremiah 9:23, 24. JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL i ‘Other refuge have I none; Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, ah! leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenceless head With the shadow of Thy wing.” JFebruar# 17. Benevolence is a matter of service and helpful¬ ness as well as the giving of money. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to re¬ ceive.— Acts 20:35. 32 TO START THE DAY NOW THE DAY IS OVER “Comfort every sufferer Watching late in pain; Those who plan some evil From their sin restrain. ’ ? jfebruar£ 18. Repeating and quoting God’s Word develop and enrich Christian character . But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.— Ephesians 4:15. MASTER , NO OFFERING “Daily our lives would show Weakness made strong, Toilsome and gloomy ways Brightened with song; Some deeds of kindness done, Some souls by patience won, Dear Lord, to Thee. ’ ’ ffebruar^ 19. A true follower of Jesus Christ will live a joyful life . And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.— John 17:13. JOY TO THE WORLD “Joy to the earth! the Saviour reigns: Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy.” TO START THE DAY 33 . ffebtuat£ 20. Worship and faith educate the soul. The fear of tlie Lord is the beginning of wis¬ dom : and tlie knowledge of the Roly is under¬ standing.— Proverbs 9 : 10. MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE “May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart; My zeal inspire; As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!” 3februarp 21* When a man reads and learns the Bible he lays up enduring treasure. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever.—1 Peter 1: 24, 25. WE WOULD SEE JESUS “We would see Jesus, the great Rock Foundation Whereon our feet were set by sovereign grace; Not life nor death, with all their agitation, Can thence remove us, if we see His face.” ffebruars 22♦ Patience before God means strength in body, soul and character. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.— Psalm 27:14. 34 TO START THE DAY QUIET , LORD , MF FROWARD HEART. ‘ 1 Quiet, Lord, my froward heart, Make me teachable and mild, Upright, simple, free from art, Make me as a weaned child: From distrust and envy free, Pleased with all that pleases Thee.” ffebruarp 23, “ That I spent that I had, That I gave that I have, That I left that I lost.” (On an old English tombstone.) Give, and it shall be given unto yon; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. —Luke 6:38. " GIVE,” SAID THE LITTLE STREAM 1 1 1 Give, ’ said the little stream, ‘ Give, Oh give, Give, Oh give, Give, ’ said the little stream, As it hurried down the hill, 1 1 am small, I know, but wherever I go, Give, Oh give, Give, Oh give. I am small, I know, but wherever I go, The fields grow greener still/ ” ffebruavs 24* Joy and Tight go together as the morning star leads to sunrise . And these things write we unto you, that your TO START THE DAY 35 joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.—1 John 1:4, 5. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS JESUS i 1 The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin; The Light of the world is Jesus; Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in, The Light of the world is Jesus. ‘ ‘ Come to the Light, ’tis shining for thee; Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me; Once I was blind, but now I can see; The Light of the world is Jesus.’’ ffebruarp 25♦ There is no Christian service equal to winning others to Christ . And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.— Daniel 12: 3. MUST I GO, AND EMPTY HANDED? “Must I go and empty handed, Thus my dear Redeemer meet ? Not one day of service give Him, Lay no trophy at His feet ? ’ ’ ffebruar^ 26. The words of the Divine Spirit witness for Christ. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall 36 TO "START THE DAY not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.— John 16:13. COMB, THOU FOUNT “O to grace how great a debtor Daily 1hn constrained to be! Let that goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.” jFebruar^ 27* Mental power may be a strong comrade of love. Fearful hearts are not Godlike. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. —2 Timothy 1: 7. SINCE JESUS IS MY FRIEND ‘ 1 Since Jesus is my Friend, and I to Him belong, It matters not what foes intend, however fierce and strong. 61 He whispers in my breast sweet words of holy cheer, How they who seek in God their rest Shall ever find Him near . 9 9 jfebruarp 28. True wisdom begins with the divine mind. The better we know God , the better we know how to live. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things. —Proverbs 28:5. TO START THE DAY 37 HOLY, HOLY , HOLY “Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth and sky and sea; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity! ? y 3Februar$ 29* If we would go to God’s word for wisdom, our confidence therein would grow rapidly . The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis¬ dom : a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for¬ ever.— Psalm 111: 10. > PRAISE THE LORD! “Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Lord, we offer unto Thee; Young and old, Thy praise expressing, In glad homage bend the knee. All the saints in heaven adore Thee; We would bow before Thy throne: As Thine angels serve before Thee, So on earth Thy will be done.’ 7 MARCH /fbarcb !♦ The daily personal contest with evil is the real field of battle. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. —Homans 12:1. LOVE DIVINE “Breathe, 0 breathe Thy loving Spirit Into every troubled breast! Let us all in Thee inherit, Let us find the promised rest: Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be; End of faith, as its beginning! Set our hearts at liberty. ” jflbarcb 2. Transformed lives are the result of mental alertness and immediate will-power. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and ac¬ ceptable, and perfect, will of God. —Homans 12:2. 38 TO START THE DAY 39 A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD “A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing: Our Helper He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal . 9 9 march 3 . Faith, love and hope are companions in con¬ quest as in sentiment . But let us, who are of the day, be sober, put¬ ting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. —1 Thessalqnians 5:8. THE KING OF LOVE MY SHEPHERD IS i ‘ The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never, I nothing lack if I am His, And He is mine for ever . 9 9 march 4* Contentment cannot live with covetousnesso The actual possession of Christ satisfies . Let your conversation be without covetous¬ ness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.— Hebrews 13:5. 40 TO START THE DAY JESUS, I LIVE TO THEE i 1 Jesus, I live to Thee, The Loveliest and Best; My life in Thee, Thy life in me, In Thy blest love I rest. 7 7 ®arcb 5* Accepting the debt of another is an absolute test of friendship. If lie hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account.—P hilemon 18 v. JESUS PAID IT ALE 61 Jesns paid it ail, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. 7 7 /l&arcfo 6 * Without the self-control of the body influence and usefulness end. But I keep under my body, and bring it info subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast¬ away.—1 Corinthians 9:27. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT “ Fight the good fight with all thy might, Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right: Lay hold on life, and it shall be Thy joy and crown eternally. 77 TO START THE DAY 41 ffDarcb 7* The Holy Spirit was sent to take Christ’s place in human affairs . He is everywhere present . Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is ex¬ pedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; hut if I depart, I will send him unto you. —John 16:7. HOLY SPIRIT , TRUTH DIVINE ‘ ‘ Holy Spirit, Truth Divine, Dawn upon this soul of mine; Word of God and inward Light, Wake my spirit, clear my sight. ” /!Darcb 8* All nature is subject to the will of our God, and defines Him to those who see us. Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind. —Psalm 104: 3. SUN OF MY SOUL 1 i Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear, It is not night if Thou be near; O may no earth-born cloud arise To hide Thee from Thy servant’s eyes.” /Ibarcb 9* Christ does not always bear our burdens but provides a yoke to help us bear our own. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my 42 TO START THE DAY yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my bur¬ den is light.— Matthew 11:28, 29, 30. CAST THY BURDEN ON THE LORD i ‘ Cast thy burden on the Lord, Only lean upon His word ; Thou wilt soon have cause to bless His unchanging faithfulness. ’ ’ /IDarcb 10* Grief for loved ones above is short-sighted. Theirs is a joy unspeakable and complete. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. —Revelation 7 : 17. THE SWEET BY-AND-BY “We shall sing on that beautiful shore The melodious songs of the blest, And our spirits shall sorrow no more, Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.” ZlDarcb 11. Cheerfulness and song show a, heart at peace with God. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come be¬ fore his presence with singing. —Psalm 100:1, 2. TO STAET THE HAY 43 REVIVE US AGAIN “We praise Thee, 0 God! For the Son of Thy love, For Jesus who died And is now gone above. Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelu j ah! Amen; Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Revive us again. ’ ’ flDarcb \ 2 > Wisdom is not merely an evidence of discretion but an answer to prayer. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. —James 1: 5. SAVIOURTEACH ME DAY BY DAY * ‘ Saviour, teach me day by day, Love’s sweet lesson,—to obey; Sweeter lesson cannot be, Loving Him who first loved me.” /IDarcb 13* There is no greater blessing than having spir¬ itual faith and vision into the life beyond. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being en¬ lightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. —Ephesians i: 17,18. 44 TO START THE DAY FOR ALL THE SAINTS “For all the saints who from their labours rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, 0 Jesus, be for ever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! 7 ’ flDarcb 14* Interwoven souls make love vital, and solve all smaller problems of relationship. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.—J ohn 17:23. ROCK OF AGES “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the w T ater and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power . 7 ’ ffiarcb 15* Known weakness in human life leads to divine dependence. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.— Romans 8:3. TO START THE DAY 45 IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL “In the hour of trial, Jesns, plead for me; Lest by base denial, I depart from Thee; When Thou see ’st me waver, With a look recall, Nor for fear or favour Suffer me to fall. ’ ’ /IDarcb 16* A godly man was very ill. His friend, saw his lips move. He was saying, “ God, whose God ? My God shall supply my need. How much? All my need. Gan He? According to His riches ” and then he peacef ully slept . But my God shall supply all your need ac¬ cording to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. —Phxlxppians 4:19. JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL “Thou, 0 Christ, art all I want, More than all in Thee I find: Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy name; I am all unrighteousness; False and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace. ’ r /Jbarcb 17* The voice of God may come to us in the night watches, when alone, or on the highway in the sunlight. And the Lord came, and stood, and called as 46 TO START THE DAY at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Sx3eak; for thy servant heareth. — 1 Samuel 3:10. QUIET LORD, MY FROWARD HEART u Asa little child relies On a care beyond his own, Knows he’s neither strong nor wise, Fears to stir a step alone;— Let me thus with Thee abide, As my Father, Guard, and Guide.” ®arcb 18 * A sense of need linked to faith and will has potver in it. Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. —Luke 18: 41, 42. O LOVE THAT WILT NOT LET ME GO i 1 0 Light, that followest all my way, . I yield my flickering torch to Thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.” fSbarcb 19* Profanity is usually a careless and thoughtless habit, rather than a blasphemous intention. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. — Exodus 20:7. TO START THE DAY 47 PENITENCE * 1 Purer yet and purer I would be in mind; Dearer yet and dearer Every duty find; Hoping still and trusting God without a fear, Patiently believing He will make all clear.’’ /Ibarcb 20* Long life is 'promised to those who honour and obey their parents . Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.— Exodus 20:12. I WAS A WANDERING SHEEP * 1 The Shepherd sought His sheep, The Father sought His child; They followed me o ’er vale and hill, O ’er deserts waste and wild: They found me nigh to death, Famished and faint and lone; They bound me with the bands of love, They saved the wandering one.” ®arcb 2\* Witnessing for Christ begins at home . “ The light that shines farthest shines brightest at home” But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in 48 TO START THE DAY all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto tlie utter¬ most part of tlie earth.— Acts 1:8. YOUR MISSION “If you cannot on the ocean v Sail among the swiftest fleet, Rocking on the highest billows, Laughing at the storms you meet; You can stand among the sailors, Anchored yet within the bay, You can lend a hand to help them, As they launch their boats away . 9 9 /IDarcb 22 * 'Nothing develops and enriches a man’s life as contact with God . And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?— Matthew 13: 54. IN THE GARDEN “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known/’ /IDarcb 23* The thoughtful study of God’s Word means worthy service and truthful interpretation . Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. —2 Timothy 2:15. TO START THE DAY 49 WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE ‘ ‘ Christ, the blessed One, gives to all, Wonderful words of Life; Sinner, list to the loving call, Wonderful words of Life. All so freely given, wooing us to heaven: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of Life.” flDarcb 24* A controlled tongue is worth more than logical argument or brilliant repartee . Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing.— Psalm 141: 3, 4. HOLY OFFERINGS * 1 Sinful thoughts and wilful ways, Love of self and human praise, Pride of life and lust of eye, Worldly pomp and vanity— Faults that let and will not leave us, Though their staying sorely grieves us, Help, oh, help us to outlive them; Christ, atone for! God, forgive them! ’ ’ /Ibarcb 25♦ Companionship and conversation in which Christian thoughts enter mean the presence of Christ . Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was writ¬ ten before him for them that, feared the Lord, 50 TO START THE DAY and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels. —Malaciii 3:16, 17. WHEN HE COMETH 11 When He cometh, when He cometh, To make up His jewels, All His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own . 9 3 fflarcb 26 . The unrecognized Christ is in our midst to-day . Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?— John 14:9. JESUS, THESE EYES HAVE NEVER SEEN 1 1 Jesus, these eyes have never seen That radiant form of Thine! The vail of sense hangs dark between Thy blessed face and mine ! 9 3 fiDarcfo 27 . It is only natural for men of the world to be perplexed and unresponsive to spiritual things . But the natural man 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. —1 Corinthians 2:14. TO START THE DAY 51 RESCUE THE PERISHING * 1 Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, Tell them of Jesus the Mighty to save . 51 flDarcb 28. The NOW of mystery leads to the then of un¬ derstanding. Now faith y then sight. For now we see through a glass, darkly; hut then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. —1 Corinthians 13:12,13. SAVED BY GRACE “Some day the silver cord will break, And I no more as now shall sing; But 0, the joy when I shall wake Within the palace of the King!” /IDarcb 20 . Sometime we shall see the face and the beauty of J esus Christ and then our real transforma¬ tion will take place. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord .—2 Corinthians 3:18. 52 TO STAET THE DAY SAVED BY GRACE “And I shall see Him face to face, And tell the story—saved by grace; And I shall see Him face to face, And tell the story—saved by grace .’ 9 /IDatcb 30. The great work of Christ was reconciliation . The great work of the Christian is to reconcile men to God through Christ . 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 Corinthians 5:20. THE KING’S BUSINESS ‘ ‘ I am a stranger here, within a foreign land; My home is far away upon a golden strand; Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea, I’m here on business for my King. This is the message that I bring, A message angels fain would sing: ‘ Oh, be ye reconciled, ’ Thus saith my Lord and King, ‘Oh, be ye reconciled to God.’ ” /ibarcb 31. When divine love has touched our lips and lives we are ready to go anywhere for Christ . And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall TO START THE DAY 53 I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.— Isaiah 6 : 7, 8 . ANYWHERE WITH JESUS “ Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, Anywhere He leads me in this world below. Anywhere without Him, dearest joys would fade, Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid. “Anywhere! anywhere! Fear I cannot know. Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go.” APRIL Hpdl 1. The permanent element in life is not the phys¬ ical but the spiritual . Life passes on but character conveyed remains . As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he fiourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. —Psalm 103:15, 16. JESUS, 1 MY CROSS HAVE TAKEN 11 Haste then on from grace to glory, Armed by faith, and winged by prayer! Heaven’s eternal day’s before thee, God’s own hand shall guide thee there; Soon shall close thy earthly mission, Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days, Hope soon change to glad fruition, Faith to sight, and prayer to praise. ’’ Bpril 2* This verse shows us the secret of self-control . It is in the control of our speech. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. —James 3: 2. 54 TO START THE DAY 55 TAKE MY LIFE Take my voice, and let me sing, Always, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages from Thee.” Bpril 3• When doubtful it is well to wait for God’s voice. Our own plans are often as unwise as they are impatient. For lie wist not wliat to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that over¬ shadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.— Mark 9: 6, 7. LORD, SPEAK TO ME 1 ‘ Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone; As Thou hast sought, so let me seek Thy erring children lost and lone. 7 7 Bpril 4# Separation from Christ is unprofitable. If there is to be fruit, there must be contact. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.— J ohn 15:5. HE THAT GOETH FORTH WITH WEEPING 11 He that goeth forth with weeping, Bearing precious seed in love, Never tiring, never sleeping, Findeth mercy from above . 79 56 TO START THE DAY Hpril 5* Soul-winners are not born but developed. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. —Mark 1:17. WHERE HE LEADS ME I WILL FOLLOW ‘‘Where He leads me I will follow, Where He leads me I will follow, Where He leads me I will follow, I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.” Hpril 6* 'Wealth weaves its own web of selfishness . Pos¬ session often means possessed by. Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.— Matthew 19: 21, 22. TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE < ‘ Take my silver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use Every power as Thou shalt choose. ’ ’ Hpril 7. The attitude of others to us is not the important matter but our attitude to them. Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.— Jude 21 v. TO START THE DAY 57 HOLY SPIRIT “Holy Spirit, Love Divine, Glow within this heart of mine; Kindle every high desire; Perish self in Thy pure fire! ’ 7 Eprtl 8* Holman Hunt, the great artist of “ The Light of the World/’ when ashed why he had not painted a latch on the door before which Christ was standing said, “ The latch of this door is on the inside Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.— Revelation 3 : 20. KNOCKING , KNOCKING, WHO IS THERE? i 1 Knocking, knocking, who is there ? Waiting, waiting, 0 how fair! J Tis a pilgrim, strange and kingly, Never such was seen before, Ah! my soul, for such a wonder, Wilt thou not undo the door ? ’ ’ Epril 9. The tithe was God’s method of support and benevolence . When Christians will give a tenth to God, the question of giving will be settled. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, 58 TO START THE DAY and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. —Malachi 3:10. WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS 6 1 Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. ,, BprU 10* In days of discouragement a hopeful prophecy inspires. This promise has no limitation. For the earth shall be filled with the knowl¬ edge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.— Habakkuk 2:14. JESUS, I MY CROSS HAVE TAKEN * ‘ Soul, then know thy full salvation, Rise o ’er sin and fear and care; Joy to find in every station Something still to do or bear; Think what Spirit dwells within thee; Think what Father ’s smile is thine, Think what Saviour died to win thee! Child of heaven, shouldst thou repine BprU 11* There is something magnificent about great mountains—stability is blended with gran¬ deur. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were TO START THE DAY 59 brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.— Psalm 90:1, 2. MIGHTY GOD, WHILE ANGELS BLESS THEE “Mighty God, while angels bless Thee, May a mortal sing Thy Name ? Lord of men, as well as angels! Thou art every creature’s theme. ’ ’ Hpril 12, Repentance, revival and restoration follow when people and priest wail before God . And all the people gathered themselves to¬ gether as one man . . . and Ezra the i^riest brought the law . . . and he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could under¬ stand; and the ears of all the people were at¬ tentive unto the book of the law. —Nehemiah 8:1, 2, 8. WEARY OF EARTH “It is the voice of Jesus that I hear; His are the hands stretched out to draw me near, And His the blood that can for all atone, And set me faultless there before the throne. ’ ’ Epril 13, Daily united prayer yields joy, purpose, good¬ will and growth. A constant revival shows health, and has no feverish symptoms. And they, continuing daily with one accord 60 TO START THE DAY in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.— Acts 2:46, 47. MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE “My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour Divine: Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, O let me from this day Be wholly Thine. ’ ’ Bpdl t4* Caution and care must be constant or unbelief will deceive, harden and mislead . Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. —Hebrews 3:12, 13. REVIVE THY WORK “Revive Thy work, 0 Lord, Thy mighty arm make bare; Speak with the voice that wakes the dead, And make Thy people hear.” TO START THE DAY 61 Bpril 15* The still small voice is the power that evert sways the heart of maw and influences na¬ tions . And lie said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earth¬ quake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. — 1 Kings 19:11, 12. SPIRIT OF GOD “Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh; Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear, To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh; Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer/ ’ Bprii 16* God’s fatherhood makes Deity very real and near. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good gifts to them that ask him?— Matthew 7:11. 62 TO START THE DAY SINCE THY FATHENS ARM SUSTAINS THEE ‘ 1 Since thy Father’s arm sustains thee, Peaceful be; When a chastening hand restrains thee, It is He! Know His love in full completeness Fills the measure of thy weakness; If He wound thy spirit sore, Trust Him more.” Bprti 17* The house of God is the place of the presence of God . Learn to go alone to the house of God for quiet meditation . That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. —1 Kings 8:29. THE LORD IS IN HIS HOLY TEMPLE ‘ ‘ The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord is in His holy temple; Let all the earth keep silence, Let all the earth keep silence before Him, Keep silence, keep silence before Him. ’ 9 Hpril 18. The cross has been the most powerful influence in the world to save and construct . For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him cruci¬ fied. . . . And my speech and my preach- TO START THE DAY 63 ing was not with enticing words of man’s wis¬ dom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.—1 Corinthians 2:2, 4. BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS “Beneath the cross of Jesus, I fain would take my stand,— The shadow of a mighty rock, Within a weary land; A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way, From the burning of the noontide heat, And the burden of the day. ’ 9 Bpril 19. Bordering sins are those that walk near the edge. A pious inclination will not save from a fall. Abstain from all appearance of evil. — 1 Thessalonians 5:22. • i I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR “I need Thee every hour; Stay Thou near by; Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh . 9 7 Bpril 20. Repeating evil report increases appetite for evil . For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.—1 Peter 3: 10. 64 TO START THE DAY COMB, HOLY GHOST ‘ * Exalt our low desires; Extinguish passion’s fires; Heal every wound: Our stubborn spirits bend, Our icy coldness end, Our devious steps attend, While heavenward bound/ ’ Bpril 2X. Belief must be characterized by service. The world ignores creed that reveals greed. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to main¬ tain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.— Titus 3: 8. MY GOD, HOW ENDLESS IS THY LOVE! “My God, how endless is Thy love! Thy gifts are every evening new; And morning mercies, from above, Gently distil, like earthly dew. “I yield my powers to Thy command; To Thee I consecrate my days; Perpetual blessings from Thy hand Demand perpetual songs of praise.” Bpril 22. A son bears the name of his father, and the father is honoured or dishonoured by the son. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. —1 John 3 :11. TO START THE DAY 65 BEHOLD, WHAT LOVE! * ( Behold, what love, what boundless love, The Father hath bestowed on sinners lost, That we should be now called the sons of God! Behold what manner of love! What manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, That we, that we should be called, Should be called the sons of God.” Epril 23* The hope of His coming and the hope of heaven alike purify life and lessen present separa¬ tion. Behold, 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 man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.-—1 John 3:2, 3. SAVED BY GRACE “Some day: till then I’ll watch and wait, My lamp all trimmed and burning bright, That when my Saviour opes the gate, My soul to Him may take its flight.” Hpril 24* Only One can keep us steady and keep us from falling, 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 .66 TO START THE DAY only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and maj¬ esty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.— Jude 24, 25. TRUST AND OBEY 6 ‘ When we walk with the Lord In the light of His word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. ’ ’ Bpril 25, Language is the clothing of thought: words are the garments of meditation. Let the words of my mouth, and the medita¬ tion of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. —Psalm 19:14. “WHITER THAN SNOW” “Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies, And help me to make a complete sacrifice ; I give up myself, and whatever I know, Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Bpril 26, God is everywhere and can transform a wilder¬ ness spot into a Bethel. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.— Genesis 28:16. TO START THE DAY 67 SEND THEM AWAY ‘ ‘ The world about us everywhere Has many a desert spot Where souls are hungering for God’s food, And lo, they find it not. Oh, let us heed the Saviour 7 s voice, And answer Him in love, With willing hearts and eager hands Bring blessings from above. 7 7 Bpril 27. A right start in the morning has much to do with the day’s value and finish. My voice shaft thou hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.— Psalm 5:2, 3. NEW EVERY MORNING “New mercies, each returning day, Hover around us, while we pray; New perils past, new sins forgiven, New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven . 79 Bpril 28. When assurance and confidence go together they lead to commitment and security . For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com¬ mitted unto him against that day. —2 Timothy 1:12. 68 TO START THE DAY HARK, MY SOUL! “Mine is an unchanging love, Higher than the heights above; Deeper than the depths beneath— Free and faithful—strong as death.’’ Bpril 29* Patience associated with work leads to com¬ pleteness of life . But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. —James 1:4. O MASTER, LET ME WALK WITH THEE “Teach me Thy patience! still with Thee In closer, dearer company, In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, In trust that triumphs over wrong.” Bprii 30* Service can never substitute for affection . Love has a heart as well as a hand . But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.— Luke 10: 42. JESUS, THOU JOY OF LOVING HEARTS. “Our restless spirits yearn for Thee, Where’er our changeful lot is cast; Glad, when Thy gracious smile we see, Blest, when our faith can hold Thee fast.” MAY t. The name of Jesus is the most loved name in all the world . And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus : for he shall save his people from their sins.— Matthew 1:21. JESUS, THY NAME I LOVE “ Jesus, Thy Name I love All other names above, Jesus, my Lord: O Thou art all to me; Nothing to please I see, Nothing apart from Thee, Jesus, my Lord.” /H>a£ 2* “Never can the heart be lonely If it find a lonelier still A Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For every man shall bear his own burden.— Galatians 6: 2, 5. NOT I, BUT CHRIST ** ‘Not I, but Christ,’ to gently soothe in sorrow; ‘Not I, but Christ,’ to wipe the falling tear: ‘Not I, but Christ,’ to lift the weary burden; ‘Not I, but Christ,’ to hush away all fear.” 69 70 TO START THE DAY 3* The crises in life demand meditation and prayer . Arabia is needed before Jerusalem . But when it pleased God to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.— Galatians 1:15,16. SINCE THY FATHER’S ARM SUSTAINS THEE “Without murmur, uncomplaining, In His hand Lay whatever things thou canst not Understand : Though the world thy folly spurneth, From thy faith in pity turneth, Peace thy inmost soul shall fill— Lying still. ’ ? Great anticipation supplies endurance and overlooks misunderstanding . Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set be¬ fore him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.— Hebrews 12:2. FOR AIL THE SAINTS i “But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of Glory passes on His way, Alleluia! Alleluia! TO STABT THE DAY 71 * 1 From earth’s wide bounds, from, ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!” 5 . Following the path of duty allows no side ex¬ cursions. Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.— Joshua 23:6. STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS “ Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey; Forth to the mighty conflict In this His glorious day: Ye that are men now serve Him Against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger, And strength to strength oppose.” fiDap 6* Common sense and quick courage should help a man run from temptation. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.— Proverbs 4:14. GENTLY, LORD, O GENTLY LEAD US 6 ‘ When temptation’s darts assail us, When in devious paths we stray, Let Thy goodness never fail us, Lead us in Thy perfect way. ’ ’ 72 TO START THE DAY 7 ♦ Church attendance and fellowship in worship are worth all they cost . And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.— Hebrews 10: 24, 25. I WVE THY KINGDOM, LORD “I love Thy Church, 0 God! Her walls before Thee stand, Dear as the apple of Thine eye, And graven on Thy hand. “ Beyond my highest joy I prize her heavenly ways, Her sweet communion, solemn vows, Her hymns of love and praise. ’* 8 * The continual blessings of God are immeasur¬ able and their consideration leads to sincerity and loyalty . Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. —Samuel 12:24. MAJESTIC SWEETNESS “ Since from His bounty I receive Such proofs of love divine, Had I a thousand hearts to give, Lord! they should all be Thine.’ * TO START THE DAY 73 ffDa^ 0. Mere forms of worship can never satisfy a God who craves the devotion of the heart . Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.— Isaiah 29:13. COMB, HOLY SPIRIT, HEAVENLY DOVE “Dear Lord, and shall we ever live At this poor dying rate— Onr love so faint, so cold to Thee, And Thine to us so great ? “Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove! With all Thy quickening powers; Come, shed abroad a Saviour’s love, And that shall kindle ours.” 10 . Leadership, providence, divine satisfaction, restoration, sustentation—all these belong to a good man. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with liis hand. —Psalm 37:23, 24. THE SPIRIT BREATHES UPON THE WORD “My soul rejoices to pursue The steps of Him I love, Till glory break upon my view In brighter worlds above. ’ 9 74 TO STAET THE DAY IV Some one has defined a man’s character as “ What God sees him do in the dark ,” Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. —Phxlippians 2:12, 13. MY SOUL, BE ON THY GUARD “Ne’er think the victory won, Nor lay thine armour down; Thine arduous work will not be done, Till thou obtain thy crown. ’’ flDat? 12 * Christ put great stress on forgiveness. It takes two to make or continue a quarrel. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. —Colossians 3:13. LORD, AS TO THY DEAR CROSS WE FLEE 61 Should friends misjudge, or foes defame, Or brethren faithless prove, Then, like Thine own, be all our aim To conquer them by love. * 4 Kept peaceful in the midst of strife, Forgiving and forgiven, O may we lead the pilgrim’s life, And follow Thee to heaven.” TO START THE DAY 75 fifcav 13* Youthful example in consistent act and kindly spirit will silence ridicule. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversa¬ tion, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. —1 Timothy 4:12. THOU ART THE WAY * 1 Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life: Grant us that Way to know, That Truth to keep, that Life to win, Whose joys eternal flow.” /!Da$ 14. Many a life friend has been made out of an enemy by the grace of Jesus Christ . But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.— Luke G: 27, 28. GOD IS MY STRONG SALVATION “ Though hosts encamp around me, Firm to the fight I stand; What terror can confound me, With God at my right hand? • “His might thy heart shall strengthen, His love thy joy increase; Mercy thy days shall lengthen; The Lord will give thee peace . 99 76 TO START THE DAY 15* Christians who gossip cause the Master grief, their friends distress, and disintegrate so¬ ciety. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but lie that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.— Proverbs 17: 9. PENITENCE “Calmer yet and calmer, trials bear and pain, Surer yet and surer, peace at last to gain; Suffering still and doing, to His will resigned, And to God subduing heart, and will, and mind,” /IDav 16 . Faith and works; love and labour; hope and patience—these are partners well pleasing to Cod . Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.—1 Thessalonians 1: 3. SPIRIT OF GOD ‘ ‘ Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love, One holy passion filling all my frame; The baptism of the heaven-descended Dove, My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame. ’ 7 /ifeap 17* He tvho sees his brother’s need and meets it sees Christ in every-day life. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye TO START THE DAY 77 have done it unto one of tlie least of these my brethren, ye have done it nnto me. —Matthew 25:40. IMMORTAL LOVE “ Immortal Love, forever full, Forever flowing free, Forever shared, forever whole, A never ebbing sea! ’ ’ fib a# IS. The extra work of life makes life worth living . The second mile countsj no time-server was ever happy. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.— Matthew 5:41, 42. MY DEAR REDEEMER AND MY LORD c ‘ Such was Thy truth, and such Thy zeal, Such deference to Thy Father’s will, Such love and meekness so divine, I would transcribe and make them mine. ’ ’ 19. Love begets love and is rewarded. If human hearts crave real affection , how much more the heart of God. Because he hath set his love upon me, there¬ fore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. —Psalm 91:14. 78 TO START THE DAY JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL il Jesus, Lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high: Hide me, 0 my Saviour hide, Till the storm of life is past; Safe into the haven guide, 0 receive my soul at last. ’’ iBas? 20♦ Prayer for understanding and ivisdom touched the heart of God. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an un¬ derstanding heart.—1 Kings 3:11,12. BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS “I take, 0 cross, thy shadow For my abiding-place: I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face; Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss; My sinful self my only shame, My glory all, the cross.’’ TO START THE DAY 79 fib ay 21 Righteousness lias its full reward in living in the high places of earth and seevng afar . He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly ... he shall dwell on high . . . they shall behold the land that is very far off.— Isaiah 33:15,16,17. CALL JEHOVAH THY SALVATION “Call Jehovah thy Salvation, Rest beneath the Almighty’s shade, In His secret habitation, Dwell, and never be dismayed: There no tumult shall alarm thee, Thou shalt dread no hidden snare; Guile nor violence can harm thee, In eternal safeguard there. ’ 1 22 - A shepherd has hut one thought and that for his sheep. Food, shelter , protection , leader¬ ship his care provides. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. —Psalm 23:1, 2. SAVIOUR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US “Saviour, like a Shepherd lead us, Much we need Thy tenderest care ; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Thy folds prepare: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are; Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are . 9 7 80 TO START THE DAY flD23. Faith not only is fearless hut it has vision, and the power to pray vision into others’ eyes . And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw.—2 Kings 6:17. O LAMB OF GOD “0 Lamb of God, still keep me Near to Thy wounded side; His only there in safety And peace I can abide. What foes and snares surround me, What doubts and fears within! The grace that sought and found me Alone can keep me clean. ’ ’ fflap 24. Purity of heart and life insure position, security and honour . Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart. —Psalm 24: 3, 4. SEARCHER OF HEARTS “ Searcher of hearts, from mine erase All thoughts that should not be, And in its deep recesses trace My gratitude to Thee.” dDa\? 25. When heart, mind and will unite in seeking God, He is found . And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the TO START THE DAY 81 God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will he found of thee.— 1 Chronicles 28: 9. JESUS, THOU JOY OF LOVING HEARTS 11 Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood; Thou savest, those that on Thee call; To them that seek Thee Thou art good, To them that find Thee All in all. ’ ’ /IDat? 26 * The most compelling word of divine love is “ Come.” It runs from the ark to Calvary, and to the very gate of heaven . And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. —Revelation 22:17. ART THOU WEARY, ART THOU LANGUID c ‘Art thou weary, art thou languid, Art thou sore distressed? ‘Come to Me,’ saith One, ‘and coming, Be at rest. ’ “Finding, following, keeping, struggling, Is He sure to bless? Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs, Answer, ‘Yes.’ ” 82 TO START THE DAY 27* Whole-hearted worship and work bring pros¬ perity and confidence. And in every work that lie began in the serv¬ ice of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. —2 Chronicles 31:21. TRUB-HBARTBD, WHOBB-HBARTED 1 ‘True-hearted, whole-hearted, faithful and loyal, King of our lives by Thy grace we will be; Under the standard, exalted and royal, Strong in Thy strength, we will battle for Thee.” flb 28♦ Borne people are so busy doing what they WANT to do that they have no time to do what they ought to do. That the Lord thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.— Jeremiah 42: 3. FATHER1 KNOW THAT AIL MY LIFE “Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me; The changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see: I ask Thee for a present mind, Intent on pleasing Thee. i ‘ I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go . 9 9 TO START THE DAY 83 /!Da£ 29* Y/ie implies a time when God is far distant or cannot be found. “Now is the accepted time,” “Do it now” has become a world¬ wide motto. Seek ye tlie Lord while lie may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.— Isaiah 55: 6. WHY DO YOU WAIT? ‘‘Why do you wait, dear brother, Oh, why do you tarry so long! Your Saviour is waiting to give you A place in His sanctified throng. J ’ /IDa£ 30* First things first for God, and then God will add all needed secondary gifts. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.— Matthew 6: 33. IMMORTAL LOVB ‘ i 0 Lord, and Master of us all, Whatever our name or sign, We own Thy sway, we hear Thy call, We test our lives by Thine! ’’ flDas 3L Christ is able: able to save: able to save to the uttermost: able to save to the uttermost all who come. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the 84 TO START THE DAY uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever livetli to make intercession for them. —Hebrews 7: 25. THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD “Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power Till all the ransomed Church of God Be saved, to sin no more.” JUNE June t. Stability and sincerity go together. A true Christian will hasten from wrong. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. —2 Timothy 2:19. CHRISTIAN, DOST THOU SEE THEM i ‘ Christian, dost thou see them. On the holy ground, How the powers of darkness Kage thy steps around? Christian, up and smite them, Counting gain but loss, Smite them by the merit Of the holy cross. * ’ June 2* How few who die have all in order to meet death. The spiritual state of affairs is far more important than the material. In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.—2 Kings 20:1. 85 86 TO START THE DAY NEW EVERY MORNING ‘ ‘ The trivial round, the common task, Will furnish all we ought to ask; Room to deny ourselves, a road To bring us daily nearer God. ’ ’ June 3* Think of fifteen years added to the life of a dying man. Have we a purpose in our next fifteen years? Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years.—2 Kings 20: 5. WHILE WITH CEASELESS COURSE THE SUN 1 ‘ Thanks for mercies past receive; Pardon for our sins renew; Teach us henceforth how to live With eternity in view; Bless Thy word to young and old; Pill us with a Saviour’s love; And when life’s short tale is told, May we dwell with Thee above.’’ June 4. The infinite love of God is forever evidenced in His suffering and self-sacrificing. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastise- TO START THE DAY 87 ment of our peace was upon liim; and with his stripes we are healed.— Isaiah 53: 5. I’VE FOUND A FRIEND “I’ve found a Friend; 0 such a Friend! He bled, He died to save me; And not alone the gift of life, But His own self He gave me. Naught that I have mine own I ’ll call, I ’ll hold it for the Giver; My heart, my strength, my life, my all, Are His, and His for ever. ’ ’ June 5* Those who know not God seem forlorn and help¬ less when sorrow and disaster come. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he lmoweth them that trust in him. —Nahum 1:7. CAST THY BURDEN ON THE LORD 1 ‘ He sustains thee by His hand, He enables thee to stand; Those whom Jesus once hath loved From His grace are never moved. ’ ’ June 6. We cannot follow Christ by a general resolve, but by daily cross bearing . And Jesus said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.— Luke 9 :23. TO START THE DAY / 88 I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR “I need Thee every hour, Most Gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford. I need Thee, Oh! I need Thee, Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now, my Saviour, I come to Thee. ’’ June 7* God blesses the man who honours His day. “ A Sabbath well spent brings a week of contentS’ If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.— Isaiah 58:13,14. O DAY OF REST AND GLADNESS “0 day of rest and gladness, 0 day of joy and light, O balm of care and sadness, Most beautiful, most bright; On thee the high and lowly, Through ages joined in tune, Sing Holy, Holy, Holy, To the great God Triune.” TO START THE DAY 89 June 8 . A great educator once said: “Life is divided into two classes, Givers and Getters ” For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: hut whosoever will lose his life, for my sake, the same shall save it.— Luke 9:24. I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE ‘ 4 Thy life was given for me, Thy blood, O Lord, was shed, That I might ransomed be, And quickened from the dead: Thy life was given for me; What have I given for Thee ? ’ ’ June 9. Strength and courage in divine service guaran¬ tee the personal presence of God . Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; he not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy Glod is with thee whithersoever thou goest.— Joshua 1: 9. JESUS, STILL LEAD ON 11 Jesus, still lead on, Till our rest be won; And, although the way be cheerless, We will follow, calm and fearless: Guide us by Thy hand To our Fatherland. ’ ’ 90 TO START THE DAY June 10* We should rally round God’s servants in their testing time. Human hearts ever cry to those they love, “ Come near me.” And Eli jali said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. — 1 Kings 18: 30. DRAW NIGH , DRAW NIGH, EMMANUEL ‘ 4 Draw nigh, 0 Jesse’s Rod, draw nigh, To free us from the enemy; Prom hell’s abyss Thy people save, And give us victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, 0 Israel. ’ ’ June 11. Rootless Christians are fruitless Christians. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.—L uke 8:13. O FOR A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD “So shall my walk be close with God, Calm and serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road That leads me to the Lamb.” June 12. Diligence, enthusiasm, devotion, joy, patience and prayer are companions. Kot slothful in business; fervent in spirit; TO START THE DAY 91 serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation ; continuing instant in prayer. —Romans 12:11, 12. IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST I GLORY ‘‘Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, By the Cross are sanctified; Peace is there that knows no measure, Joys that through all time abide.” June 13* Only God’s complete armoury plus prayer, can stand the test of Satan’s wiles . Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. —Ephesians 6:11. LEAD ON , O KING ETERNAL “Lead on, O King Eternal, The day of march has come; Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents shall be our home: Through days of preparation Thy grace has made us strong, And now, O King Eternal, We lift our battle-song.” June 14* Darkness causes no stumbling where there is the clear light of a good conscience. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the per¬ fect day.— Proverbs 4:18. 92 TO START THE DAY WALK IN THE LIGHT “Walk in the light! and thine shall be Thy path, though thorny, bright, For God by grace shall dwell in thee, And God Himself is Light. ’ ’ June 15* Filial obedience has its reward in promised longevity, and inner peace . Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise. —Ephesians 6:1, 2. ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITY 11 And through all His wondrous childhood He would honour and obey, Love and watch the lowly maiden In whose gentle arms He lay; Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as He.” June 16* A man of fearless integrity and courage caused a king and kingdom to honour his God. Then King Darius wrote . . . the God of Daniel is the living God, and stedfast forever, and his kingdom that which shall not be de¬ stroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he work- eth signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.— Daniel 6: 25, 26, 27. TO START THE DAY 93 DARE TO BE A DANIEL “Standing by a purpose true, Heeding God’s command, Honour them, the faithful few! All hail to Daniel’s band! Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known ! 9 9 June 17* As care of the 'physical heart sustains life, so the seat of our affection must he kept. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.— Proverbs 4: 23. CALL JEHOVAH THY SALVATION ‘ ‘ Since, with pure and firm affection Thou on God hast set thy love, With the wings of His protection He will shield thee from above: Thou shalt call on Him in trouble, He will hearken, He will save; Here for grief reward thee double, Crown with life beyond the grave / 9 June IS ♦ “ Thou God seest me is a searching truth . God’s ex-ray is never exhibited to the public . But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth 94 TO START THE DAY not as a man seetli; for man looketh on the out¬ ward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart,—1 Samuel 1G: 7. OUR blest redeemer ‘ 1 Spirit of purity and grace! Our weakness, pitying, see; O make our hearts Thy dwelling-place, And worthier Thee.” June 19* Pure living gives vistas to God amid the clouds of every-day life. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.— Matthew 5: 8. JESUS , THESE EYES HAVE NEVER SEEN “Like some bright dream that comes unsought, When slumbers o’er me roll, Thine image ever fills my thought, And charms my ravished soul.” June 20. No one really knows us hut God. He knows not only our deeds hut the thoughts which initiate them. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou lmowest my down-sitting and mine uprising. Thou understandest my thought afar oft.— Psalm 139:1, 2. TO START THE DAY 95 / COULD NOT DO WITHOUT THEE “I could not do without Thee, I cannot stand alone, I have no strength or goodness, No wisdom of my own; But Thou, beloved Saviour, Art All in all to me, And perfect strength in weakness Is theirs who lean on thee.” June 21. If we would follow the ancient adage “Know thyself ” we must he students of God’s Word . For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts, and intents of the heart. —Hebrews 4:12. THE SPIRIT BREATHES UPON THE WORD i t The Spirit breathes upon the word, And brings the truth to sight; Precepts and promises afford A sanctifying light . 9 9 June 22. Human prayer is a silent unknown strength in many a dark struggle with sin. How much more is divine intercession responsible for victory? And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.— Romans 8:27. 96 TO START THE DAY O JESUS, THOU ART STANDING “O Jesus, Thou art pleading, In accents meek and low,— ‘ I died for you, My children, And will ye treat Me so ? 5 O Lord, with shame and sorrow We open now the door; Dear Saviour, enter, enter, And leave us nevermore!’ 9 June 23. The open confession of Jesus Christ is a testi¬ mony to others and a safeguard for self. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.— Matthew 10 :22. NOW JUST A WORD FOR JESUS “Now just a word for Jesus; Your dearest Friend so true, Come, cheer our hearts and tell us What He has done for you. “Now just a word for Jesus— ’Twill help us on our way; One little word for Jesus, O speak, or sing, or pray . 9 9 June 24. Enrollment on high seems vague and mysteri¬ ous, but entering a child’s name in college does not. And there shall in no wise enter into it any¬ thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh TO START THE DAY 97 abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. —Revelation 21: 27. WHEN THE ROLE IS CALLED UP YONDER * ‘When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair, "When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I ’ll be there. 1 ‘ When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I ’ll be there. ’ ’ June 25 . Finding one lost sinner is not an insignificant service if that sinner he your own child. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.— Luke 15: 7. THE NINETY AND NINE 11 1 Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; Are they not enough for Thee?’ But the Shepherd made answer: ‘ This of mine Has wandered away from me, And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find my sheep.’” 98 TO START THE DAY June 26 . Moon, the blind inventor of the new system of writing and reading for the blind, thanked God for the “ gift of blindness.” Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.—2 Corinthians 12:10. OUR BLEST REDEEMER “And every virtue we possess, And every victory won, And every thought of holiness, Are His alone.” June 27 . This world with all its sorroiv and pain lasts but for a time—then the Eternal City. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.— Revelation 21:1, 4. O MOTHER DEAR, JERUSALEM “0 Mother dear, Jerusalem, When shall I come to thee? When shall my sorrows have an end? Thy joys when shall I see? O happy harbour of the saints! O sweet and pleasant soil! In thee no sorrow may be found, No grief, no care, no toil.” TO START THE DAY 99 June 28. A sincere prayer for penitence shows genuine - ness, and inspires confidence to overcome. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.— Psalm 51:10, 11. MAJESTIC SWEETNESS “He saw me plunged in deep distress, He flew to my relief; For me He bore the shameful cross, And carried all my grief.’* June 29. There is nothing in human experience that glorifies God more than a consistent life. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.—1 Peter 2:12. O FOR A HEART TO PRAISE MY GOD “A humble, lowly, contrite heart, Believing, true, and clean, Which neither life nor death can part From Him that dwells within . 9 9 June 30. The praying life cannot he an anxious life. Patience in prayer means a trustful soul . Be careful for nothing; but in everything by 100 TO STAKT THE DAY prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. —Philippians 4: 6. SPIRIT OF GOD “Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King? All, all Thine own, soul, heart, and strength, and mind; I see Thy cross—there teach my heart to cling; 0 let me seek Thee, and 0 let me find.” / JULY 5ul£ h The telescopic view of God’s greatness leads us to the microscopic detail of His love. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man that thou art mind¬ ful of him ? and the son of man that thou visitest him?— Psalm 8: 3, 4. THE SHADOWS OF THE EVENING HOURS 1 ‘ Slowly the rays of daylight fade; So fade within our heart The hopes in earthly love and joy That one by one depart. Slowly the bright stars, one by one, Within the heavens shine:— Give us, 0 Lord, fresh hopes in heaven, And trust in things Divine.’’ 3ul£ 2* The enemies of the soul are the unseen but fatal foes. Roosevelt said: “ The wild beasts of Africa were not so fatal as the insects of South America” And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.—M atthew 10: 28. 101 102 TO START THE DAY AWAKE, MY SOUL “He saw me ruined in the fall, Yet loved me notwithstanding all, And saved me from my lost estate, His loving-kindness is so great. ’ ’ Snip 3* The brevity of life is noted only when it is near¬ ing its close, or has passed . Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.— James 4:14. THE SANDS OF TIME ARE SINKING “The sands of time are sinking, The dawn of heaven breaks, The summer morn I’ve sighed for, The fair sweet morn awakes; Dark, dark hath been the midnight, The day-spring is at hand, And glory, glory dwelleth In Emanuel’s land.” Sttls 4* National strength, prosperity, honour, perma¬ nence depend upon the righteous character of the citizen . Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.— Proverbs 14: 34. TO START THE DAY 103 MY COUNTRY , *TIS OF THEB “My country, ? tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of tnee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrim’s pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring. “Our fathers’ God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King.” 3uh? 5* No storm can long disturb the life nor destroy the soul when Christ is present. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there wrns a great calm.—M atthew 8: 2G. MASTER, THE TEMPEST IS RAGING ( Chorus) “The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace, be still! Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea, Or demons, or men, or whatever it be, No water can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and skies; They all shall sweetly obey Thy will; Peace, be still! Peace, be still! They all shall sweetly obey Thy will; Peace, peace be still! ’ ’ 104 TO START THE DAY The death of a Christian, like the death of the Master, is a convincing argument of divine life. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly, this man was the Son of God.— Mark 15: 39. WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS ‘ ‘ See, from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down : Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown ? * 9 5ulp 7 * If you are angry say it over to yourself before you speak to another. Write your letter, if necessary, but do not mail it. A soft answer turneth away wrath: hut griev¬ ous words stir up anger.— Proverbs 15:1. SCORN NOT THE SLIGHTEST WORD OR DEED “A whispered word may touch the heart, And call it back to life; A look of love bid sin depart, And still unholy strife.” Julp 8* A covenant of peace and safety is insured to those who turn from sin to God. And I wall make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out TO START THE DAY 105 of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. —Ezekiel 34:25. SWEET PEACE , THE GIFT OF GOD’S LOVE ‘ 1 In Jesus for peace I abide, And as I keep close to His side, There’s nothing but peace doth betide, Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.” 3ul$ 9* When Christ is the door, souls go in to find shelter and out to find pasture . Salvation and nurture go together . I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.— John 10: 9. BEHOLD! A STRANGER’S AT THE DOOR “Behold! a Stranger’s at the door; He gently knocks, has knocked before; Has waited long, is waiting still; You treat no other friend so ill.” 10 . The valuable part of prohibition is that related to a, man’s own life. A Scotch clergyman has well said: “Prohibition must be inhibition if there is to be exhibiton.” Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. —Proverbs 20:1. 106 TO START THE DAY YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION (Chorus.) il Ask the Saviour to help you, Comfort, strengthen and keep you; He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through. ’ ’ 3ulp 11. Paul was forgetting the good things behind him as he looked forward to the better things ahead! Brethren, I count not myself to have appre¬ hended : but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. —Philippians 3:13,14. WHEN THE DAY OF TOIL IS DONE 1 ‘ When for vanished days we yearn, Days that never can return, Teach us in Thy love to learn Love for evermore. ” Jnip 12. God could accomplish His tasks by supernat¬ ural means, but He chose to use men and women to do His work . And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God. —Ezekiel 34:31. TO START THE DAY 107 JESUS, MY LORD , MY GOD “Jesus, what didst Thou find in me That Thou hast dealt so lovingly ? How great tne joy that Thou hast brought, So far exceeding hope or thought! Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; 0 make me love Thee more and more. ’ ’ JUlp 13. Jesu$ was tempted by appetite, by ambition and by possession. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shaft worship the Lord thy God, and him only shaft thou serve. Then the devif feaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. —Matthew 4:10,11. MY DEAR REDEEMER AND MY LORD “Cold mountains and the midnight air Witnessed the fervour of Thy prayer; The desert Thy temptations knew, Thy conflict and Thy victory too. ’ ’ JUip 14. Love to God means satisfactory human adjust¬ ment. Life develops aright for the obedient. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. —Romans 8: 28 . 108 TO STAET THE DAY IN HEAVENLY LOVE ABIDING i 1 In heavenly love abiding, No change my heart shall fear, And safe is such confiding, For nothing changes here: The storm may roar without me, My heart may low be laid, But God is round about me, And can I be dismayed ? ’ * 5ulp 15* The revision reads: “Ye shall win your lives” Quiet, confident trust in God wins life here and now . For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. —Isaiah 30:15. DEAR LORD AND FATHER OF MANKIND “Drop Thy still dews of quietness, Till all our strivings cease: Take from our souls the strain and stress, And let our ordered lives confess The beauty of Thy peace. ’ ’ $Ul£ 16 . When men see Jesus as the Lamb of God (His sacrifice for sin) they will follow Him. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold, the Lamb of God! And the two TO START THE DAY 109 disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.— John 1:36-37. BEHOLD, THE MASTER PASSETH BY. i ‘ That t Follow Me ’ his faithful ear Seemed every day afresh to hear: Its echoes stirred his spirit still, And fired his hope, and nerved his will.” 3ul£ 17* Over one of the great university halls hangs this motto: “ The truth shall make you free” Jesus said: “I am the truth” And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.—J ohn 8: 32. THOU ART THE WAY “Thou art the Truth: Thy word alone True wisdom can impart; Thou only canst inform the mind, And purify the heart.’’ 5ul£ 18. Submission to God’s will is sure to end in joy. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: neverthe¬ less, not as I will, but as thou wilt. —Matthew 26: 39. 110 TO START THE DAY MY JESUS, AS THOU WILT! “My Jesus, as Thou wilt! Though seen through many a tear, Let not my star of hope Grow dim or disappear. Since Thou on earth hast wept, And sorrowed oft alone, If I must weep with Thee, My Lord, Thy will be done. ’ 9 JUlp 19* To save the suffering is to serve the Christ. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. —Matthew 25: 42, 43, 45. MASTER, NO OFFERING “Some word of hope, for hearts burdened with fears, Some balm of peace for eyes blinded with tears, Some dews of mercy shed, some wayward foot¬ steps led, Dear Lord, to Thee.” 5ul£ 20 . The element in Christian character most needed in a day of fluctuation is steadfastness. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. —Galatians 5:1. TO START THE DAY 111 STAND UP t STAND UP FOR JESUS i ‘ Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss: From victory unto victory His army He shall lead, Till every foe is vanquished, And Christ is Lord indeed. ’ ’ 3ttl£ 21 . A world-cry is the challenge of Christ to His Church. Teaching them to observe all things whatso¬ ever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. —Matthew 28:20. FROM GREENLAND’S ICY MOUNTAINS 1 ‘ Can we, whose souls are lighted With wisdom from on high, Can we to men benighted The lamp of life deny?” 5lll£ 22 . We can never run away from God’s command . Obedience leads into strength, confidence and blessing. Arise, go into Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose and went unto Nineveh, accord¬ ing to the word of the Lord.— Jonah 3:2, 3. 112 TO STAET THE DAY MY JESUS, AS THOU WILT ‘‘My Jesus, as Thou wilt! O may Thy will be mine, Into Thy hand of love I would my all resign. Through sorrow, or through joy, Conduct me as Thine own; And help me still to say, My Lord, Thy will be done.” 3ul£ 23* The old Scotchman dying said: “It is not the valley of death but only the valley of the shadow of death ” Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.— Psalm 23: 4. PEACE, PERFECT PEACE “Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours ? Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers. “It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus call us to heaven’s perfect peace.” Jul£ 24* God reveals His greatness in little things and shows His honour toward men in working through ordinary beings . But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath TO START THE DAY 113 chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. —1 Corinthians 1 : 27, 28, 29. SAVIOUR, THY DYING LOVE “Give me a faithful heart, Guided by Thee, That each departing day Henceforth may see Some work of love begun, Some deed of kindness done, Some wanderer sought and won, Something for Thee. ’ ’ 3ul£ 25 . The grace of God is not a quality to he admired hut a power to he exercised . For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. —Ephesians 2 : 8 , 9. SAVED BY GRACE * ‘ Some day my earthly house will fall, I cannot tell how soon Twill be, But this I know—my All in all Has now a place in Heav’n for me. “And I shall see Him face to face, And tell the story saved by grace.” 114 TO START THE DAY 3 nlv 26 * God’s law is “ Use or lose ” Idleness means ; paralysis . His lord said unto Rim, Well done, tliou good and faithful servant: tliou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.— Matthew 25:21. O GOD, WHO WORKBST HITHERTO “0 God, who workest hitherto, Working in all we see, Fain would we be, and bear, and do, As best it pleaseth Thee.” SulB 27* To bear false accusations patiently shows the Christ spirit, and establishes confidence . Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Re¬ joice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. —Matthew 5:11,12. O HOLY SAVIOUR, FRIEND UNSEEN “What though the world deceitful prove, And earthly friends and joys remove, With patient, uncomplaining love Still would I cling to Thee. ’ 9 TO START THE DAY 115 5llip 2S. The Bible is the best daily guide the soul has ever known . So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. —Isaiah 55:11. THE ANVIL ‘ ‘ I stood one eve beside a blacksmith’s door And heard the anvil ring the vesper’s chime; Then looking in, I saw upon the floor, Old hammers worn with beating years of time. < ‘ ‘ How many anvils have you had , 9 said I, ‘ To wear and batter all the hammers so ? ’ ‘ Just one , 9 he said: then said with, twinkling eye, i The anvil wears the hammers out, you know . 9 “And so I thought the anvil of God’s word For ages sceptic blows have beat upon, And though the noise of falling blows was heard, The anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.” SJul£ 29. Great opportunities compel great responsibili¬ ties. We should pray to be as big as our problems. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and de¬ liverance arise to the Jews from another place; 116 TO START THE DAY but tbou and thy father’s house shall be de¬ stroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? —Esther 4:14. WE ARE LIVING , WE ARE DWELLING “We are living, we are dwelling, In a grand and awful time, In an age on ages telling; To be living is sublime. Hark, the waking up of nations, Gog and Magog to the fray; Hark, what soundeth ? is creation Groaning for its latter day ? ’ ’ 3ul£ 30. Peace is not an outward condition but an in¬ ward state. Divine peace is not a temporary influence, but a permanent power . And the peace of God which passeth all un¬ derstanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.— Philippians 4:7. THE SHADOWS OF THE EVENING HOURS “Let peace, 0 Lord, Thy peace, 0 God, Upon our souls descend; From midnight fears and perils, Thou Our trembling hearts defend: Give us a respite from our toil, Calm and subdue our woes; Through the long day we labour, Lord, 0 give us now repose.” TO START THE DAY 117 3ul£ 3L Sin cannot control when grace is allowed to work . For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. —Romans 6:14. AWAKE , MY SOUL “ Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve, And press with vigour on; A heavenly race demands thy zeal, And an immortal crown, And an immortal crown. ’’ AUGUST Mmmt !♦ Continued wandering from God affects the in¬ clination and will . Fatal is the state of mind indifferent to God’s very presence . Behold, thou shaft call a nation tliat thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.— Isaiah 55: 5. TO-DAY THE SAVIOUR CALLS ‘ ‘ The Spirit calls to-day: Yield to His power; O grieve Him not away, His mercy’s hour.” Bnoust 2* The soul aroused from a life of sin is literally horn anew. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sin.— Ephesians 2:1. I HEAR THY WELCOME VOICE “’Tis Jesus who confirms The blessed work within, By adding grace to welcomed grace, Where reigned the power of sin.” 118 TO START THE DAY 119 Bugust 3* Repentance was the great theme of John the Baptist and of Christ . Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.— -Acts 3:19. RESCUE THE PERISHING “Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting, Waiting the penitent child to receive: Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently; He will forgive if they only believe. ’ ’ Bugust 4* The missionaries in foreign lands are learning and teaching the unity of faith in Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.— Ephesians 4:13. THE CHURCH’S ONE FOUNDATION “Elect from every nation, Yet one o’er all the earth, Her charter of salvation One Lord, one faith, one birth; One holy Name she blesses, Partakes one holy food, And to one hope she presses, With every grace endued.” 120 TO START THE DAY Bugust 5. Strength in time of temptation is assured by the consciousness of Christ’s sympathy and pres - ence . For in that lie himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.— Hebrews 2:18. FATHER, LEAD ME DAY BY DAY. i ‘ When I’m tempted to do wrong Make me steadfast, wise and strong; And when all alone I stand, Shield me with Thy mighty hand.” Bugust 6 * The love and loyalty of Christians one to an¬ other will attract the attention and win the approval of the ivorld . If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. —John 13:14,15. BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS “ Blest he the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love: The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.” TO START THE DAY 121 HUQUSt 7* The subtlety of a bitter thought may sour the life and lead to endless worry and trouble. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness spring¬ ing up trouble you, and thereby many be de¬ filed.— Hebrews 12:15. EVEN ME * 1 Have I long in sin been sleeping, Long been slighting, grieving Thee ? Has the world my heart been keeping ? 0 forgive and rescue me. J ’ Bucjust 8* The longing soul is promised satisfaction. The craving for Christ means the infilling of his life. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. —Matthew 5: 6 I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY i ‘ I love to tell the story Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story, Because I know it’s true; It satisfies my longings As nothing else could do. ’ 9 122 TO START THE DAY BllGUSt 9. A willingness to go where and do whatever God suggests never leads any one astray. And they answered Joshua saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whitherso¬ ever thou sendest us, we will go.— Joshua 1:16. I’LL GO WHERE YOU WANT ME TO GO “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain, or plain, or sea; I ’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord, I ’ll be what you want me to be. ’ ’ BuGUSt 10. Loyally to God, nation and home are ever re¬ warded. Ruth is one of the most beautiful characters of all history. And Ruth said: Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.— Ruth 1:16. O THE BITTER SHAME AND SORROW “Higher than the highest heavens, Deeper than the deepest sea, Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered; Grant me now my supplication, 6 None of self, and all of Thee.’ ” BuGust It. Christ was made perfect through suffering. But the God of all grace, who hath called us TO START THE DAY 123 unto Ills eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.—1 Peter 5:10. IMMORTAL LOVB i ‘ The healing of His seamless dress Is by our beds of pain; We touch Him in life’s throng and press, And we are whole again.” Bugust 12. Out of the very clouds of darkness God’s light and voice can speak, and direct our lives . While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. —-Matthew 17:5. COMB TO THB LIGHT (Chorus ) “Come to the light, ? tis shining for thee; Sweetly the light hath dawned upon me. Once I was blind, but now I can see! The Light of the world is Jesus.” Bugust 13. A place of prayer in every home and an altar in every life ensure God’s open reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and w T hen thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Fa- 124 TO START THE DAY ther which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.—M atthew G: 6. PRAYER IS THE SOU US SINCERE DESIRE “Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice Returning from his ways, While angels in their songs rejoice, And cry, ‘Behold, he prays!’ ” august 14. The sincere call of man’s need meets an imme* diate answer in the present help of the Lord . The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. —Psalm 145:18. WALK IN THE LIGHT “Walk in the light: and thou shalt find Thy heart made truly His Who dwells in cloudless light enshrined, In whom no darkness is. ’ 9 Bugust 15. The heart governs the mind and hand. We fol¬ low our affections. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.— Colossians 3:2. HARK! HARK , MY SOUL! “Par, far away, like bells at evening pealing, The voice of Jesus sounds o’er land and sea; And laden souls, by thousands meekly stealing, Kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to Thee.” TO START THE DAY 125 BU0USt 16, God is 'present just when and where we need Him. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.— Psalm 46:1. JESUS, THY NAME I LOVE 11 When unto Thee I flee, Thou wilt my Refuge be, Jesus, my Lord: What need I now to fear, What earthly grief or care, Since Thou art ever near? Jesus, my Lord.” Buoust 17* This Hebrew word here translated, “ Be still ” means “ Take a slack in the rope.” Tension of soul means self-dependence. God says, Let go, and Trust Me. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.— Psalm 46:10. SINCE MY FATHER’S ARMS SUSTAIN ME ‘ ‘ To His own thy Saviour giveth Daily strength; To each troubled soul that liveth Peace at length: Weakest lambs have largest sharing Of this tender Shepherd’s caring; Ask Him not, then—when or how— Only bow.” 126 TO START THE DAY Bugust IS* The disciple’s duty is to feed hungry souls with God’s food, not to send them away . And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. —Luke 9 :12, 13. I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY ‘‘1 love to tell the story; For those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting To hear it, like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, ’Twill be the old, old story, That I have loved so long. ’ 9 august 19> Confidence is shown in time of trial, not when all goes well. But he knoweth the wav that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. ^ —Job 23:10. IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL 11 If with sore affliction Thou in love chastise, Pour Thy benediction On the sacrifice;. Then, upon Thine altar Freely offered up, Though the flesh may falter, Faith shall drink the cup . 9 7 TO STAKT THE DAY 127 august 20. The standard of life and character should be higher for the Christian than for any one else in the world. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Thessalonians 5:23. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! “Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Tho’ the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity . 9 ’ BUGUSt 2L The control of the tongue is greater than superb rhetoric or impassioned eloquence . Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. — Proverbs 21: 23. LORD, SPEAK TO ME “0 teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost impart; And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart .’ 1 august 22♦ We a/re never strong when we feel our strength, . but when we know our weakness . And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient 128 TO START THE DAY for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.—2 Corinthians 12:9. BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS “Upon the cross of Jesus, Mine eye at times can see The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me: And from my stricken heart with tears Two wonders I confess,— The wonders of redeeming love And my own worthlessness. ’ ’ Hugust 23* Living complacently amid evil conditions soon dulls the sensibilities to wrong. But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.— Numbers 33: 55. ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. “At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee; On then, Christian soldiers, On to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver At the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise!” TO START THE DAY 129 BugilSt 24* The abundant life is Christ’s ideal for all who follow Him. The good and the better are enemies of the best. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.— John 10:10. JESUS , I LIVE TO THEE 1 ‘ Living or dying, Lord, I ask but to be Thine; My life in Thee, Thy life in me, Makes heaven forever mine. ’ y Buoust 25. How little we know the future. “ The present is the past of our future.” Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. —Proverbs 27:1. PEACE , PERFECT PEACE “ Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.” BllOUSt 26. Confident prayer gives assurance. Christ granted the petitions of those who had cour¬ age. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. 130 TO START THE DAY PRAY HR IS THE SOUL’S SINCERE DESIRE ‘ 1 0 Thou by whom w© come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way, The path of prayer Thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray. ’ ' Bucjust 27. The soul’s vision is the all important view. While we look not at the things which are seen, hut at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. —2 Corinthians 4:18. JESUS, THESE EYES HAVE NEVER SEEN i ‘ I see Thee not, I hear Thee not, Yet art Thou oft with me; And earth hath ne ’er so dear a spot As where I meet with Thee. ’ ? Bugust 28. Just as the sun is the source of all light and warmth, Christ is the source of all our light and love . I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.—J ohn 8:12. LORD OF ALL BEING “Lord of all being; throned afar, Thy glory flames from sun and star; Centre and soul of every sphere, Yet to each loving heart how near!” TO STAET THE DAY 131 BugilSt 29. .‘Nothing compares in value with a godlike in- herhance. Character, is the best legacy to leave a child . And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them. —Jeremiah 32:39. ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITY “For He is our childhood’s Pattern, Day by day like us He grew, He was little, weak and helpless, Tears and smiles like us He knew: And He feeleth for our sadness, And He shareth in our gladness . 9 9 Buaust 30. He who has no time for a child’s companionship and friendship will find it difficult to under¬ stand Christ. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.— Matthew 19:14. 'AROUND THE THRONE OF GOD IN HEAVEN “Around the throne of God in heaven Thousands of children stand, Children whose sins are all forgiven, A holy, happy band.” 132 TO START THE DAY Bugnst 3U Shepherds tell us that the only sheep who will follow a strange voice are the sick sheep . To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.—J ohn 10:3. SAVIOUR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US “We are Thine; do Thou befriend us, Be the Guardian of our way; Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray : Blessed Jesus, Hear Thy children when they pray.” SEPTEMBER September t. Not what we have hut what we are able to give makes life happy and useful . As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.— 2 Corinthians 6:10. THE LIGHT OF GOD IS FALLING “The light of God is falling Upon life’s common way; The Master’s voice still calling, c Come, walk with Me to-day. ’ No duty can seem lowly, To him who lives with Thee, And all of life grows holy, 0 Christ of Galilee.” ) September 2♦ Long life is a joy if a man’s life has been pure and upright . It also is the result of such life . My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.—P roverbs 3:1, 2. 133 134 TO START THE DAY FOR ALL THE SAINTS “Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light . 19 September 3* An infinite God defines 'patience for us. Our own natures are impatient and restless. Beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness.—2 Peter 3 : 8, 9. GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. “His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. ’ 9 September 4* Short-sightedness and selfish desire are the fore¬ runners of wasted life and ruin. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every¬ where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like TO STABT THE BAY 135 the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. —Genesis 13:10,11. TAKE ME, O MY FATHER, TAKE ME Take me, 0 my Father, take me; Take me, save me, through Thy Son; That which Thou wouldst have me, make me, Let Thy will in me be done. Long from Thee my footsteps straying, Thorny proved the way I trod; Weary come I now, and praying, Take me to Thy love, my God.” September 5. The source of spiritual supply must be within the soul. Perfect plumbing cannot substi¬ tute for a living spring . Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlast¬ ing life.— John 4:13,14. I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY “I heard the voice of Jesus say, ‘ Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.’ I came to Jesus as I was, Weary and worn and sad, I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad.” 136 TO START THE DAY September 6. Christianity pays taxes as well as pew rent . A church offering does not make the payment of our honest debts less necessary . And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.— Mark 12: 17. ON OUR WAY REJOICING “If with honest-hearted Love for God and man, Day by day Thou find us Doing all we can, Thou who giv’st the seed-time Wilt give large increase, Crown the head with blessings, Fill the heart with peace. ’ ’ September ?♦ Jesus Christ calls business men now to follow Him . What if Matthew had stuck to his tax¬ gathering? And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the re¬ ceipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. —Matthew 9: 9. LORD, SPEAK TO ME “0 use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where; Until Thy blessed face I see, Tliy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.” TO START THE DAY 137 September 8* A small rifle-ball can destroy a dirigiblej an un¬ seen flaw may cause an immense bridge to crash . For whosoever sliall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. —J ames 2:10. LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS “ Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, Never foe can follow, never traitor stand; Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there .’’ September 9 . There is nothing in life comparable with salva¬ tion and the peacef ul heart which goes with it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field.— Matthew 13:44. / AM COMING TO THE CROSS “Here I give my all to Thee,— Friends and time and earthly store; Soul and body Thine to be, Wholly Thine, for evermore . 99 138 TO START THE DAY September 10, Sinners attract Christ more than saints . Life to Him means discovering human need . When Jesus heard it, he said unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. —Mark 2 : 17. TELL ME THE OLD , OLD STORY * ‘ Tell me the old, old story Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love: Tell me the story simply, As to a little child, For I am weak and weary, And helpless and defiled.” September 11. The call of Christ must he answered immedi¬ ately. Mark’s great word of power is “ Im¬ mediately” And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. —Mark 1:20. GOD CALLING YET! “God calling yet! shall I not hear? Earth’s pleasures shall I still hold dear? Shall life’s swift passing years all fly, And still my soul in slumbers lie ? ” TO START THE DAY 139 September 12. There is no sorrow nor suffering which cannot he borne if tve know the presence of Christ, the Man of Sorrows . Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.—1 Peter 4:19. COMB , YB DISCONSOLATB “Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish, Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel: Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.” September 13. Mankind can never he saved from sin hy a hu¬ man priest or mediator, hut only through Jesus Christ. For there is one God and one mediator be¬ tween God and men, the man Christ J esus. — 1 Timothy 2: 5. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU “I have a Saviour, He’s pleading in glory, A dear, loving Saviour, tho ’ earth-friends be few; And now He is watching in tenderness o ’er me, And oh, that my Saviour were your Saviour too! ’ ’ September 14. Childhood is the age of divine teaching . Nurses cannot substitute for mothers. And the child grew, and waxed strong in 140 TO START THE DAY spirit, filled with wisdom: and tlie grace of God was upon Rim.—L uke 2 :40. I THINK WHEN I READ ‘ ‘ I think when I read that sweet story of old, When Jesus was here among men, How He called little children as lambs to His fold, I should like to have been with them then. “I long for the joy of that glorious time, The sweetest and brightest and best, When the dear little children of every clime Shall crowd to His arms and be blest. ’ ’ September 15, If we can touch Christ personally amid the throng of life’s duties our lives will be clean . And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?— Mark 5: 30. THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT “She only touched the hem of His garment As to His side she stole, Amid the crowd that gathered around Him, And straightway she was whole. ” September \ 6 . There can be no stumbling or falling in the well-lit path of a Bible Christian. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.— Psalm 119:105. TO START THE DAY 141 WALK IN THE LIGHT “ Walk in the light: so shalt thou know That fellowship of love His spirit only can bestow, Who reigns in light above. ’ ’ September 17* All true Christians are a part of the great spir¬ itual temple which is being built by the Di¬ vine Architect . And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself be¬ ing the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.— Ephesians 2:20-21. THE CHURCH’S ONE FOUNDATION i ‘ The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord; She is His new creation By water and the word: From heaven He came and sought her To bd His holy Bride; With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died.” September IS* A forgiven life has a sense of divine gratitude and is merciful. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.— Psalm 32:1. 142 TO START THE DAY EVEN ME “Love of God, so pure and changeless, Blood of God, so rich and free, Grace of God, so strong and boundless, Magnify them all in me.” September 19. Physical limitation or infirmity cannot control a righteous life where God has entered in. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous.— Psalm 146: 8. MORE LOVE TO THEE “More love to Thee, 0 Christ, More love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee; This is my earnest plea; More love, 0 Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee ! 9 9 September 20. Christian friends walk and work together and are conscious of the presence of Christ with them too. 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.— 1 John 1:7. TO START THE DAY 143 WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged: Take it to the Lord in prayer! Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share ? Jesus knows our every weakness— Take it to the Lord in prayer! ’ ’ September 21* Obedience leads to the highest reward in gain¬ ing character, and gives the assurance of entrance into eternal life. 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. —Revelation Jd i 14. TRUST AND OBEY i i Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” September 22* The responsibility of the lost cannot be ours if we do our full part to warn and save . Yet if thou warn the wicked and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast de¬ livered thy soul.— Ezekiel 3 : 19. 144 TO START THE DAY MUST I GO, AND EMPTY HANDED? ( Chorus) “Must I go and empty handed, Must I meet my Saviour so ? Not one soul with which to greet Him, Must I empty handed go V ’ September 23* The soul’s cry for vision results not only in clear sight but in greater light. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold won¬ drous things out of thy law.— Psalm 119:18. WE WOULD SEE JESUS “We w r ould see Jesus: this is all we’re needing; , Strength, joy and willingness come with the sight, We would see Jesus, dying, risen, pleading; Then welcome day, and farewell mortal night.” September 24* The promises of God myst never be accepted without the definite personal effort to keep our own lives pure. Having therefore these promises, dearly be¬ loved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthi¬ ness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.—2 Corinthians 7 : 1. MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS ‘ ‘ His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the sinking flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” TO START THE DAY 145 September 25. Deep grief sends men to their knees and to God . And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! —2 Samuel 18:33. COMB, YB DISCONSOLATB “Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish, Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel: Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth hath no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.” September 26. The inheritance of the far vision of God’s saints belongs to those who abide in Christ. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. —Ephesians 3:17, 18, 19. FOR ALL THB SAINTS “0 blest communion, fellowship Divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.” 146 TO START THE DAY September 27* This is perhaps the most generally used of all benedictions: Grace, love and fellowship blend . The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. —2 Corinthians 13:14. FAIREST LORD JESUS “Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature! 0 Thou of God and man the Son! Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honour, Thou, my soul's Glory, Joy, and Crown.” September 28. God always knows where to find His man . And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him. —Numbers 27:18. BLESSING AND HONOUR “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, "Wisdom, and riches, and strength evermore, Give ye to Him who our battle hath won, Whose are the kingdom, the crown, and the throne. ’ 9 September 29. God’s choice of a man is the highest compliment of life. “ The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and TO START THE DAY U7 causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.—P salm 65:4. SHALL YOUf SHALL I? “Some one will gladly his cross lay down, By-and-by, by-and-by, Faithful, approved, shall receive a crown, Shall yon? Snail I? Some one the glorious King will see, Ever from sorrow of earth be free, Happy with Him through eternity: Shall you ? Shall I V 7 September 3o. Not length but worthiness of life counts with Gocl. Not how long but how we live . So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.— Psalm 90:12. JBSUS LOVES ME “Jesus loves me! this I know, For the Bible tells me so: Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong .’ 9 OCTOBER October l. Faith is not our power with God but God’s power in us. And Jesus looking upon tliem saith, With, men it is impossible, but not with God: for with. God all things are possible.— Mark 10:27. WE WOULD SEE JESUS “We would see Jesus: other lights are paling, Which for long years we have rejoiced to see; The blessings of our pilgrimage are failing; We would not mourn them, for we go to Thee.” ©ctober 2♦ God looks into our hearts to see our real selves. Man looks in the face hut God looks in the heart. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is per¬ fect toward him. Herein thou hast done fool¬ ishly : therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.—2 Chronicles 16:9. 148 TO START THE DAY 149 SOFTLY NOW THE LIGHT OF DAY. “Thou, whose all-pervading eye, Naught escapes, without, within, Pardon each infirmity, Open fault, and secret sin.” October 3* The quality of God which never dies is His mercy . This is the meaning of infinite love . O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever. —1 Chronicles 16:34. GOD IS LOVE “God is love; His mercy brightens All the path in which we rove; Bliss He wakes, and woe He lightens : God is Wisdom, God is Love.” October 4* Those who spurn and reject the loving-kindness of God never know the security of divine care . O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stouest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy chil¬ dren together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! —Luke 13:34. UNDER HIS WINGS “Under His wings I am safely abiding, Tho’ the night deepens and tempests are wild, Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me; He has redeemed me, and I am His child. ’ 9 150 TO START THE DAY October 5* God does not tell us to like every one, but to love every one who is His disciple . By this shall men know that ye are my dis¬ ciples, if ye Rave love one to another. —John 13:35. WHEN THE WEARYSEEKING REST i 1 When the weary, seeking rest, To Thy goodness flee; When the heavy-laden cast All their load on Thee; When the troubled, seeking peace, On Thy Name shall call; When the sinner, seeking life, At Thy feet shall fall: Hear them in love, 0 Lord, the cry, In heaven Thy dwelling-place on high.” October 6* Constant guard must be kept if we are to con¬ quer sin . When least expected temptation comes. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temp¬ tation : the spirit indeed is willing, hut the flesh is weak.— Matthew 26: 41. HELP AND GUIDANCE “How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe, I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe; How often when trials like sea billows roll, Have I hidden in Thee, 0 Thou Rock of my soul .’ 9 TO START THE DAY 151 October 7* The old translation was “Possess ye your souls ” but the verse means more than that — “Ye shall win your lives.” In your patience ye shall win your lives. —Luke 21:19. NOW THE DAY IS OVER 1 ‘Now the day is over, Night is drawing nigh, Shadows of the evening Steal across the sky. ’ 3 October 8. A great faith means victory. According to our faith it is unto us. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.—-A cts 3: 1G. FAITH IS THE VICTORY “Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers rise, And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies; Against the foe in vales below Let all onr strength be hurled; Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world. ’ * 152 TO START THE DAY October 9 . When we suffer reproach for Christ’s sake , we bear His cross . And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. —Mark 15:21. JESUS, I MY CROSS HAVE TAKEN 1 ‘Man may trouble and distress me, ’Twill but drive me to Thy breast; Life with trials hard may press me, Heaven will bring me sweeter rest: O Tis not in grief to harm me While Thy love is left to me; O ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with Thee.” 0ctober 10* Constant thought of Christ makes life a joy everywhere . And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. —Colossians 3: IT. I’VE FOUND A FRIEND c ‘I Ve found a Friend; 0 such a Friend! All power to Him is given, To guard me on my onward course, And bring me safe to heaven: Eternal glory gleams afar, To nerve my faint endeavour: So now to watch, to work, to war; And then to rest for ever. ’ ’ TO START THE DAY 153 October U. “ The little sins of great men make the great sins of little men.” Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and super¬ fluity of naughtiness, and receive with meek¬ ness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.— James 1:21. FULL SURRENDER “Saviour, his a full surrender, All I leave to follow Thee; Thou my Leader and Defender From this hour shall ever be. “I surrender all! I surrender all! All I have I bring to Jesus, I surrender all 1 ? ? October 12. “Patience” means power of endurance and “ comfort ” means encouragement. For whatsoever things were written afore¬ time were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.— Romans 15:4. SINCE JESUS CAME INTO MY HEART “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought Since Jesus came into my heart; I have light in my soul for which long I had sought, Since Jesus came into my heart. 154 TO STAET THE DAY ‘ 1 Since Jesus came into my heart, Since Jesus came into my heart; Floods of joy o’er my soul Like the sea-billows roll, Since Jesus came into my heart.” October 13* He who Icnotvs the Bible can preach Jesus from every page. Then Philip opened his month, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.— -Acts 8:35. TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUS “Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels, in chorus, Sang as they welcomed His birth, ‘ Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.’ “Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. ’ ’ October 14. A joyful heart can sing anywhere. Prison ivalls cannot confine a soul at peace with Gocl. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.—A cts 10:25. TO START THE DAY 155 BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WHERE YOU ARE “Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do, Do not wait to shed your light afar, To the many duties ever near you now be true, Brighten the corner where you are. “ Brighten the corner where you are! Brighten the corner where you are! Some one far from harbour you may guide across the bar; Brighten the corner where you are.” ©closer 15* “ Fulfilling ” means filling full. Busy days rightly directed are a great blessing. Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. —Colossians 4:17. WORK FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING “Work, for the night is coming: Work through the morning hours ; Work while the dew is sparkling; Work ’mid springing flowers; Work while the day grows brighter, Under the glowing sun; Work, for the night is coming, When man’s work is done. ’ ’ ©etcher 16. The completeness and resourcefulness of Christ cannot be imagined, but His power to com¬ plete man’s character is the vital truth. 156 TO START THE DAY For in Rim dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in him. —Colossians 2: 9, 10. MY SOUL COMPLETE IN JESUS STANDS “My soul complete in Jesus stands! It fears no more the law’s demands; The smile of God is sweet within, Where all before was guilt and sin.” October 17 . The life counts more than the word or creed. Whenever Christ’s life is seen men have light. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.— John 1:4. light after darkness “Light after darkness, Gain after loss, Strength after weakness, Crown after cross; Sweet after bitter, Hope after fears, Home after wandering, Praise after tears.” ©ctober 18♦ When we speak prompted\ by God’s Spirit, we may never fear the result nor be embarrassed at the outcome. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my month shall shew forth thy praise.— Psalm 51:15. TO START THE DAY 157 LORD, SPEAK TO ME ‘ 1 0 fill me with Thy fullness, Lord, Until my very heart overflow In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show. ? ’ ©ctobet 19* The denial of God and of all faith suggests ab¬ normality of mind or loss of character . It is usually insincere . The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. —Psalm 53:1. JESUS, AND SHALL IT EVER BE “ Jesus, and shall it ever be, A mortal man ashamed of Thee ? Ashamed of Thee whom angels praise, Whose glories shine through endless days! ’ 9 ©ctober 20♦ The self-effacement of Christ should inspire us to think of others rather than self. For consider in him that endured such con¬ tradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. —Hebrews 12:3. O THE BITTER SHAME AND SORROW “Day by day His tender mercy, Healing, helping, full and free, Sweet and strong, and, ah! so patient, Brought me lower, while I whispered, *Less of self, and more of Thee.’ ” 158 TO START THE DAY October 21 . What if Andrew had not found his own brother, Peter, and brought him to Jesus f Andrew first findetli his own brother Simon . . . and lie brought him to Jesus. —John 1:41, 42. JESUS, I COME “Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, J esus, I come, Jesus, I come; Into Thy freedom, gladness and light, J esus, I come to Thee; Out of my sickness into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself, J esus, I come to Thee . 9 9 October 22 . We are not safe anywhere, any time, without Christ. Every day and every moment must be guarded. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. —Isaiah 2G: 4. TRUSTING JESUS, THAT IS ALE “Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way; Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all. “Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by; Trusting Him whate ? er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all.” TO START THE DAY 159 October 23. Every temptation has its way of escape, hut we cannot conquer if we have an intvard wish to yield. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer 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 Corinthians 10 : 13. DIVINE INSTRUCTOR , GRACIOUS LORD “Divine Instructor, gracious Lord, Be Thou for ever near; Teach me to love Thy sacred word, And view my Saviour there.” ©ctobet 24. When we pour out our very souls unto God He hears us. That is why it is easier to find Him in sorrow than in joy. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. —Jeremiah 29:13. HIS THE BLESSED HOUR OF PRAYER i ‘ ’Tis the blessed hour of prayer, When our hearts lowly bend, And we gather to Jesus, Our Saviour and Friend; If we come to Him in faith His protection to share, What a rest for the weary, 0 how sweet to be there! ’ ’ 160 TO START THE DAY October 25 . Augustine said: “ 1 do not seek to understand that I mag believe, but to believe that I may understand Holding the mystery of faith in a pure con¬ science.—1 Timothy 3: 9. SOMETIME WE'LL UNDERSTAND. “Not now, but in the coming years, It may be in the better land, We’ll read the meaning of our tears, And there, sometime, we’ll understand. ‘ ‘ Then trust in God through all thy days; Fear not for He doth hold thy hand; Though dark thy way, still sing and praise; Sometime, sometime, we ’ll understand. ’ ’ October 26 ♦ Letting others know in a natural way that we are Christians will frequently save embar¬ rassment and lead them to Him . In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.— Proverbs 3: 6. JESUS, AND SHALL IT EVER BE “Ashamed of Jesus! yes, I may When IVe no guilt to wash away, No tear to wipe, no good to crave, No fears to quell, no soul to save.” October 27♦ “ Tell me a man’s thoughts and I will tell you what he is.” If God’s thoughts are valued, there is no fear for the character. TO START THE DAY 161 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.— Psalm 139:17, 18. TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY, 11 Take time to be holy, Be calm in thy soul, Each thought and each motive Beneath His control; Thus led by His Spirit To fountains of love, Thou soon shalt be fitted For service above/’ October 28♦ A devout Christian will not be always under¬ stood for he has the secret of God and knows the covenant between them. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Mm; and he will shew them his covenant. —Psalm 25:14. IN THE SECRET OP HIS PRESENCE “In the secret of His presence how my soul de¬ lights to hide! Oh, how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus’ side! Earthly cares can never vex me, neither trials lay me low; For when Satan comes to tempt me, to the secret place I go. ” 162 TO START THE DAY October 29 . No one is exempt from God’s love . His “ who¬ soever” includes every one who calls upon Him in truth . For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.—R omans 10:13. JUST AS I AM “Just as I am! Thou wilt receive, "Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, 0 Lamb of God, I come.” ©ctober 30* It is sometimes far easier to feel and know the presence of God when we are praying with others than when praying alone . Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Fa¬ ther which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. —Matthew 18:19, 20. COMB, YB DISCONSOLATB “ Joy of the comfortless, light of the straying, Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure! Here speaks the Comforter, in mercy saying, * Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot cure/ ” TO START THE DAY 163 ©ctober 3L Heathendom thinks and teaches the hatred of Deity. Hence the awful images of idolatry . Christianity teaches the love of God. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.—J ohn 3:17. THERE'S A WIDENESS IN GOD'S MERCY, “ There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, Like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in His justice, Which is more than liberty. There is welcome for the sinner, And more graces for the good; There is mercy with the Saviour, There is healing in His blood.” MOVEMBER IRopember l. Christian courage is the possession of one who is conscious of God’s presence. Wliat shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? —Romans 8:31. THE SON OF GOD GOES FORTH TO WAR ‘ ‘ The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain; His blood-red banner streams afar: Who follows in His train? Who best can drink His cup of woe, Triumphant over pain. Who patient bears his cross below, He follows in His train. 5 * IRovember 2. He who glories in the cross will find himself crucified thereon, and self will lose itself in service . But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.— Galatians 6:14. 164 TO START THE DAY 165 ROCK OF AGES “Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.” IRopember 3* The heart and the tongue act together . There will be no evil-speaking if bitterness is gone. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:31, 32. FATHER, WHATE’ER OF EARTHLY BLISS *‘ Give me a calm, a thankful heart, From every murmur free; The blessings of Thy grace impart, And make me live to Thee. ’ ’ IRopentber 4. How little we appreciate the meaning of “ Sons of God.” It means that God actually looks upon us as He looks upon Christ. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.—1 John 3 : 1. 166 TO START THE DAY VM NOT ASHAMED TO OWN MY LORD “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, Or to defend His cause, Maintain the honour of His word, The glory of His cross. ’ ’ IRovember 5* The soul’s vision that sees into the eternal world has a daily inspiration, and always advances nearer the goal . Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will per¬ form it until the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1: 6. WHEN THE MISTS HAVE ROLLED AWAY “When the mists have rolled in splendour from the beauty of the hills, And the sunlight falls in gladness on the river and the rills: We recall our Father’s promise in the rainbow of the spray: We shall know each other better when the mists have rolled away. “We shall know as we are known, nevermore to walk alone, In the dawning of the morning of that bright and happy day: We shall know each other better when the mists have rolled away.” TO START THE DAY 167 IRovember 6♦ The attainment of highest joy is seen in those who actually enjoy and delight in the sue - cesses of others . Let nothing be done through strife or vain¬ glory ; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. —Philippians 2:3. MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE “My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine, For Thee all the follies of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.” IRopember 7 * Worthy life, fruitful service and spiritual in - telligence go together . That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. —Colossians 1:10. SAVIOUR, THY DYING LOVE “All that I am and have— Thy gifts so free— Ever in joy or grief, My Lord, for Thee; And when Thy face I see, My ransomed soul shall be, Through all eternity, Offered to Thee.” 168 TO START THE DAY IRovember 8* The strong life is the patient, enduring and joy¬ ful life . Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long- suffering with joyfulness.— Colossians 1:11. HOLY OFFERINGS 6 6 Holy offerings, rich and rare, Offerings of praise and prayer, Purer life and purpose high, Clasped hands, uplifted eye, Lowly acts of adoration To the God of our salvation— On His altar laid we leave them: Christ, present them! God, receive them! ’ ’ IRovember 9. Love gives not only gifts but time, thought and if needs be life itself . So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. —1 Thessalonians 2: 8. PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN “Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, To His feet thy tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Who, like me, His praise should sing? Praise Him, praise Him, Praise the Everlasting King.” TO START THE DAY 169 IRopcmber 10* Divine love like the love of the prodigal’s fa¬ ther goes more than half way. Draw nigh to God and lie will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. —James 4:8. THE KING OF LOVE MY SHEPHERD IS' “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, And home, rejoicing, brought me.” 1Rox>ember XU “ Boys flying kites haul in their white-winged birds. You can’t do that way when you’re flying words. Tho’ts unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead, But God Himself can’t kill them when they’re said.” Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:5, 8. 170 TO START THE DAY JESUS, SAVIOUR, PILOT MB “As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild; Boisterous waves obey Thy will When Thou sayest to them, 4 Be still . 7 Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.” IRovember 12* Abiding in Christ requires constant thought and effort , as well as good intentions. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. —John 15: 4. SAVIOUR, MORE THAN LIFE TO ME 4 4 Saviour, more than life to me, I am clinging, clinging, close to Thee; Let Thy precious blood applied, Keep me ever, ever, near Thy side. “Every day, every hour, Let me feel Thy cleansing power; May Thy tender love to me Bind me closer, closer, Lord to Thee.” IRopentber 13. Many a man who has built well his ship of life has forgotten the helm. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. —James 3:4. TO START THE DAY 171 JESUS, SAVIOUR, PILOT ME “Jesus, Saviour, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal; Chart and compass came from Thee, Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.” IRovember 14* Hearing and doing must lead one into the other if there is to he stability . Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. —Matthew 7:24. A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM “The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, A shelter in the time of storm; Secure whatever ill betide, A shelter in the time of storm. “Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, A weary land, a weary land; Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,— A shelter in the time of storm. ’ ’ IRovember 15* Near-sightedness may he a defect in spiritual as well as in physical vision. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. —Psalm 121 :1, 2. 172 TO START THE DAY WE WOULD SEE JESUS “We would see Jesus; for the shadows lengthen Across this little landscape of our life; We would see Jesus, our weak faith to strengthen For the last weariness, the final strife.’ ’ IRovember 16* Generosity and thoughtfulness for others se¬ cure friendship and devotion . Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. —Psalm 41:1. LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL “Lead on, 0 King Eternal: We follow, not with fears; For gladness breaks like morning Where’er Thy face appears; Thy cross is lifted o ’er us; We journey in its light: The crown awaits the conquest; Lead on, 0 God of might. ’ ’ November 17* God’s power is always present with those who serve and trust Him. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.— Zephaniah 3:17. MOMENT BY MOMENT *‘Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine; Living with Jesus, a new life divine; Looking to Jesus ’til glory doth shine, Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.” TO START THE DAY 173 IRopember 18* 'Nothing makes life a joy and ensures happiness like visiting and comforting the sick and af¬ flicted. Pure religion and undented before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.— James 1: 27. O LOVB THAT WILT NOT LET ME GO “0 Joy, that seekest me through pain I cannot close my heart to Thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be. ’ ’ IRopember 19* We may he led into love by the Author of Love. Love begets love. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. —2 Thessalonians 3: 5. JESUS, THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEE “ Jesus, our only Joy be Thou, As Thou our Prize wilt be; Jesus, be Thou our Glory now, And through eternity. * 5 IRopember 20* Spreading cheer and gladness is the duty and joy of every Christian. Then they said one to another, We do not 174 TO START THE DAY well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace.—2 Kings 7 : 9. OH HAPPY DAY ‘ ‘ Oh, happy day, that fixed my choice On Thee, my Saviour, and my God! Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its raptures all abroad. ? ? IRovember 21. Loyalty to nation and law is an evidence of loyalty to God . Put them in mind to be subject to principali¬ ties and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.— Titus 3 : 1. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL “0 beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea! ? ’ IRopember 22. Strength, beauty, fragrance and grace come from God’s inward life, and grow naturally anywhere. Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.— Luke 12:27. TO STAKT THE DAY 175 NEW EVERY MORNING “If, on our daily course, our mind Be set to hallow all we find, New treasures still, of countless price, God will provide for sacrifice. ’ ’ IRopentber 23* An easy life is not a life of character. Strong lives bend but do not break in life’s storms . Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.—2 Timothy 2: 3. AM 1 A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS? ‘ ‘ Since I must fight if I would reign: Increase my courage, Lord; 111 bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy word.” ■filovember 24* The love and friendship of children is a token of pure and happy life . Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.— Matthew 18:10. I THINK WHEN I READ “I wish that His hands had been placed on my head, That His arm had been thrown around me, And that I might have seen His kind look when He said, 4 Let the little ones come unto Me. ’ ’ ’ 176 TO START THE DAY IRovember 25 * The Holy Spirit calls to our memory the words and thoughts of Jesus Christ whenever we need Him, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.— John 14:26. COMB, HOLY SPIRIT “Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, With all Thy quickening powers Kindle a flame of sacred love In these cold hearts of ours.” IRovember 26 * Maltbie Babcock used to say, “ Have three hun¬ dred and sixty-four thanksgiving days and one day for complaint (if necessary) ” Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.— Psalm 146:1, 2. PRAISE TO GOD “Praise to God, immortal praise, For the love that crowns our days: Bounteous Source of every joy, Let Thy praise our tongues employ .” TO START THE DAY 177 November 27. All nature praises God. Thanksgiving Day should make every day happy and joyful. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.— Psalm 150: 6. COMB, YB THANKFUL PBOPLB < ‘ All the world is God’s own field, Fruit unto His praise to yield; Wheat and tares together sown, Unto joy or sorrow grown: First the blade, and then the ear, Then the full corn shall appear: Lord of harvest, grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may be.” IRopember 2S. Every day victory may he ours if our souls have the well-spring loithin. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.— 2 Corinthians 4: 16. Plow GBNTLB GOD'S COMMANDS “How gentle God’s commands, How kind His precepts are! Come, cast your burdens on the Lord, And trust His constant care.” TRovember 29. Knowing Christ surpasses knowing about Christ as much as character surpasses edu¬ cation. That I may know him, and the power of his 178 TO START THE DAY resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffer¬ ings, being made conformable unto his death. —Philippians 3:10. HERB, 0 MY LORD 6c Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face; Here would I touch and handle things unseen, Here grasp with firmer hand the eternal grace, And all my weariness upon Thee lean.” 1Ro\>ember 30* The last command of Jesus Christ gave us the challenge of a world conquest . Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptiz¬ ing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.— Matthew 28:19. FROM GREENLAND’S ICY MOUNTAINS ‘ 1 From Greenland’s icy mountains, From India’s coral strand, Where Afric’s sunny fountains Roll down their golden sand, From many an ancient river, From many a palmy plain, They call us to deliver Their land from error’s chain.” DECEMBER December X* Christ is calling the world to repentance to-day. The world needs more than all else a revival of God’s Spirit. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. —Acts 3:38. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING 11 t There shall be showers of blessing: ’ This is the promise of love; There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Saviour above. “ Showers, showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need: Mercy-drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.’’ December 2. There is work to do for the Master at our very doors . Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.— John 4:35. 179 180 TO START THE DAY HARK! THE VOICE OF JESUS CRYING, “If yon cannot cross the ocean, And the heathen lands explore, You can find the heathen nearer, You can help them at your door. If you cannot give your thousands, You can give the widow’s mite; And the least you give for Jesus Will be precious in His sight.” December 3* Confidence in Christ as Saviour and Lord dis¬ pels doubt and compels others to follow Him . I know whom I have believed, and am per¬ suaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. —2 Timothy 1:12. 7 KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED “I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known. Nor why—unworthy—Christ in love Redeemed me for His own. ( Chorus) ‘ ‘ But I know whom I have believed, And am persuaded that He is able To keep that which I’ve committed Unto Him against that day.” December 4. Cod calls many of His most valued workers from the unknown multitudes . And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out TO START THE DAY 181 into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. —Luke 14:23. HARK! THE VOICE OF JESUS CRYING “Let none hear you idly saying, 6 There is nothing I can do, J While the souls of men are dying, And the Master calls for you: Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, ‘ Here am I; send me, send me. ’ 9 ’ December 5. Affliction has brought many a man to God . Only storms create rainbows . The sun must shine through the rain . And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. —2 Chronicles 33:12. JUST AS I AM “Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd ’st me come to Thee, 0 Lamb of God, I come.” December 6. He who leaves wealth to his child, without leav¬ ing character, probably leaves him perplexity and suffering . And a good man leaveth an inheritance to his 182 TO START THE DAY children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.—P roverbs 13:22. I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY, “I love to tell the story; More wonderful it seems Than all the golden fancies Of all our golden dreams. I love to tell the story, It did so much for me; And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee . 9 9 December 7* God’s sons are men ivho overcome. Infinite in¬ heritance is based upon victory over tempta¬ tion . He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will he his God, and he shall be my son. —Revelation 21: 7. EIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT 1 ‘Paint not, nor fear, His arms are near; He changeth not, and thou art dear; Only believe, and thou shalt see That Christ is All in all to thee.” December 8* A man cannot fall if he depends immediately upon Jesus Christ when tempted. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in * Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.—2 Corinthians 2 :14. TO START THE DAY 183 AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS? 44 Thy saints, in all this glorious war, Shall conquer, though they die; They view the triumph from afar, And seize it with their eye. ’ ’ December 9* Sin’s pleasures are short-lived. The average age of a criminal is under twenty-one, of a harlot under twenty . Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.— Hebrews 11:25. IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL 44 With its witching pleasures Would this vain world charm, Or its sordid treasures Spread to work me harm, Bring to my remembrance Sad Gethsemane, Or, in darker semblance, Cross-crowned Calvary.” December 10. All that any one has to do to he saved is to be¬ lieve and confess Christ. That 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.— Romans 10:9. 184 TO START THE DAY THROW OUT THE LIFE LINE ‘ ‘ Throw out the Life-Line across the dark wave, There is a brother whom some one should save; Somebody’s brother! oh, who then, will dare To throw out the Life-Line, his peril to share ? ’ 7 December !!♦ What a benediction! If you do not know how to close a letter to a friend, use these verses . Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shep¬ herd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.— Hebrews 13: 20, 21. COME , LET US JOIN OUR CHEERFUL SONGS “Come, let us join our cheerful songs With angels round the throne, Ten thousand thousand are tlieir tongues, But all their joys are one.” December 12* One may ignore or even hate Christ, but he cannot destroy Christ’s love for him . But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.—R omans 5: 8. TO START THE DAY 185 LOVE DIVINE “Love Divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven, to earth come down: Fix in ns Thy hnmble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown: Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art; Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter every trembling heart .’ 9 December 13* Sin is sure pay, but that payment is anguish and death. Salvation is a gift. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.— Romans 6:23. O HOLY SAVIOUR , FRIEND UNSEEN i 1 0 Holy Saviour, Friend unseen, Since on Thine arm Thou bidd ’st me lean, Help me, throughout life’s varying scene, By faith to cling to Thee. 5 9 December 14* God’s “ it is ” has fact in it. The Gospel is the power of God. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.— Romans 1:16. 186 TO START THE DAY LOVE DIVINE “Come, Almighty to deliver, Let us all Thy life receive; Suddenly return, and never, Never more Thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Pray, and praise Thee, without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love. ’ ’ December 15. A man’s benevolence is not worthy of God if he fails to pay his taxes. And lie said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.— Luke 20: 25. FAITH OF OUR FATHERS! “Faith of our fathers! we will love Both friend and foe in all our strife, And preach thee, too, as love knows how By kindly words and virtuous life: Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death.” December 16* Whenever we see another in need we should realize Christ is in need. Then shall the Xing say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, in¬ herit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was TO STAKT THE DAY 187 sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.—M atthew 25:34, 35, 36. WAS THERE EVER KINDEST SHEPHERD i ‘ For the love of God is broader Than the measures of man’s mind, And the heart of the Eternal Is most wonderfully kind: But we make His love too narrow By false limits of our own, And we magnify His strictness With a zeal He will not own.” December 17* “ His strength was as the strength of ten be¬ cause his heart was pure ” Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. — 1 Timothy 5 : 22. THE SANDS OF TIME ARE SINKING ‘ ‘ 0 Christ, He is the Fountain, The deep sweet Well of love! The streams on earth I’ve tasted More deep I ’ll drink above: There to an ocean fulness His mercy doth expand, And glory, glory dwelleth In Emanuel’s land.” December IB* With a new heart and a new spirit we may for¬ get the past and live anew. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take 188 TO START THE DAY away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. —Ezekiel 36:26. WHEN THE DAY Of TOIL IS DONE i ‘ When for vanished days we yearn, Days that never can return, Teach us in Thy love to learn Love for evermore.” December 19* God’s greatest value is shown in the word “ overcome ” and faith attains victory. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.—1 John 5 : 4. LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL “Lead on, 0 King Eternal, Till sin’s fierce war shall cease, And Holiness shall whisper The sweet Amen of peace; For not with swords loud clashing, Nor roll of stirring drums, But deeds of love and mercy, The heavenly kingdom comes.” December 20* A righteous man has no fear of detection; he can look any man in the eye. A noted crim¬ inal fled to Canada when a detective wired him “ All is known.” The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion, v — Proverbs 28:1. TO START THE DAY 189 ONWARD , CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS ‘ 4 Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before: Christ the Royal Master Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See, His banners go. 4 'Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. 7 7 December 21. Companionship with Christ gives a man the burning heart of divine love . And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scrip¬ tures?— Luke 24: 32. MAJESTIC SWEETNESS i 1 Majestic sweetness sits enthroned Upon the Saviour’s brow; His head with radiant glories crowned, His lips with grace o ’erflow. 7 7 December 22* Maltbie Babcock said 9 “ A day’s work that a night’s rest will not renew is over-work ” The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, 190 TO START THE DAY whether he eat little or much: but the abun¬ dance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. —Ecclesiastes 5:12. O JESUS, I HAVE CALLED THEE i 1 1 need a friend who knows me So justly through and through Hell ne’er misjudge a motive, Nor let me strain to do More work than I can manage, The work that is not mine, Because of vain ambition, Or conscience drawn too fine.” December 23. It is easier to tveep with the sad than to rejoice with the fortunate . Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.— Romans 12:15. HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS “ Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King, My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, Accept the praise I bring. ’ ’ December 24. Faithful watching over those who are our care signals God’s chorus of gladness. And there were in the same country shep¬ herds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. —Luke 2:8, 9. TO START THE DAY 191 O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM “0 little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by: Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night.” December 25. The Christmas song of the angels was a world - wide song . “ Joy to the world ” And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring yon good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.— Luke 2:10,11. O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM i 1 For Christ is born of Mary; And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth; And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth.” December 26. To return to ordinary tasks with continued joy is a great "blessing of the Christmas season. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and 192 TO START THE DAY praising God for all tlie things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. —Luke 2:20. IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR “And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, Whose forms are bending low, Who toil along the climbing way With painful steps and slow,— Look now! for glad and golden hours Come swiftly on the wing: O rest beside the weary road, And hear the angels sing. ’ ’ December 27. A prayerful life is never destitute of resources of strength for self or others. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint. —Luke 18:1. SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER “ Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer ! That calls me from this world of care, And bids me at my Father’s throne, Make all my wants and wishes known . 9 9 December 28. Our day is one of unrivaled opportunity. To¬ day is majestic if we are working for eternity. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, accord¬ ing to their words.— Revelation 20:12. TO START THE DAY 193 WE ARE LIVING, WE ARE DWELLING “Worlds are charging, heaven beholding, Thon hast but an hour to fight; Now the blazoned cross unfolding, On, right onward, for the right! On! let all the soul within you For the truth’s sake go abroad. Strike, let every nerve and sinew Tell on ages, tell for God. ’ 9 December 29* Hatred cannot live where Jesus Christ lives . And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us command¬ ment.—1 John 3:23. NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE “Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! E ’en though it be a cross That raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!” December 30* Death is blessedness to those who have died in faith, and their good works never die. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.— Revelation 14:13. 194 TO START THE DAY NEARER , MY GOD , TO THEE “Or if on joyful wing Cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upwards I fly, Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God, to Thee, Nearer my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee ! 9 9 December 31* The Old year opens the door to the New. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.— Revelation 22.3, 4. RING OUT, WILD BELLS “Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty light : The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. “Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart, the kindlier hand; Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be.” Printed in the United States of America '