ik PU5tlLSnH^r?.«|' y/^EK? FTi • *^ 1«^«
VK^Xn
DAY AFTER DAY
A MANUAL OF DEVOTIONS
FOR
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY USE
Compiled and Arranged
by
J. WILBUR CHAPMAN, D. D.
for THE NEW ERA COMMITTEE
PHILADELPHIA
PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION
AND SABBATH SCHOOL WORK
1919
Tnu IIEV/ y.'.... PUBLIC I.'" AUV
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R 1019 L
J
Copyright, 1919,
llV IME TKirSTEHS OH THE PKESBYTERIAN BOAKU OF rUBUCATION AND SABBATH SCHOOL WORK
Published January IQIQ
Ilflr0l|tp tit tl|0 l^omf
A HOME is never .quite complete until the father takes his place before his household as a priest. I do not mean as an ordained minister, but rather as one who realizes that he is responsible for the spiritual interests of his household. It is not enough that we should provide for the material comforts of our children. It is by no means enough that we should be concerned for their intellectual development. The spir- itual nature must be cultivated, and the moral atmosphere surrounding our children carefully considered and properly developed. I know of no one thing that can so aid in doing this as that the day should begin with family prayer.
It is a sad thing to realize that some children have never heard their fathers pray. I sincerely pity the father of whom this can be said, and the child who is thus deprived of an influence which almost inevitably makes for strength of character.
I am quite sure that one reason why so many men shrink from holding family worship is this: they do not feel that they are able to make a sufficiently long and intelligent prayer; perhaps they feel that they are too busy to read an extended lesson from the Scriptures. I am also positive that one reason why the children in a household may find family worship irksome is this : the prayers are too indefinite and, sometimes, meaningless, while the reading of the Scrip- tures is too long-drawn-out, and the passages selected inap- propriate to the occasion.
Why not have family worship something like this? Let the family assemble around the breakfast table, the head of the household reading the Scripture lessons suggested in this booklet, then use the prayers indicated for each day, closing with The Lord's Prayer or The Apostles' Creed, or ofifer such a simple prayer as the following : " Our Father, bless our houcehold to-day. Take care of our children ; protect them in time of danger ; help them in their work and in their
WoKSiiii' IN Tin-: HOMK
play. P>lcss their father and their mother and keep us all, an unbroken family circle, until we are safe home with thee. Amen." Such a prayer could be easily offered, and be made impressive to the smallest child.
Most of us fail in our praying at the point of definiteness. 1 know of an aged man who used to begin every day by pray- ing with his household. The servants came to family wor- ship ; the men from the fields came to sit with the house- hold and worship God. The name of each one was men- tioned, and an individual petition ofifered for each. They sang a hymn together, they had a brief Scripture lesson, and all went forth to toil, realizing that God was with them.
If the family altar is to be reestablished, this fact needs to be kept clearly in mind The father and the mother must be right with God. Children are always quick to detect the note of insincerity, and there is no place where this reveals itself more clearly than in the words we use in prayer. It is not so much what we sav when we pray, as the way w^e say it. As a matter of fact, it is not so much what we say and the way we say it, as what we are that counts. There is one j)rayer which the head of the household should continually otYcr. It is this: " Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me." Then, too. it is necessary that the prayer, offered in the morning, should be lived throughout the day. We cannot pray one way and live another. We cannot ask for patience and be impatient. We cannot pray for love and be unlovely. There are trees, the spread of whose roots under ground quite equals the spread of their l)ranches above ground, and this is the picture of the true Christian. T.eing right in his devotion, he must needs be ri^ht in his daily living.
The influence of family worship is as lasting as eternity. Many a boy who api)ears restless at the family altar has an impression made upon him which comes back to him with tremendous force in after years when he is out in the world and is battling with sin. Many a girl is kept from doing that which is inconsistent, becau.se of her recollection of the
Worship in the: Homk
trembling tones heard in her father's prayer, and the sound of her mother's voice in song. Many times when we find ourselves drifting, we suddenly stop as if a hand had reached out to lay hold upon us. It is impossible to drift farther, and all because the hand is a memory, and the memory brings before us the period of family worship when our fathers were praying, and the very atmosphere of heaven was about us.
Let it not be said that life in these days is too strenuous for real family worship. It is possible that we have not the time for extended worship, but five minutes each morn- ing thus given to God would protect a household. Surely it is possible, when the Lord's Day comes, to assemble the en- tire household, sing a hymn, read the Scripture together, bow in prayer, and thus pledge ourselves to a faithful and con- sistent following of Christ in the days ahead of us ?
A prayerless home is a powerless home. A household protected by prayer cannot drift far from God. Therefore, if we would have our homes right with God, and our chil- dren kept from drifting, we must pray not only for our loved ones, but with them, and do it every day.
I am greatly indebted to a number of the ministers of our Church for their valuable cooperation in the compilation of this Manual of Devotions.
J. w. c.
Publishers' Note
If Dr. Chapman could have known in advance the day when God would call him from earth, he could not have chosen a more fitting task for the rounding out of his min- istry than the preparation of DAY AFTER DAY.
Both as pastor and as evangelist, he delighted to speak on the home and to urge with all his great power the duty and privilege of Family Religion.
The reading of the proof of this volume was one of the last acts of his fruitful life.
®ljf 3^amtl^ (Knu^ttant (Harb
It is suggested that the members of the household sign this Covenant Card as indicating their faith in Jesus Christ their wiUingness to obey Him as Lord and Master, and their readiness to confess Him before men.
I was once holding a series of meetings in another part of the world, when I noticed one of my special friends, who was occupying a seat upon the platform, busily engaged in writ- ing. I wondered what could be occupying his mind. Later, I found out that he was planning a Family Covenant Card. I was preaching that evening on The Home, and it evidently occurred to him, that it would be a good thing to have his entire household enrolled under the Family Covenant. He took the card home that night and within a short time the names of father, mother, and children were all written down. Two of his boys entered the service of their country ; one of them made the supreme sacrifice in the early part of the war, the other was killed in the spring of 1918. The names of both of these young officers are to be found to-day upon the Covenant Card, and I can quite understand how their dis- tinguished father and their devoted mother feel as they read their names. I can also appreciate the sense of comfort and joy which must have been theirs because of the signatures of their two sons.
It is most earnestly recommended that on some special evening, perhaps on Sunday evening, the household using this book be gathered together, the Family Covenant Card explained, and the names of the household written down.
OUR FATHl^R whicli art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in lieaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
^TI^c Lord's Prayer may he added at the elose of each praxer if desired.
T BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven ^ and earth : and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin .\hiry, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended into hell ; the third day He rose again from the dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy Catholic Church ; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the Resurrec- tion of the body ; and the life everlasting. Amen.
10
T WAS glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the ^ house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is com- pact together: whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, -I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. —Psalm 122.
T WILL ofifer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will -*- call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord. _Ps. 116:17-19.
God of our fathers, we thank Thee for bringing us safely through another week and we await with joy the day of rest and holy convocation. Thou knowest the need of rest from toil and we thank Thee that from the beginning Thou didst ordain a day of rest that comes to weary toilers like spring after winter, peace after war, light after darkness. As citizens and as Chris- tians, may we love Thy day and seek to preserve it for ourselves and for the generations yet to be. O King of kings, hear our prayer for our Chief Magistrate, for the members of his Cabinet and for Congress, that in these days of perplexity and storm they may be guided by Thy Spirit to do the things that are just and right. We beseech Thee for Thy blessing upon our country, its commerce, agriculture, schools, colleges, homes, and churches. May Thy holy will be the law of our lives and under the guidance of Thy Spirit may we assist in the buikling up of Thy Kingdom among men. Hear us as we pray for Thy blessing upon our household in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Amen.
— Davu) G. Wyi.ti-, D. D.
11
fflnn^aM fBuruinii. IFirat Wttk
npliF. Lord hear thcc in the day of trouble; the name of -'■ the God of Jacob defend thee; send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion ; remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfill all thy petitions. Xow know I that the Lord saveth his anointed ; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses : but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen : but we are risen, and stand up- right. Save, Lord : let the king hear us when w^e call.
— Psalm 20.
Another day hast Thou granted unto us, gracious Father, wherein we are privileged to live and labor, love and pray. We thank Thee for the renewed evi- dence of Thy daily love and patience. As the day, so may our strength be. Help us to sanctify the hours by the performance of all duties, great or small, the Christlikc accjuittal of our responsibilities with God and man, and the divine experience of Thy approval. Bless our home, our church, our city, our state, our land, and all the nations of the earth. Bless all who love Thy Kingdom and serve Thee within its borders throughout the world, and may the coming of nightfall see Thy will done in many seen and unseen places. Preserve precious lives. Strengthen brave souls. Give car to the petition of the true-hearted. Succor the weak. Ileal the sick. Grant Thy peace to all who pass within the veil. We commend to Thee and to Thy guidance the President of our country and those associ- ated with him in the direction of affairs of state. Be nigh unto our soldiers and sailors and all who command them, and in Thy good time give victory and peace. All we ask is for Christ's sake. Amen.
—Henry M. Mi-llen, D. D.
12
2I«pfibag morning, 3^trat Wttk
OELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of God; ^^ and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God ; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the pro- pitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love ; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment : because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love ; but perfect love casteth out fear : because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. —I John 4:7-18.
O God and Father, from the reading of Thy Holy Word and listening to Thy voice as Thou dost speak to us, we would turn to commune with Thee in prayer. Fill us with a sense of thanksgiving, because we are Thy children and because of the many blessings which Thou dost constantly bestow upon us. We pray Thee to call anew to our minds this day the joy of living, the joy of friendship, the joy of home, the joy of service. May we never be so busy with the mere performance of work and duty as to miss the reward of seeing the inner significance and happiness in what we do. For- give us for our past thoughtlessness and help us, we beseech Thee, to have " the mind that was in Christ " and to go about doing good. And thus, O Father, as faithful sons and daughters of Thine, may we be co- laborers with Thee forever in Thy Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— Rev. George E. Bevans. 13
lUrtiuraiiuij fHnniing. 3FirBt Wttk
VT'IvV. if thou cricst after knowledge, and liftest up thy ^ voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searches! for her as for hid treasures ; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom : out of his mouth com- cth knowledge and understanding. He lay.eth up sound wis- dom for the righteous : he is a buckler to them that walk up- rightly. He kcepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteous- ness, and judgment, and equity ; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, under- standing shall keep thee: to deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things.
— Prov. 2:3-12.
O God, we thank Thee for all Thy gracious blessings in the past, and for those that shall yet be unto us and unto our children. We confess, with shame and sor- row, the sins that must have grieved Thee. How often we have said the words of prayer for the coming of Thy Kingdom but have failed to show the spirit of brotherhood that is its life. We have even turned to Thy Word when we have not really desired to learn Thy will, for our feet are slow in the path of obedi- ence. Forgive us, our Father, and love us still. O Thou who givest songs in the night, comfort all who may be in trouble or sorrow, and make of us better in- struments to sound Thy praise. Now, as the day calls us to unselfish devotion to our appointed tasks, waken us to a true sense of the companionship of Christ, give us dauntless hearts to follow where He leads, and may the day thus begun and continued with Him, be crowned with everlasting life. This we ask in the name of our Saviour Lord. Amen.
— CuARi.F.s G. Richards, D. D.
14
OUT 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. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto vou. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father : for my Father is greater than I. And now 1 have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you : for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father ; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. — John 14:26-31.
Gracious Lord, we have known Thee by many names. We have called Thee our Creator, our Protector, our King, our Father in Heaven. But we are glad that we know Thee also as our Saviour. In Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Thou hast sought us and found us and saved us. In His precious blood Thou hast washed our sins away. To His keeping power Thou hast committed our souls. We look into His face and we see Thee there, and there we understand Thy love. O God, help us to take the gospel as it is in Christ to the sinful, the anxious, the broken-hearted. He is sufficient for us. He will be sufficient for them. Lay upon Thy servants a new sense of the supreme value of souls ; make us once more sure that only spiritual values abide. x\s we profess the name of Jesus Christ convince us deeply of His ex- pectations for us. Show us our great opportunity. We ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.
— Rev. Fr.axk H. Stevenson,
15
3fritiaii iHnrniiui. JFirrit lUrpk
AS TI1I% hart pantelh after the water brooks, so panteth iiiv soul after thee, O (jOcI. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me. Where is Thy God ? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in- me : for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God. with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kc])t holy-day. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me ? hope thou in God : for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me : therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy water-sj)outs : all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. — Ps. 42:1-8.
Most gracious Lord, we humbly pray Thee to keep us this day under Thy constant care, making us ever conscious of our dependence upon Thee. Lead us through faith into the joys of our Lord that so we may have strength to resist evil, endure with patience what- ever may arise to trouble us, and at all times possess the vision to see, and strength to do, Thy holy will. Prosper us in our several activities, and in the labor of our hands. Help us to brighten other lives, and by our steadfast example make Thy wondrous grace a reality unto them. Remember with Thy favor all those who toil, and those who are in any kind of distress. Sustain and direct those in places of responsibility and in- fluence. Through the power of Thy Spirit, may the common life of men be sanctified unto Thyself. Re- fresh Thy Church with power from on high so that Thy saving health may be known unto all people, and Thy Kingdom come throughout the world. Amen.
— John E. Bushxki.l, D. D.
16
B'atur&ay iJInrning, iKirat H^^k
AND thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to hum- ble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know ; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chast- eneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee. There- fore thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills ; a land of wdieat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pome- granates ; a land of oil olive, and honey ; a land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. — Deut. 8:2-10.
Father, we thank Thee for refreshing sleep, for re- newed health and strength, and for the new day, with its manifold promises of usefulness and service. Es- pecially do we thank Thee for our home and loved ones^ Grant that we may so live together as to glorify and honor Thee, and be an inspiration to others. Make our home a foretaste of that home which Thou hast pre- pared in heaven for those who love Thee. We thank Thee for the children; and we pray that Thou wilt give Thy angels charge over them to keep them in all their ways. Grant that our example be such that they, fol- lowing in our footsteps, may be led into lives of holi- ness and usefulness. May Thy Holy Spirit abide with us and with our loved ones. Grant us an ever-increas- ing desire to love and serve Thee, and fill our hearts with gratitude to Thee. These and all other needful blessings we ask for Christ's sake. Amen.
— Harry P. Ford. 17
&un^alI fflnrning. &rrn^^ Wtvk
IN THE end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow : and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women. Fear not ye : for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here : for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead ; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee ; there shall ye see him : lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy ; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying. All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
— :\Iatt. 28:1-9.
Father, we thank Thee for the return of Thy holy day with its sacred memories and sweet fellowship. Thou hast set it apart, commanding us to remember it by keeping it separate. May it minister to us in all . good ways, renewing us in body, mind, and spirit, so that we shall be equipped for the tasks that await us. Impress upon our hearts the message for the day that comes to us from Thy \\'ord. Alay Christ be unto us a risen, reigning Lord whose Cross is our ground of hope, and whose will is our supreme commandment. May the thought of His resurrection victory be our constant inspiration, enabling us to bear our load as becomcth those who have been raised into newness of life in Him who is alive forevcrmorc. Hear us as we pray, anrl accept us, now and always, in Jesus Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.
— Kdgar p. Hill, D. D.
18
Monhu^ Morning, ^wnnti Mttk
"DLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus ^ Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath be- gotten us again unto a Hvely hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. * * * Aj^(J if yQ call on the Father, who with- out respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: foras- much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation re- ceived by tradition from your fathers ; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot : who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the word, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory ; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away : but the word of the Lord endureth for ever.
—I Peter i :3, 4, 17-25.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the safety and comfort in which we have passed the night. We praise Thee for the morning light and the joy of life. Every good thing that we have is Thy gift to us. May we never forget to thank Thee. Help us all this day to be industrious and cheerful, brave and kind; to speak the truth, to do our duty, to love and help one another. May we remember that Thou, God, seest us, and may the remembrance always encourage and comfort us. Bless our family. May we be loyal to one another, to our home, and to the good things which we have been taught. Forgive our sins, help us to win the victory over our temptations, and save us now and unto life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—William R. Taylor, D. D. 19
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 lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth : for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. - — Jer. 9:23, 24.
"C^OR this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not -'■ cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spir- itual understanding ; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and in- creasing in the knowledge of God ; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power unto all patience and longsufFering with joyfulness ; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the in- heritance of the saints in light. — Col. i :9-i2.
Almighty God, Source of all power, help us to live on high levels this day and strengthen us in our resolve to be open-eared to the call of conscience for service or- sacrifice, and open-minded to views or opinions which differ from our own. Help us to work and not to worry; to be energetic and not fussy; to guard confi- dences and cherish friendships; to be loyal to princi- ple ; to make no promises we cannot keep and to make no foolish promises; to be faithful to every honest obli- gation ; to be patient under provocation ; sweet-tem- pered under criticism; charitable in our judgments; to honor no one because of riches, to despise no one be- cause of poverty; to be respectful to age, gentle to the weak, helpful to the fallen, sympathetic with the sad, courteous to all; to fear nothing but sin, hate nothing but hypocrisy, covet nothing but character ; and at last to feel that we have left the world a little better because we stayed awhile, facing death unalarmed, with faith in Christ who made of the grave a covered way that all who love and trust Him might walk into the larger and perfect life. Amen.
— Daxiki, ITokfman Martin, D. D. 20
A ND seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain : -^"^ and when he was set, his disciples came unto him : and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying. Blessed are the poor in spirit : for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteous- ness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake : for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad : for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. — Matt. 5 :i-i2.
Heavenly Father, we desire to remember, this day, that our Lord Jesus Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it. Wilt Thou graciously inspire our hearts with a like love and loyalty, that we may be will- ing, if need be, to die for His Church? Reveal to us in these days as the old order changeth, how Thy Church is to serve in the new era. Help us to read aright the signs of these days, and out of Thy treasure store of truth to bring forth things new and old, that we may adequately present Christ to the world. Raise up, we beseech Thee, great leaders and prophets for these times, men who have the same mind that was in Christ, men after Thine own heart, so that Thy Kingdom may come, and Thy Name be glorified. Amen.
— William H. Hudnut, D. D.
21
tLhursftay iHuruiny, ^rrmiii lUrrk
HAST thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not. neither is weary ? there is no search- ing of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint ; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall : but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. — Isa. 40:28-31.
"pv)R which cause we faint not; but though our outward *- man ])crish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen : for the things which are seen are temporal ; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
—II Cor. 4:16-18.
O God, our Lord, be Thou our Guide and forbid that we should wander from Thy paths. Create in us, O Lord, we pray, a deeper love for that which is good, and a keener hatred for whatsoever is evil. So may we grow more and more in grace, and in likeness to our blessed Saviour. We beseech Thee, O Lord, make this home Thy home, sanctified by Thy presence. May only that be done which shall be well-pleasing in Thy sight. Keep us in the love of God. We pray, too, for loved ones far and near. We thank Thee that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. So we gladly commend all to Thy safe-keeping, praying that Thou wilt do for them even better than we can ask or think. Go with us where we go this day. Strengthen us for all of life's daily tasks and give us grace to do them as unto the Lord. We ask all through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Charles L Candee.
22
T> UT thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever ; and thy remem- ^^ brance unto all generations. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion : for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the genera- tion to come : and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary ; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth ; to hear the groaning of the prisoner ; to loose those that are appointed to death. — Ps. 102:12-20.
O Lord, our Heavenly Father, Almighty and Ever- lasting God, to Thy mercy we now commend ourselves. Watch over us, O Thou Shepherd of Israel. Let Thine eye be ever upon us, and Thine everlasting arms round about us. We adore Thee for all the blessings we are continually receiving from Thy hand. What shall we render unto Thee for all Thy benefits conferred upon us? Give us grace to glorify Thee in our bodies and in our spirits which are Thine. We praise Thee for all Thy mercies; and beseech Thee to forgive us all our sins which are mere than we can number, and greater than we can express : for in many things we offend con- tinually. Grant us daily repentance toward Thee, O God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Heal all our backslidings, receive us graciously, and love us freely. Help us to deny ourselves, to take up our cross, and to follow Christ. Make us more humble, more thankful, more holy. Preserve us from everything that would dishonor Christ's holy Name, and keep us faith- ful to the end. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer." bv M. E. H.
23
^atur^au fflurning. g>prun^ Wtvk
L.\\ not lip for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust cloth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye : if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole bodv shall be full of light. But if thine eyes be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the hght that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness ! No man can serve two masters : for either he will hate the one, and love the other ; or else he will hold to the one, and de- spise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. * * * Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or. What shall we drink? or. Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ( For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his right- eousness : and all these things shall be added unto you..
— Matt. 6:19-24. 31-33.
For this day, O Father, we pray for clear minds, pure hearts, and an earnest purpose in everything that we may be called upon to do. Give us patience under all provocation and grant that we may come to the close of the day blessing Thee for every hour that we have spent doing our daily tasks and serving Thee. During the night give us the rest that we require for the new day. Keep us from all sins ; help us to overcome every temptation and lead us, directing us in every thought and deed. Accept our gratitude for every blessing and • keep us safe under Thy protection until the hour shall come when we shall lay down our burdens and enter upon the fruition of eternal life. All this we ask for Christ's sake. Amen.
— CoRNixnjs M. Steffens, D. D.
24
pj^OR what fellowship hath righteousness with unright- "*- eousness? and what communion hath light with dark- ness ? and what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agree- ment hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Al- mighty. —II Cor. 6:14-18.
np HEN they that feared the Lord spake often one to an- "■- other : and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, 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 ; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. — Mal. 3:16, 17.
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, grant us Thy blessing as we assemble in Thy presence, this Sabbath morning. Help us to realize that Thou art here waiting to welcome us, and grant us the grace Thou seest we need. Give us guidance from Thy Word and help us to a true understanding of Thy providences, so that we may see clearly the path of duty in which Thou wouldst have us to go. Give us strength that we may walk therein and overcome all the difficulties that we meet. Take away from us all fear of what man may say or do. Deliver us from the power of all temptations that would entice us from the path of duty. Increase our sense of Thy nearness to us, of Thy love for us, and of Thy willingness to bestow upon us all needed grace. Make us more humble, teachable, and responsive to the calls of conscience and to the leadings of Thy Holy Spirit. Help us to live consistent Christian lives that many, through us, may be led to Christ. Forgive all our sins and shortcomings, and seal us unto everlasting salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer." 25
fBmi^aij fflnrninn. 2It|irb Wvtk
LET not your heart he troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in nie. In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a ])lace for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself ; that where I am, there ye may be also. — John i4':i-3-
L> UT I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, con- -'-^ cerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that w^e which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever be wnth the Lord. —I Thess. 4:13-17.
We bless Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, that in Thy death Thou hast revealed the Father and hast brought us nigh unto God. We thank Thee that we are ac- cepted in Thee, and that there is no barrier to our free access into our Father's presence. We rejoice with ex- ceeding great joy. We call upon our souls and all that is within us to bless and praise and magnify Thee. We joy also in Thy resurrection and in the hope of Thy glorious returning. Prosper us, O blessed God, in all that unto which we put our hands. Prevent us from doing what we ought not to do, and, as without Thee we are unable to please Thee, may Thy Holy Spirit direct and rule us. May our hearts be filled with Thy love, our lips with gentle and helpful words, and our hands with kind, unselfish deeds, and keep us ever watchful for Thine appearing. We ask it in Thy precious \anie. Amen.
—From " Guidance in Prayer."
26
npHUS saith the Lord God; In the day that I shall have -'- cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden ; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate : I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it. Thus saith the Lord God ; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts ; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men : and they shall know that I am the Lord. — Ezek. 36 :33-38.
Loving Father, we would thank Thee for the sim- plicity and the greatness of Thy truth which Thou hast given to us. We thank Thee that the youngest, as well as the oldest, can understand it. We thank Thee that we have mind and conscience to respond to the ideals which Thou boldest before us. To-day our hearts lead us to praise and thank Thee for what Thy Fatherhood means to us. Thou art continually giving us many good and perfect gifts. We look out upon the world made beautiful by Thy sunshine and rain. W^e gather food and flowers which come so abundantly from Thy hand. We rejoice in our home, in kind friends and pleasant surroundings with which Thou hast blessed us. All day long we are conscious of Thy guidance and at night we fall asleep knowing we are safe with Thee. Truly, O Lord, in Thee do we live and move and have our being. And as Thou dost so love us, may we be ever ready and eager by loving and helping others to show our gratitude to Thee. May we make tlie world brighter and happier by reason of Thy Spirit dwelling within us. In the Name of Jesus Christ our Saviour do we pray. Amen.
— Rev. George E. Bevans.
27
l^^^uri-1^alI fHurutn^. CThirii Wtvk
T
IIESK thiiii^s sailh he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: hehokl, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it : for thou hast a Httle strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. * * * Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly : hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out : and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of liie city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God : and I will write upon him my new name. — Rev. 3 7, 8, 10-12.
Our Heavenly Father, we gladly commit ourselves as a household to Thy care for the day. We cannot fore- see what it may contain for us and our loved ones, but we know Thy heart of love, and are sure that all things do work together for good to us who love Thee, and are kept by Thy purpose. We give ourselves anew to Thee for the uses of Thy will. Show us the largest oppor- tunities for obedience and keep our hearts eager for them. We take our place before Thee as intercessors for the world in its struggle and need. Work in the hearts of our enemies the spirit of repentance and res- titution, that they may be turned from the evil way in which they go. Remember in tender love the mission- aries of the Cross everywhere, and all workers for good who serve the needs of their fellows. Keep them and us from sin through this dav by the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells with us' bv Thy grace. Keep us steady in heart and will, and hopeful for that glorious future which Thou hast promised us in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
— Clf.land B. McAi-ee. D. D.
®I|ursbag ilnnttng, 5Il|trb W^tk
T ET my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me un- ^-^ derstanding according to thy word. Let my suppHca- lion come before thee : deliver me according to thy word. My Hps shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me ; for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salva- tion, O Lord ; and thy law is my delight. — Ps. 119 : 169-174.
'T^EACH me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes ; and I shall -'- keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law ; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments ; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testi- monies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity ; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear : for thy judg- ments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts : quicken me in thy righteousness. — Ps. 119:33-40.
Almighty God, we thank Thee for the light of Thy face, which always welcomes our approach to Thee. We desire to acknowledge Thee in all the events of life, and to own Thee as the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Thou only art holy. Thou only art from everlasting to everlasting. In our weakness we come to Thee. Cleanse our hearts, charm away our fears, chasten our spirits, that we may distrust ourselves and find rest unto our souls in Thee. Accept our thanks for all Thy grace and goodness; for home and loved ones; for health and happiness; for work to do and strength to do it ; for the open door of prayer, and for Thy love revealed to us in the Cross of Christ. Com- fort the sorrowing and reveal Thyself to those whose plans have been broken and whose purposes have been disappointed. Bless to us our daily task, the home where our heart is, the children who are dear to us. Inspirit us for the duties of the day. Be with us in our going out and coming in, and may the evening hour bring us rest and peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
—Hugh T. Kerr, D. D. 29
if ri^al, £ttnrning. (iIl)ir^ HHrrk
UX'PO ihcc it was shewed, that thou mightest know that tlie Lord he is God ; there is none else beside him. Out of heaven he Tnade thee to hear his voice, that he might in- struct thee : and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire : and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire. And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt. * * * Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath : there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his com- mandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. — Deut. 4 :35-37, 39, 40.
npHEREFORE shall ye lay up these my words in your ^ heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates : that your days may be multi- plied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of lieaven upon the earth. _0,^ut. ti :i8-2i.
O Thou whose heart is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, whose patience is our daily wonder, and whose gentleness is our hourly gain, to Thee we come in this body of our humiliation, depressed by our fail- ures, discouraged by our sins, shocked by our un- Christlikeness, to tell Thee all. Wilt Thou graciously forgive us, cleanse us of all evil, empower us for victory, and, renewing us in the likeness of Thy Son, grant us Thy peace ; for Jesus' sake. Amen.
— WlI.I.IAM II. ITuDNrT, D. D,
30
"D EMEMBER, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lov- -'-^ ingkindnesses ; for they have been ever of old. Remem- ber not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions : accord- ing to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord : therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judg- ment : and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity ; for it is great. What man is he that f eareth the Lord ? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease ; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord ; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me ; for I am deso- late and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged : O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine afflic- tion and my pain ; and forgive all my sins. — Ps. 25 :6-i8.
Heavenly Father, in the fresh and fateful hours of a new day, deliver us from sin and selfishness, from dis- couragement and self-pity, and from any inducement to distrust Thee or to doubt Thy love. Set our feet in paths of helpfulness and service, guide us safely through all perplexities and distractions of the world, and may we find blessedness and peace when the shadows of the evening are stretched out. Bless the members of our household, helping them to the full performance of their duty, and fortify them against besetting weaknesses. May we, together, make this a happy home, bearing each other's burdens, showing af- fection and kindliness one to another, and living as be- cometh chiklren of the Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— Samuel V. V. Holmes, D. D.
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^ml^alI iHnrnin?. iFinirtl| Week
TN THE bci^inning was the Word, and the Word was ^ with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness ; and the darkness comprehended it not. 'i'here was a man sent from God. whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as re- ceived him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. —John i :i-i2.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the sleep of the night, and for refreshed minds and bodies. We praise Thee for what Thou art and for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself to us in Thy Word and in the person of Thy dear Son, our Saviour. We desire to live this day so as to please Thee in all things. May we know Thy will and may we delight at all times to do it. Bless our household and our friends. Guard us, we pray Thee, from the dangers of the day, and keep us in the hour of temptation. Make us sensitive to every approach of evil, and when the day is done may we realize that we have been walking in true fellowship with Thee. Bless our country, guide our President, and be especially near to all who need Thy helj). Amen.
— J. Wilbur Chapman, D. D.
32
A BIDE 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. 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 noth- ing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit ; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love ; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. —John 15:4-13.
Ever-living God, our Father, we give Thee humble and heartfelt thanks that we have been permitted to enter the gateway of a new day, refreshed and strengthened by the sleep of the night. Show us how we can redeem the mistakes of yesterday. Fill us with courage, cheer, and hope. Help us to grow to the full stature of Thy plans for our lives. Make us strong in the hour of temptation, alert in the hour of opportu- nity. Keep us so near to Thee that our wills may be responsive to Thine, our love unselfish, our work honest. Control our tempers and our tongues this day. Banish our worries, soothe our sorrows, sweeten our thoughts, and inspire us with confidence in Thy watch- ful care, so that at nightfall we may hand back this bit of eternity, which Thou gavest us at morn, unstained by active or intentional sin. Amen.
— Daniel Hoffman Martin, D. D.
33
Qlurfitiaii iWnniiug. ^Fiutrtlj Week
THE steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he dehghteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down : for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old ; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. De- part from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. * * * I have seen the wicked in great power, and spread- ing himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not : yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be de- stroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut oflf. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them : he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
— Ps. 37:23-27, 35-40.
Heavenly Father, we are entering upon another day. On its very threshold we seek Thy guidance, we pray for Thy presence. Give us the courage in these coming hours to do Thy will, to answer Thy purpose in our lives, to walk in Thy paths, and to reveal Thy love. Give us wisdom in dealing with every problem that seeks our solution, give us the word in season that we may answer correctly every question which comes to us in the home, in business, in the social circle. May we so act and speak and live that the world shall take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. We arc grateful to Thee for Thy Son who has become our Guide along the way which we must travel. May He be our close Companion this day, inspiring our motives, cheering us if discouraged, giving us strength for every task, and increasing our faith when the way is beset with trials and darkened with temptations. May we always realize that His grace is sufficient for us and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In His Name we ask it. Amen.
—Harlan G. Mendenhall, D. D.
34
Ijpbttpsliaii ilorntng, iFourtI| Wttk
AND she said, As the Lord thy God Hveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse : and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her. Fear not ; go and do as thou hast said : but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah : and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah. —I Kings 17:12-16.
Our Heavenly Father, we enter into Thy presence through the ever open gateway of prayer. Thou wilt never close this way. Thou wilt never refuse our call. And when we are in Thy presence we have found that Thou hast anticipated our coming and the answer has revealed a love which always does far more abundantly for us than we have asked or even thought. We praise Thee for the loving-kindness with which Thou hast crowned our lives, for the tender mercies that have followed us day by day. We are Thy children and Thou hast provided for our wants. With a shepherd's tender care Thou hast led us into pastures that are green and beside waters that are still. Goodness and mercy have followed us all our days, and we are as- sured that Thou wilt never leave us or forsake us. Accept our heartfelt thanks for all the evidences of Thy care and mercy, and guide us through the day that lies before us with Thy presence and Thine eye. For Christ's sake. Amen.
— Harlan G. Mendenhall, D. D.
35
c^hltrfl^^lT fHnrntnri, iFnurtli Wttk
TH E Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- ence of mine enemies : thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. — Psalm 23.
T AM the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life -*- for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf com- ing, and leaveth the sheep, and fieeth : and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fieeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father : and I lay down my life for the sheep. —John 10:11-15.
Gracious God, may each day find us nearer the ideals which we have learned from our Master, Christ. May we accomplish the difficult task of transforming the daily pathway of common duties into the road that leads to the threshold of heaven. Keep us rigidly hon- est, transparently pure, and joyously undisturbed in the nn'dst of life's confusions, because of our perfect confidence in Thee. Guide and bless all parents, all children, and any strangers who share the warm hospi- tality of family hcarthsidcs, and at eventide when the day is done, may we be conscious that we have so lived as not to be ashamed to leave the record in Thy hands. This we ask for Christ's sake. Amen.
— Staxli-v White, D. D.
36
"POR the Lord shall comfort Zion : he will comfort all her -■- waste places ; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of mel- ody. Hearken unto me, my people ; and give ear unto me, O my nation : for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteous- ness is near ; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people ; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. — Isa. 51 iss-
npHEREFORE the redeemed of the Lord shall return, -*- and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head : they shall obtain gladness and joy ; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am he that comf orteth you : who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass ; and f orgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the founda- tions of the earth ; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
—Isa. 51 :ii-i3.
God of all comfort and Father of all mercies. Thou art the fountain of everlasting life ! We would obtain joy and gladness that sorrow and sighing may flee away. Remember, O Lord, all of the interests of our lives. Guard those whom we love, whether near or far, from all danger and ill. Guide them and us upon the untried pathway of this new day. Bring us to the eventide without sin and without shame. We pray for our beloved nation and for all the peoples of earth. May Thy divine love be shed abroad in all human hearts. Uphold the missionaries of the Cross at home and abroad. Overthrow all oppression and injustice and hasten, we beseech Thee, the coming of the King- dom of Thy dear Son, our Saviour. Hear, O Father, the cries of our hearts as well as the words of our mouths; forgive all our sins and save us with an ever- lasting salvation for Jesus' sake. Amen.
— William Hiram Foulkes, D. D.
37
S'atur^aii iHnrntng. JFmirth Wvtk
AND when they came to IMarah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured aii^ainst Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the Lord ; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there lie proved them, and said. If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that wdiich is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians : for I am the Lord that healeth thee. And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees : and they encamped there by the waters.
—Ex. 15:23-27.
Our Father, grant that this home may be full of light, even as all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings in the days when there was darkness in the land of Egypt. IMay the light of Thy truth lead us to see God in all the world of wonder and of beauty in which we live, and always to love the truth and to hate lying and deceit and dishonesty. May the light of Thy word in the Bible be a lamp unto our footsteps. May the light of Thy love be shed abroad in our hearts, making us happy and healthful and useful. We will fear no evil for Thou art with us. May the light of the Cross of Christ compel us to lives of sacrificial service. May this Christian home be a light whereby others shall be lightened in the way everlasting. Bless our church and all agencies which seek to forward the causes of God and humanity. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
— JosiAH Sibley, D. D.
38
'T^HOU shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the -*- children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neigh- bour as thyself : I am the Lord. >i= * * Ye shall keep my sabbaths, -and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. * * * Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God : I am the Lord. And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself ; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt : I am the Lord your God. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just bal- ances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have : I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them : I am the Lord.
—Lev. 19:1s, 30, 32-37.
Our Father which art in heaven, we adore Thee and trust Thee. In mercy Thou hast made us, and in love Thou hast redeemed us from our sins. Perfect our faith so that, believing in Thee, we may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Give us, we pray Thee, large measures of grace, and open Thou our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of Thy law. Make our lives after the pattern of the man Christ Jesus, our Lord, and at all times may we seek those things which are pure, lovely, and of good report. And . as Thou hast called us to serve Thee, help us to be faithful laborers in Thy Kingdom. Quench in us, O Thou Lord of our life, all wrong desires. Deliver us from selfishness and pride, from sloth and idleness, from narrowness of mind and hardness of heart. Cleanse our hearts from anger, malice, and envy, from covetousness and greed, and from all the lusts that war against the soul. Fill our hearts, we beseech Thee, with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit ; make us kind, long- suffering, and gentle; give as grace to serve Thee faithfully, and receive us at last into Thine everlasting Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer." 39
fBmt^alI fHnrntnrt, iFtftl) Wttk
BUT God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love where- with he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath (quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus : that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. . . . Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God ; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord : in whom ye also are l)uildcd together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. — Eph. 2:4-10, 19-22.
Heavenly Father, we are before Thee this morning to renew our pledges of allegiance and devotion. The more we know of Thee and of Thy life here among people the more we rejoice in being allowed to call Thee Father. We bring before Thee our family circle, those of us who bow together and those who are away from home. Time and space do not really separate us for our hearts are constantly finding one another, and Thou art our very close bond. We pray for those who are in distress of any sort and those who are filled with special rejoicing — for all of these we seek a bless- ing and to Thee we commend each of them. Our church is precious to us and for it also we want to pray. What we are eager for is that our hearts' cry shall in- clude all of our fellow men everywhere. We come through the sacrificial merits and the reigning worth and the present comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ and under the direct guidance of Thy Holy Spirit to offer our prayer. Amen.
— L.M'Si.Kv A. McAi-Eit, D. D. 40
©ursbag iKnrning, iFiftlr Mttk
A ND he shall judge among many people, and rebuke -^^ strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks : nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree ; and none shall make them afraid : for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.-
— MicAH 4:3, 4.
np HE wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard "■- shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf and the young lion and the f atling together ; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together : and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cocka- trice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the w^aters cover the sea. — Isa. ii :6-g.
Living and loving God, our Father and our Friend, Thou hast in Thy wisdom created all things; for Thy pleasure they are and were created. To know Thee is life; to serve Thee is freedom; to praise Thee is our chiefest joy. As Thou hast created us in Thine own image, so, in the light of this new day of opportunity and duty, recreate us in the likeness of Him who is the unchanging Light of life, and the unfailing Source of strength and comfort. Help us in childlike faith anew to accept Him and faithfully to follow in His steps. In Him may our sins be forgiven, our affections purified, our wills controlled, our labors blessed. Sanctify, by the indwelling of Thy Spirit, our worship in the home and in the church, hallow our holy relationships, make useful and joyful our lives. For Thy great Name's sake. Amen.
^W. H. W. Boyle, D. D.
41
1Br^nrs^ay fHonttnii. iFiftl) lirrk
AND being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an ala- l)aster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she l)rakc the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good : but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could : she is come a forehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached liiroughout the wh.ole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. — Mark 14:3-9.
Gracious God, we thank Thee for the guardian care and the rich bounty of Thy love. We thank Thee for a new (lay, its path untrod, its record unwrit, its life un- tasted. Help us to set Thy Name in letters of gold across its life. Be Thou our Guide. Keep us to the path of Thy choosing, and clear from our vision the fogs of doubt and the dust of time. We pray that our home may be filled with the sunshine of Thy love ; that our church may be on fire for a world's redemption ; that our minister may be a flaming prophet of the IMost High. Bless America ; hold her true ; make her strong. May this land of ours be an ambassador of God among the nations, pointing them toward justice and brother- hood anrl abiding peace, hcli)ing always toward the new order which shall be built upon the Cross of Christ. Give victory to the forces of righteousness. Succor the sick and the dying. Be Thou a refuge to every child of distress. Tn the Name of Christ. Amen.
— KinvTN- V. TT.\i.T.i'Nni*,CK. D. D.
42
npHE Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to -*- anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all : and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord ; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power ; to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth through- out all generations. The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee ; and thou givest them their meat in due sea- son. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The Lord preserveth all them that love him : but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever, — Ps. 145:8-21.
Lord, we remember that the evening and the morning were the first day, and we rejoice that every day we live in Thee moves from the evening to the morning, away from darkness into light. Help us to live this day in the grace of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. May we look unto Him and be radiant, facing even our dull tasks and dark prob- lems with morning faces and hearts. Disperse the mists of sin from our own lives, and give us the pas- sion that will not rest while others sit in darkness. In Thine own good time and way, lift the awful shadows of war, bringing us peace, not of compromise with evil, but of victory over it. Steady and comfort those who sit in the deepest darkness of the world Gethsemane. Rouse us to keep vigil with them till the day break and shadows flee away. Amen.
— ^Charlrs F. Wishart, D.
43
COMFORT ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is par- doned : for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low : and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain : and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the Spirit of the Lord blowcth upon it : surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth : but the word of our God shall stand for ever. — Isa. 40:1-8.
Our Father, our Saviour, our Comforter, we present ourselves individually and collectively before Thee this morning. We come not on our own merits or because of our deeds, for our lives are not worthy of being re- ceived. But we come to confess our sins of omission and of commission, and to ask Thee because of Thy love, the sacrifice of Thy Son, and the pleading of the Holy Spirit, to have mercy and compassion upon us. Make this home Thy dwelling place. Manifest Thyself to us. Wilt Thou take and use every member of this household for Thy glory and the advancement of Thy cause? Give us divine strength to resist the tempta- tions of life. Enable us to say: "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Give us a greater passion for souls in order that we may go out as individuals to teach others the way of salvation. Bless our home. Give each member of our family health, strength, and divine power to do Thy will. And this we ask in Christ's Name. Amen.
— AT ARK A. AlATTHr.WS, D. D.
44
t^OR I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall '-^ stand at the latter day upon the earth : and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. — Job 19:25, 26.
npHEN Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was com- -■- ing, went and met him : but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, what- soever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her. Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life : he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. — John ii :20-26.
We praise Thee, O Lord, for the redemption of the world by the Cross of Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son; that in Him we have the forgiveness of sins and an in- heritance among them that are sanctified ; and that Christ dwells within us, the hope of glory. We praise Thee for the faith, hope, and love which Thou hast implanted in our hearts, for Thy consolation in time of distress, affliction, and physical death, and for the grace of Thy Holy Spirit by whom we are sealed unto the day of redemption. We praise Thee for the faith we have in Jesus Christ our Lord — in His power to overcome for us as He did for Himself the sharpness of death and to open the everlasting Kingdom to all believers. Vouchsafe unto us, we beseech Thee, such an abiding sense of the reality and glory of those things which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, as may serve to raise us up above the vanity of this present world, so that under Thy guidance and help all things shall work together for our everlasting salvation ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer."
45
OSINC; unto the Lord a new song ; for he hath done mar- vellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The Lord hath made known his sal- vation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp ; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof ; the world, and they that dwell therein. Let the floods clap their hands : let the hills be joyful together before the Lord ; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. — Psalm 98.
O Lord God, Creator, Preserver, and bountiful Bene- factor, Thou art the supreme Ruler of all things in heaven and earth, and Thy wisdom and power no creature is able to resist. We are but sinners saved by grace, yet Thou dost permit us to approach Thee. We would come humbly confessing our sins and thanking Thee for Thy great mercy in Christ Jesus, our Lord, who was wounded for our transgressions, who was bruised for our iniquities, and by whose stripes we are healed. We thank Thee for Thy Holy Word, which is the message of God to men. We thank Thee for Thy Church, the blood-bought Bride of Christ. We thank Thee for the Comforter, who taketh the things of Christ and revealcth them unto us. We thank Thee for Thy continued l)lessings to us, which are fresh every morning and new every evening. Keep us this day deeply conscious of our need of Thee and grant that fellowship with Thee may be unbroken through all its hours. In llic name of Jesus Christ our Lord'. Amen.
— Frank W. SNi^Kn, D. D.
46
HE SHALL spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence : and precious shall their blood be in his sight. And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba : prayer also shall be made for him contin- ually ; and daily shall he be praised. There shall be an hand- ful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains ; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon : and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. His name shall en- dure for ever : his name shall be continued as long as the sun ; and men shall be blessed in him : all nations shall call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glo- rious name for ever; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. • — Ps. 72:13-19.
O God, our loving Father, we believe Thou art ever ready to regard our requests when we approach Thee in sincerity. Thy promise is our Only plea; we name the Name of Him with whom thou art ever well pleased. Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, in this new day such health of body, vigor of mind, and purity of heart as Thou knowest to be needful for us. Thou art the light of every life that looks to Thee in faith ; Thou art the strength of every heart that gives Thee room. Defend us from the storms of temptation that may assail us, make us faithful and patient in the perform- ance of the common tasks of the day, keep us superior amid the sharp tests of trial, and save us from the treachery of our own wayward hearts. Open to us the treasures of Thy wisdom through the indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit; fill us with earnest longing for the spir- itual welfare of others; let Christ be daily formed within us, the hope of glory. Now and at all times reign in our thoughts and affections; thus shall our inward longings be satisfied and our peace be made perfect. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— W. H. W. BoYLic, D. D.
47
cTurBbaii fHnrntnii, g'ixth Wvtk
I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence com- eth my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keep- cth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. —Psalm 121.
IIJE THAT dwelleth in the secret place of the most High ■'■ -■■ shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress : my God ; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust : his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night ; nor for the arrow that fiieth by day ; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness ; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand ; but it shall not come nigh thee. — Ps. 91 -.1-7.
Our God and Father, accept the thanksgiving of our grateful hearts for every gift of Thy love and for Thy constant care. Help us to live in the remembrance of that love and in the glad assurance that Thou carest for us. We rejoice in Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour: May He reign in our hearts, and so may we witness to His power to save and to make life a victory. Show us our place in life's great harvest field and help us faithfully to fill it. Make us glad for the privilege of work, and grateful for every opportunity of service. Remember the weary, the heavy-laden, the sinful. Par- don our sin ^nd create within us clean hearts. Bless our home and country. Thy Church everywhere, and hasten Thy Kingdom of righteousness, gladness, and peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Robert Johnston, D. D. 48
Pj^OR this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our -^ Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man ; 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 fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. — Eph. 3 :i4-2i.
O Lord of Life, we rejoice in Thy victory over the grave. Impress us with the fact that Thou art alive and that it is possible for us everywhere and always to dwell in companionship with Thee. Help us to spend this day as in Thy presence. Deliver us from fear as we trust in Thee whose promises cannot fail. Grant that our faith may be so joyous and triumphant that others shall feel its power and see Christ formed in us. May the truths of Thy gospel be recognized in this neighborhood and proclaimed in ever-widening circles until our land shall be redeemed. Bless the Church as the body of the risen Christ and make us worthy mem- bers of this Thy body. Care for all whom we love. Keep us from all stain of sin. Forgive us wherein we fail and bring us at the close of the day with peaceful minds, with glad and loving hearts, and with hands full of service for our Master, who died that we may live, and in whose Name we pray. Amen.
—J. Ross Stevenson, D. D.
49
allntrsJiatj fHorninij. S^txtl^ Wnk
OUT of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice : let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supphcations. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning : 1 say, more than they that w^atch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord : for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. — Psalm 130.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the privi- lege of (lays of toil. We believe Thy love has a pur- pose in every gleam of light and every shining task. Grant us to see the glory of life's everydayness and the wondrous things in our Father's world. Forgive our sins and our brothers' sins for we often stray like lost sheep. Give us our daily bread. Keep us from sudden and overpowering temptation, and cause our hearts to grow the flowers of faith and hope and love.. Keep us true to the inner voice of duty. Make us bear, our burdens bravely and teach us how to find the joy of living. Incline our hearts to seek first the Kingdom of heaven. Sliould we early meet the Great Reaper, shelter us where little children play, and where we may find some service to do. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
—J. Frank Smith, D. D.
50
^xili^Xi ilarnittg, B\xt\\ Wtsk
I
WILL bless the Lord at all times : his praise shall con- tinually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name to- gether. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and deHvered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened : and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints : for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger : but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. — Ps. 34:1-10.
Our Father God, we bless Thee for the leadership of Jesus, mighty in grace and power. To establish right- eousness and to lead the children of earth to the son- ship of God He came to our stricken world. For the sake of truth, and as its defender, He bore His Cross and went forth to die, and He is the Friend of all who suffer in the fellowship of chivalry. Give us fully of Thy spirit tkat our faith may not languish, nor our courage fail, as we endeavor to walk with Him toward the radiant ideals of sacrificial service. Give us a deep and quiet confidence ; make clean our hearts ; keep our hands from all dishonor ; forgive our impatience ; par- don our anxieties. Enable us to complete the tasks we have begun and at eventide may the peace of victory be our rich reward. For Christ's sake. Amen.
— Charles A. Campbell, D. D.
51
BRETHREN, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meek- ness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own bur- den. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived ; God is not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
— Gal. 6:i-io.
Our God, we look to Thee for help this day. We shall be needing Thee every hour. In Thy strength may we go about our duties as Jesus did, with resolute courage, complete unselfishness, and unswerving trust. As children seek their mother's arms when wearied or conscience-smitten or grieved by others, so may we fly straight to Thee in any time of need. Enable us by Thy grace to bear each burden, trample each tempta- tion underfoot, and comfort any who may be in trouble with the comfort wherewith we ourselves are com- forted. Grant us, we pray Thee, such intimate and unbroken companionship with Thyself, that truth and cleanness and gentleness and hope shall abide in us until the twilight falls, and we lie down to sleep again beneath the shadow of Thy wings. Amen.
— Daniel Russell, D. D.
52
^unhay ilcrntttg, ^tu^ntl? Wttk
"LJ OW amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! My ■*- -*- soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord : my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. * 5H * Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they will be still praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee ; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well ; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer : give ear, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
— Ps. 84:1, 2, 4-12. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the return of this day and the opportunity it affords us again to assemble in Thy house of prayer. Give us grace, we humbly beseech Thee, to draw near to Thee in purity and sincerity of heart, and to offer unto Thee the sacrifices of prayer and praise with unfeigned self- devotion; and may it please Thee to make Thyself known to us, and to satisfy us with Thy mercy. We would pray for the speedy dawning of the day when • Thy Kingdom shall come, and Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. We pray that Thy Church may do greater things for Thee: that Thou wilt stir up Thy people to greater activity and increased liberality. Help us to give ourselves to Thee for any service in which Thou canst use us, and to give cheerfully of our substance according as Thou hast prospered us. Bless Thy servants who preach and teach in heathen lands. Give to their labors success, and may multitudes be gathered into the fold of the Good Shepherd. Let their lives and health be precious in Thy sight, and may they be kept as in the hollow of Thy hand. We ask it all for Jesus' sake. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Pkayf.r." S3
monbay fflnrntng. Srurntl? Mrrk
THESE things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribu- lation : but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world.
—John 16:33.
A ND one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What -^^ are these which are arrayed in white robes ? and whence came they? And I said unto him. Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me. These are they which came out of great tribu- lation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters : and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. — Rev. 7:13-17.
O Thou who art the hope of the sick and the dying and the joy and strength of those who are well and strong, we bow before Thee in reverence and with a spirit of worship in our hearts. We confess that while thousands starve and are hungry, we enjoy our plenty and do not drink of them as we should. From this worklly, materialistic contentment, O Lord, deliver us. Grant to give us to-day the world vision and the con- sciousness of the workl need. Bless all missionaries who minister in Thy Name. Bless all of Thy servants who spend themselves in complete abandon that Thy Kingdom may come and that Thy will may be done on earth as it is in heaven. Invigorate our wills, we pray Thee, for ever larger service. Grant unto us new gifts of Thy grace this day and at its close may we be con- scious of having acceptably served Thee, O Father, by having served others. Through Jesus Christ, our Lorcl. ;\mcn.
—Rev. George E. Bevans.
54
CEEK the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. ^ Remember his marvellous works that he hath done ; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. * * * He is the Lord our God : his judgments are in all the earth. He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac ; and confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlast- ing covenant. — Ps. 105 -.4, 5, 7-10.
^O SHALL they fear the name of the Lord from the' west, ^ and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord ; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. — Isa. 59:19-21.
Thou who hast kept us all the hours of our lives, send us good speed this day. Thou knowest all the way, and we come to Thee for help and guidance. There are duties that may rest hard upon us, but Thou art our Helper. Give us a deep desire to be faithful to the Master Workman who portions out our task. May Thy Holy Spirit be our Teacher. Forbid that we should shrink or shirk, or in any way evade our duty. Make us eager to help in this needy world. If trials await us, strengthen us, O our Father, for everything. Be Thou our Guide on every side. May our lightest labors be filled with the joy of the Lord. Make our home Thy abiding place. Give us to realize that we are children of God. Give us health and strength, if it please Thee, and a quiet mind at peace with God and man. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— Edgar Whitaker Work, D. D.
55
REMEMBER that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: wherein 1 suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds ; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us : if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. —II Tim. 2:8-14.
pOR I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my -*- departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
—II Tim. 4 :6-8.
Father of all mercies, we thank Thee for life and strength and bounty. We live and move and have our being in Thee and the t3lessings that fill our days are from Thy hand. Continue to look upon us with favor and supply us with such things as we need. Keep us from evil ways. If we are tempted, help us to find the sure way of escape that we may not sin against Thee. Work in our hearts to will and to do Thy good pleas- ure, and endue us with power from on high. Enable us to read Thy Word with understanding hearts and to follow Jesus as we are taught by Thy Spirit. Help us to be good witnesses for our Lord and to let our light shine for His glory. Put a longing in our souls for the salvation of the lost and enable us to win some of them for Christ. O Lord, Thou art great and good. Help us in all things to live to Thy praise. Hear us, use us, keep us, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
—Albert B. Marshall, D. D. 56
OIJjurBbag Marnxxi^, i>^ti?ntl| Wt^k
T> UT the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with -*-^ waves : for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And \vhen the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer ; it is I ; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said. Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid ; and be- ginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And im- mediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
— Matt. 14:24-33.
O Lord, our everlasting and gracious Father, Thou art ever ready to hear us when we call upon Thee. We come to Thee in all our weakness, with our sins and many transgressions, and thank Thee that the blood of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, cleanseth us from all sin. We thank Thee for Thy gracious help in times past, and pray that we may always feel Thy loving presence, and that our hearts may be so full of Christ that there will not be room therein for any evil thought. We pray that Thou wilt guard us from unseen dangers, and guide us in all times of temptation. Help us, we beseech Thee, to be sons and daughters of the King. Help us that we may, day by day, live nearer to Thee. We ask it for the love of Christ and in His Name. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer."
57
WHEREFORE take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evd day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, havmg your loins ^irt about with-truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness ; and your feet shod with the W^V^^^}'^'\?} tlie iTos])cl of peace ; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword ot the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there- unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
— Eph. 6:13-18.
HE THAT overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment ; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. —Rev. 3:5.
Loving Father, we pray Thee to increase our faith. Make us more filial. We are sure that Thou wilt never forget that we are Thy children. Help us never to for- get that Thou art our Father. Help us to love Thee with all our hearts, and to show our love by our devo- tion. May we never be ashamed to let it be known that we are Christians. Help us to remember that Jesus came into the world not only to live for us, but to teach us how to live. Help us to follow in His steps. Help us to become more and more skilled in Christian ser- vice. May we hate sin and love holiness. May all the fruits of the Spirit in their variety, profusion, and fra- grance abound in our lives, and may all our prayers and all our wishes be expressed in this one petition : " Thy will be done." All this we ask in Jesus' Name, and for His dear sake. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer."
58
A ND James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto -^^ him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him. Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of ? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of ; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized : but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give ; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. * * * But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister : and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to min- ister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
—Mark io :35--|0, 43-45-
O Christ, our Redeemer, we are Thine. We desire now to renew our consecration to Thee. Into Thy hand we commit our spirits and our lives, for Thou hast re- deemed us. We cannot devote ourselves to Thee as we should and as we would, for there is that within tis which continually draws us away from Thee. We cry to Thee for help. Lord, take our hearts, for we would give them to Thee; and do Thou keep them even unto the end. Help us to yield ourselves to Thee so fully that the divine Spirit shall pervade the deep places of our hearts, and enable us to serve and obey Thee. Do Thou give us grace to use our lives for Thee. Help us to live for Thee at home, in our schools and places of work, among our friends, wherever we go. Give us wisdom to know Thy will, that we may fulfill Thy plan and purpose for us and honor Thee in our lives. We ask these mercies in Thy blessed Name, O Lamb of God. Amen.
— From " Guidance: in Prayer."
59
^unbay fHnrntng, ?Eigl|tI) Hrrk
M
AKE a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness : come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves ; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him. and bless his name. For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlast- ing ; and his truth endureth to all generations. _Psalm ioo.
npllE Lord is my strength and song, and is become my -'■ salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous : the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted : the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore : but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness : I w^ill go into them, and I will praise the Lord : this gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee : for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. — Ps. 118:14-21.
Blessed Master, Thou hast given us this holy day, and we thank Thee for it. Help us to keep it as an anniversary of Thy resurrection. May we cultivate the presence of the risen Christ. We thank Thee for Thy manifold mercies: for life, for home, for one another, for the Bible, for Thy Church. Forgive our sins and shortcomings; our actual transgressions of Thy law; our lack of love to Thee and others; and in days of strife and sorrow, show us more clearly Thy face. May the light of Thy countenance shine into our souls and cheer our hearts. Help us to serve Thee and also our fellows more faithfully. Bless our country and all lands; bless our people and all peoples; may right- eousness and peace triumph in the earth, and Thy Kingdom speedily come. Amen.
— Orgrce L. Robin. son, D. D.
60
Mmhun ilorntng, Siglitif Wttk
TIJOW excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore -*- -■■ the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fat- ness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life : in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee ; and thy righteousness to the up- right in heart. — Ps. 367-10.
TXT'E HAVE thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in ' ^ the midst of thy temple. According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces ; that ye may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God for ever and ever : he will be our guide even unto death. _Ps. 48:9-14.
O God, Creator of heaven and earth, the earth is Thine and Thou madest it. It is full of Thy riches. The silver and the gold are Thine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. Thy vaults, stored full of precious metals, are locked securely in depths of earth ; Thou holdest the keys thereof in Thine own hands. The pastures are clothed with flocks ; the valleys also are covered over with corn. Thy granaries are full to overflowing. Thy vats burst forth with new wine. Thou openest Thy hand and suppliest the wants of all Thy family. Not only dx)s.t Thou break the loaves for the multitudes of men, but countless beasts, also, even the wild beasts of the forest, are fed of Thee contin- ually. All things come of Thee. Therefore, would we continually acknowledge Thy goodness and give thanks unto Thy Name. Continue to bless us with Thy bounty. Made more mindful of Thine abounding good- ness, may we abound more and more in blessing others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— David McConaughy.
61
AND he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve man- ner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse : but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it ; and his servant shall serve him : and they shall see his face ; and his name shall be in their fore- heads. And there shall be no night there ; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun ; for the Lord God giveth them light : and they shall reign for ever and ever. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true : and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly : blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. —Rev. 22:1-7.
O gracious Holy Spirit, as we now gather in prayer, we invoke Thy presence and Thy blessing. As we strive to shut out the world for a moment, wilt Thou not help us by coming into our hearts and taking com- plete possession of us, purifying us from all the sins which have tainted our lives, subduing all our worldly thouglits and ambitions unto Christ, and making us con- scious of Thy helpful and inspiring presence. We would see Jesus in this morning hour. The influences of the world ^re so many and so strong that our thoughts and affections have been too much occupied with those things which are but temporal. Now in this quiet hour let the loving spirit of Christ dwell in us; may we taste those spiritual joys which Christ has promised to all who love Him; show us a glimpse, we pray Thee, of the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In His Name we ask this. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer."
62
*' I ^ HOU art my portion, O Lord : I have said that I would -*■ keep thy words. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart : be merciful unto me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
— Ps. 119:57-59.
npHY word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my ■*- path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much : quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill ofiferings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand : yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me : yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testi- monies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to per- form thy statutes alway, even unto the end. — Ps. 119:105-112.
Our Father which art in heaven, we ask that Thy blessing may rest upon us at this time; help us to be more and more grateful for all the blessings Thou art sending us day by day. Make us to know Thee, and give us strength to do Thy will in all things. May we acknowledge Thee as our Father, and know that Thou wilt watch over us, and guide and direct our paths, even unto the end, if we put our trust in Thee. Help us, we beseech Thee, to live as in Thy sight. In times of pros- perity, make us humble ; in times of adversity, be Thou, O Lord, our Strength, our Fortress, and our Refuge. May we always remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever; that His infinite love and compassion will sustain us in all the sorrows of life, and bring us at last into perfect peace. Help us to be Christlike in thought, in word, and in deed. Make our faith stronger, and keep us in the path of truth. We ask it for Thy Name's sake. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer.'
63
A ND Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was •*^ moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd : and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his dis- ciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed : send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them. Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him. Shall we go and buy two hundred penny- worth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say. Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, b}^ hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them ; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. — Mark 6:34-44.
Father of all goodness, we pray Thee to keep us this day from all narrow-mindedness, from all prejudice and dislike of individuals, from envy of the rich and contempt of the poor. Help us to cultivate whatever gifts and talents Thou hast given us, to cherish friend- ships, and to recognize in all the blessings of life the personal expressions of Thy eternal love, and a fore- taste of what Thou hast in store for us. May we never merit through unbelief the withdrawal of Thy confi- dence in us to do work that would nourish our own souls and bring a blessing to others. Keep us close to Thee lest we be lost amid the unmeasured sands of sin. Help us to set our affections on things above and at last to be translated into the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to whom with Thee, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
—Daniel Hoi-fman Martin, D. D. 64
'TTHE 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. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever : the judg- ments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold : sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from pre- sumptuous sins ; let them not have dominion over me : then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 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. — Ps. 19 17-14.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise Thee for all Thy goodness unto us through Thine only Son, our divine Saviour; we rejoice that He is true man as well as very God. We thank Thee that He is able to save unto the ifttermost all who come to Thee by Him; we bless Thee that being made like unto us. His brethren, He is a merciful and faithful High Priest to make reconciliation for our sins. For His sake forgive unto us all sin, bestow upon us the uplift- ing influences of the Holy Spirit, and help us to live day by day as becometh the children of God. Add to spiritual blessing natural mercies, our Father, as Thou seest the need, preserve our health and strength that we may serve Thee effectively in all things, and draw us closer in every hour to Him who is our great Elder Brother, whose promise is our glorious heritage : " Lo, I am with you always even unto the end." Amen.
— William H. Roberts, D.
65
^aturftau iEurning. iEi^litli Wttk
THEREFORE being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ : by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also : knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed ; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a right- eous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we w^ere reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. — Rom. 5:1-10.
Our Father God, in Thee we live and move and have our being. The marks of Thy loving fingers are on all we possess. We ask this morning for a deeper sense of appreciation, and for a more intimate fellowship with Thee, the Author and Giver of every good and perfect gift. We thank Thee for the privilege of prayer, for the open Bible, for the means of grace. Freely we have received, may we freely give. May all who touch our lives be .refreshed and strengthened. May we radiate Christ: His light in our faces, His courtesy in our manners. His gentleness in our speech. His joy in our hearts. His savor in all our influence. May our daily work call out our best. Keep before us the vision of our high possibilities. Give us courage to do Thy will whatever the consequences. Give us an increasing love of truth, and an unswerving faith in Thee. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— Daniel Hoffman Martin, D. D.
66
^unJiaa ilHnrning. Ntntlj Wttk
np HEN hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwel- ■^ hng place, their prayer and their suppHcations, and main- tain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee. Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed : remember the mercies of David thy servant. _II Chron. 6:39-42.
TT CAME even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were -■- as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord ; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying. For he is good ; for his mercy en- dureth for ever : that then the house was tilled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord ; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud : for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God. —11 Chron. 5 113, 14.
O Thou whose Name is Love, with the returning light of day we adore Thee as the Light in whom is no darkness at all. In Thy light enable us to see light for ourselves this day. We are unworthy of Thy favor, for we have sinned against Thee. Purge us of our sins, and grant that we may enter into the full enjoy- ment of our privileges as Thy children. Bless our home ; grant to our loved ones a sense of Thy near- ness ; help them to cast themselves upon Thee. May the risen Christ be held up this day before men as their only and all-sufficient Saviour, and may the world be advanced nearer to the glorious time of the coming of Thy Kingdom. When the evening shadows betoken the end of the day, may we have the consciousness that it has been a day of gladness and peace, a foretaste of the peace and joy of Thy presence forevermore. Amen.
— Andrew C. Zenos, D. D.
67
^onbag iHnrning. Ninth Wtvk
A ND the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several '^~*' gate was of one pearl : and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no tem- ple therein : for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it : and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day : for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever work- eth abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. —Rev. 21 :2i-27.
Our Heavenly Father, as we begin the day we would render Thee thanksgiving and praise because Thou art the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and we be- seech Thee for wisdom and grace to use Thy gifts to Thy glory. Enable us to think clearly, to speak gently, to do our duty bravely, and so to live before our loved ones, our friends, and the strangers we may meet, that they shall take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. We do not know what is before us to-day. We do not ask to know. We only ask that, in every con- dition and at all times, we may glorify Thee. Let us not think lightly of simple duties or common tasks. Enable us to do with our might what our hands find to do, and let us rest in the blessed assurance that Thou art guarding and guiding and loving us always. We ask it through Him who taught us how to pray. Amen.
—Henry Marcotte. D. D.
68
©u^jgjiau ilMnrntng, Nitttlj Wttk
"LJ EAR me when I call, O God of my righteousness : thou -*- -^ hast enlarged me when I was in distress ; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame ? how long will ye love van- ity, and seek after leasing ? But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself : the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not : commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacri- fices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good ? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep : for thou. Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. . —Psalm 4.
Most gracious God, our Heavenly Father, we bow in reverence before Thee and offer praise to Thy Holy Name. We approach Thy throne of grace in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Intercessor. We would come unto Thee confessing our sins and short- comings. We realize that we are unworthy even to take Thy Holy Name upon our lips. We are assured, however, that '* as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Make us pure and holy. We w^ould ask Thee to bless our homes, our neighbors, and our friends. We would most earnestly ask Thee to comfort all those that mourn, all who are suffering because of human need. We would ask Thee to bless our country, the President of the United States, and all placed in authority over us ; bless all the nations of the world. We would pray that righteousness and peace may be granted to all people everyw^here, that the gospel of Jesus Christ may triumph in every nation, that the missionaries may be assisted in their efforts, that the Church of God may be made one in Christ. We pray Thee to bless every hu- manitarian and every Christian effort to bring greater happiness and blessing to every creature. Hasten the time when Christ shall establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven ! In His Name. Amen.
—Cornelius M. Steffens, D. D. 69
FRET not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in him ; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy right- eousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him : fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath : fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. ■ — Ps. 37:1-9.
Our Father God, we draw nigh to Thee. We are not worthy to come into Thy presence; but Thou hast graciously invited us, and, through the merits of Thy Son, opened a way by which we may come with bold- ness, if only we come in penitence and faith. We be- lieve that Thou art and art the rewarder of them that diligently seek Thee. Bestow upon us, we beseech Thee. Thy peace. Strengthen us with might by Thy Spirit in the inner man for all that we are called upon to do or endure. Lead us in the paths of righteousness for Thy Name's sake. Prosper us in our lawful under- takings; sustain us amid the trials of life; fill us with Thy joy: bless those who are near and dear to us; re- member our land and our rulers ; hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom. And unto Thy Name will we give the praise. Amen.
— Ebex B. Cobb. D. D.
70
A ND I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first '^^*' heaven and the first earth were passed away ; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusa- lem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his peo- ple, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 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. And he that sat upon the throne said. Be- hold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write : for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things ; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
— Rev. 21:1-7.
Loving Father and God of all comfort, for all Thy mercies and blessings we thank Thee. Hear us in our hour of trial and sore affliction. Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy pity and tender compassion, and visit us with Thy salvation. We " have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." We acknowledge our sins, our in- iquities will we not hide. Pardon our offenses. Hide Thy face from our sins and blot out our iniquities. New experiences have taught us that " the wages of sin is death," and that " righteousness exalteth a nation : but sin is a reproach to any people." Wilt Thou not establish us in righteousness, that we may be at peace with Thee and with all the world? Make known Thy most holy will. Give us holy comradeship with Christ, and daily strength from Thy Word. May the Holy Spirit lead and guide us into all truth, and bring us home at last to Thy house of many mansions. Amen.
— Lkon D. Young, D. D.
71
WHAT man is he that dcsireth Hfe, and loveth many (lavs, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy hps from speaking guile. Dei)art from evil, and do good ; seek peace, and i)ursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their crv. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart ; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous : but the Lord deliv- ereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones : not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked : and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants : and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. — Ps. 34:12-22.
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for a new day. Help us to make good use of its oppor- tunities, and to meet its difficulties and trials with calm- ness and patience. Give us faith in Thee, and in Thy power to make all things work together for good to them that love Thee. Give us self-control for the sake of Thine honor, the comfort of those with whom we . live, and our own good. Forgive us our sins, and purify all our aims and desires. Keep all who are dear to us. Give them strength for all their tasks, and com- fort in all their trials. Lift up the light of Thy coun- tenance upon our nation and its President. Bring all the rulers of the earth to an acknowledgement of Thy- self. Make even the wrath of man to praise Thee, and bring about lasting peace in the councils of the nations. Vouchsafe Thy help and care to all Thy servants who are heralds of the Cross in all the world. Hear our prayer, we beseech Thee, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
— Warrkn TI. Landon, D. D.
72
i-aturbaij Morning, Ntntl? Wt^k
AND in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee : -^"^ though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salva- tion ; I will trust, and not be afraid : for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song ; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord ; for he hath done excellent things : this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion : for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. — Isa., ch. 12.
"LTE will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God -*- -■- will wipe away tears from off all faces ; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth : for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God ; we have waited for him, and he will save us : this is the Lord ; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. — Isa. 25:8, 9.
To Thee, O God, our Father, Saviour, and Sanctifier, we give hearty praise and thanks for daily providence and grace. We give Thee humble thanks for the simple necessaries of every day. We thank Thee for the food Thou hast placed upon our tables to sustain our bodies for their tasks; for Thy gracious protection of our homes, for Thy watchful care over our coming in and going out, for Thy gifts of clothing and shelter against the night; for the peace of our fireside and the rest of our house, the love of our family and the joy of our friends; for opportunities of work and service, for men and for Thee ; for waking and sleeping, for sunshine and shadow, for day and night. Grant, O Lord, in Thy great mercy, that all these and other of Thy gifts, as Thou seest we need, may be continued unto us, and that our gratitude to Thee may be sincere and generous, and may manifest itself, not only in our words, but in our lives and works. For Christ's dear sake. Amen.
— RocKvvEix S. Brank, D. D.
73
^nntiay iHnrntnxii. Qlpntli Wttk
(~\ SING unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, ^^ all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name ; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised. * * * Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holi- ness : fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth : the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved : he shall judge the people right- eously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad ; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein : then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord : for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth : he shall judge the world with righteous- ness, and the people with his truth, — Ps. 96:1-4, 6-13.
Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that after the dark- ness has come the dawn of Thy holy Sabbath. We gather about the family altar with thankful hearts seeking Thy benediction. Fill us with Thy grace, and help us to bring forth in our lives the fruit of the vSpirit. Bless all this day who carry the gospel of Thy grace to the burdened, the discouraged, the despondent and sorrowful. Let Thy gospel be a balm for broken hearts, and light to those in darkness. May the grac- ious words of the Redeemer, " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," bring joy to many hearts to-day. Make Thy min- isters men of prayer and power and may Thy Kingdom be established and Thy holy will be done. These things we ask with the forgiveness of our sins in the Naine of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
—David G. Wyuk. D. D.
74
TTT'HAT shall we then say to these things ? If God be for ^ ' us, who can be against us ? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall sepa- rate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? * * * Nay, in* all these things we are more than conquer- ors, through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Rom. 8:31-35, 37-39.
We thank Thee, Father, for Thy Word. May it be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. May we so believe in Thy message that we shall accept its guid- ance and live by it. May we be willing to learn, and may Thy Holy Spirit lead us to enlarged understanding and obedience. We thank Thee for the living Word, Jesus Christ, our Lord: that He met the burdens and trials of life that we meet; that He rejoiced in our joys, wept with our sorrows. We thank Thee for His sinless life. We thank Thee that He is Victor over sin and death, that through Him we may be victors in the struggle against sin, as well as heirs of eternal life. Oh, may He be to us both Lord and Master ! Help us to commit our lives fully to Him. May we receive His salvation and make Him truly King of our souls. Teach us to give Him true allegiance. As we go out to the duties and privileges of this day, may His spirit abide with us; keep us true to Him. Give us grace sufficient for all our needs this day and make us strong to do Thy will. May we rest in Thy providences which are as the mighty deep, and refresh ourselves with Thy grace as from a flowing stream ; for Jesus' sake. Amen.
— Edwin H. Jknks, D. D. 75
AND when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. iVnd he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer : for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, -Take this, and divide it among yourselves : for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you : this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. — Luke 22:14-20.
T EERILY, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh ^ of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life ; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father : so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead : he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. —John 6:53-58.
We thank Thee, Lord, for mercies manifold in these dark days; for every sacrifice of self to Thee; for Thy deep sounding of the hearts of men; for Thy great opening of the hearts of men ; for Thy calls of need to the hearts of men ; for those who sprang to answer the great call ; for their high courage and self-sacrifice ; for their endurance under deadly stress ; for all the un- known heroes who have died to keep the land inviolate and free ; for all who come back from the gates of death ; for all who pass to larger life with Thee, and find in Thee the wider lil)erty ; for hope of righteous- ness and enduring peace; for hope of cleaner earth and closer heaven ; for j)urdened hearts, hut faith unquench- able, we thank Thee through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— Used Much in France. 1(>
A ND when even was come, the ship was in the midst of -^^ the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toil- ing in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him w^alking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: for they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer : it is I ; be not afraid. * * * And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, and ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and be- sought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. —Mark 6:47-50, 53-56.
Our Heavenly Father, we praise Thee for what Thou art and for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself to us in Thy Word and in the person of Thy dear Son, our Saviour. We desire to live this day so as to please Thee in all things. May we know Thy will and may we delight at all times to do it. Bless our household and our friends. Guard us, we pray Thee, from the dangers of the day, and keep us in the hour of temptation. Make us sensitive to every approach of evil and when the day is done may we realize that we have been walking in true fellowship with Thee. Bless our country, guide our President, and be espe- cially near to all who need Thy help. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
— W. H. W. Boyle, D. D.
77
(ThurB^ay iKnntiug. ©nttl| Wcvk
CTRENGTHEN ye the weak hands, and confirm the fee- ^ ble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behokl, your God will come with venge- ance, even God with a recompence ; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched groimd shall become a pool, and the thirsty lands springs of water : in the habitation of drag- ons where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness ; the unclean shall not pass over it ; but it shall be for those : the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any raven- ous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there ; but the redeemed shall walk there : and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlast- ing joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. — Isa. 35 :3-io.
God of our fathers, we seek Thy holy help in our effort to create a home on earth which shall fit us for our home in heaven. Enable us to make it the abode of peace and love; of truth and justice; of righteous- ness and honor. Whether assembled about the family altar, the fireside, or the table spread with our daily bread, whether asleep beneath this sheltering roof by night or abroad and at work by day, may we feel that Thou art round about us as the mountains are round ahDut Jerusalem. May there here be pure joys which shall find expression in music and in laughter; and if tears must sometimes fill our eyes, may we learn to find the comfort of Thy love. In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in life and in death, we crave and invoke Thy blessing in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Charles F. Goss, D. D.
78
TLJAPPY is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that ^ ^ getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies : and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth ; by under- standing hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound w^isdom and discretion : so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid : yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. — Prov. 3:13-24.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for this new day with its opportunities for service in Thy Name. May we be found faithful in the home, in the school, and in the office. Help each of our family circle to do his or her part to-day for the establishment of the Kingdom of righteousness and peace. Bless our coun- try, our army, our navy, and our allies in the great struggle for the freedom of the world. Hasten the day when a righteous peace shall be established throughout the whole earth. May we and our allies be kept free from all pride, arrogance, and sin, so that we may be vessels of honor meet and sanctified for the Master's use, instruments in Thy hand for the bringing in of that better day for which we humbly pray. In the Name, and for the sake, of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—John M. Gaston, D. D.
79
np HEN the same day at evening, being the first day of the ■^ week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them. Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. * * * But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him. We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall sec in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not be- lieve. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them : then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said. Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and be- hold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side : and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him. My Lord and my God.
— John 20:19-22, 24-28.
Our Heavenly Father, wilt Thou bless Thy Word to all our hearts. Give that calm certainty of truth, that nearness of Thyself, that conviction of the reality of the life to come, which we all need to bear us through the troubles of this life. Oh, if we could live as seeing Thee who art invisible, if we could live as beholding heaven, it would not be hard to live aright. But our faith is faint, the world is real to us, and we are on every side in sympathy with earthly things. The things that are most important to us seem visionary and re- mote. Therefore we ask that gift of the Holy Spirit by which the truth is brought into the heart and made to abide there in ever-increasing power. Baptize us with the Holy Spirit; dwell in us; go with us; and at last bring us to our exceeding great reward in heaven. These mercies we ask for Christ's sake. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer." 80
^unhag MaxnitiQ, lElroritili Wrrk
A ND they went into Capernaum ; and straightway on the "^^ sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine : for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit ; and he cried out, saying. Let us alone ; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us ? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying. Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. — Mark i :2i-28.
Father, we are glad this Sabbath morning to kneel before Thee as a family and thank Thee for our safe and happy home. We rejoice that ours is a home that loves Thee, that remembers Thee as the Giver of all onr good, and that seeks to be guided by Thee at every step, in every matter. Show us in what things we are selfish, and then help us to be kind, to be patient, and to be lovable to each member of our own family and to all others whom we may meet. May we use the day wisely in what we read, in where we go, and in what we do. May we learn how to be more like Jesus in the spirit of our minds, and in the words of our lips. Grant that we may do all that is within our power so that the work of Thy Church may prosper and its services succeed. Deep in our hearts throughout this whole Sabbath may we feel that we are under Thy watchful care, and feel, too, that we should try to lead all people, near and far, to live in the blessed and beautiful way that is Thy one great wish for them and for us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—J. G. K. McClure, D. D.
81
iHnubay iHorninit, tlrurutl) Hrrk
WHEN the poor and needy seek water, and there Is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the val- leys : I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the ce- dar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree ; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together. — Isa. 41 :i7-i9.
A LTHOUGH the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall -^"^ fruit be in the vines ; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the hclds shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut ofE from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls : yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my sal- vation. — Hab. 3:17, 18.
O most loving Father, who desirest that we should give thanks for all things, and dread nothing so much as the loss of Thyself, and who dost bid us cast all our cares on Thee who carest for us, preserve us, we beseech Thee, from faithless fears and worldly anx- ieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of Thy love, which Thou hast manifested to us in Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Thou hast bought us with a price, even the precious blood of Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, and Thou dost call us to glory, honor, and immortality. Help us, we pray Thee, to live as those who are not their own, but who belong to God. May every imagination of our hearts and every act of our lives be hallowed unto Thee; may Thy law be our delight; may we do the things that please Thee; and, following in the foot- steps of Christ, may we be prepared to dwell with Him in glory everlasting. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer."
82
ointBhtL^ Morning. lEl^o^ntl? Mttk
PJ^OR it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom •*- are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one : for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. * * * Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same ; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil ; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime sub- ject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels ; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Where- fore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered be- ing tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
— Heb. 2:10, II, 14-18.
O Thou before whom angels veil their faces, we reverently bow before Thee in this morning hour, re- joicing in this privilege that is ours through the mercy and by the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We come confessing our sins and acknowledging our transgressions. But we repent of them and beseech Thy grace. Thou hast said, " Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool," and Thou hast promised to remove our transgressions from us, as far . as the east is from the west. We plead these promises from One who is able to perform what He has prom- ised, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Put within us Thy Holy Spirit and underneath us Thine everlasting arms. Seal us, with those whom we remember before Thee, as the heirs of Thine everlasting Kingdom and glory. For Thy Name and mercy's sake. Amen.
— Robert S. Inglis, D. D,
83
S!rtinrstiaii Minting, lElrurntli Wvtk
A ND when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were "^"^ all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat U]:)on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another. Behold, are not all these which speak Galil^eans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Jud?ea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Gy- rene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the won- derful works of God. * * h^ 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar ofif, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. — Acts 2:1-11, 38, 39.
Almighty God, we thank Thee for all the way in which Thou leadest us; for spared life and health; for home and loved ones; for all the joys that crown our days. Above all, do we praise Thy Name for Thy dear Son, our Saviour; for His holy example; His liv- ing and loving friendship; His grace which covereth all our sins. For His sake, we ask Thee to cleanse our hearts. In weakness be Thou our Strength ; in per- plexity, our Guide; in sorrow, our present Help; in joy, our Praise. Bestow the grace of Thy Holy Spirit that we may seek to serve others. Enable us to be thoughtful, tender-hearted, patient, and unselfish. And may the peace of God guard our hearts in Christ Jesus. Amen.
— Svi.vF.sTER W. Beach, D. D. 84
©I^ursftag ipornittg. lElru^ntli Wt^k
THEN was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written. He shall give his angels charge concerning thee : and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him. It is written again. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high moun- tain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him. All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him. Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. — Matt. 4:1-11.
O God, our Father, we beseech Thee to grant us a sense of our filial relation to Thee, and therefore our kinship with Thy children everywhere. May we have an abiding consciousness of forming part of Thy great household, of which they that have died in the faith and we that live in the faith are integral parts, and that while we are separated a little in time and space, they and we are still one in fellowship with our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. May this conviction sustain us, making us patient and cheerful amid trial, with a hope- ful and confident frame of mind toward the future in this world and the world to come. These things we humbly ask in His Name, who taught us the prayer of the Kingdom. Amen.
—William Y. Chapman, D. D.,
85
3Frtliai| iilontiiij. iEburntb Wttk
HEAR my cry, O God ; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed : lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever : I will trust in the covert of thy wings. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows : thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. — Ps. 6i :i-5.
/^NE thing have I. desired of the Lord, that will I seek ^^ after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to en- quire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion : in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me ; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I oiler in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy ; I wall sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. — Ps. 27 :4-6.
God of all grace, in this hour of conflict and tril)ula- tion, when there is such suffering as the world has never before seen and when our hearts are made piti- ful by the pleading and insistent cries for help , when thousands of men and women are ministering night and day to the wounded, exiled, and starving, reveal to us, we beseech Thee, how we may best invest our lives and resources that they may be of the largest possible use in healing the hurt of the world. This we ask in the Name of Him who went about doing good. Amen.
—William H. Hudnut, D. D.
86
^aturbag Maxnttx^, lEku^ntli Urdi
/^ THOU afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not com- ^^ forted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord ; and great shall be the peace of thy chil dren. In righteousness shalt thou be established : thou shalt be far from oppression ; for thou shalt not fear : and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me : whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. — Isa. 54:11-17.
Our Father, help us to realize Thy presence as we wait before Thee. Give unto us Thy Spirit to witness with our spirits that we are the children of God ; that we are the heirs of God and joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ. Take away from us all pride and envy, all hatred and contempt for others, that we may receive Thy Holy Spirit into our hearts, and may be led by Him. Increase our sense of need of His gracious in- fluences. May we realize how utterly helpless and weak we are unless He enter into us and dwell with us. Help us to lay hold of and rest in the promise that Thou art more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Thee than earthly parents are to give good gifts unto their children. May we find Him leading our thoughts, controlling our feelings, and fashioning our lives after the glorious manhood of our Lord and Sav- iour. May He lead us to the attainment of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Forgive all that Thou hast seen in our hearts and lives contrary to Thy will. We ask in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.
—From " GuiDANCiv tn Prayer." 87
^^^^alt iHnntinrt, oTuiplftli Wvtk
TWO men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a pubhean. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell vou, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
— Luke 18:10-14.
Pj^OR he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and •^ holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm ; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mightv from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things ; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remem- l)rance of his mercy; as he spake to our fathers, to Abra- ham, and to his seed for ever. — Luke i :49-55.
Gracious Father, with the light of another Sabbath Day calling us to worship Thee, we bow in gratitude for Thy goodness and mercy. May the quiet hours of this holy day provide opportunity for special fellowsjiip with Thee. May Thy voice be heard in all our hearts, calhng us to penitence and praise, and directing us in all practical things to Thine honor and the service of our fellow men. Clothe the words of all who this day teach and preach with special grace, that Thy Word may enter men's hearts everywhere and the principles of Thy Kingdom be estabhshed in the affairs of all men. Fill the Church with Thy glory that out from her portals may shine this clay the light that shall lighten the gloom of the world. Lead our nation to higlier things and bring all the world to Thyself through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.
— Wn.Li.AM C. Covert, D. D. 88
Manhn^ MonmxQ, ®mrlftl| Wt^k
Lj^OR my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ^ ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater : 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. 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. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree : and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut ofif. — IsA. 55 :8-i3.
O God, our Father, our hearts are open before Thee, that Thou mayst cleanse them from all defilement, all unholy desires, passions, and purposes, and pour into them the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. We would have Thee abide within us as our sovereign Lord and con- stant Friend, so that we may become one with Thee in the thoughts of our minds, the intents of our wills, and the endeavors of our lives. We would have Thee re- veal Thyself unto us at this time, that we may be en- couraged to cultivate the sense of Thy presence, and live under the daily guidance and protection of Thine eye. By the perversity of our spirits, by the weakness that makes us faint-hearted, by the burdens we have to bear, by the work that falls to our share in the appor- tionment of toil, by the sorrow that darkens our sky, by the joy that tempts us to forget Thee, by the prosperity that leads us to count the friendship of the world suf- ficient riches, we beseech Thee to hear us and grant this, our prayer. For Thy great Name's sake. Amen,
—George B. Stewart, D. D.
89
QFursbag iKorntitg. ©mrlftlif Wttk
T ET love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is -■— ' evil ; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love ; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continu- ing instant in prayer ; distributing to the necessity of saints ; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you : bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward an- other. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peace- ably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath : for it is written, Venge- ance is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
— Rom. 12 :9-2i.
Loving Father, who art ever watching over Thy children, we draw near to Thee with love and gratitude. We give Thee hearty thanks that Thy mercy is con- tinuous, that Thou art never weary in well-doing. We thank Thee for the renewal of our strength through sleep and rest, for the promises we have of Thy care, for the new opportunities that are ours to grow in grace and to serve Thy purpose. We put ourselves, O God, under Thy direction. Give us to know Thy will, and the spirit of obedience to do it. Keep us from sin in thought and deed. Help us to live in harmony with the life of Jesus, our Saviour. Grant us Thy sufficient strength that we may be diligent in labor, brave in trial, patient and trustful under all circumstances. In- crease our desire and power to do good, and may we continually seek to help our fellows and to advance Thy Kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
— Charlks F. Goss, D. D.
90
T WOULD seek unto God, and unto God would I commit -*■ my cause: which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields : to set up on high those that be low ; that those which mourn may be ex- alted to safety. He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. He tak- eth the wise in their own craftiness : and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong. They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night. But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty. So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth : therefore despise not thou the chast- ening of the Almighty : for he maketh sore, and bindeth up : he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles : yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. —Job 5 :8-2o.
O God, our Father, we thank Thee on this new day for the blessings and privileges we enjoy as citizens of this land, for freedom and for opportunity, for associ- ation with those who seek to make men safe and free and good. But we thank Thee most of all that Thou hast given us Thyself in Jesus Christ, our Saviour from sin, our Helper in daily life, and our hope of heaven; and also that Thou hast given us a part in the estab- lishment of His Kingdom on earth, making us partners with Thyself in the redemption of the world. Forgive our sins, we beseech Thee, and grant us this day suc- cess in our efforts to please Thee. Help us to be kind and helpful to others ; help us to be sincere and truth- ful; help us to be industrious and faithful to our tasks: give us such measure of success in our business as is best for us, and grant Thy blessing upon all our at- tempts to honor Jesus Christ. Bless our country. Keep us true to our historic ideals of integrity and unselfish service to the world, and may Thy Kingdom come in all the earth, until every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, and Thine shall be the glory. Amen.
—Louis B. Crane, D. D. 91
THE vSpirit of the Lord God is upon mc ; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim hberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. * * * To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. — Isa. 6i:i, 3.
COME unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my 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 burden is light. —Matt. 11:28-30.
THERE the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there ; and the servant is free from his master. Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul. — Job 3:17-20.
W'e bless Thee, dear Lord, for these precious mes- sages from Thy Word. We thank Thee for what Thou art to us. We pray that we may receive Thee afresh into our hearts. May we see Thee anew as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. May we realize anew that Thou didst die, the just for the un- just, that Thou mightst bring us to God. In adversity, help us to be patient; in prosperity, keep us humble; and when we cannot see the way before us, may we fear no evil, knowing that Thou art with us. May Thy grace l)e sufficient for us, ^ind Thy strength be made perfect in our weakness. Grant us, in all our duties, Thy help; in all our difficulties, Thy counsel; in all our dangers. Thy protection, and in ah our sorrows, Thy peace. Comfort the sick, succor the tempted, give joy to those who mourn for sin, bind up the broken-hearted, and save such as be of a contrite spirit. And may all of us trust Thee, and rest in Thine atonement. We ask it in Thy Name. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer." 92
(^ GOD, thou art my God ; early will I seek thee : my soul ^^ thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live : I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness ; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips : when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, there- fore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.- — Ps. 63:1-7.
Our gracious Father, help us to lift up our hearts unto Thee. We pray that Thy Name may be held sacred everywhere, that Thy Kingdom may come, and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We thank Thee for Thy goodness to us. Thou hast given us all we have. The blessings of home, and friends, and church, and country, come from Thee. We praise Thy Name for all Thy mercies. Thy providence, the powers Thou hast given us, and the privilege of wor- ship. Help us to walk in heavenly places. Quicken us for every good work. We pray for the great world in which we live. Thou hast told us to preach the gospel to every creature. Make us faithful in our giving, as Thou hast prospered us, that Thy servants may be sup- ported in the far-away places. Be present where there is sorrow. May wanderers and outcasts be brought back to the Father's house. We pray that our hearts may be strengthened for our particular work and help us to feel that it is Thy work. Bless all churches of whatever name which own and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. Forgive all our sins, lead us in the way of truth. And to Thy Name shall be praise for- evermore. Amen.
—Samuel S. Palmkr, D. D.
93
§>at^r^au iHontini;, e^torlfllt JUrrk
W7 1 llCRbvFOi\M\ lift up the hands which hani^ down, and ^ ^ the feeble knees ; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way ; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
— HitB. 12 :i2-i4.
T> UT the path of the just is as the shining light, that shin- ■^ eth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness : they know not at w^hat they stum- ble. Aly son, attend to my words ; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes ; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that hnd them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of tl-^y feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. _Prov. 4:18-27.
Father in heaven, we thank Thee for the protecting care of the night and the blessings of the day. We are unworthy of the least of Thy favors, and pray that Thou wilt forgive our sins and make us truly thankful for all Thy mercies. Thou hast promised to supply all our needs, and to cause all things to work together for the good of Thy children. We would rest upon these promises and rejoice in the assurance of Thy grace. We pray not only for ourselves but for those we love, with whom we are associated in our daily lives, for whose welfare we are concerned, for our beloved land and the world at large. May the dav speedily dawn when the Kingdom of our Lord shall be established in the earth, and righteousness, peace, and joy everywhere aboiviid. For Christ's sake we ask it. Amen.
— Alkxandivr TTknrv, D. D.
94
i>unJia|| iEorning. QUjirtrrtttl? Wttk
p^OR the bread of God is he which cometh down from -*- heaven, and giveth hfe unto the world. * * * I am the bread of hfe: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son. and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. * =5= ^ Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him : and I w^ill raise him up at the last day. —John 6:33, 35-40, 43, 44.
O Thou that hearest prayer, teach us how to pray. Help us to make known our wants unto Thee, who alone canst supply them. Teach us so to ask that we may receive, and so to seek that we may find. O Heavenly Father, may we pray in the Spirit, and be accepted of Thee, through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we may obtain mercy and find grace in every time of need. May we approach Thee in humility and sincerity, with faith, never doubt- ing Thy power and will to save all who come to Thee by Christ. Help us, we beseech Thee, to come to Thee in His Name, pleading the atonement of His pre- cious blood. Grant us power to be more earnest in our prayers; and be Thou graciously pleased to answer them, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies. Sanctify our hearts, and satisfy our souls with Thy mercy. Pardon our sins ; and daily renew us, after the image of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— From " Guidance in Prayer,"
95
fHmiliau iHmutnri. alurtrrntl| Wvck
THE law of the Lord is perfect, convertin^^ 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. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever : the judg- ments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold : sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight. O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. — Ps. 197-14.
Lord, Thou art the God of our fathers, in whom they trusted and were not ashamed. In prayer they laid the foundations of this nation. Surely Thou wilt not for- sake us, their children, when we turn to Thee confess- ing our sins and seeking Thy favor. Graciously re- member Thy people at all times; especially be Thou their Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in time of trouble. Purge us of our sins by the trials through which we pass, and gird us for what awaits us, that our faith fail not though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. We thank Thee for the evidences of Thy pres- ence with us ; for all the success with which Thou hast crowned our efforts. Inspire us to strive for greater things, and to expect greater things of Thee, O God. Fill Thy Church with zeal and clothe her with power from on high. Make her indeed a soul-winning Church. Help her to fulfill speedily Thy command to preach the gospel to all nations, and hasten the coming of the Prince of Peace. In His Name we ask it. Amen.
—Frank W. Sni-ed, D. D.
96
©urfibag ilxiriting, ®i|irtrnUl| Wtek
OLESS the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, ^-^ bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits : who f orgiveth all thine iniquities ; who healeth all thy diseases ; w'ho redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and ten- der mercies ; Avho satisfieth thy mouth with good things ; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord exe- cuteth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the chil- dren of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins ; nor rewarded us according to our in- iquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. —Ps. 103:1-12.
Father in heaven, we pray that Thou wilt " glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee." Our hearts thrill with joy and hope when we realize that God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, will attain their full glory when the world has been redeemed through Christ's atoning death. This triumph of the Cross means man's highest good and Thy greatest glory. Hear Thou the prayer of Thy sons on earth as they unite in this petition with Thy Son in heaven. We do not pray that Thou shouldst take us out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep us from the evil. Sin within and without lures and entices us. Help us, O God, to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. We realize that never has Thy Church had so great opportunity of sav- ing and serving the world. God help us, as members of that Church, to quit ourselves like men. We pray Thee to speed the day when God and the whole world may be one through and in Christ. Hear us for His sake. Amen.
—Henry T. McEwen, D. D.
97
lUrDurBliaij iKnntinij. el^trtrrntl) Wttk
T WILL mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the -■■ praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mer- cies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie : so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them : in his love and in his pity he redeemed them ; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. — Isa. 637-9.
/^^RACE be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and ^^from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge ; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. —I Cor. i :3-9.
Our loving Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for guarding us while helpless in sleep, for waking us to the sunlight and hope of this new day, for granting us strength for our tasks and, in them, opportunities of showing love to others and to Thee. Lead us in paths of peace ; shield our souls from all stain of sin ; make us strong to meet temptation, and patient if trials come ; in success and happiness keep us generous and kind ; and amid the noise and strain of the busy hours may we remember the presence and feel the touch of our unseen Lord. Bestow Thy mercies upon our kindred and friends; remember also the suffering and helpless; bless Thou our land ; speak peace to the nations, and hasten the coming and Kingdom of Christ. Amen.
— Charles R. Erdman, D. D.
98
OIl|urabai| MiirnmK. QIl|trt^Fntl| li^^k
npHE kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which -*- sowed good seed in his field : but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field ? from whence then hath it tares ? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay ; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest : and in the time of harvest I will say to the reap- ers. Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bun- dles to burn them : but gather the wheat into my barn.
— Matt. 13:24-30.
Blessed Lord, make us watchful, that our spiritual enemy may not come and take away Thy Word out of our hearts, and destroy our souls. Cause Thy truth to take deep root in our lives, and with its holy fruits to adorn our characters. Let us not be of those who hear the A\'ord with joy, and in time of temptation or perse- cution fall away; nor of those who let the Word be choked by the cares or the riches or the pleasures of this life; but may we understand it and keep it. and bring forth fruit with patience, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
— From " GriDANXK ix Pravkr.
8129^57
^Fri^al^ iHnniiniji. a,l)uirrntl) Wttk
1{CAUS1{ ihou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy hahitation ; there shall no evil
B
he fall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder : the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him : I will be with him in trouble ; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. — Ps. 91 :9-i6.
Gracious God and Father, enable us so to live that our home may send forth a Christian influence, and that all who enter into our family circle may be made better because Christ is manifested. Teach us to be more loyal to the Church and more faithful in the per- formance of our duties in order that we may bring the Church into our home and take the life of Christ in our liome out into the Church. Teach us to be more loving, tender-hearted, and helpful. Enable us to make the hospitality of our home not only a blessing to others, but a message of the gospel of salvation to all wlio share it. We commit ourselves and our home and all with whom we are connected into Thy keeping. Guard and protect us through this day, and give us strength to perform its duties and to do Thy will in all things. We ask it in the Name, and for the sake, of Jesus Christ. Amen.
— Mark A. Matthews, D. D.
100
^atitrbau Wonting, (III)trtPi^ntI| Wttk
PPOR God so loved the world, that he gave his only begot- ^ ten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not per- ish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not con- demned : but he that believeth not is condemned already, be- cause he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth com- eth to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. — John 3:16-21.
O Lord our God, Thou hast granted unto each one of us special mercy and grace; Thou hast forgiven our sins; Thou hast recreated us after Thine image; Thou hast delivered us from evil and preserved us in the way of life ; Thou hast known us by name, and hast shed abroad Thy love in our hearts. Incline us, we pray Thee, to show our gratitude to Thee by personal conse- cration and untiring service ; to seize every opportunity of doing good that Thou dost send ; to render unto Thee love and obedience for Thy special grace bestowed on us individually, and so to live in this present world that others seeing our good works may glorify our Father in heaven. Consecrate us more thoroughly to Thyself; give us opportunities for serving Thee, then furnish us with courage and wisdom to use them aright. Own our feeble endeavors by using them for Thine honor. May we see many being added constantly to the number of those who are saved. We ask it in Christ's Name. Amen.
— From "GuiuANCi': in Pravick."
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'T'HE earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof ; the -'- world, and they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 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; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O \e gates; even lift them uj), ye everlasting doors; and the king of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. —Psalm 24.
Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast permitted us to come to the threshold of another year. x-\s we begin this journey through the weeks and the months stretching out ahead of us, we pause for a little while to ask Thy special blessing and to seek Thy guidance along the way we expect to travel. If we live this year through, we desire our lives to count for Thee and for the glory of Thy dear Son, our Saviour. H at some place on the journey Thou shouldst call us home we desire to be ready to meet Thee face to face, and to hear Thee say. " Well done." We thank Thee for past mercies and for countless blessings : for the love wherewith Thou hast loved us : for Thy Word which has been our guidebook through life: and, most of all. for Thy dear Son, our risen and ascended Lord. For all that has made life worth living, we give Thee our thanks. Make this new year to be rich in blessing, and if Thou dost permit us to travel through it to its end, let it be the best year of our lives, because we have had fellowship with Christ. Tn His Name we ask it. Amen.
— Aorn.LA Wkrr. D. D.
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iEaat^r Say
A ND they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went : -^^ and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, x\bide with us : for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him ; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to an- other. Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures ? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying. The Lord is risen indeed, and hath ap- peared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them. Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them. Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Be- hold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself : handle me, and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. — Lukk 24:28-40.
Almighty Father, who gavest Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to the world, we bless Thee this day for the gospel of hope which has turned our mourning into joy, and given us the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Give us grace, we beseech Thee, that we may be so united with our Lord in faith and life that we may share the power of His resurrection, and find through Him eternal life. Enable us to set our affec- tions on things eternal and not on things temporal; to live by the dictates of the spirit and not of the flesh; to follow truly Him who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, despising its shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. This we ask for Christ's sake. Amen.
— WiLijAM J, Dawson. D. D.
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mm Sag
FOR the Lord shall comfort Zion : he will comfort all her waste places ; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of mel- ody. Hearken unto me, my people ; and give ear unto me, O my nation : for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteous- ness is near ; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people ; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath : for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner : but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. —Is a. 51 :3-6.
"OUT who^o lookcth inlu llic perfect law of liberty, and ^^ continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undetiled 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 ■.2S-27.
Almighty God, Sovereign of the universe, we thank Thee that our flag has always stood for liberty, justice, and freedom, and that the banner of the Republic floated in the battle front across the seas. Great God, may our flag never be dishonored. Grant that through the coming years its stars may continue to shine, and its colors stand for purity, devotion, and sacrifice. May all our citizens be loyal to it as the symbol of na- tional sovereignty. i\Iay there soon come to this weary worlfl the morning of universal peace. This we ask in the Name of Thy Son. our Redeemer. Amen.
— Davu) G. WvLii-, D. D.
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(Sliankagtuutg Say
OUT ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord : men shall -*-^ call you the Ministers of our God : ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double ; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion : therefore in their land they shall possess the double : everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people : all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God : for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so the Lord God will cause right- eousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
— IsA. 6i :6-ii. God of our fathers, we enter Thy courts to-day with joy and gladness. We bless Thy holy Name that, throughout the past year, Thou hast sent dew and rain, frost and snow, heat and cold, sunshine and shadow, and in Thine own mysterious way hast made the earth to yield her increase. We thank Thee that in Thy lov- ing kindness Thou hast blessed the labors of the tillers of the soil, and made our valleys laugh and sing. With gladness of heart we hail this Thanksgiving Day, and pray that it may be a season of gladness throughout all our borders. Bless Christian families when to-day they go to the house of God to worship Thee, and also when they gather about boards laden with the bounties of Thy providence. May Thy children to whom Thou hast given abundance not fail to remember and help those in need. Grant us the abiding presence of Thy Holy Spirit and help us, to-day, to glorify Thy Name and to advance Thy Kingdom. For our Redeemer's sake. Amen,
—David G. Wviji-, D. D, 105
ffilinatmafl Sag
A ND there were in the same country shepherds 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 : and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them. Fear not : for, behold, I bring you 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. And this shall be a sign unto you ; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multi- tude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another. Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them con- cerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary ke])t all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. —Lukk 2:8-20.
O Lord, on this day when we remember how infinite strength and wisdom were compassed in the tender body of a little child, help us to recognize our own di- vine nature and to see the divine nature in all men. This day we woud learn a new love for God and man. Wt thank Thee for all the happy memories and acts of this day; and with our gratitude we present our petitions for all the lonely and the weak, for all the aged and the sick ; and especially that all nations may dwell together under the rule of the Prince of Peace. These things we ask in His Name and for His sake. Amen.
— William J. 1~).\\\'Son, D. D.
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