JANUARY 1 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard, which holdeth our

soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be movedPsa. 66: 8, 9. Thanks be to God that His grace has preserved us, "kept us from falling," through another year; that so many of us are still of one heart and of one mind in respect to His Word and its service! When we remember that the Adversary is to be permitted to bring "strong delusions" upon the Lord's people for the very purpose of sifting out all not truly His (2 Thes. 2: 1-12), it should surely call forth our thanks to God that the opening of another year finds us still standing fast, appreciating the Truth, and in full accord with all the Divine appointments by which He has kept us from fallingZ '03, 3 (Z 3125). The true people of God exhort one another to speak highly of His Word and to cause the message that embodies His attributes to be understood. He preserves the existence of His true people throughout their entire course. He does not, nor will He allow them to be overthrown nor to lose their position in Christ, the solid Rock on which they stand P '35, 182. Parallel passages: Joel 2: 26; Psa. 103; 104: 1; 105: 1-7; 91: 1-16; 92: 1-5, 10-15; Rom. 8: 31-39; 1 Pet. 1: 2-9; Jude 24, 25; Psa. 40: 1-4; 115: 18; 145: 1, 2; Isa. 33: 16; Matt. 10: 28-31. Hymns: 34, 235, 236, 237, 238, 145, 120. Poems of Dawn, 274: The Year Before Us. Tower Reading: Z '14, 216 (R 5500). Questions: Have I this week made His praise known? How did it energize me and keep me from stumbling? What will I do with His praise this year? THE YEAR BEFORE US

STANDING at the portal of the opening year,

Words of comfort meet us, hushing every fear; Spoken through the silence by our Fathers voice, Tender, strong and faithful, making us rejoice. Onward, then, and fear not, children of the day; For His Word shall never, never pass away. I, the Lord, am with thee, be thou not afraid; I will help and strengthen, be thou not dismayed. Yea, I will uphold thee with Mine own right hand; Thou art called and chosen in My sight to stand. Onward, then, and fear not, children of the day; For His Word shall never, never pass away.

For the years before us, oh, what rich supplies! For the poor and needy, living streams shall rise; For the sad and mournful, shall His grace abound; For the faint and feeble, perfect strength be found. Onward, then, and fear not, children of the day; For His Word shall never, never pass away. He will never fail us, He will not forsake; His eternal covenant He will never break; Resting on His promise, what have we to fear? God is all-sufficient for the coming year. Onward, then, and fear not, children of the day; For His Word shall never, never pass away.

JANUARY 2 Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's1 Cor. 6: 19, 20. At the opening of the new year, what lesson could be more important to us than this one, that we are not our own, but belong to another; that we are not, therefore, to seek to please ourselves, but to please Him; nor to seek to serve self, but to serve Him; nor to seek to obey self-will, but on the contrary His will? This means holiness in the most absolute and comprehensive sense of the word, not only separation from sin to righteousness, but separation from self (and the world) to the will of God in ChristZ '97, 35 (R 2097). Not only are God's people His by virtue of creation and sanctification, but also by virtue of redemption. It is therefore reasonable and appropriate that all they have and are should be made to reflect credit upon God their Owner and Creator; and this reasonable thing they should render with all their strength of faith, hope, love and obedience; for less than this were unworthy and unseemlyP '29, 189. Parallel passages: Matt. 20: 28; 1 Tim. 2: 5, 6; Acts 20: 28; Rev. 5: 9; 14: 4, 5; 2 Cor. 5: 14, 15; Titus 2: 14; 1 Cor. 7: 23; 10: 31; Gal. 3: 13; Heb. 9: 12; 1 Pet. 1: 18; 2: 9; Matt. 5: 16; John 15: 8; Phil. 1: 9-11. Hymns: 191, 5, 15, 132, 178, 187, 215. Poems of Dawn, 279: Another Year for Thee. Tower Reading: Z '10, 199 (R 4632). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? Amid what circumstances? With what results? ANOTHER YEAR FOR THEE

ANOTHER year we welcome!

Dear Master, may it be, In thought and word and action, Another year for Thee! Another year of leaning Upon Thy loving breast, Where heartaches, pain and sorrow Are lost in happy rest. Another year of proving Thy holy, blessed will, To find my joy in doing, And in Thy hand hold still; Another year of service,

To prove to Thee my love; Another year of training For greater works above. Another year of trials And the blessings that they bring; Another years protection Neath the shadow of Thy wing. Another year of gladness! Dear Master, may it be, In living and in dying, Another year for Thee!

JANUARY 3 Pray without ceasing1 Thes. 5: 17. Whatever might be our natural inclinations with reference to definiteness and persistency in prayer, we must take our instructions from the Scriptures; and overcoming our natural predilections, we must as "little children" and as "dear children" conform our views and conduct to the instruction which is from above. Let us all, therefore, remember the words, "Ask [in My name], and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16: 24). The Heavenly Father has multiplied mercies, blessings and providences in store for His obedient and faithful children who will ask for themZ '96, 162 (R 2004). The Lord's people ought always to pray and not to faint. The answer long delayed is the blessing most valued. Therefore, continued seeking in prayer for the Father's favor will result in the deepening of our spirituality and the attainment of our holy desiresP '34, 189. Parallel passages: 1 Pet. 4: 7; Luke 2: 37; 11: 5-13; 21: 36; Rom. 12: 12; Eph. 1: 15, 16; 6: 18; Phil. 4: 6, 7; Col. 1: 9; 4: 2; Psa. 5: 1-3; 42: 8; 109: 4; 116: 2; Dan. 6: 10; Acts 6: 4; 10: 2, 9; Rom. 1: 9; 1 Thes. 3: 10; 1 Tim. 5: 5; 2 Tim. 1: 3. Hymns: 35, 239, 1, 26, 48, 69, 115. Poems of Dawn, 115: Pray Without Ceasing. Tower Reading: Z '15, 182 (R 5707). Questions: What have been this week's experiences with ceaseless prayer? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? PRAY WITHOUT CEASING UNANSWERED yet, the prayer your lips have pleaded In agony of heart these many years? Doth faith begin to fail, is hope declining, And think you all in vain those falling tears? Say not the Father hath not heard your prayer, You shall have your desire, sometime, somewhere. Unanswered yet? Tho when you first presented This one petition at the Fathers throne, It seemed you could not wait the time of asking, So anxious was your heart to have it done. If years have passed since then, do not despair, For God will answer you sometime, somewhere.

Unanswered yet? But you are not unheeded; The promises of God forever stand; To Him our days and years alike are equal. Have faith in God! It is your Lords command. Hold on to Jacobs angel, and your prayer Shall bring a blessing down, sometime, somewhere. Unanswered yet? Nay, do not say unanswered; Perhaps your part is not yet wholly done. The work began when first your prayer was uttered; And God will finish what He hath begun. Keep incense burning at the shrine of prayer, And glory shall descend, sometime, somewhere. Unanswered yet? Faith cannot be unanswered; Her feet are firmly planted on the Rock. Amid the wildest storms she stands undaunted, Nor quails before the loudest thunder shock. She knows Omnipotence hath heard her prayer, And cries, It shall be done, sometime, somewhere!

JANUARY 4 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORDPsa. 27: 14. Time is an important element in all God's plans: we are not, therefore, to be disappointed when the test of endurance is applied while the blessings we crave tarry long. God took time to frame the world and to fit it for human habitation; time to give the world its necessary experience with evil; time to prepare for the advent of Christ as the world's Redeemer; time for the preparation of the Church and the rest of His Gospel-Age people to share in His glorious reign; and time must be allowed for the shaping and adjusting of the individual affairs of His people. God has not forgotten when the answers to our prayers seem to tarry long. He who heeds the sparrow's fall and numbers the very hairs of our heads is not indifferent to the faintest call or the smallest necessity of His humblest childZ '95, 20 (R 1759). The providences of God on behalf of His people involve many delays to test their patience. Those who endure these tests with courageous hearts will thereby become strong in the Lord. Therefore they wait on the Lord amid all the varying circumstances of life, assured that He who is for them will manifest this in every time of need that comes into their livesP '33, 191. Parallel passages: Jer. 14: 22; Psa. 25: 3, 5, 21; 39: 7; 123: 2; 62: 1, 2, 5; 33: 20; 37: 7; Hos. 12: 6; Gal. 5: 5; Psa. 130: 5, 6; 40: 1; 25: 21; 69: 3; Mic. 7: 7; Dan. 12: 12; Isa. 40: 31; 64: 4. Hymns: 313, 7, 92, 102, 201, 214, 318. Poems of Dawn, 209: Wait, 0 Thou Weary One, a Little Longer. Tower Reading: Z '15, 190 (R 5711). Questions: Have I this week waited upon the Lord? How? Why? With what results? WAIT, O THOU WEARY ONE, A LITTLE LONGER

WAIT, O thou weary one, a little longer,

A few more yearsit may be only days; Thy patient waiting makes thee all the stronger; Eternity will balance all delays. Wait, O thou suffering one, thy days of sorrow Bring to thy weary soul its richest gain; If thou a Christian art, a brighter morrow Will give thee ten-fold joy for all thy pain. Wait, O thou anxious one; the cloud that hovers

In gathering gloom above thine aching head Is sent of God in mercy, and He covers Thee with His heavenly mantle overspread. Be patient and submissive; each disaster Will bring thee nearer to thy loving Lord. These trials make thee like thy blessed Master, Who knows them all, and will His grace afford. Be patient and submissive; strength is given For every step along the weary way. And for it all thoult render praise to Heaven, When dreary night gives place to perfect day. Yes, perfect day, the day of God eternal, When not a shadow shall flit oer the scene In that fair land where all is bright and vernal, And we will be with Christ, and naught between. Wait, then, dear heart; control thy sad emotion; God will subdue each angry wind and wave, And when the voyage ends across lifes ocean, Within the haven of sweet rest will save.

JANUARY 5 The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on meRom. 15: 3. Let us see to it that we bear the reproaches of Christ as He bore themwith pity and prayer for the erring and depraved, if perchance God may grant them repentance; and with humble fortitude esteeming it a privilege to prove our devotion to the Lord by enduring hardness in His service as good soldiers. He was not surprised by the exhibitions of human depravity; He knew that He was in an unfriendly world bound by sin and largely under the dominion of the prince of darkness, and therefore He expected reproaches, taunts and persecutions, all of which He endured patiently while His great loving heart, almost unmindful of its own sufferings, was full of pity and loving concern for othersZ '96, 83 (R 1963). Misrepresentation of our Heavenly Father's character by the Adversary's delusions and misunderstandings of His purpose through humanity's sinfulness and ignorance, make Him the reproach of the irreligious. Those who take His part as His true people for His sake bear in His defense reproaches from the same persons, but not necessarily nor usually with the same thingsP '32, 197. Parallel passages: Psa. 69: 9; Mark 12: 35-40; Luke 12: 50; Rom. 6: 1-11; 8: 10, 17, 18; 15: 2, 3; 1 Cor. 15: 29-34; 2 Cor. 1: 5; 4: 8-5: 9; Gal. 2: 20; Phil. 3: 10; Col. 1: 24; 2: 11, 12; 2 Tim. 2: 10-12; 1 Pet. 2: 19-24; 3: 13-18; 4: 12-19. Hymns: 134, 135, 203, 277, 299, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 185: Patience. Tower Reading: Z '12, 323 (R 5116). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they received? How did they affect me? PATIENCE

THE purple grape must be crushed

To make the sweet, red wine, And furnace fires must fiercely burn, The drossy gold to refine; The wheel must cruelly grind, Else where the jewels light? And the steel submit to the polishing, Or how would the sword grow bright? How then, my soul, wilt thou The Spirits fruits possess, Except thou lovingly yield thyself To the Hand that wounds to bless?

Then patiently let the fire Consume all earthly dross Thou canst not hope to wear the Crown, If thou refuse the Cross!

JANUARY 6 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdomPsa. 90: 12. The Christian, in numbering his days, does not do so with a doleful or disconsolate sentiment, although he does so with sobriety. He counts the days as they go as so many blessings, so many privileges, so many opportunities to "show forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light," to render assistance to others in the pilgrim journey, and to develop in himself more and more of the character pleasing in the sight of Godto become more and more a copy of God's dear SonZ '01, 333 (R 2895). The Restitution class under an experience with righteousness will pray that they may be enabled so to study their lives under the experience with evil as to learn the hatefulness of sin and the lovableness of righteousness-the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. This prayer will be answered by the Lord in a way that will prove to their eternal good in truth and righteousnessP '26, 189. Parallel passages: Job 12: 2, 3, 7-13, 16, 17, 22; 28: 12-28; 32: 9; Psa. 107: 43; 111: 10; Prov. 1: 5, 7, 20-2: 20; 3: 13-26, 34, 35; 4: 4-22; 8: 1-9; 16: 16, 20-24; 1 Cor. 1: 24, 30; Jas. 1: 5. Hymns: 74, 296, 136, 79, 22, 44, 49. Poems of Dawn, 137: If We Had But a Day. Tower Reading: Z '15, 151 (R 5688). Questions: What experiences of this week especially inculcated wisdom? How did I act amid them? What were their effects? IF WE HAD BUT A DAY

WE should fill the hours with the sweetest things,

If we had but a day; We should drink alone at the purest springs On our upward way; We should love with a lifetimes love in an hour, If the hours were few; We should sleep, not for dreams, but for fresher power, To be and to do We should hold our wearied or wayward wills To the clearest light; We should keep our eyes o the heavenly hills, If they lay in sight;

We should hush our murmurs of discontent At a lifes defeat; We should take whatever a good God sent With a rest complete. We should waste no moment in weak regret, If the days were but one, If what we remember and what we forget Went out with the sun; We should be from our clamorous selves set free, To work and to pray; To be what the Father would have us be, If we had but a day

JANUARY 7 Speak evil of no manTitus 3: 2. If once the soldiers of the cross would get the proper thought, that slander and evilspeaking are assassinations of the character of another, and that defamation is robbery of another's good name, the sooner they will see this matter in its truly awful light, as it must appear in the Lord's sight; and once seeing the matter from this true, Divine standpoint, it must awaken the new heart, mind and will to the greatest activity possible in the overcoming of such works of the flesh and of the devil. Each will seek to purge out the old leaven of malice and envy and strife and crookedness and evil-speaking, that he may be pure in heart, a copy of the Lord Z '03, 425 (R 3272). Each one of us has so many failings and others have so many good qualities, that it is unbecoming in any of us to speak ill of anyone. Our own floors should be cleanly swept before we attempt to sweep the floors of others, and the sweeping will help us better to sympathize with others. Only then may we say uncomplimentary things of others when their telling is prompted by the Golden Rule to prevent sure injury, if they are not told P '31, 191. Parallel passages: Ex. 22: 28; Psa. 10: 7, 8; 34: 13; 41: 5-9; 64: 2-5; Prov. 4: 24; 10: 11, 19, 31, 32; 12: 5, 6, 13, 17-19; 15: 1, 4, 28; 16: 27, 28; 26: 20-23, 28; Eccles. 10: 11, 20; Isa. 32: 6, 7; Matt. 12: 3437; Eph. 4: 25, 29, 31; Jas. 3: 5-10; 4: 11. Hymns: 116, 32, 70, 151, 223, 260, 272. Poems of Dawn, 273: Three Gates of Gold. Tower Reading: Z '14, 264 (R 5528). Questions: Did I this week speak good or evil? Why? What were the circumstances, hindrances and results? THREE GATES OF GOLD

LET every thought thy lips would utter pass three

gates of gold, But, if through these it fails to pass, then let it not be told; And oer each gate in silver letters written thou wilt find, Above the first one, Is it true? the second, Is it kind? And Is it necessary? oer the third one the last. Then guard thy thoughts, let none escape, save those these gates have passed!

JANUARY 8 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men1 Thes. 5: 15. According to the Scriptural standard, the true people of God should be the most polished, the most refined, the most polite, the most generous, the most kind, of all the people in the worldand should be all these in the most absolute sensenot in the mere sense of an outward form and appearance of kindness, gentleness, etc ., so common in the world; but a gentleness, a kindness, proceeding from the heart, proceeding from an appreciation of the Lord's Spirit and the spirit of the Truth, the spirit of love, and the spirit of justice, alsoZ '01, 297 (R 2877). The spirit of vengeance is the spirit of Satan, as the spirit of meekness and non-retaliation is the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore, all who have the Lord's Spirit will constantly be on the alert to do good, whether to friend or foe, doing good according to opportunity to all men, especially to the household of faith. Ever following this course their hearts will more and more approximate the likeness of the Lord'sP '35, 182. Parallel passages: Lev. 19: 18; Deut. 32: 25; Psa. 94: 1; Prov. 20: 22; Matt. 5: 38-41; Rom. 12: 12-17, 19-21; Heb. 10: 30; 1 Pet. 2: 23; 3: 9; Gal. 6: 10; 1 Thes. 3: 12; 1 Tim. 6: 18.

Hymns: 125, 267, 196, 198, 315, 95, 208. Poems of Dawn, 114: Just for Today. Tower Reading: Z '16, 149 (R 5897). Questions: Have I this week rendered evil for evil, good for evil or evil for good? What were the circumstances, the motives and the effects? JUST FOR TODAY

LORD, for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray;

Keep me from any stain of sin just for today. Let me both diligently work and duly pray; Let me be kind in word and deed just for today. Let me be slow to do my will, prompt to obey; Help me to sacrifice myself just for today. Let me no wrong nor idle word unthinking say; Set Thou Thy seal upon my lips just for today. So for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, But keep me, guide me, hold me, Lord, just for today.

JANUARY 9 Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?1 Cor. 4: 7. All of the Lord's consecrated people should realize that they have come into the present grace and truth, not by their own wisdom nor by the wisdom of others, but through the wisdom and grace of the Lord. The same thought should be entertained by all who serve the people of God as ministers, servants in any department, in any manner responsible to the Lord for their position in the household of faith, and their opportunities to serve as the Lord's mouthpieces should be felt and confessed. But failure to confess it implies a failure rightly to appreciate itZ '03, 430 (R 3277). Our differing from others in the important things in life (whether in talents, station or privilege with respect to God's service) comes not from ourselves, but from God. It is He who makes us to differ one from the other. Humility, therefore, is the proper attitude of mind toward our position in the Lord's service. Boasting is excluded, because all is a favor from HimP '30, 14. Parallel passages: Jas. 1: 17; John 3: 27; 1 Cor. 12: 11; Rom. 12: 3, 6; 1 Pet. 4: 10; Eph. 2: 8, 9; Phil. 2: 13; Mic. 6: 8; Matt. 5: 3; Luke 14: 11; 17: 10; 22: 24-27; 1 Cor. 1: 28, 29. Hymns: 95, 11, 46, 99, 121, 176, 293. Poems of Dawn, 81: His Way is Best. Tower Reading: Z '13, 231 (R 5284). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? HIS WAY IS BEST

JUST why I suffer loss

I cannot know; I only know my Father Wills it so. He leads in paths I cannot understand; But all the way, I know, is wisely planned. My life is only mine That I may use The gifts He lendeth me As He may choose. And, if in love some boon He doth recall, I know that unto Him belongeth all. I am His child, and I

Can safely trust; He loves me, and I know That He is just; Within His love I can securely rest, Assured that what He does for me is best.

JANUARY 10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patienceJas. 5: 10. The right path is still the "narrow path" of self-abasement and self-denialthe path of meekness and humilityand it will require as much effort and grace to walk it this year as last, or possibly more; for the more we grow in grace and knowledge, the stronger will be the temptations to be boastful, puffed up, heady, high-minded; and the higher we climb in faith and hope and love and activity in the Lord's service, the more the great Adversary will oppose our progress, and the more his emissaries will slander, backbite and generally seek to injure usZ '95, 3 (R 1751). God's mouthpieces have ever been the targets of much abuse and the subjects of much suffering, which, like God, they have borne with much patience. Therein they have given an example worthy of imitation by all who would be the Lord's people and mouthpieces. The Lord's true people will be profited by taking them as an example and the Lord's name will thereby be glorifiedP '34, 189. Parallel passages: 2 Tim. 3: 16; 1 Pet. 1: 11; 2 Pet. 1: 20, 21; 2 Cor. 4: 16-18; 2 Tim. 2: 10-12; 1 Pet. 3: 13-18; 4: 13-19; Matt. 5: 10-12; 23: 34, 37; Luke 6: 22, 23, 26; Acts 5: 41; 7: 52; 2 Chron. 36: 16; Neh. 9: 26; 1 Thes. 2: 15; Job 1: 22; 2: 10; 42: 10. Hymns: 102, 56, 57, 93, 94, 108, 179. Poems of Dawn, 177: Broken Purposes. Tower Reading: Z '13, 312 (R 5332). Questions: What good did the prophets' example in endurance of evil do me this week? In what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? BROKEN PURPOSES
My purposes are broken off; even the thoughts of my heat. Job 17: 11.

MY purposes are broken off,

So be it, blessed Lord; With wisdom and with wondrous Love Thy purposes are stored. The thoughts of my poor heart give place To Thy great plan for me; In all Thy ways my soul can trace Thy mercy rich and free. My purposes are broken off, Dear lord, tis better so;

For higher are Thy ways than mine, Who to the end dost know. I praise Thee still though broken off My purposes may be; For in Thy glory I shall know Thy will was best for me.

JANUARY 11 His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stayJer. 20: 9. Let us who are privileged to remain to this time of favor and blessing and enlightenment give glory to the Lord, and see to it that the loving disposition of John is manifested in us, and also his energy, his zeal; for while he is called the loving disciple, we are to remember also that he was, because of his impetuous zeal, styled, with his brother, Boanergessons of thunder. Let us be full of energy, full of sacrifices which love prompts, that we may glorify the Lord in our bodies and spirits, which are HisZ '01, 151 (R 2806). Because the Christian believes with intensity of conviction, therefore he speaks. It is as impossible for him to refrain from declaring God's Word, as it is to stay the waters of the Niagara from going over the falls. Those who do not receive the Truth from the love of it might and frequently do without good reason refrain from declaring it; but those who love God's testimonies will and must declare His grace on all suitable occasionsP '33, 191. Parallel passages: Jas. 1: 21-23; 1 Pet. 2: 2; Heb. 4: 12; 2 Tim. 2: 15; Josh. 1: 8; 1Chron.16: 15; Job23: 12; Psa.19: 7-11; 40: 8; 119: 14-20, 46, 54, 93, 97, 111, 143, 157167, 172; Eccles.5: 1; Isa. 55: 10, 11; Ezra 7: 10; Mal. 2: 6, 7; Luke 12: 42-44; Acts 4: 20, 31; 20: 22-24; 1 Cor. 9: 16-23; 2Cor.6 : 3-7.

Hymns: 260 70, 116, 164, 210, 275, 309. Poems of Dawn, 261: Clear the Way. Tower Reading: Z '14, 197 (R 5489). Questions: Have I this week been zealous for the Word? How? Why? With what results? CLEAR THE WAY MEN of thought, be up and stirring Night and day. Sow the seed, withdraw the curtain, Clear the way. Men of action, aid and cheer them As you may. Theres a fount about to stream; Theres a light about to beam; Theres a warmth about to glow; Theres a flower about to blow; Theres a midnight blackness changing Into gray. Men of thought, and men of action,

Clear the way! Once the welcome light hath broken, Who shall say What the unimagined glories Of the day? What the evil that shall perish In its ray? Aid the dawning, tongue and pen; Aid it, hopes of honest men; Aid it, paper; aid it, type; Aid it, for the hour is ripe; And our earnest must not slacken Into play. Men of thought, and men of action, Clear the way! Lo! a clouds about to vanish From the day; Lo! the rights about to conquer Clear the way! Many a brazen wrong to crumble Into clay. With that right shall many more Enter smiling at the door; With the giant wrong shall fall Many others, great and small, That for ages long have held us For their prey. Men of thought, and men of action, Clear the way!

JANUARY 12 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be temptedGal. 6: 1. Let us learn well this lesson of reproving others very gently, very considerately, kindly, by a hint rather than a direct charge and detail of the wrongby an inquiry respecting the present condition of their hearts rather than respecting a former condition, in which we know they have erred. We are to be less careful for the punishments that will follow wrongdoing than for the recovery of the erring one out of the error of his way. We are not to attempt to judge and punish one another for misdeeds, but rather to remember that all this is in the hands of the Lord; we are not in any sense of the word to avenge ourselves or to give any chastisement or recompense for evilZ '01, 150 (R 2806). To err is human, hence all commit faults. Helpfully to reprove is Divine, therefore but few can exercise this grace. Only the advanced Christian who has proper knowledge, love and self-control is capable of exercising well this office, and in his endeavor to help others, he must watch himself very carefully, lest while reproving others he himself should be found in faultP '32, 197, 198. Parallel passages: Isa. 57: 15; Rom. 15: 1, 7; 1 Cor. 8: 9, 11; 9: 22; Heb. 12: 13; Jas. 5: 19, 20; Prov. 24: 16; 28: 5; Rom. 8: 9, 14, 15; 1 Cor. 4: 21; 2 Thes. 3: 15; 2 Tim. 2: 25; 1 Cor. 10: 12. Hymns: 198, 78, 95, 105, 125, 166, 267. Poems of Dawn, 277: The New Leaf. Tower Reading: Z '02, 197 (R 3033). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they accepted? What were the results? THE NEW LEAF

HE came to my desk with a quivering lip

The lesson was done Dear teacher, I want a new leaf, he said, I have spoiled this one. In place of the leaf, so stained and blotted, I gave him a new one, all unspotted, And into his sad eyes smiled Do better now, my child. I went to the throne with a quivering soul The old year was done Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me?

I have spoiled this one. He took the old leaf, stained and blotted, And gave me a new one, all unspotted, And into my sad heart smiled Do better now, My child.

JANUARY 13 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous1 John 2: 1. If we find that through lack of faith or weakness of the flesh a wrong step has been taken, contrary to the Lord's will and our best spiritual interests, no time should be lost in retracing the steps and in calling upon the Lord. We have an altar consecrated with the precious blood of Christ, far superior in every way to that which Abraham consecrated with the blood of typical animals; and the Apostle exhorts us, "Let us therefore come boldly [courageously, full of faith] unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4: 16)Z '01, 233 (R 2847). It is not right for the child of God to sin; but if he does, on repentance he can depend on the efficient advocacy of Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. As a skillful lawyer says every good thing in favor of his client, and puts the evil in the best possible light, so Jesus our Advocate covers over all our blemishes with His merit, and being in favor with the Court of Heaven, successfully advocates the cause of us, His clientsP '26, 189, 190. Parallel passages: John 16: 7; Rom. 3: 20-26; 4: 24, 25; 8: 34; 10: 4; 1 Cor. 1: 30; 2 Cor. 5: 18; Phil. 3: 9; Heb. 7: 25; 9: 24; 1 John 1: 7; 2: 2; 4: 10. Hymns: 190, 15, 168, 178, 187, 290, 207. Poems of Dawn, 155: My Companion. Tower Reading: Z '14, 201 (R 5491). Questions: What experiences of the week have sent me to the Advocate? What was the effect? MY COMPANION

WITH me there walks a presence

Unseen to mortal view; Hearing each word I utter, Looking at all I do. Watching to see what power The Truth to my life imparts, Longing to see His image Growing within my heart. Oh! does my conduct please Him? Can He my words approve? Or do I daily grieve Him By woeful lack of love? How all my heart is yearning More like my Lord to be;

Oh! Friend, of unseen presence, Help me to grow like Thee! Before me goes my Captain; Close must I follow on. Even as He proved a victor, So must I overcome. Self rises up against me, Fierce must the conflict be; Forces of evil try me, Satan opposes me. My Captain commands me, saying, Comrade, you must not yield; Gird on the Heavenly armor; The Sword of the Spirit wield; None but the overcomer Shareth My Heavenly home! Help me, oh, Mighty Captain, Ever to overcome! Beside me stands the Master; Points to the ripening grains, Bids me thrust in the sickle, Reaping what yet remains. He will accept no idler, I must work faithfully; I must pass on to others Truth that was given me; Tell of the Heavenly Kingdom, The blessings that are for all; Praising the Heavenly Father, Sounding the Heavenly call. As each night comes upon me, Can I rejoicing say, Dear Reaper, Ive been faithful To all I have met today? Close by me stands my Helper, Knowing I must be tried; Even as gold in a furnace, I must be purified. Trials alone bring patience, Hate must be met by love; Faith is wrought out in darkness Reaching to things above. Ah! Could I only trust Him,

His presence and power to aid, Even mid deepest shadows I would not be afraid. Though the four winds be loosened, And tempests around me roared, Id welcome the glorious privilege Of dying with my dear Lord.

JANUARY 14 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air1 Cor. 9: 26. It will be found a great help to the weaknesses of the fallen nature to have understandingly made a full consecration of the will, a full enlistment of every power and talent of mind and of body. He who takes this proper view of his consecration to the Lord and enlistment in the Lord's army, realizes that he has nothing more to give to the Lord, and hence, whatever struggle of the will he may have is all ended when he has finally decided: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." How important it is, therefore, that all the soldiers realize that the term of the enlistment is until death, and that there is no room for even considering any suggestion to withdraw from the battle and cease even for an hour to fight the good fight of faithZ '03, 421 (R 3272). In order successfully to prosecute the Christian life, knowledge of the things to be done and the constant appreciation and keeping of the end in view, are indispensable. As nonsensical as it would be for people to expect a reward for a race whose conditions and course they did not know or follow, so nonsensical would it be for people to expect to receive the Kingdom reward promised with Christ, if they do not know and observe the conditions under which, and the purpose for which it is offered, as well as the course to runP '31, 191. Parallel passages: 2 Chron. 20: 15, 17; Psa. 19: 5; Eccles. 9: 11; 1 Cor. 9: 24-27; Gal. 5: 7; Phil. 2: 16; 3: 14, 15; Heb. 6: 20; 12: 1, 2; Eph. 6: 11, 17; 1 Cor. 16: 13; 2 Tim. 2: 3, 4; 4: 7; Heb. 12: 10; 10: 32; 11: 34; 1 Tim. 6: 12. Hymns: 20, 13, 78, 154, 145, 266, 273. Poems of Dawn, 154: Nearing the Goal. Tower Reading: Z '11, 136 (R 4809). Questions: Have I this week been definite and purposeful in my Christian race and warfare? Why? How? In what circumstances? With what results? NEARING THE GOAL

WITH eyes aflame, with panting breath, they come,

The runners,--every nerve and muscle tense, Urged forward by a thousand deafening cries, On, on, they rush, when one, close to the goal, For but one moment glances back in pride To note how far he hath outrun the rest. Alas! tripped by a pebble on the course, He stumbles, falls, arises, but too late, Another sweeps ahead with blood-flecked lips

And bursting heart! One final, awful strain, With superhuman effort, grand, supreme, He leaps into the air, and falls in death Across the line, a victor, but at what A fearful cost! he gave his life, his all! I ponder oer this tragedy of days When Greece was mistress of the world, and say, Hast not thou also entered on a race, My soul, in contest for a Crown of Life, A prize thou canst not win except thine all Thou givest! Then, be wise, and watch and pray, Turn not thine eyes one instant from the mark. For fear thou dash thy foot against some small, Well-rounded truth, which in thy pride thou hast Oerlooked, and thus thou stumble, fall, and though Thou shouldst arise, twould be too late to win! Ah, then, consider thy forerunner, Christ, Yea, call to mind the cloud of witnesses Around,those noble, faithful ones of old, And strip thyself, my soul, of every weight; Gird up thy loins, make straight paths for thy feet; Breathe deeply of the Spirits conquering power, And run with patient, meek, enduring zeal! Almost thou hast attained, my soul, my soul! Shall angels, principalities, or powers, Or height, or depth, or other creature, draw Thee from the goal so near? Ah! Yes, so near, The glory-light streams through the parting veil; Have faith, press on, one effort, grand, supreme, And thou hast won in death Loves blood-bought crown!

JANUARY 15 What doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.Micah 6: 8. That these are very reasonable requirements will be conceded by all. That God could not require less from those whom He is educating for the future judging of the world, is evident; and yet, all three of these qualities specified through the Prophet, are comprehended in the one word, Love. Love requires that we shall deal justly with our neighbors, with the brethren, with our families, with ourselves; that we shall seek to cultivate our appreciation of the rights of otherstheir physical rights, their moral and intellectual rights, their liberties; and that, appreciating these, we shall in no sense of the word abridge or deny themZ '02, 172 (R 3020). The sum of the Christian's duty is the fulfillment of the law of love toward God and man. To give every man his due, to exhibit the love of compassion for the weak, the unfortunate and the afflicted and deeply to appreciate the Divine character based upon a knowledge of our weaknesses and limitations in contrast with God's perfection, go a long way toward a proper comporting of oneself toward God and manP '35, 183. Parallel passages: Matt. 22: 36-40; Deut. 10: 12; Psa. 41: 1; Mark 11: 25, 26; Eph. 4: 32; Col. 2: 13; Deut. 5: 33; Matt. 11: 29; John 13: 4-17; Phil. 2: 5-8; 1 Pet. 5: 5, 6; 1 John 1: 7. Hymns: 1, 198, 267, 95, 13, 196, 20. Poems of Dawn, 93: Bearing God's Burdens. Tower Reading: Z '14, 59 (R 5407). Questions: What have I done with justice, mercy and humility this week? What prompted my actions therein? What resulted therefrom? BEARING GODS BURDENS

I LONG had borne a weary load

Along lifes rough and thorny road, And oftentimes had wondered why My friend walked burdenless, while I Was forced to carry day by day The cross which on my shoulders lay. When, lo, one day the Master laid Another cross on me! Dismayed And faint, and trembling and distressed, I cried, Oh, I have longed for rest These many days. I cannot bear This other heavy load of care. I pray Thee, Lord, behold this one

Shall I bear both while he hath none? No answer came. The cross was laid On my poor back, and I was weighed Down to the earth. And as I went Toiling along and almost spent, Again I cried, Lord, have I been Untrue to Thee? Is it for sin That I have done, that I must still Carry this cross against my will? My child, the Masters voice returned, Hast thou not yet the lesson learned? The burden thou hast borne so long Hath only made thee grow more strong, And fitted thee to bear for Me This other load I lay on thee. Thy brother is too weak as yet To have a cross upon him set. Gods burdens rest upon the strong They stronger grow who bear them long, And each new burden is a sign That greater power to bear is thine. So now no longer I repine, Because a heavy cross is mine, But struggle onward with the prayer, Make me more worthy, Lord, to bear!

JANUARY 16 Instant in prayerRom. 12: 12. What a blessed privilege, dear fellow-disciples of the Lord, is ours, to be instant in prayer, to pray alwaysto lift up our hearts and minds to God at any time and in any place and to realize thus daily and hourly that the Father and our dear Lord Jesus continually abide with us. And then, when the active duties of the day have been performed under His eye and supervision, or at any time when the soul realizes its necessity, how precious is the privilege of entering into our closets and there, alone with God, unburdening our heartsZ '95, 215 (R 1864). Prayer is communion on the part of man with God. God, unlike human beings, is never wearied with believers who come to Him. Therefore such always have access to Him in prayer in Jesus' name. How gratefully, therefore, should we always appreciate and use this privilege! It will uplift us and gain for us blessings otherwise unobtainable. These blessings will be of a twofold kind: those coming from our exercising the prayer spirit (i. e., the reflex effect of prayer) and the answered giftsP '30, 14. Parallel passages: Luke 18: 1-8; 1 Thes. 5: 17; Col. 4: 2; Eph. 6: 18, 19; Acts 12: 5; 2: 42; Psa. 27: 8; 145: 18; Prov. 15: 8; Isa. 55: 6; Matt. 6: 5-15; 7: 7, 8; 1 Tim. 2: 8; Jas. 5: 16; Jude 20. Hymns: 274, 35, 69, 115, 219, 239, 323. Poems of Dawn, 30: To Jesus Always. Tower Reading: Z '15, 182 (R 5707). Questions: Was I instant in prayer this week? Why? How? Where? TO JESUS ALWAYS

I ALWAYS go to Jesus,
When troubled or distressed; I always find a refuge When I with Him can rest. I tell Him all my trials, I tell Him all my grief; And while my lips are speaking He gives my heart relief. When full of dread forebodings, And flowing oer with tears, He calms away my sorrows, And hushes all my fears. He comprehends my weakness, The peril I am in,

And He supplies the armor I need to vanquish sin. When those are cold and faithless, Who once were fond and true, With careless hearts forsaking The old friends for the new, I turn to Him whose friendship Knows neither change nor end: I always find in Jesus An ever faithful Friend. I always go to Jesus; No matter when or where I seek His gracious presence, Im sure to find Him there. In times of joy or sorrow, Whateer my need may be, I always go to Jesus, And Jesus comforts me.

JANUARY 17 Keep yourselves in the love of GodJude 21. We may daily and hourly keep ourselves in the Lord's love by obedience to, and a growing love for the principles of righteousness. And we are to rejoice in every experience of lifeits trials, difficulties, sorrows, disappointments, etc., no less than in its pleasures, if by any or all of these means the Lord shall instruct us and give us clearer insight into our own deficiencies, and a still clearer insight into that perfect law of liberty and love which He has established, and to which He requires our full and loyal heart-submissionZ '02, 173 (R 3021). The love of God, consisting of disinterested love for the Father and the Son with all the heart, mind, soul and strength, of disinterested love for the brethren more than to self and of disinterested love for mankind in general and even for our enemies as self, does not of itself under the present conditions remain in one's heart. Whoever does not preserve it amid the conditions that would otherwise destroy it will surely lose it. If, therefore, we have attained this love, let us seek to maintain itP '34, 189. Parallel passages: Deut. 33: 3, 12; Psa. 63: 3; 146: 8; Isa. 38: 17; Jer. 31: 3; John 3: 16; 14: 21, 23; 16: 27; 17: 10, 23, 26; Rom. 5: 8; 2 Cor. 13: 11; Eph. 2: 4; Col. 3: 14; 1 John 3: 1; 4: 8-19; Matt. 5: 43-48; 19: 19; Josh. 22: 5; Psa. 91: 14; John 13: 14, 15, 34, 35; 15: 12-19. Hymns: 166, 95, 165, 196, 198, 267, 201. Poems of Dawn, 79: Love's Alchemy. Tower Reading: Z '02, 171 (R 3020). Questions: Have I this week kept myself in the love of God? How? Why? In what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? LOVES ALCHEMY

LOVE is the filling from ones own

Anothers cup. Love is a daily laying down And taking up; A choosing of the stony path Through each new day That other feet may tread with ease A smoother way. Love is not blind, but looks abroad Through other eyes; And asks not Must I give? but May I sacrifice? Love hides its grief, that other hearts

And lips may sing; And burdened, walks, that other lives May, buoyant, wing. Brother, hast thou a love like this Within thy soul? Twill change thy name to saint when thou Dost reach thy goal.

JANUARY 18 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the LordRom. 12: 11. Let all who would run the race successfully look well to their zeal and activity in the Lord's work. If we bury our one or many talents under a weight of worldly cares and encumbrances which might be avoided or set aside; if we bury them under worldly ambitions for either self or familywhether this be by wasting consecrated time upon science, philosophy, music, art, business, politics, pleasures, or in pampering pride and appetitethen as unfaithful servants we shall ultimately go into outer darknessZ '91, 9 (R 1281). Activity in the affairs of life, particularly in the Lord's service, is indispensable to success. When a zealous spirit burning with enthusiasm is added thereto, the conditions of success are better fulfilled; and when this activity and zeal are given to the Lord under the direction of wisdom, His cause is much benefited; and the one exhibiting these qualities is greatly developedP '33, 191. Parallel passages: 1 Chron. 29: 17; 2 Chron. 15: 15; Ezra 7: 23; Psa. 42: 1, 2; 119: 139; Eccles. 9: 10; Isa. 62: 6, 7; John 9: 4; 1 Cor. 13: 3; 14: 12; 2 Cor. 4: 8-10, 13, 16-18; 9: 2; Gal. 4: 18; Col. 3: 22-24; Titus 2: 14; Jude 3; Rev. 3: 19. Hymns: 277, 20, 13, 266, 272, 208, 78. Poems of Dawn, 280: The Clock of Life. Tower Reading: Z '13, 314 (R 5334). Questions: Have I been zealous this week? Wherein? With what results? THE CLOCK OF LIFE

OUR Clock of Life is wound but once,

And no one has the power To tell just when the hands will stop, At late or early hour. Now is the only time you own; Live, love, toil with a will; Place no faith in tomorrow, for Your Clock may then be still.

JANUARY 19 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the dayPsa. 119: 97. It is a great privilege for Christians to study the Lord's Word, yet a great deal of study is done to no purpose. Study which is not put into practice is worse than a waste of time. Every reasonable opportunity should be used by the Lord's people to obtain a knowledge of the Divine Planeven to the extent of sacrificing; but the child of the Lord will be particular to see that it is his own conveniences and comforts that he is sacrificing, and not chiefly the conveniences and comforts of others. The Bible study which is done merely at the expense of others is a sign of selfishness rather than of a rich indwelling of God's spirit of loveZ '99, 156 (R 2488). God's Word is the most precious heritage of the Christian. Its doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types are worthy of, and awaken his love. No themes are so delightful and absorbing for the meditating Christian as those of the Bible. Nor will any yield a richer blessing to those whose meditation on them is followed by a life conforming thereto, because these are spirit and lifeP '32, 198. Parallel passages: Job23: 12; Psa.1: 2; 19: 7-11; 40: 8; 119: 16, 20, 24, 35, 47, 48, 54, 70, 77, 92, 103, 111, 113, 119, 127, 131, 140, 143, 159, 162-167, 174; Jer. 15: 16; Luke 4: 22; 11: 28; Acts 17: 11; Rom. 15: 4; Col. 3: 16; 2 Tim. 2: 15; 3: 15-17. Hymns: 22, 49, 79, 238, 296, 311, 315. Poems of Dawn, 6: The Word of Truth. Tower Reading: Z '02, 265 (R 3070). Questions: Have I this week delighted in and meditated on the Word? How? Why? With what results? THE WORD OF TRUTH

THE Word of Truth is like a stained-glass window rare,

We stand outside and gaze, but see no beauty there, No fair design, naught but confusion we behold; Tis only from within the glory will unfold, And he who would drink in the rapture of the view Must climb the winding stair, the portal enter through. The sacred door of Truths cathedral is most low, And all who fain would enter there the knee must bow In deep humility. But once inside, the light of day streams through and makes each color heavenly bright, The Masters great design we see, our hands we raise

In reverent ecstasy of wonder, love and praise!

JANUARY 20 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?Heb. 12: 7. Character cannot be developed wholly without trial. It is like a plant: at first it is very tender; it needs an abundance of the sunshine of God's love; frequent watering with the showers of His grace; much cultivating through the applied knowledge of His character as a good foundation for faith and inspiration to obedience; and then, when thus developed under these favorable conditions, it is ready for the pruning hand of discipline, and is also able to endure some hardness. And, little by little, as strength of character is developed, the tests applied to it serve only to develop more strength, beauty and grace, until it is finally fixed, developed, established, perfectedthrough sufferingZ '95, 107 (R 1806). If from our natural fathers we are chastened for our profit, it should not be considered amiss if our Heavenly Father chastens us for our profit. To be without such chastisement is an evidence that we are not His sons; to receive such chastisement proves His Fatherhood and our sonship. Therefore they should not discourage us; but assured thereby that we are sons of God, let us likewise thereby be incited to bettermentP '26, 190. Parallel passages: Heb. 12: 4-14; Deut. 8: 5; 2 Sam. 7: 14; Job 5: 17; Psa. 94: 12; Prov. 13: 13-24; 19: 18; 22: 15; 23: 13, 14, 24; 29: 15, 17; Rev. 3: 19. Hymns: 307, 63, 67, 110, 293, 328, 333. Poems of Dawn, 186: "Think it Not Strange!" Tower Reading: Z '12, 389 (R 5147). Questions: What disciplinary experiences did I have this week? How did I bear them? What effects did they work in me? THINK IT NOT STRANGE!
1 PET. 4: 12.

THINK it not strange, beloved,

When fiercely burns the fiery flame! Think it not strange, but praise His name, Who counts thee worthy to partake Of painful sufferings for His sake. Nor think it strange When loved ones scornful from thee turn, The Truth reject, the message spurn; Consider Him who thus endured, And Immortality secured!

Think it not strange, beloved, If sometimes every door seem closed, And all thine efforts be opposed, But calmly wait in patience till The master shall reveal His will. Nor think it strange When darker grown the narrow way, Press on, thy Master soon shall say, Enough, My child, thou hast well done, Come, enter, in the Prize is won!

JANUARY 21 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow meMatt. 16: 24. Cross-bearing is closely related to self-denial, and yet a distinction between them may be noted. Self-denial relates more particularly to passive obedience and endurance for the Lord's sake; cross-bearing has to do more especially with activities in the Lord's service, which we find to be contrary to our natural inclinations. Faithfulness in self-denial means courage and zeal; cross-bearing means victory, overcoming. Our self-denials may be victories in our own hearts, of which others may know nothing, and of which they should know nothing, if we desire to have the fullness of the Lord's blessing. Our cross-bearing, however, may be seen, to some extent at least, by those who are in close contact with us, and especially by those who are walking in the same "narrow way"Z '00, 118 (R 2615). Self-denial in the Christian sense is not simply abstinence from our rights, but abstinence from our rights for the Lord's sake. To bear the cross implies subjection of self to the Lord's will in service, from faith, hope, love and obedience in all life's affairs, especially amid untoward circumstances. Only those who practice such self-denial and crossbearing are Christ's true followers, and as such shall at the end of their course be acknowledged by the Lord for a share in Christ's glorious KingdomP '31, 192. Parallel passages: Gen. 22: 1-12; 2 Sam. 24: 24; Matt. 8: 19-22; 10: 37-39; 13: 44-46; 19: 12, 21; Luke 5: 11, 27, 28; 14: 33; 18: 27-30; 21: 2-4; Acts 20: 22-24; Rom. 6: 1-11; 14: 1-22; 15: 1-5; 1 Cor. 8: 13; 9: 12, 15, 18, 19, 23-27; 10: 24; Phil. 3: 7-9; Titus 2: 12; 1 Pet. 2: 11, 16; 4: 1, 2. Hymns: 279, 8, 14, 47, 134, 192, 277. Poems of Dawn, 41: The Call Divine. Tower Reading: Z '06, 267 (R 3843. Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? THE CALL DIVINE

TO-DAY, to-morrow, evermore,

Through cheerless nights without a star, Not asking whither or how far, Rejoicing though the way be sore, Take up thy cross And follow Me. I cannot promise wealth or ease,

Fame, pleasure, length of days, esteem These things are vainer than they seem If thou canst turn from all of these, Take up thy cross And follow Me! I promise only perfect peace, Sweet peace that lives through years of strife; Eternal love, immortal life, And rest when all these wanderings cease. Take up thy cross And follow Me! My yoke is easyput it on; My burden very light to bear. Who shareth this, My crown shall share The present cross insures the crown. Take up thy cross And follow Me!

JANUARY 22 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORDPsa. 31: 24. It would seem as though the Adversary at times attempts to discourage us by making us think that the trials and difficulties of the "narrow way" of sacrifice will be unavailing anyhow, and that we might as well give up. . . . And what course should we pursue at such a time? We should follow the example of our Lord, and seek the Father's face, anxious to know whether or not our interests are all right with Him; anxious for some assurances that while the world may hate us, and say all manner of evil against us falsely, we still have His approval; anxious for some fresh assurance that it will be well with us, that the Lord will grant us a part in the resurrection of the justto life eternalZ '01, 79 (R 2773). Those who hope in the Lord are those who rely upon His Word and Providence. Since God is on their side, they may be of good courage, however distressing their circumstances in life may be, realizing that these must all work for the strengthening of their characters in Christ's likeness. Let these considerations encourage and strengthen them in every good word and work unto all well-pleasing in the sight of Him who so kindly blesses themP '35, 183. Parallel passages: Deut. 31: 23; Josh. 1: 5-9; 1 Chron. 22: 13; 2 Chron. 15: 7; 19: 11; 32: 7, 8; Psa. 25; 27; 31: 24; Ezek. 2: 6; 3: 9; John 16: 33; Rom. 8: 35-39; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Eph. 1: 19; 3: 16; 6: 10; Col. 1: 11; 2 Tim. 1: 7. Hymns: 110, 137, 183, 197, 200, 273, 313. Poems of Dawn, 289: God's Anvil . Tower Reading: Z '13, 309 (R 5329). Questions: Have I been encouraged and strengthened this week? How was it accomplished or hindered? What resulted therefrom? GODS ANVIL

PAINS furnace-heat within me quivers,

Gods breath upon the flame doth blow, And all my heart in anguish shivers, And trembles at the fiery glow; And yet I whisper, As God will! And in His hottest fire hold still. He comes and lays my heart all heated, On the hard anvil, minded so Into His own fair shape to beat it, With the great hammer, blow on blow;

And yet I whisper, As God will! And at His heaviest blows hold still. He takes my softened heart and beats it, The sparks fly off at every blow; He turns it ore and heats it, And lets it cook, and makes it glow; And yet I whisper, As God will! And in His mighty hands hold still. Why should I murmur? For the sorrow Thus only longer-lived would be; Its end will come, and will, tomorrow, When God has done His work in me; So I say, trusting, As God will! And trusting to the end, hold still. He kindles, for my profit purely, Afflictions glowing fiery brand, And all His heaviest blows are surely Inflicted by a master hand; So I say, praying, As God will! And hope in Him and suffer still.

JANUARY 23 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God1 Cor. 7: 24. Duties may at times seem to conflict, but they do not really do so. A Christian's first duty is his hearty acknowledgment of his Creator and Lord, in all his ways. His second duty, if he be a husband and father, is toward his wife and children; or if she be a wife and mother, it is toward her husband and children. The marriage contract, by Divine arrangement, comes in as a first mortgage upon every husband's time and upon every wife's timethe demands of this mortgage must be reasonably met before anything can be properly done to or for outsidersZ '99, 155 (R 2488). The spirit of the age is restlessness. Almost everyone is seeking some change in life. Contentment should so mark the Christian's character, amid the prevalent discontent, as to move him to be satisfied where he is and with what he has, and therein should he remain until the Lord indicates the necessity of a change. Faith in God will insure this spiritP '30, 14. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 7: 20; Luke 3: 12-14; Eph. 6: 5-8; Gen. 2: 15; Prov. 10: 4, 5; 12: 11, 24; 13: 4, 11; 14: 23; 20: 13; 22: 29; 31: 27; Eccles. 9: 10; 11: 6; Rom. 12: 11; Eph. 4: 28; 1 Thes. 4: 11, 12; 2 Thes. 3: 10-12. Hymns: 4, 134, 208, 307, 277, 267, 275. Poems of Dawn, 295: My Service. Tower Reading: Z '14, 212 (R 5498). Questions: What have I done as to remaining in my calling this week? What hindered or helped? What resulted therefrom? MY SERVICE

I ASKED the Lord to let me do

Some mighty work for Him; To fight amid His battle hosts, Then sing the victors hymn. I longed my ardent love to show, But Jesus would not have it so. He placed me in a quiet home Whose life was calm and still, And gave me little things to do, My daily round to fill; I could not think it good to be Just put aside so silently. Small duties gathered round my way,

They seemed of earth alone; I, who had longed for conquests bright To lay before His throne, Had common things to do and bear, To watch and strive with daily care. So then I thought my prayer unheard, And asked the Lord once more That He would give me work for Him And open wide the door Forgetting that my Master knew Just what was best for me to do. Then quietly the answer came: My child, I hear thy cry; Think not that mighty deeds alone Will bring thee victory. The battle has been planned by Me, Let daily life thy conquests see.

JANUARY 24 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heartProv. 3: 3. While justice is the first feature of the commandment of love, it is not the end of its requirements; it requires that, going beyond strict justice, our love shall prompt us to the exercise of mercy and forgiveness. And in thus exercising mercy, we are again but copying Divine love. . . . Hence in our dealings with others who, like ourselves, are fallen and imperfect, we are to remember this feature and not only be just toward them but, additionally, to be merciful, generous, kind, even to the unthankful, that thus we may be children of our Father in heavenZ '02, 171 (R 3020 ). Truth is the Lord's Word; and mercy is the application of the Lord's Word amid the distress of the present. No jeweled chain forms a better adornment than these are to the Christian's character. Love for mercy and truth should be crystallized in the heart. So crystallized, they become our eternal adornment, making us more attractive than the rarest gem or the costliest diadem, and shed their bright luster all about usP '34, 189. Parallel passages: Psa. 37: 26; 85: 10; Prov. 11: 17; 14: 21, 22, 31; 20: 28; 21: 21; Hos. 4: 1; 12: 6; Mic. 6: 8; Matt. 5: 7; 23: 23; Luke 6: 36; Rom. 12: 8; Col. 3: 12, 13; Jas. 2: 13; Prov. 23: 23; Zech. 8: 16, 19; 1 Cor. 13: 6; Eph. 4: 25; 2 Cor. 6: 7, 8; Rom. 2: 8; Gal. 3: 1; 2 Thes. 2: 10. Hymns: 267, 22, 49, 296, 95, 82, 105. Poems of Dawn, 134: Be Strong. Tower Reading: Z '13, 275 (R 5309). Questions: Have I this week laid hold on, clung to and practiced mercy and truth? How? Why? In what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? BE STRONG

BE strong to bear, O heart of mine,

Faint not when sorrows come. The sum of all these ills of earth Prepares thee for thy home. So many burdened ones there are Close toiling by thy side, Assist, encourage, comfort them, Thine own deep anguish hide. What though thy trials may seem great? Thy strength is known to God, And pathways steep and rugged lead To pastures green and broad.

Be strong to love, O heart of mine, Live not for self alone; But find, in blessing other lives, Completeness for thine own. Seek every hungry heart to feed, Each saddened heart to cheer; And when stern justice stands aloof, In mercy draw thou near. True, loving words and helping hands Have won more souls for Heaven Than all the mixed and various creeds By priests and sages given. For every grief a joy will come, For every toil a rest; So hope, so love, so patient bear God doeth all things best. Be strong to hope, O heart of mine, Look not on lifes dark side; For just beyond these gloomy hours Rich, radiant days abide. Let hope, like summers rainbow bright, Scatter thy falling tears, And let Gods precious promises Dispel thine anxious fears.

JANUARY 25 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itselfMatt. 6: 34. Our Lord assures us that if the main thought of our hearts is His service and the promotion of righteousness and an attainment of the Kingdom, which God has promised to them that love Him, then we need carry no anxious cares respecting the future. As His disciples we will have trials and tribulations enough, day by day, and will need daily to lean upon the Lord's arm as we seek to walk our narrow way. Sufficient for each day will be the evil of itself; and thanks be to God also, we have the promise that daily His grace shall be sufficient for usZ '98, 44 (R 2259). Worry plows furrows not only in the forehead, but also in the heart. The heart that trusts in the sufficiency of God's providences for every need is not only free from worry, but full of joy and peace, and looks with hopeful eyes into the future. It is therefore profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come P '33, 191. Parallel passages: Matt. 6: 25-33; Job 38: 41; Psa. 104: 10, 11; 147: 9; Luke 12: 24-26, 31; Phil. 4: 19; 1 Kings 3: 13; Psa. 34: 9; 37: 25; Rom. 8: 32; Psa. 127: 2; Matt. 13: 22; Luke 21: 34; 1 Cor. 7: 32, 33; Phil. 4: 6; 2 Tim. 2: 4; Psa. 37: 5; 55: 22; Jer. 17: 7, 8; Heb. 13: 5. Hymns: 56, 307, 93, 106, 63, 313, 328. Poems of Dawn, 153: Strength Sufficient. Tower Reading: Z '14, 230 (R 5508). Questions: What have this week's experiences been along the lines of this text? How were they met? In what did they result? STRENGTH SUFFICIENT

OH, ask not thou, How shall I bear

The burden of tomorrow? Sufficient for the day the care, Its evils and its sorrow, God imparteth by the way Strength sufficient for the day.

JANUARY 26 When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenanceMatt. 6: 16. Fasting is specially commendable to the Lord's people at times when they find themselves lacking in spirituality and exposed to severe temptations from the world, the flesh and the devil; for by impoverishing the physical force and vitality, it may assist the full-blooded and impulsive to self-control in every direction. We believe that a majority of Christians would be helped by occasional fasting, a very plain diet for a season, if not total abstinence. But fastings to be seen and known of men or to be conjured up in our own minds as marks of piety on our part, would be injurious indeed and lead to spiritual pride and hypocrisy, which would far outweigh their advantages to us in the way of self-restraintsZ '98, 45 (R 2260). Those who afflict themselves to appear religious before others are as bad as those who pray and do alms to be seen of men. The Christians' fast is self-denial and should be entered into with grateful, joyous appreciation as a coveted opportunity for the Lord's glory. And the more of self-denial they can manifest in this spirit the sweeter is the perfume of faith, hope, love and obedience that ascends from them in prayer to God P '32, 198. Parallel passages: Isa. 58: 5; Deut. 12: 18; 1 Sam. 2: 1; 1 Chron. 16: 27; Ezra 6: 22; Neh. 8: 10, 12; 12: 43; Psa. 4: 7; 5: 11; 16: 5-11; 30: 11; 68: 3; 89: 15, 16; 97: 11, 12; 126: 5, 6; Luke 6: 22, 23; John 15: 11; 16: 20, 22, 24, 33; Acts 16: 25, 34; 2 Cor. 6: 10; 7: 4; 8: 2; 12: 10; Heb. 10: 34; Jas. 1: 2; 1 Pet. 4: 13. Hymns: 248, 41, 151, 179, 204, 247, 310. Poems of Dawn, 42: Courage! Press On. Tower Reading: Z '11, 222 (R 4858). Questions: Have I this week rejoiced or been sad amid my self-denials? Why? With what results? COURAGE! PRESS ON

TIRED! Well, what of that?

Didst fancy life was spent on beds of ease, Fluttering the rose leaves scattered by the breeze? Come, rouse thee! work while it is called to-day: Courage! arise! go forth upon thy way. Lonely! and what of that? Some must be lonely; tis not given to all To feel a heart responsive rise and fall, To blend another life within its own: Work can be done in loneliness. Work on.

Dark! Well, what of that? Didst fondly dream the sun would never set? Dost fear to lose thy way? Take courage yet! Learn thou to walk by faith, and not by sight; Thy steps will guided be, and guided right. Hard! Well, what of that? Didst fancy life one summer holiday, With lessons none to learn, and naught but play? Goget thee to thy task! Conquer or die! It must be learned; learn it, then, patiently.

JANUARY 27 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of lifeProv. 4: 23. It is not sufficient that we acknowledge sin in its various forms to be evil, and that we resolve that we will strive against it, because it is under the Lord's ban. In addition to this we are to root out of our hearts every longing, every desire for everything not thoroughly approved by the Lord. Oh, what a cleansing this would mean in the hearts and lives, and especially in the thoughts of many who have named the name of Christ! Many who fail to note this point find themselves continually beset by temptations, because, while outwardly avoiding gross immoralities, they secretly harbor sympathies for things condemned, desiring that they might have them, if only they were not forbiddenZ '99, 140 (R 2479). The heart must be guarded with all diligence, both with regard to what enters and what leaves it. With great attention and care should we keep evil out of the heart and seek to fill it with good. So doing our lives will result in good, and not in evil. For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he! Our characters are thus formed, and our destinies are thus determinedP '26, 190. Parallel passages: Deut. 5: 29; 6: 5, 6; 1 Chron. 28: 9; 2 Chron. 12: 14; Psa. 22: 26; 31: 10; 57: 7; Prov. 14: 30; 16: 1; Jer. 17: 9, 10; Matt. 5: 8; 9: 4; 15: 18, 19; Rom. 2: 5; 10: 8; Heb. 3: 8; 4: 12. Hymns: 183, 130, 125, 78, 136, 1, 13. Poems of Dawn, 111: Watch and Pray. Tower Reading: Z '11, 396 (R 4904). Questions: Have I been diligently keeping my heart this week? What helped or hindered? What were the effects? WATCH AND PRAY

CHRISTIAN, seek not yet repose,

Hear thy gracious Savior say, Thou art in the midst of foes: Watch and pray. Principalities and powers Mustering their unseen array, Watch for thine unguarded hours: Watch and pray. Gird thy heavenly armor on, Wear it ever, night and day; Ambushd lies the Evil One:

Watch and pray. Hear, above all, hear thy Lord, Him thou lovest to obey; Hide within thy heart His words: Watch and pray. Watch, as if one that alone Hung the issue of the day; Pray that help may be sent down: Watch and pray.

JANUARY 28 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 angelsRev. 3: 5. The faithful overcomers watch and keep their garments unspotted from the world. . . . "They have not defiled their garments," they have "kept their garments unspotted from the world." They have not been willing to permit sin to contaminate them and to separate them from the Lord, but have quickly applied for and obtained the precious blood to remove every stain. They are so heartily opposed to sin and so earnest about the keeping of this garment unspotted that the Adversary gets no hold upon them"the wicked one catcheth them not." All this indicates a full submission of their wills to the will of Christthey are "dead with him," and hence could not willingly practice sinZ '97, 161 (R 2159). The overcomer will attain to the highest acquisition, a pure character, and such a character inscribed in the covenant through fulfillment of its obligations will never be blotted out. On the contrary, it will be praised by the Son before the Father and the holy angels. It will be the equipment for the honor, work and rewards in the Kingdom. It will last forever, even as the Psalmist says, "Your heart shall live forever!"P '31, 192. Parallel passages: 1 Kings 19: 18; Ezek. 9: 4; Eph. 5: 25-27; Rev. 19: 8; Psa. 45: 14; Matt. 7: 21; Rev. 12: 11; Neh. 13: 14; Ex. 32: 32, 33; Psa. 69: 28; Rev. 21: 27; 13: 8; 17: 8; Phil. 4: 3; Matt. 10: 32; Luke 12: 8; Matt. 25: 21. Hymns: 201, 192, 312, 125, 230, 58, 92. Poems of Dawn, 207: Ascend, Beloved. Tower Reading: Z '15, 118 (R 5668). Questions: What have been this week's experiences and hopes in line with this text? In what did they result? ASCEND, BELOVED ASCEND, beloved, to His joy; Thy festal day hath come; Tonight the Lamb doth feast His own, Tonight He with His Bride sits down, Tonight puts on the spousal crown, In the great upper room. Ascend, beloved, to thy Love; This is the day of days; Tonight the bridal song is sung, Tonight ten thousand harps are strung,

In sympathy with heart and tongue, Unto the Lambs high praise. The festal lamps are lighting now, In the great marriage hall; By angel bands the board is spread, By angel hands the sacred bread Is on the golden table laid; The King His own doth call. Long, long deferred, now comes at last, The Lambs glad wedding day; The guests are gathering at the feast, The seats in heavenly order placed, The royal throne above the rest How bright the whole array! Sorrow and sighing are no more; The weeping hours are past; Tonight the waiting will be done, Tonight the wedding robe is on; The glory and the joy begun, The hour hath come at last. Within the hall is heavnly light; Around, above, is love; We enter to go out no more; We raise the song unsung before; We doff the sackcloth that we wore, For all is joy and love. Ascend, beloved, share His life; Our days of death are oer; Mortalilty hath done its worst, The fetters of the tomb are burst, The last hath now become the first, Forever, evermore. Ascend, beloved, to the feast, Make haste, the day hath come; Thrice blest are they the Lamb doth call To share the heavenly festival In the new Salems palace hall, Our everlasting home.

JANUARY 29 The fear [reverence] of the LORD is the beginning of wisdomPsa. 111: 10. This is the only proper attitude of the creature toward the Creator, the Author of our being, and the Creator, Preserver and Lord of the whole universe. When He speaks, therefore, our ears should be reverently attentive to His voice, and every power alert to do His bidding. Our safety, our happiness, and that nobility of character which prompts to love and gratitude, and which promptly and wisely heeds instruction and advances in knowledge and wisdom, all depend primarily upon our supreme reverence for the Lord. And therefore the Lord would foster and cultivate in us that becoming filial reverence that is due to His nameZ '96, 155 (R 2002). Wisdom not only includes knowledge but also the practical application of knowledge to good purposes. The highest and the best things are those that concern man in his proper relationship toward God and his fellow-men. How evident it is, therefore, that the source of wisdom is reverence for God, since it enables one to come into a proper relationship to God and man and realize its callsP '35, 183. Parallel passages: Deut. 4: 6; 5: 29; 6: 2; 10: 12; Job 28: 28; Psa. 111: 1-9; 25: 8-14; Prov. 1: 7-9, 21-23; 2: 1-11; Eccles. 8: 12; Zeph. 3: 7; Mal. 3: 16; Matt. 11: 25-30; Luke 1: 49, 50; John 14: 15-17; Acts 10: 35. Hymns: 11, 55, 83, 63, 202, 130, 176. Poems of Dawn, 88: My Trust in Him. Tower Reading: Z '06, 299 (R 3861). Questions: Did I reverence God this week? What helped or hindered therein? Did I receive good from the experience? MY TRUST IN HIM

I CANNOT always see the way that leads

To heights above; I sometimes quite forget He leads me on With hand of love. But yet I realize the path must lead me to Immanuels land, And when I reach lifes summit, I shall know And understand. I cannot always trace the onward course My bark must take; But looking backward, I behold afar Its shining wake

Illumined with Gods Light of Love, and so I onward go In perfect trust that He who holds the helm The course must know. I cannot always see the plan on which He builds my life; For oft the sound of hammer, blow on blow, The noise of strife, Confuse me till I quite forget He knows And oversees, And that in all details with His great plan My life agrees. I cannot always understand The Masters rule; I cannot always do the tasks He gives In Lifes hard school; But I am learning with His help to solve Them one by one; And when I cannot understand, to say, Thy will be done.

JANUARY 30 Jesus spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faintLuke 18: 1. In coming to God we need have no fear that He is too busy with other matters of greater importance, or that He is weary of our coming to Him repeatedly with things of small importance. It was to assure us against this very thing that our Lord spoke the parable of the importunate widow, who was heard and answered on account of her importunity. In so doing we evince both the earnestness of our desires and our faith that our prayers will be answered, if we faint not from lack of faith or zeal when the answer is delayed, as often it must necessarily be, since time is an important element in all God's workZ '95, 214 (R 1864). How blessed the assurance that the privilege of prayer is ever accessible to the child of God! How glorious is the assurance that omnipotent Love sits on the throne, favoring us! This should encourage us in every perplexity, since omnipotent Love is invincible. Therefore, yoked with God, we can never fail. Our strength will be equal to every demand, and our victories will follow one another in quick succession, until a complete conquest is attained in and by Christ JesusP '30, 14. Parallel passages: Luke 2: 37; 11: 5-13; 21: 36; Matt. 15: 27, 28; 21: 22; John 15: 7; 16: 23; Rom. 12: 12; Isa. 62: 6, 7; Psa. 118: 5; 2 Cor. 12: 8, 9; 1 Thes. 5: 17; Heb. 4: 16; 1 John 5: 14; 3: 22; Jas. 1: 5, 6; Jer. 29: 13. Hymns: 239, 1, 26, 50, 56, 57, 136. Poems of Dawn, 57: Trust in the Lord. Tower Reading: Z '13, 277 (R 5310). Questions: What experiences did I have this week in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? What were their results? TRUST IN THE LORD
PSALM 52: 8.

O TRUST thyself to Jesus, When conscious of thy sin Of its heavy weight upon thee, Of its mighty power within. Then is the hour for pleading His finished work for thee; Then is the time for singing, His blood was shed for me. O trust thyself to Jesus, When faith is dim and weak, And the very One thou needest

Thou canst not rise to seek. Then is the hour for seeing That He hath come to thee; Then is the time for singing, His touch hath healed me. O trust thyself to Jesus, When tempted to transgress By hasty word, or angry look. Or thought of bitterness. Then is the hour for claiming Thy Lord to fight for thee; Then is the time for singing, He doth deliver me. O trust thyself to Jesus, When daily cares perplex, And trifles seem to gain a power Thine inner soul to vex. Then is the hour for grasping His hand who walked the sea; Then is the time for singing, He makes it calm for me. O trust thyself to Jesus, When some truth thou canst not see For the mists of strife and error, That veil its form from thee. Then is the hour for looking To Him to guide thee right; Then is the time for singing, The Lord shall be my light. O trust thyself to Jesus, In bright and happy days, When tasting earthly gladness, Or winning human praise. Then is the hour for hiding In the shadow of His wings; Then is the time for singing, Praise to the King of kings! O trust thyself to Jesus, When thou art wearied sore, When head or hand refuses To think or labor more.

Then is the hour for leaning Upon the Masters breast; Then is the time for singing, My Savior gives me rest. O trust thyself to Jesus, When thou art tried with pain; No power for prayer, the only thought How to endure the strain. Then is the hour for resting In His perfect love for thee; Then is the time for singing, He thinks and cares for me. O trust thyself to Jesus, In days of feebleness, When thou canst only dumbly feel Thine utter helplessness. Then is the hour for proving His mighty power in thee; Then is the time for singing, His grace sufficeth me. O trust thyself to Jesus, When thou art full of care For wanderers whom thou canst not win Our blessed hope to share. Then is the hour for trusting Thy Lord to bring them nigh; Then is the time for singing, He loves them more than I. O trust thyself to Jesus, When loved ones pass away, When very lonely seems thy life, And very dark thy way. Then is the hour for yielding Entirely to His will; Then is the time for singing, I have my Savior still. O trust thyself to Jesus, When flesh and heart do fail, And thou art called to enter Deaths dark, oershadowed vale. Then is the hour for saying,

I will no evil fear; Then is the time for singing, Lord, Thou art with me here. O trust thyself to Jesus, As thy spirit takes its flight, From every earthly shadow, To the realm of perfect light. Then is the hour for shouting, Christ hath done all for me! Then is the time for singing, He gives the victory!

JANUARY 31 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his wayPsa. 25: 9. Such a disposition is essential to those who would receive the wisdom which comes from above. They must have a humble appreciation of their own deficiencies and lack of wisdom, else they cannot receive freely, heartily, the wisdom which God is pleased to grant in the present time only to those who are in the attitude of heart to receive it. And it will be seen also that this humility of mind is essential as a basis for the spirit of a sound mind, for who is in a proper condition to think justly, reasonably, impartially, except first of all he have a humble disposition? Hence we must agree that humility is a primary element in the disposition or mind of Christ Z '00, 68 (R 2585). To be teachable, one must be humble. To be taught of God, humility is indispensable: Only those emptied of self can be filled with God; but so emptied, they are prepared to receive knowledge that far transcends the greatest heights of human wisdom, since God Himself will be their great Teacher and His wisdom embraces all thingsP '34, 189. Parallel passages: Psa. 22: 26; 37: 11; 76: 8, 9; 147: 6; 149: 4; Eccles. 10: 4; Isa. 11: 4; 29: 19; Zeph. 2: 3; Matt. 5: 5, 38-42; 11: 29; 1 Cor. 6: 7; 2 Cor. 10: 1; Gal. 6: 1; Eph. 4: 1, 2; Col. 3: 12, 13; 2 Tim. 2: 24, 25; 1 Pet. 3: 4. Hymns: 71, 136, 145, 315, 128, 160, 154. Poems of Dawn, 69: How Strong and Sweet My Father's Care! Tower Reading: Z '13, 381 (R 5370). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? HOW STRONG AND SWEET MY FATHERS CARE!
1 PETER 5: 7.

HOW strong and sweet my Fathers care!

The words, like music in the air, Come answering to my whispered prayer He cares for thee. The thought great wonder with it brings My cares are all such little things; But to this truth my glad faith clings, He cares for me. Yea, keep me ever in Thy love, Dear Father, watching from above,

And let me still Thy mercy prove, And care for me. Cast me not off because of sin, But make me pure and true within, And teach me how Thy smile to win, Who cares for me. O still, in summers golden glow, Or wintry storms of wind and snow, Love me, my Father: let me know Thy care for me. And I will learn to cast the care Which like a heavy load I bear Down at Thy feet in lowly prayer, And trust in Thee. For naught can hurt me, shade or shine, Nor evil thing touch me, nor mine, Since Thou with tenderness Divine Dost care for me.

FEBRUARY 1 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the leftIsa. 30: 21. If we have come to the forks of the roadto some crisis in our experienceand know not whether to turn to the right or to the left, we should stop at once and listen to the voice. Or, in other words, we should turn at once to the Word of the Lord, and by pondering its precepts and principles, and its illustrations bearing on the perplexing subject, seek to learn the will of the Lord, asking also the leading of His Spirit, and endeavoring to bring the mind into a loving, submissive and trustful attitudeZ '95, 6 (R 1753). The word behind us is the teachings of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. These teachings are applicable to every condition and experience of life; therefore to these marvelous teachings are we to look for instruction along life's pathway with the assurance that they will guide our steps aright in the ways of wisdom, justice, love and power P '34, 15. Parallel passages: Luke 11: 28; 8: 21; Matt. 7: 21-29; Jas. 1: 21-27; Col. 2: 2; 3: 16; Heb. 1: 1, 2; Isa. 66: 4; Eph. 5: 26; 1 Thes. 2: 13; 2 Thes. 2: 14, 15; 2 Tim. 3: 15-17; Heb. 2: 13; 4: 2, 12; 1 Pet. 2: 2; 2 Pet. 3: 1, 2; 1 John 2: 14; Jude 17; Rev. 1: 3; Heb. 6: 4-6; 10: 2629; 2 Pet. 2: 20-22. Hymns: 49, 22, 79, 154, 296, 315, 306. Poems of Dawn, 96: This is My Will for Thee. Tower Reading: Z '11, 359 (R 4881). Questions: Have I this week followed the Word? Under what circumstances? With what results? THIS IS MY WILL FOR THEE

JUST to hear my dear Master say,

This is My will for thee; Then to whisper the dark night through, This is His will for me. Just to keep in the narrow way, Painful hower it be, Just to follow Him day by day, All shall be well with me. Just to joyfully bear the pain, All that He sendeth me, Just to suffer the scorn and shame,

Trust where I cannot see. Just to hear, when the day seems long, This is My will for thee; Then shall my faith and love grow strong, Knowing His will for me. Oh, to hear, when the work is done, This is My will for thee, Faith and Patience and Love have won, Sit in My throne with Me!

FEBRUARY 2 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall dieRom. 8: 13. What is it to live after the flesh? We answer, It is to live after, in conformity to, and in gratification of, the inclinations and cravings of the fallen human nature. And it is the easiest thing possible to do this. All we have to do is just listlessly to abandon ourselves to the current of our old nature, and cease to strive against it. As soon as we do this, we begin to float down the stream, and by and by we find the current more and more rapid and resistance more and more difficultZ '95, 8 (R 1748). The flesh is both the natural and the acquired sinful disposition, as well as the natural and acquired selfish disposition. To live after these would therefore mean to act out the principles of the natural and acquired depravity, as well as those of the natural and acquired selfishness. Such a course will kill the new heart, mind and will; and since the humanity is offered as a sacrifice, it is inevitable that those individuals who backslide, and who continue to live after the flesh, must eventually die and remain dead forever P '33, 16. Parallel passages: Job 4: 8; Prov. 14: 12; Matt. 26: 41; Rom. 6; 8: 4-12; Gal. 6: 7, 8; Heb. 6: 4-8; 10: 26-31; Jas. 1: 15; 4: 4; 2 Pet. 2: 20-22; 1 John 5: 16; Jude 11-13; 4 Cor. 6: 16; Eph. 4: 22. Hymns: 192, 13, 48, 71, 78, 337, 145. Poems of Dawn, 292: A Dead Sea or a Galilee? Tower Reading: Z '11, 136, 169 (R 4809, 4830). Questions: What were this week's experiences in relation to this text? How were they met? What were the helps, hindrances and results? A DEAD SEA OR A GALILEE? IFE adorns the Sea of Galilee: Its bosom teems with fish; its shores are green; But to the south there lies the Salty Sea, So desolate: no fish, no life is seen. And yet from Jordans waters both receive. Then why doth one have life; the other death? Tis Natures law, to take and then to give; For every breath we take we give a breath. The Dead Sea drinks far more than Galilee, But has no outlet in its selfishness; While Galilee bestows its bounties free It issues forth its life mankind to bless.

Am I a Dead Sea, or a Galilee? More blessed tis to give than to receive; If I confine my thoughts to my and me Ill not bless others, but myself deceive.

FEBRUARY 3 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their fleshProv. 4: 20, 22. Few recognize the influence of the mind over the body. God has so organized our beings that pure, noble, holy thoughts in general have not only an elevating and ennobling effect upon the mental and moral constitution, but also an invigorating influence upon the physical system. And, on the contrary, every unclean, ignoble, unchaste, unholy thought (as well as act) has a direct effect not only toward debasement of mind and morals, but also toward the germination of seeds of disease already in the constitution of the fallen raceZ '96, 180 (R 2013). God exhorts His children to apply both their minds and their hearts to His teachings. No wonder He wishes us to learn His Word, since through the Word of God we are fitted for life everlasting. Not only to the elect of the Gospel Age, but also to the non-elect of the Millennial Age will the Word give life. It is the fountain of eternal life as well as of perpetual youth; and he who finds and drinks this water finds what the Spaniard sought in vainthe fountain of perpetual youth and lifeP '27, 15. Parallel passages: Ex. 13: 9; Deut. 29: 29; Josh. 1: 8; Job 23: 12; Psa. 12: 6; 17: 4; 19: 711; 119: 9, 11-20; Prov. 6: 20-23; Matt. 7: 24-27; Luke 11: 28; John 5: 24; 17: 17. Hymns: 296, 79, 49, 311, 306, 322, 22. Poems of Dawn, 8: How Readest Thou? Tower Reading: Z '13, 163 (R 5246). Questions: Have I this week meditated on the Word? How? When? With what results? HOW READEST THOU? LUKE 10: 16 TIS one thing now to read the Bible through, Another thing to read, to learn and do; Tis one thing now to read it with delight, And quite another thing to read it right. Some read it with design to learn to read, But to the subject pay but little heed; Some read it as their duty once a week, But no instruction from the Bible seek; Whilst others read it without common care, With no regard to how they read or where. Some read it as a history, to know How people lived three thousand years ago.

Some read to bring unto themselves repute, By showing others how they can dispute; Whilst others read because their neighbors do, To see how long twill take to read it through. Some read it for the wonders that are there, How David killed a lion and a bear; Whilst others reador rather in it look Because, perhaps, they have no other book. Some read the blessed Bookthey dont know why, It somehow happens in the way to lie; Whilst others read it with uncommon care, But all to find some contradictions there. One reads with fathers specs upon his head, And sees the thing just as his father did; Another reads through Campbell or through Scott, And thinks it means exactly what they thought. Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed, Thus understand but little what they read; And every passage in the Book they bend To make it suit that all-important end. Some read the Book to find that God is love, Whilst others readthe opposite to prove. Some people read, as I have often thought, To teach the Book, instead of being taught.

FEBRUARY 4 Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plaguesRev. 18: 4. Whoever are worthy the name, "My people," will hear and obey the Lord's voice and come out of Babylon and "receive not of her plagues"; because their obedience in fleeing out as soon as they see Babylon's real condition will prove that they were never in real accord with her sins. Those who remain after seeing Babylon and her blasphemous doctrines in the light now shining are reckoned as endorsing the blasphemies and deserving the "plagues" most thoroughlyas much as or more than the "tare" class of Babylonians, because they have greater lightZ '00, 3 (R 2553). Where have God's people been but in the various sects of Christendom, and where has more light been sinned against than in these sects, and upon what will God's plagues come with more severity than upon these sects? Therefore, how reasonable that God should save His people from being contaminated with their sins and make them immune from their plagues by inviting them to leave Babylon? In a secondary sense this passage well applies to the Lord's people coming out of the sects of Little BabylonP '32, 15. Parallel passages: Isa. 47: 10; 48: 20; 52: 11; Jer. 50: 8; 51: 6, 9; 2 Cor. 6: 17; 7: 1; Zech. 2: 7; Gen. 19: 16, 17, 29; Luke 17: 32; Matt. 24: 15-20; Jude 23; Num. 16: 21; Rev. 16: 19; 18: 1-24. Hymns: 332, 18, 25, 41, 216, 310, 333. Poems of Dawn, 128: Let Us Go Forth. Tower Reading: Z '14, 179 (R 5478). Questions: Have we "come out of her" locally, sympathetically, doctrinally, practically and spiritually? Why? With what results? LET US GO FORTH
HEBREWS 13: 13.

SILENT, like men in solemn haste, Girded wayfarers of the waste, We pass out at the worlds wide gate, Turning our back on all its state; We press along the narrow road That leads to life, to bliss, to God. We cannot and we would not stay; We dread the snares that throng the way; We fling aside the weight and sin, Resolved the victory to win; We know the peril, but our eyes

Rest on the splendor of the prize. What though with weariness oppressed? Tis but a little and we rest. This throbbing heart and burning brain Will soon be calm and cool again, Night is far spend and morn is near Morn of the cloudless and the clear. No idling now, no slothful sleep, From Christian toil our powrs to keep; No shrinking from the desperate fight, No thought of yielding or of flight; No love of present gain or ease, No seeking man or self to please. No sorrow for the loss of fame, No dread of scandal on our name; No terror for the worlds sharp scorn, No wish that taunting to return; No hatred can to hatred move The soul thats filled with pitying love. No sigh for laughter left behind, Or pleasures scattered to the wind; No looking back on Sodoms plains, No listening still to Babels strains; No tears for Egypts song and smile, No thirsting for its flowing Nile. Tis but a little and we come To our reward, our crown, our home! Another year, or more, or less, And we have crossed the wilderness; Finished the toil, the rest begun, The battle fought, the triumph won! We grudge not, then, the toil, the way; Its ending is the endless day! We shrink not from these tempests keen, With little of the calm between; We welcome each descending sun; Ere morn our joy may be begun!

FEBRUARY 5 This is the will of God [concerning you], even your sanctification1 Thes. 4: 3. Coming to the Scriptures to ascertain God's will, we find that the great work which God asks of us is not work for others, but work in ourselves, subduing, conquering, ruling self. Everything else, thereforeour service to the household of faith, and our doing good unto all men, by home and foreign missions, etc.is subservient to this most important work within. For, as the Apostle by inspiration declares, Though we should preach the gospel eloquently to others, and though we should give all our goods to feed the poor, or become martyrs for a good cause, without love, the Spirit of Christ and the Father, developed in us as the ruling principle of life, we would be nothing, from the Divine standpointZ '99, 4 (R 2411). Sanctification implies separation from self and the world, and the dedication of self to God's service. Its full operation will develop in us a character like that of our Heavenly Father. No less than the development of a God-like character is the will of God for His children, and he who during the time of the elective call has submitted himself to the will of God will ultimately be like God on the spirit plane of being, while in the Mediatorial Reign of Christ such submission will be rewarded with perfect human lifeP '36, 14. Parallel passages: Lev. 20: 7, 8; Mic. 6: 8; John 17: 17; Acts 20: 32; 1 Cor. 1: 2, 30; 6: 11; Eph.5: 10, 26, 27;1 Thes. 5: 23; 2 Thes. 2: 13; Titus 3: 5, 6; Heb. 2: 10; 10: 10, 14; 13: 12; 1 Pet. 1: 22; Jude 1. Hymns: 125, 4, 198, 78, 114, 74, 196. Poems of Dawn, 173: Disappointment. Tower Reading: Z '16, 99 (R 5876). Questions: What sanctifying experiences were mine this week? How did I act amid them? What gains did I derive from them? DISAPPOINTMENT DISAPPOINTMENTHis appointment, Change one letter, then I see That the thwarting of my purpose Is Gods better choice for me. His appointment must be blessing, Tho it may come in disguise, For the end from the beginning Open to His wisdom lies. DisappointmentHis appointment, Whose? The Lords who loves me best, Understands and knows me fully,

Who my faith and love would test; For, like loving earthly parent, He rejoices when He knows That his child accepts, Unquestioned, All that from His wisdom flows. DisappointmentHis appointment, No good thing will He withhold, From denials oft we gather Treasures of His love untold. Well He knows each broken purpose Leads to fuller, deeper trust, And the end of all His dealings Proves our God is wise and just. DisappointmentHis appointment, Lord, I take it, then, as such. Like the clay in hands of potter, Yielding wholly to Thy touch. All my lifes plan is Thy moulding, Not one single choice be mine; Let me answer, unrepining Father, Not my will, but Thine.

FEBRUARY 6 Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge. he putteth down one, and setteth up anotherPsa. 75: 6, 7. We may have desires and aspirations for usefulness which will never be gratified. The Lord may see that we could not bear the exaltation and honor which we seek. He knows far better than we do what is for our good, and so He would have us rest contented in His providence, not idle, but diligent; not careless, but watchful; not indifferent, but full of intense, earnest longing to do the will of God; yet patient under restraint, and content to be neglected and forgotten, remembering that "they also serve who only stand and wait" and that the Lord in His own well-chosen hour can lead us forth to fulfill His purposesZ '95, 11 (R 1756). There are no accidents in the experiences of God's people. Both their exaltations and their humiliations, their prosperities and their adversities, are under the Divine direction. His unerring judgment suits to our varying needs His changing providences, working all things together for good to them that love God. Therefore, we may rest content in His handP '30, 14. Parallel passages: Jas. 4: 10-12; 1 Pet. 5: 6; Luke 6: 37; 1 Sam. 2: 7; Dan. 2: 21; Psa. 113: 7, 8; Luke 1: 46-55; Matt. 13: 10-17; Rom. 9: 6-33; 11: 1-33; 14: 4, 13. Hymns: 67, 11, 63, 83, 199, 176, 296. Poems of Dawn, 162: Waiting. Tower Reading: Z '13, 265 (R 5304). Questions: What have been this week's abasing and exalting experiences? How were they met? What motives ruled therein? In what did they result? WAITING THEY also serve who only stand and wait. Behold me here, Dear Lord! With eager, watchful eye and quick attentive ear, I stand, and if a message Thou wouldst send oer land or sea (Today, tomorrow, night or day), Lord, here am I, send me! But, if in Thine all-wisdom, Thou shouldst choose another one, My heart in swift submission shall respond, Thy will be done! Let me learn well the lesson that Thy blessed Word doth teach,

To rest in humble silence, not to murmur, nor to reach For what appears my service, with an over-confident zeal, But watch and pray until Thy will for me Thou shalt reveal; Thus patient, waiting ever, keeping very close to Thee, Perhaps, dear Lord, some wondrous day Thou wilt have need me!

FEBRUARY 7 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the lawRom. 13: 10. He who finds his heart not in harmony with this law of the New Covenant, love mercy, kindness, gentleness, goodnesslacks the evidence or proof that he is in any sense of the word accepted as a son of God and a follower of Christ. If we have not love in our hearts for the brethren, and the love of gentleness and benevolence toward all men, and even toward the brute creation, we have not the spirit which will carry us through in making the sacrifices necessary under present conditions. It will only be a question of time with such when the power of pride or vainglory, holding them in the way of sacrifice, will snap asunder, and selfishness take full controlZ '98, 201 (R 2328). We are not to look at God's law as consisting of isolated and unconnected streams, but as a great fountain, love, out of which all the streams of the Divine precepts flow. From this standpoint we can understand, since God's law is love, how breaking one of its precepts violates the whole law, as we can also see how a life of love is the fulfilment of the law P '35, 15. Parallel passages: Rom. 13: 8, 9; Matt. 7: 12; 22: 38-40; Ex. 20: 16; 23: 4, 5; Deut. 22: 14; Psa. 15: 1-3; Prov. 3: 28, 29; Jer. 22: 13; Isa. 58: 6-14; Zech. 8: 16, 17; Luke 10: 2537; Rom. 15: 2; Gal. 6: 10; Heb. 13: 3; Jas. 2: 8. Hymns: 166, 82, 20, 337, 95, 125, 198. Poems of Dawn, 104: Lord, Let Me Talk with Thee. Tower Reading: Z '12, 117 (R 5006). Questions: Have I this week exercised love? How? Why? In what conditions? What helped or hindered? With what results? LORD, LET ME TALK WITH THEE

LORD, let me talk with Thee of all I do,

All that I care for, all that I wish for, too; Lord, let me prove Thy sympathy, Thy power, Thy loving oversight from hour to hour! When I need counsel, let me ask of Thee: Whatever my perplexity may be, It cannot be too trivial to bring To One who marks the sparrows drooping wing; Nor too terrestrial since Thou has said The very hairs are numbered on our head. Tis through such loop-holes that the foe takes aim, And sparks, unheeded, burst into a flame.

Do money troubles press? Thou canst resolve The doubts and dangers such concerns involve. Are those I love the cause of anxious care? Thou canst unbind the burdens they may bear. Before the mysteries of Thy Word or will, Thy voice can gently bid my heart be still, Since all that now is hard to understand Shall be unraveled in yon heavenly land. Or do I mourn the oft-besetting sin, The tempters wiles, that mar the peace within? Present Thyself, Lord, as the absolving priest, To whom confessing, I go forth released. Do weakness, weariness, disease, invade This earthly house, which Thou Thyself hast made? Thou only, Lord, canst touch the hidden spring Of mischief, and attune the jarring string. Would I be taught what Thou wouldst have me give, The needs of those less favored to relieve? Thou canst so guide my hand that I shall be A liberal, cheerful giver, Lord, like Thee. Of my lifes mission, do I stand in doubt? Thou knowest and canst clearly point it out. Whither I go, do Thou Thyself decide, And choose the friends and servants by my side. The books I read, I would submit to Thee, Let them refresh, instruct and solace me. I would converse with Thee from day to day, With heart intent on what Thou hast to say; And through my pilgrim walk, whateer befall, Consult with Thee, O Lord, about it all. Since Thou art willing thus to condescend To be mine intimate, familiar friend, Oh, let me to the great occasion rise, And count Thy friendship lifes most glorious prize.

FEBRUARY 8 O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?Matt. 14: 31. What must be done to overcome this lack of faith, and to have an increase of faith? We answer that, like the Apostles of old, we should pray, "Lord, increase our faith." And then, acting in harmony with this prayer, each should cultivate faith in his own heart: (a) by refreshing his memory continually with the Divine promises, becoming very familiar with these in the Father's Word and (b) by seeking more and more to remember that, having made his covenant with the Lord, these promises are his, and in his heart and with his lips he should claim them as his before the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving. He should claim them in his own thoughts, and in his conferences on holy things with the brethrenZ '00, 170 (R 2642). One of the strangest phenomena to solve is a doubting Christian. With a God of perfect wisdom, justice, love and power pledging Himself under oath to make all things work together for his good, with a Savior made unto him wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and deliverance, supplying all lacks, ridding him of all faults, perfecting in him all good, and with the Spirit making him a candidate for the Kingdom, furnished with everything for its attainment, why should he doubt?P '34, 15. Parallel passages: Job 30: 20; Psa. 22: 2; 31: 22; 42: 5, 6; 49: 5; 73: 13-17; 77: 3, 7-9; Prov. 24: 10; Isa. 40: 27, 28; 49: 14, 15; Jer. 8: 18; 15: 18; 45: 3; Lam. 3: 8, 17, 18; 5: 20; Matt. 8: 23-27; 14: 29-31; 17: 14-21; 28: 17; Mark 4: 38-40; Gen. 12: 12, 13; Ex. 14: 1015. Hymns: 197, 63, 110, 293, 305, 328, 330. Poems of Dawn, 65: "O, Thou of Little Faith." Tower Reading: Z '14, 88 (R 5424). Questions: Did I this week exercise faith or doubt? Under what circumstances? With what results? O THOU OF LITTLE FAITH O THOU of little faith, why dost thou fear? The tempest hath no power when I am near; Will not the angry waves be still at My command? Step out, Ill hold thy hand, Then, wherefore dost thou fear? O thou of little faith, why dost thou doubt? Doth not Mine Angel compass thee about? Are not My Fathers promises as sure to thee As they have proved to Me? Then, wherefore dost thou doubt?

O thou of little faith, what dost thou dread? Are not the lilies clothed, the sparrows fed? Heed not the world, nor marvel that it hateth thee, For so it hated Me, What, therefore, dost thou dread? O thou of little faith, why dost thou shrink? Why dost thou tremble at the rivers brink? Oh, hark! Above its tumult sweetly sounds My Come, Thou art not far from home! Then , wherefore wouldst thou shrink?

FEBRUARY 9 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with theePsa. 116: 7. The Christian's habit of thought has much indeed to do with his spiritual progress or retrogression, as it is also an index of his spiritual state; and good habits of thought need to be carefully cultivated. By "habit of thought" we mean that normal condition to which the mind habitually (characteristically) returns in the moments of mental leisure. While engaged in the active duties of life, we must of necessity bend our mental energies to the work at hand, for if we do anything merely mechanically and without concentrating thought upon it, we cannot do it well; yet even here Christian principle, well established in the character, will unconsciously guide. But when the strain of labor and care are lifted for a time, the established habit of thought, like the needle to the pole, should quickly, return to its rest in GodZ '95, 250 (R 1884). The Christian life is one in which, from the standpoint of the flesh, there is much perplexity and unrest, and the Christian's danger under these circumstances is permitting this perplexity and unrest to become a part of his character. To overthrow this tendency a constant returning in confidence in the Lord's good will and purpose toward him as expressed in the Word is necessary; for in such reliance upon the Lord through the Word, he finds rest and peace amid trouble and perplexityP '33, 16. Parallel passages: Job 34: 29; Psa. 1: 1, 2; 4: 8; 25: 12; 29: 11; 85: 8; 119: 165; 125: 1, 5; Prov. 3: 13-26; Isa. 26: 3, 12; 28: 12; 32: 2, 17, 18; 53: 5; Luke 1: 79; John 14: 27; 16: 33; Acts 10: 36; Rom. 10: 15; Phil. 4: 7, 9. Hymns: 244, 220, 339, 296, 90, 97, 22. Poems of Dawn, 25: Let Not Doubts O'erwhelm. Tower Reading: Z '14, 25, 204 (R 5387, 5492). Questions: What have been this week's experiences with the Word as our resting place? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? LET NO DOUBTS OER WHELM HOW oft we doubt And fear we shall be overwhelmed in sin, Because temptation grows so strong without, Because our courage is so faint within. And thus we sigh: Then can it be that I have known the Lord? Can I be one with Him that sits on high? Have I eer felt the power of His Word?

Is this poor life Fit prelude for a high eternity? Alas! Have I not yet begun the strife, Or must I fail before the victory? O heart of doubt! When wilt thou, O thou foolish heart, be wise? Thou lookest everywhere, within, without, Forgetting only to lift up thine eyes. No more despair, There is no help for thee in things below; Search not within for hopeit is not there, But unto Christ do thou for comfort go. Christ is thy Rock; Doubt not this firm foundation, true and tried; Fear not the gathering tempests angry shock; It harms not those that on this Rock abide. Christ is thy Friend, He knows thy weakness, He will give thee strength; Trust! In His name is victory; He will end The conflict for thee; thou shalt win at length. Christ is thy Peace; From penalty and stain He sets thee free; And in the white robe of His righteousness, Before the approving God presenteth thee. Christ is thine ALL: Forget thyself, and in Him sweetly rest; And thou shalt enter, whatsoeer befall, The everlasting mansions of the blest.

FEBRUARY 10 Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity1 Tim. 4: 12. Every Christian should strive to be a pattern worthy of imitationa pattern of earnest, faithful endeavor to copy Christ in his daily life, and of active zeal in His service. Patterns of perfection, of the ultimate moral glory and beauty of holiness, we cannot expect to be in the present life. Such a pattern we have only in Christ our Lord. In no such sense did Paul ever say, Follow me, or Follow us; but he did say, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11: 1). The Apostle was a grand example of earnest endeavor to attain perfection, but not of the ultimate perfection which was in Christ only; and it is his zeal and intense earnestness in striving to copy Christ and to accomplish His will that we should seek to imitate Z '95, 251 (R 1884). Those set in prominent positions as teachers in the Church have double need of Christlikeness, first to inure to making their calling and election sure, and second to helping others by their example to develop Christlikeness. Their influence over those who hold them in love and confidence is great, and to support their influence with Christlike character will prove helpful to those whom they teachP '27, 15. Parallel passages: Titus 2: 7; 1 Pet. 2: 21; 5: 3; Lev. 18: 2, 3; 2 Chron. 30: 7; Prov. 22: 24, 25; Matt. 23: 1-3; John 13: 15; 1 Cor. 8: 9-13; Phil. 2: 5; 1 Thes. 1: 6-8; Heb. 13: 7; Jas. 5: 10, 11; 1 Pet. 3: 5, 6; 1 John 2: 6. Hymns: 267, 198, 78, 74, 150, 196, 114. Poems of Dawn, 63: Follow the Pattern. Tower Reading: Z '14, 200 (R 5490). Questions: Have I this week been an example of and to the brethren? How? Why? With what results? FOLLOW THE PATTERN LET us take to our hearts a lessonno lesson can braver be From the ways of the tapestry weavers on the other side of the sea. Above their heads the pattern hangs; they study it with care; The while their fingers deftly work, their eyes are fastened there. They tell this curious thing, besides, of the patient, plodding weaver: He works on the wrong side evermore, but works for the right side ever. It is only when the weaving stops, and the web is loosed and turned, That he sees his real handiworkthat his marvelous

skill is learned. Ah! The sight of its delicate beauty, how it pays him for all his cost! No rarer, daintier work than his was ever done by the frost. Then the master bringeth him golden hire, and giveth him praise as well; And how happy the heart of the weaver is, no tongue but his own can tell. The years of man are the looms of God, let down from the place of the sun, Wherein we are weaving always, till the mystic web is done Weaving blindly, but weaving sure, each for himself his fate, We may not see how the right side looks, we can only weave and wait. But looking above for the pattern, no weaver need have fear; Only let him look clear into heaventhe perfect pattern is there, If he keeps the face of the Savior forever and always in sight, His toil shall be sweeter than honey, his weaving is sure to be right. And when his task is ended, and the web is turned and shown, He shall hear the voice of the Master, who shall say to him, Well done! Since in copying thus the pattern, he had laid his own will down; And God for his wages shall give him, not coin, but a glorious crown.

FEBRUARY 11 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: 11, 12. Opposition and persecution are the inevitable concomitants of activity in the service of God, and they should be met with reason and candor; and when these fail of their purpose, then, with solemn warnings of the dangers of such a course, the wilful opposer should be left to pursue his own course while we turn to others with the message of salvation. In the opposition which our Lord incurred and the manner in which He met it, there are valuable lessons for all who are similarly triedZ '94, 368 (R 1735 ). On account of Satan's putting all the advantages of the present on the side of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, those who take God's side of righteousness, truth, love and Kingdom-mindedness, must expect and bear persecution. Let them not fear, however, for therein they enjoy the companionship in spirit, not only of the faithful of the Old Testament, but also of Jesus, the Apostles and the saints and martyrs of the New Testament, and their crown of rejoicing will be their sharing with Jesus in the KingdomP '32, 15. Parallel passages: Matt. 5: 10, 44; 10: 16, 17, 21-23, 28; 23: 34, 35; 24: 8-10; Mark 13: 913; Luke 6: 22, 23; 21: 12-19; John 15: 18, 19; 16: 1, 2; Acts 5: 29, 40-42; 1 Cor. 4: 9-13; 2 Cor. 4: 8-12; 6: 4, 5, 8-10; 11: 23-27; 12: 10; Phil. 1: 12-14; Heb. 11: 2527, 33-38; 1 Pet. 4: 12-19; Rev. 2: 3, 10. Hymns: 330, 23, 93, 200, 228, 305, 227. Poems of Dawn, 188: Some Day. Tower Reading: Z '14, 291 (R 5544). Questions: What persecutions have I met this week? How were they met? In what did they result? SOME DAY SOME day all doubt and mystery Will be made clear: The threatening clouds that now we see Will disappear. Some day what seems a punishment, Or loss or pain, Will prove to be Gods blessing, sent For very gain.

Some day our weary feet will rest In sweet content; And we shall know that we were blest By what was sent. And, looking back with clearer eyes Oer lifes short span, Well see with wondering, glad surprise, Gods perfect plan. And, knowing that the way we went Was Gods own way, Well recognize His wise intent, Some day, some day.

FEBRUARY 12 Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothingJas. 1: 4. Not one step of progress can be gained without the exercise of this grace of patience; and not one of the graces more beautifully adorns the Christian character, or wins the approval of the world's conscience, or glorifies the God of all grace whose Truth inspires it. It is long-suffering meekness earnestly striving to stem the tide of human imperfection and weakness, and endeavoring with painstaking care to regain the Divine likeness; it is slow to wrath and plenteous in mercy; it is quick to perceive the paths of truth and righteousness, and prompt to walk in them; it is mindful of its own imperfections and sympathetic with the imperfections and shortcomings of othersZ '93, 295 (R 3090 ). Patience is that quality of heart and mind that, meeting obstacles in a cheerful spirit, perseveres unto the end in the course it is following. This quality is absolutely essential to the attainment of a perfect character, under the conditions of obstacles connected with the Christian life; and such a quality will permeate and perfect every other quality required in the Christian; therefore it is one of the universal gracesP '36, 14. Parallel passages: Psa. 37: 7-9; Eccles. 7: 8; Lam. 3: 24-27; Luke 8: 15; 21: 19; Rom. 2: 7; 5: 3; 8: 25; 12: 12; 15: 4, 5; 2 Cor. 12: 12; Gal. 6: 9; Col. 1: 10, 11; 1 Thes. 1: 3; Heb. 6: 12, 15; 10: 36; 12: 1. Hymns: 1, 130, 11, 44, 125, 136, 183. Poems of Dawn, 288: He Leads Us On. Tower Reading: Z '15, 83 (R 5650). Questions: What experiences of the week were along the line of patience? How did I meet them? How did they affect my character? What proved helpful therein? HE LEADS US ON HE leads us on, by paths we did not know, Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow, Though oft we faint and falter on the way, Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day, Yet when the clouds are gone We know He leads us on. He leads us on through all the trialsome years; Past all our dremland hopes, and doubts, and fears He guides our steps. Through all the tangled maze Of sin, of sorrow, and oerclouded days We know His will is done;

And still He leads us on. And then, at last, after the weary strife, After the restless fever we call life, After the dreariness, the aching pain, The wayward struggles which have proved in vain, After our toils are past Hell give us rest at last.

FEBRUARY 13 Love . . . thinketh no evil1 Cor. 13: 5. Whoever neglects the Lord's commands along this line of "evil surmisings" weaves a web for his own ensnarement, however "circumspectly" he may walk as respects other matters; for a heart impregnated with doubt and suspicion toward fellow creatures is more than half prepared to doubt God: the spirit of sourness and bitterness is at war with the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of love. Either the one or the other will conquer. The wrong spirit must be gotten rid of, or it will defile the Christian and make of him a "castaway." On the contrary, if the new nature conquer, as an "overcomer," it will be along this line: if evil surmisings are overcome, half the battle against present difficulties and besetments is wonZ '05, 212 (R 3594). Love in its ultimate analysis is good will, a good will, however, which expresses itself variously as circumstances require. When its possessor is wronged he gives the wrongdoer credit for good motives, though his knowledge may have been deficient. Such a spirit cannot harbor suspicion, nor will it to another's disadvantage put an evil construction upon another's words and actsP '30, 14. Parallel passages: Matt. 9: 3, 4, 33-35; Prov. 10: 12; 24: 17; Psa. 119: 139; Acts 11: 23; 1 John 3: 14; 4: 7, 8; 2 John 4; 1 Tim. 6: 4; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 4: 8; 3: 8; Col. 3: 2-14. Hymns: 165, 1, 4, 15, 166, 198, 201. Poems of Dawn, 139: If We Only Understood. Tower Reading: Z '13, 195 (R 5265). Questions: Have I been lovingly unsuspicious or not this week? What helped or hindered? What resulted? IF WE ONLY UNDERSTOOD COULD we draw aside the curtains That surround each others lives, See the naked heart and spirit, Know what spur the action gives Often we would find it better, Purer than we judge we would; We would love each other better If we only understood. Could we judge all deeds by motives, See the good and bad within, Often we would love the sinner All the while we loathe the sin.

Could we know the powers working To oerthrow integrity, We would judge each others errors With more patient charity. If we knew the cares and trials, Knew the efforts all in vain, And the bitter disappointments Understood the loss and gain Would the grim external roughness Seem, I wonder, just the same? Would we help where now we hinder? Would we pity where we blame? Ah, we judge each other harshly, Knowing not lifes hidden force; Knowing not the fount of action Is less turbid at its source. Seeing not amid the evil All the golden grains of good, Oh, wed love each other better If we only understood.

FEBRUARY 14 By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemnedMatt. 12: 37. All our words are taken by the Lord as an index of our hearts. If our words are rebellious, or disloyal, or frivolous, or flippant, or unkind, unthankful, unholy or impure, the heart is judged accordingly, on the principle that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." That as imperfect beings we may always be perfect in word and deed is not possible. Despite our best endeavors we shall sometimes err in word as well as in deed, yet the perfect mastery of our words and ways is the thing to be sought by vigilant and faithful effortZ '96, 32 (R 1937). Words are an index of one's thoughts, except in the case of the hypocritical. Words rightly spoken, and conveying proper thoughts, win the approval of those who judge rightly, as words illy spoken, and conveying wrong thoughts, rightly merit the censure of the honest-hearted. If our hearts and heads are right, our words must be right; and if our hearts and heads are wrong, our words will be wrongP '35, 15. Parallel passages: Matt. 12: 22-37; Psa. 10: 7, 8; 12: 3, 4; 34: 13; 41: 5-9; 50: 23; 52: 2-4; 64: 2-5; 77: 12; 102: 8; 119: 13, 27, 46, 54, 172; 145: 5-7, 11, 12; 140: 3, 11; Prov. 10: 11, 19-21, 31, 32; 12: 5, 6, 13, 17-19; 15: 1, 4, 28; 18: 8, 21, 23; 26: 20-23, 28; Matt. 5: 22, 37; Eph. 4: 25; Jas. 1: 26; 3: 5-10. Hymns: 116, 44, 70, 130, 136, 260, 272. Poems of Dawn, 282: And There Was a Great Calm. Tower Reading: Z '14, 166 (R 5470). Questions: Of what character have my words of this week been? How? Why? In what circumstances and with what results were they uttered? AND THERE WAS A GREAT CALM AS the green waves bear on their crest The foam, and ever shoreward come, So, moving surely to our rest, Slowly we all like bits of foam Come drifting home. He whom we loved has reached the shore In peace; and all the billows vast The stormy waves of life that bore Him onhave ceased their strife at last. The storm is past! We thought, because the waves of life

Were high and rough, the end would be Mid scenes of tumult and of strife, As mighty billows of the sea Break loud and free. But there was calm instead! The waves Of life were stilled, and up the strand Slipped noiselessly, as ocean laves In quietness the silver sand, An ending grand! How sweet to know his weary life At last to rest and quiet wore! Oh, may we all, through peace or strife, Be gathered on that silver shore For evermore!

FEBRUARY 15 Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected1 John 2: 5. The test is obedience. In proportion as we keep the Lord's Word, in like proportion the love of God is perfected in us; for if we have received the mind of Christ, the holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the effect will be to cause us both to will and do His good pleasureto the extent of our ability. And this ability should be continually on the increase year by year. And although we may not hope to be perfected until we shall be raised and be granted our new resurrection bodies, nevertheless all the while we may keep so closely in touch with the Lord in the spirit of our minds that we may have continual fellowship with Him (1 John 1: 7)Z '97, 312 (R 2235). To keep God's Word is to hold by the new will the Word upon the affections until the affections respond to the Spirit of the Word. To continue in this process perseveringly amid all the circumstances of life will inevitably develop unto perfection in our hearts the Divine love, which consists in supreme love to the Father, a love next to supreme love to the Son, a love to the brethren more than to self, and a love equal to that for self to the world and to our enemiesP '34, 15. Parallel passages: John 14: 15, 16, 21, 23; Gen. 18: 19; Ex. 19: 5; 20: 6; 24: 7; Num. 9: 23; 14: 24; 1 Kings 3: 14; Psa. 18: 44; 25: 10; 111: 10; 143: 10; Prov. 19: 16; Matt. 5: 19; 12: 50; 13: 23; Luke 6: 46-48; John 15: 10, 14, 16; Acts 4: 19; 5: 29; Rom. 6: 17; 1 John 3: 22, 24; 2 John 6, 9; Rev. 12: 17. Hymns: 315, 145, 20, 125, 130, 136, 1. Poems of Dawn, 266: A Life Well Spent. Tower Reading: Z '11, 387 (R 4896). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? A LIFE WELL SPENT SOFTLY, oh softly, the years have swept by thee, Touching thee gently with tenderest care; Sorrow and death they have often brought nigh thee, Yet have they left thee but beauty to wear; Growing old gracefully, Gracefully fair. Far from the storms that are lashing the ocean, Nearer each day to the pleasant home-light; Far from the waves that are big with commotion, Under full sail and the harbor in sight;

Growing old cheerfully, Cheerful and bright. Past all the winds that were adverse and chilling, Past all the islands that lured thee to rest; Past all the currents that urged thee unwilling, Far from thy course to the home of the blest; Growing old peacefully, Peaceful and blest. Never a feeling of envy and sorrow When the bright faces of children are seen; Never a year from the young wouldst thou borrow Thou dost remember what lieth between; Growing old willingly, Thankful, serene. Rich in experience that angels might covet; Rich in a faith that hath grown with thy years; Rich in a love that grew from and above it, Soothing thy sorrows and hushing thy fears; Growing old wealthily, Loving and dear. Hearts at the sound of thy coming are lightened, Ready and willing thy hand to relieve; Many a face at thy kind word hath brightened It is more blessed to give than receive. Growing old happily, Ceasing to grieve. Eyes that grow dim to the earth and its glory Have a sweet recompense youth cannot know; Ears that grow dull to the world and its story Drink in the songs that from Paradise flow; Growing old graciously, Purer than snow.

FEBRUARY 16 Through honour and dishonour, through evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true . . . giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed2 Cor. 6: 8, 3. While in the discharge of duty to the best of our ability, and when apparently we have the Lord's blessing and favor upon us and our affairs in a most marked degree, suddenly trouble may arise, adversity come, the powers of darkness seem to triumph, and for a moment we may be apparently culprits in the judgment of our fellow-men, and apparently forsaken by Divine providence. Such experiences, doubtless, are needful to us; for though we may sing: "I would rather walk in the dark with God, Than go alone in the light", yet this might be but an empty boast unless we were put through the trying experiences which would develop such faith, trust, as would hold to the Lord's hand, and trust Divine providence in the darkest hourZ '01, 314 (R 2885). The Christian life is one of contrasted experiences, and amid these contrasted experiences the Christian must keep himself in the love of God and in the hatred of selfishness. No amount of love, honor or praise should sway him from loyalty to God, and no amount of dishonor, disrepute or false accusation should mar his heart and change him to a reprobate. Loyalty to righteousness under all circumstances is his slogan, which must finally triumphP '33, 16. Parallel passages: Acts 20: 17-35; 24: 16; Rom. 12: 3-8; 1 Cor. 2: 1-8; 3: 5-15; 4: 1-4, 916; 9: 12-23; 2 Cor. 2: 12-17; 3: 1-12; 4; 5: 11-21; 6: 1-12; 1 Tim. 5: 17; 2 Tim. 2: 10; Heb. 13: 7. Hymns: 134, 277, 307, 273, 322, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 281: The Love light in His Eyes. Tower Reading: Z '15, 291 (R 5773). Questions: Have I this week suffered for witnessing to the Truth? How did it occur? How did I bear it? What were the results? THE LOVELIGHT IN HIS EYES IN my memry theres a picture, In a frame of gold tis placed, And the years that fast are fleeting Not one line have yet effaced; Tis the likeness of that Servant, And fond memories arise Of his wise and faithful service And the lovelight in his eyes!

I have seen the smoke-wrapped sunset Sink into a sea of blood, And mirages in the desert Neath the suns resplendent flood; From the mast watched livid lightning Leap across the tropic skies, But their gleam had not the splendor Of the lovelight in his eyes! Not the canopy of starlight, With the moon appearing new, Nor the twilight dim and distant, Fading to the deeper blue, Nor the summers silver moonlight, With its halo in the skies, E'er could light the way of Heaven Like the lovelight in his eyes!

FEBRUARY 17 Take my yoke upon you . . . for my yoke is easy, and my burden is lightMatt. 11: 29, 30. Those who wear this yoke have the assurances of the Divine Word that all things are working together for good to them; that the heavier the burden that may be attached, the greater will be the blessing and the reward by and by; the more severe the experiences during the present time, the brighter shall be the glory, and the brighter shall be their character, and the more sure shall they be of being fitted and polished for the Kingdom. From this standpoint every burden is light, because our yoke is appreciated, and is so easy-, so reasonable; and additionally it is so light, because the Lord is with us in this yokeZ '00, 137 (R 2623). The yoke is our general acceptance of the Lord's will; the burden is the details the Lord wills us to do, even unto suffering for His will. In taking the yoke in the spirit of love, we find its weight is indeed light; and in drawing the burden of the details of the Lord's will, even unto suffering, by the assistance of the yoke of love, we find the burden is lightened. Love lightens every burden, eases every task, gladdens every sorrow, sanctifies every pain and surrounds with a halo of bliss even the smallest tasks and the most commonplace thingsP '27, 15. Parallel passages: Matt. 16: 24; Mark 8: 34-38; Luke 9: 23, 24; 1 John 5: 3; Lev. 26: 13; Isa. 9: 4; 10: 27; Jer. 2: 20; 5: 5; 30: 8; Lam. 3: 27; Prov. 23: 26; Rom. 6: 13, 16, 19; 12: 1; 2 Cor. 8: 5. Hymns: 160, 8, 14, 114, 191, 208, 244. Poems of Dawn, 190: "Come Unto Me." Tower Reading: Z '00, 134 (R 2623). Questions: How have I found Jesus' yoke and burden this week? Why? What were the results? COME UNTO ME MATT. 11: 28, 30. COME to Me, all ye that labor, Come, and I will give you rest. Come to Me, ye heavy laden, Come, and lean upon My breast! Take Mine easy yoke upon you, For My burden, it is light, And My heart is meek and lowly, Ever pleasing in His sight.

Come to Me, ye broken-hearted, Let Me all your sorrows bear, Faithful be till life is ended, Then My glory ye shall share.

FEBRUARY 18 The LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soulDeut. 13: 3. The Kingdom is intended only for those who by God's grace shall at heart become like to the Lord Jesus, in that they will love the Lord with all their hearts, with all their souls, and be able to say, "Not my will, but thy will, 0 Lord, be done." No other condition than this of full submission to the Lord can make us acceptable for the Kingdom; for no other condition represents full self-submission and full love to God. And let us not forget that all the heavenly things which "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man," God has reserved for them that love Him supremelyZ '98, 40 (R 2257). God seeks a tested people, proven loyal in every point of character. For this reason He arranges the various providences in the lives of His people, so that they may demonstrate amid these providences their hearts' attitude, whether it be one of devotion to Him, to self, or to the world; and blessed is the Christian who demonstrates devotion to God! P '32, 15. Parallel passages: Gen. 22: 1-14; Deut. 8: 2, 5; 2 Chron. 32: 31; Job 1: 8-22; 2: 3-10; Psa. 66: 10-13; Dan. 12: 10; Zech. 13: 9; Mal. 3: 2, 3; 2 Thes. 1: 4, 5; Heb. 12: 5-11; Jas. 1: 2, 3, 12; 1 Pet. 1: 6, 7; 4: 12-19; Rev. 2: 10. Hymns: 13, 3, 38, 56, 57, 93, 179. Poems of Dawn, 286: Let It Rest. Tower Reading: Z '15, 341 (R 5799). Questions: Have I had trials this week? What were they? How were they met? In what did they result? LET IT REST I LONGED for somethingO so much: So near it came, I almost touched My hearts desirewhen far away Twas drawn. Then seemed a voice to say: There, let it restGod knoweth best. Like children crying for the moon I pleaded for this priceless boon; I wanted it within my hand How could I then in patience stand And let it rest? Doth God know best? Then He who calmed the stormy sea

Came near to soothe and quiet me; And to my longing, restless will He gently whispered, Peace, be still. I let it restGod doth know best.

FEBRUARY 19 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unfaithful nothing is pure; but both their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to have known God; but by their works they renounce him, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work worthlessTitus 1: 15, 16. What a terrible condition this is, and how careful all of the Lord's people should be, not only to have pure hearts, pure minds, but also to keep their consciences very tender, in close accord with the Word of the Lord! This condition can only be maintained by judging ourselves, and that strictly and frequently, by the standard which God has given us, His law of love. I want the first approach to feel Of pride or fond desire; To catch the wand'ring of my will, And quench the kindling fire. Z '99, 214 (R 2516). One's quality of heart attaches itself to everything he touches; to him it is either good or evil, as he is good or evil. They who are pure attach purity to that with which they come into contact, while the impure defile whatever they touch. This world of difference exists on account of the difference in their moral quality. If one who once belonged to God has become impure, he contaminates more than one who never was pure. His being is defiledP '36, 14. Parallel passages: Matt. 15: 11; Luke 11: 39-41; Acts 10: 15, 28; Rom. 14: 14, 17, 20, 23; 1 Cor. 6: 12; 10: 23-25; 1 Tim. 5: 8; 2 Tim. 3: 5; Heb. 6: 4-8; 10: 26-31; 2 Pet. 2: 20-22; 1 John 5: 16; Jude 11-13. Hymns: 20, 13, 1, 196, 198, 266, 267. Poems of Dawn, 254: The Wrath of God. Tower Reading: Z '15, 245 (R 5746). Questions: Have I this week kept myself back from presumptuous sins? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? THE WRATH OF GOD THE wrath of God is loves severity In curing sinthe zeal of righteousness In overcoming wrongthe remedy Of justice for the worlds redress. The wrath of God is punishment for sin, In measure unto all transgression due,

Discriminating well and just between Presumptuous sins and sins of lighter hue. The wrath of God inflicts no needles pain, Merely vindictive, or Himself to please; But aims the ends of mercy to attain, Uproot the evil, and the good increase. The wrath of God is a consuming fire, That burns while there is evil to destroy Or good to purify; nor can expire Till all things are relieved from sins alloy. The wrath of God is loves parental rod, The disobedient to chastise, subdue, And bend submissive to the will of God, That love may reign when all things are made new. The wrath of God shall never strike in vain, Nor cease to strike till sin shall be no more; Till God His gracious purpose shall attain, And earth to righteousness and peace restore.

FEBRUARY 20 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue . . . this man's religion is vainJas. 1: 26. Because the tongue is the index of the heart, because "out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh," therefore the unbridled tongue, speaking selfishly, enviously, bitterly, boastfully, slanderously, proves that the heart from whose fullness these overflow is unsanctified, unholy, grievously lacking of the spirit of Christ; hence, whatever religion it may have attained is thus far vain, as that heart is not saved, nor in a salvable condition. But the Good Physician has pointed out antidotes for soul-poisoningmedicines which, if properly taken according to directions, will sweeten the bitter heartZ '99, 215 (R 2517). To bridle the tongue means to control and direct it. Controlling the tongue from saying evil things, and directing it in saying good things, is a part of the bridling of the tongue. He who allows his tongue to become the instrument of a depraved disposition is not a man of true religious character, whose chief element is love for God and man. Such a tongue violates the law of love, inasmuch as it inflicts injury upon all whom it berates. Therefore let us control our tongues, keeping them from running away in evil and directing them in talking rightlyP '30, 14. Parallel passages: Jas. 3: 1-12; Psa. 18: 21; 12: 3; 34: 13; 39: 1; 140: 3; Prov. 16: 27; Matt. 15: 18, 19; Acts 5: 3; 2 Tim. 2: 23-25; Matt. 6: 5-9; 23: 14-22, 27; Eccles. 5: 2; Jas. 1: 27. Hymns: 136, 78, 13, 20, 1, 82, 130. Poems of Dawn, 301: A Wrecker or a Builder? Tower Reading: Z '14, 245 (R 5517). Questions: How have I used my tongue this week? What helped or hindered therein? What resulted therefrom? A WRECKER OR A BUILDER I WATCHED them tear a building down, A crew of men in a busy town; With a ho and a heave and a lusty yell, They swung a beam and down the wall fell. I asked the foreman, Are these men skilled? The kind you would hire if you would build? The foreman replied, Why, no, indeed! Common laborers are all I need, For they can wreck in a day or two That which has taken years to do.

So I asked myself as I went on my way, What part in the game of life do you play? Are you shaping your life to a well-made plan, Patiently doing the best that you can? Or are you a wrecker that walks the town, Content with the pleasure of tearing down?

FEBRUARY 21 Thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide mePsa. 31: 3. After the Lord has given us certain lessons and experiences, some of which come to us under quiet and restful conditions, the order of procedure may be changed, and the indication of the Lord's providences may lead to some breaking up of conditions which had been both favorable and unfavorable in some respects, leading into new circumstances and conditions. It is not for the true spiritual Israelite to murmur or complain, or even to express a choice; but to look to the Lord for guidance. If he can discern the leadings of Divine providence, even though it be to a wilderness condition more arid and undesirable than that in which he has previously been, he is to follow the Lord's leadings unquestioningly, and with songs of faith and confidenceZ '02, 249 (R 3060 ). God, as our Rock, is our Protector, even as a rock rising high above the stormy waves protects the one who has taken refuge upon it from the storm. As our Fortress, not only does He protect us against the onslaughts of our enemies, but also He strengthens us to repel their attacks, and to inflict all the greater injury upon them. As our Protector and Strengthener, He leads us by His Truth and guides us by His providences for our attainment of His character. As our Leader, He directs our steps; as our Guide, He shows us our course over ways unknown to us, even to the KingdomP '35, 15. Parallel passages: Gen. 28: 15; 49: 24, 25; Ex. 6: 6, 7; 12: 13, 17, 23; 14: 29, 30; 19: 4; 23: 20; Num. 23: 23; Deut. 32: 4; Job 1: 10; Psa. 34: 15, 17, 19, 20; 41: 1-3; 46: 1-7; 91; 121; 125: 1-3; 146: 7, 8; Matt. 10: 29-31. Hymns: 126, 63, 67, 99, 286, 288, 293. Poems of Dawn, 112: Lead Me. Tower Reading: Z '02, 248 (R 3060). Questions: How have I submitted to God this week as my Strengthener and Guide? Why? In what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? LEAD ME I DO not ask, dear Lord, that life may be A pleasant road; I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me Aught of its load; I do not ask that flowers should always spring Beneath my feet; I know too well the poison and the sting Of things too sweet. For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead:

Lead me aright, Tho strength should falter, and tho heart should bleed, Through peace to light. I do not ask, dear Lord, that Thou shouldst shed Full radiance here; Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread Without a fear; I do not ask my cross to understand, My way to see; Better, in darkness, just to feel Thy hand, And follow Thee. Joy is like restless day, but peace Divine Like quiet night; Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine, Through peace to light.

FEBRUARY 22 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye haveHeb. 13: 5. Selfish prayers are too expensive. Some have gained wealth and lost the Truth and its service; some have gained health, only to find that with it they gained other trials no less severe; some have had their dear ones restored to them from the very jaws of death, only to wish afterward that God had not answered their prayersor, more correctly, to wish that they had accepted the Lord's wisdom and providences trustfully, contentedly, uncomplainingly. . . . Spiritual Israel should use wisely such things as are within their reach, accepting all as God's gifts with thanksgiving; but their petitions should be for spiritual gifts, including patient endurance and heart contentmentZ '02, 250 (R 3061). For the Christian's life to be one of covetousness not only would make him selfish but also would prompt him to inflict injury upon others; therefore, it is not a quality to be cultivated in one whose highest aim is to give up all things for others' good. The spirit of contentment with what we have will prove a wholesome restraint upon the disposition of covetousnessP '34, 15. Parallel passages: Ex. 18: 21; 20: 17; Job 31: 24, 25, 28; Psa. 10: 3; 119: 36; Prov. 11: 24; 21: 25, 26; 23: 4, 5; 30: 8; Isa. 5: 8; Matt. 6: 19-21, 24, 25, 31-33; 16: 26; 1 Tim. 6: 6-10; Psa. 37: 16; Prov. 16: 8; 17: 1; Eccles. 4: 6; 1 Cor. 7: 17, 20-22, 24; Phil. 4: 11, 12. Hymns: 145, 22, 60, 94, 170, 321, 322. Poems of Dawn, 278: This Too Will Pass! Tower Reading: Z '11, 349 (R 4876). Questions: Was I covetous or contented this week? Why? Under what circumstances? With what results? THIS TOO WILL PASS! POOR heart, break not, though cruel be thy wound This too will pass! The weariest day will end in sunset light, And dawn must follow een the darkest night! Nor drink too deeply of Joys honeyed cup This too will pass! Caressing hands will lose their loving touch, And words mean nothing, that once meant so much. Ah, then, whateer thy state, seek thou content This will not pass!

True rest is found in God, He knows and cares. His heart of love thy every sorrow shares!

FEBRUARY 23 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eyePsa. 32: 8. One of the most important lessons for the spiritual Israelite to learn is to look to the Lord for leading in all of life's affairsnever to attempt any undertaking, either temporal or spiritual, without seeking to note the will of the Lord concerning the same. . . . We are marching toward Canaan and know that other experiences are due us and must be undergone ere we are to inherit the promises. The lesson for us is prompt and thorough obedience to the Lord's leadings without murmurings with joyfulness; and this can only be expected on the part of those who have learned the lessons previously given them, and above all the lesson of faith, confidence in the Lord's power and goodness and faithfulnessZ '02, 251, 249 (R 3062, 3061). Our Heavenly Father trains His children in their course of life. Three means are used whereby He gives the instruction. The primary one is His Word, whereby He enlightens their minds and guides their hearts. The secondary one is His Spirit, whereby He energizes them in knowledge, grace and service. The tertiary one is His providences, amid which they are given the opportunities through the exercise of their various qualities of heart and mind to develop their characters by the power and along the lines of His Word. Thus His wisdom guides them in their conductP '33, 16. Parallel passages: Ex. 13: 21; 15: 13; 33: 13-15; Psa. 23: 2, 3; 25: 5, 8, 9; 27: 11; 31: 3; 48: 14; 73: 24; 78: 52; 107: 7; 139: 9, 10, 24; Prov. 8: 20; Isa. 40: 11; 42: 16; 48: 17; 54: 13; Luke 1: 79; John 10: 3, 4; 16: 13. Hymns: 87, 293, 46, 63, 11, 110, 99. Poems of Dawn, 122: Divine Guidance. Tower Reading: Z '11, 223 (R 4858). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helps and hindrances accompanied them? How did they affect me? DIVINE GUIDANCE LORD, when I strive to serve Thee most, Yet toil in vain; When I can see but labor lost, Instead of gain; When plans fall out another way From what seems best, And failure comes though I obey Thy clear behest;

When hopes whereon I dare to lean Thou dost deny; When Thou forbiddest me to glean The fields near by; When fairest prospects, opening wide Before mine eyes, Thou wallest in on every side, And mountains rise That faith seems powerless to remove Then, dearest Lord, Draw near to me, draw near and prove Thy written Word! That Thou in all things dost ordain Thy childrens good; That joy shall be the fruit of pain, When understood. I know, and yetO, slow of heart But half believe; And when I fail, in secret smart, And fret and grieve, Fill me with faiths complete content In Thee, O, lord, And make me willing to be spent Without reward Of earthly sort, but heavenly gain To seek alone For others good, by toil and pain, Not for mine own. And when my failures cast me down, Make me to rest, In glorious hope of victors crown, Forever blest. I would not look at things behind With wistful eye; Nor seek in earthly things to find A comfort nigh. The weary sea-bird goes to sleep

On tossing waves, Untroubled by the storm, the deep, In trust that saves. It is the hollow of Thy hand That shapes its nest; So, though I may not understand, Make me to rest.

FEBRUARY 24 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SpiritRom. 8: 3, 4. What comfort and consolation are in these assurances! These are wonderful words of life, indeed! They inspire us with hope. If God will accept perfect heart-intentions, as instead of the absolute perfection of the flesh, then indeed we have hope of attaining to the standard which He has marked for us, the standard of perfection. . . . We can walk after the Spirit, though, so far as our mortal bodies are concerned, we cannot walk up to the Spirit's requirements. Our minds can walk up to the Spirit, our intentions can be perfect; and this is what our Heavenly Father seeks in us, perfection of intentionZ '02, 248 (R 3060). On account of the fall our physical, mental, moral and religious faculties are imperfect, and we are unable to fulfill the Law, which is the measure of a perfect man's ability; but Christ's sacrifice on our behalf furnishes us in faith a robe of righteousness, which covers all our sins of weakness and ignorance. These thus not counting against us, we can in the new heart, mind and will fulfill the righteousness of the Law, inasmuch as we walk not according to the flesh, but according to the SpiritP '27, 15, 16. Parallel passages: Acts 13: 39; Rom. 3: 20; 7: 5-11; 10: 4; Gal. 2: 16; 4: 4, 5; Heb. 7: 18; 10: 1, 2; 2 Cor. 5: 21; Gal. 3: 13; 5: 16, 25; Titus 2: 11, 12. Hymns: 5, 9, 15, 54, 124, 187, 246. Poems of Dawn, 89: Filled with Christ's Fulness. Tower Reading: Z '12, 239 (R 5070). Questions: Have I this week trusted in the finished work of Christ? How? Why? How did it affect me? FILLED WITH CHRISTS FULNESS JESUS, my Lord, Thou art my life, My rest in labor, strength in strife; Thy love begets my love of Thee; Thy fullness that which filleth me. Long, long I struggled ere I knew My struggling vain, my life untrue. I sought by efforts of mine own What is the gift of Christ alone. I prayed, and wrestled in my prayer,

I wrought, but self was ever there; Joy never came, nor rest, nor peace, Nor faith, nor hope, nor loves increase. Mine effort vain, my weakness learned, Weary, from self to Christ I turned, Content to let His fulness be An unbought fulness unto me. Lifes heavenly secret was revealed In Christ all riches are concealed. We try and fail; we ask, He gives, And in His rest our spirit live. O peaceful rest! O Life Divine! Mine efforts cannot make Thee mine. I yield my sinful heart to Thee. And in Thy love Thou fillest me.

FEBRUARY 25 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GodMatt. 4: 4. We are to learn the lesson that a man's life consists not in the abundance of things which he possessesfood and raimentbut that his life, in the fullest, grandest, highest sense, is dependent upon his complete submission to the Divine willhis careful attention to every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Godevery admonition, every encouragement, every promise, is necessary to the development of those whom God is now calling to eternal life as heirs with His Son in the Kingdom. Let us then, more and more, as the disciples, pupils, of the Lord Jesus, keep in memory and act upon the suggestion of the words of this textZ '02, 246, 248 (R 3058). A man's life consists not in the abundance of the earthly things he enjoys. The things that really count, both in giving and sustaining life, are the teachings of the Word of God. Greatly mistaken, therefore, are those who seek to sustain their lives with sin through earthly things. Since to responsive and obedient hearts the Word of God is spirit and life, it is to them powerful and life-givingP '32, 15. Parallel passages: Deut. 8: 3; Psa. 17: 4; 19: 7-11; 43: 3; 107: 19, 20; 119: 11, 14, 24, 25, 28, 41, 54, 69, 72, 77, 81, 92, 93, 103, 144, 159, 173, 174; Isa. 30: 21.; Jer. 15: 16; Ezek. 3: 3; Amos 8: 11, 12; Matt. 7: 24-27; Luke 11: 28; John 5: 24, 39; 15: 3; 20: 31; Acts 20: 32; 1 Tim. 4: 5, 6. Hymns: 22, 332, 264, 49, 296, 79, 311. Poems of Dawn, 52: He Leadeth Me. Tower Reading: Z '11, 387 (R 4896). Questions: By what have I been living this week? How? Why? With what results? IN pastures green? Not always; sometimes He Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me In weary ways, where heavy shadows be. Out of the sunshine, warm and soft and bright, Out of the sunshine into darkest night; I oft would faint with terror and with fright, Only for thisI know He holds my hand; So, whether in the green or desert land, I trust, although I may not understand. And by still waters? No, not always so; Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow, And oer my soul the waves and billows go. But when the storm beats loudest, and I cry

Aloud for help, the Master standeth by, And whispers to my soul, Lo, it is I! Above the tempest wild I hear Him say, Beyond this darkness lies the perfect day, In every path of thine I lead the way. So, whether on the hill-tops, high and fair, I dwell, or in the sunless valleys, where The shadows liewhat matter? He is there. And more than this, whereer the pathway lead, He gives to me no helpless, broken reed, But His own hand, sufficient for my need. So, where He leads me I can safely go; And in the blest hereafter I shall know, Why, in His wisdom, He hath led me so.

FEBRUARY 26 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, RejoicePhil. 4: 4. We cannot have too many rejoicing Christians, nor can they rejoice too much, if they rejoice in the Lord. This rejoicing is not necessarily boisterous, nor of necessity the reverse. It implies serenity, happiness, peace, pleasure of soul, however, and does not mean that noisy demonstration is essential, as some seem mistakenly to think. . . . The only ones who can rejoice always are those who are living very near to the Lord, and who can feel always their oneness with Him, and that His protection and care are over them, and that His promise is sure, that all things shall work together for their highest welfare, as ChristiansZ '03, 7 (R 3127). The Christian's rejoicing is always to be in the Lord; not in the things of time, but in the things pertaining to eternity; in the matters of consecration, its obligations, its privileges, its lessons, its growth, its precepts and its attainments. A constant counting of our blessings will make us rejoice, joy over and over again. How could it otherwise be than occasion for rejoicing, when we consider our justification, consecration, spirit-energizing, spiritual light, food, growth, victories and service, sonship with God and heirship with Christ!P '36, 14. Parallel passages: Deut. 12: 18; 1 Sam. 2: 1; Job 22: 26; Psa. 5: 11; 9: 2; 32: 11; 35: 9; 43: 4; 63: 11; 64: 10; 97: 11; 104: 34; Isa. 29: 19; Joel 2: 23; Hab. 3: 18; Luke 10: 21; Rom. 5: 2; 12: 12; 15: 13; 1 Cor. 12: 26; Phil. 2: 18; 3: 1; 1 Thes. 5: 16; Heb. 3: 6; 1 Pet. 4: 13. Hymns: 248, 94, 100, 149, 179, 203, 204. Poems of Dawn, 291: Yet Will I Rejoice in the Lord. Tower Reading: Z '14, 291 (R 5544). Questions: Have I been joyful this week? Why? How? What resulted therefrom? YET WILL I REJOICE IN THE LORD THOUGH the fig tree shall not blossom, Though no fruit be in the vines, Though the fields shall yield no fruitage, Of the heard there be no signs Yet Ill joy in Gods salvation, As my faith in Him reclines. While the nations reel and stagger, And the Dove of Peace has fled, While the land and sea are groaning Neath the burden of their dead Yet, amide the awful tumult, I rejoice and lift my head!

Though the vision seem to tarry, And the waiting time prolong, Though my faith be sorely tested In the conflict fierce and strong, Yet His grace will be sufficient, And the burden of my song! Though He slay me, I will trust Him, Though my very heart He break, For I know with loving wisdom He has planned the way I take Thus my dying breath shall bless Him, And Ill praise Him when I wake!

FEBRUARY 27 Let your moderation be known unto all menPhil. 4: 5. The Greek word here rendered "moderation" seems to carry with it the thought of reasonableness (gentleness), and of not exacting our rights too vigorously. Mercy and leniency are certainly qualities required of all who would be in the Kingdom with our Lord. Faithfulness in the performance, as far as possible, of all that justice would require of us, and mercifulness in respect to all our requirements of justice from others should be our rule; so shall we be the children of our Father which is in heaven, for He is kind and merciful to the unthankfulZ '03, 7 (R 3128). True Christianity does not breed fanaticism. Blending as it does in the character wisdom, justice, love and power, it is considerate of others' rights; full of justice and love to them and powerful to hold one in harmony with these principles. It therefore avoids extremes of thought, word and action and takes a middle course in life's affairs, whereby it exercises gentleness, which is the meaning of the word rendered moderation in our text. True to God, it is just to man. It preserves the love of devotion in harmony with respect for others' rights, and is therefore gentle toward allP '30, 30. Parallel passages: Isa. 40: 11; 42: 3; 2 Cor. 10: 1; Matt. 11: 29; 23: 37; 2 Sam. 22: 36; Psa. 18: 35; Gal. 5: 22; 2 Tim. 2: 24-26; Titus 3: 1; Jas. 3: 17; Heb. 2: 17, 18; 4: 15. Hymns: 198, 23, 38, 43, 96, 104, 293. Poems of Dawn, 62: Our Bow of Promise. Tower Reading: Z '13, 167 (R 5249). Questions: Was I gentle this week? Why? Amid what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? What were its results? OUR BOW OF PROMISE A RAVELED rainbow overhead Lets down to earth its varying thread Loves blue, joys gold; and fair between Hopes shifting light of emerald green. On either side in deep relief A crimson pain, a violet grief. Wouldst thou amid their gleaming hues Snatch after those, and these refuse? Believe, could thine anointed eyes Follow their lines, and sound the skies, There where the fadeless glories shine Thine unseen Savior twists the twine! And be thou sure what tint soeer The broken ray beneath may wear,

It needs them all that, fair and white, His love may weave the perfect light.

FEBRUARY 28 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GodPhil. 4: 6. The question may arise, Why will not God give us the things which He sees us to need without our making petition to Him and claiming His promises? Undoubtedly because we need previously to come into the proper attitude of heart to receive His favors and to be advantaged by them. Even as it is, we may be sure that we do not sufficiently appreciate the Divine care bestowed upon us hitherto and now. Even in the attitude of prayer and thanksgiving we probably do not discern one-half of our causes for gratitude, as we shall see them by and by, when we shall know even as we are knownZ '03, 8 (R 3128). Anxiety fits a Christian as little as distrust of mother-love becomes a child. In the heart where reliance on God reigns, and thankfulness for many favors received sits enthroned, worry can find no lodgment. The child of God knows that for his every need he has a responsive Father, who is ever accessible to His suppliant children; therefore, in telling his needs to his Father, he drives away anxious careP '35, 15. Parallel passages: Psa. 127: 2; Matt. 6: 25-34; 13: 22; Luke 21: 34; 1 Cor. 7: 32, 33; 2 Tim. 2: 4; Psa. 37: 5; 55: 22; Prov. 16: 3; Jer. 17: 7, 8; Heb. 13: 5; 1 Pet. 5: 6, 7; Gen. 32: 24-29; 1 Sam. 12: 23; Psa. 86: 3, 6; 131: 1, 2; Col. 4: 2; Matt. 15: 22-28; Luke 18: 1-7; 22: 44; Rom. 8: 26; Eph. 6: 18; Heb. 5: 7, 8. Hymns: 313, 56, 57, 35, 99, 106, 239. Poems of Dawn, 234: Our Burden Bearer. Tower Reading: Z '14, 230 (R 5508). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? OUR BURDEN BEARER THE little sharp vexations, And the briers that catch and fret, Why not take all to the Helper, Who hath never failed us yet? Tell Him about the heartache, And tell Him the longings, too; Tell Him the baffled purpose, When we scarce know what to do. Then, leaving all our weakness With the One divinely strong, Forget that we bore the burden, And carry away the song.

FEBRUARY 29 God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him1 John 4: 16. Justice fills the measure full, but love shakes it, presses it down, heaps it up and overflows justice. It is therefore something not to be demanded, nor its lack to be complained of, but to be gratefully appreciated as a favor and to be generously reciprocated. Everyone who craves it at all should crave it in its highest sense-the senseof admiration and reverence. But this sort of love is the most costly, and the only way to secure it is to manifest that nobility of character which calls it forth from others who are truly nobleZ '02, 266 (R 3070). The highest characteristic of Jehovah's attributes is love working in harmony with wisdom, justice and power. To dwell in love is to continue in its exercise, subjecting all the faculties of heart and mind to its sway in harmony with wisdom, justice and power. Such dwell in God, because only when self-will is surrendered and God's will is taken instead can such conduct result, and such conduct persisted in fills the heart with the Divine love and thus God by His Spirit dwells in such as so doP '33, 163. Parallel passages: Deut. 4: 37; Psa. 63: 3; 146: 8; Jer. 31: 3; John 3: 16; Rom. 5: 8; 1 John 3: 1; Psa. 31: 23; 73: 25, 26; 91: 14; Rom. 8: 28; John 14: 15, 21, 23; 16: 27; 1 Cor. 16: 22; 2 Cor. 5: 14; John 3: 34, 35; 15: 12, 13; Rom. 12: 9, 10; Matt. 5: 41-47; 19: 19. Hymns: 39, 95, 114, 198, 165, 194, 166. Poems of Dawn, 290: God's Boundless Love. Tower Reading: Z '11, 421 (R 4917). Questions: What have been the week's experiences in line with this text? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? GODS BOUNDLESS LOVE COULD we with ink the ocean fill, Were every blade of grass a quill, Were all the world of parchment made And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

MARCH 1 The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ JesusPhil. 4: 7. It is not our own peace that is here referred to. It is the peace of Godthe peace which comes to us from a realization of God's power and goodness and willingness to hold us by His right hand as His children. The thought is that this peace stands guard continually, as a sentinel, to challenge every hostile or worrying thought or fear. It keeps the Christian's mind so that he at heart has peace with the Lord, fellowship, communion; and it guards his mind also, his reasoning faculties, instructing him and assuring him respecting the Divine power and wisdom and loveZ '03, 8 (R 3128). The peace of God is that rest of heart and mind which results from consciousness of harmony with God and God's arrangements. Its being maintained and ruling in the heart amid conditions untoward to the natural man make it surpass all human understanding, and through Christ's office, it guards heart and mind, both from evil and amid and unto goodP '34, 31. Parallel passages: John 14: 1, 27; 16: 33; Rom. 5: 1; 8: 6; Col. 1: 20; 3: 15; Job 34: 29; Psa. 4: 8; 25: 12, 13; 29: 11; 85: 8; 119: 165; 125: 1, 5; Prov. 3: 17, 24; Isa. 26: 3; 28: 12; 32: 2, 17, 18; 53: 5; 54: 13; 57: 1, 2, 19; Jer. 33: 6; Luke 1: 79; 2: 14; Acts 10: 36. Hymns: 108, 54, 106, 107, 109, 179, 244. Poems of Dawn, 303: Daylight and Darkness. Tower Reading: Z '11, 397 (R 4904). Questions: Have I this week had this peace? What helped or hindered it? How did I use it? What resulted from it? DAYLIGHT AND DARKNESS I PRAYED to God in the morning, Thy yoke is easy, Lord, And light indeed is Thy burden, And crystal clear is Thy word, And I am ready for service, Whatever Thou wilt, I said, As blithely I started forward, The pathway bright ahead. The night came down with its darkness, And long indeed was the road, And I was tired and weary, And fainting beneath my load.

I lost the words of His promise, And none of my work was done. I cried aloud for the daylight, For a smooth road, and the sun. Then a voice came out of the shadows, The voice of my unseen Friend: Lo, I am with you always, Even unto the end. It took the night and its darkness, And a long road, rough and dim, And the faithful care of my Shepherd, To bring me close to Him.

MARCH 2 Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest [worthy of reverence] . . . think on these thingsPhil. 4: 8. Whoever sympathizes with falsehood or exaggeration is more or less defiling himself. Whoever cleanses his thoughts, and avoids exaggeration, etc., is in that degree purifying his mind and his entire character. Nor is it sufficient that we are sure of the truth of matters. We are to test them further, and discern to what extent they are honorable, noble; for, although the Lord has covered the ignoble features of our characters, and proposes to cover them to the end with His own merit, nevertheless we cannot be in sympathy with our fallen condition, but on the contrary must desire true nobility and the highest standards of honor in our hearts, in our thoughts, in all our dealings with our God and with our fellowsZ '03, 9 (R 3129). The true things are the things of God's Plan. The things worthy of reverence are those which are venerable, sacred, holy and which must be considered in order to act reverentially. The Apostle exhorts the Lord's people to meditation on these things because such meditation will impart and develop true wisdom in the heart and mindthe wisdom which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, ease of entreatment, full of mercy and of good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisyP '33, 45. Parallel passages: Ex. 34: 6; Psa. 33: 4; 91: 4; Prov. 3: 3; Isa. 65: 16; Dan. 4: 37; 10: 21; Zech. 8: 16; John 8: 31, 32; 14: 6; 17: 17; Eph. 4: 25; 2 Tim. 2: 15; Lev. 19: 35, 36; Deut. 25: 13-16; Psa. 24: 4; Isa. 33: 15, 16; Acts 24: 16; 2 Cor. 4: 1, 2; 8: 21; 1 Thes. 4: 11, 12; Heb. 13: 18; 1 Pet. 2: 12. Hymns: 22, 49, 296, 130, 136, 145, 315. Poems of Dawn, 249: Light and Truth. Tower Reading: Z 11, 165 (R 4838). Questions: Have I this week meditated on the true and honorable things? How? Why? With what results? LIGHT AND TRUTH THE light is ever silent; It sparkles on morns million gems of dew, It flings itself into the shower of noon, It weaves its gold into the cloud of sunset, Yet not a sound is heard; it dashes full On yon broad rock, yet not an echo answers; It lights in myriad drops upon the flower, Yet not a blossom stirs; it doth not move

The slightest film of floating gossamer, Which the fain touch of insects wing would shiver. The light is ever pure, No art of man can ever rob it of its beauty, Nor stain its unpolluted heaven lines. It is the fairest, purest thing in nature; Fit type of heavenly truth, which is all pure. Truth, too, with noiseless grandeur Upon its heavenly mission goeth forth. It shines upon a sin-polluted earth Until its vileness doth so vile appear, That men despise, then banish it from sight. It shineth on, till neath its rays benign The buds of heavnly virtue do appear, And earth gives promise of a summer time. And so twill ever shine, till fruit and flower Of virtue, peace and praise bedeck the earth. Truth, like the light, is pure; And no device to rob it of its glory, Or drag it down base purposes to serve, Can eer succeed. Ah, no! its heavnly glory Shall in due time the universe pervade.

MARCH 3 Whatsoever things are just . . . think on these thingsPhil. 4: 8. We are not to allow our minds to run along lines that would be unjust; and we are to learn to apply this test of justice to every thought and word and act of ours, while learning at the same time to view the conduct of others from a different standpoint, so far as reason will permit, from the standpoint of mercy, forgiveness, pity, helpfulness. But we cannot be too careful how we criticize every thought we entertain, every plan we mature, that the lines of justice shall in no sense of the word be infringed by us with our heart's approvalZ '03, 9 (R 3129). Justice is the good will that we owe out of thankfulness for the good done us; and in order to its development in our characters a consideration of our obligation to God and man in all the affairs of our lives must be kept in the heart; and such thoughtfulness on the things that are just will develop justice, the foundation of Christian character, as it is the foundation of God's character and God's ThroneP '32, 30. Parallel passages: Ex. 23: 1-3, 6-8; Lev. 19: 13-15; Ezra 7: 26; Psa. 82: 2-4; 89: 14; Prov. 17: 15; Eccles. 3: 16, 17; Isa. 1: 17; 59: 14; Zech. 8: 16; Matt. 5: 23, 24; John 7: 24. Hymns: 14, 130, 196, 145, 23, 267, 49. Poems of Dawn, 117: Thus May He Bless and Keep Thee. Tower Reading: Z '04, 21 (R 3304). Questions: Have I this week thought on things just or not? How? Why? With what results? THUS MAY HE BLESS AND KEEP THEE NUMBERS 6: 24. THE Lord bless thee! How shall He bless thee? With the gladness that knoweth no decay; With the riches that cannot pass away; With the sunshine that makes an endless day Thus may He bless thee! And keep thee! How shall He keep thee? With the all-covering shadow of His wings; With the strong love that guards from evil things; With the sure power that safe to glory brings Thus may He keep thee!

MARCH 4 Whatsoever things are pure, lovely, and of good report . . . think on these thingsPhil. 4: 8. We are to love and cultivate that which is pure to such an extent that that which is impure will become painful to us, distressing, and we will desire to drop it from memory, and this will only be accomplished by continually thinking upon those things that are pure, and avoiding the giving of thought to the things that are impure. We are to recognize true loveliness, and to esteem it. When we would think on the purest of things we must of necessity lift our mental vision to as high a point as possible, and, as nearly as we may be able, discern the loveliness of the perfect character of our God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, and proportionately the loveliness manifested in one or another of the followers of Jesus, who walk closely in His footstepsZ '03, 9 (R 3129). By the pure, sinlessness of purpose in glorifying God is meant; by the lovely, appreciation of good character and principles is meant; and by the reputable, that which is in harmony with correct standards is meant. To think on such things cannot but purify our purposes, develop disinterested love, and elevate characterP '26, 28. Parallel passages: Psa. 12: 6; 19: 8; 24: 3-5; 119: 40; Prov. 15: 26; 20: 9; Matt. 5: 3-12; John 15: 9-17; 1 Tim. 1: 5; 3: 9; 2 Tim. 2: 22; Rom. 12: 9-21; 1 Cor. 13; 2 Cor. 6: 8; Col. 3: 1217; Heb. 11: 2, 39; 1 John 4: 7-21; Prov. 22: 1; Eccles. 7: 1. Hymns: 1, 4, 95, 196, 198, 201, 267. Poems of Dawn, 290: God's Boundless Love. Tower Reading: Z '11, 165 (R 4826). Questions: Have I thought this week on the pure, lovely and reputable, or on their opposites? What were the circumstances and effects? GODS BOUNDLESS LOVE COULD we with ink the ocean fill, Were every blade of grass a quill, Were all the world of parchment made And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

MARCH 5 If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these thingsPhil. 4: 8. Things of any virtue or value, things in any degree praiseworthythe noble words or noble deeds or noble sentiments of anybodywe may safely meditate upon, and as a consequence find ourselves growing toward those ideals on which our new hearts, minds and wills thus feed. We shall become more and more transformed by the renewing of our minds, and approach nearer and nearer to the glorious likeness of our Lord and Master, being changed from glory to glory, inch by inch, step by step, little by little, during the present life; and our thoughts being in this attitude and our union with the Lord maintained, we shall have part in the resurrection of the just, which will perfect us in the Lord's image and likenessZ '03, 9 (R 3129). The virtues refer more to the graces of justice, and the praises to the graces of charity. Since the mind is bound to think, how much more noble it is to contemplate good thoughts and qualities, the virtues and the praises! A low plane of contemplation is that of things; a higher is that of persons; but the highest is the contemplation of noble thoughts and qualities, especially as they exist in God, in Christ and in the saints; and this is also the best way of becoming like themP '36, 31. Parallel passages: 2 Pet. 1: 3, 5; Josh. 1: 8; Psa. 1: 2; 4: 4; 19: 14; 39: 3; 49: 3; 63: 5, 6; 77: 10-12; 104: 34; 119: 11, 15, 16, 23, 48, 59, 97, 99; 139: 17, 18; 143: 5; 1 Tim. 4: 13. Hymns: 198, 95, 141, 1, 125, 150, 196. Poems of Dawn, 290: My Life Is But a Weaving. Tower Reading: Z '16, 166 (R 5908). Questions: Have I this week meditated on the virtues and praises? How? What helped or hindered therein? In what circumstances? With what results? MY LIFE IS BUT A WEAVING MY life is but a weaving Between my Lord and me; He chooses all the colors And works on steadily. Oftimes He weaveth sorrow, And I, in blinded pride, Forget He sees the upper, And I the underside. The dark threads are as needful In the Weavers skilful hand, As the treads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned. Not till the loom is silent, And the shuttles cease to fly, Will God unroll the fabric, And show the reason why.

MARCH 6 I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to aboundPhil. 4: 11, 12. If we find our experiences in life very checkered, we may conclude that the Lord sees that we need both the heights and depths of prosperity and adversity to properly instruct us and qualify us for the position He designs for us in the future. Let us, then, as the Apostle did, learn how to abound, not allowing the abundance of earthly good things to swerve us from our consecration vows; and let us learn also how to be in want (need) and yet not to want anything beyond what the Lord's wisdom and providence see best to giveto be contentZ '03, 10 (R 3129). To be contented under all circumstances is a glorious achievement, and is an ideal toward which the Lord's people should constantly strive. Few indeed are they, who can suffer abasement contentedly, still fewer are they who can receive success contentedly. It is only through many experiences of abasement and exaltation that we learn to receive all things contentedlyP '30, 30. Parallel passages: Psa. 37: 7; Prov. 16: 8; 17: 1, 22; 30: 8; Eccles. 4: 6; 5: 12; Luke 3: 14; 1 Cor. 7: 20, 24; 2 Cor. 6: 9, 10; 1 Tim. 6: 6-12; Heb. 13: 5, 6; Psa. 16: 6; 37: 7, 16; Prov. 14: 14; 15: 13, 15, 30. Hymns: 50, 94, 15, 170, 176, 179, 244. Poems of Dawn, 297: Our Father's at the Helm. Tower Reading: Z '98, 243 (R 2351). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to this text? In what did they result? OUR FATHERS AT THE HELM THE boisterous waves with awful roar A little boat assailed, And pallid fears distracting power Oer all on board prevailed. Save one, the captains darling child, Who steadfast viewed the storm; And, cheerful, with composure smiled At dangers threatening form. Do you feel safe, a seaman cried, While terrors overwhelm? Why should I fear? the boy replied My fathers at the helm.

So when our worldly all is reft, Our earthly helpers gone, We still have one true anchor left God helps, and He alone. He to our prayers will bend an ear, He gives our pains relief; He turns to smiles each trembling tear, To joy each torturing grief. Then turn to Him mid sorrows wild, When want and woes oerwhelm, Remembering, like the fearless child, Our Fathers at the helm!

MARCH 7 If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us1 John 4: 12. Whether I am something or nothing in God's estimation is to be measured by my love for Him, for His brethren, for His cause, for the world in general, and even for my enemies, rather than by my knowledge or fame or oratory. In the measurement of character, therefore, we are to put love first, and to consider it the chief test of our nearness and acceptance to the Lord. Those who have received the holy Spirit should all be good tempered. In no way can we better show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light than by the exhibition of the spirit of love in the daily affairs of lifeZ '03, 56, 57 (R 3150). The Scriptures declare that God is love, and that He dwells in His people, not personally, but by His Spirit, His qualities. Consequently, whoever exhibits this quality of love is indwelt by God, and he who continues to manifest this quality amid the various experiences of life will have the joy of seeing the Divine love perfected in himP '35, 31. Parallel passages: John 3: 16; 6: 54-56; 13: 34; 14: 21-23; 15: 7-12; 17: 21; 1 Cor. 3: 16; 6: 19; 2 Cor. 6: 16; 1 John 3: 16-18, 22-24; 4: 7, 13, 15-19; Rom. 8: 8-17; Gal. 4: 5, 6. Hymns: 165, 166, 23, 47, 74, 114, 105. Poems of Dawn, 97: In My Name. Tower Reading: Z '11, 205 (R 4849). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What assisted or hindered therein? In what did they result? IN MY NAME THERE were only two or three of us Who came to the place of prayer Came in the teeth of the driving storm; But for that we did not care, Since after our hymns of praise had risen, And our earnest prayers were said, The Master Himself was present there, And He gave us the living bread. We noted the look in each others face, So loving, and glad, and free; We felt His touch when our heads were bowed, We heard His Come to Me! Nobody saw Him lift the latch,

And none unbarred the door; But Peace was His token in every heart, And how could we ask for more? Each of us felt the relief from sin, Christs purchase for one and all; Each of us dropped his load of care, And heard the Heavenly call; And over our spirits a blessed calm Swept in from the Jasper Sea, And strength was ours for the toil of life In the days that were yet to be. It was only a handful gathered in To the little place of prayer, Outside were struggle and strife and sin, But the Lord Himself was there. He came to redeem the pledge He gave Wherever his loved ones be, To give His comfort and joy to them, Though they count but two or three.

MARCH 8 God hath set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him1 Cor. 12: 18. No member of the Body of Christ can say that he has no need for another member, and no member may say that there is nothing whatever that he can do in the service of the Body. Under the guidance of our glorious Head each member who is filled with His Spirit, and desirous of serving Him, may do so. When the time for rewards shall have come, who knows how much of the usefulness of Paul and Apollos may be accredited to some of the humble ones, such as Aquila and Priscilla, who in various ways ministered to and encouraged and supported their abler brethren in the Lord's workZ '03, 59 (R 3152). If we could but learn the lesson that God sets the members in the Body as it pleases Him, not only would we not envy the fellow-members their places, but we would cheerfully co-operate with them in fulfilling the privileges of their places. God is pleased to place each member in the Body, where he can best help the others, and where he can best be helped by the othersP '34, 31. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 12: 5-31; 3: 5; 4: 1-16; Rom. 12: 3-8; 8: 29; Eph. 1: 22, 23; 2: 15; 4: 3-6, 11-15; 5: 23, 30; Col. 1: 24; 2: 10; Acts 2: 36; Heb. 3: 3, 6; Rev. 1: 13; 2: 1. Hymns: 21, 23, 94, 96, 170, 6, 322. Poems of Dawn, 232: In the Garden of the Lord. Tower Reading: Z '13, 295 (R 5321). Questions: How have I acted this week toward the brethren? Why did I so act? What were the results? IN THE GARDEN OF THE LORD LAST night I dreamed the Master came to me and gently said, Beloved, lay thy cross aside, and come with me awhile, For I would have thee rest within the garden of the Lord. And then He took my trembling hand and led me through the gloom Until we came to where a massive gateway barred our path, The gates were closed, but opened at the Masters sweet command. We entered, and the shadows fled before His radiant smile,

Oh, vision rapturous, can words be found to tell how fair! Ten thousand roses beckoned with Loves crimson hue, and round About our feet the violets nestled in their purple grief; While velvet pansies, clothed in royalty, together grew With lovely, clinging, pink and white sweet peas, and close beside, The lilies of the valley bent in sweet humility, And everywhere, the tender grass, a carpet soft and cool. And often as we passed, the Maters hand with loving touch Did rest upon some drooping flower, and lo! at once it seemed Refreshed. At last we came to where a stately lily stood, Its snowy crown uplifted like a chime of silvery bells, Whose swaying filled the garden with a fragrance sweet and rare. We closer drew, and then I saw, alas! how here and there A petal fair was torn and brown, as though by some rude wind Or scorching heat. I wondered greatly at the sight, then turned, The question on my lips, when suddenly there rose a storm So fierce that every flower in the garden bent its head; And then a shower of flaming arrows, hurled by shadowy forms Outside the gardens ivy-covered walls, rained down upon The lilies, while I clung in terror to my Heavenly Guide. A moment only did the storm prevail, and then I heard Thee Masters Peace, be still! The tempest ceased, and there was calm, The wonderous light grew dim, the garden vanished, and I woke. The Master had not spoken thus, and yet I seemed to know The fair dream-garden was a picture of his little

ones, (He neither sleeps nor slumbers in His watch-care over these), And then the thought,if in this garden I might choose my place, Would I be like the rose? Ah! no, lest in my passionate zeal To show by works my heart of love, I should forget the thorns, Dear Lord, and wound Thy loving hand! Ah! then, perhaps I would The lily be, and sound Thy blessed Truth oer land and sea In clear-toned eloquence. Ah! no, I might not bear the storms That beat upon the one whose head Thou hast uplifted far Above his fellows,and a shining mark for Satans darts! And thus I thought on each and all that gardens lovely ones, Then cried, My blessed Lord, if I might choose, Oh, let me be The tender grass, that I may rest and soothe Thy weariness, A lowly place, safe-sheltered from the wind and fiery dart, What rapture this,to lay down life itself beneath Thy feet!

MARCH 9 God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do ministerHeb. 6: 10. No child of the Lord should be content to let the days of the present harvest time go by with their golden opportunities for service and co-operation without seeking each day to lift the royal banner himself, and publicly to show forth the praises of Him who has called him out of darkness into light, or without assisting and co-operating with others whom the Lord in His providence has placed in more advantageous positions for public serviceZ '03, 59 (R 3152). The work and labor flowing out of love, which the saints perform for the development and perfection of one another in Christlikeness, should primarily be shown for His name, for the glory of God; and such work and labor of lovemarvelous thought!God owns with appreciation, and thus His justice forbids His forgetting the sameP '33, 46. Parallel passages: Prov. 14: 31; 22: 9; 28: 27; 31: 20; Matt. 10: 40-42; 18: 5, 6; Acts 11: 29; 24: 17; Rom. 12: 13; 15: 25, 26; 2 Cor. 8, 9; 1 Thes. 1: 3, 6, 7; 2 Tim. 1: 18. Hymns: 46, 11, 19, 45, 235, 286, 333. Poems of Dawn, 220: She Hath Done What She Could. Tower Reading: Z '15, 380 (R 5818). Questions: What were this week's experiences as to the text? How were they undergone? What were their results? SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD THE Feast was spread at Simons house, and as they sat at meat, A woman came and silent stood within the open door Close pressed against her throbbing heart an alabaster box Of purest spikenard, costly, rare, she held. With modest fear, She dreaded to attract the curious gaze of those within, And yet her well-beloved Friend was there, her Master, Lord. With wondrous intuition she divined that this might be Her last, her only opportunity to show her love; She thought of all that He had done for her, the holy hours She spent enraptured at His feet, unmindful of all

else, If only she might hear those words of Truth, those words of Life. She thought of that dark hour when Lazarus lay within the tomb And how He turned her night to day, her weeping into joy. Her fair face flushed, with deepening gratitude her pure eyes shone; With swift, light step she crossed the crowded room. She bravely met Those questioning eyes (for Love will find its way through paths where lions Fear to tread); with trembling hands she broke the seal and poured The precious contents of the box upon her Saviors feet, And all the house was filled with fragrance wonderful and sweet. She could not speak, her hearts devotion was too deep, her tears Fell softly, while she took her chiefest ornament, her long And silken hair and wiped His sacred feet, when suddenly A rude voice broke the golden silence with, What waste! this might Have sold for much, to feed the poor! She lower bent her head To her it seemed so mean a gift for love so great to make! Again a voice re-echoed through the room, her blessed Lords, (He half arose and gently laid His hand upon her hair) And how it thrilled her fainting heart to hear Him sweetly say, Rebuke her not, for she hath wrought a good work, what she could; Aforehand, to anoint Me for my burying, she hath come, and this her deed of love throughout the ages shall be told! ******

How oft since first I read the story of this saint of old, My own poor heart hath burned with fervent, longing, deep desire, That I might thus have ministered unto my Lord and King The chiefest of ten thousand, altogether lovely One. And now, to learnoh! precious thought, tis not too late, I still May pour Loves priceless ointment on the members of His Feet! Dear Lord, I pray, oh! help me break with sacrificial hand The seal of Self, and pour the pent-up odors of my heart Upon Thy Feet! Oh! Let me spend my days and nights in toil, That I, perchance, may save from needless wandering, and help To keep them in the narrow way that leads to light and life. Oh! let me lay within their trembling hands a rose of love, A lilys pure and holy inspiration on their breast! Dear Master, let me kneel with them in dark Gethsemane; Oh! help me boldly stand and meekly bear the scoffs and jeers Of cruel, mocking tongues! Oh! may I count no cost, een life Itself, too great to serve, to bless, to comfort Thy dear Feet, And when the last drop of my hearts devotion hath been shed, Oh, may I hear Thy sweet voice say, She hath done what she could!

MARCH 10 Exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sinHeb. 3: 13. If we realize that a spiritual lethargy has to any extent been creeping over us, imperceptibly benumbing our spiritual senses, so that the Truth is losing its inspiring power upon us, our first duty is to betake ourselves to prayer and to communion with God and His Word, that its sanctifying power may be realized. For we are made partakers of the Kingdom with Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end (Heb. 3: 14)Z '03, 54 (R 3149). Sin through its various avenues of access is exceedingly deceitful, and its specious entreaties certainly have a hardening effect upon the yielding heart. Therefore the disciples of Christ have the privilege throughout the Gospel Age to exhort one another daily as need may be, that thus they may be preserved blameless. How much more this duty and this privilege are incumbent upon us as the day is rapidly nearing!P '32, 30. Parallel passages: Acts 13: 15; 20: 2; Rom. 12: 8; 2 Cor. 9: 5; 1 Tim. 6: 2; Titus 2: 15; Heb. 12: 3, 4; 13: 22; Deut. 29: 18; Psa. 9: 15, 16; Prov. 5: 22; Isa. 57: 20, 21; Mark 7: 21-23; Gal. 6: 7, 8; 1 Pet. 4: 3. Hymns: 145, 198, 34, 114, 196, 4, 130. Poems of Dawn, 107: O, Use Me, Lord! Tower Reading: Z '03, 53 (R 3149). Questions: Have I this week sought to en courage the brethren to fight the good fight of faith? Why? How? What were the effects? O, USE ME, LORD! LORD, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone; As Thou hast sought, so let me seek Thine erring children, lost and lone. O, lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wandering and the wavering feet; O, feed me, Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet. O, strengthen me, that while I stand Firm on the Rock, and strong in Thee, I may stretch out a helping hand To wrestlers in the troubled sea.

O, teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost impart; And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart. O, give Thine own sweet rest to me, That I may speak with soothing power A word in season, as from Thee, To weary ones in needful hour. O, fill me with Thy fulness, Lord, Until my very heart oerflow In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show, O, use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where; Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share!

MARCH 11 Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before usHeb. 12: 1. You that discern the prize of Jehovah's calling, and who are endeavoring to press along the line toward the mark, "gird up the loins of your mind"; strengthen and fortify your purposes and efforts; renew your determination; redouble your diligence; cast aside the weights of unnecessary worldly cares; increase your zeal; and, as the Apostle urges, run with patience the race set before you. Run, not like one who is merely beating the air, but like one who has a purpose in view, and who, in desperate earnest, is determined to make his calling and election sureZ '03, 54 (R 3149). The noble example of the Ancient Worthies, as they, enclosing us as a type circumscribes its antitype, testifies of God's faithfulness to the loyal, and admonishes us to cast aside our besetting sins and errors and our weights of selfishness and worldliness which encumber us in the race for the prize. So stripped, we may the more readily persevere in the race of attaining and retaining ChristlikenessP '26, 28. Parallel passages: Heb. 11: 2-40; Jas. 5: 10, 11; Psa. 19: 12, 13; 2 Cor. 7: 1; Col. 3: 8; 1 Pet. 2: 1; Phil. 3: 13, 14; 1 Cor. 9: 24, 26; Heb. 6: 1; Luke 21: 19; Heb. 10: 36; Jas. 1: 4; 5: 7. Hymns: 20, 200, 136, 95, 221, 78, 145. Poems of Dawn, 41: The Call Divine. Tower Reading: Z '13, 291 (R 5318). Questions: What have I been doing with my "weights," besetting sin and the race for the prize this week? What were my motives, helps or hindrances and results? THE CALL DIVINE TO-DAY, to-morrow, evermore, Through cheerless nights without a star, Not asking whither or how far, Rejoicing though the way be sore, Take up thy cross And follow Me. I cannot promise wealth or ease, Fame, pleasure, length of days, esteem These things are vainer than they seem If thou canst turn from all of these, Take up thy cross

And follow Me! I promise only perfect peace, Sweet peace that lives through years of strife; Eternal love, immortal life, And rest when all these wanderings cease. Take up thy cross And follow Me! My yoke is easyput it on; My burden very light to bear. Who shareth this, My crown shall share The present cross insures the crown. Take up thy cross And follow Me!

MARCH 12 The end of the commandment is love from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an undissembled faith1 Tim. 1: 5. We are to have clearly before our minds the fact that the ultimate object of all the Divine dealings for us and with us, and the ultimatesignificance of all the Divine promises made to us, is the development of love, which is Godlikeness, for God is love. And to have this love developed in us, in the sense and to the degree intended by the Lord, it is necessary that it shall come from a pure heart, in full accord with the Lord and His law of love, and wholly antagonistic to the Adversary and his law of selfishnessZ '00, 360 (R 2733). The beautiful attributes of the ripe Christian character, like those of God's character, consist of wisdom, justice, love and power. While these characteristics support one another, the one that shines out the brightest among them is love; the object of the other three is its development; and the ultimate goal of character development is the supremacy of Divine love, in harmony with, supported by, and flowing out of wisdom, justice and powerP '36, 31. Parallel passages: Matt. 7: 12; Rom. 13: 8-10; John 13: 35; Eph. 1: 4; Gal. 5: 14; Col. 3: 14; 1 Cor. 13; Jas. 2: 8; 1 John 3: 18, 19; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 3: 8; 4: 8; Heb. 9: 14; Acts 15: 8, 9; 1 Cor. 6: 11; Titus 3: 5; Phil. 2: 13. Hymns: 201, 165, 105, 125, 154, 130, 1. Poems of Dawn, 79: Love's Alchemy. Tower Reading: Z '15, 261 (R 5755). Questions: What has this text done to me? How? What helped or hindered? What were the circumstances? What were the results? LOVES ALCHEMY LOVE is the filling from ones own Anothers cup. Love is a daily laying down And taking up; A choosing of the stony path Through each new day That other feet may tread with ease A smoother way. Love is not blind, but looks abroad Through other eyes; And asks not Must I give? but May I sacrifice? Love hides its grief, that other hearts

And lips may sing; And burdened, walks, that other lives May, buoyant, wing. Brother, hast thou a love like this Within thy soul? Twill change thy name to saint when thou Dost reach thy goal.

MARCH 13 As many, therefore, as are perfect, should be of this mind; and if in anything you think differently, God will also reveal this to you. But to what we have attained, let us walk by the same linePhil. 3: 15, 16, Diaglott. It is indispensable to those who have reached the mark of perfect love that they shall keep actively engaged in the service of the Lord, laying down their lives for the brethren. Such must stand, not only as representatives of God and of the principles of righteousness, but as representatives of those strong in the Lord and the power of His might, and in the faith of His Word-ready and willing and efficient in the encouragement of other runners in the race-coursethat they likewise may attain to the "mark"Z '01, 10 (R 2753). The character attainments of the past are the basis for the development of the present, and the promise for the future. The faithful use of what we have already attained will result in further growth. This is the heart's sentiment of those whose hearts are thoroughly fixed in God, and whatever they lack, whether it be of service, knowledge or grace, such a disposition on their part will be recognized by God as meet for further blessing of growth in service, knowledge and grace, which in due time He will bestowP '30, 30. Parallel passages: Job 1: 1; Psa. 37: 37; Matt. 5: 48; 19: 21; 1 Cor. 2: 6; 14: 20; 2 Cor. 13: 11; Eph. 4: 11-13; Col. 4: 12; Heb. 5: 14; 1 Pet. 5: 10; Gal. 5: 10; Rom. 12: 16; 15: 5; Phil. 2: 2; 4: 2; Gal. 6: 16. Hymns: 267, 1, 20, 23, 95, 170, 315. Poems of Dawn, 306: The Early Impress. Tower Reading: Z '08, 183 (R 4188). Questions: Have I this week striven to practice the suggestions of this text? With what results? THE EARLY IMPRESS PROV. 22: 6 I TOOK a piece of plastic clay And idly fashioned it one day; And as my fingers pressed it still It bent and yielded to my will. I came again when days were past, The bit of clay was hard at last; My early impress still it bore And I could change its form no more. I took a piece of living clay

And gently formed it day by day; Molding with parental art A young boys soft and yielding heart. In time his tender years were gone, It was a man I looked upon; My early impress still he bore And I could change him nevermore!

MARCH 14 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a cityProv. 16: 32. While anger, in the nature of hatred, malice, strife, envy, should be put away by all who are seeking to be copies of God's dear Son, anger in the sense of righteous indignation against wrong-doing, sin in its various forms, is proper; and although it should be used with great moderation, backed by love, there are circumstances in which it would be wrong not to have righteous anger and use itZ '96, 279 (R 2068). The reason why those slow to anger are better than the mighty is that love and sympathy prompt them to make allowances for the weaknesses of others, which the mighty are indisposed to do; and the reason why he that rules his spirit is greater than he that takes a city is that trying to dislodge Satan, the world and the flesh from their fortress in his heart requires greater perseverance, strategy and valor than that of him who takes a city. Such self-rule is a real conquestP '35, 31, 32. Parallel passages: Prov. 25: 28; 1 Cor. 13: 4, 7; 2 Cor. 6: 4-6; Gal. 5: 22, 23; Eph. 4: 1, 2, 26, 31, 32; Col. 1: 11; 3: 12, 13; 1 Tim. 1: 16; 2 Tim. 3: 10; 4: 2; 1 Sam. 10: 27; 24: 1-15; Matt. 27: 12-14; 1 Cor. 9: 25, 27; Titus 2: 2. Hymns: 13, 44, 1, 244, 179, 274, 99. Poems of Dawn, 133: Steadfast, Immovable. Tower Reading: Z '15, 59 (R 5635). Questions: Was I long-suffering and self-controlling this week? In what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? What were the effects? STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE TO play through life a perfect part, Unnoticed and unknown; To seek no rest in any heart Save only Gods alone; In little things to own no will, To have no share in great, To find the labor ready still, And for the crown to wait; Upon the brow to bear no trace Of more than common care; To write no secret in the face For men to read it there; The daily cross to clasp and bless

With such familiar zeal As hides from all that not the less Its daily weight you feel; In toils that praise will never pay To see your life go past; To meet in every coming day Twin sister of the last; To hear of high, heroic things, And yield them reverence due, But feel lifes daily offerings Are far more fit for you; To woo no secret, soft disguise, To which self-love is prone; Unnoticed by all other eyes, Unworthy in your own; To yield with such a happy art That no one thinks you care, Yet say to your poor bleeding heart, How little you can bear; Oh! tis a pathway rough to choose, A struggle hard to share, For human pride would still refuse The nameless trials there; But since we know the gate is low That leads to heavenly bliss, What higher grace could God bestow Than such a life as this!

MARCH 15 The just shall live by faithHeb. 10: 38. It is not enough that, by faith, we receive the first impulse of life, but, having passed from death unto life, by the same means, we must continue to receive and appropriate spiritual nourishment, that we may grow thereby; we must walk by faith, following the leading of the holy Spirit through the Word of Truth. The life of faith is an individual matter, as well of the heart as of the head. It is far more than an acceptance of doctrines which we consider Scriptural and therefore true; it is the assimilation of that which we have proved to be the Truth, so that its principles become our principles, and its promises our inspirationZ '95, 92, 93 (R 1798). Mankind's efforts under the fallen condition to gain everlasting life by works have proven disastrous. The sacrifice of Christ has made it possible that a righteousness apart from the law might be given all who exercise faith therein. Whoever, therefore, accepts Christ as his Savior, gains reckoned eternal life through faith, and thus the just shall livegain everlasting life reckonedly through faith. The consecrated also live by faith in that theirs is a life of faith as distinct from living by sight. And, finally, actual eternal life is gained on all planes of being by faithfulness. Thus in three senses the just shall live by faith P '34, 31. Parallel passages: Hab. 2: 4; John 3: 15, 16, 36; 5: 24; 6: 40; Rom. 1: 17; 3: 195: 1; 10: 4; Gal. 2: 16-21; 3: 5-13, 21-26; Eph. 2: 8-10; Phil. 3: 9; Heb. 11: 3-39; Jas. 2: 17-26. Hymns: 174, 15, 54, 124, 178, 246, 295. Poems of Dawn, 71: Have Faith in God. Tower Reading: Z '94, 146 (R 1652). Questions: Have I this week lived by faith? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? HAVE FAITH IN GOD WHEN the stormy winds are blowing, And the angry billows roll, When the mighty waves of trouble Surge around thy stricken soul, Have faith in God, Who reigns above; Yea, trust in Him, For He is love. When the way is rough and thorny, Danger all along the path, When the foe is ever planning

How to crush thee in his wrath, Have faith in God; His loving care Shall keep thee safe From every snare. When thine eyes are dim with weeping, And thy heart is full of woe For the loved that now are sleeping In the silent grave so low, Have faith in God; The dead shall rise And meet the Savior From the skies. Art thou filled with eager longing For the night to pass away? Art thou weary of the watching For the dawning of the day? Have faith in God; He is our stay; Soon, soon will come The perfect day. Art thou hoping, waiting, praying, For the presence of the Lord? Art thou waiting for the Kingdom, And the glorious reward? Have faith in God; Our King is here, And soon His glory Will appear.

MARCH 16 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. . . . And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren1 John 3: 14, 16. One of the final and most searching tests of these "brethren," and the one under which probably the most of those once awakened and armed will fall, will be love for the brethren. Seemingly many will fail at this point and be therefore accounted unworthy of an abundant entrance to the Kingdom on this score. Should any be specially weak and liable to stumble, the true soldier of the cross will not despise him, nor revile him, even as the Elder Brother, the Captain, would not do so. On the contrary, he will be the more watchful and helpful toward the weaker, even though he most enjoy himself in the company of the strongerZ '99, 88 (R 2450). One of the evidences of our justification and of Spirit-infilling is love for the brethren, disciples of Christ Jesus. He who has this quality in the self-denying measure that thankfully and appreciatively lays down life for the brethren, because of his relation to them in Christ, may rest assured of his possession of the Spirit. We who have been received into the Divine family owe it to the Lord that we lay down our lives for the brethren. This is a debt that the covenant under which we are requires us to discharge P '33, 46. Parallel passages: John 13: 34, 35; 15: 9-19; Rom. 12: 9, 10; 13: 8-10; 1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5: 13, 22; Col. 2: 2; 3: 12-14; 1 Thes. 3: 12; 4: 9; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 2: 17; 3: 8; 4: 8; 1 John 2: 10; 3: 11, 17, 18, 23; 4: 7, 11, 12, 20, 21. Hymns: 299, 208, 165, 166, 167, 22, 170. Poems of Dawn, 38: Lord, Here I Bring Myself. Tower Reading: Z '13, 339 (R 5346). Questions: Have I this week loved and served the brethren? How? Why? With what results? LORD, HERE I BRING MYSELF LORD, here I bring myself, Tis all I have to give, My hearts desire is wholly this, Henceforth for Thee to live; To own no will but Thine, To suffer loss or shame, All things to bear, if only I May glorify Thy name; Henceforth mine every power

Each day for thee to use, My hands, my feet, my lips, mine all, As Thou, my Lord, shalt choose. Dear Lord, my constant prayer Is for increase of grace, That I by faith may walk with Thee, Till I behold Thy face.

MARCH 17 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hathMatt. 25: 28, 29. Why is the one-talented man chosen as an illustration of these talent-burials? It is to show the responsibility of those who have leastthat the Lord expects even the least of His consecrated people to know of and to use the talents (opportunities) he has in his possession, and that he will not hold guiltless even those who have the smallest ability (opportunity) to serve Him and His brethren and His Truth, and who neglect to use itZ '01, 59 (R 2764). The talents are the opportunities that God gives each according to his ability for service. Those who fail to use their opportunities will be deprived of these altogether; while those who use them will not only retain their own, but gain others in additioneven those lost by the negligent. Let this admonish each of us to seize and use the golden opportunities of service nowP '32, 30. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 4: 1, 2; Matt. 13: 12; Mark 4: 25; Luke 8: 18; 12: 35-38, 42; 16: 2; 19: 26; 1 Cor. 15: 10; Lev. 10: 1-7; Acts 1: 20; Matt. 24: 45-51; 1 Pet. 4: 10. Hymns: 208, 13, 130, 136, 145, 183, 299. Poems of Dawn, 145: I'll Do My Very Best. Tower Reading: Z '06, 315 (R 3869). Questions: Have I this week been a faithful or an unfaithful steward? How? Why? With what results? ILL DO MY VERY BEST I MAY perform no deed of great renown No glorious acts to millions manifest; Yet in my little labors up and down, Ill do my best. I may not paint a perfect masterpiece, Nor carve a statue by the world confessed A miracle of art; yet will not cease To do my best. My name is not upon the rolls of fame, Tis on the page of common life impressed; But Ill keep marking, marking just the same, And do my very best. Mine may not be the beautiful and grand,

But I must try to be so careful, lest It fail to be whats put into my hand My very best.

MARCH 18 Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ1 Pet. 1: 13. Having "girded up the loins of your mind" for a long, steady and determined effort, "be sober"; do not allow yourself to become excited and, under the spur of excitement, to exhaust all your spiritual vitality in a very short time, and then to suffer a relapse into coldness or discouragement. Strive thoughtfully to consider and prepare for a long and patient endurance of all the discipline and trial of faith and patience necessary to prove an overcomer and worthy of the blessed reward promised "to him that overcometh." The race before us is not one to be run by fits and starts, but by "patient continuance in well doing"Z '03, 54 (R 3149). The Christian should ever stand with his knowledge so arranged as to be ready for service. Not impulsiveness but sober thoughtfulness should characterize his mental habits. With such a disposition the earnest hope for the glorious prize offered, which he will receive during our Lord's Second Advent, will be a constant inspiration to do, to be and to endure for the glory of the LordP '26, 28. Parallel passages: Luke 12: 34, 35; Rom. 13: 13; Eph. 6: 14; 1 Thes. 5: 6, 8; 1 Pet. 4: 7; 5: 8; 1 Cor. 1: 7; Phil. 3: 20; Titus 2: 13; Heb. 6: 18, 19; 2 Pet. 3: 12. Hymns: 21, 25, 32, 58, 92, 216, 320. Poems of Dawn, 179: Beyond the Shadows. Tower Reading: Z '15, 179 (R 5035). Questions: Have I, or have I not, this week been sober-minded, ready for service and full of the blessed hope? How did this affect me? BEYOND THE SHADOWS FARTHER onbeyond the shadows Falling darkly oer my way, There is home, and rest and shelter, Where no storms can eer dismay. Though the way be rough and narrow, And a cross must needs be borne, Farther onthe night is waning Soon will dawn the welcome morn. Meekly to His will submitting, In His love secure and strong, Jesus whispers, Bide the shadows, It is better farther on.

Farther onO blest assurance! How it thrills my raptured heart, Just to know that I shall see Him When the shadows all depart. Let me still be strong and patient, Trusting where I cannot trace, Farther onbeyond all darkness Faith can see Gods smiling face. Only waiting, ever praying, Let my heart be filled with song. Sweet the promise Jesus gives me, It is better farther on.

MARCH 19 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation1 Pet. 1: 14, 15. Some Christians have the erroneous idea that God does all the fashioning, and that His children are to be merely passive in His hand; but Peter does not so express it. He exhorts us to fashion ourselves according to the Divine instructions. There is work to be done in us and about us, and those who are not up and doing, but who passively sit and wait for the Lord to work miracles in their behalf, are greatly deceived and are giving the enemy great advantage over them, which he will certainly use to bind them hand and foot and cast them into outer darkness, unless they bestir themselves to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling Z '03, 55 (R 3150). We were once Satan's servants, governing our conduct by sinfulness, selfishness, worldliness, ignorance and error. Now as God's children we would obey the will of Him who is holy, whose perfect will, blending wisdom, justice, love and power, and taken into the heart, transforms His children into His own character likeness; and the contrast between the old disposition and the new is greater than that between night and day P '36, 31. Parallel passages: Gal. 4: 6; 3: 26; Rom. 12: 2; 8: 14-16; 1 Pet. 4: 2; 1 John 2: 15; 3: 3; Luke 1: 74, 75; Eph. 2: 10; 1 Cor. 2: 12; 6: 9-11; 2 Cor. 7: 1; 1 Thes. 4: 7; Heb. 12: 14; 2 Pet. 3: 11; Col. 1: 22; Lev. 11: 44; 19: 2. Hymns: 91, 21, 74, 78, 90, 194, 267. Poems of Dawn, 43: The Transformation. Tower Reading: Z '14, 184 (R 5481). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? With what results? THE TRANSFORMATION TO the Potters house I went down one day, And watched him while moulding the vessels of clay, And may a wonderful lesson I drew, As I noted the process the clay went through. Trampled and broken, down-trodden and rolled, To render more plastic and fit for the mould How like the clay that is human, I thought, When in Heavenly hands to perfection brought!

For Self must be cast as the dust at His feet, Before it is ready, for service made meet. And Pride must be broken, and self-will lost All laid on the altar, whatever the cost. But lo! by and by, a delicate vase Of wonderful beauty and exquisite grace. Was it once the vile clay? Ah! yes; yet how strange, The Potter hath wrought such a marvelous change! Not a trace of the earth, nor mark of the clay The fires of the furnace have burned them away. Wondrous skill of the Potter! the praise is his due, In whose hands to perfection and beauty it grew. Thus with souls lying still, content in Gods hand, That do not His power of working withstand They are moulded and fitted, a treasure to hold, Vile clay now transformed into purest of gold.

MARCH 20 If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you freeJohn 8: 31, 32. Divine Truth is never found except in the Divinely appointed channels, and those channels are the Lord and the Apostles and Prophets. To continue in the doctrines set forth in their inspired writings, to study and meditate upon them, to trust implicitly in them, and faithfully to conform our characters to them, is what is implied in continuing in the Word of the Lord. If we thus continue in the Word of the Lord, as earnest and sincere disciples, we shall indeed "know the truth"; we shall be "firm in the faith," and "able to give a reason for the hope that is in us," to "earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints," to "war a good warfare," to "witness a good confession," and firmly to "endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ," even unto the end of our courseZ '03, 61 (R 3153). Our Lord assures us that God's Word is the Truth. Those who remain in His Word continue as its learners and doerswill eventually know it as the Truth, from its selfevidencing power in the responsive heart. This will make them true learners of Christ, and with hearts subject to the Word, they will be freed from sin, selfishness, worldliness and error, and free to practice righteousness, truth, love and Kingdom-mindedness P '30, 30. Parallel passages: Gen. 18: 19; Ex. 19: 5; 24: 7; Num. 9: 23; 14: 24; Neh. 1: 5; Psa. 1: 2; 99: 7; 111: 10; 143: 10; Isa. 1: 19; Matt. 5: 19; 13: 23; Luke 6: 46-48; John 8: 36; 14: 15. Hymns: 315, 22, 44, 154, 296, 54, 246. Poems of Dawn, 91: Into His Marvelous Light. Tower Reading: Z '14, 227 (R 5506). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How? Why? With what results? INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT OUT of disaster and ruin complete, Out of the struggle and dreary defeat, Out of my sorrow, and burden, and shame, Out of the evils too fearful to name, Out of my guilt and the criminals doom, Out of the dreading, and terror, and gloom; Into the sense of forgiveness and rest, Into inheritance with all the blest, Into a righteous and permanent peace, Into the grandest and fullest release, Into the comfort without an alloy,

Into a perfect and permanent joy. Wonderful love that hath wrought all for me! Wonderful work that hath thus set me free! Wonderful ground upon which I have come! Wonderful tenderness, welcoming home! Out of the terror at standing alone, Out, and forever, of being my own, Out of the hardness of heart and of will, Out of the longings which nothing could fill, Out of the bitterness, madness and strife, Out of myself and of all I called life; Into the light and the glory of God, Into the holy, made clean by His blood, Into His arms, the embrace and the kiss, Into the scene of ineffable bliss, Into the quiet, the infinite calm, Into the place of the song and the psalm. Wonderful holiness, bringing to light! Wonderful grace, putting all out of sight! Wonderful wisdom, devising the way! Wonderful power that nothing can stay!

MARCH 21 Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute youMatt. 5: 44. Here is a way to examine the real disposition of your own heart toward such. Would you cheerfully do them kindness and help them to the extent of your ability to see the error of their way and to overcome it? Can you tenderly pray for them and patiently bear with their weakness, their ignorance and lack of development, and try by a noble example to show them a more excellent way? If such be the case, then it is the sin that you despise, and not the sinner. The sin you should hate, but the sinner, never. Not until God's unerring judgment declares that the sin and the sinner are inseparably linked together may love let go its hold upon a brother manZ '91, 141 (R 1330). The perfection of love is love for enemies; nor is there anything in love harder to develop than love for enemies. He who can love, bless, do good to and pray for his enemies, is indeed rich in character; and if he maintains this quality firm unto the end, he will be sure of an entrance into the everlasting Kingdom; for this presupposes proper love for God, Jesus, the brethren and the world of mankind, all of which combined constitute perfect love ' 35, 32. Parallel passages: Ex. 23: 4, 5; Prov. 20: 22; 24: 29; 25: 21; Luke 6: 27, 35; Rom. 12: 14, 17, 19, 20; Matt. 5: 10-12, 45-47; Luke 23: 34; Acts 7: 60; 1 Cor. 4: 12, 14; 1 Pet. 2: 23. Hymns: 322, 105, 134, 93, 130, 136, 25. Poems of Dawn, 22: Tell Me About the Master. Tower Reading: Z '02, 57 (R 2957). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How did I act in its light? What helped or hindered? What effects came? TELL ME ABOUT THE MASTER TELL me about the Master! I am weary and worn tonight; The day lies behind me in shadow, And only the evening is light! Light with a radiant glory That lingers about the west. My poor heart is weary, aweary, And longs, like a child, for rest. Tell me about the Master! Of the hills He in loneliness trod, When the tears and blood of his anguish,

Dropped down on Judeas sod. For to me lifes seventy mile-stones But a sorrowful journey mark; Rough lies the hill country before me, The mountains behind me are dark. Tell me about the Master! Of the wrongs He freely forgave; Of His love and tender compassion, Of His love that is mighty to save; For my heart is aweary, aweary, Of the woes and temptations of life, Of the error that stalks in the noonday, Of falsehood and malice and strife. Yet I know that whatever of sorrow Or pain or temptation befall, The infinite Master hath suffered, And knoweth and pitieth all. So tell me the sweet old story, That falls on each wound like a balm, And my heart that is bruised and broken Shall grow patient and strong and calm.

MARCH 22 If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world1 Cor. 11: 31, 32. The ascertainment of gains and losses as Christians, and how and when and where these came to us in the constant battle with the world, the flesh and the devil, will surely profit all who make such reckonings with an eye single to the pleasement of the Lord. Spiritual Israelites are to live a daily, an hourly life of nearness to the High Priest. The blood of the dear Redeemer is to be continually invoked for the cleansing of the slightest defilement of conscience, that thus the garment of our Lord's imputed righteousness may not become draggled, but that the slightest spot being removed, we may have it "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing"Z '03, 3, 4 (R 3125). To judge one's self, means such an inspection, criticism and regulation of one's conduct as keeps him in the love of God. Such who so do are faithful Christians and do not need constantly to be driven on by the scourge of chastisement. Yet, if we are remiss in such activity, the Lord, in seeking to reform us, resorts to the rod of chastisement to prevent our becoming reprobates, and to secure our reformationP '34, 31. Parallel passages: Job 12: 23; Psa. 4: 4; 19: 12; 26: 2; 77: 6; 119: 59; 139: 23, 24; Jer. 17: 9; Lam. 3: 40; Hag. 1: 7; Matt. 26: 22; 1 Cor. 5: 7, 8; 11: 27-29; 2 Cor. 13: 5; Gal. 6: 3; Psa. 32: 5; 94: 12; Heb. 12: 5-13; 1 Pet. 2: 20; Rev. 2: 5, 16; 3: 2, 3, 19. Hymns: 130, 78, 13, 82, 1, 105, 154. Poems of Dawn, 174: Perfect Through Suffering. Tower Reading: Z '14, 247 (R 5519). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they borne? In what did they result? PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING GOD never would send you the darkness, If He felt you could bear the light; But you would not cling to His guiding hand, If the way were always bright; And you would not care to walk by faith, Could you always walk by sight. Tis true He hath many an anguish, For your sorrowful heart to bear, And many a cruel thorn-crown, For your poor, tired head to wear;

He knows how few would reach heaven at all, If pain did not guide them there. So He sends you the blinding darkness, And the furnace of seven-fold heat: Tis the only way, believe me, To keep you close to His feet For tis always so easy to wander, When our lives are glad and sweet. Then nestle your hand in your Fathers And sing, if you can, as you go; Your song may cheer some one behind you, Whose courage is sinking low; And, well, if your lips do quiver God will love you better so.

MARCH 23 Ye endured a great fight of afflictions, partly whilst ye were made a gazingstock, both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly whilst ye became the companions of them that were so usedHeb. 10: 32, 33. The strongest of the brethren need the help, the encouragement, the assistance of others. The Lord has so arranged it that we may not feel ourselves entirely selfsufficient, and that even our proper leaning upon the Lord shall seem to require also the co-operation, encouragement, sympathy and love of the fellow-laborers in the vineyard. Who that has borne any measure of the labor and heat of the day in the gospel service cannot sympathize with this thought? Here, then, is a way in which many of the Lord's dear people, who have not themselves the largest amount of talent or opportunity for service, may be co-laborers and assistants in the gospel workZ '03, 40 (R 3143). The Lord's people may suffer for the Truth in two ways: their advocating it prominently will draw down upon them a deluge of reproaches and a multitude of afflictions from those who hate the Truth. Others, standing by their more prominent brethren who are so used, will bring upon themselves persecution in various ways. All persecution willingly endured for the sake of the Lord is precious in His sightZ '33, 46. Parallel passages: Gal. 3: 4; 2 John 8; 2 Cor. 4: 8-18; Phil. 1: 29, 30; Col. 2: 1; Psa. 71: 7; Acts 16: 22-31; 17: 5-9; 1 Cor. 4: 9; Heb. 11: 36; Phil. 1: 7; 4: 14; 1 Thes. 2: 14. Hymns: 134, 168, 200, 302, 305, 307, 312. Poems of Dawn, 176: Sometimes I Almost Wonder. Tower Reading: Z '12, 275 (R 5090). Questions: Have I this week been persecuted, and have I companioned with those who suffered for righteousness? How? Why? With what results? SOMETIMES I ALMOST WONDER SOMETIMES I almost wonder if my Lord doth really know About the many little things that wound my poor heart so. I can but wonder if He knows the anguish of my soul, When tempests beat upon my head, and surging billows roll; I wonder if He hears at night my weary, longing sighs, I wonder if He sees the tears that tremble in mine eyes!

I wonder if my burdens weigh upon His tender heart, And in my many sorrows, if His great love shares a part! * * * Ah! no, I will not wonder, I will silence every fear, Ive read that in His bottle He doth treasure up each tear; I know that He who heeds the smallest sparrow when it falls, Will surely, surely hearken when His own child feebly calls; I know that He who stilled the waves on Galilees dark sea, Will bid the storms of life, Be still, that rudely threaten me. Ah! no, I do not wonder, I am sure my Lord doth know About the many, many things that wound my poor heart so!

MARCH 24 I will never leave thee, nor forsake theeHeb. 13: 5. Why, then, should we fear what man may do unto us, or be distressed in regard to the Lord's work, as though Satan or any other evil power could prevail against it? Nevertheless, it is for us to show our devotion, not only by our zeal, but also by our prudence . . . therefore we are to proceed in the Lord's work as though the entire responsibility rested upon us, but in our hearts we are to recognize that the entire weight and responsibility rests with the Lord. Long ago someone said, "I am immortal until my work is finished"; and we may rely upon it that this is practically true of all engaged in the Lord's service that "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints"Z '03, 41 (R 3144). Amid the loss of all things earthly, the faithful follower of Christ finds a compensating blessing far transcending his losses. The consciousness of the Lord's presence in sympathy, appreciation and co-operation (which the world neither knows, can give nor take away) encourages him in his darkest hours and makes his sorrows joyous; for he knows that God is with him, and will not leave, fail nor forsake himP '32, 30. Parallel passages: Gen. 28: 15; Ex. 33: 14; Num. 6: 24-26; Deut. 31: 6, 8; Josh. 1: 5, 7, 9; 1 Chron. 28: 20; Psa. 37: 25; Isa. 41: 10, 13; 49: 13-16; Matt. 28: 20; John 14: 1-3, 16-18, 26; 16: 7, 13; 2 Cor. 13: 14. Hymns: 293, 333, 63, 110, 120, 328, 67. Poems of Dawn, 77: Not Seeing, Yet Believing. Tower Reading: Z '14, 295 (R 5547). Questions: What experiences of the week showed the Lord's present aid? How did I receive them? What were the results? NOT SEEING, YET BELIEVING THE clouds hang heavy round my way, I cannot see. But through the darkness I believe God leadeth me; Tis sweet to keep my hand in His While all is dim; To close my weary, aching eyes And follow Him; Through many a thorny path He leads My tired feet. Through many a path of tears I go, But it is sweet

To know that He is close to me, My God, my Guide; He leadeth me, and so I walk Quite satisfied. To my blind eyes He may reveal No light at all; But while I lean on His strong arm I cannot fall.

MARCH 25 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ2 Pet. 3: 17, 18. We grow in knowledge as we take note of the promises of God, and by faith apply them to ourselves, and seek to discern in our lives the fulfillment of those promises; we grow in grace simultaneously, for unless each item of knowledge be received into a good and honest heart, and bring forth its measure of obedience and righteousness (grace), we shall not be prepared for the next step of knowledge, and would thus be stopped, or possibly turned back. And as a loss of knowledge would mean a measurable loss of grace, so also a loss of grace would mean a corresponding loss of knowledgegoing into darkness, the promises of the Lord's Word becoming more and more dim and obscured, in proportion as our goodness or grace would be lost in worldliness or sinZ '03, 70 (R 3156). To be forewarned is to be forearmed. In this evil day the Lord has forewarned us of coming evils against which we will be immune, if we cultivate the proper spirit; but which will as errors of the wicked surely entrap us, if we do not so do, thus bringing us to a loss of our reward. Our only safety in the presence of these evils is daily growth in grace and the knowledge of our Lord JesusP '26, 28. Parallel passages: Prov. 4: 14; Mark 13: 23; 2 Pet. 1: 10-12; 2: 18; 1 Cor. 15: 58; Gal. 5: 1; Eph. 4: 14, 15; 1 Tim. 4: 1, 2; 1 Pet. 2: 2; 1 John 2: 18-21, 26. Hymns: 49, 145, 130, 22, 267, 198, 196. Poems of Dawn, 304: 'Twas a Sheep. Tower Reading: Z '11, 120 (R 4802). Questions: How have I been affected by my knowledge of the evil conditions coming? Have I grown in grace and knowledge? How? Why? With what results? 'TWAS A SHEEP TWAS a sheep, not a lamb, that went astray In the parable Jesus told; Twas a grown-up sheep that wandered away From the ninety and nine in the fold. And out on the hilltops and out in the cold Twas a sheep that the Good Shepherd sought, And back to the flock, and back to the fold, Twas a sheep that the Good Shepherd brought. Now, why should the sheep be so carefully fed And cared for still today?

One reason is that if they go wrong They will lead the lambs astray; For lambs often follow the sheep, you know, Wherever they wander, wherever they go. And if sheep go wrong, it will not be long Till some lambs are as wrong as they; So, still with the sheep we must earnestly plead, For the sake of the lambs today. If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost Some sheep will have to pay!

MARCH 26 We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others 1 Thes. 5: 5, 6. The Christian, as a disciple of the Lord, as a pupil in the school of Christ, is being fitted for a place in the Millennial Kingdomfor a share in its wonderful blessings and rewards. Hence we see the necessity for the frequent admonitions of the Scripture that the Lord's people shall be awakenot of those who slumber; not of those who are idle; not of those who are overcharged with the cares of this life; but that they be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Their service toward the Lord is primarily the bringing of themselves into as close harmony with the Lord's will, and into as close likeness to the Divine pattern as possible; and secondly, it is that by precept and example they may help others of the called ones in the same narrow wayZ '03, 70 (R 3155). In the Scripture symbolism, night represents sin, and darkness represents error, in which the poor world of mankind lies under the manipulation of Satan. Amid this night the light of the Lord has been shining, and some, unlike the world, have been awakened; and seeing its rays, and following them, they have been led into righteousness and truth. These, the Lord's people, are constantly alert to the light and walk thereinP '36, 31. Parallel passages: Rom. 13: 11-13; Eph. 5: 8, 11, 14; Col. 1: 12, 13; 3: 8; Eph. 6: 13-18; 1 Thes. 5: 1-4, 7, 8; Phil. 4: 8; Isa. 9: 2; Matt. 25: 5; 1 John 2: 8; 1 Pet. 5: 8, 9. Hymns: 297, 272, 47, 4, 183, 196, 78. Poems of Dawn, 214: The Day Is At Hand. Tower Reading: Z '13, 181 (R 5256). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? Why? How did it become so? What were the results? What should be done with them? THE DAY IS AT HAND POOR, fainting spirit, still hold on thy way The dawn is near! True, thou art weary; but yon brighter ray Becomes more clear. Bear up a little longer; wait for rest; Yield not to slumber, though with toil oppressed. The night of life is mournful, but, look on The dawn is near! Soon will earths shadowy scenes and forms be gone; Yield not to fear! The mountains summit will, ere long, be gained,

And the bright world of joy and peace attained. Joyful through hope, thy motto still must be The dawn is near! What glories will that dawn unfold to thee! Be of good cheer! Gird up thy loins; bind sandals on thy feet; The way is dark and long; the end is sweet.

MARCH 27 I pray for them . . . that they all may be one . . . that they may be made perfect in one . . . that the world may know that thou hast . . . loved them as thou hast loved me John 17: 20-23. In amazement we inquire, How can this be? Our Lord Jesus was always in perfect harmony with the Fathera Son who gloriously reflected His likeness; but it has not been so with us; we were sinners and had nothing worthy of love. Yes, but we have been washed and cleansed, and, however imperfect our earthen vessels may still be, our hearts are perfect in His sight who is able to read the heart. And, as He sees us with a perfect hearta perfect purpose and intentionstriving to overcome the weaknesses and disabilities of our imperfect flesh, and with painful, yet determined, effort to do His will, and humbly trusting in the provisions which He has made for our redemption from the fall, God recognizes in us that which is worthy of His loveZ '03, 79 (R 3160). Blessed thought! The Lord's people enjoy the intercession of Christ, who prays the Father to perfect each one in the knowledge and faith of the Son of God as fellow disciples of Jesus Christ; nor need this cause wonder, since their completeness in oneness must precede their bringing the world to faith, by which the world will recognize that the Father loves them as His true people with the same kind of love as that which He bestowed upon JesusP '30, 30. Parallel passages: 2 Sam. 1: 26; Psa. 133; John 17: 11; Rom. 12: 5; 1 Cor. 1: 10; Gal. 3: 28; Eph. 4: 3-6; John 14: 11, 20; 1 John 1: 3; 3: 24; Col. 2: 2; 3: 14; Heb. 13: 23; John 12: 26; 15: 9; 16: 27; Eph. 2: 4; 1 John 3: 1, 2. Hymns: 45, 63, 67, 68, 165, 176, 333. Poems of Dawn, 50: God Knows. Tower Reading: Z '03, 59 (R 5358). Questions: What experiences of this week showed the truth of this text? How? What were the results? GOD KNOWS GOD knowsnot Ithe devious way Wherein my faltering feet must tread, Before into the light of day My steps from out this gloom are led. And since my Lord the path doth see, What matter if tis hid from me? God knowsnot Ihow sweet accord Shall grow at length from out this clash

Of earthly discords which have jarred On soul and sense; I hear the crash, Yet feel and know that on His ear Breaks harmonyfull, deep and clear. God knowsnot Iwhy, when Id fain Have walked in pastures green and fair, The path He pointed me hath lain Through rocky deserts bleak and bare. I blindly trustsince tis His will This way lies safety, that way ill. His perfect plan I may not grasp, Yet I can trust Love Infinite, And with my feeble fingers clasp The hand which leads me into light. My soul upon His errand goes The end I know notbut God knows.

MARCH 28 Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ2 Tim. 2: 3. The true soldier does not debate his cause. He is rightly supposed to have settled upon its justice and righteousness before he enlisted to serve it. Thereafter he avouches it and defies contradiction of it. He is ready to spend all and be all spent in its defense. It is glorious to serve Christ in honesty and in fullness of fidelity. There is an ineffable joy in being on the right side, in knowing that beyond the field of blood and the valley of shadows is an abundant entrance into the joys and peace of the triumphant King of kings. For that hope none should shrink from the hardness of battle, none quail before the rage of the enemy, and none tremble before the certainty of hunger, thirst, nakedness, wounds or deathZ '03, 84 (R 3162). The Lord's people are soldiers in that army of which Jesus is the Commander. Their warfare requires strong endurance because of the many hardships to which they are exposed. Self-denial must be persevered in amid their many privations. Their many defects tax their endurance almost unto fainting. Their faults call for endurance against discouragement, and the strenuousness of their trials and sufferings can be borne only by a spirit that is inured to hardship and is sustained by the LordP '35, 32. Parallel passages: Heb. 2: 10; Isa. 59: 16, 17; 54: 17; Eph. 6: 10-17; Rom. 13: 12; 2 Cor. 6: 7; 10: 4, 5; 1 Thes. 5: 8; 1 Tim. 6: 12; 2 Tim. 4: 7; 1 Cor. 16: 13; 1 Pet. 5: 8, 9; Phil. 1: 27; 4: 1; Josh. 1: 6, 7; Dan. 11: 32. Hymns: 272, 20, 183, 164, 44, 266, 13. Poems of Dawn, 77: Amen, Amen. Tower Reading: Z '14, 54 (R 5403). Questions: What have I endured in the Christian warfare this week? How? Why? What helped or hindered? What were the effects? AMEN, AMEN I CANNOT say, Beneath the pressure of lifes cares today, I joy in these; But I can say That I would rather walk this rugged way, If Him it please. I cannot feel That all is well when darkning clouds conceal The shining sun; But then I know God lives and loves; and say, since it is so,

Thy will be done. I cannot speak In happy tones; the tear-drops on my cheek Show I am sad; But I can speak Of grace to suffer with submission meek, Until made glad. I do not see Why God should een permit some things to be, When He is love; But I can see, Though often dimly, through the mystery, His hand above. I may not try To keep the hot tears back; but hush that sigh, It might have been; And try to still Each rising murmur, and to Gods sweet will Respond---AMEN.

MARCH 29 By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God Eph. 2: 8. As members of the fallen race we were incapable of doing any work which our holy God could accept. Our present standing, therefore, as Christians, is not the result of anything that the old creature did, or could have done. It is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This lesson must be thoroughly appreciated, else we shall be continually in danger of falling. . . . So far from considering the new heart, mind and will as an evolution of the old creature, the Apostle would have us understand distinctly that it is a new and separate creation. We were created in Christ Jesus, God's workmanshipprepared for good works, but not by good worksZ '03, 90 (R 3166). Our salvation is an unmerited favor of our Heavenly Father. Every gift or blessing comes from Him without our deserving it. While He requires faith as a condition, our faith no more merits His favor than the beggar's receiving alms earns them by right. It is of His grace that the salvation of justification and the salvation of God's calling have come to us. How we should thank and appreciate our great Benefactor!P '34, 31. Parallel passages: Rom. 3: 19-5: 2; 11: 5, 6; Deut. 9: 5; Gal. 5: 4; Eph. 1: 19; 2: 5; 2 Tim. 1: 9; Matt. 16: 17; Rom. 10: 13, 14, 17; Phil. 1: 29; Jas. 1: 17; Rom. 11: 28, 29. Hymns: 251, 187, 246, 291, 295, 67, 176. Poems of Dawn, 24: Christ, All in All. Tower Reading: Z '90, 6 (R 1262). Questions: What have this week's experiences been in line with this text? How were they borne? What helped or hindered therein? What did they effect? CHRIST, ALL IN ALL IN Christ all fullness dwells: from Him proceeds All that falln man, poor, wretched, guilty, needs. In Him the contrite, bruised in spirit, find Whateer can heal the sorrows of the mind Forgiving love, that saves from blank despair, Rich grace, that banishes each anxious care, Soft pity, that relieves the bursting sigh, And truth, revealing joys that never die. Thrice happy they, who to His word attend, His favor seek, and on His strength depend. Tis theirs to know His heart-consoling voice, To share His smile, and in His name rejoice. To them, reclaimed in mercy from the fall

And heavnward marching, Christ is all in all: In want, their treasurein distress, their stay In gloom, their day-springvigor, in decay Mid foes, their guardin solitude, their guest In storms, their hiding placein toils, their rest In bonds, their freedomtheir relief, in pain In life, their gloryand in all things, gain.

MARCH 30 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness2 Pet. 3: 11. Godlikeness certainly cannot include any harmful gossip, any unclean or unholy conversation, any disloyal or rebellious words. Let such things be put far away from all who name the name of Christ in sincerity and truth. And let us remember daily to settle our accounts with the Lord, to make sure that no record of idle words, unrepented of, and consequently unforgiven, stands against us. If daily we render up our accounts to God and seek His grace for greater overcoming power with each succeeding day, we shall be acquitted in judgment and stand approved before God through Christ, having the testimony of His holy Spirit with our spirits that we are pleasing and acceptable to HimZ '96, 33 (R 1937). The consideration of the dissolution of the present evil order of affairs, to be followed by a good order of affairs, constitutes a powerful appeal for holy and just livingfor just living, that we may not be involved in this dissolution; for holy living, that we may be a part of the new order of affairs, for which our justice and love will make us fit as administrators of blessings to mankindP '33, 46. Parallel passages: Psa. 46: 2-9; Isa. 2: 19, 21; Jer. 25: 31-38; Dan. 12: 1; Matt. 24: 35; 2 Pet. 3: 7, 10, 12; Rev. 6: 14-17; 20: 11; 21: 1; Heb. 12: 28; 1 Pet. 1: 15; 2 Pet. 3: 14; Phil. 2: 15. Hymns: 196, 171, 216, 310, 78, 125, 198. Poems of Dawn, 262: The Day of His Preparation. Tower Reading: Z '15, 227 (R 5735). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to this text? How were they met? What were their results? THE DAY OF HIS PREPARATION LAY down your rails, ye nations, near and far, Yoke your full trains to steams triumphal car; Link town to town, unit in iron bands The long-estranged and oft-embattled lands. Peace, mild-eyed seraph knowledge, light Divine, Shall send their messengers by every line. Men joined in amity shall wonder long That hate had power to lead their fathers wrong; Or that false glory lured their hearts astray, And made it virtuous and sublime to slay. How grandly now these wonders of our day Make preparation for Christs royal way,

And with what joyous hope our souls Do watch the ball of progress as it rolls, Knowing that all, completed or begun, Is but the dawning that precedes the sun!

MARCH 31 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses1 Tim. 6: 12. Whether our warfare be of the more public kind or of the more private sort, there must be warfare; and, more than this, there must be progress and victory, else we can never be accepted of the Lord as "overcomers." Another thought should be borne in mind by us all. The Lord in making His estimate will take knowledge of the spirit which actuated us, rather than of the results secured by our efforts. In view of this, let us see to it, not only that we do with our might what our hands find to do, but also that our every sacrifice and gift to the Lord and His cause is so full of love and devotion that the Lord will surely approve it, as done from love for Him and His, and not from vaingloryZ '03, 91 (R 3166). The Lord's people are called upon to stand on God's side in battling for righteousness. A strong love for the prize of God's calling will be an efficient help by way of stimulating hope and courage in this good fight of faith; and having publicly taken their stand on God's side in this warfare, let them bring no shame upon the cause of God and Christ by cowardice in ignoble flight from, or surrender to, the enemyP '32, 30. Parallel passages: 1 Tim. 1: 18; Eph. 6: 12; 2 Tim. 2: 5; 4: 7; Phil. 3: 12-14; 1 Tim. 6: 19; Matt. 7: 21-23; 10: 32, 33; John 9: 22-28; Rom. 2: 7; 10: 9, 10; 1 John 4: 15. Hymns: 266, 9, 272, 225, 58, 32, 201. Poems of Dawn, 308: We Still Can Serve. Tower Reading: Z '98, 153 (R 2309). Questions: Have I this week fought to win eternal life in harmony with my profession? Why? How? With what effects? WE STILL CAN SERVE YOURE growing old? Your task is done? And now you rest with setting sun, Lamenting that your work is oer, That you cant labor any more? Ah, weary not to do Gods will! Go, labor on, your task fulfill. Youll always have the Masters care The oldest trees some fruit must bear; For age has labors none the less Than youth, though in another dress. As evening twilight fades away

New glories shine, not seen by day.

APRIL 1 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptationMark 14: 38. What may be the character of the temptations, we may not clearly discern until they are upon us; for if we knew all about them in advance, they would be but slight temptations. Watch, therefore, and pray always; for the only safe way is to be prepared; because your adversary, the devil, is seeking whom he may devour. He knows your weak points, and is ready to take advantage of them. We shall each need the graces of the Spirit in our hearts, as well as the Lord's "grace to help in time of need," if we would overcome. My soul, be on thy guard, Ten thousand foes arise, The hosts of sin are pressing hard To draw thee from the prize. Z '03, 119 (R 3178) As long as we are in the flesh, temptations beset us on all sides. These will be powerless to allure us, if we heed the admonition, "watch and pray." Scrutinizing our dispositions, thoughts, motives, words, doings, surroundings and the influences operating upon us, in the light of the Word, will manifest the real nature of these suggestions; and heartfelt reliance on the power of God to deliver us, expressed in petitions for help in the name of Christ, will secure grace whereby a way of escape will be foundP '20, 32. Parallel passages: Ex. 23: 13; 34: 12; Deut. 4: 9; Psa. 119: 9; Prov. 4: 23-26; Matt. 26: 38-46; Acts 20: 28-30; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Eph. 6: 18; Matt. 6: 5-13; 7: 7, 8; Luke 11: 11-13; 18: 1; Phil. 4: 6; 1 Tim. 2: 8; Heb. 4: 16. Hymns: 13, 130, 136, 183, 35, 71, 239. Poems of Dawn, 109: My Prayer. Tower Reading: Z '13, 311 (R 5331). Questions: What have my experiences this week been along the lines of the text? What helped or hindered me therein? What were the results? MY PRAYER BEING perplexed, I say, Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, Darkness is light. I am afraid to touch Things that involve so much. My trembling hand may shake, Mine unskilled hand may break;

Thine can make no mistake. Being in doubt, I say, Lord, make it plain! Which is the true, safe way, Which would be vain? I am not wise to know, Nor sure of foot to go; My poor eyes cannot see What is so clear to Thee Lord, make it clear to me.

APRIL 2 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faithGal. 6: 10. The Christian is to be ready to do good at the expense of his own time and convenience to all men, but he is to be ready to lay down his life for the brethren he is to seek opportunities for laying down his life day after day, in the sense of giving his time to the communication of the Truth, or helping the Lord's brethren in any manner, to put on the whole armor of God, and to stand in the evil dayZ '03, 121 (R 3180). Opportunities for well-doing present themselves on every hand. They should be seized and utilized at first sight, even as the miner seizes the diamond or ruby at first sight. God's children should develop a positive Christianity, seeking to do good to anyone and to all. Our well-doing should be regulated by a sound mind, which will direct us to serve the brethren especially, but not to the exclusion of others, on the principle of our Lord's words, "This ought ye to do, and not to leave the other undone"P '36, 48. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 15: 58; 2 Thes. 3: 13; 2 Cor. 4: 1; Heb. 10: 36; Eccles.3: 12; 9: 10; Matt. 5: 43, 44; John 9: 4; 12: 35; Psa.37: 3, 27; Mark 3: 4; Luke 6: 35; 1 Thes.5: 15; 1 Tim. 6: 17, 18; Titus 2: 14; 3: 8. Hymns: 309, 70, 116, 210, 267, 275, 280. Poems of Dawn, 169: Go Labor On. Tower Reading: Z '13, 357 (R 5357). Questions: Have I this week used opportunities for doing good? To whom? What were the circumstances? What was helpful or hindersome? What were the results? GO, LABOR ON GO, labor on; spend and be spent, Thy joy to do thy Fathers will; It is the way the Master went; Should not the servant tread it still? Go, labor on; tis not for naught; Thine earthly loss is heavenly gain; Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not; The Master praiseswhat are men? Go, labor on; enough, while here, If He shall praise theeif He design Thy willing heart to mark and cheer; No toil for Him shall be in vain.

Men sit in darkness at thy side, Without a hope beyond the tomb; Take up the torch and wave it wide, The torch that lights the thickest gloom. Go, labor on; thy hands are weak, Thy knees are faint, thy soul cast down, Yet falter not; the prize we seek, Is neara Kingdom and a crown!

APRIL 3 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of lightRom. 13: 12. The works of darkness would be any works whatever that would not stand the fullest investigation, that would not stand approval in the light of the new dispensation, if it were fully ushered in. Let us remember that we belong to the new dispensation, and not to the old, and should, therefore, live in accordance with our citizenship and our responsibility toward the Prince of Light and in opposition to the prince of darkness, his works and his waysZ '03, 122 (R 3181). The night of Satan's dark reign over the earth is almost ended. The day of Christ's joyous reign is at hand. As God's people we should cast off any and every work or quality imbued with the Adversary's spirit, and arm ourselves with every truth and grace of the Lord's Spirit. Thus our citizenship in the Kingdom of God will be properly attested, and our patriotism will be splendidly manifested, and that to the Divine pleasingP '30, 31. Parallel passages: Gen. 6: 5, 11; 8: 21; Psa. 51: 5; Prov. 20: 9; Eccles. 7: 20; Isa. 1: 5, 6; 51: 1; 64: 6; Jer. 17: 9; Matt. 7: 17; 15: 19; John 3: 19; Rom. 1: 21-32; 3: 9-19, 23; 6: 6, 19, 20; Gal. 5: 17, 19-21; Eph. 4: 17-22; 5: 11; Col. 3: 8; Eph. 6: 12-18; 1 Thes. 5: 8; John 3: 21; 15: 2-8; 2 Cor. 9: 8; Gal. 6: 4, 7-9. Hymns: 192, 266, 82, 130, 13, 200, 272. Poems of Dawn, 241: The Field of Battle. Tower Reading: Z '15, 280 (R 5768). Questions: Have I this week put off evil and put on good? How? What helped or hindered? With what results? THE FIELD OF BATTLE To grasp the two-edged sword, and forward rush upon the foe, To hear the Captains cry, to see the flash of answering eyes, To feel the throbbing hearts of battling comrades in the ranks, That rapturous inspiration know, of warring for the Right, The holy joy of following Him who points and leads the way! Ah! yes, tis glorious thus to fight the goodly fight, and yet, Methinks, beyond the firing line, beneath those snowy

tents, A fiercer conflict rages night and day, where trembling hands, Wan lips and fever-lighted eyes do battle with a host Of deadly foes,grim giants, Doubt and Disappointmen, fierce Despair,before whose fiery darts the bravest well might quail! They also hear the call, and hoarsely cry, Lord, here am I! They strive to reach their swords, to struggle to their feet, but back In helpless agony of weakness on their pallets fall, With brain afire, and reason tottering on its throne, their tears Of anguish flow! Sometimes the noise of battle sweeps beyond The range of those poor, straining ears, and then the spectre Fear Stalks through the room, and lays an icy hand upon each heart: The awful thought, Our captain hath forsaken and forgot, Our comrades forge ahead, they leave us here alone to die! But no! the Lord of Battles is most merciful, He sends A swift-winged messenger: Yea, though a mother may forget Her sucking child, yet will I not forget! Then, like the calm That cometh after storm, sweet peace and quiet reign within Those troubled breasts, and so He giveth His beloved sleep. Ah! then, true-hearted comrades in the forefront of the fight, Remember that the wounded to Gods army still belong,And send betimes to them a white-winged messenger of cheer. Oh, give Loves roses now, nor keep them for the coffins lid, (A single flower is sweeter far than thousands by

and by); Take time to speak a tender word, to shed a pitying tear, Or breathe, at least, a prayer throughout the watches of the night, And thus prove more than conquerors through the power of deathless love!

APRIL 4 Let us walk honestly, as in the dayRom. 13: 13. Each one should see to it that he is honest, not only in matters of dollars and cents, but honest in his treatment of his neighbors, in his treatment of the brethren, and above all, honest in his confessions respecting his God and his faith. The test is being made along this line, and those who love the favor of men rather than the favor of God, and who dishonestly are willing to confess and profess a lie, will be given up to their lie, will be permitted to blight their eternal interests, will be proving themselves unfit for the Kingdomwhatever else they may ultimately become fit forZ '03, 122 (R 3181). God's people should live aboveboard. Their conduct should be a living expression and illustration of justice. With uprightness of heart should they give to all their dues. So should their conduct be, that at any time, and at all times, if seen by others, it should cause them no shame. They should walk honestly, as in the Millennial day, and as though seen by God and by all menP '35, 61. Parallel passages: Phil. 4: 8; Col. 1: 12, 13; Cant. 2: 7, 17; 1 Cor. 13: 12; Rev. 22: 5; 1 Pet. 2: 12; 2 Pet. 3: 11, 12; 2 Cor. 6: 7; Eph. 6: 13-18; 1 Pet. 4: 7, 8; 1 Thes. 5: 4-8; John 9: 4. Hymns: 164, 307, 13, 192, 114, 277, 58. Poems of Dawn, 118: Thy Will Be Done. Tower Reading: Z '12, 287 (R 5097). Questions: Have I this week walked as though in the Kingdom? Under what circumstances? What was helpful or hindersome therein? What resulted therefrom? THY WILL BE DONE Y Lord, Thy will not mine be done: Whatever path Thy love shall choose for me, Through desert sands, or if beside the sea, Thy will be done! Oh, may Thy will in me be done: Should harvest labor be for me Thy will, Or if I may but suffer and be still, Thy will be done! My Father, let Thy will be done: If sweet the cup Thou pourest for me to drink, Ill praise Thee, but if bitter, Ill not shrink, Thy will be done!

Forever may Thy will be done: I would not choose, I leave it all with Thee, The pilgrimage, if short or long it be, Thy will be done!

APRIL 5 My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips, when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watchesPsa. 63: 5, 6. Prayer is not a privilege merely, but also a necessity-commanded as indispensable to our Christian growth. Whoever loses the desire to thank and worship and commune with the Father of mercies, may rest assured that he is losing the very spirit of sonship, and should promptly seek and remove the barrierthe world, the flesh or the devil. Every additional evidence of the Lord's confidence in us by the revealing to us of His character and Plan, so far from diminishing our worship and prayers, should multiply them. If our hearts are good soil, they will bring forth the more abundantlyZ '96, 161 (R 2004). Whoever acts as a mouthpiece of Christ proclaims joyful doctrines; for God's eternal purpose is replete with blessing for all, reflects credit upon the Father and displays His wisdom, justice, love and power. Resting upon the Truth, as a bed, and contemplating the mercies of God in seasons of distress, the Christian may proclaim the Lord's Plan and thereby praise the Father's character. Our chief object in proclaiming the Lord's Word should be to manifest to others how praiseworthy, appreciable and adorable Jehovah our God and Father is!P '34, 36. Parallel passages: Lev. 7: 12; Psa. 34: 1; 50: 14, 23; 69: 30, 31; 107: 22; 116: 17; 119: 97; Isa. 63: 7; Hos. 14: 2; Eph. 5: 19, 20; Col. 3: 17; Phil. 4: 6; 1 Thes. 5: 18; 2 Thes. 1: 3; 1 Pet. 2: 5; 4: 11. Hymns: 238, 23, 49, 296, 116, 44, 260. Poems of Dawn, 268: My Psalm. Tower Reading: Z '15, 311 (R 5785). Questions: Have my meditations and speech this week been on the Lord's Word and Character? Under what circumstances? With what results? MY PSALM I MOURN no more my vanished years: Beneath a tender rain, An April rain of smiles and tears, My heart is young again. The west winds blow, and, singing low, I hear the glad streams run; The windows of my soul I throw Wide open to the sun. No longer forward nor behind

I look in hope or fear, But, grateful, take the good I find, The best of now and here. I break my pilgrim staff, I lay Aside the toiling oar, The angel sought so far away I welcome at my door. The woods shall wear their robes of praise, The south winds softly sigh, And sweet, calm days, in golden haze, Melt down the amber sky. Not less shall manly deed and word Rebuke an age of wrong; The graven flowers that wreathe the sword Make not the blade less strong. But smiting hands shall learn to heal, To build as to destroy; Nor less my heart for others feel, That I the more enjoy. All as God wills, who wisely heeds To give or to withhold, And knoweth more of all my needs Than all my prayers have told. Enough that blessings underserved Have marked mine erring track; That whensoeer my feet have swerved, His chastening turned me back; That more and more a Providence Of love is understood, Making the springs of time and sense Sweet with eternal good; And death seems but a covered way Which opens into light, Wherein no blinded child can stray Beyond the Fathers sight; That care and trial seem at last, Through memorys sunset air,

Like mountain ranges overpast, The purple distance fair; The all the jarring notes of life Seem blending in a psalm, And all the angles of the strife Now rounding into calm. And so the shadows fall apart, And so the west winds play; And all the windows of my heart I open to the day.

APRIL 6 If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf1 Pet. 4: 16. Sickness and discomfort of any sort, incurred by our energy in the service of the Truth, are permitted by our Father as evidences of our fidelity and love; because if not liable to such tribulations, or if relieved of them instantly by a miracle, the Lord's service would cost us no sacrifice and the test of our willingness to endure for the Truth's sake would be wanting. As it is, however, every ache or pain or wound of person or of feelings, and beheading socially or literally for the Truth's sake, becomes a witness of the Spirit, testifying to our faithfulness. And in all such tribulations we should rejoice greatlyas say our Lord and the Apostle Peter Z '96, 166 (R 2004). To suffer as a Christian means to suffer from the same causes, in the same forms, in the same spirit, for the same purposes, and with similar results as Jesus. Whoever is so highly favored, far from being ashamed, should count it the greatest privilege and cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving possible for a human being to have. It gives him fellowship with the Father, the Son and the saints, appreciation of their characters, great peace and joy in this life, preparation for the Kingdom, and eventually the prize of our calling P '33, 63. Parallel passages: Matt. 5: 10-12; Rom. 8: 35, 36; 1 Cor. 15: 31, 32; 2 Cor. 1: 5, 9; 12: 10; Gal. 2: 20; 6: 17; Phil. 1: 29; 3: 10; Heb. 10: 32-34; Jas. 1: 2, 12; 1 Pet. 1: 6, 7; 2: 1924; 4: 12-14; 5: 1, 10. Hymns: 134, 47, 114, 208, 302, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 287: And Sitting Down, They Watched Him There. Tower Reading: Z '15, 297 (R 5778). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they borne? What were the results? AND SITTING DOWN, THEY WATCHED HIM THERE MATTHEW 27: 36 SITTING down, they watched Him there, Watched Him, fairest of the fair, Gazed with cold, unpitying eye, While the jeering crowd passed by; For His vesture cast a lot (Seamless robe, without a spot) Watched the San of Sorrows there,

Who the worlds great sin must bear, Watched while darkness veiled the sun, Watched until He cried, Tis done! God of Heaven, forbid that I Thus should gaze with pitiless eye On a suffering child of Thine, Watch him while his foes malign, Watch him while his life-blood flows, Watch until the dark days close; Grant me, Lord, a heart of love, Make me like a tender dove, Let me bring him strength and peace, Until death shall send release!

APRIL 7 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus Phil. 4: 19. If you have no burning zeal to preach the good tidings of great joy, pray earnestly and faithfully and persistently for it, and strive for it, and you will soon have it. If you have a zeal and love for the Gospel, and lack ability to present it, pray for the ability, while you make full use of what you have. If you have the zeal and ability, and lack an opportunity, take it to the Lord in prayer as soon as you can, telling Him that you are faithfully using all the opportunities you have. Then watch for more opportunities, without slackening your hand to use the very humblest and smallest within your reachZ '96, 163 (R 2004). All Christians need wisdom, justice, love and power, which God has pledged Himself to develop in the faithful. Jehovah has in His unfathomable resources of Wisdom, Justice, Love and Power a plentitude of riches to supply all their needs. Generously indeed does He supply these to all who ask for them in and through His Son, whom He has made unto us Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and DeliveranceP '27, 55. Parallel passages: Psa. 23; 34: 7-10; 50: 10; 65: 9-13; Prov. 8: 21; Isa. 25: 4; Mal. 3: 10; Matt. 6: 26-33; Rom. 8: 28; 2 Cor. 9: 8, 9; Heb. 13: 5, 6; 1 Pet. 5: 7; Eph. 1: 7; 3: 16. Hymns: 67, 110, 63, 119, 121, 293, 301. Poems of Dawn, 210: Take Heart. Tower Reading: Z '14, 230 (R 5508). Questions: Has God this week supplied my need? Under what circumstances? How did it affect me? TAKE HEART LET me take heart! The present scene shall soon be oer; The clustering clouds shall hide the sun at noon no more. The tears now dropping from mine eyes shall be forgot; And joys, undimmed by sin and misery, my lot. The storm now sweeping through the troubled sky be past; The longed-for morning without clouds arise at last. The hindmost shadow soon shall utterly depart; Then let me watch and wait, and hopefully take heart.

APRIL 8 If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in himHeb. 10: 38. The drawing back may at first be a very slight departure from the narrow way of sacrifice-only a looking back perhaps, with a sigh for the things behind; a little slowing up of speed in the race set before us; then a little disposition to compromise the Truth in favor of the cravings of the fallen nature. Thus the way is prepared for the arts of the Tempter, who is quick to note our weak points, and to take advantage of them in a manner best suited to our case. Subtle errors are brought to bear against the judgment; pleasing allurements, with a show of righteousness, are presented to the fleshly mind; and, almost imperceptibly, the soul forgets its "first love" for the Lord, and its first zeal for His service, and drifts away from the Truth and the spirit of it, being no longer led of the holy Spirit of GodZ '95, 93 (R 1798). To draw back signifies to withdraw one's consecration, and to return to a life of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. One's leaving an evil life and consecrating himself to God cause Jehovah much pleasure, as it is written, "The Lord taketh pleasure in all his saints." Accordingly God is more displeased with those who have known the way of life and have forsaken it than with those who never knew it. They are in the hands of the living God for destructionP '20, 71. Parallel passages: Gen. 19: 26; Psa. 85: 10; 125: 5; Hos. 11: 7; Luke 9: 62; 17: 32; Matt. 5: 13; 6: 23; John 17: 12; 2 Tim. 2: 12; Heb. 6: 4-9; 10: 26-31; 2 Pet. 2; 3: 17; 1 John 5:16. Hymns: 13, 130, 136, 20, 95, 196, 198. Poems of Dawn, 130: Be Vigilant. Tower Reading: Z '12, 278 (R 5093). Questions: What have been my temptations along the lines of this text? How did I overcome therein? What are my resolutions as to these experiences? BE VIGILANT UP then, and linger not, thou saint of God, Fling from thy shoulders each impending load; Be brave and wise, shake off earths soil and sin, That with the Bridegroom thou mayst enter in. O watch and pray! Clear hath the voice been heard, Behold Ive come That voice that calls thee to thy glorious home, That bids thee leave these vales and take swift wing, To meet the hosts of thy descending King; And thou mayst rise!

Heres a thick throng of foes, afar and near; The grave in front, a hating world in rear; Yet flee thou canst not, victory must be won, Ere fall the shadows of thy setting sun: And thou must fight. Gird on thine armor; face each weaponed foe; Deal with the Sword of heaven the deadly blow; Forward, still forward, till the prize Divine Rewards thy zeal, and victory is thine; Win thou the crown.

APRIL 9 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain1 Cor. 9: 24. To gain the victory we must not only put on the armor of God, but we must also be heroes in the strife, and wage an aggressive warfare upon the lusts of the eye and flesh and pride of life and all the foes of righteousness and purity. Lovelove for the Lord, for the Truth and for righteousnessmust inspire us, or we shall never be victors. Love alone will keep us faithful even unto death, and make us meet for the inheritance of the saints. Where fervent love rules the heart, it implies that the heart is fully submitted to the Lord, and that means that nine tenths of the battle is already won. But, even then, as the Apostle says (Jude 21), we must keep ourselves in the love of God, in watchfulness and prayer and zeal; and grace will abound where love aboundsZ '95, 93 (R 1798). The Christian life is compared to a race. To win the race, careful preparation, great exertion, undiminished perseverance, undeviating endeavor, and the closest possible adherence to regulations are required. He who neglects these will fail to win, while he who persists in these to the end will surely win. Our endeavor should be so to run as to winP '36, 48. Parallel passages: Psa. 19: 5; Eccles. 9: 11; Jer. 12: 5; Phil. 3: 14; Heb. 12: 1; 1 Cor. 9: 25-27; Gal. 2: 2; 5: 7; Phil. 2: 16; 2 Tim. 2: 5; 4: 7, 8; Eph. 6.12; 1 Tim. 6: 12; 1 Pet. 1: 4; 5: 4; Jas. 1: 12; Rev. 3: 11. Hymns: 20, 1, 44, 71, 78, 130, 183. Poems of Dawn, 288: He Leads Us On. Tower Reading: Z '07, 260 (R 4050). Questions: How have I run this week? What was my motive therein? What hindered or helped therein? What resulted therefrom? HE LEADS US ON HE leads us on, by paths we did not know, Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow, Though oft we faint and falter on the way, Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day, Yet when the clouds are gone We know He leads us on. He leads us on through all the trialsome years; Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts, and fears He guides our steps. Through all the tangled maze Of sin, of sorrow, and oerclouded days

We know His will is done; And still He leads us on. And then, at last, after the weary strife, After the restless fever we call life, After the dreariness, the aching pain, The wayward struggles which have proved in vain, After our toils are past Hell give us rest at last.

APRIL 10 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time1 Pet. 5: 6. It is indeed no easy matter to tread the pathway of humility, to check continually the human aspirations and to keep the sacrifice on the altar until it is fully consumed. But thus it is that we are to work out our own salvation as Christians with fear and trembling, lest we come short of worthiness for the reward that God has promised to the faithful overcomers who tread closely in the footsteps of our blessed Forerunner . . . who was meek and lowly of heart. It is when we are thus humble and faithful that the Lord makes us His chosen vessels to bear His name to others. Thus emptied of self, He can fill us with His Spirit and with His Truth, and we can go forth strong in the Lord of hosts and in His mighty power, to do valiant service as soldiers of the crossZ '93, 7 (R 1486). Christ is the mighty hand of God, under whom we are. To humble ourselves under Him would mean to empty ourselves of self-appreciation, whether it be along physical, mental, moral or religious lines, and to maintain that estimate of ourselves that the Spirit, Word and providences of God warrant us in having. Whoever, amid the varying scenes of life so humbles himself under Christ, will in due time be exalted by God under Christ P '30, 31. Parallel passages: Jas. 1: 9, 10; 4: 6; Isa. 57: 15; 66: 2; Job 22: 29; Prov. 15: 33; 29: 23; Dan. 4: 37; Luke 1: 52; 10: 21; 14: 10, 11; 18: 14; 1 Pet. 5: 3, 5; Matt. 5: 3; 11: 29; 18: 24; 20: 26, 27; 23: 12; Rom. 12: 3, 10, 16; 1 Cor. 13: 4; 2 Cor. 12: 5-12; Eph. 4: 2; 5: 21; Phil. 2: 3-11. Hymns: 95, 21, 6, 1, 58, 105, 216. Poems of Dawn, 51: Right Was The Pathway. Tower Reading: Z '13, 56 (R 5185). Questions: What were this week's experiences as to this text? How were they met? What was helpful or hindersome therein? In what did they result? RIGHT WAS THE PATHWAY LIGHT after darkness, Gain after loss, Strength after suffering, Crown after cross. Sweet after bitter, Song after sigh, Home after wandering, Praise after cry.

Sheaves after sowing, Sun after rain, Sight after mystery, Peace after pain. Joy after sorrow, Calm after blast, Rest after weariness, Sweet rest at last. Near after distant, Gleam after gloom, Love after loneliness, Life after tomb. After long agony Rapture of bliss! Right was the pathway Leading to this!

APRIL 11 Let us walk . . . not in rioting and drunkennessRom. 13: 13. Some have an intoxication for money, wealth; others an intoxication for business; others for dress; others for music; others for art; but as the Lord's people, who have gotten a glimpse of the new day, and the great work of God which is to be accomplished in that day, our hearts should be so absorbed in the work of God that these matters, which would be thought proper enough and right enough in others, worldly peoplebecause they are not awake as we are, and because they see not the future as we see itshould be far from our conception and courseZ '03, 123 (R 3179). Unless the Christian takes heed to his ways, he will become intoxicated with error, sin, selfishness and worldliness. Such intoxication inevitably leads him into spiritual rioting in which all law and order are forgotten, and violence to spiritual life and limb are inflicted upon those in his way. Destruction frequently marks his course, and the strong arm of the Divine law must put down this rioting in the Second DeathP '35, 61. Parallel passages: Prov. 23: 20; Luke 21: 34; 1 Pet. 4: 3; Rom. 8: 29; 1 Cor. 6: 9; 1 Pet. 2: 11, 21, 22; Gal. 5: 16-26; 6: 18; Eph. 5: 5, 11, 14, 16; Col. 3: 8-10, 12. Hymns: 130, 315, 71, 78, 83, 136, 1. Poems of Dawn, 46: The Narrow Way. Tower Reading: Z '13, 323 (R 5338). Questions: What were this week's experiences connected with this text? How were they met? What was their outcome? THE NARROW WAY MATT. 7: 14. DEAR Lord, the way seems very dark, I cannot see. Yes, child, I know, but I will be thy Light Come, follow Me! Dear Lord, so lonely is this way Where are my friends? My child, dost thou forget how far from Me Their pathway tends? Dear Master, I am growing weak, I scarce can stand. O, foolish child, trust not in thine own strength,

Come, take My hand; For I have trod this way before, So dark to thee. I know each step, its weariness and pain, Wilt trust in Me? Yea, Lord, though friendless, lonely, dark, This way may be, I will be strong. Beloved Guide, lead on, I follow Thee!

APRIL 12 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the participation of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the participation of the body of Christ? For we being many are one loaf1 Cor. 10: 16, 17. It is one cup, though it be the juice of many grapes, even as it is one loaf, though it be from many grams. The grains cannot maintain their individuality and their own life, if they would. become bread for others; the grapes cannot maintain themselves as grapes, if they would constitute the lifegiving spirit; and thus we see the beauty of the Apostle's statement that the Lord's people are participants in the one loaf and cup. There is no other way that we can attain the new nature than by accepting the Lord's invitation to drink of His cup, and be broken with Him as members of the one loaf, and to be buried with Him in baptism into His death, and thus to attain with Him resurrection glory, honor and immortalityZ '01, 76 (R 2771). While the primary thought symbolized in the Memorial Supper is that of justification, its secondary thought is consecration. From this standpoint the cup symbolizes the sufferings incident to the sacrificial dying process, poured out by the Father for us to endure, and the bread represents the humanity of the Church given over unto death sacrificially. Thus in the Memorial the death of the Church as well as that of Jesus is pictured forthP '34, 46. Parallel passages: Ex. 12: 3-14, 18, 21-28; Matt. 26: 26-28; Mark 14: 22-25; 10: 35-39; Luke 12: 50; John 18: 11; 1 Cor. 11: 23-34; Luke 22: 19, 20; Rom. 6: 1-11; 8: 10, 17; 12: 1; 1 Cor. 15: 29-34; 2 Cor. 1: 5; 4: 8; Gal. 2: 20; Phil. 3: 10; Col. 1: 24; 2 Tim. 2: 10-12; 1 Pet. 2: 19-24; 3: 17, 18; 4: 13-19; Col. 1: 27; 1 Cor. 12: 12, 13; Heb. 3: 1; 7: 26, 27; 1 Pet. 2: 5, 9; Heb. 10: 4-10; 13: 10-14; 9: 13-23. Hymns: 122, 276, 160, 191, 281, 31, 322. Poems of Dawn, 54: The One Loaf. Tower Reading: Z '13, 327 (R 5341). Questions: Have I this week fellowshipped with the Lord and the brethren in suffering? In what ways? Under what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? THE ONE LOAF 1 COR. 10: 17. THE twilight hour, when all the world doth dream, I stand amid The ripening grain, the ripples, like the bosom of a lake Beneath the evening breeze. I pluck, and idly hold within

My hand, one golden ear, the while in swift succession pass Strange visions of the olden time: I see a threshingfloor, The wheat by wooden flail bereft of chaff and shining husk. The scene is changed: I see a woman grinding at a mill, Between the upper and the nether stones the grain is crushed Until no semblance of its former state remains, but each Is merged into one common whole, a coarse and homely meal. Another picture, mixed with water and with salt a loaf, Or flattened cake, is formed and laid upon the glowing coals. And as I gaze my thoughts are lifted to a higher plane; I see the members of His body, like the golden grain, Denuded of their glittering robes of earthly pride and fame; The upper and the nether stones of lifes vicissitudes Are slowly, surely, grinding rich and poor, the high, the low, Into one common-union, heart and mind, and zeal and love; With purifying salt, life-giving water of the Word, The mass is being drawn and held and moulded in one loaf. Ah, then, beloved, when we drink of that memorial cup, And eat the symbol of His flesh, let us partake with joy, Nor marvel if we need that strange, transforming power of fire, Ere we are counted worthy to be like our Lord and Head, And broken that a hungry, fainting, dying world be fed!

APRIL 13 Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you John 6: 53. Gladly, dear Lord, we eat (appropriate to our necessities) the merit of Thy pure nature sacrificed for usfor our justification. Gladly, too, we will partake of the cup of suffering with Thee, realizing it to be a blessed privilege to suffer with Thee, that in due time we may also reign with Thee; to be dead with Thee, that in the everlasting future we may live with Thee, and be like Thee and share Thy love and Thy glory as Thy Bride. Oh! that we may be faithful, not only in the performance of the symbol, but also of the reality. Blessed Lord, we hear Thy Word saying, "Ye shall indeed drink of my cup and be baptized with my baptism." Lord, we are not of ourselves able thus to sacrifice; but Thy grace is sufficient for us; for we are wholly Thine, now and foreverZ '99, 51 (R 2436). To eat the flesh of the Son of Man means in part to appropriate by faith His perfect humanity; and to drink His blood means in part to appropriate His perfect life by faith. Thus we appropriate from Christ an exact equivalent of our debt on account of Adam's sin; and this appropriated perfect humanity and life reckon us as being perfect and having perfect life. Without this appropriation we are dead in Adam and cannot have life, but with it we have life. To eat His flesh and to drink His blood, particularly the latter, also mean in part the Church sharing with Him in the sacrificial deathP '33, 63. Parallel passages: Matt. 26: 26-28; 1 Cor. 11: 2329; John 6: 47-58; 1 Cor. 10: 16; Rom. 6: 3-10; 8: 10; 1 Cor. 15: 29-34; Col. 1: 24; 2 Tim. 2: 10-12; Heb. 13: 13-16. Hymns: 325, 123, 277, 135, 259, 132, 299. Poems of Dawn, 55: "Until He Come." Tower Reading: Z '13, 328 (R 5342). Questions: Did I this week eat His flesh and drink His blood? How? Why? With what results? UNTIL HE COME TILL He come!Oh, let the words Linger on the trembling chords; Let the little while between, In their golden light be seen; Let us think how heaven and home Lie beyond that Till He come. When the weary ones we love Enter on their rest above, Seems the earth so poor and vast,

All our life-joy overcast? Hush! Be every murmur dumb; It is only Till He come. Clouds and conflicts round us press; Would we have one sorrow less? All the sharpness of the cross, All that tells the world is loss, Death and darkness and the tomb Only whisper, Till He come. See, the feast of love is spread. Drink the wine and break the bread; Sweet memorials! till the Lord Call us round His heavenly board; Some from earth, from heaven some, Severed onlytill He come!

APRIL 14 He hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressorsIsa. 53: 12. As everyone who follows the Master's footsteps must needs have some Gethsemane experiences, so also each must have a taste at least of all the Master's experiences. Let us not forget, then, to look about us for opportunities for serving the "brethren," the "little ones," the fellow disciples of Christ. Let each be careful not to add to the reproaches that must fall upon all the followers of the Lamb, but on the contrary to offer words of sympathy, and to help bear each other's crosses, difficulties and trials by the way. Thus can we best show to our Lord and Head how we would have appreciated the opportunity of helping Him bear His cross on the way to CalvaryZ '99, 125 (R 2473). Our Lord's death was not a seeming death. His death was actual. His very being was surrendered in death. The process by which it was done was a slow, lingering one, covering a space of 3 1/2 years, and working through physical exhaustion, mental sorrow and physical violence. So greatly did He love us that He went for parts of three days into the death state on our behalf; nor were His final hours passed amid ameliorating conditions. Though innocent of sin and crime, He was put to death as a sinner and criminal with sinners and criminalsP '27, 55. Parallel passages: Gen. 3: 15; Psa. 22: 1-21; 69: 21; Isa. 53; Dan. 9: 26; Zech. 12: 10; 13: 7; Matt. 27: 1-50; Mark 15: 1-37; Luke 23: 1-46; John 18: 28; 19: 30. Hymns: 168, 5, 28, 132, 135, 246, 290. Poems of Dawn, 27: Christ Within. Tower Reading: Z '12, 228 (R 5064). Questions: What effect did Jesus' death have upon me this week? What were the circumstances and the results? CHRIST WITHIN A LIVING Christ, of wondrous birth, Who trod the dreary paths of earth, Shedding abroad His holy light Through the deep gloom of sins dark night. A dying Christ, whose precious blood Seals the poor sinners peace with God; And fills the soul with fullest love, Like to the joy prepared above. A Christ ascendedall is done,

A world redeemed, a victory won. With angel hosts, a glorious throng, Well sing with joy salvations song. A living Christ our spirits need, A loving Christ our souls to feed; A dying Christ, our ransom He, A risen Christ to set us free. This, too, our needa Christ within, A life with God, afar from sin, A Christ whose love our hearts shall fill, And quite subdue our wayward will.

APRIL 15 Father, into thy hands I commend [deposit] my spiritLuke 23: 46. With full confidence our dear Redeemer looked up to the Father, and full of faith declared that He committed all of life and all of the blessed hopes for the future to the Father's love and to the Father's power, to be provided in harmony with the Father's Plan and Word. And so must we, as followers in our Master's footsteps, look forward with faith, and in our dying hour commit all our interests to the keeping of Him who has manifested His love for us, not only in the gift of His Son as our Redeemer, but all our journey throughin His providential care, as well as in the exceeding great and precious promises which go before us and give us strength, comfort and assuranceZ '99, 128 (R 2473). Though but a few moments before His death our Lord felt Himself abandoned by God, just at the moment of His death He recovered the consciousness of God's favor, and therefore addressed Him as Father; and so complete was His confidence in the Father's favor that without the shadow of a doubt He committed His hopes for future existence into the Father's power, having perfect assurance that the Father would restore Him to life. The literal rendering shows that He also deposited with the Father His human liferights and His right to human life, for the use of othersP '20, 71. Parallel passages: 1 Chron. 5: 20; 33: 12, 13; Job 1: 20, 21; 2: 9; Psa. 22: 1-21; 31: 5; 89: 26; Isa. 53; Matt. 26: 39; John 8: 11; Acts 7: 59, 60; 21: 14; 1 Pet. 2: 21-24; Phil. 2: 8; Heb. 2: 9, 14; 12: 3, 4; 1 Pet. 4: 12-14, 19; 2 Tim. 4: 6. Hymns: 5, 15, 132, 187, 168, 190, 246. Poems of Dawn, 189: He Knows. Tower Reading: Z ' 15, 38 (R 5621). Questions: What has Christ's deposited merit meant to me this week? How has His trust in God affected me this week? What blessings flowed from these to me this week and through me to others? HE KNOWS HE knows the way I take, What matter then if dark it be, Or rough, or hedged about, His staff shall comfort me. And should His love withhold What seems so near, so dear, so sweet, Ill humbly take this thing And lay it at His feet.

How sweet to know he knows, And cares, and holds me by the hand, Will safely guide until I reach the Heavenly Land!

APRIL 16 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 himMal. 3: 17. Had the Lord sent us forth to seek His elect, we might have gathered in some whom He rejects as unworthy, because we are unable to read the heart. This thought should make us very humble, gentle and meek toward all, and very trustful of the Lord, and very much inclined to look for His leading in respect to our labors as His servants, just as Samuel looked to the Lord in connection with the anointing of DavidZ '03, 223 (R 3225). The Lord makes glorious promises to those who seek Him as the chief object in their lives. He makes them His own, even His own sons, and this will be particularly manifested in the great day. With tender regard does He deal with them. No earthly father ever treated his children with greater leniency than Jehovah treats His children who delight to do His willP '36, 48. Parallel passages: Psa. 66: 16; 56: 8; Isa. 65: 13, 14; Heb. 3: 14; Psa. 135: 4; John 17: 6, 9, 10, 24; Isa. 62: 3; Psa. 103: 8-13; Song of Solomon 2: 16; John 10: 27-30; 1 Cor. 3: 23; 6: 20; Gal. 5: 24; 2 Thes. 1: 7-10; Ex. 19: 5; Deut. 7: 6; Titus 2: 14; 1 Pet. 2: 9; Rom. 8: 32; 2 Cor. 6: 18; 1 John 3: 1-3. Hymns: 29, 18, 21, 72, 155, 201, 204. Poems of Dawn, 259: Coming By and By. Tower Reading: Z ' 12, 326 (R 5119). Questions: How has this text affected me this week? Why? Under what conditions? With what results? COMING BY AND BY A BETTER day is coming, a morning promised long, When truth and right, with holy might, shall overthrow the wrong; When Christ the Lord will listen to every plaintive sigh, And stretch His hand oer sea and land, with justice by and by. The boast of haughty tyrants no more shall fill the air, But age and youth shall love the truth and speed it everywhere. No more from want and sorrow shall come the hopeless cry

But war shall cease, and perfect peace will flourish by and by. The tidal wave is coming, the Year or Jubilee; With shout and song it sweeps along, like billows of the sea, The jubilee of nations shall ring through earth and sky; The dawn of grade draws on apacetis coming by and by. O! for that glorious dawning we watch and wait and pray, Till oer the height the morning light drive the gloom away; And when the heavenly glory shall flood the earth and sky, Well bless the Lord for all His works and praise Him by and by.

APRIL 17 The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you1 John 2: 27. The blessing and power of the Lord accompanied David's anointing in some mannerjust how, we may not understandenabling him to progress in knowledge, etc., and fitting and preparing him for the duties of the office to which he had been anointed. May we not consider as an antitype to this, the anointing which comes upon the Church from the time of her acceptance with the Lord? Ours is not a physical anointing, nor are the blessings conferred of a temporal character; it is as New Creatures that we grow in grace and knowledge and love, and as New Creatures that, by and by, we shall be perfected in the First Resurrection and come to the Throne with our Lord and Master as our HeadZ '03, 223 (R 3225). It never entered the minds of the ancients that the Anointed would consist of a company, but to the Gospel Church this mystery has been made clear, and their position in this anointed company remains secure to the faithful. The holy heart and mind begotten in them at their consecration was the earnest of their inheritance, the immutable pledge of God's faithfulness to the faithfulP '30, 31. Parallel passages: Psa. 18: 50; 20: 6; 23: 5; 45: 7; Heb. 1: 9; Psa. 89: 20-23; Isa. 11: 2, 3; 61: 1-3; Dan. 9: 24; Matt. 3: 16, 17; Acts 4: 27; 10: 38; 2 Cor. 1: 21; 1 John 2: 20, 27; 1 Cor. 12: 12, 13; 15: 23. Hymns: 1, 21, 90, 14, 165, 217, 218. Poems of Dawn, 42: Full Consecration. Tower Reading: Z '14, 297 (R 5549). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How? With what results? FULL CONSECRATION O SACRED union with the Perfect Mind! Transcendent bliss, which Thou alone canst give, How blest are they this Pearl of price who find, And, dead to earth, have learned in Thee to live! And thus, while dead to human hopes I lie, Lost, and forever lost, to all but Thee, My happy soul, since it has learned to die, Has found new life in Thine infinity. With joy we learn this lesson of the cross, And tread the toilsome way which Jesus trod; And counting present life and all things loss, We find in death to self the life of God.

APRIL 18 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are made partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy1 Pet. 4: 12, 13. In an unfriendly world we can expect to receive only the reproaches of our Master, for the servant is not above his Lord. The world, the flesh and the devil oppose our way. There are fightings within and fears without, and many are the arrows and fiery darts aimed at the righteous. But what is the safe attitude of the soul under afflictions and severe testings? Is it not in silence before God, waiting and watching first to see His leading, His will, in every matter before presuming to touch things that often involve so much? So the Psalmist suggests, saying, "I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, even from good [even from doing or saying what seemed good in my own sight]"Z '96, 31 (R 1937). It should not surprise God's children when trials come, for their consecration implies suffering with Christ. Nor should it discourage them; rather it should be the cause of rejoicing, because it affords them the privilege of suffering with Christ, an experience which should make all the sweeter the glory to follow. The greater the suffering endured, the greater will be the glory to be revealed. Well may this thought encourage usP '35, 61. Parallel passages: Rom. 6: 1-11; 8: 10, 17; 2 Cor. 1: 5; 4: 10; 1 Cor. 15: 29-34; Mark 10: 35-39; Col. 2: 11, 12; Gal. 2: 20; 2 Tim. 2: 10-12; Phil. 3: 10; 1 Pet. 2: 19-24; 3: 14, 17, 18; 4: 16, 19; Heb. 7: 26, 27; 13: 10-16; 10: 4-10, 19; 9: 13-23; 1 Pet. 2: 5, 9. Hymns: 299, 114, 134, 244, 326, 259, 325. Poems of Dawn, 174: Perfect Through Suffering. Tower Reading: Z ' 15, 297 (R 5778). Questions: Have I this week suffered with Christ? How? Why? With what results? PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING GOD never would send you the darkness, If He felt you could bear the light; But you would not cling to His guiding hand, If the way were always bright; And you would not care to walk by faith, Could you always walk by sight. Tis true He hath many an anguish, For your sorrowful heart to bear, And many a cruel thorn-crown,

For your poor, tired head to wear; He knows how few would reach heaven at all, If pain did not guide them there. So He sends you the blinding darkness, And the furnace of seven-fold heat: Tis the only way, believe me, To keep you close to His feet For tis always so easy to wander, When our lives are glad and sweet. Then nestle your hand in your Fathers And sing, if you can, as you go; Your song may cheer some one behind you, Whose courage is sinking low; And, well, if your lips do quive God will love you better so.

APRIL 19 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil thingsMatt. 12: 34, 35 . Our first concern, then, should be for the heart-that its affections and disposition may be fully under the control of Divine grace; that every principle of truth and righteousness may be enthroned there; that justice, mercy, benevolence, brotherly kindness, love, faith, meekness, temperance, supreme reverence for God and Christ, and a fervent love for all the beauties of holiness, may be firmly fixed as the governing principles of life. If these principles be fixed, established, in the heart, then out of the good treasure of the heart the mouth will speak forth words of truth, soberness, wisdom and grace Z '96, 30 (R 1937). The heart is the source of our words and acts; therefore as one's words and acts are, his heart is. A good heart overflows in good words and acts; a wicked heart, in evil words and acts. How necessary, therefore, to keep the heart pure! To all the Lord's followers the admonition is certainly appropriate, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4: 23)P '34, 47. Parallel passages: Luke 6: 45; Psa. 37: 30; Prov. 10: 20; 12: 6, 17-19; 15: 4, 23; Deut. 5: 29; 6: 5, 6; 1 Sam. 16: 7; 1 Chron. 28: 9; 2 Cor. 12: 14; Psa. 51: 10; Jer. 17: 9, 10; Matt. 5: 8; 12: 33, 36, 37; 15: 18-20; 23: 26; Heb.3: 8. Hymns: 116, 44, 130, 125, 136, 49, 154. Poems of Dawn, 146: Scatter Seeds of Kindness. Tower Reading: Z '06, 92 (R 3746). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How did this text prove true in this week's experiences? What were the results? SCATTER SEEDS OF KINDNESS LOVING words will cost but little, Journeying up the hill of life; But they make the weak and weary Stronger, braver for the strife. Do you count them only trifles? What to earth are sun and rain? Never was a kind word wasted, Never was one said in vain. When the cares of life are many, And its burdens heavy grow

For the ones who walk beside you, If you love them, tell them so. What you count of little value Hath an almost magic power, And beneath that cheering sunshine Hearts will blossom like a flower. So, as up lifes hill we journey, Let us scatter all the way Kindly words, to be as sunshine In the dark and cloudy day. Grudge no loving word, my brother, As along through life you go, To the ones who journey with you; If you love them, tell them so.

APRIL 20 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in muchLuke 16: 10. This does not mean that the Lord's people are to be content with the usual routine of daily life in the home or in the shop, and are to say to themselves, "God accepts my labor as though it were given directly to Him in some other more desirable form," but it does mean that each person so situated should day by day carefully scan his earthly duties and obligations to see in what manner he could justly and properly cut off moments, hours or days from the service of earthly things and earthly interests that now might be given to sacrifice for spiritual things and spiritual interests of himself or others. The consecrated heart, the self-denying disciple, is the one who will improve the moments as they swiftly fly, using them as far as possible in the Father's businessZ '03, 407 (R 3265). One's character is manifest in all he does; therefore his treatment of little things and small duties is as good an evidence of his character as is his conduct in great things. This is the Divine rule of estimating character, and measures the saints, whose faithfulness to the Lord in the little things of the present life He considers a sufficient guarantee of their faithfulness in the great things of the futureP '33, 63. Parallel passages: Zech.4: 10; Matt. 25: 21; Luke 16: 11, 12; 19: 17; Heb. 3: 2; Prov. 28: 20; Matt. 10: 22; 24: 45-47; 1 Cor. 4: 2; Rev. 2: 7, 10, 17, 26, 27; 3: 5, 11, 12, 21. Hymns: 312, 13, 110, 114, 183, 197, 200. Poems of Dawn, 295: My Service. Tower Reading: Z '15, 234 (R 5740). Questions: Have I this week been faithful? In what things? At what cost? With what results? MY SERVICE I ASKED the Lord to let me do Some mighty work for Him; To fight amid His battle hosts, Then sing the victors hymn. I longed my ardent love to show, But Jesus would not have it so. He placed me in a quiet home Whose life was calm and still, And gave me little things to do, My daily round to fill; I could not think it good to be Just put aside so silently.

Small duties gathered round my way, They seemed of earth alone; I, who had longed for conquests bright To lay before His throne, Had common things to do and bear, To watch and strive with daily care. So then I thought my prayer unheard, And asked the Lord once more That He would give me work for Him And open wide the door Forgetting that my Master knew Just what was best for me to do. Then quietly the answer came: My child, I hear thy cry; Think not that mighty deeds alone Will bring thee victory. The battle has been planned by Me, Let daily life thy conquests see.

APRIL 21 We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of needHeb. 4: 15, 16. In the moment of temptation the heart should lift itself to the great Master, in full assurance of faith, recognizing His love, His wisdom and His ability to help us, and His willingness to make all things work together for good to those who love Him. Asking for assistance in such a time of need would surely draw to us the Lord's counsel and help and strength for righteousness, truth, purity and love; and thus we shall be hourly victorious, daily victorious, and finally victoriousZ '98, 23 (R 2248). There is no experience of trial from the flesh, the world and Satan falling to the lot of the Lord's people that the Lord has not in principle endured. Even though His temptations were not along the line of sin, but along the line of worldliness and natural selfishness, they were nevertheless keen, and worked in Him sympathy for us under like trials. This should give us confidence to approach God through and in Him for help in every time of needP '27, 55. Parallel passages: Heb. 2: 17, 18; 3: 1; 5: 1-5; 7: 11-28; 8: 12; 9: 23; Luke 23: 34; John 14: 6, 13-16; 16: 23-26; 17: 20-22; Rom. 8: 34; 1 Cor. 10: 13; Eph. 3: 12; Heb. 10: 19-21. Hymns: 96, 139, 167, 168, 299, 35, 239. Poems of Dawn, 35: There's Only One. Tower Reading: Z '14, 358 (R 5585). Questions: What experiences of this week have been in line with this text? How was I exercised by them? THERES ONLY ONE PSALM 73: 25 THERES only one upon whose care We safely lay our thoughts to rest; Theres only one who knows the depth Of sorrow in each stricken breast. Theres only one whose pity falls Like dew upon the wounded heart; Theres only one who never leaves, Though enemy and friend depart.

Theres only one, when none are by, To wipe away the falling tear; Theres only one to heal the wound, And stay the weak ones timid fear. Theres only one who understands And enters into all we feel; Theres only one who views each spring And each perplexing wheel in wheel. Theres only one who can support, And who sufficient grace can give To bear up under every grief, And spotless in this world to live. O blessed Jesus, Friend of friends! Above us raise Thy sheltering arm, And while amid this evil world, Protect us from its guilt and harm.

APRIL 22 I say unto you, That every idle [unprofitable or pernicious] word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgmentMatt. 12: 36. If, in the daily scrutiny of our ways, which is the duty of every Christian, we discover that in any particular our words have been dishonoring to the Lord, we should remember that in the name of our Advocate we may approach the Lord in prayer, explain to our Heavenly Father our realization of the error, our deep regret at our failure to honor His name and His cause by a holy walk and conversation, and humbly request that the sin be not laid to our charge, but that it may be blotted out through His gracious provision for our cleansing through Christ, humbly claiming that in His precious blood is all our hope and trust. Thus we should render up our account for every idle word; and by our words of repentance, supplemented by the merit of Christ applied by faith, shall we be acquittedZ '96, 32 (R 1937). The words that are uttered are but expressions of one's sentiments, and therefore go to make up one's character. Idle words are useless and pernicious thoughts expressed, and inevitably undermine character. When one comes on trial for life, this undermining of character will have to be accounted for and righted. It behooves each one therefore to pray: "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth, keep the door of my lips"P '20, 71. Parallel passages: Psa. 26: 1-4; 50: 3-6; 139: 23, 24; Jer. 11: 20; 20: 12; 2 Thes. l: 4, 5; Matt. 25: 14-30; 1 Cor. 11: 31; Ezek. 18: 20-28; Matt. 11: 22; 12: 37-42; 25: 31-46; John 5: 22-30; Acts 17: 31; Rom. 2: 5-16; 1 Pet. 4: 5, 7. Hymns: 63, 67, 230, 333, 24, 73, 171. Poems of Dawn, 143: In the Presence of the King. Tower Reading: Z '14, 245 (R 5517). Questions: What have been this week's experiences respecting this text? What lessons did I learn from them? IN THE PRESENCE OF THE KING IF we could always feel each little thing We do, each hour we spend Within the presence of the King, What dignitytwould lend! If we could realize our every thought Is know to Him, our King, With how great carefulness would it be fraught, And what a blessing bring! If, when some sharp word leaves a cruel sting,

Our faith could know and feel Twas heard within the presence of the King, How soon the wound would heal! Oh, when the song of life seems hard to sing, And darker grows the way, Draw nearer to the presence of the King, And night shall turn to day!

APRIL 23 That on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patienceLuke 8: 15. Everyone who will be a sacrificer must of necessity be meek, humble, teachable, else very shortly he will get out of the way. He must also learn to develop the grace of the Lord along the line of patience, because it certainly requires patience to deny ourselves and to submit at times to injustice where there is no proper means of avoiding it without doing injury to the Lord's cause or to some of His people. It also implies a cultivation of brotherly kindness and, in a word, the development of the whole will of God in our hearts and lives, namely, love, which must be attained in a large and overcoming measure ere we shall have completed our work of sacrificingZ '03, 408 (R 3265). An honest and good heart is the best of all possessions, for to such hearts God gives the Truth, and in such hearts the Truth remains, and through such hearts the Truth works, bringing forth an abundant fruitage, ultimately ripening into the Divine likeness, necessary for all who would share with Christ in administering the affairs of the KingdomP '36, 48. Parallel passages: Job 23: 11, 12; Psa. 119: 11, 129; Luke 11: 28; Acts 17: 11; Matt. 13: 23; John 8: 31; 14: 21; 15: 5, 8; Jas. 1: 22, 25; Heb. 3: 14; Rom. 2: 7; Heb. 10: 36; 12: 1; 4: 2; 1 Pet. 2: 1, 2; Psa. 1: 1-3; Col. 1: 6, 10. Hymns: 125, 22, 49, 154, 198, 267, 315. Poems of Dawn, 73: Even So, Father. Tower Reading: Z '15, 228 (R 5736). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they received? What did they effect? EVEN SO, FATHER SOMETIME, when all lifes lessons have been learned, And sun and stars forevermore have set, The things which our weak judgment here hath spurned The things oer which we grieved with lashes wet Will flash before us out of lifes dark night, As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue; And we shall see how all Gods plans were right, And how what seemed unkind was love most true. And we shall see that while we weep and sigh

Gods plans go on as best for you and me; How, when we called, He heeded not our cry, Because His wisdom to the end could see; And een as prudent parents disallow Too much of sweet to craving babyhood, So God, perhaps, is keeping from us now Lifes sweetest things, because it seemeth good. And if, sometime, commingled with lifes wine, We find the wormwood, and recoil and shrink, Be sure a wiser hand than yours or mine Pours out this portion for our lips to drink; And if some friend we love is lying low, Where human kisses cannot reach his face, Oh! Do not blame the loving Fatherno. But bear your sorrow with obedient grace. And you shall shortly know that lengthened breath Is not the sweetest gift God sends His friend, And that sometimes with sable pall of death There also comes a boon His love doth send. If we could push ajar the gates of Truth, And stand within, and all Gods workings see, We could interpret all apparent strife, And for lifes mysteries could find the key. If not to-day, be thou content, poor heart! Gods plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold; We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart; Time will reveal the calyxes of gold. And if, through patient toil, we reach the land Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest, When we shall clearly know and understand, I think that we shall say that God knew best.

APRIL 24 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edificationRom. 15: 2 . The lesson to each disciple of the Lord is that the special mission of his office, vocation, calling in the present time, is to sacrifice. . . . . One form of service frequently not discerned by the Lord's disciples is the opportunity of renouncing our own ways or plans, our own methods or preferences, and in the interests of peace accepting instead the plans, the preferences of otherswhere it is merely a matter of personal preference, and where we believe the Lord will be as willing to have the matter one way as another. We can in the interests of peace sacrifice our preferences to the wishes of others, if we see some good can be gained by such a courseZ '14, 308, 309 (R 5555). From the connection, we see that St. Paul means by one's neighbor, a fellow disciple of the Lord Jesus, and others in a lesser sense. It is not only the duty, but also the privilege of the disciple of Christ to deny self in order to please the others, not their flesh, however, but their new hearts, minds and wills. This pleasing is to be for their good, so that they may be built up in faith, hope and loveP '30, 31. Parallel passages: Matt. 8: 19-22; 10: 37-39; 13: 44-46; 16: 24, 25; 19: 12, 21; Luke 14: 26-33; 21: 2-4; John 12: 25; Acts 20: 22-24; 21: 13; Rom. 14: 115: 5; 1 Cor.6: 12; 8: 10-13; 9: 12-27; 10: 23, 24; Phil. 2: 4; 3: 7-11; 1 Pet. 2: 11-16; 4: 1, 2; Jude 20, 21. Hymns: 224, 8, 23, 95, 134, 170, 259. Poems of Dawn, 165: A Little Light. Tower Reading: Z '14, 69 (R 5412). Questions: Have I this week denied self for the brethren? How? Why? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? A LITTLE LIGHT TWAS but a little light she bore, While standing at the open door; A little light, a feeble spark, And yet it shone out through the dark With cheerful ray, and gleamed afar As brightly as the polar star. A little light, a gentle hint, That falls upon the page of print, May clear the vision, and reveal The precious treasures doubts conceal, And guide men to an open door, Where they new regions may explore.

A little light dispels the gloom That gathers in the shadowed room, Where want and sickness find their prey, And night seems longer than the day, And hearts with many troubles cope And feebler glows the spark of hope. Oh, sore the need that some must know While journeying through this vale of woe! Dismayed, disheartened, gone astray, Caught in the thickets by the way, For lack of just a little light To guide their wandering steps aright. It may be little we can do To help another, it is true; But better is a little spark Of kindness, when the way is dark, Than one should walk in paths forbidden For lack of light we might have given

APRIL 25 Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek himHeb. 11: 6. "According to thy faith be it unto thee," would seem to be the Lord's method of dealing with all who are His disciples, from first to last of their Christian walk and experience. Faith when He seems not to notice us; faith when things seem to be going prosperously with us in our spiritual affairs and in our temporal affairs; and faith equally strong when the currents and forces seem all to be against us. The victory that overcomes the world is the faith that in all conditions is able to look up to the Lord with absolute confidence in His goodness and faithfulness, and to realize that, according to His promise, eventually all things will work together for good to us because we are His peopleZ '00, 139 (R 2625). Except love, nothing is more pleasing in the sight of God than faith. The Father, therefore, is pleased with those who exercise confidence in His character. Accordingly, those who distrust His character, impugning, as they thereby do, His wisdom, justice, love and power, cannot but be displeasing and, therefore, unacceptable to Him, because "without faith it is impossible to please God." Therefore let us have faith in GodP '35, 62. Parallel passages: Heb. 11; Acts 14: 15; Rom. 4: 11, 12, 16, 18, 19; 1 Thes. 1: 9; 1 Tim. 4: 10; 1 John 5: 4; John 3: 15-18, 36; Gen. 15: 1; Matt. 5: 12; 6: 1, 2, 5, 16; 10: 41, 42; 6: 33; Jer. 29: 13; 2 Pet. 1: 5, 10; 3: 14. Hymns: 174, 198, 125, 21, 58, 32, 92. Poems of Dawn, 90: Is It for Me? Tower Reading: Z '15, 197 (R 5716). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What results did they bring? IS IT FOR ME? IS it for me, dear Savior, Thy glory and Thy rest? For me, so poor and humble, Oh! shall I thus be blest? Is it for me to see Thee In all Thy glorious grace, And gaze in endless rapture On Thy beloved face? Is it for me to listen

To Thy beloved voice, And hear its sweetest music Bid even me rejoice? A thrill of solemn gladness Hath hushed my very heart To think that I may really Behold Thee as Thou art; Behold Thee in Thy beauty; Behold Thee face to face; Behold Thee in Thy glory And rest in Thine embrace.

APRIL 26 He that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from hisHeb. 4: 10. Instead of demanding one day of the seven, the law of love really controls, regulates our entire time; seven days of the week we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength; seven days of the week we are to love our neighbor as ourselves; and seven days in the week we are to rest alsorest from our own works; rest by faith in the finished work of Christ; rest in the love of God; and rest in the peace of God which passes understanding, ruling in our hearts continually Z '02, 205 (R 3037). To enter into rest implies that we accept Christ's finished work as our justification before God, and that we abide with perfect assurance in the consciousness of the reckoned enjoyment of all Millennial blessings. He who has this faith, instead of going about to establish his own righteousness, has peace in the sense of enjoying Christ's righteousness. Thus justifying faith gives Him the rest of justification. Furthermore, in consecration, ceasing from living for self and the world, and looking forward with perfect assurance to the successful outcome of God's Plan, he has the same kind of rest that God enjoys P '34, 47. Parallel passages: Heb. 3: 7-4: 11; Job 22: 21, 26; 34: 29; Psa. 4: 8; 17: 15; 25: 12; 29: 11; 37: 4, 11, 37; 119: 165; 125: 1, 5; Prov. 3: 17, 24;Isa. 26: 3, 12; 28: 12; 53: 5; 54: 10, 13; 57: 2, 19; John 14: 27; 16: 33; Acts 10: 36; Rom. 5: 1; 8: 6; 14: 17; 15: 13; Gal. 5: 22; Eph. 2: 14-17; Phil. 4: 7, 9; Col. 3: 15; 2 Thes. 3: 16. Hymns: 251, 97, 115, 179, 244, 305, 307. Poems of Dawn, 83: Assurance. Tower Reading: Z '14, 25 (R 5387). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? ASSURANCE IT may not come to us as we have thought, The blessed consciousness of sins forgiven; We may not hear a voice that shall proclaim Our title clear to the sweet rest of heaven. We may not see a light upon the path Above the brightness of the noonday sun, Whose radiance shall reveal our names enrolled As ransomed by the Lords Anointed One.

Not thus may the sweet knowledge come to us, That all is well with us forevermore; Not with a flash of glory on the soul Do all pass into life through Christ the door. But like the winter merging into spring, Or gently as the trees put forth their leaves, May come to us the impulse of that life Which God bestows on those sin truly grieves. If we are conscious of a firm resolve To follow Jesus as our constant guide; If, in prosperity or in distress, Our hearts cling closely to the Crucified; If we are not ashamed to have it known That in His service is our chief delight; Though we may never feel the ecstasy Which those attain who reach the mountain height; Yet, if the hour of secret prayer be sweet, When we hold converse with the Friend Divine, And dear the time when with His own we meet, For us the promise stands, They shall be Mine.

APRIL 27 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ JesusPhil. 2: 5. To have the mind of Christ is indeed the one requirement of lawful strivinga mind which humbly and faithfully submits itself to the will of God as expressed in His great Plan of the Ages, and which devotes all energy to the accomplishment of His will, because of an intelligent appreciation of the ends He has in view. If so filled with the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, we, like Him, will desire to be as free as possible from entangling earthly affairs, and to have our time as free as possible for the Lord's service, and then to devote all energy, ability and effort to that serviceZ '02, 265 (R 3069). The mind that was in Christ Jesus disposed Him to self-emptying of His prehuman nature and to self-sacrifice, even to the ignominious death of the cross, that He might glorify God. Such a disposition is surely the fitting attitude of everyone who loves God supremely. As supreme love for self leads to self-exaltation, so supreme love for God leads to self-humiliation, that He may be exalted; and as truly as one abases Himself under God's mighty hand, so truly will the Lord exalt him in due timeP '33, 64. Parallel passages: Isa. 53; Matt. 11: 29; 20: 26, 27; 23: 12; John 13: 14, 15; Rom. 15: 3; 2 Cor. 8: 9; Phil. 2: 7, 8; 1 Pet. 2: 21; Phil. 3: 7-9; Heb. 13: 13; Prov. 3: 34; 15: 33; 25: 6, 7; Isa. 57: 15; 66: 2; Jer. 45: 5; Luke 22: 24-27; Jas. 4: 6, 10; 1 Pet. 5: 3, 5, 6. Hymns: 322, 167, 168, 144, 4, 134, 229. Poems of Dawn, 82: Just to Let Thy Father Do What He Will. Tower Reading: Z '11, 440 (R 4928). Questions: Have I this week abased myself for the Lord's sake? How? Under what circumstances? With what results? JUST TO LET THY FATHER DO WHAT HE WILL JUST to let Thy Father do what He will; Just to know that He is true, and be still. Just to follow, hour by hour, as He leadeth; Just to draw the moments power, as it needeth. Just to trust Him, this is all. Then the day will surely be Peaceful, whatsoer befall, bright and blessed, calm and free. Just to let Him speak to thee, through His Word, Watching, that His voice may be clearly heard. Just to tell Him everything, as it rises,

And at once to bring to Him all surprises. Just to listen, and to stay where you cannot miss His voice, This is all! and thus today, you, communing, shall rejoice. Just to trust, and yet to ask guidance still; Take the training or the task, as He will. Just to take the loss or gain, as He sends it; Just to take the joy or pain as He lends it. He who formed thee for His praise will not miss the gracious aim; So today, and all thy days, shall be moulded for the same. Just to leave in His dear hand little things; All we cannot understand, all the stings. Just to let Him take the care sorely pressing; Finding all we let Him bear changed to blessing. This is all! and yet the way marked by Him who loves thee best: Secret of a happy day, secret of His promised rest.

APRIL 28 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 Spirit which is given unto usRom. 5: 35. We have need of patience, and that can only be gained by trials. We have need of faith, and that can only be developed by necessities. We have need of experience for our future work, which can be gained only by such experiences as permit us to be touched with a feeling of the infirmities and difficulties and trials of those about us, to whom we shall be ministers and representatives in God's Kingdom. For us, then, the lesson of present experiences is to resist evil, and not with evil, but with good Z '03, 348 (R 3228). In themselves tribulations are not to be gloried in, but we may glory in them, when they work in us patience; and such perseverance in well-doing is rewarded by God's approval, which, when realized, fills the heart with hope for ultimate victory. Nor is this hope vain, because God delights in giving this victory to those whose hearts are filled with Divine love, a love that is the choice fruit of the holy Spirit given us by God in Christ Jesus P '27, 55. Parallel passages: Matt. 5: 11; 1 Pet. 3: 12-14; 2 Cor. 4: 16-18; 7: 4; Heb. 12: 5-13; Jas. 1: 2-4, 12; Phil. 1: 20; 2 Tim. 1: 12; 2 Cor. 1: 22; Gal. 4: 6; Eph. 1: 13, 14. Hymns: 300, 305, 263, 92, 201, 166, 90. Poems of Dawn, 203: Our Blessed Hope. Tower Reading: Z '14, 291 (R 5544). Questions: What were this week's experiences along the line of this text? How did I receive them? What did they accomplish for me? OUR BLESSED HOPE WHAT though this earthly house of clay Sink into ruin and decay, Though health and vigor pass away, Christ is my life. What though fond dreams of youth be fled, The light that shone upon my head Extinguished and forever dead, Christ is my light. What though bright hopes now withered lie, Like autumn leaves, all sere and dry,

Or meteors vanished from the sky, Christ is my hope. What though rude billows round me roll, His voice the tempest can control; They ruffle not my tranquil soul, Christ is my peace. What though dear friends I once caressed Within the silent grave now rest, The valley clods above them pressed, Christ ever lives. What though perplexing paths appear, Gods Word, a lamp, makes all things clear; Onward I pass, nor evil fear, Christ is my way. What though the darkness deeper grows, And foes more active to oppose, Gods truth provides a sweet repose, Christ shall appear.

APRIL 29 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour himPsa. 91: 15. It is always our blessed privilege to carry our sorrows and vexations to the Lord, For He knows How to steal the bitter from life's woes. He does it by showing us, through experience, the vanity of all earthly things and their utter inability to satisfy the soul's cravings, or to comfort the wounded spirit. Then comes the thought that however vexing our experiences, they will soon be over; and if we permit them to do so, they will only work out in us the peaceable fruits of righteousness, and develop in us strong and noble characters, disciplined to thorough selfcontrol, thoughtful consideration, patient endurance of affliction and loving loyalty and faithfulness and trust in GodZ '96, 31 (R 1937). It is the privilege of Christians to pray to God through Christ, to thus have access to God in prayer at any time; and to them is given the assurance of a gracious answer. God also is with them in all afflictions with His sympathy, love and help. His deliverance out of the trouble is sure, when the latter has accomplished its purpose. Amid the trouble He is their support, and the highest honors possible of attainment for such He has in reservation for them in His glorious KingdomP '20, 71. Parallel passages: Job 14: 14, 15; Psa. 27: 8; 50: 15; 145: 18; Matt. 6: 6; 7: 7, 8; John 16: 23-26; Dan. 12: 1-3; Psa. 21: 2, 4; 107: 6, 7; 2 Tim. 4: 8, 18; Rev. 2: 7, 10, 17, 26, 27; 3: 4, 5, 12, 21. Hymns: 19, 35, 41, 72, 120, 204, 310. Poems of Dawn, 30: To Jesus Always. Tower Reading: Z '15, 264 (R 5757). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in reference to this text? How have its assurances affected me? TO JESUS ALWAYS I ALWAYS go to Jesus, When troubled or distressed; I always find a refuge When I with Him can rest. I tell Him all my trials, I tell Him all my grief; And while my lips are speaking He gives my heart relief.

When full of dread forebodings, And flowing oer with tears, He calms away my sorrows, And hushes all my fears. He comprehends my weakness, The peril I am in, And He supplies the armor I need to vanquish sin. When those are cold and faithless, Who once were fond and true, With careless hearts forsaking The old friends for the new, I turn to Him whose friendship Knows neither change nor end: I always find in Jesus An ever faithful Friend. I always go to Jesus; No matter when or where I seek His gracious presence, Im sure to find Him there. In times of joy or sorrow, Whateer my need may be, I always go to Jesus, And Jesus comforts me.

APRIL 30 Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light1 Pet. 2: 9. The very object of our being called into this light is that we may let it shine. If we do not let it shine we are unworthy of it, and the treasure will be taken away and we shall be left in darkness. If indeed we have received the light and have consecrated ourselves fully to God, let us ask ourselves, What am I doing to show forth the praises of Him who has called me out of darkness? Am I going forth with these tidings to my neighbors near and far? Can I truly affirm that I am: All for Jesus, all for, Jesus All my being's ransomed powers; All my thoughts, and words, and doings, All my days and all my hours? Z '03, 165 (R 3199). God's people are selected from the rest of mankind to become sharers in His Kingdom, a people separate from others and dedicated to the Lord, a possession entirely the Lord's. To such a destiny, to such a high privilege are they called, that they might reflect credit upon God by proclaiming in words and acts, His wisdom, justice, love and power. This being our calling, let us hold up His attributes before others by our teachings and exampleP '36, 48. Parallel passages: Ex. 19: 5, 6; Deut. 7: 6; 10: 15; Dan. 7: 18, 22, 27; Isa. 61: 6; 66: 21; Zech. 6: 12, 13; 1 Pet. 1: 2; 2: 5; Eph. 1: 4, 5; Matt. 5: 16; John 15: 8; Titus 2: 14; Acts 20: 28; Rom. 8: 23-25; Rev. 1: 6; 5: 10; 20: 6; John 17: 9. Hymns: 225, 41, 322, 153, 216, 310, 6. Poems of Dawn, 38: Lord, Here I Bring Myself. Tower Reading: Z '14, 151 (R 5460). Questions: How did this week's text affect me? In what circumstances? With what result? LORD, HERE I BRING MYSELF LORD, here I bring myself, Tis all I have to give, My hearts desire is wholly this, Henceforth for Thee to live; To own no will but Thine, To suffer loss or shame,

All things to bear, if only I May glorify Thy name; Henceforth mine every power Each day for thee to use, My hands, my feet, my lips, mine all, As Thou, my Lord, shalt choose. Dear Lord, my constant prayer Is for increase of grace, That I by faith may walk with Thee, Till I behold Thy face.

MAY 1 The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to ministerMatt. 20: 28. If the consecration be to the Lord, then every sacrifice of our just rights and interests on behalf of ourselves as Christians, on behalf of husband or children, father or mother, neighbors or friends, brethren in Christ, is counted of the Lord as so much done to Him; whereas if the very same services were rendered from any other standpointby anyone unjustified, and not consecrated to the Lord, or merely done to the individuals and not as a sacrifice unto the Lordthese things would not count to us as His followers, as our sacrificesZ '03, 407 (R 3265). How eminently proper that the Son of Man, Adam's pre-eminent descendant, should come not to be ministered unto, but to minister; and how greatly superior therein is the Son of Man to the man Adam, in that the latter by serving self wrecked the hopes of the race, while Jesus by serving others worked out salvation for the entire race. He was as superior to the first Adam as unselfishness is superior to selfishness, and is our example, the following of which will make us fit for the KingdomP '30, 77. Parallel passages: 2 Cor. 8: 9; Matt. 1: 21; 4: 23; 5: 17; 9: 13; 15: 24; 18: 11-14; 20: 2527; Mark 1: 38; Luke 1: 78; 4: 18; 22: 27; John 4: 34; 10: 10; 13: 4-17; 18: 37; Acts 10: 38; Gal. 5: 13; Heb. 2: 9, 14, 15, 18. Hymns: 275, 15, 28, 132, 212, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 163: He That Scattereth Increaseth. Tower Reading: Z '14, 6 (R 5375). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How did I use it? Why? What did it effect? HE THAT SCATTERETH INCREASETH IS thy cruse of comfort failing? Rise and share it with another, And through all the years of famine It shall serve thee and thy brother. Love Divine will fill thy storehouse, Or thy handful still renew; Scanty fare for one will often Make a royal feast for two. For the heart grows rich in giving; All its wealth is living grain; Seeds which mildew in the garner, Scattered, fill with gold the plain. Is thy burden hard and heavy?

Do thy steps drag wearily? Help to bear thy brothers burden; God will bear both it and thee. Numb and weary on the mountains, Wouldst thou sleep amid the snow? Chafe that frozen form beside thee, And together both shall glow. Art thou stricken in lifes battle? Many wounded round thee moan; Lavish on their wounds thy balsams, And that balm shall heal thine own. Is thy heart a well left empty? None but God its void can fill; Nothing but a ceaseless Fountain Can its ceaseless longings still. Is thy heart a living power? Self-entwined, its strength sinks low; It can only live in loving, And by serving love will grow.

MAY 2 All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution2 Tim. 3: 12. Opposition is to be expected, and will, doubtless, continue until we finish our course in death. To submit patiently to this opposition is to sacrifice our own natural preferences for the friendship and the pleasures of the present life, and to endure hardness as good soldiers for the Truth's sake, in whatever shape that hardness may come, in our effort to do the Lord's will and work of advancing the interests of His Kingdom. To be really in the Lord's service involves, first, the careful and continual study of God's Plan; second, the imbibing of its spirit; leading, thirdly, to an enthusiastic zeal for its accomplishment, and to activity to the extent of ability in its service, at whatever cost or sacrifice it may requireZ '03, 164, 165 (R 3199). Those in Christ Jesus are the consecrated. Their consecration makes them sacrificers for righteousness amid a world wherein the advantages are on the side of unrighteousness, and the disadvantages are placed on the side of righteousness. Their course cannot be otherwise than one of persecution from those whose selfishness seems antagonized by the course of the consecrated. Thus all the faithful will be persecutedP '35, 62. Parallel passages: Gen. 49: 23; Job 12: 4, 5; Psa. 11: 2; 37: 32; 38: 20; 44: 15-18, 22; Prov. 29: 10, 27; Isa. 29: 20, 21; 51: 12, 13; 59: 15; Jer. 20: 8; Matt. 5: 10-12, 44; 10: 1618, 21-23, 28; 24: 8-10; Luke 6: 22, 23; John 15: 18, 19; 16: 1, 2; Acts 28: 22; Rom. 8: 17, 35-37; 1 Cor. 4: 9-13. Hymns: 304, 47, 114, 134, 302, 312, 322. Poems of Dawn, 121: Hymn Of The Waldenses. Tower Reading: Z '12, 323 (R 5116). Questions: Has godly living brought me persecution this week? What helped or hindered therein? How did I bear it? What were its results? HYMN OF THE WALDENSES HEAR, Father, hear Thy faint, afflicted flock Cry to Thee from the desert and the rock, While those who seek to slay Thy children hold Blasphemous worship under roofs of gold; And the broad, goodly lands with pleasant airs That nurse the grape and wave the grain, are theirs. Yet better were this mountain wilderness, And this wild life of danger and distress Watchings by night, and perilous flight by day, And meetings in the depths of earth to pray Better, far better than to kneel with them,

And pray the impious rite Thy laws condemn. Thou, Lord, dost hold the thunder; the firm land Tosses in billows when it feels Thy hand. Thou dashest nation against nation, then Stillest the angry world to peace again. Oh, touch their stony hearts who hunt Thy sons The murderers of our wives and little ones. Yet, mighty God, yet shall Thy frown look forth Unveiled, and terribly shall shake the earth; Then the foul power of priestly sin and all Its long-upheld idolatries shall fall. Thou shalt raise up the trampled and opprest, And Thy delivered saints shall dwell in rest.

MAY 3 Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evilHeb. 5: 14. Those who have real and sincere faith in God are willing to take Him at His word; and with these the first principles of the doctrine should long ago have been established; much of the superstructure of gold and silver and precious stones should already be erected, and the work be steadily progressing. Such are able, if they are loyal and true to God, to discern between truth and error. We ought to know what we believe and why we believe it, and then should be bold and uncompromising in declaring it; for "if the trumpet give an uncertain sound who shall prepare himself to the battle?"Z '03, 167 (R 3199). As the natural babes have not physical organs sufficiently strong to digest strong meat, neither have the spiritual babes organs sufficiently strong to assimilate strong spiritual meat. One must be well developed in Christ properly to assimilate the deepest truths, and such a development is attained, only by a constant exercise of the mental, moral and religious faculties in spiritual respects. Like the natural, the spiritual muscles are strengthened by exerciseP '34, 62. Parallel passages: Jer. 15: 16; Ezek. 3: 3; Amos 8: 11-13; Rom. 16: 19; 1 Cor. 2: 6-16; 13: 11; 14: 20; 1 Pet. 2: 2; Psa. 119: 99; 131: 2; Eph. 3: 5; 4: 13-15; Col. 3: 16; 2 Tim. 3: 15-17; Heb. 6: 1; 2 Pet. 3: 16, 18; Jas. 1: 18-25. Hymns: 296, 154, 49, 22, 311, 315, 332 Poems of Dawn, 8: How Readest Thou? Tower Reading: Z '15, 151 (R 5688). Questions: How have this week's experiences corroborated this text? What good did I get from them? HOW READEST THOU? LUKE 10: 16 TIS one thing now to read the Bible through, Another thing to read, to learn and do; Tis one thing now to read it with delight, And quite another thing to read it right. Some read it with design to learn to read, But to the subject pay but little heed; Some read it as their duty once a week, But no instruction from the Bible seek; Whilst others read it without common care,

With no regard to how they read or where. Some read it as a history, to know How people lived three thousand years ago. Some read to bring unto themselves repute, By showing others how they can dispute; Whilst others read because their neighbors do, To see how long twill take to read it through. Some read it for the wonders that are there, How David killed a lion and a bear; Whilst others reador rather in it look Because, perhaps, they have no other book. Some read the blessed Bookthey dont know why, It somehow happens in the way to lie; Whilst others read it with uncommon care, But all to find some contradictions there. One reads with fathers specs upon his head, And sees the thing just as his father did; Another reads through Campbell or through Scott, And thinks it means exactly what they thought. Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed, Thus understand but little what they read; And every passage in the Book they bend To make it suit that all-important end. Some read the Book to find that God is love, Whilst others readthe opposite to prove. Some people read, as I have often thought, To teach the Book, instead of being taught.

MAY 4 The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart1 Sam. 16: 7. If we lose sight of the fact that God regards us from the standpoint of the will, if we get to thinking of ourselves and God's estimate of us according to the flesh, we are sure to get proportionately into darkness and confusion and discouragement. But let us not forget, on the other hand, that the spirit, or will, is counted alive because of its righteousness, because it is in harmony with God. Let us, therefore, never be slack in respect to the will, or intention governing the conduct of our lives, but remember that any laxity will mean the proportionate loss of spiritual life. To will right is always possible to us, and nothing less than an absolutely loyal will could be acceptable to God in ChristZ '03, 171 (R 3200). One's standard of judgment reveals much of his characterthe superficiality and errancy of the average man's character is evidenced by his judging from outward appearance. Jehovah's character is manifested by His rule of judgment. Instead of estimating by surface indications, He penetrates into the reality of things, and forms His estimate from what is, and not from what seems; and all things are naked and open to His all-seeing eye. As far as possible let us judge, not by appearance, but by the reality of thingsP '33, 78, 79. Parallel passages: Deut. 10: 17; 2 Chron. 19: 7; Job 34: 19; 37: 24; Matt. 22: 16; John 7: 24; Acts 10: 34, 35; Rom. 2: 16; 2 Cor. 10: 7; Gal. 2: 6; Eph. 6: 8, 9; Col. 3: 25; Jas. 2: 16. Hymns: 196, 198, 293, 47, 67, 74, 99. Poems of Dawn, 139: If We Only Understood. Tower Reading: Z '15, 88 (R 5652). Questions: Have I this week judged according to appearance or according to reality? Why? How? With what results? IF WE ONLY UNDERSTOOD COULD we draw aside the curtains That surround each others lives, See the naked heart and spirit, Know what spur the action gives Often we would find it better, Purer than we judge we would; We would love each other better If we only understood. Could we judge all deeds by motives,

See the good and bad within, Often we would love the sinner All the while we loathe the sin. Could we know the powers working To oerthrow integrity, We would judge each others errors With more patient charity. If we knew the cares and trials, Knew the efforts all in vain, And the bitter disappointments Understood the loss and gain Would the grim external roughness Seem, I wonder, just the same? Would we help where now we hinder? Would we pity where we blame? Ah, we judge each other harshly, Knowing not lifes hidden force; Knowing not the fount of action Is less turbid at its source. Seeing not amid the evil All the golden grains of good, Oh, wed love each other better If we only understood.

MAY 5 If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall liveRom. 8: 13. The conditions upon which we may continue our relationship to the Lord, and our hope for a share in the glories of the resurrection are thus definitely stated to include mortification of the deeds of the bodyrestraining the fleshly inclinations, putting them to death, crucifying them, using them up in the service of the Lord and His cause. Such mortification of the deeds of the body, such a battle against the weaknesses of the flesh, is what the Apostle elsewhere speaks of as the "warfare," when he tells us that the flesh warreth against the spirit, and the spirit in turn warreth against the flesh; for the two are contrary, and will be opponents to the end of life; and if the spirit has been willing, and has fought to the best of its ability against the weaknesses of the flesh, the Lord will count the victory complete, through the merit of the RedeemerZ '03, 172 (R 3200). By the spirit the new heart, mind and will is meant; by the body the humanity is meant. By the deeds of the body the selfish, worldly, erroneous and sinful tendencies and their expressions are meant. The deeds of the body are mortified especially in two ways, by their displacement through their opposite good qualities and acts and by their restraint through good qualities and acts that are not their opposites. He who so does will gain lifeP '32, 48. Parallel passages: Gal. 4: 6; 5: 16, 17, 22, 25; 6: 8; Eph. 3: 16; Col. 3: 10; 1 Pet. 2: 21; 3: 4; Rom. 6: 6-23; 8: 11; 1 Cor. 3: 16; 6: 19; Eph. 4: 22-32; Col. 3: 5-9; Deut. 30: 6; Ezek. 18: 21; 33: 15, 16; Zech.4: 6; Matt.16: 25;19: 12, 16, 21; Luke 18: 29, 30; John 12: 25. Hymns: 192, 90, 91, 130, 136, 145, 20. Poems of Dawn, 144: Take Time to be Holy. Tower Reading: Z '15, 356 (R 5805). Questions: What were this week's experiences relating to this text? How were they used? What were their results? TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY TAKE time to be holy! Speak oft with the Lord; Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word; Make friends of Gods children, help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. Take time to be holy! The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone; By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy! Let Him be thy guide, And run not before Him, whatever betide; In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word! Take time to be holy! Be calm in thy soul, Each thought and each motive beneath His control; Thus led by His spirit to fountains of love, Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

MAY 6 As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of GodRom. 8: 14. This, then, is the guide by which we may know our true position, not only at the beginning of the race, but to the end of it, namely, if we are led by the Spirit of Godif that is the direction in which we are following, if that is what we are seekingthen we are sons of God; He owns and accepts all who have come unto Him through Christ, and who are trusting in the merit of the Lord Jesus and who continue in this attitude of heartZ '03, 173 (R 3200). By the Spirit of God here the disposition of God in His children is meant. His disposition blends wisdom, justice, love and power in perfect harmony. Those whose motives, thoughts, words and acts are actuated and sustained by this disposition, are sealed by God as His own. Therein they have the strongest possible witness of their sonship with God. What a noble family this is whose family sign and seal are God's character!P '26, 61. Parallel passages: Ex. 33: 13, 14; Num. 9: 1523; 2 Chron. 5: 13, 14; Psa. 5: 8; 23: 2, 3; 25: 5, 9; 32: 8; 143: 10; Prov. 8: 20, 21; Isa. 48: 17; John 16: 13; 1 Cor. 3: 16; 6: 19; Gal. 4: 6. Hymns: 90, 1, 11, 279, 91, 334, 95. Poems of Dawn, 113: Father, Take My Hand. Tower Reading: Z '14, 355 (R 5582). Questions: Have I that witness of the Spirit contained in this verse? How did it manifest itself this week? What were its effects? FATHER, TAKE MY HAND THE way is dark, my Father! Cloud on cloud Is gathering thickly oer my head, and loud The thunders roar above me. See, I stand Like one bewildered! Father, take my hand, And through the gloom Lead safely home Thy child. The way is long, my Father! And my soul Longs for the rest and quiet of the goal; While yet I journey through the weary land, Keep me from wandering, Father, take my hand. Quickly and straight Lead to heavens gate Thy child.

The path is rough, my Father! Many a thorn Hath pierced me; and my weary feet, all torn And bleeding, mark the way. Yet Thy command Bids me press forward. Father, take my hand. Then, safe and blest, Lead on to rest Thy child. The throng is great, my Father! Many a doubt And fear, and danger, compass me about, And foes oppress me so. I cannot stand Or go alone. O Father! take my hand, And through the throng Lead safe along Thy child.

MAY 7 Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel1 Cor. 9: 16. We should be prompt to tell to others the best tidings we have; sympathy with the groaning creation in the various trials of life should lead us to point to the Lord's promises respecting the coming Kingdom and the blessings that should then be to all the families of the earth. Whoever does not thus proclaim daily, on every suitable opportunity, gives evidence either of lack of knowledge or of faith in the revelation or of selfishness, which the Lord cannot approve, and which, persisted in, will ultimately debar him from a share in the KingdomZ '03, 174 (R 3204). By the Gospel the good tidings of salvation in and by Jesus is meant. The highest privilege of any human being is to be invested with the office of preaching the Gospel; and those who have the spirit of this office fully are at heart in a woeful state when unable to carry out their mission. So thoroughly ingrained into their characters does the exercise of this office become that when deprived of it their hearts are unhappyP '36, 64. Parallel passages: Psa. 40: 9, 10; Eccles. 11: 6; Mark 8: 38; 2 Tim. 1: 8; Jer. 1: 17; 20: 7, 9; 23: 29; Amos 3: 8; 7: 15;John 18: 37; Acts 4: 20; 9: 6, 15; 26: 16-20; 1 Cor. 1: 18; 15: 58; 2: 4; 15: 2; Col. 1: 5, 6; 4: 17; Rom. 1: 14-16; 1 Thes. 1: 5; 2 Tim. 4: 2; Heb. 4: 12. Hymns: 70, 44, 116, 210, 260, 275, 309. Poems of Dawn, 138: "Instant in Season." Tower Reading: Z '16, 140 (R 5893). Questions: Have I this week preached the Gospel? How? Why? What hindered or helped? What were the results? INSTANT IN SEASON IF while I walk the busy mart, I find there one whose fainting heart By some kind, sympathetic word To new life might be stirred, Lord, help me say it now! Or, if upon the thorny road I meet another neath a load Of sorrow, which my tears might share, And thus the burden bear, Lord, help me shed them now! If any ointment, rare and sweet, I long to pour upon His feet,

To rest and soothe them by the way, My hand let nothing stay, Lord, help me bring it now!

MAY 8 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life1 John 2: 25. We all should understand that we have something to do in realizing the gracious promises of God to us. In connection with the affairs of this present life He has promised that our bread and water shall be sure, but this does not imply that we shall neglect reasonable opportunities for securing these. He has promised us also a share in the Kingdom by and by; but it is for us to make our calling and election sure. God is thoroughly capable and thoroughly willing to perform all of His part in connection with every matter, but it is to our advantage that He calls us to show our faith by our worksby our cooperation with Him in all reasonable waysZ '03, 175 (R 3204). Eternal life is not a natural inherent possession of man but is a gift of God, bestowed on those whose characters will be in harmony with God's character. This promise is unconditional to the faithful, bound by Jehovah's oath. If we are faithful, our faith may rest with immovable steadfastness on God's fulfilling His promise. What an inspiration to loyalty such a promise should be!P '30, 77. Parallel passages: Psa. 21: 4; 133: 3; Dan. 12: 3; Matt. 19: 29; Luke 20: 36; John 3: 1417; 4: 14; 5: 24, 25, 29, 39; 6: 27, 40, 47, 50-58, 68; 10: 10, 28; 12: 50; 17: 2, 3; Acts 13: 46, 48; Rom. 2: 7; 5: 21; 6: 22, 23; 1 Cor. 15: 53, 54; 2 Cor. 5: 1. Hymns: 208, 5, 9, 15, 62, 246, 255. Poems of Dawn, 251: Eternity. Tower Reading: Z '15, 12 (R 5608). Questions: How has this text influenced me this week? Why? With what results? ETERNITY WHAT is Eternity? Can aught Paint its duration to the thought? Tell every beam the sun emits, When in sublimest noon he sits; Tell every light-winged mote that strays Within it s ample round of rays; Tell all the leaves and all the buds That crown the gardens, fields and woods; Tell all the spires of grass the meads Produce, when spring propitious leads The new-born year. Be this astonishing account Augmented with the full amount

Of all the drops the clouds have shed, Whereer their watery fleeces spread Through all Times long-protracted tour. Tell all the sands the ocean laves; Tell all the changes of its waves, Or tell, with more laborious pains, The drops its mighty mass contains. Were there a belt that could contain In its vast orb the earth and main; With figures were it clustered oer, And not one cipher in the score; And could thy laboring thoughts assign The total of the extened line; How vast the amount, the attempt how vain, To read durations endless chain; For when as many years have run, Eternity is but begun! Then think of life thou mayst attain, Through years eternal to remain, And the love which bought it all for thee When thou wert doomed no life to see; And grace which to its boundless store Adds endless blessings evermore: And when thy cup of joy runs over, Let songs of praise rise to the Giver.

MAY 9 As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgivingCol. 2: 6, 7. The general sentiment among the teachers of false doctrine, who think it is neither necessary nor advisable to be established in the faith is . . . that to be established is to be a bigot. And so it is, if one is so unfair in mind as to accept and tenaciously hold that which he has never proved either by sound logic or Bible authority. But he is not an unreasoning bigot who, in simple faith, on the authority of God, accepts the Word of God. And such, and only such, as do so are established in the Truth. The difference between a strong and steadfast Christian and a bigot is that the one is established in the Truth, while the other is established in errorZ '03, 199 (R 3215). We receive Christ Jesus as Lord by surrendering our wills and accepting His will as our own. This beginning should be persevered in. We are rooted in Him when we draw our supplies from Him alone. We are built up in Him when we construct a character like His. We are established in the faith according to the Word when we remain firm therein; and we abound therein with thanksgiving when we gratefully increase thereinP '35, 62. Parallel passages: John 1: 12; Phil. 1: 27; 1 Thes. 4: 1; Jude 3, 20; Eph. 2: 20-22; 3: 17; 4: 1; Col. 1: 23; 3: 17; Isa. 61: 3; 1 Cor. 3: 9, 11; 1 Pet. 2: 5; 2 Pet. 2: 12; Acts 20: 32; 2 Cor. 1: 21. Hymns: 267, 6, 87, 113, 172, 37, 324. Poems of Dawn, 23: Our Master. Tower Reading: Z '14, 311 (R 5557). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? OUR MASTER NO fable old, nor mythic lore, Nor dream of bards and seers, No dead fact stranded on the shore Of the oblivious years; But warm, sweet, tender, even yet A present help is He, And faith hath still its Olivet, And love its Galilee. The healing of His seamless dress Is by our beds of pain;

We touch Him in lifes throng and press, And we are whole again. O Lord and Savior of us all! O blessed Christ Divine! We own Thy sway, we hear Thy call, We test our lives by Thine. We faintly hear, we dimly see, In various phrase we pray; But , dim or clear, we own in Thee The light, the Truth, the Way. Our Friend, our Brother, and our Lord, What may Thy service be? Not name, nor form, nor ritual word, But simply following Thee. To do Thy will is more than praise, As words are less than deeds, And simple trust can find Thy ways We miss with charts of creeds.

MAY 10 Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth overPsa. 23: 5. The fullness of the cup, running over, has a double significance. It is a cup of joy and a cup of sorrow, and in both respects it overflows. He who would partake of the joys of the Lord must also partake of His cup of suffering; we must suffer with Him if we would reign with Him. But we count the sufferings of this present time as not worthy to be compared with the glories that shall be revealed in us, and hence we are enabled to rejoice in tribulation, so that as the tribulations will overflow, the rejoicing likewise overflows, and with the Apostle we can say, Rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice!Z '03, 413 (R The Head of the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ, was anointed with the holy Spirit without measure and this anointing has flowed down upon the Body. The experiences Divinely arranged for this class have been an overflowing cupabounding in blessing from the Lord in its measure of both sorrow and joy; its heights of joy have been higher than its depths of sorrow have been deep, which is as should be expectedP '34, 62. Parallel passages: Psa. 45: 7, 8; 92: 10; Isa. 61: 1-3; Matt. 3: 16; Acts 10: 38; John 14: 16, 17, 26; 15: 26; 16: 7; 15: 11; 16: 20-24, 33; 17: 13; Acts 13: 52; Rom. 14: 17; 15: 13; 2 Cor. 12: 10; Heb. 10: 34; Jas. 1: 2; 1 Pet. 4: 13; 2 Cor. 1: 8, 9; 4: 7-12, 16-18; 6: 4-10; 11: 23-30; Heb. 12: 6-9; 1 Pet. 5: 9. Hymns: 299, 96, 139, 90, 92, 222, 273. Poems of Dawn, 26: Jesus Only. Tower Reading: Z '15, 90 (R 5653). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What was hindersome and helpful in them? In what did they result? JESUS ONLY JESUS only! In the shadow Of the cloud so chill and dim, We are clinging, loving, trusting, He with us and we with Him; All unseen, though ever nigh, Jesus onlyall our cry. Jesus only! In the glory, When the shadows all are flown, Seeing Him in all His beauty, Satisfied with Him alone; May we join His ransomed throng, Jesus onlyall our song!

MAY 11 For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter Psa. 44: 22. We are to remember that we have but one sacrifice; that it is to be rendered to the Lord day by day in the improvement of every opportunity, as it comes to us, to serve Him and His. We are to remember that while it consists of many little sacrifices, some of them too small to mention or even to consider, nevertheless it will require all of these to complete the one sacrifice which we made at the beginning of our induction into His family. When we gave our wills, we gave our all; and any holding back in any of the little affairs of lifeany refusal to sacrifice that which we think would please the Lordis a keeping back of that much of what we have devoted to HimZ '03, 408 (R 3265). From loyalty to the Lord's Person, Character, Word and Cause, faithful followers of Christ have been persecuted throughout the Gospel Age. Their lives have been counted of as little value as the life of a sheep, and they have been as unfeelingly slaughtered. However, as Jehovah had pleasure in the sacrificial death of Him who was slain as the Lamb of God, so the Lord has pleasure in the sacrificial death that the faithful endure for His sake; for "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psa. 116: 15) P '33, 79. Parallel passages: Rom. 8: 35, 36; Matt. 5: 1012, 44; 10: 16-18, 21, 22, 26, 28; 20: 22, 23; 23: 34, 35; Luke 21: 12-19; John 15: 18, 19; 16: 1, 2; 1 Cor. 4: 9-13; 15: 30-32; 2 Cor. 4: 8-12; John 12: 23-26; 2 Thes. 1: 4; 2 Tim. 2: 9-12; Heb. 10: 32-34; 13: 12, 13; 1 Pet. 3: 14-17. Hymns: 146, 134, 150, 25, 93, 279, 326. Poems of Dawn, 176: Sometimes I Almost Wonder. Tower Reading: Z '13, 37 (R 5172). Questions: Have I this week suffered persecution? How? Why? With what effects? SOMETIMES I ALMOST WONDER SOMETIMES I almost wonder if my Lord doth really know About the many little things that wound my poor heart so. I can but wonder if He knows the anguish of my soul, When tempests beat upon my head, and surging billows roll; I wonder if He hears at night my weary, longing sighs,

I wonder if He sees the tears that tremble in mine eyes! I wonder if my burdens weigh upon His tender heart, And in my many sorrows, if His great love shares a part! * * * Ah! no, I will not wonder, I will silence every fear, Ive read that in His bottle He doth treasure up each tear; I know that He who heeds the smallest sparrow when it falls, Will surely, surely hearken when His own child feebly calls; I know that He who stilled the waves on Galilees dark sea, Will bid the storms of life, Be still, that rudely threaten me. Ah! no, I do not wonder, I am sure my Lord doth know About the many, many things that wound my poor heart so!

MAY 12 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God2 Cor. 7: 1. How many of the prospective heirs of the Kingdom find that they have defilements along this linemalice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, evil speaking! It is safe to say that everyone has some, if not all, of these weaknesses in the flesh to contend with, especially at the beginning of his entrance upon the Christian vocation. How carefully all should seek to put all these away! How each should scrutinize not only every act of life and every word and every thought, but, additionally, every motive underlying his words, thoughts and actions, so that they may be more and more purified from the earth's defilements and be more and more acceptable to the Lord!Z '03, 408 (R 3265). By the filthiness of the flesh, the faults that root in, and are expressed by the body are meant, like the tobacco, narcotic and alcohol habits, unchastity, gluttony, bodily filthiness, etc . By the filthiness of the spirit, faults that root in, and are expressed by the mind are meant, like anger, hatred, malice, evil surmising, hypocrisy, covetousness, unbelief, despair, pride, etc . The promises that constitute the Oath-bound Covenant are the Divinely ordained means for cleansing us of the filthiness of the flesh and spirit; and the best method for the attainment of the cleansing is reverence for God, whereby we complete our consecrationP '32, 48. Parallel passages: 2 Cor. 6: 17, 18; Gen. 22: 16-18; Psa. 51: 10; John 15: 3; 1 John 1: 7-9; Gal. 5: 19-21; Eph. 4: 17-32; 5: 26; Col. 3: 5-9; Rom. 8: 1-14; 12: 2, 9-21; Gal. 5: 22-25; 6: 7-10; Col. 3: 10-17; 1 Thes. 5: 11-22. Hymns: 130, 78, 196, 198, 1, 20, 125. Poems of Dawn, 211: Sweet Harmony at Last. Tower Reading: Z '15, 230 (R 5737). Questions: Did I this week seek to realize the exhortations of this text? How? With what effects? SWEET HARMONY AT LAST I SAT alone at the organ, At the close of a troubled day, When the sunsets crimson embers On the western altar lay. I was weary with vain endeavor, My heart was ill at ease, And I sought to soothe my sadness With the voice of the sweet-toned keys.

My hands were weak and trembling, My fingers all unskilled, To render the grand old anthem With which my soul was filled. Through the long days cares and worries, I had dreamed of that glorious strain, And I longed to hear the organ Repeat it to me again. It fell from mine untaught fingers Discordant and incomplete, I knew not how to express it, Or to make the discord sweet; So I toiled with patient labor Till the last bright gleams were gone, And the evenings purple shadows Were gathering one by one. Then a Master stood beside me, And touched the noisy keys, And lo! the discord vanished And melted in perfect peace. I heard the great organ pealing My tune that I could not play, The strains of the glorious anthem That had filled my soul all day. Down through the dim cathedral The tide of music swept, And through the shadowy arches The lingering echoes crept; And I stood in the purple twilight And heard my tune again Not my feeble, untaught rendering, But the masters perfect strain. So I think, perchance, the Master, At the close of lifes weary day, Will take from our trembling fingers The tune that we cannot play; He will hear through the jarring discord The strain, although half expressed; He will blend it in perfect music, And add to it all the rest.

MAY 13 Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams1 Sam. 15: 22. Our Heavenly Father wishes us to be very attentive to His Word, and not to think for a moment that we can improve thereon, or that times and circumstances will alter the propriety of our obedience to Him. Let us hearken to the Word of the Lord and keep close to it, not fearing the results, but having faith that He who keeps us never slumbers nor sleeps, and is too wise to err, as well as is competent to meet every emergency that could possibly come upon us as a result of our obedience Z '03, 218, 219 (R 3224). By sacrifice we understand our denial of our rights, while putting our humanity to death in God's service, to be meant. Such self-denial in efforts to serve God, though it should consume our humanity, if rendered contrary to the Lord's will, is not acceptable to God. Better are we without it, while rendering obedience, than with it in disobedience. But it is best when we render such sacrifice with obedienceP '26, 61. Parallel passages: Num. 14: 24; 1 Sam. 12: 22; 1 Chron. 28: 9, 10, 20; Psa. 40: 6; 51: 16, 17; 69: 30, 31; Prov. 21: 3; Eccles. 5: 1; Ezek. 9: 5-10; Hos. 6: 6; Mic. 6: 6-8; Matt. 9: 13; Mark 12: 32, 33; John 12: 26; 13: 17; 14: 15, 21; 1 John 2: 3-6. Hymns: 1, 114, 128, 150, 196, 208, 307. Poems of Dawn, 167: Service. Tower Reading: Z '14, 100 (R 5430). Questions: Have I this week sacrificed contrary to, or in harmony with the Lord's will? Have I refrained from sacrifice? Under what circumstances? Why? How? SERVICE OH, my soul is filled with its yearning, Dear Lord, and my heart is sad, I long, how I long, to be spreading The Truth that hath made me glad! And the fields are white to the Harvest, The daylight is almost spent, I see all about me the reapers, On their holy mission sent; But mine eager hands Thou hast folded, In weakness upon my breast; Thou hast whispered, I know thy longings, My will for thee is to rest.

Then alone with Thee in the twilight, My poor, throbbing heart grows still, Since Thou closest my door of service, I bow to Thy sovereign will. I know to obey and to hearken Ofttimes proves the greater test, At Thy feet would I lie forever, If thus I might serve Thee best!

MAY 14 Speaking the truth in love . . . grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even ChristEph. 4: 15. What is it to grow in grace? It is to grow in favor with the Lord through an intimate personal acquaintance and fellowship of spirit with Him. To grow thus in grace and not grow in knowledge is impossible; for the very object of such communion is to build us up in a more perfect knowledge and acquaintance with the Lordto bring us into closer fellowship with the Divine Plan, and to give us the privilege of being "workers together with him" in executing that Plan. If, therefore, we love and obey the Lord and desire to grow in His favor, His written Word is our daily meditation and study; and thus we grow in knowledgeZ '03, 200 (R 3215). The Christian's mission is to proclaim God's Word; and it should be fulfilled especially from the motive and in the expression of disinterested love. He who so presents the Truth is given such experiences by Christ, our Head, as will enable him to develop in every good work, and grow to completeness in his place and as an heir of the KingdomP '36, 64. Parallel passages: Zech. 8: 16; 2 Cor. 4: 2; Eph. 4: 25; Psa. 32: 2; John 1: 47; Rom. 12: 9; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 2: 2; 1 John 3: 18; Eph. 2: 21; 2 Pet. 3: 18; Eph. 1: 21, 22; 5: 23; Col. 1: 18, 19; 2: 19. Hymns: 78, 4, 47, 74, 114, 128, 150. Poems of Dawn, 243: Woman's Mission. Tower Reading: Z '16, 323 (R 5977). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? WOMANS MISSION THE rights of womenwhat are they? The right to labor, love and pray; The right to weep with those that weep, The right to wake when others sleep. The right to dry the falling tear, The right to quell the rising fear; The right to smooth the brow of care, And whisper comfort in despair. The right to watch the parting breath, To soothe and cheer the bed of death; The right, when earthly hopes all fail,

To point to that within the veil. The right the wanderer to reclaim, And win the lost from paths of shame; The right to comfort and to bless The widow and the fatherless. The right the little ones to guide, In simple faith, to Him who died; With earnest love and gentle praise, To bless and cheer their youthful days. The right the intellect to train, And guide the mind to noble aim; Teach it to rise above earths toys, And fix the heart on Heavenly joys. The right to live for Him you love, The right to die that love to prove; The right to brighten earthly homes With pleasant smiles and gentle tones. Are these thy rights?then use them well; The holy influence none can tell; If these be thineWhy ask for more? Thou hast enough to answer for! Are these thy rights? Then murmur not That womans mission is thy lot; Improve the talents God hath given; Earths duties donethy rest in Heave!

MAY 15 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut of 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 salvationHab. 3: 17, 18. We see that God permits evil in the world that the world may learn certain lessons of bitter experience as to the natural rewards of evil-doing, but we see also a ministry of evil in respect to the saintsin their testing and polishing and refining; making them ready, and proving them worthy, as overcomers, to inherit the wonderful things which God has in reservation for the faithfulZ '03, 94 (R 3167). In the providence of God, He has been pleased to permit fleshly Israel and spiritual Israel to go into captivity in literal and symbolic Babylon respectively, where there was very little opportunity to develop external fruitfulness in influencing mankind in general; yet the Lord's grace has enabled the faithful in symbolic Babylon to rejoice in God and in Christ, because of their marvelous works of salvation. Certain untoward and unproductive experiences have come to God's people at the extreme end of the Age, but amid them they still find joy in the Lord's special favor, as this text prophetically promisedP '30, 77, 78. Parallel passages: John 15: 21; 16: 20, 33; Acts 14: 22; 20: 23, 24; Rom. 8: 18; 2 Cor. 4: 17, 18; Psa. 103: 9; 126: 5, 6; Isa. 54: 7, 8; 61: 2, 3; Phil. 4: 4; 1 Thes. 5: 16; 1 Pet. 1: 6; 4: 13, 14; 5: 10. Hymns: 63, 67, 99, 110, 293, 328, 331. Poems of Dawn, 291: "Yet Will I Rejoice in the Lord." Tower Reading: Z '14, 19 (R 5383). Questions: Have I this week rejoiced in tribulations? What helped or hindered? In what did it result? YET WILL I REJOICE IN THE LORD THOUGH the fig tree shall not blossom, Though no fruit be in the vines, Though the fields shall yield no fruitage, Of the heard there be no signs Yet Ill joy in Gods salvation, As my faith in Him reclines. While the nations reel and stagger, And the Dove of Peace has fled, While the land and sea are groaning Neath the burden of their dead

Yet, amide the awful tumult, I rejoice and lift my head! Though the vision seem to tarry, And the waiting time prolong, Though my faith be sorely tested In the conflict fierce and strong, Yet His grace will be sufficient, And the burden of my song! Though He slay me, I will trust Him, Though my very heart He break, For I know with loving wisdom He has planned the way I take Thus my dying breath shall bless Him, And Ill praise Him when I wake!

MAY 16 Thou shalt be called by a new name . . . thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy GodIsa. 62: 2, 3. Let us never forget that we are a "peculiar people," separate from the great body of nominal Christians, as well as from the world, having higher hopes, aims and ambitions and favored with a clearer insight into the deep things of God, having been called out of our former darkness into His marvelous light. And if thus separate from the world and from Christians who partake largely of the worldly spirit, what wonder if we find them all out of harmony with us, and either ignoring or opposing usZ '03, 164 (R 3199). The word name is used in the Scriptures in the sense of appellation, nature, character, honor, office and works. The Christ class were promised a new name, especially in the sense of new nature and office, and as such to become a glorious crown of many radiant jewels in the Lord's hands, reflecting the splendors of Divine Truth, character and work, for the blessings of the whole human familyP '35, 62. Parallel passages: Psa. 122: 6; 102: 13-16; Isa. 60: 1-3; Rev. 2: 17; 21: 2, 9, 10, 17, 23, 24; Ezek. 48: 35; Jer. 11: 16; 33: 16; Heb. 12: 22; Gal. 4: 26; Prov. 12: 4; Psa. 132: 18; Cant. 3: 11; Rev. 19: 12; 1 Thes. 2: 19. Hymns: 310, 8, 72, 152, 201, 204, 314. Poems of Dawn, 203: Our Blessed Hope. Tower Reading: Z '11, 413 (R 4913). Questions: How has our hope affected me this week? Amid what experiences? What was helpful or hindersome therein? What were its results? OUR BLESSED HOPE WHAT though this earthly house of clay Sink into ruin and decay, Though health and vigor pass away, Christ is my life. What though fond dreams of youth be fled, The light that shone upon my head Extinguished and forever dead, Christ is my light. What though bright hopes now withered lie, Like autumn leaves, all sere and dry, Or meteors vanished from the sky, Christ is my hope.

What though rude billows round me roll, His voice the tempest can control; They ruffle not my tranquil soul, Christ is my peace. What though dear friends I once caressed Within the silent grave now rest, The valley clods above them pressed, Christ ever lives. What though perplexing paths appear, Gods Word, a lamp, makes all things clear; Onward I pass, nor evil fear, Christ is my way. What though the darkness deeper grows, And foes more active to oppose, Gods truth provides a sweet repose, Christ shall appear.

MAY 17 They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God serviceJohn 16: 2. The persecutions of today are more refined than in any previous period. The faithful today are not stoned with literal stones or shot with literal arrows or literally beheaded, but it is still true that the wicked shoot out arrows at the righteous, "even bitter words"; and many because of faithfulness are reproved and slandered and cut off from fellowship"beheaded for the testimony of Jesus." Let all such emulate Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Let their testimonies be given with radiant faces like his. Let their eyes of faith perceive Jesus at the right hand of the Majesty on high as their Advocate and Deliverer. Let their words be with moderation as were Stephen's, and let it be true of them, as written of him, "full of grace and power" and "filled with the Holy Spirit"Z '97, 57 (R 2108). All the faithful have incurred the displeasure and consequent disfellowship of the nominal people of God. Misunderstood with respect to their work, teaching, character and hopes by those out of harmony with God's Plan, God's faithful people have been regarded by them as the enemies of God, His Plan and His Church, and consequently the latter have often thought they served God by killing those who really were His children P '34, 62, 63. Parallel passages: John 9: 22, 34; 12: 42; 16: 3; Acts 8: 1; 9: 1; John 15: 18-21; Rom. 10: 2; 1 Cor. 2: 8; 1 Tim. 1: 13; Psa. 11: 2; 38: 20; 44: 22; 56: 5; 94: 5; Prov. 29: 10; Matt. 5: 10-12, 44; 10: 16-18, 21-23, 28; 23: 34; 24: 8-10; Mark 13: 9-13; Luke 6: 22, 23; 21: 1219; Acts 5: 29, 40-42; Rom. 8: 17, 35-37; 1 Cor. 4: 9-13. Hymns: 272, 56, 57, 216, 313, 300, 335. Poems of Dawn, 181: Grace Sufficient. Tower Reading: Z ' 12, 323 (R 5116). Questions: Have I been persecuted this week? How? Why? With what results? GRACE SUFFICIENT BEAR the burden of the present, Let the morrow bear its own; If the morning sky be pleasant, Why the passing night bemoan? If the darkened heavens lower, Wrap thy cloak around thy form; Though the tempest rise in power, God is mightier than the storm. Steadfast faith and hope unshaken

Animate the trusting breast; Step by step the journeys taken Nearer to the land of rest. All unseen, the Master walketh By the toiling servants side; Comfortable words He talketh, While His hands uphold and guide. Grief, nor pain, nor any sorrow Rends thy heart to Him unknown; He today and He tomorrow Grace sufficient gives His own. Then bear thy burden with good cheer, Take promptly up thy daily cross; Nor hesitate to shed a tear, Nor reckon oer thy present loss.

MAY 18 We which have believed do enter into restHeb. 4: 3. Our rest in the Lord is as complete as is our belief in Him. He who believes fully rests fully; he who believes only partially rests but partially. The ideal condition of the spiritual Israelite is the attainment of a perfect rest, a perfect sabbath-keeping, in his present experience, and a waiting and laboring for another and still more complete restthe actual rest of the perfected conditionthe rest that remains for the people of God. "Let us therefore labor to enter into that rest [sabbath], lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief [of fleshly Israel]" (Heb. 4: 9-1l)Z '99, 253 (R 2534). The weekly sabbath of the Jews, with its rest from labor and its worship, fittingly symbolizes the Millennial Sabbath, with its rest from the curse and its service of God. Our faith-justification reckons to us the Millennial rest in its perfection, and enables us to have the rest of faith in Christ's finished work. In consecration, we labor earnestly even unto death, to be enabled to enter into the rest that remains for the people of God in His glorious KingdomP '33, 79. Parallel passages: Isa. 26: 3; Heb. 4: 3-11; 3: 14, 18; Matt. 11: 28-30; John 14: 27; 16: 33; 20: 19; Acts 10: 36; Rom. 2: 10; 5: 1; 14: 17; 15: 13, 33; Eph. 2: 14-17; Phil. 4: 7, 9; Col. 1: 20; 3: 15; 2 Thes. 3: 16. Hymns: 244, 48, 97, 107, 176, 179, 305. Poems of Dawn, 178: God's Perfect Peace. Tower Reading: Z '14, 104 (R 5433). Questions: Have I this week enjoyed the rest of faith? How? What hindered or helped therein? What resulted? GODS PERFECT PEACE LIKE a river glorious is Gods perfect place, Over all victorious in its glad increase. Perfect; yet it floweth fuller every day; Perfect; yet it groweth deeper all the way. Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are truly blest, Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest. Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, Never foe can follow, never traitor stand; Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry toucheth spirit there. Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are truly blest, Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Every joy or trial cometh from above, Traced upon our dial by the Sun of love. We may trust Him solely, all for us to do; They who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true. Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are truly blest, Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

MAY 19 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselvesRom. 15: 1 Principles may never be abandoned for any consideration; but liberties and personal rights may be ignored in the interest of others frequently and to Divine pleasing. The Apostle Paul was ready to go to any length in defense of principle (Gal. 2: 5, 11), but in the sacrifice of his earthly rights and privileges and liberties for the sake of Christ and the Church, the Apostle evidently came next to our Lord Jesus and is a noble example to all the ChurchZ '97, 75 (R 2118). Those who are weak put more or less of the weight of their burdens upon others, and those who are strong may very fittingly relieve the weak of a part of their too great weights, even if it be not to the pleasing of their human nature. This is the Law of Christ for us, that as He did not indulge Himself but bore the weakness of others, so should we bear the weaknesses of our brethrenP '32, 48. Parallel passages: Rom. 14; 15: 2-7; 1 Cor. 8: 7-13; 9: 4-27; Gal. 2: 20; 6: 1; Matt. 16: 24-26; 1 Thes. 5: 10; 1 Pet. 4: 2; 2 Cor. 5: 15. Hymns: 191, 44, 134, 192, 198, 277, 279. Poems of Dawn, 289: God's Anvil. Tower Reading: Z '14, 309 (R 5555). Questions: Did I this week help the weak? How? Why? With what results? GODS ANVIL PAINS furnace-heat within me quivers, Gods breath upon the flame doth blow, And all my heart in anguish shivers, And trembles at the fiery glow; And yet I whisper, As God will! And in His hottest fire hold still. He comes and lays my heart all heated, On the hard anvil, minded so Into His own fair shape to beat it, With the great hammer, blow on blow; And yet I whisper, As God will! And at His heaviest blows hold still. He takes my softened heart and beats it, The sparks fly off at every blow; He turns it ore and heats it,

And lets it cook, and makes it glow; And yet I whisper, As God will! And in His mighty hands hold still. Why should I murmur? For the sorrow Thus only longer-lived would be; Its end will come, and will, tomorrow, When God has done His work in me; So I say, trusting, As God will! And trusting to the end, hold still. He kindles, for my profit purely, Afflictions glowing fiery brand, And all His heaviest blows are surely Inflicted by a master hand; So I say, praying, As God will! And hope in Him and suffer still.

MAY 20 A peculiar people, zealous of good worksTitus 2: 14. A "peculiar people"not peculiar in dress, nor in manners, nor in language, nor in foolish, senseless forms and idiosyncrasies; but peculiar in that it is separate from the world and the spirit of the world. It has the Spirit of Christa spirit of full consecration to the Lord, and separateness from the world and its selfish aims. It is peculiar in its adherence to the Word of the Lord as its only law. It is peculiar in that it rejects worldly wisdom when it conflicts with the Divine revelation. It is peculiar in that it is in the world, but not of the world. It is peculiar in that it has a decided faith and acts in harmony with its faith, and with zeal. It is peculiar in that it is self-sacrificing and knows no will but the will of its king. It is peculiar in that it knows the Truth and is able to give a reason for the hope within, while others merely speculate and wonder and doubtZ '97, 95 (R 2127). The peculiarity of God's people consists in their separateness from selfishness, worldliness, sinfulness and erroneousness, and their dedication to the Lord for His service. They are peculiar to the Lord in the sense that they are owned by Him, and are for Him, ready for His service in the promotion of truth and righteousness. As such they are enthusiastically active in well-doing, serving in good things, as they have opportunity, all men, especially the household of faithP '26, 61. Parallel passages: Deut. 7: 6; 14: 2; 26: 18; Psa. 69: 9; 1 Pet. 2: 9; Eph. 2: 10; Titus 3: 8; Gal. 6: 7-10; 1 Cor. 15: 58; 2 Thes. 3: 13; 1 Thes. 5: 15; 1 Tim. 6: 18; Heb. 13: 16. Hymns: 275, 267, 20, 200, 78, 125, 116, Poems of Dawn, 169: Go, Labor On. Tower Reading: Z '14, 151 (R 5460). Questions: Have I this week acted as one peculiarly the Lord's in good works? Under what circumstances? How? Why? With what results? GO, LABOR ON GO, labor on; spend and be spent, Thy joy to do thy Fathers will; It is the way the Master went; Should not the servant tread it still? Go, labor on; tis not for naught; Thine earthly loss is heavenly gain; Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not; The Master praiseswhat are men? Go, labor on; enough, while here,

If He shall praise theeif He design Thy willing heart to mark and cheer; No toil for Him shall be in vain. Men sit in darkness at thy side, Without a hope beyond the tomb; Take up the torch and wave it wide, The torch that lights the thickest gloom. Go, labor on; thy hands are weak, Thy knees are faint, thy soul cast down, Yet falter not; the prize we seek, Is neara Kingdom and a crown!

MAY 21 All scripture, given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works2 Tim. 3: 16, 17. It will be well for us all to remember that all the graces of the Spirit, all the progress in the knowledge of Divine things to which we have already attained, that may have helped us nearer to God and to holiness, have come to us through the Scriptures of the Old Testament and through the words of our Lord and His inspired Apostles: nor will it ever be necessary to go to other channels for the true wisdom which would prepare us for the salvation promisedZ '97, 170 (R 2165). The Scriptures are God in-breathed, and therefore to the man of God they contain a sufficiency of Divine thought as to what he should believe as true, as to what he should reject as error, as to what he should purge from his character, and as to what he should practice for character development. Accordingly, by subjecting his heart and mind to its influence, he is purged from sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, as well as thereby is fully developed in every good word and quality, whereby he is completely prepared for every good workP '36, 64. Parallel passages: Deut. 6: 6, 7; 2 Sam. 23: 2; Luke 1: 70; Matt. 22: 43; 26: 54, 56; John 5: 39; 10: 35; Mark 12: 24; 2 Pet. 1: 19-21; Acts 20: 20, 27; Rom. 3: 2; 15: 4; Psa. 19: 711; 119: 9, 11, 97-104; 1 Tim. 6: 11; 2 Tim. 2: 21, 25; 4: 2; Heb. 3: 7; 4: 12; 10: 24; 2 Cor. 9: 8; Eph. 2: 10; Titus 2: 14. Hymns: 22, 49, 79, 154, 296, 311, 315. Poems of Dawn, 7: The Word of God. Tower Reading: Z '03, 186 (R 3210). Questions: How have I used this passage this week? Why? What was hindersome and what was helpful? In what did it result? THE WORD OF GOD OH, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord! True wisdom its pages unfold; And though we may read them a thousand time oer, They never, no never, grow old! Each line hath a pleasure, each promise a pearl, That all if they will may secure; And we know that when time and the world pass away, Gods Word shall forever endure. Oh, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord! The lamp that our Father above

So kindly hath lighted to teach us the way That leads to the arms of His love! Its warnings, its counsels, are faithful and just; Its judgments are perfect and pure; And we know that when time and the world pass away, Gods Word shall forever endure. Oh, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord! Our only salvation is there; It carries conviction down deep in the heart, And shows us ourselves as we are. It tells of a Savior, and points to the cross, Where pardon we now may secure; And we know that when time and the world pass away Gods Word shall forever endure.

MAY 22 God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind2 Tim. 1: 7. The spirit of the Lord imparted to His people is not a spirit of fear, but on the contrary a spirit of power, energy, zeal awakened by love-loving devotion to God, and a desire to please and serve Him; loving devotion to the Truth, and a loving devotion to God's people and a desire to build them up in holy things, and to do good unto all men as we have opportunitythe spirit of a "sound mind"a mind that is fortified and strengthened by the Word of the Lord on every subject, and hence, while thoroughly fearless of man, is wise in judging of times, seasons and methods for using the energy of love which burns as a fire within the consecrated heartZ '97, 170 (R 2165). As the spirit of fear is a timid disposition, so the spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind is the disposition of power, of love and of wisdom, i.e., a strong, loving and wise disposition. God rids us of a timid disposition by His Spirit, Word and providences, as well as thereby gives us a disposition like His own, in which wisdom, justice, love and power blend in beautiful harmony. Praise be to God for such a gift!P '30, 78. Parallel passages: Josh. 1: 5-9; Rom. 8: 15; Isa. 51: 12, 13; Acts 1: 8; 6: 8; Eph. 1: 19, 20; 1 Cor. 1: 24-28; 2 Cor. 12: 9; Psa. 18: 1; 31: 23; John 14: 15, 21, 24; 13: 34, 35; 15: 1215, 17; 1 Cor. 13; Matt. 7: 24, 25; 25: 1-9; 15: 14; 16: 19; Eph. 5: 15-17; Col. 3: 10, 16; Jas. 3: 13. Hymns: 95, 13, 44, 346, 266, 165, 272. Poems of Dawn, 105: My Times are in Thy Hand. Tower Reading: Z '12, 279 (R 5093). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to this text? How were they met? To what did they lead? MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND PSALM 31: 15. FATHER, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me; And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see: But I ask Thee for a present mind Intent on pleasing Thee. I ask Thee for a thankful love, Through constant watching wise,

To meet the glad with joyful smiles, To wipe the weeping eyes, And a heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathize. I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know; I would be dealt with as a child, And guided where to go. I ask Thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied; And a mind to blend with outward life, While keeping at Thy side, Content to fill a little space, If Thou be glorified.

MAY 23 Ye also ought to wash one another's feetJohn 13: 14. This would signify that the disciples of Christ should have a mutual watch-care over one another's welfare; to keep each other clean, holy, pure, and to assist one another in overcoming the trials and temptations and besetments of this present evil world, arising from the three sources of temptation, "the world, the flesh and the devil." Only as we cultivate the various graces of the Spiritmeekness, patience, gentleness, brotherly kindness, lovecan we hope to be specially helpful to others in putting on these adornments of character and purities of life, and to get rid of defilements of the world and the fleshZ '97, 243 (R 2200). Certainly in exhorting us to wash one another's feet, the Lord did not mean our literal feet, for this under present conditions would be the reverse of the spirit He manifested in washing His disciples' feet. As the washing of their feet by Jesus made them comfortable and thus served them, so His exhortation to us to wash one another's feet would signify to serve one another in love, even in the humblest waysP '35, 62. Parallel passages: Matt. 4: 19; 10: 16-24; 20: 25-28; 23: 8-11; John 4: 36-38; Luke 10: 1, 2; Acts 6: 3, 4; 13: 1-3; 20: 24; Rom. 10: 14, 15; 1 Cor. 9: 16-20; 2 Cor. 5: 18-20; Eph. 4: 11, 12; Heb. 5: 4; Isa. 32: 20; 52: 11; Jer. 20: 9; Mal 2: 6, 7; John 13: 13-17; 1 Cor. 3: 710. Hymns: 309, 22, 275, 70, 210, 23, 49. Poems of Dawn, 169: Go, Labor On. Tower Reading: Z '12, 273 (R 5090). Questions: Have I this week served the brethren? How? Why? Under what circumstances? With what result? GO, LABOR ON GO, labor on; spend and be spent, Thy joy to do thy Fathers will; It is the way the Master went; Should not the servant tread it still? Go, labor on; tis not for naught; Thine earthly loss is heavenly gain; Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not; The Master praiseswhat are men? Go, labor on; enough, while here, If He shall praise theeif He design Thy willing heart to mark and cheer;

No toil for Him shall be in vain. Men sit in darkness at thy side, Without a hope beyond the tomb; Take up the torch and wave it wide, The torch that lights the thickest gloom. Go, labor on; thy hands are weak, Thy knees are faint, thy soul cast down, Yet falter not; the prize we seek, Is neara Kingdom and a crown!

MAY 24 Love . . . is not easily provoked1 Cor. 13: 4, 5. However natural depravity and heredity and nervous disorders may tend toward the spirit of fretfulness, taciturnity and touchiness, every heart filled with the Lord's Spirit must oppose this disposition to evil in his flesh, and must wage a good warfare against it. It will not do to say, "It is my way"; for all the ways of the fallen nature are bad; it is the business of the new nature to overcome the old nature in this as well as other works of the flesh and the devil; and few show to our friends and households more than this of the power of the grace of Love. This grace as it grows should make every child of God sweet-temperedZ '97, 247 (R 2202). By love not only is thankful good will meant, but more especially the unselfish, disinterested good will which delights in good principles, which appreciates character in harmony with them, which sympathizes with and pities those out of harmony with them, and which delights to lay down life to spread them. Such a love cannot become infuriated. An evil disposition is the reverse of such love. On the contrary, such a love is mild, long-suffering and forgivingP '34, 63. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 13: 4; 2 Cor. 6: 4-6; Gal. 5: 22; Eph. 4: 1, 2; Col. 1: 11-13; 1 Tim. 1: 16; 2 Tim. 3: 10; 4: 2; Prov. 19: 11; Eccles. 7: 21; Matt. 5: 7, 39-48; Luke 6: 3537; Rom. 12: 14, 17, 19, 21; 1 Cor. 4: 12, 13; Eph. 4: 32; 1 Pet. 3: 9. Hymns: 125, 95, 198, 165, 166, 201. Poems of Dawn, 119: A Prayer for Perfect Love. Tower Reading: Z '15, 5 (R 5603). Questions: Have I been forbearing this week? How? Why? With what results? A PRAYER FOR PERFECT LOVE O GOD! this is my plea, Whateer the process be, This love to know And if, the prize to gain, Through sorrow, toil and pain I go, ere self be slain, Amen! I go. Rooted and grounded! yes, For this I plead. O! bless My waiting soul. Will not this proud heart melt Unless the rod be felt? In mercy be it dealt, And make me whole.

To Thee I humbly bow And pray Thou wilt een now The work begin. Tis all that I desire This fullness to acquire; This one great Purifier, Dwelling within.

MAY 25 Be not overcome of evilRom. 12: 21. We are never to take up or to use evil words or methods or manners. To do so is temporarily to join the enemy, or to admit that his implements and methods are better than those of the Captain to whom we belong. To answer anger with anger, evil report with evil report, bitter words with bitter words, slander with slander, persecution with persecution, blow with blow, or any of these, would be to endeavor to overcome evil with evil. This, which is natural to our fallen natures, is what we are commanded to avoid, that we may the more thoroughly cultivate the new nature. To be misled by the Adversary to use his methods in any of these ways is to be overcome by evilZ '97, 267 (R 2212). Evils of all sorts are permitted to assail the Lord's people. The devil, the world and the flesh are constantly seeking to overcome the new heart, mind and will. Only by persistent battles will we be enabled to overcome our enemies. God's Oathbound Covenant is our encouragement in this warfare, and His Spirit, Word and Providence are our weapons of defense and offense. Therewith let us fight the good fight of faith, so that instead of being overcome by evil, we will overcome itP '33, 79. Parallel passages: Ex. 23: 4, 5; Deut. 32: 35; Prov. 19: 11; 24: 17, 29; 25: 21, 22; Matt. 5: 7, 30-45; Luke 6: 35-37; Rom. 12: 14, 17, 19, 20; Heb. 10: 30; Acts 7: 60; 1 Cor. 4: 12; 1 Pet. 3: 9. Hymns: 91, 130, 136, 145, 183, 196, 198. Poems of Dawn, 92: Believe Good Things of God. Tower Reading: Z '15, 179 (R 5705). Questions: Have I this week overcome evil? How? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? BELIEVE GOOD THINGS OF GOD WHEN in the storm it seems to thee That He who rules the raging sea Is sleeping, still, on bended knee, Believe good things of God. When thou hast sought in vain to find The silver thread of love entwined In lifes soft, tangled web, resigned, Believe good things of God. And should He smite thee till thy heart Is crushed beneath the bruising smart,

Still, while the bitter teardrops start, Believe good things of God. Tis true thou mayst not understand The dealings of thy Fathers hand; But trusting what His love hath planned, Believe good things of God. He loves thee; in that love confide; Unchanging, faithful, true and tried; And through whatever may betide, Believe good things of God.

MAY 26 Knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth upCor. 8: 1. All who seek to teach the Divine Plan to others are exposed to peculiar temptations, so that the honor of serving the Lord and His people demands a correspondingly larger measure of the graces of the holy Spirit, as well as of knowledge. Whoever, therefore, would be an instructor of others, a mouthpiece of the Lord, should cultivate all the various graces of the holy Spirit including meekness, that these (combined in Love) with knowledge, may build up himself as well as build up those to whom he ministersZ '97, 277 (R 2218). The natural tendency of knowledge is to puff up its possessor, whose defense against such pride is a humble recognition that this knowledge is not his own invention, but a gift of God. The natural tendency of love is to build us up in abhorrence and avoidance of evil and opposition to it, in the graces, in the heavenly disposition, in the consecrated use of our fleshly members and in strengthening, balancing and perfecting the elements of ChristlikenessP '32, 48. Parallel passages: Rom. 11: 25; 12: 16; Prov. 3: 7; 26: 12; Isa. 5: 21; 1 Cor. 13; John 15: 9-17; Rom. 12: 9, 10; 1 Tim. 1: 5; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 1 John 4: 7-21. Hymns: 165, 166, 90, 91, 95, 198, 201. Poems of Dawn, 159: Not Now, My Child . Tower Reading: Z '12, 110 (R 5000). Questions: What were this week's experiences relating to this text? How were they met? What were their results? NOT NOW, MY CHILD FATHER, I long to spread thy blessed Truth oer land and sea! I listen, and there comes to me His answer, tender, loving, mild, Not now, My child. Father, my heart is sad, I fain would leave this wilderness, Go forth, earths groaning ones to bless! I hear again His answer mild, Not now, My child. Father, I yearn to break these fleshly fetters and be free, As pants the hart, I pant for Thee! His voice, how sweet, how tender, mild,

Not now, My child. Father, Thy will be done, I humbly leave it all with Thee, Thou knowest what is best for me! I hear His voice, so low, so mild, Come now, My child.

MAY 27 In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselvesPhil. 2: 3. Paul exhorts that all shall cultivate the grace of humility, and that in every affair each shall take heed that "nothing be done through strife or vainglory," that selflaudation and strivings for pre-eminence be thoroughly put away as the greatest enemies to the Spirit of the Lord and the blessing of the Church. On the contrary, each should have that lowliness of mind which can see the good qualities of fellowbrethren and appreciate some of these qualities at least as superior to his own. All the talents, and all the abilities, need never be expected in any one person in any congregation. So, then, each may, if he be of lowly mind, see in others certain good qualities or graces superior to his own, and should delight to recognize these and to esteem their possessor accordinglyZ '97, 296 (R 2227). By lowliness of mind we understand humility to be meant. Humility is a proper selfestimate, and a self-estimate to be proper for us must be lowly; because whether considering ourselves from the standpoint of our physical, mental, moral or religious qualities, we must judge ourselves as not amounting to much. Such a self-estimate naturally esteems others better than ourselves, because it looks upon their qualities with more appreciation than upon one's own qualitiesP '26, 61. Parallel passages: Rom. 12: 3, 10, 16; 1 Pet. 5: 5; Phil. 2: 5-11; Psa. 138: 6; Prov. 15: 33; 16: 19; 25: 6, 7; Isa.57: 15; Jer.45: 5; Mic.6: 8; Matt. 11: 29; 20: 26, 27; 23: 12; Luke 14: 10; John 13: 14-16. Hymns: 198, 95, 23, 114, 74, 4, 145. Poems of Dawn, 144: Judge Not by Outward Appearance. Tower Reading: Z '16, 35 (R 5842). Questions: What were this week's experiences along the lines of this text? How were they met? What were their effects? JUDGE NOT BY OUTWARD APPEARANCE JUDGE not; the workings of the brain And of the heart thou canst not see; What looks to thy dim eye a stain, In Gods pure light may only be A scar, brought from some well-won field, Where thou wouldst only faint and yield. The look, the air, that frets thy sight, May be a token that below The soul hath closed in deadly fight With some internal, fiery foe,

Whose glance would scorch thy smiling grace, And cast thee, shuddering, on thy face. The fall thou darest to despise; May be the angels slackened hand Hath suffered it that he may rise And take a firmer, truer stand; Or, trusting less to earthly things, May henceforth learn to use his wings. And judge none lost; but wait and see, With hopeful pity, not disdain; The depth of the abyss may be The measure of the height of pain And love and glory that may raise This soul to God in after days.

MAY 28 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body [so long as we feel entirely contented with present conditionsourselves and our surroundings], we are absent from the Lord2 Cor. 5: 6. If we were living near to Him "walking with God," we would not feel perfectly satisfied with present attainments, conditions, etc., but would feel like pilgrims and strangers, seeking a better rest, a better home, "which God hath in reservation for them that love him." But this, as the Apostle explains (v.7), is true only of those who walk by faith and not by sight. "But we are confident (full of faith toward God, we rejoice to walk by faith], and are well pleased rather to be from home [homeless, pilgrims and strangers in this world], and to be at home with the Lord" "in the spirit of our fellowship"Z '97, 305 (R 2230). Confidence, the full assurance of faith, is the privilege of God's people, based upon the word and oath of the all-wise, just, loving and powerful Jehovah. His Plan and our experience in connection with that plan, so far as unfolded, fully corroborate His word and His oath. Under all circumstances of our pilgrimage to our home, we may enjoy this confidence, as we see all things working together for our good. This keeps us from feeling absent from the Lord in the spirit of our mindsP '36, 64. Parallel passages: Matt. 6: 25-34; 10: 39; 16: 26; 18: 1-4; 24: 38, 39; Luke 8: 14; 12: 19; 14: 17-24; 21: 34; John 12: 43; 15: 19; 1 Cor. 7: 29-31; 15: 32; Phil. 3: 18, 19; Col. 3: 2; Jas. 4: 4; 1 Pet. 1: 14, 24; 2: 11. Hymns: 47, 322, 7, 94, 170, 172, 4. Poems of Dawn, 196: In The Wilderness. Tower Reading: Z '97, 303 (R 2230). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they undergone? In what did they result? IN THE WILDERNESS BE still, and murmur not, poor heart, When God shall lead thee to a desert place, And bid thee dwell apart; If ravens in the wilderness Did feed the servant of the Lord, will He For thee, His child, do less? Nor fear, sad heart, its loneliness, Hath He not said, I never will forsake Nor leave thee comfortless? Have faith, thy Master may design

To fit thee thus for Kingdom work and bliss, And wilt thou then repine? Be patient, let His will be done; Be calm, be strong, that He may finish there The work He hath begun. A little while, He soon will come, And say to thee, It is enough, my child, My faithful one, come home!

MAY 29 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraidJohn 14: 27. The more we overcome the world, the flesh and the devil, the more we seek to do the will of our Father who is in heaven, the more we seek for the fellowship and communion of our dear Redeemer, the more we seek to do those things which are pleasing in His sight, so much the more will we have of the joy and peace which no man takes from us, and which trials, difficulties and persecutions can only make the more sweet and precious. "Ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (John 16: 22) Z '97, 306 (R 2230). Peace is rest of heart and mind. In the first instance, it arises from the consciousness of the forgiveness of our sins through the merit of Christ, giving us peace with God. In the second instance, it arises from a consciousness of our harmony with the good will of God in sanctification, giving the peace of God. In neither sense should we permit anything to drive it from our hearts, but hold ourselves in rest with, and in GodP '30, 78. Parallel passages: Job 34: 29; Psa. 4: 8; 25: 12, 13; 85: 8; 119: 165; 125: 1; Prov. 3: 17, 24; Isa. 26: 3; 28: 12; 32: 2, 17, 18; 53: 5; Matt. 11: 28-30; John 16: 33; Rom. 5: 1; 8: 6; 14: 17; 15: 13, 33; Eph. 2: 14, 17; Phil. 4: 6, 7, 9; Col. 3: 15; 2 Thes. 3: 16. Hymns: 330, 63, 110, 99, 120, 244, 293. Poems of Dawn, 210: A Little While. Tower Reading: Z '11, 150 (R 4817). Questions: Have I been fully resting in the Lord this week? Under what circumstances? What aided or hindered? What were the results? A LITTLE WHILE A LITTLE while, our warfare shall be over; A little while, our tears be wiped away; A little while, the power of Jehovah Shall turn our darkness into gladsome day. A little while, the fears that oft surround us Shall to the memories of the past belong; A little while, the love that sought and found us Shall change our weeping into Heavens glad song. A little while! Tis ever drawing nearer The brighter dawning of that glorious day. Blest Savior, make our spirits vision clearer,

And guide, O guide us in the shining way! A little while, O blessed expectation! For strength to run with patience, Lord, we cry; Our hearts up-leap in fond anticipation; Our union with the Bridegroom draweth nigh.

MAY 30 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulationRom. 12: 12 . Here is an important part of the great battle of the Christian's life. He must fight the natural tendencies of the old nature and confidently anticipate the victory in the strength of the great Captain of his Salvation. He must not succumb to the flattering and deceptive influences of prosperity, nor faint under the burdens of adversity. He must not allow the trials of life to sour and harden his disposition, to make him morose, or surly, or bitter, or unkind. Nor may he allow pride or ostentation or selfrighteousness to grow and feed upon the temporal good things which the Lord's providence has granted him to test his faithfulness as a stewardZ '95, 20 (R 1759). Our hope of being in God's and Christ's image and of sharing in the Kingdom blessings and work is a strong basis for joy. Our tribulations are steps preparing us for the realization of our hopes, and they call for the exercise of patience, lest we fail, while considering our tribulations, to persevere in looking with cheerful constancy to the glorious hope set before us. Let patience have her perfect work, and the glorious hope will be oursP '35, 62. Parallel passages: Phil. 4: 4; 1 Thes. 4: 2, 3, 6, 7; 5: 16; Luke 10: 20; Rom. 15: 3, 4, 13; 5: 2-5; Heb. 3: 6; 10: 36; 1 Pet. 4: 13; Luke 21: 19; Psa. 37: 7; 40: 1; Hab. 3: 17, 18; Col. 1: 11; Jas. 1: 2-4; 5: 7; 1 Pet. 2: 19, 20; Heb. 12: 1-3; 2 Thes. 1: 4. Hymns: 25, 7, 21, 32, 58, 88, 92. Poems of Dawn, 185: I Can Trust. Tower Reading: Z '11, 408 (R 4909). Questions: What have this week's experiences been in the light of this text? How were they met? In what did they result? I CAN TRUST I CANNOT see, with my small human sight, Why God should lead this way or that for me; I only know He saith, Child, follow me. But I can trust. I know not why my path should be at times So straitly hedged, so strangely barred before; I only know God could keep wide the door. But I can trust. I often wonder, as with trembling hand I cast the seed along the furrowed ground, If ripened fruit for God will there be found.

But I can trust. I cannot know why suddenly the storm Should rage so fiercely round me in its wrath; But this I know, God watches still my path And I can trust.

MAY 31 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weakRom. 14: 21. It is a very serious crime against the law of love and against the Lord's injunction, to cause one of His brethren to stumble (Matt. 18: 6), but it would also be a crime in His sight for us to stumble othersto hinder them from becoming brethren, and of the household of faith. Hence, it is clear that although knowledge might remove all prohibition of our consciences and all restraints of our liberty, yet love must first come in and approve the liberty before we can exercise it. Love places a firm command upon us, saying, Thou shalt love the Lord with all thine heart, and thy neighbor as thyself. Love, therefore, and not knowledge, not liberty, must finally decide every questionZ '03, 43 (R 3144). The strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak. Cheerfully ought they to surrender their preferences in natural things to the spiritual interests of the weak. The thought of stumbling one for whom Christ died will be a successful deterrent to a faithful follower of Christ from self-indulgence at the expense of a weak brother. Yes, such an one would gladly lay down life to save a weak brother rather than to indulge self to his injury P '34, 63. Parallel passages: Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 8; Rom. 15: 1-3; 1 Tim. 4: 3, 4; Col. 2: 16; 1 Cor. 9: 10, 22; 10: 23, 24, 31-33; 13: 5; 1 Pet. 4: 2; 2 Cor. 5: 15; Phil.2: 4, 5; Matt. 13: 44-46; 16: 24, 25; Acts 20: 22-24. Hymns: 23, 8, 95, 114, 346, 340, 250. Poems of Dawn, 136: What Would Jesus Do? Tower Reading: Z '11, 424 (R 4919). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? WHEN the morning paints the skies, And the birds their songs renew, Let me from my slumbers rise, Saying, What would Jesus do? When I ply my daily task, And the round of toil pursue, Let me every moment ask, What would Jesus do? Would the foe my heart beguile,

Whispering thoughts and words untrue? Let me to his subtlest wile Answer, What would Jesus do? Countless mercies from above Day by day my pathway strew, Father, I would prove my love, Asking, What would Jesus do? Ever let Thy love, O God, Fill my spirit through and through, While I tread where He hath trod, Whispering, What would Jesus do?

JUNE 1 He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to himJohn 14: 21 . May this intimate communion and fellowship with Christ impart to us each more and more of His own spirit, so that the world may take knowledge of us, that we have "been with Jesus"; and let the prayer of each be, Lord Jesus, make Thyself to me A living, bright reality! More real to faith's vision keen, Than any earthly object seen; More dear, more intimately nigh, Than e'en the sweetest earthly tie. Z '95, 75 (R 1789). The proof of our loving the Lord is in having and keeping His commands. Such a love for the Lord is reciprocated by the Father and the Son, out of their appreciation of this quality in us. This prompts them to give us added expressions of confidence and love, culminating in our being privileged to have heart fellowship with them, from an understanding and an appreciation of their charactersP '33, 79. Parallel passages: Deut. 30: 19, 20; John 14: 1517, 22-24; 1 John 2: 5; 4: 13; 5: 3; Prov. 8: 17; 23: 26; John 15: 10, 14; 16: 27; Heb. 12: 6; John 8: 31, 32. Hymns: 315, 22, 312, 166, 113, 213, 299. Poems of Dawn, 300: The Touch of the Master's Hand. Tower Reading: Z '14, 248 (R 5520). Questions: What have this week's experiences been as to this text? How were they met? What resulted? THE TOUCH OF THE MASTERS HAND TWAS battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Though it scarcely worth his while To waste much time on the old violin, But he it held up with a smile. What am I bid, good folks? he cried; Who will start bidding for me? A dollar, a dollar . . . now two, only two Two dollars, and wholl make it three? Three dollars, oncethree dollars, twice Going for three . . . but no!

From the room far back a gray-haired man Came forward and picked up the bow; Then wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening up all its strings, He played a melody, pure and sweet, As sweet as an angel sings. The music ceased and the auctioneer, With a voice that was quiet and low, Said, What am I bid for the old violin? And he held it up with the bow. A thousand dollars . . . and wholl make it two? Two thousand . . . three thousand, twice, And going, and gone, said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, We do not quite understand . . . What changed its worth? The man replied, The touch of the Masters hand. And many a man with life out of tune, And battered and torn with sin, Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin. A mess of pottage, a glass of wine, A game, and he travels on; Hes going once, and going twice, Hes goingand almost gone. But the Master comes and the foolish crowd Never can quite understand The worth of a soul and the change thats wrought By the touch of the Masters hand.

JUNE 2 I determined not to know any thing among you, save, Jesus Christ, and him crucified1 Cor. 2: 2. Our observation of those consecrated ones who have permitted other themes than "this gospel" to engross time and attention leads us to advise such to be very jealous in husbanding time and talent for the ministry of the Gospel, leaving all other subjects, however interesting, to others now, and to the future life for ourselves, when all knowledge shall be ours. Those who for any avoidable cause turn aside from the ministry of the true and only Gospel, we have invariably observed, are quickly turned out of the way or greatly hindered in their course toward the attaining of the KingdomZ '95, 116 (R 1811). Christ Jesus and Him crucified signifies our Ransom and our Example. It therefore comprehends our justification and sanctification and is a brief summary of what Christ is to His followers. Our interest in one another as God's people should have this thought permeating all our relations with one another. We may profitably as fellow-disciples of Christ concentrate our attention upon this thought to the exclusion of all other things P '32, 62. Parallel passages: Gal. 6: 14; Phil. 3: 8, 13, 14; Acts 5: 30, 31, 42; 13: 23, 26-33; 16: 31; 17: 2, 3; 18: 5, 6; 19: 4; 20: 20, 21; 26: 22, 23; Rom. 5: 8-11; 1 Cor. 1: 17, 24, 30; 2: 3-8; 4: 1, 2; 3: 5-10; 2 Cor. 3: 3, 6; 4: 5; 6: 1. Hymns: 116, 13, 44, 78, 91, 130, 136. Poems of Dawn, 245: The Coming of His Feet. Tower Reading: Z '12, 193 (R 5044). Questions: Have I this week sought to serve Jesus only? How? Why? With what results? THE COMING OF HIS FEET IN the crimson of the morning, in the whiteness of the noon, In the amber glory of that days retreat, In the midnight, robed in darkness, or the gleaming of the moon, I listen to the coming of His feet. I heard His weary footsteps on the sands of Galilee, On the Temples marble pavement, on the street, Worn with weight of sorrow, faltering up the slopes of Calvary, The sorrow of the coming of His feet.

Down the minster aisles of splendor, from betwixt the cherubim, Through the wondering throng, with motion strong and fleet, Sounds His victor tread approaching, with a music far and dim The music of the coming of His feet. Sandaled not with sheen of silver, girded not with woven gold, Weighted not with shimmering gems and odors sweet, But white-winged and shod with glory in the Tabor light of old The glory of the coming of His feet. He is coming, O, my spirit, with His everlasting peace, With his blessedness immortal and complete, He is coming, O, my spirit, and His coming brings release, I listen for the coming of His feet!

JUNE 3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech, there are no words, their voice is not heard; but their melody extendeth through all the earth, and to the end of the world their wordsPsa. 19: 1-4, Leeser. The magnificent pageantry of the heavens daily and nightly should elicit our praise and adoration, and should inspire in our hearts holy and reverent devotion. Let the noiseless activity, the perfect obedience to Divine law, and the blessed shining of the heavenly hosts, impress their wholesome lessons upon usof zealous activity without commotion or ostentation; of perfect obedience to the will of Him who doeth all things well, who is too wise to err and too good to be unkind; and of letting the glory of the Lord which has illuminated us shine from us in turn upon every beholderZ '95, 121 (R 1811). Not only do all the various objects and arrangements of nature manifest the Lord's attributes to our attentive minds, but we find that these objects and arrangements are used to symbolize things that manifest His attributes and Plan. Thus the new heavens will make known His character in the coming Age. The nights with their evils symbolize various times with the evils suffered therein by various evil classes, especially in the Epiphany. The days symbolize the times of dispensational blessings, the preceding ones shadowing forth the following ones, e.g., as in the harvests and parallel dispensations P '26, 76. Parallel passages: Gen. 1: 1-2: 7; Isa. 40: 26; Job 9: 8, 9; 12: 7-9; 28: 23-26; 37: 16, 18; 38: 4, 7-10; Psa. 8: 3-9; 104: 2-6, 24; 136: 5-9; Jer. 51: 15, 16; Rom. 1: 19, 20; Heb. 11: 3, 10. Hymns: 283, 11, 45, 55, 89, 227, 292. Poems of Dawn, 229: God in Nature. Tower Reading: Z ' 13, 101 (R 5209). Questions: What have been my week's meditations regarding the present literal and symbolic world and the future literal and symbolic world? What effect did they have upon my veneration for God? GOD IN NATURE THE spacious firmament on high, With all the blue, ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim: The unwearied sun, from day to day, Does his Creators power display; And publishes to every land

The work of an Almighty hand. Soon as the evening shades prevail, The moon takes up the wondrous tale; And nightly, to the listening earth, Repeats the story of her birth; While all the stars that round her burn, And all the planets in their turn, Confirm the tidings as they roll, And spread the truth from pole to pole. What though, in solemn silence, all Move round this dark terrestrial ball, What though no real voice nor sound Amid their radiant orbs be found, In reasons ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice, Forever singing as they shine, The hand that made us is Divine.

JUNE 4 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ1 Pet. 1: 7. It is your faith that is on trial now. In the calmer days when the sun of favor shone brightly upon you, you were quietly laying the foundation of a knowledge of the Truth, and rearing the superstructure of Christian character. Now you are in the furnace to be proved; summon therefore all your courage; fortify your patience; nerve yourself to endurance; hold fast to your hope; call to mind the promises, they are still yours; and "cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward." "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him," and faith has gained her victoryZ '95, 135 (R 1822). As the assayist in putting the gold ore into the fiery crucible seeks not its destruction, but its separation from the dross and its refining, so God gives us fiery experiences, not to destroy our faith, but to separate from it the dross of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, and to make it in every way valuable, which will be manifested as worthy of praise, honor and glory at our Lord's revelationduring His EpiphanyP '36, 78. Parallel passages: 1 Chron. 29: 17; Psa. 26: 2; 81: 7; Matt. 13: 19-22; 2 Thes. 1: 3-5; Heb. 6: 13, 18; Jas. 1: 3, 12; Heb. 11: 7, 17-19, 25, 29, 30, 32-39; Job 1; 2; Ezra 8: 22; Matt. 8: 23-27; 15: 21-28; 9: 28; 14: 25-33. Hymns: 197, 12, 57, 93, 110, 124, 137. Poems of Dawn, 51: Right Was the Pathway. Tower Reading: Z '12, 320 (R 5114). Questions: What things did I experience this week in line with this text? How were they borne? What was helpful or hindersome amid them? What did they effect? RIGHT WAS THE PATHWAY LIGHT after darkness, Gain after loss, Strength after suffering, Crown after cross. Sweet after bitter, Song after sigh, Home after wandering, Praise after cry. Sheaves after sowing, Sun after rain, Sight after mystery,

Peace after pain. Joy after sorrow, Calm after blast, Rest after weariness, Sweet rest at last. Near after distant, Gleam after gloom, Love after loneliness, Life after tomb. After long agony Rapture of bliss! Right was the pathway Leading to this !

JUNE 5 In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trustPsa. 31: 1. There is nothing that puts the Christian at greater disadvantage in the presence of his foes than for him to let go, even temporarily, his grip upon the anchor of faith. Let him do so for a moment, and of necessity darkness begins to gather round him; he cannot see the brightness of his Father's face, for "without faith it is impossible to please God"; and while he grapples again for the anchor, the powers of darkness fiercely assail him with doubts and fears, based generally upon his human imperfections, which he should ever bear in mind are covered by the robe of Christ's righteousness. If we would have the peace of God reign in our hearts, we must never let go our anchor, "nor suffer Satan's deadliest strife to beat our courage down." The language of our hearts should always be, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him"Z '95, 157 (R 1832). The Christian's trust is not in self, nor in the arm of flesh; rather his heart rests in Jehovah; and what rest can be more secure than that experienced on the bosom of Jehovah, the self-existent, eternal, immortal, independent and unlimited One! The promise and oath of such a one are worthy of all trust. Our anchor finds in Him its rest in His person, character, Plan and worksP '30, 78. Parallel passages: 1 Chron. 5: 20; 2 Chron. 14: 11; 20: 12; Job 13: 15, 16; Psa. 18: 30; 22: 4, 5; 27: 1; 31: 6, 14, 15; 34: 1-12; 118: 5-9; Prov. 3: 5; Isa. 26: 3; Dan. 3: 17; Mic. 7: 7; Hab. 3: 19; Rom. 4; 2 Tim. 1: 12; Heb. 11. Hymns: 12, 213, 124, 197, 110, 126, 108. Poems of Dawn, 66: A Perfect Trust. Tower Reading: Z '16, 341 (R 5990). Questions: Wherein did I trust God this week? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? A PERFECT TRUST O BLESSED peace of a perfect trust, My loving God, in Thee; Unwavering faith, that never doubts Thou choosest best for me. Best, though my plans be all upset; Best, though the way be rough; Best, though mine earthly store be scant; In Thee I have enough. Best, though my health and strength be gone,

Though weary days be mine, Shut out from much that others have; Not my will, Lord, but Thine! And een though disappointments come, They, too, are best for me, To wean me from a clamring world, And lead me nearer Thee. O blessed peace of a perfect trust That looks away from all; That sees Thy hand in everything, In great events or small; That hears Thy voicea Fathers voice Directing for the best: O blessed peace of a perfect trust, A heart with Thee at rest!

JUNE 6 Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be over charged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this lifeLuke 21: 34. What a work we realize to be before us, and what necessity for sobriety, vigilance, steadfastness! It is a life work, a life battle against a mighty foe entrenched in our flesh. The powers without are strong indeed, but the civil war within is by far the most to be dreaded. If we become in any measure intoxicated with the spirit of the world; if we give way to self-gratification, love of ease, pleasure, a little indulgence of any of the old disposition of envy, malice, pride, vainglory, vaunting of self, headiness, high-mindedness, wrath, strife, or any such thingeven a little, oh, how great is the peril to which we are exposed!Z '95, 201 (R 1859). The influence of the world, the flesh and the Adversary tends to fill us with surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life. The attitude of watchfulness is necessary, if such an overcharging is to be prevented. Let us therefore be wakeful, alert, incredulous and studious as to ourselves, our thoughts, motives, words, acts, surroundings and the influences operating upon us, to avoid being overcharged. The overcharged one will surely fail of gaining the reward that is for the diligent and faithful onlyP '35, 101. Parallel passages: Rom. 13: 11, 13; 1 Thes. 5: 68; 1 Pet. 4: 7; 5: 8, 9; Matt. 13: 12-15, 22; 25: 13; 26: 41; Luke 8: 14; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Rev. 3: 2, 3; 16: 15; Luke 12: 40. Hymns: 183, 184, 130, 136, 13, 20, 78. Poems of Dawn, 18: The Nominal Church. Tower Reading: Z '12, 211 (R 5055). Questions: What have been this week's experiences connected with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? THE NOMINAL CHURCH

THE Church and the World walked far apart On the changing shores of time; The World was singing a giddy song, And the Church a hymn sublime. Come, give me your hand, said the merry World, And walk with me this way; But the good Church hid her snowy hands And solemnly answered, Nay, I will not give you my hand at all, And I will not walk with you; Your way is the way that leads to death; To my Lord I must be true.

Nay, walk with me but a little space, Said the World, with a kindly air, The road I walk is a pleasant road, And the sun shines always there; Your path is thorny and rough and rude, But mine is broad and plain; My way is paved with flowers and dews, And yours with tears and pain; The sky to me is always blue, No want, no toil I know; The sky above you is always dark, Your lot is a lot of woe; The way you walk is a narrow way, But mine is amply wide; Theres room enough for you and me To travel side by side. Half shyly the Church approached the World And gave him her hand of snow; And the old World clasped it and walked along, Saying in accents low, Your dress is too simple to please my taste, I will give you pearls to wear, Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form, And diamonds to deck your hair. The Church looked down at her plain white robes And then at the dazzling World, And blushed as she saw his handsome lip With a smile contemptuous curled. I will change my dress for a costlier one, Said the Church with a smile of grace; Then her pure, white garments drifted away, And the World gave, in their place, Beautiful satins and shining silks, Roses and gems and pearls; While over her forehead her bright hair fell Crimpled in a thousand curls. Your house is too plain, said the proud old World, Ill build you one like mine; Carpets of Brussels and curtains of lace, And furniture ever so fine. So he built her a costly and beautiful house, Most splendid it was to behold; Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there,

Gleaming in purple and gold; Rich fairs and shows in the halls were held, And the World and his children were there; Laughter and music and feasting were heard In the place that was meant for prayer. There were cushioned pews for the rich and gay, To sit in their pomp and pride; While the poor, who were clad in shabby array, But seldom came inside. You give too much to the poor, said the World, Far more than you ought to do; If they are in need of shelter and food, Why need it trouble you? Go, take your money, and buy rich robes, Buy horses and carriages fine, Buy pearls and jewels and dainty food, Buy the rarest and costliest wine; My children dote on all these things, And if you their love would win, You must do as they do, and walk in the ways That they are walking in. Then the Church held fast the strings of her purse, And modestly lowered her head, And simpered, No doubt you are right, sir; Henceforth I will do as youve said. Then the sons of the World and the sons of the Church Walked closely, hand and heart, And only the Master, who knoweth all, Could tell the two apart. Then the Church sat down at her ease and said, I am rich and my goods are increased; I have need of nothing, nor aught to do, But to laugh, and dance, and feast. The sly World heard, and he laughed in his sleeve, And mockingly said aside, The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church, And her shame is her boast and pride. The angel drew near to the mercy-seat, And whispered in sighs her name, Then the loud anthems of rapture were hushed, And heads were covered with shame. And a voice was heard at last by the Church From Him who sat on the Throne,

I know thy works, and how thou hast said, I am rich; and hast not known That thou art naked, poor and blind, And wretched before My face; Therefore, from My presence, I cast thee out, And blot thy name from its place.

JUNE 7 The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, confirm, and strengthen you1 Pet. 5: 10; see Diaglott. It is only through endurance of hardness as good soldiers of Christ that this desirable condition can be attained, namely, perfect self-control and ability to resist evil; established faith, patience and virtue; settled, abiding rest in Christ; and hope through His word of promise. This undoubtedly was the Apostle's own experience as he grew old in the Master's service, and so may it be ours. Let each departing year find us nearer the glorious summit of perfection!Z '95, 202 (R 1859). Our having the privilege of the Gospel-Age calling is one of the most marvelous exhibitions of God's grace. No wonder that its realization requires faithfulness under the most crucial tests of suffering! These sufferings effect three things in our development in the new heart, mind and will. They strengthen us in a right attitude toward evil, in good affections, in the graces and in knowledge; they balance the various parts and qualities of Christian character; and finally they perfect, crystallize, them, and all this is accomplished by the Lord through the power of God's Spirit, Word and providence P '34, 95. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 1: 9; 1 Tim. 6: 12; Psa. 30: 5; Isa. 54: 8; Matt. 5: 12; Rom. 8: 18, 37; 1 Pet. 1: 6; Eph. 3: 16; 6: 10-17; Col. 1: 11; 2 Tim. 2: 1; 2 Thes. 2: 17; 3: 3; 1 Thes. 3: 12, 3; Jas. 5: 8; 2 Pet. 1: 12; Rom. 8: 29; Luke 6: 40; Eph. 4: 12; Heb. 13: 20, 21. Hymns: 105, 305, 266, 272, 78, 201, 230. Poems of Dawn, 305: The Needed Strength. Tower Reading: Z '95, 105 (R 1806). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How? With what results? THE NEEDED STRENGTH I WANDERED oer the mountain side Where rocks lay all around, Within a tiny crevice there A little tree I found. Though crushed between two cold, gray rocks The sapling still did try To grow into a tree, and reached Its branches toward the sky. You may as well give up, I said, Your chances there are few;

Against such odds, you try in vain--Life was not fair to you. The years rolled by, and once again I wandered through that land; And in that crevice, I beheld A tree both tall and grand. And as I closer drew, I saw The rocks were pushed aside, The crevice, once so very small, Was many inches wide. I might have known, I whispered then, That God, who made the seed, Would put within its tiny form The strength for every need. How can we doubt our Fathers care, Who thus cares for a tree? Will He not give His children strength To be what we should be? When obstacles are in the way, Should we sit down and sigh, And so fall short of what wed be, If we would only try? Well win, if we remember this, For it is very true Gods strength is quite sufficient for All things were told to do.

JUNE 8 He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sinsJas. 5: 20. When we see others walking in forbidden paths, in the way of transgressors, we are not to follow them there in order to help them out; but to show them the right path by keeping in it and calling to them. When we see some confusing themselves with doctrines and teachings of men, which we know are fundamentally wrong, we are not to wade through those doctrines in order to help them out; but we are to remind them that the study of any doctrine which will not square with the foundation is not only a misuse of consecrated time, but that all trifling with that which we know to be error is wrong and dangerous, as all violations of conscience and principle are dangerousZ '05, 203 (R 1860). The sinner of this passage is in general one who has backslidden, as v. 19 shows. It refers especially to the Great Company, who sinned against their consecration vows. Their course put them continually into danger of going further into willfulness and finally of landing in the Second Death (Heb. 6: 4-6). It has been the privilege of the Lord's people to seek to deliver such from their danger, and thereby to cover with the robe of Christ's righteousness a multitude of the transgressions of the wayward onesP '33, 79. Parallel passages: Psa. 19: 7; 51: 13; Matt. 18: 3; Luke 22: 32; Acts 3: 19; Jas. 5: 14-19; Matt. 18: 15-17; 1 Cor.5; 1 Tim.1: 19, 20; Heb. 3: 12-14; 10: 25; Gal. 6: 1; 1 John 5: 16; Rev. 7: 14. Hymns: 275, 135, 194, 28, 104, 103, 101. Poems of Dawn, 191: O Prodigal, Return! Tower Reading: Z '02, 199 (R 3033). Questions: Have I this week sought to recover an erring brother or sister? How? Why? With what result? O, PRODIGAL, RETURN! RETURN, return! Thy Fathers voice is pleading, Tho far astray, I bid thee turn again! Thy robe is rent, thy tender feet are bleeding, Thy heart is faint and sick with famine pain: Return, My child: a welcome here awaits thee: No longer in the distant country rove; Resist the cruel tempter that belates thee, And keeps thee from My dwelling and My love. Return, return! Thy Fathers loving-kindness Thou long hast scorned, and done His grace despite;

Yet in His touch is healing for thy blindness, And He can turn thy darkness into light. Return in all thy rags of sins defilement; Return with all thy want and sore distress; Thy Fathers voice bespeaks His reconcilement: Flee to thy Savior and thy guilt confess. Return, return! Thy substance hath been wasted Thou hast not aught to bring but thy poor heart; Yet art thou longing for the bread once tasted. And for His paths of peace, and faiths good part? Return, for why shouldst thou delay the pardon Thy Fathers great compassion waits to grant! Arise and go, before thy doubts shall harden The homesick yearnings of the penitent. Return, return! Leave thou the swine and famine And seek again the plenty of thy home! Why dost thou toil among the husks of mammon, When to His rest the Father bids thee come? Return thou to His arms, His kiss, His blessing, Accept the robe, the sandals, and the ring, After thy sinfulness and guilt confessing, By Jesus found, lost treasure of the King! Return, return! The angel-hosts bend oer thee They wait to bear the tidings joyful sound. They have beheld the Savior dying for thee, And will rejoice to sing, The lost is found! Return, for He will heal all thy backsliding Will love thee freely, and will thus forgive; Come, weary soul, rest in His love abiding, Thou hast been deadarise today and live!

JUNE 9 In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the worldJohn 16: 33. There was no reward of earthly prosperity for the Lord's faithfulness, but the reverseprivation and persecutionwas realized, even unto death. He was a "man of sorrows and acquainted with grief"; the reproaches of them that reproached God fell upon Him; though He was rich, for our sakes He became poor; so poor that He said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." . . . And the servant is not above his Master: if they have persecuted Him they will persecute us also; and the reproaches of them that reproached Him will also fall upon us. The only present reward for which the followers of Christ may look is the heartfelt manifestation of the Lord's love and approvalZ '95, 207 (R 4071). Among the tribulations that the Lord's people must endure may be enumerated the disadvantages of the present evil conditions, the continued opposition of the Adversary, the persecution of the world and the opposition of the flesh, particularly amid exhaustion, sickness and sorrow. The Lord gives us compensating spiritual blessings as an offset to these disadvantages, enabling us to rejoice amid present inequalities, and to hope for victory because of our Lord's victory over the worldP '32, 62. Parallel passages: John 15: 19-25; 16: 2, 3; Acts 14: 22; Rom. 5: 3-5; 2 Tim. 3: 12; Heb. 10: 32-34; 12: 5-13; Rev. 3: 19; John 14: 1, 27; Rom. 8: 35-37; Gal. 6: 14; 1 John 4: 4; 5: 4. Hymns: 328, 38, 57, 93, 179, 222, 305. Poems of Dawn, 189: "Be of Good Cheer." Tower Reading: Z '14, 291 (R 5544). Questions: What have been this week's experiences relating to this text? How were they borne? What did they effect in me? BE OF GOOD CHEER!
MATT. 14: 27.

WHEN tempest-tossed on lifes wild sea, And fair skies disappear, Above the storm He calls to thee, Tis I, be of good cheer! Though Satans darts be fiercely hurled, Beloved, help is near, Trust Him who overcame the world, And be thou of good cheer.

In tribulations darkest hour, Yield not to doubt or fear, But calmly rest in His all-power, Who saith, Be of good cheer. Press on, beloved, in the race, The goal is very near, Faint not, thou soon shalt see His face, Then, be thou of good cheer!

JUNE 10 Lord, teach us to prayLuke 11: 1. In brief, our prayers, to be acceptable to God, must express confident faith, loving esteem and reverence, full sympathy with the Divine Plan and submission to the Divine will, childlike dependence upon God, acknowledgment of sins and shortcomings and desire for forgiveness, with humble craving for the Divine guidance and protection. These may not always all be expressed in words, but such must at least be the attitude of the soul. "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed"Z '95, 213 (R 1864). We need the Lord's instructions in order properly to pray. We would not know for what to ask, why to ask, nor how to ask without His instructions. How necessary then, that we come to Him, with humble petitions that He teach us how to pray. Well for us that we prove as apt pupils as He is an apt Teacher of prayer. He will manifest to us its nature, elements, incentives, objects, conditions, cultivation, repression, expression and results P '26, 76. Parallel passages: Psa. 5: 1-3; 42: 8; 109: 4; 116: 2; Dan. 6: 10; Matt. 6: 5-15; Luke 2: 37; 18: 1-13; Acts 6: 4; 10: 2, 9; Rom. 1: 9; 12: 12; Eph. 1: 15, 16; Col. 1: 9; 1 Thes. 3: 10; 5: 17; 1 Tim. 5: 5; 2 Tim. 1: 3. Hymns: 323, 324, 35, 239, 1, 273, 56. Poems of Dawn, 116: Communion With Our Father. Tower Reading: Z '16, 18 (R 5832). Questions: Have I learned this week better to pray? What helped or hindered? What were the results? COMMUNION WITH OUR FATHER OFT when alone in prayer I kneel Before my Fathers throne; I cannot tell Him all I feel, Nor make my wishes known. With heart subdued, and head bowed low, I lean upon His breast, And while the tears unbidden flow, My love for Him confess. I have no boon to ask of Him, Save that His will be done, To make me holy, pure within

An image of His Son. But as He smiles and draws me near His Spirit from above Floods all my soul with peace so dear, And fills my heart with love. Though from my gaze He hides His face, My soul, from self apart, Hath found its happy resting place Close to His loving heart.

JUNE 11 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehendedPhil. 3: I3. If any man consider that he has attained a satisfactory spiritual state, from that moment he may date the beginning of his spiritual decline. No present attainments can be satisfactory to a sincere follower of Christ who studiously endeavors to copy the Perfect Pattern. It is only when we turn our eyes away from Christ that self complacency can be exercised; for in full view of the Pattern our shortcomings are ever manifest. And if in pride of heart we do lose sight of them ourselves, they only become the more manifest to others. Only in the realization of a continual growth into the likeness of Christ should the Christian find satisfactionZ '95, 250 (R 1884). The Lord laid hold on Paul that he might attain and maintain under the hardest of trials a Christlike character. At the time of writing these words, Paul had not yet crystallized such a character. Many a person with but a meager proportion of Paul's character, would have been self-satisfied; not so the Apostle, whose sober self-estimate enabled him humbly to recognize his lacks and to strive to attain and maintain his idealP '36, 78. Parallel passages: Job 25: 5; Psa. 131: 1; Prov. 15: 33; Isa. 57: 15; Jer. 45: 5; Mic. 6: 8; Matt. 5: 3; 23: 12; Luke 10: 21; 17: 10; Rom. 12: 3, 10, 16; 1 Cor. 13: 4; 9: 24-27; 15: 58; Phil. 1: 21; Rom. 7: 1; 2 Cor. 7: 1; Heb. 5: 14. Hymns: 266, 114, 192, 198, 196, 201, 315. Poems of Dawn, 130: Keep Striving. Tower Reading: Z '12, 255 (R 5080). Questions: What experiences did this week bring me as to this text? How did I meet them? What did I gain from them? KEEP STRIVING KEEP striving: The winners are those who have striven And fought for the prize that no idler hath won; To the hands of the steadfast alone it is given, And before it is gained, there is work to be done. Keep climbing: The earnest and steadfast have scaled The height where the pathway was rough to the feet; But the faint-hearted faltered, and faltering, failed, And sank down by the wayside in helpless defeat. Keep hoping: The clouds hide the sun for a time, But sooner or later they scatter and flee, And the path glows like gold to the toilers who climb

To the heights where men look over landscape and sea. Keep onwardright on, till the prize is attained; Front the future with courage, and obstacles fall. By those, and those only, the victorys gained Who look not to self, but to God above all.

JUNE 12 This one thing I doPhil. 3: 13. We observe the Apostle's singleness of purpose-"This one thing I do." He did not try to do several things; if he had, he would surely have failed. He devoted his life to the one purpose to which he was called, and to that end dropped every other aim in life. He did it, too, in view of the fact that all through the present life his chosen course would bring certain loss, privation, toil, care, persecution and continual reproach. In this singleness of purpose he was relieved of many temptations to turn aside to enjoy some of the good things of this present life, or to pursue some of its illusive bubblesZ '95, 250 (R 1884). The Apostle Paul is to us an example of singleness of purpose. We may be sure that to his varied talents all sorts of appeals with enchanting incentives were made to enlist them for other objects than the one which he made his goal in life; and his sturdiness in refusing to divert his activity from this one thing may well deserve our admiration and imitation. We cannot be a jack of all trades and a master of any one. Realizing that "a rolling stone gathers no moss," let us bend all our energies to attain this one thingthe making of our calling and election sureP '30, 78. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 2: 2; Matt. 10: 42; Luke 9: 51, 61, 62; Mark 10: 45; John 4: 3138; Acts 1: 14; 2: 1, 46; 4: 24, 32; 5: 12; 21: 10-15; Rom. 15: 5, 6; 2 Cor. 13: 11; Phil. 1: 27; 3: 18. Hymns: 130, 136, 78, 1, 8, 160, 267. Poems of Dawn, 270: Retrospection . Tower Reading: Z '01, 6 (R 2753). Questions: Do I have singleness of purpose? What is my purpose? How do I show it? RETROSPECTION HE was better to me than all my hopes, He was better than all my fears; He made a bridge of my broken works And a rainbow of my tears. The billows that guarded my sea-girt path Carried my Lord on their crest; When I dwell on the days of my wilderness march I can lean on His love for the rest. He emptied my hands of my treasured store, And His covenant love revealed; There was not a wound in mine aching heart, But the balm of His breath hath healed,

Oh, tender and true was the chastening sore, In wisdom that taught and tried, Till the soul He sought was trusting in Him And nothing on earth beside. He guided my steps where I could not see, By ways that I had not known The crooked was straight and the rough made plain As I followed the Lord alone. I praise Him still for the pleasant palms And the water-springs by the way; For the glowing pillars of flame by night And the sheltering cloud by day. And if to warfare He calls me forth, He buckles my armor on, He greets me with smiles and a word of cheer For battles His Sword hath won; He wipes my brow, as I droop and faint, He blesses my hand to toil; Faithful is He as He washes my feet From the trace of each earthly soil. There is light for me on the trackless wild As the wonders of old I trace, When the God of the whole earth went before To search me a resting place. Hath He changed for me? Nay, He changeth not: He will bring me by some new way, Through fire and flood and each crafty foe As safely as yesterday. Never a watch in the dreariest halt But some promise of love endears; I read from the past that the future shall be Far better than all my fears, Like the golden pot of the wilderness bread, Laid up with the blossoming rod, All safe in the ark with Law of the Lord In the covenant care of my God.

JUNE 13 I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likenessPsa. 17: 15. Now let our thoughts on wings sublime Rise from the trivial cares of time, Draw back the parting veil, and see The glories of eternity. Let thoughts of God and Christ and the worthy saints of the past and present, of the Kingdom inheritance, of the blessedness of our future work in cooperation with Christ, of the magnitude and benevolence of the Divine Plan, and of the glory and blessedness of our gathering together unto Christ when our work of the present life is finished, fill our minds and inspire our hearts. And to these contemplations let us also receive the additional comfort and blessedness of personal communion and fellowship with God through prayer and study of the Word and the assembling of ourselves together for worship and praiseZ '95, 251 (R 1884). By God's likeness here we understand His character, nature and rulership to be meant. He has held these up to us as the goal of our attainment. The vicissitudes of experiences preparatory for their attainment make it impossible for us to be satisfied with our present condition, though content therewith. So completely will the longings of the faithful be realized in the resurrection, that perfect satisfaction with their lot will be their blessed experience forever, which prospect urges on to faithfulnessP '35, 101. Parallel passages: 1 John 3: 2; Psa. 4: 6; Gen. 17: 1; Luke 1: 6; 2 Cor. 3: 18; 5: 1-8; Job 19: 26, 27; Isa. 61: 10; Matt. 5: 8; 1 Cor. 13: 12; Rev. 22: 4; 1 Cor. 15: 23, 4148; 1 Thes. 4: 13-17. Hymns: 105, 21, 32, 53, 92, 133, 201. Poems of Dawn, 230: Resurrection. Tower Reading: Z '14, 345 (R 5578). Questions: What has the resurrection hope been to me this week? How did it affect me? What were its results? RESURRECTION I MOURNED the summer rose that died; I said: It will return no more. But lo! its beauty glorified I saw next summers sun restore. New-born, it crowned with radiant grace The stalk where last years blossom came; I marked it hues, I knew its face;

Twas the same roseyet not the same. I could not trace amid its bloom, The atoms of a former flower, Nor tell what waste from natures tomb Had robed it for its perfect hour. I asked not if its form expressed The very substance that decayed But there, in every trait confessed, My lovely favorite stood displayed. And when I knew the parent tree Had planned the rose ere spring begun To set its prisoned being free, I felt the old and new were one. O! not in watched and labeled dust Lies beautys resurrection form; Live in Gods mind her likeness must, His memory keeps her ashes warm. There is no pattern lost; whereer The perished parcel blends with earth, The cast no changes can impair, Nor death deface the seal of birth. Of every face that fades away, Somehow, in custody Divine, The mould that shaped the featured clay Preserves its image, line for line. What though this dust, dispersed, complete, Shall never, grain for grain, be found? Tis but the shoes the pilgrims feet Put off to walk on holy ground Wherever, from the grave estranged, To life awaked, he only knows New grace hath clothed his form and changed The faded to the freshened rose.

JUNE 14 God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble1 Pet. 5: 5. Above almost everything else, beloved, let us guard well our humility. It is only when we are little in our own eyes that God can use us with safety to ourselves. And yet He does not shield us from every test of fidelity. If therefore the Lord give you a little exaltation today, a little encouragement of success in His service, receive it humbly, meekly, remembering your own unworthiness and insufficiency except as God is pleased to work through you; and be just as ready to receive the humiliations of tomorrow as necessary for your discipline and the proper balancing of your character. If the success of yesterday makes you fret under the humiliation of today, beware! You are not as roundly developed spiritually as you should beZ '96, 19 (R 1919). The proud have too high an opinion of themselves, rely upon themselves and seek selfexaltation. The humble of our race have a lowly estimate of themselves, trust God rather than themselves and abase themselves in His interests. The proud, aspiring to positions beyond their abilities and worth, frequently seek to displace others, and always interfere with God's order. Such, of necessity, God must resist; while the humble are continually being advanced by God, for their abilities and worth warrant favors, to which they do not selfishly and wrongly aspireP '34, 95. Parallel passages: Jas. 4: 6, 10; Isa. 57: 15; 66: 2; Matt. 20: 26-28; Mark 10: 43-45; Job 22: 29; Prov. 15: 33; 29: 23; Dan. 4: 37; Luke 14: 11; 18: 14; 1 Pet. 5: 6. Hymns: 63, 47, 114, 134, 191, 229, 307. Poems of Dawn, 29: Not I, But Christ. Tower Reading: Z '13, 363 (R 5361). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? NOT I, BUT CHRIST NOT I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted; Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard; Not I, but Christ, in every look and action, Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word. Not I, but Christ, to gently soothe in sorrow; Not I, but Christ, to wipe the falling tear; Not I, but Christ, to lift the weary burden; Not I, but Christ, to hush away all fear. Not I, but Christ, in lowly, silent labor;

Not I, but Christ, in humble, earnest toil: Christ, only Christ! no show, no ostentation; Christ, none but Christ, the gatherer of the spoil. Christ, only Christ, eer long will fill my vision; Glory excelling, soon, full soon, Ill see Christ, only Christ, mine every wish fulfilling Christ, only Christ, mine All in All to be.

JUNE 15 And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David Isa. 55: 3. All who hungered and thirsted after righteousness, whose souls thirsted after God as the heart for the water-brook, and who, having found Him, consecrated themselves to Him and received the anointing of the holy Spirit, witnessing with their spirits as sons of God, and who as anointed sons could discover in themselves the worthy traits of true sonsloyalty, faithfulness, zeal, energy, courage, discretion, etc. these constitute the class with whom the Lord has made an everlasting covenant and to whom belong "the sure mercies of David"Z '96, 29 (R 1936). Covenants are of two kinds, a promise binding unconditionally one party to another, or a contract binding two parties conditionally to one another. The covenant here referred to (the sure mercies of David) is of the former class. David, the Beloved, is the Christ class; the sure mercies of David are the promises belonging to this class. They are sure because secured by God's Oath, and are everlasting because their benefits will be enjoyed eternally. They are a wonderful heritage. How goodly a portion such have from the Lord!P '33, 79. Parallel passages: Gen. 22: 16-18; 2 Sam. 23: 5; Psa. 89: 34-37; Acts 13: 34; Rom. 9: 713; Gal. 3: 8, 9, 14-19, 26-29; 4: 21-31; Heb. 6: 13-20; 11: 17-19; 2 Cor. 1: 20. Hymns: 27, 41, 330, 333, 72, 58, 204. Poems of Dawn, 9: The Oath-Bound Promise. Tower Reading: Z '09, 27 (R 4318). Questions: What have the promises meant to me this week? How have I used them? What results followed? THE OATH-BOUND PROMISETHE GOSPEL GEN. 22: 16-18. GAL. 3: 8, 16, 29. FROM the Scriptures of truth this conclusion we draw:
2 Tim. 3: 16; John 17: 17.

Neither wisdom of men nor works of the Law

1 Cor. 1: 19; Isa. 5: 21; Rom. 3: 20.

Have the power to cleanse, to forgive, or to save,

Acts 13: 39; Rom. 10: 4; Heb. 7: 19.

To restore from the curse, or redeem from the grave.

Gal. 3: 21; 2: 16, 21.

Men are saved by their faith in the Crucified One,

Rom.10: 9; Acts 16: 31; Heb 11: 6.

When His love and His goodness to them are made known.

 Rom. 10: 13-15; 1 Cor. 1: 21; John 3: 16-18; 1 Tim. 2: 3-6.

Saving faith comes by hearing the life-giving Word,

Rom. 10: 17; Phil. 2: 16.

And the mercy of God through the Savior conferred.

2 Cor. 5: 19; 1 Tim. 2: 3-6

All who will may be saved by obedient faith,

John 20: 31; Heb. 5: 9.

And may gain life unending through Christ, by His death.

Mark 10: 30; Rom. 5: 10.

For the Gospel salvation to all is made free:

Titus 2: 11

As they heed its instruction their judgment will be.

Rom 2: 16; John 3: 18.

Endless life is for those who the Gospel accept,

John 3: 16; Mark 10: 30; Rom 6: 23.

But death is the portion of those who reject.

Acts 3: 23; Heb. 10: 26, 27; Rom. 6: 23.

For theres no other way thats revealed by the Lord,

Acts 4: 12; John 10: 1, 7, 9; 14: 6.

To redeem fallen man but through Christ and His Word.

Titus 2: 13, 14; Gal. 3: 13; 1 Pet. 1: 18, 19.

The heavens are the Lords, but the earth He hath given
Psa. 115: 16; Isa. 45: 18.

To the children of men, as their home and their heaven.

Psa. 37: 29; Matt. 6: 10.

Wicked rulers and nations thus far have borne sway

Dan. 2; 2Tim. 3: 13; Isa. 60: 2.

And their reign has led down from the gold to the clay.
Dan. 2: 31-34.

But the time for the worlds promised blessing is near,

Gen. 12: 3; 22: 18; Psa. 72: 17; Rev. 15: 4.

When the true Light that lighteth all men shall appear.
John 1: 4, 7, 9; 8: 12.

God has been taking out from the world for His name
Acts 15: 14; Psa. 45: 10, 11.

A faithful, tried people with Jesus to reign.

2 Tim. 2: 12; Rev. 3: 21; 5: 9, 10; 14: 1-5.

Those sleeping in Christ are the first to arise,

1 Cor. 15: 23, 52; 1 Thes. 4: 16.

And with those who remain meet the Lord in the skies,
1 Thes. 4: 17; Mark 13: 27; John 14: 3.

For He comes to the earth, with His chosen, again,

Zech. 14: 4, 5; 1 Thes. 3: 13; Jude 14.

And over the people in justice Hell reign.

Matt. 25: 31, 32; Luke 1: 32, 33; Isa. 2: 2, 3; 9: 6, 7.

As a Body perfected the seed will then bless

1 Cor. 12: 27; Col. 1: 18; Gen. 22: 18.

All the peoples of earth with the blessings of peace.

Gal. 3: 8, 16, 29; Luke 2: 10, 14.

These elect ones with Christ shall forever abide,

1 Thes. 4: 17.

As His loved and honored and glorified Bride.

John 3: 29; Psa. 45: 13, 14; Rom. 8: 17, 18; Rev. 21: 9.

All the powers of earth to an end shall be brought,

Psa. 10; Rev. 2: 26, 27; Jer. 25: 2 9, 33.

And their rule and authority soon come to naught.

1 Cor. 15: 24; Phil. 2: 10.

All their glory and pride like the chaff pass away,
Dan. 2: 35, 44.

And Christ and His chosen in mercy bear sway.

Dan. 7: 27; Psa. 22: 27, 28; Luke 22: 29, 30; 19: 17, 19.

When He speaks to the earth she uncovers her slain,

Isa. 26: 19, 21; Hosea 13: 14; Rev. 20: 14.

And they all hear His voice and to life rise again.
John 5: 28; 1 Cor. 15: 22.

He must reign till all things unto Him are subdued,

1 Cor. 15: 25, 28; Psa. 110: 1; Eph. 1: 10.

And the face of the earth from the curse is renewed.

Rev. 22: 3; 21: 4, 5.

These times of refreshing and blessing are near,

Acts 3: 19, 21; Matt. 24: 33.

Christs life-giving power will shortly appear.

Matt 28: 18; John 11: 25; Col. 3: 3, 4; Rev. 22: 17.

He will banish the curse and perfection restore,

Psa. 104: 30; Isa. 25: 6-9; Rev. 22: 3.

And the earth fill with gladness and beauty once more.
Isa. 35; 51: 11; 55: 10-13; Ezek. 36: 35.

Then sorrow and death and corruption will cease,

Psa. 30: 5; 1 Cor. 15: 26; Rev. 21: 4.

And the world shall be clothed in the garments of peace.

Zech. 9: 10; Isa. 2: 4.

When He rules in the earth the glad tidings are heard,

Psa. 22: 28; Isa. 11; 9: 45: 23; Acts 15: 16, 17.

And the world shall remember and turn to the Lord.

Psa. 22: 27

All nations shall worship the Lord then with fear,

Psa. 67: 4-7; 86: 9; Rev. 15: 4.

And all men join in praise when His words they shall hear.
Rev. 5: 13; Psa. 102: 15; Isa. 29: 18-24.

When the Spirit of grace rests on Israel again,

Rom. 11: 26; Jer. 32: 40.

And they look upon Him whom in wrath they had slain.
Zech. 12: 10; Acts 2: 23, 36.

They will bitterly mourn and acknowledge their sin,

Ezek. 36: 31; 16: 61, 63.

And gladly accept Him, their long-looked-for King.

Isa. 25: 9; Matt 23: 39; Luke 3: 15.

Then the promised possession the Lord will restore,

Ezek. 36: 24; 37: 21; Jer. 32: 37.

And their numerous sins Hell remember no more.

Jer. 31: 33, 34; Ezek. 36: 33; Rom. 11: 27.

Jerusalem will, with Lord as its Light,

Acts 15: 15, 16; Zech. 6: 12, 13; Isa. 40: 1-11; 33: 20-24.

Be the glory of earth and its joy and delight.

Isa. 52: 9, 10; 65: 18, 19; Psa. 48: 2.

From this City most glorious lifes waters shall flow,

Zech. 14: 8; Joel 3: 18; Rev. 22: 1.

And the life-giving trees on its borders shall grow.

Ezek. 47: 1, 12; Rev. 22: 1, 2.

As the curse is removed this blest City of love

Rev. 22: 3.

Is enlarged and made one with the City above.

Rev .21: 10-27; Dan. 2: 35, 44.

All honor and glory to God shall be given,

Num. 14: 21; Rev. 5: 12.

And His will on the earth will be done as in heaven.

Matt 6: 10

JUNE 16 No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised therebyHeb. 12: 11. It is under such discipline that the soul is mellowed to a loving submission that calmly says, I can do all things, bear all things, through Christ who strengtheneth me. As gradually the dross of the old nature is consumed, and the gold becomes more and more manifest, these precious souls become ever dearer to their loving Lord. So dear are they to Him that in every affliction He is near with His grace to sustain and His presence to cheer; and the deepest shades of sorrow become memory's most hallowed resting places, where the Day Star shines the brightest Z '96, 44 (R 1943). By chastisement God's disciplinary measures are meant, and no recipient of them is at the time happy, but rather sad. However, those who permit themselves to be properly disposed by these chastisements are made fruitful by them in the peaceful development of ChristlikenessP '32, 62. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 10: 13; Heb. 10: 32-34; Job 5: 17; Prov. 3: 11, 12; Psa. 94: 12; 119: 75; Jas. 1: 12; Rev. 3: 19; Acts 14: 22; 1 Pet. 5: 9; Jas. 3: 18. Hymns: 307, 216, 220, 228, 328, 197, 126. Poems of Dawn, 187: Life's Storms are Passing. Tower Reading: Z ' 12, 388 (R 5147). Questions: What disciplinary experiences were mine this week? How were they met? What were their results? LIFES STORMS ARE PASSING THE storm hath broken and the heavy blast That stifled morns free breath, and shook its dew, Is dying into sunshine; and the last Dull cloud hath vanished from yon arch of blue. I know it is but for a day; the war Must soon be waged again twixt earth and heaven; Another tempest will arise to mar The tranquil beauty of the fragrant even. And yet I joy as storm on storm awakes; Not that I love the uproar or the gloom; But in each tempest over earth that breaks, I count one fewer outburst yet to come.

No groan creation heaves is heaved in vain, Nor eer shall be repeated; it is done. Once heaved it never shall be heaved again. Earths pangs and throes are lessening one by one. So falls the stroke of sorrow, and so springs Strange joy and comfort from the very grief, Even to the weariest sufferer; so brings Each heavy burden its own sweet relief. One cross the less remains for me to bear; Already borne is that of yesterday; That of today shall no tomorrow share; Tomorrows with itself shall pass away. That which is added to the troubled past Is taken from the future, whose sad store Grows less and less each day, till soon the last Dull wave of woe shall break upon our shore. The storm that yesterday ploughed up the sea Is buried now beneath its level blue; One, storm the fewer now remains for me, Ere sky and earth are made forever new.

JUNE 17 Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire . . . and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silverMal. 3: 2, 3. The Great Refiner is watching to see how the precious metal of your character reflects His image. Or, in plain language, in every trial He watches to see what influences control our actions, whether they be influences of present advantage, or worldly policy, or personal friendship, or earthly lovesof husband, or wife, or children, or love of ease, or love of peace at any cost; or whether, on the other hand, we are controlled by the naked principles of truth and righteousness; and whether we will defend these principles with zeal and energy at any cost of labor or suffering, or both, and so fight the good fight of faith to the bitter endeven unto death Z '96, 45 (R 1943). The two appearances of our Lord, His first and second advents, have been periods of great trial upon the people of God. These periods of presence have tested crucially the heart attitude of every fleshly and every spiritual Israelite. The severest ordeals have come upon them during these periods, in order that their heart condition might be manifested, and all of these tests have been under the superintendence of our Lord. In the Parousia it was more a question as to whether one would be manifested as a new creature or not; in the Epiphany it has been more a question whether one was manifested as of the Little Flock or of the Great Company. In both times the characters as well as the teachings have been testedP '26, 76. Parallel passages: Gen. 22: 1; Deut. 8: 2, 5; Job 1: 82: 10; Dan. 12: 10; Jas. 1: 2, 3, 12; 1 Pet. 1: 6, 7; Heb. 12: 1-14; Joel 2: 11; Rev. 6: 17. Hymns: 67, 63, 130, 57, 120, 328, 197. Poems of Dawn, 254: The Wrath of God. Tower Reading: Z ' 16, 195 (R 5916). Questions: What were this week's experiences in reference to this text? How were they met? What results did they yield? THE WRATH OF GOD THE wrath of God is loves severity In curing sinthe zeal of righteousness In overcoming wrongthe remedy Of justice for the worlds redress. The wrath of God is punishment for sin, In measure unto all transgression due, Discriminating well and just between

Presumptuous sins and sins of lighter hue. The wrath of God inflicts no needles pain, Merely vindictive, or Himself to please; But aims the ends of mercy to attain, Uproot the evil, and the good increase. The wrath of God is a consuming fire, That burns while there is evil to destroy Or good to purify; nor can expire Till all things are relieved from sins alloy. The wrath of God is loves parental rod, The disobedient to chastise, subdue, And bend submissive to the will of God, That love may reign when all things are made new. The wrath of God shall never strike in vain, Nor cease to strike till sin shall be no more; Till God His gracious purpose shall attain, And earth to righteousness and peace restore.

JUNE 18 In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Psa. 16: 11. In the Lord's presence, no matter where we are, is fullness of joy. Let us cultivate the Lord's acquaintance more, drawing near to Him in prayer, in the study of His precious Word, in meditation upon all His goodness, His providential care, the marked manifestations of His grace in our own individual experiences, and His precious promises which are all yea and amen in Christ Jesus. Thus "draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (Jas. 4: 8); He will manifest Himself to you and take up His abode with you. It is indeed the will of God that all His children should be happy in Him, that they should be always rejoicing; and if anyone lack this blessing, he is living below his privilegesZ '96, 54 (R 1948). By the presence of God, we may understand is meant the condition of God's favor in our present sacrificing state, and in our future glorified position. Fullness of joy, that is joy to one's fullest capacity, is the privilege of either condition; and the Christ class, who enjoy His fullest favor, is blessed with eternal pleasuresP '36, 78. Parallel passages: Acts 2: 28; Prov. 4: 18; 1 John 3: 2; Matt. 5: 8; Psa. 17: 15; 36: 8; Heb. 12: 2; Luke 14: 14; John 6: 39, 40, 44, 54; 14: 2, 3, 19; Acts 2: 26-28; 26: 6, 7; 1 Cor. 15: 40-57; 2 Cor. 5: 1-5; Phil. 3: 10, 11, 21; Rev. 20: 4, 6. Hymns: 179, 32, 109, 273, 201, 176, 58. Poems of Dawn, 184: His Will, Not Mine, Be Done. Tower Reading: Z '96, 53 (R 1949). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How did I use it in my daily life? What were the results? HIS WILL, NOT MINE, BE DONE O THOU of little faith! why dost thou fear? Didst thou forget that Jesus is so near? And hast thou thought that thou must walk alone? Behold now at thy side the loved One! Aye, more than this, thourt held within His hand, And twas Himself that hath thy trial planned! There was a need be seen by Eye Divine, Although, perchance, not visible to thine. And, wherefore wouldst thou see? Thou canst not tell If what thy heart contends for would be well; Perhaps thy hopes fruition would be vain,

Or prove a life-long discipline of pain! Hast thou not seen, in retrospective life, That will of God which caused thee bitterest strife Hath turned to sweetnesswhile the thing He gave To suit thy will grew darker than the grave? Theres rest supreme for souls that choose His will; A blest security from every ill. The things God chooses for us never fail! They have their anchorage within the veil.

JUNE 19 Light [Truth] is sown for the righteous, and gladness [the joys of the Truth] for the upright in heartPsa. 97: 11. The true children of God love the Truth because they have an affinity for it. . . . When they have found the Truth they recognize its value; they prize it, and meditate upon it. . . . They say, It is just like God: it is the manifestation of His glorious goodness, the reflection of His loving, benevolent, wise and just character. And therefore they love the Truth and the God who gave it; they treasure it up in their hearts and con it over again and again; and as they look into it, and admire all its symmetry and beauty, they strive more and more to conform their own characters to the same lines of beauty and seek to commend it by word and conduct to others, that they also may be blessed by itZ '96, 55 (R 1949). As the natural light makes the way clear to the natural eye, so Truth makes plain the way to our eyes of understanding. It is God's provision to open the eyes of understanding of those only whose hearts are in sympathy with righteous principles. To others the Truth would be an injury. The Truth is a blessing to the righteous, and they are a blessing through it, hence its blessings fill their hearts with joyP '30, 78. Parallel passages: Dan. 2: 28; Amos 3: 7; Rom. 16: 25, 26; John 15: 15; Psa. 29: 9, 11; Prov. 3: 32; Matt.11: 25; 24: 45-47; Luke 8: 10; 12: 42-44; Rev. 19: 9, 10; 22: 8, 9, 16. Hymns: 22, 296, 260, 238, 46, 97, 300. Poems of Dawn, 61: Trust Him More. Tower Reading: Z '09, 231 (R 4444). Questions: What conditions did I fulfill to receive the Truth? What has helped or hindered therein? TRUST HIM MORE SINCE the Fathers arm sustains thee, Peaceful be; When a chastening hand restrains thee, It is He. Know His love in full completeness Fills the measure of thy weakness; If He wounds thy spirit sore, Trust Him more. Without measure, uncomplaining, In His hand Lay whatever things thou canst not Understand.

Though the world thy folly spurneth, From thy faith in pity turneth, Peace thine inmost soul shall fill, Lying still. Like an infant, if thou thickest Thou canst stand, Child-like, proudly pushing back The proffered hand, Courage soon is changed to fear, Strength doth feebleness appear; In His love if thou abide, He will guide. Therefore, whatsoer betideth, Night or day, Know His love for thee provideth Good alway. Crown of sorrow gladly take, Grateful wear it for His sake, Sweetly bending to His will, Lying still. To His own the Savior giveth Daily strength; To each troubled soul that striveth, Peace at length. Weakest lambs have largest share Of this tender Shepherds care. Ask Him not, then, When? or How? Only bow!

JUNE 20 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him1 John 2: 15. To fellowship the world is to walk in harmony with its ideas and to conform to its ways. In this sense we may not love it, but must be apart from it and in opposition to it. The way thus pointed out to us is, in some respects at least, a difficult way, and a lonely way, but it is the only way of peace and happiness. This world with the lust thereof is rapidly passing away; it is hollow and unsatisfying and eventually leads to disaster and ruin; but those who delight in the Lord's way have blessed communion and fellowship with Him. Their joys come from a source which the world cannot comprehend. They live on a higher plane, breathe a purer atmosphere and enjoy a holier, sweeter friendship than the world could ever offerZ '96, 67 (R 1955). The world is the present order of affairs. The things of this world are its various parts and sentiments. To love these would imply sympathy with evil. No child of God could be in sympathy with the present order of affairs, its parts and sentiments, and yet be filled and controlled by the Lord's Spirit, which mainly is the love of God. The Divine love, controlling our conduct, makes us long for the order of affairs that will prevail during the next dispensation; and it will certainly restrain us from loving this world and the things of this worldP '35, 102. Parallel passages: Matt. 6: 24; Luke 14: 26; Rom. 12: 2; 8: 5; Gal. 1: 4; 6: 14; Jas. 4: 4, 14; 1 John 2: 16, 17; 3: 1, 11-18; 4: 7-21; Psa. 119: 37; 39: 6; 1 Cor. 7: 31; 1 Pet. 1: 24; 1 Cor. 13. Hymns: 150, 48, 97, 176, 180, 213, 312. Poems of Dawn, 38: Whom Will Ye Serve? Tower Reading: Z '12, 370 (R 5138). Questions: How did the love of God this week cast out from my heart love for the world? What helped or hindered therein? What was the result? WHOM WILL YE SERVE?
JOHN 19: 12, 13.

CASESARS friends? or friends of Jesus? Solemn question for to-day! Friends of Caesar! Friends of Jesus! Take your sides without delay. If ye pause for mans forbidding, Caesars friendship ye secure; If ye do the Fathers bidding, Scorn, reproach, ye shall endure.

Friends of Caesar! Friends of Jesus! Stand revealed! your choice declare! Who in truth two masters pleases? Who may rival banners bear? Jesus friends account Him precious, Lose for Him all other gain: Dearer far the smile of Jesus Than the praise of worldly men. Free from Caesar, friends of Jesus! Stand in phalanx! never fear! Love, severely tried, increases; Courage yet! The Lord is near! Onward still, His name confessing, Weaving crowns to grace His brow; Lo! His hands are full of blessing, Lifted for your succor now. Caesars friends were we, but Jesus Owns us for His friends to-day! What! Shall rival friendship please us, While the Bridegroom is away? No! through grace would we surrender Caesars things to Caesars care, whilst to God, our God, we render Filial homage, praise, and prayer.

JUNE 21 Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heartMatt. 11: 29. Truly, in a meek and quiet spirit is the secret of rest. To be meek is to cultivate the graces of patience, of loving submission to the will of God, of abiding confidence in His love and care and in the wisdom of His guiding counsel and overruling providences, and persistently to pursue this course through evil and through good report, or through favorable or unfavorable circumstances. Let the beloved children of God seek more and more to copy Christ's meek and quiet spirit, accepting the providences of God and obeying His precepts and leading, as He did, armed with the strength which He alone can supply, and will, to those who take His yoke upon them, and learn of HimZ '96, 79 (R 1961). When our Lord said that He was meek, He meant that He was submissive in heart and mind and therefore teachable and tractable. When He said that He was lowly in heart, He meant that He had a proper self-estimate. These two qualities He commends to us for our imitation. If they adorned His character, how much more are they fitting for us who are by nature weak and out of the Nay! From Him we can learn these gracesP '34, 95. Parallel passages: Matt. 7: 29; 22: 16; 23: 8; John 3: 2; 13: 15; Zech. 9: 9; Isa. 50: 5, 6; 53: 7; Matt. 26: 49-53; 2 Cor. 10: 1; Matt. 9: 10; Luke 22: 27; Acts 8: 32, 33; Phil. 2: 5-8. Hymns: 172, 1, 95, 125, 197, 198, 209. Poems of Dawn, 31: A Present Help. Tower Reading: Z '96, 78 (R 1961). Questions: Have I this week learned of Christ in meekness and humility? How? Why? Under what circumstances? With what results? A PRESENT HELP THERE is never a day so dreary, But God can make it bright; And unto the soul that trusts Him, He giveth songs in the night. There is never a path so hidden, But God will show us the way, If we seek for the Spirits guidance, And patiently wait and pray. There is never a cross so heavy, But the loving hands are there, Outstretched in tender compassion, The burden to help us bear.

There is never a heart that is broken, But the loving Christ can heal; For the heart that was pierced on Calvary, Doth still for His people feel. There is never a life so darkened, So hopeless and so unblest, But may be filled with the light of God, And enter His promised rest. There is never a sin nor a sorrow, There is never a care nor a loss, But that we may carry to Jesus, And leave at the foot of the cross. What more can we ask than Hes promised? (And we know that His Word cannot fail,) Our refuge when storms are impending, Our help when temptations assail. Our Savior, our Friend and Redeemer, Our portion on earth and in Heaven; For He who withheld not His own Son, Hath with Him all things freely given.

JUNE 22 It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. . . . Every man according to his several ability1 Cor. 4: 2; Matt. 25: 15. The "pound," being the same to all, fitly represents that blessing of Divine grace which is common to all God's peopleJustification. Other endowments differ in quantity, according to our natural opportunities, and are generally of the Father for instance, the Word and the Spirit. Our justification, while planned by the Father, is a gift from Jesus, because He paid for it His own precious blood. The one "pound" each places all on a common footing as acceptable servants and permits each to show his zeal by his sacrificings. But the "talents," being distributed according to every man's ability, represent opportunities for the service of God along the lines of such abilities as we possess. They may be talents of education, or money, or influence, or good health, or time, or tact, or genius, with opportunities for their use in God's serviceZ '07, 63 (R 1972). A steward is one entrusted with the administration of another's goods, and the one who so entrusts him has the right to expect fidelity on his part. Jehovah makes us the stewards of as much of His goods as we have consecrated to Him, expecting us to be faithful in the exercise of this our stewardship. On His part He furnishes us with every opportunity necessary to the exercise of our stewardship in the interests of His cause. His kindness in this respect deserves our most loyal serviceP '33, 79. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 2: 3, 4; 2 Cor. 3: 4, 5; 6: 1-10; Matt. 25: 14-30; Luke 12: 37, 38, 42-48; 16: 10-12; 19: 13-27; Rom.12: 6-8; 1 Cor.12: 7, 11, 29; Eph. 4: 11; Titus 1: 7; 1 Pet. 4: 10. Hymns: 309, 332, 200, 8, 208, 225, 272. Poems of Dawn, 160: Cumbered With Much Serving. Tower Reading: Z '14, 23 (R 5385). Questions: Have I this week been a faithful steward according to ability? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? CUMBERED WITH MUCH SERVING CHRIST never asks of us such arduous labor As leaves no time for resting at His feet; This waiting attitude of expectation He ofttimes counts a service most complete. He sometimes wants our ear, our rapt attention, That He some sweetest secret may impart; Tis always in the time of deepest silence that heart finds fullest fellowship with heart.

We sometimes wonder why the Lord has placed us Within a sphere so narrow, so obscure, That nothing we call work can find an entrance; Theres only room to sufferto endure. Well, God loves patience; souls that dwell in stillness, Doing the little things, or resting quite, May just as perfectly fulfill their mission, Be just as useful in the Fathers sight, As they who grapple with some giant evil, Clearing a path that every eye may see; Our Savior cares for cheerful acquiescence Rather than for a busy ministry. And yet He does love service, where tis given By grateful love that clothes itself in deed; But work thats done beneath the scourge of duty, Be sure to such He gives but little heed. Then seek to please Him, whatsoer He bids thee, Whether to do, to suffer, to lie still; Twill matter little by what path He leads us, If in it all we sought to do His will.

JUNE 23 He that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirtyMatt. 13: 23. The different measures of fruitagethe thirty, sixty and hundred-fold, or the ten pounds and the five, mark differences in obstacles to be overcome, etc., rather than unfaithfulness in the use of the means of grace. Some may work long and diligently for small results, while the same effort in others of more resolute will and of greater continuity may accomplish great things. Some by slips and occasional backslidings, from which they subsequently recover, lose time and opportunities which can never be regained, although they are forgiven and generously reinstated in the Divine favor, and thenceforth run with diligence and patience to the endZ '96, 99 (R 1972). The various kinds of soil represent the different classes of hearers. Good ground represents the faithful. The faithful are they who, understanding and meditating on the Word, diligently apply it to the sanctification of heart and mind; and in proportion to their zeal therein they bring forth fruit. Their final standing will depend on their zeal in this respectP '32, 62. Parallel passages: Gen. 26: 12; Psa. 111: 101; Isa. 55: 10, 11; Matt. 13: 3-8, 18-23; 25: 20-23; 6: 43-45; 19: 6-9; John 12: 24; 15: 5, 8, 16; 1 Pet. 1: 23; Rom. 6: 22; Gal. 5: 22, 23; Phil. 1: 11; 4: 17; Col. 1: 6; Heb. 12: 11; Jas. 3: 18. Hymns: 196, 315, 311, 95, 198, 74, 114. Poems of Dawn, 8: How Readest Thou? Tower Reading: Z ' 10, 202 (R 4634). Questions: How did I use the Word this week? With what results did I meet? HOW READEST THOU? LUKE 10: 16 TIS one thing now to read the Bible through, Another thing to read, to learn and do; Tis one thing now to read it with delight, And quite another thing to read it right. Some read it with design to learn to read, But to the subject pay but little heed; Some read it as their duty once a week, But no instruction from the Bible seek; Whilst others read it without common care,

With no regard to how they read or where. Some read it as a history, to know How people lived three thousand years ago. Some read to bring unto themselves repute, By showing others how they can dispute; Whilst others read because their neighbors do, To see how long twill take to read it through. Some read it for the wonders that are there, How David killed a lion and a bear; Whilst others reador rather in it look Because, perhaps, they have no other book. Some read the blessed Bookthey dont know why, It somehow happens in the way to lie; Whilst others read it with uncommon care, But all to find some contradictions there. One reads with fathers specs upon his head, And sees the thing just as his father did; Another reads through Campbell or through Scott, And thinks it means exactly what they thought. Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed, Thus understand but little what they read; And every passage in the Book they bend To make it suit that all-important end. Some read the Book to find that God is love, Whilst others readthe opposite to prove. Some people read, as I have often thought, To teach the Book, instead of being taught.

JUNE 24 If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also gloried togetherRom. 8: 17. Reading the Father's plans for ourselves, in the light of His will exemplified in His dealings with our Master, we may settle it at once that it is not His will to keep us from all pain and trial and sufferings, and to carry us triumphantly to glory on flowery beds of ease. Quite the reverse, indeed, must be our course, if we would follow in the footsteps of Him whom God set forth to be, not only a satisfaction for the sins of the whole world but also a pattern to all of Christ's disciples. And this much learned of God's Plan and will promptly teaches us that we must not expect and should not ask freedom from pain and trouble, which His wisdom has ordained to be the path to gloryZ 96, 151 (R 1997). We are God's children, who have His Spirit, and we may therefore anticipate an exceedingly great inheritance. Our inheritance under Christ, the Chief Heir, will be undivided throughout all eternity. Who then will be accounted fit to enter into this inheritance? Only those whose devotion to the Father, the Son and the Truth (for the brethren and the world of mankind) prompts them in the Spirit of God to suffer with Christ, will be accounted worthy of this great inheritanceP '26, 76. Parallel passages: Heb. 2: 10; 2 Tim. 2: 10-13; Col. 3: 4; 1 Pet. 5: 10; 2 Thes. 2: 14; Rom. 8: 18; 9: 23; 2 Cor. 4: 16-18; Isa. 60: 14-22; 1 Cor. 15: 41-57; Phil. 3: 21. Hymns: 326, 58, 92, 201, 72, 310, 281. Poems of Dawn, 205: Some Glad, Sweet Day. Tower Reading: Z '12, 61 (R 4973). Questions: Have I this week amid suffering with Christ hoped for the Kingdom? How did it affect my spirit? SOME GLAD, SWEET DAY SOME day, some glad, sweet day We shall be like our blessed Lord And see Him as He is. Soon we shall strain our Weary eyes no more To catch, beyond this earthly House of fettering clay, A gleam of heavenly glory From His radiant face. Some day, some fair, sweet day His loving hand will wipe

Away our tears. His tender Voice will thrill our souls With rapture, when we Hear Him say, Well done, Dear heart, well done, My joy is thine; for thee The victors crown is won. Thou hast been faithful, Thou hast borne the cross, The thorns have pierced thy feet; But now the Night is past The Day hath comebright, Glorious Day of endless joy and love, The trial time hath proved thee true, And thou art safe, beloved, In thy Fathers home. O, glorious Day, for thee we long! We will be faithful, will the Burdens bear, sustained by grace Divine. In meek submission to Thy holy will, Dear Lord, by faith we clasp Thy hand As side by side we tread the Narrow Way And waitfor it will surely come Some day, some dear, sweet day, O, tarry not too long!

JUNE 25 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgivingCol. 4: 2. Every trial of faith and patience is an occasion for prayer for the promised succor. Every failure to gain victory is an occasion for a prayer for forgiveness, and as well for Divine blessing, that the lesson of our own weakness may be deeply impressed, so that in the next similar trial we may promptly apply for and lay hold upon the "grace to help" promised. Every victory over self is an occasion for prayer that we be not high-minded and puffed up but kept humble and watchful for the next attack from the great Adversary. Every service for the Truth becomes an occasion for a prayer of thanks for the privilege of serving the Great King, and perhaps to have suffered something for His cause; and a reason for supplication for further opportunities for service and grace to use them wiselyZ '96, 163 (R 2004). Prayer is the uttered or unuttered heart's sincere desire, going out to God for good things. If we wish to receive an answer to our petitions, we must persevere therein, continually watching as to the things asked for, the motive which prompts the asking, and the manner in which they are presented, that they may be acceptable to the Lord. Thankfulness for past favors should occupy a large part of our prayersP '36, 79. Parallel passages: Gen. 32: 24-38; 1 Chron. 16: 11, 35; Psa. 145: 18; Luke 11: 1-13; 18: 1-7; Eph. 5: 4, 19, 20; 6: 18, 19; Phil. 4: 6; 1 Thes. 5: 17, 18; 1 Tim. 2: 1, 8; Heb. 4: 16; Jas. 5: 16; Jude 20; Rev. 5: 8; 8: 3, 4; Matt. 26: 41; Acts 20: 28-31; 1 Pet. 1: 13, 17; 4: 7; Col. 3: 15-17. Hymns: 35, 9, 37, 176, 199, 239, 323. Poems of Dawn, 115: Pray Without Ceasing. Tower Reading: Z '15, 154 (R 5690). Questions: Has this week been a week of watchful, thankful prayer? How was it so? In what did it result? PRAY WITHOUT CEASING UNANSWERED yet, the prayer your lips have pleaded In agony of heart these many years? Doth faith begin to fail, is hope declining, And think you all in vain those falling tears? Say not the Father hath not heard your prayer, You shall have your desire, sometime, somewhere. Unanswered yet? Tho when you first presented This one petition at the Fathers throne, It seemed you could not wait the time of asking,

So anxious was your heart to have it done. If years have passed since then, do not despair, For God will answer you sometime, somewhere. Unanswered yet? But you are not unheeded; The promises of God forever stand; To Him our days and years alike are equal. Have faith in God! It is your Lords command. Hold on to Jacobs angel, and your prayer Shall bring a blessing down, sometime, somewhere. Unanswered yet? Nay, do not say unanswered; Perhaps your part is not yet wholly done. The work began when first your prayer was uttered; And God will finish what He hath begun. Keep incense burning at the shrine of prayer, And glory shall descend, sometime, somewhere. Unanswered yet? Faith cannot be unanswered; Her feet are firmly planted on the Rock. Amid the wildest storms she stands undaunted, Nor quails before the loudest thunder shock. She knows Omnipotence hath heard her prayer, And cries, It shall be done, sometime, somewhere!

JUNE 26 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ JesusHeb. 3: 1. It is God's will that every member of the "body of Christ" would be touched with a feeling of the world's infirmities, in order that, when exalted to the Kingdom, they would be very tender, sympathetic and generous, when, as the Royal Priesthood, they shall judge the world. Our Lord and Master, who had none of the imperfections of the fallen race, but was holy, harmless and separate from sinners, needed to take from men their sicknesses and infirmities in order that He might be touched with a feeling of our infirmities and be a faithful High Priest. It would be thoroughly illogical to suppose that the lessons necessary to the preparation of the High Priest for His office and service were not necessary to the Underpriests, called to suffer with Him and to reign with HimZ '96, 208 (R 2028). The brethren are holy because consecrated to the Lord. They are partakers of God's calling, because, having been invited by the Father, they have accepted the call and received the holy Spirit. One of their most profitable activities is a contemplation of Christ as the One sent by the Father and the High Priest of the Priestly order. This enables them to follow in His footstepsP '30, 78. Parallel passages: Isa. 53; John 19: 5; Phil. 2: 5-11; 3: 14; 2 Tim. 1: 9; 2 Pet. 1: 10; Heb. 2: 9, 17, 18; 4: 14; 5: 5; 6: 20; 8: 1; 9: 11; 10: 21; 12: 2, 3; 1 Pet. 2: 21. Hymns: 96, 139, 168, 167, 259, 212, 349. Poems of Dawn, 28: Christ Our Teacher. Tower Reading: Z '11, 122 (R 4802). Questions: What has considering Jesus done for me? How can I improve therein? CHRIST, OUR TEACHER LET Him teach thee, weary soul; (Psa. 27: 11.) Let His hands now make thee whole; (Job 5: 18.) Let His peace thy heart control, (Col. 3: 15.) Let Him teach thee. Into paths of righteousness (Psa. 23: 3.) Let Him lead and let Him bless; (Psa. 67: 7.) Let Him save thee from distress, (Psa. 107: 13.) Let Him teach thee. Let Him guide thee with His eye: (Psa. 32: 8.) Let His hand thy need supply; (Phil. 4: 19.) Let His goodness satisfy, (Psa. 65: 4.)

Let Him teach thee. Let His good Word sanctify; (Jno. 17: 17.) Let the furnace purify; (1 Peter 1: 7.) Let Him say, Fear not; tis I, (Mark 6: 50.) Let Him teach thee. Let Him probe thy heart within; (Psa. 66: 10.) Let Him search out every sin; (Psa. 139: 23.) Let the glorious light shine in, (2 Cor. 4: 6.) Let Him teach thee. Let the Shepherd kindly feed; Let Him firmly, truly lead; (Isa. 40: 11.) (Hell not break the bruised reed,) (Isa. 42: 3.) Let Him teach thee. Let Him give thee songs at night; (Job 35: 10.) Let Him make the darkness light; (Isa. 42: 16.) Let Him set thy spirit right, (Psa. 51: 10.) Let Him teach thee. In the tumult let Him hide, (Psa. 27: 5; 31: 20.) Let Him keep thee at His side; (Ex. 33: 21.) Let His name be glorified (Isa. 61.3.) Let Him teach thee.

JUNE 27 Now he which establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God, who hath also sealed us2 Cor. 1: 21, 22. The seal or mark of the true disciple is the possession of the Spirit of Christ. The manifestations of this holy Spirit are threefold: (1) love supreme to God and joyful loyalty to His cause even at the cost of suffering; (2) love for the brethren unselfish, noble, purea desire for their welfare, which is always alert to do them good; (3) love, sympathetic, for the world, prompting to good works, as opportunity may afford, and to a desire and effort always to live peaceably with all menZ '96, 212 (R 2032). God's people are continually being adjusted to one another by God as disciples of Jesus. He, also, by the anointing continually developed the members of Christ's Body, strengthening them in their places in that Body. He, likewise, worked in them the seal of the Spirit by bringing their hearts into a sympathetic oneness and co-operation with Him in all His arrangementsP '35, 102. Parallel passages: Rom. 16: 25; Col. 2: 7; 1 Pet. 5: 10; Acts 10: 38; Matt. 3: 16, 17; 1 John 2: 20, 27; 1 Cor. 12: 12, 13; Gal. 2: 20; 3: 16, 29; Eph. 4: 13; 2 Cor. 5: 5; Eph. 1: 13, 14; 4: 30; Rom. 8: 9, 14-16; 5: 5; 2 Tim. 2: 19. Hymns: 201, 4, 74, 114, 105, 198, 249. Poems of Dawn, 290: My Life Is But a Weaving. Tower Reading: Z '14, 213 (R 5498). Questions: Have I experienced this week God's establishing, anointing and sealing work? How? In what circumstances? What did it accomplish? MY LIFE IS BUT A WEAVING MY life is but a weaving Between my Lord and me; He chooses all the colors And works on steadily. Oftimes He weaveth sorrow, And I, in blinded pride, Forget He sees the upper, And I the underside. The dark threads are as needful In the Weavers skilful hand, As the treads of gold and silver In the pattern He has planned.

Not till the loom is silent, And the shuttles cease to fly, Will God unroll the fabric, And show the reason why.

JUNE 28 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evilProv. 3: 7. Nothing is more dangerous to the child of God than self-conceit; it blocks the way to true progress and reformation of heart, and hinders true usefulness to others, and especially usefulness in God's service; for His Word declares, "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." Instead of self-confidence, Wisdom dictates a distrustfulness of self, remembering its weaknesses and imperfections, and correspondingly the greater reverence for God and reliance upon Him, which more than anything else will strengthen and enable us to depart from the evil of our fallen estateZ '96, 263 (R 2060). To be wise in one's own eyes means self-satisfaction and self-sufficiency with respect to one's own knowledge. Such are unteachable and will surely fall from the Truth, unless they mend their ways. If they wish to be recovered from this fault, let them learn to give God the first place in their hearts, and they will thus be enabled to depart from iniquity, and that by practicing goodP '34, 95. Parallel passages: Deut. 9: 7; 15: 5; Psa. 131: 1, 2; Prov. 10: 8; 22: 4; 30: 32; Rom. 12: 16; 1 Cor. 3: 18; Deut. 10: 12; Josh. 24: 14; 1 Sam. 12: 24; Job 28: 28; 37: 24; Psa. 25: 12-14; 103: 11, 13, 17. Hymns: 44, 130, 13, 95, 125, 136, 145. Poems of Dawn, 82: Just To Let Thy Father Do What He Will. Tower Reading: Z '13, 57 (R 5186). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? JUST TO LET THY FATHER DO WHAT HE WILL JUST to let Thy Father do what He will; Just to know that He is true, and be still. Just to follow, hour by hour, as He leadeth; Just to draw the moments power, as it needeth. Just to trust Him, this is all. Then the day will surely be Peaceful, whatsoer befall, bright and blessed, calm and free. Just to let Him speak to thee, through His Word, Watching, that His voice may be clearly heard. Just to tell Him everything, as it rises, And at once to bring to Him all surprises.

Just to listen, and to stay where you cannot miss His voice, This is all! and thus today, you, communing, shall rejoice. Just to trust, and yet to ask guidance still; Take the training or the task, as He will. Just to take the loss or gain, as He sends it; Just to take the joy or pain as He lends it. He who formed thee for His praise will not miss the gracious aim; So today, and all thy days, shall be moulded for the same. Just to leave in His dear hand little things; All we cannot understand, all the stings. Just to let Him take the care sorely pressing; Finding all we let Him bear changed to blessing. This is all! and yet the way marked by Him who loves thee best: Secret of a happy day, secret of His promised rest.

JUNE 29 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see GodMatt. 5: 8. The thought of "pure in heart" is not perfection of conduct, nor of word, nor of thought, but perfection of intention as respects all of these. Our desire and effort must be for perfection-in thought, word and deed. The standard before us, to which our hearts, wills, must give assent, is the Divine standard, "Be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5: 48). God has set no lower standard than this absolute perfection, but He has provided for us grace, mercy and peace through Christ, if we walk in His footsteps, this purity of heart being one of the essential steps in the narrow wayZ '00, 71 (R 2585). Purity of heart means being well-intentioned. This signifies a singleness of purpose to glorify God. It will reduce our conduct to terms of loyalty to God. Such hearts indeed make their possessors joyful, and the possessors of such hearts now see God with the eyes of their understanding, and all the elect will eventually see Him as He really is P '33, 79, 80. Parallel passages: Psa. 15: 2; 19: 8; 24: 3-5; 51: 7; Prov. 21: 8; Mal. 3: 2, 3; John 15: 12; 1 Tim. 1: 5; Phil. 4: 8; 2 Tim. 2: 21, 22; Titus 1: 15; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 1 John 3: 3; 1 Cor. 13: 12; 1 John 3: 2. Hymns: 194, 20, 1, 145, 136, 78, 125. Poems of Dawn, 114: Show Me Thy Face. Tower Reading: Z '12, 389 (R 5148). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they borne? In what did they result? SHOW ME THY FACE SHOW me Thy faceone transient gleam Of loveliness Divine, And I shall never think or dream Of other love than Thine; All other lights will darken quite, All lower glories wane, The beautiful of earth will scarce Seem beautiful again. Show me Thy facethe heaviest cross Will then seem light to bear, There will be gain in every loss, And peace with every care. With such light feet the years will fleet,

Life seem as brief as blest, Till I have laid my burden down, And entered into rest.

JUNE 30 In the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers . . . gather the wheat into my barn Matt. 13: 30. The time is short; the harvest work is great; the laborers are few; our time is consecrated; we must labor while it is called day, knowing that a night cometh wherein no man can work. We have consecrated our lives even unto death; we are commissioned of the great Lord of the harvest to seek for the true "wheat," and to gather it into the barn. What time have we for frivolities or worldliness or the many social amenities? Rather, we must content ourselves with giving very little attention to these things, and must press along the line, engaging heartily in the work given us to do, if we would have the approval of our Master, His "Well done, good and faithful servant"Z '00, 234 (R 2674). In the Harvest time the fruitage of all previous Gospel-Age work was gathered. Those who were privileged to reap that Harvest entered into the labors of all God's servants from the beginning of the Gospel Age. With confidence and joy God's servants garnered what was reaped and what others had sown; and both Bowers and reapers rejoice together at the Harvest HomeP '32, 63. Parallel passages: Psa. 50: 5; Isa. 52: 7; Mal. 3: 17; Matt. 3: 11, 12; Luke 3: 17; John 4: 34-38; Rev. 7: 1-4; 14: 14-16; Matt. 13: 41-43; 1 Cor. 15: 42-58. Hymns: 260, 70, 116, 210, 275, 309, 337. Poems of Dawn, 169: The Time Is Short. Tower Reading: Z '15, 269 (R 5761). Questions: Have I this week spread God's Word? How? Why? With what results? THE TIME IS SHORT UP, up, my soul, the long-spent time redeeming; Sow thou the seeds of better deed and thought; Light other lamps, while yet the light is beaming; The time, the time is short. Think of the eyes that often weep in sadness, Seeing not the truth that God to thee hath taught; O bear to them this light and joy and gladness; The time, the time is short. Think of the feet that stray from misdirection, And into snares of errors doctrine brought: Bear then to them these tidings of salvation; The time, the time is short.

The time is short. Then be thy heart a brothers To every heart that needs thy help in aught. How much they need the sympathy of others! The time, the time is short.

JULY 1 Walk as children of light . . . proving what is acceptable unto the LordEph. 5: 8, 10. If we be sanctified to God by the Truthif our wills be dead, and the Lord's will be fully accepted as ours, in thought, word and actwe have attained the will of God and shall win the prize as "overcomers"; even if, opportunities being denied us, we never preached, never gave to the poor and never suffered as martyrs for the Truth's sake. Let us all note well this point, "This is the will of God [concerning you], even your sanctification." Let nothing becloud or obscure this truthneither other truths nor errors. Let it dominate our course in life, and then, if God's will is really our will, we have a clearly marked pathway before us, which is very importantZ '99, 4 (R 2411). The children of the light are God's consecrated people who have the Truth. They conform their conduct to the doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types of God's Word. They constantly study the Word and seek to apply its principles to the circumstances of their lives, that they may thus ascertain what is pleasing to the Lord, and then do itP '26, 95. Parallel passages: Matt. 5: 14-16; John 12: 46; 2 Cor. 4: 6; 1 Thes. 5: 5; 1 John 1: 7; 2: 6, 9, 10; Rom. 12: 2; 13: 13; Eph. 5: 2; 15: 17; 1 Thes. 4: 3; 5: 24; Phil. 1: 10; 1 Tim. 2: 3. Hymns: 315, 1, 20, 196, 71, 125, 154. Poems of Dawn, 77: Not Seeing, Yet Believing. Tower Reading: Z '14, 126 (R 5446). Questions: Did I this week seek as a child of the light to prove my disposition, motives, thoughts, words and deeds? How? Why? Under what circumstances? With what results? NOT SEEING, YET BELIEVING THE clouds hang heavy round my way, I cannot see. But through the darkness I believe God leadeth me; Tis sweet to keep my hand in His While all is dim; To close my weary, aching eyes And follow Him; Through many a thorny path He leads My tired feet. Through many a path of tears I go, But it is sweet To know that He is close to me,

My God, my Guide; He leadeth me, and so I walk Quite satisfied. To my blind eyes He may reveal No light at all; But while I lean on His strong arm I cannot fall.

JULY 2 Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it1 Cor. 4: 12. If you are a faithful pupil (in the school of Christ), it will not be long until you see that the perfect law of liberty, the law of Christ, is a discerner of the very thoughts and intents of the heart, and that while you must hate all sin, you cannot hate any sinner, and yet have the love of God perfected in your heart. If even so much as a bitter feeling against our traducers and maligners arise, it is to be fought, and so complete a victory gained over it that every fiber of our beings will be in sweet accord with our Great Teacher's instructions, "Love your enemies. Pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Bless and injure not"Z '99, 5 (R 2411). Because of their loyalty to God and His cause, God's people are made the targets of bitter upbraidings from the wicked. These they are not to meet with counter-revilings, but rather with kindly benedictions. They must endure various forms of refined and gross persecution but instead of returning evil for evil are quietly to bear the mistreatment P '36, 94. Parallel passages: Acts 23: 2; 16: 23; 14: 19; 2 Cor. 11: 23-27; 1 Tim. 4: 10; Matt. 5: 44; 1 Pet. 2: 23; 3: 9; Luke 23: 34; Acts 7: 60; Rom. 12: 20; Acts 22: 22; 24: 5. Hymns: 299, 3, 57, 93, 305, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 67: If I Could Know. Tower Reading: Z '13, 35 (R 5172). Questions: What experiences of this week were along the lines of this text? How were they met? What benefits came through them? IF I COULD KNOW IF I could only surely know That all these things that tire me so Were noticed by my Lord The pang that cuts me like a knife, The noise, the weariness, the strife, And all the nameless ills of life What peace it would afford! I wonder if He really shares In all these little human cares, This mighty King of Kings! If He who guides through boundless space Each radiant planet in its place, Can have the condescending grace

To mind these petty things. It seems to me, if sure of this, Blent with each ill would come such bliss That I might covet pain, And deem whatever brought to me The blessed thought of Deity, And sense of Christs sweet sympathy, Not loss, but richest gain. Dear Lord, my heart shall no more doubt That Thou dost compass me about With sympathy Divine. The Love for me once crucified Is not the love to leave my side, But waiteth ever to divide Each smallest care of mine.

JULY 3 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be movedPsa. 16: 8. He who has buried his own will completely in the will of the Lord can know no disappointment; but in every affair of his life he sees by faith Divine appointment or supervision, and hears the Word of the Lord in all of life's affairs assuring him, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." It is one of the evidences of reaching the graduating condition of heart, when we are able to take the oppositions of the great Adversary and of the world and of our own flesh patiently, uncomplainingly, unmurmuringly, "joyfully"as a part of the disciplinary experience meted out to us by our all-wise and all-loving LordZ '99, 6 (R 2411). God's people place God first in all the affairs of life. When their interests conflict with the Lord's, they sacrifice their own desires on behalf of the Lord. He is, therefore, the goal of all their endeavors. He is their chief favorite. He also loves them above all others. He is on their side and will in nowise permit them to fall from their steadfastness and standing before himP '30, 78. Parallel passages: Ex. 15: 2; Deut. 10: 12; 13: 3; Psa. 37: 4; 45: 10; 66: 8, 9; 73: 25, 26; 91: 14; Isa. 12: 2; 33: 22; Dan. 3: 17; Mark 12: 29-33; Rom. 8: 35-39; Jude 24. Hymns: 176, 177, 165, 339, 114, 307, 228. Poems of Dawn, 297: Our Father's at the Helm. Tower Reading: Z '07, 281 (R 4060). Questions: How have I set God first in this week's experiences? How did this keep me standing? OUR FATHERS AT THE HELM THE boisterous waves with awful roar A little boat assailed, And pallid fears distracting power Oer all on board prevailed. Save one, the captains darling child, Who steadfast viewed the storm; And, cheerful, with composure smiled At dangers threatening form. Do you feel safe, a seaman cried, While terrors overwhelm? Why should I fear? the boy replied

My fathers at the helm. So when our worldly all is reft, Our earthly helpers gone, We still have one true anchor left God helps, and He alone. He to our prayers will bend an ear, He gives our pains relief; He turns to smiles each trembling tear, To joy each torturing grief. Then turn to Him mid sorrows wild, When want and woes oerwhelm, Remembering, like the fearless child, Our Fathers at the helm!

JULY 4 Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the Arm of the Lord revealed.?Isa. 53: 1. The call of the Church in the present time is to let the light shine and thus attract persecution, and to endure the persecution for righteousness' sake, and to be rightly exercised by it in patience, brotherly kindness, pity and lovetoward the persecutors and toward all men. Let all, then, who see the prize, and who see the light of God's glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord, be faithful to the Father's conditions, calling, service. Let all such give attention to this ministry (service) which we have received, and faint not. Be not discouraged, whether men hear or whether they forbear, whether they think ill of us or whether they speak ill of us; let us remember that our report at the end of the trial is to be rendered to the Lord Himself, when He is making up His jewelsZ '99, 10, 11 (R 2413). God's people bring a most heart-cheering message to our poor fallen race, a message that is thoroughly adapted to their needs; yet how few there are that receive it into good and honest hearts! The heart of this message is Christ crucified, the power and wisdom of God; but because of their failure to receive this message, the world cannot recognize Christ as Jehovah's mighty Agent nor should we be discouraged at their unbelief, since this is the way Christian discipleship is regarded by the worldP '35, 102. Parallel passages: John 1: 7, 12; 12: 38; Rom. 10: 16, 17; John 7: 5; 1 Cor. 1: 18, 19, 24; 2: 8; 2 Cor. 4: 3, 4; Matt. 11: 25; 13: 13-15; 16: 17; Rom. 1: 16, 17. Hymns: 116, 70, 260, 54, 23, 49, 315. Poems of Dawn, 91: Into His Marvelous Light. Tower Reading: Z '05, 204 (R 3589). Questions: Have I witnessed to the Lord this week? Under what circumstances? How was my witness received? What was the effect on myself and others? INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT OUT of disaster and ruin complete, Out of the struggle and dreary defeat, Out of my sorrow, and burden, and shame, Out of the evils too fearful to name, Out of my guilt and the criminals doom, Out of the dreading, and terror, and gloom; Into the sense of forgiveness and rest, Into inheritance with all the blest, Into a righteous and permanent peace, Into the grandest and fullest release,

Into the comfort without an alloy, Into a perfect and permanent joy. Wonderful love that hath wrought all for me! Wonderful work that hath thus set me free! Wonderful ground upon which I have come! Wonderful tenderness, welcoming home! Out of the terror at standing alone, Out, and forever, of being my own, Out of the hardness of heart and of will, Out of the longings which nothing could fill, Out of the bitterness, madness and strife, Out of myself and of all I called life; Into the light and the glory of God, Into the holy, made clean by His blood, Into His arms, the embrace and the kiss, Into the scene of ineffable bliss, Into the quiet, the infinite calm, Into the place of the song and the psalm. Wonderful holiness, bringing to light! Wonderful grace, putting all out of sight! Wonderful wisdom, devising the way! Wonderful power that nothing can stay!

JULY 5 The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ2 Cor. 10: 4, 5. Let us remember that the first condition of acceptance with God is loyal obedience to His Word, the evidence of love for Him and faith in Him. Let us remember, also, that the second qualification He will look for in us is love for the brethren, readiness to be, to do and to suffer, to die on behalf of those who are really, truly consecrated children of God, seeking to walk in His waysZ '99, 11 (R 2413). The weapons of our warfare are the reverse of carnal weapons; they are the Spirit and Word of our God. These, however, are sufficient to overthrow the strongholds of evil within us, root up imaginations and every pride-producing thing, and to enable us to subject our dispositions, thoughts, motives, words and acts to Christ, our Head, which proves our weapons to be effectiveP '34, 95. Parallel passages: Eph. 6: 12-18; 1 Thes. 5: 8; 1 Tim. 1: 18; 6: 12; 2 Tim. 2: 3; 4: 7; 1 Cor. 2: 4; 2 Cor. 6: 7; 13: 3, 4; 1 Cor. 1: 19. Hymns: 266, 20, 272, 198, 183, 130, 13. Poems of Dawn, 127: Gideon's Army In Antitype. Tower Reading: Z '16, 131 (R 5889). Questions: What have I done this week in the Christian warfare? How? Why? With what results? GIDEONS ARMY IN ANTITYPE ARISE! Then, O! Army of Gideon, Let him that is fearful return; Jehovah wants only the zealous, Whose hearts with the love of truth burn. Ten thousand remain! Still too many; Once more He their loyalty proves, To see who most faithfully serves Him, To see who most fervently loves. O! ye, who have sworn Him allegiance, Mark well! He is now testing you, With the water of truth He will prove you, To see who is loyal and true. Look well to your drinking, then, brother,

That you no impurities trace, Take your lamp, your pitcher and trumpet, And stand every man in his place! Your sword is the Sword of the Spirit, Your lamp is the light from His Word, Your pitcher, this poor earthen vessel, You break at the voice of your Lord. Is your lamp burning bright in your pitcher? Doth your trumpet give forth certain sound? Soon the Sword of the Lord and of Gideon The enemys host will confound. For sure is the victory promised, And great is the peace He awards Then, stand in your place, all ye faithful, The battles not yours, but the Lords!

JULY 6 What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choosePsa. 25: 12. It is not for us to supervise the trials and difficulties which may beset us. It is for us to make an unreserved consecration of ourselves to the Lord and then leave to Him the decision of how great shall be our trials and besetments, how great our sacrifices in following His leadings. The Lord may see that some need special trials more than others, and those things which to some would be great trials and imply great sacrifices, to others, because of greater love to the Lord and His cause, and greater zeal for service, the sacrifice might be, as the Apostle expresses it of his own, "light afflictions, which are but for a moment, and which are working out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory"Z '99, 13 (R 2416). To fear the Lord means to reverence Him; and the man who reverences God obeys Him, from duty and from disinterested love. Such an one God undertakes to teach the way of life, directing his heart and mind to eschew and reject the paths of evil and to love and choose the paths of right. If our reverence for God is genuine, we may trust with implicit faith that He will make our pathway bright. And our faith will be realizedP '33, 80. Parallel passages: Deut. 4: 10; 10: 12, 20, 21; josh. 24: 14; 1 Sam. 2: 30; 12: 24; 2 Chron. 19: 7; Psa. 2: 11; 4: 4; 25: 13, 14; 33: 8, 18; 34: 7, 9, 11; 89: 7; 103: 13; 145: 19; Prov. 1: 7; Isa. 8: 13; Matt. 10: 28; Acts 13: 16, 26; 2 Cor. 7: 1; Heb. 12: 28; Rev. 11: 18. Hymns: 145, 11, 45, 55, 83, 46, 136. Poems of Dawn, 112: Lead Me. Tower Reading: Z '97, 256 (R 2208). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they used? In what did they result? LEAD ME I DO not ask, dear Lord, that life may be A pleasant road; I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me Aught of its load; I do not ask that flowers should always spring Beneath my feet; I know too well the poison and the sting Of things too sweet. For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead: Lead me aright, Tho strength should falter, and tho heart should bleed,

Through peace to light. I do not ask, dear Lord, that Thou shouldst shed Full radiance here; Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread Without a fear; I do not ask my cross to understand, My way to see; Better, in darkness, just to feel Thy hand, And follow Thee. Joy is like restless day, but peace Divine Like quiet night; Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine, Through peace to light.

JULY 7 Behold the Lamb of GodJohn 1: 36. All of the Lord's servants should call attention to the Lord and not to themselves. Let us each bend our energies to pointing men to the Lamb of God, and not to selfseeking. Modesty is a gem, wherever found, one of the graces of the Spirit, which all of the Lord's consecrated ones should seek to have largely developed and well polished. And let us remember that following Jesus, in the best sense, means that we walk in His paths, strive to do as nearly as we are able what He would do today, taking our lessons from what He did and said personally, and from the instructions which He has left for us, through the Apostles, respecting the path of fellowship in His sufferings, the path to glory and reward in His KingdomZ '99, 14, 15 (R 2417). Christ is the Lamb of God, because as an unblemished One He was chosen on the tenth of Nisan, and put to death on the fourteenth as the Passover for God's people. Lamblike He submitted to death; and His blood sprinkling the lintels and doorposts of God's House, stays the hand of the Second Death from injuring us. Of His roasted flesh it is our privilege to partake with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth and with the bitter herbs of persecution, etc., while we stand girded, shod, with staff in hand for our journey to antitypical CanaanP '32, 95. Parallel passages: Isa. 45: 22; 65: 1, 2; Heb. 12: 2; Gen. 22: 7, 8; Ex. 12: 3; Isa. 53: 7; John 1: 29; Acts 8: 32; 1 Pet. 1: 19; Rev. 5: 6-14; 14: 1, 4; 19: 7-9; 21: 14, 22, 23; 22: 1, 3. Hymns: 190, 5, 28, 168, 178, 157, 155. Poems of Dawn, 31: A Present Help. Tower Reading: Z '12, 110 (R 4998). Questions: Have I this week beheld the Lamb of God? How? With what results? A PRESENT HELP THERE is never a day so dreary, But God can make it bright; And unto the soul that trusts Him, He giveth songs in the night. There is never a path so hidden, But God will show us the way, If we seek for the Spirits guidance, And patiently wait and pray. There is never a cross so heavy,

But the loving hands are there, Outstretched in tender compassion, The burden to help us bear. There is never a heart that is broken, But the loving Christ can heal; For the heart that was pierced on Calvary, Doth still for His people feel. There is never a life so darkened, So hopeless and so unblest, But may be filled with the light of God, And enter His promised rest. There is never a sin nor a sorrow, There is never a care nor a loss, But that we may carry to Jesus, And leave at the foot of the cross. What more can we ask than Hes promised? (And we know that His Word cannot fail,) Our refuge when storms are impending, Our help when temptations assail. Our Savior, our Friend and Redeemer, Our portion on earth and in Heaven; For He who withheld not His own Son, Hath with Him all things freely given.

JULY 8 The house of God, which is the Church of the living God1 Tim. 3: 15; see Diaglott. The Lord's Church, the only one to which the name ecclesia . . . or Church, is properly applicable, is so insignificant, so unostentatious, and comparatively so poor in this world's riches, that it is not recognized nor recognizable from the worldly standpoint. It is neither man-made nor man-ruled; nor are its members enrolled on earth, but in heaven (Heb. 12: 23). Its Head and Bishop is the Lord; its law is His Word; it has but one Lord, one faith, one baptism; and it is built upon the testimonies of the holy Apostles and prophets-Jesus Christ-Himself being its chief CornerstoneZ '99, 37 (R 2427). The word "Church," in Greek, designates the elect character of God's people. They are indeed the "called out"; for they are separated by the Lord from the kingdom of darkness and the rule of Satan into the Kingdom of God's dear Son, and brought under the rule of Christ. The pillar that sustains Her and the foundation upon which She is built is Jesus Christ, Her Lord; and founded upon this Rock, She will remain to all eternityP '26, 95. Parallel passages: Isa. 62: 12; Matt. 15: 13; 16: 18; Heb. 12: 23; Eph. 1: 22, 23; 2: 20-22; 5: 23-32; John 15: 1-8; Rom. 12: 4, 5; 1 Cor. 3: 9; 12: 12-28; 2 Cor. 6: 16; Heb. 3: 6; Rev. 21: 2, 9, 10. Hymns: 281, 6, 23, 170, 322, 58, 72. Poems of Dawn, 13: The True Church. Tower Reading: Z '03, 37 (R 3143). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in respect to the Church? How did they affect me? What were the results? THE TRUE CHURCH I. ONE Sabbath morn I roamed astray, And asked a Pilgrim for the way: O tell me, whither shall I search, That I may find the one true Chruch? He answered, Search the world around; The one true Church is never found. Yon ivy on the abbey wall Makes fair the falsest Church of all. But, fearing he had told me wrong, I cried, Behold the entering throng! He answered, If a Church be true, I hath not many, but a few! Around a font the people pressed,

And crossed themselves on brow and breast. A cross so light to bear, he cried, Is not of Christ, the Crucified! Each forehead, frowning, sheds it off: Christs cross abides through scowl and scoff! We entered at the open door, And saw men kneeling on the floor; Faint candle, by the daylight dimmed, As if by foolish virgins trimmed; Fair statutes of the saints, as white As now their robes are, in Gods sight; Stained windows, casting down a beam, Like Jacobs ladder in the dream. The Pilgrim gazed from nave to roof, And, frowning, uttered this reproof: Alas! Who is it understands Gods Temple is not made with hands? II. We walked in ferns so wet with dew They plashed our garments trailing through, And came upon a church whose dome Upheld a cross, but not for Rome. We brushed a cobweb from a pane, And watched the service in the fane. Do prayers, he asked, the more avail, If offered at an altar rail? Does water sprinkled from a bowl, Wash any sin from any soul? Do tongues that taste the bread and wine Speak truer after such a sign? Just then, upon a maple spray, Two orioles perched, and piped a lay, Until the gold beneath their throats Shook molten in their mellow notes. Resounding from the church, a psalm Rolled, quivering, through the outer calm. Both choirs, said I, are in accord, For both give praises to the Lord. The birds, he answered, chant a song Without a note of sin or wrong: The churchs anthem is a strain Of human guilt and mortal pain. The orioles and the organ ceased, And in the pulpit rose the priest. The Pilgrim whispered in my ear,

It profits not to tarry here. He speaks no error, answered I, He teaches that the living die; The dead arise; and both are true; Both wholesome doctrines; neither new. The Pilgrim said, He strikes a blow At wrongs that perished long ago; But covers with a shielding phrase The living sins of present days. We turned away among the tombs A tangles place of briers and blooms. I spelled the legends on the stones: Beneath reposed the martyrs bones, The bodies which the rack once brake In witness for the dear Lords sake, The ashes gathered from the pyres Of saints whose zeal our soul inspires. The Pilgrim murmured as we passed, So gained they all the crown at last. Men lose it now through looking back, To find it at the stake, the rack; The rack and stake are old with grime; Gods touchstone is the living time! III. We passed where poplars, gaunt and tall, Let twice their length of shadow fall. Then rose a meeting-house in view, Of bleached and weather-beaten hue. Men, plain of garb and pure of heart, Divided church and world apart. Nor did they vex the silent air With any sound of hymn or prayer. Gods finger to their lips they pressed, Till each man kissed it and was blessed. I asked, Is this the true Church, then? He answered, Nay, a sect of men: And sects that shut their doors in pride Shut God and half of His saints outside. The gates of Heaven, the Scriptures say, Stand open wide, by night and day. So, then, to enter, is there need To carry key of church or creed? IV. Still following where the highway led,

Till elms made arches overhead, We saw a spire and weathercock, And snow-white church upon a rock A rock, where centuries before, Came sea-tossed pilgrims to the shore. My sandals straightway I unbound, Because the place was holy ground. I cried, One church at last I find, That fetters not the human mind. This church, said he, is like the rest; For all are good, but none is best. V. Then far from every church we strayed Save Natures pillared aisles of shade. The squirrels ran to see us pass, And Gods sweet breath was on the grass. I challenged all the creeds, and sought What truth, or lie, or both, they taught. I asked, Had Augustine a fault? The Pilgrim gazed at heavens high vault, And answered, Can a mortal eye Contain the sphere of all the sky? I said, The circle is too wide. Gods truth is wider! he replied. Though Augustine was on his knee, He saw how little he could see; Though Luther sought with burning heart, He caught the glory but in part; Though Calvin opened wide his soul, He comprehended not the whole. Not Luther, Calvin, Augustine, Saw visions such as I have seen. While yet he spake, a rapture stole Through all my still inquiring soul. I looked upon His holy brow, Entreating, Tell me, who art THOU? But such a splendor filled the place, I knew it was the Lords own face! I was a sinner, and afraid! I knelt in dust, and thus I prayed: O Christ, the Lord! end Thou my search, And lead me to the one true Church. He spake as never man may speak The one true Church thou shalt not seek, Seek thou, forevermore, instead,

To find the one true Christ, its Head! The Lord then vanished from my sight, And left me standing in the light.

JULY 9 When he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voiceJohn 10: 4. The voice of the Good Shepherd is a blending of various sounds in a manner in which they are blended by no other voice. His voice sounds forth the chord of justice commingled with the chord of love, and the whole intoned with wisdom and with power. Other theories, plans and schemes of men and devils have no such harmony of sound as has the message which the Great Shepherd has sent us through His Son. Moreover, when the true sheep hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, it satisfies their longings as nothing else could do. They will no longer be in danger of being attracted by other sounds or voices, theories or schemes, but will reply to all, "Jesus has satisfied, Jesus is mine." Z '00, 230 (R 2672). The Lord put forth His sheep from the Mosaic Covenant fold by His death and their consecration into Him. Like a true shepherd, He did not drive but led them; and they followed Him to the green pastures and the quiet waters of the Word and the blessed paths of righteousness. They recognize His voicethe Truthby its sweet, comforting and harmonious ring, which is life to themP '36, 94. Parallel passages: Ezek. 34: 2, 12, 14, 23; John 14: 6; Rom. 5: 1, 2; Heb. 10: 19-22; John 10: 1-18; 15: 13; Psa. 23: 1-4; Heb. 13: 20; 1 Pet. 5: 4; Zech. 11: 17; Nah. 1: 7; 1 Cor. 8: 3; 2 Tim. 1: 12; Isa. 53: 6. Hymns: 284, 286, 288, 257, 12, 87, 145. Poems of Dawn, 70: The Lord My Shepherd. Tower Reading: Z '10, 398 (R 4732). Questions: How did Jesus as Shepherd and I as a sheep act toward one another this week? Under what circumstances? With what results? THE LORD MY SHEPHERD THE Lord my shepherd feeds me, And I no want shall know; He in green pastures leads me, By streams which gently flow. He doth, when ill betides me, Restore me from distress; For His names sake He guides me In paths of righteousness. His rod and staff shall cheer me,

When passing deaths dark vale; My Lord will still be near me, And I shall fear no ill. My food He doth appoint me, Prepared before my foes; With oil He doth anoint me; My cup of bliss oerflows. His goodness shall not leave me, His mercy still shall guide, Till Gods house shall receive me, Forerver to abide.

JULY 10 All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouthLuke 4: 22. This should be true as far as possible with all of the Lord's footstep followers: their speech should be with grace, with moderation, the overflow of hearts full of loving sympathy for the Truth and all who love and seek it. Their words should always be well within the limits of reason and righteousness, and strictly in conformity to the Word of the Lord. And their manner, their conduct, as living epistles, should harmonize with these, so that even their enemies would marvel, and take knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus and learned of HimZ '99, 53 (R 2437). The gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth were beautiful, deep, agreeable and helpful. They proved Him to be a great orator, a persuasive speaker and a most pleasing preacher. His extraordinary ability in these respects awakened the wonder and admiration of His auditors and made them involuntarily concede His supremacy in public speech. "Never man spake like this man"P '30, 78. Parallel passages: Psa. 45: 2; Prov. 15: 23; Eccles. 10: 12; Isa. 50: 14; Matt. 7: 28, 29; 13: 54; Mark 1: 22; 6: 2; Luke 4: 32, 36; 21: 38; Prov. 25: 11; Rom. 15: 4; John 7: 45, 46; 13: 31-17: 26. Hymns: 22, 49, 311, 322, 264, 83, 97. Poems of Dawn, 7: The Word of God. Tower Reading: Z '06, 185 (R 3795). Questions: What part of the Word was especially unctuous to me this week? Under what circumstances? THE WORD OF GOD OH, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord! True wisdom its pages unfold; And though we may read them a thousand time oer, They never, no never, grow old! Each line hath a pleasure, each promise a pearl, That all if they will may secure; And we know that when time and the world pass away, Gods Word shall forever endure. Oh, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord! The lamp that our Father above So kindly hath lighted to teach us the way That leads to the arms of His love! Its warnings, its counsels, are faithful and just;

Its judgments are perfect and pure; And we know that when time and the world pass away, Gods Word shall forever endure. Oh, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord! Our only salvation is there; It carries conviction down deep in the heart, And shows us ourselves as we are. It tells of a Savior, and points to the cross, Where pardon we now may secure; And we know that when time and the world pass away Gods Word shall forever endure.

JULY 11 Whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but . . . keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not1 John 5: 18. So long as the heart (the mind, the will) is holy, in harmony with God and righteousness, that is to say, so long as the . . . spirit of holiness continues in us, the new mind cannot approve of sin, but must and will be its opponent. Even though many of the battles fought are with the members of our fallen and weak human nature, their appetites and desires, we nevertheless . . . are separate and distinct from the flesh; and the weaknesses and imperfections of the flesh are not imputed to the new mind in Christ Jesus, but are reckoned as covered, hidden under the merit of our Lord's redemptive sacrificeZ '99, 58 (R 2438). A new creature is begotten of God. It is a spiritual quality in every organ of the brain, enabling each organ to co-operate in willing God's will. The new creature, therefore, as the will to will and to do God's will, never sins. This new creature keeps guard over all the thoughts, motives, words and deeds, to subject them to God's will, and this prevents the Adversary from contaminating the one begotten of GodP '35, 102. Parallel passages: John 1: 13; 3: 3-5; Jas. 1: 18; 1 Pet. 1: 5, 23; Rom. 7: 17; Jude 20, 21, 24, 25; Luke 22: 31, 32; Rom. 16: 20; 2 Cor. 4: 4; 11: 3; John 8: 44; 1 John 2: 13, 14. Hymns: 136, 183, 21, 82, 78, 130, 184. Poems of Dawn, 50: God Knows. Tower Reading: Z '15, 237 (R 5742 Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What resulted therefrom? GOD KNOWS GOD knowsnot Ithe devious way Wherein my faltering feet must tread, Before into the light of day My steps from out this gloom are led. And since my Lord the path doth see, What matter if tis hid from me? God knowsnot Ihow sweet accord Shall grow at length from out this clash Of earthly discords which have jarred On soul and sense; I hear the crash, Yet feel and know that on His ear Breaks harmonyfull, deep and clear.

God knowsnot Iwhy, when Id fain Have walked in pastures green and fair, The path He pointed me hath lain Through rocky deserts bleak and bare. I blindly trustsince tis His will This way lies safety, that way ill. His perfect plan I may not grasp, Yet I can trust Love Infinite, And with my feeble fingers clasp The hand which leads me into light. My soul upon His errand goes The end I know notbut God knows.

JULY 12 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeedJohn 8: 36. The true disciples, heeding the Word of the Great Teacher, and continuing in all things to be His pupils, are not only set free from superstitions and ignorance but also from the service of sin, and receive instead a correct appreciation of their own natural weaknesses and blemishes, and of the Divine mindthe Truth. In consequence, their freedom is one which blesses instead of injuring them; one which brings humility instead of pride and boastfulness; one which brings patience instead of anger; one which brings generosity and benevolence instead of spitefulness and selfishness; one which brings joy and peace instead of discontent and bitterness of spirit. Truly, the Son alone can make us free indeedZ '99, 57 (R 2438). The Son of God is the great Emancipator. He frees the most pitiable kind of slaves from the most oppressive kind of bondage (Satan's) at the hands of the most cruel kind of taskmasters (sin, error, selfishness, worldliness, death and hell). He gives them the best kind of glorious liberty, that of willing the will of God, exercised from the purest motivesfaith, hope, love and obedienceunto life everlasting, and all this as a gift of His love, made possible by the most unique sacrifice and ministry recorded in the annals of the world's historyP '34, 95. Parallel passages: Isa. 49: 24-26; 61: 1-3; 63: 4; Luke 4: 18; John 8: 31-35; Rom. 7: 22, 23; 8: 2; 2 Cor. 3: 17; Gal. 3: 28; 5: 1; Col. 3: 11; 1 John 1: 7-9; Rev. 1: 5; 5: 9. Hymns: 246, 54, 15, 132, 194, 255, 95. Poems of Dawn, 98: A Little Talk With Jesus. Tower Reading: Z '14, 227 (R 5506). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in Christian freedom? How were they met? In what did they result? A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS A LITTLE talk with Jesus, How it smoothes the rugged road! How it seems to help me onward, When I faint beneath my load! When my heart is crushed with sorrow, And mine eyes with tears are dim, There is naught can yield me comfort Like a little talk with Him. I tell Him I am weary, And I fain would be at rest; But I still will wait His bidding,

For His way is always best. Then His promise ever cheers me Mid all the cares of life: I am come, and soon in glory Will end thy toil and strife. Ah, that is what Im wanting, His lovely face to see And Im not afraid to say it, I know Hes wanting me. He gave His life a ransom To make me all His own, And Hell neer forget His promise To me, His purchased one. The way is sometimes weary To yonder nearing clime, But a little talk with Jesus Hath helped me many a time. The more I come to know Him, And all His grace explore, It sets me ever longing To know Him more and more.

JULY 13 Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness2 Cor. 11: 14, 15. If it be asked, How could Satan be interested in doing a good work? we answer, the Adversary thus assumes the garment of an angel of light and mercy, not to lead to the Light of the Worldnot to lead to the cross of Christ-not to lead to the Bible but to lead away from these, to another hope of salvation, and to another teacher, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. And be it remembered that our Lord's words indicate that when matters come to this condition, where Satan will cast out Satan and heal disease, it is a marked evidence that his throne is tottering to its fallthat, so to speak, this is the last extremity of the Adversary's efforts to deceiveZ '99, 62 (R 2667). In Satan we have a foe testful of our hearts. In conflict with him, we, alone and unassisted would, because of his great cunning, be as pygmies in the hands of a giant. So cunning is he that he can make good appear evil and evil appear good; and for his own selfish purposes he causes his servants to appear as servants of righteousness, so that he might, if possible, deceive the very elect. Hence we should be ever vigilant against his and his servants ' machinations, which are always deceitfulP '33, 80. Parallel passages: Gen. 3: 1-5, 13-15; John 8: 44; 2 Cor. 11: 3, 4, 13; 2 Thes. 2: 9; Rev. 12: 9; 20: 1-3, 7-9; Acts 20: 29-31; Rom. 16: 17; Gal. 1: 8; Phil. 3: 18, 19; 2 Tim. 3: 1-9; 2 Pet. 2; 1 John 4: 1-6; 2 John 7-10; Jude 4-19; Rev. 2: 2, 13-15, 20-24. Hymns: 49, 22, 296, 311, 315, 332, 343. Poems of Dawn, 109: My Prayer. Tower Reading: Z '15, 341 (R 5799). Questions: Have Satan and his servants sought this week to deceive me? How? Did I succumb or overcome? How? With what results? MY PRAYER BEING perplexed, I say, Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, Darkness is light. I am afraid to touch Things that involve so much. My trembling hand may shake, Mine unskilled hand may break; Thine can make no mistake. Being in doubt, I say,

Lord, make it plain! Which is the true, safe way, Which would be vain? I am not wise to know, Nor sure of foot to go; My poor eyes cannot see What is so clear to Thee Lord, make it clear to me.

JULY 14 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all maliceEph. 4: 31. From his high standpoint of appreciation of the Divine law, the advanced Christian sees that in the Lord's sight hatred is murder, slander is assassination, and the destruction of a neighbor's good name is robbery and rapine. And any of these things done in the Church, among the professed people of God, is doubly evilthe assassination and robbery of a brother. The only exception to this rule, "Speak evil of no man," would come in where we might know of an absolute necessity for making known an evilwhere the relating of the evil would be contrary to our heart's wishes, and only mentioned because of necessitybecause of love for others who, if not informed, might be injuredZ '99, 71 (R 2442). Bitterness, wrath, anger, evil-speaking and malice are works of the flesh. Therefore, it behooves. saints to put them aside. We should exercise faith, hope, love and persistent determination as well as the cleansing power of the Word against them. Let us by these good qualities seek to detach our sentiments and divert our attention from, and restrain, displace and become impervious to, themP '32, 95. Parallel passages: Rom. 12: 14, 18-21; Col. 3: 8, 13, 19; Titus 3: 2; Jas. 3: 5-18; 4: 11; 1 Pet. 2: 1, 23; 3: 9; 1 Cor. 13; Eph. 4: 26, 32; 5: 1, 2; 2 Cor. 3: 12-18.

Hymns: 194, 130, 198, 215, 95, 196, 165. Poems of Dawn, 199: "So As By Fire." Tower Reading: Z '11, 43 (R 4759). Questions: What experiences of this week were connected with this text? How were they met? What were the results? SO AS BY FIRE I SOMETIMES feel so passionate a yearning For spiritual perfection here below, This vigorous frame with healthful fervor burning, Seems my determined foe. So actively it makes a stern resistance, So cruelly it sometimes wages war Against the higher spiritual existence, Which I am striving for. It interrupts my souls intense devotions; Some hope it strangles at its very birth

With a swift rush of violent emotions Which link me to the earth. It is as if two mortal foes contended Within my bosom in a deadly strife; One for the loftier aims Jesus intended, One for the Mammon life. And yet I know this very war within me, Which brings out all my will-power and control; This very conflict yet through Christ shall win me The loved and longed-for goal. And when in the immortal ranks enlisted, Sometimes I wonder if we shall not find That not for deeds alone, but also whats resisted, Our places were assigned.

JULY 15 Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor . . . and have not love, it profiteth me nothing1 Cor. 13: 3. In our ministrations to others we are not to forget that money is not the only thing of which people are sorely in needsome need love and sympathy who do not need money. Our Lord was one of these; His own heart, full of love, found comparatively little companionship in the more or less sordid minds of even the noblest of the fallen race represented among His Apostles. In Mary He seemed to find the depth of love and devotion which was to Him an odor of sweet incense, of refreshment, of reinvigoration, a tonic; and Mary apparently appreciated, more than did others, the lengths and breadths of the Master's character. She not only delighted to sit at His feet to learn of Him but also delighted, at great cost, to give Him some manifestation of her devotion, her loveZ '99, 77 (R 2447). The Apostle's words imply the possibility of giving without charity and as we think of the matter, we recognize the truth of his statement from the fact that some give for vainglory, some for show, some for profit and some from envy and strife. Instead of such giving benefiting, it positively depraves character. In order to bless both him who gives and him who receives, giving must flow from Divine loveP '26, 95. Parallel passages: John 13: 34; 1 Cor. 13: 1, 2, 4-13; 16: 14; 2 Cor. 9: 7; Matt. 6: 1-4; 7: 22, 23; Prov. 17: 9; Gal. 5: 6; 1 Thes. 4: 9; 2 Thes. 1: 3; 1 Tim. 1: 5; 1 Pet. 4: 8; 1 John 3: 14-18. Hymns: 170, 165, 166, 22, 201, 95, 105. Poems of Dawn, 157: I Was Longing to Serve My Master. Tower Reading: Z '16, 215 (R 5926). Questions: From what motives did I do good this week? What was helpful or hindersome therein? What were the circumstances and results? I WAS LONGING TO SERVE MY MASTER I WAS longing to serve my Master, But, alas! I was laid aside From the busy and happy workers, Who toiled in the field so wide. They were few, yes, few in number, And I could not understand Why I should be kept inactive, It was not as I had planned. I was longing to serve my Master, I knew that the work was great,

For me it was easy to labor, But, oh, it was hard to wait; To lie quite still and be silent, While the song was borne to mine ear Of the reapers with whom I had mingled In the work to my heart so dear. I was longing to serve my Master, Oh, this was my one fond thought, For this I was ever pleading, When His footstool in prayer I sought; And the seasons of sweet communion Were few and far apart, Not of Him so much as His service, Were the thoughts that filled my heart. I was longing to serve my master, He led to a desert place And there as we stopped and rested His eyes looked down in my face, So full of tender reproaching, That filled me with sad surprise. Did He think I had grudged my service And counted it sacrifice? Oh, Master, I long to serve Thee, The time is so short at best, Let me got to the field, I pleaded, I care not to stay and rest! I knelt at His feet, imploring, I gazed in His face above; My child, He said gently, your service Is nothing without your love. I was longing to serve my Master, I thought that His greatest care Was to keep all His workers busy In reaping the sheaves so fair. But there on the lonely desert, Afar from the busy scene, It dawned on me slowly and sadly Where the great mistake had been: My mind was so full of service, I had drifted from Him apart, And he longed for the old confiding,

The union of heart with heart. I sought and received forgiveness, While mine eyes with tears were dim, And now tho the work is still precious, The first place is kept for Him.

JULY 16 Be ye filled with the SpiritEph. 5: 18. The measure of our filling will correspond with the measure of our emptying of the spirit of self-will, and filling with the spirit of faith and obedience. And although the obedience cannot do otherwise than manifest itself in the daily life, nevertheless, it is the obedience of the intention, of the will, of the heart, that the Lord regards in His consecrated people. Hence some whose hearts are thoroughly loyal to the Lord may be pleasing to Him, while not the most pleasing to some of those with whom they come in contact; while others, "highly esteemed among men" because of outward moralities, may be an "abomination" in the sight of God, because of coldness or dishonesty of heart. Nevertheless, he that hath the new hope in him, and the new spirit, will seek to purify himself, not only in his thoughts but also in his words and deeds and all his affairs, inward and outwardZ '99, 92 (R 2455). To be filled with the Spirit means, as disciples of Christ, to be dominated by the primary graces, harmoniously adjusted one to another. To receive such a filling implies a faithful use of the Spirit, Word and providences of God; and to remain so filled results not only in the crystallization of a character like Christ's but also in a fitness for the Kingdom with Him. Such Spirit-filling has the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to comeP '36, 94. Parallel passages: Mark 13: 11; Luke 11: 13; John 3: 34; 7: 38, 39; 14: 16, 17, 26; Acts 4: 8, 31; 5: 32; 6: 5; 9: 31; 11: 24; 13: 52; Rom. 5: 3-5; 8: 1-16; 1 Cor. 2: 4, 10-14; 3: 16; 2 Cor. 3: 3, 6, 17, 18; Gal. 5: 16, 17, 22, 25. Hymns: 198, 90, 91, 95, 128, 1, 201. Poems of Dawn, 150: The Watered Lilies. Tower Reading: Z '16, 182 (R 5912). Questions: Was I filled with the Spirit this week? How did it take place? What was helpful or hindersome? With what results? THE WATERED LILIES THE Master stood in His garden, Among the lilies fair, Which His own right hand had planted, And trained with tendrest care; He looked at their snowy blossoms, And marked with observant eye That the flowers were sadly drooping, For their leaves were parched and dry.

My lilies need to be watered, The heavenly Master said; Wherein shall I draw it for them, And raise each drooping head? Close to His feet on the pathway, Empty, and frail, and small, An earthen vessel was lying, Which seemed of no use at all; But the Master saw, and raised it From the dust in which it lay, And smiled, as He gently whispered, This shall do My work today: It is but an earthen vessel, But it lay so close to Me; It is small but it is empty That is all it needs to be. So to the fountain He took it, And filled it full to the brim; How glad was the earthen vessel To be of some use to Him! He poured forth the living water Over His lilies fair, Until the vessel was empty, And again He filled it there. He watered the drooping lilies Until they revived again; And the Master saw with pleasure That His labor had not been vain. His own hand had drawn the water Which refreshed the thirsty flowers; But He used the earthen vessel To convey the living showers. And to itself it whispered, As he laid it aside once more, Still will I lie in His pathway, just where I did before. Close would I keep to the Master,

Empty would I remain, And perhaps some day He may use me To water His flowers again.

JULY 17 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on theeIsa. 26: 3. This is not worldly peace, not the peace of indifference, not the peace of sloth, not the peace of self-indulgence, not the peace of fatalism; but it is the peace of Christ "My peace." Looking back we can see that the Master preserved His peace with God under all conditions. It is a peace which implicitly trusts to the Divine wisdom, love, justice and powera peace which remembers the gracious promise made to the Lord's faithful, that nothing shall by any means hurt His faithful, and that all things shall work together for good to them that love God. This peace can accept by faith whatever Divine providence permits, and can look through its tears with joyful expectancy, for the ultimate blessings which the Master has promised, and of which the present peace and joy are merely foretastesZ '99, 95 (R 2455). For the mind to be stayed on the Lord, implies not only justification and consecration but also a faithful compliance with their terms. To such and to such only does God promise perfect peace. Nor is this peace the rest of the heart and mind of their humanity; it is the peace of God that as consecrated ones they are privileged to enjoya peace that increases in length and depth and height and breadth in proportion to the thoroughness of their spirit of consecrationP '30, 79. Parallel passages: Psa. 29: 11; 119: 165; Isa. 54: 10, 13; John 14: 27; Rom. 8: 6; 15: 13, 33; Eph. 2: 14-17; Phil. 4: 7, 9; Col. 1: 20; 3: 15; Heb. 4. Hymns: 56, 109, 110, 244, 273, 233, 307. Poems of Dawn, 178: God's Perfect Peace. Tower Reading: Z '14, 102 (R 5431). Questions: Have I kept perfect peace this week? Why and how? What hindered or helped therein? With what results? GODS PERFECT PEACE LIKE a river glorious is Gods perfect place, Over all victorious in its glad increase. Perfect; yet it floweth fuller every day; Perfect; yet it groweth deeper all the way. Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are truly blest, Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest. Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, Never foe can follow, never traitor stand; Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry toucheth spirit there. Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are truly blest,

Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest. Every joy or trial cometh from above, Traced upon our dial by the Sun of love. We may trust Him solely, all for us to do; They who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true. Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are truly blest, Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

JULY 18 In the last days perilous times shall come; for men shall be . . . traitors, heady . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God2 Tim. 3: 1, 4. The true Christian is not "heady"; on the contrary, his consecration to the Lord figuratively decapitated him. He lost his head, renounced his own will and self-rule, and submitted himself as a disciple of Jesus Christ, to the absolute control of Jesus, the Head. . . . The true Christian therefore, in every affair of life, in respect to its pleasures as well as in respect to its burdens and trials, appeals to his Head for direction, to know how and what to do or sayyes, to have even the very thoughts of his mind in full conformity to the will of God in ChristZ '99, 102 (R 2459). We are in the last days; and, true to the Apostle's description, these are perilous times, not only in the world but also among Christians. "The [so the Greek] men," here described, belong to the antitypical Jannes and Jambres classes (v. 8). Treacherous, indeed, have they been against their Lord and former brethren, whom they, like Judas of old, sell for gain. In their stubbornness, they are truly heady. The life of self-denial, flowing from love to God, has lost its charm for them, and is dead by reason of their love of selfish and worldly indulgenceP '35, 102. Parallel passages: 1 Tim. 4: 1, 2; 2 Pet. 2: 1-3, 10-22; 3: 3; 1 John 2: 18, 19; 2 John 7, 10, 11; 3 John 9-11; Jude 3, 4, 8-19; Heb. 6: 4-6; 10: 26-29; 1 John 5: 16. Hymns: 318, 1, 12, 78, 130, 136, 198. Poems of Dawn, 265: The Coming Storm. Tower Reading: Z '14, 70 (R 5413). Questions: What have been this week's observations as to this text? What did they effect in me? THE COMING STORM O SAD is my heart for the storm that is coming; Like eagles the scud sweepeth in from the sea; The gull seeketh shelter, the pine trees are sighing, And all giveth note of the tempest to be A spell hath been whispered from cave and from ocean, The shepherds are sleeping, the sentinels dumb, The flocks are all scattered on moorland and mountain, And no one believes that the Master is come. Hes come, but whom doth He find their watch

keeping? O wherein His presenceis faith the world oer? The rich, every sense in soft luxury steeping; The poor, scarce repelling the wolf from the door. O man, and O maiden, drop trifling and pleasure, O! hark, while I tell of the sorrows to be,-As well might I plead in the path of yon glacier, Or cry out a warning to wave of the sea!

JULY 19 The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?John 18: 11. How the grace of humility shines out in all the little affairs of our dear Redeemer's ministry; even at the moment of His surrender to His enemies He does not boast that His course is a voluntary one, nor seek praise as a martyr! He declares the simple truth that the Father required this of Him as an evidence of His personal loyalty to Him. He confesses Himself a servant of God, a Son who learned obedience by the things which He suffered. No other lesson, perhaps, is more needed by the Lord's followers than the one of willingness to drink the cup which the Father poursa recognition that the Father is guiding and directing in our affairs because we are His, as disciples of the Anointed OneZ '99, 118; ' 01, 91 (R 2467, 2778). The cup symbolizes experiences of bliss or woe; and as nothing happens to the saints, and as all things coming into their lives are of the Father's will, they recognize their experiences as the cup that the Father offers them to drink. As it was to their Master, it should be to them a self-evident matter that they drink it always with a contented mind and, as far as possible, with a thankful and appreciative heart, to God's glory and others' and their own profitP '34, 95. Parallel passages: Job 13: 15; Psa. 119: 75; Jer. 10: 19; Matt. 20: 22; 26: 39, 42; Luke 22: 20; Rom. 5: 3-5; 1 Cor. 10: 16, 21; 2 Cor. 7: 4; Phil. 3: 8; Psa. 23: 5; 116: 13; Isa. 51: 22, 23. Hymns: 168, 276, 5, 299, 325, 326, 134. Poems of Dawn, 237: The Angel of Gethsemane. Tower Reading: Z '14, 84 (R 5421). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they borne? In what did they result? THE ANGEL OF GETHSEMANE TWAS midnight, and the Man of Sorrows took His chosen three, And sought with weary step the shelter of Gethsemane To pray, His soul exceeding sorrowful, een unto death, And heavy laden with the sin and woe of all the world. In agony of bloody sweat He fell upon His face, And cried, with tears, My God, My Father, if it be Thy will, Oh, let this cup of shame and numbering with trans-

gressors pass, If it be possible! Yet not My will, but Thine be done! And then His thoughts turned to the sacrifice,a fear bore down With agonizing weight upon His heart, lest to comply With every jot and tittle of the Law, He might have failed! He saw the priestly type, He knew eternal death awaited, Should He seek to pass the second veil unworthily. Eternal death! Oh, anguish inexpressible, to see No more His Fathers face! He sought His wellbeloved three, Perchance they might refresh His fainting heart with some sure word Of prophecy. Alas! Their eyes were heavy and they slept. Three times He sought them, and three times in vain! Yet He was heard In that He feared. The Father sent a heavenly comforter To touch with tender, strengthening hand that dear, devoted head, And whisper, I, the LORD, in righteousness have called Thee, I Will hold Thine hand, and keep Thee. Neither shalt Thou fail nor be Discouraged. Lo, Thou art a Priest forever, and a King Upon Thy throne, like to Melchisedec. And Thou shalt see The travail of Thy soul, and shalt be satisfied. His heart Revived, He knew His Fathers faithful Word could never fail; He knew it would accomplish that whereunto it was sent. He rose, and from that hour went forth to trial and to death, In peace,a calmness born of perfect confidence in God. How oft, throughout the many-centuried night of this dark Age, The Fathers little ones have knelt in sad Geth-

semane To pray! Een now the Gardens shade re-echoes with the cry Of Gods elect, How long, oh, Lord, how long until we see The travail of our soul? How long until Thou shalt avenge Thine own elect, who cry to Thee, with tears, both night and day? * * * Dear Lord, oh, use me as the Angel in Gethsemane! Oh, fill me with Thy holy Spirit of Divinest love! Oh! make me sympathetic, wise, that every anguished heart May come, nor seek in vain for consolation from Thy Word, And strengthened, comforted, go forth to prison or to death, To suffer patiently the cruel mockings of the tongue; To bear the cross unto the bitter end, then calmly say, Tis finished, and with faith unwavering pass beneath the veil!

JULY 20 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. . . . Every branch in me . . . that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruitJohn 15: 1, 2. As even the best branches in the vine, which give evidence of fruit-bearing, require pruning, so even the most honest and earnest of the Lord's people require the Lord's discipline and providential careotherwise they might soon run to woodmaking also, and fail to bring forth much fruit. The true child of God whose will has been entirely immersed into the will of the Lord is neither offended nor discouraged by these prunings. He has learned something at least of his own unwisdom, and has confidence in the wisdom of the great Husbandman. Hence when Divine providence estops his efforts in some directions, he takes the thwarting of his plans joyfully, assured that the Lord's will and the Lord's way are the best, and intended to work out a blessingZ '99, 109 (R 2464). The objects in nature furnished our Lord with much illustrative matter in teaching His disciples. Our text brings to our attention the Vine, Christ, out of whom His members have grown as branches. Under the care of the Father each of these branches has borne the fruit of Christlikeness. They have needed the continual cleansing and pruning work of the Husbandman, to the end that they would yield rich spiritual fruitageP '33, 80. Parallel passages: John 15: 3-8; Heb. 12: 2-17; 13: 20; Eph. 5: 23; Luke 1: 69; John 14: 6; Heb: 6: 7, 8; John 13: 10; 17: 17; Eph. 5: 26; 1 Pet. 1: 22; Heb. 12: 4-14; 2 Pet. 1: 2-10; 1 John 1: 9. Hymns: 67, 95, 109, 130, 136, 198, 267. Poems of Dawn, 173: Disappointment. Tower Reading: Z '05, 121 (R 3544). Questions: What were the week's pruning experiences? How were they met? In what did they result? DISAPPOINTMENT DISAPPOINTMENTHis appointment, Change one letter, then I see That the thwarting of my purpose Is Gods better choice for me. His appointment must be blessing, Tho it may come in disguise, For the end from the beginning Open to His wisdom lies. DisappointmentHis appointment, Whose? The Lords who loves me best,

Understands and knows me fully, Who my faith and love would test; For, like loving earthly parent, He rejoices when He knows That his child accepts, Unquestioned, All that from His wisdom flows. DisappointmentHis appointment, No good thing will He withhold, From denials oft we gather Treasures of His love untold. Well He knows each broken purpose Leads to fuller, deeper trust, And the end of all His dealings Proves our God is wise and just. DisappointmentHis appointment, Lord, I take it, then, as such. Like the clay in hands of potter, Yielding wholly to Thy touch. All my lifes plan is Thy moulding, Not one single choice be mine; Let me answer, unrepining Father, Not my will, but Thine.

JULY 21 To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truthJohn 18: 37. It was our Lord's faithfulness to the Truth that brought upon Him the opposition of those who were blinded by the Adversary. It was His witness to the Truth that cost Him His life, and it was the giving of His life in defense of the Truth that constituted the redemption price. Similarly all of the Lord's followers are to bear witness to the Truththe truth in respect to God's character and Plan. It is such witness to the Truth that is to cost all the true followers of Jesus their lives in presenting themselves living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God through Christ Jesus. Let each one who hopes to be a sharer with the Prince of Life in the Kingdom witness to the Trutha good confession respecting the Kingdom, its foundation and ultimate superstructure in gloryZ '99, 123 (R 2470). Our Lord had a specific mission in this world. It was to be a witness to the truth, not in all its domains, but in its religious aspects, and faithfully did He carry out the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. He used every opportunity, whether in season or out of season, to carry His mission forward. Neither fear of opposition nor desire for favor could tempt Him from His course of faithfulnessP '32, 95. Parallel passages: Isa. 55: 4; 1 Tim. 6: 13; Rev. 1: 5; 3: 14; Rom. 15: 8-12; Matt. 7: 2123; 10: 32, 33; John 1: 15-18; 9: 22-38; 12: 42, 43; Rom. 10: 8-10. Hymns: 44, 116, 210, 164, 260, 272, 275. Poems of Dawn, 46: The Narrow Way. Tower Reading: Z '15, 201 (R 5720). Questions: Have I this week witnessed to the Truth? How? Why? With what results? THE NARROW WAY MATT. 7: 14. DEAR Lord, the way seems very dark, I cannot see. Yes, child, I know, but I will be thy Light Come, follow Me! Dear Lord, so lonely is this way Where are my friends? My child, dost thou forget how far from Me Their pathway tends? Dear Master, I am growing weak,

I scarce can stand. O, foolish child, trust not in thine own strength, Come, take My hand; For I have trod this way before, So dark to thee. I know each step, its weariness and pain, Wilt trust in Me? Yea, Lord, though friendless, lonely, dark, This way may be, I will be strong. Beloved Guide, lead on, I follow Thee!

JULY 22 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 delivereth him out of them allPsa. 34: 18, 19. A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up againProv. 24: 16. If at any time we find we have taken a wrong course which is irretrievable, we may expect it to bring the disappointments, as the Lord has foretold; but He may permit it to bring, as well, some blessings in the way of contrition of heart, and humility toward the Lord, and greater zeal, watchfulness and faithfulness for the future. Thus even some of the blunders of life may become stepping-stones to higher planes of grace and truthZ '03, 217 (R 3222). Failures should never be permitted to discourage us. While they give evidence of weakness, against which we must be on our guard, they also bring us instruction and correction highly useful to us. In spite of them the Lord gives comfort to our hearts, assuring us of His sympathy, His forgiveness and His help in every time of need. We should rise from them as quickly as possible, and, undaunted, go forward in the Lord's nameP '26, 95. Parallel passages: Deut. 4: 29-31; Job 22: 29; Psa. 51: 17; 95: 7, 8; 147: 3; Prov. 1: 23; 28: 13, 14; Isa. 57: 15; 61: 1-3; Hos. 14: 1, 2; Jonah 2: 4-9; Mic. 7: 19; Luke 18: 10-14; John 6: 37; 15: 7, 17-24; Jas. 4: 8; 1 John 1: 9. Hymns: 104, 103, 101, 231, 233, 293, 305. Poems of Dawn, 140: Stumbling Stones or Stepping Stones. Tower Reading: Z '13, 115 (R 5217). Questions: Have I stumbled and failed this week? What has my heart's attitude been amid such experiences? How did the Lord manifest His corrections, sympathy and help? STUMBLING STONES OR STEPPING STONES? I HAVE been sorely tried, dear Lord, been sorely tried today, The sun hath veiled his brightness, and a cloud hands oer my way; Why is my heart so heavy, and the daylight cold and gray? Ive tried to please Thee, I have striven to faithful be and true, Ive sought for heavenly wisdom in the thing that I should do;

Yet Ive been put to grief; and oh, can I have grieved Thee, too? A fellow-pilgrim on the road a wound hath given to me, Its sting and smart I keenly feelits need I cannot see. Stumbling tone or stepping stone, O Lord, which shall it be? A sorrow came to me todaya grief so dense and deep, The shades of deepest darkness about my heartstrings creep; The tears have flowed unceasing, till no power is left to weep. I bow beneath my weight of woe, speechless and stunned; my heart Sinks down like lead within my breast; its bitter ache and smart Seem almost more than I can bear. A sharp and cruel dart Hath pierced me, and I prostrate lie. O Father, speak to me! Thy hand lied hard upon me; can this trial come from Thee? Stepping stone or stumbling stone, which shall this sorrow be? * * * A blessing came this day to me, a joy surpassing sweet, A glad way opens up to me, wherein my willing feet Turn joyfully; how blest I am within this dear retreat! My way had dark and lonely been for many a weary year; My Lord hath brought this gift to me when all was sad and drear; Now, where my path was bleak, the flowers of love and bliss appear. And, yet, dear Lord, this blessing which Thy love hath given to me May fill my heart too fully, and may wean my soul from Thee Then, stepping stone or stumbling stone, my God,

which shall it be? Momentous question! on its answer my eternal joy Hangs trembling; shall I be refined as gold without alloy? These woes and blessings potent are to save or to destroy. The time flies on! the harvest wanes, the glorious end is near! O Master, shall I lose een now the prize I hold so dear? Shall woes or joys of life have power to dull my listening ear? Shall I be lured by siren song, while strains of heaven break On ears attuned? Oh, guide me, Lord, and keep me still awake. May I rejoice to walk with Thee, and suffer for Thy sake! But I am weak; O Master, dear, do thou my spirit thrill, Grant me thy grace, and strength impart to do Thy perfect will, And in affliction or in joy obey and love Thee still. Almighty Lord, to thee I flyno other help I know; Oh, aid me in my need, I pray, and make my heart to glow With holy fire, and on me, Lord, Thy precious love bestow. I hear Thee speak, I will obey, I stretch my hands to Thee, In every providence of Thine, Thy changeless love I see, And stepping stones to heavenly heights each pain And joy shall be.

JULY 23 If any provide not for his own . . . he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever1 Tim. 5: 8. "The faith" includes thoughts of love, sympathy, interest and care for others, especially for them of the household of faith. How it gives us an insight into our Lord's sympathetic nature, to find Him thinking in the interest of others at the very time when He Himself is overwhelmed in trouble! His own agony did not hinder Him from thinking of His mother, and making provision for her comfort. . . . We note the choice of John: it was doubtless because of, first of all, his loving, tender disposition; secondly, his zeal for the Lord and the Truth; and thirdly, his courage in pressing near to be with his dying Master in His closing hours, at the risk of his own life. Let us note these characteristics, as being those which the Lord approves, that noting them we may cultivate them in ourselves, and thus be granted special opportunities for service by this same MasterZ '99, 127 (R 2473). Upon each one in this life some responsibility is placed, varying in nature according to his position. Those who are placed in families have special responsibilities incumbent upon them, according to their place therein. The head of a family is duty-bound to provide for his dependents. A refusal to recognize and discharge this responsibility is a repudiation of the faith. Such a one is worse than an infidelP '36, 95. Parallel passages: Gen. 18: 19; 30: 30; Prov. 13: 22; Isa. 58: 7; Rom. 12: 17; 2 Cor. 8: 21; 12: 14; Gal. 6: 10; Eph. 6: 4; Matt. 18: 17; Titus 2: 4, 5. Hymns: 196, 343, 94, 99, 121, 129, 186. Poems of Dawn, 93: Bearing God's Burdens. Tower Reading: Z '11, 218: (R 4854). Questions: Did I this week provide for my own? Why? How? With what results? BEARING GODS BURDENS I LONG had borne a weary load Along lifes rough and thorny road, And oftentimes had wondered why My friend walked burdenless, while I Was forced to carry day by day The cross which on my shoulders lay. When, lo, one day the Master laid Another cross on me! Dismayed And faint, and trembling and distressed, I cried, Oh, I have longed for rest These many days. I cannot bear This other heavy load of care.

I pray Thee, Lord, behold this one Shall I bear both while he hath none? No answer came. The cross was laid On my poor back, and I was weighed Down to the earth. And as I went Toiling along and almost spent, Again I cried, Lord, have I been Untrue to Thee? Is it for sin That I have done, that I must still Carry this cross against my will? My child, the Masters voice returned, Hast thou not yet the lesson learned? The burden thou hast borne so long Hath only made thee grow more strong, And fitted thee to bear for Me This other load I lay on thee. Thy brother is too weak as yet To have a cross upon him set. Gods burdens rest upon the strong They stronger grow who bear them long, And each new burden is a sign That greater power to bear is thine. So now no longer I repine, Because a heavy cross is mine, But struggle onward with the prayer, Make me more worthy, Lord, to bear!

JULY 24 The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth muchJas. 5: 16. Communion with the Lord in prayer brings increased confidence in the Lord's supervision of our affairs; increased faith in all the exceeding great and precious promises of His Word; increased realization of His leadings, past and present; increased love for all the brethren of Christ; and increased solicitude for their welfare and spiritual progress. Prayer is thus closely and actively identified with progress in spiritual things, progress in the fruits of the Spirit, toward God, the brethren and all menZ '00, 268 (R 2692). A righteous man is one who is both justified and consecrated. As such he has access in Christ by one Spirit unto the Father, fully assured that his prayers offered up in the name and merit of Christ will be answered. Accordingly his prayers are effectual in securing the Divine response. So also are his prayers fervent, flowing as they do from ardent desires for things that will glorify God in ChristP '30, 79. Parallel passages: Deut. 9: 18-20; Josh. 10: 12; 1 Sam. 12: 18; 2 Kings 20: 2-5; Psa. 10: 17; 34: 15; 145: 18; Prov. 15: 29; 28: 9; John 9: 31; 1 John 3: 22. Hymns: 1, 35, 50, 218, 323, 239, 274. Poems of Dawn, 61: Trust Him More. Tower Reading: Z '15, 243 (R 5744). Questions: For what did I effectually pray this week? How did I overcome hindrances thereto? TRUST HIM MORE SINCE the Fathers arm sustains thee, Peaceful be; When a chastening hand restrains thee, It is He. Know His love in full completeness Fills the measure of thy weakness; If He wounds thy spirit sore, Trust Him more. Without measure, uncomplaining, In His hand Lay whatever things thou canst not Understand. Though the world thy folly spurneth, From thy faith in pity turneth, Peace thine inmost soul shall fill,

Lying still. Like an infant, if thou thickest Thou canst stand, Child-like, proudly pushing back The proffered hand, Courage soon is changed to fear, Strength doth feebleness appear; In His love if thou abide, He will guide. Therefore, whatsoer betideth, Night or day, Know His love for thee provideth Good alway. Crown of sorrow gladly take, Grateful wear it for His sake, Sweetly bending to His will, Lying still. To His own the Savior giveth Daily strength; To each troubled soul that striveth, Peace at length. Weakest lambs have largest share Of this tender Shepherds care. Ask Him not, then, When? or How? Only bow!

JULY 25 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; who art thou that judgest another?Jas. 4: 12. It is in harmony with this thought that the Apostle Paul declares in one place that neither the world nor the brethren were capable of judging himthat only the Lord, who could read the heart and know all the conditions and testings and weaknesses to be striven against, could properly judge. He even declares, "Yea, I judge not mine own self" (1 Cor. 4: 3). It is an excellent plan neither to condemn others who claim to be walking conscientiously as children of the Lord, nor even to condemn ourselves under similar circumstances. We should simply press along day by day, doing the best we can to cultivate the heavenly graces and to serve our Master, leaving all the results with the LordZ '99, 139 (R 2479). God is the Lawgiver in the sense that the laws governing all His free moral agents originate from His heart and mind, and have been written by Him in their hearts and minds. Accordingly, by right is He the law enforcer, dispensing life to those who remain in harmony with His law, and death to those who violate His law. This office precludes any, apart from His appointment, from occupying His judgment seatP '35, 102. Parallel passages: Eph. 4: 31; Luke 6: 37; Rom. 2: 1; 9: 20; 14: 4, 13; 1 Cor. 4: 5; Ex. 20: 16; Matt. 10: 28; Isa. 8: 12, 13; Luke 12: 4, 5; 1 Pet. 3: 14, 15; Heb. 7: 25. Hymns: 11, 45, 46, 83, 227, 23, 95. Poems of Dawn, 144: Judge Not by Outward Appearance. Tower Reading: Z '11, 120 (R 4802). Questions: Have I this week felt and acted in harmony with God's judgeship? What experiences were helpful or hindersome therein? What were the results? JUDGE NOT BY OUTWARD APPEARANCE JUDGE not; the workings of the brain And of the heart thou canst not see; What looks to thy dim eye a stain, In Gods pure light may only be A scar, brought from some well-won field, Where thou wouldst only faint and yield. The look, the air, that frets thy sight, May be a token that below The soul hath closed in deadly fight With some internal, fiery foe, Whose glance would scorch thy smiling grace, And cast thee, shuddering, on thy face.

The fall thou darest to despise; May be the angels slackened hand Hath suffered it that he may rise And take a firmer, truer stand; Or, trusting less to earthly things, May henceforth learn to use his wings. And judge none lost; but wait and see, With hopeful pity, not disdain; The depth of the abyss may be The measure of the height of pain And love and glory that may raise This soul to God in after days.

JULY 26 To him that overcometh will I give . . . a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving him that receiveth itRev. 2: 17. The overcomers must all be proven to be such as would sacrifice every other thing for the Lord; such as would sacrifice the love and fellowship and approval, if necessary, of every other being, in order to retain the love and favor of the Lord. We believe that this test is coming daily closer and closer to the Lord's consecrated people, and it behooves every one of us to remember that this is one of the elements of our trial, and to set our affections on the spiritual things accordingly, and to mortify or deaden all such affections toward earthly beings and things as would bring these into competition with our Lord in our affections, service, etc.Z '99, 140 (R 2479). The overcomer is one who conquers sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. These are arrayed against him by Satan, the world and the flesh. Such indeed will be made living stones in the temple of God, and will receive the Divine nature, a nature so grand that none but its recipients can fully understand or appreciate itP '34, 95. Parallel passages: Psa. 73: 24; Hos. 12: 6; Matt. 24: 13; John 8: 31; 10: 28; Acts 11: 23; Rom. 2: 6, 7; 8: 30-39; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Gal. 6: 9; Col. 1: 10, 22, 23; Heb. 2: 1; 3: 6, 14; 10: 23, 35, 36; 12: 1-15; Jas. 1: 4, 12; 1 Pet. 1: 4-8; 2 Pet. 1: 10, 11; Rev. 2: 7, 10, 11, 25-28; 3: 5, 11. Hymns: 272, 21, 27, 32, 58, 72, 78. Poems of Dawn, 298: How Will You Die? Tower Reading: Z '12, 315 (R 5113). Questions: Have I been overcoming this week? How? In what respects? With what results? HOW WILL LYOU DIE? WILL you tackle that trouble that came your way With a stalwart heart and cheerful? Or hide your face from the light of day With a craven heart and fearful? O, a troubles a ton, or a troubles an ounce, Or a trouble is what you make it, And it isnt the fact that youre hurt that counts, But only, How will you take it? Youre beaten to earth? Well, what of that? Come up with a smiling face;

Its nothing against you that you fell down flat, But to lie therethats disgrace. The harder youre thrown, the higher you bounce, Your Physician will make you whole. You fell seven times? Thats not what counts Press on to your promised goal! The battle is hard, severe the cross? And others cry, Turn back? Ah, soldier true, count all else loss, And nothing you will lack. And as your courage higher mounts Your foes from you will fly; Youll die, of coursethats not what counts, But only, How will you die?

JULY 27 We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his GodDan. 6: 5. All are not leading spirits, as was Daniel, nor are all given to visions and revelations and interpretations, as was he; but all will have the same spirit of devotion to principles of righteousness, which devotion will be tested under Divine providence, step by step, through the narrow way, as they seek to walk in the footsteps of Him who set us an exampleour Daniel, our Leader, our Lord Jesus. Let all, then, who have named the name of Christ depart from iniquity; let all such be faithful: "Dare to be a Daniel"Z '99, 167 (R 2492). Daniel's character is worthy of our imitation. Like him we should seek to be so careful in physical, mental, moral and religious respects that no faults can be justly charged against us by the natural man. Inevitably he will stumble over our religious activity, if it be in harmony with the Truth. Gladly would the enemies of the Truth charge us with delinquencies along other lines. We should give them no occasion for this, even as Daniel did notP '33, 80. Parallel passages: Gen. 49: 23; Job 12: 4; Psa. 11: 2; 38: 20; 44: 15-18, 22; Isa. 29: 20, 21; Matt. 5: 10-12, 44; 10: 16-18, 21-23, 28; 24: 9, 10; Luke 6: 22, 23; 21: 12-19; John 15: 18, 19; 16: 1, 2; 17: 14; Acts 4: 16-20; 5: 40-42; Rom. 8: 17, 35-37; 2 Cor. 11: 23-27; Heb. 12: 3, 4. Hymns: 200, 13, 134, 259, 307, 299, 325. Poems of Dawn, 186: "Think It Not Strange!" Tower Reading: Z '11, 347 (R 4874). Questions: Have I been persecuted this week for righteousness? How did I endure it? With what results? THINK IT NOT STRANGE! 1 PET. 4: 12. THINK it not strange, beloved, When fiercely burns the fiery flame! Think it not strange, but praise His name, Who counts thee worthy to partake Of painful sufferings for His sake. Nor think it strange When loved ones scornful from thee turn, The Truth reject, the message spurn; Consider Him who thus endured, And Immortality secured!

Think it not strange, beloved, If sometimes every door seem closed, And all thine efforts be opposed, But calmly wait in patience till The master shall reveal His will. Nor think it strange When darker grown the narrow way, Press on, thy Master soon shall say, Enough, My child, thou hast well done, Come, enter, in the Prize is won!

JULY 28 If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye1 Pet. 3: 14. It is only when we are hated because of our loyalty to the Truth (directly or indirectly) that we are to take satisfaction therein, or to think that we are suffering for righteousness' sake. As the Apostle points out, some suffer as evil-doers and as busybodies in other men's matters, or because of ungentleness, uncouthness, or lack of the wisdom of moderation, which the Lord's Word counsels. It is our duty not only to study the Lord's will but also to consider well the circumstances and the conditions which surround us, and to seek to adopt such a moderate course in life as would first of all have Divine approval, and secondly, cause as little trouble, inconvenience and displeasure to others as possible, and then to rely confidently upon the Lord's supervising wisdom and providenceZ '99, 166, 167 (R 2492 ). To suffer for righteousness' sake implies bringing evil upon ourselves by our zeal in being dead to self and the world and alive to God in watching, praying, in studying and spreading God's Word and in developing a character in harmony with it. Happy indeed are they who so do; for theirs is the fellowship of the Father, the Son and the saints, the possession of God's Spirit, Word and providence and the glorious hope of sharing in the Kingdom with Christ; yes, all things are theirs!P '32, 95, 96. Parallel passages: Matt. 5: 10-12; Jas. 1: 2, 12; 5: 10; 1 Pet. 2: 19-21; 4: 12-19; Acts 9: 16; Rom. 8: 17, 18, 23; 1 Cor. 4: 12, 13; 2 Cor. 1: 5-7; 4: 16-18; Phil. 1: 29; 3: 10; Col. 1: 24; 2 Thes. 1: 4, 5; 2 Tim. 2: 12. Hymns: 326, 325, 93, 272, 299, 322, 179. Poems of Dawn, 196: Sometime We'll Understand. Tower Reading: Z '14, 291 (R 5544). Questions: Have I suffered for righteousness? How? What helped or hindered? With what results? SOMETIME WELL UNDERSTAND PERHAPS twill be in coming years, It may be in the better land, Well read the meaning of our tears, And thus, sometime, well understand. Well catch the broken threads again, And finish what we here began; Heavn will the mysteries explain, And the, ah! then, well understand. Well know why clouds instead of sun

Were over many a cherished plan; Why song hath ceased when scarce begun. Ah, yes! sometime, well understand. Why what we longed for most of all, Eludes so oft our eager hand; Why hopes are crushed and castles fall Some day, sometime, well understand. God knows the way, He holds the key, He guides us with unerring hand; Sometime with tearless eyes well see; Yes, there, beyond, well understand. Then trust in God, throall thy days, Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand; Tho dark thy way, still sing and praise; Sometime, sometime, well understand.

JULY 29 Our God whom we serve is able to deliver usDan. 3: 17. The Lord's providences vary, and it is not for His people to decide when shall come remarkable deliverances, and when they shall apparently be left entirely to the will of their enemies without any manifestation of Divine favor on their behalf. Sometimes, the Lord's people who are bound, restrained of liberty to proclaim the Truth, find, as did the three Hebrews, that the fire burns the cords and sets them free, and really gives them larger opportunities to testify to the glory of our God than they could have had by any other course. It is not, therefore, for us to predetermine what shall be the Divine providence in respect to ourselves; we are to note the point of right and duty and to follow it regardless of consequences, trusting implicitly to the LordZ '99, 171 (R 2494). These Hebrews had such faith in God's delivering power as armed them with unflinching courage and obedience, despite the threat and danger of the fiery furnace. Small wonder that they were honored by the presence of the Son of Man, who quenched the deadliness of the fire. Similarly, as we, the children of God, are threatened with and enter the antitypical fiery furnace for not bowing down to Militarism, Romanism or Federationism, we may exercise the faith that will be honored with the Son of Man's presence, who will make the fiery furnace the means of freeing us, uninjured by the experience, from the cords of this earthP '26, 96. Parallel passages: Gen. 49: 22-26; Ezra 8: 31; Psa. 23; 34: 7, 9, 10; Matt. 5: 10-12; Acts 5: 29, 40-42; Rom. 8: 17, 35-37; Heb. 11: 33-38; Rev. 20: 4. Hymns: 93, 25, 179, 200, 216, 222, 293. Poems of Dawn, 183: Your Father Knoweth What Things Ye Have Need Of. Tower Reading: Z '15, 55 (R 5866). Questions: In what experiences of the week did I gain deliverance? How? What helped or hindered? In what did it result? YOUR FATHER KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE HAVE NEED OF MATT. 6: 8. OUR Father knows what things we need Each step along the way, His eye of love doth never sleep, He watches night and day. He knows sometimes, like ripening grain, We need the sunshine bright,

Again He sends the peace that comes With shadows of the night. Sometimes our pride would fain unfurl Ambitions flaunting sail, Ah! then He knows we need to walk Humiliations vale. Sometimes He takes our eager hands And folds them on our breast, He gently lays our work aside, He knows we need to rest. Sometimes we need companionship, Sometimes, the wilderness, How sweet to feel Hell know and give The state that most will bless! Then let us leave it all with Him. Assured that, come what may, Our father knows just what we need. Upon our pilgrim-way.

JULY 30 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vinesSong of Solomon 2: 15. Many deal slackly with themselves in respect to little violations of their consecration vow, saying, "What's the use of such carefulness and so different a life from that of the world in general?" Ah! there is great use in it; for victories in little things prepare for greater things and make them possible; and on the contrary, surrender to the will of the flesh in the little things means sure defeat in the warfare as a whole. We who have become footstep followers of Jesus Christ know that we are to be tested (if our testing has not already commenced), and should realize that only as we practice self-denials in the little things of life, and mortify (deaden) the natural cravings of our flesh in respect to food, clothing, conduct, etc., shall we become strong spiritually and be able to "overcome"Z '99, 172 (R 2494). Our faults, great and small, injure our spiritual fruitage. This thought should prompt us to wage unceasing warfare against them, not by beating the air, but by intelligent effort. We can overcome them by detaching our affections from, abhorring, avoiding and opposing them. In opposing them we are to attack them as well as to repel their attacks. We attack them by displacement with opposite graces, and by restraint through other than opposite graces. We repel them by diversion of attention from, and by presentation of impenetrable hearts and minds to them, and all this by the Lord's SpiritP '36, 95. Parallel passages: 2 Chron.12: 14; Prov.4: 23;Eccles.5: 6; Isa. 1: 18; 44: 20; Jer. 17: 9; Ezek. 20: 16; Matt. 12: 31, 33-35; 15: 2-20; 1 Cor. 5: 6; Eph. 2: 1-5; Heb. 3: 13; 12: 5; Jas. 1: 14, 15; 2: 10, 11; 4: 1-3, 17; 2 Pet. 1: 4; 1 John 3: 4-15; 5: 17. Hymns: 78, 272, 130, 136, 1, 145, 183. Poems of Dawn, 169: The Time is Short. Tower Reading: Z '16, 118 (R 5886). Questions: What have I done this week with my faults? How? Why? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? THE TIME IS SHORT UP, up, my soul, the long-spent time redeeming; Sow thou the seeds of better deed and thought; Light other lamps, while yet the light is beaming; The time, the time is short. Think of the eyes that often weep in sadness, Seeing not the truth that God to thee hath taught; O bear to them this light and joy and gladness; The time, the time is short.

Think of the feet that stray from misdirection, And into snares of errors doctrine brought: Bear then to them these tidings of salvation; The time, the time is short. The time is short. Then be thy heart a brothers To every heart that needs thy help in aught. How much they need the sympathy of others! The time, the time is short.

JULY 31 Every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire1 Cor. 3: 13. The Apostle speaks of this time of fiery trial, and, likening the faith and works of a zealous Christian to a house built of gold, silver and precious stones, he declares that the fire of this day, in the end of this Age, shall try every man's work of what sort it is, and shall consume all but genuine faith and character structures. But we are to remember that such loyal characters grow not suddenly, in a few hours or daysmushroom-likebut are progressive developments, fine-grained and strong like the olive treeZ '99, 171 (R 2494). The text refers to the consecrated only. Its day in a general way includes the Gospel Age, but particularly refers to its closenow here. At this time the Lord has been pleased to permit fiery trials to come upon all His people. Among these are losses, disappointments, delays, restraints, shelvings, ours and others' faults, chastisements, hardships, necessities, oppositions, contradictions, weariness, sickness, pain, sorrow, persecution, error and temptations. These will infallibly reveal whether one is wholly, partly or not at all the Lord's. Happy are we, if we have as our work the "gold and silver" of Divine Truth and the "precious stones" of a Christlike character, which stand the testsP '30, 79. Parallel passages: Eccles. 12: 14; Mal. 3: 2, 3; Matt. 7: 22-27; 12: 36, 37; Mark 4: 22; Luke 2: 35; 12: 2, 3; 1 Cor. 3: 12, 14, 15; 4: 5; 1 Pet. 1: 7; 4: 12. Hymns: 119, 93, 230, 63, 228, 305, 67. Poems of Dawn, 180: Tempted and Tried. Tower Reading: Z '16, 195 (R 5916). Questions: What special trial did I have this week? Did it manifest gold, silver and precious stones, or wood, hay and stubble? How was I exercised thereby? TEMPTED AND TRIED TEMPTED and tried, oh! the terrible tide May be raging and deep, may be wrathful and wide; Yet its fury is vain for the Lord will sustain, And forever and ever Jehovah shall reign. Tempted and tried, yet the Lord at thy side Will guide thee, and keep thee, tho tempted and tried. Tempted and tried, there is One at thy side And never in vain shall Gods children confide. He will save and defend, for He loves to the end, Adorable Master, and glorious Friend. Tempted and tried, whatever betide, In His secret pavilion His children shall hide.

Neath the shadowing wing of eternitys King, His children may trust, yea, His children may sing. Tempted and tried, yet the Lord will abide, Thy faithful Redeemer, and keeper, and guide, Thy shield and thy sword, thine exceeding reward; Then enough for the servant to be as his Lord. Tempted and tried, the Savior who died Hath called thee to sufferthen reign by His side. If His cross thou wilt bear, His crown thou shalt wear, And forever and ever His glory shalt share.

AUGUST 1 Death and life are in the power of the tongueProv. 18: 21. The tongue's influence exceeds that of all our other members combined; and to control it, therefore, in the Lord's service, is the most important work of the Lord's people in respect to their mortal bodies and the service of these rendered to the Lord. A few words of love, kindness, helpfulnesshow often have such changed the entire course of a human life! yes, how much they have had to do with molding the destiny of nations! And how often have evil words, unkind words, slanderous words, done gross injustice, assassinated reputations, etc., or, as the Apostle declares, "set on fire the course of nature, " awakening passions, strifes, enmities, at first unthought of! No wonder he declares such tongues are "set on fire of Gehenna," the Second Death!Z '99, 75 (R 2442). Scripturally, the tongue symbolizes knowledgetrue or falseexpressed in language. Therefore, the thought of the text, that life is in the power of the tongue, agrees with James' exhortation, "Receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls." Its thought that death is in the power of the tongue agrees with St. Paul's statement on false teachers, that their word does eat as a cancer. Surely we ought to guard our thoughts and utterances, since they bring life or death to us and our hearers. The world's present woes and future bliss lie closely related to speech, good and true, or evil and falseP '35, 116. Parallel passages: Psa. 12: 3; 34: 11-13; 140: 3; Matt. 12: 36, 37; 15: 18, 19; Jas. 3: 2-13; 1: 26; Prov. 10: 20, 21, 31; 11: 30; 16: 27; 18: 4-8; 2 Tim. 2: 23-25; Rom. 10: 14, 15; 2 Cor. 2: 16; Eph. 4: 29; Col. 4: 6. Hymns: 116, 70, 164, 200, 210, 154, 315. Poems of Dawn, 261: Clear the Way. Tower Reading: Z '14, 245 (R 5517). Questions: What kind of a power has my tongue exerted this week? What were the circumstances and results? CLEAR THE WAY MEN of thought, be up and stirring Night and day. Sow the seed, withdraw the curtain, Clear the way. Men of action, aid and cheer them As you may. Theres a fount about to stream; Theres a light about to beam; Theres a warmth about to glow;

Theres a flower about to blow; Theres a midnight blackness changing Into gray. Men of thought, and men of action, Clear the way! Once the welcome light hath broken, Who shall say What the unimagined glories Of the day? What the evil that shall perish In its ray? Aid the dawning, tongue and pen; Aid it, hopes of honest men; Aid it, paper; aid it, type; Aid it, for the hour is ripe; And our earnest must not slacken Into play. Men of thought, and men of action, Clear the way! Lo! a clouds about to vanish From the day; Lo! the rights about to conquer Clear the way! Many a brazen wrong to crumble Into clay. With that right shall many more Enter smiling at the door; With the giant wrong shall fall Many others, great and small, That for ages long have held us For their prey. Men of thought, and men of action, Clear the way!

AUGUST 2 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our makerPsa. 95: 6. Our judgment is that it is impossible for any Christian to maintain a proper, consistent walk in life, and to build up such a character and faith structure as are represented by the Apostle as composed of "gold; silver and precious stones," without prayer; more than this, without regularity in prayer, we would almost be inclined to say, without kneeling in prayer; and we believe that the experiences and testimonies of the truest and best of the Lord's people who have ever lived will corroborate thisZ '99, 184 (R 2501). The only reasonable attitude for us, who as God's creatures are so dependent upon His bounty and so blessed by His goodness, is worship. Worship not only implies prayer in its elements of invocation, praise, thanksgiving, confession, petition, communion and assurance, but also a wholehearted deadness to self and the world, and aliveness to God. The heart of worship is entire consecration made and kept. We should render this complete devotion in grateful and appreciative faith, hope, love and obedience as our reasonable sacrificial service, and invite one another to join us in so doingP '34, 109,110. Parallel passages: Ex. 20: 3; 34: 8; Psa. 22: 22; 26: 6-8; 29: 2; 66: 4,13,14; 100; 116: 1214,17; 119: 108; Isa. 38: 20; 56: 6,7; Jer. 31: 12; Matt. 4: 10; John 4: 23,24; Phil. 3: 3; Heb. 12: 28; Rev. 14: 7. Hymns: 160, 11, 45, 55, 219, 8, 277. Poems of Dawn, 103: Prayer of the Consecrated. Tower Reading: Z '15, 154 (R 5692). Questions: Have I this week served God? How? Why? With what results? PRAYER OF THE CONSECREATED WE seek not, Lord, for tongues of flame, Or healing virtues mystic aid; But power thy Gospel to proclaim The balm for wounds that sin hath made. Breathe on us, Lord; Thy radiance pour On all the wonders of the page Where hidden lies the heavenly lore That blessed our youth and guides our age. Grant skill each sacred theme to trace, With loving voice and glowing tongue,

As when upon Thy words of grace The wondering crowds enraptured hung. Grant faith, that treads the stormy deep, If but Thy voice shall bid it come; And zeal, that climbs the mountain steep, To seek and bring the wanderer home. Give strength, blest Savior, in Thy might; Illuminate our hearts, and we, Transformed into Thine image bright, Shall teach, and love, and live, like Thee!

AUGUST 3 Separate yourselves from the people of the landEzra 10: 11. Someone has well said, "The Christian in the world is like a ship in the ocean. The ship is safe in the ocean so long as the ocean is not in the ship." One of the great difficulties with Christianity today is that it has admitted the strangers, the "people of the land," and recognized them as Christians. It does injury, not only to the Christians, by lowering their standards (for the average will be considered the standard), but it also injures the "strangers," by causing many of them to believe themselves thoroughly safe and needing no conversion, because they are outwardly respectable, and perhaps frequently attendants at public worshipZ '99, 203 (R 2510). God's people are a holy nation, severed from all others unto God's service. Their faith, spirit, hopes and aims differ from those of the natural man. So dissimilar are these two classes that the attempt to fellowship one another would prove painful and disastrous. Especially would God's people be disadvantaged by such association. For the welfare of both classes separation from each other is necessary. Hence the exhortation, "Come out of her, my people." And when this separation is made, the faithful enter into closer fellowship with the Lord and with one anotherP '33, 110,111. Parallel passages: Num. 16: 21, 26; Ezra 6: 21; Prov. 9: 6; Isa. 48: 20; 52: 11; Jer. 51: 9; Acts 2: 40; 2 Cor. 6: 17-7: 1; Rev. 18: 4; 1 Cor. 6: 11; Eph. 5: 25-27; 1 Thes. 4: 3, 4; 2 Tim 2: 21; 2 Pet. 1: 4. Hymns: 130, 78, 48, 71, 13, 196, 312. Poems of Dawn, 224: The Rose. Tower Reading: Z '12, 370 (R 5138). Questions: Have I this week cleansed myself from evil persons and things? How? Why? With what results? THE ROSE WITHIN my hand I gently hold the Gardens Queen, a rose, The softly-sighing summer wind about it faintly blows, And wafts its wondrous fragrance out upon the evening air. And as I gaze upon the rose, so perfect and so fair, In memorys halls there wakes, the while, a legend, quaint and old, How once upon a time, one day, a sage picked up, were told,

A lump of common clay, so redolent with perfume rare, He marveled, and the question wondering asked, Whence dost thou bear Such fragrance, O, thou lump of clay? In tones of deep repose There came the sweet reply, I have been dwelling with the rose. The while the legend stirs my soul, within my hand still lie The petals of the rose, and from my heart of hearts I cry, Thou lovely Rose of Sharon, may I ever dwell with Thee, So closely that the fragrance of Thy love shall cling to me! Oh, fill me with the spirit of Thy sweet humility, Then all shall see and know, dear Lord, that I have learned of thee; And let mine earthly pilgrimage, until its blessed close, Each day and hour bear witness, Ive been dwelling with the Rose!

AUGUST 4 The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves2 Tim. 2: 24,25. Some of the Lord's dear people have greatly injured their influence in the Truth by display of too large a degree of self-confidence, self-assurance, in speaking of the Divine Plan to others especially to the learned. Meekness is a jewel wherever found, and is especially desirable as an adjunct and sling for the Truth. Let the Truth be shot forth with all the force it can carry, but always with meekness and humility; and the question form of suggesting Truth will often be found the most forceful Z '00, 14 (R 2558). The qualities enumerated in this text are such as will enable the servant of the Truth to realize the object of his office: efficiency for the Lord and His cause and His people. The lack of these qualities unfits one for the service of the Truth, and makes one an injurer of the brethren and others instead of a helper, however great his natural talents may be. Well-balanced people resent in a religious teacher the marks of priestcraft but readily respond to the spirit of the Master, whose manner and spirit of teaching are well expressed in the Apostle's words in this textP '32, 112. Parallel passages: Gen. 13: 8; Prov. 15: 2; 16: 13; Jude 3; Titus 3: 2; 1 Tim. 3: 2, 3; 6: 11; Rom. 12: 18; 14: 19; 1 Cor. 4: 21; 10: 31, 32; Phil. 2: 3,14; Col. 3: 12; Jas. 1: 19; 2 Thes. 3: 15; 2 Tim. 2: 25. Hymns: 44, 95, 125, 145, 198, 116, 210. Poems of Dawn, 107: O Use Me, Lord. Questions: Have I this week ministered the Word to others? Under what circumstances? How? Why? With what results? O, USE ME, LORD! LORD, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone; As Thou hast sought, so let me seek Thine erring children, lost and lone. O, lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wandering and the wavering feet; O, feed me, Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet. O, strengthen me, that while I stand Firm on the Rock, and strong in Thee, I may stretch out a helping hand

To wrestlers in the troubled sea. O, teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost impart; And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart. O, give Thine own sweet rest to me, That I may speak with soothing power A word in season, as from Thee, To weary ones in needful hour. O, fill me with Thy fulness, Lord, Until my very heart oerflow In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show, O, use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where; Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share!

AUGUST 5 We know that all things work together for good to them that love God . . . the called according to his purposeRom. 8: 28. Remembering this, all the Lord's people should be content with the lot which Providence seems to mark out for themnot indolent, but content, when they have done all that their hands find to donot restless, peevish, dissatisfied, complainers against God and His providence. It may be that the Lord is fitting and preparing us individually for some special service, and that the permitted experiences alone will prepare us for that service. We are to remember also that we are incompetent to judge of our own imperfections, and hence incompetent to judge of the experiences which would be most helpful to us Z '00, 22 (R 2562). What blessed comfort the child of God who, as one of His called ones, wholeheartedly loves God finds in the assurance of this text that all his interests are under Divine care and supervision, and that all his experiences, under Divine direction, are conspiring to his development as a Christian. Unlike the poor world, whose interests are exposed to all sorts of accidents, the Christian, assured that there are no accidents in his experiences, knows that whatever befalls him is an expression of God's love and care, and that it helps him to attain his life's ambitionChristlikenessP '26, 108. Parallel passages: Gen. 5: 20; Deut. 8: 2; Jer. 24: 5-7; 2 Cor. 4: 15-18; Heb. 12: 9-11; Rev. 3: 19; Rom. 1: 6; 9: 11, 23, 24; 1 Pet. 5: 7, 10; Psa. 76: 10; Isa. 51: 2; Prov. 16: 7. Hymns: 63, 43, 56, 57, 93, 293, 305. Poems of Dawn, 136: Discipline. Tower Reading: Z '10, 72 (R 4566). Questions: Do I love God supremely? What evidence have I of being of the called? Wherein have "the all things" of this week wrought good to me? DISCIPLINE THE hammer of Thy discipline, O Lord, Strikes fast and hard. Lifes anvil rings again To Thy strong strokes. And yet we know tis then That from the hearts hot iron all abroad The rich glow spreads. Great Fashioner Divine, Who spareth not, in Thy far-seeing plan, The blows that shape the character of man, Or fire that makes him yield to touch of Thine, Strike on, then, if Thou wilt! For Thou alone Canst rightly test the temper of our will, Or tell how these base metals may fulfill

Thy purposemaking all our life Thine own. Only we do beseech Thee, let the pain Of fiery ordeals through which we go Shed all around us such a warmth and glow, Such cheerful showers of sparks in golden rain, That hard hearts may be melted, cold hearts fired, And callous hearts be taught to feel and see That discipline is more to be desire. Than all the ease that keeps us back from Thee.

AUGUST 6 Resist the devil, and he will flee from youJas. 4: 7. If we are positive in our rejection of temptation, it increases our strength of character, not only for that time but also for subsequent temptations; and it disconcerts to some extent our Adversary, who, noting our positiveness, knows well that it is useless to discuss the matter with persons of strong convictions and positive characters; whereas if the question were parleyed over, the result would surely be an advancing of further reasons and arguments on the Adversary's part, and a danger on our part that we would be overmatched in argument, for, as the Apostle declares, the devil is a wily adversary, and "we are not ignorant of his devices." Prompt and positive obedience to the Word and Spirit of the Lord is the only safe course for any of the "brethren"Z '00, 30 (R 2565). Satan acts not only defensively but also offensively against us. His offensive is cunning, sudden, sharp and persistent. It behooves us to repel him vigorously. We should repulse him by watchfulness, prayer, faith in our equipment, hope for victory, love for defeating him, persistent determination to gain victory, exertion against him, detaching our affections from evil, evasion of evil, diversion of attention from evil, displacement of evil by the opposite good, restraint of evil by other than the opposite good and by presentation of an impenetrable heart and mind to Satan's attacks. Such resistance steadfastly maintained, will defeat and put him to disastrous flightP '36, 95. Parallel passages: 1 Pet. 5: 8,9; Eph. 4: 27; 6: 10-13; Matt. 4: 1-11; 1 Chron. 21: 1; Job 1: 6-12; 2: 3-7; Zech. 3: 1,2; Matt. 13: 19,38,39; Luke 22: 31; John 8: 38,41, 44; 12: 31; 13: 2,27; Rom. 16: 20; 2 Cor. 2: 11; 4: 4; 11: 3, 14, 15; 1 John 3: 8,10,12; 5: 18. Hymns: 145, 323, 13, 130, 184, 266, 272. Poems of Dawn, 135: Endurance. Tower Reading: Z '16, 147 (R 5896). Questions: Have I this week resisted the devil? How? What was helpful or hindersome therein? What were the results? ENDURANCE YET nerve thy spirit to the proof, And blanch not at thy chosen lot. The timid good may stand aloof, The sage may frownyet faint thou not. Nor heed the shaft so surely cast, The foul and hissing bolt of scorn; For with thy side shall dwell at last The victory of endurance born.

AUGUST 7 If any one contend in the games, he is not crowned unless he strive lawfully2 Tim. 2: 5, Diaglott. Jesus observed God's times and seasons and methods. He never recklessly exposed His life until from the Prophets He recognized that His hour had come to be delivered into the hands of His enemies. He did not make long prayers on the street corners to be heard of men, nor exhort the multitude with noisy harangue; as the prophet indicated, He did not lift up His voice nor cry aloud in the streets (Isa. 42: 2). He chose God's methods, which are rational and wise, and which are effective in selecting from among men the class which He desires to be heirs of the promised Kingdom. Let those who would so run as to obtain the prize, mark these footprints of the Master, and be filled more and more with His SpiritZ '02, 265 (R 3069). Whenever a prize is offered for performance of worthy deeds, rules and conditions to govern the contestant's conduct are laid down; and only when these are observed is the winner awarded a prize. This was true of the games among the Greeks, and is true in our race for eternal life. The Lord has ordained that only those who develop a Christlike character, while laying down life for God's Plan, can have the prize of eternal life in the Kingdom. Nor will these conditions be altered or abridged for some who assume themselves to be special favorites. All are herein treated alike, and the worthy only are crowned with eternal life in the KingdomP '30, 109. Parallel passages: 1Cor. 9: 24-26; Eph.6: 11-17; 1Tim.6: 12; Phil. 3: 14; Heb.12: 1, 2; 2 Tim. 2: 3; 4: 7, 8. Hymns: 13, 20, 78, 183, 266, 272, 200. Poems of Dawn, 42: Courage! Press On. Tower Reading: Z '02, 264 (R 3069). Questions: How have I striven this week, lawfully or unlawfully? What encouraged me thereto? What hindered therefrom? How did I overcome hindrances? What was the effect on others and me? COURAGE! PRESS ON TIRED! Well, what of that? Didst fancy life was spent on beds of ease, Fluttering the rose leaves scattered by the breeze? Come, rouse thee! work while it is called to-day: Courage! arise! go forth upon thy way. Lonely! and what of that? Some must be lonely; tis not given to all To feel a heart responsive rise and fall,

To blend another life within its own: Work can be done in loneliness. Work on. Dark! Well, what of that? Didst fondly dream the sun would never set? Dost fear to lose thy way? Take courage yet! Learn thou to walk by faith, and not by sight; Thy steps will guided be, and guided right. Hard! Well, what of that? Didst fancy life one summer holiday, With lessons none to learn, and naught but play? Goget thee to thy task! Conquer or die! It must be learned; learn it, then, patiently.

AUGUST 8 Into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you againLuke 10: 5, 6. Each laborer in the present harvest should note well the Lord's instruction in these verses. Wherever the Lord's representatives go, peace should go, not strife, confusion, turmoil, quarreling. True, the Truth will prove to be a sword that will arouse opposition, yet it should be the Truth that causes the opposition and division, and not any rudeness or unkindness of word or action on the part of the Lord's representatives. There are plenty of things to aggravate mankind in this our busy day, and all who have received the Truth should receive also its spirit "speaking peace through Jesus Christ"Z '04, 108 (R 3346). The Lord always prepares for His servants a welcome in such families as He desires to entertain them. Wherever His servants are not welcomed, He has made no preparation for them; and it would be well for them to move on. Wherever they go, they are to manifest the Lord's Spirit, prepared to confer spiritual blessings far superior to the earthly blessings bestowed upon them. If their blessings are not desired or appreciated, let them be withdrawn. Let them content themselves with the thought that elsewhere a worthy family awaits their comingP '35, 117. Parallel passages: 1 Sam. 25: 6, 17; Isa. 9: 6; 57: 19; Matt. 10: 11-13; Psa. 35: 13; 1 Cor. 9: 4-7; 1 Tim. 5: 18; Luke 19: 5-9; Acts 10: 36; 2 Cor. 5: 18-20; Eph. 2: 2,3; 5: 6; 2 Thes. 3: 16; 2 Cor. 2: 15, 16. Hymns: 275, 23, 170, 107, 139, 179, 303. Poems of Dawn, 148: The Servant's Path In A Day Of Rejection. Tower Reading: Z '16, 325 (R 5979). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? THE SERVANTSS PATH IN A DAY OF REJECTION SERVANT of Christ, stand fast amid the scorn Of men who little know or love thy Lord; Turn not aside from toil: cease not to warn, Comfort and teach, trust Him for thy reward; A few more moments suffering, and then Cometh sweet rest from all thy hearts deep pain. For grace pray much, for much thou needest grace. If men thy work deridewhat can they more?

Christs weary foot thy path on earth doth trace; If thorns wound thee, they pierced him before; Press on, look up, tho clouds may gather round, Thy place of service He makes hallowed ground. Have friends forsaken thee, and cast thy name Out as a worthless thing? Take courage then: Go tell thy Master; for they did the same To Him, who once in patience toiled for them; Yet He was perfect in all service here; Thou oft hast failed: this maketh Him more dear. Self-vindication shun; if in the right What gainest thou by taking from Gods hand Thy cause? If wrong, what dost thou but invite Satan himself thy friend in need to stand? Leave all with God; if right, Hell prove thee so; If not, Hell pardon; therefore to Him go. Be not mens servant: think what costly price Was paid that thou mightst His own bondsman be, Whose service perfect freedom is. Let this Hold fast thy heart. His claim is great to thee. None should thy soul enthrall to whom tis given To serve on earth, with liberty of Heaven. All His are thine to serve: Christs brethren here Are needing aid, in them thou servest Him. The least of all is still to Him most dear, The weakest cost His life-blood to redeem. Yield to no party what He rightly claims, Who on His heart bears all His peoples names. Be wise, be watchful, wily men surround Thy path. Be careful, for they seek with care To trip thee up; see that no plea be found In thee thy Master to reproach. The snare They set for thee will then themselves enclose And God His righteous judgment thus disclose. Cleave to the poor, Christs image in them is; Count it great honor if they love thee well; Nought can repay thee after losing this, Tho with the wise and wealthy thou shouldst dwell. Thy Master oftentimes would pass thy door To hold communion with His much-loved poor.

The time is short, seek little here below: Earths goods would cumber thee and drag thee down. Let daily food suffice; care not to know Thought for tomorrow: it may never come. Thou canst not perish, for thy Lord is nigh, And His own care will all thy need supply.

AUGUST 9 If therefore the light that is in thee be [come] darkness, how great is that darkness! Matt. 6: 23. The "harvest" is a time for winnowing the "wheat"a sifting, a separating time, and it is for each of us to prove our characters: "Having done all, stand!" The tests of this "harvest" must be like those of the Jewish or typical "harvest." One of them is the cross, another is the presence of Christ, another is humility, another is love. The Jews were reproved because they "knew not the time of their visitation." The matter is doubly distressing for those who have once seen the light of Present Truth, and afterward go into the "outer darkness." It implies unfaithfulnessZ '04, 297 (R 3436). The light in us is the holy Spirit. It is possible for it to become darkness. This occurs when the mind gives up the Truth, and the heart, the Spirit of the Truth. Such an effect can occur only when, losing wisdom, power, justice and love, the heart learns to love sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. Such an one cannot be renewed unto repentance. The darkness in him is great and unending. With what watchfulness, prayer and activity we should guard ourselves against such an outcome! Better never to have begun than end our Christian career in this mannerP '34, 110. Parallel passages: Luke 11: 34-36; Psa. 119: 105; Prov. 6: 23; Isa. 8: 20; 58: 8; Matt. 4: 16; 5: 16; Luke 16: 8; John 1: 4-9; 3: 19-21; 12: 35, 36; Acts 26: 18; Eph. 5: 14; 1 Thes. 5: 5; 1 Pet. 2: 9; Matt. 8: 12; John 11: 9, 10; 1 John 2: 8-11. Hymns: 315, 1, 49, 90, 91, 130, 154. Poems of Dawn, 285: How Are the Mighty Fallen. Tower Reading: Z '09, 231 (R 4444). Questions: What were this week's experiences with Light and Darkness? How were they met? In what did they result? HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN HOW are the mighty fallen! Those who once stood so strong, Defending the Truth and their brethren Through battles severe and long! Their lives thy counted not precious; No price was too great to pay Led by that faithful Servant, They fought in the thick of the fray. How are the mighty fallen!

Those leaders we learned to love Alas! They turned and as traitors Deserted the Truth from above. Oh, words too sad to utter! Oh, hearts too broken to weep! Gods grace neath their feet lies trampled; Deserted, His cause and His sheep! Oh, how are the mighty fallen! Though feigning Gods friends still to be, They led His sheep into error In subtle hypocrisy! Our heads well not uncover, Nor mourn for those who have sold Their Lord and their brethren for power As Judas in days of old. Alas! How the mighty are fallen! Lord, who will be able to stand? Oh, that I may be found worthy To receive a Well done at thy hand!

AUGUST 10 If there be therefore any consolation [comfort] in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mindPhil. 2: 1, 2. What exhortations these are to unity, peace, brotherly kindness! How they suggest to us patience, forbearance, gentleness, helpfulness and comfort one toward another in the Church; that thus the Spirit of the Lord may abound in all, that each may make the greatest possible progress in the right way. Dear brethren, let us more and more be worthy of the name of BarnabasComforter of the brethren. Let us have the holy Spirit abounding in us more and more, for this is the Lord's good pleasure; that with it dwelling in us richly we may be all sons and daughters of comfort in Zion, representatives of our Father, and channels of the holy Spirit, as well as of the TruthZ '04, 296 (R 3434). Nothing pleases the Lord's servants more than the spiritual prosperity of those whom they serve; for these are their spiritual children, for whose welfare they labor and for whose ultimate victory they lay down their lives. This thought should move the Lord's people to strive to gladden the hearts of those who minister to them. And let the Lord's servants rejoice in seeing the rich fruits of the Spirit, particularly in the various forms of love, abundantly growing in their spiritual children; and so the spiritual mother and children will rejoice together in the LordP '33, 111. Parallel passages: 2 Cor. 13: 14; John 7: 39; 1 John 3: 24; Phil. 1: 8; Col. 3: 12; John 3: 29; Rom. 12: 16; 1 Cor. 1: 10; Phil. 3: 16; 2 Cor. 13: 11; Phil. 1: 26,27. Hymns: 90, 166, 198, 92, 23, 170, 95. Poems of Dawn, 99: The Secret of His Presence. Tower Reading: Z '15, 362 (R 5810). Questions: What were the week's experiences in line with this text? What did they effect? THE SECRET OF HIS PRESENCE IN the secret of His presence How my soul delights to hide: Oh, how precious are the lessons Which I learn at Jesus side. Earthly cares can only vex me, Trials never lay me low, And when Satan comes to tempt me, To the secret place I go. When my soul is faint and thirsty, Neath the shadow of His wing

There is cool and pleasant shelter, And a fresh and crystal spring. And my Savior rests beside me, As we hold communion sweet; If I tried, I could not utter What He says, when thus we meet. Only this: I know, I tell Him All my doubts, and griefs, and fears; Oh, how patiently He listens, And my drooping heart He cheers. Do you think He neer reproves me? What a false friend He would be, If He never, never told me Of the faults which He must see. Do you think that I could love Him Half so well, or as I ought, If He did not plainly tell me Each displeasing word and thought? No! for He is very faithful, And that makes me trust Him more, For I know that He doth love me, Though sometimes He wounds me sore. Would you like to know the sweetness Of this secret of the Lord? Go and hide beneath His shadow, This shall then be your reward. And wheneer you leave the silence Of that happy meeting place, You must mind and bear the image Of the Master in your face.

AUGUST 11 Be thou faithful unto death, and 1 will give thee a crown of lifeRev. 2: 10. In a little while the trials will be over, but until that little while is past we are in the trial time, and it is proving us either worthy or unworthy of the glorious favors which we seek. . . . . If we appreciate them let us seek them in the Lord's way; let us see to what extent there are other things in our lives that we might render unto the Lord and which He will accept, not through the worthiness of the deeds or the sacrifices but through the merit of Christ. Let us see if the days and hours as they pass are spent in a consecrated manner; let us note to what extent moments and days are spent in some selfish manner, or wasted upon others beyond the reasonable requirements of duty as marked out in the Divine Word. Let us see to what extent we perform our vows unto the LordZ '05, 380 (R 3685). To be faithful implies a wholehearted devotion to a person, cause or principle. All of these are implied in a Christian's faithfulness to God, which prompts to the use of our all for Him in the things, spirit and manner pleasing to Him. Nor is such devotion for a brief time. It must be unto death, i.e., it must produce death and last until death. For such, a crown of life everlasting is reserved as a giftreward. Light indeed will then seem to them the hardships incidental to their gaining life everlasting; and blessed indeed will be the lot which will be theirs to all eternityP '32, 112. Parallel passages: Prov. 28: 20; Matt. 10: 22; 24: 13; 25: 14-23; Luke 16: 10-12; 1 Cor. 4: 2; Heb. 3: 14; Rom. 8: 17, 18; Gal. 6: 7-9; Jas. 1: 12; 1 Pet. 1: 4-8; 2 Pet. 1: 4; 1 John 3: 2, 3; Rev. 3: 21. Hymns: 326, 21, 27, 32, 58, 92, 78. Poems of Dawn, 204: Oh! To Be Ready. Tower Reading: Z '15, 150 (R 5688). Questions: Have I been faithful or not this week? Wherein? How did this affect my hope for life everlasting? OH! TO BE READY OH! to be ready when death shall come, Oh! to be ready to hasten home! No earthward clinging, no lingering gaze, No strife at parting, no sore amaze; No chains to sever that earth hath twined, No spell to loosen that love would bind. No flitting shadows to dim the light Of the angel-pinions winged for flight, No cloud-like phantoms to fling a gloom

Twixt heavens bright portals and earths dark tomb, But sweetly, gently, to pass away From the worlds dim twilight into day. To list the music of angel lyres, To catch the rapture of seraph fires, To lean in trust on the risen One, Till borne away to a fadeless throne; Oh! to be ready when death shall come, Oh! to be ready to hasten home!

AUGUST 12 Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. . . . Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, 0 LORD, my strength and my redeemerPsa. 19: 1214. It would appear that every intelligent Christian would continually pray this inspired prayer, for cleansing from secret faults, that he might thus be restrained from presumptuous sins; and thus praying heartily, he would also watch against these beginnings of sin and keep his heart in a cleansed and pure condition, by going continually to the fountain of grace for help in every time of need. He who seeks to live a life of holiness and nearness to the Lord by merely guarding against outward or presumptuous sins, and who neglects the beginnings of sin in the secrets of his own mind, is attempting a right thing in a very foolish and unreasonable way Z '98, 22 (R2248). All of us have secret faults, which have come to us mainly by heredity, though associates, surroundings and training have measurably increased them. These defile us; hence the desirability of our prayer for cleansing from them. The Father reveals them to us, and thus enlists our co-operation in purging them away. Especially dangerous are presumptuous sins. Well may we pray that the Lord keep us back from them and prevent their gaining control over us. We will be enabled to gain victory over these, if the meditations of our hearts and the words of our lips are acceptable unto God, our Strength and RedeemerP '26, 109. Parallel passages: Job 13: 23; Psa. 24: 3-5; 26: 1,2; 51: 10; 139: 23,24; Ezek. 36: 25,26; 1 John 1: 7,9; 3: 3; Heb. 6: 4-9; 10: 26-31; 1 John 5: 16; 2 Pet. 2: 1-20; Jude 4-25. Hymns: 13, 130, 125, 136, 145, 183, 20. Poems of Dawn, 69: How Strong and Sweet My Father's Care! Tower Reading: Z '10, 118 (R 2248). Questions: How has the Father cleansed me this week? What were the circumstances, agents and effects? HOW STRONG AND SWEET MY FATHERS CARE! 1 PETER 5: 7. HOW strong and sweet my Fathers care! The words, like music in the air, Come answering to my whispered prayer He cares for thee. The thought great wonder with it brings

My cares are all such little things; But to this truth my glad faith clings, He cares for me. Yea, keep me ever in Thy love, Dear Father, watching from above, And let me still Thy mercy prove, And care for me. Cast me not off because of sin, But make me pure and true within, And teach me how Thy smile to win, Who cares for me. O still, in summers golden glow, Or wintry storms of wind and snow, Love me, my Father: let me know Thy care for me. And I will learn to cast the care Which like a heavy load I bear Down at Thy feet in lowly prayer, And trust in Thee. For naught can hurt me, shade or shine, Nor evil thing touch me, nor mine, Since Thou with tenderness Divine Dost care for me.

AUGUST 13 We are ambassadors for Christ2 Cor. 5: 20. If we as Christians could keep this thought always prominent before our minds, what a dignity it would add to our character! what a transforming power it would be! what an assistance to the new nature in its battle with the low and groveling tendencies of the old nature now disowned by us and reckoned dead! "Our citizenship is in heaven," says the Apostle. While still living in the world, we are not of it but have transferred our allegiance and citizenship to the Kingdom. . . . . And now, as appointees of our Kingdom, while still living in the world among aliens and strangers, we as representatives and ambassadors should feel both the dignity and the honor of the position and the weighty responsibilities and ever keep in memory the Apostle's words, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus"Z '04, 72 (R 3329). God is the rightful King of the earth, though its scepter now by usurpation is in the hands of Satan. God has selected His people to be His ambassadors, acting as Christ's mouthpieces. As such we are demanding of Satan the release of God's people, present and prospective, as well as are preparing for their release. We likewise are announcing to others the transfer of the kingdom from Satan to Christ. Such an office is for its incumbents a high honor, and requires that we act with such tact, nobility and grace as befits our office, and thus commend our cause to all right-minded persons. If earthly ambassadors so act as to honor their countries, much more ought we so to doP '36, 95. Parallel passages: Job 33: 23; Mal. 2: 6,7; 2Cor.3: 6,9; 6: 1; Eph. 6: 20; 1 Sam. 2: 35; 12: 8; Ezra 7: 10; Isa. 52: 1-12; Jer. 20: 9; Ezek. 34; Matt. 10: 16-24; 20: 25-28; 24: 8-11; John 10: 1-15; Acts 20: 22-24; Rom. 2: 21-23; 1 Cor. 2: 2. Hymns: 116, 70, 164, 210, 260, 272, 275. Poems of Dawn, 77: Amen, Amen. Tower Reading: Z '04, 71 (R 3329). Questions: Have I been an ambassador for Christ this week? How? Why? Under what circumstances? What was helpful or hindersome? What were the results? AMEN, AMEN I CANNOT say, Beneath the pressure of lifes cares today, I joy in these; But I can say That I would rather walk this rugged way, If Him it please. I cannot feel

That all is well when darkning clouds conceal The shining sun; But then I know God lives and loves; and say, since it is so, Thy will be done. I cannot speak In happy tones; the tear-drops on my cheek Show I am sad; But I can speak Of grace to suffer with submission meek, Until made glad. I do not see Why God should een permit some things to be, When He is love; But I can see, Though often dimly, through the mystery, His hand above. I may not try To keep the hot tears back; but hush that sigh, It might have been; And try to still Each rising murmur, and to Gods sweet will RespondAMEN.

AUGUST 14 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?Matt. 10: 25. However graciously stated, the Truth is a sword which penetrates in every direction, and which as our Lord foretold, frequently sets parents against children and children against parents, because the darkness hates the light and opposes it in every possible manner. In view of the Lord's teachings regarding this subject, and of how the wisest presentation of it may be ultimately misconstrued, it behooves everyone who would serve the Truth faithfully to be as careful as possible not to be misunderstood; to let it be clearly understood that we neither participate in nor advocate anarchy of any kind; but on the contrary, are standing for righteousness and the highest of laws, the Divine lawZ '03, 13 (R3130). It is indeed from every standpoint enough that the pupil be as his Teacher and the servant as his Master. It is honor enough, dignity enough, reward enough, distinction enough, approval enough and recommendation enough from the Teacher and Master to the pupil and servant. What more desirable thing suitable to our sojourn in the flesh could we seek than treatment like our Lord's? If this brings us ridicule, slander, excommunication, expatriation, violence even unto death, we should congratulate ourselves that we are being honored in being accorded treatment similar to our Lord's. Let us be glad and rejoice in the goodly fellowship into which this introduces us, as well as in the goodly inheritance to which it leads usP '30, 109. Parallel passages: Matt. 12: 24; Mark 3: 22; Luke 6: 40; 11: 15; John 8: 48, 52; 17: 14; 13: 16; 15: 20; 2 Tim. 3: 12; 2: 11,12; Acts 14: 22; 1 Pet. 2: 19-24. Hymns: 167, 168, 170, 322, 299, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 40: The Cost of Discipleship. Tower Reading: Z '09, 154 (R 4395). Questions: Have I this week suffered reviling for loyalty to the Lord? How did I bear it as an honor and privilege, or as a disgrace and a burden? What helped or hindered therein? THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP LUKE 9: 23. WOULD ye be My disciples? Consider again: Can ye follow My footsteps through trial and pain? Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame, And live but to honor My cause and MY name?

Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth, And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth, Despising earths riches, and living to bless? Can you follow the feet of the shelterless? Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men? Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again? Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs Whove watched for your falling, whove set for you snares? When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise, The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes? Can ye come out to meet Me, whateer the cost be, Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea? When I call, can ye turn and in gladness come out From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart? With naught but My promise on which to rely, Afar from their lovecan ye lie down and die? Yea, well take up the cross and in faith follow Thee And bear Thy reproach, Thy disciples to be. Blest Savior, for courage, to Thee we will fly; Of grace Thou hast promised abundant supply.

AUGUST 15 Now we exhort you, brethren . . . be patient toward all1 Thes. 5: 14. This seems to imply that the better balanced among the Lord's people should look with sympathy upon and exercise patient forbearance not only toward the weak and those who lack courage, but toward all, including those who have too much courage and self-push. . . . Growth in knowledge helps us to grow in this grace of patience, for as we appreciate more and more the Heavenly Father's patience with us, it helps us to apply the same principle toward others. . . .The thought that our Heavenly Father has favored and called anyone should make us extremely careful how we would co-operate with the Lord in respect to the call, and be as helpful as possible to all those who are seeking to walk with us in the footsteps of our Lord in our narrow wayZ '03, 24 (R 3135). The original word here rendered, "be patient," is makrothymeo, which means "to be longsuffering." Appropriate, indeed, is this exhortation and necessary is this quality. The physical, mental, moral and religious lacks, faults and weaknesses of ourselves, the brethren, the world and our enemies, call upon us to exercise longsuffering. Few, indeed, of the secondary graces are required for use more frequently than this grace; and hardly any of them is so rarely in evidence and is so difficult to practice. Therefore there is all the more need for the exhortation: "Now we exhort you, brethren be longsuffering toward all"P '35, 117. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 13: 4; 2 Cor. 6: 4-6; Gal. 5: 22; Eph. 4: 1, 2; Col. 1: 11; 3: 12, 13; 1 Tim. 1: 16; 2 Tim. 3: 10; 4: 2; Heb. 6: 12, 15; Jas. 5: 7, 8, 10. Hymns: 95, 198, 23, 143, 170, 21, 322. Poems of Dawn, 209: Wait, O Thou Weary One, a Little Longer. Tower Reading: Z '03, 23 (R 3135). Questions: Have I been longsuffering this week to all? Why? How? With what results? WAIT, O THOU WEARY ONE, A LITTLE LONGER

WAIT, O thou weary one, a little longer, A few more yearsit may be only days; Thy patient waiting makes thee all the stronger; Eternity will balance all delays. Wait, O thou suffering one, thy days of sorrow Bring to thy weary soul its richest gain; If thou a Christian art, a brighter morrow Will give thee ten-fold joy for all thy pain.

Wait, O thou anxious one; the cloud that hovers In gathering gloom above thine aching head Is sent of God in mercy, and He covers Thee with His heavenly mantle overspread. Be patient and submissive; each disaster Will bring thee nearer to thy loving Lord. These trials make thee like thy blessed Master, Who knows them all, and will His grace afford. Be patient and submissive; strength is given For every step along the weary way. And for it all thoult render praise to Heaven, When dreary night gives place to perfect day. Yes, perfect day, the day of God eternal, When not a shadow shall flit oer the scene In that fair land where all is bright and vernal, And we will be with Christ, and naught between. Wait, then, dear heart; control thy sad emotion; God will subdue each angry wind and wave, And when the voyage ends across lifes ocean, Within the haven of sweet rest will save.

AUGUST 16 In every thing give thanks1 Thes. 5: 18. Having the condition of heart which is in fellowship with the Lord and fully devoted to the doing of His will, the Lord's people not only implore His blessing at the beginning of each day, and present their thanks at the close of each day, but in all of life's affairs they seek to remember that they have consecrated their all to the Lord, and by faith look up to Him in all the affairs of life; and in proportion to the importance of their undertakings they, by faith, realize the association of God's providence with all the interests of life and give thanks accordingly. This is the will of God concerning us; He wills that we live in such an attitude of constant regard for His will and for His blessing; and He wills it in respect to us because it will be the condition most favorable to our progress in our narrow way, and which will best assist us in making our calling and election sureZ '03, 25 (R 3135). The noble natural man recognizes the appropriateness of gratitude for benefits; yet frequently, because of our shortsightedness in overlooking the fact that our untoward experiences, though working earthly disadvantages, are means of great spiritual blessings to us, we fail to give thanks for them. These, as well as toward experiences, should be regarded as blessings calling upon us to render thanks to the Lord. All things work together for good to them that love God. Therefore let us give thanks for all thingsthe hard and the easy, the joyful and the sorrowful, the toward and the untoward. All of them are love letters and tokens from our dear Father and are intended to work our truest, highest goodP '34, 110. Parallel passages: Eph. 5: 20; Col. 1: 12; 2: 7; 3: 15-17; 4: 2; Psa. 50: 14, 15; 105: 1, 5; 106: 1; 107: 1, 2, 15, 22; Joel 2: 26; Phil. 4: 6; 1 Tim. 2: 1; 4: 3,4; Heb. 13: 15. Hymns: 324, 9, 19, 37, 55, 199, 219. Poems of Dawn, 131: Count Your Blessings. Tower Reading: Z '02, 12 (R 2935). Have I been thankful in everything this week? How? Why? With what results? COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS DO not count, when day is oer, Daily loss from lifes rich store; But the gains, however small, Count them daily, one and all: Every sweet and gracious word, Every pleasant truth youve heard; Every tender glance and tone, Every kindly deed youve known;

Every duty nobly done, Every rightful victory won Treasure all, and count them oer As a miser counts his store. But if bitter word or thought Have a bitter harvest brought; If some foeman hath assailed you, Or the friend most trusted failed you; If unkindness and untruth Have to you brought saddest ruth, Blot the score without delay Keep no record of the day. Keep no record of the care, Loss and cross we all must bear; On the page of memory write Only what is fair and bright. Let all evil things go by; Still, with brave endeavor, try Simple joys to multiply. Thus youll learn how large a sum Will with faithful reckoning come. Long as after cloud and rain Blessed sunshine comes again, Long as after winters gloom Summer roses bud and bloom, Long as we have with us here One sad heart that we may cheer, Long as love gilds sorrows cross, Lifes rich gain oerpays the loss.

AUGUST 17 Quench not the Spirit1 Thes. 5: 19. The Spirit of the Lord among His people is compared to "a flame of sacred love" for the Lord and all connected with His cause; this flame is enkindled through the Divine message in each one individually, when receiving the holy Spirit, and pertains to the Church collectively, under the guidance of that Spirit. In proportion as the Church grows in knowledge and in love and in fellowship with the Lord this "flame of sacred love" will make it a light in the world, a city set on a hill, which cannot be hidZ '03, 25 (R 3135). From this verse it is apparent that the Spirit is not Jehovah; for if it were, such an exhortation would be both unnecessary and absurd. How foolish and unnecessary to exhort us not to annihilate the Almighty and Self-existent One! Understanding the Spirit as the Lord's disposition in us, the exhortation is both wise and necessary. Just as a candle light can be extinguished, so can the Spirit, a holy light, be quenched by sin, error, selfishness or worldliness gaining dominance over us. The Spirit once quenched, unlike the candle, which may be relighted, cannot be rekindled. Therefore let us give all diligence not to quench this priceless light, else we will remain in perpetual darkness; and how great would that darkness be!P '33, 111. Parallel passages: Rom. 8: 1-16; 1 Cor. 2: 10-16; Isa. 11: 2, 3; John 7: 39; 1: 12, 13; Gal. 5: 22, 23; Eph. 1: 17, 18; 1 John 4: 1, 6; 2 Tim. 1: 7; Eph. 4: 30; Isa. 7: 13; 63: 10. Hymns: 90, 267, 95, 125, 196, 1, 249. Poems of Dawn, 89: Filled With Christ's Fulness. Tower Reading: Z '12, 343 (R 5129). Questions: Have I this week increased or quenched the Spirit? How? What helped or hindered therein? FILLED WITH CHRISTS FULNESS JESUS, my Lord, Thou art my life, My rest in labor, strength in strife; Thy love begets my love of Thee; Thy fullness that which filleth me. Long, long I struggled ere I knew My struggling vain, my life untrue. I sought by efforts of mine own What is the gift of Christ alone. I prayed, and wrestled in my prayer, I wrought, but self was ever there;

Joy never came, nor rest, nor peace, Nor faith, nor hope, nor loves increase. Mine effort vain, my weakness learned, Weary, from self to Christ I turned, Content to let His fulness be An unbought fulness unto me. Lifes heavenly secret was revealed In Christ all riches are concealed. We try and fail; we ask, He gives, And in His rest our spirit live. O peaceful rest! O Life Divine! Mine efforts cannot make Thee mine. I yield my sinful heart to Thee. And in Thy love Thou fillest me.

AUGUST 18 Prove all things; hold fast that which is goodThes. 5: 21. However much they should ever come to respect prophesyings, or public speaking, the Lord's people should learn proportionately not to receive what they might hear without proper examination and criticism. They should prove all things that they hear, should exercise discrimination of mind, as to what is logically and Scripturally supported, and what is mere conjecture and possibly sophistry. They should prove what they hear with a view to holding fast everything that stands the test of the Divine Word and shows itself to be in accordance with the holy Spirit; and they should as promptly reject whatever will not stand these testsZ '03, 26 (R 3135). Satan has caused the doctrine of the Divine right of the clergy to prevail, claiming for them that they are the Divinely authorized mouthpieces, to whom the people are to render blank and unquestioning credence and obedience. Through this doctrine he has succeeded in deceiving almost the whole world. God does not desire His sons to be under the influence of a doctrine capable of such results. Therefore He bids them carefully to examine all things presented to them for acceptance, and to require that they be harmonious with themselves, Scriptural passages and doctrines, God's character, the Ransom, facts and God's purposes, and to adhere to things only which stand such thorough and reasonable testsP '32, 112. Parallel passages: Ex. 23: 7; Prov. 28: 5; Jer. 29: 8; Matt. 24: 4; John 5: 39; 1 Cor. 2: 15; 14: 29; Phil. 4: 8; Heb. 10: 23, 24; 2 Pet. 1: 15-21; 1 John 4: 1-3; Rev. 2: 2. Hymns: 79, 22, 49, 296, 306, 311, 332. Poems of Dawn, 5: Great Truths. Tower Reading: Z '10, 297 (R 4684). Questions: Have I this week examined what was presented for my belief? How? Why? With what results? GREAT TRUTHS GREAT truths are dearly bought. The common truth, Such as men give and take from day to day, Comes in the common walk of easy life, Blown by the careless wind across our way. Great truths are dearly won; not found by chance, Nor wafted on the breath of summer dream; But grasped in the great struggle of the soul, Hard buffeting with adverse wind and stream. Sometimes, mid conflict, turmoil, fear and grief,

When the strong hand of God, put forth in might, Ploughs up the subsoil of the stagnant heart, It brings some buried truth-seeds to the light. Not in the general mart, mid corn and wine; Not in the merchandise of gold and gems; Not in the worlds gay hall of midnight mirth, Nor mid the blaze of regal diadems; Not in the general clash of human creeds, Nor in the merchandise twixt church and world, Is truths fair treasure found, mongst tares and weeds; Nor her fair banner in their midst unfurled. Truth springs like harvest from the well-ploughed fields, Rewarding patient toil, and faith, and zeal. To those thus seeking her, she ever yields Her richest treasures for their lasting weal.

AUGUST 19 Abstain from every form of evil (ASV)1 Thes. 5: 22. The exhortation is that everything that is evil, whether it have a good form or a bad form, is to be resisted and opposed. . . . . To abstain from every appearance of evil is another thoughta different one from what the Apostle's words in the original would warrant; nevertheless, they represent a sound principle. We surely should abstain not only from evil things, whatever their form or garb, but also we should abstain so far as possible from doing things that we know to be good, which our friends or neighbors might misunderstand and consider to be evil things. The spirit of a sound mind dictates that not only evil in its every form but also everything that has an evil appearance, even, should be avoided, that our influence for the Lord and the Truth may be the greaterZ '03, 26 (R 3135). Whether we accept the KJV or the ASV translation of this text, it makes but little difference, since both give a thought worthy of our acceptance and practice. Surely as lovers of righteousness and haters of wickedness, we will abstain from every form of wickedness, be it ever so small. So, too, will we abstain from every appearance of evil, be it ever so innocent. We will avoid both the former, because wrong, and the latter, because wrong may result from it to us and to others, if it is not avoided. The latter has been the cause of undermining the influence of some of God's children for good, as well as causing the weak and erring to stumble. Blessed are we, if we practice both precepts! P '26, 109. Parallel passages: Ex. 23: 7; 1 Cor. 6: 18; 8: 1-13; Eph. 4: 25-32; 2 Cor. 8: 20, 21; 1 Thes. 4: 3, 12; Phil. 4: 9; Rom. 14: 1-23; 2 Tim. 2: 21-23. Hymns: 266, 44, 20, 78, 125, 183, 145. Poems of Dawn, 136: What Would Jesus Do? Tower Reading: Z '10, 392 (R 4728). Questions: What have been this week's experiences along the lines of the text? How were they met? What were their results? WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? WHEN the morning paints the skies, And the birds their songs renew, Let me from my slumbers rise, Saying, What would Jesus do? When I ply my daily task, And the round of toil pursue, Let me every moment ask, What would Jesus do?

Would the foe my heart beguile, Whispering thoughts and words untrue? Let me to his subtlest wile Answer, What would Jesus do? Countless mercies from above Day by day my pathway strew, Father, I would prove my love, Asking, What would Jesus do? Ever let Thy love, O God, Fill my spirit through and through, While I tread where He hath trod, Whispering, What would Jesus do?

AUGUST 20 Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto youActs 17: 23. The Apostle's method is worthy of imitation. All wise people distrust novelty, and incline to say that whatever is valuable has long been. We, like the Apostle, should endeavor to show that the true Gospel is not a new theology, but the old theology; not a new gospel, but the old Gospel; the one foretold to Abraham; the one declared by the Lord Jesus Himself and by all His Apostles. In proportion as we would show that errors prevail today, which had their origin in the "dark ages," we must show that we are not forging a new theory equally erroneous, but that we have discarded the errors of the Dark Ages, and have gone back to the first principles and precepts and instructions of the Gospel, as announced by the Lord and His authorized representatives, the ApostlesZ '03, 29 (R 3138). Few things effect larger results for God's servants than tact. One may be ever so talented, but, if tactless, he sways but little influence for good; while tactful persons with small talents generally effect greater results than tactless men of large talents. Paul affords us an example of the blending of large tact and great talent; therefore he accomplished the greatest results. Tactfully and talentedly he dealt with the Athenians. Had he been tactless though talented, he would have effected nothing with them except to prompt them to put him to death, thereby enforcing their law that required his death under the existing circumstances. Like him, we do well to use our talents, better to use our tact, but best of all to use a combination of both, thereby gaining best resultsP '36, 95. Parallel passages: Prov. 15: 1; 25: 15; 1 Cor. 9: 19-22; 2 Cor. 12: 6; Judges 8: 1-3; 1 Sam. 10: 27; 11: 7, 12-15; 25: 18-37; 2 Sam. 3: 28-37; 20: 16-22; 1 Kings 3: 24-28; Acts 16: 3; Phil. 1: 10-22; Acts 23: 6-10; 21: 20-25. Hymns: 280, 136, 95, 198, 315, 145, 44. Poems of Dawn, 147: Only. Tower Reading: Z '03, 27 (R 3138). Questions: Have I been tactful in presenting the Truth this week? Why? What were the circumstances? What helped or hindered? What were the results? ONLY ONLY a word for the Master, Lovingly, quietly said, Only a word! Yet the Master heard, And some fainting hearts were fed. Only a look of remonstrance, Sorrowful, gentle and deep,

Only a look! Yet the strong man shook, And he went alone to weep. Only some act of devotion, Willingly, joyfully done, Surely twas nought! (So the proud world thought), But yet souls for Christ were won. Onlybut Jesus is looking Constantly, tenderly down To earth, and sees Those who strive to please, And their love He loves to crown.

AUGUST 21 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousnessMatt. 6: 33. The Lord's people of spiritual Israel will do well to bear this thought continually in mindthat spiritual interests are to be given the preference always; that temporal affairs are to be managed and controlled from the standpoint of the everlasting welfarefrom the standpoint of spiritual growth and development and prosperityfrom the standpoint of the best interests and influences upon their children. They should not only hesitate to follow any suggestion that would take themselves and their families into unfavorable, godless surroundings, but they should determine that not under any consideration would they follow such a suggestionthat on the contrary the Lord's people should be their people, even though this would mean less of the comforts and luxuries of this present lifeZ '02, 350 (R 3110). In this verse Christ sets before us an ambition worthy of our best efforts; for what is more valuable than Christ Jesus, and everlasting life in the Kingdom with Jesus? Nor need the magnitude of these ambitions affright us; since God Himself has invited us thereto, binding Himself by an oath to give us all necessary help; since Jesus exercises His High Priestly office on our behalf, to insure our successful attainment thereof, and since our participation in the holy Spirit furnishes us with all the capacities therefore. These three things furnish us with all the helps both external and internal, necessary for our overcoming. More than these would injure us. Less than these would make us failP '30, 109. Parallel passages: 1 Kings 3: 13; Mark 10: 30; Rom. 8: 32; 14: 17, 18; 2 Tim. 4: 8; Rom. 12: 9-21; 1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5: 22-25; Eph. 4: 1-7, 12-16; 5: 1, 2; Col. 3: 10-25. Hymns: 58, 66, 72, 73, 95, 198, 267. Poems of Dawn, 144: Take Time To Be Holy. Tower Reading: Z '16, 69 (R 5862). Questions: What was my chief ambition this week: self, the world, sin, error; or love, justice, wisdom, and Kingdom-mindedness? How did my chief ambition express itself? What results did it gain? TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY TAKE time to be holy! Speak oft with the Lord; Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word; Make friends of Gods children, help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. Take time to be holy! The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone;

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see. Take time to be holy! Let Him be thy guide, And run not before Him, whatever betide; In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word! Take time to be holy! Be calm in thy soul, Each thought and each motive beneath His control; Thus led by His spirit to fountains of love, Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

AUGUST 22 Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?Luke 2: 49. Should we not all have the Master's spirit, expressed by His words? The Lord's true saints have no business of their own, for they gave their all to the Lord at consecration. Their business they manage as trustees for the Lordnot to be turned over at their death, in prosperous condition, to their children or their friends, possibly to their injury. It is to be used by the trustee as wisely as he knows how before death; for then his trusteeship ends, and he must render his accountZ '03, 53 (R 3148). To the perfect boy Jesus, it was natural to be engaged in matters pertaining to the Lord. Hence it seemed strange to Him that Joseph and Mary failed to see the propriety of His conduct. Here is a lesson for both young and oldthe propriety of engaging in matters pertaining to God. Blessed are they who take to this spontaneously; nor need they be surprised if others, even those nearest and dearest to them, fail to understand their conduct and consider them as acting unjustly, or at least thoughtlessly toward them. Let them content themselves with the reflections that some day others will understand, and that in the meantime they will be satisfied with the Master's praise, if others blame P '35, 117. Parallel passages: Psa. 40: 7-9; Heb. 10: 7, 9; John 2: 16, 17; 4: 31-34; 7: 14, 15, 46; 9: 4; Matt. 7: 28, 29; 10: 37; Isa. 50: 4; Luke 4: 22, 32; Josh. 1: 8; Isa. 8: 20; Jer. 8: 9; Luke 24: 27; Acts 17: 11; Psa. 1: 1-3; 1 Pet. 1: 10; 11. Hymns: 309, 49, 315, 154, 116, 260, 22. Poems of Dawn, 47: The Pilgrim. Tower Reading: Z '12, 30 (R 4957). Questions: Have I this week studied and spread God's Word? Why? How? With what fruits? THE PILGRIM STILL onward through this land of foes I pass in Pilgrim guise; I may not stop to seek repose Where cool the shadow lies; I may not stoop amid the grass To pluck earths fairest flowers, Nor by her springing fountains pass The sultry noontide hours. Yet flowers I wear upon my breast That no earth-garden knows

White lilies of immortal peace, And loves deep-tinted rose; And there the blue-eyed flowers of faith And hopes bright buds of gold, As lone I tread the upward path, In richest hues unfold. I keep mine armor ever on, For foes beset my way; I watch, lest passing on alone I fall a helpless prey. No earthly love have I I lean Upon no mortal breast; But my Beloved, though unseen, Walks near and gives me rest. Painful and dark the pathway seems To distant earthly eyes; They only see the hedging thorns On either side that rise; They cannot know how soft between The flowers of love are strewn. The sunny ways, the pastures green, Where Jesus leads His own; They cannot see, as darkening clouds Behind the Pilgrim close, How far adown the western glade The golden glory flows; They cannot hear mid earthly din The song to Pilgrims known, Still blending with the angels hymn Around the wondrous throne. So I Thy bounteous token-flowers Still on my bosom wear; While me the fleeting love-winged hours To Thee still nearer bear; So from my lips Thy song shall flow, MY sweetest music be; So on mine eyes the glory grow, Till all is lost in Thee

AUGUST 23 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love1 Cor. 13: 13 . As love is the most excellent thing, so is it the most enduring . . . for will not faith practically come to an end when we shall see and know thoroughly? And will not hope practically be at an end when we shall reach the fruition of all our hopes and be possessors of the fullness of our Heavenly Father's promises? Love, however, will never fail, even as it had no beginning. God is love, and since He was without beginning, so love was without beginning; because it is His character, His disposition; and as He endures forever, so love will endure foreverZ '03, 58 (R 3150). Faith, hope and love are among the greatest graces. Faith enables us in confidence to apply the promises of God in life's battles; hope enables us to be courageous in doing and daring for the Lord in these battles; and love enables us to have the power to rejoice and delight in the hardships of these battles, making them easy, and turning them into glorious victories. Faith and hope are handmaidens of love, the glorious and beautiful mistress of the house beautiful, a character like God's and Christ's. It is because love is the most Godlike and Christlike of all the graces that it is the greatest of these three gracesP '34, 110. Parallel passages: 2 Sam. 22: 31; Psa. 9: 9, 10; 32: 10; 34: 8, 22; Prov. 3: 5: Jer. 17: 7, 8; Matt. 21: 21, 22; Mark 9: 23; John 11: 25-27; Rom. 3: 19-5: 2; 9: 31-33; 10: 4-10; Gal. 3; Eph. 6: 16; Heb. 4: 1-10; 11; Jas. 2; Psa. 16: 9, 10; 31: 24; 33: 18; 43: 5; 71: 5, 14; 119: 74, 81, 116, 166; Acts 23: 6; 24: 14, 15; 26: 6,7; Rom. 5: 2-5; 8: 24; 12: 12;15: 4,13; Eph. 1: 18; Col. 1: 5, 23, 27; 1 Thes. 1: 3; 5: 8; Titus 2: 13; Heb. 6: 11, 18, 19; 1 Pet. 1: 3, 13, 21; 1 John 3: 3; John 3: 16; 17: 23, 26; Rom. 5: 8; John 10: 11, 15; 13: 1, 34; 21: 17; 1 Cor. 13. Hymns: 198, 174, 197, 21, 92, 165, 166. Poems of Dawn, 110: The Pilgrim's Wants. Tower Reading: Z '15, 115 (R 5668). Questions: Have I exercised faith, hope and love this week? How? Why? Under what circumstances? With what results? THE PILGRIMS WANTS I WANT that adorning divine, Thou, only, my God, canst bestow; I want in those beautiful garments to shine, Which distinguish thy household below. I want, oh, I want to attain

Some likeness, my Savior, to Thee: That longed-for resemblance once more to regain, Thy comeliness put upon me. I want to be marked for Thine own; Thy seal on my forehead to wear; To receive that new name on the mystic white stone, Which only Thyself canst declare. I want so in Thee to abide, As to bring forth some fruit to Thy praise; The branch that Thou prunest, though feeble and dried, May languish, but never decays. I want Thine own hand to unbind Each tie to terrestrial things, Too tenderly cherished, too closely entwined, Where my heart too tenaciously clings. I want, by mine aspect serene, Mine actions and words, to declare That my treasure is placed in a country unseen, That my heart and affections are there. I want, as a traveler, to haste Straight onward, nor pause on my way, No forethought or anxious contrivance to waste On my tent, only pitched for a day. I want (and this sums up my prayer) To glorify Thee till I die; Then calmly to yield up my soul to Thy care, And breathe out in prayer my last sigh.

AUGUST 24 Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we areJohn 17: 11. As we come to consider this beautiful expression of the Lord's sentiments with reference to the Church, we catch a glimpse of the glory of the blessed oneness of the Divine family. It is a oneness of purpose, a oneness of confidence, a oneness of sympathy, a oneness of love, a oneness of honor, and a oneness of mutual possession. This oneness our Lord described as already existing between Himself and the Father, but so far as His disciples are concerned it was and still is prospective; and its full accomplishment is the ideal goal toward which we are taught to aspire Z '03, 77 (R 3160). The Redeemer's prayer for His own is beautiful in its simplicity and comprehensive in its scope. He requests the Father, whose holiness He reverently acknowledges, to use His glorious attributes, plan and works in the interests of His disciplesguiding, directing, restraining, correcting, encouraging and ennobling them to the end that they all might grow into the fullness of the one holy Spirit of God and thus attain the same kind of unity as that which exists between the Father and the Sonnot a unity of being, which would imply that all the Lord's people would be one being, but a unity of heart, mind, purpose and will. A glorious family oneness is this and is devoutly to be soughtP '33, 111. Parallel passages: 1 Pet. 1: 5; Jude 1, 24; John 6: 39; 17: 2, 9, 10, 12-18, 2123; Rom. 12: 5; 1 Cor. 1: 10; Gal. 3: 28; John 10: 30,38; 14: 9,11,20; 1 John 1: 3; 3: 24. Hymns: 78, 27, 165, 23, 326, 281, 170. Poems of Dawn, 68: Bringing Home the Flock. Tower Reading: Z '03, 77 (R 3160). Questions: Have I this week grown into more of the unity of the Divine family? How? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? BRINGING HOME THE FLOCK THROUGH pastures fair, And sea-girt paths all wild with rock and foam, Oer velvet sward, and desert stern and bare, The flock comes home. A weary way, Now smooth, then rugged with a thousand snares; Now dim with rain, then sweet with blossoms gay, And summer airs. Yet, safe at last,

Within the fold they gather, and are still; Sheltered from driving shower and stormy blast, The fear no ill. Through lifes dark ways, Through flowery paths where evil angels roam, Through restless nights, and long, heart-wasting days, Christs flock comes home. Safe to the fold, The blessed fold, where fears are never known, Love-guarded, fenced about with walls of gold, He leads His own. O Shepherd King, With loving hands, whose lightest touch is blest! Thine is the Kingdom, Thine the power, to bring Thy flock to rest!

AUGUST 25 We know that when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is1 John 3: 2. Let the hope that we shall soon experience our resurrection change, and be made like our dear Redeemer, and see Him as He is, and share His glory in the great epiphaneia, or shining forth of the sons of God in the glory of the Kingdom, enthuse uslet this energize our hearts, loose our lips and strengthen us for every duty, privilege and opportunityto serve our Master and the household of faith. If this hope has been an anchor to the Lord's people for so many centuries, how much more does it mean to us who are living now in the very time of His presence, waiting for His full apokalupsisHis revealing in the glory of the Kingdom!Z '03, 151 (R 3191). By Christ's appearance His manifestation of Himself to the world is meant. This will occur through the afflictions of the Time of Trouble. We were given the assurance, therefore, that before the trouble would be fully over, the whole Church would be glorified with Her Lord. Their appearance with Him will not be in the flesh, just as His appearance will not be in the flesh. They are resurrected like Himchanged from corruptibility to incorruptibility; from mortality to immortality; from humanity to divinity! In this glorious condition they see and are like Him, as well as are with Him! Well may we be content with present unfavorable conditions with Kingdom prospects before our longing eyes!P '32, 112. Parallel passages: Psa. 16: 11; 17: 15; Matt. 5: 8; 8: 11; 1 Cor. 13: 12; Rom. 8: 29; 1 Cor. 15: 49; Phil. 3: 21; Col. 3: 4; 2 Pet. 1: 4. Hymns: 92, 7, 25, 29, 53, 72, 105. Poems of Dawn, 260: The World is Old with Centuries. Tower Reading: Z '12, 61 (R 4973). Questions: How has this hope affected me this week? What were the results? THE WORLD IS OLD WITH CENTURIES THE world is old with centuries, But not for these she bows her head; Close to her heart the sorrow lies: She holds so many dead! Sad discords mingle in her song, Tears fall upon her with the dew, The whole creation groansHow long Ere all shall be made new?

Yet brightly on her smiles the sun, A bounteous heaven delights to bless; O! what shall be that fairer one, Wherein dwells righteousness? O happy world! O holy time! When wrong shall die, and strife shall cease, And all the bells of heaven chime With melodies of peace. No place shall be in that new earth For all that blights this universe; No evil taint the second birth There shall be no more curse. Ye broken-hearted, cease your moan; The day of promise dawns for you; For He who sits upon the throne Says, I make all things new. We mourn the dead, but they shall wake! The lost, but they shall be restored! O! well our human hearts might break Without that sacred word! Dim eyes, look up! Sad hearts, rejoice! Seeing Gods bow of promise through, At sound of that prophetic voice: I will make all things new.

AUGUST 26 Love . . . is kind1 Cor. 13: 4. It is no more obligatory upon the Lord's people to denounce every wrongdoer whom they may meet in the street than it is for them to tell all homely persons they may see of their lack along the lines of beauty. . . . . Politeness is always a part of Christian character. In the world it may be polish, but in the Christian it is not merely a veneer; rather, it represents the true sentiments of the heart, developed along the lines of the spirit of life, love. Love leads to gentleness, patience, kindness, etc., and even in the case of disobedience it will hesitate to utter an unkind word and will avoid the same so far as duty will permitZ '03, 153 (R 3194). The word translated love here means disinterested good will in distinction from duty good will. It is the good will which, apart from obligation, but based upon a delight in good principles, delights in giving appreciation, heart's oneness, sympathy or pity, and sacrifice. Appreciating good in principle and character, it delights to advance good in principle and character; sympathizing with or pitying those who are treated contrary to, or who are out of harmony with, good principles, it delights to help them out of these conditions. It is therefore on the alert to plan and do acts of kindness for the blessing of others. It perseveres in this course, sacrificing even unto death in ministering blessings to others. It is kindP '26, 84. Parallel passages: Prov. 10: 12; 17: 19; 19: 22; 1 Pet. 4: 8; Matt. 5: 44, 45, 48; 25: 34, 36, 40, 45; Luke 6: 35; Rom. 12: 10; Gal. 5: 6, 22, 23; Eph. 4: 32; Col. 3: 12-14; 1 Thes. 4: 9; 2 Thes. 1: 3; 1 Tim. 1: 5; 1 Pet. 3: 8; 4: 8; 2 Pet. 1: 7; 1 John 3: 16, 17. Hymns: 23, 21, 90, 95, 165, 166, 198. Poems of Dawn, 146: Scatter Seeds of Kindness. Tower Reading: Z '14, 77 (R 5417). Questions: Has this week been filled with kindness? What were the circumstances, forms, motives and effects? SCATTER SEEDS OF KINDNESS LOVING words will cost but little, Journeying up the hill of life; But they make the weak and weary Stronger, braver for the strife. Do you count them only trifles? What to earth are sun and rain? Never was a kind word wasted, Never was one said in vain. When the cares of life are many,

And its burdens heavy grow For the ones who walk beside you, If you love them, tell them so. What you count of little value Hath an almost magic power, And beneath that cheering sunshine Hearts will blossom like a flower. So, as up lifes hill we journey, Let us scatter all the way Kindly words, to be as sunshine In the dark and cloudy day. Grudge no loving word, my brother, As along through life you go, To the ones who journey with you; If you love them, tell them so.

AUGUST 27 Henceforth know we no man after the flesh2 Cor. 5: 16. The Apostle did not mean that we should pay no attention to the shortcomings of the flesh, either in ourselves or in other disciples of Christ. All fleshly weaknesses should be striven against, and they may frequently demand rigorous treatment in the interest of the new heart, mind and will; but nevertheless, we are to differentiate distinctly between it and the weak mortal body, and are to love and sympathize with the brother or sister, while it may be necessary for us, in his or her interest, and also in the interest of the Church, to reprove or rebuke or otherwise correct the wrong course. The Apostle's definition as to how we are to know the two classes apart is that the unregenerate will mind the things of the flesh, while the regenerate will mind the things of the SpiritZ '03, 170 (R 3200). To know others after the flesh is to think of and to appreciate them from the standpoint of human nature. He knows others after the flesh who esteems and treats them according to something in their humanity, such as beauty, sex, wealth, strength, position, reputation, affiliation, etc. If we find ourselves more favorable toward some of the brethren for these and similar advantages than we would be if they lacked them, we know them according to the flesh. Our esteem of others should be based upon their relation to the Lord and His Truth. The more Christlikeness we see in them, the more we should esteem them; the less Christlikeness we see in them, the less we should esteem them, thus knowing them according to the SpiritP '36, 95. Parallel passages: Deut. 33: 9; 1 Sam. 2: 29; 1 Tim. 5: 21; 2 Cor. 11: 22; Gal. 2: 11-14; Matt. 10: 37; 12: 48-50; John 2: 4; 6: 63; 15: 14; Gal. 2: 5, 6; 5: 6. Hymns: 170, 230, 6, 105, 78, 23, 21. Poems of Dawn, 307: Not Really Growing Old. Tower Reading: Z '13, 300 (R 5325). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? NOT REALLY GROWING OLD THEY say that I am growing old Ive heard them tell it times untold; They think that I have lost my youth, But I am glad I know the truth: This frail old shell in which I dwell Is failing fastIm not the shell; With hopes eternal, still unsung, My inward man is really young.

My outward man may feeble be, And that is all the people see; Inside Im young and bright and gay, Im growing stronger every day. What if my hair is turning white And I am weak? I still can fight The fight of faith, nor suffer loss, For Im a soldier of the cross. What if my eyes are growing dim? I still can see to follow Him Who sacrificed His life for me Upon the cross at Calvary. My hearing may not be as keen As in the past it might have been, Still I can hear my Savior say, In whispers soft, I am the way. My legs may bow, my back may bend, As I approach my journeys end, But in His strength I walk upright To do His will is my delight. What though I falter in my walk? What though my tongue refuse to talk? I still can walk the righteous way, And run the race, and praise, and pray. Why should I care if times old plow Has left its furrow on my brow? Another house, made by Gods hand, Awaits me in my promised land. These few short years cant make me old; Eternal ages will unfold The glorious life Hell give to me The best of life is yet to be!

AUGUST 28 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season2 Tim. 4: 2 . This cannot mean that we are to violate the laws of reason and decency by intruding the good tidings upon others at times inconvenient and unseasonable to them; but it does mean that we are to have such a love for the Truth, such an earnest desire to serve it, that we shall gladly accept the opportunity to do so, however inconvenient it may be for ourselves. It is the chief business of our lives, to which life itself even is subservient, and hence, no opportunity for service must be laid asideZ '03, 189 (R 3210). The Word of God consists of the thoughts that God has revealed in the Bible. These consist of doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types. To preach the Word means to make these known to others. We may do this in our language, in the language of others, as literature distributors; and in helping others to preach in these two ways. We should do it in season and out of season; always in the other's season, regardless as to whether it is in or out of our season. Our convenience is to be disregarded, if it is in the season of others. So only will we lay down our life unto death for the Lord's cause. If we consult our own season, we will fail to sacrificeP '30, 110. Parallel passages: Psa. 40: 8; 96: 2, 3; Eccles. 11: 6; Isa. 6: 8; 61: 1-3; Jer. 20: 9; Matt. 5: 14-16; Luke 24: 47-49; John 18: 37; Acts 1: 8; 8: 4-6, 31, 32, 35; 10: 42; Rom. 10: 14-18; 12: 6-8; Eph. 4: 15; 1 Thes. 1: 8; 1 Tim. 2: 6, 7; 4: 13. Hymns: 70, 116, 210, 260, 275, 309, 18. Poems of Dawn, 293: Endure As Seeing Him Who is Invisible. Tower Reading: Z '16, 140 (R 5893). Questions: Have I this week preached the Word? Was it in or out of season for me? If I failed, what caused the failure? What contributed to success? What were the results to others and to myself? What lessons can I learn from the week's experiences on this line? ENDURE AS SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE ENDURE as seeing Him who is Invisible. Hell point the way, And solve thy deepest mysteries, And turn thy darkest night to day. Though storms may break on every side, Though lightnings crash and thunders roar, We have in Him a constant guide Just lean on Jesus more and more. Endure in Him! He cannot fail!

Press firmly on! The goal is near! Ascend the mountain! Breast the gale! Look upward, onwardnever fear! Why shouldst thou faint? God smiles above, Though clouds and storms may intervene; That Sun shines on, whose name is Love, Serenly oer Lifes shadowed scene. Endure! Though many times thy feet Slip back and stumble, rise again; Succumb to neither cold nor heat; Fear not the threats or jeers of men, But run with patience; look not back; True victory comes if we faint not. He fails indeed whose pace is slack, Whose zeal is neither cold not hot. Endure, though oft misunderstood; Thy sacrifice is not in vain. Remember, all things work for good; Eternal joy is born of pain. Oft mid the forests deepest gloom A bird sings from some blighted tree, And mid the thorns the roses bloom Thy joy springs from Gethsemane. Therefore endure as seeing Him Who is invisible; for He With cherubim and seraphim And heavenly hosts will fight for thee. Fear not! Pres on! And reach the goal; Rejoice in His unfailing grace. Victory to the steadfast soul! Eternal life in His embrace!

AUGUST 29 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amissJas. 4: 3. Let us learn to pray aright, as well as to labor and to hope aright; and in order to do so let us be swift to hear, slow to speak, swift to hearken to the Word of the Lord and to the lessons which He has already given us, and to His method of instructing us and guiding us and blessing us. Let us be slow to tell Him what our preferences are; indeed let us seek to attain that development of Christian character which will permit us always not to seek our own wills, but the will and way of our Father in heavenZ '03, 204 (R 3216). Prayer offered in harmony with the Scriptural conditions is always answered, even if the answer may be long delayed. The conditions are that we abide in Christ and His Word abide in us. Many prayers are offered in disregard of these conditions. Such praying is asking amiss, and therefore is unanswered. It is not in harmony with the Divine will to answer such petitions; nor is it to the real interests of the petitioner to receive answers to them. Before requesting anything of the Lord we are to consider whether the petition is in harmony with our consecration and with the controllership of the Word over our desires and conductP '35, 117. Parallel passages: Psa. 27: 8; 66: 18; 84: 11; Prov. 1: 28-30; 8: 17; Isa. 59: 2; Heb. 4: 16; 11: 6; John 14: 13, 14; 15: 7; 16: 23, 24; Jas. 1: 5, 6; 5: 16, 18; Gen. 32: 26; 1 John 5: 14, 15; Luke 18: 1; Jer. 11: 11; 14: 12; 15: 1; 29: 13; Ezek. 8: 18; Mic. 3: 4; Rom. 8: 26, 27; Matt. 7: 7-11. Hymns: 323, 35, 69, 56, 239, 274, 183. Poems of Dawn, 95: My Hymn. Tower Reading: Z '15, 182 (R 5707). Questions: Have I prayed aright or amiss this week? Why? With what results? MY HYMN I CANNOT think but God must know About the thing I long for so; I know He is so good, so kind, I cannot think but He will find Some way to help, some way to show Me to the thing I long for so! I stretch my hand: it lies so near. It looks so sweet, it looks so dear! Dear Lord, I pray, oh, let me know If it is wrong to want it so! He only smiles; He does not speak;

My heart grows weaker and more weak With looking at the thing so dear, Which lies so far and yet so near. Now, Lord, I leave at Thy dear feet This thing which looks so near, so sweet; I will not seek, I will not long; I almost fear I have been wrong. Ill go and work the harder, Lord, And wait till by some loud, clear word Thou calllest me to Thy loved feet To take this thing so dear, so sweet!

AUGUST 30 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heavenMatt. 5: 16. Not only shall it be true that the Lord's Anointed One shall be head and shoulders above all others, "the chiefest among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely," but it should also be true to a considerable extent that all those who have been intimately associated with the members of the Body of Christ in the present lifebefore He is proclaimed King of the whole worldshould have been able to recognize the largeness and grandeur of character in those whom the Lord has chosen for this place of honor in the affairs of men. They should have been able to take knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus, should have seen their largeness of heart, their moral heights should have discerned in them the spirit of a sound mind Z '03, 206 (R 3218). Our light is the Truth and its resultant Spirit and acts. To let them shine before men would mean to bring these to the attention of others as instruction by precept and example. Our motive therein should not be to make ourselves shine in others' estimation; but rather that thereby credit may be reflected upon the Lord, who is the Author of all our good. With great carefulness should we seek to keep our own selves in oblivion; and with greater carefulness should we endeavor to cause the Lord's glory to shine before and upon others through our teachings, spirit and acts. Thus we will accomplish the purpose of our callP '34, 110. Parallel passages: Prov. 4: 18,19; Isa. 58: 8-10; 60: 1-3; Rom. 13: 11-14; Eph. 5: 8; 1 Thes. 2: 12; 5: 5-8; 1 John 1: 5-7; 1 Pet. 2: 12; John 15: 8; 1 Cor. 14: 25. Hymns: 249, 154, 196, 230, 260, 297, 315. Poems of Dawn, 138: Instant in Season. Tower Reading: Z '12, 96 (R 4992). Questions: What have been the week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? INSTANT IN SEASON IF while I walk the busy mart, I find there one whose fainting heart By some kind, sympathetic word To new life might be stirred, Lord, help me say it now! Or, if upon the thorny road I meet another neath a load Of sorrow, which my tears might share,

And thus the burden bear, Lord, help me shed them now! If any ointment, rare and sweet, I long to pour upon His feet, To rest and soothe them by the way, My hand let nothing stay, Lord, help me bring it now!

AUGUST 31 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set upDan. 3: 17, 18. The answer of the Hebrews to Nebuchadnezzar, "Our God whom we serve," is worthy of note. They not only acknowledged God and worshiped Him, but they additionally served Him, according as they had opportunity. . . . . Let us resolve, dear brethren, as did the three Hebrews, that we will worship and serve only the Lord our God, that we will neither worship nor serve sectarianism, in any of its many forms, nor mammon, with its enticements and rewards, nor fame, nor friends, nor self. God "seeketh such to worship him as worship him in spirit and in truth," is the declaration of our Lord and HeadZ '99, 172 (R 2494). Whenever threats are made to God's servants to influence them to the wrong or to restrain them from the right, let them remember that it is their part to persevere in well-doing and leave their deliverance or non-deliverance to the Lord's will and power. Let them have the full assurance of faith that He is able to deliver them, if He will; and even if He does not deliver their humanity, which at most is devoted to death, let them remember that if they are faithful, their new heart, mind and will, receiving no harm, will by the fiery furnace be freed from the cords that bind them to earth, as in the type He delivered the three Hebrew youthsP '33, 111. Parallel passages: Gen. 32: 11; 50: 20; Num. 20: 16; Deut. 23: 4, 5; 2 Kings 19: 16, 19; 1 Chron. 5: 20; 2 Chron. 14: 11; Esth. 7: 10; Psa. 31: 1-4, 9, 14-17; 50: 15; 105: 14, 15; 146: 8, 9; Prov. 16: 7, 9; Rom. 8: 28; Phil. 1: 12. Hymns: 67, 56, 57, 216, 313, 330, 333. Poems of Dawn, 206: Wait Upon the Lord. Tower Reading: Z '99, 168 (R 2494). Questions: Have I this week trusted the Lord in trouble? How? Why? With what results? WAIT UPON THE LORD WHEN clouds hang heavy oer thy way, And darker grows the weary day, And thou, oppressed by anxious care, Art almost tempted to despair, Still wait upon the Lord. When friends betray thy loving trust, And thou art humbled in the dust, When dearest joys from thee have fled,

And Hope within thy heart lies dead, Still wait upon the Lord. When Death comes knocking at thy door, And in thy home are sorrows sore, Though age comes on and eyes grow dim, Still look to Christ, still trust in Him, And wait upon the Lord. Whateer thy care, believe His word; In joy or grief, trust in the Lord. Good courage He will give to thee, And strong, indeed, thy heart shall be, By waiting on the Lord.

SEPTEMBER 1 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of IsraelActs 9: 15. It is because we see Jesus to be the Father's choice that we unite ourselves to Him; it is because we see the Father's character manifested in Him that we leave all to follow Him. Similarly, if we lend our aid, our support to any human being in connection with the Divine Plan and service, it should be simply upon this ground not merely a personal magnetism or favoritism, but because our hearts are touched by the Lord with a realization of the leader's being of His appointmentZ '03, 206 (R 3218). Expressive is the figure here used. As a vessel is used by one to convey some blessing to another, so the servants of God are instruments for conveying the Lord's blessings to others. As a choice vessel would be used to convey the highest blessings, so Paul, a choice vessel in every way, has been used by the Lord to confer some of the richest blessings of Truth ever offered by the Almighty. As he ministered to Jews, Gentiles and even kings, so he left a permanent blessing, whose sweet odor permeates even to our times. His service has been of the largest fruitfulness. Like Paul we should seek to be choice vesselsP '32, 136. Parallel passages: Acts 13: 2; 22: 21; 25: 22, 23; 26: 1, 17; Rom. 1: 1, 5; 12: 6-8; 1 Cor. 15: 10; Gal. 1: 15; 2: 7, 8; Eph. 3: 7, 8; 1 Tim. 2: 7; 2 Tim. 1: 11. Hymns: 44, 70, 116, 164, 210, 260, 309. Poems of Dawn, 164: My Heart's Desire. Tower Reading: Z '01, 182 (R 2823). Questions: Have I this week testified to the Truth? How? Why? With what results? MY HEARTS DESIRE DEAR Master, long Ive sought A grain of wheat to find, My hearts desire has been, Just one with truth to bind! Perhaps Thou canst not trust Thy servant with this work, Because some earth-born pride Within my breast doth lurk. If thou dost find this, Lord, Oh, send afflictions fire, Burn out the dross, the gold refine,

And grant my hearts desire! Perhaps Ive sought a path, Thou hast not marked for me, Forgive, I only thought Some work to do for Thee! I own no will of mine, The place I would not choose, But simply give mine all To Thee as Thou canst use. My thoughts, my words, my deeds, Dear Lord, make pure by fire,-Ah, then, I know that Thou Canst grant my hearts desire!

SEPTEMBER 2 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 fervently1 Pet. 1: 22. Knowledge is to be highly esteemed in the Church and is to be regarded as an evidence of progress, of growth; for none can grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, in grace, unless he grows also in knowledge. We properly esteem more highly those whose love for the Lord and for His Truth are evidenced by zeal in the study of His Word, and whose favor with God is evidenced by their being guided more and more into the deep things of God. Nevertheless, as in the earthly family we love and care for the babes and immature, so also in the household of faith the little ones and the dwarfs are to be cared for and loved and helped that they may grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His mightZ '03, 207 (R 3219). Whenever the Truth is received through the Spirit, it is obeyed; and whenever it is obeyed, it effects a cleansing of our minds and hearts, ridding them of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. But it does more than this: it builds up in every good thought, quality, word and deed. It incites us to remain dead to self and the world, and in remaining alive to God, to grow in knowledge, watchfulness, prayer, service, character building and endurance of evil. Especially does it fill the heart with love to God and man, and enable us to render both duty love and disinterested love to the brethren in Christ P '26, 125. Parallel passages: Acts 15: 9; 2 Cor. 7: 1; John 17: 17; 15: 3, 12, 17; Eph. 5: 2; 1 Thes. 4: 9; 1 John 2: 9, 10; 3: 11, 23; 4: 21; Rom. 12: 9, 10; 1 Tim. 1: 5; Heb. 13: 1; 1 Pet. 2: 17; 3: 8; 4: 8. Hymns: 105, 170, 201, 165, 166, 23, 208. Poems of Dawn, 297: The Arrow and the Song. Tower Reading: Z '11, 57 (R 4766). What experiences of the week exemplified the cleansing power of the Word unto duty love and disinterested love for the brethren? What were the successes or failures therein? What were the lessons learned thereby? THE ARROW AND THE SONG I SHOT an arrow into the air: It fell to earth, I know not where, For so swiftly it flew, the sight Could not follow it in its flight. I breathed a song into the air:

It fell to earth, I know not where, For who has sight so keen and strong That it can follow the flight of a song? Long, long after, in an oak, I found the arrow still unbroke; And the song from beginning to end I found again in the heart of a friend.

SEPTEMBER 3 I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offeringsHosea 6: 6. He who gives his will, his heart, to the Lord, gives all; he who gives not his will, who comes not in obedience of heart unto the Lord, can offer no sacrifice to the Lord that could be acceptable. "Behold to obey is better than sacrifice" is a lesson which should be deeply engraved upon the hearts of all the sanctified in Christ Jesus. To have the spirit of obedience is necessary, too, and whoever has the spirit of obedience will not only obey the Divine will but also will seek to know the Divine will more and more that he may obey it. It is of this class that the Scriptures declare, "His word was found and I did eat it"; and again, in the words of our Lord, "I delight to do thy will, 0 my God; yea, thy law is within my heart"Z '03, 220 (R 3224). Mercy is compassion relieving the unfortunate. Sacrifice and burnt offering in this passage are a feverish activity contrary to the Truth and its Spirit. The knowledge of God is the Divine Truth. We are not to understand the Lord to mean that He does not desire our service; rather the thought is that the Lord prefers by far to have us keep the Truth and its spirit of sympathy in our hearts even apart from service, rather than to have us serve ever so diligently contrary to the Truth and its Spirit. A merciful and intelligent saint is more pleasing to the Lord than an active and ignorant worker who is unsaintly in his character. Mercy, service and knowledge blended are the ideals to be soughtP '36, 109, 110. Parallel passages: 1 Sam. 15: 22; Psa. 50: 7-15; Eccles. 5: 1; Isa. 1: 10-20; 58; Matt. 12: 7; Mic. 6: 6-8; Jer. 7: 21-28; Dan. 4: 27; Amos 5: 21-26; Matt. 5: 7; 9: 13; Prov. 21: 3; Mark 12: 33; Hosea 4: 1; 6: 6;1 Chron. 29: 9; Jer. 22: 16; 1 John 2: 3; 3: 6. Hymns: 154, 22, 49, 160, 134, 299, 326. Poems of Dawn, 160: Cumbered With Much Serving. Tower Read Z '13, 275 (R 5309). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What did they result? CUMBERED WITH MUCH SERVING CHRIST never asks of us such arduous labor As leaves no time for resting at His feet; This waiting attitude of expectation He ofttimes counts a service most complete. He sometimes wants our ear, our rapt attention, That He some sweetest secret may impart;

Tis always in the time of deepest silence that heart finds fullest fellowship with heart. We sometimes wonder why the Lord has placed us Within a sphere so narrow, so obscure, That nothing we call work can find an entrance; Theres only room to sufferto endure. Well, God loves patience; souls that dwell in stillness, Doing the little things, or resting quite, May just as perfectly fulfill their mission, Be just as useful in the Fathers sight, As they who grapple with some giant evil, Clearing a path that every eye may see; Our Savior cares for cheerful acquiescence Rather than for a busy ministry. And yet He does love service, where tis given By grateful love that clothes itself in deed; But work thats done beneath the scourge of duty, Be sure to such He gives but little heed. Then seek to please Him, whatsoer He bids thee, Whether to do, to suffer, to lie still; Twill matter little by what path He leads us, If in it all we sought to do His will.

SEPTEMBER 4 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment 1 John 4: 18. Mighty, imposing and terrifying indeed is the influence of fear, except upon those who have learned to know the Lord through previous experiences, and to trust Him even where they cannot trace Him. The giant of fear and despair must be met with the pebble from the brook, "It is written." The sling of faith must propel the word of promise with such force as to slay the Adversary and to deliver us from his domination. . . . . Thus armed only with the Word of God, and trusting in His rod and staff, we may well be courageous and answer imposing sectarianism as David answered the Philistine, "Thou comest to me with a sword and a spear and a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of . . . Israel, which thou hast defied"Z '03, 329 (R 3230). Love delights in and feels with God. It is conscious of its oneness with God and feels the spirit of sonship toward Him coursing through its possessor's heart. Such a love is based upon an intimate acquaintance with God through His Spirit, Word and providence. In its communion with Him it finds Him thoroughly reliable, hopeable, lovable and obeyable; therefore, while it reverences Him as supremely perfect in person, character, plan and works, it does not stand in dread of Him. Dread of God would work such a restraint Godward in our hearts as would cast out love for Him. Reversely, love for Him rids us of such a dread of HimP '30, 151. Parallel passages: Deut. 20: 8; Judges 7: 3; Prov. 28: 1; 29: 25; Isa. 51: 12, 13; Matt. 8: 26; 26: 69-74; Rom. 8: 15; 1 Cor. 13: 4-7; 2 Tim. 1: 7; 1 John 4: 16, 17. Hymns: 95, 87, 12, 284, 288, 261, 307. Poems of Dawn, 134: Be Strong. Tower Reading: Z '11, 188 (R 4841). Questions: Have I succumbed to or overcome the spirit of fear this week? How? Why? What did love do in the experience? BE STRONG BE strong to bear, O heart of mine, Faint not when sorrows come. The sum of all these ills of earth Prepares thee for thy home. So many burdened ones there are Close toiling by thy side, Assist, encourage, comfort them, Thine own deep anguish hide. What though thy trials may seem great?

Thy strength is known to God, And pathways steep and rugged lead To pastures green and broad. Be strong to love, O heart of mine, Live not for self alone; But find, in blessing other lives, Completeness for thine own. Seek every hungry heart to feed, Each saddened heart to cheer; And when stern justice stands aloof, In mercy draw thou near. True, loving words and helping hands Have won more souls for Heaven Than all the mixed and various creeds By priests and sages given. For every grief a joy will come, For every toil a rest; So hope, so love, so patient bear God doeth all things best. Be strong to hope, O heart of mine, Look not on lifes dark side; For just beyond these gloomy hours Rich, radiant days abide. Let hope, like summers rainbow bright, Scatter thy falling tears, And let Gods precious promises Dispel thine anxious fears.

SEPTEMBER 5 Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flameSong of Solomon 8: 6. Jealousy is one of the great foes that confront every Christian. It should be slain on sight as an enemy of God and man and of every good principle; and to the extent that its presence had defiled the heart even for a moment, a cleansing of the spirit of holiness and love should be invoked. Jealousy is not only a cruel monster of itself, but its poisonous fangs are almost certain to inflict pain and trouble upon others, as well as to bring general woe and, ultimately, destruction upon those who harbor it. Jealousy is sin in thought, wickedness in thought, and is very apt to lead speedily to sin and wickedness in action. The mind, if once poisoned with jealousy, can with great difficulty ever be cleansed from it entirely, so rapidly does it bring everything within its environment to its own color and characterZ '03, 330 (R 3231). Sheol, the death state, is cruel in the sense that it feelinglessly destroys its victims, and thereby remorselessly afflicts those that love them. It is an enemy of mankind that has been triumphing over the race. Nor will anything short of its destruction free its victims from its grasp. Jealousy is sheol -like. It destroys the happiness of those against whom it exercises itself, as well as frequently destroys them. If we have this quality in our hearts, we may be sure that we are wronging others and injuring ourselves. Against this evil we should wage a relentless warfare until we have destroyed it, or it will surely destroy us beyond deliveranceP '35, 117. Parallel passages: Prov. 6: 34; 27: 4; Eccles. 4: 4; Ex.20: 5; 34: 14; 2 Cor. 11: 2; Dan. 6: 3-5; Jas. 3: 14, 16; Gen. 4: 5, 6, 8; 37: 4-11, 1828; 1 Sam. 18: 8-30; 2 Sam. 3: 24-27; Luke 15: 25-32. Hymns: 183, 333, 139, 167, 172, 195, 322. Poems of Dawn, 200: Lean Hard. Tower Reading: Z '11, 93 (R 4789). Questions: What have been the experiences of this week in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered amid them? What were their effects? LEAN HARD CHILD of My love, lean hard. And let Me feel the pressure of thy care. I know thy burden, child; I shaped it, Poised it in Mine own hand, made no proportion In its weight to thine unaided strength; For ever as I laid it on, I said, I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, This burden shall be Mine, not hers:

So shall I keep My child within the circling arms Of Mine own love. Here lay it down, nor fear To impose it on the shoulder, which upholds The government of worlds. Yet closer come; Thou art not near enough; I would embrace thy care, So I might feel My child reposing on My breast. Thou loves Me? I know it. Doubt not then; But, loving Me, lean hard.

SEPTEMBER 6 There shall no evil befall theePsa. 91: 10. Nothing shall by any means hurt us. Things may interfere with our fleshly interests or comfort or course of affairs; but when we remember that we are not in the flesh but in the spirit, that it is to the new heart, mind and will that the Lord has promised the Kingdom in His due time, we can realize that no outside influence can interfere with our real interests, our spiritual interests, nor hinder our attaining to the glories of the Kingdom which the Lord has promised to His faithful ones. Only our loss of confidence in the Lord and our unfaithfulness to Him could separate us from His love and His promisesZ '03, 331 (R 3231). The general Biblical teaching on consecration, as well as the experience of Jesus, Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus and every other faithful child of God, proves that this verse does not refer to earthly evils. Manifestly, therefore, it refers to spiritual evils, against which God protects His Own. All things work together for good to the spiritual lives of the faithful. God's promises and our experiences abundantly prove this. And what saint has not repeatedly rejoiced in this fact? The security of the faithful is a Scriptural, comforting and experiential doctrine. It may well make us brave and joyful in every experience, be it toward or untowardP '34, 128. Parallel passages: Job 17: 9; Psa. 37: 24; 138: 8; Matt. 24: 13; Mark 4: 3-8; Luke 10: 42; 22: 31, 32; John 6: 39; 10: 28, 29; 15: 4, 7, 9; Rom. 8: 3339; 1 Cor. 1: 8, 9; Eph. 6: 13; Col. 1: 22, 23; 2 Tim. 4: 18; Heb. 12: 11-13. Hymns: 120, 99, 63, 110, 293, 294, 328. Poems of Dawn, 218: The Bridegroom's Dove. Tower Reading: Z '11, 58 (R 4767). Questions: What were this week's experiences regarding this text? How were they met? In what did they result? THE BRIDEGROOMS DOVE
CANT. 2: 14

MY DOVE! The Bridegroom speaks to whom? Whom thinkst thou, meaneth He? Say, O my soul! Canst thou presume He thus addresseth thee? Yes, 'tis the Bridegrooms voice of love, Calling thee, O my soul! His dove! The Dove is gently, mild and meek: Deserve I, then, the name? I look within in vain to seek

Aught which can give a claim: Yet, made so by redeeming love, My soul, thou art the Bridegrooms Dove! Methinks, my soul, that thou mayst see, In this endearing word, Reasons why Jesus likens thee To this defenseless bird; Reasons which show the Bridegrooms love To His poor, helpless, timid Dove! The Dove hath neither claw nor sting, Nor weapon for the fight; She owes her safety to her wing, Her victory to flight. A shelter hath the Bridegrooms love Provided for His helpless Dove! As the poor Dove, before the Hawk, Quick to her refuge flies, So need I, in my daily walk, The wings which faith supplies To bear me where the Bridegrooms love Places beyond all harm His Dove! My soul, of native power bereft, To Calvary repairs: Immanuel is the rocky cleft, The secret of the stairs! Since placed there by the Bridegrooms love, What evil can befall His Dove? My soul, now hid within a rock, (The Rock of Ages called) Amid the universal shock Is fearless, unappalled. A cleft therein, prepared by love, In safety hides the Bridegrooms Dove! O happy Dove! Thus weak thus safe; Do I resemble her? Then to my soul, O Lord! Vouchsafe A dove-like character. Pure, harmless, gentle, full of love, Make me in spirit, Lord, a Dove!

SEPTEMBER 7 If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new2 Cor. 5: 17. These new creatures in Christ Jesus know each other not according to the flesh but according to the spirit. In each other's spirits or new minds there are the noblest sentiments, the highest aspirations, that which is good, true, noble, pure, whatever may be their weaknesses according to the flesh. They love each other from the new standpoint of intention, will, harmony with God, and their friendship for one another grows increasingly as they perceive each other's energy in fighting the good fight of faith against the evil influences of the world, the flesh and the Adversary. Nor tongue nor pen can properly express the love, the friendship, which subsists between these new creatures in Christ Jesus, to whom old things have passed away, and all things have become newZ '03, 333 (R 3232). To be in Christ Jesus implies deadness to self and aliveness to God, as a member of the Body of Christ. Such a one is a new creature, because spiritual capacities have been given to every organ of his brain, fitting him to exercise his various faculties of mind and heart on appropriate spiritual objects. Therefore he detaches his affections from the things prized by the natural man and attaches them to the things prized by the spiritual man. Accordingly his former ambitions, desires and aspirations are given up. He now has a new set of desires, ambitions and aspirations, and he bends all his powers, physical, mental, moral and religious to attain the things on which these are fixed, and he finds them decidedly superior to the former objects of his affectionsP '33, 147. Parallel passages: 2 Cor. 5: 16; Gal. 5: 6, 16-24; 6: 1, 2, 7, 8, 14-16; Col. 3: 1-17; Rom. 8: 4-16; Heb. 12: 1, 5, 9-16; Rom. 12: 2, 9-21; 1 John 2: 15-17, 20, 27; 5: 4, 5. Hymns: 201, 20, 117, 192, 312, 170, 204. Poems of Dawn, 248: All Things New. Tower Reading: Z '13, 300 (R 5325). Questions: What were this week's experiences connected with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? ALL THINGS NEW THERE is something in the sunlight Which I never saw before; Theres a note within the robins song I did not hear of yore; Theres somethingah! I know not what! But something everywhere That makes the world this morning seem Most marvelously fair!

I awakened very early And I watched the sun arise, And it seemed to me that heaven Must be dawning in the skies; For a glory and a gladness, Passing words of mine to show, Flashed from out the eastern portals On the waking world below. All the water gleamed with gladness; Every streamer in the sky Seemed the arms of little children Flung in joyousness on high; All the birds on all the bushes Joined their melody to pour Surely never was a morning Ushered in like this before! Is it fact or is it fancy? Doth the secret in my heart Unto everything it shines on Spurious joyousness impart? Or hath the world grown gladder, As it seems to me today? Is it true or is it seeming? Who shall tell? I cannot say. Ah! I care not! Doth it matter? Tis enough for me to know that the world to me is gladder Than it was a year ago. That on earth and sky and water Lies a radiance, false or true, That shall never fade or falter, Never be less strange or new! If my heart thus gilds creation Well it may, for it is glad, Past the power of shade or shining Any more to make it sad. Never yet on earth or heaven, Never yet on land or sea, Shone the light of that great gladness Which my God hath given me.

SEPTEMBER 8 Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of GodJas. 4: 4. God has purposely placed the matter in such a position that His people must take their choice, and lose either the Divine friendship and fellowship, or the worldly friendship and fellowship; because those things which the Lord loves are distasteful to the worldly, and those things which the worldly love, evil deeds and evil thoughts, evil-speaking, are an abomination in the sight of the Lord, and those who love and practice such things lose His fellowshipthey are not of His Spirit. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his"Z '99, 70 (R 2442). The friendship of this world implies the good will, approval and confidence that those who are in harmony with the present order of affairs give others; and because the present order is out of harmony with the principles of the Divine character and government, the world withholds friendship from the Lord's people and bestows it upon those who love the present order. The worldly are at heart at enmity with God. Since there is no friendship between them, to obtain the friendship of the world of necessity implies that we become at enmity with God. This is too costly a price to pay for the world's friendshipP '32, 136. Parallel passages: 1 Sam. 8: 19, 20; Psa. 49: 16-18; 73: 2-22; Eccles. 2: 1-12; 11: 9, 10; Matt. 16: 26; Luke 8: 14; John 15: 19; Rom. 12: 2;1 Cor.7: 29-31; 2 Tim. 3: 2-8; 1 John 2: 15-17. Hymns: 312, 48, 97, 109, 115, 162, 192. Poems of Dawn, 48: A Solitary Way. Tower Reading: Z '11, 56 (R 4765). Questions: Was I this week worldly or spiritual? Why was I so? How did I become so? What was the result? A SOLITARY WAY
PSA. 107: 1-9; PROV. 14: 10; 1 COR. 2: 11.

THERE is a mystery in human hearts, And though we be encircled by a host Of those who love us well, and are beloved, To every one of us, from time to time, There comes a sense of utter loneliness. Our dearest friend is stranger to our joy, And cannot realize our bitterness. There is not one who really understands, Not one to enter into all I feel; Such is the cry of each of us in turn.

We wander in a solitary way, No matter what or where our lot may be, Each heart, mysterious even to itself, Must live its inner life of solitude.
JOB 7: 17; MATT. 10: 37.

And would you know the reason why this is? It is because the Lord desires our love. In every heart He wishes to be first. He therefore keeps the secret-key Himself, To open all its chambers, and to bless With perfect sympathy and holy peace Each solitary soul which comes to Him. So when we feel this loneliness, it is The voice of Jesus saying, Come to Me; And every time we are not understood, It is a call to us to come again; For Christ alone can satisfy the soul, And those who walk with Him from day to day Can never have a solitary way.
ISA. 48: 16; PSA. 34: 22.

And when beneath some heavy cross you faint, And say, I cannot bear this load alone, You say the truth. Christ made it purposely So heavy that you must return to Him The bitter grief, which no one understands, Conveys a secret message from the King, Entreating you to come to Him again. The Man of Sorrows understands it well. In all points tempted, He can feel with you. You cannot come too often, or too near. The Son of God is infinite in grace; His presence satisfies the longing soul; And those who walk with Him from day to day Can never have a solitary way.

SEPTEMBER 9 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of lifePhil. 2: 15,16. It is the duty of every child of God to be very active in the dissemination of the Truthin letting his light shine, and in keeping it trimmed and burning. "Trimmed and burning!" What does it mean? It means that we must give very close attention to the words of life that we may come to an exact knowledge of the Truth, and that we must carefully and faithfully trim away every vestige of error as fast as it becomes apparent to uswhether it be an error in doctrine or in our daily walk and conversationso that the pure light of Divine truth may shine out with as little obstruction as possible through the medium of a clear and transparent character Z '03, 358 (R 3243). As far as lieth in us let us prevent our conduct from becoming blameworthy or harmful. So like our Lord are we to be that we become constantly engaged in well-doing. Then if fault be found with us, it will be due, not to wrongdoing on our part, but to the wrong condition in the hearts or minds of the fault-finders. Like our Lord, even among the evil, are we to shine as lights in the world, seeking to bless and not to injure; and if for our light we receive hatred from the children of darkness, it will be well for us to remember our Lord's similar experiences, that like Him, when rejected by some, we may still seek others whom it may be our privilege to bless with our earthly or heavenly goodP '26, 125. Parallel passages: Eph. 5: 1, 2; Matt. 5: 45-48; Luke 6: 27-36; 1 Pet. 2: 12; Deut. 32: 5; Matt. 5: 14, 16; Eph. 5: 8; Psa. 27: 1; 36: 9; John 1: 9; 8: 12; 12: 46; 2 Cor. 4: 6; 1 Thes. 5: 5; 1 John 2: 10. Hymns: 275, 315, 29, 32, 72, 155, 230. Poems of Dawn, 165: A Little Light. Tower Reading: Z '14, 28 (R 5388). Questions: What were this week's experiences along the line of this text? What were their results and lessons? A LITTLE LIGHT TWAS but a little light she bore, While standing at the open door; A little light, a feeble spark, And yet it shone out through the dark With cheerful ray, and gleamed afar As brightly as the polar star.

A little light, a gentle hint, That falls upon the page of print, May clear the vision, and reveal The precious treasures doubts conceal, And guide men to an open door, Where they new regions may explore. A little light dispels the gloom That gathers in the shadowed room, Where want and sickness find their prey, And night seems longer than the day, And hearts with many troubles cope And feebler glows the spark of hope. Oh, sore the need that some must know While journeying through this vale of woe! Dismayed, disheartened, gone astray, Caught in the thickets by the way, For lack of just a little light To guide their wandering steps aright. It may be little we can do To help another, it is true; But better is a little spark Of kindness, when the way is dark, Than one should walk in paths forbidden For lack of light we might have given

SEPTEMBER 10 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edging, that it may minister grace unto the hearersEph. 4: 29. The depraved taste hedges itself behind conscience, and declares that it is always right to speak the truth, and hence God cannot have meant that speaking the truth would be slander; but that in condemning evil-speaking and slander, as works of the flesh and the devil, He must have meant the speaking of that which is false, untrue. This is a great mistake; a slander is equally a slander, whether it be true or whether it be false, and is so regarded, not only in the law of God but also in the laws of civilized men. A slander is anything which is uttered with the intention of injury to another, whether true or false, and the laws of men agree with the law of God, that such injury to another is wrongZ '99, 70 (R 2442). Corrupt communications consist of all language which tends to deprave others physically, mentally, morally or religiously. So much of such language is spoken that by contrast we should be on the alert to counteract its influence. As the salt of the earth, we should express only such thoughts as have a seasoning, nourishing and preserving effect on people's bodies, minds and hearts. Words are the most potent things in the world; and the most potent words are those that express God's thoughts. So far as possible let us use our language to express God's thoughts only, and thereby we will prove a blessing to all rightly disposed heartsP '36, 110. Parallel passages: Psa. 5: 9; 52: 2; 73: 7-9; 1 Cor. 15: 33; Eph. 5: 3, 4; Col. 3: 8; 4: 6; 1 Thes. 5: 11; Col. 3: 16; Deut. 6: 6, 7; Mal. 3: 16, 17; Prov. 15: 7; Matt. 12: 36, 37; Titus 3: 2; Jas. 3: 2-4: 11; 1 Pet. 2: 1. Hymns: 116, 154, 275, 122, 49, 44, 296. Poems of Dawn, 106: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Tower Reading: Z '11, 62 (R 4770). Questions: What was the character of this week's speech? Why was it so? What were its effects? WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS WHAT a friend we have in Jesus, Sang a little child one day; And a weary woman listened To the darlings happy lay. All her life seemed dark and gloomy, All her heart was sad with care; Sweetly rang out babys treble, All our sins and griefs to bear.

She was pointing out the Savior Who could carry every woe; And the one who sadly listened Needed that dear Helper so! Sin and grief were heavy burdens For a fainting soul to bear; But the baby singer bade her Take it to the Lord in prayer. With a simple, trusting spirit, Weak and worn, she turned to God, Asking Christ to take her burden, Owning Him as her dear Lord. Jesus was her only refuge, He could take her sin and care, And He blessed the weary woman When she came to Him in prayer. And the happy child, still singing, Little knew she had a part In Gods wondrous work of bringing Peace unto a troubled heart.

SEPTEMBER 11 Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my discipleLuke 14: 27. The Lord's cross-bearing consisted in the doing of the Father's will under unfavorable conditions. This course brought upon Him the envy, hatred, malice, strife, persecution, etc., of those who thought themselves to be God's people, but whom our Lord, who read their hearts, declared to be of their father, the devil. Since we are walking in the same way that our Master walked, we may reasonably expect that our crosses will be of a similar kind to Hisoppositions to our doing the will of our Father in Heavenoppositions to our serving His cause and letting the light shine out as our Master and Leader directedZ '03, 345 (R 3235). The cross means the untoward experiences that we must undergo, while seeking to subject our conduct to the principles of God's Word. Such conduct and no other is implied in the words "come after me." The vast majority will not even manifest such conduct in ordinary circumstances. A small minority will do it in such circumstances; but few indeed of Jesus' followers will do this in every condition. And at times this taxes their strength almost to the snapping point. Yes, if it were not for the Lord's special help, they would be unable to bear their cross. His help, freely and gladly vouchsafed, keeping them from falling, maintains them in discipleshipP '30, 151. Parallel passages: Matt. 7: 13, 14; 8: 19, 20; 10: 37-39; 13: 45-47; 16: 24; Luke 14: 26, 28; 18: 28-33; Acts 20: 22-24; Rom. 14: 1-15: 3; 1 Cor. 9: 25-27; Gal. 5: 16, 17, 24; 1 Pet. 2: 11-16. Hymns: 8, 114, 134, 279, 160, 14, 67. Poems of Dawn, 170: The Changed Cross. Tower Reading: Z '14, 90 (R 5425). Questions: What and how have I done with my cross this week? What was the effect? THE CHANGED CROSS IT was a time of sadness, and my heart, Although it knew and loved the better part, Felt wearied with the conflict and the strife, And all the needful discipline of life. And while I thought of these as given to me My trial tests of faith and love to be It seemed as if I never could be sure That faithful to the end I should endure. And thus no longer trusting to His might,

Who saith we walk by faith and not by sight, Doubting, and almost yielding to despair, The thought aroseMy cross I cannot bear. Far heavier its weight must surely be Than those of others which I daily see; Oh! if I might another burden choose, Methinks I should not fear my crown to lose. A solemn silence reigned on all around Een Natures voices uttered not a sound; The evening shadows seemed of peace to tell, And sleep upon my weary spirit fell. A moments pause, and then a heavenly light Beamed full upon my wondering, raptured sight; Angels on silvery wings seemed everywhere, And angels music thrilled the balmy air. Then One, more fair than all the rest to see One to whom all others bowed the knee Came gently to me as I trembling lay, And, Follow Me, He said, I am the Way. Then speaking, thus, He led me far above; And there beneath a canopy of love, Crosses of divers shape and size were seen, Larger and smaller than mine own had been. And one there was most beauteous to behold A little one, with jewels set in gold; Ah! this, methought, I can with comfort wear, For it will be an easy one to bear. And so the little cross I quickly took, But all at once my frame beneath it shook; The sparkling jewels, fair were they to see, But far too heavy was their weight for me. This may not be, I cried, and looked again, To see if any here could ease my pain; But one by one I passed them slowly by, Till on a lovely one I cast mine eye; Fair flowers around its sculptured form entwined, And grace and beauty seemed in it combined;

Wondering, I gazed, and still I wondered more To think so many should have passed it oer. But, oh! that form so beautiful to see Soon made its hidden sorrows known to me; Thorns lay beneath those flowers and colors fair: Sorrowing, I said, This cross I may not bear. And so it was with each and all around Not one to suit my need could there be found; Weeping, I laid each heavy burden down, As my Guide gently said, No cross, no crown! At length to Him I raised my saddened heart; He knew its sorrow, bid its doubts depart. Be not afraid, He said, but trust in Me My perfect love shall now be shown to thee. And then, with lightened eyes and willing feet, Again I turned, mine earthly cross to meet, With forward footsteps, turning not aside, For fear some hidden evil might betide. And there, in the prepared, appointed way Listening to hear and ready to obey A cross I quickly found of plainest form, With only words of love inscribed thereon. With thankfulness I raised it from the rest, And joyfully acknowledged it the best The only one of all the many there That I could feel was good for me to bear. And while I thus my chosen one confessed, I saw a heavenly brightness on it rest; And as I bent, my burden to sustain, I recognized mine own old cross again! But, oh! how different did it seem to be, Now I had learned its preciousness to see! No longer could I unbelieving say, Perhaps another is a better way. Ah, no! henceforth mine own desire shall be That He who knows me best should choose for me; And so whateer His love sees good to send,

Ill trust its best, because H know the end.

SEPTEMBER 12 In your patience possess ye your soulsLuke 21: 19 "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing," the Apostle explains. Very evidently patience, therefore, includes other graces of character implies their possession to a certain extent. Among the Lord's people patience surely must be preceded by faith, and the degree of patience very generally measures the amount of faith. The Christian who finds himself impatient and restless evidently is lacking in faith toward the Lord; for otherwise he would be able to rest in the Lord's gracious promises and wait for their fulfillment. After using reasonable diligence and energy, he should be content to leave the results and times and seasons with the LordZ '03, 361 (R 3245). The text should read: "By your patience preserve ye your souls." The word here translated patience is not from the Greek word meaning longsuffering, but from the one meaning steadfastness. It is the strength of character whereby, through perseverance in well-doing amid difficulties which are cheerfully endured we press on in well-doing by reinforcing self-control therein. This definition makes the text transparent. Jesus' exhortation encourages us to press on, cheerfully enduring obstacles in the way of welldoing; for by such a course alone will we be able to gain the preservation of our spiritual livesP '35, 117. Parallel passages: Psa. 37: 7-9; Eccles. 7: 8; Lam. 3: 26, 27; Luke 8: 15; Rom. 2: 7; 5: 3, 4; 12: 12; 15: 4, 5; Gal. 6: 9; Col. 1: 10, 11; 1 Thes.1: 3; Heb. 6: 12, 15; 10: 36; 12: 1; Jas. 1: 3, 4; 5: 7, 8. Hymns: 267, 25, 57, 134, 307, 179, 200. Poems of Dawn, 134: Be Strong. Tower Reading: Z '13, 312 (R 5332). Questions: Was I patient this week? How? Why? Under what circumstances? With what results? BE STRONG BE strong to bear, O heart of mine, Faint not when sorrows come. The sum of all these ills of earth Prepares thee for thy home. So many burdened ones there are Close toiling by thy side, Assist, encourage, comfort them, Thine own deep anguish hide. What though thy trials may seem great? Thy strength is known to God,

And pathways steep and rugged lead To pastures green and broad. Be strong to love, O heart of mine, Live not for self alone; But find, in blessing other lives, Completeness for thine own. Seek every hungry heart to feed, Each saddened heart to cheer; And when stern justice stands aloof, In mercy draw thou near. True, loving words and helping hands Have won more souls for Heaven Than all the mixed and various creeds By priests and sages given. For every grief a joy will come, For every toil a rest; So hope, so love, so patient bear God doeth all things best. Be strong to hope, O heart of mine, Look not on lifes dark side; For just beyond these gloomy hours Rich, radiant days abide. Let hope, like summers rainbow bright, Scatter thy falling tears, And let Gods precious promises Dispel thine anxious fears.

SEPTEMBER 13 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!Psa. 133: 1. Like our Lord, let us seek to be peacemakers, and to dwell together with all the brethren in the unity of the Spirit, in the bonds of peace. Let our activities, our combativeness, etc., be engaged against the great enemy and all the works of sin, including those in our members, our own fallen flesh. We, and all the brethren, will thus find sufficient engagement for every combative element of our nature, in ways well-pleasing to the Lord, and employment for every lovable and helpful quality we possess, in building one another up, and doing good unto all men as we have opportunity, especially to the household of faithZ '03, 363 (R 3245). The brethren here are not the natural but the spiritual brethren, as the next verse proves by showing them to be the antitype of Aaron. The unity here mentioned is the same as that for which our Lord prayed, that they all may be one, as the Father and the Son are one. This unity, of course, is not a personal or essential oneness; but a oneness of faith, hope, love and purpose, for the one Father, under the one Lord and in the one baptism. Good and pleasant is this unity. No earthly relation is comparable to it. May it be ours now in development and to all eternity in blessed realizationP '34, 128. Parallel passages: Psa. 55: 14; 119: 63; Amos 3: 3; Mal. 3: 16; Matt. 18: 20; 20: 25-28; 23: 8; Luke 22: 32; 24: 13-15; John 13: 34; 17: 11, 21-23; Acts 1: 14; 2: 1, 42, 44-47; Rom. 15: 1-7; 1 Cor. 1: 10; 10: 16, 17; 12: 12, 13; Gal. 2: 9; 6: 2, 10; Eph. 2: 14-22; 5: 2, 19, 30; Phil. 1: 3, 5, 27; 2: 1, 2; Col. 2: 2; 1 Thes. 4: 18; Heb. 10: 24, 25; 13: 1; Jas.5: 16; 1 Pet. 2: 17; 3: 8, 9; 1 John 3: 14; 4: 7, 11-13. Hymns: 23, 6, 94, 326, 95, 322, 170. Poems of Dawn, 97: In My Name. Tower Reading: Z '13, 133 (R 5229). Questions: Have I experienced the truth of this text this week? How? Why? With what results? IN MY NAME THERE were only two or three of us Who came to the place of prayer Came in the teeth of the driving storm; But for that we did not care, Since after our hymns of praise had risen, And our earnest prayers were said, The Master Himself was present there, And He gave us the living bread.

We noted the look in each others face, So loving, and glad, and free; We felt His touch when our heads were bowed, We heard His Come to Me! Nobody saw Him lift the latch, And none unbarred the door; But Peace was His token in every heart, And how could we ask for more? Each of us felt the relief from sin, Christs purchase for one and all; Each of us dropped his load of care, And heard the Heavenly call; And over our spirits a blessed calm Swept in from the Jasper Sea, And strength was ours for the toil of life In the days that were yet to be. It was only a handful gathered in To the little place of prayer, Outside were struggle and strife and sin, But the Lord Himself was there. He came to redeem the pledge He gave Wherever his loved ones be, To give His comfort and joy to them, Though they count but two or three.

SEPTEMBER 14 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully1 Pet. 2: 12, 19. We may be evil reported of and slandered, but all who know us, who have dealings with us, should find from experience our loyalty to principle, our endeavor that the words of our mouths as well as the meditations of our hearts and the conduct of life should be pleasing to the Lord and an honor to His name and cause, that God may be glorified through Christ, to whom belongs the glory and the Kingdom forever Z '03, 365 (R 3246). The Lord's people are often undeservedly slandered. It should be their constant care so to live as not to deserve reproach. However, if it comes, let them not weary in well-doing; let them continue the course of honest conduct, certain that even if they now fail to bless others with their good works, the latter, in the Day of Christ, when visited with an opportunity of salvation, will receive such a blessing from the remembrance of these good works as will inure to God's glory. The seed, though long delayed in sprouting, will then yield an abundant crop. Therefore we may thank God for the privilege of suffering evil for our well-doingP '33, 147. Parallel passages: 2 Cor. 8: 21; Rom. 12: 17; Phil. 4: 8; Neh. 5: 9; 1 Pet. 2: 15; 3: 13-18; Matt.5: 16; John 13: 34, 35; 1 Pet. 2: 20-24; Rom. 8: 17-19; 2 Tim. 2: 10-12; Heb. 13: 1014. Hymns: 299, 134, 208, 224, 302, 315, 325. Poems of Dawn, 287: The Rainy Day. Tower Reading: Z '12, 323 (R 5116). Questions: Have I been mistreated this week? How did I endure it? What were the effects? THE RAINY DAY THE day is cold, and dark, and dreary; It rains, and the wind is never weary; The vine still clings to the moldering wall, But at every gust the dead leaves fall, And the day is dark and dreary My life is cold, and dark, and dreary; It rains, and the wind is never weary; My thoughts still cling to the moldering past, But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,

And the days are dark and dreary. Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining; Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary.

SEPTEMBER 15 Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you2 Cor. 6: 17. Those who conscientiously live separate from the world in spiritual matters, and recognize as brethren only those who confess to circumcision of the heart and adoption into God's family, will find themselves opposed by moralists, liberalists and higher critics, as well as by the masses, who hate the light, because it condemns their darknessdoctrinal and otherwise. Nevertheless, this is the only good and safe course to pursue. Better far is it that only true Israelites should be recognized as brethren, and thus the true wheat be separated from the taresZ '99, 203 (R 2510). It is God's will that His people be separate from all obligations to, and co-operation and sympathy with, institutions and practices that are of Satan's control and spirit. This would imply separation from the communion and spirit of all people who are servants of Satan, whether knowingly or unknowingly so; and as far as possible separation from association with them. Thus we largely avoid the contamination of any unclean thing. What if it does make us at times walk alone? We may at least comfort ourselves with the reflection that the Lord had the same experience before us, and that God receives and companions us. Such acceptance and companionship compensates all lossesP '32, 136. Parallel passages: Num. 16: 21, 26; Ezra 10: 11; Psa. 50: 5; Prov. 9: 6; Isa. 8: 11; 52: 11; Jer. 51: 6, 9; Acts 2: 40; 2 Cor. 6: 14-16; Eph. 5: 11; Rev. 18: 4. Hymns: 196, 213, 226, 299, 303, 305, 145. Poems of Dawn, 200: Sweet Day of Rest. Tower Reading: Z '15, 230 (R 5737). Questions: Did the cleansing work proceed in me this week? How? With what results? SWEET DAY OF REST I KNOW some day my Lord will come, And stand within my humble home, His glorious presence in the room Will make it like a rose in bloom. His voice, like music on mine ear, Will banish every thought of fear, Hell fold me closely to His breast And there in peace Ill sweetly rest. And, oh, my Lord, on that sweet day I know the words that Thou wilt say, It is enough, my child, come home,

thy work is done, beloved, come. Then Ill arise and go with Thee Across the shining, crystal sea, Until we reach that blissful shore Where we shall dwell for evermore.

SEPTEMBER 16 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peacePsa. 29: 11. If you have trials and temptations which you are able to overcome, and which are working out in your character patience, experience, brotherly kindness, sympathy and love, rejoice and offer the prayer of thanksgiving and acknowledgment of Divine mercy and help. If your trials seem heavier than you can bear, and likely to crush you, take the matter to the great Burden-bearer, and ask His help in bearing whatever would do you good, and release from all that would do you no good, but which would injure youZ '96, 163 (R 2004). The strength that the Lord gives His people is spiritual, the power of character whereby they are able in every circumstance to do His will. Glorious indeed is this strength! The Word of God, appropriate to our providential surroundings, is the means of its bestowal. The stronger God's people become the more are they blessed with the assurance that gives and increases peace. Like a river which ever increases in depth and breadth as it is joined by other streams, their peace becomes deeper, wider and fuller by God's increasing gifts. Blessed the people that have Jehovah as their God!P '26, 125. Parallel passages: Job 34: 9; Psa. 18: 2, 35; Isa.26: 3, 12; 27: 5; 23: 12; Eph. 1: 19; 3: 7, 16; Col. 1: 29; 2: 12; Phil. 4: 7, 9; Matt. 11: 28-30; John 14: 1, 27; Rom. 5: 1; Col. 3: 15. Hymns: 1, 249, 244, 266, 252, 93, 164. Poems of Dawn, 197: Peace, Perfect Peace. Tower Reading: Z '11, 149 (R 4817). Questions: Did God bless me this week with strength and peace? How? Whereby? With what results? PEACE, PERFECT PEACE PEACE, perfect peace! in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace! by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus, this is rest. Peace, perfect peace! with sorrows surging round? On Jesus bosom nought but calm is found. Peace, perfect peace! mid sufferings keenest throes? They sympathy of Jesus brings repose. Peace, perfect peace! with loved ones far away?

In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they. Peace, perfect peace! our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne. Peace, perfect peace! death shadowing us and ours? Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers. It is enough: earths struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus call us to Heavens perfect peace.

SEPTEMBER 17 Christ in you, the hope of gloryCol. 1: 27. Every true child of God must have a definite individual Christian character which is not dependent for its existence upon the spiritual life of any other Christian. He must from the Word of Truth, proclaimed and exemplified by other Christians, draw those principles of life, etc., which give him an established character, a spiritual individuality of his own. So positive and definite should be the spiritual individuality of everyone, that, should even the beloved brother or sister whose spiritual life first nourished ours and brought us forward to completeness of character fall away (which the Apostle shows is not impossible, Heb. 6: 4-6; Gal. 1: 8), we would still live, being able to appropriate for ourselves the Spirit of Truth Z '03, 375 (R 3250). The "Christ in you," the new creature, was promised to be in the hearts and minds of God's Gospel-Age Spirit-begotten people, giving both hearts and minds new capacities, spiritual in their scope. It was to be the holy anointing, fitting them for their earthly and heavenly offices. This is the mystery of God, the mystery of all mysteries, that Christ was to consist of many members Jesus the Head member and the Church the Body members. High, holy and heavenly was to be this glorious "Christ in you." Its possession was to be the basis for the hope of glory, the hand payment of the inheritancethe Divine heart and mind, a part of the inheritance promised to the saintsP '36, 110. Parallel passages: Matt. 3: 16; Acts 10: 38; 2: 1-4; 10: 45-47; 2 Cor.1: 21;1 John 2: 20,27;1 Cor. 12: 12, 13; 15: 23; Gal. 3: 16, 29; Eph. 4: 13, 23, 24; Col. 1: 23; 1 Pet. 4: 13; Heb. 3: 14; Rom. 8: 10; John 14: 19; 17: 23, 24; Gal. 2: 20; Phil. 1: 21; 2 Cor. 4: 16; Eph. 3: 16; John 15: 2-7; Rom. 12: 4, 5; 1 Cor. 1: 30; Rom. 6: 3; 13: 14; Gal. 3: 26, 27; 2 Cor. 5: 17; Col. 3: 10; Rom. 8: 4, 5. Hymns: 58, 21, 23, 27, 170, 72, 310. Poems of Dawn, 43: The Transformation. Tower Reading: Z '13, 131 (R 5227). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? In what circumstances? With what effects? THE TRANSFORMATION TO the Potters house I went down one day, And watched him while moulding the vessels of clay, And may a wonderful lesson I drew, As I noted the process the clay went through. Trampled and broken, down-trodden and rolled, To render more plastic and fit for the mould

How like the clay that is human, I thought, When in Heavenly hands to perfection brought! For Self must be cast as the dust at His feet, Before it is ready, for service made meet. And Pride must be broken, and self-will lost All laid on the altar, whatever the cost. But lo! by and by, a delicate vase Of wonderful beauty and exquisite grace. Was it once the vile clay? Ah! yes; yet how strange, The Potter hath wrought such a marvelous change! Not a trace of the earth, nor mark of the clay The fires of the furnace have burned them away. Wondrous skill of the Potter!the praise is his due, In whose hands to perfection and beauty it grew. Thus with souls lying still, content in Gods hand, That do not His power of working withstand They are moulded and fitted, a treasure to hold, Vile clay now transformed into purest of gold.

SEPTEMBER 18 My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee restExodus 33: 14. The Lord is ever present with his people. He is always thinking of us, looking out for our interests, guarding us in danger, providing for us in temporal and spiritual things, reading our hearts, marking every impulse of loving devotion to Him, shaping the influences around us for our discipline and refining, and hearkening to our faintest call for aid or sympathy or fellowship with Him. He is never for a moment off guard, whether we call Him in the busy noon hours or in the silent watches of the night. How blessed the realization of such abiding faithfulness! And no real child of God is devoid of this evidence of his adoptionZ '03, 376 (R 3250). The word here translated presence means face. The Lord's face represents His favor. His disfavor to the race has been manifested by His turning His back to them; as when His favor shall return, His face will beam with kindness, healing and benediction upon them. Now the Lord gives His people His favor as their special portion. Whatever else we lack its possession makes us supremely rich. His favor guarantees that we will overcome our spiritual enemies; and after our victory we will be blessed with a Canaan rest of eternal peace from sin, error, selfishness and worldliness in wisdom, justice, love, power and Kingdom-mindednessGod's ideal of real restP '30, 151,152. Parallel passages: Psa. 5: 12; 11: 7; 41: 11, 12; 102: 13; Prov. 16: 7; Ezek. 39: 29; Luke 2: 52; John 14: 16-23; Acts 10: 35; Eph. 1: 6; Heb. 4: 14-16; 1 Pet. 2: 9. Hymns: 46, 283, 235, 68, 244, 94, 179. Poems of Dawn, 66: A Perfect Trust. Tower Reading: Z '14, 25 (R 5387). Questions: What experience of God's favor and of rest in Him did I have this week? What did I have to do to obtain them? How did I use them? A PERFECT TRUST O BLESSED peace of a perfect trust, My loving God, in Thee; Unwavering faith, that never doubts Thou choosest best for me. Best, though my plans be all upset; Best, though the way be rough; Best, though mine earthly store be scant; In Thee I have enough. Best, though my health and strength be gone, Though weary days be mine,

Shut out from much that others have; Not my will, Lord, but Thine! And een though disappointments come, They, too, are best for me, To wean me from a clamring world, And lead me nearer Thee. O blessed peace of a perfect trust That looks away from all; That sees Thy hand in everything, In great events or small; That hears Thy voicea Fathers voice Directing for the best: O blessed peace of a perfect trust, A heart with Thee at rest!

SEPTEMBER 19 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truthJohn 17: 17. Our Lord always links the progress and development of our spiritual life with our receiving and obeying the Truth, and every child of God should beware of that teaching which claims to be in advance of the Word, and that Christ or the holy Spirit speaks to such advanced Christians independently of the Word. It cultivates spiritual pride and boastfulness, and renders powerless the warnings and expostulations of the sacred Scriptures because the deluded ones think they have a higher teacher dwelling in them. And Satan, taking advantage of the delusion, leads them captive at his willZ '03, 377 (R 3250). Sanctification sets one apart from sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, and dedicates one to the Lord's service. As it continues its work, it keeps our wills dead, sacrifices our bodies for the Lord and makes our characters like His. The Word sanctifies us, first by working in our hearts a consecrating faith and love, whereby it enables us to present ourselves to the Lord as sacrifices. It continues the work by beginning in us the new heart, mind and will, and by enabling us to sacrifice unto death, while keeping our human will dead and God's will alive in us. It proceeds with the work by energizing us to grow, cleansing, strengthening and balancing us. It completes the work by perfecting usand all this by Jesus' ministryP '35, 117, 118. Parallel passages: Jer. 1: 5; Acts 26: 17, 18; Rom. 15: 16; 1 Cor. 1: 2, 30; 6: 11; Gal. 2: 20; 6: 14; Eph. 1: 3, 4; 3: 19; 4: 7, 12-16; 5. 25-27; Col. 2: 11; 1 Thes. 4: 3, 4; 5: 23; 2 Thes. 2: 13, 14; 2 Tim. 2: 21; Heb. 2: 11. Hymns: 49, 4, 47, 78, 196, 198, 267. Poems of Dawn, 120: Master, Say On. Tower Reading: Z '13, 292 (R 5319). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How? Under what circumstances? With what effects? MASTER, SAY ON! MASTER, speak! Thy servant heareth, Longing for Thy gracious word, Longing for Thy voice that cheereth; Master, let it now be heard. I am listening, Lord, for Thee; What hast Thou to say to me? Often through my heart is pealing Many another voice than Thine, Many an unwilled echo stealing

From the walls of this Thy shrine. Let Thy longed-for accents fall; Master, speak! and silence all. Master, speak! I cannot doubt Thee; Thou wilt through lifes pathway lead; Savior, Shepherd, oh! without Thee Life would be a blank indeed. Yet I seek still fuller light, Deeper love, and clearer sight. Resting on the faithful saying, Trusting what Thy gospel saith, On Thy written promise staying All my hope in life and death; Yet I ask for more and more From Thy loves exhaustless store. Master, speak! And make me ready, As Thy voice is daily heard, With obedience glad and steady Still to follow every word. I am listening, Lord, for Thee: Master, speak, speak on, to me!

SEPTEMBER 20 Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place . . . to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite onesIsa. 57: 15. Let us ever keep in memory that a broken and contrite heart the Lord never despises, will never spurn. Therefore, into whatever difficulty any of the Lord's people may stumble, if they find themselves hungering for the Lord's fellowship and forgiveness, if they find their hearts contrite and broken, let them not despair, but remember that God has made a provision through the merit of Christ which enables Him to accept and justify freely from all sin all that come unto Him through Jesus through faith in His blood. . . . . Those who have broken and contrite hearts on account of their sins may know that they have not committed "the sin unto death, for their condition of heart proves this, as the Apostle declares: "It is impossible to renew again unto repentance" any who have committed the sin unto deathZ ' 03, 383 (R 3253). Jehovah is sublime in His person, character, Plan and works. Infinite is He in His exaltation. Though supreme above all other beings, He is quite unlike the great among men and fallen angels. Few of the former, and none of the latter, condescend to beings of low estate, especially to give them an uplift in heart and mind. Of necessity, all of Jehovah's dealings are with inferiors; nevertheless, He delights to use His position, Spirit, Plan, works and possessions for the lowly and contrite. He even gives up unto death His human sons for their blessing. Where can another be found so worthy? Worthy is He of faith, love, obedience, thanks, praise, service and faithfulnessP '34, 128. Parallel passages: Deut. 10: 17; Psa. 8: 9; 57: 5; 97: 2, 6, 9; 145: 5, 11, 12; Isa. 2: 10; 6: 1, 3; 35: 2; Ezek.1: 26-28; Gen. 19: 16; Ex. 15: 13; 22: 27; 34: 6, 7; Num. 14: 18-20; Judg. 2: 18; 2 Sam. 12: 13; Ezra 9: 9, 13; Neh. 9: 17, 27-31; Job 33: 14-30; Psa. 30: 5; 32: 1, 2, 5; 85: 10; 103: 3, 8-14, 17; Matt. 18: 11-14, 23-27; Luke 1: 50, 77, 78; Eph. 2: 4-7; Heb. 4: 16; 1 Pet. 3: 8, 15; 1 John 1: 9. Hymns: 176, 68, 67, 63, 121, 286, 293. Poems of Dawn, 31: A Present Help. Tower Reading: Z '13, 115 (R 5217). Questions: How did God this week show me His grace? How did I receive and use it? What were the results? A PRESENT HELP THERE is never a day so dreary, But God can make it bright; And unto the soul that trusts Him, He giveth songs in the night.

There is never a path so hidden, But God will show us the way, If we seek for the Spirits guidance, And patiently wait and pray. There is never a cross so heavy, But the loving hands are there, Outstretched in tender compassion, The burden to help us bear. There is never a heart that is broken, But the loving Christ can heal; For the heart that was pierced on Calvary, Doth still for His people feel. There is never a life so darkened, So hopeless and so unblest, But may be filled with the light of God, And enter His promised rest. There is never a sin nor a sorrow, There is never a care nor a loss, But that we may carry to Jesus, And leave at the foot of the cross. What more can we ask than Hes promised? (And we know that His Word cannot fail,) Our refuge when storms are impending, Our help when temptations assail. Our Savior, our Friend and Redeemer, Our portion on earth and in Heaven; For He who withheld not His own Son, Hath with Him all things freely given.

SEPTEMBER 21 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evilPsa. 23: 4. The Sheep of the Lord's true flock fear no evil, because of the Lord's favor, because He is with them, on their side, and has shown His favor in the redemption price already imputed. He is with them, too, in His Word of promiseHis assurance that death shall not mean extinction of life, but merely, until the resurrection, an undisturbed sleep in Jesus. What wonder that these can walk through the valley of the shadow of death singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord, calling upon their souls with all that is within them to praise and laud and magnify His great and holy name, who loved us and bought us with His precious blood, and has called us to the Kingdom inheritance with our dear Redeemer!Z '03, 413 (R 3268). The condition of the curse is the valley of the shadow of death. Death's shadow goes before it (death), in the sin, error, degradation, sorrow, trouble, pain, sickness, losses, disappointments and dying that darken this valley. From birth to death we pass through this dark vale. The vast majority pass through it in fear and reach its end in despair. God's children have blessings in this valley that enable them to bear its rigors bravely and calmly. Whatever of evil reaches them affects but their humanity; their new heart, mind and will is secure, because God, their Helper, is making all things work together for their good, and is giving them hope of eternal deliverance from all evil in the resurrection. Therefore, while in this valley they fear no evilP '33, 147. Parallel passages: Job 3: 13; 14: 2, 5, 7-12, 13, 14, 19-21; 17: 13-16; 21: 23-26, 32, 33; 38: 17; Psa. 3: 6; Rom. 5: 12, 14, 17; Hos. 13: 14; 1 Cor. 15: 21-23, 26, 41-58; 1 Thes. 4: 13-17; Rev. 1: 18; Rom. 14: 8; Phil. 1: 21; Heb. 13: 14; Psa. 27: 1; 56: 4, 11; 118: 6; 44: 19; Rom. 8: 15. Hymns: 284, 63, 87, 93, 137, 252, 330. Poems of Dawn, 202: Why Should I Fear? Tower Reading: Z '15, 90 (R 5653). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? With what results? WHY SHOULD I FEAR? WHENEER the storms come down on thee, And days of peace all seem to flee, This thought thy peace again shall bring, Why should I fear?the Lord is King. Een when the tempest rages high,

And darkest clouds are drawing nigh, With hands of faith to this, oh, cling, Why should I fear?the Lord is King. Amid the stormy waves of life, Above the tumult the and strife, The chimes of hope still sweetly ring, Be not afraid,--the Lord is king. Thy ship is tossd by wind and wave, But there is One whose power can save; Across the sea He hastes to bring Both rest and peace,the Lord is King. Yes, Jesus walks upon the sea, And in the storm He comes to thee; Then trust in Him, rejoice and sing; He calms the waves,the Lord is King. He stretches out His hand to thee, And from thy fears He sets thee free; Beneath the shadow of His wing He keeps thee safe,the Lord is King.

SEPTEMBER 22 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD foreverPsa. 23: 6. The goodness and mercy which we anticipate . . . in the Kingdom has its beginning here already and is thus to be appreciated. Whoever knows nothing of the joys of the Lord in the present time will evidently not be prepared for the joys of the Lord in the Kingdom, whatever blessings and joys he may attain to under the administration of the Kingdom during the Millennial Age. There is, then, joy and rejoicing, granted to the Lord's faithful ones, not a momentary matter connected with their first acceptance of the Lord and their consecration of themselves to Him. The goodness and mercy of the Lord is not to be looked back to as a thing of the remote past, but it is to be recognized and appreciated as a thing of the present. Day by day God's goodness and mercy follow us, refresh us, strengthen us, bless us Z '03, 413 (R 3268). God's goodness and mercy bless our new minds and humanity, though goodness here refers more especially, though not exclusively, to our spiritual privileges, while mercy here refers more especially, though not exclusively, to our human privileges. It is our glorious privilege to have these, not for a part only, but for the whole of our journey to the Kingdom. Let us not for a moment doubt the loyalty of the Lord to give us all the grace, mercy and Truth necessary for our entire journey. He will never fail, leave nor forsake us. And after we have proven faithful unto the end, our everlasting portion will be membership in God's familyP '32, 136. Parallel passages: Ex. 15: 13; 20: 6; 33: 19; 34: 6; 2 Chron. 5: 13; Neh. 9: 17, 27-31; Psa. 23: 1-5; 33: 5; 73: 1; 103: 1-17; Jas. 1: 17; John 14: 2, 3; Eph. 2: 19-22; 1 Pet. 2: 5. Hymns: 288, 11, 45, 46, 176, 92, 58. Poems of Dawn, 239: Courage! Morning Dawns. Tower Reading: Z '14, 109 (R 5437). Questions: What have been this week's experiences along the line of this text? How were they met? What did they effect in me? COURAGE! MORNING DAWNS THOUGH the night be dark and dreary, Though the way be long and weary, Morn shall bring thee light and cheer; Child, look up, the morn is near. Though thine eyes be sad with weeping, Through the night thy vigils keeping, God shall wipe thy tears away,

Turn thy darkness into day. Though thy spirit faint with fasting Through the hours so slowly wasting, Morn shall bring a glorious feast. Thou shalt sit an honored guest.

SEPTEMBER 23 Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints Jude 3. Our good fight of faith consists in a considerable measure in our defense of the Word of God, which includes also our defense of the character of God. This will mean our willingness to stand for the Truth at any cost and against any number of assailantsagainst the creeds and theories of men, which would misrepresent the good tidings of great joy which the Lord and the Apostles have announced, and which shall, thank God, yet be unto all people. As the Apostle again says, "I am set for the defence of the Gospel." We can do no less than defend the Truth. The Truth is God's representative, Christ's representative, and hence our standard, and as true soldiers we must defend our standard, even unto deathZ '03, 423 (R 3272). The faith once delivered to the saints consists of the doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types of the Bible given by God to the His true Gospel-Age people. These have been attacked with all the ability and malice that fallen angels and men could concentrate into the onslaught. As the custodians of the oracles of God, we would be untrue to our stewardship, if like craven cowards we inactively permitted the attack to go on. We should arm ourselves with the whole armor of God and repel the attacks of error against the Truth; and, assuming the aggressive, we should, with all our wisdom, power, justice and love, destroy the opposing errors, and deliver from their chains our captive brethren and friendsP '26, 125,126. Parallel passages: Acts 17: 2; 18: 4, 19; 20: 27; 24: 25; 1 Cor. 9: 23-27; Gal. 2: 2-5, 1214; 5: 7; 2 Pet. 2: 1; Phil. 2: 16; 2 Tim. 2: 5; 4: 7. Hymns: 44, 78, 118, 183, 145, 272, 266. Poems of Dawn, 152: Heroism. Tower Reading: Z '12, 215 (R 5056). Questions: Did I this week defend the Truth? How? Why? With what results? HEROISM IT takes great strength to train To modern service your ancestral brain; To lift the weight of the unnumbered years Of dead mens habits, methods and ideas; To hold that back with one hand, and support With the other the weak steps of new resolve! It takes great strength to bring your life up square With your accepted thought, and hold it there, Resisting the inertia that drags back From new attempts to the old habits track.

It is so easy to drift backto sink So hard to live abreast of what you think! It takes great strength to live where you belong, When other people think that you are wrong; People you love, and who love you, and whose Approval is a pleasure you would choose. To bear this pressure, and succeed at length In living your beliefwell, it takes strength Courage, too. But what does courage mean Save strength to help you face a pain foreseen; Courage to undertake this life-long strain Of setting yourself against your grandsires brain Dangerous risk of walking alone and free, Out of the easy paths that used to be; And the fierce pain of hurting those we love, When love meets truth, and truth must ride above! But the best courage man has ever shown, Is daring to cut loose, and think alone. Dark are the unlit chambers of clear space, Where light shines back from no reflecting face. Our suns wide glare, our heavens shining blue, We owe to fog and dust they fumble through; And our rich wisdom that we treasure so, Shines from a thousand things that we dont know. But to think newit takes a courage grim As led Columbus over the worlds rim. To thinkit costs some courageand to go Try itit taxes every power you know. It take great love to stir a human heart To live beyond the others, and apart; A love that is not shallow, is not small; Is not for one or two, but for them all. Love that can wound love for its higher need; Love that can leave love, though the heart may bleed; Love that can lose love, family and friend, Yet live steadfastly, loving to the end. A love that asks no answer, that can live, Moved by one burning, deathless forceto give! Love, strength and courage; courage, strength and love The heroes of all time are built thereof.

SEPTEMBER 24 I keep my body under, and bring it into subjection: lest. . . . I myself should be a castaway1 Cor. 9: 27. There is a tendency for the body, the flesh, to arise from its condition of reckoned deadness; hence, the new nature needs to be continually on the alert to maintain its ascendency, to fight the good fight of faith and to gain the prize as an overcomer. These battlings of the new mind against the flesh are a good fight in the sense that they are fightings against sins and weaknesses that belong to the fallen nature. They are a fight of faith in the sense that the entire course of the Christian is a course of faith, as the Apostle says, "We walk by faith and not by sight." . . . It is a fight of faith in the sense that no one could keep up this battle against his own flesh and its propensities and desires, except as he can exercise faith in the promises and in the Lord as his HelperZ '03, 425 (R 3272). There is a distinction between keeping the body under and bringing it into subjection. We keep the body under when we suppress its efforts to control us, detach our earthly affections from its objects and prove impenetrable to its attacks. We bring it into subjection when the new heart, mind and will, laying hold of and enslaving it to God's will, makes it serve Truth, righteousness and holiness. Both of these things we must do to gain the prize of our calling. While other things must be done to gain eternal life, these are indispensable to overcoming. Whoever fails in this does not overcome. He will be a castaway as respects the prizeP '36, 110. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 9: 25, 26; 2 Cor. 6: 4, 5; Rom. 8: 13; Acts 1: 25; 2 Pet. 2: 15; Eph. 4: 22; Col. 3: 5; Jer. 6: 30; Luke 9: 25; 2 Cor. 13: 5, 6. Hymns: 78, 47, 4, 8, 114, 150, 196. Poems of Dawn, 48: A Solitary Way. Tower Reading: Z '15, 296 (R 5777). Questions: How did my experiences this week accord with this text? What was helpful or hindersome therein? What were the effects? A SOLITARY WAY
PSA. 107: 1-9; PROV. 14: 10; 1 COR. 2: 11.

THERE is a mystery in human hearts, And though we be encircled by a host Of those who love us well, and are beloved, To every one of us, from time to time, There comes a sense of utter loneliness. Our dearest friend is stranger to our joy, And cannot realize our bitterness. There is not one who really understands,

Not one to enter into all I feel; Such is the cry of each of us in turn. We wander in a solitary way, No matter what or where our lot may be, Each heart, mysterious even to itself, Must live its inner life of solitude.
JOB 7: 17; MATT. 10: 37.

And would you know the reason why this is? It is because the Lord desires our love. In every heart He wishes to be first. He therefore keeps the secret-key Himself, To open all its chambers, and to bless With perfect sympathy and holy peace Each solitary soul which comes to Him. So when we feel this loneliness, it is The voice of Jesus saying, Come to Me; And every time we are not understood, It is a call to us to come again; For Christ alone can satisfy the soul, And those who walk with Him from day to day Can never have a solitary way.
ISA. 48: 16; PSA. 34: 22.

And when beneath some heavy cross you faint, And say, I cannot bear this load alone, You say the truth. Christ made it purposely So heavy that you must return to Him The bitter grief, which no one understands, Conveys a secret message from the King, Entreating you to come to Him again. The Man of Sorrows understands it well. In all points tempted, He can feel with you. You cannot come too often, or too near. The Son of God is infinite in grace; His presence satisfies the longing soul; And those who walk with Him from day to day Can never have a solitary way.

SEPTEMBER 25 Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness [justification], and sanctification, and redemption [deliverance]1 Cor. 1: 30. He who redeemed us, or bought us with the sacrifice of His own life, gives us, as our Prophet or Teacher, wisdom by His Gospel, to see our fallen state and Himself as our Helper; as our Priest, He first justifies us and then sanctifies or consecrates us . . . and finally, as King, He will fully deliver the faithful from the domination of sin and death, to a glorious share in His Kingdom; for "God will raise up [from the dead] us also, by Jesus." "Hallelujah! What a Savior!" Truly He is able and willing to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by HimZ '03, 440 (R 3279). God appointed Jesus to supply our every need. He is our Wisdom in that He teaches us the whole counsel of God. He is our Righteousness in that He imputes His merit to us and enables us to practice justice. He is our Sanctification in that He enabled us to consecrate our humanity to death, and enables us to carry out our consecration fully . . . enables us to grow in every good thought, quality, word and deed. He is our Deliverance in that He enables us to gain victory over all our spiritual enemies through helping us to exercise an overcoming faith, hope, love and obedience; and ultimately, if we are faithful, will give us victory over death and the grave by raising us from the dead. Hallelujah! What a Savior!P '30, 152. Parallel passages: Jer. 9: 23, 24; Matt. 23: 8, 10; 1 Cor. 1: 18-29; Col. 3: 2; Rom. 3: 2126; 4: 20-25; 5: 1; 10: 3-14; John 17: 17-19; Acts 26: 17, 18; 1 Cor. 1: 2; Eph. 5: 25-27; Heb. 2: 11; Rom. 11: 26; Luke 4: 18; Matt. 6: 13; Rom. 7: 24, 25; 2 Tim. 4: 18; Heb. 2: 15. Hymns: 96, 139, 167, 170, 240, 15, 178. Poems of Dawn, 265: Deliverance. Tower Reading: Z '14, 228 (R 5506). Questions: How have I this week appropriated Jesus as my Teacher, Justifier, Sanctifier and Deliverer? What helped or hindered therein? What resulted therefrom? DELIVERANCE STILL oer Earths sky the clouds of anger roll, And Gods revenge hangs heavy on her soul. Yet shall she risethough first by God chastised In glory and in beauty then baptized. Yea, Earth, thou shalt arise; thy Fathers aid Shall heal the wound His chastening hand hath made; Shall judge the proud oppressors ruthless sway And burst his bonds, and cast his cords away.

Then on thy soil shall deathless verdure spring; Break forth, ye mountains, and ye valleys, sing! No more your thirsty rocks shall frown forlorn, The unbelievers jest, the heathens scorn; The sultry sands shall tenfold harvests yield, And a new Eden deck the thorny field. Een now we see, wide-waving oer the land, The mighty angel lifts his golden wand, Courts the bright vision of descending power, Tells every gate, and measures every tower; And chides the tardy seals that yet detain Thy Lion, Judah, from His destined reign!

SEPTEMBER 26 Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the SpiritEph. 2: 20-22. Let us, as day after day rolls by, remember our threefold relationship to this Temple: (1) We are still in process of preparation as living stones. (2) As members of the Royal Priesthood carrying the Ark, we are marching from the Tabernacle into the Temple condition; some of our number have already entered in and some are still on the way. (3) As the Lord's people, the time has come for us to know, to sing with the spirit and understanding, the new song of Divine mercy, justice, love and truth. Let us be faithful in each of these respects, fulfilling our parts, and soon our course will be ended and the glory of the Lord will fill the TempleZ '03, 443 (R 3282). The Christ is the Temple of the Living God. In it the Apostles and the Gospel-Age prophets are the foundation stones Jesus, the chief cornerstone, and the rest of the faithful, the other stones. During the Gospel Age the stones are undergoing preparation at the hands of God and Christ. They must submit to the necessary sawing, breaking, chiseling, cutting, grinding, rubbing and polishing, each individually and in harmony with one another. Unity, harmony and diversity mark their preparation. When placed in the building harmoniously, cohesively and beautifully, they will be filled with the Lord's glory and become God's resting place, His meeting place with mankind and His blessing place for the worldP '35, 118. Parallel passages: Matt. 16: 16-18; 1 Pet. 2: 4, 5; Isa. 28: 16; Matt. 21: 42; Psa. 118: 22, 23; Eph. 4: 14-16; 1 Cor. 6: 19; 2 Cor. 6: 16; John 14: 16-18, 23; Rom. 8: 9. Hymns: 281, 67, 21, 23, 6, 7, 58. Poems of Dawn, 193: The Voice in the Twilight. Tower Reading: Z '15, 188 (R 5710). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What proved helpful or hindersome therein? Under what circumstances did they occur? In what did they result? THE VOICE IN THE TWILIGHT I WAS sitting alone in the twilight, With spirit troubled and vexed, With thoughts that were morbid and gloomy, And faith that was sadly perplexed. Some homely work I was doing For the child of my love and care,

Some stitches half wearily setting, In the endless need of repair. But my thoughts were about the building, The work some day to be tried; And that only gold and the silver, And the precious stones, should abide. And remembering mine own poor efforts, The wretched work I had done, And, even when trying most truly, The meager success I had won: It is nothing but wood, hay and stubble, I said; it will all be burned This useless fruit of the talents One day to be returned. And I have so longed to serve Him, and sometimes I know I have tried; but Im sure when He sees such building, he never will let it abide. Just then, as I turned the garment, That no rent should be left behind, Mine eye caught an odd little bungle Of mending and patchwork combined. My heart grew suddenly tender, And something blinded mine eyes, With one of those sweet intuitions That sometimes make us so wise. Dear child! She wanted to help me. I knew twas the best she could do; But oh! what a botch she had made it The gray mismatching the blue! And yetcan you understand it? With a tender smile and a tear, And a half compassionate yearning, I felt she had grown more dear. Then a sweet voice broke the silence; And the dear Lord said to me, Art thou tenderer for the little child

than I am tender for thee? Then straightway I knew His meaning, So full of compassion and love, And my faith came back to its Refuge Like the glad, returning dove. For I thought, when the Master-builder Comes down His temple to view, To see what rents must be mended, And what must be builded anew, Perhaps as He looks oer the building He will bring my work to the light, And seeing the marring and bungling, And how far it all is from right, He will feel as I felt for my darling, And will say, as I said for her, Dear child! She wanted to help me, And love for Me was the spur. And for the true love that is in it, the work shall seem perfect as Mine, And because it was willing service, I will crown it with plaudit Divine. And there in the deepening twilight I seemed to be clasping a hand, And to feel a great love constrain me, Stronger than any command. Then I knew, by the thrill of sweetness, Twas the hand of the Blessed One, That will tenderly guide and hold me Till all my labor is done. So my thoughts are nevermore gloomy, My faith no longer is dim, But my heart is strong and restful, And mine eyes are looking to Him.

SEPTEMBER 27 Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy GodMatt.4: 7. Temptations continually assail the Lord's people suggestions to do some wonderful works in His name, and thus to prove to themselves and to others that they are heaven's favorites. The lesson for us to learn is that the work which the Father has given us to do is not the work of convincing the world or of showing His favor toward us and our greatness in Him, but rather that we should quietly and humbly, yet as effectively as reason and propriety will permit, let our lights shine, and show forth the praises of Him who hath called us from darkness into His marvelous light, and from a desire to be wonder-workers to the reasonable position of servants, ministers of the TruthZ '04, 9 (R 3296). To tempt God means to banter Him, to presume on His goodness and to tamper with His arrangements. Whoever does so takes his life in his own hands. God does not permit Himself to be mocked, though as in Pharaoh's case, He is long-suffering with the one who tempts Him. He will ultimately make the tempter feel the weight of His displeasure. Our reverence for the Lord should be so great as to prevent our tempting Him. In this, as in everything else, our dear Redeemer gives us an example of that reverential carefulness and obedience which will safeguard us against tempting Jehovah, our God. Reverence for Jehovah is also in this particular the beginning of wisdomP '34, 128. Parallel passages: Deut.6: 16; Ex. 5: 2; Num. 15: 30; 1 Kings 20: 28; 22: 24; Job 15: 25; Psa. 19: 13; 131: 1; Isa. 10: 15; 14: 13, 14; 45: 9; 65: 5; Matt. 4: 5, 6; Luke 18: 11, 12; Rom. 9: 20, 21; 1 Cor. 10: 9-12; 2 Thes. 2: 3, 4; 2 Pet. 2: 10, 11. Hymns: 196, 95, 125, 130, 136, 145, 198. Poems of Dawn, 80: Loving Submission. LOVING SUBMISSION I MAY not understand just why the clouds obscure the sun, But I can trust Him still, and feebly say, Thy will be done. I know not why each door of service He sees fit to close, But I rejoice to find my will would neer His way oppose. I can but wonder why it seemeth to my Father best, To loosen from its resting place upon my throbbing breast The priceless jewel fastened there by His own hand, but then, I joy to feel the mother-heart can still respond, Amen!

I do not always clearly see the lesson I should learn, But hour by hour Ill strive to let the hallowed incense burn. I know not why the sweet must turn to bitter in the cup, But still I press it to my lips, and through my tears look up To Him who is too wise to err, too good to be unkind, Assured that, when the cup is drained, a blessing there Ill find. Press hard, then, Master Workman, and refrain not, If I weep, The marbles fairest beauty grows beneath the chiseling deep Yea, Lord, let skies be overcast, as seemeth best to thee, Take from my arms the dearest thing Thy love hath given me; Let sweet or bitter fill my cup, according to Thy will, Ill closer clasp Thy hand in mine and in the flame hold still. And thus, although Thou slay me, I will praise Thee night and day, Ill lay each burden at Thy feet, and bear a song away!

SEPTEMBER 28 Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith1 Pet. 5: 8, 9. This thought of Satan's opposition to us, and that we are contending not merely with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high positions of power, would be appalling to us did we not on the other hand realize that by positiveness of decision we acquire great helps and assistances by other unseen powers. From that moment of our positive resistance of temptation and positive standing up for the Lord and His cause, we become stronger in the Lord and in the power of His might, and greater is He that is for us than all that be against us. . . . . Hesitancy after the wrong is seen increases the power of the temptationZ '04, 11; '00, 32 (R 3300, 2565). Satan is not only the enemy of mankind in general, but especially of the Lord's people, and that because of their loyalty to God. Satan desires to destroy their lives; and nothing gives him more pleasure than the destruction of the new heart, mind and will. A veritable lion he is, seeking to devour us as his prey. Mere passivity on our part will not overcome him. Nor will even a strong temporary resistance finally repulse him. We must persevere in resistance, using not carnal but spiritual weapons, even the Word and Spirit of the Lord. The Spirit, cutting with the keen, Damascene blade of the Word into his vitals, effectually drives him away from usP '33, 147. Parallel passages: 1 Pet. 1: 13; Luke 21: 34; Rom. 13: 13; 1 Cor. 16: 13; 1 Thes. 5: 6, 8; 1 Pet. 4: 7; Job 1: 7, 9-12; 2: 2-7; Luke 22: 31; John 8: 44; 1 Chron. 21: 1; Zech. 3: 1, 2; Matt. 4: 1-11; 13: 19, 38, 39; John 13: 2, 27; 2 Cor. 2: 11; 11: 3, 14, 15; Eph. 6: 11-17; Jas. 4: 7.01, Hymns: 145, 1, 13, 20, 130, 136, 183. Poems of Dawn, 130: Be Vigilant. Tower Reading: Z '13, 54 (R 5183). Questions: Have I this week soberly guarded myself against Satan? How? With what results? BE VIGILANT UP then, and linger not, thou saint of God, Fling from thy shoulders each impending load; Be brave and wise, shake off earths soil and sin, That with the Bridegroom thou mayst enter in. O watch and pray! Clear hath the voice been heard, Behold Ive come That voice that calls thee to thy glorious home,

That bids thee leave these vales and take swift wing, To meet the hosts of thy descending King; And thou mayst rise! Heres a thick throng of foes, afar and near; The grave in front, a hating world in rear; Yet flee thou canst not, victory must be won, Ere fall the shadows of thy setting sun: And thou must fight. Gird on thine armor; face each weaponed foe; Deal with the Sword of heaven the deadly blow; Forward, still forward, till the prize Divine Rewards thy zeal, and victory is thine; Win thou the crown.

SEPTEMBER 29 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORDProv. 16: 5. One of the severe ordeals of the Christian is the conquering of the love of the spirit of worldliness under the leadership of pride. Worldly pride challenges faith in God and obedience to Him, and only those who are of good courage and full of confidence in the Lord can overcome this giant. It is necessary, too, that the victory should be made completethat pride should be thoroughly humiliated, killed, so that it can never rise up again to destroy us. It is an individual battle, and the only proper armament against this giant is a stone from the brook, the message of the Lord, showing us what is pleasing and acceptable in His sight, and assuring us that he that humbles himself shall be exalted and he that exalts himself shall be abased. As the poet has expressed it: Where boasting ends, true dignity begins. Z '03, 329 (R 3230). Pride is exaggerated self-esteem. It may manifest itself in an overweening self-respect and self-confidence as well as in self-satisfaction and self-exaltation. The one who is proud in heart loves these qualities in himself, though he invariably despises them in others. Such a spirit leads one to contempt for others. It is one of the most dangerous characteristics to a Christian. It unfits one for every good word and work. It estranges one from God, Christ and his fellows. God cannot use such for His purposes. Knowing their wicked hearts, He resists them and thrusts them aside, and when they prove incorrigible completely, He rejects and abhors themP '32, 136. Parallel passages: 1 Sam. 2: 3; Psa. 10: 2-7, 11; Prov. 3: 32; 6: 16-19; 11: 20; 12: 22; 15: 8, 9, 26; 21: 27; 24: 9; 28: 9; 29: 27; Jer. 9: 23, 24; 13: 15; Mark 7: 21, 22; 2 Tim. 3: 2; Jas. 4: 6; 1 John 2: 16. Hymns: 125, 95, 130, 136, 145, 183, 198. Poems of Dawn, 299: "Pride Goeth Before Destruction." Tower Reading: Z '12, 110 (R 5000). Questions: Was I this week proud or lowly in heart? How did I become so? What were the results? PRIDE GOETH BEFORE DESTRUCTION A KING in procession had come to the town, Riding an ass that was playing the clown: For as people hailed and saluted their king And started in joy his great praises to sing, The ass made a curtsy and smiled and bowed And sat down to salute the worshiping crowd.

The king in his rage had the ass fully stripped, And there on the street had him publicly whipped. Which reminds us of some that our Master has used Who, puffed up in pride, their office abused; And not honoring Him in all their ways, They took to themselves His honor and praise But pride brings destruction, or something quite near it, And so they were stripped of the Truth and its spirit; For they are devoid of true wisdom, alas, Who possess the audacity of the ass!

SEPTEMBER 30 The love of Christ constraineth us2 Cor. 5: 14. It seems impossible to describe love itself; the best we can do is to describe its conduct. Those who possess a love with such characteristics are able to appreciate it, but not able otherwise to explain itit is of God, Godlikeness in heart, in the tongue, in the hands, in the thoughts, supervising all the human attributes and seeking fully to control them. As disciples or pupils of Christ, we are in His school; and the great lesson which He is teaching us day by day, and the lesson which we must learn thoroughly, if we would attain the mark of the prize of our calling in all its various features and ramifications, is the lesson of love. It takes hold upon and relates to all the words and thoughts and doings of our daily lives. As the poet has said: "As every lovely hue is lightso every grace is love. Z '03, 55, 58 (R 3150). By the love of Christ we may understand three things: the love that our Lord Jesus has in His heart; the love that we have in our hearts for Him; and the love that we have in our hearts like that which He has in His heart. The latter two meanings apply in this verse. Our love for Christ animates us to do and suffer. Loving Him we keep His teachings. In even a fuller sense a Christlike love for God, Jesus, the brethren, the world of mankind and our enemies prompts us in our conduct. Beautiful indeed is the heart in which such a love reigns supreme! And rich and choice blessings indeed does it receive and bestow unto God's glory!P '26, 126. Parallel passages: John 14: 15, 21, 23, 28; 15: 9; Rom. 5: 5; 8: 28; 1 Cor. 8: 3; Gal. 5: 6, 22; Eph. 3: 17-19; Phil. 1: 9; Col. 3: 14; 2 Thes. 3: 5; Heb. 6: 10; 1 John 2: 5, 15; 3: 1618; 4: 12, 16-21; 5: 1-3; 2 John 6. Hymns: 165, 166, 201, 95, 198, 196, 113. Poems of Dawn, 223: My Beautiful Secret. Tower Reading: Z '11, 182 (R 4836). Questions: What has the love of Christ constrained me to do this week? How? What were the results? MY BEAUTIFUL SECRET I HAVE learned a beautiful secret, I know not how nor where But I know it is sweet and precious, And true, and glad, and fair; And that God in heaven reveals it To all that have ears to hear.

And I know that ere I learned it, My way was weary and hard; And somewhere in lifes music There was always that which jarred A hidden and dreary discord, That all its sweetness marred. But my harp of life was lifted By One who knew the range Of its many stringsfor He made it, And He struck a keynote strange; And beneath the touch of the Master I heard the music change. No longer it failed and faltered; No long sobbed and strove; But it seemed to soar and mingle With the song of heaven above; For the pierced hand of the Master Had struck the keynoteLove. Thy hearts long-prisoned music Let the Masters hand set free! Let Him whisper His beautiful secret To thee, as He hath to me: My Love is the Golden Keynote Of all My will for thee.

OCTOBER 1 I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before mePsa. 39: 1. Probably every person of experience will fully agree with the statement that the tongue is potent in its influence beyond any other member of the body, for either good or evil. Experience teaches also that with the vast majority it is easier to control any other organ than the tongue. So skillful a servant is it that every ambition and passion and inclination of the fallen nature seeks to use it as a servant or channel for evil. It requires, therefore, on the part of the Christian, increased vigilance, wisdom and care so as to govern this member of his body and bring it into subjection to the new mind in Christ, that it shall be, not a hindrance to himself or to others, but, on the contrary, a help in our narrow wayZ '97, 156 (R 2156). Those who lack secretiveness are liable to sin with their tongues, uttering things unjust to God, themselves or others. Even those who have a large degree of secretiveness are not wholly free from this wrong. For both classes, especially the former, it is necessary to take heed to their dispositions, thoughts, motives, words, acts, surroundings and the influences operating upon them, in order to say the right thing and to avoid saying the wrong thing. God's people at all times must seek to control their tongues; and especially must they do this when in the presence of the wicked, who will pervert their words with selfish intent and wicked design, as all history provesP '36, 110. Parallel passages: Psa. 10: 7; 12: 3, 4; 15: 1-3; 37: 30; 141: 3; 34: 13; Job 38: 2; 16: 5; 27: 4; Prov. 10: 11, 13, 19-21, 31, 32; 11: 12-14; 12: 14-23; 13: 2, 3; 14: 3; 15: 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 23, 26, 28; 16: 21-24; 17: 7, 27, 28; 18: 6, 7, 13; 29: 11, 20; Eccles. 5: 3, 7; Amos 5: 13; Zech. 8: 16; Matt. 12: 37; Luke 6: 45; Eph. 4: 22, 25, 29; Col. 4: 6; Jas. 1: 19, 26; 3: 2, 13; Rev. 14: 5. Hymns: 183, 130, 277, 150, 1, 116, 260. Poems of Dawn, 273: Three Gates of Gold. Tower Reading: Z '11, 126 (R 4804). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? What were the circumstances? What were the results? THREE GATES OF GOLD LET every thought thy lips would utter pass three gates of gold, But, if through these it fails to pass, then let it not be told; And oer each gate in silver letters written thou wilt find, Above the first one, Is it true? the second, Is it kind?

And Is it necessary? oer the third one the last. Then guard thy thoughts, let none escape, save those these gates have passed!

OCTOBER 2 Forgetting those things which are behindPhil. 3: 13. We forget the things that are behind, because it is right that we should do so; because God forgets them and declares that He has cast all of our imperfections behind His back, that our imperfections are all covered from His sight, by the merit of Him who loved us and who died for us, and whom we love, and in whom we are trusting, and in whose steps we are seeking to walk, though having more or less of imperfection according to the defects we have inherited in the flesh. We are not meaning to suggest that slips or failures should be lightly esteemed or quickly forgotten; they should be rectified to the extent of our ability, and Divine forgiveness should be sought for these defects dailyZ '04, 23 (R 3304). The things that are behind include the things given up in justification, i.e., sin and error, and more especially the things given up in consecration, i.e., the things of self and the world. To forget these things implies the detachment of our affections from them, suppressing their efforts to control us and presenting an impenetrable heart and mind to their enticements. Not only a consideration of their small value, unsatisfactoriness and danger to the new heart and mind, but also more especially of the great value, satisfactoriness and safety to the new heart and mind of the spiritual things, will enable us to forget them. Let the latter things so fill our affections that the former will have no appealing effect uponP '30, 165-166. Parallel passages: Prov. 4: 25; 17: 25, 26; Matt. 10: 37-39; John 12: 25; Psa. 45: 10; Gen. 19: 26; 24: 58-61; Luke 9: 62; 17: 32, 33; Gal. 4: 9; Phil. 3: 7, 8; Heb. 10: 39; 12: 1; 1 Pet. 1: 14; 4: 1-4; 2 Pet. 1: 9. Hymns: 312, 192, 193, 88, 150, 47, 127. Poems of Dawn, 179: Beyond the Shadows. Tower Reading: Z '12, 193 (R 5044). Questions: Have I been forgetting the things of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness this week? What has helped or hindered therein? What have been the results? BEYOND THE SHADOWS FARTHER onbeyond the shadows Falling darkly oer my way, There is home, and rest and shelter, Where no storms can eer dismay. Though the way be rough and narrow, And a cross must needs be borne, Farther onthe night is waning

Soon will dawn the welcome morn. Meekly to His will submitting, In His love secure and strong, Jesus whispers, Bide the shadows, It is better farther on. Farther onO blest assurance! How it thrills my raptured heart, Just to know that I shall see Him When the shadows all depart. Let me still be strong and patient, Trusting where I cannot trace, Farther onbeyond all darkness Faith can see Gods smiling face. Only waiting, ever praying, Let my heart be filled with song. Sweet the promise Jesus gives me, It is better farther on.

OCTOBER 3 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend themPsa. 119: 165. Our requests should be, increasingly, for grace and wisdom and the fruits of the Spirit and opportunities for serving the Lord and the brethren, and for growing more and more into the likeness of God's dear Son. . . . Under these conditions who can doubt that the promised "peace of God beyond all understanding" would "guard" such "hearts" and their "thoughts"? This peace would of itself dispel one of the great evils that afflict the hearts of many. Selfishness and ambition would find little room in a heart so filled. Divine peace can dwell in our hearts, and rule in them, so as to keep out the worry and turmoil of the world, even when we are surrounded by these disadvantageous conditionseven when the Adversary himself is besetting us through deceived agentsZ '04, 24 (R 3304). God's law for His consecrated people consists of duty love and disinterested love. Thus it embraces the precepts of the Word. But many Scriptures use it in a much wider sense, i.e., to mean also the doctrines, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types of the Word, i.e., the contents of the whole Bible. In the widest sense of the word, to delight in the Lord's law means to take keen pleasure in its meditation, spread and practice. Lovers of God's law, knowing that all things are working together for their and humanity's ultimate good unto the Lord's glory, have rest of heart and mind. Amid trials these are kept from falling from God's favor, and thus retain it through the help of the Lord's Word and providenceP '35, 131. Parallel passages: Psa. 4: 8; 25: 12, 13; 29: 11; Prov. 3: 17, 24; Isa. 26: 3, 12; 28: 12; 32: 2; 54: 10, 13; 57: 1, 2, 19; Luke 2: 14; John 14: 27; Rom. 5: 1; 8: 6; Eph. 2: 14-17; Phil. 4: 7; Col. 3: 15. Hymns: 128, 3, 27, 56, 57, 93, 244. Poems of Dawn, 213: Doubt Him Not. Tower Reading: Z '11, 397 (R 4898). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? What were the circumstances? What was helpful and hindersome therein? In what did they result? DOUBT HIM NOT FIGHTING, waiting, struggling, trusting, Is He sure to bless? Prophets, fathers, martyrs, Christians, Answer, Yes! Fearest sometimes that thy Father Hath forgot?

Though the clouds around thee gather, Doubt Him not! Always hath the daylight broken, Always hath He comfort spoken! Better hath He been for years, Than thy fears.

OCTOBER 4 Jesus saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of menMatt. 4: 19. All of life's affairs will teach us lessons profitable throughout its future, if we will receive them. Perhaps there was something peculiarly helpful in the fishing businesssomething peculiarly like the great work in which the Apostles were to engage the remainder of their lives. Our Lord intimates this in His call. Fishing requires energy, tact, proper bait and that the fisherman keep himself out of sight. And these four things are requisites in the spiritual fishing in which the Lord privileges us to engage. We are to remember that as fish are easily alarmed when they find that anyone wishes to take them, so humanity is shy of being captured by anything, especially if they have the least suspicion that they may lose their liberties; and thus consecration appears to the worldZ '04, 26, 27 (R 3307). As fishermen, we must be watchful, active, temperate, persevering, self-oblivious, tactful and lovers of symbolic fish and fishing. We must be equipped with proper language, the Truth, knowledge of human nature, versatility and imperviousness to disagreeable surroundings. We must seek to "catch men" at all seasons, inside and outside the churches. We must use the hooks of justification and consecration, and the bait of such truths as will appeal to the taste of the symbolic fish. Great care must be exercised as to how we cast in the hooks and lines, and as to how we act before and during bites as well as in drawing the symbolic fish in and in stringing them, if we would "catch men" for the LordP '34, 143. Parallel passages: Ex. 28: 1; 1 Sam. 3: 4-10; 1 Chron. 23: 13; Isa. 6: 8-10; Matt. 4: 18, 20-22; 9: 9; Luke 10: 1, 2; John 1: 43; Rom. 10: 14, 15; 2 Cor. 5: 18-20; Heb. 5: 4; Matt. 10: 7, 11-13, 16, 25, 27, 28; 28: 19, 20; Luke 24: 48. Hymns: 309, 70, 116, 164, 210, 260, 275. Poems of Dawn, 166: Enter In. Tower Reading: Z '14, 308 (R 5554). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to this text? How were they met? In what did they result? ENTER IN FELLOW-CHRISTIAN, enter in Into the work that calls for you, Into the promises grand true: Into the joy of faith that waits: Why stand idly without the gates, When the fields are ripe? You sadly say you cannot know

What God has here for you to do, Or the way wherein your feet should go; But if you enter in today, Hell show you, in His own sweet way, Your privileged place. And when the sheaves are gathered in, We may be sure, in that blissful day, To sowers and reapers Christ will say, You who well toiled and labored and bore, And zealously sought for more and more Of Gods blessed work, Come in, beloved, come in, come in Into the rest prepared for you, Into the glory now brought to view. Our heavenly Bridegroom will await Our triumphant entrance within the gate Of Immortality.

OCTOBER 5 Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your mindsHeb. 12: 3. Alas, how many of God's true children become weary and faint in their minds, and are in danger of losing the chief prize because they have failed to think upon, to study out, to comprehend, to consider the Lord and what He faithfully endured of opposition! As they would consider His perfection and how, as represented in Him, the light shone in darkness and was not appreciated, so they would expect that the light shining from them would not be appreciated either. As they would consider how the Lord suffered in every sense unjustly and for righteousness' sake, and then would reflect that their own conduct, even though well-meant, is imperfect, it would strengthen them to endure hardness as good soldiers, and not to be weary in welldoing, and not to faint under oppositionZ '04, 38 (R 3312). During His ministry and sufferings, our Lord was opposed by His enemies' words and acts. These contradictions He endured with longsuffering and perseverance. He suffered none of them to sway Him from His steadfast purpose of doing and suffering the Father's will and of attaining the goal. One of the best methods by which we will be enabled to endure successfully similar experiences, which must come to all God's faithful, is a constant and devout contemplation of our dear Redeemer's conduct amid the contradictions that sinners so abundantly gave Him. This will not only prevent our weakening in and giving up the good fight of faith, but also will strengthen and encourage us therein to an ultimate and glorious victoryP '33, 147. Parallel passages: Matt. 10: 24, 25; John 15: 20-24; Matt. 27: 24-31, 38-44; Luke 4: 28, 29; Phil. 2: 6-8 (ASV); 1 Pet. 2: 21-23; 4: 1; Psa. 31: 22; Isa. 35: 3, 4. Hymns: 299, 167, 168, 276, 93, 179, 305. Poems of Dawn, 25: Let Not Doubts O'er whelm. Tower Reading: Z '11, 122 (R 4802). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? LET NO DOUBTS OERWHELM HOW oft we doubt And fear we shall be overwhelmed in sin, Because temptation grows so strong without, Because our courage is so faint within. And thus we sigh: Then can it be that I have known the Lord? Can I be one with Him that sits on high?

Have I eer felt the power of His Word? Is this poor life Fit prelude for a high eternity? Alas! Have I not yet begun the strife, Or must I fail before the victory? O heart of doubt! When wilt thou, O thou foolish heart, be wise? Thou lookest everywhere, within, without, Forgetting only to lift up thine eyes. No more despair, There is no help for thee in things below; Search not within for hopeit is not there, But unto Christ do thou for comfort go. Christ is thy Rock; Doubt not this firm foundation, true and tried; Fear not the gathering tempests angry shock; It harms not those that on this Rock abide. Christ is thy Friend, He knows thy weakness, He will give thee strength; Trust! In His name is victory; He will end The conflict for thee; thou shalt win at length. Christ is thy Peace; From penalty and stain He sets thee free; And in the white robe of His righteousness, Before the approving God presenteth thee. Christ is thine ALL: Forget thyself, and in Him sweetly rest; And thou shalt enter, whatsoeer befall, The everlasting mansions of the blest.

OCTOBER 6 Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. The Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save themLuke 9: 55, 56. So with all the Lord's disciples: their continual study should be to avoid that hypercritical disposition to sentence and to destroy other people, while desiring mercy for themselves. The rule which the Lord establishes is that we must expect from Him mercy only in proportion as we shall exercise this grace toward others. The fault-finding disposition that is ready to accuse and condemn everybody, indicates a wrong condition of heart, one against which all the Lord's people should be on guard. Mercy, goodness, love, are the elements of character which He desires to see in the spiritual Israelites, and without which we cannot long continue to be His childrenZ '04, 43 (R 3315). Like John and James many of the Lord's people, when indignity is offered the Lord and His cause, have felt like calling down destruction from God upon the wrongdoers. They did not realize the disharmony between such conduct and their service of the Gospel. It is for the servants of the Truth to remember that as Christians it is for them to seek, by sacrificing themselves for the world, to save the world from the death state and the dying process. Hence they cannot nullify the purpose of their consecration by desiring to wreak vengeance upon their enemies in any sense of the wordP '32, 150. Parallel passages: Deut. 32: 35; Matt. 1: 21; 5: 44; 18: 11; 20: 28; Mark 10: 45; Rom. 12: 17, 19; 1 Thes. 5: 15; 1 Pet. 2: 23; 3: 9; Luke 19: 10; John 3: 15-17; 10: 10; 12: 47; Rom. 3: 21-27; 4: 24, 25; 5: 6-11; 12: 19-21; 2 Cor. 5: 18-21; Heb. 10: 30. Hymns: 167, 5, 15, 28, 132, 168, 246. Poems of Dawn, 226: The Minister's Daughter. Tower Reading: Z '11, 205 (R 4849). Questions: Have I this week experienced Jesus' delivering works? How? How did it affect me? THE MINISTERS DAUGHTER. IN the ministers morning sermon, He told of the primal fall, And how thenceforth the wrath of God Rested on each and all. And how, of His will and pleasure, All souls, save a chosen few, Were doomed to eternal torture, And held in the way thereto.

Yet never, by faiths unreason, A saintlier soul was tried, And never the harsh old lesson A tenderer heart belied. And after the painful service, On that pleasant, bright first day, He walked with his little daughter Through the apple bloom of May. Sweet in the fresh green meadow Sparrow and blackbird sung; Above him its tinted petals The blossoming orchard hung. Around, on the wonderful glory, The minister looked and smiled: How good is the Lord, who gives us These gifts from His hand, my child. Behold in the bloom of apples, And the violets in the sward, A hint of the old, lost beauty Of the Garden of the Lord. Then up spake the little maiden, Treading on snow and pink, O father! These pretty blossoms Are very wicked, I think. Had there been no Garden of Eden, There had never been a fall, And if never a tree had blossomed God would have loved us all. Hush, child! the father answered, By His decree man fell; His ways are in clouds and darkness, But He doeth all things well. And whether by His ordaining To us cometh good or ill, Joy or pain, or light or shadow, We must fear and love Him still. O, I fear Him! said the daughter, And I try to love Him, too;

But I wish He were kind and gentle, Kind and loving as you. The minister groaned in spirit, As the tremulous lips of pain, And wide, wet eyes uplifted, Questioned his own in vain. Bowing his head he pondered The words of his little one. Had he erred in his lifelong teachings? Had he wrong to his Master done? To what grim and dreadful idol Had he lent the Holiest Name? Did his own heart, loving and human, The God of his worship shame? And lo! From the bloom and greenness, From the tender skies above, And the face of his little daughter, He read a lesson of love. No more as the cloudy terror Of Sinais Mount of Law, But as Christ in the Syrian lilies, The vision of God he saw. And as when, in the clefts of Horeb, Of old was His presence known, The dread, ineffable glory Was Infinite goodness alone. Thereafter his hearers noted In his prayers a tenderer strain, And never the message of hatred Burned on his lips again. And the scoffing tongue was prayerful, And the blinded eyes found sight, And hearts as flint aforetime Grew soft in his warmth and light.

OCTOBER 7 Every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sandMatt. 7: 26. The hopes built upon the Lord's promises and unaccompanied by works are hopes built upon the sand. It is only a question of time until the great testing time shall come and such hopes will be shown to be worse than useless. They will be shown to have deceived their possessor, who thought himself safe in his assurances of a share in the Kingdom. On the contrary, those who build with obedience, their hearts as well as their tongues confessing and honoring the Lord, their deeds corroborating their faith, and their fruits bearing testimony of their vital relationship with the Lordthese shall pass through all the storms of life and shall never be moved, never be shaken, because they are on the foundationZ '04, 36 (R 3317). Jesus' sayings and the teachings of the Bible are equivalent terms, because God gave the Scriptures through His Son, both during and since His pre-existence. To hear His sayings means to understand them. They effect responsiveness in the meek alone. Foolish indeed is he who, understanding them, does not submit to their influence. All his efforts to do wonderful things in the Lord's name will result in failure, so far as the development of a Christlike and thus a God-pleasing character is concerned. His faith structure, like a house built upon sand, will be swept away by the rain, winds, storms and floods of the great Time of Trouble that will come upon him as well as upon the worldP '26, 156. Parallel passages: Prov. 10: 8; Matt. 5: 6; 7: 24, 25, 27; 13: 7, 14, 15, 19-23; Ezek. 33: 30-32; Rom. 2: 13; 10: 14-21; Jas. 1: 19, 22-25; Luke 6: 49; 11: 28; 13: 24-27. Hymns: 49, 22, 79, 296, 306, 311, 332. Poems of Dawn, 217: One Here, One There. Tower Reading: Z '14, 59 (R 5407). Questions: What kind of a hearer of the Word am I? How did I hear the Word this week? What were the causes, spirit and results? ONE HERE, ONE THERE OF all we meet in lifes great stream, Theres but one here and there Who treasure most the better things; Each man to self most tightly clings, For self he toils, for self he sings, Except one here, one there. The world would be a desolate place, But for one here and there, Whose heart with self hath not been filled,

Whose love for God hath not been killed, Whose thankful praise hath not been stilled; Theres one such here and there. And this hath been the Lords wise will, To find one here, one there, Who counting earthly gain but dross, Would daily take the Chrisitians cross, Een at the risk of any loss: God finds one here and there. Tis not the numbers that He seeks, But just one here, one there; He seeks not souls, but jewels fair, For those who will His suffring share, And for His sake reproaches bear; Theyre few; one here, one there! But oh! The grandeur of the work For this one here and there, To join in lifting up our race, To wipe away of sin each trace, To make of earth a perfect place, Put glory everywhere!

OCTOBER 8 Be not deceived . . . 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 everlastingGal. 6. 7, 8. We sow to the flesh every time we allow the fleshly, selfish, unjust, unrighteous desires of the flesh to have sway in our hearts and lives, and each sowing makes easier the additional sowing and makes more sure the end of that way which is deaththe Second Death. On the contrary, each sowing to the Spirit, each resistance to the desires of the flesh toward selfishness, etc., and each exercise of the new mind, of the new will, in spiritual directions toward the things that are pure, the things that are noble, the things that are good, the things that are true, is a sowing to the Spirit, which will bring forth additional fruits of the Spirit, graces of the Spirit, and which, if persevered in, will ultimately bring us in accord with the Lord's gracious promises and arrangements everlasting life and the KingdomZ '04, 57 (R 3321). As he deceives himself who sows natural seed of a certain kind and expects to reap a crop of another kind; so he deceives himself who sows a figurative seed of one kind and expects to reap a symbolic crop of another kind. Like produces like. Therefore if one who has received the holy Spirit sows to the flesh, he deceives himself, if he expects to reap of the Spirit. He will from his fleshly sowing reap a fleshly harvest eventuating in death. Consolatory to us is the fixity of the law that a spiritual sowing will produce a spiritual harvest. If, therefore, we sow to the Spiritfaithfully study, spread and practice spiritual things, we will experience no disappointment, for our harvest will be eternal lifeP '36, 110. Parallel passages: Job 4: 8; Prov. 11: 18; 22: 8; Hos. 8: 7; 10: 12; Rom. 8: 1, 6, 7, 12-14; 6: 6; 7: 22, 23; 13: 14; Gal. 5: 16, 17; 2 Cor. 9: 6; Heb. 6: 10; John 4: 14; Jude 18-21; 1 Pet. 2: 11; Eph. 4: 22-24. Hymns: 192, 4, 47, 74, 78, 196, 198. Poems of Dawn, 75: Transverse and Parallel. Tower Reading: Z '15, 108 (R 5665). Questions: What have been this week's sowings? In what did they result? How could they be improved? TRANSVERSE AND PARALLEL MY will, dear Lord, from Thine doth run Too oft a different way; Tis hard to say, Thy will be done, In every darkened day! My heart longs still to do Thy will And all Thy Word obey.

My will sometimes would gather flowers; Thine blights them in my hand; Mine reaches for lifes sunny hours; Thine leads through shadow land; And many days go on in ways I cannot understand. Yet more and more this truth doth shine From failure and from loss: The will that runs transverse from Thine Doth thereby make its cross; Thine upright will cuts straight and still Through pride, and dream, and dross. But if in parallel to Thine My will doth meekly run, All things in heaven and earth are mine; My will is crossed by none; Thou art in me, and I in Thee: Thy will and mine are done.

OCTOBER 9 Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?Matt. 8: 26. Each experience should be helpful to us. If at first we were fearful and cried aloud, by and by we received the succor, with perhaps the reprimand, "O, thou of little faith"; but as lesson after lesson has come to us, the Master will expectand we should expect of ourselvesgreater faith, greater trust, greater peace, greater joy in the Lord, greater confidence in His presence with us and His care over us, and in His power to deliver us from the Adversary and from every evil thing, and to bring us eventually in safety to the port we seekthe KingdomZ '04, 60 (R 3.324). Sometimes the storms that the Christian mariner meets, as he sails over the sea of present evil conditions, cause the ship of his faith almost to capsize; at other times they cause it to fill with the water of distress, endangering its remaining above water; and nearly always they cause it to pitch to and fro by their violence. In such storms let us not forget that the Lord who commands wind and wave is near as our Protector. This will free our hearts from the fear that our ship of faith will sink. Like the Galilean storm, our tempests of trouble, subject to His mighty "Peace, be still!" will subside into a perfect calm. Knowing this let us neither fear nor lack faith, for He is with usP '30, 166. Parallel passages: Psa. 31: 22; 42: 5, 6; 77: 7-9; Isa. 49: 14, 15; Matt. 6: 30; 14: 29-31; 17: 17; Mark 4: 38-40; 5: 36; Luke 8: 23-25; 17: 5; John 14: 1; Gal. 6: 12; Phil. 4: 6, 7; 2 Tim. 4: 16; 1 John 5: 4. Hymns: 56, 57, 124, 93, 330, 333, 60. Poems of Dawn, 65: O Thou of Little Faith. Tower Reading: Z '13, 60 (R 5188). Questions: Have I manifested little faith? What occasioned it? How did I overcome it? O THOU OF LITTLE FAITH O THOU of little faith, why dost thou fear? The tempest hath no power when I am near; Will not the angry waves be still at My command? Step out, Ill hold thy hand, Then, wherefore dost thou fear? O thou of little faith, why dost thou doubt? Doth not Mine Angel compass thee about? Are not My Fathers promises as sure to thee As they have proved to Me? Then, wherefore dost thou doubt? O thou of little faith, what dost thou dread? Are not the lilies clothed, the sparrows fed?

Heed not the world, nor marvel that it hateth thee, For so it hated Me, What, therefore, dost thou dread? O thou of little faith, why dost thou shrink? Why dost thou tremble at the rivers brink? Oh, hark! Above its tumult sweetly sounds My Come, Thou art not far from home! Then , wherefore wouldst thou shrink?

OCTOBER 10 Ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created himCol. 3: 9, 10. Only in our minds, in our wills, have the old things passed away and all things become new. Actually, this change will be accomplished when this mortal shall have put on immortality, when this corruptible shall be raised in incorruptionraised in glory, in power, as spirit beings. But meantime, in order to be counted worthy of a share in the resurrection of the just, it is required of us that we shall demonstrate our willingness of mind, our earnest desire to be all that the Lord would have us be; and in no way can this be better demonstrated to the Lord and to ourselves, or prove more helpful, than by keeping a strict surveillance of our hearts and of our thoughtsZ '04, 25 (R 3304). God's people have put off the old man in the sense of giving up the human will selfward and worldward. They have put on the new man, in the sense of taking God's will as their own, not only in human but also in spiritual respects. Thus the image of God is being daily renewed in them, as they are being changed from the glory of a less near to the glory of a more near likeness, until the image, character, of God is perfected in them. And the means by which this change is wrought is the Word of God understandingly received into, and faithfully practiced by, good and honest hearts, amid life's experiencesP '35, 131. Parallel passages: Eph. 2: 10; 4: 22, 24, 25; Rom. 6: 4, 6, 13, 14; 12: 2; Ezek. 36: 26; 2 Cor. 3: 18; 4: 6; 5: 17; Psa. 51: 10; 1 Pet. 1: 15, 16; Gal. 6: 15; Titus 2: 11, 12; Gen. 1: 27. Hymns: 105, 78, 198, 114, 196, 74, 4. Poems of Dawn, 170: The Changed Cross. Tower Reading: Z '15, 147 (R 5685). Questions: What have been this week's experiences with the old man and the new man? How were they met? In what did they result? THE CHANGED CROSS IT was a time of sadness, and my heart, Although it knew and loved the better part, Felt wearied with the conflict and the strife, And all the needful discipline of life. And while I thought of these as given to me My trial tests of faith and love to be It seemed as if I never could be sure That faithful to the end I should endure.

And thus no longer trusting to His might, Who saith we walk by faith and not by sight, Doubting, and almost yielding to despair, The thought aroseMy cross I cannot bear. Far heavier its weight must surely be Than those of others which I daily see; Oh! if I might another burden choose, Methinks I should not fear my crown to lose. A solemn silence reigned on all around Een Natures voices uttered not a sound; The evening shadows seemed of peace to tell, And sleep upon my weary spirit fell. A moments pause, and then a heavenly light Beamed full upon my wondering, raptured sight; Angels on silvery wings seemed everywhere, And angels music thrilled the balmy air. Then One, more fair than all the rest to see One to whom all others bowed the knee Came gently to me as I trembling lay, And, Follow Me, He said, I am the Way. Then speaking, thus, He led me far above; And there beneath a canopy of love, Crosses of divers shape and size were seen, Larger and smaller than mine own had been. And one there was most beauteous to behold A little one, with jewels set in gold; Ah! this, methought, I can with comfort wear, For it will be an easy one to bear. And so the little cross I quickly took, But all at once my frame beneath it shook; The sparkling jewels, fair were they to see, But far too heavy was their weight for me. This may not be, I cried, and looked again, To see if any here could ease my pain; But one by one I passed them slowly by, Till on a lovely one I cast mine eye; Fair flowers around its sculptured form entwined,

And grace and beauty seemed in it combined; Wondering, I gazed, and still I wondered more To think so many should have passed it oer. But, oh! that form so beautiful to see Soon made its hidden sorrows known to me; Thorns lay beneath those flowers and colors fair: Sorrowing, I said, This cross I may not bear. And so it was with each and all around Not one to suit my need could there be found; Weeping, I laid each heavy burden down, As my Guide gently said, No cross, no crown! At length to Him I raised my saddened heart; He knew its sorrow, bid its doubts depart. Be not afraid, He said, but trust in Me My perfect love shall now be shown to thee. And then, with lightened eyes and willing feet, Again I turned, mine earthly cross to meet, With forward footsteps, turning not aside, For fear some hidden evil might betide. And there, in the prepared, appointed way Listening to hear and ready to obey A cross I quickly found of plainest form, With only words of love inscribed thereon. With thankfulness I raised it from the rest, And joyfully acknowledged it the best The only one of all the many there That I could feel was good for me to bear. And while I thus my chosen one confessed, I saw a heavenly brightness on it rest; And as I bent, my burden to sustain, I recognized mine own old cross again! But, oh! how different did it seem to be, Now I had learned its preciousness to see! No longer could I unbelieving say, Perhaps another is a better way. Ah, no! henceforth mine own desire shall be That He who knows me best should choose for me;

And so whateer His love sees good to send, Ill trust its best, because H know the end.

OCTOBER 11 Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORDIsa. 52: 11. The Divine method seems to be to make a clear separation between the servants of God and the servants of evil. The privilege of testifying for God or being ambassadors for the Truth is a favor reserved for the Lord's own people. He seeketh not the evil one nor the fallen demons nor evil men or women to be heralds of the good tidings. The Lord's people should note this matter carefully and resent the services of any who do not give evidences of being in heart union with the Lord. "Unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to. . . take my covenant into thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee?" (Psa. 50: 16, 17)Z '04, 28 (R 3309). The vessels used by the typical priests in their ministries in the tabernacle and temple represent the Biblical doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types, which are used in ministrations for teaching, refutative, cleansing and character-developing purposes, combined with Bible passages. To bear these vessels would signify to minister with them. Cleanliness from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit is becoming to God's people in their ministrations. Therefore, they should daily wash themselves with the water of the Truth contained in the Bible. This will purify them for their service and fit them properly to administer the WordP '34, 143. Parallel passages: Num. 4: 1-20; 18: 1-7; Ezra 1: 7-11; Ezek. 3: 4; Matt. 10: 5-16, 38, 39; 2 Cor. 7: 1; 1 Tim. 1: 18-20; 3; 4; 5: 21, 22; 2 Tim. 2: 21-26; 3: 1-14; 4: 1-5. Hymns: 246, 1, 20, 78, 95, 130, 198. Poems of Dawn, 45: The Refining. Tower Reading: Z '13, 184 (R 5258). Questions: Has the cleansing work gone on this week? How? What hindered or helped therein? What did it effect? THE REFINING
MAL. 3: 3

TIS sweet to feel that He who tries The silver takes His seat Beside the fire that purifies, Lest too intense a heat Raised to consume the base alloy The precious metals, too, destroy. Tis good to think how well He knows The silvers power to bear The ordeal through which it goes;

And that with skill and care Hell take it from the fire when fit, With His own hand to polish it. Tis blessedness to know that He The piece He hath begun Will not forsake till He can see To prove the work well done His image, by its brightness known, Reflecting glory like His own. But ah! how much of earthly mould, Dark relics of the mine, Lost from the ore, must He behold How long must He refine, Ere in the silver He can trace The first faint semblance of His face! Thou great Refiner! sit Thou by, Thy promise to fulfil! Moved by Thy hand, beneath Thine eye, And melted at Thy will, O may Thy work forever shine, Reflecting beauty pure as Thine!

OCTOBER 12 Consider the lilies of the field, how they growMatt. 6: 28. Our Lord calls attention to how such simple things in nature should be studied, be considered. The lessons to be learned in connection with all the affairs of life will be helpful to such as approach the study from the right standpoint, of faith in the Creator, and a realization that He is necessarily the embodiment and representative of the very highest and very noblest qualities of which the human mind could conceive; that He is perfect in justice, perfect in Wisdom, perfect in Power, perfect in Love. . . . The heart that thus considers makes progress, grows in grace, in knowledge, in love. The heart that fails to consider the little things fails to be able to appreciate the larger things, and thus is hindered from a proper consideration of God and from a proper appreciation of His plan, and thus from a proper appreciation of His characterZ '04, 37, 38 (R 3312). The lesson which the Lord here inculcates is not that we should be inactive and indolent, but that we be free from worry, while co-operating with Him in producing our growth in grace and knowledge; for the lilies of the field do work, but do so without worry or exercise of anxiety. They absorb the sap which they imbibe. In doing this free from worry, as they grow in beauty, they teach us that we are faithfully to imbibe the Truth and absorb its Spirit, and while doing so to be free from worry and anxious care. Such a course will enable us to grow beautiful spiritually, with a beauty surpassing that of the lilies of the field. 'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished!P '33, 147. Parallel passages: Prov. 16: 3; Jer. 17: 7, 8; Matt. 6: 25-27, 29-34; Psa. 55: 22; Luke 12: 23; Phil. 4: 6; 1 Pet. 5: 7; Job 38: 41; Psa. 104: 10, 11. Hymns: 313, 56, 63, 87, 99, 330, 333. Poems of Dawn, 185: I Can Trust. Tower Reading: Z '16, 341 (R 5990). Questions: Have I this week worried or trusted? Why? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? I CAN TRUST I CANNOT see, with my small human sight, Why God should lead this way or that for me; I only know He saith, Child, follow me. But I can trust. I know not why my path should be at times So straitly hedged, so strangely barred before; I only know God could keep wide the door. But I can trust.

I often wonder, as with trembling hand I cast the seed along the furrowed ground, If ripened fruit for God will there be found. But I can trust. I cannot know why suddenly the storm Should rage so fiercely round me in its wrath; But this I know, God watches still my path And I can trust.

OCTOBER 13 I will show thee my faith by my worksJas. 2: 18. While the Lord's people of the present age are not to be judged by their works but by their faith, nevertheless, works will be required. By our works we demonstrate our faith, and, thank God, imperfect works can demonstrate to Him the loyalty of our intentions, our wills. . . . If our works demonstrate to the Lord the sincerity of our faith, that faith will be acceptable to Him, and we will be counted perfect and be granted a share in the Kingdom and all the great and precious things which the Lord has in reservation for those who love Himnot merely in word but also in deedsfor those who strive by the deeds of life to show forth, to demonstrate, their loveZ '04, 45 (R 3317). Faith does not consist simply in belief in understandable propositions, though it requires such a belief as a foundation. It must be fully persuaded of the thing believed, make it its own and act upon it. Such a faith is a living power energizing one's thoughts, motives, words and acts. A true faith will, therefore, evidence itself in works; and wherever these are absent, the presence of a real faith may well be questioned. Let us therefore demonstrate that we possess an enlightening, justifying, sanctifying and delivering faith by corresponding works; for in Christ Jesus a faith that works by love is alone availing P '32, 150. Parallel passages: Matt. 5: 16; 7: 16-18, 20; John 13: 38; 15: 5, 8; Gal. 5: 6; Jas. 1: 27; 2: 17, 19-26; 3: 13; Gen. 22: 9, 12; 15: 6; Rom. 4: 3; Gal. 3: 6; 6: 9, 10; Phil. 2: 12, 13; Titus 3: 14; Heb. 11; 1 John 2: 6; Rev. 2: 19. Hymns: 196, 198, 34, 4, 114, 125, 78. Poems of Dawn, 21: It Is Not the Deed We Do. Tower Reading: Z '16, 139 (R 5892). Questions: Have I this week evidenced by works the genuineness of my faith? How? What did they effect? IT IS NOT THE DEED WE DO. IT is not the deed we do, Though the deed be ever so fair, But the love that the dear Lord looketh for, Hidden with holy care In the heart of the deed so fair. The love is the priceless thing, The treasure our treasure must hold; Or ever the Lord will take the gift, Or tell the worth of the gold

By the love that cannot be told.

OCTOBER 14 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrificeProv. 21: 3. We are to grow in love, and love is the principal thing; but before we can make much development in the cultivation of love, we must learn to be just, right, righteous. It is a proper presentation of the matter that is given in the proverb, that a man should be just before he is generous. It behooves the Lord's people, therefore, that they study this subject of justice continually and daily put into practice the lessons inculcated in the Divine Word. Such as get this proper foundation of character before they begin to build love will find that they are making progress properly. All love that is founded upon injustice or wrong ideas of righteousness is delusive, is not the love which the Lord will require as the test of discipleship Z '04, 56, 57 (R 3321). By justice righteousness, and by judgment true instruction are here meant. Sacrifice ordinarily means the good works of love, but here sacrifice means good works done contrary to justice and truth. The text does not mean that sacrifice is not desired by the Lord; nor that the good works of love, when in harmony with justice and truth, are not more pleasing to the Lord than justice and truth without the good works of charity. Rather the thought is that the Lord prefers to have us perform the works of righteousness and truth without sacrificial service to having us perform sacrificial service contrary to justice and truthP '26, 156. Parallel passages: 1 Sam. 15: 22; Psa. 1: 3; 15; 24: 3-5; 106: 3; 112: 4-8; Prov. 2: 5-20; Isa. 32: 16-18; Hos. 6: 6; Mic.6: 6-8; Matt. 5: 20; John 14: 21-24; 15: 4, 5, 8; Rom. 6: 1922; 14: 17-19; 1 Cor. 13: 1-7. Hymns: 125, 296, 79, 99, 54, 187, 190. Poems of Dawn, 133: Steadfast, Immovable. Tower Reading: Z '14, 100 (R 5430). Questions: Have I this week practiced truth and righteousness rather than sacrifice in violation of these? What were the circumstances and effects? STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE TO play through life a perfect part, Unnoticed and unknown; To seek no rest in any heart Save only Gods alone; In little things to own no will, To have no share in great, To find the labor ready still, And for the crown to wait;

Upon the brow to bear no trace Of more than common care; To write no secret in the face For men to read it there; The daily cross to clasp and bless With such familiar zeal As hides from all that not the less Its daily weight you feel; In toils that praise will never pay To see your life go past; To meet in every coming day Twin sister of the last; To hear of high, heroic things, And yield them reverence due, But feel lifes daily offerings Are far more fit for you; To woo no secret, soft disguise, To which self-love is prone; Unnoticed by all other eyes, Unworthy in your own; To yield with such a happy art That no one thinks you care, Yet say to your poor bleeding heart, How little you can bear; Oh! tis a pathway rough to choose, A struggle hard to share, For human pride would still refuse The nameless trials there; But since we know the gate is low That leads to heavenly bliss, What higher grace could God bestow Than such a life as this!

OCTOBER 15 Have faith in GodMark 11: 22. Our daily experiences since we became the Lord's followers have been guided and guarded apparently by the power unseen, to the intent that as pupils in the school of Christ, we may all be taught of Him and develop more and more of the graces of the Spirit, and particularly more faith. How important this item of faith is we probably cannot fully appreciate now. It seems to be the one thing that the Lord specially seeks for in those now called to be followers. . . . So according to our faith will we be able to rejoice even in tribulation. We cannot enjoy the sufferings; we can enjoy the thought which faith attaches to them, namely, that these are but light afflictions working out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of gloryZ '04, 59 (R 3324). Faith is a mental appreciation of, and heart's reliance upon, some person or thing. Christian faith is a mental appreciation of, and heart's reliance upon, God and Christ. These exercise themselves toward God and Christ along certain lines set forth in the Scriptures, i.e., their persons, characters, words and acts. In these respects they have demonstrated themselves as being absolutely reliable and, therefore, worthy of our confidence. Our experiences have demonstrated this to be true in innumerable instances. And, for this reason, Jesus can, without any impropriety in Himself or disadvantage to us, appeal to us to trust the Father and HimP '36, 110111. Parallel passages: Josh. 1: 9; 2 Chron. 15: 7; 20: 20; 32: 7, 8; Neh. 4: 14; Job 35: 14; Psa. 4: 5; 27: 14; 31: 19, 24; 37: 3, 5, 7, 39, 40; 55: 22; 115: 9, 11; Prov. 3: 5, 6; Matt. 17: 20. Hymns: 56, 93, 87, 176, 12, 104, 106. Poems of Dawn, 103: Prayer of the Consecrated. Tower Reading: Z '14, 282 (R 5539). Questions: Have I exercised faith this week? How? With what results? PRAYER OF THE CONSECRATED WE seek not, Lord, for tongues of flame, Or healing virtues mystic aid; But power thy Gospel to proclaim The balm for wounds that sin hath made. Breathe on us, Lord; Thy radiance pour On all the wonders of the page Where hidden lies the heavenly lore That blessed our youth and guides our age. Grant skill each sacred theme to trace,

With loving voice and glowing tongue, As when upon Thy words of grace The wondering crowds enraptured hung. Grant faith, that treads the stormy deep, If but Thy voice shall bid it come; And zeal, that climbs the mountain steep, To seek and bring the wanderer home. Give strength, blest Savior, in Thy might; Illuminate our hearts, and we, Transformed into Thine image bright, Shall teach, and love, and live, like Thee!

OCTOBER 16 He maketh the storm a calmPsa. 107: 29. We of today represent the Lord's cause in the midst of the raging elements of human passions, oppositions, etc., and our hearts would be at times dismayed except as faith is able to see the Lord with us in the ship, and able to grasp the thought of His mighty power in His own time and way to speak peace to the world. . . . It must not surprise us, however, if a dark hour is before us, if the time shall come when the stormy winds will be so fierce that many will cry out in fear and trembling. Let us learn well the precious experiences of the present time, so that then our faith shall not fail us, so that in the darkest hour we shall be able to sing and to rejoice in Him who loved us and bought us with his own precious blood, and to sing the song of Moses and the LambZ '04, 60 (R 3324). There have been many figurative storms in human experience. Among these are the experience of the race with evil, and the sufferings of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, Israel, the Little Flock and the Great Company. After all these the Lord has made or will make a calm. The storm of this text applies particularly to the unparalleled sufferings of the Time of Trouble. The ships of human organizations will be completely wrecked in this storm; and many of the sailors, officers and passengers will sink beneath the waves of anarchy. Later all will rejoice in the calm after the storm in the Millennial haven P '30, 166. Parallel passages: Lev. 26: 6; 1 Kings 19: 11, 12; Job 5: 19; Psa. 34: 13; 107: 21-28; Dan. 12: 1,2; Hos. 2: 18; Nah. 1: 12; Zeph. 3: 8, 9; Luke 2: 14; Isa. 26: 3; John 14: 27; 16: 33; 1 Cor. 10: 13; Heb. 12: 11; 1 Pet. 5: 10. Hymns: 270, 271, 244, 233, 43, 305, 179. Poems of Dawn, 257: Afterward. Tower Reading: Z '15, 163 (R 5695). Questions: How did God give me peace? What did I do therein? What resulted therefrom? AFTERWARD GODS ways are equal: storm or calm, Seasons of peril and of rest, The hurtling dart, the healing balm, Are all apportioned as is best. In judgments of misunderstood, In ways mysterious and obscure, He brings from evil lasting good, And makes the final gladness sure.

While Justice takes its course with strength, Love bids our faith and hope increase: Hell give the chastened world at length His afterward of peace. When the dread forces of the gale His sterner purposes perform, And human skill can naught avail, Against the fury of the storm, Let loving hearts trust in Him still, Through all the dark and devious way; For who would thwart His blessed will, Which leads through night to joyous day? Be still beneath His tender care; For He will make the tempest cease, And bring from out the anguish here An afterward of peace. Look up, O Earth; no storm can last Beyond the limits God hath set; When its appointed work is past, In joy thou shalt thy grief forget. Where sorrows plowshare hath swept through, Thy fairest flowers of life shall spring, For God shall grant thee life anew, And all thy wastes shall laugh and sing. Hope thou in Him; His plan for thee Shall end in triumph and release; Fear not, for thou shalt surely see His afterward of peace.

OCTOBER 17 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under hiswings shall thou trustPsa. 91: 4. So close to His heart does Jehovah gather His loyal and faithful children that they feel the warmth of His love, and the responsive language of their hearts is, "I will abide in thy tabernacle"under Thy protection"forever"; "I will trust in the covert of thy wings; for thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong Tower from the enemy . . . for thou, 0 God, hast heard my vows"my consecration"thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name" (Psa. 61: 4,3,5). "I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble" (Psa. 59: 16)Z '04, 75 (R 3331). The Laodicean saints are here addressed. A double picture is used to show their security, that of a hen covering her chicks from danger with her feathers, and that of an eagle protecting her young with her wings. The hen's feathers represent the Lord's providences, protecting us from some, and amid other experiences. The two wings of the eagle represent the Old and the New Testaments, whose main themes respectively are restitution, the Song of Moses, and the elective salvation, the Song of the Lamb. These truths are our protection. Thus the security of the saints is assured by the Word and providences of the LordP '35, 131. Parallel passages: Gen. 15: 1; Psa. 112: 7; 121: 6; 124: 2, 3, 7; 141: 9; 146: 5, 6; Num. 23: 19; Deut. 32: 10-2; Isa. 43: 2; Matt. 23: 37; 2 Tim. 4: 18; Prov. 3: 21, 23, 24. Hymns: 120, 12, 56, 63, 93, 126, 137. Poems of Dawn, 181: Grace Sufficient. Tower Reading: Z '14, 109 (R 5437). Questions: Have God's providence and Wordbeen my protection this week? How? With what effects? GRACE SUFFICIENT BEAR the burden of the present, Let the morrow bear its own; If the morning sky be pleasant, Why the passing night bemoan? If the darkened heavens lower, Wrap thy cloak around thy form; Though the tempest rise in power, God is mightier than the storm. Steadfast faith and hope unshaken Animate the trusting breast;

Step by step the journeys taken Nearer to the land of rest. All unseen, the Master walketh By the toiling servants side; Comfortable words He talketh, While His hands uphold and guide. Grief, nor pain, nor any sorrow Rends thy heart to Him unknown; He today and He tomorrow Grace sufficient gives His own. Then bear thy burden with good cheer, Take promptly up thy daily cross; Nor hesitate to shed a tear, Nor reckon oer thy present loss.

OCTOBER 18 He that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great wasterProv. 18: 9. We cannot see wastefulness in any of the Lord's consecrated people without feeling that, however great progress they have made in understanding the mind of the Lord in some respects, they are still deficient in this particular. An appreciation of the gift and respect for the Giver implies carefulness and a stewardship in respect to all that comes to us from our Heavenly Fatherthings temporal and things spiritual. According to our Lord's parables, He is measuring our love and zeal in a considerable degree by our use or abuse of the talents, opportunities, blessings, temporal and spiritual, now bestowed upon usZ '04, 77 (R 3332). The spirit of the slothful man is that of waste. He wastes his time, which is precious and irredeemable. He wastes his talents, which are improvable. He wastes his opportunities, which flee to others. He wastes his energy, which rusts from inactivity. He wastes his reputation, which may never return. He wastes his friends, who forsake him. He wastes his possessions, which are taken from him. He wastes his character, which debases him. He wastes his life, which is taken from him. He wastes eternity, which is lost to him. Let slothfulness, therefore, be far from us, as saints of the LordP '34, 143. Parallel passages: Prov. 6: 6-11; 10: 4, 5, 26; , 12: 11, 24, 27; 13: 4; 15: 19; 19: 15, 24; 20: 4, 13; 21: 5, 25; 22: 29; 23: 21; 24: 30-34; 26: 13-16; 27: 23-27; 30: 25-28; 31: 13-27; Eccles. 10: 18; Isa. 56: 10; Matt. 25: 26, 27; Rom. 12: 11; Eph. 4: 28; 1 Thes. 4: 11, 23; 2 Thes. 3: 10-12; Heb. 6: 12; 1 Tim. 5: 8. Hymns: 20, 25, 32, 78, 201, 224, 225. Poems of Dawn, 161: "A Cup Of Cold Water." Tower Reading: Z '05, 43 (R 3502). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? How did I respond to its thought? What were the results? A CUP OF COLD WATER THE Lord of the Harvest walked forth one day, Where the fields were white with the ripening wheat, Where those He had sent in the early morn Were reaping the grain in the noonday heat. He had chosen a place for every one, And bidden them work till the day was done. Apart from the others, with troubled voice, Spake one who had gathered no golden grain: The Master hath given no work to me, and my coming hither hath been in vain;

The reapers with gladness and song will come, But no sheaves will be mine in the harvest home. He heard the complaint, and He called her name: Dear child, why standest thou idle here? Go fill the cup from the hillside stream, And bring it to those who are toiling near; I will bless thy labor, and it shall be Kept in remembrance as done for Me. Twas a little service, but grateful hearts Thanked God for the water so cold and clear; And some who were fainting with thirst and heat, Went forth with new strength to the work so dear; And many a weary soul looked up, Revived and cheered by the little cup.

OCTOBER 19 Freely ye have received, freely giveMatt. 10: 8. Let us be on the alert to give to all who are hungering and thirsting for the blessed food which has so greatly refreshed and strengthened us. If they do not get it they will faint by the way as they go looking for other provisions. We have the very thing which all of the household of faith need; without it they cannot maintain their standing, they cannot press on, they shall surely become discouraged. Whatever we may have of financial means for sending forth the bread of life to others, or whatever we may have of knowledge of the Truth, is neither to be selfishly hoarded nor selfishly partaken of by ourselves. It is to be consecrated to the Lord, and out of that consecration the Lord will bring blessings to others and increased blessings upon our own heads and heartsZ '04, 78 (R 3332). A review of God's gifts to us reveals how freely, i.e., how liberally and graciously, He has given us the blessings of creation, providence, redemption, instruction, justification, sanctification and deliverance. These blessings contain everything that we need for life and godliness. Freely indeed have we received. Therefore in the same spirit let us give of our knowledge, affections, time, strength, means, health, life, service, ease, influence, reputation, safety, yes, our little human all, to and for our dear Heavenly Father, the Giver of every good gift and every perfect gift! Nor would these gifts be sufficiently large and good to be worthy the One who has given us our allP '33, 148. Parallel passages: Acts 8: 18-20; Psa. 34: 10; 68: 18, 35; 84: 11; Eccles. 2: 26; Isa. 42: 5; Ezek. 11: 19; Dan. 2: 21-23; Matt. 11: 28; 25: 14-30; John 6: 27; 16: 23, 24; 17: 22; Rom. 5: 16-19; 8: 32; 12: 6-8; 1 Cor. 13: 1-3; 1 Pet. 4: 10. Hymns: 70, 326, 11, 1, 68, 286, 28. Poems of Dawn, 292: A Dead Sea or a Galilee? Tower Reading: Z '16, 217 (R 5426). Questions: What return have I made for God's gifts? How? Why? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? A DEAD SEA OR A GALILEE? LIFE adorns the Sea of Galilee: Its bosom teems with fish; its shores are green; But to the south there lies the Salty Sea, So desolate: no fish, no life is seen. And yet from Jordans waters both receive. Then why doth one have life; the other death? Tis Natures law, to take and then to give; For every breath we take we give a breath.

The Dead Sea drinks far more than Galilee, But has no outlet in its selfishness; While Galilee bestows its bounties free It issues forth its life mankind to bless. Am I a Dead Sea, or a Galilee? More blessed tis to give than to receive; If I confine my thoughts to my and me Ill not bless others, but myself deceive.

OCTOBER 20 Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as dovesMatt. 10: 16. Oh, that all the Lord's dear people could learn the value of wisdom in connection with their endeavors to serve the Truth! Our Lord not only taught us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, but He exemplified this lesson in His own course, saying on another occasion to the Apostles, "I have many things to tell you, but ye cannot bear them now." We, too, should learn that there are opportune and inopportune times for mentioning certain truths, and that there are wise and unwise methods of presenting them. It is not enough that we do not speak untruths; it is not enough that we speak the truth; additionally we should see to it that we speak the truth in love, and love that is trained uses wisdom that it may accomplish more goodZ '04, 91 (R 3339). To have the serpent's wisdom and the dove's harmlessness means to possess a combination of tact and guilelessness. This combination is necessary in a herald of the Kingdom coming with a beneficent message, and mingling with people who generally misunderstand, sometimes pervert and not infrequently persecute. These qualities should be balanced and blended. Our tact should not be hypocritical, nor should our guilelessness be tactless. The higher primary graces most of all contribute to this happy balance. Its effect is, gathering and edifying the Church, testifying to the world and cooperating in overthrowing Satan's empire with a minimum of oppositionP '32, 150. Parallel passages: Luke 10: 3; Rom. 16: 19; Eph. 5: 15; 1 Cor. 14: 20; Phil. 2: 15; 1 Cor. 9: 19-23; 2 Cor. 12: 6; Judg. 8: 1-3; 1 Kings 3: 24-28; Acts 23: 6-10. Hymns: 44, 95, 125, 136, 145, 164, 198. Poems of Dawn, 201: Only a Little While. Tower Reading: Z '12, 393 (R 5151). Questions: Have I this week blended tact and guilelessness? How? Why? With what results? ONLY A LITTLE WHILE ONLY a little while to walk with weary feet, Only a little while the storms of life to meet, Only a little while to tread the thorny way, Only a little while, then comes the perfect day. Only a little while to spread the truth abroad, Only a little while to testify for God, Only a little while, the time is fleeting fast, Only a little while, earths sorrows all are past.

Only a little while, then let us do our best, Only a little while, then comes the promised rest. Only a little while, oh, what a word is this! Only a little while, then comes the perfect bliss. Only a little while, then death shall be withdrawn, Only a little while, then pain and tears are gone; Only a little while, then by the Crystal Sea, Only a little while, then we shall dwell with Thee. Only a little while, Lord, let Thy Kingdom come! Only a little while, Thy people sigh for home; Only a little while, the City bring to sight, Only a little while, come end earths dreary night!

OCTOBER 21 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy nameLuke 11: 2. This expresses adoration, appreciation of Divine goodness and greatness, and a corresponding reverence. In addressing our petition to the Lord our first thought is to be, not a selfish one respecting ourselves, nor a thought respecting the interests of others precious to us, but God is to be first in all our thoughts and aims and calculations. We are to pray for nothing that would not be in accord with the honor of our Heavenly Father's name; we are to wish for nothing for ourselves, or for our dear ones, that He would not fully approve and commission us to pray for. Perhaps no quality of heart is in greater danger of being blotted out among professing Christians than this thought of reverence for GodZ '04, 118 (R 3351). God does for His children all and more than a good earthly father does for his children. Accordingly He begets, loves, fellowships, provides for, trains, prepares and gives an inheritance to His children. As our Heavenly Father, He does all of these things in the superlative degree. Most appropriately, therefore, should we hallow His name. This we do when we give Him the supreme reverence and devotion of our hearts, minds, souls and strength. This implies in ultimate analysis such conduct on our part as crystallizes Christlikeness in us, and fits us for the Kingdom. Nor do we desire to give Him a less honorP '26, 156. Parallel passages: Isa. 63: 17; Matt. 5: 44, 45; 6: 4; 8: 13; Rom. 8: 15; 1 Cor. 8: 6; 2 Cor. 1: 3; 6: 18; Gal. 4: 4-7; Eph. 1: 3, 17; 3: 14; 5: 20; Col. 1: 3, 12; Jas. 1: 17; 1 John 3: 1; Rev. 3: 5; 14: 1. Hymns: 11, 45, 46, 83, 89, 193, 176. Poems of Dawn, 255: The Divine Weaving. Tower Reading: Z '14, 8 (R 5378). Questions: Did I this week glorify God's Name? How? Under what circumstances? With what results? THE DIVINE WEAVING SEE the mystic Weaver sitting High in HeavenHis loom below; Up and down the treadles go. Takes, for web, the worlds dark ages, Takes, for woof, the kings and sages, Takes the nobles and their pages, Takes all nations and all stages. Thrones are bobbins in His shuttle, Armies make them scud and scuttle Web into the woof must flow;

Up and down the nations go! At the Weavers will they go! Calmly see the mystic Weaver Throw His shuttle to and fro; Mid the noise and wild confusion, Well the Weaver seems to know What each motion, and commotion, What each fusion, and confusion, In the grand result will show! Glorious wonder! What a weaving! To the dull, beyond believing! Such no fables ages know, Only faith can see the Mystery, How along the aisles of history, Where the feet of sages go, Loveliest to the fairest eyes, Grand the mystic tapet lies! Soft and smooth, and ever-spreading, As if made for angels treading Tufted circles touching ever: Every figure has its plaidings, Brighter forms and softer shadings, Each illuminedwhat a riddle From a cross that gems the middle. Tis a sayingsome reject it That its light is all reflected; That the tapets lines are given By a Sun that shines in Heaven! Tis believedby all believing That great God, Himself, is weaving, Bringing out the worlds dark Mystery, In the light of faith and history; And, as a web and woof diminish, Comes the grand and glorious finish, When begin the Golden Ages, Long foretold by seers and sages.

OCTOBER 22 Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of?Matt. 20: 22. The courage of the Lord in the narrow way fills us with admiration. What a strong character was His! He had no thought of turning back; He was intent upon accomplishing His Father's willupon sacrificing Himself in the interest of others. A noble pattern the Apostles saw before themgreatness in humility, victory through service. It is well that we should have clearly before our minds that unless we partake of His cup, we can have no share in His Kingdom of glory. Let us then count all things else as loss and dross to obtain this necessary experience. As it comes to us let us not be fearful, nor think strange of the fiery trials that shall try us, as though some strange thing had happened unto us. On the contrary, even hereunto were we called, that we might now suffer with the Lord and by and by be with Him in the KingdomZ '04, 138, 139 (R 3362). A cup symbolizes experiences of bliss and woe. Though, generally speaking, our Lord's cup consisted of His experiences from Jordan to Calvary, yet in its extreme sense the cup represents the shame and disgrace heaped upon Him as one excommunicated and outlawed, dying under the sentence of blasphemy and rebellion. If we are His, we are privileged to undergo like experiences. Of ourselves we are not able to do this, but a faithful use of the Spirit, Word and providences of God will give us the necessary faith, hope, love and obedience that will make us willing and thus able to drink the Lord's cup with HimP '36, 111. Parallel passages: John 4: 6; 11: 33, 34; 12: 27; Acts 3: 18; 17: 3; 2 Cor. 1: 5; Phil. 2: 7, 8; Heb. 4: 15; 5: 7; 12: 2, 3; Rom. 6: 1-11; 8: 10, 17; 1 Cor. 15: 29-34; 2 Cor. 4: 8-10; Phil. 3: 10; Col. 1: 24; 2 Tim. 2: 10-12; Heb. 13: 10-13; 1 Pet. 2: 21-23; 4: 12-14. Hymns: 322, 5, 350, 134, 279, 299, 326. Poems of Dawn, 282: "And There Was a Great Calm." Tower Reading: Z '14, 382 (R 5599). Questions: Have I drunk of His cup this week? How? Why? What helped or hindered? With what results? AND THERE WAS A GREAT CALM AS the green waves bear on their crest The foam, and ever shoreward come, So, moving surely to our rest, Slowly we all like bits of foam Come drifting home. He whom we loved has reached the shore In peace; and all the billows vast

The stormy waves of life that bore Him onhave ceased their strife at last. The storm is past! We thought, because the waves of life Were high and rough, the end would be Mid scenes of tumult and of strife, As mighty billows of the sea Break loud and free. But there was calm instead! The waves Of life were stilled, and up the strand Slipped noiselessly, as ocean laves In quietness the silver sand, An ending grand! How sweet to know his weary life At last to rest and quiet wore! Oh, may we all, through peace or strife, Be gathered on that silver shore For evermore!

OCTOBER 23 Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servantMatt. 20: 27. Among the Gentiles the rulers are lords, who do no serving but are served; but among the followers of Jesus the rule is to be reversed: he who would serve most was to be esteemed most highly. What a beauty there is in the Divine order of things! How thoroughly all who are right-minded can sympathize with the principles here laid down! How reasonable they are and how contrary to the spirit of the world. Truly, the Lord's followers will in this sense of the word be a peculiar people in their zeal for good worksfor serving one another and for doing good unto all men as they have opportunityZ '04, 140 (R 3362). The world's ideal of greatness is unusual talent, wealth, power, authority, knowledge, reputation or achievement. The Lord's ideal of greatness is the service of disinterested love. Therefore in His eyes we are great in proportion as we render service from a disinterested love, in harmony with wisdom, power and justice, laying down our lives in the interests of His Plan, especially in gathering and edifying the elect. To such a greatness as this we may aspire; yet not with the idea of surpassing others, whom we are to prefer in honor. We are to be useful to others in every good way in our power. Because He was such, Jesus is the greatest of allP '30, 166. Parallel passages: Prov. 15: 33; Matt. 18: 1-6; 20: 20-26, 28; Mark 10: 42-45; 23: 11; Acts 20: 35; Rom. 12: 10, 16; 15: 1-3; 1 Pet. 5: 3, 5; Isa. 14: 12-15; Gal. 6: 2, 10; Phil. 2: 5-9; Luke 22: 27; John 13: 14. Hymns: 95, 299, 114, 198, 47, 229, 146. Poems of Dawn, 169: The Time is Short. Tower Reading: Z '15, 312 (R 5785). Questions: Have I this week sought to serve? Did I seek to do something to be seen or to be useful? What helped or hindered therein? What was the effect so far? THE TIME IS SHORT UP, up, my soul, the long-spent time redeeming; Sow thou the seeds of better deed and thought; Light other lamps, while yet the light is beaming; The time, the time is short. Think of the eyes that often weep in sadness, Seeing not the truth that God to thee hath taught; O bear to them this light and joy and gladness; The time, the time is short. Think of the feet that stray from misdirection,

And into snares of errors doctrine brought: Bear then to them these tidings of salvation; The time, the time is short. The time is short. Then be thy heart a brothers To every heart that needs thy help in aught. How much they need the sympathy of others! The time, the time is short.

OCTOBER 24 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon . . . and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after JesusLuke 23: 26. We have often wondered, Where were Peter and John and James that they did not see the Master's burden and run to proffer assistance? If disposed to envy Simon his privilege of assisting the Master in the bearing of the cross, let us reflect that many of the Lord's brethren are daily bearing symbolic crosses, and that it is our privilege to assist them, and that the Lord agrees to reckon any service done to His faithful followers as though it were rendered to His own person. . . . As the wooden cross was not our Lord's heaviest burden, so, too, His followers have crosses which the world sees not, but which the "brethren" should understand. "Bear ye one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ"Z '04, 155 (R 3369). Because of His weakened condition, the cross taxed Jesus' strength beyond endurance; and God then provided the needed help, even though Simon was an unwilling helper. The text implies that Jesus bore the cross where the beams met; thus He bore its heavier part. Surely Jesus bore a heavier cross than ours. As we bear ours, we find that Jesus bears its heavier part. He considers our frame; He knows our weakness; therefore He goes before us, carrying the heavier part of our burden; and thus by His grace He enables us to persevere unto the end in spite of all obstaclesP '35, 131-132. Parallel passages: Gen. 49: 24, 25; 50: 20; 1 Sam. 2: 6-9; Ezra 6: 22; Neh. 6: 16; Esth. 7: 10; Psa. 17: 13; 76: 10; Prov. 16: 7; 21: 1. Hymns: 121, 63, 99, 124, 129, 149, 252. Poems of Dawn, 215: The Hidden Cross. Tower Reading: Z '13, 120 (R 5221). Questions: Has this week brought me ameliorating providences? What were they? What were the results? THE HIDDEN CROSS THE multitude saw but the cross of olive-wood The Man of Sorrows bore, nor knew how underneath, Close-pressed upon His heart, a hidden cross He wore, A dark and bleeding weight of sin and human woe, Made heavier with the sentence of Gods broken law, And crowned with thorns of scornful and malicious hate, A cross the worlds Redeemer found on Jordans brink, Nor laid it down until He came to Calvary.

Ofttimes it seemed He almost craved some human aid, Some sympathizing heart to share that cruel cross. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, hadst thou but known What time that cross bore heaviest on the yearning heart Of Him, thy King!And yet, o, slow of faith and hard Of heart, Ye would not,and the King passed on His way; And of the people, there was none with Him, He trod Alone the winepress of this dark worlds shame and woe! O, chosen three, had ye but watched with Him one hour, That awful night in dark Gethsemane, ye might Have lightened some the cruel weight of that dread cross, Have known and shared with Him that agonizing woe, Alas! Alas! Your eyes were heavy, and ye slept. So now, sleep on and take your rest, ye weary one, A holy angels wing hath eased the hidden cross, Your Master, strengthened, waits that other cross to bear! Which cross bore heavier on the way to Calvary, The cross the cruel Roman soldiers laid upon That Blessed One? Ah! no, it was the unseen cross That crushed Him to the earth, that wrung from those pale lips The agonizing cry, My God, My God, oh, why Hast Thou forsaken Me? The temples veil was rent; The sun grew dark. Tis finished, and the price is paid, The hidden cross had pierced that loving, tender heart! Take up thy cross and follow Me, the Master said. Ah, yes, His faithful Bride must also bear a cross, The hidden cross, made not of lifes vicissitudes Alone, its ills and pain, its loss and poverty, The outward signs the multitude behold;

Ah! no, we follow in His steps, who went before Us in the narrow way. We, too, must bear the woe, Be touched with feeling of the worlds infirmity, Its weary weight of sin and curse of broken law. Let us, therefore, go forth to Him, without the gate, Lay down our live in sacrifice, spend and be spent, And, while we clasp this cross more closely to our breast, Press on toward Calvary, for there our Bridegroom waits To take the cross of woe, and give the Crown of Joy!

OCTOBER 25 Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good2 Chron. 19: 11. Whoever has a duty to perform, let him not fear, and while seeking to do unpleasant tasks in a kindly manner, both justly and lovingly, let us fear not man, but rather fear the Lord and be intent on pleasing Him. Let the world fight its fight; the Lord will supervise and the results will be glorious eventually. Let us who belong to the new nation, to the new Kingdom that is not of this world, who use no carnal weapons, but the sword of the Spiritlet us fight the good fight of faith, lay hold upon the glorious things set before us, and not only stand ourselves but also help all those with the same Spirit and members of the same spiritual army corps to stand, complete in Him who is the Head, the Captain of our SalvationZ '04, 207,205 (R 3393). To deal courageously does not imply that we underrate our difficulties, tasks or enemies, nor that we overrate our abilities and attainments. It implies that we soberly estimate everything connected with our Christian warfare; and therefore realize that greater are they that are for us, than they that are against us. This will enable us with hearts full of hope for victory bravely to face all dangers. If to our courage we add goodness of heart, He who works all things for good to them that love God will give us mercy for our human lacks, faults and weakness and our immaturities of the new heart, mind and will, and grace to help in every time of needP '34, 143. Parallel passages: Josh. 1: 1-9; 2 Chron. 15: 7, 8; Prov. 28: 1; Ezek. 2: 6; 3: 9; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Phil. 1: 27, 28; 2 Tim. 1: 7; Gen. 22: 1-14; Judg. 6: 25-31; Ezra 8: 22, 23; 5: 11; Dan. 3: 16-18; 6: 10; Acts 4: 19; 5: 29; Rev. 2: 10. Hymns: 13, 20, 136, 183, 261, 266, 272. Poems of Dawn, 44: Gideon's Band. Tower Reading: Z '14, 71 (R 5413). Questions: What has this text done for me this week? How? What were the results? GIDEONS BAND COUNT me the swords that have come. Lord, thousands on thousands are ready. Lo! These are too many, and with them are some Whose hearts and whose hands are not steady. He whose soul does not burn, Let him take up his tent and return. Count me the swords that remain. Lord, hundreds on hundreds are daring. These yet are too many for Me to attain

To the victory I am preparing. Lead them down to the brink Of the waters of Marah to drink. Lord, those who remain are but few, And the hosts of the foe are appalling, And what can a handful such as we do? When ye hear from beyond My voice calling, Sound the trump! Hold the light! Great Midian will melt in your sight!

OCTOBER 26 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you1 Pet. 5: 7. This is a very consoling and encouraging suggestion from the Word. However, the Lord's people are to learn more and more distinctly, as their years of membership in God's family and tutelage in the school of Christ go on, that they are not to ask the Lord to guide their efforts according to their wisdom; that they are not to request that their wills shall be done either on earth or in heaven, but rather, telling the Lord their burdens, great and small, they are to realize and appropriate to themselves His sympathy and love, and to apply to their own hearts as a balm the consoling assurances of His Word, that He is both able and willing to make all their experiences profitable to them, if they abide in Him with confidence and trust Z '04, 237 (R 3407). Our cares are the things that try us, such as losses, disappointments, delays, restraints, shelvings, responsibilities, faults, lacks and weaknesses of ourselves and others, failures, differences, hardships, divisions, siftings, necessities, oppositions, sickness, weariness, pain, sorrow, treasons, oppressions, persecutions, etc. Their natural tendency is to absorb the attention of our hearts, and minds, causing worry. While we are to be commendably diligent in our affairs, acting as though everything depended on us, let us heartily believe that all depends on God! Ours it is to exercise diligence; His to exercise care. He is faithful in performing His engagements, and as our Helper and Caretaker He arranges all things in our interests. Therefore we may well entrust our interests to HimP '33, 148. 09 Parallel passages: Psa.37: 5; 127: 2; Matt. 6: 2534; 11: 28-30;13: 22;Luke 21: 34;Rom. 8: 28; Phil. 4: 6, 7,19; Prov.16: 3; Jer.17: 7, 8; Heb.13: 5. Hymns: 328, 67, 228, 293, 305, 330, 294. Poems of Dawn, 74: Oh, Who Shall Roll the Stone Away? Tower Reading: Z '14, 230 (R 5508). Questions: What have I done with care this week? How? Why? With what results? OH, WHO SHALL ROLL THE STONE AWAY? A NAMELESS chill pervaded all the air, On that gray morn, long centuries ago, As through the citys narrow streets there crept Two women on their way to Calvary. The fragrant odors of sweet spices told Of their sad errand to the tomb of Him They loved. And as they neared the garden where Their blessed Lord was laid, a sudden fear Took hold upon their eager, loving hearts

(The sepulchre was hewn from solid rock, A great stone had been rolled before the door, And sealed with Pilates royal signature) They felt their weakness, and in anguish cried, Oh, who shall roll for us the stone away? But faith grew bold, they urged their faltering steps When lo! they found an Angel from the Lord Had rolled away the stone, and sat thereon! Thus often, when with loving zeal we seek To serve the Lord, a great fear chills our hearts, The door of opportunity seems closed, And in our weakness and distress we cry, Oh, who shall roll for us the stone away? but when with faith and courage we press on, We find the Angel of the Lord hath gone Before, and lo! the stone is rolled away !

OCTOBER 27 My times are in thy handPsa. 31: 15. All of the Lord's consecrated servants devoted their lives to sacrifice when they became followers of the Lamb; and if they could but realize their consecration continually, they would be ready for the consummation at any moment at the Lord's pleasure and by whatever means or channel His providences may permit. The Lord's consecrated ones . . . are to remember that not a hair of their heads could fall without their Father's knowledge and permission, and the attitude of their hearts should be that expressed by our dear Redeemer. . . . The cup which my Father hath poured for me, shall I not drink it?" The language of their hearts should be that expressed by the poet: Content whatever lot I see, Since 'tis my God that leadeth me. Z '04, 237 (R 3407). This statement is true of the whole Church and of its individual members. God has a due time for all things connected with His Plan. Accordingly we see marvelous time features marking the experiences of the Church. The parallel dispensations especially prove this in many details, the exact time being observed to a day. Thus God allows no slips in the time features pertaining to the Church. This same care He exercises toward its individual members. He arranges each experience, attainment, work and privilege at the time that will most glorify Him and profit themP '32, 150. Parallel passages: Gal. 4: 4; Rom. 5: 6; Dan. 9: 24-27; 12: 11-13; Luke 23: 46; John 13: 1; 17: 1; Acts 1: 6; 1 Tim. 2: 6; 6: 15; 1 Pet. 2: 23; Rev. 6: 11; 11: 2, 3; 14: 15. Hymns: 186, 99, 333, 110, 293, 328, 63. Poems of Dawn, 105: My Times Are in Thy Hand. Tower Reading: Z '14, 230 (R 5508). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to the text? How were they met? What was their effect? MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND
PSALM 31: 15.

FATHER, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me; And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see: But I ask Thee for a present mind Intent on pleasing Thee.

I ask Thee for a thankful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, To wipe the weeping eyes, And a heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathize. I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, Seeking for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know; I would be dealt with as a child, And guided where to go. I ask Thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied; And a mind to blend with outward life, While keeping at Thy side, Content to fill a little space, If Thou be glorified.

OCTOBER 28 The Spit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me . . . to comfort all that mourn . . . to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourningIsa. 61: 13. Our commission is to seek out the meek and the mourning ones, who have appreciated their own shortcomings and weaknesses, and who are looking for refuge and deliverance. It is part of our commission to point them to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, to point them to the beauty of the resurrection for the ashes of death, and the glories which the Lord has promised by and by to take the place of the spirit of heaviness and disappointment and sorrow and trouble of this present time. It is our commission to tell such that "Joy cometh in the morning," and to assist them to arise and at once put on the garments of praise, and to begin to walk in newness of life, with a "new song in their mouthseven the lovingkindness of our God"Z '04, 295 (R 3434). God's holy heart and mind is upon His consecrated people. It is their qualification for service. By this spirit are their minds given the capacities to perceive, remember, reason on and express spiritual things, as by it their hearts are given the capacities necessary for the faith, hope, love and obedience to perform acceptably the sacrifices connected with their service. Truly this spirit enables them to comfort Zion's dear mourners and bring them out of the ashes of sorrow into the beauty of holiness and joy in the LordP '26, 156. Parallel passages: Matt. 3: 16,17; Acts 10: 38; 4: 1-4; 2 Cor. 1: 21,22; l John 2: 20, 27; Psa. 119: 50, 52, 54, 92, 143; 147: 3; Isa. 40: 1, 2; 51: 3, 12; John 16: 33; 2 Cor. 1: 2-7; Ezek. 9: 3, 4; 1 Thes. 4: 18. Hymns: 25, 38, 57, 93, 108, 228, 278. Poems of Dawn, 198: Consolation. Tower Reading: Z '14, 277 (R 5536). Questions: Have I this week comforted and gladdened others? How? Why? Under what circumstances? CONSOLATION WHEN thy pathway straitened lies, beloved, Call on Me; Ever fix on Me thine eyes, beloved, Follow me; I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Lean on Me! When with trials sore beset, beloved,

Come to Me; Calvarys hour do not forget, beloved, Think on Me; I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Trust in Me! When the dark night darker grow, beloved, Cry to Me; When the cold stream colder flows, beloved, Cling to Me; I will never leave thee, but will take thee Home with Me!

OCTOBER 29 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed. we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus2 Cor. 4: 8-10. Those who joyfully endure for the Lord's sake, the Truth's sake, the greatest shame, the greatest ignominy, the greatest trials, the greatest persecutions in this present life, and thus have experiences most like those of the Master and Pattern, we may be sure will in proportion to their faithfulness manifested in such sacrifices, have a future great rewardas the Apostle has declared, "Star differeth from star in glory"Z '01, 55 (R 2760). The Lord is not well pleased to permit our lives to be wholly calm in external matters. Such a course would unfit us for the present and future ministry of the saints. On the contrary, the Lord is pleased to permit all sorts of untoward experiences to be ours; and amid some of them our strength almost snaps. Fitting the burdens to our backs and our backs to the burdens, He gives us grace sufficient for every time of need, and thus, gradually, as in our Lord's case, He brings us to perfection of character as His disciples who daily lay down our human lives with our dear Lord in loving sacrificeP '36, 111. Parallel passages: Acts 9: 16; Rom. 8: 17, 18, 23; 1 Cor. 4: 12, 13; 2 Cor. 1: 5-7; 4: 1118; 6: 4, 5; 11: 23-28; Phil. 1: 29; 2: 27-29; 2 Thes. 1: 4, 5; Jas. 5: 10; 1 Pet. 5: 10. Hymns: 3, 47, 150, 160, 244, 277, 307. Poems of Dawn, 98: A Little Talk With Jesus. Tower Reading: Z '15, 120 (R 5670). Questions: What have I suffered this week? How? Why? With what effects? A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS A LITTLE talk with Jesus, How it smoothes the rugged road! How it seems to help me onward, When I faint beneath my load! When my heart is crushed with sorrow, And mine eyes with tears are dim, There is naught can yield me comfort Like a little talk with Him. I tell Him I am weary, And I fain would be at rest; But I still will wait His bidding, For His way is always best. Then His promise ever cheers me

Mid all the cares of life: I am come, and soon in glory Will end thy toil and strife. Ah, that is what Im wanting, His lovely face to see And Im not afraid to say it, I know Hes wanting me. He gave His life a ransom To make me all His own, And Hell neer forget His promise To me, His purchased one. The way is sometimes weary To yonder nearing clime, But a little talk with Jesus Hath helped me many a time. The more I come to know Him, And all His grace explore, It sets me ever longing To know Him more and more.

OCTOBER 30 No man can serve two mastersMatt. 6: 24. "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." Experience and observation corroborate this; and hence as a rule we find that people are either cold or hot in spiritual things. . . . We are to "seek first [chiefly] the Kingdom of God." It is to be our chief concern and to receive from us all the time, attention, thought, energy, influence and means we havethe things needful for the present life being understood to be excepted; and our love and zeal will be manifested by the proportion of even these we are willing to sacrifice in the interest of heavenly thingsZ '01, 61 (R 2764). Our Lord here means by two masters, not two whose interests and aims are one, but whose interests and aims conflict. Otherwise we could not serve God and Christ, as our Masters. We can serve these because their interests and aims are identical. But the interests and aims of God and Satan conflicting, we cannot serve both of them. For the same reason we cannot serve Christ and Antichrist, the flesh and the Spirit, this world and the next, and error and the Truth. The sooner we realize and act upon this principle the better for us as ChristiansP '30, 183. Parallel passages: Gen. 39: 9; Hos. 10: 2; Dan. 1: 8-16; 3: 12-25; Luke 16: 13; 1 Kings 18: 21; Josh. 24: 14-25; Matt. 4: 8-10; 12: 25; Mark 10: 21-23; John 10: 42, 43; 1 Cor. 10: 21; Heb. 11: 24-26; Jas. 1: 8. Hymns: 8, 160, 191, 208, 224, 16, 109. Poems of Dawn, 42: Full Consecration. Tower Reading: Z '15, 109 (R 5666). Questions: Have I been single in my devotion this week? Whom did I serve? What helped or hindered singleness of devotion? What results did I achieve? FULL CONSECRATION O SACRED union with the Perfect Mind! Transcendent bliss, which Thou alone canst give, How blest are they this Pearl of price who find, And, dead to earth, have learned in Thee to live! And thus, while dead to human hopes I lie, Lost, and forever lost, to all but Thee, My happy soul, since it has learned to die, Has found new life in Thine infinity. With joy we learn this lesson of the cross, And tread the toilsome way which Jesus trod; And counting present life and all things loss,

We find in death to self the life of God.

OCTOBER 31 Because thy lovingkindness [favor] is better than life, my lips shall praise theePsa. 63: 3. Those who have tasted of the Lord's grace, those who have come tot realize his favor as better than life, and who have joyfully laid upon His altar every earthly good thing, and hope and ambition, rejoice to tell the good tidings to others; they rejoice to tell forth the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. The message is too good to keep; they not only do not require to be hired to tell it, but they are willing that the telling of it, and the enjoying of God's favor in connection with the telling, shall cost them somethingcost them trouble, cost them money, cost them the loss of earthly friendships, cost the straining, if not the breaking, of some home ties, cost them the frown of the world and of churchianity Z '01, 246 (R 2850). God's loving kindness to us consists of His favors to us in Creation, Providence, Redemption, Instruction, Justification, Sanctification and Deliverance. But the particular lovingkindness here meant is the calling to the heavenly nature with Christ, extended and realized. This is much better than human life, and its privileges are higher, as the heavens are higher than the earth. Such a calling gives lips, truthful teachings, that manifest Jehovah's praises, His glorious wisdom, power, justice and love. Therefore, let us declare His marvelous Plan, which makes His praises knownP '35, 132. Parallel passages: Ex. 15: 1, 2; Job 36: 24; Psa. 7: 17; 9: 11; 22: 22-25; 28: 6, 7; 30: 4; 33: 1-3; 35: 18; 43: 3, 4; Isa. 38: 17; Luke 1: 46, 47; John 14: 23. Hymns: 238, 235, 236, 237, 273, 19, 37. Poems of Dawn, 283: Will His Work Endure? Tower Reading: Z '14, 118 (R 5440). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? What were the results? WILL HIS WORK ENDURE? WILL that Servants work endure? Ah, yes! Of this we may be sure: For he was faithful, wise and true And brought forth truths, both old land new. Though Satans error now enshrouds And hides the light with darkest clouds, Our God will shake and then remove All things that He cannot approve.

Truth crushed to earth shall rise again And in its purity remain, Unconquered by the Devils arts In even its minutest parts. Will that Servants work endure? Ah, yes, with all thats good and pure! For sin and error flee away Before the light of coming Day!

NOVEMBER 1 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lipsPsa. 141: 3. The number of watchmen or pickets doing duty and standing guard over our actions and words will be fewer in proportion as the picket line guarding our minds, our thoughts, is a strong one. It is here that we need to be especially on the alert. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." This general truth is particularly exemplified in the regenerate, who are more open in their conduct and language, proportionately, than others. Having the right sentiments at heart they are less on their guard in respect to their manner of expression perhaps than previously; but all the more, they need to remember the words of the Apostle, "If any man sin not with his lips, the same is a perfect man" (Jas. 3: 2)Z '04, 23 (R 3304). Because of his liability to err in word and of the liability of the majority to misunderstand, and of a minority to misrepresent, the Christian must guard well his speech. The failure so to do has wrought much evil, while success in so doing has not only prevented evil but also has accomplished much good. The surest way of guarding our lips is in having the Truth fill our minds and impress its spirit upon our hearts. As we cannot do this of ourselves, how fitting that we pray the Lord to set a watch before our mouth and to keep the door of our lips. Then we will not offend in wordP '34, 159. Parallel passages: Ex. 22: 28; Psa. 10: 7, 8; 12: 3, 4; 34: 13; 41: 5-9; 52: 2-4; 59: 12; 64: 2-5; 106: 33; 119: 23; 120; Prov. 4: 24; 6: 16-19; 8: 13; 10: 11, 19, 31, 32; 11: 11; 12: 5, 6, 13, 17-19; 13: 3; 14: 25; 15: 1, 4, 28; 18: 21; Matt. 12: 34-37; Rom. 3: 13, 14; Eph. 4: 25, 29, 31; Col. 4: 6; Titus 1: 10, 11; 3: 2; Jas. 1: 19, 26; 3: 5-10; 4: 11; 1 Pet. 3: 9, 10. Hymns: 145, 1, 44, 78, 154, 183, 208. Poems of Dawn, 143: In the Presence of the King. Tower Reading: Z '06, 76 (R 3737). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? IN THE PRESENCE OF THE KING IF we could always feel each little thing We do, each hour we spend Within the presence of the King, What dignitytwould lend! If we could realize our every thought Is know to Him, our King, With how great carefulness would it be fraught, And what a blessing bring!

If, when some sharp word leaves a cruel sting, Our faith could know and feel Twas heard within the presence of the King, How soon the wound would heal! Oh, when the song of life seems hard to sing, And darker grows the way, Draw nearer to the presence of the King, And night shall turn to day!

NOVEMBER 2 It is the LORD; let him do what seemeth him good1 Sam. 3: 18. We know not what is for our highest welfare. Sometimes those things which we crave and desire to grasp, considering them to be good, might really be to our disadvantage. Blessed are they who are able by faith to pierce the gloom of every trial and difficulty and perplexity, and to realize that "The Lord knoweth them that are his," and that He is causing all things to work together for their good. We are to wait patiently for the Lord and to take patiently such experiences as His providences may mark out for us, questioning not the wisdom, the love and the power of Him with whom we have to doZ '01, 147,317 (R 2806, 2887). The Christian should recognize the Lord's providence in all his affairs, whether it brings toward or untoward events, rewards or punishment. In every case the Lord's will should be heartily accepted. This will be difficult in untoward experiences, especially if these are chastisements; but all the more necessary will it then be to be submissive; for in submissiveness then is liable to lead to total willfulness, which must result in complete disaster. It is, however, better for us to be like Samuel, a type of the Little Flock, whom a look was sufficient to guide, than like Eli, a type of the Great Company, who needed punishment for a large measure of willfulnessP '33, 162. Parallel passages: Matt. 26: 39, 42; John 5: 30; 6: 38; Phil. 2: 8; Acts 21: 10-14; 1 Pet. 2: 23; 4: 19; Psa. 31: 5; 39: 9; Luke 23: 46; Job 1: 21; Isa. 39: 8. Hymns: 67, 38, 43, 57, 228, 222, 305. Poems of Dawn, 184: His Will, Not Mine, Be Done. Tower Reading: Z '13, 251 (R 5296). Questions: What have been the week's experiences in line with the text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? What resulted therefrom? HIS WILL, NOT MINE, BE DONE O THOU of little faith! why dost thou fear? Didst thou forget that Jesus is so near? And hast thou thought that thou must walk alone? Behold now at thy side the loved One! Aye, more than this, thourt held within His hand, And twas Himself that hath thy trial planned! There was a need be seen by Eye Divine, Although, perchance, not visible to thine. And, wherefore wouldst thou see? Thou canst not tell If what thy heart contends for would be well;

Perhaps thy hopes fruition would be vain, Or prove a life-long discipline of pain! Hast thou not seen, in retrospective life, That will of God which caused thee bitterest strife Hath turned to sweetnesswhile the thing He gave To suit thy will grew darker than the grave? Theres rest supreme for souls that choose His will; A blest security from every ill. The things God chooses for us never fail! They have their anchorage within the veil.

NOVEMBER 3 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weakMatt. 26: 41. Some make the mistake of praying without watching; others make the mistake of watching without praying; but the safe and only proper method is that which our Lord directed, to combine the two. We are to watch for all the encouragements of the Lord's Word, the evidence of their fulfillment and the signs that betoken His presence and the great changes of dispensation just at hand. We are to watch for everything that will strengthen us in faith and hope and loyalty and love; and while watching we are to pray without ceasing. We are to pray together as the Lord's people; we are to pray in our homes, as families; we are to pray in secret, in privateZ '01, 80 (R 2773). Watchfulness surveys our dispositions, thoughts, motives, words, acts, surroundings and the influences operating upon us. Prayer is the uttered or unuttered heart's sincere desire going out to God for good things. The former furnishes us with all the knowledge and energy to arouse us to activity, the latter with all the light and energy from the Word and all the circumstances and other helps from the providences to assist our activity in realizing the blessings that the Lord offers us. Such watching and prayer will deliver us amid and from temptation and will enable the willing spirit to conquer the weak flesh to God's gloryP '32, 166. Parallel passages: Matt. 26: 38-40, 42-46; Mark 13: 33; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Eph. 6: 18; 1 Pet. 5: 8,9; Heb. 3: 12,13; Isa. 26: 8,9; Rom. 7: 18-25; 8: 3; 1 Cor. 9: 27; Gal. 5: 16,17,24; Phil. 2: 12, 13; 3: 12-14. Hymns: 183, 184, 20, 145, 78, 13, 130. Poems of Dawn, 111: Watch and Pray. Tower Reading: Z '13, 279 (R 5312). Questions: Have I this week watched and prayed? How? Why? With what results? WATCH AND PRAY CHRISTIAN, seek not yet repose, Hear thy gracious Savior say, Thou art in the midst of foes: Watch and pray. Principalities and powers Mustering their unseen array, Watch for thine unguarded hours: Watch and pray.

Gird thy heavenly armor on, Wear it ever, night and day; Ambushd lies the Evil One: Watch and pray. Hear, above all, hear thy Lord, Him thou lovest to obey; Hide within thy heart His words: Watch and pray. Watch, as if one that alone Hung the issue of the day; Pray that help may be sent down: Watch and pray.

NOVEMBER 4 He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servantPhil. 2: 7. As no man is able to serve two masters and satisfy both, and do justice to both, their interests conflicting, likewise we cannot please God and serve God and righteousness and at the same time be acceptable to the Adversary and those who are in harmony with him who now rules in this present dispensation, the "prince of this world." All the Lord's consecrated people, those who would lay up treasures in heaven and be rich toward God, must be willing to become of no reputation among those who are not consecrated, and who, whatever their professions, are really serving Mammon, selfishness, the present life, and not sacrificing these interests to the attainment of the KingdomZ '00, 318 (R 2715). This verse and its preceding and following verses properly translated are among the strongest of the Bible to show that Jesus not only was not Almighty God, but that He gave up His prehuman nature and office to become a man; and therefore, while on earth was not a God-man, but before His begettal of the Spirit was only a perfect, sinless man. The properly translated expression, "He emptied Himself by having taken the form of a servant," means His giving up His prehuman nature and office with their glory; and the expression, "having become in the likeness of men," means His taking human nature. Thus He became exactly in nature and quality an equivalent to Father Adam; and this made it possible for Him to become the Ransom for Adam and his raceP '26, 156, 157. Parallel passages: John 1: 14; 2 Cor. 8: 9; Heb. 2: 9-18; Rom. 5: 18, 19; Isa. 42: 1; 52: 1315; 53: 11; Matt. 20: 27, 28; Luke 22: 27; John 13: 14. Hymns: 168, 167, 308, 96, 139, 166, 141. Poems of Dawn, 27: Christ Within. Tower Reading: Z '16, 35 (R 5842). Questions: What effect did Christ's abasing Himself have on me this week? How? Why? CHRIST WITHIN A LIVING Christ, of wondrous birth, Who trod the dreary paths of earth, Shedding abroad His holy light Through the deep gloom of sins dark night. A dying Christ, whose precious blood Seals the poor sinners peace with God; And fills the soul with fullest love, Like to the joy prepared above.

A Christ ascendedall is done, A world redeemed, a victory won. With angel hosts, a glorious throng, Well sing with joy salvations song. A living Christ our spirits need, A loving Christ our souls to feed; A dying Christ, our ransom He, A risen Christ to set us free. This, too, our needa Christ within, A life with God, afar from sin, A Christ whose love our hearts shall fill, And quite subdue our wayward will.

NOVEMBER 5 Having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faithHeb. 10: 21, 22. Let us remember that He who has begun the good work changes never; and that if our hearts are still in harmony with Him, if our faith is still clear and firm in the great atonement, if our consecration is still full and complete, so that we seek not our own wills but His will to be done in our affairs, then we may indeed have the full assurance of faith, because knowing that God is unchangeable, and knowing that we are still in line with His promises and arrangements, we know that all His gracious providences are still being exercised on our behalf. This is full assurance of faithful confidence in the LordZ '00, 170 (R 2642). As children of God, we have Christ as our High Priest. This guarantees that our ignorance and unwilling weaknesses and faults are all covered; and thus we are enabled to remain in the Lord's favor. This made it possible for the Underpriests to draw near to the golden candlestick, seeing its beautiful light; to the table of shewbread, partaking of its strengthening food; to the incense altar, sacrificing with a sweet-smelling savor; and to the second vail, which, passing by death, they entered into the direct presence of God with faithful and pure hearts and full confidence in the Lord and His provisions. Let us draw nearP '36, 165. Parallel passages: Heb. 3: 1, 6; 4: 14, 16; 7: 27; 1 Tim. 3: 15; Psa. 51: 6; l John 3: 21; John 1: 47; Acts 8: 37; Heb. 11: 1-39; Psa. 118: 8,9; 125: 1; Prov. 3: 5; Isa. 26: 3; 30: 15; Mark 9: 23,24; Luke 17: 5; Rom. 4: 18-21; 15: 13; Col.1: 23; Heb.13: 5,6; Jas. 1: 6;1 Pet. 1: 5,7,9,21; l John 5: 4. Hymns: 137, 99, 110, 120, 174, 197, 293. Poems of Dawn, 34: Jesus. Tower Reading: Z '14, 88 (R 5424). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? What did I do with it? What were the effects? JESUS THE gently sighing of the wind among the pines, The joyous singing of the lark at break of day, The rippling of the water-brooks through cooling shade, The patter of the softly falling rain at night, Are sounds less sweet by far than His most precious name. No art can show a form so gracious and so fair, No masters hand hath drawn a smile so sweet, Nor could depict the majesty of that pure brow;

No canvas ever glowed with such a holy light As shines from His most radiant image in my heart. The dearest earthly friend may fail in time of need, The sweetest and the loveliest grow cold at heart, The nearest may not heed the throbbing hearts sad cry, The gayest throng may hold the loneliest solitude, But Jesus, Jesus never fails my call to hear. Oh, may the music of Thy name more clearly fall Upon my ears attuned to catch that sweetest sound! Oh, may Thine image in my heart so bright become That I by gazing may be changed into the same; Oh, blessed Jesus, let Thy presence neer depart, Oh, come and reign forevermore within my heart!

NOVEMBER 6 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable serviceRom. 12: 1. To render all we have to the Lord's service is not only a reasonable thing, but an offering far too smallfar less than what we would like to render to Him who has manifested such compassion and grace toward us. And we should feel thus, even if there were no rewards attached to such a consecration of ourselves. But inasmuch as God has attached great rewards and blessings, we should feel not only that a refusal to accept would be an indication of non-appreciation of Divine mercy but also an indication of weakness of mind, of judgment, which is unable to balance the trifling and transitory pleasures of self-will for a few short years, with an eternity of joy and blessing and glory, in harmony with the LordZ '00, 170 (R 2642). This exhortation is not given to induce us to consecrate in the hope of getting thereby a great reward; but rather to do so out of a thorough trust in God, a thankful love for the good already received and an appreciative love for the good that God is and does. These qualities, wrought in us by the Truth seen and experienced in justification, enable us to render the Lord our little all, not only in its presentation but also unto its full consummation in death as a sacrifice. If we exercise the power, love, justice and wisdom that the Lord daily works in us, we will be enabled to carry out our consecration unto God's glory, others' profit and our eternal welfareP '30, 183. Parallel passages: 2 Cor. 10: 1; Psa. 50: 5, 14; 45: 10, 11; Prov. 23: 26; Matt. 13: 44-46; 16: 24; Rom. 6: 13, 16; 1 Cor. 6: 13, 20; 2 Cor. 8: 5; Heb. 10: 7; 1 Pet. 2: 5, 9. Hymns: 160, 114, 134, 191, 244, 8, 14. Poems of Dawn, 37: My Sacrifice. Tower Reading: Z '14, 86 (R 5422). Questions: Have I been carrying out my consecration this week? Under what circumstances was my consecration tested? How have I been meeting the calls on my consecration? What has helped or hindered me? What are the effects? MY SACRIFICE LAID on Thine altar, O my Lord Divine, Accept this gift to-day, for Jesus sake. I have no jewels to adorn Thy shrine, Nor any world-famed sacrifice to make; But here I bring, within my trembling hand, This will of minea thing that seemeth small; And Thou alone, O Lord, canst understand How, when I yield Thee this, I yield mine all.

Hidden therein Thy searching gaze canst see Struggles of passions, visions of delight, All that I have, or am, or fain would be Deep loves, fond hopes, and longings infinite. It hath been wet with tears, and dimmed with sighs, Clenched in my grasp till beauty hath it none. Now, from Thy footstool, where it vanquished lies, The prayer ascendethMay Thy will be done! Take it, O Father, ere my courage fail; And merge it so in Thine own will that I May never have a wish to take it back; When heart and courage fail, to Thee Id fly. So change, so purify, so like Thine own Make Thou my will, so graced with love Divine, I may not know or feel it as mine own, But recognize my will as one with Thine.

NOVEMBER 7 And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of GodRev. 20: 4. Although this beheading is figurative and not literal, it nevertheless has a deep significance. . . . It signifies, not only death to self-will but also to be cut off from all other heads, governments and law-givers, and to recognize no "Head" but Jesus, whom God has appointed to be the Head of the Church, which is His Bodythe Head of every member of it. It means not only to be cut off from institutional heads and authorities but also to cease to have heads and wills of our own, and to accept, instead, the Headship, the will, of our Lord Jesus. It is the same thought that is drawn to our attention by the Apostle in Rom. 6: 3, where he declares that the Little Flock have been baptized into the Body of Christ, as members of that Body, under the one Head, Christ, by being baptized into His deatha full consecration of the wills, and a full laying down of the lives, faithfully unto deathZ '00, 285 (R 2699). The beheading here meant cannot refer to a literal beheading; for that would exclude Jesus, Peter, Stephen, John and Thomas from the Little Flock, of whom we have inspired evidence that they overcame. Doubtless it would exclude many others from it who are of it. It must, therefore, be a symbolic beheading, i.e., a giving up of natural hearts, minds and wills, so that Jesus can be taken in His heart, mind and will as the Head. We undergo and maintain this beheading on account of our allegiance to the Truth, which describes God and Christ in relation to our and the world's salvationP '35, 171. Parallel passages: Matt. 13: 44-46; Rom. 6: 311, 16, 19; 12: 1-5; 2 Cor. 8: 12; Matt. 7: 21-23; Mark 10: 35-39; 12: 42, 43; Acts 18: 5; Rom. 10: 9-11; 1 John 1: 6; Rev. 6: 11. Hymns: 322, 134, 8, 259, 208, 191, 299. Poems of Dawn, 256: In Due Time. Tower Reading: Z '01, 227 (R 2844). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? What were the circumstances and results? IN DUE TIME IN Thy due time, our Heavenly Father, shall be known Thy gracious plan, which now is hid Except unto thy saints alone. O glorious day, when Thine All-wisdom, justice, power and love, The whole creation shall approve! In His due time, O blessed Jesus, Thou shalt see

The travail of Thy soul, and shalt Be satisfied eternally; Thine agony on Calvary,the price that Thou didst give, Shall cause the dead again to live! In Gods due time, O pilgrim on the narrow way, Thy painful journey ended, darkest Night shall turn to brightest day; Thine every trial, then, thine every tear, shall prove a gem To beautify thy diadem! In His due time, O weary, groaning, sin-cursed Earth, The Lord will wipe away thy tears, And bring the promised second birth; And there shall be no pain, nor any death in that blest day When sin and sorrow flee away! In His due time angelic choirs shall sing again In grander strain that heavenly message, Peace on earth, good will toward men! And every knee shall bow, and every loving heart confess The Christ who comes to reign and bless!

NOVEMBER 8 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vainExodus 20: 7. Although this commandment was not given to spiritual Israel, we can readily see how the spirit of it comes to us. . . . We have taken the name of Christ as our name. . . . The holy name of the Head belongs to all the consecrated. . . . What carefulness the thought of this should give us, and how appropriately we should say to ourselves: "I must see to it that I have not taken the Lord's name in vain, that I appreciate the honor, dignity and responsibility of my position as His representative and ambassador in the world. I will walk circumspectly, seeking as far as possible to bring no dishonor to that name, but contrariwise to honor it in every thought and word and deed"Z '04, 73 (R 3329). The name of God stands for His appellation, nature, character, reputation, honor, office and word. As God's representatives, the consecrated take His name in all these ways now tentatively, and after the resurrection fixedly and eternally. To take His name in vain would imply either to neglect to use, or to misuse the privileges that come to us in our consecration as God's representatives. Accordingly, he who is unfaithful in his consecration takes the name of God in vain; while he who is faithful to his consecration vows, takes God's name properly and in harmony with its purpose. So to do should be our daily purposeP '34, 159. Parallel passages: Lev. 19: 12; 22: 32; 24: 10-16; Deut. 4: 10; 5: 29; 10: 12, 20, 21; Josh. 24: 14; 1 Sam. 2: 30; Job 21: 14; 40: 2; Prov. 30: 8, 9; Rom. 12: 1; Matt. 10: 22; 25: 1429. Hymns: 278, 14, 196, 224, 277, 198, 8. Poems of Dawn, 92: Believe Good Things of God. Tower Reading: Z '14, 55 (R 5404). Questions: What have I done this week with God's name? How? Why? With what results? BELIEVE GOOD THINGS OF GOD WHEN in the storm it seems to thee That He who rules the raging sea Is sleeping, still, on bended knee, Believe good things of God. When thou hast sought in vain to find The silver thread of love entwined In lifes soft, tangled web, resigned, Believe good things of God.

And should He smite thee till thy heart Is crushed beneath the bruising smart, Still, while the bitter teardrops start, Believe good things of God. Tis true thou mayst not understand The dealings of thy Fathers hand; But trusting what His love hath planned, Believe good things of God. He loves thee; in that love confide; Unchanging, faithful, true and tried; And through whatever may betide, Believe good things of God.

NOVEMBER 9 The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye wouldGal. 5: 17. Here is the great and continual battle; for although the new will asserts itself and puts the body under and compels its subjection to the new mind, nevertheless the mortal body, not being actually dead, is continually coming in contact with the world and the Adversary and is continually being stimulated by these and reinvigorated with earthly cares, ambitions, methods, strivings, conflicts and insubordination to our new will. No saint is without experiences of this kind fightings without and within. It must be a fight to the finish or the great prize for which we fight will not be gained. For although the new heart, mind and will masters the mortal body by the Lord's grace and strength repeatedly, nevertheless until death there can be no cessation of the conflictZ '03, 424 (R 3272). By the word flesh here the human disposition, natural or acquired, is meant; while by the word spirit the new heart, mind and will, undeveloped or developed, is meant. Even if the flesh were not depraved, it would yet be inimical to the spirit; for it is of the earth, earthy, and hence aspires to earthly things, while the spirit is of the heavens, heavenly, and aspires to heavenly things, which can be obtained only at the sacrifice of earthly things. Consequently there is a constant conflict between the flesh and the spirit. This prevents our doing perfectly, as we will to do. This conflict will continue until the flesh or spirit diesP '33, 162. Parallel passages: Matt. 26: 41; Mark 7: 21-23; Rom. 6: 12-22; 7: 14-25; 8: 1-13; 13: 1114; 1 Pet. 2: 11; 1 Cor. 2: 9; Eph. 5: 3-5; Col. 3: 5; Jas. 3: 14-16; Gal. 5: 16. Hymns: 343, 150, 78, 4, 47, 196, 198. Poems of Dawn, 199: "So As by Fire." Tower Reading: Z '13, 103 (R 5211). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered? What were the results? SO AS BY FIRE I SOMETIMES feel so passionate a yearning For spiritual perfection here below, This vigorous frame with healthful fervor burning, Seems my determined foe. So actively it makes a stern resistance, So cruelly it sometimes wages war Against the higher spiritual existence,

Which I am striving for. It interrupts my souls intense devotions; Some hope it strangles at its very birth With a swift rush of violent emotions Which link me to the earth. It is as if two mortal foes contended Within my bosom in a deadly strife; One for the loftier aims Jesus intended, One for the Mammon life. And yet I know this very war within me, Which brings out all my will-power and control; This very conflict yet through Christ shall win me The loved and longed-for goal. And when in the immortal ranks enlisted, Sometimes I wonder if we shall not find That not for deeds alone, but also whats resisted, Our places were assigned.

NOVEMBER 10 Love . . . rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth1 Cor. 13: 4, 6. Are the principles of right and wrong so firmly fixed in my mind, and am I so thoroughly in accord with the right and so opposed to the wrong, that I would not encourage the wrong, but must condemn it, even if it brought advantage to me? Am I so in accord with right, with truth, that I could not avoid rejoicing in the Truth and in its prosperity, even to the upsetting of some of my preconceived opinions, or to the disadvantage of some of my earthly interests? The love of God, which the Apostle is here describing as the spirit of the Lord's people, is a love which is far above selfishness, and is based upon fixed principles which should, day by day, be more and more distinctly discerned, and always firmly adhered to at any cost Z '03, 57 (R 3150). Iniquity is untruth in theory and practice. Charity, being based on a delight in good principles, cannot rejoice in iniquity. While it sympathizes with the brethren and pities the world in their iniquities, it is pained and distressed by the latter, which it abhors correspondingly as it rejoices in the Truth in theory and practice. It cannot but rejoice in God's Plan and Spirit because they are the embodiment of every good principle in faith and conduct. It rejoices in the principles, aims, conflicts, works, successes, triumphs and spirit of the Truth, and that because of its delight in good principles and thingsP '32, 167. Parallel passages: Psa. 10: 3; Rom. 1: 32; 2 john 4; Neh. 8: 10-12; Psa. 9: 2; 13: 5; 19: 8; 40: 16; 46: 4; 89: 15; 97: 11, 12; 119: 1, 16, 55, 111, 165; Isa. 12; Jer. 15: 16; Heb. 10: 34; 1 Pet. 1: 8; Acts 11: 18, 22, 23. Hymns: 95, 130, 136, 165, 149, 179, 204. Poems of Dawn, 120: Master, Say On! Tower Reading: Z '02, 197 (R 3033). Questions: Have I this week rejoiced in iniquity or in the Truth? Why? How? With what results? MASTER, SAY ON! MASTER, speak! Thy servant heareth, Longing for Thy gracious word, Longing for Thy voice that cheereth; Master, let it now be heard. I am listening, Lord, for Thee; What hast Thou to say to me? Often through my heart is pealing Many another voice than Thine,

Many an unwilled echo stealing From the walls of this Thy shrine. Let Thy longed-for accents fall; Master, speak! and silence all. Master, speak! I cannot doubt Thee; Thou wilt through lifes pathway lead; Savior, Shepherd, oh! without Thee Life would be a blank indeed. Yet I seek still fuller light, Deeper love, and clearer sight. Resting on the faithful saying, Trusting what Thy gospel saith, On Thy written promise staying All my hope in life and death; Yet I ask for more and more From Thy loves exhaustless store. Master, speak! And make me ready, As Thy voice is daily heard, With obedience glad and steady Still to follow every word. I am listening, Lord, for Thee: Master, speak, speak on, to me!

NOVEMBER 11 Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue [fortitude]2 Pet. 1: 5. One great difficulty with the Lord's people is that, even when determined for a right course and thus resisting the temptation, they do not take sufficiently positive action. Many say to the tempter, I have concluded not to yield at this time. Thus they leave in their own minds an opportunity open by which the tempter may return. Our Lord's course was the proper one: we should dismiss the tempter once and forever. We should take our stand so firmly that even the Adversary would not think it worthwhile to come back at us along that line; "Leave me, Adversary, I will worship and serve my God alone"Z '04, 10 (R 3296). After we have developed mental appreciation of, and heart reliance upon God and Christ as the foundation of Christian character, we are to build upon this basis the other higher primary graces, beginning with fortitude, whose essence is hope for victory. The Lord has given us the objects for such hope and a sure basis for it in His Oath-bound Covenant, Christ's Priestly office and the Spirit's participation. Such hope will make us brave to meet any difficulty and to fight on against any foe. To develop such fortitude will require constant diligence. Otherwise our efforts, unsustained by faithfulness, will ultimately prove insufficient for overcomingP '26, 157. Parallel passages: Heb. 11: 1, 2, 39; Psa. 27: 13; Rom. 8: 24, 25; 2 Cor. 4: 18; 5: 7; Josh. 1: 1-9; 2 Chron. 19: 11; Prov. 28: 1; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Phil. 1: 27, 28; 2 Tim. 1: 7. Hymns: 197, 174, 228, 92, 29, 58, 201. Poems of Dawn, 76: O Soul of Mine! Tower Reading: Z '15, 179 (R 5705). Questions: Have I this week added fortitude to faith? How? Under what circumstances? With what results? O SOUL OF MINE! O SOUL of mine, be calm, be still, Submit thyself to God, In all thy ways yield to His will, Nor faint beneath the rod. O soul of mine, like potters clay Within the Masters hand, O let Him mould thee day by day, Till faultless thou shalt stand. O soul of mine, have faith, believe, Nor count the cost of strife,

Fight on, faint not, thou shalt receive At last the Crown of Life!

NOVEMBER 12 Be not faithless, but believingJohn 20: 27. It is impossible for us to come near to the Lord except as we shall exercise faith and trust in Him, in His goodness, in His power, in His wisdom, in His love. Faith is a matter of cultivation, of development. The same Apostles who cried out in terror when the storm was upon the Sea of Galilee gradually grew stronger and stronger in faith until, as the records show, they could and did trust the Lord in His absence and where they could not trace Him. Similarly it should be a part of our daily lesson to cultivate trust in the Lord, and to think of the experiences in the past in our lives and all these lessons in His Word, that thus our faith in Him may become rooted and groundedZ '04, 89 (R 3337). To be faithless implies that one does not exercise a mental appreciation of, and heart's reliance upon, God and Christ with respect to Their persons, characters, words and works, while to be believing implies that one exercises a mental appreciation of, and heart's reliance upon, God and Christ in respect to Their persons, characters, words and works. They do not deserve unbelief, and no child of God should insult Them therewith; for unbelief in act tells God and Christ that They are unreliable. On the contrary, we should be very zealous to prove to Them in acts that we rely implicitly upon Them as dependable in Their persons, characters, words and works. Thus we will be pleasing to ThemP '36, 165, 166. Parallel passages: Ex. 4: 1; Num. 20: 12; Psa. 78: 19, 21, 22, 32; 95: 8-11; 106: 7, 24; Isa. 7: 9; 53: 1-3; Matt. 17: 17, 19, 20; Mark 6: 2-6; 9: 24; Mark 16: 14, 16; Luke 8: 12, 18; 24: 11, 21, 25, 26; John 16: 8, 9; Rom. 3: 3; 10: 6, 7, 14. Hymns: 174, 12, 56, 63, 93, 124, 251. Poems of Dawn, 83: Assurance. Tower Reading: Z '15, 40 (R 5624). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? ASSURANCE IT may not come to us as we have thought, The blessed consciousness of sins forgiven; We may not hear a voice that shall proclaim Our title clear to the sweet rest of heaven. We may not see a light upon the path Above the brightness of the noonday sun, Whose radiance shall reveal our names enrolled As ransomed by the Lords Anointed One.

Not thus may the sweet knowledge come to us, That all is well with us forevermore; Not with a flash of glory on the soul Do all pass into life through Christ the door. But like the winter merging into spring, Or gently as the trees put forth their leaves, May come to us the impulse of that life Which God bestows on those sin truly grieves. If we are conscious of a firm resolve To follow Jesus as our constant guide; If, in prosperity or in distress, Our hearts cling closely to the Crucified; If we are not ashamed to have it known That in His service is our chief delight; Though we may never feel the ecstasy Which those attain who reach the mountain height; Yet, if the hour of secret prayer be sweet, When we hold converse with the Friend Divine, And dear the time when with His own we meet, For us the promise stands, They shall be Mine.

NOVEMBER 13 Your Father knoweth what things ye have need ofMatt. 6: 8. Our petitions, our requests, our cries to the Lord, therefore, should be for the holiness of heart, for the filling of His Spirit, for the spiritual food, refreshment, strength; and as for the natural things, He knows the way we take and what would be to our best interests as Christians. We are to leave this to Him; He would not be pleased to see us importuning Him for things which He did not give us, for to do so would not be an exemplification of faith in Him, but the reversean exemplification of doubt, a manifestation of fear that He was forgetting or neglecting His promise to give us the things needfulZ '04, 90 (R 3337). We stand in need of earthly and heavenly things, but we do not understand the details respecting them. Nor do we know in what order, time, place and manner these needs may best be supplied. Therefore we should refrain from giving the Lord specific directions respecting the supply of them. It is enough for us to know that God knows their every detail, and just how, when and where to supply them. Nor need we doubt His willingness to supply them, because as our Father He pities us more than earthly fathers pity their children. Therefore let us wait on Him, grateful and content in His provision for us P '30, 183. Parallel passages: Psa. 38: 9; 69: 17-19; 139: 2; Matt. 6: 32-34; Luke 11: 13; John 16: 23, 24; Phil. 4: 6, 19; 1 John 5: 14, 15. Hymns: 121, 301, 67, 99, 293, 63, 333. Poems of Dawn, 109: I Know Not the Way That's Before Me. Tower Reading: Z '15, 38 (R 5623). Questions: What events of the week indicate the Lord's providence over me? Have I trusted or worried during the week? What helped or hindered? What lessons did I learn from the experiences? I KNOW NOT THE WAY THATS BEFORE ME I KNOW not the way thats before me, The joys or the griefs it may bring; What clouds are oerhanging the future, What flowers by the wayside may spring. But theres One who will journey beside me, Nor in weal nor in woe will forsake; And this is my solace and comfort, He knoweth the way that I take.

NOVEMBER 14 Take heed therefore unto yourselves . . . for grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themActs 20: 2830. It is necessary for the discipline, trial and final proving of the Church of God that they should be subjected to these adverse influences; for to him that overcomes them is the promise of the great reward. If we would share in the Kingdom with Christ, we must prove our worthiness by the same tests of loyalty to God, of faith in His Word, of zeal for the Truth, of patient endurance of reproach and persecution, even unto death, and of unwavering trust in the power and purpose of God to deliver and exalt His Church in due time. To such faithful ones are the blessed consolations of Psalm 91Z '04, 74 (R 3331). Wolves are not God's, but Satan's servants, who come among God's people with evil and destructive intent. They, therefore, seek not the welfare but rather the lifeblood of God's flock. They pursue and terrify; they bite and devour His sheep. They spare neither the old nor the young among the flock. Those who arise from among the brethren, taking teaching positions, and using them to falsify the teachings of the Word, have been of two classes: Great Company and Second Death sifters. Both have taught doctrines that are perversions of the Truth, though the latter class does worse than the former class in this respect. They do so to win a following. God's elect take heed of all three classes, and do so by studying, practicing and spreading the TruthP '35, 171. Parallel passages: Jer. 23: 1; Ezek. 34: 1-10; John 10: 12; Matt. 7: 15; Heb. 6: 4-6; 10: 2629; 2 Pet. 2: 1, 22; Jude 3-19; 2 Tim. 1: 15; 3: 1-9; 1 Tim. 1: 19, 20. Hymns: 130, 1, 13, 44, 71, 120, 315. Poems of Dawn, 304: 'Twas a Sheep. Tower Reading: Z '14, 29 (R 5388). Questions: What have been the week's experiences in line with this text? Under what circumstances did they occur? How were they met? In what did they result? 'TWAS A SHEEP TWAS a sheep, not a lamb, that went astray In the parable Jesus told; Twas a grown-up sheep that wandered away From the ninety and nine in the fold. And out on the hilltops and out in the cold Twas a sheep that the Good Shepherd sought, And back to the flock, and back to the fold, Twas a sheep that the Good Shepherd brought.

Now, why should the sheep be so carefully fed And cared for still today? One reason is that if they go wrong They will lead the lambs astray; For lambs often follow the sheep, you know, Wherever they wander, wherever they go. And if sheep go wrong, it will not be long Till some lambs are as wrong as they; So, still with the sheep we must earnestly plead, For the sake of the lambs today. If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost Some sheep will have to pay!

NOVEMBER 15 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked 1 John 2: 6. He is to walk as our Lord walked, in his general deportment and relationship to everything that is good and correspondingly to avoid everything that is evil. He is to walk as nearly as possible in the footsteps of Jesus. This, however, does not mean that he either should or could, in an imperfect body, walk up to all the perfection of his Lord, who even in His flesh was perfect. It means just what it says, that we should walk as He walkedin the same way, in the same direction, toward the same mark and standard that He recognized and establishedZ '03, 345 (R 3235). To abide in Christ implies not only consecration and Spirit-infilling but also continuity in the consecrated attitude, deadness to self and the world, and aliveness unto God. Jesus fulfilled His consecration vows: He remained dead to self and the world and alive unto God. Therefore, He studied the Word, watched and prayed in harmony with the Word, spread and practiced the Word, and suffered in holiness for faithfulness to the Word. Whoever abides in Christ not only ought so to conduct himself, but surely in spirit will perfectly so do, and in flesh as nearly perfectly as his fallen earthen vessel will permit. A blessed walk indeed is the walk like Christ's. Who so does possesses all thingsP '34, 159. Parallel passages: John 15: 1-9; 13: 15, 34; Phil. 2: 5-8; 1 Pet. 2: 21-24; Matt. 11: 29; 20: 28; Mark 10: 43-45; Luke 22: 26, 27; Rom. 8: 29; 15: 2, 3, 5, 7; Eph. 5: 2; 1 Cor. 3: 13; Heb. 12: 2-4; 1 John 3: 16; 4: 17; 2 John 9; Rev. 3: 21; 14: 4. Hymns: 196, 28, 325, 326, 323, 167, 198. Poems of Dawn, 28: Christ, Our Teacher. Tower Reading: Z '14, 126 (R 5446). Questions: Have I imitated Jesus this week? Under what circumstances? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? CHRIST, OUR TEACHER LET Him teach thee, weary soul; (Psa. 27: 11.) Let His hands now make thee whole; (Job 5: 18.) Let His peace thy heart control,(Col. 3: 15.) Let Him teach thee. Into paths of righteousness (Psa. 23: 3.) Let Him lead and let Him bless; (Psa. 67: 7.) Let Him save thee from distress, (Psa. 107: 13.) Let Him teach thee.

Let Him guide thee with His eye: (Psa. 32: 8.) Let His hand thy need supply; (Phil. 4: 19.) Let His goodness satisfy,(Psa. 65: 4.) Let Him teach thee. Let His good Word sanctify; (Jno. 17: 17.) Let the furnace purify; (1 Peter 1: 7.) Let Him say, Fear not; tis I,(Mark 6: 50.) Let Him teach thee. Let Him probe thy heart within; (Psa. 66: 10.) Let Him search out every sin; (Psa. 139: 23.) Let the glorious light shine in,(2 Cor. 4: 6.) Let Him teach thee. Let the Shepherd kindly feed; Let Him firmly, truly lead; (Isa. 40: 11.) (Hell not break the bruised reed,) (Isa. 42: 3.) Let Him teach thee. Let Him give thee songs at night; (Job 35: 10.) Let Him make the darkness light; (Isa. 42: 16.) Let Him set thy spirit right,(Psa. 51: 10.) Let Him teach thee. In the tumult let Him hide, (Psa. 27: 5; 31: 20.) Let Him keep thee at His side; (Ex. 33: 21.) Let His name be glorified(Isa. 61.3.) Let Him teach thee.

NOVEMBER 16 She hath done what she couldMark 14: 8. It is not our privilege to come into personal contact with our dear Redeemer, but it is our privilege to anoint the Lord's "brethren" with the sweet perfume of love, sympathy, joy and peace, and the more costly this may be as respects our selfdenials, the more precious it will be in the estimation of our Elder Brother, who declared that in proportion as we do or do not unto His brethren, we do or do not unto Him. . . . . Our alabaster boxes are our hearts, which should be full of the richest and sweetest perfumes of good wishes, kindness and love toward all, but especially toward . . . our Lord Jesus, and toward all His disciples . . . on whom we now have the privilege of pouring out the sweet odors of love and devotion in the name of the Lord, because we are HisZ '99,78; '00, 378 (R 2447, 2743). It was not because Jesus was without knowledge of Mary's human weaknesses that He was appreciative of her good deed wrought on Him; but despite that knowledge He had the nobility of character that could look upon both her ability and intention, and this made Him so appreciative of Mary, whom He knew to have intended the best she had for Him, and to have done it to the best of her ability. Therefore as a memorial to her, He gladly praised her. And doubtless He purposed that this praise should be a lesson and an encouragement for us, that we may learn to appreciate the good deeds, the loving deeds, of others, and be encouraged to do good. If with our best intentions and ability we break our alabaster boxes on His consecrated ones, He will appreciate our deed and mention it as a memorial of our having done what we could. Than this God asks no more of us; nor should we yield lessP '33, 162. Parallel passages: Ezek. 9: 11; Matt. 25: 14-17; Luke 21: 1-4; Rom. 12: 3-8; Eph. 4: 7; 6: 8; 1 Tim. 6: 20; 1 Cor. 3: 8, 12-15; 16: 2; 2 Cor. 8: 11-24; Rev. 2: 23. Hymns: 200, 8, 14, 177, 224, 259, 114. Poems of Dawn, 220: She Hath Done What She Could. Tower Reading: Z '05, 103 (R 3534). Questions: What have I done this week for the Lord? How? Why? With what results? SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD THE Feast was spread at Simons house, and as they sat at meat, A woman came and silent stood within the open door Close pressed against her throbbing heart an alabaster box Of purest spikenard, costly, rare, she held. With modest fear, She dreaded to attract the curious gaze of those

within, And yet her well-beloved Friend was there, her Master, Lord. With wondrous intuition she divined that this might be Her last, her only opportunity to show her love; She thought of all that He had done for her, the holy hours She spent enraptured at His feet, unmindful of all else, If only she might hear those words of Truth, those words of Life. She thought of that dark hour when Lazarus lay within the tomb And how He turned her night to day, her weeping into joy. Her fair face flushed, with deepening gratitude her pure eyes shone; With swift, light step she crossed the crowded room. She bravely met Those questioning eyes (for Love will find its way through paths where lions Fear to tread); with trembling hands she broke the seal and poured The precious contents of the box upon her Saviors feet, And all the house was filled with fragrance wonderful and sweet. She could not speak, her hearts devotion was too deep, her tears Fell softly, while she took her chiefest ornament, her long And silken hair and wiped His sacred feet,when suddenly A rude voice broke the golden silence with, What waste! this might Have sold for much, to feed the poor! She lower bent her head To her it seemed so mean a gift for love so great to make! Again a voice re-echoed through the room, her blessed Lords, (He half arose and gently laid His hand upon her hair) And how it thrilled her fainting heart to hear Him sweetly say,

Rebuke her not, for she hath wrought a good work, what she could; Aforehand, to anoint Me for my burying, she hath come, and this her deed of love throughout the ages shall be told! * * * How oft since first I read the story of this saint of old, My own poor heart hath burned with fervent, longing, deep desire, That I might thus have ministered unto my Lord and King The chiefest of ten thousand, altogether lovely One. And now, to learnoh! precious thought, tis not too late, I still May pour Loves priceless ointment on the members of His Feet! Dear Lord, I pray, oh! help me break with sacrificial hand The seal of Self, and pour the pent-up odors of my heart Upon Thy Feet! Oh! Let me spend my days and nights in toil, That I, perchance, may save from needless wandering, and help To keep them in the narrow way that leads to light and life. Oh! let me lay within their trembling hands a rose of love, A lilys pure and holy inspiration on their breast! Dear Master, let me kneel with them in dark Gethsemane; Oh! help me boldly stand and meekly bear the scoffs and jeers Of cruel, mocking tongues! Oh! may I count no cost, een life Itself, too great to serve, to bless, to comfort Thy dear Feet, And when the last drop of my hearts devotion hath been shed, Oh, may I hear Thy sweet voice say, She hath done what she could!

NOVEMBER 17 He shall give his angels [messengers] a charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways Psa. 91: 11. That is, God will raise up some faithful pastors and teachers who will "watch for your souls as they that must give an account." True, there shall arise false teachers, perverting the Word of the Lord and seeking by cunning sophistries to subvert your souls; but if in simplicity of heart God's children require a "Thus saith the Lord" for every element of their faith, and carefully prove all things by the Word, they will be able to distinguish readily the true from the false. And having done so, the Apostle Paul (Heb. 13: 17) counsels us to have confidence. The Lord, our Shepherd, will care for the true sheepZ '04, 75 (R 3331). God's angels, messengers, are varifold; some are animate, some are inanimate. His animate messengers are sometimes human, sometimes spiritual. Of both His animate and inanimate messengers it can be said that they have been charged with the, ministry of protecting God's saints; particularly, however, does this apply to His animate angels. While God's spiritual angels have been given a providential oversight over God's people to protect them in ways other than those of the Spirit and the Word, His human angels have been given the special ministry of guarding them by the Spirit and Word in the paths of the Truth and its Spirit. This is the especial charge of the teachers in the Church, though all God's people are charged with the ministry of one another as they are able P '32, 167. Parallel passages: Gen. 19: 16; 32: 1, 2; 1 Kings 19: 5; 2 Kings 6: 17; Psa. 34: 7; 68: 17; 63: 9; 103: 20, 21; Dan. 3: 28; 6: 22; Matt. 4: 11; 18: 10; Luke 1: 19; 2: 9-14; 22: 43; Acts 12: 7; 27: 23; Heb. 1: 14. Hymns: 120, 121, 286, 288, 216, 293, 301. Poems of Dawn, 84: His Veiled Angels Guard Thee. Tower Reading: Z '13, 182 (R 5257). Questions: What experiences of the week show the Lord's care? How did they affect me? HIS VEILED ANGELS GUARD THEE
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.Psa. 34: 7. He shall give His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.Psa. 91: 11. Are they not all ministerring spirits sent forth to minister unto them that shall be heirs of salvation?Heb. 1: 14.

OFTEN when thourt faint and weary in the struggle and the strife, And thy heart nigh sinks within thee, neath the strain

and stress of life: When thourt tempted, tried and fearful, and thou canst not see the way, And each night looms black with shadows from thy sorrows in the day; I would ask thee still to trust Him, He who sees all in the light, For He guards thee by His angels, though theyre veiled from thy sight Yea, He guards thee by His angels, though theyre veiled from thy sight. Oh, be watchful, oh, be sober, for the Adversary tries To allure us to destruction by his subtly fashioned lies. He would sift us, he would tempt us, he would claim us for his prey, And his legions ever watch us a as we tread the Narrow Way: But we know of his devices, and we trust Jehovahs might, For He guards us by His angels, though theyre veiled from our sight Yea, He guards us by His angels, though theyre veiled from our sight. There is One who knows thy weakness, and thy failings, and thy tears, Thy burdens and thy sorrows, and thy tremblings and thy fears; And thy heart-cries always reach Him, and are answered in His way, Though thou canst not see His workings as they shape thy path each day. Sad disaster had oerwhelmed thee, had He not put forth His might, Through His angels that surround thee, but are veiled from thy sight Guardian angels that surround thee, but are veiled from thy sight. Ah, believe me, when the Day breaks, and we know as we are known, In the sunlight of the glory that surrounds our Fathers Throne, He will tell us how He led us: we shall see the path-

way clear, The way we trod that led to God through failing, fault and fear. And well see those guardian angels who were veiled from our sight, We shall understand the workings of the Power put forth in might: Yea, and with those guardian angels who were veiled from our sight, We shall see our Savior, and our God, in Heavens Eternal Light.

NOVEMBER 18 The Angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth themPsa. 34: 7. How it enlarges the confidence of a Christian to realize that while earthly powers may be in opposition, and while he may be really of himself powerless to resist adversaries, and while in addition to the flesh and blood adversaries he may realize that he battles also with spiritual wickedness in exalted placesagainst Satan and his minions of darknessyet, that, on the other hand, "greater is he that is on our part than all that be against us," and that all the heavenly hosts are subject to the Divine will and may be employed for the advancement of the Divine cause according to Divine wisdom!Z '97, 120 (R 2139). Our Lord Jesus is the special Messenger of the Lord and is here meant by the Angel of the Lord. Those that fear the Lord are His saints, whose fear of Jehovah is one of reverence. They are the especial targets of Satan, who seeks through their flesh and the world to entice them into sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. They would be helpless against his wiles, if the Lord Jesus would not Himself form a camp, an armed defense, about them, repelling the Adversary's attacks by His Power, Word and providences, whereby He delivers them. To experience such deliverance, it is necessary for them to avail themselves of His protection, and to co-operate with Him against Satan's onslaughts. Thus they share with Jesus in victory after victory in this holy war for God P '26, 157. Parallel passages: Gen. 19: 16; 32: 1, 2; 1 Kings 19: 5; 2 Kings 6: 17; Psa. 34: 7; 68: 17; 63: 9; 103: 20, 21; Dan. 3: 28; 6: 22; Matt. 4: 11; 18: 10; Luke 1: 19; 2: 9-14; 22: 43; Acts 12: 7; 27: 23; Heb. 1: 14. Hymns: 330, 63, 121, 293, 294, 301, 328. Poems of Dawn, 183: "Your Father Knoweth What Things Ye Have Need Of." Tower Reading: Z '15, 55 (R 5633). Questions: What deliverances did I experience this week? What conditions did I fulfill to experience them? How did I feel about it? YOUR FATHER KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE HAVE NEED OF MATT. 6: 8. OUR Father knows what things we need Each step along the way, His eye of love doth never sleep, He watches night and day.

He knows sometimes, like ripening grain, We need the sunshine bright, Again He sends the peace that comes With shadows of the night. Sometimes our pride would fain unfurl Ambitions flaunting sail, Ah! then He knows we need to walk Humiliations vale. Sometimes He takes our eager hands And folds them on our breast, He gently lays our work aside, He knows we need to rest. Sometimes we need companionship, Sometimes, the wilderness, How sweet to feel Hell know and give The state that most will bless! Then let us leave it all with Him. Assured that, come what may, Our father knows just what we need. Upon our pilgrim-way.

NOVEMBER 19 Let us watch and be sober1 Thes. 5: 6. Let us watch in the sense of taking careful notice of all the directions which the Lord our God has given us, respecting what would be acceptable service to Him. Let us watch ourselves, striving to walk as nearly as possible in the footsteps of the great High Priest. Let us be sober in the sense that we will not be frivolous; that while happy, joyous in the Lord, free from the anxious cares that are upon many others through misapprehension of our Father's character and Plan, we may, nevertheless, be sober in the sense of earnest appreciation of present opportunities and privileges in connection with the Lord's servicenot thoughtlessly negligent, letting opportunities and privileges slip through our hands to be afterwards regretted Z '02, 239 (R 3054). The word watch implies sentinelship. It suggests that we be armed, remain awake, survey our dispositions, thoughts, motives, words, acts, surroundings and influences operating on and from us, challenge all things that would enter or leave the camp of our minds and hearts, be incredulous to their claims of friendliness, require proof of such claims, capture those unable to furnish such proof, permit egress or ingress on such proof, survey the whole sphere of our duties and privileges, and remain on guard until relieved. To be sober implies balance of disposition and judgment, not over or under estimating the participants of our warfare, recognizing our infirmities, needs, purposes and attainments, those of our enemies, the powers, purposes and helps of our Leader, the hardships, duration and purpose of our warfare and the certainty of defeat to the unfaithful and of victory to the faithful, and from such consideration exercise great and continual carefulnessP '36, 166. Parallel passages: Ex. 23: 13; 34: 12; Deut. 4: 9, 23; Josh. 22: 5; 1 Kings 8: 25; Psa. 39: 1;141: 3; Prov. 4: 23; Mal. 2: 15; Matt. 16: 6; 24: 4; 26: 40, 41; Luke 11: 35; Acts 20: 2831; 1 Cor. 10: 12; 16: 13; Eph. 5: 15; 6: 18; 1 Tim. 4: 16; Heb. 2: 1; 3: 12; 1 Pet. 1: 13; 4: 7; 5: 8. Hymns: 13, 145, 1, 20, 44, 130, 183. Poems of Dawn, 239: Courage! Morning Dawns. Tower Reading: Z '13, 181 (R 5256). Questions: Have I this week heeded this text? How? Why? What did it effect? COURAGE! MORNING DAWNS THOUGH the night be dark and dreary, Though the way be long and weary, Morn shall bring thee light and cheer; Child, look up, the morn is near.

Though thine eyes be sad with weeping, Through the night thy vigils keeping, God shall wipe thy tears away, Turn thy darkness into day. Though thy spirit faint with fasting Through the hours so slowly wasting, Morn shall bring a glorious feast. Thou shalt sit an honored guest.

NOVEMBER 20 If ye do these things, ye shall never fall2 Pet. 1: 10. The contingency is not in the doing of these things perfectly, and regardless of the righteousness of Christ to cover our transgressions and compensate for our daily shortcomings; but if, added to our faith in the imputed righteousness of Christ, we have cultivated all these graces to the extent of our ability, we shall not fall. When we have done all that we can do, we are still unprofitable servants, not daring to trust in our own righteousness, but in the ample robe which is ours by faith in Christ, while, with consistent "diligence," we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that the righteousness of Christ is only applied to such as desire to forsake sin and pursue that "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord"Z '97, 148 (R 2154). Doing these things implies three distinct activities: first, addingi.e., developing the graces mentioned above; second, being in youi.e., exercising these graces after they are developed; and third, aboundingi.e., using these graces, so that they act properly toward one another, and in such action control all our other graces and our affections, thoughts, words and acts. These three activities faithfully performed develop perfection of character in Christlikeness. Through these three modes of character activity and development one is kept from falling from God's special favor, and is enabled ultimately to come off more than conqueror through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us make a most faithful use of this, the most important of all character development instructionsP '30, 183. Parallel passages: Ex. 19: 5; 2 Pet. 3: 18; Jude 24; Mal. 3: 2; Matt. 10: 22; Mark 13: 13; 1 Cor. 15: 2, 58; Gal. 6: 9; 2 Tim. 2: 11; Rev. 2: 10; 16: 15; Jas. 1: 22-25; Psa. 24: 3, 4. Hymns: 136, 197, 95, 267, 346, 145, 1. Poems of Dawn, 130: Keep Striving. Tower Reading: Z '15, 133 (R 5677). Questions: Have I been doing "these things" this week? Why? How? What were the results? KEEP STRIVING KEEP striving: The winners are those who have striven And fought for the prize that no idler hath won; To the hands of the steadfast alone it is given, And before it is gained, there is work to be done. Keep climbing: The earnest and steadfast have scaled The height where the pathway was rough to the feet; But the faint-hearted faltered, and faltering, failed,

And sank down by the wayside in helpless defeat. Keep hoping: The clouds hide the sun for a time, But sooner or later they scatter and flee, And the path glows like gold to the toilers who climb To the heights where men look over landscape and sea. Keep onwardright on, till the prize is attained; Front the future with courage, and obstacles fall. By those, and those only, the victorys gained Who look not to self, but to God above all.

NOVEMBER 21 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptationsJas. 1: 2. All wish frequently, no doubt, that the testings were all over and that we were accepted to a place among the overcomers; but patience and faith and trust are to do a refining work in our hearts, making us mellow, willing and obedient to the Lord. Let the good work go on. Let us rejoice if our trials have brought us lessons of any kind that are profitable to usthat have tended to make us stronger in character, more firm for truth and righteousness, more aware of our own weaknesses, and more on guard against the same. Even those conflicts which have resulted in only partial victories have possibly been to our advantage. Even on points in which there may have been absolute failure, the result may be a strengthening of character, a crystallization of determination for greater zeal in that direction again, and a humility of heart before the Lord in prayerZ '02, 133 (R 3000). The temptations here meant are the Christian's trials along the lines of losses, disappointments, delays, restraints, shelvings, faults, lacks, weaknesses, mistakes, failures, chastisements, hardships, necessities, calamities, misunderstandings, disagreements, divisions, misrepresentations, oppositions, sickness, pains, sorrows, dangers and persecutions. The natural tendency of such trials is to distress us, but we should rejoice in them as evidence of God's favor and as opportunities for our development. Amid such trials at first it is impossible to rejoice; the best we can do is to count them joy, i.e., reckoned, not actual joy. By and by such reckoning will become a habit, and this habit will gradually produce such joy as will enable us to exult and glory, if not at, yet amid our tribulations. Hallelujah!P '35, 171. Parallel passages: Ex. 34: 12; Deut. 13: 3; Psa. 119: 165; Prov. 2: 10-12; 14: 27: 19: 27; Isa. 33: 15, 16; Matt. 4: 1-11; 13: 22; Rom. 5: 3-5; 8: 35-39; 12: 21;1 Cor. 10: 13, 14; 2 Cor. 7: 4; Eph. 6: 11-17; Heb. 2: 18; 4: 15. Hymns: 78, 56, 57, 91, 119, 137, 266. Poems of Dawn, 294: Two Frogs. Tower Reading: Z '14, 149 (R 5459). Questions: What have been this week's trials? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? TWO FROGS TWO frogs fell into a deep cream bowl. One was an optimistic soul. The other took the gloomy view: Well drown, he cried, without more ado; So, with a last despairing cry

He flung up his legs and said Good-by. Said the other frog with a plucky grin, I cant get out, but I wont give in; Ill just swim around till my strength is spent, Then I can die with more content. Bravely he swam till it would seem His struggles began to churn the cream. At last on top of the butter he stopped And out of the bowl he gladly hopped. What of the moral? Tis easily found When you cant get out keep swimming around.

NOVEMBER 22 The zeal of thine house hath consumed mePsa. 69: 9. Cold, calculating people may have other good qualities, but there is no room for coldness or even luke-warmness on the part of those who have once tasted that the Lord is gracious. With such, the love enkindled should lead to a consuming zeal. It was thus with our Lord Jesus, and this was one of the reasons why He was beloved of the Father. Let all who desire to be pleasing in the Lord's sight become so filled with the same spirit of zeal for righteousness and truth that it will consume them as sacrifices upon the Lord's altar. Thus they will be most pleasing and acceptable to Him through Jesus our LordZ '98, 112 (R 2288). Zeal is an energetic devotion to, and lively activity in, a cause. Properly developed in a child of God, it is a combination of a number of qualities, prominent among which are faith, hope, love, activity, enthusiasm and obedience. In God's children, zeal is directed to the furtherance of God's Plan, and it acts toward principles and persons, varying as their attitude and relation to God's Plan varies. Accordingly, it acts favorably toward some principles and persons and unfavorably toward other principles and persons. The zeal of God's house, i.e., both the zeal that is for and peculiar to the Lord's house, implies an energetic devotion to, and activity for the Church according to the Word. As with Jesus, so with us, such a zeal is self-sacrificial, consuming us and all that we have and hope to be and to have as human beingsP '34, 160. Parallel passages: Josh. 24: 15, 16; 1 Chron. 29: 17; 2 Chron. 15: 15; Ezra 7: 23; Psa. 119: 139; Eccles. 9: 10; Isa. 62: 6, 7; Matt. 5: 13-16; John 9: 4; Rom. 12: 11; 1 Cor. 13: 3; 15: 58; 2 Cor. 4: 8-10, 13, 16-18; Gal. 4: 18; 6: 9; Titus 2: 14; 2 Pet. 3: 14; Jude 3; Rev. 3: 19. Hymns: 8, 95, 134, 192, 259, 44, 78. Poems of Dawn, 164: My Heart's Desire. Tower Reading: Z '13, 168 (R 5250). Questions: Have I been zealous for the Lord this week? Wherein? How? Why? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? MY HEARTS DESIRE DEAR Master, long Ive sought A grain of wheat to find, My hearts desire has been, Just one with truth to bind! Perhaps Thou canst not trust Thy servant with this work, Because some earth-born pride

Within my breast doth lurk. If thou dost find this, Lord, Oh, send afflictions fire, Burn out the dross, the gold refine, And grant my hearts desire! Perhaps Ive sought a path, Thou hast not marked for me, Forgive, I only thought Some work to do for Thee! I own no will of mine, The place I would not choose, But simply give mine all To Thee as Thou canst use. My thoughts, my words, my deeds, Dear Lord, make pure by fire, Ah, then, I know that Thou Canst grant my hearts desire!

NOVEMBER 23 Ye have need of patience [cheerful endurance, constancy] that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promiseHeb. 10: 36. Here we see that it is not merely to do the will of God that is the test, but that after having attained to that point, that mark of character in our hearts, in our wills (if only partially in the flesh), we should, by patient endurance, establish God's righteous will as the law of our hearts, the rule of life under all circumstances and conditions. Then, and not until then, will we be in the heart condition of fitness for the Kingdom. The Apostle James says, "The trying of your faith worketh patience [patient endurance]"; that is to say, if our faith stands the trial, it will work this character of patient endurance. Of course, on the other hand, if we do not attain to patient endurance, it will mean that our faith has not stood the test satisfactorily, that we are not fit for the KingdomZ '01, 117 (R 2790). By patience the Bible does not mean merely long-suffering, but that perseverance, steadfastness, constancy, which cheerfully endures obstacles in the way of pressing on in welldoing. By doing the will of God the Apostle seems to mean, developing love until we attain the mark; for the sum of God's will for us, the end of the commandment, is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from a faith unfeigned. After we have attained such a degree of love, the one thing necessary is to press on therein perseveringly, in cheerful endurance of every obstacle in the way of our acting out its dictates. This will ultimately make us conquerors, and thus insure our inheriting all the blessings in the Oath-bound promise to the seed of AbrahamP '33, 162. Parallel passages: Luke 8: 15; 21: 19; Gal. 6: 9; Heb. 12: 1; Jas. 1: 3, 4; 5: 7, 8; Rom. 2: 7; 5: 3, 4; 8: 25, 35-39; 15: 4, 5; Eph. 6: 8; Col. 3: 24; Heb. 6: 12, 15; 1 Pet. 2: 19-23; Rev. 1: 9; 13: 10. Hymns: 93, 47, 34, 1, 13, 91, 208. Poems of Dawn, 240: The Sweet-Brier Rose. Tower Reading: Z '13, 312 (R 5332). Questions: Have I this week been patient in doing God's will? How? Why? With what results? THE SWEET-BRIER ROSE BESIDE my cottage door it grows, The loveliest, daintiest flower that blows, A sweet-brier rose. At dewy morn or twilights close, The rarest perfume from it flows, This strange, wild rose.

But when the raindrops on it beat, Ah, then its odors grow more sweet About my feet! Ofttimes with loving tenderness Its soft green leaves I gently press In sweet caress, A still more wondrous fragrance flows, The more my fingers firmly close, And crush the rose! * * * Dear Lord, oh, let my life be so, Its perfume when the tempests blow, The sweeter flow! And should it be Thy blessed will With crushing grief my soul to fill, Press harder still, And while its dying fragrance flows, Ill whisper low, He loves and knows His crushed brier-rose.

NOVEMBER 24 Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward manActs 24: 16. Our consciences require regulating, as do all the other features of our fallen nature. If our consciences are to be regulated, we must have some standard by which to set and regulate them. The conscience is like a watch whose dial is properly marked with the hours, but whose correctness as a time-keeper depends upon the proper regulating of its mainspring, so that it may point out the hours truthfully; so, our consciences are ready to indicate right and wrong to us, but they can only be relied upon to tell us truly what is right and what is wrong after being regulated in connection with the new mainspring, the new heart, the pure will, brought into full harmony with the law of love, as presented to us in the Word of GodZ '00, 360 (R 2733). As Justice is the foundation of God's throne, so should it be the foundation of all our acts as children and servants of God. It consists of duty love to God with all the heart, mind, soul and strength, and of love to the neighbor as to self. We may be sure that any service for God or man which is performed contrary to the requirements of justice is unacceptable to God and harmful to others and ourselves; for to obey, i.e., to do justice, is better than to sacrifice, when the sacrifice is performed in violation of justice. Like St. Paul we should exercise constant vigilance to act justly toward God and man; and thus only may we have a conscience free from accusing us of sinning against the Lord and our fellows. Then, based upon such a good conscience, our sacrificial acts will be in order and will be acceptable, if in harmony with the Lord's Spirit, Word and providenceP '32, 167. Parallel passages: Acts 23: 1; Rom. 2: 14, 15; 9: 1; 14; 1 Cor. 8: 7-13; 10: 27-31; 2 Cor. 1: 12; 4: 2; 1 Tim. 1: 5, 19; 3: 9; Heb. 9: 14; 10: 22; 13: 18; 1 Pet. 2: 19; 3: 16, 21; Prov. 28: 1; Acts 2: 37; 1 Tim. 4: 2. Hymns: 198, 13, 130, 136, 145, 190, 244. Poems of Dawn, 117: Evening Prayer. Tower Reading: Z '11, 424 (R 4919). Questions: Have I had this week a good or an evil conscience? How? Why? With what results? EVENING PRAYER FATHER, now the day is over, Weary, worn, myself I bring; My defenseless head, oh, cover With the shadow of Thy wing.

Pardon all the days transgressing, Cleanse from every stain of sin; Lord, I come, my need confessing, Make and keep me pure within. Wipe away my tears of sorrow, Take me to Thy loving breast, Make me stronger for the morrow, Give me peace and holy rest.

NOVEMBER 25 Let no man say when he is tempted I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil: neither tempteth he any manJas. 1: 13. There is a difference between temptations which the Father considers proper and the temptations which come from the Adversary. The former are tests of loyalty to God and to the principles of righteousness, and are intended to be a blessing and a help to all those who withstand them, and who thus demonstrate their loyalty to righteousness. The temptations of Satan, on the contrary, are in the nature of pitfalls and snares in evil and wrongdoing, temptations to make right appear wrong and wrong appear right, putting light for darkness and darkness for light. In this sense of misrepresentation and ensnarements in evil, God tempts no manZ '04, 7 (R 3296). Temptations are appealing suggestions. They may be either to good or evil. The latter come from the devil, the world and our flesh; the former come from the Lord through His Spirit, Word and providence. Temptations to evil, though permitted by the Lord for our trial, never come from the Lord, because as the Source and Promoter of perfect wisdom, power, justice and love, such suggestions are contrary to His character and aims. As temptations to evil do not appeal to God's qualities, so they cannot flow from His qualities as allurements to His creatures. To ascribe to God temptations to evil is blasphemy; to ascribe to Him temptations to good is praise. While thankfully ascribing to Him our temptations to good, let us refrain from ascribing to Him our temptations to evil. Let us rather ascribe them to those to whom they properly belongthe devil, the world and the fleshP '26, 157. Parallel passages: Gen. 3: 1-13; Deut. 13: 3; Psa. 119: 165; Prov. 1: 10-17; 6: 27; 14: 27; Isa. 33: 15, 16; Matt. 4: 1-11; 26: 41; Luke 11: 4; 2 Cor.11: 3,14,15; Jas. 1: 14; 2 Pet. 2: 9; 1 Cor. 10: 13. Hymns: 56, 120, 145, 197, 130, 136, 313. Poems of Dawn, 177: Thou Knowest. Tower Reading: Z '15, 341 (R 5799). Questions: What special temptation did I have this week? How did I meet it? What were the results? THOU KNOWEST MASTER, I am so glad Thou knowest all Outspoken joys, and sorrows hidden pain. I am so glad my path is known to Thee, And that Thou wilt my wayward steps restrain. I place my hand in Thine. Oh, hold it fast! Nor heed my cry wheneer I ask amiss.

Thou knowest what is best, my loving Lord, From out my heart all willfulness dismiss! Lord, when the thorns of earth pierce sharp and deep, And I instead would choose the scented rose, Let me recall thy tender, watchful love, And that mine inmost need Thy wisdom knows. Ah, who can tell how far our feet might stray? We are so prone to wander from Thy side, If not hedged in by Thine eternal arms, And made within Thy sheepfold to abide. I am so glad Thou knowest all, dear Lord! My life but poorly proves what lips confess, And well I know none but a Father could So frail an offering with such mercy bless. Thou knowest all! This is my cradle, Lord, The shadow of Thy wings, neath which I sleep. Not for my goodness, but Thine own great love, Thou wilt in peace Thy child securely keep.

NOVEMBER 26 And the Lord said unto Moses, What is that in thine hand?Exodus 4: 2. If any man would be more abundantly used of the Lord in His blessed service, let him seek first to be fitted for it more and more. Let him imitate that beloved and honored servant, Moses, in meekness, humility, energy and untiring zeal and selfsacrificing service of the Lord. But the wise steward will seek always to cultivate along the lines of his natural abilities, and not expect the Lord to work a miracle for his advancement, and so waste valuable time seeking to develop that which he does not by nature possess. . . . Let us each, therefore, seek by humility, by zeal, by love for the Lord and for His cause, by faith in His power, to be in that condition of heart and mind which will make us ready to be used and useful in any department of the Divine service to which the Lord may be pleased to call usZ '94, 143; '01, 348 (R 1651, 2902). In the symbols of the Scriptures, the hand represents power. To have something in our hand, therefore, would in general mean to have in our power things that belong to our new heart, mind and will and to our humanity. In particular it would mean to have in our power: knowledge, grace, character, position, time, talents, influence, means, friends, relatives, citizenship, health, life, etc. The Lord desires to have us serve along the lines of what we are and have, and not along the lines of what we are not and do not have. Therefore, in the question of our text, He asks us to consider what we are and have. This question is not for His information but is suggestive, admonishing us to take stock of our stewardship, to the intent that we may be the better enabled to use our stewardship to the glory of the Lord and to the profit of others and ourselves in graceP '36, 166. Parallel passages: Psa. 34: 10; 68: 35; 84: 11; Eccles. 2: 26; Isa. 42: 5; Dan. 2: 21-23; Matt. 25: 14, 15; Rom. 12: 6-8; 1 Cor. 1: 5-7; 7: 7; Eph. 4: 7; 1 Tim. 6: 17; 1as. 1: 17; 1 Pet. 4: 10; Luke 12: 47, 48; 19: 12, 13. Hymns: 134, 14, 160, 8, 191, 208, 277. Poems of Dawn, 168: My One Talent. Tower Reading: Z '14, 78 (R 5418). Questions: What have I done with my talents and opportunities this week? Why? How? With what results? MY ONE TALENT IN a napkin smooth and white, Hidden from all mortal sight, My one talent lies tonight. Mine to hoard, or mine to use, Mine to keep, or mine to lose;

May I not do what I choose? Ah! the gift was only lent, With the Givers known intent That it should be wisely spent. And I know He will demand Every farthing at my hand, When I in His presence stand. What will be my grief and shame When I hear my humble name, And cannot repay His claim! Some will double what they hold; Others add to it tenfold, And pay back in shining gold. Lord, O teach me what to do! I would faithful be and true; Still the sacred trust renew. Help me, ere too late it be, Something now to do for thee; Thou who hast done all for me!

NOVEMBER 27 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseveranceEph. 6: 18. We are to have the spirit of prayer in all that we say and do; that is to say, our hearts should be going out continually to the Lord for guidance in all life's affairs, that we may do with our might what our hands find to do, in a manner that will be acceptable to Him, and that we may be shielded by Him from temptation that would otherwise be beyond our endurance, and that we may be ultimately delivered from the Evil One and have a place in our Lord's Kingdom. Brethren, let us more and more remember and put into practice these words of our Lord, "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation"Z '01, 80 (R 2773). Prayer is the uttered or unuttered heart's sincere desire lot going out to God for good things. It is as essential to our development as the desires of the natural man for human blessings are necessary for his human growth. As without these desires the natural man would soon die, so without true prayer the new heart, mind and will would die. Our prayers are not to be merely formal, they are to be heartfelt; for the things requested should be earnestly desired. Such prayers offered up in harmony with the Lord's Word are sure of an answer. Without watching for the answer, we often fail to note the Lord's response to our petitions. And sometimes, despite our watching for His answers, we fail to note them, because He delays granting our requests. Therefore perseverance in such watching is necessary, and will in due time be rewarded by receiving the long-sought answerP '30, 183. Parallel passages: Luke 11: 5-13; 21: 36; Psa. 5: 1-3; 116: 1, 2; Dan. 6: 10; Acts 6: 4; 10: 2, 9; Rom. 12: 12; Phil. 4: 6, 7; Col. 4: 2; 1 Thes. 5: 17; Matt. 26: 39-44; Eph. 1: 16; 1 Tim. 5: 5. Hymns: 35, 239, 183, 130, 19, 199, 324. Poems of Dawn, 118: A Prayer. Tower Reading: Z '15, 182 (R 5707). Questions: Did I pray always this week? How did I pray? For what did I pray? Did I perseveringly watch for God's answers? What was the result? A PRAYER HEAVENLY Father, Holy One! May Thy will in us be done: Make our hearts submissive, meek, Let us neer our own way seek. Loving Savior, we would be Ever more and more like Thee, Free from pride and self-desire,

Fervent with a holy fire. Jesus, Master, we would bear In Thy sufferings a share; Help us, Lord, to follow Thee, Heavy though the cross may be. Fill us with Divinest love, With Thy spirit from above, May we patiently endure, Trusting in Thy promise sure. Blessed Lord, Thy saints defend, Watching oer them to the end; Day by day their faith increase, Keep them in Thy perfect peace; Comfort, strengthen, guide and bless, Lead them through the wilderness, And when Thy due time shall come, Gather all Thy loved ones home.

NOVEMBER 28 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?Job 34: 29. Who but He, the "God of all comfort," can give quietness in the midst of tumults which rise upon the soul like sudden storms upon the sea? Like ocean mariners in peril, we cry unto Him, and He brings us to the desired havenblessed havenof quietness and peace in God. What is the cry which brings this answer of peace? It is not a prayer that all occasion for disturbance shall be removed, for it is not always the Divine will to bring peace to the human spirit in that way; it is not always the best way. But there is a cry which never fails to bring the quietness in which none can "make trouble." It is a prayer for sweet, trustful, loving acquiescence in the will of GodZ '96, 259 (R 2058). Elihu, like job's three other disputants, lacked Divine inspiration, which job had. Nevertheless, there is much wisdom found in Elihu's address, a wisdom that proves him, a contemporary with Abraham, to have been far removed from a monkey, a wisdom that evolutionists have not yet attained. While the statement of our text is not inspired, it is nevertheless a true saying; for God does give a peace to His own that others cannot overthrow. This peace flows from a full faith in, and a heart's harmony with Him, His character, Plan and works, such as the world does not know, nor can bestow, nor take away. His own, by blessed experience, realize this. Secure in His Oath-bound promise, in the High-Priestly work of Jesus and in the possession of the holy Spirit, they arise above the troubles of the present and thus enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding, guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto eternal life with HimP '35, 171, 172. Parallel passages: Isa. 26: 3; Rom. 8: 31; Phil. 4: 7; Psa. 1: 1, 2; 4: 8; 25: 12, 13; 29: 11; 85: 8; 119: 165; Luke 1: 79; 2: 14; John 14: 27; 16: 33; Rom. 2: 10; 5: 1; 8: 6. Hymns: 128, 80, 87, 94, 179, 244, 321. Poems of Dawn, 100: Mortally Wounded. Tower Reading: Z '16, 101 (R 5878). Questions: What have been the week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? MORTALLY WOUNDED I LAY me down to sleep, With little thought or care Whether my waking find Me hereor there! A bowing, burdened head, Only too glad to rest,

Unquestioning upon A loving breast. I am not eager, bold, Nor strongall that is past! Im willing not to do, At last, at last! My half-days work is done, And this is all my part: To give a patient God My patient heart; And grasp His banner still, Though all its blue be dim; These stripes, no less than stars, Lead after Him. Weak, weary and uncrowned, I yet to bear am strong; Content not een to cry, How long! How long!

NOVEMBER 29 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promisedHeb. 10: 23. God's promise is the foundation upon which all that we hope for, either of character or coming glory, is built. Let us prize this truth so that we will not compromise it in any sense or in any degree; let us not only hold the Truth in the letter but also in the spiritin the love of it, because it is true, as well as because it is beautiful and grand. And let us ever remember the importance of patient endurance, that we may not only cultivate the Christian graces, and practice them, but that we may take joyfully the trials, persecutions or difficulties which God may see proper to permit to come upon us for our testing and character development, which He explains to us is of paramount importance, and without which perfect love could neither be attained nor maintainedZ '01, 119 (R 2790). The thought of the text would be clearer if the word translated "profession" were rendered "professing" or "confessing." Here the word "faith" has the meaning of the "Truth" (Jude 3). The Apostle's thought seems to be that we persevere in declaring the Truth undauntedly, fearlessly, and steadfastly, however great the obstacles that stand in the way. His thought can most clearly be seen when we remember that in this chapter he first describes Jesus in the Holy and in the Most Holy and then describes the Underpriests in the Holy. In our text he is giving the antitypical thought of the Lampstand, which he shows represents the Church in its capacity of giving light, not to those in the Court, nor in the Camp, but in the Holy only. Thus seen, we recognize that the Priesthood in the flesh would have the work of enlightening one another in the deep things. God promises His favors to those who faithfully and steadfastly persevere in His good work. He will surely prove Himself faithful under all circumstances in fulfilling His promisesP '34, 160. Parallel passages: Heb. 4: 14; 1 Cor. 1: 17, 18, 21, 31, 27-29; 2: 1-8, 12, 13; 14: 1-25; 2 Cor. 2: 14-16; 3: 12, 13; Col. 1: 23-29; 1 Thes. 2: 3-12; 2 Tim. 2: 15; Titus 3: 8, 9; Psa. 57: 7; Matt. 10: 22; 1 Cor. 15: 58; Heb. 13: 9; Deut. 7: 8, 9; Josh. 23: 14; 2 Sam. 7: 28; 1 Kings 8: 23, 24, 56; Psa. 89: 1, 2, 5, 8, 14, 24, 28, 33, 34; Isa. 54: 9, 10. Hymns: 293, 11, 44, 70, 164, 260, 309. Poems of Dawn, 302: The Granite Wall. Tower Reading: Z '14, 211 (R 5497). Questions: Have I persevered in presenting the Truth this week? How did God show His faithfulness therein? What resulted therefrom? THE GRANITE WALL I CAME against a granite wall It would not break nor bend;

I tried to get around it, but It seemed there was no end; I tried to climb up over it, But its sidesthey were too steep; Then I tried to dig beneath it, but Its foundation was too deep: I took my problem to the Lord, I left it in His care; And when I sought that wall again It wasnt even there!

NOVEMBER 30 Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the AgeMatt. 28: 20. Surely He who was careful to supervise the sowing work is not less interested and careful in respect to the reaping. Let us then thrust in the sickle of Truth with energy and courage, remembering that we serve the Lord Christ, remembering that we are not responsible for the harvest but merely for our energy in gathering what ripe grain we can find. If the labor be great for the finding of a few kernels of ripe grain, we are to rejoice the more in those we do find, and learn to love and appreciate that which is scarce and precious. Let us remember, too, while using all the wisdom we can in this service, that the Lord's object in giving us a share in His work is not so much what we can accomplish as in the blessing that the labor will bring upon usZ '01, 155 (R 2808). This is one of our Lord's last promises to the Church before His ascension. It gives the assurance, not of His bodily presence with His elect, but of His special favor, fellowship, sympathy, love, care, direction, restraint, protection, correction, encouragement, counsel and cooperation. The expression rendered "alway" should have been given as "all the days." The idea seems to be that the Lord would be with us not intermittently, but continuously, not even permitting a day to pass without His keeping His promise to the full according to the needs of His Church. Faithfully has He kept His promise, as Church history proves. We by experience and observation are living witnesses to this fact in the unfolding of the Truth, in the Harvest gatherings and siftings and in our individual lives, during this, the Laodicean period of the ChurchP '33, 162. Parallel passages: Ex. 33: 14, 15; Josh. 1: 5, 9; Psa. 34: 7; 46: 1, 5, 7, 11; 105: 14, 15; Isa 41: 10; Jer. 15: 20; Ezek. 48: 35; Hag. 1: 13; Zech. 2: 5; John 14: 16-23; 1 John 1: 3. Hymns: 333, 110, 120, 242, 293, 328, 330. Poems of Dawn, 234: Our Burden Bearer. Tower Reading: Z '14, 363 (R 5587). Questions: Have I this week experienced the Lord's presence? How? What were its effects? OUR BURDEN BEARER THE little sharp vexations, And the briers that catch and fret, Why not take all to the Helper, Who hath never failed us yet? Tell Him about the heartache, And tell Him the longings, too; Tell Him the baffled purpose, When we scarce know what to do.

Then, leaving all our weakness With the One divinely strong, Forget that we bore the burden, And carry away the song.

DECEMBER 1 Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyselfMatt. 22: 39. You would not want your neighbor to use brain and tongue in evil surmises and slanders against you; and you should not do so to him. The law of the Lord commands that all under His Covenant shall take heed not to utter one solitary suspicion against a neighbor; and that if suspicion beyond knowledge be forced upon the mind by associated circumstances, the new mind shall promptly, with its native benevolence, counterbalance the suspicions by suggestions of the possibility of misinformation or misinterpretation and always give the apparently guilty the benefit of the doubtZ '99, 72 (R 2442). Every free moral agent is our neighbor, regardless of race, nationality, sex, station, age, clime, relation or plane of being. Especially do we have two classes of neighbors, i.e., those in Adam and those in Christ. Some neighbors are nearer than others; and their varying degrees of nearness to us govern our varying degrees of obligation to them. Thus we are under more obligation to our families than to strangers, to the consecrated than to the tentatively justified, and to the tentatively justified than to the unjustified. The following seems to be the practical application of this text: to give our neighbor the same good will and service as we, ruled by our knowledge of the Lord's will pertaining to the circumstances, would have him give us, if we were in his place, and he in ours. This is the rule of duty love, i.e., justice toward our fellows. Sacrifice in violation of this rule is unacceptable to GodP '32, 197. Parallel passages: Lev. 19: 18; Mic. 6: 8; Matt. 7: 12; 9: 13; Mark 12: 31; Rom. 13: 9; Gal. 5: 14; Jas. 2: 8; 1 Tim. 1: 7; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 2 Pet. 1: 7; 1 John 3: 18. Hymns: 166, 165, 95, 196, 198, 267, 125. Poems of Dawn, 124: "God Bless You!" Tower Reading: Z '15, 168 (R 5699). Questions: Did I this week love my neighbor as myself? What were the circumstances and results? GOD BLESS YOU! I SEEK in prayerful words, dear friend, My hearts true wish to send you, That you may know that far or near My loving thoughts attend you! I cannot find a truer word, Nor fonder to caress you; Nor song nor poem I have heard Is sweeter than God bless you!

God bless you! so Ive wished you all Of brightness life possesses; For can there any joy at all Be yours unless God blesses! God bless you! so I breathe a charm, Lest griefs dark night oppress you, For how can sorrow bring you harm, If tis Gods way to bless you!

DECEMBER 2 And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptizedActs 22: 16. There is a directness in this address that is worthy of being copied by all who have an influence upon others, and who are seeking to bring them along in the right way. Urge them to promptness, to full and complete obedience, to a full confession of the Lord and the Truth. If they are not inclined promptly to obey after their eyes of faith have seen the Lord, and after their ears have heard His voice, they will be much less likely after a while, when the world and the flesh and the devil will say to them, Do not be an extremist; be moderate; do not make a full consecration of yourself to the Lord. Your neighbors and friends will think you beside yourself, and it will interfere with your hopes and prospects, and turn your friends into enemies. It will cost you too much; go slowlyZ '01, 186 (R 2823). Saul of Tarsus, according to our text, seems to have waited before entering into the activities that his circumstances, experiences and condition seem to have warranted, until encouraged by the Lord's messenger so to do. In this he is an example to us. We are to stand still and wait upon the Lord, even if our circumstances, experiences and condition seem to urge us forward, until the Lord's Word through its principles as well as His Spirit and providence agree to the course to which we are urged. But like Saul, let us not hesitate to go forward after the Lord's Word bids us advance. It is a glorious degree of attainment in character development successfully to resist wrong pressure to go forward, and victoriously to wait upon the Lord, until He bids us go forward, and then promptly to obey. Perhaps on no other point of Christian character are we, especially if we are leaders among the Lord's people, more frequently testedP '26, 172. Parallel passages: Ex. 22: 29; Matt. 8: 21, 22; 19: 16-22; Luke 9: 61, 62; Acts 24: 25; Josh. 24: 15; 1 Kings 18: 21; Isa. 50: 7; 1 Cor 15: 58; 2 Pet. 1: 10. Hymns: 1, 14, 203, 80, 94, 13, 25. Poems of Dawn, 53: Baptismal Hymn. Tower Reading: Z '14, 248 (R 5520). Questions: Was I promptly obedient this week? Why? With what results? BAPTISMAL HYMN O WELL-BELOVED Son of God Be in our midst, we pray; Our feet are in obedience shod, To tread the narrow way. Who giveth, gain; who loseth, finds; Who dieth, lives to Thee Teach us this Law. Incline our minds To drink Thy cup with Thee.

As drop by drop its bitter draught Thy sinless lips did lave, The uttermost of woe was quaffed, This sin-sick world to save. Death kissed Thy feet on Jordans shore, Thy hands on Calvary, His Sovereign Thou! Our hearts adore Thy glorious majesty. Baptize us, Lord, into Thy death, And may we chosen be From out the world, as royal priests, As sons and heirs with Thee.

DECEMBER 3 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 earthRev. 3: 10. This is the special reward of those who are running the race with patient endurance in the present time, in the Laodicean period. While it was not our privilege to escape the hour of temptation, it is our privilege to have a counter-balancing special blessing as a result of living in the time of our Lord's parousia (presence). We may have His fellowship, His instruction, His dispensing of spiritual food which is now "meat in due season," in a manner and to a degree in which none of the faithful of past periods enjoyed these. But as we might expect, this greatest favor is correspondingly offset by the subtlety and severity of the trials of this hour of temptation coming upon the whole world. If ever patient endurance was necessary it is necessary nowZ '01, 118 (R 2790). It is called the hour of temptation because throughout its duration great tests involving the whole human race, particularly the Church, real and nominal, have prevailed. To the nominal and real people of God these temptations have been severe, especially along six general lines, i.e., No-Ransomism, Infidelism, Combinationism, Reformism, Contradictionism and Revolutionism. While the Philadelphian Church was spared these particular trials, the Laodicean Church has had to meet them. To His Laodicean faithful, however, the Lord has given special help in the light due in the Lord's Parousia and Epiphaneia. The Revolutionism feature of the hour of temptation has been operating coincident with the Epiphany, the "bright shining." It is bringing it and many other things to lightP '36, 166. Parallel passages: Rev. 1: 9; 13: 10; 14: 12; Matt. 6: 13; 26: 41; 1 Cor.10: 13; Eph. 6: 13; 2 Pet. 2: 9; Matt. 24: 24; Isa. 24: 17; Dan. 12: 10; Jas. 1: 12; 1 Pet. 4: 12. Hymns: 13, 145, 56, 57, 99, 119, 137. Poems of Dawn, 125: The Trial Hour. Tower Reading: Z '16, 327 (R 5981). Questions: What were this week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? In what did they result? THE TRIAL HOUR
EPHESIANS 6: 10-18.

THE hour of temptation hath come to the Church, The time of her testing is here, And storm clouds of ominous portent roll up, Betokening the tempest is near.

The carnage grows fiercer twixt error and truth, The hosts of the foe press around, As the day waxes late, and the shadows grow long, And their tauntings and boastings abound. And many who fought in the ranks by our side, Have been pierced by the enemys dart; Their shield and their helmet lie prone in the dust, And the arrow hath smitten their heart. Their arm lost its cunning in wielding the sword, Their breastplate was loosed from its place, The helmet was lost, and the shafts of the foe Smote them down, and they sank in disgrace. O, dear fellow-soldiers! O, brethren in Christ! Let us gird up our armor anew! Let us heed the sure Word of our Leader and Head, And be loyal and steadfast and true. The night hastens ononly one hour to fight; No thought now of wavering or fear; Our captain calls Onward! Then close up the ranks, For the hour of our victory is near. Courage, comrades! The banner of truth waves aloft; No such banner was ever unfurled! We will follow its lead, een thro carnage and blood, For by it we shall conquer the world. Tho feet may grow weary, and hearts throb with pain, Let us never give up in the fray; Our Captain is strong, and can know no defeat, And will guide to the end of the way. Soon the fight will be over, the conflict be past, And the roll-call will sound thro the sky; Will you answer your name? Shall I answer to mine? Can we gladly respond: Here am I?

O, God of the battle, our Father, to Thee With strong supplication we cry! The conflict is deadly, and wily our foe, Yet we know that deliverance is nigh. And Thou who has guided and led all the way, Wilt guide till the victory is won, Till the night is all spent and the glad day hath dawned, And we hear Thy sweet plaudit, Well done!

DECEMBER 4 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?Luke 11: 13. If the Lord's consecrated people could all be brought to the point where the chief aim in life, the burden of all their prayers, would be that they might have a larger measure of the Spirit of the Lord, the spirit of holiness, the spirit of the Truth, the Spirit of Christ, the spirit of a sound mind, what a blessing it would mean! If then they should wrestle with the Lord until the breaking of the day, their hold upon Him would be sure to bring the desired blessing. The Lord has revealed Himself to His people for the very purpose of giving them this blessing; nevertheless, He withholds it until they learn to appreciate and earnestly desire itZ '01, 271 (R 2864). When our Lord tells His disciples that they are evil, He does not mean that their intentions are wicked; rather that they are fallen in mind and heart; yet He implies that they still have vestiges of God's image whereby they know how, and are enabled, to give natural good gifts to their children. From the imperfect who can do some good, He reasons that the Absolutely Perfect One can do more good, i.e., can and will give His holy Spirit to His children who ask it at His hand. The gift of the holy Spirit is the highest spiritual gift; in fact, it is the sum of all our present spiritual blessings, and "the earnest" of our eternal inheritance. Therefore, requests for the holy Spirit should be the main burden of all our prayers to our Heavenly Father. God gives it to His ownP '30, 183, 184. Parallel passages: Psa. 103: 13; Prov. 1: 23; 3: 12; Joel 2: 29; Matt. 7: 7-11; 21: 22; Mark 11: 24; John 14: 16; 15: 7; 4: 10; Eph. 1: 3; Titus 3: 4, 5. Hymns: 35, 239, 1, 90, 91, 95, 198. Poems of Dawn, 102: Lord, Give Me This! Tower Reading: Z '15, 38 (R 5623). Questions: Did I this week pray for the holy Spirit? How? Why? What was the effect? LORD, GIVE ME THIS!
LUKE 11: 13.

O HEAVENLY Father, Thou hast told Of a gift more precious than pearls and gold; A gift that is free to every one, Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son. For His sake, give this to me. O give it to me, for Jesus said That a father giveth his children bread,

And how much more Thou wilt surely give The gift by which the dead shall live! For Christs sake, give this to me. I cannot see, and I want the sight; I am in the dark, and I want the light; I want to pray, and I dont know how; O give me Thy Holy Spirit now! For Christs sake, give this to me. Since Thou hast said it, I must believe It is only ask and I shall receive: Since Thou hast said it, it must be true, And theres nothing else for me to do! For Christs sake, give this to me. So I come and ask, because my need Is very great and real indeed. On the strength of Thy Word I come and say, Oh, let Thy Word come true today! For Christs sake, give this to me!

DECEMBER 5 Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . as for me and my house, we will serve the LORDJosh. 24: 15. Let others reverence whom and what they will; we who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, we who have come to know Him through His Word, and through His providences, and through the power of the Spirit by which we are energized to newness of lifewe can do naught else than reverence our God; and reverencing Him we must trust Him implicitly; and trusting Him implicitly we will gladly walk in whatever way He may mark out for us; and thus trusting and thus walking we are content, whatever lot we see, since 'tis His hand that leadeth us. And let us be assured that, following the true Shepherd after this manner, we shall ultimately reach the Kingdom fold. In these assurances we have joy and peace and blessing of heart, even in the house of our pilgrimageZ '01, 284 (R 2872). Prompt decision to do the Lord's will after discerning it, is the course of the faithful. It is characteristic of the measurably unfaithful to hold back from doing God's will and measurably to compromise with evil, even after discerning the Lord's will respecting the good and the evil. While the Lord is long-suffering, ultimately He will force these to come to a decision; for He will so shape their experiences that they must decide for or against His will. Like Joshua of old, let the faithful seek by word and example to encourage the measurably unfaithful to a righteous decision; but whether the latter accept the encouragement so given, or not, let the faithful under Christ, their Head, continue to remain dead to self and to the world, and alive to God, and thus, with as many as we can influence, serve the LordP '35, 172. Parallel passages: 1 Kings 18: 21; Ezek. 20: 39; Luke 16: 13; Rom. 6: 16; Gen. 18: 19; John 6: 67-69; Matt. 19: 16-22; 26: 33,35; Josh. 24: 16-18; 23: 15; 1 Chron. 28: 9. Hymns: 160, 1, 8, 14, 78, 130, 136. Poems of Dawn, 38: Whom Will Ye Serve? Tower Reading: Z '11, 78 (R 4780). Questions: Have I exercised decisiveness this week? How? Under what circumstances? With what results? WHOM WILL YE SERVE?
JOHN 19: 12, 13.

CASESARS friends? or friends of Jesus? Solemn question for to-day! Friends of Caesar! Friends of Jesus! Take your sides without delay. If ye pause for mans forbidding, Caesars friendship ye secure;

If ye do the Fathers bidding, Scorn, reproach, ye shall endure. Friends of Caesar! Friends of Jesus! Stand revealed! your choice declare! Who in truth two masters pleases? Who may rival banners bear? Jesus friends account Him precious, Lose for Him all other gain: Dearer far the smile of Jesus Than the praise of worldly men. Free from Caesar, friends of Jesus! Stand in phalanx! never fear! Love, severely tried, increases; Courage yet! The Lord is near! Onward still, His name confessing, Weaving crowns to grace His brow; Lo! His hands are full of blessing, Lifted for your succor now. Caesars friends were we, but Jesus Owns us for His friends to-day! What! Shall rival friendship please us, While the Bridegroom is away? No! through grace would we surrender Caesars things to Caesars care, whilst to God, our God, we render Filial homage, praise, and prayer.

DECEMBER 6 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without wallsProv. 25: 28. The battle with self is the greatest battle, and we have the Lord's word for it that he that "ruleth his spirit [his own mind, will] is better than he that taketh a city," because he has to that extent learned to exercise the combativeness of a true character in the right direction, in self-control. It is after we have had considerable experience in battling with sin and selfishness in ourselves, in casting the beam out of our own eyes, in subduing anger, malice, hatred and strife in our own hearts and fleshit is then, and by means of this severe battle and experience, that we shall be prepared to assist the brethren, and to assist our neighbors in their difficultiesto help them to overcome their besetments and weaknessesZ '01, 295 (R 2877). The word spirit here means disposition; and to have no rule over one's spirit means to lack self-control. Such a person, from the standpoint of character, is a wreck. Solomon illustrates this by a city that is broken down and without walls. Accordingly, in our dispositions we are like a city, our various good qualities corresponding to the homes, our good thoughts to the soldiers defending the city and self-control to the wall of the city. Outside are sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, as soldiers under Satan, their general, and the flesh and the world, his lieutenants. These will chiefly assault our self-control, which breaking down, they will desolate every good thought and quality in our possession. Our chief concern is to prevent a breach in the wall of self-control. So doing, we will prove victors in our defensive warfare, preserving our symbolic city from ruin P '34, 174, 175. Parallel passages: Psa. 116: 11; Prov. 14: 29; 16: 32; 19: 2; 21: 5; 23: 2; 25: 8; 29: 20; Eccles. 5: 2; 7: 9; Luke 14: 26, 27; Rom. 8: 12, 13; 13: 14; 14: 1-15: 5; 1 Cor. 6: 12; 8: 13; 9: 12, 15, 18, 19, 23, 25-27; Col. 3: 5; Titus 2: 12; 1 Pet. 4: 1, 2; 2 Pet. 1: 6. Hymns: 145, 136, 125, 267, 1, 183, 130. Poems of Dawn, 206: Wait Upon the Lord. Tower Reading: Z '15, 87 (R 5652). Questions: Have I this week exercised or failed to exercise selfcontrol? Why? How? With what results? WAIT UPON THE LORD WHEN clouds hang heavy oer thy way, And darker grows the weary day, And thou, oppressed by anxious care, Art almost tempted to despair, Still wait upon the Lord.

When friends betray thy loving trust, And thou art humbled in the dust, When dearest joys from thee have fled, And Hope within thy heart lies dead, Still wait upon the Lord. When Death comes knocking at thy door, And in thy home are sorrows sore, Though age comes on and eyes grow dim, Still look to Christ, still trust in Him, And wait upon the Lord. Whateer thy care, believe His word; In joy or grief, trust in the Lord. Good courage He will give to thee, And strong, indeed, thy heart shall be, By waiting on the Lord.

DECEMBER 7 When he was reviled, he reviled not again1 Pet. 2: 23. Not because Jesus' enemies had found in Him something that could properly and justly be reviled and evil spoken of; nor because His enemies were so nearly perfect that He could find nothing in them to revile and speak evil of; but because He was so full of submission to the Divine will that He was enabled to take the scoffs and railings of the people, and to bear these humbly and patiently, and to remember that even hereunto He was called, did Jesus endure patiently and learn the lessons, and prove Himself faithful, and develop and demonstrate His true character, and feel and manifest His pity for the people, in their blindness and ignorance, and His love for themZ '01, 298 (R 2877). To revile means unjustly and needlessly to say and do uncomplimentary things to others. Jesus was more especially reviled after His sentence, by the soldiers in Caiaphas' and Pilate's palaces, and by the people and soldiers on His way to, and at, Calvary. But while He was not, and they were, deserving of reviling, He returned it not to them. Doubtless Satan sought to keep their vile words and deeds upon His mind, to stir up in Him the spirit, words and deeds of reviling. In this he failed, because our dear Redeemer, "despising the shame," looked upon it as of little consequence, and fixed His will upon pleasing the Father amid and despite their reviling. In this as well as every other respect, our blessed Lord is an example to us. Whatever reviling falls to our lot, whatever temptation comes to us to return reviling for reviling, let us, like Him, "despising the shame," fix our wills upon pleasing the Lord, amid and despite the reviling that is our portionP '33, 177. Parallel passages: Matt. 26: 65; 27: 13, 27-30, 39-44, 49; Psa. 22: 6, 7, 16, 17; 31: 11-13; 35: 20, 21; 71: 10, 11; 109: 25; Isa. 50: 6; 53: 7; Heb. 12: 3. Hymns: 168, 5, 28, 132, 190, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 22: Tell Me About The Master. Tower Reading: Z '13, 35 (R 5172). Questions: What has this text meant to me this week? In what relations and experiences? TELL ME ABOUT THE MASTER TELL me about the Master! I am weary and worn tonight; The day lies behind me in shadow, And only the evening is light! Light with a radiant glory That lingers about the west. My poor heart is weary, aweary, And longs, like a child, for rest.

Tell me about the Master! Of the hills He in loneliness trod, When the tears and blood of his anguish, Dropped down on Judeas sod. For to me lifes seventy mile-stones But a sorrowful journey mark; Rough lies the hill country before me, The mountains behind me are dark. Tell me about the Master! Of the wrongs He freely forgave; Of His love and tender compassion, Of His love that is mighty to save; For my heart is aweary, aweary, Of the woes and temptations of life, Of the error that stalks in the noonday, Of falsehood and malice and strife. Yet I know that whatever of sorrow Or pain or temptation befall, The infinite Master hath suffered, And knoweth and pitieth all. So tell me the sweet old story, That falls on each wound like a balm, And my heart that is bruised and broken Shall grow patient and strong and calm.

DECEMBER 8 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated youJohn 15: 18. As our Master was hated without a cause, so let it be with us so far as possible, that the hatred, malice, envy and murder which may be poured out against us may be wholly unmerited by usthat our lives shall be as nearly pure as possible; that so far as we are able, our thoughts and words and deeds may show forth the praises of our Lord, and speak of our love for all men, especially for the household of faith. By and by, when the new dispensation is fully inaugurated, those who hate us now, largely because they are blinded by the Adversary and misled, will bow before the Lord's Anointed, and we shall have the great pleasure of lifting them up, blessing them, encouraging them and forgiving them, and assisting them back to the full image and likeness of GodZ '01, 300 (R 2880). The word world is in the Scriptures used in various senses, i.e., the universe, the earth, a dispensational order of affairs, the people in harmony with it, and the entire human race. Evidently the whole human race did not hate our Lord; for the few heathen with whom He came in contact honored Him. Rather, the Jewish religious leaders and those influenced by them hated Him. They hated Him because His teachings refuted their errors; His example disparaged their hypocrisy; His exposures injured their prestige; His reforms endangered their ambitions; His religion subverted their sects; and His influence diminished their power. Because "the darkness hateth the light," God's faithful people during the Gospel Age have been hated by the nominal people of Godeven for the same reasons as Jesus was hated. It will be so even to the endP '32, 197. Parallel passages: Psa. 41: 9; John 1: 19-25; Isa. 53: 1-3; Matt. 10: 16-39; 24: 9; Mark 13: 13; Luke 21: 17; 19: 14; John 16: 2, 3; 17: 14; 1 John 3: 1, 13. Hymns: 312, 47, 48, 134, 150, 8, 114. Poems of Dawn, 56: Why Dost Thou Wait? Tower Reading: Z '11, 141 (R 4813). Questions: Have I this week for the sake of the Truth experienced others' hatred? How? With what results? WHY DOST THOU WAIT? POOR, trembling sheep! Ah! Who outside the fold Hath bid thee stand, all weary as thou art, Dangers around thee, and the bitter cold Creeping and growing into thine inmost heart? Who bids thee wait till some mysterious feeling, Thou knowest not whatperchance mayst never know Shall find thee, when in darkness thou art kneeling, And fill thee with a rich and wondrous glow

Of love and faith; and change to warmth and light The chill and darkness of thy spirits night! For miracles like this who bids thee wait? Behold, Gods precious word to thee is, Come! The tender Shepherd opens wide the gate, And in His love would gently lead thee home, Why shouldst thou wait? Long centuries ago, O timid sheep, the Shepherd paid for thee! Thou art His own. Wouldst thou His beauty know, Nor trust the love which yet thou canst not see? Thou hast not learned this lesson to receive: More blest are they who see not, yet believe. Still dost thou wait for feeling? Dost thou say, Fain would I love and trust, but hope is dead; I have no faith, and without faith, who may Rest in the blessing which is only shed Upon the faithful? I must stand and wait. Not so. The Shepherd doth not ask of thee Faith in thy faith, but only faith in Him; And this He meant in saying, Come to Me. In light or darkness, seek to do His will, And leave the work of faith to Jesus still.

DECEMBER 9 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love HimJas. 1: 12. If we could but keep in memory the fact that every trial, every persecution, every difficulty of life, permitted to come upon those who have made the covenant of sacrifice with the Lord, is intended to prove them, to test their love, to see whether or not their characters are fixed, rooted and grounded in righteousness, and being built up in love, it would put all these trials, difficulties and temptations in a new light before us, and greatly assist us in fighting a good fight and overcoming. We would say, If by these little trials the Lord is proving my love and devotion to Him, then, however trifling they may be or however important, I will diligently use them as favorable opportunities to demonstrate to my Lord the fullness of my love and devotion to Him and His causeZ '98, 41 (R2257). Temptation in this verse means trial, test. To endure temptation means while cheerfully bearing tests, to persevere victoriously amid them in well-doing. The Christian life is full of trials; we must be tested and stand approved in every point of character, before we can be accounted worthy. Blessed are we, if we expect trials; for such expectation will prepare us for them. Twice blessed are we, if we are being tested; for this gives us opportunities to overcome. And thrice blessed are we, if we faithfully endure our trials unto complete victory; for after our testing is successfully completed, the fruition of our hope will be ours. Life everlasting in the Kingdom, with all that it implies in disposition, nature, sights, honors, associations, inheritance and work, will surely become ours. By an oath God has covenanted this to "the seed"; and "the seed" consists of those consecrated ones who love God supremelyP '26, 173. Parallel passages: Job 5: 17; Psa. 94: 12; 119: 67, 71; Prov. 3: 11, 12; Matt. 24: 13; 1 Cor. 9: 25; 2 Tim. 4: 8; 1 Pet. 5: 4; Matt. 19: 28, 29; Jas. 2: 5; Rev. 2: 10. Hymns: 93, 56, 57, 67, 197, 200, 313. Poems of Dawn, 45: The Refining. Tower Reading: Z '15, 83 (R 5650). Questions: In what trials did I gain victory this week? How? With what results? THE REFINING
MAL. 3: 3

TIS sweet to feel that He who tries The silver takes His seat Beside the fire that purifies, Lest too intense a heat Raised to consume the base alloy The precious metals, too, destroy.

Tis good to think how well He knows The silvers power to bear The ordeal through which it goes; And that with skill and care Hell take it from the fire when fit, With His own hand to polish it. Tis blessedness to know that He The piece He hath begun Will not forsake till He can see To prove the work well done His image, by its brightness known, Reflecting glory like His own. But ah! how much of earthly mould, Dark relics of the mine, Lost from the ore, must He behold How long must He refine, Ere in the silver He can trace The first faint semblance of His face! Thou great Refiner! sit Thou by, Thy promise to fulfil! Moved by Thy hand, beneath Thine eye, And melted at Thy will, O may Thy work forever shine, Reflecting beauty pure as Thine!

DECEMBER 10 Them that honour me I will honour1 Sam. 2: 30. In whatever department of the Lord's service He is pleased to open the door of opportunity to us, we should enter it promptly and with energywith zeal for Him and for the cause to which He has called us. This is one condition of our acceptableness to Him. If we are slothful, inattentive to opportunities, undoubtedly they will be removed from us, and given to others, for the Lord is abundantly able to raise up one or another to serve His cause without interfering with, or overruling our free moral agency. Let us more and more appreciate what a privilege we enjoy in being co-laborers together with God, and especially in connection with this great service which our Lord and Master Jesus is exercising, and to fellowship in which we have been calledZ '01, 318 (R2888). To honor God implies putting God first in our lives. On the one hand, this means that we set ourselves constantly and successfully against that against which God sets Himself, i.e., Satan, the world and the flesh, as they appear in sin, error, selfishness and worldliness within and without. On the other hand, it means to set ourselves constantly and successfully in favor of that in favor of which God sets Himself, i.e., meditation on and spread of God's Word, character development in harmony with God's Word, endurance of evil for loyalty to God's Word, and watchfulness and prayer in harmony with God's Word. Such God will truly honor. In this life He honors them with the holy Spirit, with the understanding of His Word, with the privilege of prayer, with privileges of service, with separateness from sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, with development of Christlikeness and with victory in their battles. In the next life He will honor them with great Kingdom blessings, in disposition, nature, sights, glorification, association, inheritance, office and workP '36,166. Parallel passages: Jer. 18: 9, 10; Psa. 18: 20; 91: 14; 50: 23; Prov. 3: 9, 10; Isa. 29: 13, 14; Dan. 4: 34; Mal. 1: 6; John 5: 23, 44; 8: 49; 12: 26; 13: 31, 32; 17: 4, 5; 1 Cor. 4: 5; 1 Pet. 1: 7. Hymns: 235, 11, 45, 46, 89, 83, 219. Poems of Dawn, 278: "Amen!" Tower Reading: Z '15, 173 (R 5703). Questions: Has this text been this week fulfilled in me? How? Under what circumstances? With what effects? AMEN! SO let it be! The prayer that Christ enjoins Lives ever in our soul and on our tongue! So let it be! The worship He assigns Our great Creatorwith thanksgiving song,

From hearths, in temples, yea, the woods among, Pour forth! So let it be! As drooping vines Drink the reviving shower, so sink along Our hearts His precepts! Lo, one word enshrines Full attestation of our faith! Amen Includes the sum of our assent, and bears The seal of truth: it is the wing of prayers, Speeding the voice of millions, not in vain, To Gods high throne, borne on seraphic airs, To ratify in Heaven our glorious gain!

DECEMBER 11 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my waysProv. 23: 26. The heart, the will, thus given over to God, seeks to know the Divine will, to catch the Divine thought and to obey it in word and in act; and in proportion as this condition of the new mind is attained, in that same proportion will there begin to be a newness of life in every respectin ambitions, hopes, sentiments and efforts. It is for this reason that the revelation of the Divine will and Plan is furnished to believersthat by growing in the knowledge of it, by thinking on these things, by filling the mind with the Divine Plan and will, the transforming influence may extend into every avenue of lifeZ '01, 324 (R 2890). The Lord desires our intellects, our affections and our wills. He wants our intellects, so that emptying them of sinful, erroneous, selfish and worldly thoughts, and filling them with just, truthful, loving and spiritual thoughts, our intellects, so emptied and so filled, might become vessels sanctified and meet for the Master's use for the blessing of others and ourselves. He wants our affections and our wills, so that, purging them from sinful, selfish, worldly and erroneous affections and intentions, and filling them with just, truthful, loving and spiritual affections and intentions, our hearts, so purged and filled, might become vessels sanctified and meet for the Master's use for the blessing of others and ourselves. Therefore our text lovingly encourages us to yield our hearts and intellects to God; and blessed in the consequent enrichment of heart and intellect is he who so yields himselfP '30, 184. Parallel passages: Psa. 119: 9; Eccles. 12: 1; Matt. 13: 15; 16: 24; John 17: 17; Rom. 6: 13, 16, 19; 12: 1; 15: 16; 2 Cor. 8: 5; Gal. 2: 20; Col. 2: 11; Heb. 10: 5-7, 10. Hymns: 8, 14, 114, 244, 208, 134, 325. Poems of Dawn, 36: I Offer Thee. Tower Reading: Z '16, 163 (R 5905). Questions: What and how did I do with my consecration this week? Why did I do it? What was the result? I OFFER THEE EVERY hearts throb, it is Thine; Every human tie of mine; Every joy, and every pain; Every act of mind, or brain My blessed God! Every hope, and every fear; Every smile, and every tear; Every song and every hymn Laudamus Te.

Take them all, my blessed Lord, Bind them with Thy secret cord; Glorify Thyself in meAdored One! Multiply them by Thy Word, Strengthen, bless, increase, my Lord, Perfect in Love! Thou first, and last!

DECEMBER 12 As a man thinketh in his heart, so is heProv. 23: 7. It behooves the Lord's consecrated people carefully to strain out the impurities, and see that they do not enter into our hearts, our thoughts, realizing that if they enter, the result will be to work our defilement, to a greater or less degree. Whoever maintains purity of thought will have comparatively little effort in maintaining purity of word and of action. Whether the impurity come from one direction or anotherfrom the world or the flesh or the devilits attack must first of all be upon the mind; and if repelled there the victory is won; if not repelled, we cannot know what the consequences might be, as the Apostle James (1: 15) declares: "When lust [selfish desire of any kind], hath conceived [in the mind], it bringeth forth sin [develops sinful words or deeds]; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death"Z '01, 325 (R 2890). To think in the head and to think in the heart are two distinct things. All kinds of thoughts enter the intellect. Some of these thoughts are injected into our minds by Satan, the world and the flesh; and some are given to us by God, His servants and His people. Nor are we necessarily responsible for the first entrance of thoughts cast into our minds by outside sources. Only then do we become responsible for our thoughts, when we harbor them; for this makes us think them in our hearts, which implies that our affections cleave to them, and our wills, laying hold of them, make them our own. Only such thoughts mold our characters. If they are impure, vicious, distrustful, resentful, proud, vain, cowardly, lazy, contentious, brutal, covetous and hypocritical, they give us characters of the same qualities. If they are pure, noble, trustful, long-suffering, humble, simple, brave, active, peaceable, gentle, liberal, sincere, they will impart to us characters of the same attributes. Thus, we become in character like the thoughts that we cherishP '35, 172. Parallel passages: Gen.6: 5; Deut. 5: 29; 6: 5; 1 Sam. 16: 7; 1 Chron. 28: 9; 2 Chron. 12: 14; Psa. 22: 26; 34: 18; 51: 10, 17; 57: 7; Prov. 4: 23; 15: 13-15; Jer. 17: 1, 9, 10; Matt. 15: 19-21. Hymns: 196, 130, 198, 1, 136, 145, 8. Poems of Dawn, 118: Thy Will Be Done. Tower Reading: Z '13, 163 (R 5246). Questions: Have I kept my heart this week? How? Why? Where? THY WILL BE DONE MY Lord, Thy will not mine be done: Whatever path Thy love shall choose for me, Through desert sands, or if beside the sea, Thy will be done!

Oh, may Thy will in me be done: Should harvest labor be for me Thy will, Or if I may but suffer and be still, Thy will be done! My Father, let Thy will be done: If sweet the cup Thou pourest for me to drink, Ill praise Thee, but if bitter, Ill not shrink, Thy will be done! Forever may Thy will be done: I would not choose, I leave it all with Thee, The pilgrimage, if short or long it be, Thy will be done!

DECEMBER 13 Lay not this sin to their chargeActs 7: 60. How great a blessing it would be for all spiritual Israelites to learn well this lesson; namely, that if we accept the results of any matter as being good, and if we realize that we were guided to those results by Divine providence, we should think and feel most generously, most kindly, toward those who were the instruments used by providence, notwithstanding the fact that they might have been unwilling instructors or, like Joseph's brethren, have verily intended opposite results. Those who are enabled to take such a view of affairs and forces operating in their daily lives are enabled "always to triumph through the Lord," as the Apostle expresses it. And such find no room for bitterness or railing, either against Satan or against any of his servantsZ '01, 331 (R 2895). St. Stephen is a splendid example of forgiving one's enemies. It is easy to think and to say: "I will forgive my enemies," when one has none. It is quite a different thing to refrain from resentment in the heart toward those who wrong us. It is harder still to cherish no resentment toward people, while to their and our knowledge, they are doing us wrong. But the hardest of all things is to wish and do them good, while they are in the act of wronging us. Such was the sublime height of character to which St. Stephen climbed. While the rocks and, stones were striking him with most painful force, he prayed God to forgive his tormentors. If we would attain to a like character, we must be very selfoblivious, meek, zealous, loving and faithful. These qualities practiced in the small, things of life gradually impart to our characters strength that is equal to the demands of our hardest experiences. While failure to meet our daily small trials aright will result in defeat in great crisesP '34, 175. Parallel passages: Matt. 5: 40-48; 6: 12, 14, 15; 18: 21-35; Luke 6: 28; 23: 34; Rom. 12: 14, 17, 19, 20; Ex. 23: 4, 5; Prov. 19: 11; 24: 17; Eccles. 7: 21; Mark 11: 25; Luke 6: 3537; 17: 3, 4; 1 Cor. 4: 12; Eph. 4: 32; Col.3: 13; Phile. 10; 1 Pet. 3: 9. Hymns: 190, 132, 290, 101, 113, 165, 166. Poems of Dawn, 94: Trust. Tower Reading: Z '13, 185 (R 5259). Questions: Have I been forgiving this week? How? Why? What helped or hindered? With what results? TRUST
BLESSED ARE THEY WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED.

CHILD of Mine, I love thee, listen now to Me, And make answer truly while I question thee. For I see that shadows do thy soul oppress, And thy faith so weakens, that I cannot bless.

Thou hast craved My power and presence in thy soul. Wilt thou yield thee truly unto My control? Wilt thou let Me ever with thee have My way, Yield thyself in all things simply to obey? Though My presence ofttimes seem to be withdrawn, Of Mine inward workings not a trace be shown, Wilt thou count Me present notwithstanding all, Still believe Im working ever in thy soul? When I give to others what I thee deny, Flood them with My sunshine, wholly pass thee by, Wilt thou still believe in My strong love for thee, Yield thee to My purpose whatsoeer it be? When I to thy pleadings seem no heed to pay, And thy foes grow bolder, claim thee as their prey, Though toward thee Im silent, wilt thou stand the test, On My Word of promise lay thee down to rest? If to these My questions thou canst answer Yes, Thou shalt be forever one I love the best. To the inner circle of My favored few, Thou shalt be admitted, and My glory view.

DECEMBER 14 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercyMatt. 5: 7. All do not know it, but it is a fact that the grandest quality that man can exercise, and the one which brings the largest amount of blessing itself, is the exercise of the Godlike quality of mercy, compassion, benevolence. The Lord lays great stress upon this quality of mercy, declaring that whatever else may be our attainments of knowledge or of grace, if we have not this one we can never be acceptable to Him if we do not have mercy upon others neither will our Heavenly Father have mercy upon us. And to insure that we do not consider this mercy to be merely an outward form, an expression of forgiveness and benevolence, our Lord expounds the matter, saying, "If ye do not from the heart forgive one another, neither will your Heavenly Father forgive you." . . . Only the merciful shall obtain mercy; and if we have not mercy at the hands of the Lord, all is lost; for by nature we were children of wrath, even as others, and under just condemnationZ '01, 332; '00, 70 (R 2895, 2585). Mercy is possible of exercise amid conditions of evil only; for it is compassion relieving the weak and unfortunate. Weaknesses and misfortunes are along physical, mental, moral and religious lines; and all these lines of weakness and misfortune call upon us to exercise mercy. It is a matter of growth in its refinement of quality. At first, physical weakness and misfortune call forth its exercise; a little later it learns to listen to the cries of mental weakness and misfortune; still later it learns to heed the call of moral weakness and misfortune; and last of all it becomes solicitous of religious weakness and misfortune. In every case it is thrice blessed: it blesses him that gives, him that takes, and him that sees. Usually in his need the merciful man receives mercy from his fellows; but from God he receives mercy in his need always; and usually the Lord gives His mercy along the same lines as the merciful one has manifested it to othersP '33, 177. Parallel passages: Psa. 18: 25; 41: 1; Prov. 3: 3; 11: 17; 14: 21, 22, 31; 21: 21; Mark 11: 25, 26; Eph. 4: 32; Col. 3: 12, 13; 2 Tim. 1: 16; Heb. 6: 10, 11; Jas. 2: 13; Matt. 18: 35; Mic. 6: 8; Luke 6: 36; Rom. 12: 8. Hymns: 198, 15, 277, 28, 210, 260, 119. Poems of Dawn, 146: Scatter Seeds of Kindness. Tower Reading: Z '05, 230 (R 3603). Questions: What merciful deeds have I done this week? Why? How? With what results? SCATTER SEEDS OF KINDNESS LOVING words will cost but little, Journeying up the hill of life; But they make the weak and weary Stronger, braver for the strife. Do you count them only trifles? What to earth are sun and rain?

Never was a kind word wasted, Never was one said in vain. When the cares of life are many, And its burdens heavy grow For the ones who walk beside you, If you love them, tell them so. What you count of little value Hath an almost magic power, And beneath that cheering sunshine Hearts will blossom like a flower. So, as up lifes hill we journey, Let us scatter all the way Kindly words, to be as sunshine In the dark and cloudy day. Grudge no loving word, my brother, As along through life you go, To the ones who journey with you; If you love them, tell them so.

DECEMBER 15 The Lord is my shepherdPsa. 23: 1. The Lord, in calling His people His sheep, chose a very significant emblem of the character He would have manifested in them. The most noticeable characteristics of the sheep are meekness, docility and obedience to the shepherd to whose care they fully entrust themselves. . . . . The true sheep will carefully listen for the faintest accents of the voice of the Shepherdi.e., he will treasure up His words in his heart, he will study His providences; and he will cultivate that communion and personal fellowship with the Lord which are his privilege. Those who thus abide in Him can never go astray. "They can never, never lose their way"Z '02, 365 (R 3116). Jehovah is our Shepherd, and certainly, as our Shepherd, is good; for He is gentle, loving, active, selfdenying, intelligent, strong and constant toward us. And He renders us the service that we as His sheep need; He gives us prenatal care, accompanies us, gathers us, bears us up when weak, calls us by name, gives us food and drink, prepares our course for us, leads us in right paths, restores us to health, eases our hardships, rests our weariness, comforts us in trouble, warns us of, and protects us from, danger, watches over us, guards our surroundings, trains us, washes us from earth's defilements, seeks us when astray, restrains us from injuring our fellow sheep, separates us from the sheep of others, delivers us from hirelings, entrusts us to good shepherds, and causes us to be profitable. Yes, Jehovah, our Shepherd, is goodP '32, 197. Parallel passages: Gen. 49: 24; Psa. 23: 2-6; 27: 1; 37: 25; 56: 4, 11; 118: 6; Isa. 40: 11; Luke 15: 3-7; John 10: 1-16; Heb. 13: 6, 20; 1 Pet. 2: 25; 5: 4. Hymns: 257, 284, 286, 288, 121, 293, 294. Poems of Dawn, 277: May Heaven Sustain Thee. Tower Reading: Z '14, 198 (R 5490). Questions: Have I had special Shepherd care this week? How? How did I respond? MAY HEAVEN SUSTAIN THEE MAY Heaven sustain thee day by day, And make thy generous heart of love Rejoice through all the pleasant way That God directs thy feet to move, Inclining thee, just, generous, true, Nobly thy Christian work to do; Honored and loved and blessed of God, O! sweet may be the pathway trod; May heavenly light around thee shine, Divinely blessing thee and thine!

DECEMBER 16 How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, follow him1 Kings 18: 21. We need to have some touchstone, as it were, some matter which will help us to decide, which will enable the mind to reach a decision quickly. This touchstone should be God's will, so that to perceive the Lord's will in respect to any question would be to settle itas quickly as discerned. . . . . Ability to decide quickly, and to decide always on the right side, what the Lord's will is, requires some experience and discipline; but the sooner we begin the sooner we shall become proficient. The more energetically we set ourselves to know the Lord's will and to do it, and to show Him by our promptness that we delight to do His will, the better and the more quickly shall we find our characters established on proper linesZ '02, 42 (R 2950). To serve Jehovah implies deadness to self and the world and aliveness to God. He serves God who, refusing to obey the flesh and the world, obeys God. By Baal, primarily Satan as the god of this world is meant. To serve Baal implies aliveness to self, the world and the Adversary. More particularly those serve Baal, who, whether knowingly or unknowingly, imitate Satan by grasping for power, or who support others in their grasping for power. Leaders among God's people are Satan's especial targets for temptation along this line; and some of such leaders among them have more or less yielded to this temptation. The special trial of this, the Epiphany period of our Lord's Second Advent, is along this line. Promptly let us herein actP '26, 173. Parallel passages: Ex. 22: 29; Matt. 6: 24; 8: 21, 22; 19: 16-22; Luke 9: 61, 62; Acts 24: 25; Josh. 24: 5; Isa. 50: 7; 1 Cor. 15: 58; 2 Pet. 1: 10. Hymns: 14, 8, 48, 114, 134, 302, 312. Poems of Dawn, 26: Jesus Only. Tower Reading: Z '13, 296 (R 5322). Questions: What were this week's experiences that called for a decision? How were they met? What effects did they work? JESUS ONLY JESUS only! In the shadow Of the cloud so chill and dim, We are clinging, loving, trusting, He with us and we with Him; All unseen, though ever nigh, Jesus onlyall our cry. Jesus only! In the glory, When the shadows all are flown,

Seeing Him in all His beauty, Satisfied with Him alone; May we join His ransomed throng, Jesus onlyall our song!

DECEMBER 17 Beloved . . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasurePhil. 2: 12, 13. It was God that provided for us the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, and it is God who has drawn us unto Himself and who has promised us all needed grace to walk in the paths of righteousness; and more, even to follow in the footprints of Jesus in the way of self-sacrifice. While, therefore, with fear and tremblingwith great carefulnesswe endeavor to work out our salvation, it is our privilege always to realize the promised grace to help in every time of need, and to be confident that our best efforts toward righteousness are acceptable to God when presented through the merit of the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us by faithZ '97, 147 (R 2154). To work out our own salvation means to fulfill the terms of our consecration, i.e., to remain dead to selfwill and world will, while sacrificially using up our human all unto death for God's cause, and to remain alive to God's will in meditation, watchfulness, prayer, witnessing, character development and endurance according to God's Word. The issues, persons and results involved require that we do this with that fear and trembling which characterize reverence for God; for in the work of our salvationour deliverance from Satan, the world and the fleshGod works in us by His Spirit and Word, whereby He, as we co-operate with Him, makes us to will and do in overcoming evil and in developing good. Therefore, it behooves us to co-operate with Him with that fear and trembling that mark reverence for God in all thingsP '36, 166. Parallel passages: John 3: 27; 6: 27-29; Heb. 4: 1, 11; '9 2 Cor. 7: 1; 1 Pet. 1: 5-8; 2 Pet. 1: 10; Heb. 6: 11, 12; 2 Cor. 3: 5; Eph. 2: 8, 9; Prov. 10: 16; 16: 1; Jer. 32: 39; Heb. 13: 20, 21; Isa. 26: 12. Hymns: 130, 191, 13, 95, 8, 192, 208. Poems of Dawn, 71: Have Faith in God. Tower Reading: Z '16, 55 (R 5854). Questions: How did I this week co-operate with the Lord in working out my salvation? What helped or hindered therein? How was I affected by this co-operation? HAVE FAITH IN GOD WHEN the stormy winds are blowing, And the angry billows roll, When the mighty waves of trouble Surge around thy stricken soul, Have faith in God, Who reigns above; Yea, trust in Him, For He is love.

When the way is rough and thorny, Danger all along the path, When the foe is ever planning How to crush thee in his wrath, Have faith in God; His loving care Shall keep thee safe From every snare. When thine eyes are dim with weeping, And thy heart is full of woe For the loved that now are sleeping In the silent grave so low, Have faith in God; The dead shall rise And meet the Savior From the skies. Art thou filled with eager longing For the night to pass away? Art thou weary of the watching For the dawning of the day? Have faith in God; He is our stay; Soon, soon will come The perfect day. Art thou hoping, waiting, praying, For the presence of the Lord? Art thou waiting for the Kingdom, And the glorious reward? Have faith in God; Our King is here, And soon His glory Will appear.

DECEMBER 18 The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto meHeb. 13: 6. To have the proper course in life, to be able to meet the trials and difficulties of life as they come to us, and to meet them in the proper spirit which the Lord directsin the spirit of rejoicing in tribulation, and counting such experiences all joyit is necessary that all fear of man, which brings a snare, shall be removed. And it is our Lord's direction that we shall fear Jehovah, and not fear our mortal fellows. The righteous are bold as a lion, as well as gentle as a dove, and meek as a lamb. This peculiar combination should be found in every Christian, and we doubt if it will be found elsewhereZ '02, 45 (R 2951). This verse contains one of the precious assurances from the Lord to us amid the oppositions of men to the course of the faithful. At most men can but kill the body; they cannot destroy the new heart, mind and will; it will come forth in the resurrection awakening. Moreover there are metes and bounds placed by the Lord upon their opposition to us; for to them the words apply: "so far and no further." The Lord will permit them to do nothing to us except what will, if we are rightly exercised, do good to our new heart, mind and will. The Father has repeatedly demonstrated this in His helping us against and amid their opposition, whether this opposition has had to be met in church, state, capital, labor, family or society. Sometimes His help has seemed long delayed; yet it has always come in due time in harmony with the assurance of this text. This assurance, backed by God's providences in our lives, causes us to be courageous amid "the contradiction of sinners against" ourselvesP '30, 184. passages: Psa. 3; 27; 28: 1; 29: 25; 56: 1-11; 118: 5-16; 8: 12; Isa. 51: 12,13; Dan. 3: 17,18; Matt. 8: 26; 10: 28; Rom. 8: 15, 33-39; 2 Tim. 1: 7; 1 Pet. 3: 13, 14; 1 John 4: 4, 16-18. Hymns: 56, 63, 124, 197, 313, 331, 333. Poems of Dawn, 72: Courage! My Soul. Tower Reading: Z '14, 88 (R 5424). Questions: How has God helped me this week? Has man sought to make me fear? How? How did God's help affect my fear of man? COURAGE! MY SOUL LET nothing make thee sad or fretful, Or too regretful Be still; What God hath ordered must be right; Then find in it thine own delight, His will.

Why shouldst thou fill to-day with sorrow About to-morrow, My heart? One watches all, with care most true. Doubt not that He will give thee, too, Thy part. Only be steadfast, never waver, Nor seek earths favor, But rest; Thou knowest that Gods will must be For all His creaturesso for thee The best.

DECEMBER 19 Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off1 Kings 20: 11. The test of endurance is certainly one of the severest tests of faithfulness to which the elect Church is subjected. It is the test which gauges and registers the strength of every other virtue and grace, and no soldier of the cross will be crowned with the laurels of victory who has not stood this test. . . . . In the battle of this day, as in all other battles, the effort of the enemy is to surprise and suddenly attack and overwhelm the Lord's people; and the only preparation, therefore, that can be made for such emergencies is constant vigilance and prayer and the putting on of the whole armor of Godthe Truth and the Spirit of the TruthZ '94, 155 (R 1656). While the Lord's people may and do glory in the Lord, it is unseemly for them to boast; for that is nothing less than self-laudation. There may be some justification to speak at times of our past achievements modestly, but never boastingly. Much less is it in order to boast of future acts whose performance is uncertain. Such boasting exalts self, usually disparages others, and almost invariably insults God. The boaster not only usually fails to make good but also usually achieves disaster. There is no room for boasting in ourselves. What have we that we have not received? Should the beggar boast of the alms that he receives? Is not the good that we have attained of the Lord's grace? Let us, therefore, be zealous to give Him the glory for our place and attainments, and to think of ourselves as the objects of His unmerited goodness and loveP '35, 172. Parallel passages: Prov. 27: 1; Isa. 10: 15; Psa. 49: 6-9; 52: 1; 94: 4; Rom. 3: 27; 11: 1721; 1 Cor. 1: 17-31; 4: 6, 7; 2 Cor. 10: 12-17; Eph. 2: 8-10. Hymns: 184, 13, 15, 63, 123, 135, 291. Poems of Dawn, 236: Deeds, Not Words. Tower Reading: Z '94, 155 (R 1656). Questions: Have I boasted this week? How? Why? With what results? DEEDS, NOT WORDS THEY do the least Who talk the most, Whose good designs Are all their boast; Let words be few. They do the most Whose lives possess The sterling stamp Of righteousness;

For deeds are true.

DECEMBER 20 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth2 Tim. 2: 15. There is much significance in that word study; and only the studious find the narrow way to the Divine approval and acceptance. Study to show thyself approvedstudy the doctrine; study your course of conduct, to keep it in harmony with the doctrine. Study how to promote the peace and prosperity of Zion, and how to shield yourself and others from the missiles of error and from the poison of an evil, worldly spirit. Study to perform the duties of a faithful soldier of the crossthe seemingly insignificant, as well as the bravest and noblest deedsZ '02, 318 (R 3096). God's children, especially those who are teachers, should not accept with blank, unquestioning minds any opinions offered them. They are to study and test them as to their harmony or disharmony with themselves, Bible passages and doctrines, God's character and Christ's Ransom, facts and the designs of the Bible Godward, Christward, Churchward and Worldward. Only such things as are proven to be in harmony with these seven things, should the Lord's people accept. Such study, testing, is necessary, if we would be workmen approved unto God, and will result in our never having to hang our heads with the shame of defeat and controversy with gainsayers, and will enable us more and more rightly to distinguish one feature of the Word from another, giving us clear and correct views of the separate doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types of the Bible, and giving us ability to use themP '34, 175. Parallel passages: Josh. 1: 8; 2 Chron. 29: 11; Isa. 40: 9; 52: 11; 57; 14; Jer. 1: 7, 8, 1719; Ezek. 2: 6-8; 3: 8-10, 17-21, 27; Matt. 7: 6; 10: 7, 11-13, 16, 25, 27, 28; 20: 25-28; 28: 19, 20; John 21: 15-19; Acts 20: 28; Rom. 12: 6-8; 1 Cor. 4: 1, 2; 9: 16, 17; 2 Cor. 1: 24; 4: 1, 2, 5; 1 Tim. 1: 3, 4, 11, 18, 19; 4: 6, 7, 12-16; 2 Tim. 4: 2, 5. Hymns: 22, 49, 70, 116, 164, 210, 309. Poems of Dawn, 5: Great Truths. Tower Reading: Z '14, 232 (R 5511). Questions: Have I this week served the Truth? How? Why? Under what circumstances? What helped or hindered? With what results? GREAT TRUTHS GREAT truths are dearly bought. The common truth, Such as men give and take from day to day, Comes in the common walk of easy life, Blown by the careless wind across our way. Great truths are dearly won; not found by chance,

Nor wafted on the breath of summer dream; But grasped in the great struggle of the soul, Hard buffeting with adverse wind and stream. Sometimes, mid conflict, turmoil, fear and grief, When the strong hand of God, put forth in might, Ploughs up the subsoil of the stagnant heart, It brings some buried truth-seeds to the light. Not in the general mart, mid corn and wine; Not in the merchandise of gold and gems; Not in the worlds gay hall of midnight mirth, Nor mid the blaze of regal diadems; Not in the general clash of human creeds, Nor in the merchandise twixt church and world, Is truths fair treasure found, mongst tares and weeds; Nor her fair banner in their midst unfurled. Truth springs like harvest from the well-ploughed fields, Rewarding patient toil, and faith, and zeal. To those thus seeking her, she ever yields Her richest treasures for their lasting weal.

DECEMBER 21 Who is worthy?Rev. 5: 2. Let us, dearly beloved, as we realize that thus far God has counted us worthy to look upon the scroll of His Plan which has been unsealed for us by our blessed Lord Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, prove our worthiness to continue to look therein and to read the wondrous things of His law, by faithful obedience and loyalty to it in all things. Let us not undervalue our great privilege in being counted worthy to have some part in the blessed ministry of reflecting the light of Divine Truth; let us prove ourselves jewels of rarest value, diamonds indeed, heartily receiving and beautifully transmitting to others the light of Truth, and faithfully enduring the severest pressure that God may permit to come upon us; for, if faithful in these small things we shall in due time be counted worthy also to be with Christ in power and great gloryZ '02, 333 (R 3103). The question of our text is with reference to who was worthy to become the Interpreter and Executor of God's Plan. The strong angel that asked the question represented the Law Covenant, which found none during the Jewish Age worthy to become the Interpreter and Executor of God's Plan; and the God-fearing of that and of this Age grieved at the Law proven sinfulness of the human family. But blessed be the grace of our God, who has found for us a fountain of Life through the Wisdom, Justice, Love and Power operating in and by Jesus Christ, the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world! The Strong One among the leaders of God's people has not only fulfilled every demand of Justice in keeping perfectly its every precept, and in meeting its sentence against Adam and his race, but also has fulfilled every suggestion of Love in fully meeting every occasion of sacrifice. He is worthy! Yes, He is altogether lovely!P '33, 177. Parallel passages: Rev. 5: 6, 9-14; Psa. 45: 2; Isa.11: 5; 53: 9; Mic. 5: 4; Matt. 12: 41, 42; 27: 3, 4; Luke 3: 16; 23: 41; John 1: 14; 5: 30, 34, 41; 7: 18; Acts 13: 28; 1 Cor. 1: 24; 2 Cor. 4: 4; 5: 21; Col. 1: 19; 2 Tim. 2: 13. Hymns: 167, 10, 59, 155, 157, 190, 268. Poems of Dawn, 34: Jesus. Tower ReadingZ '16, 252 (R 5943). Questions: What has Christ been to me this week? How? With what results? JESUS THE gently sighing of the wind among the pines, The joyous singing of the lark at break of day, The rippling of the water-brooks through cooling shade, The patter of the softly falling rain at night, Are sounds less sweet by far than His most precious name.

No art can show a form so gracious and so fair, No masters hand hath drawn a smile so sweet, Nor could depict the majesty of that pure brow; No canvas ever glowed with such a holy light As shines from His most radiant image in my heart. The dearest earthly friend may fail in time of need, The sweetest and the loveliest grow cold at heart, The nearest may not heed the throbbing hearts sad cry, The gayest throng may hold the loneliest solitude, But Jesus, Jesus never fails my call to hear. Oh, may the music of Thy name more clearly fall Upon my ears attuned to catch that sweetest sound! Oh, may Thine image in my heart so bright become That I by gazing may be changed into the same; Oh, blessed Jesus, let Thy presence neer depart, Oh, come and reign forevermore within my heart!

DECEMBER 22 If a man therefore purge himself . . . he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work2 Tim. 2: 21. If a man desire honor from God, let him not fail to seek it in God's appointed way along the pathway of humility; for the Lord gives His favors to the humble. If you would be a vessel fit for the Master's use and a vessel of honor, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you in due time. Do not be in a hurry about it either; but "whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," beginning and ever continuing to cleanse your earthen vessel, that it may be fit for the Master's useZ '02, 319 (R 3096). The things from which we are to purge ourselves are those that constitute the filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit. This implies that we rid ourselves of evils that root not only in our bodies, such as uncleanliness of person, tobacco, liquor and drug habits, gluttony, unchastity, etc., but that root also in our minds and hearts, such as error, unbelief, despair, irresoluteness, impatience, impiety, unbrotherliness, selfishness, pride, vanity, cowardice, laziness, strife, hatred, insincerity, covetousness, etc. A leading part of our Christian warfare is our fight against sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, whereby we overcome evil and purge ourselves. Such purging is done by the activity of the holy Spirit and strengthens this Spirit. It makes us honorable before God, sets us apart to Him, fits us for His service, and prepares us for every good word and work. To all of us, especially to the Pilgrims and Elders, the charge applies: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord" P '32, 197. Parallel passages: Lev.21: 6; Isa. 6: 5-8; 52: 11; Jer. 15: 19; Matt. 20: 25-28; Rom. 2: 2123; 1 Cor. 5: 1-8; 6: 9-20; 11: 28-32; 2 Cor. 6: 3-7, 16-7: 1; 13: 5; Gal. 5: 19-21; Eph. 5: 3, 4; 1 Tim. 3: 1-15; 6: 11; Jas. 3: 10. Hymns: 105, 44, 20, 125, 130, 229, 267. Poems of Dawn, 181: The Master's Touch. Tower Reading: Z '02, 318 (R 3096). Questions: What have been this week's experiences in line with this text? How have they been met? What have been their results? THE MASTERS TOUCH IN the still lute the music lies unheard; In the rough marble beauty hides unseen: To make the music and the beauty, needs The Masters touch, the Sculptors chisel keen. Great Master, touch us with Thy skillful hand; Let not the music that is in us die!

Great Sculptor, hew and polish us; nor let, Hidden and lost, Thy form within us lie! Spare not the stroke! do with us as Thou wilt! Let there be naught unfinished, broken, marred; Complete Thy purpose, that we may become Thy perfect image, Thou our God and Lord!

DECEMBER 23 A word spoken in due season, how good it is! A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silverProv. 15: 23; 25: 11. We are to remember, when talking with those who have an ear to hear and are inquiring the way to the Lord, that there are great crises in the lives of men, momentous occasions, in which one word may be more valuable, more potent, than would be a hundred words or a thousand words at another time, under different circumstances; and we are to be instant in the Lord's service, whether seasonable or unseasonable to ourselves, gladly ready to lay down our lives for the brethren. . . . . We are to distinguish, however, between out-of-season to ourselves and out-ofseason to others; and to be willing to serve others at any time, however out-of-season to ourselves, if it be in season and opportune for them. We are not to intrude even the Gospel itself at inopportune times, however convenient the occasion may be to ourselvesZ '02, 381, 382 (R 3122). There are times for silence and times for speech. There are things to be said and things to be left unsaid. He who speaks when he should be silent, who says what should be left unsaid, and who withholds what should be said, is unwise and injurious. But he who is silent when silence is in order, who suppresses unsuitable and injurious remarks, and who utters in the right spirit and manner the thing that the time, place, occasion and person require, is wise and helpful. The ability to say the right thing in the proper spirit and manner, at the right time, occasion and place, to the right person, is a grace of rare attainment, value and fruitfulness. Let us study more carefully to select the things of which we speak, the spirit and manner in which we speak, the times, occasions and places at which we speak, and the persons to whom we speak. Then more and more will our words be good, because in seasonP '26, 173. Parallel passages: Psa. 37: 30; 39: 1; 119: 13, 46, 172; 141: 3; Prov. 12: 18-20; 15: 1, 2, 4, 7; 16: 21, 23, 24; 31: 26; Eccles. 12: 9-11; Eph. 4: 25, 29; Col. 4: 6; 1 Pet.3: 15, 16; Rev. 14: 5. Hymns: 260, 116, 272, 275, 22, 49, 16. Poems of Dawn, 106: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Tower Reading: Z '14, 245 (R 5517). Questions: How did I use my tongue this week? What were the effects? WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS WHAT a friend we have in Jesus, Sang a little child one day; And a weary woman listened To the darlings happy lay.

All her life seemed dark and gloomy, All her heart was sad with care; Sweetly rang out babys treble, All our sins and griefs to bear. She was pointing out the Savior Who could carry every woe; And the one who sadly listened Needed that dear Helper so! Sin and grief were heavy burdens For a fainting soul to bear; But the baby singer bade her Take it to the Lord in prayer. With a simple, trusting spirit, Weak and worn, she turned to God, Asking Christ to take her burden, Owning Him as her dear Lord. Jesus was her only refuge, He could take her sin and care, And He blessed the weary woman When she came to Him in prayer. And the happy child, still singing, Little knew she had a part In Gods wondrous work of bringing Peace unto a troubled heart.

DECEMBER 24 Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sinsMatt. 1: 21. The noting of those little incidentals by which Divine providence prepared for our Savior's birth and for the sending forth of the Gospel message, is strengthening to the faith of the Lord's people. Realizing God's care in the past over even the little things, gives a foundation for confidence in His wisdom and provision for the features of His Plan which are yet futurethe fulfillment of all the exceeding great and precious promises which centered in Him who was born in Bethlehem. And so also a realization of the Divine providence in the larger affairs of the Divine Plan stimulates faith also in the Lord's providences as respects the personal and more private affairs of His peopleZ '00, 8 (R 2555). Names given to Biblical characters, etc., are significant of the character, work, office, experience and typical relations of the person or thing involved. This accounts for the name selected for the Messiah by God. Jesus is the Latin word for the Hebrew word Joshua , or Jeshua (Jehovah is salvation ), and signifies the office work of our Lord. His people are all that in this and the next Age approach God by Him. The race is under the condemnation, power and effects of sin. His merit, now imputed on behalf of the consecrated, delivers them from the condemnation of sin. By the Lord's Spirit, Word and providence, He gradually delivers them from the power or rulership of sin, and ultimately in the resurrection will deliver them from all the effects of sin. Later, by the application of His merit, He will deliver the world from the condemnation of sin; and by His Priestly, Mediatorial, Kingly, Legislative, Judicial, Prophetic and Paternal office, will deliver all who obediently become His people from the power and effects of sin. Hallelujah, what a Savior! He is mighty to save!P '36, 167. Parallel passages: Gen. 49: 18; Job 33: 23, 24; Psa. 72: 4, 12-14, 17; 80: 17; 89: 19; Isa. 28: 16; 40: 10, 11; 42: 6, 7; 53: 10-12; 62: 11; Zech. 9: 9; Matt. 15: 24; 18: 11-13; Luke 1: 68-77; 2: 11, 30-34; Acts 16: 31; Rom. 3: 24-26. Hymns: 132, 260, 144, 345, 342, 116, 347. Poems of Dawn, 23: Our Master. Tower Reading: Z '09, 375 (R 4534). Questions: What does the name Jesus mean to me? Why? How? What does it effect in me? OUR MASTER NO fable old, nor mythic lore, Nor dream of bards and seers, No dead fact stranded on the shore Of the oblivious years;

But warm, sweet, tender, even yet A present help is He, And faith hath still its Olivet, And love its Galilee. The healing of His seamless dress Is by our beds of pain; We touch Him in lifes throng and press, And we are whole again. O Lord and Savior of us all! O blessed Christ Divine! We own Thy sway, we hear Thy call, We test our lives by Thine. We faintly hear, we dimly see, In various phrase we pray; But, dim or clear, we own in Thee The light, the Truth, the Way. Our Friend, our Brother, and our Lord, What may Thy service be? Not name, nor form, nor ritual word, But simply following Thee. To do Thy will is more than praise, As words are less than deeds, And simple trust can find Thy ways We miss with charts of creeds.

DECEMBER 25 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 Luke 2: 10, 11. Although we cannot agree that this is the proper day for celebrating the birth of our dear Redeemer, but must insist that it was about October first (Studies, Vol. 2, p. 54), nevertheless, since He did not intimate His desire that we should celebrate His birthday, it is quite immaterial upon what day that event, of so great importance to all, is celebrated. Upon this day, so generally celebrated, we may properly enough join with all whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God and toward the Savior. The habit of giving little remembrances one to another at this time of year seems to us specially appropriate. God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. He is continually giving; and we are continually receiving from Him; but among all His gifts the One of greatest importance to us is the Gift of His Son to be our RedeemerZ '03, 457 (R 3289). The good tidings of great joy for all people announce blessings consisting of a number of things, i.e., the forgiveness of sins, resulting in the awakening of all the dead; an accurate knowledge of the Truth; the race being placed amid conditions inconducive to sin and error, and conducive to truth and righteousness; a favorable influence Christward operating on all; bringing every knee to bowing to, and every mouth to confession of, His Lordship; the offer of the holy Spirit to all and the privileges of the Highway of Holiness for all. These are the blessings that the Oath-bound Covenant assures "the seed" that it will administer to mankind. The Ransom-price, a perfect human being, had to exist before it could be given as the basis of all these blessings. Therefore the human birth of Him who was to be both Lord and Christ had to take place. And it having taken place the Angel could in announcing it as an embryonic event tell of the blessed growth that had its roots in the birth of the Babe of Bethlehem, and its fruit in man's restitutionP '30, 184. Parallel passages: Gen. 12: 3; Psa. 22: 27-29; Isa. 9: 6; 29: 18, 24; 35: 5, 6, 10; Luke 2: 30-32, 34; John 1: 9; 12: 32; Rom. 14: 9; Phil. 2: 9-11. Hymns: 342, 345, 347, 246, 144, 16, 15. Poems of Dawn, 259: Coming By and By. Tower Reading: Z '15, 376 (R 3700). Questions: Has the Gospel been good tidings to me this week? Why? How? How did it influence my conduct? COMING BY AND BY A BETTER day is coming, a morning promised long, When truth and right, with holy might, shall overthrow the wrong;

When Christ the Lord will listen to every plaintive sigh, And stretch His hand oer sea and land, with justice by and by. The boast of haughty tyrants no more shall fill the air, But age and youth shall love the truth and speed it everywhere. No more from want and sorrow shall come the hopeless cry But war shall cease, and perfect peace will flourish by and by. The tidal wave is coming, the Year or Jubilee; With shout and song it sweeps along, like billows of the sea, The jubilee of nations shall ring through earth and sky; The dawn of grade draws on apacetis coming by and by. O! for that glorious dawning we watch and wait and pray, Till oer the height the morning light drive the gloom away; And when the heavenly glory shall flood the earth and sky, Well bless the Lord for all His works and praise Him by and by.

DECEMBER 26 Be thou strong and very courageousJosh. 1: 7. "Be strong and of a good courage." There are different kinds of courage; one sort is begotten of egotism and self-reliance; another kind is begotten of a recklessness which fails to take into account the difficulties of the situation; but the courage which the Lord inculcates, and which all the spiritual Israelites are to seek to possess, is the one which, while coolly and calmly discerning the trials and difficulties of the way, and while humbly realizing its insufficiency for the occasion, is supported by a faith in the Lorda trust in the Divine promises which enables them to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His mightZ '02, 285 (R 3079). Courageous strength does not merely mean physical power and bravery; but also mental, moral and religious power and bravery, born of faith in God, hope for victory, delight in, and obedience to, Divine principles. It, therefore, consists of self-control, patience and bravery. It is necessary because of the untoward times in which we live; because of the issues Godward, Christward, Truthward, Churchward and Worldward involved; because of the foes that oppose us, as principles consisting of error, sin, selfishness and worldliness, and as persons, consisting of Satan, self and the world; because of the work that we have to do, each for himself, for the Church and for the world; because of the victories to be gained; and because of the final rewards to be attained. Such courageous strength cannot be developed by idleness or mere wishing. It can be gained by no other way than by a faithful use of the Lord's Spirit, Word and providences amid our daily experiences and conflicts, small and greatP '35, 172. Parallel passages: Josh. 1: 5-9; Deut. 5: 32, 33; 31: 7, 8; Isa. 35: 4; 41: 10-14; Rom. 8: 31, 37; 1 Cor. 16: 13; Eph. 6: 10-16; Psa. 27: 1; 46: 1, 7; 119: 42; Prov. 2: 7; Judges 6: 14. Hymns: 272, 13, 44, 71, 183, 184, 266. Poems of Dawn, 196: Sometime We'll Understand. Tower Reading: Z '15, 179 (R 5705). Questions: Have I been strong and courageous this week? Why? Where? What helped or hindered? With what results? SOMETIME WELL UNDERSTAND PERHAPS twill be in coming years, It may be in the better land, Well read the meaning of our tears, And thus, sometime, well understand. Well catch the broken threads again, And finish what we here began; Heavn will the mysteries explain, And the, ah! then, well understand.

Well know why clouds instead of sun Were over many a cherished plan; Why song hath ceased when scarce begun. Ah, yes! sometime, well understand. Why what we longed for most of all, Eludes so oft our eager hand; Why hopes are crushed and castles fall Some day, sometime, well understand. God knows the way, He holds the key, He guides us with unerring hand; Sometime with tearless eyes well see; Yes, there, beyond, well understand. Then trust in God, throall thy days, Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand; Tho dark thy way, still sing and praise; Sometime, sometime, well understand.

DECEMBER 27 Little children, keep yourselves from idols1 John 5: 21. We are not to put our trust in leaders, but in the Lord. This does not signify that we are not to trust leaders, and not to acknowledge leaders, for all the history of the Lord's dealings with His people, the typical as well as the antitypical, shows us that He is pleased to use human agencies as His representatives in the teaching and leading of His people from grace to grace, from knowledge to knowledge. The lesson to be learned is that the Lord is thoroughly competent to manage His own work, and that while we may look for His leading through human agencies, our trust is not in them, their wisdom, their strength, but in the Lord's wisdom and strength, guiding them and us through themZ '02, 284 (R 3077). Idols are not always gross physical images. They are all physical, mental, moral and religious objects other than Jehovah to which people bow down and render supreme devotion. That to which one renders supreme devotion is his God; and if this be not Jehovah, it is an idol. Thus viewed, we see that some make idols of their creeds, denominations, sects, themselves, their ambitions, appearance, clothes, ease, education, position, popularity, safety, opinions, rights, appetites, home, property, families, titles, friends, country, leaders, the opposite sex, etc. It is these idols that are alluring to us who refrain from serving the gross idols of the heathen; and it is especially from these idols that the Apostle exhorts us to keep ourselves. To indulge in such idolatry, means to go back on our consecrationwhereby we vowed to be dead to self and the world and to be alive to Godand to become servants of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness at the behest of SatanP '34, 175. Parallel passages: 1 Cor. 10: 7-14; Ex. 32: 23-26; 2 Cor. 6: 17; Ex. 20: 3-6; 1 Sam. 15: 23; Psa. 16: 4; 44: 20; Josh. 24: 23; Jonah 2: 8, 9; 1 Cor. 6: 9; Rev. 9: 20; 21: 8. Hymns: 4, 197, 172, 192, 312, 224, 47. Poems of Dawn, 95: My Hymn. Tower Reading: Z '13, 253 (R 5297). Questions: Have I kept myself this week from idols? How? Under what conditions? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? MY HYMN I CANNOT think but God must know About the thing I long for so; I know He is so good, so kind, I cannot think but He will find Some way to help, some way to show Me to the thing I long for so!

I stretch my hand: it lies so near. It looks so sweet, it looks so dear! Dear Lord, I pray, oh, let me know If it is wrong to want it so! He only smiles; He does not speak; My heart grows weaker and more weak With looking at the thing so dear, Which lies so far and yet so near. Now, Lord, I leave at Thy dear feet This thing which looks so near, so sweet; I will not seek, I will not long; I almost fear I have been wrong. Ill go and work the harder, Lord, And wait till by some loud, clear word Thou calllest me to Thy loved feet To take this thing so dear, so sweet!

DECEMBER 28 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the headPsa. 110: 7. We want to ask the Lord, our Master and Head, that He will bless us more and more, as with fresh zeal we shall endeavor faithfully and rejoicingly to drink of the brook of life's experiences, and gain wisdom therefrom that will fit and prepare us for His service by and by; and which will the better fit and prepare us for His service also in the present time, and enable us by His grace to show forth His praises in all the trying circumstances and vicissitudes of life so as to glorify Him in our bodies and spirits which are His. Let us, as we drink of the brook, take a lesson from the little birds, which when drinking, repeatedly lift the head as though giving thanks to God. Let us continually give thanks to our Lord for every taste of life's experience, for every lesson, for every trial, appropriating them all to our spiritual developmentZ '02, 14 (R 2935). The brook of this text represents the Word of God and life's experiences. The picture is that of a journey over a road along which the clear waters of a brook flow. From it the thirsty travelers may drink and quench their thirst. Our dear Redeemer found the brook of the Word flowing for His refreshment along His entire journey; and from it He drank and was refreshed. Like Him, let us, as we journey toward the Heavenly Zion, drink from this cooling, refreshing brook whenever in need of its reinvigoration. Likewise from the brook of life's experiences Jesus drank, learning new lessons, preparing Him for new experiences. Life's experiences will also teach us new lessons helpful for future experiences. Only the dullest pupils fail to learn from experience, the most thorough of teachers. Not being of this class, let us learn both from the Word of God and from the experiences of life the lessons which the Lord teaches usP '33, 177, 178. Parallel passages: Luke 22: 27; Acts 8: 32, 33; 2 Cor. 8: 9; 10: 1; Phil. 2: 5-8; Isa. 50: 5, 6; Matt. 26: 51-54; Heb. 12: 2-14; Ezra 7: 10; Psa. 78: 2-8; 143: 8,10; Prov. 23: 12. Hymns: 63, 9, 10, 22, 67, 154, 315. Poems of Dawn, 213: From Glory Unto Glory. Tower Reading: Z '02, 12 (R 2935). Questions: What have I this week learned from the Word and from experience? How? With what results? FROM GLORY UNTO GLORY FROM glory unto glory! Thank God that even here The starry words are shining out, our heavenly way to cheer! From glory that excelleth all that human heart hath known,

Our onward, upward, shall begin in the presence of the throne. From glory unto glory of loveliness and light, Of music and of rapture, of power and of sight; From glory unto glory of knowledge and of love Shall be the joy of progress awaiting us above. From glory unto glory that ever lies before, Still wondering, adoring, rejoicing more and more; Still following where He leaded, from shining field to field, Himself the goal of glory, revealer and revealed! Then let our hearts be surely fixed where truest joys are found, And let our burning, loving praise yet more and more. abound; And gazing on the things not seen, eternal in the skies, From glory unto glory, O Savior, let us rise!

DECEMBER 29 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike goodEccles. 11: 6. All the Lord's people, in proportion as they desire to be the servants of the Truth, should be continually on the alert to note opportunities for service, and should expect to be guided and used of the Lord. Wherever we see evidences of devotion to the Lord and His Word, we should be on the alert to extend a helping hand. . . . . We are to be on the alert to pass along the blessing which we have received, and to esteem that this is the chief business of life with those who have consecrated themselves to the service of the King of kingsZ '02, 71 (R 2964). We cannot read the hearts of others. God only can do this. Therefore, we are to sow beside all waters. We are authorized to withhold our holy things and pearls of Truth and character from but two classes: the "dogs"those who contentiously snap, snarl and growl at, and bite usand the "swine"those who wallow in the mire of sin. To all others are we to give appropriate parts of the Word. Nor are we to do this work but once or twice. It is to be repeated as often as the needs of those with whom we deal require, regardless of our own convenience. We cannot tell at which repetition the, Word will find lodgment; nor can we tell which person will respond. Like Samuel we often think those to be the Lord's anointed whom God rejects; and those not to be His anointed whom He accepts. Therefore we should be cautious in judging. God alone judges infallibly the hearts, and reveals their attitude by the touchstone of the Spirit, Word and providences. They prove whether the characters are genuine or alloy. Therefore let us wait upon His assays, which prove each case arightP '32, 197. Parallel passages: Gen. 49: 24-26; Psa. 1: 3; 127: 1, 2; 128: 1, 2; Prov. 11: 18, 19, 30; Isa. 58: 6-14; 62: 1; John 18: 37; 1 Cor. 15: 58; Gal. 6: 9; 2 Tim. 4: 2, 5. Hymns: 210, 70, 164, 260, 200, 275, 309. Poems of Dawn, 147: Only. Tower Reading: Z '14, 197 (R 5489). Questions: Have I this week spread the Truth? How? Why? With what results? ONLY ONLY a word for the Master, Lovingly, quietly said, Only a word! Yet the Master heard, And some fainting hearts were fed. Only a look of remonstrance,

Sorrowful, gentle and deep, Only a look! Yet the strong man shook, And he went alone to weep. Only some act of devotion, Willingly, joyfully done, Surely twas nought! (So the proud world thought), But yet souls for Christ were won. Onlybut Jesus is looking Constantly, tenderly down To earth, and sees Those who strive to please, And their love He loves to crown.

DECEMBER 30 Thou crownest the year with thy goodnessPsa. 65: 11. As we review the leadings of Divine providence during the year that is past, let God's goodness and mercy stimulate our faith and confidence in Him as respects the new incoming year. A proper retrospect on the part of a proper child of God will enable him not only to render thanks for the past but also to look up and lift up his head, realizing that our deliverance is nearer than when we first believed; and that He that began a good work in us is both able and willing to complete it, if we will but continue to submit our wills, our lives, our all, to His wisdom and loving care Z '00, 365 (R 2737). The word year in the Bible is sometimes used for a period averaging nearly 365 days, and sometimes for an Age. Both kinds of years the Lord crowns with His goodness. He crowns the natural year with His goodness, bearing up the Universe, and operating its stupendous machinery for His glory and the good of His creatures, giving them the blessings of the seasons. Thus amid the limitations of the curse the Lord abundantly blesses. Viewed as "the acceptable year of the Lord," the Gospel Age has been crowned with the Lord's goodness, in redeeming, teaching, justifying, sanctifying, completing, delivering and glorifying the Church; bringing the Great Company to eternal life; developing the non-Spirit-begotten consecrated for princeship in the earth; and preparing Jews and Gentiles for the Millennial Reign. So, too, the Millennial Age will be crowned with the Lord's goodnessforgiving, awakening, instructing, compassionating, drawing and blessing the whole race; lifting up the earth and the obedient to perfection, and giving the faithful everlasting life in ParadiseP '26, 173. Parallel passages: Ex. 33: 19; 34: 6; Psa. 33: 5; 34: 8; 73: 1; 107: 8, 9, 43; 145: 7, 9; Isa. 61: 1, 2; 63: 7; Matt. 7: 11; Luke 4: 18, 19; Rom. 2: 4; Titus 3: 4. Hymns: 11, 45, 46, 55, 83, 89, 293. Poems of Dawn, 272: These Many Years. Tower Reading: Z '07, 364 (R 4100). Questions: What were this year's special blessings? How did they affect me? THESE MANY YEARS THESE many years! What lessons they unfold Of grace and guidance through the wilderness, From the same God that Israel of old In the Shekinah glory did possess! How faithful He, through all my griefs and fears And constant murmurings, these many years! God of the Covenant! From first to last,

From when I stood within that sprinkled door, And oer my guilt the avenging angel passed, Thy better angel hath gone on before; And naught but goodness all the way appears, Unmerited and free, these many years! Thy presence wrought a pathway through the sea; Thy presence made the bitter waters sweet; And daily have Thy hands prepared for me Sweet, precious morselslying at my feet. Twas but to stoop and taste the grace that cheers, And start refreshed, through all these many years! What time I thirsted and earths streams were dry, What time I wandered and my hope was gone, Thy hand hath brought a pure and full supply, And, by a loving pressure, lured me on. How oft that hand hath wiped away my tears And written Pardoned! all these many years! And what of discipline Thy love ordained Fell ever gently on this heart of mine; Around its briers was my spirit trained To bring forth fruits of righteousness Divine; Wisdom in every check, and love appears In every stroke, throughout these many years! Lord, what I might have been, my spirit knows Rebellious, petulant, and prone to stray; Lord, what I am, in spite of flesh and foes, I owe to grace that kept me in the way. Thine be the glory! Merit disappears, As back I look upon these many years. Thine be the glory! Thou shalt have the praise For all Thy dealings, to my latest breath; A daily Ebenezer will I raise, And sing Salvation through the vale of death To where the crown, the golden harp appears, There to rehearse Thy love through endless years!

DECEMBER 31 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his peoplePsa. 116: 12-14. The close of the year is an excellent time for the making of new resolutions for the year to come. Let us, beloved brethren, make plenty of good resolves respecting what we shall be willing to be, to do, to suffer, to fellowship with our Lord; that we may by His grace make of it the best year thus far of our livesthe year of largest hopes, of largest endeavors, and by the Lord's grace, of largest successes in selfsacrifice, in overcoming the world and its spirit, in vanquishing self and the desires of the flesh, in resisting the Adversary, and in glorifying our Lord and blessing His peopleZ '99, 286 (R 2551). The present benefits of the Lord to us are His creative, providential, redemptive, instructional, justifying, sanctifying and delivering blessings; while His future benefits to us center in our attaining the Kingdom, in disposition, nature, sights, honors, associations, inheritance and office. The first return that we would make for the benefits is to take the cup of salvation. A cup usually symbolizes blissful and woeful experiences. The cup of salvation represents the experiences of bliss and woe connected with our obtaining our salvation. We will, therefore, with thankful and appreciative hearts accept such experiences. Further, we will call upon the name of the Lord, trustfully accepting His grace, mercy and truth, in our time of need. Finally, we will fulfill our general consecration vow of deadness to self and the world and aliveness to God, as well as our special vows under our general vow. We will do this now in the interests of all God's people, now and hereafterP '36, 167. Parallel passages: Psa. 51: 12, 13; 103: 2, 3; Isa. 6: 5-8; Rom. 12: 1, 2; 1 Cor. 6: 20; 2 Cor. 5: 14, 15; Psa. 23: 5; 63: 6; Luke 22: 17, 18, 20; Matt. 20: 22, 23; 26: 39, 42; John 18: 11; Num. 15: 2-5; Deut. 23: 21; Jonah 2: 9; Psa. 66: 13-15. Hymns: 325, 224, 324, 8, 47, 10, 277. Poems of Dawn, 275: New Year's Wishes. Tower Reading: Z '14, 279 (R 5538). Questions: What were the week's experiences in line with this text? How were they met? What helped or hindered therein? In what did they result? NEW YEARS WISHES WHAT shall I wish thee? Treasures of earth? Songs in the spring-time, Pleasure and mirth? Flowers on thy pathway,

Skies ever clear? Would this ensure thee A happy new year? What shall I wish thee? What can be found, Bringing thee sunshine All the year round? Where is the treasure, Lasting and dear, That shall ensure thee A happy new year? Faith that increaseth, Walking in light, Hope that aboundeth, Happy and bright; Love that is perfect, Casting out fear: These shall ensure thee A happy new year! Peace in the Savior, Rest at His feet, Smile of His countenance Radiant and sweet; Joy in His presence! Christ ever near! This will ensure thee A happy new year!

PRAYER And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodyRom. 8: 23. The Lord's people are not to parade their difficulties, bemoaning their lot; on the contrary, they have the privilege of prayer and the instructions of the Word of God teaching them why present evil conditions are permitted at all, and how and when and why the time is nearing in which all tears will be wiped off all faces, and there shall be no more sighing and crying and dying. Instead therefore of groaning before the world, they should rejoice and show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Our sympathy for the poor world without these advantages should so bestir us to tell them the Gospel, that our own woes would be smotheredpartially forgottenZ '02, 40 (R 2947).
The human family groans under the curse, which consists of rank growth, drought, blight, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves, storms, floods, extremes of climate, Satan, fallen angels, sin, error, sorrow, depravity, hatred, strife, persecution, exaltation of the wicked, exploitation, tyranny, priestcraft, sectarianism, labor, panics, loss, alienation from God, sickness, dying and death. God's Gospel-Age people groan inwardly, from the effects of the curse, and from the added sufferings of their sacrifice. The race groans outwardly; though unable to overcome internal, we are to suppress external groanings. The world groans, while expecting deliverance, which God will give them at the revelation of the elect in glory. We groan while awaiting our full sonship in the resurrection, which will deliver us from the evils of the flesh into the glories that we will receive with JesusP '33, 163.

Parallel passages: Psa. 5: 1-3; 32: 6; 37: 4; 42: 8; 50: 14,15; 116: 2; Ezra 9: 6,15; Dan. 6: 10; Gen. 18: 23-32; Matt. 15: 22-28; Luke 12: 37; 18: 1-7; Eph. 6: 18; Psa. 69: 6,13; 74: 10, 11, 18, 20-23; Mark 8: 6; Acts 27: 35; 6: 4; Rom. 1: 4; 1 Tim. 5: 5. Hymns: 35, 50, 56, 235, 239, 274, 323. Poems of Dawn, 116: Communion With Our Father. Tower Reading: Z '12, 149 (R 5021). Questions: Has this week been one of prayerfulness? What helped or hindered therein? What have been the results? COMMUNION WITH OUR FATHER OFT when alone in prayer I kneel Before my Fathers throne; I cannot tell Him all I feel, Nor make my wishes known. With heart subdued, and head bowed low, I lean upon His breast, And while the tears unbidden flow,

My love for Him confess. I have no boon to ask of Him, Save that His will be done, To make me holy, pure within An image of His Son. But as He smiles and draws me near His Spirit from above Floods all my soul with peace so dear, And fills my heart with love. Though from my gaze He hides His face, My soul, from self apart, Hath found its happy resting place Close to His loving heart.

PATIENCE Do all things without murmuringsPhil. 2: 14 We may all have in our natural dispositions a tendency to repine, to grumble, to bemoan afflictions which come to us, even in the service of the Truth; but as we become more and more developed in Christlikeness the Lord will surely expect of us that we shall gradually attain more and more to that standard which He sets for us; in which the trials and difficulties of the present will be more than, offset, more than overbalanced by His Spirit, and by the witness of His Spirit, that all these things are working together for good to us, working out for us the greater glory by preparing us for itZ '02, 40, (R 2947). God's people are not to sympathize with, nor condone wrongs in teaching or practice. Nor are they to sit quietly by and let sin and error abound and have free course. Thus Jesus, the Apostles, the faithful Prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers and others of God's faithful people have been dissatisfied with and protested against them. Such dissatisfaction and protests are not to be considered "murmuring" in the sense of this verse. The kind of dissatisfaction and protests that this text calls murmuring are complaints made at one's lot, experiences, opportunities, difficulties, trials, sufferings, humiliations and the Lord's providences as these affect oneself or others. These indicate that one's will is not dead but quite alive; and the person so doing is opposing God and living for selfP 33, 163. Parallel passages: Psa. 37: 7-9; Lam. 3: 26, 27; Luke 8: 15; 21: 19; Rom. 2: 7; 5: 3, 4; 8: 25; 12: 12; 15: 4, 5; 2 Cor. 6: 4, 5; 12: 12; Gal. 6: 9; Eph. 4: 1, 2; Col. 1: 11; 1 Thes. 1: 3; 2 Thes. 3: 5; Heb. 6: 12; 10: 36; 12: 1; Jas. 1: 3, 4; 5: 7, 8. Hymns: 4, 20, 34, 78, 91, 114, 196. Poems of Dawn, 100: Mortally Wounded. Tower Reading: Z '13, 312 (R 5332). Questions: What have been this week's experiences as to patience? How were they met? What was helpful or hindersome therein? In what did they result? MORTALLY WOUNDED I LAY me down to sleep, With little thought or care Whether my waking find Me hereor there! A bowing, burdened head, Only too glad to rest, Unquestioning upon A loving breast.

I am not eager, bold, Nor strongall that is past! Im willing not to do, At last, at last! My half-days work is done, And this is all my part: To give a patient God My patient heart; And grasp His banner still, Though all its blue be dim; These stripes, no less than stars, Lead after Him. Weak, weary and uncrowned, I yet to bear am strong; Content not een to cry, How long! How long!

CHEERFULNESS God loveth a cheerful giver2 Cor. 9: 7.

Not merely as respects money matters, as generally applied, is this true, but in respect to all of our little offerings and sacrifices to Him and for His cause. If we would be pleasing to the Lord and grow in His favor and in nearness to Him, we must bring our hearts more and more into the condition that He approves, that He loves, namely, heartiness, cheerfulness, promptness in every service we may render. The trouble with many Christians is that they have not thoroughly learned what a great privilege we of this Gospel Age enjoy, in being permitted to present our little sacrifices and self-denials to the Lord, under the assurance that our imperfect works shall be acceptable through Christ to GodZ '02, 42 (R 2950). God is constantly giving all His creatures the things appropriate to their being. Especially is He continually giving to His consecrated ones grace, mercy and Truth. Nor does He bestow His gifts stintingly or grudgingly. "He giveth liberally and upbraideth not." God is a cheerful as well as a liberal Giver. And He desires His people to be like Him in this respect as well as in others. "Freely ye have received; freely give" is a statement expressive of the Lord's ideal for us. We are not only to give money but also time, talents, knowledge, love, influence, reputationin a word, our all. We should be so grateful and appreciative and joyous for God's gifts, so sympathetic of others' needs, so happy to give and to see others blessed, and so delighted that cheerful giving gains God's special love, that we should delight to give P '33, 163.

Parallel passages: Psa. 16: 6; 36: 8; 37: 7, 16; 40: 8; Prov. 3: 13-18; 14: 14; 15: 13, 15, 30; 16: 8; 17: 1, 22; 30: 8; Eccles. 9: 7-9; Isa. 12: 3; John 15: 11; 16: 20-24; Rom. 5: 2; 12: 12; 2 Cor. 7: 4; 8: 2; 12: 10; 1 Pet. 1: 8; 4: 12, 13; Phil. 4: 4; 1 Thes. 5: 16; Heb. 10: 34; Jas. 1: 2; 5: 13; 1 John 1: 4. Hymns: 27, 38, 57; 94, 100, 179, 237. Poems of Dawn, 163: He That Scattereth Increaseth. Tower Reading: Z '10, 142 (R 4603). Questions: Have I been cheerful this week? Amid what circumstances? Why? What helped or hindered? What resulted? HE THAT SCATTERETH INCREASETH IS thy cruse of comfort failing? Rise and share it with another, And through all the years of famine It shall serve thee and thy brother. Love Divine will fill thy storehouse, Or thy handful still renew; Scanty fare for one will often Make a royal feast for two. For the heart grows rich in giving;

All its wealth is living grain; Seeds which mildew in the garner, Scattered, fill with gold the plain. Is thy burden hard and heavy? Do thy steps drag wearily? Help to bear thy brothers burden; God will bear both it and thee. Numb and weary on the mountains, Wouldst thou sleep amid the snow? Chafe that frozen form beside thee, And together both shall glow. Art thou stricken in lifes battle? Many wounded round thee moan; Lavish on their wounds thy balsams, And that balm shall heal thine own. Is thy heart a well left empty? None but God its void can fill; Nothing but a ceaseless Fountain Can its ceaseless longings still. Is thy heart a living power? Self-entwined, its strength sinks low; It can only live in loving, And by serving love will grow.

PURITY Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them Eph. 5: 11. Our reproof of sin may always be through the living epistles of our daily lives, which, as bright and shining lights, should ever reprove by manner, look, act and tone, everything tending toward darkness and sin. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Occasionally it may be proper, and still more occasionally it may be duty, for us to speak or to act in opposition to darkness; but the light of a godly life, testifying for the Truth and exhibiting the holy Spirit, is certainly one of the most forceful reproofs of sin that can be administeredZ '04, 74 (R 2966). In this text the word fellowship means partnership, participation in the works of darkness, the deeds of sin and error. These are unfruitful because they lead to no good results. We have fellowship in such works, when we perform them or support and encourage others in performing them. Of course, those who stand for God, truth and righteousness even to the sacrifice of their all in death cannot participate in such works. Rather their course is to reprove them. This they may do, first, and always, by example, wherein they not only do not do such works, rather their opposites, but also by manner, look and tone show disapproval; then, secondly, and occasionally, by speech expressing their disharmony with, and opposition to, the unfruitful works of darkness. Usually the former method is the most effective reproach; yet at times with the support of the former the latter method will prove the most effective reproof P '33, 163. Parallel passages: Psa. 19: 8; 24: 3-5; 51: 7; 119: 140; Prov.15: 26; 20: 9; 21: 8; 30: 12; Isa.1: 18, 25; 6: 7; Dan. 12: 10; Mic. 6: 11; Mal. 3: 2, 3; Matt. 5: 8; John 15: 2; Phil. 4: 8; 1 Tim. 1: 5; 3: 9; 5: 22; 2 Tim. 2: 21, 22; Titus 1: 15; Heb. 9: 14; Jas. 4: 8; 1 Pet. 1: 22; 1 John 3: 3. Hymns: 47, 74, 78, 125, 128, 150, 198. Poems of Dawn, 40: The Cost of Discipleship. Tower Reading: Z '98, 212 (R 2335). Questions: Have I striven for purity this week? How? Why? Under what circumstances? With what results? THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
LUKE 9: 23.

WOULD ye be My disciples? Consider again: Can ye follow My footsteps through trial and pain? Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame, And live but to honor My cause and MY name?

Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth, And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth, Despising earths riches, and living to bless? Can you follow the feet of the shelterless? Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men? Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again? Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs Whove watched for your falling, whove set for you snares? When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise, The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes? Can ye come out to meet Me, whateer the cost be, Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea? When I call, can ye turn and in gladness come out From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart? With naught but My promise on which to rely, Afar from their lovecan ye lie down and die? Yea, well take up the cross and in faith follow Thee And bear Thy reproach, Thy disciples to be. Blest Savior, for courage, to Thee we will fly; Of grace Thou hast promised abundant supply.

PRAISE He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our GodPsa. 40: 3. The filling of the Spirit of the Lord leads to songs and rejoicings, not only with the lips, but with the heartrefreshing, comforting and uplifting not only the "singer" but also the hearer. It is this "new song" in the heart that constitutes the Christian a separate and distinct being from all others about. Because it is in the heart, therefore, it must be in the mouth also, and must influence all the affairs of life; for we cannot but speak the things which have so wonderfully uplifted and refreshed our soulsZ ' 02, 75 (R 2966). The new song is the Song of Moses and the Lamb, the harmony of the Scriptures as seen in the Divine Plan of the Ages. This Plan proceeded from God's character; is in harmony with His character; is a manifestation of His character; is carried forward by His character; reflects credit upon His character; produces in the faithful and obedient His character; and will ultimately vindicate the perfection of His character. The speaker in this text is the Christ, whose mouth consists of those who express His thoughts. To these the Lord's secret is given. They tell it forth harmoniously with itself, with Scripture passages and teachings, with God's character and Christ's Ransom, with facts and with the designs of the Lord's Word. As the picture of a song suggests, they do it joyously. While "singing" it to all who will listen, they especially "sing" it to all who have an ear for its melodious notesP '33, 163. Parallel passages: Ex. 15: 1-21; Judg. 5; 1 Sam. 2: 1-10; 2 Sam. 22; Luke 1: 46-55, 67-79; Psa. 8: 9; 18; 19; 24; 29; 30; 33; 40; 47; 50; 65; 66;75;76;77;92;93;95;96;97; 98; 99;104;111;113;115;116;117;118;134; 139; 147; 148; 150. Hymns: 11, 45, 46, 235, 237, 238, 283. Poems of Dawn, 223: My Beautiful Secret. Tower Reading: Z '92, 142 (R 1402). Questions: Has this been a week of praise? Why? How? Under what circumstances? With what results? MY BEAUTIFUL SECRET I HAVE learned a beautiful secret, I know not how nor where But I know it is sweet and precious, And true, and glad, and fair; And that God in heaven reveals it To all that have ears to hear. And I know that ere I learned it, My way was weary and hard;

And somewhere in lifes music There was always that which jarred A hidden and dreary discord, That all its sweetness marred. But my harp of life was lifted By One who knew the range Of its many stringsfor He made it, And He struck a keynote strange; And beneath the touch of the Master I heard the music change. No longer it failed and faltered; No long sobbed and strove; But it seemed to soar and mingle With the song of heaven above; For the pierced hand of the Master Had struck the keynoteLove. Thy hearts long-prisoned music Let the Masters hand set free! Let Him whisper His beautiful secret To thee, as He hath to me: My Love is the Golden Keynote Of all My will for thee.

HELPFULNESS Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it1 Cor. 12: 26.
Every Christian in proportion as he is in harmony with the Head and His spirit of love, will be prompt to act. Sometimes in our human bodies the hand may stretch forth assistance to an injured member so quickly that it seems impossible to conceive that the message first went to the head, and that our hand was subsequently directed by the head to assist; and so it is with the disciples of Christ. Those who are in full touch and sympathy with the Head, the Lord, are to so large an extent of "one spirit" with Him, so anxious to do His will, and so well informed with respect to what His will is, that they sometimes seem to act almost automatically, in respect to rendering help"' by word or deed, or otherwise, to those with whom they are in contactZ '02, 103 (R 2984). This text treats of sympathy in the full sense of the word. Such sympathy means to feel with others; to feel one with them in condition, experiences, sentiments and purposes. Thus we sympathize with God and Christ in that we feel one with Them in character, plan, work and triumph and in the mistreatment that They receive from Satan and his servants. In our sympathy with the brethren we not only feel with them as we do with God and Christ; but additionally we feel with them in their mistakes, lacks, faults, failures and weakness well knowing that we are encumbered with like infirmities. God and Christ being free from these do not call forth our sympathy for these. We do not sympathize with, but pity the world for their disharmony with good principles and for the mistreatment that they receive from Satan and from his willful and deluded servantsP '33, 164.

Parallel passages: Psa. 20: 2; 46: 4, 5; 84: 1-10; 102: 13-15; 111: 1; 132: 16; 133; 134; Prov. 3: 27, 28; 11: 25; 22: 9; 25: 21; Isa. 40: 11; 52: 7; 58: 6-11; 61: 1-3;01 Acts 20: 28; 11: 29, 30; Rom. 15: 15-27; 1 Cor. 12: 28; 13: 3; 2 Cor. 8: 1-15, 24; Phil. 4: 10-18; Col. 1: 24; 1 Tim. 6: 18; Heb. 6: 10; 13: 16; 1 Pet. 2: 5; Mark 9: 41. Hymns: 23, 95, 170, 172, 179, 277, 322. Poems of Dawn, 161: A Cup of Cold Water. Tower Reading: Z '13, 168 (R 5250). Questions: Have I been helpful this week? To whom? Why? How? What helped or hindered? Under what circumstances? With what results? A CUP OF COLD WATER THE Lord of the Harvest walked forth one day, Where the fields were white with the ripening wheat, Where those He had sent in the early morn Were reaping the grain in the noonday heat. He had chosen a place for every one, And bidden them work till the day was done. Apart from the others, with troubled voice,

Spake one who had gathered no golden grain: The Master hath given no work to me, and my coming hither hath been in vain; The reapers with gladness and song will come, But no sheaves will be mine in the harvest home. He heard the complaint, and He called her name: Dear child, why standest thou idle here? Go fill the cup from the hillside stream, And bring it to those who are toiling near; I will bless thy labor, and it shall be Kept in remembrance as done for Me. Twas a little service, but grateful hearts Thanked God for the water so cold and clear; And some who were fainting with thirst and heat, Went forth with new strength to the work so dear; And many a weary soul looked up, Revived and cheered by the little cup.

GOSPEL WITNESSING Do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry2 Tim. 4: 5.
To what extent are we each and all zealously using the opportunities which the Lord has put in our power to glorify His name and to bless our sinsick neighbors, not only by telling them about Jesus and His wonderful words of life, but to what extent are we additionally helping them to come to Him? There are various ways in which we may assistby word, by letter, by invitation to meetings, etc. However, one necessary element in all help is that our own course of conduct must be in accord with that which we commend to others. If we ourselves have been with Jesus and learned of Him and caught some of His self-sacrifice and love, we will be better able to help others who desire to come to HimZ '04, 41 (R 3315). Zeal may be defined as an ardent devotion to persons, principles, causes and things, expressing itself in enthusiastic activities on their behalf. It is, therefore, a quality that is ardent, burning, feelingful. It boils over in enthusiastic feelings. The affections are wrought up to a boiling point; and it enlists the energies of body, soul and spirit in its exercise of ardor. It is an ardent devotion; hence it gives itself up in any possible way of self-sacrifice in the interest of the object to whose interest it is devoted. It exercises itself in the interest, sometimes of persons to whom it is attached by affectional devotion, sometimes to principles to which it is attached by ardent devotion, sometimes to a cause to which it is attached by warm advocacy, sometimes to things to which one cleaves with burning devotion and sometimes to a combination of two or more of these with an enthusiastic devotionP '48, 51.

Parallel passages: Psa. 40: 3; 69: 9; Eccles. 9: 10; 11: 6; Isa. 61: 1-3; 62: 1; Jer. 20: 9; Matt. 4: 17; 5: 14; 10: 7; 28: 19, 20; Mark 16: 15; Luke 2: 49; John 9: 4; 18: 37; Acts 1: 8; Rom. 1: 16; 1 Cor. 9: 16; 15: 58; Gal. 6: 9, 10; Phil. 2: 15, 16; 2 Tim. 4: 2. Hymns: 70, 116, 210, 245, 260, 261, 275, 309, 314, 348. Poems of Dawn, 308: We Still Can Serve. Tower Reading: Z '01, 151 (R 2808). Questions: Have I witnessed to the Truth recently? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? WE STILL CAN SERVE YOURE growing old? Your task is done? And now you rest with setting sun, Lamenting that your work is oer, That you cant labor any more? Ah, weary not to do Gods will! Go, labor on, your task fulfill. Youll always have the Masters care The oldest trees some fruit must bear; For age has labors none the less

Than youth, though in another dress. As evening twilight fades away New glories shine, not seen by day.

COMFORT IN SORROW "Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strengthNeh. 8: 10. Sorrows indeed may, and often will, come in like a flood, but the Lord is our helper in all these things. The soul that has never known the discipline of sorrow and trouble has never yet learned the preciousness of the Lord's love and helpfulness. It is in seasons of overwhelming sorrow, when we draw near to the Lord, that He draws specially near to us. So the Psalmist (130) found it, when, in deep affliction, he cried to the Lord and reasoned of His righteousness, saying: "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 supplications." Feeling his own shortcomings and longing for full deliverance from every imperfection, and prophesying the bountiful provisions of the Divine Plan of salvation through Christ, he adds: "If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities [imputing them to us], O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared [reverenced]"Z '95, 20 (R 1759). The bulk of mankind are, generally speaking, usually given to sorrow rather than to joy. It could not be otherwise under the reign of the Adamic curse; for pain, suffering, sickness, losses, disappointments, enmities, dying, death and mourning abound on all sides and make the race sorrowful; for we are all living in the night of sin in which weeping endures (Psa. 30: 5). Hence joy is not the usual and enduring experience of the race under the curse. It is the privilege of God's people to be joyousP '42, 100. Parallel passages: Gen. 3: 16, 17; 1 Sam. 1: 15; Esth. 9: 22; Job 41: 22; Psa. 13: 2; 16: 4; 18: 4, 5; 32: 10; 69: 29; 116: 3, 4; Isa. 35: 10; 51: 11; Jer. 31: 12, 13, 25; John 16: 20-22; 2 Cor. 2: 7; 6: 10; 7: 8-11; 1 Thes. 4: 13, 14; Rev. 21: 4. Hymns: 60, 222, 38, 3, 43, 203, 204,105, 231, 228, 173. Poems of Dawn, 225: Sorrow. Tower Reading: Z '15, 344 (R 5802). Questions: Did I seek to obtain God's comfort and not be unduly sorrowful? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? SORROW COUNT each affliction, whether light or grave, Gods Messenger sent down to thee; do thou With courtesy receive Him; rise and bow; And, ere His shadow pass thy threshold, crave Permission first His heavenly feet to lave; Then lay before Him all thou hast; allow No cloud of passion to usurp thy brow Or mar thy hospitality, no wave

Of mortal tumult to obliterate Thy souls marmoreal calmness. Grief should be Like joy, majestic, equable, sedate, Confirming, cleansing, raising, making free; Strong to consume small troubles; to commend Great thoughts, grave thoughts, thoughts lasting to the end.

OVERCOMING BAD HABITS Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy wordPsa. 119: 9.
How responsible is the position of those who are building character in themselves and in others! Remember that our characters are manifested by our habits of life; and each act, even the smallest, tends to form some new habit, or to confirm one already established. How important, then, that our thoughts and actions should not be aimless, but with a purpose (1 Cor. 10: 31); and, above all, that our lives should be "transformed [re-formed] by the renewing of our minds"; that, putting aside the evil, and all influences which tend toward evil, we should receive of the Lord, through His Word, the "spirit of a sound mind," the "mind of Christ." In this view of the case, it is indeed a solemn thing to live, a solemn thing to think, and to act; and it behooves us to guard well our words, our thoughts and our actions, and ever to bear in mind our responsibility to God, both for ourselves and for others as ambassadors for ChristZ '05, 360 (R 3674). What is meant by habit? It may be defined as the custom of the mind or disposition to think or to direct action along certain previously and usually employed lines. Habits have a tremendous power for good or for evil. The proverb says, Sow a thought and reap a motive; sow a motive and reap an act; sow an act and reap a tendency; sow a tendency and reap a habit; sow a habit and reap a character; sow a character and reap a destiny. Habit begets a fondness for the deed performed. Habit, given free course, controls our general conductour thoughts, speech, gestures, tone of voice, carriage, dress, manner, etc.BS '73, 75.

Parallel passages: Num. 8: 7; Neh. 15: 22; Job 17: 9; Psa.19: 12-14; 24: 3-5; 32: 5; 51;119: 9; Isa.1: 16; 52: 11; Jer. 22: 21; Mic. 2: 1; Rom. 6: 11-23; 1 Cor. 6: 9-11, 18; 10: 14; 2 Cor. 7: 1; Gal. 5: 1; 6: 1, 7, 8; 2 Tim. 2: 22; Jas. 1: 8, 12-14; 4: 8; 1 John 1: 9; 5: 21; Rev. 3: 5; 21: 7, 8. Hymns: 130, 136, 312, 194, 96, 198, 350. Poems of Dawn, 306: The Early Impress. Tower Reading: Z '90, 5 (R 1186). Questions: Have I recently sought earnestly to rid myself of bad habits? What helped or hindered therein? With what results? THE EARLY IMPRESS
PROV. 22: 6

I TOOK a piece of plastic clay And idly fashioned it one day; And as my fingers pressed it still It bent and yielded to my will. I came again when days were past, The bit of clay was hard at last; My early impress still it bore

And I could change its form no more. I took a piece of living clay And gently formed it day by day; Molding with parental art A young boys soft and yielding heart. In time his tender years were gone, It was a man I looked upon; My early impress still he bore And I could change him nevermore!

OVERCOMING LONESOMENESS AND DESPONDENCY "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD"Psa. 130: 1. We are sometimes "cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4: 9). This expression shows that while the Apostle and his companions did not suffer despair, did not feel forsaken, they sometimes felt a heaviness of spirit. This heaviness of spirit, or feeling of loneliness and depression, is natural at times to all mankind under the adverse conditions prevailing in the world. The weight of this casting down may be accentuated to some extent by the condition of the physical health. Those who are weak or in pain physically are apt to feel any mental pressure or trouble. This is all to be fought against in the Christian; for we know that our afflictions and disabilities are something outside and not of the Lord, except in the sense that He permits them for our development, for our future work in the Kingdom. We are therefore to be of good courage. If the Lord permits us to have trouble, we are to exercise fortitude, to patiently endure, and not to allow it to destroy our faith or our happiness or our loyalty of spirit to Him to whom we have vowed allegiance. We are to put up with whatever our Father permits, in sweetness of temper, and to say to ourselves, "This may be a good lesson to me. Perhaps these cast-down feelings, this feeling of desolation, may help me to sympathize more with others." The poet has truly said: Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary. So let us see to it that we do not allow this feeling of depression to conquer us and to destroy our faith and energy; but rather, looking to the Lord for assisting grace, and claiming His precious promises, we are to rise above the difficulty and press bravely onwardZ '15, 120 (R 5671). Lonesomeness may be defined as a sad or dejected condition as a result of lack of companionship with and separation from other people, and despondency as a condition in which one is much discouraged and disheartened. These undesirable qualities can be overcome by fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6: 12), by using Bible teachings and examples of other Christians, by drawing near to God and Christ and fellowshipping with Them and (when possible) with other believers, by engaging heartily in God-pleasing service, by calling to mind God's precious promises, encouraging Christian Poems and hymns, and by being persistently determined not to give Satan the victory, but to give it to GodBS '80, 60. Parallel passages: Gen. 21: 9-21; Ex. 6: 9-12; 1 Kings 19: 1-14, 18; 2 Kings 6: 15-17; Job 3; 4: 5; 7: 3-6; 17: 7, 13-16; 42: 10-16; Psa. 6: 6; 55: 4-6, 16; 66: 8, 9; 67: 1; 69: 1-3, 16; Acts 13: 22; Psa. 102: 3-7, 11, 12; Jer. 3: 14-19; 5: 15-22; Jonah 4: 2, 3, 8; Isa. 53: 3, 6; 63: 3; Matt. 26: 31, 38, 40; 27: 46; Mark 14: 27; 15: 34; John 16: 32; Luke 24: 17-21; 2 Cor. 4: 9; Matt. 11: 28-30; Luke 15: 20-24; John 6: 37; Rom. 3: 25,

26; 4: 25, 26; 5: 1, 8-11; 6: 23; Col. 3: 3; Heb. 2: 17, 18; 4: 14-16; 13: 5; Jas. 4: 8-10; 1 John 1: 3, 7; Gen. 12: 2, 3; 22: 16-18; Rom. 4: 11, 12; Gal. 3: 16, 29; Psa. 23: 6; 24: 3-6; 34: 17-19; 37; 46; 91; 145: 18, 19; Ezek. 18: 21, 22; Matt. 28: 20; Luke 18: 29, 30; John 14: 1-3, 21, 23, 26, 27; 15: 25, 26; 17: 20-23; 2 Cor. 6: 17, 18; 7: 1; 2 Tim. 2: 19-21; Rev. 3: 5, 20. Hymns: 3, 38, 43, 57, 60, 104, 305. Poems of Dawn, 42: Courage! Press On. Tower Reading: Z '95, 20 (R 1759); Z '15, 120 (R 5670). Questions: What experiences have I had recently with lonesomeness and despondency? How have I fought against these undesirable qualities? What helped or hindered? Under what circumstances? With what results? COURAGE! PRESS ON TIRED! Well, what of that? Didst fancy life was spent on beds of ease, Fluttering the rose leaves scattered by the breeze? Come, rouse thee! work while it is called to-day: Courage! arise! go forth upon thy way. Lonely! and what of that? Some must be lonely; tis not given to all To feel a heart responsive rise and fall, To blend another life within its own: Work can be done in loneliness. Work on. Dark! Well, what of that? Didst fondly dream the sun would never set? Dost fear to lose thy way? Take courage yet! Learn thou to walk by faith, and not by sight; Thy steps will guided be, and guided right. Hard! Well, what of that? Didst fancy life one summer holiday, With lessons none to learn, and naught but play? Goget thee to thy task! Conquer or die! It must be learned; learn it, then, patiently.