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"What did you mean by her lamp, mother?" asked Nelly.

"Was it not her Bible, mother?" asked Dick. "I remember reading in the Psalms, 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.''

"Yes, you are right, my boy;' said his mother, "and I am glad you understood what I meant." "Did the grandmother have a real lamp?" asked May.

"She had a real Bible, darling; and I want you to understand that just as a lamp on a dark night guides us in the right road, so, until we are in the bright light of Heaven, we have the Bible to show us the way there.”

"Mother," said Nellie, "you said the King had promised to guide Zina, I thought He only guided good people."

"God sees the heart, Nellie. He knows us far better than we know ourselves; and if we wish to love Him, He will guide us into all truth' (John xvi. 13)."

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Mamma, how was it Zina looked and could find nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth” (Rev. no message?" said Dick.

"Of what use would a lamp be to you unless it was lighted, Dick? People often go to the Bible and find nothing there, because they have not the inward light God gives by His Holy Spirit." "But she found a light after, mother?"

"When people are tempted, and turn to God's xxiv. 12), for to-day iniquity is "multiplied " (R. V.) word, He often sends them a message."

"How was it she lost her lamp, mother? people don't lose their Bibles; and if they do they can get others quickly."

"People sometimes, after they have once given their hearts to Jesus, think they are quite safe, and there is nothing more for them to do; and they let themselves fall into spiritual sleep; then by degrees they mix again with the world, and do wrong things; then they suddenly wake to find the Bible is all against them; they can find no pleasure in it."

"I wish I loved reading the Bible, mother; but

I am like Zina, I want you to explain the words," said Nellie.

"You are young yet, my child; and the time will come, I trust, when you will have your wish," said her mother.

"And you will tell us another next Sunday, won't you, mother?"

"Yes, dear, if God is willing."

ESTA.

THE WORKS AND THE WORD.

VI.

LATENT HEAT.

"Stir into Flame."-2 Tim. i. 6. R.V. Marg.

HEAT, I think, we may take as symbolic of two things, or of two things specially, LOVE and ANGER. Even as there may be unholy love, so is there righteous anger. "Many waters cannot quench love" (Cant. viii. 7) because of its burning power. "Lord, why doth Thy wrath wax hot against Thy people?" and in sympathy with his God, "Moses' anger waxed hot" (Ex. xxxii. 11-19). Heat is contained in many things, in which we least suspect its presence; it is not apparent, not manifested, not liberated, because the conditions necessary to set it free are not fulfilled; therefore it remains a hidden, sleeping, latent thing, and in that state powerless, so far as its heat-giving action is concerned. God has made His Church a repository of heat; heat emanating from the fire of Deity, that is to be a power of life, of warmth, of burning, of love and anger. "So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold

iii. 16), is the terrible changeless sentence of Jehovah touching such an anomoly, as a Church with the power of burning, and yet not on fire. And it comes down very near our own day, for thus saith the same Sovereign Lord, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt.

as never before in the history of the ages. God does not intend the heat of His Church to be a latent heat; when it is so, it is the altering of His purpose concerning her. He has concentrated His heat in her, so that from her may flow a wondrous caloric of spiritual vitality to all with whom she comes in contact. But the conditions, which set free, that which He has bestowed upon are not fulfilled.

The great source of natural heat is the sun. "There is nothing hid from the heat thereof" (Ps. xix. 6). But it is a remarkable fact, the sun's rays alone

never set fire to natural substances; they need the assistance of burning-glasses, because when the rays are bent through the glass, they are brought to a focus, and thus at that point the light and heat are increased. How beautiful is the parable! God has given out, and wrapped up as it were His light and heat, in "the Church which is His body," to the intent that now.."6 might be known THROUGH

THE The Church the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. of fire, giving out heat to all around thee. And if iii. 10. R.V.)

any are too .feeble to stand the mighty blows, Latent heat ! When anything contains heat, behold how tenderly the Lord deals with each. without feeling hotter for it, when it is heat not per- The daily fretting trouble, that rubs and rubs, may ceptible to our feelings, it is latent heat, and there is do for you the work of the hammer, or rather, of much latent heat in the Christianity of to-day! the terrible strokes. Do not shrink from it. Think enough to set the world on fire were it set free, and it not useless. He is making the outer world to yet enough to make the angels weep, for it is lying correspond with the inner soul-world, which He hidden, dormant. Oh! when will the Christians only knows. He will make no mistakes. Yield, awake, arise, and “ STIR INTO FLAME.”

only yield, and the gift in you also will be stirred How? Latent heat is brought out by action. into flame, to the glory of Him who gave it.

I., by chemical action; and, II., by mechanical And again, when you enter icy regions in the action ; each with its lesson of spiritual mystery.

service of your Master-King-lose not courageI. Many things, when their chemical constitution make ice touch ice, till the frozen parts are melted. is changed, either by the abstraction of some of their Set free the latent heat, you who have been set free gases or by the combination of others not before by God, and who have been set alight by the Lord united, evolve heat while the change is going on. —the Baptizer with Fire.

. This is true also, in grace, of the atoms which com

B. G. L. H. pose the one great whole of the Church. When things which compose their substance-their life

THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD. are changed; when the human is being abstracted THERE must needs be a downward career when to make make room for the divine, there is fire and we do not receive “ the whole counsel of God,” as flame; and when the divine is coming in, purifying revealed by Him in His Word. Jesus, the Son of and re-fusing all things to the image of God, there David, the Son of Abraham, and He only, is "the is burning and heat. Our life is fuel to the living, Light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of purging fire of God. There is so little real heat, His people Israel.” Japheth cannot be blessed because there is so little life laid on the altar. except by abiding in the tents of Shem. The tents

II. The two principal ways in which heat is of their own making afford no safety and shelter; produced by mechanical action is by percussion and but the Church of Jesus Christ, built upon the by friction. Iron, if struck, will become red-hot; foundation of apostles and prophets, is a witness in and the act of rubbing two things together will the world of that other world or age in the spirit produce heat. To take an extreme case ; two pieces of which we already live, and which we wait for, of ice will melt if rubbed together, because some of because we wait for Him who has promised to come the latent heat in them is made sensible, and melts again. The sun, which has set in the west, will the ice. Can we wonder at the crashing of the never there rise again; in vain we gaze, expecting

; storm the Father allows to break over His own the light to reappear there. And, since the fall of people? nor at the suffering He would permit to man, there is no other hope of day and blessedness come upon them, if they were true to Him and the but from that new and marvellous sunrise in the surgings of His Spirit in their soul? For being east--the Day-spring from on high-which, through true to God means suffering and glory. But we the tender mercy of God, hath visited us. Ours is shrink

away from so much of it—we evade it; and not the rest or power of the First Creation, but the thus, instead of being fiery, glowing saints, we are life and power of the Resurrection, separated from

the wisdom, and strength, and hope of the first lukewarm, possessing only latent heat, and are Adam by that Cross of Christ; and God forbid that without burning, enkindling power of love, or we should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus repelling power of holy anger to those who will Christ! Determined not to know anything save not yield, in the freezing circle amid which we Jesus the Messiah, and Him crucified, may the stand. Let the blows of the hammer of the Word Church declare Him in demonstration of the Spirit fall upon thee, trembling child of God, from the the Book was given, is the in-dwelling power of the

and of power. The Holy Ghost Ilimself, by whom arm of Omnipotence, striking fire from the cold Church, and this power is Christ, even the Christ of tenor of thy nature, till the spark spread into flame the Scriptures.-Saphir.

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1. TEXT: "Before them all" (Mark ii. 12).

These words seem superfluous. The story would have been complete, we think, without them. Jesus said to the man before Him "Arise: take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And immediately he arose, and departed to his house." Would not this have sufficed? No! The words must be inserted telling that he did so before them all. And so they are here. God had them inserted by St. Mark in his account of the occurrence.

Before them all. The man, a few minutes ago, was lying on his bed in an utterly helpless condition. Four friends, believers, had brought him to the house where Jesus was; and, inasmuch as the people thronged Him, and they could not approach the Lord because of the crowd, they removed the "tiling" (withdrew the awning overhead ?), and then let bed and man down into the midst before Jesus. There is no record of any verbal request from the man or his friends; but Jesus understood. He knew their thoughts, and the desire of their hearts, yes and He "saw their faith," too. The response was not delayed. Pausing in His teaching, and while the eyes of all the people were fixed upon Him, He said to the man: "Thy sins be forgiven thee." The scribes objected. They did not recognise His authority to forgive sins. They were offended-as though in God's behalf. Jealous of God's glory, as they thought, they were angry with Jesus with "righteous indignation." Very soon, however, the Lord proved that He had power on earth to forgive sins(Reader: Art thou forgiven ?)-by commanding the man to arise, and go away to his house. In quick obedience to this glad and welcome word, the man instantly arose, took up his bed, and went forth before them all. The evidence in proof of the "authority" of Jesus was now apparent to every one. It were vain to object any more. Plainly, the man who, a few minutes ago, was so utterly helpless, had been "made whole." There was no avoiding the "conclusion" of such an "argument" as this. The people marvelled; yea, they did more, "they glorified God."

Now, suppose the man, instead of arising and going forth "before them all," had contented himself with making a speech or singing a hymn, or had withdrawn without being observed by any one, would the same result have followed? Is it not probable that the "righteous indignation" of the scribes would have increased rather than diminished? But, perhaps without speaking a single word, he let them all see the great change Jesus had wrought in him. This was intensely convincing.

Oh, for this “before them all," showing forth of the work of the Lord in healing sin-sick souls! There is plenty of "profession." Creeds are said, prayers are responded to, hymns are sung very sweetly to lovely tunes, sermons are heard attentively and with appreciation, yes, and sacraments are partaken of; but is there always visible evidence of the life having been set right with God, in the midst of the weekday people, at home, in the shop, the counting-house, the factory, the field; when surrounded by the family, the men

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of business, the employés, shopmates, customers, acquaintances-yes, "before them all "?

Noah was surrounded by unbelievers and scoffers; but he lived for God, and obeyed His command before them all. So it was on Carmel, when Elijah, standing in the midst of the thousands of Israel, boldly and uncompromisingly vindi. cated the honour and supremacy of Jehovah before them all. So, too, when Daniel and his three fellow-captives, having choice of submission to the God-denying behests of their enemies or death, nobly preferred the latter, and went to burning fiery furnace and lions' den before them all. So also with apostles and disciples of Christ in earliest times, against whom both Jews and Gentiles were often "exceeding mad," but who, nevertheless, by God's grace, lived the "All for Jesus" life, simply, fully, uncompromisingly before them all. In these days the profession of Christianity involves little or no penalty to pay or persecution to bear. Going to church is an acknowledged propriety in the case of every one. People do so as a matter of course. But, may not many of those who thus make a lowly " reverence," as it were, before the Cross on Sunday, be seen at the theatre or the opera on Monday, the lottery-bazaar, or the ball on Tuesday; and so on, until Sunday comes round again, when they become "religious" as before? It is to be feared this kind of thing may be seen everywhere. But it gives no evidence at all of the power of Christ to save, and wins no souls to Him.

Oh for the life set right with God, the changed heart, the renewed mind, the altered course! The inquiry will not be, "Who is that with the ring, and the shoes, and the best robe ?" but, "Who is that with the calm, heavenly peace in his life, the holy joy, the patient forbearance, the unmurmuring submission, the unfaltering confidence and trust, the intense sympathy with sorrow and suffering, the untiring zeal in doing good, and the deep, yearning love for Christ and for souls ?" The healed one is "before them all," and the eyes of many are fastened upon him. They do not care much for eloquent speeches, or lovely hymns, or exquisite tunes; but that life—so changed, so bright, so "made whole," so happy, so heavenly-irresistibly impresses a conviction on their minds and exerts an influence which may lead some of them, and perhaps before long, to "glorify God."

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The life separated unto God, and lovingly and loyally "All for Jesus," may be exposed to many a sharp arrow; and it may cost something, when surrounded by the unsym. pathising, to be consistently faithful "before them all;" but these all-assuring words meet the ear in every moment of trial: "Fear thou not; I am with thee."

And by-and-by, when the whole world shall stand in the presence of the Great King, each true-hearted follower of Christ shall be called to God's right hand, and shall be welcomed to the joy—yes, and also to the throne !—of his Lord, before them all!

2. FULL CONSECRATION.

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Laud, oh laud, the great Physician,
At His feet adoring fall,
Manifest His gracious healing,
All His power and love revealing,

Bible Study.

Give Him thanks "before them all."

Let them know that He hath healed thee,
Let them see thou art restored,
Give thy gratitude expression,
Witnessing "a good confession,"
To the glory of the Lord.

Though there be "a cross" uplift it,
For thy dear Redeemer's sake;
Though a Christless world deride Him,
Count it joy to stand beside Him,
Count it joy His "yoke" to "take.”
Let the healed life adore Him
So He shall be magnified:
If He give a guerdon, wear it!
If He give a blessing, share it!
And it shall be multiplied.

Unto Him in glad surrender

Yield the life He has restored : His, in fullest consecration, Let Him seal His "new creation" "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD." LUCY A. BENNETT.

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THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES.

(LEV. XXIII. 33-44.)

THIS was the last of the greater feasts ordered from the beginning-after the deliverance from bondage. It was to be observed in the seventh month of the Jewish year, answering to our early autumn, the end of September or beginning of October. It was the close of the harvest season, when what we commonly call fruit-gathering, and in Palestine the vintage, was over. Before we speak of it, however, in some of its typical teaching, let us refer to a remarkable institution which was interposed between the Pentecost and this Feast of Tabernacles, and ask ourselves, Why?

This was the great Day of Atonement. It was the seventh month of the year; the number is significant-seventh. But before the feast, which reminded them both of deliverance and rest, could be kept, a day of humiliation must be observed (Lev. xxiii. 27). This had been preceded a few days before by a solemn blowing of trumpets throughout the land-a memorial, it is called (Lev. xxiii. 24). It had a double purpose: to remind the people of a past deliverance, and to recall to their recollection. the constant need of repentance, humiliation, and propitiation for sin. And so deeply do the Jews in their dispersion now feel the solemnity of this day that, although they cannot prevent strangers being present, they generally request them to retire. male members of the Synagogue wear the shrouds in which it is their purpose to be buried, at the service which is annually held on this day. This surely teaches all who believe in the Great Atoning Sacrifice a lesson, too. In all our joyful acceptance of present blessings and anticipations of future rest and gladness, we need to remind ourselves of the cost at which we are redeemed, and of the watchful pathway of humility in which we are called to walk.

The

1. Let us now look at the simple ordinances commanded for the observance of this singular festival. They were to leave their usual habitations and dwell in booths eight days.

These booths were to be constructed of branches of trees, goodly trees, thick trees, and willows of the brooks-the latter probably used for binding

thought, and believe that with Him we have all things, so that our peace may be unbroken.

boughs of thick trees" (Lev. xxiii. 40).

the whole together. The palm is specially named among the "goodly" trees-that emblem of fertility -standing ofttimes in a seeming desert-fed from 6. There is strength too in the Feast of Taberan unseen source--so beautiful in its development-nacles. Not without meaning is it said, “Take you so grand a picture when its fruit is ripe, and yet so sensitive in its nature that if its head be removed it dies. Fit emblem of the Church with the great source of its fruitfulness hidden, but ever depending on its Head for life and beauty and glory. There was to be strength also in these booths-thick trees were to be used and bound together by the willows -to which Isaiah compares the Church when filled with the Spirit (Isa. xliv. 4). Fertility, beauty, strength, and fulness were all way with courage and hope. shadowed out in those booths.

2. But what does the feast itself tell us of? The Prophet Zechariah answers the question (Zech. xiv. 16-21). It shadows out the freedom, security, peace, and holiness of millennial days. It is to be remarked that whilst the stranger was on no account to be shut out from its enjoyment (Deut. xvi. 14), yet it was specially binding on all "Israelites born" (Lev. xxiii. 42). Israel-true type of the Church of the first-born (Heb. xii. 23)-shall for ever occupy a place of prominence and take the lead among all the families of the earth.

3. The Feast of Tabernacles, as we see, points to the future for its final blessing. But, like all the predictions and promises of the future, it has something to say to the Church now.

4. It speaks of freedom-when, all opposing forces having been conquered and Israel restored and set free, they shall be as safe in the field as in the fortified house or tower. It will be after Christ's second appearing that this freedom will be enjoyed by the descendants of Israel, and now the echo of our Lord's words sound continually in the cars of all who listen—“ If the Son shall make you free ye shall be free indeed" (John viii. 36). Blessed freedom from all the power of the enemy-whether of judgment, condemnation, dominion, or restraint. Free from the yoke by the anointing of the Spirit (Isa. x. 27), free to serve by union with Christ (John xv. 4, 5).

Freedom and peace are secured by strength. That name which is now as the strong tower-so encouraging to those who are sheltered in it-shall overshadow all things then. It does so now to all who trust Him. "Who is he that shall harm you?" (1 Pet. iii. 13) is the voice that whispers to the tried and tempted soul in its following after Christ, putting fresh life into us, and sending us on our

7. But holiness is to be the crowning glory of those millennial days-"There shall be upon the bells on the horses, holiness unto the Lord" (Zech. xiv. 20).

So universal is this to be, that all the vessels in ordinary houses are to be used alike for sacred and common purposes. Nothing shall be unclean or common. The distinction between sacred and profane shall cease.

May we not anticipate this state of things by endeavouring to sweep away such distinctions now? Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. x. 31). We want no other text. Forgiven, adopted into God's family, living under the shadow of the Cross, having a heart constantly cleansed from sin, let all we do manifest the Divine Life of Him who is at once our Saviour, our Head, our Master, and our King. HENRY F. BOWKER.

"KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD."-Not by the power of feeling, nor by the power of plans and schemes, nor by the power of religious duties, nor by the power of faith, though faith is the channel through which the power comes to me. The mighty power of Jehovah is all-sufficient to keep me. does this by filling my heart with His love, expelling all my enemies, and fortifying my soul by the continued presence and operation of the Holy

He

5. Then there is peace in the teaching. "My peace," the Great Master calls it (John xiv. 27). The peace of which He is the expression-"He is our peace" (Eph. ii. 14). This is the foundation of all joy-the spring of all happy service. In Him alone we have this blessing. Let us grasp the

Ghost.

We may have many a trouble, but we are safe. Our bark may be tossed on the mighty deep, but God holds the helm, and the golden shore will soon be in sight.

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