NOVEMBER

Back to Miller's Year Book

A verse of Scripture in the morning, may become a blessing for all the day. It may sing in the heart as a sweet song, from morning until evening.
It may become a liturgy of prayer in which the soul shall voice its deepest needs and hungers—amid toils, struggles, and cares. It may be a guide through perplexing tangles, 'God's voice' whispering cheer, a comforter breathing peace in sorrow.

November 1.

"Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" Ephesians 4:26

It is well for us to have horizons which cut off our life for the time, as if it were ended. These temporary endings keep us thoughtful and mindful of the final ending—after which will come no beginning again in this world. Evening puts an end to life's work for a season. We leave the plough standing in the furrow, the hammer lying by the anvil, the axe resting against the root of the tree. We shut the door of the mill or office and go home. Our work is done for the day—and we may never take it up again! Every setting of the sun, should therefore be a testing of life. Everything should be finished—as if it were the ending of all.

Especially should the hour of evening, when we bow at God's feet, be always a time for setting right all that may have gone wrong in us during the day. Then every feeling of bitterness should be cast out of our heart. Life is too critical for us—to venture into any night's darkness and sleep, cherishing anger or envy. "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" is a wise counsel.

November 2.

Paul said, "Unless these men stay with the ship—you cannot be saved." Acts 27:31

The sailors were needed to help save the lives of the passengers. Yet Paul had said before, that there should be no loss of life. He had received this assurance from the angel of God. If it was God's purpose that no life should perish—then why did Paul say that unless the seamen stood at their posts and continued to attend to their duties—that the passengers could not be saved? Was God's promise dependent on a few heathen sailors?

The divine assurance did not do away with the use of all proper means for securing deliverance. We are not to sit down and do nothing, when we find a promise of God; we are rather to do bur whole duty, as if the fulfilment of the promise depended altogether upon us! There is no real conflict between these two truths: that God has a plan which extends to all things; and that men are free moral agents, who are responsible for their acts. Theology may find it impossible to harmonize the two—but common-sense accepts both, and does not worry about the harmonizing. It is clear that the working out of God's purposes depends upon human faithfulness to duty—and that God's purpose of deliverance for us may and will fail unless we do our part. There is no excuse, therefore, for inaction in the assurance that God plans for our good; the plan will not be carried out—unless we work it out for ourselves! Every divine purpose depends on human fidelity.

November 3.

"Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea." Acts 27:40

Anything which hinders our getting to heaven—we should resolutely sacrifice.

An illustration of this is the flight of Cortez, on that fearful night when the Aztecs compelled the invaders to escape for their lives. The vast masses of gold that had been accumulated, were more than could be carried away, as each soldier would have to fight his way through. The men were allowed to take what they would—but the commander warned them against overloading. "For," said he, "he travels safest in the dark night—who travels lightest." The more cautious men heeded the advice so given—but others were less self-restrained. Some bound heavy chains of gold around their neck and shoulders, some filled their pockets with the bulky gold ingots, until they literally staggered under their burden.

The experience of the conflict that ensued, demonstrated the wisdom of the advice given by the commander, and the folly of those who failed to heed it; for all such became an easy prey to the lances of the Aztecs! To save life—all else had to be abandoned; and that night poverty itself was the greatest riches.

We ought to see whether there is anything keeping us away from Christ or hindering our faithfulness and devotion; and if we find that there is anything, no matter how dear it is to us—we should cut it off or cast it away!

November 4.

"Whoever is faithful in very little—is also faithful in much; and
whoever is unrighteous in very little—is also unrighteous in much."
Luke 16:10

We are apt to under-estimate little failures in duty.
It seems to us a small matter:
that we do not keep an engagement,
that we lose our temper,
that we say an impatient or angry word,
that we show an unkind or harsh spirit,
that we speak uncharitably of another,
that we treat someone with discourtesy, or
fail in some other way which appears trivial.

We think that so long as we are honest, faithful, and loving in the larger things—that it of small importance, that we make 'little slips'.

But we never can tell what may be the consequences of our failure, in even the most minute duty.

It hurts our own life! It leaves us a little weaker in our character, a little less able to resist the next temptation that comes at the same point. It breaks our habit of faithfulness, and makes it easier for us to break it a second time. We sin against ourselves, when we relax our diligence or our faithfulness, in even the least thing!

Then, we do not know what the consequences to others will be—when we fail in their presence. An outburst of temper in a Christian, may hinder many others in their Christian life. The failure of a Christian minister to pay a little debt, may destroy the minister's influence over many in his church.

November 5.

"Do not work for food that perishes—but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you!" John 6:27

We need to be continually reminded of the unsatisfying nature of the things of this world—and exhorted to seek the lasting things in life. We live in a material age, when the quest of people is for money, for power, for things of the earth.

John Bunyan gives a picture of 'a man with a muck-rake', working hard, scraping up the rubbish at his feet—and not seeing the crown which hung above his head. It is a picture of the great majority of the people in this world. They are wearing out their life in gathering rubbish out of the dirt—not thinking of the heavenly treasures, the divine and imperishable gifts, which they might have—with half the toil and care!

We ought not to spend our life in picking up rubbish which we cannot carry beyond the grave! If we are wise, we will seek rather to gather lasting treasures and riches, which we can take with us into eternity!

Whatever we build into our character, we shall possess forever!

Money which we spend in doing good in Christ's name—we lay up as safe and secure treasure in heaven.

All true service for Christ—stores up rewards for us in the future.

What we keep—we lose!

What we give in love—we keep!

November 6.

"I will bless those who bless you; and whoever curses you I will curse." Genesis 12:3

It is wonderful how God makes common cause with his people, in this world. They represent him wherever they are, and the things that are done to them—God regards as done to himself. It is a perilous thing to lift a hand against any of God's people, for he who does so, lifts his hand against God! Christ says the same of his relation to his friends. To harm a Christian—is to harm his Master! To neglect a suffering Christian—is the same as if Christ himself were suffering and we neglected him!

We need to beware that we never do injury of any kind to any of Christ's little ones. On the other hand, all kindness shown to a friend of Christ—is shown as to Christ himself, and is rewarded accordingly. Even the giving of a cup of cold water to a disciple of his, in his name, does not go without reward.

Surely it is worth while to be a Christian, to have such divine friendship, to have God on our side to defend us, and to make common cause with us!

November 7.

Unconfessed sins give bitterness. It is written in the old psalm: "When I refused to confess my sin, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." Psalm 32:3-4

But the moment he made confession, back on the echo of his prayer of penitence came the assurance of pardon, "I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"—and you forgave the guilt of my sin!" Psalm 32:5

That is always the way. God loves to forgive. The instant he hears the voice of penitence, he speaks the word of remission. So we learn the only way to get clear of our sins—we must put them out of our heart, by sincere and humble confession. Then they will trouble us no more forever.

Some people try to flee from their sins—but they can never get away from them. Their sins are a part of themselves. Some people try to hide from God when they have sinned—but this also is a vain effort. Adam and Eve tried this, hiding in the garden after their transgression, when they heard the footsteps of God approaching. The only safe flight from sin and from God—is to God. In his mercy there is secure and eternal refuge.

November 8.

"My son, if your heart is wise—my heart will indeed rejoice!" Proverbs 23:15

Every true father is affectionately interested in the lives of his children. His own joy, in later years, depends largely upon the way they live. He is made very happy by seeing them make something noble and worthy of their lives, and living honourably and righteously among men.

Notice here, also, the place of the heart—in the making of the life. We are never better—than our own heart. If our heart is evil, full of wrong thoughts, dispositions, and tempers—then our character cannot be lovely and winning. "Beautiful thoughts—make a beautiful soul." As we think in our heart—so we are.

There is a thought here for parents. If they would have happiness in seeing their children live beautiful lives, they must do more than give them good and wise counsels. Solomon was splendid at advising. His words are full of wisdom. If followed faithfully, they will build into a life, whatever things are true, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely. But we know how Solomonlived. It is little wonder that his son did not turn out well. Other parents need to guard against the same fatal mistake. No matter how well they may advise, if they do not themselves live godly lives—they will probably draw their children with them to ruin! They cannot by good advice, overcome the force of bad example.

November 9.

"Do not grumble!" 1 Corinthians 10:10

No spirit is more fruitful of discomfort, than that of habitual complaining. It makes misery in him who indulges it—and in those who suffer from contact with it. The complaining man is never happy himself. Indeed, he strives not to be happy, since in whatever circumstances he finds himself—he at once sets about trying to discover something unpleasant. Of course he never seeks in vain; for people find in this world, what they look for. It would not be so bad, if he made only himself miserable—but he succeeds also in imparting more or less of his wretchedness, to all he meets. It is about as poor a use of one's immortal powers, as one can find—to live to grumble and thus add to the unhappiness of others!

November 10.

"What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign Lord." 2 Samuel 7:20

Who has not felt in prayer the utter inadequacy of speech—to express his heart's deep longings? We try to tell God of our sorrow for sin, our hunger after righteousness; but we can tell him only the merest fraction of what we feel. Words are never large enough for thought. No poet ever gets into his lines—the whole of the vision of beauty which floats before his soul. No true orator ever finds sentences majestic enough—to express the sentiments that burn in his breast. Deep, pure love—is never able to put into language its most sacred feelings. It is only the commonplace of the inner life—that can be interpreted in words. There is always more, which lies unexpressed, than is uttered in speech.

In one of Paul's epistles, there is a wonderful word which shows how God understands our unexpressed prayers. "Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." God is able to answer prayer, not only beyond what we canexpress—but even beyond what we can think. He knows our deepest and most sacred feelings. Even the hungers of our heart, the longings of our soul—he understands. We need not fret because we cannot tell God all that we feel or desire. He reads all that is within our heart, and answers not our mere words—but our yearnings, our longings.

November 11.

"But Samuel said—What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?" 1 Samuel 15:14

Sin is hard to hide! We may think that we have covered up our disobediences, so that detection shall be impossible; but suddenly something tears away the covering, and they are exposed to the gaze of the world! A man carries on a series of dishonesties through a series of years, and covers them up by expert bookkeeping, thinking he is safe. But some morning he is startled to find that the stolen sheep have been bleating, and the purloined cattle have been lowing, and all the world knows of his thefts and embezzlements.

It is the nature of sheep to bleat, and cattle to low, and they have not sense enough to keep quiet when they are expected to. Indeed, they are almost sure to make a noise and reveal their whereabouts, just when they are depended on to keep perfectly still.

It is the same with sin. It is a poor friend to a man. It professes well when it is offering its solicitations—but when it has been committed, it is a poor confidant. It cannot keep a secret. It is sure at some time to betray the man who depends upon it for prudent silence.

In most of our lives there are some bleating sheep and lowing cattle—faults, evil habits, blemishes of character, tendencies or idiosyncrasies, which tell the story of the imperfectness of our obedience, things which we would not want even our nearest friend to know.

November 12.

"I delight to do Your will." Psalm 90:8

This is consecration. All ambition should start and end there. Duty is simple obedience. The highest thing possible in this world for any life—is obedience to the will of God.

Nothing is small if it be God's will for us for the moment. Nothing is great, however brilliant in men's eyes, if it is not God's will. Here should be our life motto, "I delight to do Your will." Since Christ himself filled his life with such loving devotion to his Father's will, it should be our highest joy to do the same.

November 13.

"The people soon began to complain to the Lord about their hardships; and when the Lord heard them, His anger blazed against them!" Numbers 11:1

There are people who can speak of little else, but the unpleasant things in their own experience. If you ask them about their health, or even unfortunately put your salutation in the form of "How do you do?" you get as an answer, a description of many ills and infirmities to which they are subject, instead of any cheerful reciprocating of your greeting. All their ordinary conversation is filled with dolorous rehearsals of discouraging things. They have keen eyes for the unpleasant happenings, and never fail to mention them to others.

We all have troubles things in our daily personal life, that are vexing and annoying; sometimes things that are painful and burdensome. But we should not talk about them. We have no right to scatter our briers and thorns about us—so that others' feet may be torn by them. It does us no good, and it does others immeasurable harm!

Silence about ourselves, should be a rule almost without exception. Especially should the rule never to complain, be an absolute one. No matter how poorly we have rested through the night, we need not tell the whole family about it at breakfast. Patient bearing of the portion of life's ills which comes to us—is the characteristic of ideal Christian living.

November 14.

"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side." Matthew 14:22

Even when Christ sends us out—we may encounter storms. It was so here; the disciples were sent out by their Master, even constrained by him to go upon the sea—and yet a terrific storm arose. We must not expect that when we begin to obey Christ—that we shall have all favouring breezes. We must not conclude, whenever we find obstacles or hindrances in anything we have undertaken, that we are not doing right, and that these difficulties are providential indications that we ought not to proceed in the course. They are providential; but they may have a different mission altogether to inspire us to stronger faith and greater endeavour.

Jesus sent his disciples out alone; but in all their life, they had few more profitable experiences, though the night was one of such terror. They knew their need of Christ after that experience, better than ever before. Then they had a new revelation of Christ's power and glory, which they never could have had if he had not stayed behind, and then come to them on the waves. We do not see Christ's cross, until we are left in the night of conviction. We can never understand the sweetness of the divine comfort, if we never have sorrow. So it may be a blessing for us sometimes, even to go alone a little way, to learn lessons we could never learn with Christ beside us. We can at least learn our need of him.

November 15.

"To obey is better than sacrifice." 1 Samuel 15:22

Many people set a great deal more stress on religious rituals, than upon practical obedience. They will be faithful in attendance upon church services, devout and reverent in worship—and yet in their daily life, they will disregard the plain commandments of God! They fill the week with selfishness, pride, bitterness, and evil-speaking, and then go to church on Sunday, with great show of devotion, to engage in the worship of God!

But what God desires before our worship can be acceptable, is that we obey what He commands us. He bids us to love one another, to be unselfish, patient, kind, honest, pure, true; and unless we obey these commands, our religious rituals, no matter how conspicuous, how costly, how seemingly devout and reverent, are not acceptable to God!

There are many other phases of the truth. It is exact obedience which God desires, and not something else of our own substituted. When he tells a mother to care for her child, He is not satisfied if she neglects that duty to attend church. When God wants a man to help a poor family in some obscure street, He is not satisfied if instead of that lowly service, the man does some brilliant thing that seems to bring ten times as much honour to the Lord.

The supreme thing in Christian life—is to obey God; without obedience nothing else counts. The obedience must also be exact, just what God commands, not something else. "If you love Me—you will keep My commandments." John 14:15

November 16.

"The dove returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark." Genesis 8:9

One night in a home by the sea, the family sat around the evening lamp. Within, all was peace; without, however, the storm was wild. Rain and sleet beat against the windows. During the evening, one of the group heard a strange fluttering outside one of the windows. Making careful examination, it was found that there was a little bird flapping its wings against the pane. It had been caught in the storm, and was unable to find shelter. The light in the window had attracted it, and there it was beating against the glass. Quickly the window was opened, and the little thing flew in, drenched and faint—but happy and safe. Inside it found shelter, light, warmth, and food.

Often there are lives among us, like the bird caught in earth's storms, swept by temptation, by sorrow, or by passion; defeated, weary, with no shelter. For all such, the only refuge is in the heart of God, under the shadow of the wings of divine love. There the weary heart finds all it craves of refuge, love, warmth, joy, and satisfaction. Flying to the window of the divine ark—a strong, gentle hand draws it in.

November 17.

"Hannah did not go. She said to her husband—After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always." 1 Samuel 1:22

Just at this time, Hannah's religious duties were at home. Her child required her attention, and she believed that she was worshipping God acceptably, in staying at Ramah and mothering her boy. No doubt she was right. A mother's first duties—are to her children. No amount of public religious service, will atone for neglect of her sacred home tasks. She may attend Dorcas meetings and missionary services, do good work among the poor, and carry blessings to many a sorrowful home; but if she fails meanwhile to look after her own children—she has miserably failed to serve God.

A mother's first duty—is to bring up her children for God. Whatever she can do for others after that, will be acceptable to God.

Many things must be crowded out of every earnest life, things that are good and desirable in themselves. No one can do everything that needs to be done, and we must select the things we shall do. But it will be a sad thing if a mother allows the proper care of her own children to be crowded out of her life, by the appeals on behalf of other people's children, the calls for public service however important, or the cries of any other human needs in the world. These outside duties may be hers in some measure—but the duties of the home—are hers and no others!

November 18.

"I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." Philippians 1:23, 24

Two desires draw upon our hearts—if we are living in this world as citizens of heaven. The heavenly life woos us with its visions of bliss, its being with Christ, its tearless joy, its disenthrallment from sin, its realizations of holy hopes. At the same time, earth has its strong hold upon us. It is natural to want to live; any other desire in ordinary conditions is unwholesome. Human affections form a network of chains binding us to this life. So we are all "torn between the two desires."

November 19.

"I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." Acts 26:19

Doddridge, in his life of Colonel Gardiner, describes the conversion of this soldier. He was waiting near midnight, the hour fixed for a sinful meeting with another, and was carelessly turning over the pages of a religious book, when suddenly he saw before him, vivid and clear, the form of the Redeemer on the cross, and heard him speak: "All this have I done for you; and is this your return?" Like Paul, he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision—but from that moment turned and followed Christ.

That is what everyone of us should do; when we see Christ and hear his voice—we should immediately leave all and go after him. Not only at the beginning—but all the way through life—God sends us visions to guide us. Every time we see in a verse of Scripture, a glimpse of some beautiful thing commended, it is a heavenly vision given to lead us to the beauty it shows.

Every fragment of loveliness we see in a human life—is a heavenly vision sent to woo us upward. Wherever we see beauty which attracts us, and kindles in us desires and aspirations for higher attainments, it is a vision from God, whose mission is to call us to a higher life. We should make sure that we do not prove disobedient to any heavenly vision—but that we follow every one—as an angel sent from heaven to woo us nearer God!

November 20.

"As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed!" Luke 9:29

Artists put a halo around Christ's face in their pictures—but there was no visible halo on the face men saw, as He walked about and did his works of love. Now, however, for a little while the glory broke through his flesh and the disciples saw it. It must have been an experience of great joy to Jesus. That mountain-top reached into heaven that night; and he climbed up out of the mists and shadows—and stood in his native glory for a little while, to be refreshed by the ministry of the heavenly visitants for his dark way of sorrow.

An Alpine traveller tells of climbing one of the mountains in a dense, dripping fog, and standing at last in the clear air, under a cloudless sky. In the valley below him lay the fog, like an ocean of white vapour, and he could hear the chiming of bells, the lowing of cattle, and the sounds of labour coming up from the villages that were hidden beneath. Now and then a bird would dart up out of the mist, fly about a little while in the joyous sunshine, sing a few notes of sweet song, and then fly down again and disappear.

What this brief time of radiance was to the bird, the transfiguration was to our Lord. His earthly life was spent in the valley, beneath the clouds of suffering and sorrow; now for once he climbed up above the mists into the glory of heaven, bathed his soul in its brightness, heard the converse of messengers from his home.

November 21.

"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through." Luke 19:1

Jesus had never been in Jericho before—and He never went there again! He was now on His last journey, and in a few days He would be dead. Hence this was the only opportunity the people there ever had of receiving blessings from Him. If any sufferers neglected to seek for help just that one day—they never had another opportunity.

Think what that passing hour was, in the history of the old city. Some caught a blessing at Christ's hand as He went by; and they must ever after have remembered with gratitude, the face that shone upon them and the eyes that looked into theirs. But there must have been many who did not seize the opportunity, and were left unblessed.

Christ is ever passing by. He may come again He does continually come again; but he is ever moving, and the blessing we would get from Him at any time—we must get as He passes.

All the days seem alike as they come to us; but each day comes with its own opportunities, its own calls to duty, its own privileges, holding out hands offering us radiant gifts. The day passes—and never comes again. Other days as bright may come—but that day never comes a second time. If we do not take just then the gifts it offers—we shall never have another opportunity to get them, and shall always be poorer for what we have missed. We need to be alert to take quickly from each day, the blessing which it brings.

November 22.

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world—yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26

Eternal life is the only thing worth living for. No matter how much pleasure, or how great success, or how high honour, one may gain in this world, if at the end of life, a man passes into eternity unsaved—of what comfort to him will it be to remember his pleasant life on this earth?

A rich man failed in business. He then gathered together the fragments of his wrecked fortune—in all a few thousand dollars. He determined to go to another part of the country to start again. He took all his money, and bought a splendid car, furnishing it in the most luxurious style, and stocking it with provisions for his journey. In this sumptuous car he travelled to his destination. At length he stepped from the door of his rolling palace, and only then thought for the first time of his great folly. He had used the last cent of his money in getting in this magnificent way to his new home, and had nothing on which to begin life anew!

This illustrates the folly of those who think only of this life, and make no provision for eternity. They use up all their time, their opportunities, their life's strength—in getting to the gate of the grave, and find themselves forced to begin eternity with nothing, no treasure laid up. The only true success—is that which makes a man rich for eternity!

November 23.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!" Matthew 18:3

Our great Teacher spoke strong words, when he said that only those who become like little children, can enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is of vital importance that we learn just what the words mean. What is it—to become like a little child?

There is a legend of a man whom the angels loved, and wished to have honored in some way. They asked that some remarkable power might be bestowed upon him. They were told to learn what the man would choose. But he would make no choice. Pressed to name some new power which should be given him, he said he would like to do a great deal of good in the world—without even knowing it. So it came about, that whenever his shadow fell behind him—it had healing power—but when it fell in front of him—it had not this power.

This is Christ-likeness, goodness, power to do good, usefulness, helpfulness, without being conscious of the possession of these qualities. Ambition to have distinction, craving for praise, consciousness of being good, bright, useful, or great—all are marks of a worldly spirit. In another place Jesus said that greatness in his kingdom, is the spirit of unselfish serving, desiring "not to be served unto—but to serve." He who serves others the most unselfishly—is the greatest Christian.

November 24.

"The Word of the Lord abides forever!" 1 Peter 1:25

Men often make promises to others, on which the others depend—perhaps staking all their interests and happiness on the promise given to them, only to find at last that the promises have been forgotten. But God's least Word is sure and eternal. When a soul takes any divine promise, and builds a fabric of hope upon it, sooner might the stars fall from heaven, than that God should forget his Word or fail to make it good.

An English nobleman, walking in the country one day, found a little child in distress. She had broken her pitcher, and her family were poor, and the vessel could not be replaced. The good man put his hand in his pocket to find some money to give the child—but had not a penny. Then he bade her meet him tomorrow at the same place, at the same hour, promising to bring her money to buy a new pitcher. The child ran away very happy, reposing perfect confidence in the stranger's word to her.

Tomorrow he was invited to dine with the queen at the very hour of his appointment with the child. But he promptly declined the invitation. He would not fail in his word, even to an unknown child of poverty. She had trusted him, and his promise had made her happy. He would not disappoint her for a thousand dinners with royalty! Will God be less faithful to his Word? No Word he has spoken shall ever be broken!

November 25.

"It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him." Philippians 1:29

We cannot know in what way we can best glorify God. It may be in hard work; it may be in quiet waiting; it may be in painful suffering. It is better, therefore, that we let God choose the way in which he would have us serve and honor him. The bird glorifies God—by singing its sweet song; the flower glorifies God—by pouring out its fragrance. Mary praised Christ—by sitting at his feet, Martha—by serving him. If we simply obey his will—that will always be the best.

November 26.

"If he offers it as an expression of thankfulness" Leviticus 7:12

The idea of this offering was, that when there was any special favor shown or blessing received, the heart's gratitude should express itself in this way. If the ship arrived safely through the storm, the passenger, as soon as he reached the shore, hastened to present his thank-offering. If one recovered from a dangerous sickness, his first walk abroad was to the tabernacle with his sacrifice. Should we not bring some new gift to God's altar—after every recovery from sickness, every deliverance from danger, every new kindness enjoyed?

There is a story of a Scotch mother whose child was stolen away by an eagle. Almost crazed, she saw the bird soar away to its eyrie far up the cliff. No one could scale the crag. The mother went to her room and prayed. An old sailor climbed the cliff, and crept down with the child. As the mother was still praying, with outstretched hands and shut eyes—he softly laid the babe on her arms and vanished. Rising in silence, she did not even kiss her little one, until she had carried it to the church and solemnly given it to God. Should not every life given back again, every joy plucked from death and restored, as well as every new blessing granted, be given to God in solemn dedication before it is put to any other use?

November 27.

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35

All Christians are brethren. When one suffers—the others should share the pain. Fortunate people should not forget the unfortunate people. There are some of God's other children who are sick—while you are well; some who are hungry or cold—while you have plenty of bread and are warmly clad; some who are in sorrow—while you have joy; some who are orphaned and homeless—while you have home and friends. You, in your comfort and gladness, should not forget those who are in adversity. Keep your heart open toward them. Watch for opportunities to do good to them.

Remember what Jesus said about the judgement day—that the places on his right hand will be for those who have fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, visited the sick, the perishing, and the suffering, and that to these he will say, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren—you have done it unto me!"

November 28.

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life! And who is equal to such a task?" 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

The consciousness that others trust us—is one of the strongest possible motives to faithfulness. We dare not fail, when we feel the pressure of other lives upon us; for if we faint, or falter, or prove untrue—we shall draw them down with us. When a man has lived in such a way as to win the confidence and become the guide of others—he bears a responsibility which he can meet only by unalterable fidelity. Every word of his is believed and rested upon. What if he speaks an untrue word, a word which misrepresents the divine teaching!

His example, too, is of infinite importance. Others believe in him so unquestionably, that anything they know him to do—they will regard as right and will feel at liberty to do themselves. But what if it is not right?

It is a weighty burden which a man bears—who has become trusted teacher, guide, and friend of others. If he is not faithful to his sacred obligation, he misrepresents Christ, and hurts the lives that lean upon him. To know that one stands for God to certain human souls, and is set to do God's work, to be the very hand of God to lead, or hold up, or lift up struggling, fainting souls—is enough to crush the strongest, bravest heart, if God is not real to it in his love, power, and presence.

November 29.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves!" 2 Corinthians 4:7

Earthly success is not the test of spiritual life. Sometimes failure is better than success! God can do more with our weakness—than with our strength. Paul learned that when he was weak in himself—then he was strong, because then the strength of Christ rested on him in fuller measure. Sometimes we do more effective work, when we seem to fail—than when we appear to get through victoriously. Many a preacher has learned that his best sermons are not those he thinks the best. Oft-times when he has failed in making his discourse, it has accomplished more than any of his finer sermons on which he prided himself.

It has been said that some of the greatest treasures in heaven—will be the blunders which God's children have made, when trying to show their love. A mother said that the most sacred treasure in her home was a puckered handkerchief which her little girl, now in heaven, had tried to hem for her.

November 30.

"All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them." Acts 9:39

A good many people have to die—to be appreciated. They go through the world living quietly, devoted to the interests of those who are dear to them, seeking no recognition. They are merely commonplace people, and so are allowed to love and serve without appreciation.

But one day they are missed from their accustomed place—their work on earth is done—and they are gone! Then the empty placereveals the value of the blessing they have been. In their absence, people learn for the first time the value of the services they had been accustomed to receive from them.