SCRIPTURE READINGS 25 These things have I spoken unto image of his Son, that he might be the you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. SELECTION XII. firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all Thanksgiving for Mercies. Psalm things? 116. 33 Who shall lay any thing to the It is God that 1 I love the LORD, because he hath charge of God's elect? justifieth. heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. 3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. 6 The LORD preserveth the simple: was brought low, and he helped me. Christ that died, yea rather that is risen 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more Ithan conquerors through him that loved us. 7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for 38 For I am persuaded, that neither the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. death, nor life, nor angels, nor principali8 For thou hast delivered my soul from ties, nor powers, nor things present, nor death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet things to come, from falling. 9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. 10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: 11 I said in my haste, All men are liars. 12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid thou hast loosed my bonds. 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. SELECTION XIV. The Word of God. Psalm 19. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the 17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of world. In them hath he set a tabernacle thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, 19 In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. ye the LORD. SELECTION XIII. Security and Assurance. for the sun. 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the Praise heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them. who are the called according to his purpose. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also gold, yea than much fine gold: sweeter did predestinate to be conformed to the also than honey and the honeycomb. SCRIPTURE READINGS 11 Moreover by them is thy servant What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the warned and in keeping of them there is LORD. great reward. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith 12 Who can understand his errors? the LORD; and like a hammer that breakcleanse thou me from secret faults. eth the rock in pieces? 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. SELECTION XV. The Chaff and the Wheat. SELECTION XVI. Christ Teaching to Pray. 1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. Hearken not unto the words of the 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also prophets that prophesy unto you; they forgive every one that is indebted to us. make you vain: they speak a vision of And lead us not into temptation; but detheir own heart, and not out of the mouth liver us from evil. of the LORD. 19. Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. 20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. 5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; 21 I have not sent these prophets, yet and he that seeketh findeth; and to him they ran I have not spoken to them, yet that knocketh it shall be opened. they prophesied. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of 22 But if they had stood in my counsel, you that is a father, will he give him a and had caused my people to hear my stone? or if ask a fish, will he for a fish words, then they should have turned them give him a serpent? from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. 23 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how 24 Can any hide himself in secret much more shall your heavenly Father places that I shall not see him? saith the give the Holy Spirit to them that ask LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? him? saith the LORD. 25 I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; SELECTION XVII. Union with Christ. John 15:1-11. 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 27 Which think to cause my people to 2 Every branch in me that beareth not forget my name by their dreams, which fruit he taketh away: and every branch they tell every man to his neighbour, as that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it their fathers have forgotten my name for may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word Baal. 28 The prophet that hath a dream, let which I have spoken unto you. him tell a dream; and he that hath my 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the word, let him speak my word faithfully. branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except SCRIPTURE READINGS it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: love. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. SELECTION XIX. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and Christian Giving. 2 Cor. 8:9-15; men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken you, that my joy might remain in and that your joy might be full. SELECTION XVIII. Love. I Cor. 13:1-13. 9:6-11. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, unto it is accepted according to that a man you, hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there 1 Though I speak with the tongues of may be equality: men and of angels, and have not love, I 15 As it is written, He that had gatham become as sounding brass, or a tink-ered much had nothing over; and he that ling cymbal. had gathered little had no lack. * * * * * * 2 And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries, and all 6 But this I say, He which soweth knowledge; and though I have all faith, sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and so that I could remove mountains, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap have not love, I am nothing. also bountifully. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to 7 Every man according as he purposeth feed the poor, and though I give my body in his heart, so let him give; not grudgto be burned, and have not love, it profit-ingly, or of necessity for God loveth a eth me nothing. cheerful giver. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love 8 And God is able to make all grace envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is abound toward you; that ye, always havnot puffed up. ing all sufficiency in all things, may 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, abound to every good work: seeketh not her own, is not easily pro- 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed voked, thinketh no evil; abroad; he hath given to the poor: his 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoic-righteousness remaineth for ever. eth in the truth; 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the 7 Beareth all things, believeth all Sower both minister bread for your food, things, hopeth all things, endureth all and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; things. fail: 8 Love never faileth but whether 11 Being enriched in every thing to all there be prophecies, they shall bountifulness, which causeth through us whether they be tongues, they shall thanksgiving to God. cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we proph esy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. SELECTION XX. Personal Evangelism. Acts 8:26-40. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a 26 And the angel of the Lord spake child, I understood as a child, I thought unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward as a child: but when I became a man, I the south unto the way that goeth down put away childish things. from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is 12 For now we see through a glass, desert. darkly; but then face to face: now I know 27 And he arose and went and, bein part; but then shall I know even as hold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of also I am known. great authority under Candace queen of SCRIPTURE READINGS the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. thou good and faithful servant: thou hast 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and make thee ruler over many things: enter been faithful over a few things, I will heard him read the prophet Esaias, and thou into the joy of thy lord. said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 22 He also that had received two tal31 And he said, How can I, except some unto me two talents: behold, I have ents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with gained two other talents beside them. him. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, 32. The place of the Scripture which he faithful over a few things, I will make good and faithful servant; thou hast been read was this, He was led as a sheep to thee ruler over many things: enter thou the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb be- into the joy of thy lord. fore his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 24 Then he which had received the one 33 In his humiliation his judgment that thou art an hard man, reaping where talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee was taken away: and who shall declare thou hast not sown, and gathering where his generation? for his life is taken from thou hast not strewed: the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, my talent in the earth: lo, there thou 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh hast that is thine. the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 26 His lord answered and said unto 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and thou knewest that I reap where I sowed him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, began at the same Scripture, and preached not, and gathered where I have not unto him Jesus. strewed: 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put eunuch said, See, here is water; what my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine doth hinder me to be baptized? own with usury. * * * * * * 28 Take therefore the talent from him, 38 And he commanded the chariot to and give it unto him which hath ten stand still and they went down both into talents. the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: 39 And when they were come up out of but from him that hath not shall be taken the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away even that which he hath. away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more and he went on his way rejoicing. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weep40 But Philip was found at Azotus: ing and gnashing of teeth. and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Trust for Daily Needs. Matt. 6: 19-34. 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a upon earth, where moth and rust doth man travelling into a far country, who corrupt, and where thieves break through called his own servants, and delivered and steal : unto them his goods. 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to in heaven, where neither moth nor rust another two, and to another one; to every doth corrupt, and where thieves do not man according to his several ability; and break through nor steal: straightway took his journey. 21 For where your treasure is, there 16 Then he that had received the five will your heart be also. talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole 17 And likewise he that had received body shall be full of light. two, he also gained other two. 23 But if thine eye shall be evil, thy 18 But he that had received one went whole body shall be full of darkness. If and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's therefore the light that is in thee be money. darkness, how great is that darkness! 19 After a long time the lord of those 24 No man can serve two masters: for servants cometh, and reckoneth with either he will hate the one, and love the them. other; or else he will hold to the one, and SCRIPTURE READINGS despise the other. Ye cannot serve God wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to and mammon. do evil. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no 9 For evil doers shall be cut off but thought for your life, what ye shall eat, those that wait upon the LORD, they shall or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your inherit the earth. body, what ye shall put on. Is not the * * life more than meat, and the body than raiment? * * 23 The steps of a good man are or26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they his way. dered by the LORD: and he delighteth in sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utfeedeth them. Are ye not much better terly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? ment? 28 And why take ye thought for raiConsider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. him with his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. 26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. 27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. 28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are pre30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the served for ever: but the seed of the grass of the field, which today is, and to- wicked shall be cut off. morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be The clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. SELECTION XXIV. Providence of God. Psalm 139:1-14; 17, 18, 23, 24. 1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and God, and his righteousness; and all these mine uprising, thou understandest my things shall be added unto you. thought afar off. 34 Take therefore no thought for the 3 Thou compassest my path and my morrow: for the morrow shall take lying down, and art acquainted with all thought for the things of itself. Suffi- my ways. cient unto the day is the evil thereof. SELECTION XXIII. Trust in Face of Trial. Psalm 37:1-9; 23:28. 1 Fret not thyself because of evil doers, neither be thou envious against the work ers of iniquity. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. and dwell in the uttermost parts of the 9 If I take the wings of the morning, 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. sea; 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; 80 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily and thy right hand shall hold me. thou shalt be fed. 4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently womb. for him fret not thyself because of him 14 I will praise thee for I am fearwho prospereth in his way, because of fully and wonderfully made: marvellous the man who bringeth wicked devices to are thy works; and that my soul knoweth pass. right well. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake |