Broken Bread, from an Evangelist's Wallet

So said the man of God.  Rain was much needed, for famine stared them in the face.  Even Ahab himself had walked many weary miles to seek grass for his horses; other men’s cattle had perished, and if the drought had continued, everything would have died.  Still, it was not Ahab who heard the sound of the rain.  There was no sign of it.  The heavens were as brass, the sky was without a cloud, everything was burned up with dry heat, and yet, said Elijah, “There is a sound of abundance of rain.”  It is so in the spiritual world.  There are those who know of a coming Revival long before there is any sign.  They have felt their prayers being answered, and have heard the cry of the penitent sinner, though, as yet, he seems to be as hard and careless as ever.

We must not be discouraged if the servant tells us “There is Nothing!”  Masters see more than servants can, or they would not be masters.  “Go again seven times,” as though he said “Do not interrupt me with thy ‘Nothings!’”  Come and tell me when there is “Something;” and the seventh time he saw the “little cloud.”  Some of us have looked from the hill, over the sea, in a far off tropical land, and have seen that same little cloud many a time, as it spread all over the sky, and soon there was rain enough to stop the traveller.

And so shall it be in Methodism ere long.

If we mistake not, last Sunday’s work among our young people is the result of many earnest prayers, and the sign of coming prosperity.

Some will be ready to say “It is nothing to make a stir about.  They were only children.”  “A little cloud!”  Only the size of a man’s hand.  Yes, but what man?  “The man Christ Jesus.”  “Ahab, get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.”  We shall not be surprised to hear of Revivals like some we have known, which turned other meetings into soul-converting agencies.  Tea Meetings, and Missionary Meetings, where the people have come in crowds, not to applaud eloquence, but to ask—“What must we do to be saved?”  We expect news of this sort, and that, ere long.  May the hand of the Lord be on Elijah, then shall he run before Ahab, and prayer shall be mightier than the power which moves those who eat and drink!

One of the first things the doctor does when he comes to see you, is to ask to look at your tongue, and one glance will tell him how much difficulty he has to contend with.  If the tongue is foul, he knows that there is inward mischief, and he must lose no time in cleansing that of which the tongue is but an indicator.

As we pass along our streets our ears are assailed with language of the most horrid description.  If one needed any information as to the state of public morals, the foul-mouthed men and boys, aye, and we regret to say, too often, women and girls, would tell of the state of heart into which many thousands of our country people have been corrupted.  And in many cases, this has become habitual, and what might be termed natural.

Can nothing be done?  Is the name of the Divine Being and that of our Saviour to be profaned constantly without any check?  If so, it will grow worse and worse, until we may expect national sin to bring down national punishment, and we shall have to say, “Because of swearing the land mourneth.”

Nor is this offence against God and good taste always confined to the ignorant.  There are those who have been well taught—men of ability, and some who make a profession of religion, who indulge in unseemly language, and delight in stories which are termed “smutty.”  We know how farmers dislike the “smut” in their wheat, how an otherwise good crop will be lowered in value, because the black grain will, when ground, darken the flour.  Is it not so with these men of unclean lips?  The filthy allusions and improper stories which pollute their conversation make their life infectious, and their companionship dangerous.  Let us reprove them, or at least avoid them, as we would the plague.

If we would keep a clean tongue, we must pray “Create in me a clean heart, O God!”  This can be done, and the Lord, who has told us that He will not admit into His heaven that which worketh abomination, will gladly cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of His holy Spirit, then shall our tongue glorify Him continually.

“By thy word thou shalt be condemned.”

A WORD TO FATHERS.

Have you ever thought how it is that in the prayer we call our Lord’s, God is spoken of as Father?  Do you not see that your child calls you by one of the names—the Christ-chosen name of the Devine Being?  Is there not a sermon in that to everyone of us who has children of his own?  Perhaps you have never given the matter a thought that for some of the early years of you children you may be giving them a caricature of God in your ungodly conduct.  Let us lay this to heart, and strive, by God-like actions, to teach our little ones what God is like.  By long suffering and gentleness towards ignorance and weakness;—by stern denunciation, in life as well as word, of everything that is mean and deceitful;—by delighting in mercy, and readiness to give to those who need, to our children, “Our Father,” may become a stepping stone to the knowledge of God.

Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead.  That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way.  The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white.

Some of those who read this paper are living in sin.  To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would stop them.

“The End of these things is Death.”

You cannot go any further without danger.  Why run the risk?  That Red Lamp seems to say, “If you will come on, you will be slain.”  What should we think of any one who urged the driver to go on, in spite of the warning?  Would you not call him “fool” and “madman?”  Just so, and you will do well to call those who urge you to despise the warnings of the Bible, by the same names.

Here is one of the Red Lamps of the Bible, which young men would do well to consider—

“Her House is the Way to Hell!”

Young man, there is the Red Light!  Stop!  Do not go one step further!  There are plenty of fools to tell you that

“This is seeing Life.”

The Bible says—“The dead are there, and her guests are in the depths of hell.”  If everything had to be called by its right name, just as sign-boards tell us what is to be procured within, like “Furniture Dealer,” “Boot and Shoe Maker,” fancy the sign-board that would have to be put over the house of the “strange woman.”  Here is a suitable inscription, which we take from the Bible.—Prov. ii. 19:—

“None that go unto her return again.”

This is putting a Red Lamp over her door, is it not?  Will you heed the warning?  Or do you mean to be one of those of whom the Bible speaks,

“And thou shalt mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, ‘How have I hated instruction and my heart despised reproof?’”

In finding illustrations for our teaching at the river-side, we shall be in good company, for that manly preacher, Paul, had seen wrestlers and race-runners.  It is true that then, athletics had not been disgraced by betting; and it is only of very late years that the struggle on the Thames has been polluted by gamblers.

There are not a few who read our paper, who will be on the lookout to know as soon as possible, whether

Dark or Light Blue

has won.  For ourselves we care not, but we are anxious to make use of the contest as a parable, before the race is forgotten.

If you would row as to obtain, you must mind certain things, and these are pictures of what we must do, would we gain the heavenly prize.

I.—WE MUST KEEP THE BODY UNDER.

So thought Paul.—See 1st Cor. ix, 25 and 27.  Those sixteen young fellows who will pull the oars in the race, have, for months, been undergoing strict physical training.  This means abstinence from all that could be said to weaken the frame, or lower the action of the heart.  There are only certain things they may eat and drink.  They must have the right amount of sleep, and no more.  Exercise of the most bracing kind they must take every day, and eschew every practice that could weaken the nerves or muscles in the slightest degree.

II.—WE MUST SECURE A GOOD START.

Just before the Starter gives the word to go, the men paddle till the cord which the coxswain holds at arm’s length is tight, and every man has his oar ready for the dash into the water and away.  To lose time at the start is to find that a chance has been thrown away.

“Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”  “They that seek Me early shall find Me.”  He who would be a first-class Christian, must begin betimes.  Time lost is lee-way, that cannot be recovered, strive as we like.

III.—WE MUST BE WELL STEERED.

In the picture parable you can see who is steering.  Don’t let him come aboard you!  Proverbs iii. 6, tells you whom to trust with the tiller ropes.

“He shall direct thy paths.”

If young men would only let the Bible “coach them,” they would be saved from many a blunder and defeat.  It is important to have, as steersman, one who knows the currents, and just when to alter the course.  The youngster who steers the University boat has been up and down the river many a time, till he has learned everything he needs to know.  Let me ask you, “Who steers?”  If Self-will does, you are undone.

IV.—NEVER CEASE STRIVING TILL YOU HAVE WON.

“But did the great apostle fear
   He should not to the end endure,
Should not hold out, and persevere,
   And make his own election sure?
Could Paul believe it possible,
   When all his toils and griefs were past,
Himself should of salvation fail,
   And die a reprobate at last?”

“Who then art thou that dar’st reject
   The sacred terms, the humbling awe,
As absolutely saved,—elect,—
   And free from an abolished law?
Dost thou no self-denial need,
   No watch, or abstinence severe;
In one short moment perfected!
   An angel—an immortal here?”

One wonders how it came to have that name!  We cannot help feeling, that if other titles were as well-deserved, it would be a blessing to the world.  For instance, if Nobleman, Gentleman, Reverend, &c., were as descriptive as this day’s name, there would be many happier people than there are.

No wonder that it should be called “Good,” for it helps us to look back to the time when the best action the world has known, or can know, was done.  We gaze upon the Cross, and we thank God for His unspeakable gift.  One knows not which to admire the most: the Love that could smite the Well-beloved, or the Love that could, for the sake of enemies, bear the blow?

How do our readers mean to spend the day?  We have no right to bind any man’s conscience, and seek to have others do as we do, except they are led in the same direction, and yet we wonder how those who observe the day at all, can allow themselves to spend it in dissipation.

We are no admirer of those who make the day one of sadness and gloom.

It is GOOD-FRIDAY,

“I am He that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for Evermore.”

It cannot be pleasing to Jesus to be spoken of as though He was once more in the hands of His enemies.

While we regret that so many people in our country should make this day one of rioting and extravagance, we are sure that it is in some degree a reaction from the usages of those who would have us spend the day in sorrow.  That which is unreal must in time become unsatisfactory, and those who would compel us to live over again the sorrows of Calvary, may drive us to football, or that which is worse!  Let men once think that the church has turned actor, and they will say, “No, we will go to the theatre, for there the acting is better done.”

Every day we should visit in spirit the cross of Jesus, for every day we need the merit of the atonement, and the stimulus of that example of self-forgetfulness.  Let us turn away from the so-called realism which would hang the world in black, and, at the same time let us avoid those who would make this a day of revelry.  There is a middle path, one upon which Christ smiles, and a path we can tread any day, and thus make it good—we mean the

pathway of self-sacrifice.

make every good.

The CROWN cannot be
INDEPENDENT
of the SPADE!

Yes! the Preacher! for it is in this way he has earned the right to be remembered.  Perhaps his sermon at Pentecost was more remarkable in its results than any sermon has been since.  The question arises in the minds of thinking men, “Is there any reason why preaching now should be less effective than it was when men first began to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ?”  One thing is certain, human nature has not improved, and hell is as great a fact now as then.  God’s love for men has not decreased.  He is still interested in the human race, and the promise, as Peter put it, is “to all that are afar off.”—Acts ii. 39.

“Why, then, do we not see the same results?

We do in kind, but not in number.  Why not in both?  Is not the answer to be found in Acts i. 14?

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.”

What a blow to Socinianism, both of idea and word, would a ‘second Pentecost’ become!

We do not here mean to dwell on the example shewn to the Church by the accord in prayer, the many pleading, so differently, and yet in harmony; we are writing now for preachers, knowing that hundreds of workers will read every line we write, and we are thus led to enquire further—

How far Peter’s Sermon is like the sermons we preach?

Some who have read it, as it is printed, have said, “We should not have invited such a preacher to our circuit:” but such people forget that the accompaniments of preaching cannot be printed.  Who can write down the spiritual atmosphere?  Who can reproduce the tone of voice in which Peter spoke?  How can he describe what some of us have felt—the unction—the never-to-be-forgotten emotions of the soul?  Depend upon it, these were present in a remarkable manner.

Then, the preacher was not afraid to tell the congregation what sins they had committed.  Many of them were what is called “good sort of people, went to place of worship, and paid their way,” &c.  But it was true, “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.”  Let us who preach, cry to God to give us His Spirit, that we may tell those who hear us of their sins.  How are they to be convinced of sins, if they are not told of them?

Nor was Peter satisfied with the good feeling, or even with seeing the people moved.  It was not enough for him that his hearers were pricked in the heart, he would have them do more.  Would he not have said to many of those who have gone into the inquiry-room, “I am not satisfied that you are in earnest.  You want God to save you in your sins.”  Repentance is impossible to those who are not conscious of guiltiness.  And, without repentance, faith holds the cup of water to one who was never thirsty.  Do you wonder that it is loathsome?  He might drink if it were not so pure,

But it takes thirst to relish water!

This is a tempting subject, we could say much more, but we will only add, that the last word in the chapter, which tells of “Peter the Preacher,” gives the result of such sermons as his—

“Saved!”

“It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods.”

1 Kings xi. 4.

Who could have predicted that this would come to pass?  And yet it is often so, for it is still true that

No amount of Knowledge will Save from Backsliding those who Refuse to Listen to God.

What is the Bible to You?

Is it a lamp to your feet?  Not merely a lantern to keep you out of the mire, but a treasure like that miner’s lamp; a light by which he is not only guided, but able to walk in the shadow of death.  All around him is the gas that would slay him, and yet by that lamp he walks to the place of safety!  This is what the Bible must be to you, or it is nothing.

Mind you, it is not enough for you to know the Bible.  We have heard drunken men quote it with correctness, but it had not saved them from the demon which haunted them.  It is an instructive thought that the man who wrote some of the Bible, who is spoken of in the pulpit as “The Wise Man,” the author of the Book of Proverbs, was led away into sin and eternal disgrace.  In fact, it matters not what we know, if we are not led of the Spirit we shall come to grief.  The more deeply a ship is laden, if she gets aground, the more likely she is to become a wreck.  It takes the wisest of men to make the fool Solomon became.  Perhaps the most serious aspect of this story is, that it was not while the king was young, but when grey-headed, that he wandered from God, and this leads me to say that

The worst cases of Backsliding are among those who are no longer young.

My brothers! what sort of old men shall we make?  If we are allowed to remain among our fellows, shall we live the life that shall make men thank God for our length of days, or will they wish we had died in our youthful prime?  There are men whose youth was like the mountain stream, which cheered everything it touched.  Born among the mountains, and wedding other brooks and streamlets, uniting them in a river, clear and lovely, along whose banks children loved to play.  But later on, as it became broad and deep, taking in pollution and garbage, until the clear and joyous river is changed into a great sewer, filling the air with noxious smells, and defiling the face of nature with its liquid blackness.  Such is life to some men—Solomon was one, perhaps the worst.

What should we think if Westminster Abbey became a gin-palace?  If all around its gates lewd men and dishonoured women stood and cracked their filthy jokes; if from its lovely choir the drunkard’s song was heard?  Verily, you say, “It is nigh to blasphemy to imagine such a thing.  We had rather that it had been burned to ashes when the fire of London destroyed St. Paul’s.  Would that it had reached far enough West to destroy the ancient pile rather than it should be so polluted!”  Aye, aye, you are right, and yet to see a man who, in his youth was a Christian, but in his old age has become an apostate, is a more sorrowful sight still.  Alas! that it should be so common.

How did it come about?  What scheme of hell led to this?  What combination of men and fiends accomplished this tragedy?  It was love—affection, infatuation, for that which ought not to have been loved, “King Solomon loved many strange women, besides the daughter of Pharaoh,” as the margin puts it.  And this leads me to say that

A Man’s Female Friends Frame his Fortunes.

Young man! what woman is it you like the best?  Who is her god?  Fashion?  Pleasure?  What is the name of the deity she worships?  If it is anyone rather than Jehovah, beware!  Before you die, she shall turn you as Solomon was turned.  What is that you say?  You are not such a fool!  Well, that remains to be seen.  Are you one of those who trust in his own heart?  If so, remember what he is called.  See Prov. xxviii. 26.  Is not the helm of your life in her hands now?  Would you love her as you do, if she had not the reins of your soul in her grasp?  If Solomon had known all that was to follow when he first looked on the daughter of Pharaoh, he would have died before he would have made her his bride.  Let not this sad story be in any way a prophecy of your future.  There are plenty of women whom to know is to be elevated, and whom to wed would be to foretaste the companionship of heaven.  Wives are often the architects and the husbands the builders.  See to it, that the woman you love does not make you lay out the foundation of a jail.  She may tell you it is a palace, but neither of you have yet seen the elevation.  She only draws the ground-plan.

There is yet another scene in this tragedy.  Solomon, by his folly, lost his son’s estate.  God said, “I will surely rend the kingdom from thee.”  Rehoboam was the poorer for his father’s sin.

Our Children become the Heirs of our Crimes.

Let every father among us bear in mind, that when we neglect prayer, or give up devotion, because we want the time for seeking gold or any other idol, we are mortgaging our children’s future.  Giving up religious exercises is like cutting down the trees on an estate, the next heir will know the want of them.  No man can be said to be a good father, who, for the sake of any worldly good, impoverishes the souls of his offspring.  “Turned away his heart after other gods,” means turning away the kingdom of Israel.  Sin cannot be separated from sorrow, and this is as true to-day as it was in the days of Solomon.

1.—“After these things.”

What things?  See verse 33 in preceding chapter.  After Abraham had given himself to prayer.  It often happens that grace is given for grace.  God prepares his own for trial and suffering by revealing Himself.

“God did tempt.”—Like a workman who is conscious the work is well done, fears not the scrutiny which waits his labour.  When the smith has put good work into the iron cable, he does not then fear the strain of the test put upon it, and God knew what He had done to Abraham in the grove at Beersheba.  If we have a Beersheba, we need not fear Moriah.

2.—“Isaac, whom thou lovest.”

God has a right to the best.  He does not ask us to do what He has not done Himself.  “He gave his only begotten Son.”

3.  “Rose up early.”

Abraham was prompt.  Where there is a task to be performed, lose no time.  Work does not grow easier by delay.  Do not fritter away strength in trifles; begin at once upon the duties which call for instant obedience.  We do not read that Abraham asked Sarah’s advice, the command was plain.  She might not have been willing.  Never ask advice from those whom God does not trust.

“Ready for all Thy perfect will,
My acts of faith and love repeat.”

5.—Abide ye here with the Ass.”

The young men would have hindered Abraham from binding his son on the altar.  Whatever would interfere with prayer, when we retire for that purpose, or with sacrifice, when we make the effort, should be left behind.  Leave hinderers with the ass, they will be in congenial society!

6, 7, 8, 9.—“The Knife,” “The Fire,” “The Wood.”

Where is the lamb?  Isaac’s words would pierce his father’s heart.  How came it the young man yielded?  Was there a struggle?  Did Abraham bind him by force?  There is no indication in the story of any resistance.  Do the words of Jesus cast any light,  “Abraham saw My day, and was glad?”  Received him in a figure” (Heb. xi. 19.)  Did father and son see what was to occur in the distance?

10.—“Took the knife to slay his son.”

God tries us to the full.  His tests are no shams.  Before the Hall-mark is put on the metal, the acid proves it genuine.

11 and 12.—“Lay not thine hand on the lad.”

No one spoke to God when it pleased Him to bruise His Well-beloved.

God cleaves His wood, He is ready, always prepared.

14.—“Call the name of that place,

The Lord will Provide.”

What would he have called it before his deliverance?  Let us not be too quick to name events.  It may be we shall want to alter if we do.

15–18.—“Obeyed.”

Obedience is the joyful mother of children,—children that are born to bless.  He who can always obey will find every step leads to a throne.—Rev. iii. 21.

These are a few lessons which I shall not do more than name:

I.—God’s friendship does not exclude trial.

The man who is called the friend of God was told to slay his son.

II.—Great joys contain great sorrows.

The name of this son was Laughter.  The more we enjoy a Gift of God, the more we shall feel it when we are called to part.  Hold joys with a slack hand.

III.—In great extremities look for great deliverances.

The ram is in the thicket all the time.

IV.—Great trials will yield sweet memories.

None of Abraham’s journeys cost him so many tears as this, and none were so pleasant to recall.

Perhaps Calvary is the sweetest spot on earth to God.

God’s kingdom is imperfect as yet, for it is not said to be like five, but ten virgins.  It is worthy of our careful thought that it is to be made perfect by contraction, not expansion.  The King is to say “Depart!” as well as “Come!”

We do not attempt anything like exposition of this solemn and yet charming parable, but rather to notice some of the most easily perceived truths it discovers.

I.—A Light is better than a Lamp.

All the ten took their lamps.  Very likely there was variety in the shape and material of the lamp, but only five of them had lamps that kept alight, for some of them had no means of replenishment.  For anything we know, the lamps of the foolish were as good as the others, may-be better, but the flame and not the frame is the important matter.  We cannot have the power without the form.  Grace must have the human material, but we may have the human without the Divine.  Our Bibles, our Prayers, our Hymns, all these are channels of grace, as the lamp and the wick are essential to the flame, but the lamp may not be lighted, or it may have gone out!  It is not a question of John Keble, or General Booth, but is the singing from the heart?  The “Amen” may be shouted or intoned, but if not real, it is worse than smouldering wick.

II.—We may as well be without oil as not have enough to endure to the end.

III.—The gates or the palace may be shut while we are calling on the oil seller.

“While they went to buy, the Bridegroom came.”  There is an old saying, that “praying breath was never wasted.”  But this parable does not teach that lesson.  There are not a few who think they can atone for the sins of a long life by crying with their dying breath, “Lord, have mercy on me!”  But the truth is, there may be the fear of punishment without any penitence, and cries for dread of hell may not be the sacrifice of a broken and a contrite heart.

Let us not put off our repentance too long, or while we are sending for the minister to instruct us, death may claim us for his prey.  Or while we are saying to the teacher of religion, “What must I do to escape hell?” the fetters may be fastened on our soul.  The palace-gate may swing to before we can make the oil-man hear.

IV.—That which lets the five wise in to the palace, keeps out the five foolish.

DO NOT BE ONE OF THOSE
WHO PRAY LIKE ABEL
AND
LIVE LIKE CAIN.

Cast a stone at whom?  At a woman!  Why not at a man?

There was a man, why not stone him?

Just so, but then the Scribes and Pharisees did not bring him.  It is so easy to punish the woman, and yet it is not proved that she was worse than her paramour.  But is it not the way of the world to make the woman bear all the shame and all the suffering?  We say, “She is a fallen woman;” and yet we speak of a man who breaks the seventh commandment as one who is “sowing his wild oats!”  Why is he not called a fallen man?  If a woman falls, we put her outside our sympathies and our regard, and we may be right is so doing.  But at the same time we don’t put the man outside.  He can come into our drawing-rooms.  He may dine at the same table with our daughters.  If we saw them speak to the woman, we should cry out with loathing, “Come away from her!” but

we don’t cry out when they laugh at the jokes of a man who has fallen!

Why is this?

Perhaps this book may be read by our sisters who have gone astray.  To such, we say, in the words of Jesus, (verse 11.)

“Sin no more!”

You are not obliged to do so.  No one is.  There is always a way made for those who truly repent.  Call upon Jesus, the Friend of sinners, and He will open a door of hope for you.  To persevere in sin, is only to ruin soul and body too.  Perhaps you have parents living, who long to see you, and who would be glad to take you to their hearts.  Give them the joy of having you near them once more.  Is it not in your power to answer their prayer—

“O God!  give me my daughter once more!”

If you are absolutely friendless, so far as earth is concerned, you have your Heavenly Father.  He is always within call, and He has said, in His word, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  On the other hand, there is the “Father of lies.”  He who tempted the first woman, and led her astray, and taught her to lead the man wrong.  This evil one is whispering in your ear—“There is no hope.”  “It is too late.”  “Better have a short life and a merry one.”

Heed him not, Sister!

He is a liar!  He means thy destruction!  God calls, and calls thee to pardon and peace.  Obey Him, and hope shall spring again, and light return to thy poor heart.

We beg to suggest to those who want a new text that will strike and stick, that they should look through Malachi’s book.  There are plenty of texts like splinters therein.  The words that head this article are part of an appeal to the people on the question of right service.  The prophet was indignant with his country people, who wished to combine prayer with parsimony, and worship with worldly policy.  He complained that they dare not offer to their superiors what they sent as a sacrifice to God.  Might not some Christians be asked the same questions?  Would the “Governor” accept the present God was supposed to be glad to get?  Who would think of trying to get into the good graces of any one by sending a spavined horse, or a cow with foot-and-mouth-disease, as a present?

Supposing a petition is to be drawn up to the Queen, asking for a pardon for one of the family, who for his crime, is under sentence of death; what thought would be given to it?  Even the very paper, pens, and ink, would have to be of the best quality.  But hear yonder father praying for his children’s conversion.  His son is old enough to have rejected the gospel, and is condemned already; but how listless the prayer!  “Offer it to thy Governor.”  Would the Queen be expected to deign to notice such a petition?  Is it any wonder such prayers are unanswered?

Look into this vestry!  There is a meeting for prayer.  It is held with great regularity, so that it is well known that a number of persons meet at a certain hour to ask blessings from One who has said “Knock and the door shall be opened.”  Considering that this is the case, one would have expected the room would be too small; but no, there is never a large meeting.  You see it is only a prayer-meeting.  If the Rev. Timothy Flowerpot was going to preach, there would be a crowd, for he is popular, and he says things which are supposed to be very superior to the Bible; besides his prayers are eloquent, very different to what are usually sent to the throne of grace.  He is very sensitive, though, in the matter of congregations, he will not go a second time where there is only a handful of people.  His work is to speak to large audiences, and he would be very much offended if the vestry were prepared for his service.

We shall be glad if these plain words cause some of our readers to look at the sacrifice before they offer it, and ask, would this kind of thing be acceptable to man?  If not good enough for my equal, will my Superior look with favour on it?  Listen once more to the rough, but sensible words of the Hebrew prophet:—

“If ye offer the blind for sacrifice,
is it not evil?
and if ye offer the lame and sick,
is it not evil?
Offer it now unto thy Governor; will He be
pleased with thee, or accept thy person?
saith the Lord of Hosts.”

FAITH MAKES THE GRAVE
A CRADLE.

[Preached at a Sunday School Anniversary.]

This is a children’s question.  God does not wish the boy to be snubbed when he wants to know.  There is a kind of curiosity which is like the scent in a hound—a Divine instinct—and must not be checked, for that is waste.  If you chill your child when he comes to ask, you may break the link which binds him to you, and never be able to weld it again.  There will be a time come when you will long to have the lad come to your side, but it will be too late.  “When your children shall ask their fathers . . .  Then ye shall let your children know” (21-22.)

Obedience to God’s Commandments will cause our
children to ask questions which will be a
blessing to their life.

These stones are very suggestive.  There are sermons in them.  Some lessons which will occur to every one; others that need to be thought over again and again.  For instance, there are twelve,

A stone for each tribe.

They all came out of the bed of Jordan, and yet, there are no two alike!  Judah’s is not like Napthali’s, and yet both came from the same place, and are in the same heap.  We are not alike, though we be the children of the same Father.  You and I are very different, yet it is “Our Father.”  Yours as much as mine.  John Bunyan knew this, for he makes his pilgrim band to consist of very great contrasts.  Mr. Valiant for-the-truth, as well as Mr. Despondency.  And they all get across the stream.

“What mean these stones?”

Why, that it is safe to go where the Ark goes.

That chest is the sign of God’s presence.  There is the blood on the mercy-seat, and there are the angels of gold looking at that spot of blood.  All the time the ark stood still in the bed of the river, the people could pass in safety.  There are many Jordans for some of us to pass, but we need not to fear if God is there.  There is the Jordan of Poverty.  It is a deep stream, and the water runs fast: yes, but if the ark goes first, thou shalt not be overcome.  Does Providence call on thee to go down in the world?  Never fear! the Ark is there.  “I will never leave thee.”  We are thinking now of a friend of ours, not sainted, but saintly, who has seen great reverses of fortune, yet her life has been a psalm.  She reminds me of a robin, for, like him, her song has been sweeter than ever in the dark days.  You may have to cross the river of Persecution, but the Ark is there.  When the three brave men preferred the furnace to idolatry, they found the Son of Man in the flames waiting for them, and so shall you.

Do not these stones teach that

God honours faith?

Brave Levites!  Who can help admiring them, to carry that Ark right into the stream; for the waters were not divided till their feet dipped in the water (ver. 15.)  God had not promised aught else.  This is what is needed—what Jabez Bunting was wont to call “Obstinate faith,” that the promise sees and “looks to that alone.”  You can fancy how the people would watch these holy men march on, and some of the by-standers would be saying, “You would not catch me running the risk.  Why, man, the ark will be carried away?”  Not so, “the priests stood firm on dry ground.”

We must not overlook the fact that Faith on our part helps God to carry out His plans.  “Come up to the help of the Lord.”  The Ark had staves for the shoulders.  Even the Ark did not move of itself, it was carried.  When God is the architect, men are the masons and labourers.  Faith assists God.  It can stop the mouth of lions and quench the violence of fire.  It yet honours God, and God honours it.  O for this faith that will go on, leaving God to fulfil His promise when He sees fit!  Fellow-Levites, let us shoulder our load, and do not let us look as if we were carrying God’s coffin.  It is the Ark of the living God.  Sing as you march towards the flood.

Ordinances are signs as well as remembrancers.

What do you call that piece of wood there?  Why, the communion rail, to be sure.  Communion? what does that mean?  It is only a piece of wood, and yet it makes us think of Him Who, the same night that He was betrayed, took bread, saying, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”  Kneeling at that rail, we may, by faith, take hold of the Man who died for us.  Rightly used, the Lord’s Supper may be manna—angels’ food.

What is this day?  The Sabbath.  The Rest Day.  The toils of life are o’er for a little time.  Ah! this is another of the stones we see, which tell of stones we cannot see.  There is a Sabbath that has no week-day; there is a world where there is no toil, no anxiety, no tears!

“O, long expected day begin!”

What do you call that sweet noise?  Music?  And what is that but another of these stones we can see, which tell of others we see not as yet.  Dr. Watts said of sacred music—

“Thus, Lord, while we remember Thee,
   We, blest and pious grow;
By hymns of praise we learn to be
   Triumphant here below.”

While I hear those children’s voices I seem to catch the sweeter strains of my children in heaven, singing their joy.  Those deep, manly bass voices remind me of the psalms up yonder—like the sound of many waters.  Why, the very crape some of you wear reminds me of some who sat by your side, and who are now clad in garments “whiter than snow.”