iili wifl li l l iil W M IIi l i M l li N l l WM W WIU iW WWI B W IfWMHHWPiffl^Wt^^ - tihvavy of Che theological ^tmimvy PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY •(j^i> PRESENTED BY Rufus K. LeFevre 6?6 totfon Z^t SOetiotional ^txits The Christian's Power . . . F. P. Rosselot Bible Study and Devotion . H. A. Thompton Prayer, a Means of Spiritual Growth . . N. E. Cornetet Selections from Devotioaal Writings of Madame Guyon . . . . D. D. Lonuery Love As a Motive M. E. Spayd Sorrow; Its Worth, Its Cure . J. A. Haivkins Bible Doctrine of Devotion , E. S. Boivman Christ Our Devotional Example . fT. J. Zuck The Holy Spirit in the Devout Life . . I. L. Kephart Conduct; Its Relation to the Devotional Life J.T. Spangler Each j6mo, Cloth Fifty Cents W. R. Funk. A^tnt DAYTON, OHIO f MAY 21 ^^^ , S^tutip anti Bebotiou SDt. I^oto to fetutig tSe SttU tot ^et^onal Spiritual dSrototd COMPILED BY H. A. THOMPSON. D.D., LL.D. Editor Th* United Brethrea Review "Itvill delight myself in thy statutes : IiviU not forget thp word." Psalm 119: 16. UNITED BRETHREN PUBLISHING HOUSE W. R. FUNK, ^cent DAYTON. OHIO Cop2/right, 190U, by United Brethren Publishing House Dayton Ohio So ^2 2I2Hife // ^5^ "*Tell me, in a word, how to study my Bible/ fi busy man once said, as he waited for his train. On your knees, in earnest prayer to God for light, and in deep meditation upon what is written. God must enlighten, and you must think. Never open your Bible for even a few moments' study of its contents without at least lifting your heart to God in real prayer that he may open to you the Scrip- tures. Herein we find at least part of the ex- planation of the fact that many unlettered men and women have a knowledge of the real contents of the Word of God that puts to shame men of profound scholarship. They are taught of God. They asked wisdom ; they asked it of God, and they obtained it." (James 1:5-7.)— Rev, R. A, Tor- rep. "Reader, weigh what has been said. Endeavor to ponder the Scriptures as well as to read them ; and remember especially and emphatically, first and before all things else, that, as they can only be profitably understood by that Spirit which in- spired them, all reading, however attentive, how- ever thoughtful, which is not preceded by earnest prayer for the teaching and illumination of the Holy Spirit may be interesting to the mind ; may be useful as all information is useful ; hut will mosi undoubtedly be profitless to the heart." — Dr. E. M. Ooulhurn. Contents Contents I Thx Biblk a Revxlation fbom GK>D II Need of Biblk Stxtdy III Purposes and Aims of BiBiiX Study The Historical Method The Literary Method The Inductive Method The Doctrinal Method The Devotional Method IV Bible Study as an Aid to the Life of Prates V Bible Study as an Aid to the Life of Medi* TATION VI Helpfulness of Special Books For Service For Fellowship and Love For Life of the Spirit For Cultivating the Life of Faith For Hope of Final Triumph VII Conclusion "The word of the Lord is tried."— Psa^m 18:30. "I will delight myself in thy commandments." — Psalm 119:47. "Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage." — Psalm 119:54. "Seek ye out the book of the Lord, and read." — Isaiah 34:16. "Hear the word of the Lord." — Jeremiah 22:29^ "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures." — Mat- thew 22:29. "What advantage hath the Jew? . . . First of all that they -were intrusted with the oracles of God." — Romans 3:1,2. "Handling aright the word of truth." — //. Tim,' tbotion esis to Revelation. If all men inter- preted them alike, we should find but one system of theology; because they do not, we have more than one. In the things essential to salvation they sub- stantially agree. Others take the re- verse order and, having accepted cer- tain theories of belief, search the Scrip- tures to find proof-texts which will sub- stantiate their theories, irrespective of the many texts which would seem to contradict them. By means of isolated statements, taken out of their places, almost anything could be proven. "The devil can quote Scripture for his pur- pose.^' 'StSe JDebotional 9$ttiot^ This is the study for personal relig- ious growth. It is an effort to find out the mind of God, the truth he has re- vealed, so that we may more and more fashion our lives in accordance with that will. The methods already given are all proper, but in themselves do not necessarily lead to the highest results. 36 ^utpo0t0 and Sim0 ot 3ibU &tutie Bible study is, first of all, intended to keep the soul in close contact with God. A man may make himself conversant with the early manuscripts of the Bible, and be able to tell when and where written, and how preserved ; he may be more or less familiar with their general arrangement, the style in which writ- ten, and the characteristics of the au- thors; he may have constructed for himself an outline of the teachings of the Bible upon important subjects; and yet, save the intellectual pleasure which would come from the careful consideration of any writings, there has come to him comparatively little of spiritual profit. Men may lecture about the Bible, may even preach on its topics, and yet not be helped much by all their study. They have never asked, "What saith my Lord unto his serv- ant ?'' or, "What wilt thou have me to do?'' They have never looked into this Book as a personal message to their own souls. Some of them may be in- cludes 1 In the class of whom our Lord 37 3lblt &tuli^ mh SDebotton spoke, "Manj will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out devils, and by thy name do many mighty works?" To make this devotional study prof- itable to us, we must have fellowship with God. The best results cannot be reached, as in other methods, by mere intellectual study. Unless our sins are forgiven and we are accepted of God, we shall not be profited. A man whose heart is not right with God, who is not seeking to find out and to do his will, cannot study devotionally. Here, es- pecially, spiritual things are spiritual- ly discerned. "The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given 38 ^utpo0e0 and ^inx0 oC Bible &tuti? to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man^s wis- dom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, be- cause they are spiritually judged." If we would get the most profit out of this study, our hearts must be kept right with God. Our lives must not be up and down, here to-day and away to- morrow, but must be true to God. We must be anxious to find out exactly what God teaches and be willing to do what he requires. The secret of the Lord is revealed "to them that fear him." In Old-Testament times there were periods when there was no "open vision," for men had disobeyed God. So there are times when the believer does not see clearly and does not learn rapidly, for he has not kept himself in touch with God. This devotional study will give us increased spiritual power 39 and blessing, and this in turn will give us still greater insight into divine truth. In order to study to spiritual profit we must ^^search the Scriptures." The man who gets the most valuable treas- ures out of the sciences must dig for them. The richest are not usually picked up by the wayside. A listless and indifferent reading of the Scrip- tures v/ill not let us into their hidden meaning. We must bring to bear on the passage our best judgment, our logical skill, our most vivid imagina- tion, all the mental power we possess. The words, the sentences, the nature of the whole paragraph must be consid- ered. All this Scripture has been given for a purpose, and its words and illus- trations and Oriental references have not been selected at random. We must get the meaning, find the message con- veyed, and make it a part of our being. The word "meditate" comes from the Greek, and means "to attend." It is reading with attention ; more than 40 ^ntvo0t0 anti ^im^ ot J&ihlt ^tixt^v this, it is reading with intention. Hav- ing learned the meaning of the passage, we must look carefully at each step to find its application. All scripture has a lesson for us, for it was written for our profit. The application must be made by myself, after my study of the passage, and for my own profit. The psalmist speaks (104:34) of m?/ medi- tation of Him. David made it for him- self, and so must we. His own medita- tion upon God's Word is a most helpful thing for every Christian. This does not mean that the little books of devotion w^hich have been writ- ten by the best men and women shall not be used by us. They are very val- uable, and contain the best thoughts and richest experiences of earnest Christians. These are simply not to have the first place, but are to come in after we have made our own medita- tion. When we have first learned what God will say to us, as a result of our own personal communion with him, we may learn what he has said to oth- 41 3iblt &tuti^ ann SDebotion ers. While I have the same human nature as others, I may be in different circumstances, and a phase of the truth will come to me that I will not find in these books which relate the experi- ences of others. It must constantly be ^'my meditation" if I will get the best of it. This must be a real meditation; the psalmist says (49:3), "of thy heart." This does not simply mean of the emo- tional nature, but of the whole being, the intellect, sensibilities, and will. We come to the Word of God anxious to find out exactly what it says, and intending to be guided thereby. It is not a time for listless musings or dreamy imaginings, but an earnest seeking for help, for guidance, for com- fort. To make it eminently practical, one author suggests the following ele- ments: "First, the careful reading of the particular passage or subject, thinking over its real and original meaning; next, a resolute application of it to my own life's needs, conscience, 42 )^atpo0e0 ann SLinifi of 3itU &tuli? heart, mind, imagination, will, finding out what it has to say to me; next, a hearty turning of it into prayer for mercy and grace, that its teachings may become a part of my life; next, a sincere transfusion of it into a resolu- tion that my life shall reproduce it; lastly, a whole-hearted surrender to, and trust in God for power to practice it forthwith, so vital, so blessed that we shall find in it our chief joy and our indispensable daily power for service.'' Dr. Goulburn recommends, in sub- stance, the following plan of medita- tion: First, endeavor to realize the presence of God or of Jesus Christ, as best suits your mind at the time. A single lively remembrance will be enough. He is there, and that will suf- fice. Second, call upon God to inspire you with holy thoughts and to bless them to your profit and growth in grace; do this with earnestness, as you would in speaking to a friend who is just quitting you. Open to the passage that forms your subject for medita- 4?, I&itlt &)tuti^ anb SDebotton tion; it might be well to choose it tlie day before. Take the simple and avoid the difficult parts of the Bible. Third, picture to yourself the circumstances by an effort of the imagination, as, for example, you would in the case of the crucifixion. Fourth, reflect on the words of the passage; turn them over in the mind ; make out what they teach, w^hat doctrine is wrapped up in them, and what duty. Fifth, do not look upon these things with barren admira- tion, but turn them to account in the guidance of your own soul. So present these to your mind that they may stir the feelings of affection in your own heart, whether of hope, or fear, or grat- itude, or love. These sentiments of the heart should be followed by good reso- lutions. The devotional study of the Bible must thus be our daily bread. When properly done, it , will enter into the very warp and woof of our spiritual life. It must be so studied as to assim- ilate the truths into our very being, and 44 jautpo^e^ and ^im0 ot 3ih\t fetuti? thus be able to reproduce its effects in our lives. When thus done, "The word will become all-sufficient and all-pow- erful in our life; the mirror to reveal (James 1) ; the water to cleanse (Ephesians 5) ; the milk to nourish (I. Peter 2) ; the strong meat to invig- orate (Hebrews 5) ; the honey to de- light (Psalm 119) ; the fire to warm, the hammer to break and fasten (Jer- emiah 23) ; the sword to fight (Ephe- sians 6) ; the seed to grow (Matthew 13) ; the lamp to guide, the statute- book to legislate (Psalm 119) ; and the gold to treasure in time and for eter- nity (Psalm 119).'^ 45 "Ojf very great importance among the helps to secret prayer is the special study of the Bible with reference to prayer. The Bible is the only author- itative text-book on prayer. It alone acquaints us with God and Christ and the Holy Spirit. It alone shows us ourselves, others, and the world, from God's point of view. Bible study gives prayer, substance, reality, life, and power. Without devo- tional Bible study there can be no true communion ; for we need to reiterate the thought that secret prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. Experience and testimony prove that the men who have neg- lected devotional Bible study have weakened in their prayer life." — John li. Matt. Sin aiH to tfit %iU ot Prater IV iBMt ^tuDp a0 an 3iD to tlie iLife of Prapet As THE Scriptures may be said to be God talking to us, so prayer is our talk- ing to God. It may be that we are ask- ing for favors, temporal or spiritual; for guidance and direction along the pathway of life; for security from the dangers that beset us ; it may be an ex- pression of thanksgiving for the bless- ings it has been our lot to enjoy, but in either case we are talking with God. The richer our experience, the more ex- tensive our knowledge of God and his character, the sweeter our fellowship, the more we want to talk with him, the more anxious we are to pray. We are to pray without ceasing, "earnestly,'' "intently," not necessarily in the utter- ance of any words, but with the uplift 47 15ihle &tuti^ anti SDetotion of the heart in devout thanksgiving or in petition. ^^George Mtiller, one of the mightiest men of prayer of the present gener- ation, when the hour for prayer came would begin by reading and meditating on God's Word until out of the study of the Word a prayer began to form itself in his heart. Thus God himself was the real author of the prayer, and God an- swered the prayer which he himself had inspired." "The Word of God is the instrument which the Holy Spirit uses. It is the sword of the Spirit in more senses than one; and the one who would know the work of the Holy Spirit in any direc- tion must feed upon the Word. The one who would pray in the Spirit must meditate much upon the Word, that the Holy Spirit may have something through which he can work. The Holy Spirit works his prayer in us through the Word, and neglect of the Word makes praying in the Holy Spirit an impossibility. If we would feed the fire 48 f^n i^in to t&e JLite ot ^tam of our prayers with the fuel of God's Word, all our difficulties in prajer would disappear." While many portions of the Scrip- ture are helpful in the cultivation of the religious affections, the Book of Psalms is especially so. Perhaps in the language of no other can we so w^ell express our religious affections. Says one: "The Psalms are preeminently devotional. They exhale the very spirit of worship; they breathe the at- mosphere of devotion, they magnify and praise the Lord. They ascribe to him the majesty and glory which are due to him alone. They exalt his at- tributes, his name, his w^ord, his prov- idence, and his presence in the affairs of the world. All that comes into the life of the saint, they refer to him. The difficulties, perils, temptations, en- emies, sorrows, joys, in short, all the vast experiences into which God's peo- ple are brought are ascribed to him. It would seem as if the Spirit of God had gathered into these one hundred and i 49 Tdiblt &tuhv anti 2Debotion fifty hymns all the sacred exercises of soul of which the redeemed have knowl- edge in the world. There is no state or exigency, no circumstance nor set of circumstances, of what nature soever, prosperous and adverse, bad and good, near and remote, but it may find a faithful expression in the inimitable Book. Here is mirrored all that the saint desires and seeks, and loves and hates. His hopes and fears, confidence, weaknesses, strength, triumph and fail- ure are here. Here, too, are his tempta- tions and trials, his conflicts with foes both without and within, his defeats and his victories. In short, the life of the believer, with its intricate mazes, its vast alterations, is here laid bare." Says another, of this wonderful Book : "They witness to the deep Chris- tian emotion of good men who lived three thousand years ago. Here are their experiences, their trials, their straits, their conflicts against tempta- tion; and here also are the records of their precious faith in God, through 50 ^n Siit> to tit JLitt ot Prater which they gained the victory over the world and the wickedness thereof. Here stand recorded their excellent songs of triumph in the day of their deliver- ance; here the outflowing of their grateful hearts in praise to the power that redeemed and to the loving-kind- ness that remembered them with plen- teousness of mercy and salvation. These forms of uttering devout affec- tion are so rich, so full, and so various, that Christians in all ages have de- lighted to find here the very words pre- pared to their hand, in which their souls burdened or lightened might speak before the Lord of their wants, or of the fullness of their joy when their wants were supplied. It is not strange that Christians in all later ages should feel peculiar interest in using these words in their own worship, pub- lic or private, to express similar feel- ings. It will always be pleasant to think that God moved holy men of old to these utterances of earthly want, of faith in God for promised help, and of 51 T&ihk &tuti? and a)el3otton thanks for delivering grace. We un- consciously account their experience of God^s mercy as his pledge of like mercy to his people in every age under their similar wants and in answer to the same faith and prayer for the like help in time of need/' 52 "He who has learned by practice, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to meditate upon the Holy Scriptures, will assuredly prefer them above every other book, however holy, however edifying. Of other books one may weary, of this, never. Others we may exhaust, but this is inexhaustible. The waters of nature are sweetest and purest at the fountain-head. So the wells of salvation which the Scripture supplies, are most fresh and invig- orating when we dip our own pitchers into the fountain." — Rev. E. M. Qoullurn, D.D. Sin SLiti to tit fLite ot S^eHitation V IBiblt ^tmif a0 an aiD to t&e Mtt of ^eDitation One great duty of the hour to which the mass of people are slow to give heed is the duty of meditating upon God's AYord. The psalmist says: "I will meditate on thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways'' (Psalm 109: 15). "Thy servant did meditate in thy statutes" (119:23). "Mine eyes pre- vented the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word" (119:148). Paul, in helping to prepare Timothy for his work, says to him, "Meditate upon these things." The psalmist says of the godly man, "His delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:2). "I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches" (63:6). 55 Tdiblt &tutip anti SDebotion This means Bible study for our own growth in the divine life. This sort of study reveals to us the weakness and shortcomings of our own lives, and how to make them better and stronger. If we would be the strong, generous, cour- ageous Christians that we should be, and that God wants us to be, we must learn of him through his own Word. The reason why so many Christians are weak and ineflScient in their relations to the unbelievers about them, is be- cause they are not saturated with God's Word. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Nor can we be aggressive workers with- out this meditation upon God's Word. It would relieve us of much of the dis- appointment and worry and strain which are sure to come to those who do not do it. "It is impossible to have the power of the Spirit of God as a con- stant possession apart from the study of the Bible. To do the works of God we must have the power of God. To 56 Sin Siih to tbt %itt of igi^ttiitation have the power of God we must have the Spirit of God. The Bible is the channel through which the Spirit comes into the life. We do not find Spirit-filled men apart from deep, de- votional Bible students. If we would be filled with the Spirit, keep filled, and have our capacity constantly increase, let us become possessed with the Bible- study passion." The usual objection made to such devotional study of the Bible is that there is not time for it. In the hurry and bustle of our American life it is thought we cannot take half an hour a day for such study; but let us remem- ber that our first business is to do our Master's will. ^This is the will of God, even your sanctification'^ ; "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his right- eousness." Must I not take time to do the will of God? Is it not his w^ill that I should be spiritually strong and lead a devoted, useful life? Surely, he does not wish me to stand still or retrograde in the spiritual life. Have men ever 57 BibU &tuiis and SDebotfon grown strong spiritually without this devotional Bible study? On the con- trary, the busiest men have taken time for this work, have honored God, and have been able to do the work required of men in their sphere in life. Because of this recognition of him, he has blessed them so they could do better work, and more of it than heretofore. Men have been challenged to test it by taking the first half-hour of the day for Bible study for one month, and then re- porting if it interfered with their work or efficiency. "Hundreds of persons in different parts of the world have ac- cepted this challenge. Thus far not one has reported that his work or standing has suffered the least ; on the other hand, many of them report that such study has enabled them to do more and better work. Is it fair, there- fore, for any one of us, without trying it, to say that this cannot be done?'' Dr. Samuel L. Spear lost his wife and children, and in seeking comfort and relief began such a systematic 58 Sin ^ain to tit ILite of fll^etiitation study of the Bible as he had never done before. He says: "I resolved that during the remainder of my life I would set apart one hour each day for the special study of the Bible, and that this should be the hour immediately preceding my breakfast, so that before taking my morning meal for the nour- ishment of my body I should regularly take my spiritual meal for the nourish- ment and comfort of my soul. What was then a purpose is now a habit. I would now no more think of omitting my Bible study in the morning than I would think of omitting my breakfast, or anything else which I must do. My only regret is that the resolution was formed at so late a period. What I have gained in the way of mental relief and spiritual comfort from the process described, I would not exchange for all the honor and wealth of this world." The personal testimony of George Mtiller is very interesting and helpful : "The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by 59 5B(feIe S)tuti^ and SDebotfon the Bible in our life and thoughts. I can solemnly state this from an expe- rience of fifty-four years. ... In July, 1829, I began this plan of reading from the Old and New Testaments. I have read since then the Bible through one hundred times, and each time with in- creasing delight. When I begin it afresh it always seems like a new book. I cannot tell how great has been the blessing from consecutive, diligent, daily study. I look upon it as a lost day when I have not had a good time over the Word of God. Friends often say to me, ^Oh, I have so much to do, so many people to see, I cannot find time for Scripture study.' There are not many w^ho have had more to do than I have had. For more than half a century I have never known a day when I had not more business than I could get through. For forty years I have had annually about thirty thousand letters, and most of them have passed through my own hands. I have nine assistants always at work, corresponding in Ger- 60 Sin jaid to tit mtt of Sl^etiitation man, French, English, Italian, Rus- sian, and other languages. As pastor of a church with twelve hundred believ- ers, great has been my care; and, be- sides these, the charge of five immense orphanages, a vast work; and also my publishing depot, the printing and cir- culating of millions of tracts and books ; but I have always made it a rule never to begin work till I have had a good season with God, and then I throw myself with all my heart into this work for the day, with only a few minutes' interval for prayer." There are some who would be willing to read religious books. This is good in itself, but will not take the place of the Bible study at first hand. It is more helpful for our own personal growth to study the Bible than to read books about the Bible. Others there are who do not care for such study, for this in- creased light would put new obliga- tions upon them. There are many church-members, in some congrega- tions the majority, who are not in 61 I&ihlt &tuti^ anti S>zt>otion prayer-meeting, whose voices are never heard in prayer, who if helped of God in their Bible study must get rid of their cold-heartedness, their backslid- ings, and renew again their loyalty to their Master. How cowardly such dis- ciples are, and what a hindrance to the true work of the church ! When should this be done? It should be a regular thing. We want to get the habit of study, and the habit is formed by regular and frequent repeti- tion. If possible, and we think it is, it should be once every day, surely once a week. Each day brings its own troubles and cares and worries, and we should be prepared daily for what is to come. Then it should be an hour of quiet; we should not be hurried. It takes time and effort to grow strong intellectually; it takes time to grow strong spiritually. It is not a matter of chance, but is the result of causes, as is all other growth. We should for- get our business, our cares, our clocks, and everything else that would prevent 62 Sin ;atti to tit JLitt ot 9?etiitation the c4osest communion of the human soul with God. "With some of you, I believe the plan of spending the first half-hour of each day alone with God is the best time in the day. The mind is less occupied. The mind is, as a rule, clearer, and the memory more retentive. But forget these reasons, if 30U choose. The whole case may be staked on this argu- ment. It equips a man for the day's fight with self and sin and Satan. He does not wait until noon until he buckles on his armor. He does not wait until he has given way to temper, or to unkind words, or to unworthy thoughts, or to easily besetting sin, and then have his Bible study. He enters the day forewarned and forearmed. John Quincy Adams, President of the United States, noted in his journal, in connection with his custom of studying the Bible each morning, 'It seems to me the most suitable manner of begin- ning the day.' Lord Cairnes, one of the busiest men in Great Britain, devoted 63 7&ihlt &tuD? ant! S)t\^otion the first hour and a half of every day to Bible study and secret prayer. We have all heard how Chinese Gordon, while in the Soudan, had a certain sign before his tent each morning, which meant that he must be left alone. A friend recently saw his Bible, in the Queen's apartments at Windsor, and told me that the pages of that book, which was his companion in the morn- ing watch, were so worn that one could scarcely read the print. He always re- minds me of Sir Henry Havelock, who took care to be alone each morning to ponder some portion of the Bible. When on the heaviest marches it was determined to start at some hour earlier than that which he had fixed for his devotion, he arose quite in time to hold undisturbed his communion with his God. Buskin, in speaking to the students at Oxford, said, ^Read your Bible, making it the first morning busi- ness of your life to understand some portion of it clearly, and your daily business to obey it in all that you do 6-1 Sin jgid to tit mtt o( a?etiitation understand/ Francke spent the first hour of each day in private devotion. Wesley, for the last forty years of his life, rose every morning at four o^clock and devoted from one to two hours to devotional Bible study and prayer. Rutherford was accustomed to rise ev- ery morning at three o'clock, and the whole of the earlier hours of the day were spent by him in prayer and medi- tation and study. Greater than all, we have it on the best of evidence that Christ rose a great while before it was day to hold communion with God. What he found necessary, or even de- sirable, can we do without? Spiritual- ity costs. Shall we pay w^hat it costs ?'^ Especially should one or more hours be taken for this w^ork on the Christian Sabbath. The quiet of the day is con- ducive to study. To give us an oppor- tunity for spiritual culture was this day given. The cessation of bodily la- bor and the air of sanctity thrown about the day makes it suitable for such w^ork. Especially is this true of 6 65 7&ihlt ^tnn^ anti SDthotion rural districts where the day is not so full of public church services as in most of our cities. If we hallowed this day by the study of God's Word, it would not to so great an extent be given up to pleasure-seeking, and cer- tain forms of dissipation, in which, alas, we are compelled to confess many church-members indulge. Eow shall this be done? It is well to have some kind of order in the work, that we may realize each day that we are making some advancement. In the "Kecord of Christian Work'' for this year. Dr. G. Campbell Morgan has been conducting a series of "Bible Notes for Daily Devotions." A variety of "Bible Studies" have been outlined and pub- lished by the International Young Men's Christian Association. One Bi- ble student suggests that the best order in which to study the Bible for devo- tional purposes would be the Gospels, Colossians, Hebrews, Psalms, Isaiah, and Deuteronomy. Another suggests the placing of Deuteronomy before 66 j^n ^td to tSe Jiitt ot 9^Mmion Isaiah. Another thinks the Book of Acts should immediately follow the Gospels. It does not matter so much that there should be one specific order as that there should be some order. There might be an examination of the lives of Bible worthies, such as Moses, Elijah, Daniel, John the Baptist, John, Peter, Paul. "A good outline for such a study might be a man's preparation for his life-work, qualifications, diffi- culties encountered, achievements, the secret of his enduring influence." Another good way would be an ex- amination of the great themes of relig- ion. These are all presented one or more times in some parts of the Bible. We are made stronger and a new inspi- ration is given us by associating with strong men ; so our minds are enlarged, our vision widened, our aspirations in- creased by the study of great themes. Take any one of the great themes of the Bible and let these be faithfully stud- ied for half an hour each day for a month, with a view to our own interest 67 and profit in it, and how much we shall find ourselves lifted up beyond the little cares and perplexities of life. Make out a list for yourself and study for a specified time, the character of Christ, the divinity of Christ, the teach- ing of Christ, the commands of Christ, Christ as a teacher, Christ as a worker, Christ as a man of prayer, and how much more real his life will become to you ! Says one: "Mr. Moody every year at Northfield urged the importance of devoting at least one month of Bible study to each of the great doctrines, as, for example, sin, the atonement, regen- eration, faith. When in college, two of us met for the study of the Bible. We wanted something to counteract the ef- fect of skeptical philosophy. We took up the topic of the Holy Spirit, think- ing we might finish it in three months. We spent a year upon it, and then felt we had only opened the door. It proved for us, however, to be the very unlocking of the Scriptures, devotion- 68 jgtt jgfti to tte mu of flgftittatton ally. We might have taken the topic, prayer, or, the kingdom of God. It is not necessary to prolong the list." By some such plan we have a distinct work for each day. While we are pros- ecuting this study we must be alone, in our closets or some equivalent place. We want to be alone with God so he can speak to us, and we hear him un- disturbed by the din and noise above us. We must remember that we are doing this not that we may preach better sermons, or do better teach- ing, although if well-studied we will do both. We must not have a thought as to what and how we can use this knowledge, but that it is to help our lives, gives us better ideals of Chris- tian living, and help us to bear the bur- dens that shall come to us, and give the limited time at our disposal to com- munion with God through his Word. The main purpose must be kept in mind, and one must not allow himself to be turned aside to try to solve some theological difficulty. We must re- 69 3ih\t &tati^ aim SDebotfon member that no great profit will come Avithout thorough work. Some advise us to write down some one lesson learned each day. Jeremiah says, "Thy W^ords were found, and I did eat them" ; that is, "I take these words into my mindy I store them in my memory. I revolve them over and over again. I let them touch the springs of con- science. I let them find me. I set the will at work upon them and apply them. I give them the right of way in my life ; I make them a part of myself. I realize in actual experience that the words of Christ ^are Spirit and are life.' " As to the spirit in which all this should be done, we may say it must be an earnest one, as though digging for hidden treasures, for in no other way can the deep things of God be learned. We must depend on the Holy Spirit, who inspired these writings and who can best interpret them. We must come with the prayerful spirit which is constantly saying, "Open thou mine 70 Sin Siin to tit JLitt ot 9^zmation eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." We must come with the childlike spirit, for unless we become as little children we shall not understand the mysteries of the king- dom. We must be willing at whatever cost to obey the truth as we shall see it. If we find we have left undone duties that were commanded, henceforth we must faithfully do them. If we have practiced what the Holy Spirit cannot approve, we must hereafter give it all up. Another offers these suggestions for devotional study: 1. "Open all such occasions with a prayer for the Holy Spirit's light. (Psalm 119:18.) 2. Ask to be guided to some definite thought for yourself. 3. Dwell prayer- fully on the thought thus given ; is it a counsel, a precept, a warning, a prom- ise, an experience, a command? 4. When its meaning is clear, use it as the basis of a prayer for grace to realize it in experience. 5. Yield the whole soul in full surrender to its truth and 71 BUU &tuti^ anti SDrbotion power. 6. Link it on the truths al- ready known and thereby strengthen the chains of experience. 7. Trust God to reproduce it in your life that day." 72 "This Book had a great variety of penmen, and these differed from each other very widely as to gifts, natural and acquired. They range all the way from the highest poet and thinker, like Moses, David, Isaiah, Paul, down to the humblest artisan and rustic, as were Amos, Matthew, Mark, and Peter; and yet is a Book essentially of one idea. Toward Christ all its lines converge; in him all its strange voices harmonize and blend ; in him all its powers and predictions have their fulfillment." — Dr. W. O. Moorehead. 74 I^t\vfnlm00 ot Special Booliigf VI !^elpfulnes8 of Special TBooks The books of the Bible were orig- inally written, published, and read sep- arately from each other. They were written for a distinct purpose, have dif- ferent characteristics, and should be read as separate books. We are to grow by means of the truth, hence to cultivate the different sides of our na- ture we want the special truth adapted to that. Each book, or a number of books may name different subjects, and to get all that is said on one topic we would need to select from all, yet some books are more occupied with one sub- ject than with others. jfot &etti(ce 1. For example, if we want to culti- vate the Christian life in relation to service, let us read Luke, the Acts, and 75 3iblt &tuti^ anti Wtboiion James. Luke connects the work of Je- sus with the world at large. He pre- serves those things in Jesus' life which show his interest in people outside of the Jewish nation. Jesus is the lover of humanity, the friend of the outcast, the forgiver of those who sin, and the counselor of those who sorrow. He is a man possessed of wonderful sym- pathy. He gives us a new conception of the kingdom of God. His book has been called, "The Gospel of the Fu- ture," because it gives us a hopeful out- look of what the future is to be. There will be a time of tribulation, but a bet- ter day will come. "Better lives will bring a better social order; better cit- izens will bring a better city; better men will bring a better world." The Acts of the Apostles shows us the work that Jesus continued to do through the Holy Spirit. The work of the risen, ascended Lord is not done, but going on. It shows what Jesus set out to accomplish and how, by his method of training his apostles, he had 76 ^tlptnlm&0 ot Special 3oo}i0 put great agencies at work. The gospel had never before been cut loose from Judea, but is now entering through Gentile Christianity on a course of world-wide conquest. There is a man- ifestation of divine power. The Holy Spirit is the principal actor. The church is founded; it grows by perse- cutions. The leaders get a new concep- tion of Christianity. The first Chris- tian council is held. A new center of operation is established at Antioch. Paul is finally put to death, but "one mightier than all the Caesars sat upon the throne, holding in his nail-pierced hand the scepter of universal domin- ion." On the contrary, James is a conserv- ative Hebrew, and yet, in a sense, is a liberal one. He was a very devoted man, and full of the writings of the Old Testament. He urges to the instant performance of duty, for Christ's com- ing is at hand. The Christian must not be surprised at trials, for these are a part of our human existence. True 77 aBible fetuti^ and S>t\>otion wisdom is from above, and does not come from inheritance. He gives us an exalted view of God. (1: 16-18.) He discourses on the ethics of speech. He gives the Christian view of religion. ( 1 : 22-27. ) Right action is very im- portant. Faith and works must go together. Hardship and injury could be borne with, "for the presence of the Lord was at hand." ifor jfdloto^Sip and Eabe 2. To cultivate the life of fellow- ship and love, read John's letters. These were written by John in his later years, toward the close of the first cen- tury. Many of the same terms are used here which are found in his Gospel. It is a time of quiet. There was a pause in the work of persecution. "The churches had undergone internal change. The destruction of Jerusalem and the shattering of Judaism had emancipated the church completely from Judaizing tendencies. The dis- tinction between Gentile and Jew had 78 ^tlptnlm00 of Special 15oo}i0 completely vanished. New forces were in operation.'^ The main source of peril now is that of heresy in the church. He shows the doctrine con- cerning God to be central. Keligion is personal and spiritual; the fellowship with the Father includes fellowship with his children. Love to God carries with it love to all the children of God. Christ's mission is as wide as the world. The present life of the Chris- tian is an indwelling presence, filling the soul and controlling the life. The conquering power is faith. By dwell- ing in Christ the will to sin is taken away. We are to walk in truth and love. iFot tje JLitt ot tit fepirft 3. For a better understanding of the life of the Spirit, read John 14-17. These chapters have been called the holy of holies of the Bible. Christ is about to depart from his disciples. He foresees the troubles that will come to their Master; he will be spit upon, for- 79 3ihlt &tuti^ anti SDebotlon saken, crucified, and suffer the torture of a lingering death. He will not only prepare these disciples to bear the troubles about to come upon them, but prepare his followers through all com- ing time for similar experiences of sor- row. He sets forth "the source of all comfort, strength, guidance, and spir- itual well-being in the truth of the direct, personal presence of a seem- ingly absent, but really present, and seemingly slain, but really living, a seemingly defeated, but really victori- ous Lord and Master." These chapters contain a disclosure of the very heart of Christianity; the personal knowl- edge of a living God by direct com- munion with him, as a teacher, a com- forter, an inspirer, the one and only true source of faith and hope and love. The first and second chapters of The ■Acts of the Apostles, indeed the whole book, may be studied for the same pur- pose. In this book the Holy Spirit is the principal actor. He is referred to more than seventy times. The book is 80 1^elptulne00 ot Special Soofcisf entitled to be called, "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." When the Spirit was poured out (2:4) on these discouraged men who had lost their leader, they were at once transformed; "common men became mighty through God to the putting down of Satan's strong- holds. Into the hearts of that small and feeble band had come a power which was to shake the earth; it was the re-creation of a ruined world." Paul's letter to the Ephesians will be very helpful. Paul labored at this city in Asia for nearly three years. In this letter the purpose of God seems to be "to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth" ( 1 : 10) . This unity is brought about by uniting all men to himself. Christ is the bond of spiritual union. Thirty-six times the author uses the term, "in Christ." This unity in Christ of redeemed humanity may be promoted by maintaining the unity of the faith ; by putting the individual life into the life of the church ; by work- 6 81 3ihlt &tutip anti SDebotion ing for the same ends; by cultivating the graces that make for social unity; by the performance of reciprocal du- ties; by uniting in a common warfare against evil. "The church is not an end in itself; it is an instrumentality, an aggressive agency by which all the alien powers in the spiritual realm that fight against the divine order are to be overcome. The Christian is a soldier. He is to put on the whole of the God-provided armor, that he may fight for the van- quishment of the power of evil and for the establishment of righteousness and truth. Armor is for the earth; robes for heaven. Here we wear a helmet, there a crown ; here we wield a sword, there we wear a palm; here we fight, there we rest. The battle is not to be given up until every rebellious power is put down and the whole round world brought into harmony with the will of heaven." 82 ^tlpt\x\m^0 of Special Boofttf ifpt Cultibatinff tfie Jlite ot ifaitj 4. In cultivating the life of faith, the Book of Hebrews will be especially helpful. The old Jewish dispensation is passing away, and good as it was, there is a better one at hand. This "word of exhortation" was written by some one of these Jewish believers so their faith would not give way. The revelation of God to man is fulfilled in Christ; he has appointed him heir of all things. He is superior to prophets, to angels, to Moses, to Joshua^ to Aaron, to Melchizedek. The new age is better than the one that is passing; it has a better hope, a better covenant, better promises, better tabernacle, bet- ter sacrifices, a better possession, a better country, a better resurrection, a better inheritance. It is God's way always to provide something better for us. Progress in his plans calls for pro- gress in the individual Christian. To fulfill his priestly office, Christ became man; but he is more than man. He 83 3iUt fetutip anti 2)ebotion offered a perfect sacrifice. We are in possession of a new covenant. This brings new privileges and imposes new duties. We care to hold fast the "con- fidence of faith that it wavers not/^ Those who follow the Master in the day of persecution will rejoice in the day of his manifestation. With this may be associated PauFs letter to the Galatians. He planted the church in Galatia. After leaving it for work elsewhere his old enemies, the Judaistic teachers, crept in and tried to put his converts again under the bondage of legalism. They even claimed that he was a pretender, and not a real apostle. In chapters one and two, Paul defends his claims to the apostleship by showing that his message was from God; in chapters two and three he declares the spiritual independence of the believer, especial- ly his freedom from the yoke of cere- monialism ; in chapters ^Ye and six he exhorts the Galatian Christians to hold fast the liberty wiiich they have in 84 Christ ; not abusing it, but using it for the highest end. He lays special em- phasis on the doctrine of Christian liberty ; they should maintain spiritual independence. There was danger that they might fall from grace. There could be no compromise. They must not use their liberty as license. They must obey the law of Christ, which is the law of love. They must not be weary, for they should reap if they fainted not. They should glory in the cross of Christ. Suffering for Jesus is a better sign of the Christian spirit than the most painstaking perform- ance of outward religious acts. jFot ^opt of iFmal ^tiumpj 5. To develop the hope of final tri- umph, the consciousness of victory over the daily ills of life, over our own sin- ful natures, as well as the assurance of the life to come, read Romans, especial- ly the eighth chapter. All life is a con- flict. The battle of the Christian is to bring lawless appetites and impulses 85 3ihlt fetutr^ anH Wtbotion under the law of Christ. He who has that conception is a coworker with God and is led bj the Spirit of God. He no longer cries to God in fear ; his suffer- ing and conflict are not for punishment, but are a gift of the Father's love. He knows what the end will be if he con- tinues on to the end. "He is no lost child. He knows whence he came — from his Father; he knows where he now is, for he is with his Father; he knows whither he is going, for he is going to his Father's house; he knows what is expected of him, for it is ex- pected that he will be a loving, trusting son of a loving, life-giving Father; he knows who is the master of his destiny, for his past, present, and future are in his Father's hands. His Father has chosen him to be conformed to the image of Christ his Lord, and into this glorious perfection will he bring him, even him, at last." What, then, can he fear? We may study the Book of Job for the same purpose. Job's history teaches 86 I^tlj^tn\m00 of fepecial SooW us that afflictions are not in proportion to our sinfulness, nor given for pur- poses of punishment. If our hearts condemn, is not God greater than our hearts, and will he not condemn us? If we keep fast hold of him and say, "Though he slay me, I will trust in him,'^ we shall triumph at last, and our false friends and enemies shall be dis- comfited. The Book of Revelation will be es- pecially cheery. It was written in part to encourage the Jews in the final tri- umph of Christianity. Some events had just occurred which were especial- ly significant; the persecutions of Christians at the hands of the Roman power, beginning in the time of Nero, who, having burned the city of Rome, found it necessary to find a scapegoat on whom the responsibility for the dreadful crime could be laid; and next the Jewish war which led to the de- struction of Jerusalem by Titus. It is thought that during the former of these events Peter and Paul perished, leaving 87 3iblt &tnhv anti SDebotton John the only remaining member of the apostolic band. Josephus tells of the dreadful horrors of this war, when the holy city was "compassed about with armies." The temple was gone, the city had fallen, the faithful were being everywhere persecuted, and the holy land was ravaged as by wild beasts. The hearts of men were failing them. John with his vision saw that the church was being tried by fire, but in the end would be victorious, and so he wrote this book. It taught that "no believer had any cause for despair; much had been suffered, much more would yet be suffered, but the end was sure. The world-powers were certain to fall under the power of the Messiah. Let the church look up. Her deliver- ance and the transformation of the kingdoms of this world into the king- dom of God and his anointed was near. The city of God, the new social order, the reign of righteousness on this earth, was already descending from heaven. . . . The book was not written to sat- 88 isfy the curiosity of men regarding the secrets of the future, but to confirm Christian faith and inspire Christian hope in that age, and in all ages." "All scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be ad- justed, thoroughly fitted for all good works." — Paul. 90 Conclusion CancIu0ton We have not space to particularize further. Each book was written for some special purpose, and has a value for each one of us. Read each one and inquire of it what teaching therein is for you. Paul writes to Timothy (II, Timothy 2:3-16), "Every scripture in- spired ... is also profitable for teach- ing, for reproof, for correction, for in- struction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." An examination of each book to find what it teaches me^ will bring new revelations of truth and duty. Says Rev. R. W. Torrey : "The fail- ure to make personal application of the truth discovered in Bible study lies at the root of its fruitlessness in many in- stances. In our study of the Bible the question before our minds should al- ways be, What is there here for me? 91 3ih\t fetutip and SDrbotion What duty is pointed out here for me to do? What line of action is suggest- ed for me to follow? What privilege is here revealed for me to claim? What promise is here proclaimed for me to make my own? In this way our life will be steadily enlarging into the measure of that perfect life which is set forth in the Bible. Happy is the man who stands before his Bible with the determination that every command in it he will obey, every promise in it he will appropriate, and every privilege declared in it he will claim for himself, and who is constantly on the lookout for new commands to follow, new promises to lay hold of, and new priv- ileges to make his own. But how many there are who study the Bible and seemingly get quite a clear understand- ing of its meaning, but upon whose minds it never seems to dawn that these immeasurable privileges are for them! If you belong to this class, learn to read your Bible in a new way, 92 €ont\u0ion as the voice of ^the living God' speak- ing to you." In order to make this study most helpful, one needs a good concordance, so as to be able to find kindred pass- ages; a good reference Bible is also very helpful. There are references which do not refer, hence one needs to get the best. "Nave's Topical Bible" will prove a very valuable help. It col- lects together in systematic order and under familiar headings all that the Bible contains on particular subjects. In the ordinary concordance a verse is mentioned but once. In the Topical Bible some are mentioned from one to tAventy times, according to the number of subjects the verse contains. It were well to have more than one Bible for different purposes. If the reader can have but one, it should be the "Stand- ard American Edition of the Revised Version," published by Thomas Nelson & Son, New York. As to plans of study, it is not so much, after all, the fact of having the plan, but a plan of 93 3iblt fetudp anH 2)ebotion some kind. These may vary as to the taste of the individual. The promi- nent teachers of improved Bible study over the land will send an outline of their work on application. Very val- uable suggestions will be furnished on application to the International Com- mittee of Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, New York. As we write, a copy of "Daily Bible" comes to us from Clifton Springs, New York, and will be sent to any one for examination. Select some plan, and follow it daily with the prayerful attitude, the listen- ing ear, the teachable mind, and the obedient will. In conclusion we would say, in the words of another, "Let us renew our vows of love and loyalty to this pre- cious Bible. We love it, not only be- cause it is the old family Bible that lay on the stand in the childhood's home, not only because fingers that now are sweeping the harps of gold once turned its leaves, and eyes that now are riveted in ecstatic rapture on the Lamb ^as it 94 ConcIu0tott had been slain' once read eagerly its divine promises, and voices that now are joining in the heavenly anthem, once sang with us David's psalms and Calvary's hymns. We love it not only for what it has been to our souls, for its wells of salvation, for its crimsoned cross, for its empty sepulcher, for its never-failing promises, for its assur- ance of death conquered and mansions prepared, but we love this Bible be- cause it is the wisdom of God, and the power of God unto salvation; God's hammer to break flinty hearts in pieces, God's truth to illumine darkened minds, God's peace to calm troubled souls, God's manna to nourish and sus- tain pilgrims, till the Jordan is reach- ed." We intended the above paragraph to end this little volume. And yet we can- not forbear to give, as an appendix, this "Last Message" of Dr. Joseph Parker, author of "The People's Bible," which 95 "Bihlt &tuti^ anti SDebotton remains after him as a monument to his faithful study of this blessed Book : "There is one test to which I cannot but submit every creed, every religion, every book. What kind of manhood has it produced? What sort of men has the old Bible grown? What of their aspirations, their service, their sacrifice? They were grand men; per- haps narrow-minded, perhaps austere, perhaps conservative, but they were honorable, determined, self-sacrificing men. They were men who put them- selves to a great deal of trouble for oth- ers ; they gave away much money ; they counted not their lives dear unto them ; they liberated slaves; they smashed iniquitous monopolies; they founded missionary societies, dared fire and sword, pestilence and cruelty. They had not the latest learning on the Pen- tateuch, Isaiah, and the Apocryphal books, but they gripped the Bible with a nerve of steel. They had immense and miracle-working faith. I believe in my heart that they were more self- Concluisfion sacrificing than many who laugh at their ignorance and condemn their nar- rowness. They believed in the literal inspirations of the Bible, in the immor- tality of the soul, in eternal punish- ment, in the atoning death of the Lord Jesus, and they cried after, if finally they might attain the holiness of God. They were not critics, they were great workers; not grammarians, but gener- ous givers ; not pedants, but unsparing in benevolence and sacrifice. I judge every religion by the men it makes, and so judged, the Bible has no need to be ashamed of its stalwarts and its he- roes. Shall I offend scholars and crit- ics, grammarians and pedants, if I frankly say that merely as such they have next to nothing to do with the Bible? that the Bible has little or noth- ing to say to them in their academical capacity? The Bible seeks and finds the heart, talks to the spirit when in the deepest humility, goes out after the soul when in its penitence and mortal hunger. When the reader is least a 7 97 7&ih\t fe)tuti^ anti SDebotion grammarian he may be nearest the spirit of the book. *Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, to this man will I look, to the man that is of a humble and a contrite heart, and that trembleth at my word.' To ^trem- ble' is better than to parse. In a deep and large sense salvation is not of grammar, else then only grammarians could have a high x)lace in heaven. "It is not to be wondered at that some of us still cling to the Bible after the illiterate and traditional manner of our fathers, and mothers, and pas- tors. Blame our training. Take full account of our antecedents. We drew in our love of the Bible with our moth- er's milk. The Bible helped some of us when the father died, and there was neither coal in the grate nor bread in the cupboard. It sanctified our pov- erty, our struggles, our desolation. It turned the grave into a garden plot. It put heart into us when all other things failed. The Bible has made us men. We are not to be told that this con- 98 €ont\u0ion solatory ( not critical ) Bible is still left to us. How long will it be left? Still higher critics may possibly arise in dis- tant years who will purloin this jewel also. Who can say how much of the Bible will be left in half a century? We have a right to be suspicious. Where much has gone, more may go. On the whole, therefore, I am of opin- ion that it is better to hold the Bible very much as we have always held it, to keep an open mind in relation to all competent and reverent criticism, to cling to the Bible in all its proved con- solations and particular results, and to leave many difficulties and perplex- ities to be settled when, in heaven, we have more time and more light." — The Life of Faith. 0f Sf^tt Snnks. Each designed to set forth in a plain and practical manner the cardinal doctrines as taught in the Word of God. THE LOVE OF GOD. By W. M. Bell, D.D. THE ATONEMENT. By Bishop E. B. Kep- hart, D.D., LL.D. HOLINESS. By Bishop J. S. Mills, D.D., Ph.D., LL.D. BAPTISM. By A. W. Drury, D.D. REGENERATION. By S. D. Faust, D.D. JUSTIFICATION. By Bishop G. M. Math- ews, D.D. THE DIVINITY OF OUR LORD. By G. A. Funkhouser, D.D. REPENTANCE. By L. Bookwalter, D.D. THE HOLY TRINITY. By J. P. Landis, D.D., Ph.D. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT. By Bishop N. Castle, D.D. Bound in substantial cloth, uniform style, 6*^x4^ inches. Single volume, net, 35 (HtntB, Ten volumes at one time, pre- paid, ^3.50. Uniform in size with the Devotional Books. Ilnttrb lrr%^n Jpubltaljtttg ^itnBt, W. R. FUNK. Agent. DAYTON, OHIO. DATE DUE m»- •mmif^f^'^'f^' ,, GAYLORD PRINTED IN U S A.