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with the weapon of "all-prayer," and accompany it with "giving of thanks." "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving." Never let us forget to unite our prayer with thanks for prayer answered-with remembrance of the loving kindness which has been "law with us,"counting up our mercies." How often is the comparatively prosperous Christian put to shame by the thankfulness of some afflicted sufferer who was more ready to praise for small alleviations than most others for un-numbered blessings! Let us see that we are ready to act on the words of the Psalmist, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me." It was when Jehoshaphat and his army "began to sing and praise," that the Lord put their enemies to flight.

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The two next warnings appear closely connected— Quench not the Spirit," and "Despise not prophesyings.' At the time they were written, the infant Christian Church was ministered to by some who were endowed with visible gifts of the Spirit, and "prophesy" was one of those gifts. The Apostles could speak with authority on the "oracles of God." We have no infallible mode of judging whether Christian teachers are speaking by the distinct and direct power of the Holy Ghost, or of themselves. For though we cannot doubt that the promised help of that blessed Spirit is granted to all true Christians, both in their daily lives and in teaching others, still we are not given the power of distinguishing between the thoughts inspired by the Holy Ghost and the movements of the human mind, either in ourselves or others. We can only test the work by its fruits, in conduct, and by its conformity to the standard of Scripture, in teaching and preaching.

The most practical way, then, of using the Apostle's warning now, is in watching against the days of "quenching the Spirit" in ourselves. We may be very sure that any movement of the soul which leads us to prayer, not formal,

but earnest and real,-to a desire to study the Word of God, -to a longing to win others to Christ,—to a humbling sense of sin and desire for personal holiness-must be the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, for human nature, unrenewed, could never prompt such desires; and if we neglect to listen to such inward promptings, we are surely and truly "quenching the Spirit." And every time we so resist His pleadings, we make the right path harder and the wrong easier. We need, indeed, to beware of so striving against the Lord. And to us, in our day, "prophesying" is the Word of God as given us in the Scriptures. This is our only true oracle and reliable spiritual guide. To undervalue that Word, to neglect its study, or to cavil against or try to explain away its plain and clear declarations, is to despise prophesyings."

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Let in the Overcomer.

SOME one who reads this may be ready to ask, How is it possible for Christ to be found standing at the door of a believer's heart? Must He not necessarily be within the soul of one who is already His? Alas! it is only too possible and too common. Christ may be trusted in as a Saviour, and yet practically ignored as a Master and as a Lord. The heart of man is as a palace with many chambers. There is the lofty-vaulted hall of the understanding; there is the dimlylighted corridor of the memory hung with pictures of the past; there is the pleasant sunny chamber of the affections looking south; there is the curiously-constructed chamber

* From "The Overcoming Life." By the Rev. E. W. Moore, M.A. Price Is. Published by S. W. Partridge & Co., 9, Paternoster Square.

of the imagination, with its many flights and noble prospects; but there is, above all, in the kingly palace of the human heart, the Throne-chamber of the Will. You may have laid at Christ's feet the keys of every other door, but if you reserve to yourself the chamber of the will, if you refuse to give up to Christ your liberty of choice, if you refuse to yield when Christ's commands cross your inclinations, humble your pride, and thwart your purposes, then, alas! is the condition of the Laodicean Church reproduced in you,-self is on the throne, Christ is at the door, and your name is lost from the roll-call of those who overcome. Christians may be more than conquerors through Him who has loved them; but if they would be so, they must be nothing; Christ must be ALL.

Books Worth Reading.

By the Editor.

CENTRAL AFRICA, JAPAN, AND FIJI; by Emma Raymond Pitman (Hodder & Stoughton, 5s.), gives a most interesting account of missionary work in these countries, and should be read and circulated widely. It is more interesting than any tale that could be written. SEVEN YEARS' PIONEER MISSION WORK IN CARDIFF; by the Rev. W. F. James (Hamilton, Adams, & Co., Is.), describes the surmounting of many difficulties, and the establishment of a flourishing chapel in that town. It is an interesting record of earnest and faithful work for God. THE THREE WITNESSES; by the Rev. H. T. Armfield. (Bagster & Co., 3s. 6d.), is an exhaustive and able discussion of the disputed text, I John v. 7, by one who is thoroughly master of his subject. Ancient and modern testimony is amply produced. Every Bible Student should possess the book. EMBLEMS OF THE HOLY GHOST; by the Rev. P. Norton (Nisbet & Co., Is.), is "worth reading" for many beautiful and devout thoughts; but unfortunately these are mixed up with much that is highly imaginative, and fanciful, and therefore unreliable. A good deal might profitably be weeded out. JOYFUL SERVICE (Nisbet & Co., 35.), is a touching memoir of Emily Streatfield, by her sister. We heartily commend this volume as edifying and helpful to all who read it. TROPHIES OF GRACE; by W. J. Lewis (Morgan & Scott, Is.),

contains short

accounts of the conversion of several from the most degraded walks of fe, who lived to testify to the reality of the change, and then died rejoicing in Christ. The cases are some of the fruits of Mr. Lewis' valuable and self-denying work in the Spitalfields Mission. THE CHRISTIAN VISitors' Hand-Book, arranged by the Rev. C. Neil (Nisbet & Co., Is.), is a classification of passages from Scripture suitable for use when visiting. Almost every phase of spiritual, mental, and bodily condition is provided for, and brief, suggestive, helpful thoughts are added under each head. Many will find it most useful. PASTOR BLUMHARDT, AND HIS WORK; by the Rev. W. Guest (Morgan & Scott, Is.), is a deeply interesting account of the marvellous work of this devoted man of God in Germany. We sincerely recommend its perusal, as likely to stimulate many a Christian worker to a more decided life of faith and prayer. MATTHEW HENRY's wellknown and valuable COMMENTARY on the Bible is being issued by Messrs. Hodder & Stoughton, in nine monthly parts, price 3s. 6d. The first part reaches as far as Numbers xxii. This is a favourable opportunity for possessing this work, and we would advise all our eaders who can do so to take it in.

Daily Bible Thoughts for the Month.

ON THE UNION OLD TESTAMENT READINGS. By Blanche A. Rowan.

"Tell me, O Thou whom my soul loveth, where Thou feedest."— Song of Solomon i. 7.

EZEKIEL IX. TO XXXIX.

MAY 1.-Ezekiel ix. 4. Observe how the Lord singles out those who are sufficiently at liberty from themselves to be occupied with the interests of His Kingdom, and to feel deeply the sins of others.

May 2.-Ch. x. The perfect oneness of the "Wheels" with the "Cherubim " is remarkable, and deeply instructive; driven by a power outside of themselves in perfect harmony. Even of the blessed Son of God it was said, "The Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness" (Mark i. 12). Is it ever so with us? Are we absolutely yielded enough? May 3.-Ch. xi. 5. If we remembered this we should seek to set a watch over our thoughts as well as over our words. (See 2 Cor. x. 5). Let us pray more constantly, " Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inbreathing of Thy Holy Spirit.”

May 4.—Ch. xii. 7. Observe Ezekiel's implicit obedience in word and in action. These prophets of the Lord were called to no higher selfabandonment than we who are the Lord's witnesses to-day. “I am your sign" (ver. 11).

May 5.-Ch. xiii. While reverently acknowledging the blessed reality of the Voice of the Lord, in addition to His Word, to each of His waiting children for special guidance and comfort, yet we must guard against a habit of ascribing our own impressions to His Voice, saying, “The Lord saith" without the most godly care.

May 6. Ch. xiv. 7, 8.-What an awful awakening awaits many a man who, blindly setting up idols in his heart, thereby separates himself from the Lord! and yet all the time enquiring of Him! What is an idol? Anything you would not give up in an instant at the call of Christ.

May 7.-Ch. xv. The vine-tree is always an emblem of God's people on earth. Call to remembrance the Lord's own reference to this in Jno. xv. The branches are the visible fruit producers.

May 8.-Ch. xvi. 3-14. Cold hearts, indeed, who would not break forth in praise and adoration at the remembrance of such love as this. "He loved me." What of our returns? "Lovest thou Me? Feed My sheep."

May 9.-Ch. xvii. 22-24. Though primarily, perhaps, applying to the Church of God, we have a picture of what God can make of each of us individually. As we dwell under His shadow (Cant. ii. 3), in a lesser way we shall spread abroad comfort and shade to others (2 Cor. i. 4; Is. xxxv. 3, 4).

May 10. Ch. xviii. 25. Unequal ways." As long as it is with us still, "Some of self, and some of Thee," this will be true of even believers. The fine flour in the meat offering (Lev. ii. 1) typified the perfect evenness in the character of Christ. Also see Phil. iv. 5— "moderation"-i.e. evenness.

May 11.—Ch. xix. 7 (marg.) Satan knows well our unprotected places. So does our Shield (Gen. xvii. 1). Let us remember our only safe place is behind Him (2 Kings ix. 18, 19).

May 12. Ch. xx. 34, etc. Trace God's leading here. First, bringing out from sin-into the solitude of His Presence. Then His chastening, leading into a delivering covenant, separation from the world, then perfect acceptance and rest, and the Lord sanctified in His people (Gal. iv. 19).

May 13.-Ch. xxi. 6. Later on the "sighing" was turned to tears, as the suffering Son of God "beheld the city and wept over it." And