Daily Heavenly Manna for the Household of Faith (1907)
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DAILY HEAVENLY MANNA FOR THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH
(c) Copyright 1997 Research Applications International
DAILY
Heavenly Manna
for the
Household of Faith
A Collection of
Scripture Texts
with
Appropriate Quotations
from
ZION'S WATCH TOWER
for
Every Day in the Year
Interleaved for Autographs
A Birthday Record
© Copyright 1997 Research Applications International.
EDITION EIGHTY THOUSAND
Copyrighted 1907, by Publishers
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
Brooklyn, N.Y. U.S.A.
Branches:—London; N.W.; Barmen; Copenhagen; Orebro; Christiania; Yverdon-Suisse; Melbourne [BLANK]
PROFITABLE DAILY TITHING
"Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to contain it."—Malachi 3:10
If Christians allow the rush and crush of selfish ambition to deprive them of their daily portion of heavenly food, they must not be surprised if they grow spiritually leaner day by day and if "the peace of God" gives place in their hearts to the discontent which is growing in the world, notwithstanding the multiplication of our comforts and privileges. Let us remember the exhortation, "In all they ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths."—Proverbs 3:6.
Our first edition of "Manna" 20,000, met with far better success than we had dared hope for; and we have been greatly encouraged by the kind words of its many friends far and near. Some call it their "Heavenly Breakfast Food" and tell that they feast upon its lessons as regularly as the sun rises. Surely the little tithe of time daily spent in partaking of its morsels of heavenly counsel cannot fail to profit all who partake. The day opened with such meditations is sure to be the better spent and more profitable. The heart thus turned to holy thoughts is much less likely to go aside from right paths than otherwise, "The wisdom that cometh from above," is thus gradually and easily assimilable and cannot fail to bear some good fruit in the hearts of the saints, and to awaken reverence in the worldly.
Every Christian who sees this book is sure to be interested and to want a copy for his own breakfast table. And as it is published, not for profit but to do good, we have put the price so low as to bring it within the reach of all. We do our friends and neighbors a valuable service when we call the "Manna" to their attention and assure them that it is merely Christian—not denominational. Some use them as birthday presents and holiday gifts: others anxious to extend their good influence, purchase them by the quantity and sell them at a slight advance to cover their time and car fare. All are welcome to engage in this service of love to the extent of their opportunity and ability.
In this edition we have added the Autograph and Birthday record feature. This necessitated our printing the book on Bond writing paper at a considerable increase in the cost of production. To see the autographs of our friends daily is a pleasure and to be reminded of their birthday is a great convenience.
The book will last a life-time, and can be used year after year, for the sacred message never grows old, but is line upon line, precept upon precept.
JANUARY 1
O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.—Psalm 66:8,9
THANKS be to God that His grace has preserved us, "kept us from falling," through another year: that so many of us are still of one heart and of one mind in respect to His Word and its service! When we remember that the Adversary is to be permitted to bring "strong delusions" upon the Lord's people for the very purpose of sifting out all not truly His (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12), it should surely call forth our thanks to God that the opening of another year finds us still standing fast,appreciating the Truth, and in full accord with all the divine appointments by which He has kept us from falling.—Z.'03-3 R3125:2
JANUARY 2
Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.—1 Corinthians 6:19,20
AT the opening of the new year, what lesson could be more important to us than this one, that we are not our own, but belong to another; that we are not therefore, to seek to please ourselves, but to please Him; nor to seek to serve self, but to serve Him; nor to seek to obey self-will, but on the contrary His will? This means holiness in the most absolute and comprehensive sense of the word (not only separation from sin to righteousness, but separation from self to the will of God in Christ).—Z.'97-35 R2099:4
JANUARY 3
Pray without ceasing.—1 Thessalonians 5:17
WHATEVER might be our natural inclinations with reference to definiteness and persistency in prayer, we must take our instructions from the Scriptures; and overcoming our natural predilections, we must as "little children" and as "dear children" conform our views and conduct to the instruction which is from above. Let us all, therefore, remember the words, "ask (in My name), and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."—John 16:24. The Heavenly Father has multiplied mercies, blessings and providences in store for His obedient and faithful children who will ask for them.—Z.'96-162 R2005:5 JANUARY 4
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.—Psalm 27:14
TIME is an important element in all God's plans: we are not, therefore, to be disappointed when the test of endurance is applied while the blessings we crave tarry long. God took time to frame the world and to fit it for human habitation; time to give the world its necessary experience with evil; time to prepare for the advent of Christ as the world's Redeemer; time for the preparation of the Church to share in His glorious reign; and time must be allowed for the shaping and adjusting of the individual affairs of His people. God has not forgotten when the answers to our prayers seem to tarry long. He who heeds the sparrow's fall and numbers the very hairs of our heads is not indifferent to the faintest call or the smallest necessity of His humblest child.—Z.'95-20 R1760:1
JANUARY 5
The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me.—Romans 15:3
LET us see to it that we bear the reproaches of Christ as He bore them,—with pity and prayer for the erring and depraved, if perchance God may grant them repentance; and with humble fortitude esteeming it a privilege to prove our devotion to the Lord by enduring hardness in His service as good soldiers. He was not surprised by the exhibitions of human depravity: He knew that He was in an unfriendly world bound by sin and largely under the dominion of the prince of darkness, and therefore He expected reproaches, taunts and persecutions, all of which He endured patiently while His great loving heart, almost unmindful of its own sufferings, was full of pity and loving concern for others.—Z.'96-83 R1964:5
JANUARY 6
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.—Psalm 90:12
THE Christian, in numbering his days, does not do so with a doleful or disconsolate sentiment, although he does so with sobriety. He counts the days as they go as so many blessings, so many privileges, so many opportunities to "show forth the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light," to render assistance to others in the pilgrim journey, and to develop in himself more and more of the character pleasing in the sight of God,—to become more and more a copy of God's dear Son.—Z.'01-333 R2896:6 JANUARY 7
Speak evil of no man.—Titus 3:2
IF once the soldiers of the cross would get the proper thought, that slander and evil speaking are assassinations of the character of another, and that defamation is robbery of another's good name, the sooner they will see this matter in its truly awful light as it must appear in the Lord's sight; and once seeing the matter from this true, divine standpoint must awaken the new creature to the greatest activity possible in the overcoming of such works of the flesh and of the devil. Each will seek to purge out the old leaven of malice and envy and strife and crookedness and evil speaking, that he may be pure in heart, a copy of the Lord.—Z.'03-425 R3275:5
JANUARY 8
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.—1 Thessalonians 5:15
ACCORDING to the Scriptural standard, the elect church of Christ should be the most polished, the most refined, the most polite, the most generous, the most kind of all the people in the world;and should be all these in the most absolute sense; not in the mere sense of an outward form and appearance of kindness, gentleness, etc., so common in the world; but a gentleness, a kindness, proceeding from the heart, proceeding from an appreciation of the Lord's spirit and the spirit of the Truth, the spirit of love, and the spirit of justice, also. Z.'01-297 R2879:3
JANUARY 9
Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?—1 Corinthians 4:7
ALL of the Lord's consecrated people should realize that they have come into the present grace and truth, not by their own wisdom nor by the wisdom of others, but through the wisdom and grace of the Lord. The same thought should be entertained by all who serve the Church of God as ministers, servants in any department, in any manner responsible to the Lord for their position in the household of faith, and their opportunities to serve as the Lord's mouthpieces should be felt and confessed. But failure to confess it implies a failure rightly to appreciate it.—Z.'03-430 R3278:2 JANUARY 10
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. James 5:10
THE right path is still the "narrow path" of self-abasement and self-denial—the path of meekness and humility: and it will require as much effort and grace to walk it this year as last, or possibly more; for the more we grow in grace and knowledge, the stronger will be the temptations to be boastful, puffed up, heady, high-minded; and the higher we climb in faith and hope and love and activity in the Lord's service, the more the great Adversary will oppose our progress, and the more his emissaries will slander, backbite, and generally seek to injure us.—Z.'95-3 R1751:3
JANUARY 11
His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.—Jeremiah 20:9
LET us who are privileged to remain to this time of favor, blessing and enlightenment give glory to the Lord, and see to it that the loving disposition of John is manifested in us, and also his energy, his zeal; for while he is called the loving disciple we are to remember also that he was, because of his impetuous zeal, styled, with his brother, Boanerges—son of thunder. Let us be full of energy, full of sacrifices which love prompts, that we may glorify the Lord in our bodies and spirits which are His.—Z.'01-151 R2808:5
JANUARY 12
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.—Galatians 6:1
LET us learn well this lesson of reproving others very gently,very considerately, kindly,by a hint rather than a direct charge and detail of the wrong-by an inquiry respecting the present condition of their hearts rather than respecting a former condition, in which we know they have erred. We are to be less careful for the punishments that will follow wrongdoings than for the recovery of the erring one out of the error of his way. We are not to attempt to judge and punish one another for misdeeds, but rather to remember that all this is in the hands of the Lord;we are not in any sense of the word to avenge ourselves or to give chastisement or recompense for evil. Z.'01-150 R2807:6 JANUARY 13
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.—1 John 2:1
IF we find that through lack of faith or weakness of the flesh a wrong step has been taken, contrary to the Lord's will and our best spiritual interests, no time should be lost in retracing the steps and in calling upon the Lord. We have an altar consecrated with the precious blood of Christ, far superior every way to that which Abraham consecrated with the blood of typical animals, and the apostle exhorts us, "Let us come boldly [courageously—full of faith] to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in every time of need." Hebrews 4:16-Z.'01-233 R2848:3
JANUARY 14
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.—1 Corinthians 9:26
IT will be found a great help to the weaknesses of the fallen nature to have understandingly made a full consecration of the will,—a full enlistment of every power and talent of mind and of body. He who takes this proper view of his consecration to the Lord and enlistment in the Lord's army, realizes that he has nothing more to give to the Lord, and hence, whatever struggle of the will he may have is all ended when he has finally decided—"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." How important it is, therefore, that all the soldiers realize that the term of the enlistment is until death, and that there is no room for even considering any suggestion to withdraw from the battle and cease even for an hour to fight the good fight of faith. Z.'03-421 R3273:4
JANUARY 15
What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?—Micah 6:8
THAT these are very reasonable requirements will be conceded by all. That God could not require less from those whom He is educating for the future judging of the world, is evident: and yet, all three of these qualities specified through the prophet, are comprehended in the one word Love. Love requires that we shall deal justly with our neighbors, with the brethren, with our families, with ourselves; that we shall seek to cultivate our appreciation of the rights of others,—their physical rights, their moral and intellectual rights, their liberties; and that, appreciating these, we shall in no sense of the word seek to abridge or deny them.—Z.'02-172 R3020:6 JANUARY 16
Instant in prayer.—Romans 12:12
WHAT a blessed privilege, dear fellow-disciples of the Lord, is ours, to be instant in prayer, to pray always—to lift up our hearts and minds to God at any time and in any place and to realize thus daily and hourly that the Father and our dear Lord Jesus continually abide with us. And then, when the active duties of the day have been performed under His eye and supervision, or at any time when the soul realizes its necessity, how precious is the privilege of entering into our closets and there, alone with God, unburdening our hearts.—Z.'95-215 R1866:1
JANUARY 17
Keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 21
WE may daily and hourly keep ourselves in the Lord's love by obedience to, and a growing love for, the principles of righteousness. And we are to rejoice in every experience of life, its trials, difficulties, sorrows, disappointments, etc., no less than in its pleasures, if by any or all of these means the Lord shall instruct us and give us clearer insight into our own deficiencies, and a still clearer insight into that perfect law of liberty and love which He has established, and to which He requires our full and loyal heart-submission. Z.'02-173 R3021:6
JANUARY 18
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.—Romans 12:11
LET all who would run the race successfully look well to their zeal and activity in the Lord's work. If we bury our one or many talents under a weight of worldly cares and encumbrances which might be avoided or set aside; if we bury them under worldly ambitions for either self or family—whether this be by wasting consecrated time upon science, philosophy, music or art, or upon business, politics or pleasures, or in pampering pride and appetite—then as unfaithful servants we will sooner or later go into outer darkness. Z.'91-9 R1282:5 JANUARY 19
O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.—Psalm 119:97
IT is a great privilege for Christians to study the Lord's Word, yet a great deal of study is done to no purpose. Study which is not put into practice is worse than a waste of time...Every reasonable opportunity should be used by the Lord's people to obtain a knowledge of the divine plan—even to the extent of sacrificing; but the child of the Lord will be particular to see that it is his own conveniences and comforts that he is sacrificing, and not chiefly the conveniences and comforts of others. The Bible study which is done merely at the expense of others is a sign of selfishness rather than a sign of a rich indwelling of the Lord's spirit of love.—Z.'99-156 R2488:3
JANUARY 20
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not?—Hebrews 12:7
CHARACTER cannot be developed wholly without trial. It is like a plant: at first it is very tender; it needs an abundance of the sunshine of God's love; frequent watering with the showers of His grace; much cultivating through the applied knowledge of His character as a good foundation for faith and inspiration to obedience; and then when thus developed under these favorable conditions, it is ready for the pruning hand of discipline, and is also able to endure some hardness. And, little by little, as strength of character is developed, the tests applied to it serve only to develop more strength, beauty and grace, until it is finally fixed, developed, established, perfected-through suffering.—Z.'95-107 R1807:4
JANUARY 21
If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,and follow Me. Matthew 16:24
CROSS-BEARING is closely related to self-denial, and yet a distinction between them may be noted. Self-denial relates more particularly to passive obedience and endurance for the Lord's sake; cross-bearing has to do more especially with activities in the Lord's service which we find to be contrary to our natural inclinations. Faithfulness in self-denial means courage and zeal; cross-bearing means victory, overcoming. Our self-denials may be victories in our own hearts, of which others may know nothing, and of which they should know nothing, if we desire to have the fullness of the Lord's blessing. Our cross-bearing, however, may be seen to some extent at least, by those who are in close contact with us, and especially by those who are walking in the same "narrow way."—Z.'00-118 R2616:2 JANUARY 22
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.—Psalm 31:24
IT would seem as though the Adversary at times attempted to discourage us by making us think that the trials and difficulties of the "narrow way" of sacrifice will be unavailing anyhow, and that we might as well give up...And what course should we pursue at such a time? We should follow the example of our Lord, and seek the Father's face, anxious to know whether or not our interests are all right with Him; anxious for some assurances that while the world may hate us, and say all manner of evil against us falsely, we still have His approval; anxious for some fresh assurance that it will be well with us, that the Lord will grant us a part in the better resurrection to life eternal.—Z.'01-79 R2774:6
JANUARY 23
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.—1 Corinthians 7:24
DUTIES may at times seem to conflict, but they do not really do so. A Christian's first duty is his hearty acknowledgment of his Creator and Lord, in all his ways. His second duty, if he be a husband and father, is toward his wife and children; or if she be a wife and mother, it is toward her husband and children... The marriage contract, by divine arrangement, comes in as a first mortgage upon every husband's time and upon every wife's time—the demands of this mortgage must be reasonably met before anything can be properly done to or for outsiders.'-Z.'99-155 R2488:3
JANUARY 24
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.—Proverbs 3:3
WHILE justice is the first feature of the commandment of love, it is not the end of its requirements: it requires that, going beyond strict justice, our love shall prompt us to the exercise of mercy and forgiveness. And in thus exercising mercy we are again but copying divine love...Hence, in our dealings with others who, like ourselves, are fallen and imperfect, we are to remember this feature and not only be just toward them but, additionally, to be merciful, generous, kind, even to the unthankful,-that thus we may be children of our Father in heaven.—Z.'02-171 R3020:6 JANUARY 25
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.—Matthew 6:34
OUR Lord assures us that if the main thought of our hearts is His service and the promotion of righteousness and an attainment of the Kingdom which God has promised to them that love Him, then we need carry no anxious cares respecting the future. As His disciples we will have trials and tribulations enough, day by day, and will need daily to lean upon the Bridegroom's arm as we seek to walk the narrow way. Sufficient for each day will be the evil of itself: and thanks be to God also, we have the promise that daily His grace shall be sufficient for us. Z.'98-44 R2260:4
JANUARY 26
When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance. Matthew 6:16
FASTING is specially commendable to the Lord's people at times when they find themselves lacking in spirituality and exposed to severe temptations from the world, the flesh and the devil; for by impoverishing the physical force and vitality, it may assist the full-blooded and impulsive to self-control in every direction. We believe that a majority of Christians would be helped by occasional fasting-a very plain diet for a season, if not total abstinence. But fastings, to be seen and known of men or to be conjured up in our own minds as marks of piety on our part, would be injurious indeed, and lead to spiritual pride and hypocrisy, which would far outweigh their advantages to us in the way of self-restraint.—Z.'98-45 R2260:5
JANUARY 27
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.—Proverbs 4:23
IT is not sufficient that we acknowledge sin in its various forms to be evil, and that we resolve that we will strive against it because it is under the Lord's ban. In addition to this we are to root out of our hearts every longing, every desire for everything not thoroughly approved by the Lord. Oh, what a cleansing this would mean in the hearts and lives, and especially in the thoughts, of many who have named the name of Christ! Many who fail to note this point find themselves continually beset by temptations, because, while outwardly avoiding gross immoralities, they secretly harbor sympathies for things condemned—desiring that they might have them, if only they were not forbidden.—Z.'99-140 R2480:5 JANUARY 28
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.—Revelation 3:5
THE faithful overcomers watch and keep their garments unspotted from the world... "They have not defiled their garments," they have "kept their garments unspotted from the world." They have not been willing to permit sin to contaminate them and to separate them from the Lord, but have quickly applied for and obtained the precious blood to remove every stain. They are so heartily opposed to sin and so earnest about the keeping of this garment unspotted that the Adversary gets no hold upon them-"the wicked one catcheth them not." All this indicates a full submission of their wills to the will of Christ— they are "dead with Him," and hence could not willingly practice sin. Z.'97-161 R2161:1
JANUARY 29
The fear [reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.—Psalm 111:10
THIS is the only proper attitude of the creature toward the Creator, the Author of our being, and the Creator, Preserver and Lord of the whole universe. When He speaks, therefore, our ears should be reverently attentive to His voice, and every power alert to do His bidding. Our safety, our happiness, and that nobility of character which prompts to love and gratitude, and which promptly and wisely heeds instruction and advances in knowledge and wisdom, all depend primarily upon our supreme reverence for the Lord. And therefore the Lord would foster and cultivate in us that becoming, filial reverence that is due to His name.—Z.'96-155 R2002:3
JANUARY 30
Jesus spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.—Luke 18:1
IN coming to God we need have no fear that He is too busy with other matters of greater importance, or that He is weary of our coming to Him repeatedly with things of small importance. It was to assure us against this very thing that our Lord spoke the parable of the importunate widow, who was heard and answered on account of her importunity. In so doing we evince both the earnestness of our desires and our faith that our prayers will be answered, if we faint not from lack of faith or zeal when the answer is delayed, as often it must necessarily be, since time is an important element in all God's work.—Z.'95-214 R1865:4 JANUARY 31
The meek will He guide in judgment; and the meek will He teach His way.—Psalm 25:9
SUCH a disposition is essential to those who would receive the wisdom which cometh from above. They must have a humble appreciation of their own deficiencies and lack of wisdom, else they cannot receive freely, heartily, the wisdom which God is pleased to grant in the present time only to those who are in the attitude of heart to receive it. And it will be seen also that this humility of mind is essential as a basis for the spirit of a sound mind-for who is in a proper condition to think justly, reasonably, impartially, except first of all he have a humble disposition? Hence we must agree that humility is a primary element in the disposition or mind of Christ.-Z.'00-68 R2585:5 FEBRUARY 1
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
IF we have come to the forks of the road—to some crisis in our experience—and know not whether to turn to the right or to the left, we should stop at once and listen to the voice. Or, in other words, we should turn at once to the Word of the Lord, and by pondering its precepts and principles, and its illustrations bearing on the perplexing subject, seek to learn the will of the Lord, asking also the leading of His Spirit, and endeavoring to bring the mind into a loving, submissive and trustful attitude. Z.'95-6 R1753:2
FEBRUARY 2
For if ye live after the flesh,ye shall die.—Romans 8:13
WHAT is it to live after the flesh? We answer, It is to live after, in conformity to, and in gratification of, the inclinations and cravings of the fallen human nature. And it is the easiest thing possible to do this. All we have to do is just listlessly to abandon ourselves to the current of our old nature, and cease to strive against it. As soon as we do this, we begin to float down the stream, and by and by we find the current more and more rapid and resistance more and more difficult.—Z.'95-8 R1748:3
FEBRUARY 3
My son, attend to My words; incline thine ear unto My sayings. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.—Proverbs 4:20,22
FEW recognize the influence of the mind over the body. God has so organized our beings that pure, noble, holy thoughts in general have not only an elevating and ennobling effect upon the mental and moral constitution, but an invigorating influence upon the physical system. And, on the contrary, every unclean, ignoble, unchaste, unholy thought (as well as act) has a direct effect not only toward debasement of mind and morals, but toward the germination of seeds of disease already in the constitution of the fallen race.—Z.'96-180 R2014:6 FEBRUARY 4
Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.—Revelation 18:4
WHOEVER are worthy the name, "My people," will hear and obey the Lord's voice and come out of Babylon and "receive not of her plagues"; because their obedience in fleeing out as soon as they see Babylon's real condition will prove that they were never in real accord with her sins. Those who remain after seeing Babylon and her blasphemous doctrines in the light now shining are reckoned as endorsing the blasphemies and deserving the "plagues" most thoroughly—as much or more than the "tare" class of Babylonians, because they have greater light. Z.'00-3 R2553:3
FEBRUARY 5
This is the will of God [concerning you], even your sanctification.—1 Thessalonians 4:3
COMING to the Scriptures to ascertain God's will, we find that the great work which God asks of us is not work for others, but work in ourselves, subduing, conquering, ruling self. Everything else, therefore—our service for the household of faith, and our doing good unto all men, by home and foreign missions, etc. —is subservient to this most important work within. For, as the apostle by inspiration declares, though we should preach the gospel eloquently to others, and though we should give all our goods to feed the poor, or become martyrs for a good cause, without love, the Spirit of Christ and the Father, developed in us as the ruling principle of life, we would be nothing, from the divine standpoint.—Z.'99-4 R2412:1
FEBRUARY 6
Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.—Psalm 75:6,7
WE may have desires and aspirations for usefulness which will never be gratified. The Lord may see that we could not bear the exaltation and honor which we seek. He knows far better than we do what is for our good, and so He would have us rest contented in His providence, not idle, but diligent; not careless, but watchful; not indifferent, but full of intense, earnest longing to do the will of God; yet patient under restraint, and content to be neglected and forgotten, remembering that "they also serve who only stand and wait," and that the Lord in His own well-chosen hour can lead us forth to fulfil His purposes of grace.—Z.'95-11 R1756:5 FEBRUARY 7
Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.—Romans 13:10
HE who finds his heart not in harmony with this law of the New Covenant, love mercy, kindness, gentleness, goodness—lacks the evidence or proof that he is in any sense of the word accepted as a son of God, and a joint-heir with Christ. If we have not love in our hearts for the brethren, and love of gentleness and benevolence toward all men, and even toward the brute creation, we have not the spirit which will carry us through in making the sacrifices necessary under present conditions. It will only be a question of time with such when the power of pride or vain-glory, holding them in the way of sacrifice, will snap asunder, and selfishness take full control. Z.'98-201 R2330:2
FEBRUARY 8
O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?—Matthew 14:31
WHAT must be done to overcome this lack of faith, and to have an increase of faith? We answer that, like the apostles of old, we should pray, "Lord, increase our faith." And then, acting in harmony with this prayer, each should cultivate faith in his own heart: (a) By refreshing his memory continually with the divine promises, becoming very familiar with these in the Father's Word, (b) He should seek more and more to remember that, having made his covenant with the Lord, these promises are his, and in his heart and with his lips he should claim them as his before the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving. He should claim them in his own thoughts, and in his conferences on holy things with the brethren.—Z.'00-170 R2642:6
FEBRUARY 9
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.—Psalm 116:7
THE Christian's habit of thought has much indeed to do with his spiritual progress or retrogression, as it is also an index of his spiritual state; and good habits of thought need to be carefully cultivated. By "habit of thought" we mean that normal condition to which the mind habitually returns in the moments of mental leisure. While engaged in the active duties of life we must of necessity bend our mental energies to the work in hand, for if we do anything merely mechanically and without concentrating thought upon it we cannot do it well; yet even here Christian principle, well established in the character, will unconsciously guide. But when the strain of labor and care are lifted for a time, the established habit of thought, like the needle to the pole, should quickly return to its rest in God.'95-250 R1885:5 FEBRUARY 10
Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.—1 Timothy 4:12
EVERY Christian should strive to be a pattern worthy of imitation—a pattern of earnest, faithful endeavor to copy Christ in his daily life, and of active zeal in His service. Patterns of perfection, of the ultimate moral glory and beauty of holiness, we cannot expect to be in the present life. Such a pattern we have only in Christ our Lord. In no such sense did Paul ever say, Follow me, or Follow us; but he did say, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) The apostle was a grand example of earnest endeavor to attain perfection, but not of the ultimate perfection which was in Christ only; and it is his zeal and intense earnestness in striving to copy Christ and to accomplish His will that we should imitate.—Z.'95-251 R1886:1
FEBRUARY 11
Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: fo so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.—Matthew 5:11,12
OPPOSITION and persecution are the inevitable concomitants of activity in the service of God, and they should be met with reason and candor; and when these fail of their purpose, then, with solemn warnings of the dangers of such a course, the wilful opposer should be left to pursue his own course while we turn to others with the message of salvation. In the opposition which our Lord incurred and the manner in which He met it, there are valuable lessons for all who are similarly tried.—Z.'94-368 R1736:6
FEBRUARY 12
Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4
NOT a step of progress can be gained without the exercise of this grace of patience; and not one of the graces more beautifully adorns the Christian character, or wins the approval of the world's conscience, or glorifies the God of all grace whose truth inspires it. It is long-suffering meekness earnestly striving to stem the tide of human imperfection and weakness, and endeavoring with painstaking care to regain the divine likeness; it is slow to wrath and plenteous in mercy; it is quick to perceive the paths of truth and righteousness, and prompt to walk in them; it is mindful of its own imperfections and sympathetic with the imperfections and shortcomings of others.—Z.'93-295 R3090:2 FEBRUARY 13
Love thinketh no evil.—1 Corinthians 13:5
WHOEVER neglects the Lord's commands along this line of "evil surmisings" weaves a web for his own ensnarement, however "circumspectly" he may walk as respects other matters; for a heart impregnated with doubt and suspicion toward fellow creatures is more than half prepared to doubt God: the spirit of sourness and bitterness is at war with the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of love. Either the one or the other will conquer. The wrong spirit must be gotten rid of, or it will defile the new creature and make of him a "castaway." On the contrary, if the new nature conquer, as an "overcomer," it will be along this line: if evil surmisings are overcome, half the battle against present difficulties and besetments is won.—Z.'98-84 R3594:2
FEBRUARY 14
By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.—Matthew 12:37
ALL our words are taken by the Lord as an index of our hearts. If our words are rebellious, or disloyal, or frivolous, or flippant, or unkind, unthankful, unholy or impure, the heart is judged accordingly, on the principle that, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."... That as imperfect beings we may always be perfect in word and deed is not possible. Despite our best endeavors we will sometimes err in word as well as in deed, yet the perfect mastery of our words and ways is the thing to be sought by vigilant and faithful effort.—Z.'96-32 R1938:1
FEBRUARY 15
Whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.—1 John 2:5
THE test is obedience. In proportion as we keep the Lord's Word, in like proportion the love of God is perfected in us; for if we have received the mind of Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the effect will be to cause us to both will and do His good pleasure—to the extent of our ability. And this ability should be continually on the increase year by year. And altho we may not hope to be perfected until we shall be "changed" and be granted our new resurrection bodies, nevertheless all the while we may keep so closely in touch with the Lord in the spirit of our minds that we may have continual fellowship with Him.—Z.'97-312 R2236:5 FEBRUARY 16
Through honor and dishonor, through evil report and good report: as deceivers,and yet true; ...giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed.—2 Corinthians 6:8,3
WHILE in the discharge of duty to the best of our ability and when apparently we have the Lord's blessing and favor upon us and our affairs in a most marked degree, suddenly trouble may arise, adversity come, the powers of darkness seem to triumph, and for a moment we may be apparently culprits in the judgment of our fellowmen, and apparently forsaken by divine providence. Such experiences, doubtless, are needful to us; for though we may sing:— "I would rather walk in the dark with God, Than go alone in the light," yet this might be but an empty boast unless we were put through the trying experiences which would develop such faith, such trust, as would hold to the Lord's hand, and trust divine providence in the darkest hour.—Z.'01-314 R2886:3
FEBRUARY 17
Take My yoke upon you,...for My yoke is easy,and My burden is light.—Matthew 11:29,30
THOSE who wear this yoke have the assurances of the divine Word that all things are working together for good to them; that the heavier the burden that may be attached, the greater will be the blessing and the reward by and by; the more severe the experiences during the present time, the brighter shall be the glory, and the brighter shall be their character, and the more sure shall they be of being fitted and polished for the heavenly Kingdom. From this standpoint every burden is light, because our yoke is appreciated, and is so easy, so reasonable: and additionally it is so light because the Lord is with us in this yoke.—Z.'00-137 R2625:5
FEBRUARY 18
The Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.Deuteronomy 13:3
THE Kingdom is only intended for those who by God's grace shall at heart become like to the Lord Jesus, in that they will love the Lord with all their hearts, with all their souls, and be able to say, "Not my will, but Thy will, O Lord, be done." No other condition than this of full submission to the Lord can make us acceptable for the Kingdom; for no other condition represents full self-submission and full love to God. And let us not forget that all the heavenly things which "eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man," God hath reserved for them that love Him supremely.—Z.'98-40 R2258:2 FEBRUARY 19
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unfaithful nothing is pure; but both their mind and conscience are defiled:> they profess to have known God, but by their works they renounce Him, being abominable and disobedient, and as to every good work worthless.—Titus 1:15,16 (Diaglott)
WHAT a terrible condition this is, and how careful all the Lord's people should be, not only to have pure hearts, pure minds, but also to keep their consciences very tender, in close accord with the Word of the Lord. This condition can only be maintained by judging ourselves, and that strictly and frequently, by the standard which God has given us, His law of love. "I want the first approach to feel Of pride or fond desire; To catch the wandering of my will, And quench the kindling fire."—Z.'99-214 R2516:6
FEBRUARY 20
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,...this man's religion is vain.—James 1:26
BECAUSE the tongue is the index of the heart, because "out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh," therefore the unbridled tongue, speaking selfishly, enviously, bitterly, boastfully, slanderously, proves that the heart from whose fullness these overflow is unsanctified, unholy, grievously lacking of the spirit of Christ-hence, whatever religion it may have attained is thus far vain, as that heart is not saved, nor in a salvable condition...The Good Physician has pointed out antidotes for soul-poisoning-medicines which, if properly taken according to directions, will sweeten the bitter heart. Z.'99-215 R2517:2
FEBRUARY 21
Thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for Thy name's sake, lead me,and guide me. Psalm 31:3
AFTER the Lord has given us certain lessons and experiences, some of which come to us under quiet and restful conditions, the order of procedure may be changed, and the indication of the Lord's providences may lead to some breaking up of conditions which had been both favorable and unfavorable in some respects leading into new circumstances and conditions. It is not for the true spiritual Israelite to murmur or complain, or even to express a choice; but to look to the Lord for guidance. If he can discern the leadings of divine providence, even though it be in a wilderness condition more arid and undesirable than that in which he has previously been, he is to follow the Lord's leadings unquestioningly, and with songs of faith and confidence. Z.'02-249 R3060:6 FEBRUARY 22
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have. Hebrews 13:5
SELFISH prayers are too expensive. Some have gained wealth and lost the truth and its service; some have gained health, only to find that with it they gained other trials no less severe: some have had their dear ones restored to them from the very jaws of death, only to wish afterward that God had not answered their prayers—or, more correctly, to wish that they had accepted the Lord's wisdom and providences trustfully, contentedly, uncomplainingly...Spiritual Israel should use wisely such things as are within their reach accepting all as God's gifts with thanksgiving; but their petitions should be for spiritual gifts including patient endurance and heart contentment.Z.'02-250 R3061:3
FEBRUARY 23
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.—Psalm 32:8
ONE of the most important lessons for the spiritual Israelite to learn is to look to the Lord for leading in all of life's affairs—never to attempt any undertaking either temporal or spiritual, without seeking to note the will of the Lord concerning the same... We are marching toward Canaan and know that other experiences are due us and must be undergone ere we can inherit the promises. The lesson for us is prompt and thorough obedience to the Lord's leadings without murmurings—with joyfulness; and this can only be expected on the part of those who have learned the lessons previously given them, and above all the lessons of faith, confidence in the Lord's power and goodness and faithfulness. Z.'02-251,249 R3062:1 3061:1
FEBRUARY 24
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.—Romans 8:3,4
WHAT comfort and consolation are in these assurances! These are wonderful words of life indeed! They inspire us with hope. If God will accept perfect heart-intentions, as instead of the absolute perfection of the flesh—then indeed we have hope of attaining to the standard which He has marked for us—the standard of perfection...We can walk after the Spirit, though, so far as our mortal bodies are concerned, we cannot walk up to the Spirit's requirements. Our minds can walk up to the Spirit, our intentions can be perfect; and this is what our Heavenly Father seeks in us, perfection of intention.—Z.'02-248 R3060:1 FEBRUARY 25
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.—Matthew 4:4
WE are to learn the lesson that a man's life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesseth—food and raiment—but that his life, in the fullest, grandest, highest sense, is dependent upon his complete submission to the divine will—his careful attention to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God...every admonition, every encouragement, every promise, is necessary to the development of those whom God is now calling to eternal life as joint-heirs with His Son in the Kingdom. Let us then, more and more, as the disciples, pupils, of the Lord Jesus, keep in memory and act upon the suggestion of the words of this text.Z.'02-246,248 R3058:5; 3060:4
FEBRUARY 26
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.—Philippians 4:4
WE cannot have too many rejoicing Christians, nor can they rejoice too much, if they rejoice in the Lord. This rejoicing is not necessarily boisterous, nor of necessity the reverse. It implies serenity, happiness, peace, pleasure of soul, however, and does not mean that noisy demonstration is essential, as some seem mistakenly to think...The only ones who can rejoice alway are those who are living very near to the Lord, and who can feel always their oneness with Him, and that His protection and care are over them, and that His promise is sure, that all things shall work together for their highest welfare, as New Creatures.—Z.'03-7 R3128:2
FEBRUARY 27
Let your moderation be known unto all men. Philippians 4:5
THE Greek word here rendered "moderation" seems to carry with it the thought of reasonableness, and of not exacting our rights too rigorously. Mercy and leniency are certainly qualities required of all who would be members of the body of the Anointed. Faithfulness in the performance, as far as possible, of all that justice would require of us, and mercifulness in respect to all our requirements of justice from others should be our rule: so shall we be the children of our Father which is in heaven, for He is kind and merciful to the unthankful.—Z.'03-7 R3128:2 FEBRUARY 28
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.—Philippians 4:6
THE question may arise, Why will not God give us the things which He sees us to need without our making petition to Him and claiming His promises? Undoubtedly because we need previously to come into the proper attitude of heart to receive His favors and to be advantaged by them. Even as it is, we may be sure that we do not sufficiently appreciate the divine care bestowed upon us hitherto and now. Even in the attitude of prayer and thanksgiving we probably do not discern one-half of our causes for gratitude, as we shall see them by and by, when we shall know even as we are known.—Z.'03-8 R3128:6
FEBRUARY 29
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.—1 John 4:16
JUSTICE fills the measure full, but love shakes it, presses it down, heaps it up and overflows justice. It is therefore something not to be demanded, nor its lack to be complained of, but to be gratefully appreciated as a favor and to be generously reciprocated. Every one who craves it at all should crave it in its highest sense—the sense of admiration and reverence. But this sort of love is the most costly, and the only way to secure it is to manifest that nobility of character which calls it forth from others who are truly noble.'02-266 R3071:1 MARCH 1
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:7
IT is not our own peace that is here referred to. It is the peace of God—the peace which comes to us from a realization of God's power and goodness and willingness to hold us by His right hand as His children. The thought is that this peace stands guard continually, as a sentinel, to challenge every hostile or worrying thought or fear. It keeps the Christian's mind so that he at heart has peace with the Lord, fellowship, communion—and it guards his mind also, his reasoning faculties, instructing him and assuring him respecting the divine power and wisdom and love.—Z.'03-8 R3128:6
MARCH 2
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,...think on these things. Philippians 4:8
WHOEVER sympathizes with falsehood or exaggeration is more or less defiling himself. Whoever cleanses his thoughts, and avoids exaggeration, etc., is in that degree purifying his mind and his entire character. Nor is it sufficient that we are sure of the truth of matters. We are to test them further, and discern to what extent they are honorable, noble; for, although the Lord has covered the ignoble features of our characters, and proposes to cover them to the end with His own merit, nevertheless we cannot be in sympathy with our fallen condition, but on the contrary must desire true nobility and the highest standards of honor in our hearts, in our thoughts, in all our dealings with our God and with our fellows.—Z.'03-9 R3129:2
MARCH 3
Whatsoever things are just,...think on these things.—Philippians 4:8
WE are not to allow our minds to run along lines that would be unjust, and we are to learn to apply this test of justice to every thought and word and act of ours, while learning at the same time to view the conduct of others from a different standpoint—so far as reason will permit, from the standpoint of mercy, forgiveness, pity, helpfulness. But we cannot be too careful how we criticize every thought we entertain, every plan we mature, that the lines of justice shall in no sense of the word be infringed by us with our hearts' approval.—Z.'03-9 R3129:3 MARCH 4
Whatsoever things are pure, lovely, and of good report,...think on these things.—Philippians 4:8
WE are to love and cultivate that which is pure to such an extent that that which is impure will become painful to us, distressing, and we will desire to drop it from memory, and this will only be accomplished by continually thinking upon those things that are pure, and avoiding the giving of thought to the things that are impure. We are to recognize true loveliness, and to esteem it. When we would think on the purest of things we must of necessity lift our mental vision to as high a point as possible, and, as nearly as we may be able, discern the loveliness of the perfect character of our God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, and proportionately the loveliness manifested in one or another of the followers of Jesus, who walk closely in His footsteps.—Z.'03-9 R3129:3
MARCH 5
If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
THINGS of any virtue or value, things in any degree praiseworthy—the noble words or noble deeds or noble sentiments of anybody—we may safely meditate upon, and as a consequence find ourselves growing toward those ideals upon which our minds, our new natures, thus feed. We will become more and more transformed by the renewing of our minds, and approach nearer and nearer to the glorious likeness of our Lord and Master, being changed from glory to glory, inch by inch, step by step, little by little, during the present life; and our thoughts being in this attitude and our union with the Lord maintained, we shall have part in the First Resurrection, which will perfect us forever in the Lord's image and likeness.—Z.'03-9 R3129:3
MARCH 6
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.—Philippians 4:11,12
IF we find our experiences in life very checkered we may conclude that the Lord sees that we need both the heights and depths of prosperity and adversity to properly instruct us and qualify us for the position He designs for us in the future. Let us, then, as the apostle did, learn how to abound, not allowing the abundance of earthly good things to swerve us from our consecration vows; and learn also how to be in want (need) and yet not to want anything beyond what the Lord's wisdom and providence see best to give—to be content. Z.'03-10 R3129:6 MARCH 7
If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.—1 John 4:12
WHETHER I am something or nothing in God's estimation is to be measured by my love for Him, for His brethren, for His cause, for the world in general, and even for my enemies, rather than by my knowledge or fame or oratory... In the measurement of character, therefore, we are to put love first, and to consider it the chief test of our nearness and acceptance to the Lord... Those begotten of the Holy Spirit should all be good tempered. In no way can we better show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light than by the exhibition of the spirit of love in the daily affairs of life. Z.'03-56,57 R3150:3;R3150:4;R3151:2
MARCH 8
God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.—1 Corinthians 12:18
NO member of the body of Christ can say that he has no need for another member, and no member may say that there is nothing whatever that he can do in the service of the body. Under the guidance of our glorious Head each member who is filled with His Spirit, and desirous of serving Him, may do so. When the time for rewards shall have come, who knows how much of the usefulness of Paul and Apollos may be accredited to some of the humble ones, such as Aquila and Priscilla, who in various ways ministered to and encouraged and supported their abler brethren in the Lord's work.—Z.'03-59 R3152:2
MARCH 9
God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.—Hebrews 6:10
NO child of the Lord should be content to let the days of the present harvest time go by with their golden opportunities for service and co-operation without seeking each day to lift the royal banner himself, and to publicly show forth the praises of Him who hath called him out of darkness into light, or without assisting and co-operating with others whom the Lord in His providence has placed in more advantageous positions for public service.—Z.'03-59 R3152:3 MARCH 10
Exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.—Hebrews 3:13
IF...we realize that a spiritual lethargy has to any extent been creeping over us, imperceptibly benumbing our spiritual senses, so that the truth is losing its inspiring power upon us, our first duty is to betake ourselves to prayer and to communion with God and His Word, that its sanctifying power may be realized.—(Z.'03-54) R3149:2 "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end."—Hebrews 3:14
MARCH 11
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.—Hebrews 12:1
YOU that discern the prize of your high calling, and who are endeavoring to press along the line toward the mark, "gird up the loins of your mind";... strengthen and fortify your purposes and efforts; renew your determination; redouble your diligence; cast aside the weights of unnecessary worldly cares; increase your zeal; and, as the Apostle Paul also urges, run with patience the race set before you. Run, not like one who is merely beating the air, but like one who has a purpose in view, and who, in desperate earnest, is determined to make his calling and election sure.—Z.03-54 R3149:3
MARCH 12
The end of the commandment is love from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an undissembled faith.—1 Timothy 1:5 (Diaglott)
WE are therefore to have clearly before our minds the fact that the ultimate object of all the divine dealings for us and with us, and the ultimate significance of all the divine promises made to us, is the development of love, which is Godlikeness, for God is love. And to have this love developed in us, in the sense and to the degree intended by the Lord, it is necessary that it shall come from a pure heart, in full accord with the Lord, and His law of love, and wholly antagonistic to the Adversary and his law of selfishness.—Z.'00-360 R2735:1 MARCH 13
As many, therefore, as are perfect, should be of this mind; and if in any thing you think differently, God will also reveal this to you; but to what we have attained, let us walk by the same line. Philippians—3:15-17 (Diaglott)
IT is indispensable to those who have reached the mark of perfect love that they shall keep actively engaged in the service of the Lord, laying down their lives for the brethren...Such must stand, not only as representatives of God and of the principles of righteousness, but as representatives of those strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, and in the faith of His Word,—ready and willing and efficient in the encouragement of other runners in the racecourse, that they likewise may attain to the "mark".-Z.'01-10 R2755:5
MARCH 14
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.—Proverbs 16:32
WHILE anger, in the nature of hatred, malice, strife, envy, should be put away by all who are seeking to be copies of God's dear Son, anger in the sense of righteous indignation against wrongdoing, sin in its various forms, is proper; and although it should be used with great moderation, backed by love, there are circumstances in which it would be wrong not to have righteous anger and use it.—Z.'96-279 R2068:5
MARCH 15
The just shall live by faith.—Hebrews 10:38
IT is not enough that, by faith, we receive the first impulse of life, but, having passed from death unto life, by the same means, we must continue to receive and appropriate spiritual nourishment, that we may grow thereby: we must walk by faith, following the leading of the Holy Spirit through the Word of truth. The life of faith is an individual matter, as well of the heart as of the head. It is far more than an acceptance of doctrines which we consider Scriptural and therefore true; it is the assimilation of that which we have proved to be the Truth, so that its principles become our principles, and its promises our inspiration.—Z.'95- 92,93 R1798:3; 1799:4 MARCH 16
We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren,..and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.—1 John 3:14,16
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