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wrote these words in his pocket book. They became engraved on his soul and to an extent formed his creed: “What I spent I had, What I saved I lost, What I gave I have.” ' It Took Obedience To Give Isaac. Isn’t this the experience of many who miss the blessing Abraham received? “ A young woman came to her pastor and said, “ I no longer have any joy or any sense of approval in my Christian life. What is the matter?’’* “ Did you once have it?” “ Yes;” “ Are you con scious of having refused obedience to some distinct command which came to you?” “ Yes, years ago I thought God required something of me which I felt I could not do.” “ Oh! this was the test. Blessing lies only in the path of obedi ence.” Abraham was obedient to God, but Isaac was just as obedient to his father. “ A boy who had been studying the ten commandments said, “ There ought to have been something in there about boys, they ought to have said, Boys, you shall mind your mothers the very first time they speak, and ask no questions.” But the fifth command ment teaches this, for it says, “ Honor thy father and thy mother,” , which means obey them. It Took Sacrifice To Give Isaac. Major Cole used to tell of an awkward soldier who could not drill. The major was sick with chills one night and -the next morning he saw the awkward soldier coming with no coat on. “Where have you been? Where is your coat?” “ I laid it on you major, and I’ve walked all night to keep warm.” The fellow had also built a fire and had coffee ready. In a few days the soldier was taken to the hospital with a fever, and he died, having given his life for the major. 'Th e greatest example in sacrifice is found in Jesus Christ. Bishop Bristol said, “When this Nazarene, this sweet- toned prophet, stood on Calvary, with all the purpose and willingness of self-
respond to the will of God shows that his will was surrendered. ! (6 ) 1There was no substitute for God’s Son. > (7) God loved Abraham too much to spare him the test, but spared Isaac to him because He loved him. (8) •Abraham’s faith gripped God for the resurrection of his son. (Heb. : 11:19) (9) When in doubt, trust God. It Took Ijove to Give Isaac In a home in Ohio a few months ago a father and mother gave two noble Christian young men for service in France. While talk- liESSON ing about the home- HJ j USTRA- leaving of the boys, TIONS they said, “ If it was not for the love of the cause, we could not give them up.” Abraham gave more than himself when he gave Isaac. Any true father would die for his boy, and when he gives that boy he gives that which he loves more than himself. God gave more than Himself, when He gave Jesus, His only begotten Son. It Took Faith to Give Isaac. “ By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten SOn_accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.” Heb. 11:17-19. An officer, in France, was ordered a few weeks ago to go “ over thé top” with his men, at a certain signal. He had a quiet word of prayer, committing him self to God and when the signal came he went over. All his men were'killed and he had 10 bullet marks on his per son, but none of them had harmed him, one barely scorched his skin. Somewhat like this Abraham committed Isaac to God. Abraham had Isaac in a very real sense after he had given him to God. •Only what we give to God do we really possess. Every year George Moore
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