T H E K I N G ’S B U S I N E S S the predicted signs and manifold har bingers of that event, it will be a dis grace for any true believer to be taken by surprise. Times and seasons to some extent are made a matter of revelation. Luke 21:28. Nevertheless we' should study the Scripture rather than the cal endar and watch not for signs but for Him. “ So I am watching quietly, every day, Whenever the sun shines bright, I rise and say, ‘Surely it is the shining of His face,’ And look unto the gates of His high place Beyond the sea, For I know that He is coming shortly to summon me And when a shadow falls across the window of my room, Where L am working my appointed task, I lift my head to watch the door and ask . If He is come? And the angel answers sweetly, in my home ‘Only a. few more shadows, and He will come.’ ” SIMPLICITY OF PRAYER Montgomery sets forth the difficulties of true praying when he declares the sublimity and simplicity of prayer. “ Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try. Prayer is the sublimest strains that reach The majesty on high.” This is not only good poetry, but a profound truth as to the loftiness and simplicity of prayer. There are great difficulties in reaching the exalted, an gelic strains of prayer. The difficulty of coming down to the simplicity of infant lips is not much less.
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Edom. Their princes may usurp the throne of David as the Herodian house of Idumea, and all things seem to be at their feet, but their sun shall go down and final utter darkness will “ devour them up.” This corresponds to the fair weather and foul weather of Matt. 16: 2, 3. Fair weather is coming to the God-fearing and the righteous. Foul weather is on the way for the ungodly, even storms of judgment. “ Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe to the wicked; it shall be ill with him; for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Is. 3:10, 11; Rom. 2:9, 10. THURSDAY, June 29. Duke 12:35-40. The Duty of Watchfulness. There are several parables that incul cate the duty of watchfulness. It is that attitude or state of mind by which a person rests in expectation of some thing. The one great event which is held out in the New Testament to en gage our attention is the literal per sonal, bodily and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. We should be constantly expecting that He will return to earth again to consum mate His great and glorious purposes of redemption. This attitude is justi fied and demonstrated by faithful and abounding service. We should be earnestly, joyfully and obediently en gaged in every form of Christian work, teaching, testifying, giving, suffering, sacrificing, using head, heart, hands and feet, for making Him and His will known to all men. There is not a sin gle exhortation in the New Testament to be watchful and ready for death. Every such appeal is related to the Ad vent. Death is an expiration. The Second Coming is an inspiration. Scripture intimates the possibility of some being ashamed before Christ at His second coming. 1 Jno. 2:28. Per haps that alternative will confront those who are taken by surprise. The day of the Lord will burst upon the world without announcement or premonition. 1 Thess. 5:2. The children of God how ever are not in darkness and that day will not overtake them as a thief, 1 Thess. 5:4. While their watchful ness is pre-supposed, there are exhorta tions not to slumber. In view of all FRIDAY, June 30. Rev. 3 :1 -6 . The Penalty of Unwatchfulness.
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