Bible Readings for the Home Circle Part 227

"Beloved, now are we the sons of G.o.d, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, _we shall be like Him_; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2.

4. From what ills will the saints be forever delivered?

"And G.o.d shall wipe away all _tears_ from their eyes; and there shall be no more _death_, neither _sorrow_, nor _crying_, neither shall there be any more _pain_: for the former things are pa.s.sed away." Rev. 21:4.

5. How completely will the pains and sorrows of the former world pa.s.s away?

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: _and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind_." Isa. 65:17. Margin, "Come upon the heart;" i.e. to be desired.

6. Who will dwell with the redeemed?

"_He_ will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and _G.o.d Himself shall be with them_, and be their G.o.d." Rev. 21:3.

7. What will it mean to dwell in G.o.d's presence?

"In Thy presence is _fulness of joy_; at Thy right hand there are _pleasures forevermore_." Ps. 16:11.

8. What peaceful condition will prevail in the earth made new?

"_They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain_: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

Isa. 11:9.

9. How will the ransomed of the Lord return to Zion?

"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion _with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads_: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isa. 35:10.

10. How enduring will be their pleasures?

"For as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and _Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands_." Isa. 65:22.

11. How long will they possess the future kingdom?

"But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom _forever_, even _forever and ever_." Dan. 7:18.

12. How long will they reign?

"And they shall reign _forever and ever_." Rev. 22:5.

I am longing for the home land, And its rest from sin and strife; I am yearning for the welcome, With its warmth of light and life; And the days seem long and weary, Mid earth scenes so dark and dreary, While I wait for my Redeemer To come in clouds for me.

O the home land, blessed home land, With its bliss beyond compare!

How our ardent souls are yearning For the joys that wait us there!

And we haste to barge our treasure On the river of Thy pleasure, In the home where life eternal Awaits the ransomed throng.

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN.

The Game Of Life In Progress

[Ill.u.s.tration.]

The Struggle. "We wrestle ... against the rulers of the darkness of this world." Eph. 6:12.

In these three beautiful pictures ill.u.s.trating the game of life, Satan, the prince of darkness, is represented as playing with man for his soul.

The scene chosen is a wide vault, whose arch is embellished with lizard-shaped monsters, which adhere closely to the two pillars, down which they seem to creep. On the left-hand side of the picture, near Satan, is an open-mouthed lion ready to devour his victim at the first opportunity.

The upper surface of a sarcophagus is transformed into a chess-board, beside which man sits, his head resting on his hand, and his countenance full of careful thought as to what moves he should make next.

Opposite him is Satan, seated, his chin resting on his hand, his hair and beard bristling wildly, and every feature expressive of cunning intent, and a determination to watch every move, take advantage of every mistake, and win if possible.

Beneath the arch, in the background, stands a lovely angel form unnoticed by either of the players, but watching intently the progress of the game.

The Game Of Life Lost

[Ill.u.s.tration.]

The Defeat. "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36.

Here we see the results of the game lost. Satan has been victorious. With a wild and horrid leer and a deathlike grip he has seized his victim, and in triumph points to the sure but gruesome signs of death,-the skulls and cross-bones. Amidst smoke and flame, the hand of Death rises to strike man with his poisoned dart.

In sadness and despair man sits, with covered face, and weeps over his defeat. His hope is gone; he knows no peace; he feels the icy clasp of his conquering foe. With keen regret, he now ponders over his loss of faith, his neglect of prayer, and his failure to study and follow his Guide-book.

Life, with its opportunities for gaining the life to come, has been wasted; and now, when too late to make amends, he sees his fatal moves and his great mistakes.

The figures on the wall have changed their visage, and seem ready to pounce upon the doomed and helpless man. The lion also has become more fierce, and thirsts for his blood, while the angel turns in sadness from the scene and weeps.

The entire view is one of inexpressible sorrow and regret.

The Game Of Life Won

[Ill.u.s.tration.]

The Victory. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim. 4:7.