The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-07

 afternoon by song and prayer service led by General Secretary J. P Jackson. The speaker of the afternoon, Walter B. Abbott, general secretary for the New Orleans association, then conducted a Bible reading, which formed the basis of the address which was made afterwards. The two familiar hymns, "How Firm Foundation,p and "Cling to the Bible were sung by the audience, after which MT. Jackson introduced MT. Abbott. The speakers address was on why Men Should Study the Bible.''
 Great Help.
 He stated that the Bible had been of l greater help to him in overcoming evil | than all the other books in existence. Its study should be approached in the spirit | of reverence. First, because of it's age The fact that 1t has for centuries claimed | the attention of the best minds should entitle 1t to respect. Its marvellous pres ervation through the ages Is standing | miracle. It is composed of sixty-slx books, written by thirty-ive writers, in- cluding all classes and conditions of men, from scholars, kings and college men to day laborers and shepherds, who had no influence or power save as God spoke to them.
 The Bible has in all times influenced civilization for it's betterment and brought individual men to God. More editions of the Bible have been printed than of any other book.
 If asked the question point blank" said the speaLsr, 'as to why you do not study the Bible. would not the answer in many cases. be that you are too lazy? Can we be indifferent to the Bible when we know that it contains the words of eternal life.
 "Now, the kingdom of heaven is the goal of every man. continues the speak CT. We may be temporarily engaged on other things, but every man looks forward to a home in heaven. There fore, preparation Is necessary that we may enjoy heaven. We would be miser- able there unless prepared.
 How to Live.
 "The Bible alone teae ehes how we should live in order to enter the kingdom. Christ says that 1t is necessary for us to become as little children, viz: Trustful, and fill
  of truth, in the same pure sense that a child is. We will believe the Bible if we are trustful, and we will seek out it's hid den truths if we have a passion for the truth.
 God tells us through Moses that His word and His law are given for our good. God does not approach us as boss or as a dictator anG He has no axe to grind. All His shall nots'' are for our good
 Joshua testifies of the word that if it deports not out of thy mouth; thy way shall prosper and thou shall have good success"
 Every true man desires success. Solo, mon says more than truelsm when he declares that merry heart doeth good like a medicine
 Pertinent Story.
 The speaker told the story of New Orleans man who was saved from finan- cial ruin by the cheery words of one Christian man.
 Joshua, the Bible writer tells in the 10th chapter and 9th verse of the book of Joshua speaking of a certain peo- pie: They helped every man his neigh bor, and every one said to his brother, be of a good courage"
 That Is the kind of optimism" ex claimed the speaker, which does things, builds great cities and rears great civili- cations" The Bible, he said, was full of such optimism.
 The self-control which the Bible tells us about is prerequisite which every man must possess if he would be truly successful, said MT. Abbott. Who docs not agree with the writer of Proverbs. when he says He that ruleth his own spirit is better than he that taketh city"
 In closing the speaker recommended the words in Matthew, where the Savior said: "Whosoever confesseth Me before men, him will I confess before My Father which is in heaven"
 Words of Power.
 He stated that about twenty years ago Y. M. c. A. secretary read those words to him, and that he dates the change in his life from that time. We ought to ask Gods pardon" said the speaker, for the careless way in which we treat His word" The address was closed with the expression of the hope that all present might be guided into successful lives, and such as were pleasing in His sight.
 The meeting being the occasion of a Bible study rally. the work that the as- sociatlon is doing in this line was brought out in two clear and forceful addresses, one by Physical Director Gillesby, the other by Assistant Secretary Bridges.
 The programme of Bible classes Is as follows:
 International Sunday Sshool Lesson James Bowror Thursday, to D. m
 Workers Bible Training Class-J. P Jackson, Sunday to 9 a. m.
 Progressive Bible Studies-J. s. Bridges Monday, GAS to 7:45 D. m.
 Progressive Bible Studies for Gymna- sium Men)-J O. Gillesby, Monday, GA; to 7:45 p. m.
 Progressive Bible Studies dor New Con. verts)-J P Jackson, Monday, 6:45 te 7:45 D. m.
 Progressive Bible Studies (for Students J. P. Jackson, Tuesday, to 9 D. m. A number of men expressed a desire to join the classes. Before the first divi- sion of the meeting was completed a cal was made on the unconverted to be saved on the terms of the gospel.
 Asked for Prayer.
 Ten asked for prayer and seven stood to be prayed for. The second division oi the meeting was entirely social. Refresh ments were served, and MT. Abbott made A happy talk on Bible classes as he hac | seen them carried on. The Bible class he described had nothing of the spirit oi | cant and sissie weakness about 1t whicf | the average man thinks of when he con tempIates the efforts of those who attend | Bible classes.
 Assistant Secretary C. w. Collins, Jr. of the state committee, during last weel began work on a proposed Y. M. c. A for a lumber camp at Leutcher. La. Stat, Secretary Moorman states that there is new association in prospect at Patten vile, La.
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