The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-21
INTERNATIONAL
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
BY w. Il. ELLIS

your words Yet we say, Wherein
have we wearied him? CHAPTER 2.
verse II.
Return unto me. and I will return
unto you. said the Lord of Hosts
But ye said, Wherein shall we re-
turn? Chapter 3. verse 7.
VIII a man rob God? Yet ye have
robbed me. But We say, Wherein
have we robbed Thee? Chapter g.
verse s.
Your words have been stout against
me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say
Wherein have we spoken so much
against Thee? Chapter 8, verse 13.
There is a message in Malachi to
the men of today. Israel was not then
in open rebellion against God, but IN
the midst of restoration and prosper
ity, was in heart rebellion. In ask
ing God to bring peace to this warning
world should we not confess to the
very sins of Malachi'S age?
Give God the Chance.
The lesson speaks of the Christ
whose coming Malachi foretold as "a
refiner and purifier" Let US submit
as a nation and as individuals to His
refining process, which are among US.
today, as our soldier boys are about to
die on battlefield or in hospital. 1t is
a terrible crucible, this world war, but
God must know the world needed 1t.
And as God began in purifying the
sons of Levi" so ought our self-judg-
ment begin today in the house of
God Are we faithful in our church
work2
rs it right and reverent to keep
tab on God?" asked an earnest young
Christian girl. SHOULD we go so
much into minute detail as to keep a
prayer list and check off the answers
when they come 20 An answer to that
question is found in the concluding
verses of this lesson. God says to His
hnT
Our God, who gives us in His Word so
many precious promises, loves to be
put to the test.
James H. iMcConkey says: In a
great city telegraph office scores of
instruments were ousily clicking
away Presently, in the midst of the
din and cIatter, the coor opened, and
in walked a young mana stranger.
He was tall and rather awkward, with
linen buster reaching nearly to ms
heels. In response to his request for
employment the chief operator mo-
toned him to a chair. By and by an
other instrument began to click The
most important work of the day was
on hand. The press dispatches were
ready at a distant city. And by his
table in that city sat one of the swift
est writers and most Skillful operators
in the service, waiting to begin his
rapid sending. The chief motioned to
the tall young man to take his seat at
the table at which the press news was
to be received
Without a break, without a halt; writ
ing a hand like a copper-plate in its
clearness and beauty, he tossed off
sheet after sheet of copy to the wait
ing messenger boy, while all the office
stared in astoniShed admiration. When
the work was finished, the position
was his without any farther question.
/ When asked his name, he replied
Edison 1t was the beginning of his
world wide fame. All he wanted was
a chance. And when he got it he did
marvels. s-
! And is not this the homely express
! sion of the real thought in the verse
from Malachi. cited above? Bring
We all the tithes. - Prove me now
if l will not open the windows of
but this? My child. 1 still have win
dows in heaven. They are yet in SER
vice. The bolts slide as easily as of
| old. The hinges have not grown rusty
1 would rather fling them open. and
| pour forth, than keep them shut and
hold back
1 opened them to Moses, and the
sea parted 1 opened them to Joshua
and Jordan rolled back. 1 opened
them for Gideon, and the hosts fled.
1 will open them for you-if you will
only let me. On this side of the win
dows heaven is the same rich store
house as of old. The fountains and
streams overflow. The treasure rooms
still are bursting with gifts. The lack
is not on My side. 1t is on yours l
am waiting. Prove me now Fulfill
! the conditions on your part Bring in
the tithes Give Me a chance
How can we give God the chance
He wishes with us? By trusting, for
it is faith that opens the soul to God
! by praying, for Christ said, IF We ask
will do; by yielding, for
! otherwise we keep the sluicegate shut
] against Gods out-pouring floods of
blessing.