Sermons & Devotionals by Timothy Shay Arthur

Speak Kindly Timothy Shay Arthur, 1852 Though he often drank alcohol , and was at times idle , Mr. Marker had not wholly given himself up to the evil of drinking . He worked pretty regularly at his trade, and gave the greater part of his earnings to his wife. But he spent at least a dollar and a hal... Read More

Rover and his Little Master by Timothy Shay Arthur "Come, Rover!" said Harry, as he passed a fine old Newfoundland dog which lay on a mat at the door; "come, Rover! I am going down to the river to sail my boat, and I want you to go with me." Rover opened his large eyes, and looked lazily at his litt... Read More

A Conversation Timothy Shay Arthur, 1852 "When sister was ill, and you were so sorry, mother — why did you not pray to God? — would he not have made her well?" "Perhaps not, my child." "Why, mother, would not God have heard your prayer?" "Yes, but he might not have seen fit to grant such a prayer, i... Read More

Something Wrong! by Timothy Shay Arthur What's the matter here? There is something wrong in this picture . It is clear that the little boy in the picture is not receiving kind treatment at the hands of his sister. But what is she doing to him? Not pulling his ear, we hope. Something is wrong; what c... Read More

What Shall We Build? by Timothy Shay Arthur Four children were playing on the sea-shore. They had gathered bright pebbles and beautiful shells, and written their names in the pure, white sand; but at last, tired of their sport, they were about to go home, when one of them, as they came to a pile of ... Read More

The Story of a Little Lamb Timothy Shay Arthur, 1852 "Please get a book and read a pretty story to me," said little Anna to her sister. "Shall I read to you about the lamb that was lost , and came near to dying?" "And heard the tinkling of a distant sheep-bell?" "Oh yes, sister Jane, read me that pr... Read More

Good and Evil Animals by Timothy Shay Arthur There are a great many animals in the world, and all of them correspond to good or evil qualities in men. The good animals are innocent and useful; but the evil animals are cruel and hurtful. Sheep, and cows, and doves are good animals; but wolves, and be... Read More

A Noble Act Timothy Shay Arthur, 1852 "What have you there, boys?" asked Captain Bland. "A ship," replied one of the lads who was passing the captain's neat cottage. "A ship! Let me see;" and the captain took the little vessel, and examined it with as much fondness as a child does a pretty toy. "Ver... Read More

Shadows! by Timothy Shay Arthur A happy-hearted girl was Madeline Hershey , for the glad sunshine ever lay upon the threshold of her early home. Her father, a cheerful, unselfish man — left the world and its business cares behind him, when he placed his hand upon the door of entrance to his househol... Read More

Our Daily Life Timothy Shay Arthur, 1856 The idea is very general, that the ordinary duties of life are not favorable to the highest developments of character ; and we often hear it said, how much we might learn, and how much good we might do — if we only had the leisure time . People think that all... Read More

Guests in the Heart Timothy Shay Arthur, 1869 "Above all else, guard your heart , for from it flow the springs of life!" Proverbs 4:23 The heart is full of guest-chambers which are never empty; and as the heart is the seat of life, these guests are continually acting upon the life, either for good o... Read More

A Mother's Duty Timothy Shay Arthur, 1859 The duties of the housekeeper and mother , usually unite in the same person; but difficult and perplexing as is the former relation, how light and easy are all its claims compared with those of the latter. Among my readers are many mothers — Let us for a lit... Read More

The Shadows We Cast Timothy Shay Arthur, 1858 A child was playing with some building blocks; and, as the mimic castle rose before his eyes in graceful proportions, a new pleasure swelled in his heart. He felt himself to be the creator of a "thing of beauty," and was conscious of a newborn power. Arc... Read More

Bear and Forbear By Timothy Shay Arthur, 1853 "Don't talk to me in such a serious strain, Aunt Hannah. One would really think, from what you say, that James and I would quarrel before we were married a month!" "Not so soon as that, Maggy dear. Heaven grant that it may not come so soon as that! But, ... Read More

An Hour with Myself! By Timothy Shay Arthur "I don't think you know yourself, Mr. Self-complacency ." I had been speaking, a little boastfully, of my good qualities; particularly of my unselfishness and integrity , when the individual with whom I was conversing, threw that wet blanket over me. "Not ... Read More

Loved Too Late Timothy Shay Arthur In one of the New England States, the little church-bell in Chester village rang merrily in the clear morning air of a bright summer's day. It was to call the people together, and they all obeyed its summons — for who among the aged, middle-aged, or the young, did ... Read More

Our Life Romance Timothy Shay Arthur, 1856 "Yes! yes! Everything is as beautiful as I could desire it! Every precious object takes a hue from the rose glow of my life!" and very gently was the foot-fall of Ada Ward pressed into the velvet carpets of her bridal home; very soft were the glances that r... Read More

Imperishable Beauty! Timothy Shay Arthur, 1858 It was a very plain face. My eye rested upon it for a moment or two, and then wandered away to the countenance of another maiden, whose beauty ravished the eyes of every beholder; and as I gazed with a feeling of delight, upon its transcendent lovelines... Read More

Fruits of Sorrow Timothy Shay Arthur, 1856 I was recovering from a long illness. Reclining upon my couch, with its carefully arranged pillows and snowy drapery, I enjoyed to the utmost, the sensation of renewed life which, with increasing strength, thrilled through every vein. The sashes were raised... Read More

Very Poor! by Timothy Shay Arthur [Editor's Note: This is an excellent story on Christian contentment!] "What has become of the Wightmans? " I asked of my old friend Payson . I had returned to my native town after an absence of several years. Payson looked grave. "Nothing wrong with them, I hope. Wi... Read More