Echoes of Grace: 1942

Today there are thousands of young men and young women in a lost eternity. Some of them were hurled into eternity quite suddenly—bent on pleasure, and the things of this world, they hurried along with the giddy throng—all unmindful of God's great love or of His claims upon them—then came the tragedy, then—eternity.

Thousands were shocked as they read the story of the appalling tragedy in M. on a Sunday afternoon. To spend a pleasant Sunday afternoon these boys and girls went to a theater. There was laughter and song—as a survivor described it, "It was a Comedy and everybody was laughing. I was laughing too, when somebody yelled ‘Fire!!’”

In a moment, the laughter was changed to consternation. The screams, then the mad rush—somebody stumbled, then another, and in a few seconds, there was a pile of young boys and girls, shrieking, struggling and gasping for breath. Soon the struggles ceased—the choking sobs, and these young lives, which had enjoyed the "comedy", experienced the "tragedy"—now passed from the theater into "eternity" to meet God before whom all must give an account.

Terrible beyond words. The tears unbidden came to the eyes as one read the long list—77 young souls, their ages ranging from 5 to 16 years, suddenly hurled into eternity. Many of them may be too young to rightly understand, not having come to the age of responsibility. Such, thank God, through the sacrifice of Jesus will go to heaven, but of the rest, what shall we say? Where are they? God only knows, and we leave them with Him, for even if they turned to Jesus in their dying moments we know that He would receive them, and one only hopes that such was the case.

But why this tragedy? Why should those so young be cut off suddenly? There's that darling boy or girl, the light and joy of the home, rudely plucked away, and the fond mother sobs for her child.

Is God cruel? Perish such a thought! Then why does He allow such calamities to come upon us?

Shepherds often experience difficulties in getting the sheep into some particular field. Sometimes on such occasions the shepherd will pick up a little lamb from its mother's side and carry it away into the middle of the field.

"O!" you say, "how cruel!”

Wait, let us watch and see what happens. See way over in the center of the new field is the young lamb. Listen—M-a-a-a! M-a-a-a!! Observe, the mother hears its call and wends her way in that direction. Then another sheep follows, still another, until the whole flock is safely in the field.

That darling child has been taken from your side. God has taken it home to Himself. It is in that happy land where there is no sorrow, no pain, no tears but endless joy. Mother! Father! Would you like to see that boy or girl again? Did you love them?

"Ah, more than life! How can I be assured of seeing them again?" do you ask. Why, Mother or Father, the God who gave you that dear boy or girl has taken them home to Himself. It may be that He has spoken to you times without number, and you did not hear and perhaps the only way He could get you to listen was to allow some tragedy.

If He has taken your loved child away home, it is in order that you may come home to Him too. God is calling, Jesus is calling—has called you long! Now, somebody else is, as it were, calling you to that golden shore—it is that loved child.

O, Mother, Father, won't you come to Jesus now. His blood will cleanse away all your sin and He will fill your sorrowing heart with joy unspeakable.

O, reader! Your heart may be broken, but Jesus is near. He came to comfort those who mourn. Now, even now, as you lay this aside, Jesus is waiting with arms extended to receive you to His heart and home of love. Do trust Him, for He says.

"Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

The Butterfly

While fishing for trout along the banks of a small river, a fisherman noticed a beautiful butterfly struggling and fluttering in the water, as it was being carried along by the slow moving current.

As it was well within reach of his rod, the fisherman, wishing to rescue it from its dangerous plight, extended his rod out towards the butterfly, in such a manner as to bring the tip of the rod under the struggling insect, and lifting it gently out of the water he began to draw it towards the shore. However, as soon as the butterfly felt itself drawn out of the water, it attempted to fly ashore by its own strength, but exhausted as it was by its struggles and weighted no doubt by drops of water on its wings, it could only fly a very short distance, when down it went into the water again.

Once more the fisherman placed the tip of his rod under it, and lifted it out, and again the butterfly attempted to fly ashore, with the same result—back into the water it fell!

The third time this happened, there was a sudden swirl, and a hungry trout seized and devoured the fluttering insect and ended the incident.

How very much this foolish insect reminds us of many human beings,—men and women, who are carried along by the current of time, with death on every side of them, and an inevitable judgment before them, and no means of escape by any efforts they may make.

A hopeless situation indeed, no matter how much of their "best" effort they may put forth; for there is no strength in them, and the more they struggle, the more hopeless their situation becomes.

But, a way of escape has been, and is being extended to them and a power infinitely greater than their own, is able, and willing to save them from their dangerous and desperate situation, if they will only turn to Him and cease their own useless efforts.

"When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

"God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6, 8.

Here we have the reality, of which the little incident related above is merely an illustration. As you are borne along, my unsaved friend, on the passing waters of time, and you realize your condition, and the unknown destiny before you, do you not seek some way of escape? Surely you do, but you soon find that your best efforts are of no avail, and do what you may, you sooner or later have the truth of that dread statement brought before you.

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Heb. 9:27. And you find you can do nothing to avoid it.

But, thanks be to God, He has seen and thoroughly understands your great peril, and in His love and grace has extended to you, a sure and certain means of escape, and all you need to do is to accept it, and in simple, confiding faith, leave the question of "doing" to Him, when you will soon realize that all has been "done", and that, long ago on Calvary's cross, where the blood of God's own Son, was shed for you, and when you come under the shelter of that precious blood, God can say in righteousness, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Heb. 8:12.

A Wonderful Promise

"Come," is the loving, gracious, winsome word that falls from Christ's lips today. It is a word of invitation to the sinful and weary to come to Him. He promises to give them rest.

You need rest. Where can it be found? In the pursuit of pleasure—in the race for earthly honor—in the eager scramble after gold? Ten thousand voices answer "No." These may suffice for a time but they will not always do so; more, much more, will be needed when you reach the narrow gate through which men pass from a world of shams and shadows into that world where all is real and everlasting.

Rest, in the presence of the shroud, the coffin, the grave in the lonely cemetery, with judgment and eternity overshadowing all! Ah! who can give it? Christ: no one else.

Is He speaking now? Yes. To whom? To you. Listen to His words: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Matt. 11:28. Are they not sweet?

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" Isa. 1:18.

"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" 1 John 1:7.

Filthy Rags

A highly moral and religious young man, trusting in his own righteousness, was asked what he would do if a heap of filthy rags were put down on the floor of his well-ordered shop.

"Kick them out," he replied emphatically.

"And yet you think that God will accept your righteousnesses, which He compares to filthy rags." (Isa. 64:6.) His countenance fell, and his mouth was stopped. God says that "Salvation is not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:9.

The Sight of a Bible

"My eldest son," said one, "has been skeptical since his boyhood. The best of sons; but a real rejector of Christ. For a long time past he has been a miserable man; with everything on earth: riches, honor, etc., yet as wretched as he could be. Then a serious illness, which no medical skill could relieve, seemed to make his case hopeless. He went alone to some baths in S—, and on the day of his arrival there, was invited by one of the patients into his room. There he saw a Bible—and that was enough. He could not rest till he got, one, and read its sacred pages. He received and believed the gospel, and rejoiced in the forgiveness of sins through the precious blood of Christ.”

Such is the simple and truthful account of the way in which our God delights in sovereign grace. The sight of the neglected Bible was enough for the Holy Spirit to use, in deep conviction of sin. That same blessed Word of God contained the revelation of the good news of God to that soul.

O, what can meet the misery, and the cause of all the misery of man, but the precious blood of Jesus? What a passing from death to life! What a new creation!

Reader, are you also neglecting and rejecting that Book of all Books? Or is it the greatest treasure you have on earth? How great is the privilege in this day of having the Word of God. And how great also the responsibility! May the above encourage the faith of parents.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35.

"The Word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the Word by which the gospel is preached unto you." 1 Peter 1:25.

Suddenly

Some time since a copy of the Gospel Magazine "Echoes of Grace" was subscribed for and sent to one in a far west town, hoping for eternal blessing to the one who had not been seen by the sender for fifty years or more.

"Echoes of Grace" was returned to the Bible Depot as "not wanted" and the subscriber notified. He at once wrote his old-time friend and school-mate, telling him of the serious consequences of rejecting the Gospel of God's Grace, and the sorrow to his own heart caused by the knowledge of such rejection.

His letter received no reply, but shortly afterward a telegram came from a son, saying his father was stricken down suddenly, when in the best of health, and died shortly after the stroke—another warning of the uncertainty of this life, and the need of knowing a Savior now.

"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

"Behold now is the accepted time." 2 Cor. 6:2.

"Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows that shall he reap." Gal. 6:7.

"There is no difference for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Rom. 3:22, 23.

Dear reader, you are now here; Time is now yours to prepare for eternity;

Have you accepted God's love-gift a Savior-Christ the Lord; being thus "justified freely by His grace"; or are you trampling that love and grace under foot in indifference. Be not deceived: this life is fleeting and may be snuffed out in an instant, and then, a never ending eternity, whose ages will roll on and on, and on; and you; where will you spend it? Either with the Christ you have accepted as your Savior here, and to share His joy in a scene whose glory will eclipse the brightness of the Sun, where no sin can enter, no sickness, sorrow, pain nor death: where God will wipe all tears away, and the Lamb that was slain will be the glorious object of the united worship of the redeemed through an eternity of perfect bliss.

Or else with Satan, who has deceived and led you to reject God's love, as told out on Calvary's cross to all mankind. With him, who is a liar and the father of lies, deceiving by them his willing dupes, to be carried with him from light to darkness, down, down, down into the depths of an eternity of woe, where will be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, and as the eternal ages roll on, no hope of light, or mitigation of sorrow, pain and woe.

Dear reader, another thought; another and most wonderful event may take place before your death; Christ is Coming. Dear believer, you who have accepted His love and taken Him to be your Savior, He will soon appear and you will be caught up with Him to glory, and your sorrows will be ended in eternal joy. But poor, dear, unbeliever, you will be left behind to share the awful judgment of a Christ-rejecting world (1 Thess. 4:14-18; 2 Thess. 1:8, 9).

"Behold now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.”

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.”

Cherries on a Dead Stick

A religious man, who had for many years been a prominent member of the Church of his fathers, was awakened to see himself a lost sinner, stripped of all his religion, and brought to Christ. His manifest conversion and bold confession of Christ astonished the good folks of the parish, who had been accustomed to look upon this gentleman before, as the very ideal of a Christian. No one was more astonished than the minister, who heard the news of his friend's conversion from his own lips, when they met on the road a day or two after.

"Do you mean to say that all the good works you have done go for nothing?" asked the minister.

The newly-converted man smiled, and holding up his walking-stick, said, "I could no more do good works before I was converted, than that dead stick could bear cherries. There must be life before there can be fruit.”

The minister said nothing: possibly he felt he had nothing to say.

"There must be life before there can be fruit.”

A dead stick can bear no cherries; a lifeless professor of religion can bear no fruit to God. Think of this, reader—until you have been born again of the Spirit of God, until you have become a possessor of life from the Son of God, you can bear no fruit. You can do nothing pleasing to God. Your religion, no matter what form it may assume, is of no value in heaven. Your very best efforts are utterly worthless in God's sight, until you come as a lost sinner, and accept of Christ as your Savior.

This is quite contrary to the thoughts of men, I know, but the Word of the Everlasting God must be our guide in such matters. Listen to what it says, "A corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Matt. 7:17. There must be new life, before there can be good fruit. You must be born of God, and converted to Him, before you can do "good works.”

"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. 4:4,5.

We work after we are saved, but not for salvation.

THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON, CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN."

1 John 1:7.

"IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS."

Eph. 1:7.

"NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED."

Acts 4:12.

February

"Religion without Christ!"

The world today is full of religion, professed by those who really do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Someone has said, and we fear the remark is a true one, "Religion is the devil's instrument to blind men's eyes.”

Wherever you go, you will meet men and women belonging to this or that system of religion who know nothing either of the sinfulness of their own hearts in the presence of a holy God, or of God's way of salvation for the lost, through His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

When a great General told his Emperor that he was a lost sinner and needed a Savior, just like any other sinner, the Emperor thought him crazy, and exclaimed, "Me! Why, I am the head of the Church!”

In the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania a rector was found, who was doing simple Gospel work in a scattered farming community, seemingly with some result. In the course of conversation he said: "For many years I was the rector of a fashionable church in New Jersey. I was quite a successful preacher as they go, but I was myself unsaved. Many young people came into the church, but they were the children of those who were members, and simply followed along in the footsteps of their fathers and mothers. They were not saved. They only joined the church as the proper thing for one of their family to do. Then I suddenly woke up to the fact that I was myself unsaved. Now I am preaching a simple Gospel about Christ the Savior.”

Perhaps one who reads these lines may be a "church member," or even the rector of a fashionable congregation, and yet himself be unsaved, for there must be individual dealing of the soul with God in order to be saved. Nicodemus came to the Lord Jesus, and said, "We know Thou art a teacher come from God." Jesus answered him and said, "Verily, verily, I say unto Thee, Ye must be born again.”

Reader, are you saved? Have you ever seen yourself a lost sinner before God, on your way to eternal perdition, and fled to the shelter of the precious blood of Christ for salvation?

Nicodemus was a Pharisee; orthodox, and a teacher of religion, but he needed to be born again.

Isaiah was a prophet who denounced sinners, and pronounced woe upon those who broke God's holy law; but when he looked upon the Lord, he said, "Woe is me.”

Job was a righteous man—none like him in the earth—but when he saw himself in God's presence, he cried, "I am vile; I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

You may be nominally a Christian, but have you ever seen yourself a vile sinner in the presence of God, lost, unless a holy substitute can be found who will die for you? Or is yours a religion without Christ?

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." If "sinner" is your title, there is a Savior for you; a Savior whose precious blood is sufficient for the chiefest of sinners. If you are simply religious, you may be very respectable in the eyes of your fellow men, but yet going straight on the way to hell, and unless your eyes are opened before you die, you will wake up in eternal perdition. May God save you from a "religion without Christ," that you may find your only refuge and hope in Him who came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

"To Him That Worketh Not"

"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. 4:5.

Salvation is proclaimed!

Forgiveness full and free,

By Him who shed His blood

In love to you and me.

He gave Himself to God,

An offering without spot;

Now, pardon, peace and life He gives

"To him that worketh not.”

What could I dare to bring

To clear my sinful soul?

His work alone can make me clean,

His Word pronounce me whole.

My doings I renounce;

Can they erase one blot?

I take the grace He loves to give

"To him that worketh not.”

I look to Christ in faith,

And, ransomed by His blood,

Upward I gaze and see Him now

Upon the throne of God,

And I am justified

In Him, no stain or spot,

"His faith He counts for righteousness,”

"To him that worketh not.”

And now He sees me clad

In this all-glorious dress;

I stand complete in Him who is

Himself my righteousness.

O! strive and toil no more

But choose this blessed lot!

Believe His love; accept His gift;

"To him that worketh not.”

Treasure

Not very long ago an, aged woman in Canada, died after a comparatively brief illness, and when her affairs were looked into, it was found that for nearly fifty years she had been placing a certain amount of her earnings in a bank, and in all that time had never withdrawn any of it. She had always been careful, hard working and thrifty, and when death came, it was found that her account amounted to thousands of dollars, which she had been "laying up for her future"!

But of what use was the money to her when the call came? She could not take it with her, and others benefitted by what she had so laboriously gathered with so much care and self denial during those long years.

How very many there are on every hand laboring hard to gather some of this world's wealth, for the future, seemingly oblivious to the fact that when their soul is required of them, all must be left behind, none may be taken with them!

Not that thrift should be discouraged, nor that those having loved ones dependent upon them should not make due provision for their maintenance in case the natural provider should be taken away; but the gathering merely for the sake of hoarding up, or for one's own ease and satisfaction, always turns out to be nothing but an uncertain, non-enduring asset, ending when one's lifespan is completed down here,—for all must be left behind!

But there is an asset which is enduring, guaranteed by the highest authority existent,—even God Himself; and this asset or treasure, may be yours, not only down here, but you may have it for all eternity. We are referred to that treasure in Matt. 6:20, in the following words: "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”

Before, however we can lay up that treasure, it, and we must be acceptable to God, for God does not allow guilty sinners to lay up treasures in heaven by their own works or merits, no matter how good these may be in our sight, or to men generally.

Then how can you or I attain that position in which we may be "acceptable" to Him? Ah! Here is where the love and grace of God who is love, comes in, and has Himself provided the means whereby we may attain to that place, not as strangers, but as children,—sons and daughters! Listen to His own word about the matter,

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

God Himself has provided the way—His beloved Son.

His Son has provided the means,—His precious blood.

By believing, (faith), we attain the position,—We have everlasting life.

Then and then only, we are acceptable to God—Accepted in the Beloved.

Now as children, not as strangers—The Spirit beareth witness—that we are children of God.

Thus we find that we can have a treasure in heaven, a treasure without compare, even Christ Himself, and not only that, but we can build up upon that foundation, "gold, silver and precious stones" (1 Cor. 3:12).

Friend, is not this worth serious thought on your part? This treasure is an eternal treasure, that will never be exhausted, and the One who guarantees it, is none other than the Almighty and Everlasting God, maker of Heaven and Earth.

Devotedness Pays

When a man is really on the Lord's side, there will always be some evidence of it. He begins to follow the Lord. He is like blind Bartimaeus, who when cured, "followed Jesus in the way." Mark 10:52.

Jonathan surrendered heart and everything to David (1 Sam. 18:3 and 4). It was a complete surrender of himself to the Deliverer.

That is what is wanted today in the case of every young person converted to Christ. I beseech you to be whole-hearted in your surrender to the Lord. Devotedness pays; half-heartedness is a profound mistake.

There are some believers who have too much of Christ to enjoy the world.

There are others who have too much of the world to really enjoy Christ. This class is to be studiously avoided. They are no use in the Church, and get no respect from the world.

The Folly of Half-Trust

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart." Prov. 3:5.

"I carried a check half-way to the bank. Did the bank therefore pay me half the value of the check? Nay; the bank didn't pay me a penny till I went all the way to the cashier's desk. Then the check was paid in full.

"Half-trust in God is no trust at all, and gets no reward; and that is why so many Christians lead flabby lives.”

If God be God, then trust Him. We can never put too much trust in God. But we can easily put too little.

"He That Believeth Hath"

A gospel tent was pitched in a country district. Attending its services was a young woman, who lived with the minister of the place. As she listened night after night she became more and more anxious to be saved. At last the night of her decision came.

John 5:24, that well-known text that has brought blessing to untold thousands, was the means of her blessing. Why not yours, dear anxious friend? The Lord Jesus says, "Verily, verily I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

The news of her conversion soon reached the ears of the minister. One day she was in his study, and he said to her "Mary, I hear you have been to that tent.”

"Yes, sir," she replied.

"Well, Mary, you can get all the Bible teaching that you want from my ministration, and you surely don't need to go to a tent to hear an un-ordained preacher. I have been trained for the ministry. See all my books of reference. If you have any question to ask, come to me, and I will give you a right answer.”

"Well, sir," said Mary, "there is one question I would like to ask.”

"What is that?" said the minister.

"Well, sir, I would like to ask you the meaning of the word, hath.”

It was not with the idea of being bold or impudent that Mary asked this question. The fact was she was so rejoicing in the assurance of salvation, that this was her way of testifying to it. It would have been out of place, both because of her position in the house, and because of her youth, for her to have thought of instructing the minister. So this was her simple artless way of confessing. So the minister replied,

"Well, Mary, hath means...! Well the meaning is so simple that anyone can understand what hath means. Hath, hath, well it means hath—it means that you have it.”

"Yes," said Mary, "that is just what I believe. I heard a text from God's word in the tent, `He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life' John 3:36. I do believe on the Lord Jesus, and I have everlasting life.”

What could the minister say? Mary's faith was in the Savior, and her assurance was founded on the unshakeable foundation of God's own Word. Her position was unassailable.

"He that believeth hath.”

Do you believe this, dear anxious friend? You may well believe it. If you can believe anyone, surely you can believe God.

"He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar." 1 John 5:10.

"It is impossible for God to lie." Heb. 6:18.

Life, whether natural or spiritual, must ever be a gift.

"The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

You cannot pay for a gift. You cannot work for a gift. You must receive a gift.

If you were offered $100 on condition that you walked across the road, and posted a letter, it would not be a gift. It would be very, very easily earned, but it would not be a gift.

Will you receive this gift? It comes "through Jesus Christ our Lord." The Son of God had to become Man, and die on the cross of shame to atone for sin, to satisfy God's righteous claims, so that grace might "reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 5:21). It is all so wonderful and simple, "He that believeth hath.”

The reader may say, How simple! Yes, surely the way of salvation is very simple, but it is also profound.

The poorest can have it, for it is "without money and without price." The richest can have it, but only as a gift. Their riches are not of the kind that can purchase such a priceless treasure. Their currency, let it run into millions, is as worthless as refuse, in a matter of this kind. The most wicked can have it, for the Savior says, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out" John 6:37. The most upright and religious need it for "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life," John 3:36, and with everlasting life you get all the blessings of the gospel, forgiveness of sins, salvation, justification and all else.

"He that believeth hath."

Why not take God at His word? It will never fail. The greatest possible blessing is now within your grasp as an unmerited gift.

"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23. There is no mistake about "the wages.”

You must either have "the wages"—"the wages of sin"—or "the gift"—"the gift of God." Which shall it be?

"He that believeth hath.”

Make your choice. Heaven or hell is the alternative, "wages" or "gift"—

"He that believeth hath.”

The Love of Christ

"The Love of Christ which Passeth Knowledge." Eph. 3:19.

The love of Christ is an ocean, and no line can sound its depths. It is a sky of unknown dimensions, and no flying machine can reach its heights. It is a width of unsurpassed country, and no survey can find its boundary. It is a mine of wealth, and no delving of man can estimate or exhaust its riches. It is a pole of attraction, which no explorer can discover, and the love of. Christ is a forest of beauty, and no botanist can find and describe its variety, and best of all, "The Son of God loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

"CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE: I WILL DELIVER THEE; AND THOU SHALT GLORIFY ME.”

Psa. 51:15.

"CAST THY BURDEN UPON THE LORD, AND HE SHALL SUSTAIN THEE."

Psa. 55:22

March

The Power of the Word of God

Two Christian young men, neither of whom had been converted more than a few months, might have been seen entering a low lodging-house in one of the poorest parts of the city. The house was frequented by men and women who had been in prison, and was known in the neighborhood as "the thieves' hole.”

Neither of the young men had ever visited a lodging house before, but the love of God had been shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit, and they longed to tell others of the Savior who had sought and found them. They had prayed to be guided, and they believed that God was able, even in "the thieves' hole," to give an open door for the gospel of His grace; so on the Lord's Day evening of which I write they decided to make the attempt.

Permission to hold a short gospel service in the kitchen had to be asked of the manager, who replied in a gruff fashion, "Ye' can try it, if ye' like, but take my word for it, ye' find 'em a rough lot.”

They thanked him and entered the room, in which they found about forty people, some smoking, others drinking, and there was quite a Babel of voices, some loud and angry, others fretful and complaining.

After singing a hymn and offering a few words of prayer, one of them read as his text, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

He had hardly done so when a tall, rough-looking man with a face red with passion, came close up to him, and shaking his fist in the face of the preacher, said, "How dare you come here to trouble us with these things?”

"We do not come to trouble you, my friends," was the gentle reply, "we come to bring you a blessed message, that 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'”

"I suppose you think we are worse than other people.”

"No, I do not; the Bible says, 'All have sinned,' but 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'”

"How do you know that what you are telling us is the truth?”

"'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin,' and it has cleansed me from my sins.”

"Have you nothing else to tell us, Mr. Ignorance?”

"Nothing better than this: 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'”

Nearly all the men in the lodging-house had by this time gathered round the young men, asking infidel questions and making sneering remarks. To each the same answer was given, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

After this glorious gospel text had been repeated about thirty times, finding that there was no hope of being able to hold a service, they withdrew, sad and discouraged, saying to each other, "Our visit has been a complete failure. Such work needs someone older, and with more experience, who would have been able to obtain quiet and get a hearing. We must not give up the thieves' hole' but try to get some one used to such rough, uphill work to go next week.”

During the next few days several older preachers were applied to, but one and all had some prior engagement. There was nothing for it, but to go again themselves. Tremblingly yet trustingly they again visited the lodging-house; the man who had so opposed them only one short week before, gave them a pleasant greeting saying, "I could not get that text out of my head. I could not sleep all night for thinking of it. On Monday it kept saying itself over to me. I went out to try and forget it, but I could not get away from it. On Tuesday I took drink to try and drown its voice, but it was a, failure. On Wednesday I began to think it might be true; I had heard it before when I was a boy in the Sunday school. On Thursday I turned it into a bit of a prayer, and now I want you to tell me if you really think that 'blood' can cleanse me from all the sins of a bad, black life?”

The way of salvation through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ was simply explained to the man in whose soul there seemed no reason to doubt a real work of God had begun. That night he accepted Christ as his Savior, and by a changed life gave proof that he had passed from death to life; for him "old things" had passed away. He could truly say, "The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

From that day to this a gospel service has been held every Sunday evening in the lodging-house, and though the listeners come and go, and are almost without exception very, very poor, there is generally a quiet and attentive listening to the message of salvation.

My dear reader, can you say, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son has cleansed me from all my sins?”

"Forever With the Lord"

These words were the last ones spoken by a young man just before leaving this world. Raised by Christian parents, he had heard the gospel truths very early in life, but he had not yet decided for Christ, though God found a way to bring him to Himself. He became ill, and as he had to be doctored away from home, he missed his parents, especially his mother's tender care more than anything else. He could be with them only when they came to see him, and that was for only a few moments, which made the partings even more painful.

It was the hope of all that he would get well rapidly, but "God's ways are not our ways," yet all He does is well done.

We reach such conclusions, sometimes after a painful experience, but most of the time we feel that we may not understand His ways till we reach our heavenly Home.

So it was in the case of this young man, instead of getting well, he became worse, and when he realized that there was not much hope for his recovery, he was brought to see the necessity of accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior.

In surrendering his heart to Him, he found Him also to be a good Shepherd, and a faithful Friend. He felt wonderfully sustained, comforted and encouraged by His divine Presence, and peace was in his heart in the joy of his salvation, and it showed on his happy face, especially when the name of Jesus was mentioned.

After six months of patient suffering, God took him Home to Himself, but just before leaving this world, he said, "Forever with the Lord.”

No doubt, he had reached the conclusion that the main attraction in his heavenly Home, would be his precious Savior.

So may it be with all who read these lines. May they come to the end of their lives with the same bright anticipation through knowing the Savior as their own.

"Why Didn't I See It Before?"

Mrs.— was much stirred up in her soul.

Several of her friends and neighbors were being blessed under the preaching of the gospel in the town. One and another who had always thought that nobody could be sure of salvation till they came to the final Day of Judgment were being undeceived. The Word of God was setting them free; for the Word of God not only says a man can be sure of his salvation before the day of judgment, but it says also that the believer in Christ "shall not come to judgment, but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24.)

It says that "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" (1 John 5:1); that the sins of all such are forgiven (2:12); and it wants them to know the blessed portion which is theirs now in this life (5:13).

This lady seemed unable to lay hold of it. She had been so long trying to build up some airy religious fabric that to simply believe the Word of God seemed too childlike.

"Can you really and honestly say, in the face of eternity, that you are saved now, that you are sure of heaven?" she asked of her neighbor.

"Yes," said the neighbor, "I can, and therefore I enjoy sweet peace with God.”

"O that I could say it too!" was the earnest though sad reply.

"Only believe," said her neighbor. "It is all done: only believe.”

"The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to go to the cross to die for sinners, to bear the judgment of God that was due to all sinners, and now all who will accept Him as their Savior and Lord are eternally saved.”

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15.

A few days later, as she sat listening to the precious gospel of Christ, she perceived how that by His blood He had obtained eternal redemption for us poor guilty sinners. She believed, simply, and with a face shining for joy, she said, "Why didn't I see it before? It is so simple that it is a wonder how I could miss it.”

God grant that none who may read these pages may finally "miss it.”

Until I saw the blood,

'Twas hell my soul was fearing,

And dark and dreary in mine eyes

The future was appearing,

While conscience told its tale of sin

And caused a weight of woe within.

But when I saw the blood,

And looked at Him who shed it,

My right to peace was seen at once

And I with transport read it:

I found myself to God brought nigh,

And "Victory!" became my cry.

The fear of death was passed,

The sense of sin had vanished,

And all my misery of soul

Was now forever banished

By the blest truth, which, entered in—

That Jesus' blood cleanseth from sin.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life. 1 John 5:13.

The Unread Letter

A young man lay dying in India. He had left his home years before and had "wasted his substance." At length, reduced to need, he wrote to his home, and asked his father for money and help.

In due course he received a letter and eagerly looked for an enclosure—a money order or check. But nothing was found. Impatiently and angrily, he threw the letter aside and would not read it.

Now ill and nearing his end, his thoughts turned to his home and parents, and he asked an attendant to find and read the long-discarded letter.

It told of his father's loving desire that he should return home, and of how he had bought a business for him. Then it went on to say that he had only to apply to a banker in the city, and the necessary money would be supplied for all his voyage.

Now, too late, the young man learned how fully the father had provided for him.

He had slighted all this love and care.

How like was he to the sinner away from God. He only desires provision to fulfill his own desires. He knows not the gospel of God, and of all the fullness of blessing which awaits the returning prodigal. He has no desire for God, and thinks of Him as a Judge waiting to pour out His wrath upon him. That God is "The God of all grace," he does not believe. But He is, and would have all to be saved—even you.

Have you read His message?

"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

The Nobleman's Daughter or Christ for Me

The daughter of an English nobleman, worldly, proud, ambitious, and fond of pleasure, was brought to know Jesus as her Savior. Her conversion was manifested in her life and ways.

Her father, who was a thorough man of the world, was greatly displeased and sought in every way to lead her into the world, in the hope that she might give up her "foolish notions.”

Temptations in worldly society, extravagance in dress, and traveling in foreign countries were all tried, to drag her down again to the level of the poor world. But her heart was fixed: Jesus was more to her than all the earth could give, and to Him she was resolved to cleave.

Baffled and disappointed, her father resolved upon one last effort, by which his end should be gained, or his daughter's earthly prospects ruined. A large company of nobility were invited to his home. It was arranged that during the festivities the daughters of different noblemen should entertain the company by singing, accompanied with music on the piano. She was chosen as one of the number. It was a moment of trial for the young believer. If she complied, and joined in singing the songs of the world, her testimony for Christ would be wrecked and her communion with God broken. If she refused, her father had threatened to expel her from his home. She would be publicly disgraced, and lose her place in society. The gay company were gathered together, and one after another performed her part.

At last the name of this young lady was announced, and the eyes of all were turned toward her. The crisis had come, and every one wondered how the scale would turn. She arose, and with a calm and dignified composure, took her seat at the instrument. Her father thought he had gained his point. After a few moments of silent prayer, then, with a voice of unearthly sweetness and solemnity, she sang,

No room for mirth or trifling here,

For worldly hope or worldly fear

If life so soon be gone;

If now the Judge is at the door,

And all mankind must stand before

The inexorable throne.

No matter which my thoughts employ,

A moment's misery or joy;

But O, when both shall end,

Where shall I find my destined place?

Shall my everlasting days

With fiends or angels spend?

When the singing ceased the solemnity of eternity was upon that gay assembly. Then without speaking, they dispersed, one after another slipping from the room.

The father wept aloud; and when he was left alone with his daughter, he asked her prayers for his soul's salvation; and her prayers were not in vain, for the proud man was humbled before God to confess himself a sinner, to accept by faith the Savior of the lost as his own, and to follow and live for Him. His life, his wealth and his talents were henceforth the Lord's.

Unconverted reader! it may be the fear of man that is keeping you from Christ. You dread the frown of relatives who, like yourself, are without Christ. You need not. If you claim the Lord Jesus as your own and only Savior, He will strengthen you, and give you courage to own Him before friend and foe, as your own and only Lord.

"How long halt ye between two opinions?",Choose this day between Christ and the world.

"The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." 1 John 2:17.

Extract: The Heavenly Calling

Many have been led astray by the idea that we must work up to a heavenly position by shaking off the things of earth. This is to begin at the wrong end. We do not put away things of earth in order to become heavenly, but because we are so.

We have the heavenly calling independent of everything, and in proportion as we enter into it, will we be separate from earth. But to make our standing the result of conduct, instead of conduct the result of standing, is a grievous error.

"He Loved Me, and Gave Himself for Me" Gal. 2:20

Thy love, Lord Jesus, ever be

The link between Thyself and me:

Thy truth, the staff on which I lean,

Thyself, the power from earth to wean;

Thy strength in weakness perfect made

On Thee, the Mighty, help is laid.

Let me never from Thee stray,

Keep me in the narrow way;

Clothe me in Thine armor bright,

Keep me walking in the light;

Ever looking off to Thee

Nothing in myself to see.

"COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD: THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL.”

Isa. 1:18.

"REDEEMED... WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST."

1 Peter 1:19.

April

"What Shall I Say to Him?"

In visiting among cottages, from place to place, I heard of a notorious reputed witch, whose evil power was stated to be fearful in destruction of property, etc. The belief prevailed that the losses of those who had the misfortune to offend these so-called witches, was very serious.

A woman near to whom I lived, had experienced some troubles of this kind, and it led me to visit the old woman who bore this dreadful character. The people strongly advised me not to go, saying she had sold herself to the devil, and it was not safe for anyone to go to see her. Turning a deaf ear to all of this, I called and found her ill and in bed; surely, if looks betray character, she certainly had a very bad one.

After some inquiries as to her health, I asked her if she had expected to get better.

"No," she replied.

"Where will you go if you die?" I asked.

She stared at me fiercely, like a tiger about to spring from its lair. I gently put my hand on her shoulder, and she screamed out, "I'm going to hell! I'm wicked! I'm going to hell! I'm wicked!”

"But why do you wish to go to hell?”

"I don't want to go, but I'm forced to go.”

"But who is it that forces you to go to hell?”

"The devil," she said. "I have served him all my life.”

"But did you never hear of God, and His Son Jesus Christ who came down from heaven to save us from going to hell?”

"No.”

"Did you never hear of God?" "No, I can't read; I'm wicked.”

"But do you not know what love is? Had you a child?”

"Yes, I had eight.”

"But don't they love you?”

"No, they robbed me.”

"Did not your husband love you?”

"No, he turned me out of doors.”

"And did you never love anyone?”

"No, I'm wicked, I hate all-everybody.”

Finding all was of no avail, I asked her if she would like a few nice things to eat.

"I can't have it. No one will give it to me.”

"O yes, I will give it to you; this very night I will send it to you." Her amazement was equal to her horror before.

"Will you sure?”

"Yes; so you see somebody loves you. Now I want to tell you that someone else loves you, and sent me to tell you about His love.”

"Who is that?”

"It is the great God, the King of the world. He lives up there above the sky. This great King made all things. He made you. This great King has one Son, whom He loves very much, because He deserves to be loved; yes, this great King loved you so very much that He sent His Son all the way down from heaven to die for those, who, like you, have been committing sins all their lives. And He has sent me with this letter to read to you, that you may not go to hell but to heaven. I then read to her John 3: and sought to make her understand He would not turn away from her.

"But will He hear a poor old thing like me?”

"Yes," I said, "He will.”

"But what shall I say to him?”

"Just tell Him what you are afraid of. Tell Him what you have told me, that you are wicked.”

She at once looked straight up to the ceiling as if she saw someone there and said, with all the vehemence of despair, "O Lord, have mercy on a wicked old woman like me—I have been a wicked old woman all my life." She kept saying this till she cried bitterly.

I then taught her that beautiful passage, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.”

This she repeated after me till she had it in her memory. I then left her; and before I called again she sent for me. Her first words were, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." I asked her who Jesus Christ was.

"He is the Son of the King of the sky." "Well what has He done for you?" "O, He has died for me!”

I need not say much more, only that she found out that God loved her, and this soon made her love every one. I saw her many times subsequently, and each time found that the word had taken deeper root in her heart.

"I do not know the future.

But I know the God who does know.”

A Backslider Restored

"Will you come in and rest while you listen?" I said to a man who was standing in the doorway of a room where one of God's servants was just closing his address on Man's Ruin and God's Remedy

"No, thank you," was his reply, "I have heard all the preacher has said, but I am a backslider for many months, and fear I cannot be restored.”

In an instant a text of scripture came into my mind, and turning over the leaves of my Bible I read to him these words, "I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely, for mine anger is turned away from him." Hos. 14:4.

"This verse," I said, "must be sent straight from God to you. It is a verse that is not familiar to me, yet it seemed to be given me immediately after you told me your difficulty.”

"It must be so," he said; "where is it?" and he took out his own small Bible and handed it to me, and then read the words himself.

I touched his arm and asked him to come in and speak to the preacher.

"No! No need," said he, "I have what I wanted. I have Christ. Thank you very much," and shaking my hand, he turned and was gone, but his face bore a smile of joy instead of sadness.

Dear reader, if you should be one who has known the love of Jesus, and yet got away from Him in heart, you need to be restored.

Or if one who is seeking peace with God, and listening to one or another, and trying to get light from what they say as to the way of salvation, can you not see from this little incident that what you seek is only to be found in Christ Himself? He says, "Come unto Me... and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life." John 14:6.

The Peddler's Song

One cold November evening a party of worldly young men were going to dine together in a fashionable hotel. As they were at the entrance, one of the party who had caught sight of a cripple sitting near the door with his basket of tapes and buttons, said to his friends, "Let us give that old chap a feed.”

They all agreed quickly that it would be great fun, and they took him into the hotel along with them, and gave him a seat at the table that was prepared for them.

When they had dined, they told humorous stories and sang gay songs. Their humble guest partook of their warm-hearted hospitality with quiet thankfulness, but they insisted on his making some acknowledgment. They shouted, "It is your turn now to give us a song, so tune up.”

He raised his heart to God for help to testify for Him to that careless company, and sang, "My Jesus I love Thee, I know Thou art mine." For Thee all the pleasures of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou! If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tie now.

By the time he had sung the first verse, the noisy hilarity had given place to perfect silence, so the old man, inwardly crying for strength, sang on—

I love Thee, because Thou halt first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I would love Thee in life, I would love Thee in death,

And praise Thee as long as thou lendest me breath;

And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tie now.

The old man's voice quivered with emotion as he bravely sang the last verse but the gorgeous room wore a faded look, the feast seemed poor, and some of the well-to-do young men felt themselves poor, too, realizing that their needy guest had riches of another sort.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright.

I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow—

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

The party broke up quietly and the eyes of some of them were full of tears.

Next morning the old cripple sat in his accustomed place, a lady drove up and getting out, came to him. Her son had been at the dinner on the previous evening, and she wished him to come to her house with her, as her son was in great distress of soul after hearing him sing as he did.

Gladly the old man went with her, and before he left the house the young man was saved.

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" James 2:5.

"Hath Everlasting Life"

Picturesque and beautiful, and in some places undulating with trees and deep ravines, rugged precipices and overhanging crags with romantic and lovely banks of a beautiful river which flows peacefully along, which is lovely in Spring and Summer, and largely frequented by delighted visitors.

But the beauties of the river are nothing to a heavy heart, as mine was on an early summer morning, that I had a holiday and was invited by a friend to spend the day in this lovely valley. The truth is, I had been convicted of sin while attending some evangelistic meetings being held in the town, and my friend hoped that a day in the country would free me from what the poet calls "dull care," and restore to me the buoyancy and brightness of earlier years, in which, as a worldly young man, I had shared the common joys of the average young man of the world. But eternal facts had been revealed to me, and pressed on my attention at those meetings, and I could no longer enjoy the frivolities of life as I had done in earlier years. Eternity had come to me as a great reality, and I had no knowledge of where that eternity was to be spent. I walked along the banks of the river, thinking of what I had heard at the meetings the previous week. And the words of a hymn sung at these meetings came to my mind with a meaning which had not been realized by me before. The words were:

O what can equal joy Divine

And what can sweeter be

Than knowing that the soul is safe

For all Eternity?

Safe in the Lord, without a doubt,

By virtue of the Blood,

For nothing can destroy the life

That's hid with Christ in God.

I stood still while these words rang through my memory and left their impress on my soul. Could it be true that I might know my soul "safe for all Eternity." A text often quoted at the meeting, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36) came with great force and light into my heart, and I said aloud: That "hath everlasting life," gives me the very thing I have long wanted. I see now how that life may be mine.

Then and there, I believed God's Word and "passed from death unto life," as John 5:24 has it. I then rejoiced in the knowledge and sweet assurance of my salvation.

Years have come and gone, and many "ups and downs" have been experienced by me throughout the years, but that word "hath everlasting life" is unchanged as it was when I first believed in Christ, and received the assurance of my personal salvation many years ago.

And that Word of the Lord is as true today as it was then. I still rejoice in the assurance of my personal salvation, and testify of it to all my friends and companions. For what the Word of the Lord says is the same "yesterday and today and forever.”

"I change, He changes not,

My Christ can never die;

His love, not mine, the resting-place,

His truth, not mine, the tie.”

Impending

"The earth also, and the things that are therein, shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10.

All that about which the children of this world are so intensely anxious—after which they are so eagerly grasping—for which they are so fiercely contending,—all—all will be burned up. And who can tell how soon? His judgments now hang over this guilty world. The day is at hand; and while judgments impend, the sweet story of grace is being told out to many an ear.

Happy they who hear and believe that story! Happy they who flee to the strong mountain of God's salvation! Who take refuge behind the cross of the Son of God, and therein find pardon and peace!

As and So

Man's Ruin

"As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, So by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous." Rom. 5:19.

God's Salvation

"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14,15.

God's Pardon

"As far as the east is from the west, So far hath He removed our transgressions from us." Psa. 103:12.

The Believer's Present Security

"As He is, so are we in this world." 1 John 4:17.

How the Believer is loved by Christ

"As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you." John 15:9.

The Believer's Mission

"As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." John 17:18.

I'm Not Going without It

Canon Wilberforce tells a pathetic story illustrating the force of the little word "now." A miner, hearing the gospel preached, determined that, if the promised blessing of immediate salvation were indeed true, he would not leave the presence of the minister who was declaring it until assured of its possession himself. He waited after the meeting to speak with the minister, and in his simple way said, "Didn't you say I could have the blessing now?”

"Yes, my friend.”

"Then pray with me, for I'm not going away without it.”

And they did pray, until the wrestling miner heard silent words of comfort and cheer.

"I've got it now!" cried the miner, his face reflecting the joy within: "I've got it now!”

The next day a frightful accident occurred at the mines. The same minister was called to the scene, and among the men, dead and dying, was the quivering, almost breathless body of the man who, only the night before, big and brawny, came to him to know if salvation could really be had now, for the asking.

There was but a fleeting moment of recognition between the two ere the miner's soul took flight; but in that moment he had time to say in reply to the minister's sympathy,

"O I don't mind, for I've got it—I've got it—it's mine!”

Then the name of this poor man went into the sad list of the "killed." There was no note made of the royal inheritance to which he had but a few hours before come into possession, and all by his believing grip of the word "now.”

"Behold, now, is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

'THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE: BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE."

Isa. 26:3.

"BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM."

Psa. 2:12.

May

Pearl Harbor

The fleet lay at anchor in the harbor on Saturday, December 6, 1941, and business was carried on as usual in the city of Honolulu. The sailors had their shore leaves, and the evening was spent as any other Saturday evening. There had been rumors that war might break out some day, but as yet there was nothing to cause alarm. Soldiers, sailors, and civilians retired that night with a feeling of safety and security. True, the horrors of war were being experienced in other parts of the world; but in Hawaii everything was so quiet and peaceful that there was apparently no reason for concern.

However, about seven o'clock on Sunday morning, without warning, the harbor, barracks, and city were attacked. War had not been declared; in fact the envoys were talking peace. Nevertheless, war was there with all its realities. The first blows were struck with fury, resulting in considerable loss of life, bodily injury, and property damage.

Many years before, there was another tragic day which caught the people wholly unprepared. That day was more disastrous than December seventh at Pearl Harbor, for it was accompanied with almost total loss of life. There have been many sad disasters in the world's history, but this one was the worst to date. The people had become very wicked, and God could no longer bear with them in patience; so He sent a messenger to warn them—Noah, a just man. The people did not believe the message, but Noah believing it, knew that judgment was coming; therefore, he built an ark that would rise above the waters of judgment. None but Noah and his family turned to God in repentance, or sought refuge from the coming storm. God tells us of the rest in these words: "As in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away." Matt. 24:38, 39.

In this case, the people had plenty of warnings as they listened to Noah's preaching, and saw him building the ark, but they went unheeded. At Pearl Harbor there was no warning, and the storm broke like a hurricane. Both instances, however, prove that trouble and even death can come unexpectedly. Eating, drinking, marrying, and all of the ordinary pursuits of life are no guarantee of safety.

Now let us take a sane and sober look into the future. The judgment of God hangs over the world today, for it is guilty of the rejection and crucifixion of His Son. Yet people today, as in the days before the flood, are living carelessly, while judgment approaches. Absence of worry or indifference is no guarantee that all is well. Every fisherman's carefully baited hook proves that danger and death lurk where least expected. Lack of concern on the part of the victim does not make the sad end any more pleasant.

Friend, your very enjoyments, occupation, or family, may be as the bait that hides the fatal hook. Anything that so occupies you as to make you indifferent to the judgment of God, is like a covering over the eyes as you approach the edge of a precipice. Stop! Listen!

"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord." 2 Thess. 1:7-9.

There is also another matter of deep concern for you. You may not live until the judgment falls on this guilty world, for you might not see many more days. Life is very uncertain at best and today it is more so. Even should you die first, you would not escape the judgment of God; for He Himself tells us, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" Heb. 9:27.

But, friend, there is a sure and certain way of escape from that judgment. You can without fail escape both the judgment that will surely fall on the world, and the judgment that is after death. You can even be sure of it now. Frankly, now, would you not like to make your escape sure and certain? The way is very simple and will cost you nothing. Here it is, "Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6. He died for sinners. He, the sinless One, bore the whole storm and wrath of a holy God against sin, in order that you might not have to meet it. All that He requires of you is to come to Him as a guilty sinner, and believe that He died for you.

The incident of Noah in the ark should illustrate the way of escape. Those inside of the ark were safe, though the waters rose higher and higher, for the ark bore all the storm for them.

"Will you not flee to Jesus Christ, the true Ark of safety today? He invites you to come, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

Please do not close your eyes to your peril, but instead make sure your escape by taking the salvation that is offered free. It cost God the best Gift He had to make this way of escape possible. Be wise; take it now and thank God for it. Do not go back to a false peace on the brink of judgment, but find true "Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

Not yet

"Go thy way for this time."

Acts 24:25.

The Savior calls! He speaks to all;

"O! Listen to My cry;

I'll set you free from Satan's thrall—

O, why, then, will you die?

Believe in Me—believe today:”

Men list awhile then turn away,

Their hearts intently set

On something they would first obtain,

Renown or pleasure, ease or gain,

And they respond, "Not yet!”

"Not yet: I wish to get a name,”

Said one whose cheeks were pale,

Already known to earthly fame,

Yet wishing to excel;

"Relieved of all my labor soon,

Rest shall be mine—a long-sought boon,

Then I will seek Thy face."

Alas! before it came he fell,

And sad, O sad, indeed, to tell,

Unsought the God of grace.

"Not yet," said one, and went her way,

On pleasure bent alone,—

"I'll think of Thee another day,

When age comes creeping on.”

Then mingling in the busy crowd,

Her heart was light, her laugh was loud,

As pleasure's round she tried;

But sickness came—again the voice

Said, "Make the Savior now thy choice.”

"Not yet," she said, and died.

"Not yet: my business claims my mind,”

Said one, and went his way;

"Another season I must find,—

I cannot yield today.”

Forthwith with heart and soul he went,

On enterprise and business bent,

Nor thought of aught beside;

Immersed in cares, no time he found,

To think to where his soul was bound,

And so he lived, and died.

"Not yet!" alas! the echoed phrase,

We hear as on we wend,

From youthful lips, and those whose days,

Are drawing to an end.

Life, precious life, they thus despise,

For while they wait, the blessing flies:

The Savior says, "Today.”

Be wise; on Jesus fix thy heart,

And choosing thus the "better part,”

Rejoicing, speed thy way.

"Jesus Died for Me"

One day, while walking in a park, I saw a woman wandering in the shrubbery in a curious, aimless way.

As I drew near she came towards me and after a little talk with her, for she seemed to be in trouble, I asked her if she was saved. She replied that she was not but that she desired it greatly and for a long time had been in great trouble about her soul.

God's great love was put before her and the way of salvation He has provided through the death of His Son on the cross, His resurrection and ascension to glory.

By God's grace she grasped the truth eagerly and after a short time was led to trust the Lord Jesus as her own personal Savior.

When I saw her again she told me that after she was converted a man came and hired the lake for fishing, and for rowing the people about who visited the park, and she said, "He gets his meals with me, but I do not like it, for he is an unbeliever, and I do not as yet know how to answer his questions.”

I advised her not to try to do so, for I told her that no matter how firm he seemed to be in his opinions they would not support him when he came to die.

Later the man gave up his employment and went with his wife to live in B. Not being able to call on the woman for some time, I sent a Christian friend with a letter from myself. In this letter I told her the story of Lord Roden and the short poem written on paper and pinned on his library chimney piece.

The incident was as follows:

A friend who often came to see his lordship was observed to walk across the room every time and read the verse,

"In peace let me resign my breath

And Thy salvation see,

My sins deserve eternal death

But Jesus died for me.”

Lord Roden remarked to his friend,

"You seem to enjoy my little poem?”

"Yes," said he, "it has done me good, and has been used to my salvation.”

In my letter to the poor woman I quoted this. Having read my letter, the gatekeeper spoke to my friend of the infidel of whom she had told me on my former visit and remarked: "I have just received a letter from the man's wife to say that her husband is dying and in great agony about his soul. He feels he is lost and says, `O for someone to show me what to do.' "

The woman said to my friend,

"Suppose we send him Miss C's. letter?”

This was agreed upon, and the letter was dispatched as soon as possible that evening.

The next day, as the poor man lay in despair, suddenly the postman knocked.

"O," said he, "perhaps something is coming that will do me good! Get the letter quickly and read it to me.”

His wife lost no time, and the letter was read slowly and emphatically by her to him, and as she came to the words,

"In peace let me resign my breath

And Thy salvation see,

My sins deserve eternal death,

But Jesus died for me.”

he called aloud,

"Stop, I have all I want,”

"My sins deserve eternal death,

But Jesus died for me.”

He fully trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of his soul.

Beloved reader. God's ways are wonderful. He used the feeble instrumentality of a little stanza for the eternal blessing of several persons.

"God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

Riches

A few years ago there was a miner living in A. who was prospecting for gold. One day he found some very rich ore, so he started for the land office to file his claim. But while on his way, he met an old friend whom he had not seen for several years. They stood and talked over old times for awhile, and then resorted to a saloon to treat each other. (This is a token of friendship among a great many people, especially among miners.) They indulged in drink after drink, so after a few hours the miner thought he had better go to the land office and get the required papers to hold his mine. But when he got there, to his astonishment and disappointment, he found that a man had been there just a little before him, and taken his claim. But his disappointment deepened as time went on; the mine proved to be a very rich one, for the man who got it made a fortune out of it.

As the poor miner labored hard for daily bread, he thought of the fortune that might have been his, which would have released him from hard toil for the rest of his life. But he had allowed the opportunity to slip away by drinking with his friend.

Now, let us be careful lest our foolishness far surpass his; for there are thousands of people who are running after the fancies, and vanities of this fleeting life and who will soon be too late to obtain the riches and glory that God is now offering them. It is not the kind of riches that the miner lost. It is "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away," and it is "reserved in heaven" (1 Peter 1:4).

O, let us be warned by the miner's tardy actions, and heed those words of love and grace, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

The miner's accepted time was when he started for the land office and your accepted time is now.

Listen to the solemn word of God, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation." Heb. 2:3.

What will it be to be wrapped in the shades of endless night, in that place of deep despair, with fiends and devils for companions, and to know that thousands are in fadeless light and glory; and then to say I might have been there, too, enjoying the blissful company of Jesus, saints and angels, but I neglected it in the pursuit of life's fleeting pleasures!

O, be wise; accept of Christ as your Savior now, and you will have the riches "reserved in heaven," which will never fade away.

Are You Prepared to Meet God?

I was much struck by three instances of sudden death which a servant of God related while preaching the gospel.

The first was that of a young lady living at R—, to whom he spoke about her soul's salvation.

"There is plenty of time to think about that sort of thing later on," was her reply.

In less than a week this poor young creature was laid on her dying bed. The preacher visited her, and begged her to accept 'Christ as her Savior, but her agonized cry was, "It is too late now, too late now, God will not receive me now;" and then she called out, "O God, stop my breath," and fell back a corpse.

The second was that of a young sailor who heard of the conversion of his mate, and going up to him said, "I hear you are saved. How did it come about?”

"Well," said the other, "I heard the story of Jesus' love for me, how He suffered and died in my stead. and I just believed it, and thanked Him for it, and He saved me.”

"Is that all? It sounds easy, I must think about it," was the reply.

The next day that poor young fellow fell from the mast head and was picked up dead. He, like Felix of old, put off looking into these important matters until a "more convenient season" (Acts 24:25).

The third incident was a bright contrast to the other two. The preacher and a young man in the Soudan belonging to the Naval Brigade were speaking together on the eve of a battle, wondering if they would be killed in the oncoming fight. The young man said, "I am not afraid to die, for sudden death would be sudden glory for me.”

He then went in and out among his companions distributing tracts and speaking a word of solemn warning to those around him. The next day that dear young fellow was shot down and carried into camp dead.

Reader, with which of these will you spend eternity? The two first who died without Christ; or with the young soldier who was prepared to meet his God and who is now with Christ?

Beware of procrastination; God says, "Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1.

"The Lord is at hand;" repent and turn to Him before it is too late.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

Do not act the Christian, by doing good deeds and attending a place of worship on Sunday; but be a Christian, by simply trusting in Jesus as your Savior, then you can work for Him.

Let me again urge you to prepare to meet your God.

"BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST."

Eph. 2:8, 9.

"THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."

Rom. 5:1.

June

I've No One Left to Pray for Me Now

For many years an old Christian had been praying for his children.

At last the shock of corn was fully ripe and the long standing sheaf was safely gathered home, leaving his, as yet, unconverted children to bemoan the loss of their parent.

Almost the first thought of one of his married daughters on hearing of his death was, "I've no one left to pray for me now.”

Her father had spent the last days of his life in her home, she had been his constant nurse and doubtless oftentimes had he spoken to her, begging her to accept Christ as her Savior, and more often it would seem spoken of her to his Lord.

The thought of this lack of someone to pray for her now roused this woman to a sense of her need, and day by day her anxiety increased, and no rest could she obtain. The thoughts of her sins filled her mind and occupied her constantly.

Eventually her anguish of soul increasing, she could no longer keep to herself her sense of need, and went to a woman who professed to be a Christian, and told out to her her tale of need and asked her counsel and direction. She obtained no help from her word, but as she left, almost in despair, she was given three or four numbers of a simple gospel magazine.

These she read carefully again and again, but still there was no light, no peace, no rest. At last she went to her room in an agony of soul, and caught up one of the magazines, and at the bottom of one of its pages she read, "It is not our feelings that save us, but faith.”

Throwing herself at her bedside she called upon the Lord, owning what a sinner she was, and saying, "Lord, I do believe.”

At that moment God in His grace turned her eyes away from herself, to Himself, and a voice seemed to say to her as from heaven, "It is not feelings, but faith in Christ which gives peace.”

Rising from her knees, a flood of light filled her soul, and then quiet rest and peace were hers, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, she was saved.

You need Him—Come to Him now.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

"I Know Him, and He Knows Me"

As directed I followed down the street to the last house on the edge of the stream, I then knocked at the door. A girl in her teens opened and said gently, "Come in." Turning my eyes, I saw Mrs. S. pale and emaciated with protracted suffering.

After a few words of introduction and inquiry, I said.

"Do you know Jesus, Mrs. S.?”

Without hesitation, between moans and groans, she said, "Yes, and He knows me.”

Her sufferings were such that I could say no more. I was silent, like the friends of Job.

After her position being changed, and feeling a little more comfortable, she said, "Come near that I may see you," and extended her thin hand to me. I then read seven verses of Rev. 21, dwelling on the 4th verse.

"And God 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 passed away.”

She said, "Pray." After prayer she said, "Sing." The woman that waited on her joined me in singing:

"O! happy day

That fixed my choice,

On Thee, my Savior and my God;

Well may this glowing heart rejoice,

And tell its raptures all abroad.

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away.

He taught me how to watch and pray,

And live rejoicing every day;

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away.”

The Lord will never say to that one,

"I never knew you.”

Reader, do you know that nothing short of personal acquaintance with Jesus will stay your soul and heart in peace, when face to face with eternity.

How does a sinner get acquainted with Jesus? It may begin by hearing of Him, as the men of Sychar (John 4). Come and hear Him, come and trust Him. We know those friends best whom we have trusted and found faithful.

Reader, do you know the Lord Jesus enough to be sure He never will say to you: "Depart from me, I never knew you?”

When man stands on the shore of eternity, three things are appealing to him; God, Sin, Eternity. Take sin away by the blood of the Lamb, and put instead of sin, Jesus, "Who loved me and gave Himself for me," and all is bright; Look to Jesus on the cross; see the blood from His hands, His feet, His side.

"It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”

Look till sight endears the Lamb of God to your heart for eternity.

"I Feel Happy, Because I Know"

"I believe every word that you have said. I believe that Jesus Christ died for sinners, and therefore for me. I do not trust in any works of my own, but in Him alone; yet I cannot say that I am saved. I know quite well that you and others here have the knowledge of their salvation. They are all so happy like; but I cannot feel as if that was the case with me. I wish I could; but I have never been able to say it.”

These were the words spoken to me one night at the close of an Evangelistic meeting, by a young woman to whom I had been speaking personally about Christ, and the way of life. She had been coming very regularly to the meetings; and from the sad expression on her face, I guessed she was not altogether happy in the knowledge of salvation.

She had been religiously brought up, and accustomed from her girlhood to hear it preached as a cardinal point of the Gospel that there must be certain "feelings" and "evidences" found within, ere the assurance of God's salvation could be hoped for. For years she had been earnestly looking for these "evidences" in herself, and using "the means" set forth, as that which would eventually produce them, but without the desired result. She was in real earnest, no doubt about that, but how to get the "feelings" and "evidences," that were to be to her the assurance of salvation received, seemed the great perplexity. After hearing her express herself as above, I said, "I think you are putting the effect before the cause, and looking for "evidences" of something that you do not possess. To illustrate what I mean, Suppose I go to the doctor, and ask him to prescribe for my cough. He gives me a prescription, which I take to the chemist, who dispenses it for me. I go home, but instead of taking the medicine, I sit down and wait for evidences that this is the right medicine, and that I have taken it in the proper way. What then?" She smiled, and said quietly, "I see where I have erred! I have been expecting to feel the joy of salvation before I had salvation itself, and to have the cure without the medicine.”

"Exactly, But you will surely do so no longer. Jesus says, `He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life' John 6:47. Will you believe that you are a possessor of that life, because He says it?" She paused, then calmly said, "Yes, I see it now. Jesus says I have everlasting life. I know I have, because He says it and I feel happy, because I know.”

She now rejoices in salvation.

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God: that ye may know that ye have eternal life." 1 John 5:13.

I Thank Him for His Word "Hath"

We will let a young friend of seventeen years tell of her conversion: A tent meeting was being held in a town about two and a half miles from my home. I had been there several times, and how often would I have given myself to Jesus had not pride kept me back, for I was afraid of what people might say! Yes, through pride I yielded to Satan, who whispered, "There is plenty of time; you are only young, and besides, a great deal better than many other girls, for you go to church regularly, and read your Bible, and say your prayers morning and evening and what else could be expected of you?”

But I was not satisfied, and thought of that verse which speaks of being tried in the balances and being found wanting, and yet I did not know what it was, for surely I was good enough. The more I thought of what the evangelist, who spoke in the tent, said, the more miserable I felt, so I determined I would not go again, for all my righteousnesses seemed as filthy rags after hearing his preaching. My sister, who had been a Christian for some years, knew a little of what was passing in my mind, and she persuaded me to accompany her once more. On our way we spoke about salvation, and I fully made up my mind that come what might, I would give myself to Christ.

At the close of the service the evangelist offered some gospel books, as he had done several times before, to any who were anxious to be saved. How my heart beat! Should I, or should I not accept one? I thought of all I should have to give up if I became a Christian; then I thought, this may be my last opportunity for accepting Christ. Many times He has called me, and I have refused, I thought. Ah! No one but myself and God knows what a battle was fought in those few moments. God, who is always ready to help those who ask Him, helped me then; and the verse, "My grace is sufficient for thee," flashed across my mind, and then with an effort, I got up in front of all the people—I knew nearly all there—and went over to the evangelist and took a book. How I trembled!

When the people were going out, I went over to the evangelist and asked him if I might speak to him. He said,

"I am so glad to see you; you have taken a step tonight in the right path, and I thank God for it;" and then he showed me, as clearly as possible, God's way of salvation. But it seemed too simple, for I was laboring under the mistake that I had something to do to merit salvation, instead of having only to trust the Savior. And is not this a mistake which many anxious ones make? If there was some great thing to do before people could be saved how cheerfully they would do it, but what can we do to save ourselves? Absolutely nothing!

I went home and read through the little book which had been given me, and the next night, as someone who was praying, used these words, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life," applied them to my soul. I thank Him for His word, "Hath.”

The evangelist said to me, "You must look to God and not to yourself." He took a key out of his pocket, and said, "Now suppose you were to ask me for that key, and I offered it to you, would you keep on asking for it when you could take it any minute; and is not that what you have been doing with God? He is offering you forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. You have but to accept.”

Thank God, I did so, and, although very often I have been assailed with doubts and fears, yet I know, "I am His, and He is mine," and I hope and pray I may never be ashamed to own my Lord.

"Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 10:32, 33.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." Rom. 1:16.

"Will I Not Let Him In?"

"Will I not let Him in?" were the words used by a woman, who had been awakened to her true condition before God, for in many ways He had knocked at the door of her heart.

For some time she had regularly attended the gospel preaching, and, though anxious about her soul, she continued unsaved. One night, however, while listening to an address from Rev. 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock," she became still more deeply impressed. The words went home to her heart.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock," kept ringing in her ears during the night, and her weary eyelids sought in vain for sleep. She found no peace till the following night, when, still thinking over the text, she thought she saw Jesus standing at the door of her heart, knocking for admittance, and she said to herself, "Will I not let Him in?”

She did, and joy then entered her troubled soul, and she could say, "Lord Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine.”

The cloud of sorrow passed away, and, with a face beaming with heavenly joy, she rejoiced in the Savior's love to her. Her walk and testimony since that night have shown to those around her the reality of her faith.

Anxious reader, there is also a Savior for you. Is your heart ready for Him? Will you also say, "Will I not let Him in?”

"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near." Isa. 55:6.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Rev. 3:20.

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13.

Not Now

"I intend to become a Christian sometime but not now. Don't trouble yourself about me. I'll attend to it in good time.”

A few weeks after, the man was injured in a saw mill, and, as he lay dying, Mr. Y. was called to him. He found him in despair, saying, "Leave me alone. At your meeting I was almost persuaded, but I would not yield; and now it is too late. O, get my wife, my sisters and my brothers to seek God, and do it now; but leave me alone, for I am lost.”

Within an hour he passed away, with these words on his lips,

"I am lost, I am lost. Just because I would not yield when I was almost persuaded.”

"Almost persuaded," now to believe

"Almost persuaded," Christ to receive;

Seems now some soul to say?—

"Go, Spirit, go Thy way;

Some more convenient day

On Thee I'll call.”

"Almost persuaded;" harvest is past!

"Almost persuaded," doom comes at last!

"Almost" cannot avail;

"Almost" is but to fail;

Sad, sad, that bitter wail—

"Almost"—but lost!

Five Things That Must Happen

"Every eye SHALL SEE HIM" (Rev. 1:7).

"All the dead SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE, and shall come forth from their graves" (John 5:28).

"EVERY KNEE must bow to Jesus" (Phil. 2:10).

"EVERY TONGUE must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phil. 2:11).

"EVERY ONE OF US must give account to God" (Rom. 14:12).

His Grace to Me

Why was I made to hear His voice,

And enter while there's room,

While thousands make the wretched choice,

And rather starve than come.

'Twas the same love that spread the feast,

That sweetly forced me in,

Else I had still refused to taste,

And perished in my sin.

"WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST; THAT EVERY ONE MAY RECEIVE THE THINGS DONE IN HIS BODY, ACCORDING TO THAT HE HATH DONE, WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR BAD."

2 Cor. 5:10.

"I, THE LORD, SEARCH THE HEART."

Jer. 17:10.

July

"He's Mine, and I Know He Loves Me"

In company with a brother in the Lord, I was giving away some tracts at F. A woman was carrying a bucket of water, and as I went up to her to offer her a tract, my brother in Christ said to her, "Would you like to read something about Jesus?”

"Yes, thank you," she immediately replied, her face beaming with joy; "He's mine, and I know He loves me"; and at once offered us her hand in Christian affection.

We entered into conversation with her, and learned she had been brought to the Lord about five years before.

We may not meet that dear woman again down here, but we shall surely meet and spend eternity—a cloudless, praise-filled eternity—together. Her words became fixed on our hearts, and enshrined there, "He's mine, and I know He loves me.”

And this was not only a note of joy to our ears, far better still, it was a note of praise in the Lord's ear. It was the language of the Bride in the Canticles, "I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine"; a song which some poor, trembling, but believing sinners are not able to sing all their life long; but a song the trusting sinner is entitled to sing the moment he trusts. Yes, the moment the sinner trusts Christ, that moment is he entitled to sing, with joy unspeakable and full of glory, "I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine.”

And what security, what holy joy, what deep, deep calm of soul is the portion of the trusting sinner whose this is!

"This, this indeed is peace!”

But it is more than that; it is the all-powerful motive to a life of devotedness to Christ whole-heartedness for Christ -a life whose every action tells, "Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Phil. 3:8.

"For me to live is Christ." Phil. 1:21.

Beloved reader, can you say that this Christ, Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Savior and the "Eternal Lover" of His trusting ones, is yours?

If so, you can use the words of that dear woman, "He's mine, and I know He loves me.”

Certainty, or Presumption?

We have been often told by religious professors that "no one can know his sins forgiven until the great day." Again and again church members have assured us that it is "great presumption for anyone to go the length of saying that he is certain that his soul is saved, and that if he died at any moment he would go straight to heaven." The wonder of it all is that such persons call themselves Christians, and profess to believe that the Bible is the Word of God.

Scripture clearly shows that the early Christians had the assurance of salvation, and were not afraid of death. We would mention a few scriptures showing this.

"Being justified by faith we have peace with God." Rom. 5:1.

"We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 2 Cor. 5:1.

"We are confident" (v. 8).

"We are always confident" (v. 6).

"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you." 1 John 2:12.

"We know that we have passed from death unto life." 1 John 3:14.

Years ago a sergeant of police was pacing his beat one evening. A young Christian, whose heart was burning with love for souls, while passing along, felt constrained to speak to the sergeant about spiritual things. Crossing the street, and placing his hand on the sergeant's shoulder he said, "Sergeant, I have been thinking about you, and wondering if you know your sins forgiven.”

"I don't think that anyone can know that for certain," was the officer's reply.

"O! But I know that mine are forgiven," said the Christian worker.

"I think it great presumption for you to say so. I would not dare to say it, and I am as good as you. I have done all the good that I can to my fellowmen: I go to a place of worship as often as duty permits; and never that I know of, have I injured and one," said the sergeant.

"You are on the wrong track altogether," said the Christian. "You are hoping to be saved by your good doings, but that is not God's way of salvation. When He looked down from heaven He saw us all hopelessly bad, and corrupt. He knew we could not save, or do anything to help to save, ourselves. In love and pity He took our sins and laid them on the head of Jesus, and all who believe on Him are saved.”

Like a flash of lightning the truth of the Gospel of the grace of God burst into the sergeant's soul. He perceived that all his sins were laid on Christ, that He had borne them in His own body on the tree (1 Peter 2:24), and, through simply believing on Him who did it all, and paid it all, he was saved.

"Aye," said he "is that it? Were my sins laid on another?”

Bidding the young man "Good-night" he hurried down a street, entered into the first passage, went down on his knees and thanked God for saving him. Years have passed and when last I heard of him he was telling others what great things God had done for him.

The police officer, like many professors of religion thought it "presumption" for anyone to say that he knew he was saved. At that time the dear young fellow was all wrong regarding God's scheme of redemption. He believed that salvation was obtained on the ground of his own good works, instead of on the ground of the finished work of Christ. The Word of God declares that "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6). The best acts done by the unregenerate, unsaved, are but "splendid sins." A good work must spring from a right motive, and if it does not spring from love to Christ God cannot accept it.

"They that are in the flesh—man in his state of nature— 'cannot please God." Rom. 8:8.

Thank God the officer's eyes were opened to see that God had taken his sins, and laid them on Christ when He was hanging on the cross, and all who believe on Him are saved; the dear man believed the good news.

Why not now believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved for eternity?

"All thy sins were laid upon Him, Jesus bore them on the tree, God who knew them laid them on Him and believing thou art free.”

"There Is No Difference"

Rom. 3:22

It was very hard indeed for me to bow to that scripture. I had been a church member, and done the best I could for years, how could it be that I was as guilty in God's sight as a murderer.

I was in a terrible state, haunted day and night by a dread of death, till my life was a dreadful burden. I went to Bible Class with a friend one Sunday afternoon, hoping I would be able to shake off my miserable feelings, but came home, feeling more miserable than I had ever felt in my life before.

The teacher, an earnest Christian, had talked with me about my soul, and we had looked into the third of Romans together, but I did not want to listen to that, and went home in a dreadful state of mind. How could I believe that God was love, and was seeking to save me; why didn't he save me then? What had I done, that I should be so unhappy, while plenty I knew, were living in open sin, and were as gay and careless as they could be?

I wept, and struggled for weeks, I could not pray. I thought I must surely sink beneath the burden. At last, one evening I sat alone, as sad and miserable as I could be, and I said aloud, if I am lost forever, it is just what I deserve, and in the deepest agony I cried, "Lord be merciful to me a sinner.”

I was ready then' to believe all that was said in the third of Romans and I thought if my friends could see me as I saw myself, they would never speak to me again.

I had met my teacher that day and he said to me, "What trouble you are in, but the fault is your own, for God is waiting to save you, cast yourself on Christ and His finished work.”

I met him again on the following Sunday; he came to me as usual with Bible in hand, and well I remember, how I tried to put him off—we had gone over Scripture so often and it did seem that there was nothing there for me.

"Well, how are you today," he said.

"Worse than ever—I am lost—there is no hope for me now.”

"I am so glad of that, for you are just the one Christ came to save.”

"I know he died," I said, "but not for such a sinner as me.”

He turned to the third of John and told me to read the sixteenth verse.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

"Whosoever means everybody, does it not? and must include you.”

"I dare not say that, for I might make a mistake," I replied.

My friend saw what the trouble was, and he began to tell me something he had done. I listened attentively till he was through.

"Do you believe what I have been telling you," he asked.

"Why, certainly I do," I replied.

"But perhaps I have told you something that is not true.”

"I would not doubt your word for anything," I said.

"How strange—you take my word and you won't take God's word, and if I were to bring you a gift this afternoon, you would take it from my hand, and thank me for it, yet God cannot lie, and I am only a poor sinful man. O, how is it you treat Him as you wouldn't treat me.”

"I will take His word," I said, "I would not doubt Him for anything." We turned to the 53rd of Isaiah and he read the sixth verse, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

"Now, no matter what your sins have been, they are laid on Jesus. He suffered in your stead and now He offers you eternal life, a free gift; just take it and thank Him for it.”

I pressed the precious word to my lips, and wept as if my heart would break.

"I see it all now," I exclaimed—"he died for me-a poor, miserable, rebellious sinner," and we knelt right down there and thanked God for the gift of His Son—that precious gift; it was all that we could do.

"Redeemed not with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God that liveth and abideth forever." 1 Peter 1:23.

I leave it with you, dear reader. This new birth is a blessed reality. Do you know anything about it? Have you had a sight of Jesus?—is He to you "the chief among ten thousand, and the One that is altogether lovely?”

Have you seen Him?

Jesus Is Coming

Ye saints all, take courage,

For Jesus is coming;

It may be at midnight,

Or it may be at noon:—

His word is, Be ready,

Be waiting and watching,

The trumpet will be sounding,

He may come very soon.

Then the dead shall arise,

And the living be changed,

In a moment, Lord Jesus,

We will meet in the air.

O! how glad we shall be,

When Thy face we shall see,

And with Thee evermore,

Thy glory shall share.

Then Christian, be ready,

For the night is far gone,

The bright Star of morning,

In the sky will appear,

The darkness be breaking

For all that are watching,

And all that are waiting

To meet with Him there.

O sinner, if Jesus

Should come now this moment,

Would you with the saved ones

Rise up in the air?

What weeping and wailing,

Should you not be taken,

But shut out in darkness,

In endless despair.

Then flee now to Jesus,

While still He is waiting;

He loves you, He wants you,

He has died on the tree.

His blood has been shed;

The door is still open,

A free, full salvation

He offers to thee.

Then wait not! delay not!

For time is quickly passing;

This moment believe Him,

And then you may know,

"Though your sins be as scarlet,"

Or crimson's red glow,

His shed blood will make them

"As white as the snow.”

Those Terrible Wages

"See that my dinner is ready by twelve o'clock," said a man to his wife, as he left for his work one morning, adding, that if it were not ready he would beat her until she could not stand.

She was a Christian; her sins were forgiven; the Lord Jesus was her Savior; heaven her home; so, instead of returning rough words, she hastened to do as her husband had told her; and on his return at ten minutes to twelve dinner was ready and she was reading the Bible. By no means soothed at finding no cause for anger, the man approached as if to strike her, as was too often his custom, but was arrested by the book that lay before her, that had somehow taught his wife gentle words and kind actions, in place of the anger with which she used to meet his harshness. He could only spell a little. His eye caught a verse, and he began to spell it out.

"ar-h-e the, w-a-g-e-s,' what does that spell, Sally?”

"Wages," answered his wife.

"The wages o-f of, s-i-n sin, i-s is, d-e-a-t-h,' another long word, Sally; what does it spell?”

"Death," was the answer.

The words seemed to frighten him, they were very solemn.

"The wages of sin is death,'" he repeated, adding, "If anybody ever earned those wages I have.”

Quietly he ate his dinner and for once bade his wife a kindly "good-bye.”

In the evening he returned sober, and exclaimed, on entering his cottage, "Those terrible wages! Sally, is the book full of the dark side?”

"O, no, Tom!" said Sally; "there is a bright side as well as a dark one. Just let me read the end of the verse: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

Earnestly she told him of the love of God; of the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross; how He died for sinners, and that the vilest who came, He would not cast out.

He listened eagerly, the tears ran down his cheeks, and when she had finished, he cried, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

God worked in his soul; he felt he was a sinner; he trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and was saved.

Reader, if unsaved, you have been earning the wages of sin. Have you ever thought what those wages are?

"The wages of sin is death" (eternal death).

If you have found out that you are a sinner, lost in God's sight, there is salvation for you, too, for, "God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

Extract: The Benefits and Rejection of the Cross

Let us not profess to enjoy the benefits which the cross of Christ secures, while we refuse the rejection which that cross involves.

"HE THAT HATH THE SON
HATH LIFE;
AND HE THAT
HATH NOT THE SON
OF GOD,
HATH NOT LIFE.
THESE THINGS
HAVE I WRITTEN
UNTO YOU
THAT BELIEVE
ON THE NAME
OF THE SON OF GOD;
THAT YE MAY KNOW
THAT YE HAVE
ETERNAL LIFE."

1 John 5:12, 13.

August

The Conversion of Infidels

A Christian lawyer said "I had been spending the evening in company with several noted infidels. I had indulged in remarks much to the disadvantage of Christians and disparagement of their religion. I had gone further than ever before in this way.

Coming home I stood late at night on the doorstep waiting for my servant. In this moment of stillness my thoughts returned to what had just passed and what I had said, and then something seemed to say, 'And what if the Christian religion be true after all?' The thought filled me with alarm. I was conscious I had examined Christianity with less attention than a small retaining fee requires in civil cases.

In my profession I hold myself bound to make up my mind according to the laws of evidence; and shall nothing of this sort be done in that which involves the fate of man's immortal being? Here everything is at stake. Shall I bargain all without inquiry? Willfully, blinding my eyes, shall I laugh at that which, if true, will laugh me to scorn in the Day of Judgment? These questions did not allow me to sleep quietly.

In the morning I sent for such books as treated on the evidences of Christianity. I read them, and the result is, I believe the religion of Christians to be the truth, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He made an atonement for our sins by His death, and that He rose for our justification.”

I stood once by the dying bed of an intimate friend, with whom I had spent many an hour of ungodliness, but who, in that last illness, had been led of the Spirit to know Him whom to know is life eternal.

Fears were coursing through my mind as to the everlasting destiny of that immortal soul; and I gave half utterance to them in some observation as to the solemnity of the sinner's position when called to stand before the throne of judgment, saying how awful it was for us to have lived so far away from God.

"Yes, true," was the reply, "but there's the Blood.”

Ere long, from lips evidently touched with a living coal from the atonement altar, there issued, in calm and peaceful tones, the words, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Psa. 23:4.

"I Cannot Stand This"

"Of course if I die I shall go to heaven." So many think.

There is no "of course" about it. You could not be there, if unconverted. You would be out of your element entirely, and miserable.

Supposing for an instant that you could manage to pass the door and enter that home of holiness and light and glory. When you found yourself within the gate you would discover that all around you were completely different from yourself. The light would show up your sin-soiled rags, and amid the white-robed throng you would be wretched indeed.

The story is told of a man who wished to cross one of the great lakes. Hurrying to the peer he went on board the crowded steamer, which was soon loosed from her moorings and voyaging across the waters. Then it was that he found that he had made a mistake. He had got on to the wrong boat. The steamer had been specially engaged to take a large party of Christians to a Christian Conference.

When the vessel was under way, these Christians commenced to sing hymns of gladness. This was too much for the worldling. He went up to the Captain, and said,

"You must put back—I cannot stand this—it is hell to me.”

He was amidst those who had other delights than his own altogether, and he earnestly longed to be away from them.

Can you sing the song of the redeemed, which will sound eternally? Have you begun to say to the Lord Jesus, "Thou are worthy, for Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood"? Rev. 5:9.

If you are unconverted, there will be none of the things you find your pleasure in, in heaven. You seek your happiness at a distance from God. Heaven finds its happiness in nearness to Him.

"Defiling sin and thought of wrong,

Come not there;

And evil word and sight and song,

Come not there;

All there are holy, all renewed,

All have been cleansed in Jesus' blood,

But guilty sinners—(if they would),

Come not there.

You must be born again. You must be converted. You must be cleansed from your sins, or you cannot enter the portals of glory, and you would not be happy there if you could gain admission.

None will be happy in hell.

"Blackness of darkness forever," (Jude 13) and, "Weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth" do not speak of happiness.

"And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matt. 25:30.

"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power." 1 Thess. 1:8, 9.

"Saved Alone"

A number of years ago a steamer left New York City for a European port with a complement of passengers. Amongst these was Mrs. H. S., wife of a lawyer in Chicago, with her four children. The voyage was almost over, and they were within sight of the shores of England when a terrific catastrophe occurred. In the darkness a vessel collided with the Atlantic liner, and she immediately began to sink.

Mrs. S. gathered the children around her, and commended them to her God, and Father. As the water rose higher and higher one of the little ones sought to comfort her sorrowing mother by remarking that it was as easy to go to the Lord Jesus from the sea, as from their home in America. One by one her precious children were swept from her grasp, perishing before her eyes. She was, however, mercifully preserved and picked up several hours later by a passing ship.

Knowing that the news of the disaster would soon be flashed across the ocean, Mrs. S., on reaching shore, dispatched a cablegram to her husband. Tidings had been received by him of the loss of the steamer and many of its passengers, but, as yet, he did not know the lot of his dear ones.

With trembling heart, and faltering hand, he broke open the envelope. The message was short, consisting of but two words. His eye caught the word "saved" and his heart was filled with rapturous delight.

On glancing a second time at the cablegram he perceived the other word "alone," and a tremendous revulsion of feeling ensued. The one moment he was filled with ineffable joy, and the next moment he was overwhelmed with indescribable sadness. He could, however, thank God that his beloved wife was saved, though he mourned over the loss of his darlings. In spite of it all he was enabled to sit down and compose the beautiful hymn, the first stanza of which is as follows:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way;

And trouble, like sea billows roll:

Whatever my lot, Thou halt taught me to say,

"It is well, it is well with my soul.”

There are many families in which there are saved and unsaved members—those who are prepared, and those who are unprepared to meet a holy and sin-hating God. In some of them there are a saved husband, and an unsaved wife; a saved sister, and an unsaved brother, and so on.

What a terrible thing it will be for you in eternity if your mother, or father, sister, or brother, wife, or husband is "saved alone." And you are lost! To remember the happy days of childhood when you joined in singing the lines,

"There is a happy Land,

Not far away.”

and to learn that you are eternally separated from your dear ones, and are hopelessly, helplessly, and irretrievably lost!

Now while the day of grace lasts; now while the Holy Spirit strives; believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and obtain eternal life as a free gift (John 6:47). Why put off the settling of your soul's salvation a moment longer? Think of God's love to you.

"As though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God; for He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:20, 21.

Think of Him whose law you have broken persistently, and repeatedly, whose commands you have trampled under your feet, "beseeching" you to be reconciled to Him! If, however, you continue your present course neglecting, despising or rejecting the salvation of God, ponder His solemn words, "Because I have called and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded... I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh." Prov. 1:24-26. And then to hear the terrible sentence pronounced, "Depart from Me ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Matt. 25:41. Thank God the day of grace is not yet past.

"Now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

The Lord Jesus paid the mighty ransom with His precious blood for your deliverance. God is satisfied with Christ's glorious atonement, and He desires that you should be satisfied with that which satisfies Him.

"Because the sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free,

For God, the Just, is satisfied

To look on Him, and pardon me.”

Eternity

One thing that makes me earnest is the remembrance of eternity. Your time is short, but your eternity, O, how long!

There was once a lady who often used to go to the dance and to the opera, and to keep her servant sitting up at night to let her go in, and attend her to bed. The poor girl, the servant, often went to sleep, so her mistress recommended her to 'get a book and read, and she got some religious books, and it pleased God to bless the reading of them to her.

Her mistress laughed at her very much about this, and when she came home one morning, somewhere about two or three o'clock, she came up to the girl and said to her, "Mary, what are you reading? A religious book?" she added, as she looked over her shoulder—"Why it will make you as miserable as possible," and she began to laugh. But while she looked at the book her eyes fell upon the word, "Eternity.”

She went up to her room, and when the maid was gone, she gave vent to her feelings in a flood of tears, and it was not many days before that lady had learned to give up the frivolities of time for the true, substantial pleasures of eternity. I wish that some of you would get that word, "Eternity, Eternity, Eternity," into your minds. Even if you had it printed on your very eyeballs it would not hurt you.

Eternity! Eternity! Eternity! A mountain without a summit; a sea without a shore; a depth without a bottom. Eternity! An endless plain of woe, or a boundless field of delight. If you have believed in Jesus it shall be bliss everlasting; if you have rejected Christ, it shall be woe for eternity. Eternity! Eternity! Eternity! If there were nothing else to make the preacher earnest and to make him thoughtful, surely this ought to be enough.

Going Home

O thou faithful, tender Shepherd,

Thou art stirring up the nest;

And in every little circle,

Thou art doing what is best.

Thou art sending tribulation

Where Thy people sit at ease;

Thou art giving strong conviction

Where they seek themselves to please.

Earth is growing very homeless

Thou art carrying out Thy Will;

Thou art making vacant places

For Thyself alone to fill.

"I am coming very quickly.”

And we answer, "Yes, Lord, Come.”

For to those who rise to meet Thee,

It is only "going Home!”

Plenty of Time

The train was waiting at the station of a large city, ready to start on its transcontinental journey of nearly 2900 miles to the Pacific coast, and the train crew were all standing at their posts, ready to start the moment the signal was given. Every now and then passengers would arrive and hurry to take their places on the train.

Just as the train was about to start, a Young man came strolling along the platform, seemingly in no hurry, and asked an official standing near, "Which is the train for Vancouver?" The official pointed it out to him, and added, "You will have to hurry, sir, for it is due to leave at this moment!”

Instead of hurrying, the young man continued his easy going pace, and arrived at the spot to find the train moving away. Then, and not till then, he seemed to awaken to a sense of his predicament, and he made a wild dash for the moving train,—but was unable to catch it, and was left behind.

As he returned crestfallen and disappointed, he drew out his watch and remarked that according to it, he still had two or three minutes, and that his watch had always been reliable, and had never failed him. The official to whom he spoke, remarked that the trains ran according to railroad time, and no other, and pointing to a large clock in a prominent place, drew his attention to the fact that the time of departure was already several minutes past.

"How very foolish," you might say, "of that young man, not to have hurried; he really deserved what happened to him!" and you would be quite right.

How very much better if he would have been ten or fifteen minutes too early, rather than one minute too late! And why was he late? It was because he was relying upon a source of false information, that was telling him that he had plenty of time, whereas, as a matter of fact he had nothing of the sort.

The reliable source of information, the railroad time, said one thing, and his watch said another, and by trusting to the unreliable source he missed his train.

There is a time coming, and it may have arrived before these words are read, when the door of salvation, which has been open for so many years, will be shut, and when shut, it will not be re-opened to those who may be left behind. The great and reliable timepiece, God's Word, says, "Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

Your information may be to the effect that there is plenty of time, but, let me tell you, my friend, any such information is false. God says "Now" and He means "Now" and anything to the contrary can only emanate from the evil one, your enemy and mine. You may think to yourself, "I have plenty of time, some other day I will take the matter up seriously," but all such procrastination in a matter so vitally important to you, as the security of your never dying soul, cannot be other than the work of Satan. It has been said, and truly said, that, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions," and this may be the sort of "pavement" you are laying down for yourself God's Word tells us, "Ye know not what shall be on the morrow." James 4:14. Are you different from anyone else in this respect? You know you are not, so cease laying this kind of dangerous "pavement," and come to a decision now and at once. It will be well worth your time to heed God's Word, and to act now—at once!

First, God has given us a record of His Son (1 John 5:10).

Second, the record is, that God has given us eternal life, in His Son (Verse 11).

Third, that whoever has the Son has life, and whoever has not the Son has not life (Verse 12).

Fourth, he that does not believe this God-given record has made God out to be a liar (Verse 10).

Is this your position, my friend? Think it over, seriously, carefully, and as being in the presence of God; and then may God grant that you wait no longer in your dangerous position, but by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal and only Savior, you may find yourself included among those within the scope of verse 13, that ye may know that ye have eternal life.

"GOD SO LOVED

THE WORLD,

THAT HE GAVE

HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,

THAT WHOSOEVER

BELIEVETH ON HIM

SHOULD NOT PERISH,

BUT HAVE

EVERLASTING LIFE."

John 3:16.

September

An Important Question

I went into a railway car, and as soon as I sat down a lady opposite me leaned forward and said, "May I ask if you are on the Lord's side?"

"Yes, thank God, I am.”

"Is it long since you were able to say that?" she inquired.

"Yes, many years; and I find Him more and more precious as the days go by. In fact, I cannot imagine how one can go through life without Jesus Christ as Savior and Friend.”

"You may well say that. But I have, alas, met many who do not want Christ, and do not care to hear about Him.”

The train stopped at a station and two ladies and two men came in and sat down near us. My friend lost no time in giving her message to each newcomer.

"Madam, do you know what it is to have Jesus Christ as your Savior?”

"Sir, are you on the Lord's side?" And then she said a few words on the importance of having this matter settled.

Those to whom she spoke gave no reply. One lady turned her back on her and looked out of the window, and a gentleman read his newspaper and paid no heed to her question.

At length she arrived at her station and left the car. One of the ladies said, "That's all right; if she had not left, I was going to change my seat. I could not stand that sort of creature.”

"Poor lunatic!" said the other lady; "she ought to be locked up.”

"Such a ranting old woman should be buried alive," sneeringly said a young man.

How strange I thought, as I left the train, society must be on a very wrong basis. One may talk about anything and everything except about the Lord Jesus Christ. If anyone ventures to speak about the God who made us, and the Savior who died for us, one is shunned or laughed at, or at least considered "very peculiar, a little lacking, not quite right, you know.”

Why is this? Why should we banish Him from our conversation Whom to know is life everlasting? How would we feel if Christ Himself asked this all-important question, as He does?

"What think ye of Christ?”

"We know we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." 1 John 5:19.

"He that hath the Son hath life, and He that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12.

Do I Love the Bible?

While reading the hymns of one of the finest of the Christian poets of last century I was greatly struck by the following verses,

"Some tell me that the Bible

Is not God's sacred Word,

And brand as cunning fables

The records of the Lord;

That Moses is a fiction,

That prophets never spake,

And even the blessed Gospels,

As myths I must forsake.”

Written, in all probability, three-quarters of a century ago, we cannot but be struck by the fact that the infidel attacks on the Bible—on Moses, the Prophets, and the Gospels—of the present day are clearly nothing new. They must have been then as virulent, if perhaps not quite so intellectual, as they are today. Hence we may see that the Bible has always been an object of attack. Why should this be? Let us read on: "There was a time I listened

To those old serpent lies,

My foolish heart sore tempted

The Bible to despise;

Its holiness rebuked me,

Its precepts crossed my will,

I wished to silence conscience,

And thus my lusts fulfill.”

Does this not give us a very true explanation of man's hatred of the Bible? This writer said that its precepts crossed his will; and, in so saying, he states that which every conscience, enlightened by the Truth, admits as thoroughly correct. Our will is the battle-ground; but he continues,

"I cared not for the Savior,

This present world I loved:

Its lust, and wealth, and glory,

Alone my passions moved;

I cared not for a heaven,

I hoped there was no hell,

I wished for no hereafter,

I loved my sins too well.”

Here was the realm of his "will"; here his desires ran riot. A Savior, a heaven, had no kind of attraction for him. The present was enough! Military glory (for he was an officer) and the pleasures of the mere animal life—these sufficed. As to the future—ah! he only "hoped there was no hell," and doubtless closed his eyes and thoughts to the possibility.

But suppose there should be a hell, and a judgment bar, and God to face?

God—the sadly unknown God—He who loves the poor guilty sinner, spite of all his sins, and who, in deep and measureless mercy, seeks his salvation! This is God! At last he cries:

"His mercy still pursued me,

While wandering far away,

His hand with sickness smote me,

To wound, but not to slay;

His Spirit then convinced me,

And brought my guilt to light,

I saw my lost condition—

And awful was the sight!

"The serpent's crafty teachings,

The heart's deceitful lies,

The skeptic's subtle reasonings

All vanished from my eyes.

Naked, and lost, and guilty,

Beneath God's searching eye,

Eternity before me—

O! whither could I fly?”

Quite so—"naked, lost, and guilty"—a fact true of each individual, from king to pauper, in the entire family of man! When this is known in the conscience, by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, and when such an one, thus convicted, places himself beneath the eye of God, then whither can he fly? Yes, whither?

"If you would flee from God, flee to Him!" The God of holiness is the God of salvation, and the penitent who flings himself on this God is met with a kiss, a robe, a ring, and sandals, together with a feast of perfect satisfaction.

But it is the sense of guilt that is the death-blow to skeptical reasonings about the Bible, reasonings which are but the miserable lies of the heart of man, and the doctrines of the serpent. God and skepticism cannot co-exist.

Well, then, whither did he fly? He fled to God.

"O, then, what beauteous sunshine

Burst on my raptured sight,

It chased away the darkness,

And all was life and light.

I saw how grace and glory

In God's free Gospel shone,

Before the Cross my terrors

And unbelief were gone.”

Just so! The Cross of Christ is the solution of the stupendous mystery. There the awful guilt of man, in his inborn hatred of God, reached its appalling height. "Sitting down," after having done all that the most malicious ingenuity and the most inconceivable cruelty could invent, "they watched Him there." Ponder that statement (Matt. 27:36). That was man! He could sit down to look and stare on the agony of the blessed "Man of sorrows." Then, again, on that cross He was "made sin," bearing the judgment of God against it; for He suffered not only as a Martyr, but as a willing Victim also—He, sinless, and therefore capable of bearing, atoning, the sins of others—He cried out, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Matt. 27:46.

Who can fully appreciate the meaning of that cry? None but God.

Marvelous cross! Fit meeting-place of all these antagonisms: guilt, grace; hatred, love; sin, holiness; iniquity, righteousness; man, God!

"God so loved the world.”

Therefore a true vision of the cross chases all unbelief away. It is the perfect cure of infidelity, and it dissolves every doubt.

There I learn myself in all my fathomless filth and vileness; there I see God in all His illimitable love and grace. There I apprehend atonement, and know that "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth from all sin." 1 John 1:7. Glorious solution! "Beauteous sunshine" indeed.

What of the once despised Bible now?

"I love the blessed Bible,

I know it all is true,

It is a faithful mirror,

In which myself I view;

It shows me all my weakness,

My folly, and my shame,

But makes thereby more precious,

My Savior's grace and name.”

"Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." Psa. 119:89.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35.

"Only the Bible"

"Saved! I should not like to say that. How can anyone know for a certainty that he is saved?”

"But if God Himself told you, would you believe Him?”

"Yes, certainly, if God told me, I should believe Him.”

"And God has told you, that you may know that you are saved," I said.

The lady to whom I was speaking looked at me as if she expected some supernatural visitation, and I cannot depict her disappointed countenance, nor soon forget her dissatisfied muttering, "What! only the Bible!" as I opened the book by which God speaks to us.

"The Bible, dear friend, is the Word of the living God; it testifies to the finished work of His Son, and Jesus says to you in the Bible, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24.

It is "only the Bible" which says to you, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31, and which warns you, "He that believeth not, is condemned already.”

It is "only the Bible" to which the trembling believer can look for the knowledge of peace with God. It is "only the Bible" which will survive the wreck of this world's grandeur and greatness, for God says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away. Matt. 24:35.

I pray you take your stand upon the only rock that will never be moved. Receive the declaration of "forgiveness of sins" from the word of the living God.

"Through this man (Christ Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." Acts 13:38.

May you, dear friend, credit every word in the Bible, and, looking away from yourself, you shall be able, by the grace of God's Spirit, to say, "I know that I am saved; God has told me.”

Do Men Exist Forever?

God says—Yes. Where? Either in the "eternal glory" with Christ and His redeemed people, or in the "lake of fire" with the devil and his legions.

Of course men of learning and of science say—No. But the question is: Are we to believe God or men? Who is best informed on the subject—God, the infinite, eternal God; or man, the finite creature of a day? There can be but one answer, and that is-God. And God has told us what He knows about the matter. He has caused it to be written in His inspired and eternal Word, that men will exist forever.

There are two destinies prepared for men —only two. A heaven of holiness and happiness; a hell of sin and woe. To either of these two places men go after death (Luke 16:19-23). Some to be with Christ, which is "far better" (Phil. 1:23) than the highest bliss that can be known on earth. Immediately the ransomed spirit leaves the body it is "at home with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8, R. V.).

Others, after death, are found in hell (Luke 16:23). Their own place (Acts 1:25), for which sin and Christ-rejection had fully prepared them.

Banished from God and heaven, yet destined to exist forever in conscious misery (Rev. 14:10-11). Doomed to the second death (Rev. 20:14), yet existing in it. Reader, let me ask, to which of these eternal destines are you passing onward? To one or the other you are being carried, whether you own it, think of it, or deny it; you cannot hinder it. You must exist forever: you cannot annihilate yourself if you would. Death will then refuse to end your sorrows; when men seek it, it will flee from them (Rev. 9:6).

And must all this last forever? Will no coming age bring with it another chance to those who in their folly despised God's grace in gospel days? The Son of God, who came to live and love, says—No. Listen to His Word, "He that believeth not the Son shall not see life." John 3:36.

"These shall go away into everlasting punishment." Matt. 25:46.

Where will you spend eternity?

On the Instant

There had been a discussion on "Sudden Conversion.”

"Never could believe it myself," said Harry. "'Tisn't reasonable.”

"When you press down the electric switch," said Tom, "doesn't the light flash out at once?"

"Of course.”

"And when a driver pulls over his lever, how long is it before the engine moves?”

"It starts right away.”

"Well, then," Tom continued, "why is Jesus Christ unreasonable when He says, `He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life'?

"To believe is to receive eternal life.

"It's Only a Little While, Sir"

"Well, Molly," said the Judge, going up to the old apple woman's stand, "don't you get tired sitting here these cold, dismal days?”

"It's only a little while, sir.”

"And the hot, dusty days?" said he.

"It's only a little while, sir," answered Molly.

"And the rainy, drizzly days?" said the Judge.

"It's only a little while," answered Molly.

"And your sick, rheumatic days, Molly?" said the Judge.

"It's only a little while, sir," said she. "And what then, Molly?" asked the Judge.

"I shall enter into the rest which remains for the people of God," answered the old woman, devoutly; "and the troublesomeness of the way there will not pester me. It's only a little while, sir.”

"All is well that ends well, I dare say," said the Judge; "but what makes you so sure, Molly?”

"How can I help being sure, sir," said she, "since Christ is the way, and I am in Him? He is mine and I am His. Now I only feel along the way. I shall see Him as He is in a little while, sir.”

"Ah, Molly, you've got more than the law ever taught me," said the Judge.

"Yes, sir, because I went to the gospel.”

"Well, Molly, I must look into these things," said the Judge, taking an apple and walking off.

"There's only a little while, sir," said she.

"Yet a little while, and He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." Heb. 10:37.

"What Must I Do to Be Saved?"

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:30, 31.

O, guilty, ruined one,

Flee to the Lamb of God;

For Jesus, God's dear Son,

Came from His blest abode,

To die for you that you might live:

O, will you not on Christ believe?

O, heavy-laden one,

To Jesus flee for rest;

O, weary one, lay down

Your head upon His breast.

He waits the burdened to relieve,

O, will you not on Christ believe?

O, weary, toiling one,

Why ever toil you so?

The work was all well done

By Jesus long ago.

And now 'tis for you to receive:

O, will you not on Christ believe?

Despairing, sin-sick soul,

All helpless and undone,

If you would be made whole,

Believe on God's dear Son.

'Twas such as you He died to save,

O, will you not on Christ believe?

"THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH:, BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD."

Rom. 6:23.

"BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."

Rom. 5:1.

October

Are You Right With God?

In the City of Brooklyn, some years ago, a detective went into a drug store, laid his hand upon the shoulder of a young man about thirty years of age and said,

"You are wanted.”

"What do you mean?" asked the man.

"You know what I mean. You were in the Albany Penitentiary some years ago; you escaped, and went West. You married out there, came back here and settled; and we have been on your track ever since. Now we have you. You need not deny it.”

"That is true; I won't deny it; but I would like to go home, and say good-bye to my wife and child.”

They went to his home. He met his wife and little child, and said, "Wife, haven't I been a kind husband Haven't I been a good father, and worked hard to make a living?”

"Yes," replied the wife. "What do you mean?”

"I mean that I am an escaped convict from the penitentiary. Since I met you, your love for me has made a different man of me; but I am an escaped criminal, and must go back to jail.”

He was all right in his relations to his wife and child, in his business relations, and among his neighbors, but he was all wrong in his relations to the State of New York.

So, reader, you may be a kind husband, a loving father, an obliging neighbor, a good citizen, but allow me to ask you very seriously, "Are you right with God?”

Many a man boasts that he is not a drunkard, a cheat, or a liar, but that will not suffice for the presence of God. You must have something more than that to say.

I was chatting with a young man after a gospel meeting not long ago. He was attracted by the gospel message, wished to go to heaven, but told me that he thought he was all right, that he lived a straight life, went to church, and was a communicant.

"Did the Lord Jesus die for you?”

"Yes," was the ready answer. He was rather startled when I asked him, "What dreadful crimes have you been guilty of that required the Son of God to die for you?”

If I were to take you to a neighboring cemetery, and showed you a certain grave in it, and told you that there lay the body of a dear friend, who, to satisfy the claims of the law, had died for me, I think I can see you start in horror and surprise from my side, and ask in frightened tones, "Why, whatever awful crime have you committed?”

O! friend, there is an empty grave in Judea, where the body of my Savior lay. He died to save my soul from hell, He died to satisfy the claims of the law, He died to bring me to God. I can tell you with humble gratitude that I am right with God now, but not apart from the atoning death of my Savior and Lord.

Nay, further, I can point you to a filled throne, the complement of the empty grave, the proof that God is satisfied with the work done by His beloved Son, and the assurance that my sins are forgiven for "His name's sake.”

Can you say as much? Are you right with God? What have you been guilty of to cause Jesus to die for you? Have you been forgiven by trusting that wonderful Savior? A last question, Are you right with God?

Have you been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ?

Christ, The Cure

C. I. Scofield, the Editor of the Scofield Bible, and a man of superior ability as a lawyer in his own community, became "a little child" in simplicity of faith in God, and the acceptance of "His Son" Jesus Christ, as his Savior and his Lord.

He had described himself, before his conversion, as "a drunkard," "a wretch," "a ruined and hopeless man, who, despite all his struggles, was fast bound in chains of his own forging." This is the man who accepted Christ, and whom Christ cured and set free. This is the man who became one of God's servants for the propagation of His living and life-giving Word. The story is invaluable as a witness to the power of Christ to "cure.”

In his St. Louis law office, one day, M'Pheeters (a Christian friend of his own age) came to see him. After talking for a while, M'Pheeters got up to go. With his hand upon the door-knob, he turned and faced Scofield, saying, "For a long time I have been wanting to ask you a question that I have been afraid to ask, but that I am going to ask now.”

“I never thought you as afraid," said Scofield, in hearty friendship. "What is your question?”

"I want to ask you why you are not a Christian?" came the unexpected reply.

The lawyer replied thoughtfully, "Does not the Bible say something about drunkards having no place in heaven? I am a hard drinker, M'Pheeters.”

"You haven't answered my question, Scofield," the other man replied, "why are you not a Christian?”

"I have always been a nominal Episcopalian, you know," said Scofield, "but I do not recall ever having been shown just how to be a Christian. I do not know how.”

Now, M'Pheeters had his answer. He drew up a chair, took a Testament out of his pocket, and read passage after passage from the precious Good News, plainly telling his friend how to be saved.

"Will you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior?" he asked.

"I'm going to think about it," said Scofied.

"No, you're not," answered M'Pheeters, "you've been thinking about it all your life. Will you settle it now? Will you believe in Christ now, and be saved?”

The logical-minded, clear-thinking lawyer liked clear-cut statements and unequivocal questions and answers. After a moment's thought he looked his friend full in the face, and said quietly, "I will.”

The two men dropped down on their knees together. Scofield told the Lord Jesus Christ that he believed on Him as his personal Savior, and, before he arose from his knees, he was saved, there was a new creation, old things had passed away, behold, all things had become new. Thomas S. M'Pheeters had been used of God to lead C. I. Scofield to Christ.

To emphasize the power of Christ to cure, and to set the captive of sin free from the fetters that enthrall, we transcribe the following extract from a letter written by C. I. Scofield: "Great opportunities had indeed been given me, and for years I made them my own. But, slowly, insidiously, the all but universal habit of drink, in the society and among the men of my time, overmastered me.”

He was not a victor in the battle of life—though victories had come to him—but a ruined and hopeless man who, despite all his struggles, was fast bound in chains of his own forging. He had no thought of Christ, other than a vague respect; the survival of a family influence.

There was no hope that in a church, sometime, he might hear and believe the Gospel, for he never went to church.

And then the Lord Jesus Christ took up the case. Men were beginning to turn away from him, but the Lord of Glory sought him. Through Thomas M'Pheeters, a joyous, hopeful soul, Jesus Christ offered Himself to that wreck.

"It was a Bible conversion. From a worn pocket Testament M'Pheeters read to me the great Gospel passages, the great deliverance passages, John 3:16; 6:47; 10:28; Acts 13:38-39, and the like.

"When I asked, like the Philippian jailer of old, `What must I do to be saved?' he just read them again, and we knelt, and I received Jesus Christ as my Savior.”

Instantly the chains were broken, never to be forged again—the passion for drink was taken away. Divine power did it, wholly of grace. To Christ be all the glory.

"Yours in His love,

"C. I. S.”

Verily, it is a wonderful story! He is "a wonderful Savior." "His name shall be called Wonderful" (Isa. 9:6).

Blessed fact, the story of C. I. Scofield is just such as may be repeated, in the experience of any soul, so bound "in the chains of their own forging," as C. I. Scofield was. Here is hope for every soul fettered by the force of evil habit.

A Remarkable Verse

Allow me, dear reader, to draw your attention to a remarkable verse (John 3:16), and also to divide it for you. Please to take particular notice of the two sides,

God's Side

"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.”

Your Side

"That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Remark, the loving and giving are God's side; the believing and having are your side.

Now, do not follow the bad example of many. They are trying to change sides with God—trying to do the loving and giving, and wanting Him to do the believing and having.

That is, they are trying to love God and trying to serve God; then they hope He will believe in their earnestness, and receive their good works, and give them eternal life on account of it all.

You must keep your own side of the line. God has loved you, and given His Son for you; that is His part. Now do you really believe in Him? If so, then God says you shall not perish, but have—now—here in this world—everlasting life. Then, being delivered from your enemies, you can serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of your life.

A Godly Preacher's Answer

John Nelson, a godly preacher, was urged by some to leave off preaching. He replied: "If you can persuade the devil to be still for a month; but if he goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, and God hath put a sword into my hand, I am determined to attack him wheresoever I meet him; and wheresoever I meet sin I meet Satan.”

Still Waiting to Enter

Some years ago I visited a fisherman who was in deep exercise as to his soul's salvation.

"Alas!" he said, "I am lost! There is no grace for me. I did not open my heart when the Savior stood before its door, knocking. Now He has gone away.”

The man had neglected to fully decide for Christ when others were accepting Him as their own Savior, and since then he had been in fear and sorrow, constantly saying: "I have not opened unto Him when He knocked, and now He has gone away.”

"What you are saying is not so," I responded, "for if you would but open unto Him now, you would find Him still standing there, waiting, for it is still the day of salvation.”

With these words I left him, bidding him farewell. He looked at me fixedly, but said nothing. The next day the man came up to me with a face beaming with joy, saying:

"O, sir, you were right. When I opened unto Him, then I found Jesus standing there, still waiting. Now I have received Him and He is my Savior and Lord, and I am happy and at rest.”

This man is still a happy Christian, walking with the other believers of the village in the narrow path of life which leads to eternal glory.

Behold the Savior at the door!

He gently knocks—has knocked before;

Has waited long—is waiting still;

You use no other friend so ill.

Admit Him ere His anger burn,

Lest He depart and ne'er return;

Admit Him, or the hour's at hand

When at His door denied you stand.

Admit Him, for the human breast

Ne'er entertained so kind a guest;

No mortal tongue their joys can tell,

With whom He condescends to dwell.

Open the door, He'll enter in,

And sup with you and you with Him.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Rev. 3:20.

"I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." John 10:9.

"Till He Come"

"I will come again." John 14:3.

"Till He come!" Yes, He is coming,—

Coming midway first to air;

Then, O, then, how blest the rapture

Which His blood-bought saints shall share!

In a brief,—a twinkling moment,—

Loved ones, parted long, shall meet,

In that sweet and blest re-union

Round the blest Redeemer's feet!

"Till He come!" Yes, He is coming!

Jesus, our ascended Lord;

Coming back as He hath promised,

Coming to fulfill His word;

Coming, not in lowly fashion,

But in glorified array,—

Coming back, O, Hallelujah,—

Welcome to that gladsome day!

"Till He come!" Yes, He is coming!

Coming back to earth again,

Coming back, and with His scepter,

O'er this earth to rule and reign.

Coming back to take dominion,

Then to rule as King of Peace,

When this earth from Satan's bondage

Shall have welcome, glad release.

"Till He come!" Take heart ye pilgrims!

Each one lift his drooping head!

Can ye sigh when soon your Bridegroom

Ye, His bride, so soon shall wed?

Cry, with quick, impassioned pleading,

Cry, with hearts that beat for home,

"Come, Lord Jesus! O, come quickly!

Come, Lord Jesus! quickly come!”

"Till He come!" Hark! Hark! ye nations!

Hark! ye souls of men today!

Will ye not God's love and pardon

Seek while yet His judgments stay?

O, the sad and bitter wailing

When the door of grace shall close,

And the hearts of men would welcome

Him whom now they so oppose.

"Till He come!"—There still is pardon!

"Till He come!" 'Tis still "Today!"

Why, O why, so great salvation

Will ye blindly cast away?

God's great love His Son hath given,

Sacrifice both free and great,—

Jesus, Substitute and Savior,—

Take Him ere it be too late.

Prescribing the Remedy

A doctor was telling me, "When I am called to Mrs. C., she always begins to prescribe for herself before I have even time to sit down. She talks to me all about herself, her ailments, her needed medicine, in fact, she thinks she knows her case thoroughly, and my wonder is that she ever sends for me.”

Now, how like this is to sinners. True, they think it might be well to have the Good Physician near them, but they do not listen to His voice. They speak about themselves, their sins, their works, as if they were wiser than God's Word.

The presumptuous patient was not healed by her talking, but by the doctor's medicine; and until the sinner is silent, and listens to the Word of God, he will not, cannot obtain peace with God.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

A Soldier's Letter

I am so pleased to be able to say I have already seen a blessed work wrought by my stand for Christ... One of the boys of my own room accepted Christ during the evening service. He testified to my prayers and courage being the means of this act... I pray God may strengthen me spiritually to work onward for Him in the spreading of His Word.

My prayers shall include the removing of the obstacle regarding the Gospel work among the soldiers.

"Jesus shall reign, where'er the sun Doth its successive journeys run;

His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till suns shall rise and set no more.”

May the Lord grant you His blessing and strength to go forward into victory, through Jesus Christ.

Yours, kept by the Grace of God.

"COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST."

Matt. 11:28.

"HIM THAT COMETH TO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT."

John 6:37.

November

"I've Been a Rare Fool"

One fine summer's day I was told that a youth in a neighboring town was dying of consumption. I visited him and found him seated by a table. On my entrance he looked up. Disease had made sad inroads in a countenance once handsome and intelligent. My attention was arrested by an expression about the eyes—there was a bold, self-willed character before me.

I addressed him somewhat abruptly:

"You are very ill, and with little prospect of ever getting better. Do you know, in the event of your death, where you will go?”

"I expect to go to heaven," he answered immediately.

I asked him the grounds of his confidence. He gave them readily.

"I never injured anybody; I have always done right between man and man.”

His eyes, as he spoke, looked a sort of defiance. He had neither stolen nor lied, and therefore why should he fear?

In his features was unbending decision of purpose. I rose from my seat, as if taking my leave, and said to him, "I am very sorry for you, for though there is unspeakable comfort in the gospel, blessed joy for those interested in it, yet it is not for such as you.”

"What do you mean?”

"The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance; and, from your own account, you are not one. You are seeking to stand before God in the strength of your own character, and it will utterly fail you. If you were honest and true-hearted, you would admit that your conscience accuses you; and that, to stifle its cries, you are seeking to prop up a character for goodness, which will shut you out of the blessing the gospel propounds. As a sinner, God presents mercy and forgiveness to you through faith in Christ. As having nothing to fear, what want you with the Savior? Hide not your necessity from yourself. Be open and honest; unburden your heart; seek to tell the worst you know about yourself; spread it all out before Him; and plead that for such as you Christ died.”

He understood my meaning and stretching out his hand, exclaimed with some energy,— "I've been a rare fool! You have let light into me. Now leave me alone a bit and be sure and come again soon.”

I left him with confidence and hope. His case then called for sympathy and prayer ere long, for thankfulness and praise. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God was revealed to him in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). His conscience was purged through faith, in the blood, shed upon the cross (Rom. 3:25). He saw himself a lost sinner. God gave him to see that Jesus died for such. He spoke of his Savior with raptures—of his great need of Him, and of the grace that found him.

"I know," he said, "Jesus died for me.”

"I've Been a Rare Fool" Sequel

"Have you a tract in store like that?" said a middle-aged gentleman, as he put down on the counter a gospel tract, entitled,

"I've Been a Rare Fool.”

"Yes, sir," replied the owner of the store.

"Have you five hundred?”

"Yes.”

"Have you a thousand?”

"Yes.”

"Let me have a thousand. Ah! that's what finished it!”

"Finished what, sir?"

"It's a long story.”

"I'd like to hear it, especially if it is in connection with this tract you have ordered.”

"Well, for years I've been engaged in church work, have taken an interest in many religious organizations and societies so that a good share of my time has been spent in trying to do good.

"At last, I began to get uneasy about myself, as I awoke to the fact that while I was concerning myself about others, it was not all right with my own soul.

"This made me feel very unhappy and night and day I was greatly concerned about myself. 'Am I pardoned?' I asked myself. Could I say, 'I am ready to meet God?' No, I could not. So great was my trouble of mind, that my health began to give way and altogether my distress was more than I could well bear.

"I went to hear preacher after preacher—even some of the best, but nothing that I heard met my case; no relief could I find.

"The other night, however, I was coming down a road toward the city, when I saw a few people standing around a preacher under a lamp-post in the open air. I drew near, and there I heard what did meet my case, and gave me instant peace. As near as I can recollect, the preacher said, `The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, had done such a wonderful work on the cross—He had so perfectly met all the righteous claims of a holy God—so glorified God about sin, and had so completely put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, that God had in almighty power raised Him up from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in heaven, to show to all men what satisfaction He had found in the work done, and in the One who had done it. And now,' said the preacher, `on the ground of that finished work, God is free to welcome every sinner who feels the burden of his sins, and waits to clear him from all his guilt, and put upon him the best robe—God's own righteousness, which is unto all and upon all who believe. Thus the sinner who believes in the Lord Jesus is fitted to stand in God's holy presence in peace and perfect acceptance in Christ Jesus.”

"At once," said the dear man, "I saw the whole thing had been done outside of myself, and apart from me altogether, though all had been done for me. Joy filled my whole being as I believed it all, and clearly saw it all, and took it all in.

"I then walked a few steps away when a young man came up to me and put that tract in my hands. I took it to my hotel, and read it, and that finished it, and I saw that I too had been 'a rare fool.'”

Reader, are you also a religious worker, and yet without any assurance of salvation, and therefore a stranger to peace? You are working, it may be, to obtain this. Like the subject of our narrative, you may be troubled in soul; but peace does not come to a man by working, nor even by praying, but by believing.

"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

God is "Just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Rom. 3:26.

"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. 4:5. This is God's way.

Think over what the traveler heard the street-preacher say, and like him understand and believe that the work that saves the soul, and fits a man for heaven, has been done long, long ago; and God is satisfied with that atoning work, and why not you?

"Just As I Am"

A servant, in unpacking some goods from a grocery store, found a piece of paper on which was printed:

"Just as I am, without one plea

But that Thy blood was shed for me.”

She had never seen or heard these words before, and by the blessing of God they were the means of leading her to the Savior.

He Would Not Sing a Lie

A young man was walking along a street one evening. His attention was arrested by a crowd that was congregated in front of a hall. A number of Christian workers were having an open-air meeting and were engaged in singing the well-known Gospel hymn, "I am so glad that Jesus loves me.”

The hearty singing had a striking effect upon the bystanders. The man found himself joining in the song. The words "I am so glad! I am so glad!" stuck to him. Many people don't think of what they sing, and he had been one of them. He began to ask himself the question

"AM I GLAD THAT JESUS LOVES ME?”

"I am not a bit glad," was the conclusion he came to. "I don't think anything about it, and am singing what is not true. I won't sing a lie," and he ceased singing, "I am so glad that Jesus loves me.”

At the close of the open-air meeting, along with others, he entered the hall, and heard an earnest Gospel address, but was not particularly impressed with the preaching. As he was leaving the building, the evangelist laid his hand on his shoulder and said, "Where will you spend eternity?”

The question stuck to him, like a leech. "Where will you spend eternity?”

"In hell, if I continue going on as I am," he said to himself.

Has the reader ever seriously pondered the question or has he been trying to forget it? Eternity must be spent somewhere—in weal or in woe, in joy or despair, in heaven or in hell! Where? Where? WHERE?

On reaching the street he imagined that the words were inscribed in LETTERS OF FIRE ON THE PAVEMENT He returned to his room and became terribly troubled about his state.

Where will you spend eternity? rang in his ears, and vibrated through his inmost being. He did not know God. He had not as yet learned that the Lord Jesus had done everything that was needful to set him free. He was brought to the end of his tether. The thunders of Sinai appalled him. Before him was the day of reckoning, and beneath him the abode of despair. What was he to do to be saved?

Putting on his cap, he left the house and paced up and down the street, the longing desire of his heart finding expression in the words of the Philippian jailor, "What must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30. No peace could he find to his troubled soul.

Returning to his room, he opened his Bible, and began to search its sacred pages as for hidden treasures. When turning over the leaves his eye caught the precious words of 1 John 1:7, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Sin cleanseth us from all sin.”

In a moment the soul-saving truth that Christ by His blood-shedding had paid sin's penalty and borne sin's judgment, was laid hold of by him. Christ had done it all, and paid it all, and by believing on Him he was saved from everlasting woe. Now he understood what was meant by being "washed in the blood of the Lamb.”

Has the reader been washed in that sin-cleansing blood? Many are whitewashed with "religion" who have never been washed white in the crimson tide that flowed at Calvary's cross. Whitewashed or washed white—which? Where will you spend eternity?

"Eternity! but Jesus died;

Yes, Jesus died on Calvary;

Behold Him, thorn-crowned, crucified,

The spotless One made sin for thee.

O, sinner, haste, for refuge flee;

He saves—and for eternity!

Eternity! Eternity!

Where wilt thou spend eternity?”

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him." John 3:36.

Back to the Cross

Two friends were out in the country one day cycling. Feeling a little uneasy as to the road they were on, they inquired of an old man if they were on the right road to L.

"No," said he, "you cannot get to L. that way; you must go back to the Cross, which stands in the Market Place.”

"But," said one of them, "cannot we join the right road farther down?”

"No," was his reply, "you must go back to the Cross.”

All this time they had gone miles out of their way and did not know it.

How much like them are the great mass of men around us—on the wrong track, yet speeding on to eternity! But they too must be told that they are not on the right course. Is the reader among their number? Then he must go back to the Cross—the Cross of Christ. That is the only true starting-point for life's journey.

"Christ has once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." 1 Peter 3:18.

His death there, and nothing else, can blot out our sins from before the eyes of God, and set our feet on the right road.

You must go back to the Cross.

"Having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself." Colossians 1:20.

"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal. 6:14.

"That's Me; That's My Prayer"

Dear reader, ask yourself if you have ever truly valued that which God commends to you in His Word; ever truly appreciated that Word which He has magnified above all His Name. If not, you have not far to seek for the reason why your soul is unsaved, and your sins are unforgiven. What is needed is for the heart to be opened by faith to the eternal value to our souls of the Word of God.

I lately met with a touching illustration of this given by a writer, whose words I will endeavor to reproduce. A poor Hottentot in South Africa lived with a God-fearing man, who kept up family prayer daily. One day the latter read from Luke 18:

"Two men went up into the temple to pray.”

The poor savage, whose heart had been touched with the finger of God, looked up with deepest interest as these words fell from the reader's lips, and whispered, "Now I'll learn how to pray." The man continued: "God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men," and when he had reached these words, again the Hottentot whispered, and this was what he said, "No; I'm not; I'm not; but I'm worse." Again the man read, "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." And again there was a whisper, "I don't do that; I can't pray like that; what shall I do?" said the distressed savage. The reading was continued until they came to the publican, who would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven.

"That's me!" cried the poor African. "Stood afar off," read the other.

"That's where I am," said the Hottentot.

"But smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner.”

"That's me; that's my prayer!" cried the poor creature, aloud now, being too deeply moved to confine himself to whispers, and smiting on his dark breast, he prayed, "God, be merciful to me a sinner," like the poor publican had done, and he at once became a saved and happy man.

The word was mixed with faith how truly, how simply! He appreciated it, and thus it was he apportioned it, and he was saved by the blood of Christ. Dear reader, are you?

The Precious Blood

What was it washed my sins away,

And turned my darkness into day,

Despoiling Satan of his prey?

The blood of Christ.

What is it makes my conscience clean,

Through all this sin-defiling scene,

And keeps me tranquil and serene?

The cleansing blood.

What makes my coward conscience bold

Communion with my God to hold,

To taste of joys can ne'er be told?

The precious blood.

When Satan, with o'erwhelming flood,

Accuses me before my God,

Can ought protect Me? yes, the blood

Of God's dear Son.

When, in the solemn judgment day,

The wicked shall be cast away,

With God my Savior I shall, stay,

Secured by blood.

O! what shall keep me in that height,

And soften, to my soul's delight,

The unclouded blaze of holy light?

The Savior's blood.

And thus, through all, from first to last,

The future, present, and the past,

My soul must be completely cast

On Jesus' precious blood.

"I AM
THE GOOD SHEPHERD:
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
GIVETH HIS LIFE
FOR THE SHEEP.

MY SHEEP
HEAR MY VOICE,
AND I KNOW THEM,
AND THEY FOLLOW ME:
AND I GIVE UNTO THEM
ETERNAL LIFE;
AND THEY
SHALL NEVER PERISH."

John 10:11, 27, 28.

December

A Challenge

"I challenge you to prove that such a person as Jesus Christ ever existed" was heard coming from the far end of a grocery store where two customers were talking. The speaker had long been known as an outspoken atheist who sought every opportunity to express his views. He had great confidence in his ability to contest the facts of Christianity with anyone.

The Christian who had been accosted, referred his belligerent acquaintance to the Bible as proof of the existence of Jesus Christ.

"But," said the atheist, "I don't believe the Bible; so that is no proof to me.”

Just at this point a third customer entered the store, and seeing these men in conversation, joined them. The Christian thereupon recited what had already been said. After a brief pause the newcomer turned to the atheist, and said, "I believe you are the bookkeeper at the bank, aren't you?" Upon receiving an affirmative reply, he continued: "It is most strange to me and almost unbelievable, that you should seek any proof of the existence of Jesus Christ; for at your work in the bank you write His birth date many times each day. Why, this very day, if you go to work, you will record the date of September 2, 1942, on many records and documents. You must recognize that it is 1942, which date is calculated from the date of the birth of Jesus Christ. Correctly speaking, it is 1942, 'A. D.' which means 'in the year of our Lord.'

You simply cannot' escape evidence of the existence of Jesus Christ, for the world abounds with proofs that He actually lived and died here. Furthermore, every person in this country who transacts any legal business whatsoever, must give tacit acknowledgment to the fact of His existence by affixing the date. Friend you simply cannot honestly live in this country and be an atheist.”

For a few moments the trio stood in silence, and then the banker turned about and left the store without saying another word.

Any person who has indulged in such unsupported thoughts and statements as those expressed by the banker, should stop and think. He should remember that in his own case, his very birth certificate says that he was born on a certain day, in a certain year—"the year of our Lord." If he buys or sells any real estate, the date as in "the year of our Lord" will be dilly recorded. Yes, even the morning newspaper will bear silent testimony to the same fact. And the last record made of a man when he dies, is that he died in the year—, "A. D." To say that there is no evidence of the existence of Jesus Christ is gross folly, and willful blindness.

Not only has the Lord Jesus, God's beloved Son, come into this world and lived in it; but He was crucified in it. It is a most solemn fact that when God sent His Son into the world, men cast Him out. God sent His Son into the world with this thought, "They will reverence My Son." Matt. 21:37. Man's answer to the goodness of God was, "Away with this man... crucify Him, crucify Him." Luke 23:18, 21.

This world still stands guilty of the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God. It is only God's patience and longsuffering that has withheld His just and righteous judgment from a condemned world; but some day before long, His judgments will be poured out on the Christ rejecters.

There is, however, another side to the cross of Christ. There we see manifested the love of God which would give the dearest object of His heart. He allowed man's wickedness to do its worst, and then God abounded above all the wickedness, and made His Son a sacrifice which would be capable of putting the sin away righteously. There God made that holy, sinless, spotless One to be sin in order that He might be able to offer you and me a free and full pardon.

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

God could not pass over man's sin, but in matchless love He provided a perfect sacrifice who could be the substitute for the guilty.

God in mercy sent His Son

To a world by sin undone;

Jesus Christ was crucified—

'Twas for sinners Jesus died.

O, the glory of the grace,

Shining in the Savior's face!

Telling sinners from above,

"God is light," and "God is love.”

On that solid ground-work of the death of His beloved Son, God now offers salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life to any and all who will receive it. There is not a question as to the sinner's guilt, but if he will simply acknowledge it before God, and believe that Jesus actually died for him, he will be saved. Reformation will not save anyone; good deeds will not save either; but simple faith in Christ will save. All the good deeds a man can do would never atone for a single sin; but a perfect atonement has been provided by God, and all you have to do is to receive it. Then you can say, "He was wounded for our (my) transgressions, He was bruised for our (my) iniquities: the chastisement of our (my) peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are (I am) healed." Isa. 53:5.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

"Through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43.

"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

A Basket of Grapes

The reason why many souls have not the assurance of salvation is that they are looking within for something to rest on, instead of simply resting on Christ and believing what God says about Him and them, when they believe in Him. This state of matters was forcibly illustrated by an old lady. God had converted her nephew, a worldly doctor, in a remarkable way; and no sooner was he in the enjoyment of the Lord's grace, than he sought to get all his relatives to share his new-found joy. Recognizing the state his aunt was in, he asked me to pay her a visit, apprizing her of my coming.

The old lady received me very pleasantly, and we had a long conversation. She knew she was a sinner—a lost sinner—and owned it. She desired most fervently to be saved.

She knew that no works of her own could avail before God. She believed the Lord Jesus to be the only Savior of sinners. She had often cried to Him to save her, but no answer had come to her cries as yet. After finding out that she was truly a seeking soul—ripe for salvation, I might say—I asked: "Now, what is the hindrance? Why do you not know that you are saved? You tell me that you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is able and willing to save you, and that you are most willing to let Him save you, and yet you are not sure of salvation. Do you think He has anything more to do for your salvation?”

"O, no! I'm sure His work is all finished. He said so on the cross.”

"Quite true; only I suppose you think there must be something wrought in you before you can be sure you are saved?”

"Yes, that's just it," she replied. "And what is lacking in you?”

"Well, sir, I'm not thankful enough for all He has done for me. I think if I felt more thankful I should know I was saved.”

"O, I see where you are," I replied. "Now tell me, supposing I were to send you a basket of grapes by my servant tomorrow morning, what is the first thing you would do?”

"O, of course I should thank you," replied the lady, most energetically.

"Well, suppose on the other hand you sent me a basket of grapes, what do you think is the first thing I would do?" I replied.

"You would thank me, wouldn't you?"

"Not first.”

"Why, what would you do?" she asked most eagerly.

"I should take them. Then, secondly, I should send you a hearty message of thanks.”

"I see it! I see it!" exclaimed my friend, as the joy-tears welled down over her features. "I've just to take salvation first, and then thank the Lord for what He has given me.”

"Exactly so. 'The gift of God is eternal life' (Rom. 6:23). What He gives we have only simply to accept, and then thank Him for time and eternity.”

"Dear me, how simple it is!" she exclaimed, falling back on her pillows. "I always thought I must feel something within that I never could feel; but, thank God, I see it all clearly now. It is so simple I wonder why I didn't see it before." Thus she entered into sweet peace and rest in the Lord.

Reader, can you say with her. "I see it"? If not, why not? Nothing can be simpler than the Gospel. God gives, man receives; God speaks, man hears; Christ acts, man believes. To look within for anything is sheer folly. It is His work for us, and not the work in us that saves us.

Christ's work on the cross is perfect. Nothing can be added to it. God has accepted it for us, and has set Jesus at His own right hand in glory, in token of His appreciation of Him. His atoning work on the cross has glorified God, and put away our sins forever from His sight. By it, too, Satan's power is broken, and the grave opened, death being annulled.

Every claim of God on us has been met by Jesus. He took our place in death and judgment, that we might get His place in life and glory. And He says, "Because I live, ye shall live also." Faith believes this. Faith reckons with God, and sees things as He sees them. Feelings or experiences have no place at all.

"Abraham believed God"—i. e., he took Him at His word. I believe Him, dear reader. Do you? If so, you will say, "Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift." 2 Cor. 9:15.

Wounded and Made Whole

Handsome in face, and of powerful and athletic physique, endowed with good abilities, and the owner of a fine estate, C. E. was one whom the world has esteemed highly favored. Possessing the means of procuring the pleasures he desired, and the health to enjoy them, what did he lack? In later years he thus described his own past life and character.

"I was," he said, "until the age of twenty-three, in the world, and of it. I delighted to exceed all my boon companions, and to dare what they would not dare. I was an acknowledged leader, and boasted that I was on the way to hell myself, and that I would have plenty of companions there! Thus I ran riot, seldom opening my lips without an oath serving Satan well.”

"A manly, jolly sort of fellow!" do you say? Stay! How does God describe such an one?

"Having no hope, and without God in the world." Eph. 2:12.

That is the divine verdict, and that was C. E.'s own verdict later on. The bravado with which he talked of going to hell, showed that he had no hope of heaven; the oaths with which he blasphemed the name of God, showed that he was as yet "without God.”

But the very God without Whom he was willing to live, had His eyes upon that bold, careless young man, and was determined to make him His own.

One day, returning from a cricket match with two or three companions, they came to a wide ditch spanned by a plank. With his usual reckless daring, he proposed that they jump the length of the plank, instead of walking over it. His friends saw the danger, and at first tried to dissuade him from the attempt, then dared him to make it. One of them tried it, but failed. His failure and the opposition of the others, rendered C. E. yet more determined, and although he knew the risk he was running, he made one mighty effort and cleared the ditch at a bound. But, as he alighted on the farther side, an awful pain shot through his head. His companions, knowing nothing of this, laughed and applauded him; he kept it to himself, and made an excuse for returning to his home, where he writhed in agony. The pain passed off in the course of time, and in the evening he was merry as any of them, but, as he afterward related.

"Next morning, I awoke to find myself a helpless log. I was paralyzed!”

O, the misery—the desperate, hopeless misery—of that poor young fellow of three and twenty! All the fun, all the manly exercises, all the amusements over forever! Little did he dream that, ere many years had passed by, the life which he now looked on as spoiled forever, would be so full of joy that he would be known to his friends by the name of "the Sunbeam"!

For three years C. E.'s heart was filled with hard, rebellious thoughts of God, the God Who had thus come in and blighted all his prospects, as he thought. His temper was so violent that none dared speak to him of God, or of heavenly things. Satan, who had succeeded in keeping him away from God by the pleasures of life, now did his best to attain the same end by its miseries. But the devil who hated him, and sought his ruin, was no match for the God Who loved him, and was bent on blessing him.

He had a Christian cousin, for whom he had sincere affection, in spite of the wide difference that existed between them with regard to the things that matter most. One morning, Mrs. T. came in, holding in her hand a little black book, which aroused his suspicions.

“Sit down, sit down," he said, noticing that she appeared very nervous. After a pause she said very gently:

"Charlie, God loves you.”

"You, and your God, and your love!" he replied angrily. "It looks like it! I'm a helpless log. I tell you, Theo, I believe this life is a school. I was the worst boy in the school, and God hit me hard. I was going to hell, and He stopped me.”

Strangely enough, he did not realize the meaning of his own words.

"Did I not tell you God loved you?" Mrs. T. replied. "Your own words have said it, "I was going to hell and He stopped me.”

He started. For the first time the truth came home to his heart; the love of God was beginning to make itself felt. Both were silent for awhile; then he asked: "Tell me, Theo, can it be possible that your holy God loves me?”

"Yes, Charlie, He does; your own words admit it. Shall I read a verse for you?”

"Go on, go on," he said, crossly, and she began to read the third chapter of John. He interrupted her: "I know that," he said, and went on, flippantly, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus.”

She stopped; then asked, quietly: "May I read one verse?”

"Go on, go on," he said again, and she read:

"Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

That was all; she added no words of her own, and soon after went out, leaving God's Word to do its own work.

And it did work. He became far more miserable than he had been before, but it was a different sort of misery. Now he felt his own utter sinfulness—saw himself to be "nothing but sin," as he said later on, and what misery can equal that of a man who sees himself to be a lost sinner in the presence of a holy God?

But not yet did C. E. turn to the One Who had thus opened his blind eyes to see his own true condition.

"I cursed myself," he said—"wished I had never seen Theo, and vowed she should not again be admitted to my house.”

"Two weeks passed in a state of untold wretchedness, and then, one day, when he went in to tea, who should he find in the room but the cousin whom he had resolved to forbid the house! And by her means he was led as a penitent sinner to the feet of Jesus, and was saved.

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15.

"God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Rom. 5:8.

"Nothing - Everything"

What has the debtor-man to bring

As tribute to the Eternal King?

Nothing.

Still let him come to God, and prove

His riches, His abounding love.

What has the sinner-man to bring

As a sufficient offering?

Nothing.

Still let him come to God, whose grace

Has bruised a Savior in his place.

Come, then, poor sinner, come and sing;

Come, in thy poverty, and bring

Nothing.

God bids thee in His grace believe;

God bids thee from His grace receive -

Everything!

"CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE: I WILL DELIVER THEE, AND THOU SHALT GLORIFY ME."

Psa. 50:15:

"THE ETERNAL GOD IS THY REFUGE, AND UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS."

Deut. 33:27

Echoes of Grace: 1942

Table of Contents

January

Comedy - Tragedy - Eternity

The Butterfly

A Wonderful Promise

Filthy Rags

The Sight of a Bible

Suddenly

Cherries on a Dead Stick

February

"Religion without Christ!"

"To Him That Worketh Not"

Treasure

Devotedness Pays

The Folly of Half-Trust

"He That Believeth Hath"

The Love of Christ

March

The Power of the Word of God

"Forever With the Lord"

"Why Didn't I See It Before?"

The Unread Letter

The Nobleman's Daughter or Christ for Me

Extract: The Heavenly Calling

"He Loved Me, and Gave Himself for Me" Gal. 2:20

April

"What Shall I Say to Him?"

A Backslider Restored

The Peddler's Song

"Hath Everlasting Life"

Impending

As and So

I'm Not Going without It

May

Pearl Harbor

Not yet

"Jesus Died for Me"

Riches

Are You Prepared to Meet God?

June

I've No One Left to Pray for Me Now

"I Know Him, and He Knows Me"

"I Feel Happy, Because I Know"

I Thank Him for His Word "Hath"

"Will I Not Let Him In?"

Not Now

Five Things That Must Happen

His Grace to Me

July

"He's Mine, and I Know He Loves Me"

Certainty, or Presumption?

"There Is No Difference"

Jesus Is Coming

Those Terrible Wages

Extract: The Benefits and Rejection of the Cross

August

The Conversion of Infidels

"I Cannot Stand This"

"Saved Alone"

Eternity

Going Home

Plenty of Time

September

An Important Question

Do I Love the Bible?

"Only the Bible"

Do Men Exist Forever?

On the Instant

"It's Only a Little While, Sir"

"What Must I Do to Be Saved?"

October

Are You Right With God?

Christ, The Cure

A Remarkable Verse

A Godly Preacher's Answer

Still Waiting to Enter

"Till He Come"

Prescribing the Remedy

A Soldier's Letter