Echoes of Grace: 1961

In the dissecting-room of the great college, a group of medical students were standing around one of the tables, evidently for the moment, deeply interested. The fading light, closed books, shut dissecting cases, and somewhat grave faces of the dozen listeners showed that anatomy was not the topic under discussion. A student seated in the midst of the group had been busy preparing to leave; but now he replied patiently to the queries that came from all sides.

The conversation had been begun by Sinclair, a thoughtless and careless young future medico. In passing the seated student, known to be a Christian, Sinclair had railing said: "Well, Spurgeon, how many have you baptized lately?”

Medical students all love to bestow nicknames on each other, and even on their professors; none escape. So it was that the student thus addressed as "Spurgeon" had soon after entering college (and it became known that he occasionally preached the gospel), been dubbed with the name of the noted preacher.

"I do not baptize; I only preach the gospel, when, and as best I can," was the rejoinder.

"Oh, you don't baptize; you only preach. Come, tell us what you say!" The loud tone of banter in which this was said quickly gathered, as it was intended it should, a little coterie of kindred spirits, expecting some fun from this baiting of the young Christian. At that moment the senior demonstrator of anatomy, a grave, quiet man of whom the students stood rather in awe, joined the group.

"You want to know what I preach, do you? I preach glad tidings; the love of God to ruined man, the death and resurrection of His Son, the Lord Jesus, and that faith in Him alone secures salvation. I preach that man is guilty, ruined, lost, and that the `Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.' I preach that 'Salvation is of the Lord,' and `the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles.' Whosoever will may have it, without money or price. 'The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.' The last time I preached I spoke on the 10th of Acts. There it says about the Savior: 'To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.' Acts 10: 43.”

"Do you mean to say that your sins are all forgiven, and that you are saved, Spurgeon?" continued his first interrogator.

"Through God's grace I can most certainly say so. I have had that joy for years now.”

"Well, I call that presumption, and no mistake," said one. "Did you ever hear the like? That's rather too easy and too good to believe," put in a chorus of voices at once.

Nothing daunted, the assailed one replied: "How can it be presumption to believe God? If my salvation depended on my own good works I might well be filled with doubt and uncertainty; but if it depend, as it does, on the perfect, finished, and accepted work of the Lord Jesus for me, it would be presumption on my part to doubt that salvation.

"God says plainly in His Word to every believing soul, 'Thy sins are forgiven. Thy faith hath saved thee. Go in peace.' Luke 7. It surely cannot be presumption to believe the God of truth when He says He sent His Son to save me, and when I trust Him I am saved.”

"But you do not give any place for your good works," put in the senior demonstrator who had been listening quietly until now.

"If God gives them no place, sir, had we not better leave them out of consideration? Man's works are either 'wicked' (Col. 1:21) or 'dead' (Heb. 9:14), and certainly they cannot save his soul. Christ's work is finished. Only by trusting in Him and the completeness of His atoning work can one's sin be put away, and the believing soul be saved.”

"Ah, that makes it far too easy," said one. "Depend upon it, Spurgeon, you are all wrong!" The gathering soon broke up, and the student was left to wonder what God would bring out of the incident.

A few days later this young student was again busy with his scalpel and forceps, sitting alone at a table. One of his seniors, named Johnson, soon brought his part, instruments and book, and seated himself opposite to him, and began to dissect. Work went on quietly for a little, and then Johnson said, "That was strange stuff you were giving the fellows the other afternoon. I said nothing at the time, but I don't believe what you were saying. I don't at all pretend to be religious myself, but I am sure a man must need to work hard to get to heaven. Your way would not be mine at all, if I cared for that sort of thing, which I don't.”

"It is not my way either, Johnson. It is God's way, and that makes all the difference. When the Lord was upon earth, the Jews came and asked Him, `What shall we do that we might work the works of God?' Do you know what He answered them?" "No. What?”

"'Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.' John 6:29. To believe in the Son of God is all that you or I have to do to get saved.”

“But, man, it stands to reason that we ought to do something ourselves. Why, by your way everybody may get saved. Do you believe they will?”

"No; I believe nothing of the sort, for sad to say, all will not take the place of being lost sinners, and so do not feel their need of a Savior, nor will they trust Him. His words are true: 'They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' The whole, the righteous ones—or those who think they are such—need Him not, but sinners are welcome to Him. As one of the latter I have received Him, and He has saved me out and out, blessed be His name!”

"Oh, that's easily said! But I don't believe in your way of salvation at all. You will never convince me that that is the way to be saved." So saying Johnson relapsed into silence and shortly after left the table. For the rest of their student life he took good care not to give an opportunity for a tete-a-tete with the man who knew Christ had saved him.

Years rolled by. Student days ceased and Johnson entered practice in the far West. The young Christian went north to extend his knowledge while filling the post of house physician in a large hospital. Later, to that same city who should come but Johnson, attracted, as he supposed, by certain medical advantages of which he would avail himself. But God had His eye on him, and to Johnson's surprise, placed him in the very hospital ward where his former fellow-student was chief. Coming thus together again, Johnson's friend felt greatly interested in him, and one Lord's Day, said, "Do you ever go to hear the Word of God preached now?”

"Sometimes; but I have not been since I came north. Where do you go?”

"I, Oh, I go over on State Street.”

"Who preaches there?”

"Various ones.”

"Do they preach well?”

"That would be an open question. I believe they preach the truth. That is what you and I want, isn't it? You might do worse than come." And he handed him a little notice of the meeting.

That very evening the preacher was reading the 7th of Luke, when the door quietly opened and the unbelieving, but evidently interested, young doctor entered. Surprised, he found that the preacher was the one who invited him; but the Lord's sermon of twelve words: "Thy sins are forgiven. Thy faith hath saved thee. Go in peace," soon riveted his attention; and though he did not go "in peace," he left impressed with a sense of his need and danger such as he had never experienced before.

The next Lord's Day evening the doctor again was present. This time an aged, gray-haired servant of God sweetly unfolded the touching parables of Luke 15. He showed how, when man was lost, Jesus came after him. When he was dead, the Spirit quickened him. When he returned repentant, the Father welcomed and rejoiced over him.

Convicted now of his sinful state, the young physician later heard his medical friend preach from the words, "Wilt thou go with this man?" He felt constrained to decide for Christ that night, and stayed to the after-meeting for anxious inquirers. Then as the two doctors walked towards the hospital together, he confessed that the conversation in college days had been an arrow that had pierced his armor. Persuaded in his mind that what he had heard was not true, he had gone home and searched his Bible for support, only to find that he himself was wrong. What he had heard from young "Spurgeon" was the truth! Convinced that God's salvation was free to all, by simple faith in Jesus, he had balanced the blessings of the gospel against "the pleasures of sin for a season." The devil had presented a fair picture; and he had shut his Bible, and turned again to the world of sin and folly. But this decision had never given him an hour's peace.

Now Johnson knew he was lost, and was asked: "Do you believe that Jesus came to save the lost?”

"I do! I believe He came to save me, and I believe in Him.”

"Then are you not saved?”

"That is the difficulty. I don't feel sure.”

"Well," said his friend, "if God is worth believing on two counts, why not on the third? When God says in His Word you are a lost sinner, what do you say?”

"I believe Him," he replied.

"Good! And when He says He sent His Son to die for you, and that if you trust in Him you shall be saved-what do you say?”

"I believe Him with all my heart.”

"Excellent! Now, then, when He says, 'He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life,' are you going to doubt Him?”

"That won't do. If He speaks truly on the two counts, He must speak as truly on the third. Yes, I see it. I believe in His Son, and I have everlasting life. He says it, and it must be true. Thank God, I am saved, forgiven, without any works of my own-by simple faith in Jesus.”

"One question more, Johnson: 'Wilt thou go with this Man?'”

"I will go!" was the emphatic reply; and the doctor started for glory. He is yet on the road, but sure of the end through grace.

Reader, have you started yet? If not, just start at once.

A Fixing Solution

"Have you been born again? Are you a Christian?" So asked a preacher of a young man who had come time after time to the meetings.

"Well, yes, I am, but I don't always live like one. I need a fixing solution," was his reply.

He needed decision. And many are in a similar condition.

They are disciples, but secretly for fear. They do not like to be thought "strange" and so they do not take their place definitely on Christ's side. They do not confess Him openly as their Lord.

And thus it is that they lose the joy and blessedness which belongs to those who are out and out for Christ.

The Amended Will

I had been invited to dinner at the home of a man well past the threescore and ten mark. Although known as a Christian for many years, he had ideas of humility which hindered his enjoyment of "full assurance" of salvation. At the same time, his self-denying labors of love and exemplary walk would shame many advanced believers.

As he sat in his armchair during the evening, he said: "I am leaving tomorrow for an extended journey. We never know what a day may bring forth, especially at my time of life; so I have written out a few directions as to the disposal of my property, and I wish you to append your name as having witnessed my signature.”

He then read the will over to me. I was particularly struck with the concise way in which he had given expression to his wishes. There was nothing superfluous or vague, and nothing omitted. With the following words he concluded: "I wish to testify that I die trusting in the merits of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and hope I am accepted for His sake.”

"You have stated everything so clearly," I commented. "May I ask why you add, 'I hope I am accepted'? The Word of God tells us that 'He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.' And again it says: "We know [not hope] 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.

"Well," said he, "it is one thing for Paul the Apostle to speak thus. It would be quite another for me. I have no sympathy for those who are presumptuous enough to speak so confidently about their salvation. They must be sadly wanting in humility.”

"Friend," I replied, "if it be presumption, has not God endorsed it? Did not Christ say: '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. You say you trust in the merit and work of Christ, and Him alone.”

"I do," he added, "firmly believing when He said, `It is finished,' the work was fully done, and nothing can be added to it.”

"Or taken away?" I inquired.

"I see," he replied, "you do not believe in the final perseverance of the saints.”

"I believe rather," said I, "in the final perseverance of God to guard and keep His saints unto the end. If it depended upon the holiest saint of God to keep himself, it would be a sorry affair. He could not stand for half an hour. It is the perseverance of the Father in drawing all to Jesus—the perseverance of the Son and the Holy Ghost in keeping them. Is not this a firm basis on which to rest?”

"It is indeed a solid foundation," he exclaimed. "I see! I see my mistake. It is far more presumptuous to doubt God than to take Him at His word," and he struck out the word "hope," and inserted "know.”

"For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Tim. 1:12.

The Right Objective

At the close of a gospel meeting a young girl was anxious about her soul. A lady endeavored, with the best of intentions, to help her. After a few sentences she laid her hand upon the girl's arm and inquired in a kindly tone: "Do you feel any better?”

"No, ma'am," sobbed the girl.

"Then get down on your knees with me." Both knelt, and the lady said: "Now I want you to say this after me. Are you ready?”

"Yes, ma'am.”

"Our Father which art in heaven.”

"Our Father which art in heaven," murmured the girl as best she could between her sobs. And so they went through to the end of what is known as the Lord's Prayer.

They rose from their knees at the end, and the lady cheerfully said: "Now you feel better, don't you?”

What an easy-going, superficial treatment this was for a seeking soul! The poor girl felt no better: she wept on.

Plainly the lady was attempting to put the cart before the horse. What the girl needed was to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. Then, indeed, she would have cause to be much happier.

Clearly then, the burning question is not what one feels. Feelings are often deceptive; facts are stubborn things. To start examining your feelings and occupying yourself with them is to lose sight of the objective and to confuse the real issue. The only right course is to go straight to the root of the matter. Acknowledge your sins and seek the Savior.

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psa. 34:18

Progress”

How strange it is that, while the world is making so much progress in science and inventions, it makes none at all in righteousness or even in morality! Some men persuade themselves that the world is growing better; but when brought face to face with the actual facts, they are forced to admit that "evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse." (2 Tim. 3:13.)

The records of jails, prisons, courts, and the plain proofs of increasing crime fully confirm the truth of the Word of God. Sad to say, the world's progress is not in or toward goodness. The wonderful advances in electrical inventions and discoveries, all the scientific attainments and triumphs of this day, cannot bring a soul nearer to God or blot out a single sin.

The world's real progress is progress in pride and lust, in casting off the fear of God, in rejecting His precious Word. In these things men are making swift and sure progress. The world is converting the church to its own infidel views of worship of nature and scoffing at Scripture. God and His grace in Christ are being thrown aside by the fables of progressive theology, liberal views, and the teachings of the so-called modern school.

Where, reader, do you find yourself today? Are you going on to eternity with the great multitude, through the wide gate and down the broad road?

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt. 7:13,14.

The Lord Jesus Christ warns us as to what is at the end of this broad, easy way, in which the world is traveling. It's the easiest road in the world to find. You need only to follow the crowd, take the easy way, be "broad-minded" and liberal in your views! The unerring Word of the Son of God tells you where it will end—"destruction.”

That is a hard word, DESTRUCTION! But it is the word of the Son of God. He died to save you from it, and it is in mercy that He speaks this terrible word. It is a word of solemn warning. It stands at the end of the world's progress.

It is not annihilation. The same One warns us: "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matt. 10:28.

He who uttered this warning loved sinners so much that He left His place in glory and came into this world of ruin to die for them, to bear God's holy wrath against sin. It is the love of Christ that warns, in these solemn words, those who are following the broad path to destruction.

There is a path that leads to life. Christ has opened it up for you by His own blood. He invites you to enter it through the narrow gate. It was at infinite cost that He opened up this way for you.

"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. 5:21.

The narrow path, entered through the strait gate, loads to life. Eternal life is the portion of those who follow it, for Jesus is the way. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6.

In this path there is a life of joy, peace, love, hope, and daily blessing. In that path is found real progress—not the progress of the world, but progress in love, in faith, and in the knowledge of God and of His grace. It is not progress that ends in destruction, but progress that ends in the blessed presence of the Son of God in glory.

All this rests on the work of redemption finished on the Cross.

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Eph. 1:7.

It is offered to you now, "without money and without price.”

"He, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isa. 55:1.

"There is none other
name under heaven
given among men,
whereby we must be
SAVED.”

Acts 4:12.

February

Perfect Love?

One there is above all others—
O how He loves!
His is the love beyond a brother's—
O how He loves!
Earthly friends may fail or leave us,
One day soothe, the next day grieve us;
But this Friend will ne'er deceive us-
O how He loves!

Joy and peace it is to know Him—
O how He loves!
Think, O think how much we owe Him—
O how He loves!
With His precious blood He bought us,
In the wilderness He sought us,
To His loved ones safely brought us—
O how He loves!

We have found a friend in Jesus—
O how He loves!
'Tis His great delight to bless us—
O how He loves!
How our hearts delight to hear Him
Bid us dwell in safety near Him—
Why should we distrust or fear Him?
O how He loves!

Through His name we are forgiven-
O how He loves!
Backward shall our foes be driven;
O how He loves!
Best of blessings He'll provide us;
Naught but good shall e'er betide us—
Safe to glory He will guide us—
O how He loves!

The Bag of Beans

On a summer Lord's day evening many years ago, a young man walked the streets of London, downcast and weary. He had been living a dissolute life, with the usual result of a tarnished reputation and an empty purse. He planned to sail for New York the following morning; and a Christian friend, who had vainly sought to stop him in his downward course, pleaded with him to go this last night in England to hear Rowland Hill preach.

Surrey Chapel was filled that evening with an eager crowd brought together to hear the faithful, but often grotesque, preaching of that earnest man. It may have been curiosity that led the young man there; but at any rate he found himself seated in the congregation.

Mr. Hill's text was: "We are not ignorant of his devices." He read it and abruptly proceeded: "I was walking along the street the other day," he said, "and saw a drove of pigs following a man. This excited my curiosity, for, as you all know, pigs are uncommonly queer animals to drive. When you want them to go one way they invariably take another. But this man seemed to have no difficulty; the pigs followed, jostling and grunting after him, as eager as possible.

"I walked along behind the drove; and to my surprise I found they were going to the slaughter house. Reaching it, they went in without hesitation, and the door closed behind them. I waited till the man came out, and asked him how he had managed to lead them so easily.

"The man laughed and said, 'Maybe you did not see the bag of beans under my arm. I knew I would have my morning's work cut out for me taking them there, if I didn't humor them a bit. So I got some beans, which they particularly like, and dropped them along the road. You saw how they scampered along picking up the beans, never suspecting they were going to the slaughter.'

"And this is the way," continued the preacher, raising his voice, and turning his penetrating glance right on the pew where the young prodigal sat, "that the devil is leading some of you captives at his will right down to hell. He knows full well how to please and lead you on. He drops his beans right along your pathway. Very soon for some of you the last bean will be picked up. Then the gates of hell will close behind you forever.”

The young man was condemned on the spot. The story of the beans, with its striking application to the wiles and devices of the devil in ruining souls by scattering the world's follies in their path, carried the arrow of conviction to his heart.

Next day he did sail for New York, and his anxious friend waited for news of his arrival. At last it came, and with joyful surprise he read, "I am glad to tell you I am a converted man. The words of that earnest man, Rowland Hill, especially the opening words about the devil's beans, surely awakened me. I saw where I was heading, how Satan was luring me on, and what my doom and destiny must be. By the grace of God I am saved, to follow the Savior, and walk in His path.”

Reader, are you being led on to death and hell by the devil's beans? The "pleasures of sin," often very palatable, you will taste for the last time some day. Then the agonies of hell, the closing of hell's door behind you, the doom of the damned, will be your portion forever.

Today a God of love yearns over your soul, and wants to save you. Christ is able, ready, and willing. "Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die?”

Christ's Welcome

Our right to come to Jesus is full and clear. It is irrespective of aught in us. It presupposes want and sin-nothing more.

The invitation is wide and free, appending no restriction, and enjoining no prerequisite. It does not fence itself around with conditions, as if fearful that too many might avail themselves of it, or as if desirous to keep off the unqualified and unworthy. It makes no exceptions as to previous life or present character. It welcomes the unworthiest. It forbids none.

The Lord's invitation leaves no room for suspicion on the part of any. "Come, and come at once; come, and boldly," is its message to all. Jesus says: "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

The Savior's free love beckons and beseeches you. It does not stand on ceremony nor insist on terms. It does not say, Whosoever comes in this manner, or that manner, according to this rule or that rule, but "Him that cometh... I will in no wise cast out.”

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

Kept Out

Elsie Craig was an invalid who lived in a wee cottage on a lonely moor in Scotland. Many persons visited Elsie to comfort her in her affliction. She could not answer the door herself; so when any one tapped it was her custom to ask, "What’s there?" If the visitor was one she wished to see, Elsie would say: "Open the door yersel', and come in." Very few were allowed to stand long at Elsie's door, and fewer still to go away without admittance.

There was, however, one person who frequently knocked, but who was never once asked to open the door and come in. That person was the minister. Not that Elsie had any special dislike for the good man! She spoke a great deal about religion, and even said many fine things about Mr. Stevens; but she shunned meeting him. She never bade him come in, and he was too much of a gentleman to enter poor Elsie's cottage without her leave. Again and again he came and knocked, but with no success. He only heard the "What’s there?" Then a deep silence would prevail which told him as plainly as words could that he was not wanted inside. So he would turn and leave.

Mr. Stevens had thought of giving up visiting Elsie; but his desire to know that she was saved constrained him to continue.

One Saturday night, returning across the moor, he felt impelled to turn aside from the path and call upon Elsie once more. The clock had struck ten before he reached her door, but he had scarcely tapped when the accustomed "What’s there?" fell upon his ear.

"Yer ain minister, Elsie," was the affectionate reply.

There was silence. Mr. Stevens was preparing to depart when the following words reached him: "Weel, sir, I'll keep ye out nae mair; just open the door yersel', and come in.”

Mr. Stevens gladly opened the door and entered. He took his seat close by the frail invalid and spoke kindly to her. He told her of the loving and patient Jesus, who "bore our sins in His own body on the tree," and who by the "sacrifice of Himself put away sin." He told her, too, that this same Jesus had stood at the door of her heart, and thus was still waiting for her to receive Him. The Lord of glory would come in even now, if she would ask Him.

As Mr. Stevens thus spoke of Jesus and His quenchless love, the tears flowed over the invalid's wan cheeks, and Elsie said in her heart, "I will let Him in." Mr. Stevens prayed and departed, and Elsie was left alone.

During the long, sleepless night which followed, poor Elsie thought of the loving Jesus standing patiently at the door of her sinful heart. While she mused, her heart was stirred and she wept again. Yes, she wept and prayed. Nor did she pray in vain: for One came to her in the dark, lone night, and spoke peace to her soul. When the sun rose in the morning and peeped in at the little window, Elsie woke with the knowledge of sins forgiven. She had received Jesus as her Savior. He had washed away all her sins and taken up His abode in her heart.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." Rev. 3:20. Yes, reader, Jesus knocks, and says, "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.”

"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.”

The Coffin and the Cradle

"Come in!" This was the response to my knock at the door of a house in the poorest part of the city. The voice that had bidden me "come in" belonged to a woman who sat huddled over a tiny fire burning in an almost empty grate. She looked near to death. Her cheeks were hollow, her eyes were sunk deep in her head, her whole frame was wasted and emaciated. A rasping cough which troubled her constantly showed all too plainly the near approach of her earthly end.

Death, that dread enemy, was already known in that room. As I glanced around I was startled by the presence there of two objects very different from each other—a coffin and a cradle. Resting upon an old turned-up packing case was a tiny coffin—just a small, plain wooden box; and within it was the lifeless form of an infant. Close to the packing case and its sorrowful burden was an old cradle. In this lay a sleeping child. The two children were so much alike as they lay motionless in their separate resting places that, if one had been put in the place of the other, a stranger who did not know of the exchange would have been likely to have mistaken the living for the dead.

That scene I have never forgotten. And what a lesson it was! I often wonder, as I look in the faces of those I meet on the street, or whom I see at religious services—"Is it coffin or cradle?”

Do you know what I mean? Well, just this. Those two children looked alike. There was a semblance of peace upon both, yet how different their state! With one it was the blessed oblivion of healthful sleep: with the other it was cold insensibility of death. And now when I see people with a peaceful expression on their faces, I frequently ask myself, is this the careless, awful composure of death in sin, or is it the tranquil evidence of a beautiful, living faith in Jesus?

"There is all the difference in the world between a cleansed soul and a dead soul," someone has said. Without Christ—that is to say, without the pardon received by believing God's Word and accepting Christ's work for us—we are "dead in trespasses and sins." Content with that state, the soul is without LIFE in God's sight. He is dead toward God. The coffin pictures his resting place.

But there is another peace, "the peace of God which passeth all understanding." That is living peace, true peace. Does your face reflect that? It does, if you know the blessed Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has "made peace through the blood of His cross." Col. 1:20.

The chastisement of your peace was upon Him. God accepted that chastisement as if it had been upon you. He asks you now to believe it, and tells you that "he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36. I pray you to accept the gift of God's Son, and you shall have life.

"There is nothing to do, for being born 'dead,'
You must have another to work in your stead;
Christ Jesus in Calvary's terrible hour
Has done all the work in such marvelous power,
That, raised from the dead, He now offers to you
Life, pardon, salvation, and nothing to do!
`No, nothing to do, till you're saved from your sins';
Then the power of doing good only begins.”

The Penitent Thief

One would like to know something more of the penitent malefactor whose earthly journey ended on Calvary's hill. What was his history? How had he fallen into evil ways? What knowledge of the Scriptures had he? Had he ever seen Jesus before? These details would interest the mind of man, but they might have interfered with the divine purpose his cross was to serve.

He was, in God's plan, simply a type of a penitent sufferer, of an evil doer receiving from =men the just reward of his deeds. Yet in the hour in which he was to pass to the judgment of God, he was delivered from condemnation and assured of a place in Paradise.

Could anything better illustrate the simple power of faith, the change which is meant by being justified freely by God's grace, the immediateness with which Christ makes a penitent sinner welcome, or the completeness with which He makes that sinner safe for all eternity?

The circumstances of this man, a dying thief, were peculiar. He is the very last we would have thought likely to become a believer at such a time. In his own case and that of his companion, he accepted judgment as right in their condemnation. Yet, beholding the holy One on that middle cross, he judged both Jewish and Gentile rulers to have been egregiously and impiously wrong. He believed that this despised One was the Prince of life.

He had to believe this when even all who had believed in Him had fled from Him. What a miracle of faith was his! Grace not only here saves to the uttermost, but faith rises to the uttermost, giving sublime expression to its new-born trust in that confident cry: "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.”

Here is the type of a sinner saved in the midst of suffering justly for his deeds. He was saved at the cross, when others were fleeing in terror from it—when many, looking on, were saying: "He saved others, Himself He cannot save!" He was saved after he had doubted, not after he had been assured of Paradise. He was saved simply by looking unto Jesus, and trusting in His grace. This teaches how direct and simple and infallible faith is. No past doing need be a hindrance to one being saved—nor present suffering, nor shame, nor faithlessness on the part of His followers. No impossibility of proving faith by the afterlife need interfere with instant, assured, eternal salvation. It is simply by believing in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

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

With God All Things Are Possible?

"It can't be done, impossible, man says;
And so it is to feeble sight:
But when by faith we get in touch with God,
It can, for He's a God of might!

Scarlet Made As White As Snow

"What do you think of me today, doctor?”

The speaker was a man in what we call the prime of life; but upon his face the hectic flush and the sunken eyes told only too plainly of the ravages of tuberculosis.

"I think you are very ill," said the doctor quietly.

There was a short pause, and then the sick man spoke again. "What do you think of my case? Shall I get well again?" He gazed anxiously up into the doctor's face.

There was a longer pause. Then the doctor said, slowly but kindly: "No, my friend; I do not think you will. You are dying.”

A look of anguish and of despair came over the dying man's face. Eternity in all its reality was opening up before him, an eternity without hope, for the sins of the past were still unforgiven. He had been moral and upright in his ways before men, a good and steady workman, a kind and most affectionate husband and father; but he knew now that in all that there was nothing for God. He had lived only for himself and for this world. Now he was leaving it, and had nothing to rest on. Little wonder that his face reflected the trouble of his soul.

The doctor added a few kindly words, and then took his leave. What more could he do? For he himself did not know

"That Name most blest and precious,
All other names above.”

It alone can bring sunshine to the sin-hardened heart and comfort to a dying soul. But that love which hastened forth to meet the returning one in Luke 15 is ever on the watch for the faintest turning of the heart to Him. The Lord had indeed laid the strong man low, but it was in order that He might reveal Himself to him.

The dying man's wife had heard the conversation with the doctor; and that look of anguish which came over her husband's face had filled her heart with sorrow. What could she do? What could she say? Whom could she send for? She herself did not yet know the Savior; yet the cry of her heart was, "Lord, help us!" And the Lord did not just help; but, as He always does, He did it all.

One night very shortly after this, while she was sitting by her husband's bedside silently watching him, he looked up at her suddenly and said, "In the Bible isn't there something about scarlet being made white as snow?”

"Yes," she said, "I think there is.”

"Will you try to find it and read it to me?" he said eagerly.

She got a Bible and opened it. What a big book in which to look for one little verse! Where would she find it? God's blessed Spirit, who has been given to guide into all truth, and who delights to do so, was watching over those anxiously seeking ones, and ere long those wondrous words in Isa. 1:18 were found.

"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.”

As cold water to a thirsty soul, and as good news from a far country, so those words of life and power fell upon the ear of this poor dying man. "Read it again," he whispered eagerly.

Again she read, "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.”

"Yes," he exclaimed, with a sigh of relief, "that will do for me; scarlet made as white as snow!”

The trouble, the anguish, the despair, were all gone. He had now found a resting place.

And what of you who have been reading these lines? You too are bound for eternity. It is much nearer perhaps than you think. Let me ask you: Are your sins of scarlet made as white as snow? Are they gone—blotted out, because another, God's beloved Son, has borne the judgment due to them? Or are they still upon you?

Consider now, beloved, and seek the assurance of sin's forgiven—the scarlet stain washed as white as snow in the precious blood of Jesus.

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

Daily Influence

Every one is touching the life of somebody for weal or for woe every day of his life.

Do not live a lost life. Let Christ save your life as well as your soul.

"Let the wicked forsake his
way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts: and let
him return unto the LORD,
and He will have mercy upon
him; and to our GOD, for He
will abundantly pardon.”

Isa. 55:7.

March

Nothing for Christ

No words for Jesus!
Everything else is talked about,
Only His precious name left out;
And the Father waits in vain to hear
Words for Him He holds so dear.

No work for Jesus!
The hands are busy all day long,
The work is much, the work is strong;
But the Father looks in vain to see
Something for Christ in eternity.

No time for Jesus!
Time for self and time for friend,
Time for all that world may send;
But there's "no time" when Jesus pleads
His people's woes, or sinner's needs.

All for Christ

WORDS with Jesus!
Talking with Him all day long,
In the home's brief hush, or the outer throng;
Some of His own sweet words must pass
Out to the restless, Christless mass.

WORK with Jesus!
Finding we cannot work alone,
His hand, His heart, our very own—
Working with Him in His own way,
Gladly awaiting eternal day.

TIME with Jesus!
Knowing well what communion means,
How deep the peace in the heart that leans
Upon Him; thus all time must be His, till
His wondrous face we see.

The Beginning of Days

Early one morning years ago, a trim British sailing vessel, the "Golden Fleece," lay moored in the harbor at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The sails hung loose ready to be "sheeted home" for the start of the voyage to Valparaiso, Chile.

The captain announced: "It's seven bells, lads, We'll have breakfast and then cast off and get under way.”

In the deck house the crew gathered, myself included to enjoy as best we could a tough beef steak. After breakfast I filled a huge clay pipe with tobacco and began to puff a cloud. Suddenly, as if close by my side, the words came clearly: "Prepare to meet thy God.”

Taking the pipe out of my mouth, I looked around. There was no one near. I thought: "That's strange! I haven't been near any religious meetings for years—and now this message comes to me!" It is many years since this occurred, yet it is as vivid in my memory as if it had been today.

The "Golden Fleece" slipped her mooring cable and sped out through the blue Pacific. The anchors were stored and we were kept busy with the many duties of ship life. But amidst all the activity those words—"Prepare to meet thy God"—echoed and reechoed in my mind. At night the words seemed reflected in the binnacle where the compass is mounted to steer by. In the spread of the snowy sails they seemed to display themselves.

"Is there no escape from this?" I cried. An agony of soul that is simply indescribable began to seize upon me. With Job 1 could say, "The arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit." Job 6:4.

Martin Luther once said: "The realized burden of sin is the torture of tortures." I found it true, for the lash, the scourge, the rack, all combine in a soul convicted of sin. What was I to do? Pray? What would I pray? The "litany" which I had learned as a boy and had repeated so often in the parish church came to mind. It seemed to suit my case and so I used it as best I knew.

"Oh God, the Father of heaven, have mercy upon a miserable sinner!

Oh God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on a miserable sinner!

Oh God, the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, have mercy on a miserable sinner!" I had not prayed for years, but NOW I meant every word I said. The burden was intolerable. "If I should miss my footing and fall overboard, how could I endure this FOREVER?”

The thought was enough to drive me mad. "Perhaps there's something in the Bible that might help," I thought. So the old Book, cast aside for so long, was brought out. It only added to my load of condemnation; for when we had taken on a cargo of sugar in the Island of Mauritius we had picked up some beetles. These had eaten every part of the leather cover of the Book. This evidence of my neglect stung me with white hot thrusts. Did not the same "litany" contain a petition to be kept from contempt of God's Word and commandment? Here was proof of my willful neglect and guilt!

"Depth of mercy, can there be
Mercy still reserved for ME?
Can the Lord His wrath forbear—
Me the worst of sinners, spare?”

But then the Book said, "Come." How could I come? Had I been ashore, it would, I thought, have been easy! I'd just go to the old parish church! But here, hemmed in on all sides by the vast Pacific, how could anyone COME?

"Lighten my darkness, I beseech Thee, O Lord," I cried, as I remembered the evening prayer in the Prayer Book. Great beads of sweat rolled down my face. I had come to the end of my efforts. "I can do no more. I'm too bad for God to have anything to do with. I've got what I deserved. I've sown the wind and now I must reap the whirlwind. Serves me right!”

Then like a lightning flash, there rang through my soul the words of Holy Scripture—"Him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. Instantly I saw it all! And it was for ME!

"There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands;
God is love, I surely know
By the Savior's depths of woe.”

My burden was gone; the tempest ceased. "For through Thy blood, Lord Jesus, I have found peace.

Oh, the blessedness of sins forgiven," I cried.

As a small boy reciting the creed, how often I had said: "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." Now I could say truthfully, from God's own Word—"I KNOW my sins ARE all forgiven.”

The beetles no longer had a chance to eat the edges off my little Bible. I feasted, yes, I reveled in what I now found in the precious volume.

"Suffer a sinner, whose heart overflows
Loving his Savior, to tell what he knows;
Once more to tell it would I embrace,
I'm only a sinner—SAVED BY GRACE.”

When Was He Rich?

Denial of the eternal existence of our blessed Lord and Savior is today one of the many forms of unbelief; but numerous passages of God's holy Word refute this false doctrine. A single scripture served the writer's purpose, when guided by the Spirit of Truth, to stop the mouth of a blatant caviler.

As I entered a little wayside station in Ontario, Canada, a venerable Lutheran minister, a true child of God, was heard indignantly demanding of the station master: "Do you mean to say my blessed Lord had no existence before He came into this world?”

A sneering reply in the affirmative was given, and an argument followed, characterized by coldly stated sophistry on the part of the station master. The dear aged Christian warmly resented every impious statement made as to his divine Master, but failed to silence the cunning assertions of his opponent.

Silently praying for guidance, I listened to the wordy warfare, and soon interrupted the speakers by asking the station master a pointed question. "Mr. Richey, do you believe the Bible?”

To this he answered emphatically, "Yes.”

Then slowly repeating the dear words of 2 Cor. 8:9: "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." I asked a further question: "Now, Mr. Richey, when was He rich?”

The station master quickly retired into the ticket office, followed by the delighted, aged Christian who was exclaiming repeatedly, "When was He rich?”

The approach of the train brought station master, minister, and me, all, to the platform, the dear old servant of the Lord shouting exultantly: "When was He rich?" Then from the slowly moving train, above the din of escaping steam and noise of the wheels, he flung back the unanswerable challenge: "When was He rich?”

To the believer in Jesus, the Spirit of God presents the riches, then poverty, of our glorious Lord. This stirs the inmost soul by the powerful appeal of divine love, unstintingly lavished upon utterly unworthy objects: "was rich"—"became poor"—wonderful words to sink deeply into the hearts of His own, touched with a sense of the mighty grace that expends itself on our behalf!

"For your sakes.”

The riches of Christ exchanged for: outcast in the manger; nowhere to lay His head; without a penny; denial of followers; rejected by men; the bitterness of Gethsemane; the woes of Calvary; guilt's heavy load; the borrowed grave.

See the sacrifice He made!
See the purchase price He paid!
As return, for grace divine,
Savior, I am wholly Thine.

'Whosoever' Was for Me?

It was a pleasant summer day when Mrs. Gordon went out with a lot of gospel tracts—ammunition for the Lord, she called them. Soon she came to a country road not far from her house. Today it was unusually busy, being racecourse day, and some of those attending were enjoying its cool shade and quiet walkway.

She soon disposed of most of her tracts and booklets, and was delighted that everyone had received them with thanks.

A young man approaching her attracted her attention. He was unmistakably a man of refinement and culture; but what a look of unrest was on his handsome face! He had been attending the races; but, like many others, he had found it to be one of the world's broken cisterns which can hold no water. Mrs. Gordon, in persuasive tones, asked him to accept a tract. He took it and thanked her; but a look of contempt came into his eyes as he said, "I don't believe in religion.”

"Neither do I," Mrs. Gordon quietly said; "but I believe in Jesus Christ, and for His sake God has pardoned all my sins. May God bless you and save you." And so they parted, not expecting to see each other again.

About three weeks passed. One day a messenger came to Mrs. Gordon requesting her to come to see a young man who was then residing with his uncle, the leading doctor of the town.

Dennis, the doctor's servant, had brought the message. He knew Mrs. Gordon well, and volunteered further information. "Sure, ma'am, Mr. Richard has been mighty sick for three weeks; but, thank God, though he was nearly killed by the train, both soul and body are now safe.”

Mrs. Gordon promised Dennis that she would come at once. She felt sure this was the young man she had spoken to, and hastened to the home of the doctor. She knew him only slightly, but had recently heard of his conversion.

The doctor and his wife received her most kindly. They greeted her with, "Mrs. Gordon, we are so happy to tell you of our nephew's conversion, for you have been the means in God's hands." Dr. Long then told her the story.

"Three weeks ago you gave him a tract. He had lost a great deal at the races and was exceedingly upset. When he left you he got so absorbed in thinking over what you said that in crossing the railroad he failed to notice an approaching train. He was run over and dangerously hurt. For days his life was in the balance and often in delirium he would cry, 'Where—in eternity? Oh, that tract! The blood,' and similar exclamations. From these utterances we knew the state of soul he was in, and we thanked God and prayed for him.

"For several days his aunt watched over him anxiously. At last his fever left, and his mind cleared. Now came a deep sense of his sinfulness in God's sight. He knew that he had read God's Word, only to find fault, and had always turned aside with contempt from the kind entreaties of Christian friends. Now he knew that God alone had saved his poor body from the jaws of death, and that, without Him, eternal death awaited his lost soul.

"He mentioned the tract he had received from you. Mrs. Long found it in his pocket and gave it to him. On the cover of the little tract were the words: 'Where will you spend eternity?' Those words were like a nail fastened in a sure place, and the time was ripe for the living streams of God's love to be poured into his heart. A few days ago we read to him John 3:16. As simply as a child he appropriated it to himself, and now knows he has passed from death unto life. He said with tears running down his cheeks: 'Oh, yes, that whosoever! It was for me.'”

"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.

Triumph

Let no reader think that a triumphant death is owing to a "good" life. Far from this. It is awakening to the fact that in God's sight all are guilty, lost, and helpless sinners. Despairing of any good in self, the Holy Spirit reveals God's great love to all in the gift of His spotless Son.

Triumphant death comes from simply believing God's statement about Christ: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." God's love produces love, and it is in resting absolutely and only on the finished work of Christ that salvation is assured.

Reader, have you seen yourself as a guilty, lost sinner before God? Have you been brought, through grace, to rest simply in Jesus who has borne the full weight of the judgment due to you?

"There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

The First Lesson

Mr. Jones was anxious about his soul's salvation. Eternity was before him, to be spent in ineffable bliss or in conscious torment—and he knew it. But he was not prepared to admit the full extent of his danger. He knew the creeds by heart, repeated them without difficulty, and professed to believe them unreservedly. He was a regular attendant at "the means of grace," and tried to live uprightly. What more, he argued, could be expected of him? Yet he was unsure of his salvation.

A passage of Scripture which had been read to him presented a further difficulty and increased his anxiety. It was 1 John 5:12: "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”

"Mr. Jones," we said to him, "do you see the dividing line in this verse? You are on one side or the other side of that line. On which side of it do you yourself stand?”

He thought long and carefully, and at last replied: "No, I cannot say. Frankly, I am not sure that I have eternal life; but I would dislike to believe that I have not.”

"Then," I replied, "your religion, though you seem to have been most careful in its observance, has not done a thing for you yet. Forgiveness of sins, though mentioned in your creed, you do not know. Salvation through faith in Christ, which stands at the very threshold of Christianity, you have no assurance of.”

"For 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.

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:12.

Friend, you also are traveling to eternity. Upon what are you depending for salvation? Is it on "religion"? It can never give security. But He, whose "strong directing hand" has ushered millions of those who trusted Him into eternal peace and joy, can do so. Hear His invitation to you!

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

Will you come? Will you receive Him? He came from the highest glory to the cross of shame for you, that you might be saved from eternal loss. He endured the curse which was your due, that you might be blessed. He experienced the agony of separation from a holy, righteous God, which wrung from Him the bitter cry: "My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" It was that you might be accepted in God's dear Son.

"Christ died for our sins," in order that life—eternal life—might be yours.

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

The Everlasting Word

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

"I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away." Rev. 20:11.

"It is quite time for me to think what shall become of me," said one after hearing these words. They filled his soul with terror; the prospect of the Day of Judgment and the vanity of the world appalled him.

Another hearing them said, calm in his faith in Christ: "I believe; because His words shall never pass away." His soul rested upon the free, full salvation Jesus proclaims.

No, those words shall never pass away—those words of pardon and of peace. After this earth has been dissolved, and the heavens above have been rolled up by Him as a garment, the verity of His own words shall still exist in the bliss and peace of those who trusted Him for eternity. He had said to them, in the distress and burden of their sins, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Last Chance

This may be it! I do not know, and I cannot tell for sure. I hope that this may not be it; but there is not a single soul in all the universe that can know that it is not so. I cannot tell; you cannot tell; no one can ever tell!

This may be it! This may be the last Gospel article that you will ever have the golden opportunity of reading. This may be your last chance to read the Good News that "Christ died for our sins." 1 Cor. 15:3. This could be your last, precious opportunity to read concerning Him "who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24.

This may be it! The choice is up to you. You will read, or you may refuse to read. You will heed, or you may remain heedless! Your choice will mean blessedly everything, or brutally nothing. It is up to you!

This may be it! It may be the last chance for choice that you will ever make. This may be it. I do not know, and I cannot tell for sure. I hope not, I pray not; but I don't know.

This grim uncertainty as to life—it is a terrifying thing without Christ. You cannot know from one hour to another, for you may be suddenly stricken down and snatched away within the quarter-hour mark! You may scoff, but you cannot gamble on it!

Death always rides with life. And, reader, the Lord Jesus also rides with life. You have no choice concerning DEATH; but you have the golden choice concerning LIFE with Him! "For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

Is this an old story to you often heard but never heeded? Whose sinful fault is that? And who has continued to give you this precious lease on life that you might hear the story of God's love time and time again? Now can you once again cast away the precious invitation: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"? Acts 16:31.

You may cast it away. You may forget it. But-this may be it! It may be for the last time.

"He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Prov. 29:1. If this be the LAST TIME, O soul, there is NO REMEDY!

This may be it!—I do not know.—I hope not.—But who knows—except God?

"That if thou shalt confess
with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath
raised Him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.”

Rom. 10:9.

April

A God of Pardons

Whatever thy sins, there is pardon for thee—
A pardon through Jesus, full, faithful and free:
A pardon blood-sprinkled, blood-purchased, blood-
sealed,
A just, perfect pardon; and never repealed.

Ten thousand, ten thousand, His pardon have known,
And still, as He pardons, new pardons are shown:
The leaves of Life's tree for earth's healings are given
To all who but ask them, beneath the broad heaven.

Thy sins may be many! God's pardons are more!
Thou canst not exhaust the blest, bountiful store;
For black sins and scarlet, 'gainst God and 'gainst man,
His pardons are countless in mercy's great plan.

O Jesus, these pardons were purchased by Thee!
May Thy Spirit in love-whispers speak them to me!
O God of all pardons, though sins may abound,
For me and my sins let Thy pardon be found.

Looking for a Book

A missionary, Mr. Delany, was in a little town in the middle of France. One day he saw a man, apparently a farmer, stop before a bookshop in front of which were laid out a number of secondhand books. The man opened the books, one after the other, and then put them aside, muttering to himself all the while and appearing more and more discouraged.

Mr. Delany drew near and said: "You do not seem to find what you want. If I may take the liberty of offering you my services, I should be glad to help you, if I can. What book do you want?”

"I am much obliged to you," said he, "but that is just the difficulty. I have been looking for a certain book for several years, but I do not know what book it is.”

"How is that?" asked Mr. Delany in surprise.

The man took from his pocket a piece of paper, yellow and torn. It looked as if it came from a very old book. He handed it to Mr. Delany, saying: "Look, sir, I want to find the book from which that page came. I should especially like to know the end of the unfinished sentence at the bottom of it. Till now I have been unsuccessful in finding it.”

Mr. Delany recognized at once a page of the New Testament. "Well, my friend," said he, "if you will come with me, I will show you the book. Indeed, I will give it to you.”

He took the peasant to his lodging and read to him the whole verse: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6. Then he gave the book to the man whose face just beamed with joy. They read several passages together, after which the man departed, saying: "Yes, that's the book I have looked for so long. Thank you, sir; I am so happy to have it at last.”

A few days later Mr. Delany went to see his new friend at his farm. He found him deeply touched by the wonderful grace of God revealed in his newfound treasure. He had understood what being a sinner means, and that he was without strength to gain heaven by his own merits or by his good works. He now knew that the Lord Jesus Christ had died for him, and was willing to save him. He believed the message and was saved.

"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:6, 7.

The Unexpected Question

Two soldiers being off duty were having a heart to heart talk about eternal things. An earnest Christian officer approached them and overhearing some of their remarks, he inquired as to the subject of their conversation.

They answered: "We are counting the cost of accepting Christ." The officer replied: "Have you counted the cost of NOT accepting Christ?”

What a solemn question! And you, if you are lost, have you counted the cost of NOT accepting Christ? The cost is eternal loss. Nay, it is more; it is eternal damnation.

"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.

In for It”

Reader, if you are unsaved, you are lost. Hoping to be saved is a sad delusion. Have you reached a point in soul and conscience of knowing that you are lost? Have you taken the place of one lost-hence needing a Savior?

If you acknowledged your ruined, lost condition, there is salvation for you. The Savior and salvation are for the lost.

Jesus said: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32.

Have you grasped the weighty truth of Scripture as to your condition? From what point did the prodigal commence his journey to his father and home? Why, from this—the discovery that he was lost.

A servant of Christ traveling in the country overtook a fellow traveler. He at once entered into conversation with him about his spiritual condition. The man said: "Sir, do you know who I am? I'm the worst man in my home town.”

"Well," answered the servant of God, "you are most certainly in for it.”

"In for what?" asked the man in some surprise. "In for salvation," was the answer.

Reader, do you know your lost state? Are you willing to be saved? If so, you are "in" for salvation. God offers salvation to the lost and ruined. Will you take it?

Christ Jesus came into the world "to seek and to save that which was lost.”

The Two-Edged Sword

Dr. Smith was not only a good physician, he was a man of God. His life and skill were devoted to the Lord's service. He had come home late from a hard day's work, and now he sat in his study and rested.

His thoughts reverted to his many patients, and the case of a young sailor came prominently before him. He knew the lad had lived a wicked life; he knew also that his days for repentance were numbered.

Then it seemed as though God spoke with him. In the silence he thought he heard the words: "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." He thanked God that that was his own personal experience. He thought a moment: "That is the message God intends me to take to that poor sinner lad.”

The thought took full possession of him. He felt God was calling him to carry this blessed message to Charles Wilkinson.

It was some distance to the cottage where the Wilkinson lived, and it was very late. It was also snowing hard; and the thought entered the doctor's mind: "The case is not urgent—the young man will probably live a month yet." He sat quietly in his chair and tried once more to rest.

But the text came again to him so forcibly that, rising up in faith and hope, he went out to give it to the sick boy.

When he reached the cottage he found the mother watching by the bedside of her son. He was no worse, but he seemed very restless.

Presently the mother left the sickroom. As soon as they were alone the doctor said, "God has sent me to you with a message; Charles.”

The sufferer made no reply.

"I felt compelled to bring God's message to you tonight. I could not rest.”

Still no reply. He lay in silence.

`The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.' That is the message.”

The Christian doctor had delivered his message. He left it and the invalid in the hands of God.

When Mrs. Wilkinson went into the bedroom soon afterward she: found her son sitting up with his head on his hand, evidently thinking.

"The doctor ought to have been a parson, Mother," he said, after a long pause.

"He is a minister, for he does God's service. What did he say, my boy?”

"He told me he had brought a message from God to me."

"What was the message?”

"He told me that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Is it true, Mother?”

"It is true, graciously true. Repeat the message again for me.”

With faltering accents and trembling voice Charles repeated, "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Oh, thank God, there is pardon for my sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me—”

He could not get any further. The sharp, two-edged sword had found its mark and Charles Wilkinson, wayward, willful, wicked, was cleansed from all his sins by Christ's precious blood.

Essentials

Answering a knock at the back door one morning I met a man who had a business proposition to make. After discussing the matter with him for a few minutes I asked him if he were a Christian. He answered that he had been born and brought up a Christian, and added that he had his doubts if he had continued in the way he had begun. I thought his misgivings were not without foundation, for he had the appearance of dissipation. He seemed a little uneasy at the turn the conversation had taken and anxious to go on his way, but I was equally anxious to put the way of salvation before him. I thought of some booklets that had just come in the mail. I had not examined them, but looking at them hastily, I found they were entitled, "Ye Must Be Born Again." Thinking that they were just what was needed, I gave one to him and he promised to read it.

I had little doubt that the man's reference to his early life meant that he had been reared by Christian parents. This may have been the case, but could have no bearing on his own individual status. Great as is the privilege of being brought up by Christian parents, each soul must have to do with God for itself.

As to being "born a Christian," it is important that we view the matter in the light of Scripture.

"I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Psa. 51:5.

"We are by nature children of wrath, even as others." Eph. 2:3.

These and many other passages prove very clearly that man is by nature estranged from God. In other words, he is born a sinner. This being the case, he must have a new nature before he can be pleasing to God or dwell in His holy presence. There must be a change in the very spring of his being. As the Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again.”

It is significant to observe the kind of person to whom Christ announced this great truth. It was not to a gross violator of moral and social laws, but to a teacher of religion, a leader of the Jews, who was doubtless an exemplary character.

Happily, the Lord Jesus came into the world not only to point out man's need but to make provision for it. He came to save. His death on the cross has made this possible. On the cross the question of sin and sins was settled forever for all who will believe in Him.

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:12.

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." 1 John 5:1.

Reader, your salvation depends on your attitude toward Christ, your acceptance or rejection of Him. This determines whether you will be saved or lost. A moral, upright life and good works are very good in their place. They are of value in this life, but are coins of a kind that will not pass with God. He cannot accept them in payment or part payment for His priceless salvation. That is a gift from Himself.

Do not be deceived; do not place your confidence in any self-improvement. Do not, by doing so, seek to cover yourself with the garment of your own righteousness that God has declared to be as filthy rags.

Just reach out your hand of faith and make God's provision your own. Distrusting self and all else, place your confidence only in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. Accept Him as your own Savior. This is what constitutes a Christian.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36

Grace

A Christian peddler carried his wares from house to house. One day while upon his errands, he entered a cottage where a lady was visiting.

Some conversation followed and the peddler sought to speak well of the Savior. Suddenly the visitor inquired of him: "Say, can you pray?”

"Well," said he, "yes; I can.”

"Then kneel down at once," she cried, "and let me hear you." Immediately the man put his bag off his back, and went upon his knees, and at once spoke thus to his God:

"O God! Give me grace to need grace.

"O God! Give me grace to ask for grace, when I am given to feel my need of grace.

"O God! Give me grace to receive grace upon grace, when Thou givest the grace I need.

"O God! Give me grace to show grace, when I have received grace from Thee, whether I get grace shown to me or not.”

We commend these practical and beautiful expressions of dependence on God to everyone who is endeavoring to walk through this world to His honor and glory,

The Old Man with the Pencils

I was waiting at a street corner for a car. An old man, bent and wrinkled, approached me, asking that I buy a pencil from him. I did so, feeling that a door was opened for me to speak a word to him about the Lord Jesus.

Having finished our little transaction with the pencils, I inquired of him: "Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ?" He assented by a nod of the head that he did.

"But," I said, "how do you know Him?”

"I used to learn about Him in school," he replied. "He was born in Bethlehem and died on the cross.”

"Yes, but do you know Him?" I again asked. This same question put to him the second time seemed to puzzle the old man. I do not think he understood me, so I continued: "You see, for instance, I might have heard about you and many things you have done and said. Still I might not be really acquainted with you at all. So it is in knowing the Lord Jesus personally as a Savior and Friend. Almost everybody nowadays knows about Him; but how very few are really acquainted with Him! The Word of God says: 'Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee.'" Job 22:21.

The old man agreed with this, and added that he thought everyone needed religion! I tried to show him that "religion" could not save; but added: "If you take the place of a sinner, God can bless you. He sent His Son into this world to die for lost sinners, and to bear the sins of those who believe. But if you do not believe you must be in hell forever.”

This was news to the old man, and I left it with him. When I saw him again some days later he assured me that it was indeed "good news," and that he now knew the Lord Jesus as his own Savior.

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

A Streetcar Conductor

I got into a streetcar in Buffalo with a prayer in my heart that I might speak to some lost soul about Christ. When the conductor came for my fare I also gave him the leaflet: "Where Hell is." As I handed it to him he laughed and said, "You always give me one of these religious papers! I suppose you think me a very wicked fellow; but I am about as good as they make them.”

I held up my Bible and asked: "Do you see this book? It tells me, 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked,' Jer. 17:9. That means your heart and mine. That doesn't sound so very good, does it?”

"Oh, well," he said, "there is plenty of time for me to think about these things. I am still young.”

"Yes," I answered. "But if you go into any cemetery you will see graves of all sizes. A little girl once asked her mother how old must one be before he dies. The wise mother gave her child a piece of string and told her to go into the graveyard and measure the graves, and every time she measured to tie a knot.

"Soon the child came back with the string full of knots. 'Look, mother, the graves are all sizes'

"'Yes, dear, that is when people die; at all times and ages.'”

Again the young man laughed and said, "There is plenty of time for me.”

As I was leaving the car I said to him: "Remember, the time is short! You need not go to a Christless grave and to hell. Jesus died for you.”

This young man had been a conductor for only a few weeks, but during that time I had often met him, and always gave him a tract. As this was not a busy line, I often had a little talk with him and other conductors, and sought to bring Christ before them.

The next morning I traveled by the same car, but a new conductor was on it. He told me that the one I had spoken to the day before had intended going for an afternoon's pleasure trip; but in jumping from one car to another he had missed his footing. He had fallen under the car, and was so badly injured that in a few hours he had died.

Now my heart was indeed burdened. Had he gone to a Christless grave? Or had that solemn warning by the Spirit been just in time? I went to his home, and as I looked upon the young man's face in death, I could not help thinking what an awful warning to anyone who thinks "there is plenty of time for me.”

"I tell you, time is short." (Psa. 89:47.)

God in His love and mercy had given this young man time, but, oh how short that time was! God gave him a last message. Reader, this may be God's last message to you!

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

Are you trusting that doing the best you can will save you? Listen: "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool." Prov. 28:26. Again, "He that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief." Prov. 28:14.

Oh, will you not come to the Savior now?—Tomorrow may be too late.

His Persuasion

A soldier lay very ill in a hospital. A visitor addressed him thus: "What is your church?”

"The church of God," was the answer.

"But I mean of what persuasion are you?”

"Persuasion!" said the dying soldier. "I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, my Lord." Rom. 8:38, 39.

Reader, I ask you to turn from every church, sect, and party to the blessed Lord Jesus Christ, to His precious blood, to His finished work, to the right "persuasion.”

What is the right persuasion? Why, the Spirit of the living God has ransacked creation, and cannot find anything which would separate me from the love of God in Christ. "Me!" the saved sinner! "Me!" the richest trophy of divine grace.

Are you persuaded of this? Do you believe that your sins have been atoned for, and then forgiven? Are you "persuaded" of the full, present, and eternal forgiveness of sins-of your sins? If so, you can say: "I am persuaded that the link of God's love will never be snapped; that creation above, beneath, past, present, future, cannot sever the everlasting tie formed between me and the eternal Lover of my soul.”

"Yet A Little While, And He That Shall Come, Will Come, And Will Not Tarry.”

Hob. 10:37.

"Prepare To Meet Thy God.”

Amos 4:12.

May

Caught in a Trap

Harry Morris was a splendid young man, well-liked, clever, upright and prosperous. He had a godly, Christian mother, but he himself was utterly godless. He even sneered at religion and those who adhered to it.

Harry was very popular with his fellow workmen and had become the leader of a group among them known as the "Free Thinkers." He was also an able orator; and at one of their meetings had made a highly spiced speech which had been received with uproarious approval.

In his discourse he had not failed to give a few side sneers at churches, the clergy, and religion in general; but, on his way out of the building the young man had come face to face with Mr. Elliot, an earnest Christian whom he had known from boyhood. Though he himself was a despiser of Christian profession, Harry recognized and respected the sincerity of his old friend's faith. He could see by Mr. Elliot's pained expression that he had heard his scoffing speech, and he tried to slip past him; but Mr. Elliot laid a detaining hand on his arm and said quietly: "God has given you an eloquent tongue., Morris,. and the power of rousing passions and guiding the thoughts of other men. May He forgive you the sinful use you are making of it. Perhaps someday you may be in terrible danger, caught in a trap. Then you will feel His hand and acknowledge His power—but it may be too late.”

These words struck a chill upon Harry's heart, and his elation and pride in his accomplishments fled for a time. However, humility was foreign to his nature, and about six months later our fine young man went gaily to work more pleased with himself than usual.

This was what Harry considered his masterpiece: a large iron safe intended to be built into the wall of a bank—a safe of immense strength and invulnerable to thieves. The locks had been partly designed by Harry himself; and unless one knew the full secret of the combination of locks, it could not be opened even with a key.

The bank manager had inspected the safe and, expressed complete satisfaction with it. On the previous day, the manager of the factory had also highly complimented Harry on his achievement, and finally put one of the two keys to the safe in his own pocket leaving Harry with the other one. He remarked as he did so that now no one could rob the bank but either himself or Harry. Indeed no one else had been allowed to see the working of the locks; but when all was completed that morning, the other workmen crowded in to see the masterpiece.

While the men were jostling around, Harry got into the safe to see if the hinges were working smoothly. As he listened for any possible grating of the metal, he pulled the door slightly toward him. Whether the immense weight of the door itself caused it to close, or whether someone unknowingly pushed against it, it is not known; but before Harry could prevent it, the door, shutting with a spring, slammed shut.

Instantly Harry knew that he was "caught in his own trap"! No one could now open the door except the factory manager who had the other key. Would the men think of sending for him?

The horror of his position gradually burst upon the imprisoned man. The air inside the safe was becoming close and heavy, and with this realization came the awful thought that he might suffocate before Mr. Wilson, the manager, was found. For some moments Harry was frantic. He beat on the door; he shouted; he fell back, gasping for air. Adding to his terror, Mr. Elliot's words came back to him: "Some day you may be caught in a trap! Then you will feel His hand and acknowledge His power; but it may be too late!”

There alone in the dark he stood face to face with God—and the hereafter. God had indeed laid His hand on him and made him know there is a God that judgeth in the earth.

The atmosphere in the safe was becoming stifling. A little longer delay and help would be too late! But listen! What precious words of comfort rushed suddenly into his mind, calming his terror and soothing his fears!

"Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses." Psa. 107:6.

But how could he address a God at whom he had jeered? He knew now there assuredly was a God—a heaven—a hell! And he knew he deserved no pity; but, like those of old, he could only cry to Him.

For the first time in years he knelt as a penitent soul before the God of all grace. Leaning his aching head against the cold iron, he begged Him, if it were not His will for him to live longer, to forgive all the black catalog of his sins for Christ's sake. He then thought of his dear mother and her grief at his untimely death. Taking a notebook and a pencil from his pocket, he wrote as well as he could: "God bless you, Mother. I have asked God to forgive me.”

The throbbing in his head soon became unendurable pain, and Harry fell forward unconscious.

The next he knew was what seemed to be a hum of voices afar off—then a futile struggle to get his breath—a blinding light—a sinking down; and again unconsciousness. When he next opened his eyes he was in his own room, and his mother was holding his hand. "Oh, thank God, my boy! God has saved your soul in your fearful trouble.”

Harry was too weak to speak, but his heart followed his mother's voice as she gave thanks to God and prayed that the life He had given back might be used for Him. Under her tender care he soon began to gain strength, and in the quiet hours in his room he gratefully dedicated to God the life He had saved.

One evening a group of his friends from the factory gathered around his bed. Reverently he told them the whole story of his conversion in the safe. "And now," he concluded, "my whole future life is God's. I hope to spend it seeking to undo the harm to others that I have done.”

As the men listened, a quiet hush stole over them and one young fellow said: "Morris, you have come out of the very jaws of hell! But we can see that there is a God who hears and answers prayer. I, for one, will trust Him too, and believe His Book from this time on. I do hope you men will do the same.”

Trust! Believe! Will you not do this too, dear reader? These are days of sudden and awful deaths—"traps" everywhere abound—on the highways, at home, abroad. Eternity awaits you.

Are you ready to meet God? How will you face Him?

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2:3.

"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.

Facing Eternity

"Give me more laudanum, that I may not think of eternity and what is to come." So spake Mirabeau, the infidel who had blasphemed God throughout his life and sneered at eternal things. Facing death and the eternity that lies beyond it, his flimsy armor failed. The "fearful looking for of judgment," Heb. 10:27, which God's Word declares to be the doom of all who are His "adversaries," seized hold of the great blasphemer. Infidelity makes a fine show for the platform, but what a vain refuge in the hour of death!

The Sun of Righteousness

Christ is the Sun of righteousness; but when it is evil, the Sun scorches people terribly.

Saved From the Sea

"Lord Jesus Christ!" This blessed and living name was wrung from the infidel lips of Molly Graham as she stood on the seashore watching her sister's frail form battling with the pitiless might of the receding tide.

The two young women were visiting at the seaside in Ireland. They had been bathing and evidently had not heeded the hour, for the tide, unnoticed by them, had begun to recede. The younger sister had dashed into the water for one more swim, not aware that all the other bathers had left. When she found, to her dismay, that she was being borne out to sea by the power of the waves, panic seized her.

The older sister stood on the shore watching the younger one. When she became aware of her plight, she too became terror-stricken. She could not swim herself, so dared not venture into the rolling surf.

There was no one near to call upon for help. No one? As she stood there, helpless, alone, a verse she had often heard her Christian parents quote flashed into her hardened, unbelieving heart. "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Like lightning came the thought: "Now I will prove Him and see if there is a God." Standing there in helpless agony, without any human help to turn to, Molly Graham cried out, "Lord Jesus Christ! Lord Jesus Christ! If there be a living God, save my sister,”

Almost immediately a great wave came rolling in toward the shore. On it came, nearer and nearer, and ere long, riding its crest, she saw her beloved sister. As the mighty wave crashed on the sands, her dear one landed almost at her feet.

Great indeed was her joy and thankfulness at receiving her sister back literally out of the jaws of death; but she was awed and humbled in the felt presence of a living God, as she saw herself a lost sinner before Him. In deep contrition she confessed her folly and the sinfulness of the infidel thoughts that had held her in bondage. She sought and found pardon and peace in now believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who had died for her on the cross.

Oh, unbelieving heart, if you only knew the love and grace in the heart of God for you, you would never turn from Him in indifference or fear. Come to Him now in the day of grace. You will find Him the loving, seeking Savior, ready to pardon. Beware of putting Him off until you meet Him as your judge at the great white throne where you can find no hope, no mercy. Then it will be too late for repentance.

Oh, we beseech you, stop and think! Time is so short. You are as helplessly tossed on the waves of sin as Molly Graham's sister was on the waves of the sea. None but God can save you.

"Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Prov. 18:10.

Suddenly

Suddenly—in one moment, all is changed. A rich man—one moment clothed in purple and fine linen, and faring sumptuously every day—all that life can give—his. But afterward—what?

Death comes—and what then? In a moment, suddenly, all is changed. Gone are the royal robes and kingly fare. Changed is his portion from heights of luxury to the depths of misery in hell, where worlds could not purchase one drop of cold water.

"The rich man died and was buried." His funeral may have had all the panoply and display as his life; but, "in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.”

Long before the pompous ceremony was over, the rich man's eyes were opened to his awful doom. His state was fixed now for eternity, and he knew it. He had willingly closed his eyes and his heart against the truth in time; but he can close them thus no more forever.

Another change—and what a change! What a change for poor Lazarus, and how sudden! Near the rich man's gate the poor beggar was laid, full of sores. See the contrast? The one faring sumptuously, and attired in purple and fine linen; but in his pride, he was a man without God—he lived for himself. The other, a poor beggar, loathsome, in poverty, in suffering, and friendless. Friendless? "The dogs came and licked his sores." God took note of him.

A change came; and, suddenly, the beggar died. There is nothing about his funeral. Perhaps he had none. Nor is his burial mentioned. But, glorious portion! he "was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom"—into the place of blessing.

The once rich, but now poor man who had left God out of his life, sees Lazarus. What a sight! Oh! Can it be? Shall the lost ones see the saved? "And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." Luke 16:23.

Reader, where will be your place—your future—your eternity? Is Christ your happy choice now— your loved portion—your rest—your confidence? He died for sinners such as the rich man and Lazarus—such as you and me—but only they who put their trust in Him are saved.

"Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Psa. 2:12.

So As by Fire”

A woman in Scotland was determined to have nothing to do with religion. Toward this end she threw her Bible into the fire, together with a few tracts she found in the house.

One of the tracts, a sermon by Spurgeon, fell out of the flames. She picked it up and thrust it in again. A second time it slipped down to the hearth and once more she put it back in the fire. Again her evil intention was frustrated. The next time, however, she was more successful, though even then only half of the tract was consumed.

Taking up the portion that had escaped the flames she exclaimed: "Surely, the devil is in that tract, for it will not burn!”

Her curiosity was excited. She began to read it; and it was the means of her conversion to God! Truly the portion of the sermon, and the woman too, were saved, yet "so as by fire.”

Perhaps the story of your conversion has yet to be told. Perhaps you think you are not as bad as this woman who threw the Scriptures into the flames. But if you are rejecting Christ, wherein lies the difference?

If until now you have resisted the pleadings of almighty God, and refused His great salvation through faith in His Son, your case could hardly be more desperate.

The matter of the highest concern to you is the salvation of your soul. Are you saved?

The God of love has made the most abundant provision for your salvation. He has given His Son. Jesus has died,—"died for the ungodly." His blood avails for you.

"Through faith in His blood" you may now have peace with God.

"All that believe are justified from all things." Will you believe on the Son of God?

Does It Work?

A few years ago in England a Christian was pleading with an infidel whom he had known for a long time. He sought to prove to the unbeliever that God's way was the only road to peace and happiness. The infidel exclaimed: "I wish all the churches were swept from the land, beginning with Spurgeon's Tabernacle.”

"Then which of you infidels would take upon himself the responsibility of Spurgeon's Orphanage?" replied the Christian.

The silence following was both oppressive and expressive.

Some sailors were cast upon the shores of an island far away in the Pacific Ocean. They feared that they might have landed among cannibal heathen, and were full of anxious apprehension. One of their number climbed up a tall tree to get a wider view of the island. Down he came with a smiling face, saying: "We are all right, mates! I caught sight of a mission station." Their fears banished, the sailors set out immediately to join the Christian missionaries, not doubting but that they would be welcomed and befriended.

Said an infidel to the late Dr. Joseph Parker: "The Bible is an immoral Book.”

Dr. Parker's reply was: "If that were so, I would expect the immoral people to enjoy reading it. However, I find it is the moral, godly people who take pleasure in that Book.”

The Bible is vindicated by its own proverb: "By their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7:20. It states an incontrovertible axiom: "Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Matt. 7:17.

Does the Bible bear good fruit? Was Dr. Bernardo, who founded the Bernardo Homes in Stepney, England, a Christian or an infidel? Was Geo. Mueller, who started the "Mueller's Homes" in Bristol, a Christian or an infidel? Was Quarrier, who founded the Quarrier's Homes in Scotland, a Christian or an infidel? They were ALL Christians. Not one was an infidel!

When they swept religion from France and enthroned the "Goddess of Reason" in Noter Dame Cathedral, Paris, what followed? The bloody French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the ascendency of such monsters as Robespierre, Danton, and the like—men, human tigers, who thirsted for blood, and who kept the guillotine busy, filling its baskets with human heads!

More recently Russian Communists have sought to drive religion from their land. They have boasted that "if there is a God, they will banish Him from heaven, if there be a heaven." What has followed? Unspeakable horrors and atrocities! Millions have died there of starvation, while the hand of infidelity has toppled over the inverted pyramid of civilization from its precarious resting place.

Today God is being denied on every hand. We entreat you by all that you hold dear, to believe the gospel of the grace of God. It is your only hope for peace and stability. It is still "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Rom. 1:16. The gospel is the only power that can deliver from the thraldom of sin.

One who labors for God in a home for inebriate women testified that over a long stretch of years only one Power has been found who could really deliver the victim of drink. The pledge was tried, expensive drugs used, change of environment attempted, strengthening of will-power and self-respect urged; all these things were insufficient. Only one thing was efficacious to meet the power of sin. Only the Lord Jesus Christ, who died on Calvary's cross, could deliver. BUT "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 7:25.

Reader, if unsaved, you need this Savior and the gospel of His grace. You cannot live aright without HIM, and you cannot enter heaven uncleansed by His precious blood.

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

My Bible and I

"We've traveled together, my Bible and I,
Through all kinds of weather with smiles and
with sigh;
In sorrow or sunshine, in tempest or calm,
Thy friendship unchanging, my Lamp and my Psalm.

"So now, who shall part us, my Bible and I?
Shall ism or schism, or new 'lights' who try?
Shall shadow for substance, or stone for good bread
Supplant its sound wisdom, give folly instead?

"Ah, no! My dear Bible, Revealer of Light,
Thou Sword of the Spirit, put error to flight!
And still through life's journey until the last sigh,
We'll travel together, my Bible and I.”

"Herein is love, not that we

loved God, but that He loved

us, and sent His Son to be the

propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:10.

June

Salvation for the Needy

An Indian and a white man were brought under conviction of sin by the same sermon. The Indian was shortly afterward led to rejoice in pardoning mercy. The white man was for a long time under distress of mind, and at times ready to despair; but he was at last brought also to a happy knowledge of God's forgiving love.

Some time later, meeting his red brother in Christ, he thus addressed him: "How was it that I should have been so long under conviction, when you found peace so soon?”

"Oh, brother," replied the Indian, "I tell you. There come along a rich prince. He wants to give you a new coat. You look at your coat and say, 'I don't know; my coat is pretty good. I think it will do a little longer.'

"Then he offer me new coat. I look at my old blanket. I say: 'This good for nothing.' I fling it right away and take the beautiful new coat. Just so, brother, you like to keep your own righteousness for some time; you sorry to give it up! But I, poor Indian, had no decent covering. So I glad at once to receive the righteousness of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.

Nine Religions”

At one of our gospel meetings a man waited in the inquiry room. He said he had tried nine religions but none of them had done him any good. Bitterly he told us that he had been baptized three times: now he called himself a "Materialist.”

I took a box of safety matches out of my pocket. Removing one of the matches and placing it in his hand, I requested him to light it.

He said, "Let me have the box.”

"Oh! no, do it without the box," I replied. "Scratch it on a brick, or stone, or anywhere else you like.”

He tried to light it but he failed. I handed to him, and to the young men standing near-by, several more matches. All of them tried to light them on anything but the proper composition, which was on the box. At last I exclaimed: "How like that match is your precious soul!" God has made plain that our souls can never be converted merely by the forms of religion, whether there be nine or ninety.

"Nothing can strike fire to the soul—the fire of divine love, and eternal life, and endless light,—but coming into direct contact with the Lord Jesus.

“‘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.

"I do not wonder that those nine religions have done you no good. Now take the box and apply the match to it.”

He did so and it was ablaze in a moment. Just so, dear one, as soon as your sinful soul meets with the Savior and touches Him, it is "made whole." Nothing but personal contact with the Son of God can quicken us into life, forgive us our sins, or cleanse us from our iniquities. Nothing and nobody but Jesus and His blood can do it.

God says, "My glory will I not give to another." Isa. 42:8. God has once and forever decided and settled it, that all men should bow the knee to Jesus, and that every tongue shall confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Some time later this same man came to our meeting again. He said, "Sir, I have read that once upon a time a little country boy found his way up to London. He was hungry, thirsty and penniless. He stood looking through a shop window in Sackville Street at nine tailors at work. The tailors called him in and found out his history and condition. They had pity upon him. They fed him and let him sleep under their table. These nine tailors subscribed some money and one took him to Covent Garden Market. He bought some fruit, put it into a basket, and sent the boy around to sell it. He did so, and returned to them with double the amount of money.

"They repeated this daily, and the lad succeeded in the sale of the fruit. This went on until he had a donkey and a cart, then a shop; and ultimately he had the chief shop in the principal avenue of Covent Garden Market. He became very rich and rode about in his own carriage, and had the words written on it: 'Nine tailors made me a man.'

"Well, sir, I was thinking that those nine tailors succeeded in making him a man, but my nine religions utterly failed to make me a Christian. After your talk with me I had no peace. Every time I saw a match-box I got irritable, and tried to light the matches without the box. When I failed to do it, it generally ended with my striking one on the box, and off it went in a fiery blaze in a moment. I thought of your words, that I should never get right, and be all in a heavenly blaze with the love of God until I came into contact with the Lord Jesus Himself.

"So I began to read the Scriptures. One day I was reading in Luke 17 about ten lepers coming to Jesus. He healed them all; but only one out of the lot returned to give Him thanks. And Jesus said, `Were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine?' And I thought to myself, 'Well, if those nine lepers ain't exactly like my nine religions. They are a guilty, good-for-nothing lot!" Then I decided, `I'll be like the tenth man, and come to Jesus Himself, and give Him thanks. For you had read to us that Jesus said: "'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.'" John 14:6.

"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

"Now, sir, I can thankfully say that I came to Him as a poor, lost sinner; and, praise His name, Jesus has made a Christian out of me!”

The Hop Pickers

One Lord's Day morning two Christian men visited a company of hop pickers at their camp. The background of the scene was formed by sheds, at the doors of which some men were washing. Curling smoke was rising from the fires kindled upon the ground for cooking purposes, and preparations for dinner seemed pretty general. Some were cutting potatoes, and others making puddings, or getting ready the meats for roasting.

Choosing a spot where a number of fallen trees would form seats for the congregation, and where the smoke would not blow into the throats and eyes, the two visitors started an old gospel song:

"Behold! Behold the Lamb of God!
On the cross!
For us He shed His precious blood,
On the cross.”

Many drew near and took their seats upon the logs as the singers continued:

"Come, sinners, see Him lifted up,
On the cross.
He drinks for you the bitter cup,
On the cross.
The rocks do rend, the mountains quake,
While Jesus doth atonement make,
While Jesus suffers for our sake,
On the cross.”

This "bell-ringing" for service was evidently understood, for the stragglers gathered together while many of the busy ones put down their work. Then came the last verse. This stanza fully explained the singers' intention in coming there:

"Where'er I go I'll tell the story
Of the cross;
In nothing else my soul shall glory,
Save the cross.
Yes, this my constant theme shall be,
Through time and in eternity,
THAT JESUS TASTED DEATH FOR ME,
On the cross.”

There was silence for a moment. Then the younger man said: “‘Jesus tasted death for me.'

"Not only can I sing these beautiful words, but I believe them. 'Jesus tasted death for me.' The Bible says, 'We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.' Heb. 2:9. Christ died for sinners, and I know He died for me. None are left out; God loves sinners. Now suppose," he added, "I saw some of you preparing dinner: some peeling potatoes; others roasting their meat, but there was none for me. How unhappy I should be!

"But God's Word of grace is for all. He says, `Behold, I have prepared My dinner: My oxen and My fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come.'" Matt. 22:4.

After more speaking, they prayed that the good seed might spring up into everlasting life.

The next season the elder of these Christian men was again among the hop pickers; indeed he had labored for several years in this service. Standing in the midst of a group of pickers, he said: "Now, are there any of you, whom we have met in this work over the years, who have got any good through our efforts by the power of God's Spirit?”

"Faith, yer honor," at once responded one of the men, "and I did last year, when that young man and yerself came on the Sunday morning. Up to that time I had too many saviors.”

"Too many! What do you mean? Who were they?”

"Oh, sir, I trusted to various saints and angels, and to others too. So there weren't much left for the Lord Jesus to do.”

"And how many saviors have you now?”

"Only One, sir; the great Lord Jesus, and He does it all right well, He does.”

He spoke ‘truly. "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. 2:5.

“To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him." 1 Cor. 8:6.

This Savior says: "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else." Isa. 45:22.

"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.

There was only one brazen serpent! Those who did not look at it died from the serpents' bites.

There was only one appointed ark! Only Noah and his 'family went into it. All outside died in the flood.

There was only One who "tasted death" for sinners! Can you say, "He died for ME"?

A Destiny Changed

One evening last autumn I was on a long journey. The train stopped at a station where all the passengers except me left the coach. Then a man of middle age got in, sat down opposite me and said: "I wish my journey was over.”

"Have you far to go?" I asked.

"Yes, quite a distance," he said. "But," he added, "that is not the worst of it. I expect to find the only one I love, except my two children, dead, when I arrive.”

It was his wife, poor man. His anxiety was intense. He had that afternoon received word of her illness and found that he could not possibly reach her before early Sunday morning.

After a little while I said, "Is she sheltered under the, precious blood of Christ?”

"No sir.”

"Are you?"

"No, sir. I will be honest with you. I believe that if I were to die this moment I would go straight to hell.”

I then spoke to him of God's love to sinners, quoting John 3:16, and other passages. He replied, "You can't tell me anything I don't know about the Bible, but I can't feel it, here in my heart.”

"Oh! my friend," I said, "you never would feel saved if you lived a thousand years. Salvation is a matter of simply believing God, He says: 'He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.'”

With intense anxiety and with tears rolling down his face he said, "Oh, I would give all I possess to enjoy the peace you seem to have.”

I answered: "Christ hath made peace through the blood of His cross. 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'”

Receiving no response to the verses, I looked him full in the face and asked, "Do you hate the Lord Jesus Christ?”

"Hate Him, sir! Hate Him? Do you mean h-a-t-e, hate?”

"That's exactly what I do mean," I said.

"Ah, no," with tears filling his eyes, he replied, "why, He is everything to me, and has done everything for me.”

"Well, then, my friend," I continued, "while you are traveling tonight, through the silent hours, think of Him 'who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.' He is now at God's right hand in heavenly glory. Just think how you have grieved His heart with all your wretched unbelief.”

As the train was nearing my station, I took his hand in mine, and said, "Good-by! Perhaps I will never meet you again.”

But he answered unsteadily while tears filled his eyes: "I shall meet you above.”

I reminded him that a little while before he had told me that he would be in hell. I added, "By the grace of God I shall never be there.”

"Oh," he said, "I do believe, I do believe; and I shall meet you above." So we parted; but I expect to meet my fellow traveler one day in my Father's house above.

"He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

Christ and Nicodemus

If a gardener wishes to prove the worth of the apples on a given tree, he does not gather for a sample a withered apple, nor a worm-eaten one. He plucks the largest, the ripest, and the best! Then when he has tasted it, and has found it to be sour and unacceptable, he rightly judges the whole crop of that tree to be sour and worthless.

So has He who is the Truth, the blessed Son of God, judged and condemned what is in man, Adam's offspring. This we learn when He said to law-keeping, religious Nicodemus: "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

Not one bad thing do we hear of Nicodemus in the Bible. He was not a sinner of the Gentiles, like the wicked Corinthians. Neither was he a Samaritan, like the sinful woman of Sychar. He was a teacher of Israel, the chosen nation of pure creed and strict orthodoxy. Moreover, being a circumcised man, Nicodemus was outwardly separated to God in his flesh. More than this, Nicodemus believed that Jesus was a teacher come from God, and he came to learn of Him. And yet the only teaching this model man received from the lips of eternal Truth is his own exclusion from the kingdom of God because of his sinful nature.

This surpassing specimen of Adam's fruit is pronounced worthless, unfit for God. Yes, there must be a new nature, another life altogether distinct from that which man receives from his natural parents, or man cannot enter the kingdom of God. Adam and his race are flesh, of the earth. God will only have in His kingdom what is born of His Spirit—born from above.

And where is this new nature to be found? Who is He from whom men can receive another life? Ah, it is from that very Ma& who says to Nicodemus, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

How can that Holy One impart His life to sinful man? Hear Him as He unfolds the wondrous tidings of love to perishing souls: "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.

He Himself, God's Son, will bear the judgment of God due to man. He Himself must be nailed to the cross—LIFTED UP—in order that He may give His own eternal life to whosoever believeth in Him.

Thus is man born of God by acceptance and faith in His crucified Son. And thus he lives to God, a new man, in Christ, risen from the dead.

Reader, do you believe this truth concerning your sinful nature? Have you found life in the Second Man—the last Adam—who, as Son of man, was lifted up on the cross, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life?

"Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth." Isa. 45:22.

The Work of God

Some of those who heard the Lord Jesus Christ, asked: "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”

He answered: "This is the work of God, that ye believe on His Son whom He hath sent." John 6:28, 29.

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

All”

"THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS; OF WHOM I AM CHIEF." 1 Tim. 1:15.

From the monarch on his throne to the pauper in a hut, to all is offered, freely and fully, God's good news of salvation. All should receive, all should accept, the blessed message. The richest, the poorest, the oldest, the youngest, all alike may find comfort and blessing in these soul-cheering words.

"CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS." 1 Tim. 1:15.

All are declared guilty. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

All are commanded to repent. "God commandeth all men every where to repent." Acts 17:30.

God's wish is that all should be saved, "Who will have all men to be saved." 1 Tim. 2:4.

In each of these scriptures the "all" embraces every one, excluding none. In "Worthy of all acceptation," everyone is included also.

The servant of the Lord goes forth at his Master's command, and as the love of Christ constrains him he cries:

"Oh! that the world might taste and see
The riches of His grace,
The arms of love which compass me
Would all mankind embrace.”

Will you not believe the message? Will you not obey His call?

Just as the lifeboat puts out in the darkness and fury of the storm to save the shipwrecked sailor, so Jesus came to save the sin-wrecked sinner. There is room in the lifeboat for you, dear sinner.

"Christ is the lifeboat, trust Him alone,
Only those who trust in Christ will God ever own,
None ever came too young, nor yet too bad to save;
Thousands, but for Jesus Christ, had sunk `neath the wave.”

Once more the faithful saying sounds in your ears.

Neglect it no longer, cling to self no more, but commit yourself to His keeping. Only thus can you be safe now and safe forever.

It is not enough to be near Christ, near salvation. It is not enough that friends or relations are saved. Many were near enough to touch Jesus when on earth, and yet missed His blessing. He offers it to all, but it is bestowed only upon all who believe.

Let the message be received into your heart by faith now!

"CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS.”

"SEEK YE THE LORD WHILE HE
MAY BE FOUND, CALL YE
UPON HIM WHILE
HE IS NEAR.”

Isa. 55:6.

July

No Time for God

No time for God?
What fools we are to clutter up
Our lives with common things,
And leave without heart's gate
The Lord of life and Life itself—
Our God.

No time for God?
As soon to say, no time
To eat or sleep or love or die.
Take time for God
Or you shall dwarf your soul;
And when the angel death
Comes knocking at your door,
A poor misshapen thing you'll be
To step into eternity.

No time for God?
That day when sickness comes
Or trouble finds you out
And you cry out for God;
Will He have time for you?

No time for God?
Some day you'll lay aside
This mortal self and make your way
To worlds unknown,
And when you meet Him face to face
Will He Should He,
Have time for you?

Lay Hold

Many years ago as a bridge-builder in New Zealand, I had a thrilling and dangerous experience. Rivers in that country are short and subject to frequent and sudden flooding. The country is mountainous; and in the South Island much snow falls on the highlands in the winter months. Then a rain will bring the snow down with it, and within a few hours the rivers in the lowlands would become swollen torrents.

Late one winter night it was necessary for me to cross a certain river in the South Island. Heavy rain had fallen and the river was running a "banker." Less than half a mile downstream could be heard the mighty roar of a cataract where the flood water swept in a seething torrent over and around great rocks in a narrow pass in the converging hills. A short distance upstream there were other rapids. Between the two the waters of the broad river, although quiet on the surface, were deep and running strongly.

A small Maori canoe, rather leaky and not very "seaworthy," was my only means of crossing; but I was young and strong and had had considerable experience in handling canoes. I was not afraid to take the risk, so I set out.

The night was extremely cold and pitch dark, but all was going well with my venture until, when about halfway across, the canoe suddenly struck an unseen obstacle. In a second the frail vessel overturned and was swept away. I was left, fully clothed, struggling under water. I came to the surface half-drowned. With an effort I calmed myself and cleared my throat of water and got my breath.

My plight was desperate indeed. If I did not drown before being carried down into the rapids, certain death awaited me there, unless by some means I could reach the far bank of the river. In a moment my thoughts went to my dear mother far across the Tasman Sea. As for myself, at that moment I had great consolation in knowing that it was well with my soul.

I struck out for the other side. Never a strong swimmer, with all my clothes and boots on I seemed to make very little headway; and all the time I was being carried nearer and nearer the dreadful rapids and certain death. Still I swam; and in the goodness of. God I drew near a steep bank. There I dimly saw against the sky the outline of a tree from which a branch hung out over the river. Could I reach it? Could I lay hold of it? Would it bear my weight?

I was near the rapids! The angry roar of the swirling waters made me put forth all my strength, and I gained a few feet that brought me near the overhanging bough. As I was being carried past the branch I clutched at it with both hands. Through God's mercy I did lay hold of it. The pull of the water sweeping down over the rapids, the weight of myself in sodden clothing, drew the branch lower and lower till it seemed it would surely break and let me go. However, being green and tough it held. It bore my weight! With a final effort I drew myself hand over hand to land and safety. It was with difficulty that I reached camp; but when I got there I heartily thanked God for His providential care and mercy. I soon had a fire lighted, and in its warmth I knew that all was well.

We are all in the fast-flowing stream of time, and being carried down to the great rapids of death. The Lord Jesus said: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." Luke 13:24. The word "strive" here really means to "agonize"—to be desperately in earnest. That exactly describes the state of mind I was in and the efforts I put forth that dark winter night in the flooded river. It was no half-hearted struggle on my part. Knowing it was a case of life or death for me, and no human aid at hand, I literally "agonized" to reach the branch of the tree.

God knew all about it long before my need arose, and He caused that tree to grow on the bank of the river and its branch to extend out over the river. He had met my need; but it was essential that I lay hold of His means of safety.

God knew from the past eternity that we would need a Savior; and "when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son." The Son of God has done all that is necessary to save you. He has come all the way from the heights of glory to the depths of woe and shame and death on Calvary to save your poor lost soul. He is now in reach of you. Paul said in Acts 17:27, "That they (men) should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.”

Are you making any effort to reach Him? If I had not accepted God's opportunity offered me that night in the river long ago, this story would never have been written. You are in the stream of time being carried down to the rapids of death. You may be almost there at this moment. Will you be swept away to a lost eternity? I beg you, friend, accept the Savior now.

'He loves you, He wants you,
He died to redeem you;
Only believe His Word!
There's nothing to do,
There's nothing to buy,
Remember, ‘twas for you
He left His mansion in the sky;
And now He's ready,
He's willing, He's able to save you!
Only believe His Word!

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

"Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate.”

Luke 13:24.

Golden Apples

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Prov. 25:11.

A word "spoken fitly," at the proper moment—not flung in nor pushed in, but gliding in opportunely "on its wheels" and suited to him to whom it is addressed—is both beautiful and precious. It is like golden fruit seen through the pure frosted network of a silver basket.

Such a word was once spoken to the emperor Theodosius. Though he was a great ruler, at times he was disposed to waver in his belief in the divinity of our Lord.

One day Theodosius', seated on his imperial throne in the great hall of his palace at Constantinople, was holding audience with his subjects. By his side sharing his throne and splendor was his little son Arcadius. On the little lad Theodosius had just' bestowed the title and honors of Augustine.

An aged bishop approached to salute his sovereign. With all reverence he bowed to Theodosius; but after a brief word with the emperor he turned away without seeming to 'notice Arcadius. Thinking it an oversight, Theodosius called him back. Smilingly he pointed to the young prince. The old bishop, grieved because of his ruler's fluctuating faith in his divine Savior, sought pointedly to illustrate the words of the Lord: "I and My Father are one," John 10:30, and to bring home to his heart the words of Christ in John 14:6: "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." He calmly went up to the child, stroked him gently on the head, and said with the same familiarity that he might have used in speaking to a peasant: "God save thee, my son.”

The emperor's indignation rose instantly. He angrily commanded his guards to drive the insolent old man from his presence. But as he was being led away, the bishop found opportunity to face his ruler and to cry out: "Thus, O Emperor, will the God of heaven do to those who fail to 'Honor the Son even as they honor the Father.'" John 5:23.

The lesson was crude and simple, but it was strikingly well fitted to impress the mind and heart of him to whom it was addressed. Theodosius' never forgot it.

"He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him." John 5:23.

Come!?

Mr. Dwight L. Moody, the well-known evangelist, was holding meetings in Baltimore, Maryland. A number of these meetings were for men only. Mr. Moody was very fond of the hymn 'Come, written by Mrs. J. G. Johnson. He often had the choir sing the chorus over and over again until the whole congregation could join in the singing.

At one of the meetings "for men only" a man attended only because of personal pressure brought to bear upon him. As he entered the hall, the audience was singing the chorus of the hymn, and the words rang out, "Come! Come! Come!”

"What fools," he said to himself. "Never have I seen so many fools together in all my life. The idea of men standing up and repeating, 'Come! Come! Come!'”

Though disgusted, he remained until the end of the meeting. When he started for home, to his further disgust he could not get the little word' "Come" out of his head! It came back again and again. What should he do He went into a tavern and called for whiskey. Still the word persisted, "Come." He went into a saloon, and ordered more whiskey. Still, back came the words, "Come! Come! Come!”

Now he said to himself, "What a fool I was to go to that meeting and allow myself to, be troubled, in this way!”

Still the little word persisted in his mind: "Come! Come! Come!" He visited another saloon, and had more liquor, and finally reached home. He went off to bed but could not sleep. It seemed that the very pillow whispered the words, "Come, Come, Come." Angry with himself for going to the meeting, he thought: "What a fool I was forever going to that meeting at all!”

He then got up, found a hymn book, read the hymn through; and thought again: "What a fool I was forever going to that place at all!" Still the voice persisted, "Come! Come! Come!”

"The idea of a rational man being disturbed by that hymn," he thought. Still the words came back to his mind. Again he got up. He threw the book in the fire and watched it burn. Now the word, "Come," burned into his mind! He declared he would never go to those meetings again nor to any other. However, the next night he was drawn irresistibly there; and, just as he arrived, they were singing the same hymn. Again he heard the pleading words: "Come, Come, Come," and he thought to himself: "There's that miserable hymn again; what a fool I am for coming!”

"But," said D. L. Moody, "when the Spirit of God lays hold of a man he does a good many things he did not intend to do." "And," continued Mr. Moody, "that man rose up in a meeting of young converts and told his story. Pulling out of his pocket a little hymn book, he had just bought, he opened it at this hymn. In humble penitence he said of the hymn that he at first had despised: 'This is the best, and sweetest hymn in the English language. God has blest it to the saving of my soul.’”

Dear scoffer, listen to the voice that calls you, "Come"!

"All things are ready, Come.”

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

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.

Saved in Time for Eternity

A terrible wreck had just occurred. From it a woman was rushed to the hospital, unconscious. She was desperately injured, but as she regained consciousness her first questions were: "Can I live? Shall I get better?”

The surgeon reluctantly answered: "No, it is impossible.”

The accident victim heard his reply calmly, and though her life was fast ebbing away, she exclaimed: "Thank God this did not happen yesterday!”

Why? The evening before, in the city where the girl lived, a gospel mission had been in progress. A Christian woman saw the girl pause hesitantly near 'the door. Going to her, she invited her in. At first the girl timidly refused; but after a little urging, she agreed to come in. But she said, "I have no Bible.”

At once the Christian worker answered: "I will lend you mine." She gave it into her 'hands, and accompanied her inside.

The word of the Gospel convicted the young woman of sin; but before she had left 'the' hall she had found peace in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Cleansed by the Savior's precious blood, saved by His grace, her face reflected newly acquired inward peace and joy.

As the young girl was about to leave, she handed back the Bible but her new friend said: "No, you must keep it! Here, let me write something in it." On the fly-leaf she wrote her own name and then marked several Scriptures before she gave it back.

This Christian woman was in the habit of visiting the hospital, and happened to call on the day of the wreck. One of the nurses informed her that a Bible of hers had been found in one of the beds. To her astonishment she discovered that it was the Bible that she had given to the young woman converted the day before.

When the whole tragic story was told to this Christian worker, conflicting thoughts flooded through her mind. That meeting, and its blessed outcome-a lost one found, a sinner saved! Yet within a day the spirit gone to be with Christ! With joy and sorrow mingled, she exclaimed in the almost identical words of the young victim of the wreck: "Thank God this did not happen before yesterday!”

The same loving gospel call goes out to you who may read this. The Savior still says: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

How uncertain is everything under the sun! How transient is life! Who knows what the morrow may hold for you? Today, here. Tomorrow, where? Why not come to Jesus now?

In a Corner

On my way home the other night, a Christian friend stopped me and begged me to go and visit a friend of hers who seemed near death. So the next day, on my way to the office, I turned aside to see her.

"Well, Mr. Stanley, I am glad to see you. I have been waiting for you all day, and wondering every moment if you would' come. Whenever there was a knock I thought it was you," were her words of greeting.

I immediately took the chair set for me by the head of the sofa. "And why have you sent for me?" I asked.

"I want to know how my soul can be saved," was her deeply earnest answer. Her eyes were riveted on me.

"'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved' is God's word. Can you trust it?" "'I wish I could!" was her reply.

"If you were drowning in a river," I said, "and a man on the bank threw you a rope, what would you do?”

"I would grab it," she said.

"Well, you are drowning. God has seen your lost 'state and has given Christ to save you. Now He is waiting for you to accept Him as your Savior.”

"I wish I wish I could," she said.

"Well," I said, "if you owed a month's rent, and I had come here this afternoon with the money in my hand and offered it to you, would you lie there and keep saying, 'I wish I could take it! I wish I could take it!'”

"No; I would take it at once.”

"Well, then, do so with Christ.”

"I would like to, dearly, but I cannot," she replied.

My time was nearly gone and I had made everything as plain as I could, and yet the woman was clearly undelivered. I looked to the Lord in silent prayer for some word that might set her free. That prayer the Lord heard.

"You have been a great sinner," I said; "but of all the sins you ever committed you are committing the worst now. You are rejecting the love of God. I must go now, and I shall have to tell God the result of this visit I shall have to tell Him that I offered Christ to you, and you wouldn't have Him, and that I offered you a free pardon in His name and you rejected it; and," I added, "the worst place in hell cannot be too bad for such a sin. Here you are, a sinner needing a Savior, and God has sent me to offer Him to you this afternoon and you will not have Him.”

"Oh, don't say that," she cried. The perspiration stood on her face in her agony of mind.

"Well," I said, "I must go now. Will you accept Christ, or will you not?”

She paused, and then replied in deep earnestness: "I will accept Christ.”

"Carr I tell God that you accept Christ?”

"Yes," she said, "you may tell Him now.”

I knelt down with a full heart and thanked the Lord for having enabled her to close with the offer of mercy. When I rose from my knees, her eyes were full of tears.

"Ah, Mr. Stanley, I can die now!”

"Well," I said, "don't you see how simple it is?" "Yes! I often lay awake nights trying to believe it, but I could not bring my mind to it. Now I see it all." I then left. Next day I again made my way to the cottage. I lifted the latch with fear and trembling, for my heart was very unbelieving. Mere natural excitement is so often mistaken for the work of God. My unbelief was soon rebuked, however. The sofa was empty; and there was the woman sitting at the table.

"Well," I said, "how are you?”

"Weak in body but all right in soul.”

"How did you get on after I left you?”

"Well, I was so full of joy I hardly know what I did. One or two neighbors who knew my misery came in. When I told them I was happy, they were amazed, and asked what you had said. I said, 'He told me nothing but what I knew before, but he gave me no chance but to accept Christ.' " And she added: "I never would have been saved, only you drove me into a corner, and. I had no choice.”

"Ah," I said, "you stayed away from Christ till you could stay no longer. No one ever comes to. Christ until compelled.”

She spoke very calmly and happily, and appeared hopeful now about her recovery.

Unsaved reader, what can hinder your deciding for Christ? Just where you are, read this, and "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

"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

August

True Again

Say, Friend, as you hurry and worry through life,
With its fleeting pleasures and endless strife,
What, pray, is your hurry, and where are you bound?
Is your goal at the end but a hole in the ground?

You sweat and labor and stew and fret,
You skimp and save and hoard; and yet
Your days are all numbered, your life is soon past.
Though you gain the whole world, you must
leave it at last.

Each soul ever follows the course that it takes,
And you, Friend, must choose, make no mistake;
The world you may gain, and lose your own soul,
Or Christ you can have while eternity rolls.

No stewing or fretting, no worry or strife;—
Believe and receive Christ Jesus and life.
Take resting for working, abundance for dearth,
Take treasure in heaven for treasure on earth.

The Skeptic's Challenge

Over the heads of the crowd the confident cry rang out: "There is no answer to prayer; it's all imagination. Don't be carried away by sentiment or superstition. Use your own common sense. There is no hereafter! When we are dead, we are done for.”

The speaker was standing at the foot of a monolith erected in an open space in a busy city. He had an excellent gift of speech and a winning manner. A crowd of men and women stood round listening. In a wonderfully ingratiating way and a persuasive voice, he sought to prove the non-existence of God and the inefficacy of prayer, concluding with a professed readiness to debate the question with any person in the audience.

At this juncture a man was seen making his way from the edge of the crowd toward the speaker, saying at the same time, "I accept the challenge.”

The people eagerly made way for this champion of God and prayer, and in a few moments he was standing on the step of the monolith facing the crowd. He was tall and well dressed, but he was no orator. He had no set phrases to tickle the ear. He had not the winning, catchy demeanor of his opponent. For a moment or two he stood looking at the sea of faces before him, faces waiting with eager expectancy for him to open the debate. A flush of color came over his face, and the sweat stood in beads on his brow.

"Friends, I am not a public speaker," he said. "I did not come to this meeting with the intention of disputing anything our friend might say; but when he denied that there was any efficacy in prayer, and challenged anyone to prove the contrary, I felt bound to come forward.”

The crowd cheered the frank yet modest statement. He went on again: "You see standing before you a man who was once as big a scoundrel as it was possible to find in this city. I was a drunkard, a gambler, a wife-beater. Yes! I was everything the word 'brute' implies. My wife and child dreaded the sound of my footsteps. Yet, bad as I was, unknown to me, my wife had for years been praying for the salvation of my soul; and she had taught our child to pray.”

He paused a moment, as if overcome with sadness at the memory, and then continued: "One night I went home unexpectedly, rather earlier than usual, and, by accident, sober. When I opened the door, my wife had just gone upstairs to put the little one to bed and their voices drifted down. I stood listening at the foot of the stairs. My child was praying; she was praying for me. 'Dear Lord Jesus, save my dear Daddy! Save my dear Daddy, Lord! Dear Lord Jesus, save my Daddy!' And as she prayed in her simple childlike way I heard my wife saying, with a sob in her voice, 'Lord Jesus, for Thy name's sake answer this prayer.'

"They did not know I was listening, so I crept softly out of the house into the street. Strange feelings were coming over me. Ringing in my ears was my child's prayer: 'Dear Lord Jesus, save my dear Daddy!'

"Was I indeed dear to that child? In what way? She had never known a father's love. I question whether she had ever known a father's kiss. And as I thought of it, a great lump came into my throat. Tears filled my eyes, and I cried aloud, 'Lord, help me; Lord, answer my child's prayer.' AND HE DID.

"Years have passed away since then. Today I am a respected member of society. The past is under the blood. I live in the present, a new creation in Christ Jesus, a living testimony to direct answer to prayer.”

Again he paused, and then he said earnestly: "Friends, don't you think I would have been a coward if I had kept silent today? Can I do other than believe there is a God, and that He not only hears, but answers prayer?”

The skeptic made no reply. This man's story had moved the crowd to tears; and when he finished speaking the people went silently and reverently away.

The WORD OF GOD declares: "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6.

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt. 21:22.

Friend, do you believe God? Surely you would not be classed as the unbelieving FOOL who rejects God; but have you really come to Him for salvation? That same Word of promise says: "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be, saved." Rom. 10:13.

The Old Sailor's Conversion

In a seaman's Bethel, to which many a weary mariner turns to hear the gospel when on shore, there was a meeting held one Sunday evening. One after another of the village fishermen told in simple language what the Lord had done for his soul, and how the gospel believed and Christ received had brought pardon and peace to his heart.

An old tar, who had sailed to many a clime, and who had seen life on many shores, had turned in for an hour that evening. He was due to sail next morning on what well might be his last voyage.

As the old sailor listened to the testimony of these godly seafaring men, the Spirit's power produced a wonderful effect in that man's soul.

In his early years he had been a religious man, and had taken part, as he said, in "Christian work"; but like many others who are busily engaged in the outward forms of what is called "religion," he had neither known God's salvation nor felt his need of a Savior. Profession of such a sort serves well for fair weather. Indeed it may last for a lifetime where it is not exposed to the blast of the world's temptation; but, as a rule, those who have only profession without Christ lose it and lapse into utter indifference when they go out into the world.

It had been so with this sailor. When the test came, he had found his own religion a sham. Then he concluded that everybody who professed Christianity was also a hypocrite. Now the simple testimonies of these converted seafarers in the Bethel that night awoke his conscience and set the man's heart longing to have what they possessed.

He stood up, and with unwonted tears and broken heart, he asked to be prayed for. With right good will his mates went on their knees before the throne of grace and many prayers ascended for him. Then one spoke to him of Christ and His power to save, reading and repeating the verse, "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 7:25.

God owned His Word, and the old sailor went away rejoicing in the Lord's salvation.

Over a year passed, and again he appeared in the Bethel. This time he too could tell how Christ had saved and kept him all the way.

Friend, Jesus is "able to save"; and if you yield yourself to Him, He will save your precious soul for all eternity.

The Deliverer

He was poor; he was feeble—a partially paralyzed man standing on a corner of a busy street. His face showed fear and almost despair at the terrible block of traffic that choked the thoroughfare. He wondered if he would ever be able to cross to the other side.

All of a sudden a tall traffic officer caught sight of him. Immediately he came to him and asked him kindly if he wanted to cross. A minute later, at a signal from the policeman, every vehicle stopped. With a rush the crowd of strong pedestrians crossed by themselves, while the poor, weak paralytic was gently led over by his strong helper.

Sinner, that is what the Savior does for every soul that trusts in Him. However weak your faith, look to Him to deliver you from the pit. He will stop the assaults of the devil, stay the destruction that follows guilt, and land you, a believer in Him, safe on "the other side.”

Will you trust Him?

Why Did He Die?

Yard-master T. J. Wood was dead. His body, terribly mangled, was found on the railroad at Clop-ton, Virginia. Had he thrown himself under a moving train, and thus taken his own life? Was it suicide? Or was it an accident caused by his own carelessness? Or had he been thrown on the tracks to hide the fact that he had been murdered? Everyone had his own opinion on the subject. Some thought one thing and some another.

In due time, however, the true facts of the case were brought to light. The yard-master had deliberately sacrificed his life in order to save the lives of others. He had died the death of a hero.

It happened like this: the "Cannon Ball Express," the limited passenger train of the Norfolk and Western R.R., was approaching the junction. Suddenly Wood realized that a switch leading to a string of empty cars was open. Unless something was done, in a few seconds the "Cannon Ball" would rush into the siding, crash into the empty cars, and there would be a terrible wreck. The yard-master could almost see the around strewn with dead and dying men. Out of his caboose he jumped and threw himself upon the switch. The train was saved, as were its unwitting passengers; but the brave, self-sacrificing hero was struck by the locomotive and killed.

In like manner, various theories are also afloat as to the manner and cause of the death of One infinitely greater than the bravest of earth's heroes. How, and for what reason, did Jesus die?

Unholy speculations have not been wanting as to how He died. Some have attributed His death to mere physical causes. Others, more daring, have asked: Did He really die upon the cross after all, or was it only a simulated death, followed by a reviving which His followers palmed off upon the world as a genuine resurrection?

Others, again agree that He really died. Nevertheless they argue that His death was merely that of a martyr. They claim that He was one among many who have sealed their testimony to the truth with their life's blood.

From all such unholy theories and blasphemous speculations we turn away. The Scriptures of truth shed a full and sufficient light upon the subject. They assure us that Christ died, and that His death was infinitely more than the death of a martyr. He died as a Substitute. His sufferings were those of a Sin-bearer. His blood has an atoning value that no other possesses.

Christ died! He died for us, for the ungodly, for sinners. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24. Surely this verse, if there were no other, is enough to show that in dying upon the cross the Lord Jesus Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin. Those who believe in Him can say, "He died for me; He bore my sins; His blood has cleansed me and made me whiter than snow." "Without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22.

Friend, what is the death of Christ to you? Have you staked your soul's eternal welfare on the merits of His blood? What other foundation can you find to rest upon? How else can sins be atoned for? "It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." Lev, 17:11.

When we announce the fact that Christ died for the ungodly, we have not told the whole story. He who died on Calvary is alive again. He has ascended to heaven, and now sits upon the throne of God as Lord of all. He is there to administer all the wonderful results of His death. All that Christ secured for guilty sinners by His work upon the cross is now offered freely through faith in Him: forgiveness, righteousness, everlasting life, peace with God. All these would have been impossible for us if Jesus had not died. But they are now all to be found in the risen Christ.

Turn to Him in faith. He will make all these blessings yours, and will give you His Holy Spirit, through whom you can enjoy them even now.

The Call

A group of crippled children had been taken from an institution on the east end of London for a brief holiday at the seashore. After a happy day on the beach, they were taken to their cottage nearby and were being prepared for their night's rest.

Not far from these happy little sufferers another visitor to the seaside was watching the curtain of night fall over the beautiful scene. She too was a sufferer, a spiritual cripple, and had come from a hectic, careless, godless life in London to this quiet seaside resort in search of peace and rest. Her life heretofore had had no thought of God in it, 'although she had often heard the appeals of His servants in the gospel of His grace.

Now, as she strolled along, some words of the Psalmist came unbidden to her mind: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.”

"How odd," she thought, "that I should remember that verse! I haven't thought of it since I learned it in Sunday school years ago.”

Just then, clear and sweet above the muted roar of the waves, she became aware of another sound—the voices of children singing. As she listened, clearly and distinctly came the words:

"Jesus is calling the weary to rest—
Calling today, calling today;
Bring Him thy burden, and thou shalt be blest;
He will not turn thee away.”

The listener on the beach seemed riveted to the spot.

The spirit of God was striving with her. Her past ungodly life came before her and she realized what a sinner she was in the eyes of God. She knew, of course, that Christ died for sinners; but never in all her life had the truth been brought home to her mind that HE HAD INDEED DIED FOR HER.

Satan urged her to pay no heed to the song which so deeply was stirring her soul, but it seemed impossible for her to move until the hymn was finished. An unforgettable sense of the awful solemnity of this moment stole over her as she listened to the next verse.

"Jesus is waiting, oh come to Him now—
Waiting today, waiting today;
Come with thy sins, at His feet lowly bow;
Come, and no longer delay.”

She could resist the Spirit's pleadings no longer. That night on the seashore she trusted the Savior of sinners. A simple song sung at bedtime by a happy group of crippled children had been the means of her conversion. Well may we say:

"God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.
He plants His footsteps on the sea
And rides upon the storm.”

"To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart." Psa. 95:7, 8.

Jesus Is God

From my early childhood I was taught by my Christian parents to "say my prayers" night and morning, but I knew nothing of the saving grace of God, and only looked upon prayer as a duty.

When I was about eight years old my father died, leaving us with no home. My mother had to go out to work, and I was sent to her sister's. There I found a very different home from the one I had known. My aunt's friends were worldly, and I soon began to follow in their footsteps.

At times, deep in my heart, I longed for the old days when Christ was honored. I saw Christian people so happy in the Lord; but I could not find true happiness however hard I tried.

My mother was much concerned about me, and grieved because I seemed indifferent about the welfare of my soul. Many were the prayers that I knew she offered up on my behalf. I thank God for them, and that in His own good time He has seen fit to answer those prayers.

It happened thus: I met and became greatly attached to a young girl of about my own age. She often spoke to me about the Lord and explained portions from the Bible. In this way the instruction of early days was graciously revived in my heart.

However I could not believe how simple a thing is salvation. I thought I must do much good, and make myself very different, before God would pardon me. I could not see the meaning of the words of the Lord Jesus when upon the cross He said: "It is finished." John 19:30. Nor did I understand that He had done all the work His Father gave Him to do; that therefore there was nothing for me to do but to accept with humility and thanksgiving the full salvation of God.

One day, while expressing these doubts to my friend, she asked me if I believed God's Word. I replied, "Certainly." She then quoted the Lord's own words: "He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47. She pleaded earnestly, stressing the fact that Jesus is God, and that I must believe Him to be saved. Then I learned that at that moment I belonged either to the saved or to the lost.

During that conversation the Holy Spirit opened my heart and revealed the truth so plainly to me that I cried: "Then, thank God, I am saved. Through the shed blood of Jesus my sins are washed away.”

Deep peace flooded my soul, the lasting peace of God which passeth understanding.

Dear struggling soul, take God at His word, and He will save you too.

Mighty to Save

Beloved, a Savior-God is "mighty to save" weak and helpless sinners. They have no might, no strength to save themselves.

Will you submit yourself to be saved by Him? He is "mighty to save" from our sins.

"Thou shalt call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. 1:21.

He is "mighty to save" from that terrible and most-to-be-dreaded of all foes—ourselves.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

He is "mighty to save" from that subtle and dangerous enemy—the world.

"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.

Yes, beloved, He is "mighty to save" right through into glory, "seeing He ever liveth to make intercession" for us. Heb. 7:25.

Do believe it with all your heart, and "Sing of His mighty love, 'MIGHTY TO SAVE.'”

Oh, bliss of the purified! Lord, I am Thine!
No longer in dread condemnation I pine;
In conscious salvation I sing of Thy grace,
Who shone upon me the light of Thy face.
My soul, filled with rapture, shall shout
o'er the grave
And triumph in death in the "Mighty to Save.”

"LOOK UNTO ME, AND
BE YE SAVED, ALL THE
ENDS OF THE EARTH: FOR
I AM GOD, AND THERE
IS NONE ELSE.”

Isa. 45:22

September

Where Are Your Sins?

A believer recently answered this question, "Where are my sins?" His answer: "My sins are under the blood of Jesus.”

Where, dear reader, are your sins? Each one is written down in God's book; each one will be kept in everlasting remembrance, unless all are blotted out by that precious blood. The vain world will give you a shroud and a grave. These it gives to both kings and beggars. But when your body lies beneath the sod, where will your soul be? In eternal happiness, if your sins have been blotted out by the blood of Christ. In everlasting woe, if they are still written in God's great book.

Peace Maker?

The Lamb was slain, His precious blood
On Calvary's awful tree was shed;
He for the guilty sinner stood,
And bore the judgment in his stead;
He has made peace.
And now He lives who once was dead.

Proclaimer of that peace to all,
He tells of full, unmingled grace;
To high and low—who hear the call—
To old and young of Adam's race,
He preaches peace;
And love divine shines in His face.

Behold Him now! Exalted high,
Upon the throne He took His seat;
Oh, wondrous grace, that we, brought nigh
And in Him seated, are complete;
He is our peace!
For light divine He's made us meet.

"Where Is My Wandering Boy Tonight?"

Mary Brandon, a gifted choir singer, was much in demand among her many friends, and her vocal accomplishments added pleasure to their frequent social gatherings. When her devoted husband passed away her great sorrow only increased the sweetness and pathos of her beautiful voice.

Some time later, the young widow suddenly gave up her choir work and refused all social engagements, although her voice was still in its prime. The sad cause for her retirement from public life and her distaste for applause was that her heart was burdened with anxiety and sorrow for a wayward son. He had run away from home, and his bereaved mother could get no tidings of him. Weary years passed by without word from the lad, and his mother was losing all hope of his return.

While spending a week with a friend in a city some distance from her home, Mrs. Brandon was persuaded to accompany friends to a gospel meeting. Her ability as a singer was soon noised abroad and the pastor of the church to which her friend took her was told of her sorrow. He sought to help her; and when a series of revival meetings were in progress, he finally extracted a promise to sing at the meetings.

The church was crowded. With a pathos which can be well imagined she sang the well-known hymn, "Where is my wandering boy tonight?" The second verse had been sung:

Once he was pure as the morning dew,
As he knelt at his mother's knee,
No face was so bright, no heart more true,
And none so sweet as he.”
Then the congregation softly took up the chorus:
"Oh where is my boy tonight?
Oh where is my boy tonight?
My heart o'er-flows for I love him he knows;
Oh where is my boy tonight?”

Far back in the church, under the balcony, sat a young man. In sudden determination he arose as though to leave. Instead, he turned and made his way up the aisle. Tears flowing freely, he cried out: "Mother, I am here!”

The embrace of the mother and her wandering boy thrilled the audience, and the service was turned into a general hallelujah! But best of all, in the inquiry room that night, among the many souls who sobbed out their confessions of sin against God, the young man was one of them. To the joy of the mother, the prodigal had returned not only to her, but to the Father whose heart had yearned over him.

Later, while Ira D. Sankey, the great singer-evangelist, was preaching in California, he told this story of the prodigal. He then spoke of a mother who also was seeking her missing boy. Was it by chance or coincidence that at that very meeting her wandering boy had drifted in, just in time to hear Sankey tell this incident? No! God's all-seeing eye and tender love were in exercise to draw this wandering lad also to Himself and the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Thus another soul was led to repentance toward God and faith in the Savior of sinners.

"The Lord... is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

Martin Luther's Conversion

In the year 1497, some boys were passing through the streets of Eisenrach, in Germany. They walked slowly, and at times stopped before the doors of some of the houses and sang hymns. That day these minstrel boys met only with repulses, and they dreaded the thought of returning cold and hungry to their homes. But there was the house of Conrad Cotta near at hand. He was the burgomaster of the city, and his wife, Mistress Ursula, was very fond of music. She had seen the boys refused admittance at three doors, and her gentle, loving heart felt the deepest pity for them. She beckoned them in and gave them a good supper. Then they were ready to sing.

One of these boys was named Martin Luther. From that day he often came to her house, and she encouraged him with her kindness and gentle words. It was a sad day for him when his father sent him away to another town to study.

Here a serious accident almost took his life. How terrified he was for fear that he should die! He tried desperately to make his peace with God. He made vows and promises to Him, even while he knew that he could not keep them. He could not find rest of heart.

At last Martin Luther decided to become a priest, a minister of the Word of Christ; but he had no Bible. They were very scarce in those days. At last he found one belonging to a friend, and in it he read those passages which speak of the awfulness of sin. In his distress he tried the harder in his own strength to please God; but he grew more miserable.

God knew all about Martin Luther, and in His mercy He sent an old monk his way. This old man had a Bible and knew the Savior. He showed Martin how useless it is to trust in good works for salvation. "Look at the blood of Christ shed for thee; read thy pardon in the Savior's wounds," he said. Before he left, he gave Luther a Bible of his own, and told him to read it.

Luther began to realize that the work of the Savior must count for something; but still he had no peace. He was again taken ill. His anxieties and fears returned; but God had not forgotten him. He sent another old monk, one who knew little of the Scriptures, but had found comfort in his knowledge of God's mercy.

The old man simply and lovingly told Martin to repeat after him: "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." Martin slowly said it.

"Ah," said the old man, "you must believe not only in the forgiveness of David's and Peter's sins; you must believe that your own sins are forgiven. The Lord said, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee.'”

Luther started up. Then forgiveness was for him, as well as for David and Peter! Christ died for him! From this moment he had joy and peace. He trusted fully in the Savior's finished work.

He who had been the little minstrel boy now became a valiant soldier of Jesus Christ. He boldly preached that souls may be saved by faith alone-faith in Christ and what He has done: Martin Luther gladly passed the old monk's advice on to others. And he tells you: "Look at the blood of Christ shed for thee; read thy pardon in the Savior's wounds.”

"He was wounded for our transgressions." Isa. 53:5.

"Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." Luke 7:50

"The just shall live by faith." Heb. 10:38.

Prove That There Is a Devil”

I was in a railway train recently, taking a short journey. There were only six of us in the coach I felt in my pocket for some gospel tracts, and found that I had just four. These I handed to my fellow passengers, and then settled down to read a little book.

A man was sitting opposite me. He had received very courteously one of the tracts. Taking out his gold pencil case, he read down a few lines. Coming to the word "Satan," he marked a dash under it, and wrote in the margin, "I don't believe in a devil." He then handed the tract back to me.

I said nothing; but took a piece of India rubber from my pocket and erased his writing. Then I put the tract back into my pocket and continued my reading.

This was too much for the gentleman! He leaped up, exclaiming with a loud voice, "I don't believe there is any devil." He poured out torrents of abuse against those who believed in an evil spirit. "Sir," he cried, "I challenge you before these people”(who looked upon him with astonishment), "I challenge you to prove that there is a devil. Where would you begin?”

"Nothing is easier, sir," I said, looking up from my book; "nothing easier. I begin with you. From your passionate language, ungentlemanly and unchristian conduct, you prove that you are energized by a living, personal devil.”

"Well, well, I was rather hot," said my opponent. He sat down but continued his abuse of the idea of an evil spirit.

"If there is no devil, what stirs you up to be so angry?" I said.

"That is the evil principle in me. You cannot prove that there is any other devil.”

Drawing my Bible out of my pocket, I said: "Now, sir, if you please, take that Book into your hand.”

He was constrained unwillingly to do so, and I continued: "With that Bible in your hand I demand of you: Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?”

"I do; most certainly I do.”

"Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of the eternal God?”

"No, I don't," he replied, emphatically. "Show me where it says so.”

I then pointed him to some passages in the Word of God.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:1, 3, 14. "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58.

"I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was." John 17:4, 5.

"Then saith He (Jesus) to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God." John 20:27, 28.

"GOD WAS IN CHRIST, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2 Cor. 5:19.

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

1 Tim. 3:16.

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." 1 John 5:20.

And then I added: "I see that you, sir, are a Unitarian. Thus you cut yourself off from the only hope of being saved, through Jesus and His blood. Tell me, what sort of person is your Jesus?”

"The most lovely of men," he replied.

"Oh no, sir; your Jesus, according to your own belief, is either a sinner or is false; my Jesus, the eternal Son of the eternal God, is the `chiefest among ten thousand, the altogether lovely.' "Turning to the fourth chapter of Matthew, I read," 'Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.' Was that an evil spirit within Him, or the veritable person of the evil one?”

For a moment the unhappy opposers mouth was shut. I continued: "You have no blood in your religion! You hate the blood, sir; you hate the atoning blood.”

"I thank God that I have not a drop of blood in my religion. I do hate it," he answered.

"Yes, I know that you denied the blessed Person and work of the Son of God. But listen to what God says about the blood.

" The BLOOD shall be to you for a token;... and when I see the BLOOD, I will pass over you.'

Ex. 12:13.

“‘Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in HIS BLOOD.' Rom. 3:25.

“’He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the BLOOD of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?'" Heb. 10:28, 29.

The train stopped, and I had to leave. Will we meet again in His holy presence whose Person and work alone avail for the present and everlasting salvation of any and every poor believing sinner?

"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.

Salvation How?

THE NEGATIVE SIDE

"Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:9.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done." Titus 3:5.

"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isa. 64:6.

"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom. 8:8.

THE POSITIVE SIDE

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36.

"There is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

"No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6.

"By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." John 10:9.

A Sentry Saved

Two soldiers were one night stationed at opposite ends of a long, narrow passage, or sally port, leading from the rock of Gibraltar to the Spanish territory beyond. They had doubtless often heard the gospel of the grace of God, the glad tidings of salvation; but their hearts had long remained untouched.

Each of these men, however, had been lately reading his Bible; and one of the two had accepted the Lord, and was really saved, rejoicing in God his Savior. The other was in deepest distress under strong conviction of sin. He was earnestly seeking relief from the load of guilt pressing upon his conscience.

Neither of the two was aware of the state of soul of the other. Moreover, the character of their duties and the distance between them forbade any communication passing between them.

On this particular night, an officer had been dining out; and was returning to his quarters in the garrison at a late hour. Coming up to the sentry on the outside of the sally port, the one who was really saved, the officer expected to be challenged as usual for the watchword in passing him. But the man was absorbed in meditation on the glorious and blessed things that had recently been made the joy of his soul. On being roused from his midnight reverie by the approaching officer, to the amazement of the latter the sentry exclaimed aloud: "The precious blood of Christ.”

Quickly however, he recovered his self-possession and challenged the officer, who, after giving the correct watchword, passed on without comment.

The unsaved comrade, anxiously seeking the Lord, and little knowing how the Lord was seeking him, was sentry at the other or inner end of the sally port (a passage singularly fitted for the conveyance of sound). Suddenly he distinctly heard, during the tumultuous tossing of his own troubled spirit, the words, "The precious blood of Christ," a message mysteriously borne upon the breeze at the solemn hour of midnight.

The words came home to his heart like a voice from heaven, as indeed they were. It was the Word of God winged from above. The words, "The precious blood of Christ," brought peace to the soul of the sin-burdened soldier. He was saved, and that for eternity!

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

Where There Is Life There Is Hope

A short time ago I was shocked to hear an old man, 82 years old, say: "Oh, I have plenty of time! Some day I'll prepare to meet God!”

Imagine anyone at the age of eighty-two thinking he has time to prepare to meet God! Why, he was already living on borrowed time.

Another man half that age, perhaps forty years old, was lying in bed in a large hospital. The nurse standing watch over him tried to console his loved ones by saying, "While there is life there is hope." How often this has been said by nurses and doctors seeking to comfort loved ones!

Yet, how true it is, in another sense, that "while there is life there is hope"-when one has taken God at His Word and received Him who said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6. One thus has the life—the Life who is our hope. Titus 2:13, 14.

Many there are who, though "walking to and fro in the earth," are dead in trespasses and sins! Theirs indeed is a hopeless existence. Filled though their lives may be with all good things for the present and rich with promise for the future, yet they drift on to a Christless eternity, simply because they think they have much time before them.

Remember, dear reader, to have the hope, you must first receive the Life. That life is in God's Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 5:11). The hope of the believer is not an uncertain thing, wished or longed for, but the certain expectation of its unfolding before our wondering eyes. We are looking for that blessed hope, because we have believed Him and received Him as our own personal Savior.

Your thought may be, "As long as there is breath in my body, I still have hope of becoming saved and made fit for heavenly glory." God says: "TO-DAY, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 4:7. Again, "NOW is the accepted time; behold NOW is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2. Elsewhere in Scripture we are told, "The night cometh when no man can work.”

"COME NOW!!" So says Isaiah in chapter 1, verse 18. While it is the day of grace and before the door is shut'—there is still room for you. Believe on Him whom God has sent to be the Savior of all those who will receive Him. Acknowledge yourself as a sinner needing the Savior. Take your rightful place before GOD, and "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt he saved.”

"FLEE FROM THE WRATH
TO COME.”

Matt. 3:7.

"The name of the Lord is a
strong tower: the righteous
runneth into it, and is safe.”

Prov. 18:10.

October

The Whole World

The SIN of mankind is the same in quality, though not in degree, all the wide world over. White man, black man, red man, yellow man, may differ in many ways, but they are all alike in this: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

The RANSOM for sin was paid by the Lord Jesus Christ. His atoning death for sin and sinners is available to all. "The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference." Rom. 3:22.

No one reed perish, since the death of Christ is sufficient for all. "And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2.

The GOSPEL is God's good news for "all the world." It is to "every creature" in it.

"And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.

Salvation is provided for all, and all are invited to partake. "Whosoever will" is urged to "take" it, freely and without personal merit.

"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 Finder of the Bottle

"What shall we do, Marie?”

"Do? Why, let the poor child come and live with us," said his wife, "But it is hard enough to make ends meet with just us two. What will it be with another mouth to feed?”

"True, Tom. It is little enough we can offer her—only a roof over her head and a share of our bread—but it will be a home and a shelter for the poor girl.”

So it was settled. The invitation was given and soon Anna Braden, homeless, almost friendless, found a home with the poor working-man and his wife.

Anna's new home was on the seacoast, and she was happy there with her warm-hearted friends. But she was a conscientious girl, and the thought of their poverty weighed on her. She could not bear to add to their burdens, and longed to be able to help them; and she knew to whom to go for help. She knew God as her Father, the Lord Jesus as her Savior, and she felt free to ask of them the deep desires of her heart. So down to the seashore she went and lifted up her heart in prayer. "O God," she prayed, "for The glory, send help to my poor friends in need.”

No voice spoke in answer to her cry, but in her heart a still small voice whispered: "Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt. 21:22.

Gazing out over the mighty waves, Anna saw small objet' in the ocean. It was a bottle floating or the water and corning nearer and nearer the shore. In a little while it was washed up on the beach where she laid hold of it.

There was something in it, and when she drew out the cork she found no less than thirty slips of paper. Each slip contained a promise written to "the finder of the bottle." Amazed, Anna found that by sending her name and address to the names and addresses signed to the slips, they would send to her, the finder, the various things mentioned. On one slip she read: "Ten sacks of flour will be sent to the address of the finder of this bottle on application to—" then followed the merchant's name and address. On another slip the promise was five kegs of butter; on another ten cases of eggs; the others were items of apparel and household necessities. Anna read the thirty promises.

"It is too good to be true," she thought, "but I will just try one promise.”

Choosing the slip promising ten sacks of flour, Anna sent it and her own address to the merchant whose name was on it. Then she waited; but not a word did she utter to Tom and Marie of her strange find lest they should be disappointed.

A few days later a message came from the stationmaster: "Ten sacks are here waiting for you! Bring a wagon and take them away.”

The little cottage was a place of joy and praise and thanks to God on that wonderful day. Tom borrowed a horse and cart from a neighbor and brought home the treasure, while tears of joy and thanksgiving ran down the women's faces.

"Anna, Anna, what blessing you have brought!” said Marie. And Anna acknowledged to her friends her prayer to God and His wonderful answer. Thanksgiving and worship went up to Him from those three grateful hearts.

Poverty was now a stranger in the little house by the sea. One sack of the flour supplied their frugal needs, and the rest were sold for a welcome sum of money. This was not the end. Anna signed her precious slips of paper—twenty-nine now—and sent them all to their respective addresses.

A few days later the little station was a scene of great excitement. The station-master was astounded to find his platform covered with huge boxes of provisions of all kinds, all addressed to the same person.

"Well, well; this is very strange—and they are all addressed to Anna Braden. Truly it is wonderful!”

There was no mistake about it, and Anna Braden was a rich girl in the eyes of the wondering villagers. Excitement increased when, a few days later, a gentleman arrive; and, inquiring for Anna, was directed to where she lived. At the little cottage he explained the mystery of the bottle. He said: "You have heard of the new canal which has just been opened? Well, it was to celebrate this event that thirty of us merchants met at a banquet. There it was agreed—as a joke—that we should each put a promise on a slip of paper, and placing it in a well corked bottle, commit it to the waves and see where it would land.”

What these merchants had done purely for their own amusement, God had used for His own purpose in blessing to His child, and the waves of the sea had brought it to her very feet, even when her prayer was going up to Him. Truly before she called God had answered.

"It shall come to pass, that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isa. 65:24.

Do Something with Jesus?

George Harkness was no worse than the average man, and he made no profession of being any better. In fact, he knew he was neither good nor virtuous and his state did not trouble him at all.

He got along comfortably at the office where no complaints were ever heard against him. He took part in games and amusements; but no one would have troubled greatly if he had failed to turn up at the office, nor would they have given more than a passing thought to him had he disappeared altogether from the sports.

Exactly the same spirit marked the religious life of George Harkness—careless indifference. Brought up in a God-fearing home, he had attended Sunday school, and gone to church. Now, being more or less his own master and free from home influences, he made no pretense toward religion. It did not appeal to him.

One Sunday evening, strolling aimlessly along the quiet streets, he came upon a little group gathered around an electric-light post. They were having "street preaching"; and for want of something better to do, George paused to listen. Just as he stopped, however, the speaker stepped down from the box on which he had been standing and the company began to sing.

Harkness did not wait to hear any more. It was not what he had expected; but as he passed on into the darkness a clear soprano voice seemed to follow him. The words she sang were so distinct that they might have been spoken right into his ear by someone at his side:

"You must do something with Jesus.
You must do something tonight!”

The voice still followed him, fainter and fainter, as he walked toward the busier section of town. Even in the noise of the tumult of the heavier traffic the words kept ringing in his ears: "You must do something tonight!”

In the repetition of the line the accent seemed to change from time to time. Now it was, "You must do something," and again, "You must do something," and yet again, "You must do something tonight!" Then he was startled as he thought he heard a voice at his side say with strong emphasis, "You... must... do something... with Jesus... tonight!”

As he neared the City Hall he heard a sudden cry. A bus stopped; a crowd quickly gathered; policemen came hurriedly to the scene; an ambulance was brought; and George Harkness, pushing into the crowd, saw the white face of a woman as she was lifted into the ambulance. For all he knew, she was dead. One moment well, the next minute silenced. Just a cry, and all was over for her.

The suddenness of it appalled him. So tragic, so incomprehensible. What had happened? What did it mean? Suppose it had been himself! What then?

He walked quickly. Now he was uncomfortable—miserable. The incident had upset him.

He stood a moment looking at some pictures advertising a theatrical play. How he wished that the place were open so he might go in and forget! Yet, somehow, the pictures repelled him. He purchased a Sunday paper and tried to read it by the light of a street lamp; but he could not interest himself in the news. Something was pressing upon him, a sense of imperative urgency. He could not escape it.

"You must do something with Jesus.”

He turned, almost unintentionally, and retraced his steps. A shudder passed over him as he reached the spot where the accident had occurred. "Suppose it had been me!" The thought flashed through his mind.

He turned from the brightly lighted boulevard to the quieter side street. The company of street singers was still there; but others now had gathered round, and quite a crowd was listening intently to the speaker.

He was appealing to the people urgently to face the question of their own life's relation to God and eternity—"The greatest question you will ever have to face." He told the story of the gospel, and pictured the darkness of sin, its hopelessness, its utmost misery, its terrible reward. He spoke of the eternal love of God as shown in the cross of Christ, and the offer of forgiveness through belief in His shed blood. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." Rom. 6:23.

"I ask you to accept Jesus as your Savior—now," he cried. "Now is the accepted time—for you... NOW is the day of salvation.”

When the meeting was over and the crowd dispersed, George Harkness sat on an upturned box, motionless, his face buried in his hands. The speaker, seeing a man sitting there alone, went up to him and said: "Have you taken the Lord Jesus to be your Savior, friend?”

Harkness lifted his head at the kindliness of the voice, the gentle touch of the hand on his shoulder. By the light from the lamp the other man saw in his eyes a yearning that spoke of a soul in trouble.

Seating himself on the box by Harkness' side, he told again the story of God's saving grace and urged the man to accept His offer of salvation. "It was the hymn that did it," said Harkness after a while. "I can't get away from those words, 'You must do something tonight!'”

"I think God has called to you in those words, my dear friend. I think this is your appointed time; this is to be your day of salvation!”

They bowed their heads while the speaker prayed, and when they parted George Harkness knew that something momentous had happened to him. He had "done something... with Jesus." He had cast himself in faith upon His love and mercy, and had taken Him to be his Savior.

Out of the slumber of indifference to Christ and His claims, many souls would awake to the real joy of life if they would but listen to the pleading appeal of those simple words: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

Stop - Look - Listen

To men and women rushing hither and thither along the crowded highways of life comes a warning signal: 'Stop—Look—Listen.' Dear soul hastening on into eternity, more than life depends upon your response. Your soul's eternal destiny will be determined by the decision you make after you stop, look, and listen to God's warning signal.

STOP!

"Stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you." 2 Chron. 20:17.

Have you come to the end of self? Are the odds all against you? Are you at wit's end corner, knowing not which way to turn? Then stop! Stand still in the presence of HIM who says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Psa. 46:10.

LOOK!

"Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." Isa. 45:22.

Yes, look unto the Savior dying on Calvary. There the Lord Jesus Christ shed His blood for your sins. He laid down His life in your stead, for "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

"Look, look, look and live!
There is life in a look at the crucified One,
There is life at this moment for thee.”

LISTEN!

"This is My beloved Son: hear Him." Mark 9:7. Listen not to the noise and bustle all around, nor to the organizations of men which call to you offering peace, surcease from worry. All these are vain. To what can man listen then in the time of need?

Stand still, dear soul; look unto Jesus, and listen to Him alone. Do you not hear Him? With a still, small voice He is speaking to your heart. What tender love is in that voice, what comfort and assurance to your soul! "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. He is speaking directly to you—Listen!—"Hear Him," for this is God's command as given to the disciples on the mount of transfiguration.

Stop, and see the salvation of the Lord. You are at a crossroad—the warning signal is before you— Stop.

Look, and see your only salvation from the penalty (wages) of your sin which is death. Look away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of faith, "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb. 12:2.

Listen!—There are two voices. Satan the liar and the father of lies, questions: "Hath God said?" But listen carefully, dear soul! God, who cannot lie, says: "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23. "HEAR HIM.”

Yes, I Will Accept Him Now!”

"I am as bad a man as ever stepped in shoe leather." So said one to whom we were presenting the gospel, and urging the necessity for immediate decision.

"Not as bad as one who, we are told, was the chief of sinners," we replied. "And even if you were, it is those like you that Jesus takes a special delight in saving. He wants bad ones! Real bad ones!! Will you accept Him tonight?”

Dave knew the gospel well enough; and although naturally we would have thought that he would be the last to bow to it, he got blessing that night. Like many, another, he was afraid of the second step before he took the first. He thought, if he confessed Christ, he could never hold out against the taunts and jeers of his fellows.

Perhaps our reader is such an one, and would like to decide for Christ, yet is afraid of the consequences. Satan whispers, "What will my friends think or say?" Beware! Do not let your never-dying soul be damned through Satan's lies, or the thoughts and sayings of friends. Accept Christ. Trust Him. He is able to keep as well as to save, as Dave has found.

Standing there on a country road, the claims of Christ were put before him, and he bowed to them. "Yes, I will accept Christ now," he said. That moment he passed from death unto life.

"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.

We left him, and home he went to tell "what great things the Lord had done for him." The following Lord's Day at a meeting he said: "I would not be here had the Lord not made a great change in me.”

He has gone on in the happy path even amid persecution from his fellow workmen. He still stands humbly for Jesus and rejoices in His love, saying: "It's grand to live for the Lord.”

Dave had tasted the joys of the world, and had found that they could not satisfy. Now he could say:

"I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But ah! the waters failed;
E'en as I stooped to drink, they fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.
"Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me;
There's love and light and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee.”

The Sword

"The Bible," says Dr. Mackay, "is the sword of the Spirit; and we should not merely talk of its sharp edge and glittering metal, but in love pierce the sinner's heart with it.”

Once at the close of a meeting, a skeptic said to me: "Sir, I do not believe there is a God." It was 10:00 P.M., and no time for argument. I cast the burden on the Lord in prayer, and looked so happy that he said: "You are laughing at me.”

"No; but I was thinking if all the grasshoppers on earth were to say, 'There is no sun,' it would not alter the matter. The Bible declares, 'The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.'”

"Well, that is so," he said. I then showed him that God calls every man who does not believe in Him a liar. The man went home, seemingly much impressed.

Some months later I happened to meet him again. Referring to our former conversation, he said: "I found out that I was a fool and a liar, and I have now come to Christ.”

Had we more faith in the Word, and more reliance on the Spirit to apply it, such blessed results would not be so rare.

"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb. 4:12.

Your Hope

Friend, what is your hope? We do not mean your hope for this life, but for the life to come! Is it for a blessed eternity? Is it a sure and certain hope? Can it ever be moved? You may have a hope sure and certain and immovable for a blessed eternity, only if you are building upon the right foundation.

If your foundation be self, or your doings, or the work of men for you, then it is but sand. When the storm comes—and come it will—your foundation will be swept away, with the building upon it.

If your hope for eternity is firmly founded upon the Rock, then let the clouds be what they will! They cannot prevail against Christ who is that Rock!

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

"On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”

"There is none other
name under heaven
given among men,
whereby we must be
SAVED”

Acts 4:12.

November

Stenburg's Masterpiece

The artist Stenburg stood in his Dusseldorf studio. He looked quizzically at his visitor, Father Hugo, vicar of the Church of St. Jerome.

"We need an altarpiece for our church," Father Hugo said. "A painting of the crucifixion. Done with the touch of the master—Stenburg! We can pay any price you ask. A wealthy penitent will buy this altarpiece and give it to the church. We can afford you—at your own price!”

Stenburg smiled, tapped his pipe on his easel. "I think, Reverend. Father, it can be done. I'll give you the most magnificent altarpiece that St. Jerome has ever seen.”

In the weeks that followed Stenburg searched out the historical facts of Jesus' death. He was talented; he was famous; he was becoming wealthier every year. But Stenburg did not have peace.

The first brush full of color touched the canvas, then another, and another. One day the cross stood stark and upright on Golgotha. The next, a band of tired disciples wept at its foot. Day after day Stenburg's brush caressed the canvas.

Then suddenly he was tired. "I'll forget this sombre altarpiece," he declared. "I'll walk out to the country and sketch.”

It was spring, and the woods were green. At the edge of the forest Stenburg stopped. There a gypsy girl plaited a straw basket. Blue-black hair reached her waist; her red dress was faded and torn. Her eyes were black, large, restless.

"What a painting!" thought Stenburg.

The girl stared up at the artist. Then she smiled, threw her straw down, sprang up and raised her hands high above her head. She twirled and danced gaily in front of him.

"Stand," cried Stenburg. The girl dropped her arms. "This week you must come to my studio; I'll paint you...”

"But, Signor," the girl said shyly, "I'm only a poor gypsy girl.”

"Come," he said. And she came, in her red dress, with her hair tucked back with a flower. Stenburg was ready. "Stand! Sit! Dance!" he commanded.

Pepita had never been in an artist's studio before. Her questions amused Stenburg. But suddenly her roving eyes stopped at the altarpiece for St. Jerome. It was almost completed. "Who is it?" she asked.

"The Christ," the artist said, carelessly.

"But what are they doing to Him?”

"Crucifying Him," he answered.

"But who are those cruel people?”

Stenburg threw his brush down. "Now look here," he said. "You stand there... still... and do not move your lips to speak.”

Pepita closed her lips. But her eyes never left the crucifixion.

Posing for the day was over. At the door, Pepita stopped. "Was He bad?" she asked.

"No, no; very good," Stenburg said. "Remember! Be here the day after tomorrow.”

Each day that she came, she asked another question. "If He was good, why did they do it?”

Stenburg tipped his head to one side. "Listen! I will tell you once for all." Hurriedly, he repeated the facts of Christ's death, and as he talked he saw her black eyes fill with tears.

One day, both paintings were finished—the altarpiece and the Spanish dancing girl. For the last time Pepita came to the studio. When she saw herself on the canvas, she clapped her hands with pleasure. Then she walked over to the altarpiece and stood silently. She turned to Stenburg. "You must love Him very much, Signor, when He has done all that for you; do you not?”

Then she was gone.

Stenburg stood looking after her; but the street noises refused to drown out the sound of Pepita's voice: "Love Him very much when He has done so much for you.”

But all week, he heard the question: "You must love him very much, do you not?" His restlessness, his dissatisfaction grew. He could stand no more. Perhaps, if he went to confession—

Before Father Hugo he knelt and confessed every sin he could recall. The vicar gave him absolution. "All will be well," he said.

Stenburg left the church. His heart was still tormented. Absolution was not enough! Perhaps if he gave the church a token? But what? His altarpiece! That was it. A Stenburg painting at a fraction of the cost he had intended was a royal gift indeed.

He found Father Hugo and told him his decision. The vicar smiled. "For what you have done," he said, "God be with you.”

But Stenburg knew that God was not with him. All that was with him was the question: "You must love Him very much, do you not?”

To shake his mood, he walked night and day up and down the streets of Dusseldorf. One night he idly watched a group of people hurrying through a low doorway. It was curious, he thought, that the people who entered looked so happy.

Then Stenburg went one day to the house. He entered and sat down with the happy people. He listened to the preacher, a Flan who seemed to have found what Stenburg was looking for. That night Stenburg found the answer to the restlessness in his life. No absolution, no gift to the church was enough! Jesus Christ had died on the cross for Stenburg; and at last the artist could say, "And how much I love Him!”

The next morning, he could not keep this gratitude to himself. "How can I tell others?" he asked himself. "I can paint," he said with decision.

And soon a great masterpiece was presented to the Dusseldorf gallery for every visitor to see, a sermon for all to hear.

One day he found in front of his picture a girl, weeping. She turned, and it was Pepita. "It is you, Signor," she cried out. "Oh, Signor, if He had but loved me so!”

They both sat in front of the painting and he told her the story of that wondrous death, and the glorious resurrection. "For all men, for the gypsies for everyone—Christ has suffered and bled on the cross. All this He did for thee, Pepita.”

The gypsy girl was quiet. Then she looked up. "I believe it," she said, simply.

Two years later Pepita died, believing in Him. Her last words were, "All this I did for thee.”

The artist grew older. Eventually, he must put his brush aside. Dusseldorf lost its artist, but the painting of the crucifixion still hung.

Years later, a young German nobleman wandered into the gallery and stopped in front of the Stenburg masterpiece. He read the words on the frame. "All this I did for thee. What hast thou done for Me?”

Hours passed. That night the young count made a decision. That nobleman was Zinzendorf. In Dusseldorf he decided to give his life to answering the question under the Stenburg painting. He died as a martyr to the cause of Christ, still answering it.

The gallery, burned years ago, and with it the famous canvas. But the question for everyone—for you—remains the same. "All this I did for thee. What hast thou done for Me?”

Let Him in

My girlhood was spent without a true knowledge of God. I had grown up to young womanhood in utter carelessness about my soul, loving much the pleasures of the world, and devoting myself to dress, gay company and worldly amusements. My father would, from time to time, enter a feeble protest against these things, and he sought ineffectually to win his children from them by presenting us with books and serials of an interesting and evangelical character. My mother was more indulgent toward our follies, saying she desired our happiness.

In time my father's last illness came upon him. For weeks he sat in his chair, night and day, unable to lie down lest his weakened heart fail completely. I took my turn in watching by him; but though I could see he needed spiritual comfort, I had none to give him. Christian friends came to visit him and to read the Scriptures and pray with him. Then I heard his confession of being a "sinner saved by grace," and his touching reference to a sure hope of being with "the white-robed multitude." These statements were strange to me and I knew not what he meant.

One night I was awakened from my sleep by the nurse calling me. She said: "Your father is dying; come at once.”

I was in his room in a moment, but the others were there before me. My dear father was sitting in his chair by the fire-side, his head resting on his hand and his elbow on the table. One glance at his quiet face told me that this was the end of his earthly journey.

I sank to my knees by my father's side. There I remembered his confession of faith in Christ and his hope of eternal life through His shed blood. For the first time I realized that the dying agony of the crucified One was for me. My way to eternal life could only be through the Savior's death. In the very presence of death I found life for the first time.

I was now in a new world. Peace filled my heart and mind, and I longed to know more of the mysterious treasure I felt I possessed. But the great enemy of our souls, Satan, knew my weakness and the bait to draw me back. I was ignorant of his devices, and ignorant, too, of the Source of all strength. Perhaps I had never really heard a gospel sermon in my life, and surely I had no thought of turning to the Word; so how could I possibly have been preserved?

The solemnity of the death-scene came back, and with it came an overwhelming sense of my bereavement. But almost immediately, crowding in, came the necessary preparations for the funeral, What wiles of the devil to turn aside the soul from solemn thoughts, under the plea of proper respect for the dead! My old tastes for display revived in this planning, and many hours were spent, while my sweet peace departed, and I knew it not.

The funeral over, I awoke as from a dream. A voice within, gentle at first, then louder, seemed to say, "What have you lost?”

Yes, I had lost something. What was it? I could not say; but my conscience was guilty, and I plunged into worldly pleasures to drown its voice. Still I found no joy and no peace. Even sleep forsook me and troubled dreams were my portion. I remember waking one night with the feeling that I was dropping into hell. The thought came that I had surrendered Christ for the world—I had given my precious peace in HIM for a mess of pottage—for dress, for vanity.

But oh, His unspeakable love! "To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against Him." Dan. 9:9.

God, the God I scarcely knew, met me in my distress. In grace He drew me back to Himself, revealing in Christ the unsearchable riches of His grace. My inmost soul bowed before Him; and with childlike faith I learned to say, "Abbe, Father." Now I know Jesus as my Savior, and have accepted the reconciliation which He has made. All is peace in my soul.

Dear young friends, I beg of you, let nothing come between you and God.

"There's a Stranger at the door,
Let Him in;
He has been there oft before,
Let Him in;
Let Him in ere He is gone,
Let Him in the Holy One,
Jesus Christ, the Father's Son,
Let Him in.”

According to You

Men read and admire the Gospel of Christ,
With its love so unfailing and true;
But what do they say and what do they think
Of the "Gospel according to you"?

'Tis a wonderful story, that Gospel of love,
As it shines in the Christ-life divine;
And oh, that its truth might be told yet again
In the story of your life and mine.

You who are writing each day a letter to men,
Take care that the writing is true;
'Tis the only Gospel that some men will read—
That "Gospel according to you.”

"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.

Out of the Pit

"Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" Zech. 3:2.

Young Jim Bradshaw seemed to have reached the lowest depths of sin and degradation. His history was indeed a sad one—sad for him and for his family. DRINK had brought him to poverty and shame— his wife to an asylum—his children to the poor house.

How true are the words of Scripture: "The wages of sin is DEATH," and "after death the judgment"! Are you serving Satan, my reader? If you are unsaved, THE WAGES YOU ARE EARNING CAN ONLY BE DEATH.

One night Jim was returning to his home. The hour was unusually late and Jim was very drunk. On his way he had to cross a railroad. In crossing the tracks his foot caught on a rail and he stumbled and fell. There he lay on the road-bed, unconscious of his danger; and for some hours he slept.

Unsaved reader, you too are sleeping, and your bed is on the brink of eternal doom. May God in mercy awaken you to a sense of danger, before it is TOO LATE!

Suddenly Jim was aroused. Someone had seized him by his shoulders and was quickly dragging him to one side. Thinking that it was a police officer, Jim bade him "go easy," and promised to go with him quietly. Then a voice cried out to him to lie perfectly still. To Jim's horror, the next instant a freight train rushed past, car after car with clicking, grinding steel wheels. Jim was just barely out of their reach!

NOW Jim was thoroughly sober and wide awake. Well he might be! Had he remained another minute on those rails, his Christless soul would have been ushered into eternity. Deeply conscious of the inevitable death that MUST have been his, had not that friendly hand rescued him, he made his way home.

"A friend's hand did it," you say. Be it so; but God used that friendly hand to save the life of that poor drunkard and to pluck him "out of the pit," as it were.

The thought of what MIGHT have been haunted Jim. He could neither eat, sleep, nor work. GOD HAD SPOKEN TO HIM, and he could not close his ears to that voice. The thought of what must have been his portion had not a gracious hand rescued him filled him with terror. YEA, HELL WITH ITS YAWNING PIT HAD OPENED ITS MOUTH UPON HIM, and one brief moment would have landed him there forever!

What marvelous grace was shown him! God spared that wasted, worthless life that He might save it for Himself. Soon after this Jim Bradshaw was brought to know the Lord Jesus as his own Savior!

The Word of God declares, "God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not." Has HE spoken to YOU, unsaved one? YEA, how often He has! You have turned a deaf ear to His gentle pleading. But it is written, "He will not always chide, neither will He keep His anger forever." Psa. 103:9. GOD waits to be gracious. WHY not hear HIS call? Remember His words, "Come now, 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.

His Last Chance

A lone traveler was taking a walking tour of the coast of Scotland. The weather was warm, and he was thoughtlessly induced to take the road by the beach as the most comfortable. This road, which was safe only at low tide, lay between the sea and the lofty cliffs which bound the coast. Pleased with the view of the in rolling waves on the one hand, and the abrupt and precipitous rocks on the other, he entered on the way unmindful of the tide which was beginning to encroach upon the intervening sands.

A man, observing from the lofty cliffs the danger the traveler was incurring, partially descended and, hailing him with a loud "halloo," warned him not to proceed. "If you pass this spot you lose your last chance of escape. The tides are rising; they have already covered the road you have passed, and they are near the foot of the cliffs before you. This path up the cliffs is your last chance of escape.”

The traveler disregarded the warning, feeling sure he could make the turn in the coast in good time. Leaving his volunteer guide, he went more rapidly on his way. Soon, however, he discovered the real danger facing him, for the road was already covered by the rising tide. He turned in haste; but to his amazement he found that the incoming waves had cut off his retreat. He looked to the cliffs, but at this point they were inaccessible. The waves were creeping ever nearer and were soon at his feet. He sought higher ground, and climbed a short way up the cliff. He reached a projecting rock, but the relentless waters followed. They rose higher and higher; they reached him; they rose to his neck; he uttered a despairing cry for help, and no help was near. He had neglected his last opportunity of escape. The sea enveloped him, closed over him, drew him into the night of death...

"If you pass this spot you lose your last chance of escape.”

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2:3.

Such scenes have been enacted over and over down through the centuries! As for a man, so for a nation.

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Psa. 9:17.

Throughout the history of the world the nations have been standing in judgment before God. Nineveh stood there; Babylon stood there; Greece and Rome stood there; and other nations are standing there today. One after another has heard the solemn word: Depart. They have passed into a destruction which has been absolute and irretrievable.

There is a moment in the life of an individual—and there is a moment in the history of a nation— which, if passed with the warning note unheeded, must be followed by disaster. How do we stand today in God's sight as individuals, and as a nation? Shall it be: "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting"? Dan. 5:27.

Or will we in the day of grace listen to His voice, hear His call, and be saved from the wrath of God which is soon to fall upon this wicked world?

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart." Psa. 95:7, 8.

Whomsoever.?

A messenger rushed into a Sunday school and, going to the superintendent, said, "Hurry as fast as you can! There's a boy wanting to see you. He is dying.”

The superintendent hastened to the place. There lying on a cot in a poorly furnished house was a boy who had been crushed by a car.

As he entered, the lad greeted him with, "Didn't I hear you say once, 'that whomsoever a fellow comes to Jesus, he would be saved"'?

"Yes," replied the visitor, "I said something like that.”

"Well," said the boy, "then it's all right, and I am saved! I have been a bad boy; I've been thinking about that. Now I'm just taking God at His word, so I'm saved." After he had spoken these few words his strength seemed to fail. A few minutes later he passed away. His last words were, "Whomsoever a fellow comes to Jesus, He will in no wise cast out.”

He did not quote the words exactly, but he had grasped the meaning of them and received them into his heart.

"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.

"For Christ also hath once
suffered for sins, the Just for
the unjust, that He might bring
us to God, being put to death
in the flesh, but quickened by
the Spirit.”

1 Peter 3:18.

December

Two Singers

Perhaps no one else has ever had such a voice as the great Italian singer, Caruso. He enthralled thousands of people all over the world; and when this renowned vocalist came to the end of his days on earth, a well-known newspaper announced his death with the headline: "CARUSO WILL NEVER SING AGAIN.”

In a large hospital there lay another singer, a young man who was just at the beginning of his career. His fame had not risen to the heights to which Caruso had reached, but his talent promised great success. At the time when his popularity was rapidly increasing he was stricken with cancer, and his sympathetic doctor said to him one day: "Young man, I am sorry to tell you this, but you will never sing again." Then he informed him that as a last chance to save his life, a glossectomy must be performed (removal of the tongue). "You may survive the operation," 'aid the doctor, "but one thing is certain, YOU WILL NEVER SING AGAIN.”

Looking up into the surgeon's face, smiling, the young man replied: "Doctor, I WILL SING AGAIN. If I never sing again on earth, I am going to sing a new song with the redeemed around the throne of God in heaven. I am going to sing a new song 'unto Him who loved me and washed me from my sins in His own blood.'" (Rev. 1:5.) Then he added, "Doctor, I want to sing once again on earth, before you remove my tongue tomorrow morning.”

The next day the young man was taken into the operating room. Doctors and nurses stood by, ready to administer the anesthetic. "Now," said the surgeon kindly, "what about your last song?" To the surprise of all, the young man opened his lips and sang the whole of Cowper's well known hymn: There is a stream of precious blood

Which flowed from Jesus' veins;
And sinners washed in that blest flood
Lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That Savior in his day;
And by that blood, though vile as he,
Our sins are washed away.
Blest Lamb of God, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power,
Till every ransomed saint of God
Be saved to sin no more.
E'er since by faith, we saw the stream
Thy wounds supplied for sin,
Redeeming love has been our theme,
Our joy and peace has been.
Soon in a nobler, sweeter song
We'll sing Thy power to save;
No more with lisping, stamm'ring tongue,
But conquerors o'er the grave.
Lord, we believe Thou has prepared
(Unworthy though we be)
For us a blood-bought, free reward,
And harps of minstrelsy.
Harps strung and tuned for endless years
And formed by power divine,
To sound, in God the Father's ears,
No other name but Thine.

Shortly afterward this young singer passed away. By faith in Christ's redeeming blood he was sure to join in swelling the song of the redeemed: that new song of Rev. 5:9, 10.

"Thou art worthy... for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth.”

Reader, were you today found in the position of this young man, could you sing with confidence: "I do believe, I now believe,

That Jesus died for me;
That on the cross He shed His blood,
From sin to set me free"?

Will you ever sing again after you have departed this life? Or will you be among the many lost souls whose eternal portion must be "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth"? I pray you may accept Christ as your Redeemer now, and become forever a singer of His praise.

Prospects

How often, as one year closes and another begins, we are brought to think of our new year prospects! We all have prospects, some bright, some dark. Often they can be a greater snare than possessions.

How fearful are the prospects of many at this time! Uncertainty and gloom darken the horizon of this poor world, and the hearts of those who know not God must indeed fail them for fear of the things they see coming upon the earth.

But what of your own prospects? A hard question? Felix, the Roman governor, trembled as Paul reasoned with him of "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.”

Perhaps your prospects in this world seem bright, but what about the next? Scripture plainly speaks of another world—"the world to come of which we speak"—and another life too—the life beyond the grave.

All the prospects of men in this world are bounded by death, for "it is appointed unto men once to die, but, after this the judgment." Friend, "thou knowest not what a day may bring forth"; but, however uncertain your prospects are in this world, they are certain in the next! Think of your sure prospect of leaving this scene. Would that be a happy prospect for you? God says it is a certain one, and He never fails to keep His appointments.

There are other prospects just as certain. Think of this one: "So then every one shall give account of himself to God." Can you face that prospect without fear? Maybe you boldly say; "I am not afraid to die!" But are you not afraid to meet GOD? If not, it is because you do not know Him of whom it is said, "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity"; and "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

But, dear friend, the good news is that your prospects can be entirely changed. Yes, changed from darkness to light, from fear to joy. This has happened to millions. Then why not to you?

Do you ask how these things can be? If you would only show concern for your soul's destiny, how quickly God would display to you His great salvation, and the wondrous prospects awaiting His redeemed ones!

All your prospects for ETERNITY depend on ONE MAN, and your treatment of Him. Do you ask who that Man is? We hasten to reply: "The Lord Jesus Christ." Though you may have despised, yes, even hated Him, He is the only One who can, with absolute certainty, assure you of a bright and happy future both in this world, and in the world to come, and throughout all ETERNITY.

Jesus died, blessed be His name! He died to open up the way of forgiveness and life for men. He stands out before the world as the only solution for all man's grievous problems. He is in very deed, THE Savior OF THE WORLD, and is the unfailing Resource.

Friend, He is waiting and willing to bless you. Then why not let Him do so now? Do you really want bright and happy prospects? If so, turn to Him now, before it is too late, for soon He is coming JUDGE OF THE WORLD. Then who shall be able to stand? His precious blood was shed for you, and the divine witness to it is that it "cleanses from all sin.”

Accept, Him! Trust the Lord Jesus now as your own personal Savior, and then you will be able to sing with us:

"Lord, we can see, by faith in Thee,
A prospect bright unfailing,
Where God shall shine in light divine,
In glory never fading.”
"A Home above of peace and love,
Close to Thy holy Person;
Thy saints shall there see glory fair,
And shine as Thy reflection.”

The Preacher in the Rafters

Bill was driving down the dark streets of the little town one summer night. He was a very unhappy man. He had taken to drink because he and his wife quarreled. Then they quarreled because he drank. He was ashamed to think of the times he had struck her and of the cruel, harsh words he had used while he was drunk. Finally she could bear no more, and had turned him out of their home. He was friendless, homeless, and hopeless. Tonight he planned to drive to the Bay and end it all by taking his own life.

Deep in his own troubled thoughts, he missed the right turn to the Bay, and had to turn around. As he drove back, he passed a church, still lighted though it was now eleven P. M. On an impulse, he parked the car and went inside. Up in the rafters a man was working. Maybe, Bill thought, he knew something that could help him. Bill called up to him, "I need help! I wonder if I could talk with you.”

The man in the rafters quickly climbed down. He was a trim, dark man, with a warm friendly smile that advertised to everyone he met that the love of God was in his heart. He was indeed the servant of Christ who preached in this church, and had been happily occupied till this late hour repairing the ceiling of the building.

As he sat down with Bill, he opened his Bible to John 3:16. Encouraged by the minister's kindliness, Bill told him of his desperate plight, and that for him, life was no longer worth living. He had planned in his heart to end it all tonight.

The preacher had no need to tell Bill he was a sinner. Bill knew he had brought all this sorrow on himself. The preacher did not need to tell Bill he needed Someone more powerful than himself to help him. Bill had been fighting the drinking habit for a long time. He knew that it was beyond him. He was licked.

Gently the preacher read to Bill the precious old words, "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.

Could he make Bill understand it? God loved Bill. In spite of all his misery and sin, God loved him. He handed the Bible over to Bill, and pointed to the verse. "Here, you read it yourself. Only, where it says `world,' and 'whosoever,' put your own name in.”

The precious Book felt strange in Bill's hands, but the warmth of the man beside him gave him confidence. Bill began to read hesitantly: "For... God... so... loved... B-B-Bill, that He gave His only begotten Son, that B-Bill believing in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Could it be? It seemed too wonderful! Love for such as he! Did God really love Bill? His wife couldn't put up with him any longer! Could God still love him?

Together the two men read Eph. 2:8, 9. "For 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.”

It was past midnight now, but the preacher was in no hurry. The destiny of a precious soul hung in the balance. It was his deepest joy to win souls to Christ. Finally toward one o'clock Bill grasped the mighty import of the message. Down on his knees, Bill, the drunkard, received Christ into his heart.

Bill left the church in the wee small hours of that morning "a new creature in Christ Jesus." Gone was his desire for drink. Gone was the pride and quarrelsome spirit which had caused his family such unhappiness.

Bill wasted little time in going to his wife with his good news. Words were scarcely needed for she could see the change. Her husband took his place as head of a happy family, and through him and his consistent Christian life they have all been brought to the Lord Jesus.

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7.

Reason or Belief

A servant of the Lord was preaching the gospel in a little village. It was from the 17th chapter of Acts; and although it is now over twenty-five years ago, I remember his speaking on the second verse: "And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”

The preacher said: "Take notice: Paul did not reason out of his head; he reasoned out of the Scriptures." I was in deep exercise of soul, as I knew I was unsaved, and I had a deep dread of death. That afternoon my mother had told me that my two sisters were saved, and the thought struck me: "You are the only one of us that is not saved." I felt miserable, and on the way to the meeting I spoke to my sisters about how one could be saved.

One of them said to me: "Believe that Christ died for you, and rose again; and keep saying, 'I am saved because I believe this.'”

I kept on reasoning; what good will that do me? Just to believe that—how is it going to save me? I turned these things over and over in my mind, until the preacher told about a little boy who wanted to know what made the hands on his father's watch go round. The father answered that he wound up the works inside the watch, and that was what made the hands go round. The little boy believed his father. He did not reason about it. "So," said the preacher, "do not reason! Simply believe.”

I almost shouted aloud with joy: "I believe! I believe! I believe!! I am saved!" I saw I had been reasoning instead of believing.

Now, friend, if you are still unsaved, turn to John 14:6, and you will see the way to be saved. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." He does not say I am a way, but Jesus says, I am the way, showing clearly that there is no other way.

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

In Acts 16:30 we find a man asking, "What must I do to be saved?" We get the answer in the next verse, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

How plain is the way, and how simple the truth of God's plan of salvation. Believe—don't reason! And thou shalt be saved.

The Angel's Message

"James, I have a ticket for tomorrow night to a concert of the famous chimes. Surely you will go with us. It is such a wonderful opportunity!" With these words was James greeted by his friend.

"Tomorrow night? Oh, but that is our weekly prayer meeting!”

"I know; but this is your last chance to hear the chimes! The musicians are leaving for Europe.”

"But I have never before missed a prayer meeting for any reason.”

"But, James, at this concert only religious pieces are on the program—nothing worldly. Prayer meeting you have every week, but this is a rare opportunity offered only once.”

James reluctantly yielded and promised to go.

That night he had a dream: An angel in white stood at his bedside, asking, "Where are you going tomorrow night?”

"I have promised to go to the concert of the famous chimes.”

His face was sad as the angel murmured, "Have you no longing to see the salvation of one precious soul?”

Thereupon he departed without explanation of his strange visit.

In the morning the dream and the angel's solemn question weighed heavily on James. Surely, that must be a word from the Lord for him. His promise given to his friend to go with him to the concert must be withdrawn. Could he possibly have his Lord's approval in missing the prayer meeting for a concert? Thus James reasoned and decided for the prayer meeting.

James' heart was filled with peace when, at prayer meeting, he and his fellow-believers stood to sing a hymn. What could be more satisfying than to join his dear brethren at the throne of grace to make their petitions known to God? After a season of prayer, he arose and said: "I had in mind to go tonight to the concert of the famous chimes.; but now I am so glad I came to prayer meeting instead. Here one finds real joy and happiness far beyond the pleasure of listening to a concert. The hymn we sang together can not be compared with even the best of concerts. My heart is full of joy in the Lord.”

At the close of the meeting an invitation was given to anyone who wished to seek the Lord, if one might be present who had not yet found peace with God. An elderly lady dressed in mourning indicated that she desired to know the Lord. The way of salvation was pointed out to her, and the company of believers prayed for her. It was not long till she knew the peace that passeth understanding—the peace that was made by our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross at the cost of His own precious blood.

A few days later James was invited to call on this new believer in Jesus. He found her happy in her knowledge of the Savior as she exclaimed with bright countenance: "I thank the Lord that I found my Savior that night at prayer meeting. For ten years I had not been where the Word of God is preached, and only to please my friend did I go with her to the meeting.

"When you said you found more joy with the children of God than at the concert of the chimes, then I decided that the children of God have something real and true. This encouraged me to seek the Lord. I thank the LORD for having found me, the lost one, and I have found Him. I thank you, for you were the means in the hands of God for my salvation. I can now go on my way rejoicing.”

"There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 16:10.

Cleansing Blood

He was just an old man of Dartmoor who for many years obtained his livelihood by looking after the flocks distributed over those wild moorland hills. At last, through the infirmities of old age, and constant and continual exposure to all kinds of weather, his sight had entirely failed him. Now totally blind, he had to seek a haven in an infirmary in England. There he must spend his few remaining days.

A bright spot in the blind man's darkness was his young granddaughter. She frequently visited him, and occasionally read to him portions of the Word of God. One day she was reading to him the First Epistle of John. When she reached the seventh verse of the first chapter, "And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin," the old man raised himself and stopped her. With great earnestness he said: "Is that there, my dear?”

"'Yes, Grandpa.”

"Then read it to me again; I've never heard the like before.”

The young girl read again: "And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." "You are quite sure that is there?”

"Yes, quite sure, Grandpa.”

"Then take my hand, and lay my finger on the verse, for I want to feel it.”

His granddaughter took the old blind man's hand and placed his bony finger on the seventh verse. Then he said, "Now, read it to me again.”

With her soft, sweet, gentle voice she read: "And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

"You are sure that is there?”

"Yes, quite sure.”

"Then if anyone should ask how I died, tell them I died resting in the faith of these words, 'And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'”

With that the old man withdrew his hand. His head fell slowly back upon the pillow, and he quietly passed into the presence of Him whose blood cleanseth from all sin.

Friend, if you were called to die, would your testimony be that of the old man of Dartmoor? Are you resting on the precious blood of Christ? Can you say, "I live, as well as die, in the faith of these words: `The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth me from all sin'"?

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

Rom. 5:8.

Echoes of Grace: 1961

Table of Contents

January

Bread on the Waters

A Fixing Solution

The Amended Will

The Right Objective

Progress”

February

Perfect Love?

The Bag of Beans

Christ's Welcome

Kept Out

The Coffin and the Cradle

The Penitent Thief

With God All Things Are Possible?

Scarlet Made As White As Snow

Daily Influence

March

Nothing for Christ

All for Christ

The Beginning of Days

When Was He Rich?

'Whosoever' Was for Me?

Triumph

The First Lesson

The Everlasting Word

Last Chance

April

A God of Pardons

Looking for a Book

The Unexpected Question

In for It”

The Two-Edged Sword

Essentials

Grace

The Old Man with the Pencils

A Streetcar Conductor

His Persuasion

May

Caught in a Trap

Facing Eternity

The Sun of Righteousness

Saved From the Sea

Suddenly

So As by Fire”

Does It Work?

My Bible and I

June

Salvation for the Needy

Nine Religions”

The Hop Pickers

A Destiny Changed

Christ and Nicodemus

The Work of God

All”

July

No Time for God

Lay Hold

Golden Apples

Come!?

Saved in Time for Eternity

In a Corner

August

True Again

The Skeptic's Challenge

The Old Sailor's Conversion

The Deliverer

Why Did He Die?

The Call

Jesus Is God

Mighty to Save

September

Where Are Your Sins?

Peace Maker?

"Where Is My Wandering Boy Tonight?"

Martin Luther's Conversion

Prove That There Is a Devil”

Salvation How?

A Sentry Saved