Echoes of Grace: 1975

As a young man, I had lately arrived in Australia from England. I had been out hunting one day and lost my way. Night was coming on when suddenly I saw a light. Making my way to it, I found myself at a large farm. I asked permission of the farmer to let me pass the night there under cover. He said somewhat surlily "You can go into the barn if you like, but there is someone there already."

I was then totally ignorant of God and His grace, unconverted, a man of the world. So being in need of shelter and rest for the night, I thanked him and went into the barn. By the light of a lantern I saw another man lying in a corner coughing violently. Putting down my gun and shooting-bag, my only baggage, I went to him and asked if I could do anything for him.

Speaking with difficulty, he told me he also was an Englishman, and I learned he had attended the same university as I. In early life he had been unmanageable and his family had sent him out to the colonies. He led a dissolute life there for many years, and now he felt he was near death. He was anxious to find out what would then become of him.

Utterly careless of the hereafter myself, I said I thought the Bible was what he needed. "Oh," said he, "the Bible! Why, my mother put one in my box when I left home; I have never opened it."

At his request I went into a shed and got the Book and brought it to him.

"Now," said he, "where are we to turn?" We both confessed we did not know. "Well, clap it together," he said, "and see where it opens." I did so, and the book opened at Isaiah 53.

I began to read. "He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." The dying man asked me, "Who is He?"

I hazarded the reply, "Jesus Christ."

"Ah," he said, "go on"; and I read until I came to the words, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way."

"Stop," he said, "that's me, that's me! That's just what I have done all my life."

After a little while he said, "Go on."

"And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

"Ah," he said, "Jesus Christ," and then a minute or so after, "Read it again."

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

He lay back on the straw and I quietly read on. Turning over the pages I found some passages about Jesus Christ in the gospels. When he seemed tired I stopped and lay down and was soon fast asleep.

In the morning the beams of the sun were making their way through the boards of the barn when I awoke. Going over to where the sick man lay, I was struck by the change in him. His face seemed to have caught some of the sunbeams, he looked so happy and peaceful. With no cough, he was quite at rest. As I wondered what had happened to him, he spoke: The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquities of us all'—Jesus Christ is my Savior." He told me that he had given his heart to the One who had died for him; and for the day or two that he lingered he could not hear enough or talk enough of "Him."

Shortly before he passed away and while I tarried at the farm, he said to me, "I have a request to make of you. I want you to write in the fly-leaf of this Bible an account of your meeting with me here and reading to me in Isaiah 53:6 of the 'Him' it speaks about, Jesus Christ. Tell how I died believing on Him as my Savior. I want, if I can, to put my name to it, and for you to sign yours. Then send it to my father in London." And he gave me his address.

I did as he requested, and soon in the rush of a godless life forgot the incident. Many years later I was returning to London. Through God's grace I was a converted man; and musing over my life in Australia, I remembered this occasion and wondered whether the Bible ever reached the old father. I determined to call on him.

Shortly after my arrival, I sought out the old man. He was indeed very old. I made myself known to him, and inquired if he ever received the Bible. "Indeed I did," he said, and tottering to his feet he went over to his desk and produced the Book.

"Well do I remember receiving it," he said. "I was then a careless, godless man; but in infinite mercy, on reading what you and my poor son pointed me to in Isaiah 53:6, my eyes were opened to my sinful condition. Soon I found 'Him', Jesus Christ, my Savior, and from that time to this I have not ceased to praise Him."

Thus the Spirit of God active in grace encircles the globe, overcomes all obstacles, brings to bear the particular verse of Scripture at the particular 'time, and illuminates the soul as to Christ. May the readers of these lines be led by the same Spirit to know and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Unbuttoned" and "Stripped

Years ago a gospel work was begun in a small village in the deep south. The Word was preached in the power of the Spirit, and as interest grew the Lord blessed His word.

Among those who came under its sound was the wife of an old man named Saunders. Her heart was opened to attend to the things spoken, and she found peace in believing. At first her husband, a strict churchgoer, did not at all like her attendance at the meetings and made things unpleasant at home; but before long he himself began to attend.

Very interesting it was in after-days to hear him tell how the Lord led him out of darkness into light. In his own estimation he had lived a blameless life, and he was well satisfied that there was nothing so specially bad about him as to keep him out of heaven at last. Others might well stand in fear of missing it; he was untroubled. Had he not been fairly regular at church, a faithful workman, a good neighbor, and one who dealt justly by all? And could he not look forward to being at life's close committed to the grave "in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life"?

Thus did old Saunders fasten around himself the garment of self-righteousness until a day came when a faithful servant of the Lord was led so to present the truth of man's real condition that the smug old man, to use his own quaint expression, became "unbuttoned."

He got a glimpse of himself as a lost sinner in the sight of a holy God, and it made him uneasy. Not at once, however, did he discover that he was wholly sinful. The discovery was made later on when one Lord's day a former life guardsman—a big man with a big heart for the Lord and for souls-was preaching on the village green. Saunders was an earnest listener, and the word went home. Now, as he subsequently told me, he was not only "unbuttoned," but "STRIPPED." He saw his own "righteousness" as nothing but "filthy rags" in the eyes of God. They must all be thrown away, and Christ, God's robe of righteousness, must henceforth be his only and all-sufficient covering in the divine presence.

Converted late in life, dear old Saunders was content and happy in the knowledge of Christ as his precious Savior. Both he and his wife have long since gone to be with the Lord—trophies of His redeeming love.

"Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him," was the father's command for the poor destitute prodigal who had come back from his guilty wanderings with the confession, "I have sinned."

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" is the language of God's Spirit today.

My reader, have you been stripped of self? Are you in Christ?

No Better

Some time ago I was staying with a farmer friend for a few days' rest. His was a Christian household, from the head of it down to the little 14 year old servant girl. The word of the gospel and the contentment that godliness yields were everywhere in evidence. It was restful just to be there.

The time of the year being specially suitable, we decided to hold some gospel meetings in the big barn, and invited all the neighbors to come. They responded well; and some who came without a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, believed the gospel and found peace with God through Him.

Nobody was more anxious to gather the people in to the meetings or more delighted when they came than the little Christian servant. She had a true evangelist's heart, so that I was very surprised after one of the meetings to find her sobbing with grief in the farmyard.

"Why, what can be the matter?" I asked. "You seemed so happy in the meeting."

Then she explained the cause of her sorrow. There had been some at the meeting whom she had specially invited. She had hoped and prayed that they might accept Christ as their Savior. They had gone away though still unsaved.

I thanked God for that girl with her gracious heart and tear-washed face. If only more of the redeemed of the Lord knew how to long and weep for the salvation of souls there would be less indifference in those who do not know the Savior.

The little maid was sent on an errand one day to a shop about a mile from the farm. As usual, she was on the look-out for opportunities for confessing Christ.

"Have you been to hear the gospel messages?" she asked the young woman who served at the counter.

"No, I haven't; and I don't intend to come either," was the retort that surprised her.

"What!" she exclaimed. "You don't want to be a Christian then?"

"No, I don't; but there's a girl in the last cottage of our village. She does; she is telling everybody that she wants to be saved."

Hearing this, the young fisher for souls ran off to the end cottage and found a thoroughly anxious sinner there. She wanted to be right with God, but how? That was her difficulty. My young friend assured her that Jesus was more anxious to save her than she was to be saved! She was quite sure about that, for He had saved her. Leaving her with this comfort, she promised to ask me to call to see her.

The next morning I too visited the last cottage. A girl of eighteen or so opened the door for me. I said to her: "I am looking for an anxious sinner who would like to find the Savior. I wonder if you can tell me where she lives?"

"Yes, sir; it's me," she answered. "Will you come in?"

I went in. Just two rooms were visible—a bedroom and a living-room which also served as a bedroom for the younger members of the family. The girl gave me a chair, and then slipped away into the bedroom. Almost ten minutes elapsed before she came out, and then I understood. She had combed and brushed her hair and put on her Sunday blouse. So ignorant of God's salvation was she that she did not think that she could be saved in her work day clothes. That poor girl had prepared herself, as she thought, to hear the Word of God. What an object of interest to God's angels! For she was a repentant sinner groping after God; "and there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

As she seated herself I said to her, "Now just tell me what it is that troubles you and how long you have wanted to be saved."

She said, "It's about three months since I went to hear another preacher at the farm. He made me feel very bad because I found out that I was a sinner. Since then I have said the Lord's Prayer twice every day; but I'm not a bit better."

She was now in tears, and I had to wait some time before she was sufficiently composed to hear what I had to say. But these tears were the evidence of repentance for sin and showed a willing heart for the sweet story of God's love and salvation.

She listened eagerly to the story of the cross; and as I read Isaiah 53 and explained it to her, comprehension flooded her face "with joy and sorrow mingled."

Now she told me that she believed it all—believed that Jesus died for her sins. But, she insisted, she wanted to be sure that her soul was saved. We turned to Acts 13, and read: "But God raised Him from the dead" (v. 30). "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." Vv. 38, 39.

Smiles that broke through the tears told more eloquently than words could have done that those words of God had done their work. Humbly we knelt together upon that cottage floor to give thanks to God for His exceeding grace and mighty love for poor, lost souls such as we.

"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.

Ready! or Making Ready?

"Tell them the difference, tell them the difference between being whitewashed and washed white! Tell them the difference, tell them difference between being ready and making ready!"

Such were the forcible but never-to-be-forgotten words uttered in my ears by an unknown listener one night after a gospel meeting. I had never seen his face before. I thought to myself: "What a graphic description of a great deal that is going on in the religious world at the present day! In many instances the walls, to use Ezekiel's figure, are being daubed with untempered mortar; souls are being put to sleep in their sins with the soft, soothing lullaby sung into their ears, "PEACE, PEACE," when there is no peace.

Surely anyone can see that there is the greatest possible difference between two. Are there not many people in these so-called Christian lands who are at best only covered over with religious whitewash, and have never been washed white from their sins in the precious blood of Christ? "Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead," seems sadly true of the vast majority of people in these countries. "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof," is what prevails on every hand. "Dead works" are being substituted for that which can only be produced as the fruit of divine life in the power of the Holy Ghost.

These religionists have never known, perhaps, what real soul-searching means. The arrow of conviction, it may be, has never pierced their consciences. They have never been in the light of God's presence in true self-judgment. How awfully solemn, in the face of such a momentous fact, that people should be deluded and flattered into the thought that, after all, they are not so bad!

No amount of whitewashing will cover up one's true state in that day when the searching light of divine holiness reveals all, naked and bare. Then everything will be exposed in its true colors. "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." Luke 12:2. May all who read these pages come down from the high pedestal of self-satisfied morality, and take their place with those who condemn themselves by accepting God's judgment as true of them.

Saul of Tarsus, though once the proudest, most self-satisfied religionist of his day, must say of himself: "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.

Saul was saved by grace alone, and had the certain knowledge of it. This he asserts most clearly and fearlessly when he says, "Who HATH saved us, and called us with an holy calling, NOT ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS." 2 Tim. 1:9.

"NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to His mercy HE SAVED US." Titus 3:5.

Are there not also professors of religion who are not really ready for the trumpet's blast to sound, or the archangel's voice to waken the sleeping dead? They are busily making ready. Like the foolish virgins in Matthew 25: "While they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut."

Shut against whom? Against those who were making ready. The door that shut those who were really ready inside, shut the company who were only making ready outside forever.

Reader, "the night is far spent and the day is at hand"—the day when Christ will appear "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them who know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." It behooves you to be thoroughly in earnest. Make no mistake about it. See that you are indeed ready, and not making ready. Unless you are born again by the Word and Spirit of God; unless you know that for Christ's name's sake your sins are forgiven you; unless you are in the enjoyment of peace with God, let the truth be plainly told, YOU ARE NOT READY. You are still outside the door of grace. I beseech you, wash off the whitewash! Lay your own busy doings down and take up what Christ has done for you. Then you will "be ready when the Bridegroom comes."

A Good Choice

A well-known professor says that if a fairy were to offer him a choice of gifts for his baby boy, he would choose—what? "A good digestion!"

Friend, for what would you ask?

Solomon, the wisest of men, tells of a dream he had. In it God said to him: "Ask what I shall give thee."

Do you know what he chose? "A wise and understanding heart."

This pleased God and He added riches and honor. "And Solomon awoke and behold it was a dream."

Was this a disappointment to King Solomon? No. Solomon believed God and expressed his gratitude by thank offerings. His faith was rewarded, as it always will be.

Listen: "This is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son... He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life-is in His Son." 1 John 5:9-11.

Have you thanked God for His many daily mercies to you? Why not?

"Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness." Neh. 9:17.

Oh, LOVE that now extendeth
A pardon full and free,
And bends with eyes of mercy
On sinners such as we.

Good Tidings

"Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people." Luke 2:10.

FOR GOD, the Lord of earth and heaven,
SO LOVED, and longed to see forgiven,
THE WORLD, in sin and pleasure mad
THAT HE GAVE the greatest Gift He had;
HIS ONLY SON to take our place
THAT WHOSOEVER—Oh, what grace!
BELIEVETH, placing simple trust
IN HIM, the Righteous and the Just,
SHALL NOT PERISH—lost in sin,
BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE in Him.

"Lord, help my unbelief!
Give me the peace of faith,
To rest with childlike trust
On what Thy gospel saith,
That whosoever will believe,
Shall everlasting life receive."

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

Titus 3:5.

A Royal Confession

In June, 1939, King George of England and his queen were visiting President Roosevelt in Washington. During that occasion Chief Whitefeather, an Indian "brave," was called there by the head of the Bureau for Indian affairs, and was presented to the royal couple.

Chief Whitefeather was asked to sing for the visitors and delighted them with a spirited rendition of "Rule, Britannia" and "God Save the King." As his encore to their kind applause, the Chief made his confession of faith in Christ by singing: "I'd Rather Have Jesus than Silver and Gold."

Having heard that Queen Elizabeth was a believer, the singer inquired: "Your Majesty, may I ask if you KNOW Jesus as your personal Savior?"

Without hesitation the answer came: "Some people know ABOUT God, some know ABOUT Christ; but the Lord Jesus is the Possessor of my heart. My husband also is a believer."

Then, smilingly, the King of England said: "I'd rather have Jesus, too."

Friend, is Christ Jesus your Savior? Do you KNOW HIM? He is still calling, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

This restless, wicked world holds out no such promise. It can never give true peace nor rest; and the treasure it promises, its silver and gold, can give no satisfaction to the weary soul. Only Christ as Possessor of your heart can fill the void and satisfy the hunger. Will you let Him?

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

"For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9.

The Old French Shoemaker

Years ago, in Nantes, a Bible was given to a beggar. Unlike most of his class, the man could read. When he found that the book was not known in the towns and villages which he passed through in his wanderings, he conceived a smart idea. He would add to his meager income by reading a portion to those who would be willing to pay for it.

One day he stopped at the little shop of an old man who made the sabots, or wooden shoes, worn by French peasants, and begged alms of the shoemaker.

"You ask charity of me!" exclaimed the old man; "I am just as needy as you are."

The beggar replied: "If you are not willing to give me alms, then give me a sou (a French coin of the same value as our cent), and I will read a chapter of the Bible to you."

"A chapter of what?"

"Of the Bible."

"What book is that? I never heard of it before." "It is a book which speaks of God."

The old shoemaker, curious to know something of the contents of the book, gave the beggar a sou. The latter produced his wonderful book, and sitting down on a stone in front of the shop he began to read from the third chapter of John's gospel. The old man listened with delight to the words of grace and truth which fell on his ear. This portion had all the attraction of something entirely new.

The narrative of the interview of Nicodemus with the Lord Jesus deeply impressed him. Especially was he struck with the words which Martin Luther called "the Bible in miniature": "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."

Before the reader concluded with the words: "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," the old man was eager to hear more. He cried, "Go on! go on!"

"Oh, no!" replied the beggar, "only one chapter for a sou."

Another sou was quickly handed over. Then the old man listened with speechless joy to the sweet story of the Savior at Sychar's well. He felt as he had never felt before when he heard for the first time the divine words: "Whosoever, drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Too quickly, it seemed, the fourth chapter of John had all been read. The beggar would read no more without another sou. The old man could not go on paying sous, for he was very poor; but he begged the man to tell him where he had got such a marvelous book. The beggar merely said that he had got it from a preacher in Nantes. Then he and his book went on their way. But the precious words remained in the old shoemaker's mind, and through the night as well as by day he repeated to Himself John 3:16.

One morning, about a couple of weeks later, he rose early, and told his son that the little shop would be left in his care, as he was going 'to Nantes.

"To Nantes, father?" said his son; "you cannot think of it. It is much too long a journey for you—more than sixty miles."

"I know, but I have made up my mind to go to Nantes."

All efforts to dissuade him from his purpose were unavailing, so he started off on the long walk to Nantes. When finally he arrived there he sought out and found the man who kept a small Bible Store.

"What do you wish?" asked the owner as the shoemaker entered the store.

"Sir," he replied, "I have been told that one could obtain from you a book that tells about God."

"Is it a Bible you mean?"

"Oh, yes, sir, that's it! I should like to have one."

"At what price?"

"Price, sir?" asked the old man.

"Certainly; we don't give away Bibles!"

"Well, I can't buy one, sir. A beggar told me that you gave him one. I am as poor as he is."

"Where do you come from, my friend?"

He told 'the name of the village in which he lived. The storekeeper, knowing it was a great distance, inquired, "How did you come?"

"On foot."

"How are you going back?"

"On foot again."

"What! Have you, old as you are, undertaken a walk of more than a hundred and twenty miles to get a Bible?"

"Yes, sir; and I shall think myself amply rewarded if I get one."

"If that be so, although I ought never to give away another Bible, you shall certainly have one. What size would you like to have? Probably one with fairly large type? You read pretty well, I suppose?"

"Ah! no; I do not know a letter."

"But what are you going to do with a Bible if you can't read?"

"Oh, sir, my daughter can read. And there are three other people in our village who can read. I do Leg you to give me the Book."

The pastor gave him a Bible; and after thanking him heartily, he carried it homewards with joy. On reaching his native village, he invited the people to come to his house in the evening, when those who could read to them by turns, while the others listened.

The old sabot-maker followed all that was read with, the greatest attention, and committed many parts of the Scriptures to memory. The words, however, did not entertain his mind only, but touched the inmost chords of his heart.

Some six months later, he again went to Nantes. The store-keeper, astonished at seeing him, exclaimed: "My old friend! Whatever brings you so far this time?"

The old man replied, "Oh, sir, I've been all wrong—all wrong, sir."

"But who told you that you were wrong?"

"The Book, sir; the Bible says it."

"Oh really! And what does it say?"

"It says that I've been wrong all my life.

"I have heard that you people have a religion just like the Bible, and if you please, I would like to know and to become one of you."

"My friend, Before we admit anyone we examine him."

"Examine, sir! I am an old man, beyond the three score years and ten, and I know not the number of my days. There is no time to lose, sir."

The store-keeper assembled a few of the leaders immediately, and proceeded to ask the old man a number of questions.

"What do you know of the Lord Jesus Christ?"

He answered: "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

"What have you to say about His death?"

"The blood of Jesus Christ, God? s Son, cleanseth us from all sin."

"What are the privileges of those who believe in Christ?"

"There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."

"What would you say was the duty of the believer in Christ?"

"Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

"Friend," was the conclusion, "if these words express your heart, you have been taught by God Himself. We do not hesitate to admit you among us, and we welcome you as a brother."

Throughout the years that followed, the old man showed by the confession of his lips and a happy Christian life the wonderful results of hearing the Word of God, if it is received in simple faith.

"The entrance of Thy words giveth Light." Psa. 119:130.

An Urgent Invitation

I was standing on the sidewalk of a crowded thoroughfare. The passers-by were hurrying along, each intent on his own business, while I waited looking for a cab. I had an important business appointment to keep, and there was no time to be lost. As I thus stood I was startled by a voice in my ear. Someone was speaking to me, and distinctly came the words: "Come to Jesus. There's no time to be lost!"

I heard the speaker, but before I could reply, he had vanished in the crowd.

What effect would these words have had on you, reader? What echo would they have awakened in your heart? To me they were sweet, and I would have gladly grasped the hand of him who uttered them. With joy I could have said that I too was journeying toward the city whose builder and maker is God.

As I hailed a passing cab and drove off another thought came. If there is no time to be lost in the keeping of an urgent appointment in this world, do we think with the same eagerness about the Lord's invitation to meet Him in the next?

"Come 'to Jesus! There's no time to be lost!"

Think of this, reader. Jesus said, "Come unto Me." Matt. 11:28. Have you come? And if those words had been addressed to you in the street, what answer could you have given?

Many hesitate and plead difficulties in the way. When the Lord Jesus was in this world He said to Peter, "Come." Then it was far harder to obey Him than it can be for you now. The Lord was walking on the water, and Peter was in the boat. Yet at the Savior's word "Come," Peter descended from the boat, and "he walked on the water to go to Jesus." Matt. 14.

Indeed "there's no time to be lost." No one can say when the door of mercy will be closed. Then that blessed "Come to Jesus" shall have been uttered for the last time. Do you wish to be left outside? Oh, no. As a fisherman said a few days ago when speaking of sudden deaths. "Everyone wants to go to heaven; but they forget that in order to be with God by and by, they must make acquaintance with Him now." Yes, NOW, for "there's no time to be lost!"

Sinner friend, "Come to Jesus: There's no time to be lost!"

Come to the Savior, make no delay;

Here in His Word He bids you obey;

Here in our midst He is standing today,

Tenderly saying, "Come!"

Live While You Live

"Live while you live," the epicure will say,
"And give to pleasure every fleeting day."
"Live while you live," the sacred preacher cries,
"And give to God each moment as it flies."
Lord, in my view let both united be:
I live to pleasure When I live to Thee.

Where Are Your Sins?

"No more violation of the Fourth Commandment for me!"

So said John Bunyan as he listened one day to a sermon against "Sabbath-breaking." He would obey it henceforward with heart and soul, that he would! When he got home he assured his wife that on this point his mind was thoroughly made up, once for all.

But, alas for human resolutions in natural strength! Bunyan's decision was very transitory. Indeed, before he had well finished his dinner he had shaken the sermon out of his thoughts. His mind was already occupied with the love of old sports. That very afternoon he flung himself, heart and soul, into his favorite game of "tip-cat."

Suddenly, he says, he thought he heard a voice from heaven! He stood stock still for a moment. Then he threw his "cat" upon the ground and left off playing. It is said that the spot can be pointed out now where he stood like a statue, trembling at the demand of that inner voice: "Wilt thou leave thy sins and go to heaven, or have thy sins and go to hell?"

There is little doubt that at this solemn moment John Bunyan thought that to leave his sins-to leave off committing them—was all that was necessary for his soul's security and blessing. Without question, many in this more enlightened day share that thought with him. If they could only leave off sinning for the future, they think their previous history, though full of sin, would practically be eliminated by God, or, to say the least, mercifully passed over. Thus, in reality, REFORMATION is their savior.

What a delusion! "God requireth that which is pest." Eccles. 3:15.

Man may say in his heart, "God hath forgotten: He hideth His face; He will never see it; He will not require it!" But God's demand is inexorable, for it is the demand of His own holy, righteous nature. Sin must have its judgment. If John Bunyan's sinful course could have been effectually abandoned that afternoon on the village green, and never more resumed, it would still have left the sins of the past to be brought up against him at the Day of Judgment.

"God requireth that which is past." The sins of yesterday can no more be atoned for by the good deeds of today than one act of treason last year could be wiped out by any number of loyal acts this year.

It is true that, when God's Spirit begins to work in a man's soul, one of the first signs of it is that he as genuinely desires to give up his sins for the future as he earnestly craves forgiveness for the past. Hence the apostle Peter says, "He hath sent Him (Jesus) to bless you, by turning away every one of you from his iniquities." Acts 3:26.

Indeed, there would be grave doubt as to the existence of any genuine work in a man's soul if there was not, in some degree, a turning away from his iniquities. But there is a wide difference between being so abhorrent of your ungodly living in the past, that you are determined to run no further into debt, and the just meeting of your past liabilities. And there is as vast a difference between turning from your iniquities and having those iniquities righteously put away from you.

"Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
Naught for sin could e'er atone
But Thy blood, and Thine alone."

"Thine iniquity is marked before Me, saith the Lord."

ONLY THE BLOOD OF Jesus and THE BLOOD OF JESUS ONLY, can remove the crimson stain. The only place where sin can be left so that it will never more rise in judgment against one is at the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. The only way to stand forever clear of its damning influences is by being "justified by His blood." Rom. 5:9.

Do you ask how it is that the believer is thus justified? Let Isaiah, by the Spirit of God, answer: "He shall justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities." Isa. 53:11.

On the ground of faith in that one Sacrifice once offered, God can now say of every believer: "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Heb. 10:17.

So, my friend, I ask: "Where are your sins?"

Is your debt left in the creditor's book against you, or is it under the value of that which has power to cancel it? Are your sins only under the fair garment of a reformed life, or are they completely canceled by the precious blood of Jesus? Where have you left them? Be sure of this, they are either marked by God's eye, or removed from God's memory. Which?

"What can wash away my stains.?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
So that not one spot remains,
NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS."

Possessions - a Few of Yours

One moment, FRIEND!

You have a soul. What is it worth to you? Is its eternal destiny worth a serious thought?

You have a history. Has it given you solid satisfaction? What is it in the eye of God? May you not, even now, be near its end?

You have a conscience. Is it at rest when judgment comes in view?

You have a hope of heaven. Dare you look at it closely? Did you ever examine it in the light of the Lord's coming?

You have soul-anxiety, perhaps. Is there not some serious reason why you are still without peace and joy? Since Christ arose from death the believer stands clear of judgment. Do you believe in a risen Christ?

Take friendly advice: "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found." Isa. 55:6. Some seek too late. Let it not be your case.

Jesus

What Name is that which sounds so sweet,
And seems to tell us "All is well,"
And whereso'er that Name we meet,
It echoes forth "Emmanuel"?
`Tis Jesus, (Name we love to tell,
Which every name does far excel).

What Name is that which whispers, "Peace,"
And sends through every breast a thrill,
Which bids the tearful mourner, "Cease,"
And raging billows, "Peace! Be still"?
`Tis Jesus, (Name we love to tell,
Which every name does far excel).

What Name is that which tells of Love,
And sweetly says, "I died for thee";
And now is calling from above,
"Lean hard, beloved one, on Me"?
`Tis Jesus, (Name we love to tell,
Which every name does far excel).

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

1 Timothy 1:15.

The Book Seller

A colporteur was traveling in South America, his mule laden with the precious Scriptures. Night was beginning to fall when he saw in the distance a company of merchants. They had stopped to camp for the night. The Christian bookseller approached them and asked if he might camp with them. They readily agreed and invited him to share their evening meal by the fire.

As they sat around the cheerful blaze after their simple supper, the colporteur drew a Bible from his pocket and asked permission to read to them. They gladly consented, and he read for some time, after which a lively conversation ensued concerning the things he had read from the Book of books.

They were on the point of settling down for the night, when the sound of horse's hoofs was heard in the stillness of the evening. Very soon a well-dressed stranger alighted from his horse and asked permission to share their camp also. One of the merchants showed him a place where he might spend the night, and then the newcomer seated himself by the fire.

During the conversation which followed, the stranger spoke with deep emotion of the troubles of life. He, had just lost his wife and was feeling very lonely. Here a remark by our friend the colporteur brought forth the admission that he did not know what salvation was, but he wished he had it. He added, "Is it not strange that a man must make so many sacrifices and do penance for his own salvation and that of his loved ones? Still he has to ask himself all the time whether he has satisfied God."

"Well," said one of the merchants, "in this man's Book it tells of an altogether different way of getting salvation." He pointed to his friend who still held his Bible in his hands.

"And what book is that?" asked the stranger, greatly interested.

"It is the Word of God," replied the colporteur. "Although it is getting late, I should like to read you a few passages, if you will permit me."

The stranger listened intently. He learned to his great surprise that it is not with silver, nor with gold, that we are redeemed, but with the precious blood of Christ. He could have the salvation he desired, freely, without money, according to the Scriptures: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

The man seemed dumbfounded on hearing such good news. It was so different from all he had ever heard before. He begged the colporteur to sell him the Book from which he had been reading. Then each went to rest, and the next morning separated to go their several ways.

Many months later the colporteur returned to that district. Everybody was talking of a former sea-captain who had bought a piece of property nearby. Every day at a certain hour he gathered his family, his servants, and his neighbors in his house, and read to them from the sacred Scriptures. The colporteur went to the house and recognized in the owner of the estate the stranger who had been introduced to the Bible that night by the camp fire. God had in His mercy and grace led that man to Jesus Christ, in whom he found the salvation and peace for which he had longed. Now he was being used to tell others the Good News of salvation.

"Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." Job 22:21.

After Darkness

More than sixty years had rolled over the head of Tim Collins, leaving their unmistakable marks behind them. Those years had been lived in worldliness and without God, although many prayers for his conversion had ascended to the "throne of grace." Tim Collins was still in his sins and apparently unconcerned.

I first noticed him during a gospel meeting. As the preaching proceeded, the usual placidity of his face gave place first to interest and then 'to evident concern. Later, learning his name from some Christians who had for a long time been making him a special subject of prayer, a longing took possession of me to see that man truly converted.

Thinking of Matthew 18:19: "Again I say unto you, 'that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven," I found three other Christians who agreed with me to cry to God for his salvation.

Soon I made my way to his house and found him working alone in his garden. For nearly three hours our conversation centered on the burning question of his soul's salvation. With a note of despair in his voice he had said: "Yes, I am the black sheep of our family. My brothers and sisters are all converted, I believe, but I am still unsaved. I suppose there must be a black sheep in every flock."

Poor fellow! One would have thought he had been under the pernicious teaching of blind fatalism to talk like that. I tried to show him that, no matter how far he had wandered and how black he was, the Good Shepherd had given His life for the sheep, and was still seeking him. The Savior was only waiting to hear his cry for salvation, acknowledging his lost condition. Then He would cleanse away his blackness by His precious blood.

His tears fell thick and fast as I reminded him of the many prayers that had ascended to God for him. Could God be unmindful of those prayers? No! With what joy He would answer them! He was only waiting for Tim Collins' repentance.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Acts 3:19.

As we parted I told him that three Christians had agreed with me to add their prayers to all the rest for the conversion of his soul. His eyes filled with tears as he exclaimed, "Well, it is good of you!"

The next time I called to see Tim it was clear that deep soul-concern had taken the place of the indifference which had marked him previously. However, the darkness of unbelief surrounding him was so deep that only much prayer and God's precious Word could pierce it. Passage after passage of Scripture was read, and again and again we got upon our knees. "O God, save me!" he would cry. "I have nothing to plead but my sins! Oh, take me as I am! If I could only shake off this hardness!" Despair seemed to be stamped upon his face as he would get up from his knees and say, "What shall I do? Do you think God will ever save me?"

Finally I had to leave him, but felt sure that God's salvation was at hand. Knowing that he was now truly repentant, I pressed upon him the verse: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

When next I saw Tim his words were, "No light yet, sir—only darkness," and the cloud upon his face depicted the state of his soul.

"Oh, if I had only turned to God when I was young!" he mourned. "I can remember Christians pleading with me, and telling me I would find it hard if I grew old in sin; but I was so blind! Can God have mercy upon me after all these years of going my own way?"

Again we turned to the Scriptures, and again we got upon our knees; but "No light!" was all he could say. Again I had to leave him with that dark cloud upon his face.

Few indeed are converted when forty years or more have been spent in sin and self-will. Let my reader beware. Whatever your age, waste not another moment. Every passing day the heart gets harder and the lures of sin are strengthened. Dare you seek to turn to the Savior with the dregs of a misspent life? Once more I determined to visit Tim Collins, though almost dreading the interview. I knew that his only help was to be found in God's Word. Romans 4:25 and 5:1 were pressing upon me as I walked to the house. Slowly I read to him how God had delivered to wicked men His Son Jesus for our offenses and raised Him "again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

As I paused, the light of God's love and grace streamed into Tim's soul. Rising from his seat he exclaimed, "Oh, I see it! Oh, how glorious! He was delivered for my offenses! He was raised for my justification. Therefore being justified by faith, I have peace with God."

Soon we were praising God together. The light of God's Word, which is the sword of the Spirit, had pierced and destroyed the hardness and darkness of unbelief of a heart grown old in sin.

Friend, don't refuse the Savior's pleadings. "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart." Remember, "now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation."

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

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

This Is Not Death: This Is Victory.

Early one morning in July, Dr. Wolston was called to the bedside of a middle-aged lady he had been attending. A glance at her face told him that she was dying.

Looking into the doctor's face as he lightly felt her pulse, she eagerly said.

"Doctor, am I dying? Don't be afraid to tell me. You know I am quite ready, so you may tell me the truth fearlessly."

"Yes, my dear friend, I think you have come nearly to the end of life's journey. Your pilgrimage is over, and you will soon be at home with the Lord."

"Do you really mean that?" was her quick reply, as a smile of deep joy, and a flush of glad surprise lit up her handsome face.

"I do indeed, I think before the sun has gone to his rest today, you will have gone to yours forever."

"Oh, that's glorious! Do you mean that today I shall be absent from the body, and present with the Lord?"

"Yes, that is just what I mean."

"Then I shall see Jesus today, my precious Lord and Savior. Oh, what good news!"

Then fixing her eyes on her husband, she exclaimed.

"John, did you hear what the doctor has been saying? He says I am going to see Jesus today, that before the sun sets I shall be forever with Him, in all the rest and glory which His precious blood has secured for me. Is not that glad tidings?

"I feel much at leaving you and all the dear children, but you will all meet me in heaven I know. You will be there I know, my love."

Then turning to the children, and calling each endearingly by name she added, "You will be there, won't you?- and you?- and you?- and you?- and you, my youngest? Yes, you must all meet me there."

Crying profusely, as they all were, she bade them not to weep for her, as she added: "Think of this, the doctor says I am to see Jesus today. Yes, today I am to see Him, and be with Him forever."

She paused a moment or two, and then turning to the doctor abruptly exclaimed, "Doctor, you told me I was dying. That is a mistake.

"THIS IS NOT DEATH; THIS IS VICTORY!" Soon after noon, she joyously passed into the presence of her Lord.

The difference between the end of a believer and the end of an unbeliever is immeasurable. To the former it is "victory." To the unbeliever it is defeat and damnation. Reader, which is before you, victory or despair?

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

Of Surpassing Importance

A few years ago a young Jew was in the employ of the United States legation at Oslo. He was a well-informed fellow and a very ready talker. Indeed, he loved to display his knowledge and ability.

One day in his boasting of his powers of speech he offered to mount a chair and make an impromptu address on any subject that might be chosen by those present.

After a pause one of his fellow-clerks, a thoroughgoing Christian, took up the young Jew's challenge.

"Very well," he said, "mount your chair and take this question for your subject: 'How should a man be just with God?' Job 9:2. That question is raised in your own Scriptures."

The effect of those words was remarkable. The boaster's whole appearance changed. His self-confidence forsook him. He shook his head. At last shamed and speechless, he gave up the attempt. The one thing of supreme importance to dying men and women he did not know and had not one word to answer.

Are you inclined to excuse this young Jew? Do you say that, being a Jew, and consequently rejecting even a part of the Bible, of course he had no answer to this question? But, consider: how few who call themselves Christians would be ready to answer that question at a moment's notice, or even to answer it at all! To know how others can be just or right with God one must needs be right with God oneself.

To be right with God is a matter of supreme importance. It matters little what you are, if you are not that. "All knowledge" of things that count in this life will avail you nothing if you remain in ignorance of this one thing that counts in eternity. The question of questions is: Are you right with God?

God's Word clearly shows the way. FIRST: justification before God cannot be earned. It cannot be deserved. If a soul be justified at all, it must be by the grace of God, and by that alone.

SECOND: the only means of having justification is through the redemption work accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ, when He died on the cross. His atoning death, His resurrection, alone can meet the guilt of your sins and put you right with God.

THIRD: you can only be thus justified before God if and when you believe in Jesus. Then God reckons to your account the value of His Son's death and you are positively justified.

FOURTH: when you do believe in Jesus and are justified, that great blessing will reach you freely. God justifies not only without charge, but also without grudging.

These four statements emphasize a blessed portion from the Word of God: "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus... that He might be just and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:24, 26.

Trusting in Christ for yourself, definitely accepting Him as your Savior and Lord, you can say, "By faith in Jesus I am right with God."

You may not be counted great or learned in worldly wisdom; but this is the foundation of the answer you would give to the hope that is in you. This indeed is the one thing of surpassing importance.

Two Pictures

Unsaved friend, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked." You know you must spend eternity in heaven or in hell. Yours will be either an eternity of untold joy and bliss, or an eternity of bitter misery. In all earnestness I ask you to ponder two pictures from the pages of Scripture.

Judas—"Went immediately out; and it was night." John 13:30. He went "to his own place." Acts 1:25. Stephen —"Looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus." Acts 7:55. He was "willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Cor. 5:8.

We see in Judas a man who had been in closest company with the Lord for three years. He had seen all His wondrous works, and heard His gracious words. Yet he turned his back upon Him who was the "Light of the world"—he went out from His presence, out into the night. Controlled by Satan, led captive by him at his will, Judas went to his doom, to his own place.

Do you resent being likened to Judas? Believe it or not, you are, if unsaved. You are led captive by Satan at his will. Like Judas, assuredly you are bound for your own place. Unfit for heaven, where then can you spend eternity? Unfit for God's presence, you will be banished forever into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Look on the other picture. Alone, in the midst of an angry crowd thirsting for his blood, gnashing on him with their teeth, Stephen stands undismayed.

Full of the Holy Ghost, he looks up. Heaven opens, and in the center of all the glory he sees a Man, the Man Christ Jesus, standing on the right hand of God. Lost to all else but that wondrous vision, he heeds not the cruel stones which his murderers hurl upon him.

He fears not "them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do." Luke 12:4.

What can they do? They can set his happy spirit free to wing its way to its own place—where Jesus is (John 14:3). Stephen goes in—into the light, into the glory—to be with Jesus. Happy release!

Tell me, friend, were God, in whose hand your breath is, but to withdraw for one moment His sustaining power and stop the beating of your heart, how would it be with you?

Hear Jesus speak: "Come unto Me."

"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

Dear reader, how is it with you? Are you still deluding yourself with the thought that Christ will not return in your day, and that death and judgment are far away? Listen, we beseech you, to the word of warning. As the stormy petrel flying strongly and swiftly towards land is the warning sign of coming danger to the Iceland fisherman, so hear the word that comes down to your Soul from the glory of God, from One who is at hand, and who is coming quickly, and with power to judge the quick and the dead: "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.

"Whosoever heareth!" shout, shout the sound!
Send the blessed tidings all the world around;
Spread the joyful news wherever man is found,
"Whosoever will may come."

Whosoever cometh must not delay
Now the door is open, enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only living Way:
"Whosoever will may come."

In the Depths of the Sea

Micah 7:19

I will cast in the depths of the fathomless sea
All your sins and transgressions, whatever they be;
Though they mount up to heaven, though they reach down to hell,
They shall sink in the depths, and above them shall swell
All the waves of forgiveness, so mighty and free;
I will cast all your sins in the depths of the sea.

In the deep silent depths far away from the shore,
Where they never shall rise up to trouble thee more,
Where no far-reaching tide with its pitiless sweep
Can stir the dark waves of forgetfulness deep—
I have buried them there, where no mortal can see;
I have cast all your sins in the depths of the sea.

"He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."

Proverbs 29:1.

A Valiant Captain's Effort

The "Patrick Morris" was a large ferry boat which carried passengers and cars across the strait between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The captain was justly proud of his boat which had made the trip safely many times.

One day while the ferry was in the harbor at Port aux Basques, a violent storm came up. The waves in the strait rolled high as the wind blew harder and harder. Rather than risk damage from the raging storm in the strait, the captain of the "Patrick Morris" kept his ferry in the quieter waters of the harbor, waiting for the gale to die down.

Suddenly, over the tumultuous waves came the cry of distress, a "Mayday," from a boat in trouble out in the strait. The ferry boat captain was keenly aware of the urgency of the call and felt impelled to disregard the raging storm and speed to the aid of fellow-seamen. He gave orders for the ferry to move out into the strait, and soon the big vessel was churning its way out of the harbor and into the storm.

After plowing through the tossing waves for some time the labors of the crew were rewarded. A small fishing boat came into view foundering before the wind. The situation presented dangerous problems for both vessels, for the mighty powers of the sea could easily have dashed the small craft against the big ferry, crushing the little boat and perhaps badly damaging the large one. What should he do? The captain pondered the question, and decided to take the risk.

He ordered the big ferry to be maneuvered as close as possible to the helpless small craft, and very soon the "Patrick Morris" was in position, its huge loading and unloading door away from the wind and near the sinking boat.

"Open the door," the captain commanded. The electrical equipment whirred as the crew hastened to obey. The great door slowly slid upward and opened. In this position they hoped they could more easily rescue the men on the little fishing boat. As the door reached maximum height, the electric current shut off, leaving the yawning mouth locked wide open.

At that moment the wind veered and a wall of water crashed into the huge open door of the ferry boat. The electrical power generator, flooded by the in-pouring water, was knocked out and the crew could not close the door again.

How helpless they were as wave after wave washed up into the ferry! Soon it was evident that the big ship itself was sinking. The lifeboats were launched and about 28 men got safely to shore. Several fishermen were lost; and the captain, the first mate, and the chief engineer went down with the ship.

The captain had tried to save the men in the fishing boat. He made a valiant effort, but he failed. HE WAS NOT ABLE.

Only one—the Lord Jesus—"IS ABLE TO SAVE TO THE UTTERMOST." The way is open to "THEM THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM." Will you come? Adapted from "Messages of the Love of God"

A Sequel

It was a few days after the sinking of the ferry, the "Patrick Morris," and the little fishing vessel whose men the captain of the ferry-boat had tried to rescue. Two Christian men, their hearts full of sympathy for the bereaved families, went to Newfoundland to visit them. The missing men were all from one small village, and almost every home there was in deep sorrow.

From one family three men had been taken—the father, a son, and a son-in-law. At this home the visiting Christians were cordially welcomed and their comforting words were gladly received. One son, by the mercy of God, had been saved from drowning as he clutched and hung onto a piece of the wrecked boat. He said that, as he was being swept along by the rushing waves, he heard his brother who later was found drowned, cry out: "Oh God, save me."

The lad had been unable to reach his brother to help him. Now he was sadly distressed about his brother's eternal destiny. He questioned: Could he have cried to God in vain? Or, he asked, as tears rolled down his cheeks, Would God have heard him and taken him to Heaven?

How thankfully the Christians turned to God's own Word for answers! Romans 10:13 was read: "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

The grieving boy was told that God never rejects any who call on HIM in 'truth. The case of the dying thief was cited: Did he not, when facing death, turn in faith to the Lord Jesus? From the Savior's own lips he received the promise: "This day shalt thou be with Me in paradise."

It is from that same Savior that we have the assurance that "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

These scriptures were eagerly received into the hearts of this bereaved family. However, the speaker earnestly reminded his hearers that they might not have an eleventh hour. God's time is NOW!

"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.

Friend, are you not saved? There are those who would willingly give their lives to rescue you from the eternal doom now awaiting you. Out of Christ, you can't escape hell. In Christ, a blest eternity with Him will be yours. We plead with you, receive HIM NOW.

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

Looking Unto Him

Years ago the discovery of rich silver mines at Leadville, Colorado, caused intense excitement. Thousands rushed into the area by stagecoach, the only conveyance possible for travel through the dangerous mountains.

A party from Denver was formed to go together to seek their fortunes. The group of twenty men crowded into a rickety old stagecoach and tried to follow the mountain trail. Fallen boulders in the way and breakdowns in their conveyance delayed them. When they reached Mosquito Pass and looked down upon the lights of Leadville, it was already dusk.

The coachman dared not attempt to drive down that steep and narrow road in the dark of night. The situation was rendered more desperate by the bitter cold of that high altitude. They would freeze if they waited for morning. What should they do?

At last a tall passenger donned a white rubber mackintosh, or coat, and volunteered to walk down the center of the trail ahead of the horses so that he could be sighted by the driver.

Hour after hour they felt their way as the white-clad man stumbled along in the rough road ahead, and at last they reached their destination. But their leader was cut and bleeding from the difficulties he had encountered while guiding them to safety, and was chilled to the bone by the icy mountain air. Indeed, all would have perished but for this brave man who had risked his life every step of the way.

How like the blessed Lord Jesus who went all the way to Calvary and there was crucified for a world of sinful men! He traveled that rugged path of sorrow to point the new and living way to glory. His agony, His wounds and His shed blood were endured to save all who now believe and follow HIM.

Friend, will you accept HIM as your Savior, Shepherd and Guide? He has said: "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me." John 12:32.

A Man of His Word

During the French-English war years ago, an English general planned an attack upon the enemy. He ordered the officer whose duty it was to provide the troops with food to have the rations ready and at a certain place named by him at twelve o'clock on the following day.

It was sometimes no easy matter to provide sufficient supplies; and the officer replied that the rations could not be at the place on such short notice. "I cannot march my men without food," said the commanding general. "I say that the rations must be there at twelve o'clock tomorrow."

"But, sir, it's impossible to do it," replied the officer.

"Well," said the general, "remember this: If the rations are not there at twelve o'clock tomorrow, I'll hang you."

The officer departed in a rage. "How dare he talk to me like that?" he stormed. "Hang me! Hang me? We shall soon see about that!"

The Duke of Wellington was then the commander-in-chief of the British armies, and to him the officer went at once to complain of the general. The Duke listened in silence. Presently he inquired, "Did the general really say he'd hang you if the rations were not there by twelve o'clock?"

"Yes, sir," replied the officer.

"Are you sure he said he would hang you?"

"He did, indeed, sir," replied the officer, thinking that a severe rebuke was in store for his superior.

"Well," said the Duke, "I know the general very well. I know that he is a man of his word. If he really said that he would hang you, then if I were in your place, I would take good care to have the rations there."

The officer went away, and the rations were at the place designated punctually at twelve o'clock!

When the man knew that his neck was in danger, he took the needed trouble to do the business at once. He could not presume on the chance that for once in his life the general would not keep his word.

When it is a question of life or death, a man generally makes every effort to "save his skin." He takes good care to put himself on the right side, even if it costs him a world of pains to do so.

Whether for good or for evil, we usually believe the word of a fellow man. Is God less worthy of credit? We can be fully persuaded that a man will stick to his word. Do we imagine that God will not keep His? God says in Romans 3:23, "All have sinned." Romans 6:23 goes farther: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."

A Way to Hell Past Calvary

William Dove was condemned to die for the crime of poisoning his wife. In those last sad days of his misspent life, Sir Edward Denny had given him a written message. It was while pondering over this note that William Dove received the Savior of sinners and his eternal destiny was 'changed from the blackness of hell to the joys of heaven forever.

In the earlier years of his self-willed course William had faithful Christian friends. One especially cared, with deep longings, for his conversion to God.

After his trial and condemnation the pleadings of this friend of early days came back to his memory, and were committed by him to paper and underlined heavily: "William, if you are determined to go to hell, you shall wade through seas of tears and (walk) over mountains of prayers."

What a solemn path to pursue! Yet there is something worse than this in the way of every Christ rejecter. To wade through affection's burning tears, and walk over a heavy heart's groaning prayers, is not the most condemning feature of his downward course. He tramples on the heaven-sent testimony of the cleansing value of the blood of Jesus, and that is infinitely worse. To disregard the tears and entreaties of a fellow-mortal betokens woeful hardness, but to coldly ignore the testimony of God's love in the gift of Jesus, to trample upon His precious blood, to resist the pleading of His gracious Spirit, is beyond everything appalling.

To reach a felon's cell, a murderer's doom, by such a road is terrible enough to contemplate, but to reach damnation everlasting by such a road is to reach it with lashings of conscience unbearable. Think of it! A way to hell past Calvary! How awful to be found in such a path!

Reader, where are you? Has such a course, till now, been yours? Then for your soul's sake, and in God's name, we call upon you to stand and consider. Beware of the doom of Capernaum. "And 'thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell." Luke 10:15.

To look back from the depths of hell and think of the many times you were called upon to halt and listen to the wondrous tale of Calvary will be enough to make you wish, for all eternity, that you had never been born at all. But, you have been born, and may yet be "born again," thank God.

Oh, that it may never be said of you, "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you." Acts 13:41.

There is only one way to heaven, and that is by way of Calvary, through faith in Him who hung there. The penitent thief went that way, and every saved sinner since. But there is a way to hell by Calvary also. The other, the rejecting thief, went that way. Beware, lest you too go that way.

A Daring Challenge

There lived in Germany years ago a countess of the House of Hanover. She was a noted unbeliever, especially opposed to the teaching of resurrection and eternal life.

This descendant of royalty died when about thirty years old. Before she passed away she gave written orders that her grave should be covered with a solid granite slab; that around it should be fitted square blocks of stone; and that the corners should be fastened to each other and to the granite slab by heavy iron clamps. Upon the granite covering she ordered this inscription to be placed: "THIS BURIAL PLACE, PURCHASED FOR ALL ETERNITY, MUST NEVER BE OPENED."

All that human power could do to seal that grave was done. BUT GOD—

Years later a little birch tree seed, long hidden in the earth, sprouted. As the root grew and strengthened, the green shoot sought the light. It found its way between the side stone and the upper slab and grew there. Slowly and steadily it swelled with life and forced its way onward until the iron clamps were torn apart. The granite lid gradually lifted and is now resting upon the trunk of the birch tree, which is large and flourishing.

What a loud voice this is to those who know not the Scriptures nor the power of God!

"There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it." Eccles. 8: 8.

Man will be just as impotent in resisting the power of God in resurrection as he now is evading His decree of death.

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28, 29.

One Man was here—only one—who had the power of life and death in His own hands: Jesus, the Son of God. He alone could say of His life: "No one taketh it from Me; I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again." John 10:18.

Who else can use language like that? Who, among the mightiest of earth's monarchs, can dispute God's right to say to him, "This night thy soul shall be required of thee"? And when once that decree has gone forth, who can reverse the sentence?

My reader, do you still deny God? Are you determined to hold fast to your God-dishonoring skepticism? In that solemn day of your own death it will be too late for you to seek the light. For you it will then be the blackness of darkness forever.

I plead with you to turn to Him now in faith while it is TODAY. Then with all His own who have believed in the Son, the Lord Jesus, the Christ of God, you will find rest to your soul, and the blessing of being able to say:

"Our times are in Thy hand,
Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave
Entirely to Thy care."

Great Sovereign, Forgive

After eleven months of the bloody defense of Port Arthur, the Russian Commander, General Stoessel, telegraphed a most pathetic dispatch to his emperor. It is a touching appeal for the Czar's forgiveness.

After briefly and truly stating the hazardous position of his army and their dire need, their famine-stricken faces, their unattended wounded, their forts and streets blocked with carnage, he concludes his sad dispatch: "Great Sovereign, forgive! We have done all that was humanly possible. Judge us, but be merciful.

"Eleven months of ceaseless fighting has exhausted our strength. A quarter only of the original defenders remain. Half of these are invalids. We occupy twenty-seven versts of fortifications, but without supplies or support and without intervals for even the briefest repose. The men are reduced to shadows!"

This touching plea for forgiveness came from one in hopeless extremity. General Stoessel was a faithful subject of his sovereign, the Czar of Russia. In his heart was enthroned the interests and glory of the very monarch whose forgiveness he sought.

It is not so with the sinner. His heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. In his pride he rebels against the counsel of the Most High God. He has enthroned the enemy in his heart; he has dethroned God, and daringly disputes His rightful sway over his life. His heart is arrogant and intractable. He is on his way to perdition in bold defiance of the long-suffering love of God.

Friend, have you entered your plea for forgiveness yet? You have sinned against One who is greater than the Czar of Russia, or any other earthly potentate. Will you not cry from the depths of a heart wrung with sincere penitence, "GREAT SOVEREIGN, FORGIVE"?

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

Meet God in the Morning

I met God in the morning,
When the day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.

All day long His presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed with perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered,
Other ships were sore distressed,
But the winds that seemed to drive them
Brought to us a perfect rest.

Then I thought of other mornings
With a keen remorse of mind
When I, too, had loosed the moorings
With His presence left behind.

So I think I know the secret learned
From many a troubled way,
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus."

1 Timothy 2:25.

An Irish Soldier's Sacrifice

In a cemetery on the Aisne River, in France, is the grave of a soldier. It is marked only by a rude cross, with no name; but it has upon it an inscription that arrests the attention of the passer-by.

During the World War, this unknown soldier was a private of the Royal Irish Guards. A corporal of the West Yorkshire Regiment, who was in a hospital at Woolrich, told the story of the unknown hero who was buried with full military honors, his fellow-soldiers erecting the cross over his grave, and inscribing upon it the words—"He saved others; himself he could not save."

The corporal's story was that a detachment was sent to occupy a village near Rheims. As the corporal and his comrades passed down a narrow street and emerged into the open, a man in khaki ran out of a building shouting a warning. Immediately the crack of rifles rang out; the man fell dead. Running for cover, the West Yorkshire men fought and ultimately drove out the German soldiers. The story of the unknown soldier was then learned.

He had been taken prisoner by the Germans. Learning that an ambush had been set for the West Yorkshire men, the Irish soldier escaped in time to warn his on-coming comrades and save them from annihilation.

He could not be identified, as the Germans had removed his identification disk; hence the only words upon the cross which marked his grave were: "He saved others; himself he could not save."

The Irish soldier gave his life to save his fellows.

Can they ever forget it? "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

And can we ever forget the still more wonderful self-sacrificing love of the Savior? He could have delivered Himself from His captors; for twelve legions of angels were at hand to do His bidding. But He came into the world to die—to give His life for others. To be the Savior of the world, nothing could deter Him from the path of devotion to His Father's will. Had He saved Himself from the bitterness of that awful hour when, as the divinely appointed Lamb of God, He gave Himself on the cross for us, salvation could never have been offered to you and me.

Friend, in His deep, eternal love He gave Himself! He died that we might live. He bore the wrath of God to bring us into His full, unclouded favor. He saved others; BUT

"Himself He could not save,
Love's stream too deeply flowed;
In love Himself He gave,
To pay the debt we owed.
Obedience to His Father's will
And love to us—did all fulfill."

A Gangster Funeral

The ringing of the telephone interrupted brother Jay's early breakfast one beautiful summer morning in the southern city where he lived and labored for the Master. As he answered the phone his face plainly expressed to his listening wife the trend of the conversation.

"Yes, Mr. Poole," she heard him say; "I understand and will be there at eleven o'clock." Then turning to her he said: "That was Mr. Poole, the undertaker. He has charge of the body of the young woman found in the river a few days ago. Her friends, a group of underworld characters, have been trying to get a minister from one of the larger churches to preach her funeral, but Mr. Poole says not one of them wants to get involved. He seemed to think that I too would refuse, and offered all sorts of protection.

"As for myself, I welcome the opportunity this gives to present Christ to needy souls. The service will be at the graveside, and I hope you will now join me in prayer for divine guidance in all that is said and done."

Together, husband and wife besought the Lord to undertake in all things for His glory, and to prepare sinful, hardened hearts to receive the message soon to be delivered at the grave. With a solemn sense of responsibility they drove to the cemetery. From there they followed the hearse and the undertaker's car to the site of the open grave. Here the sheriff, also a Christian and well-known to the preacher, hastened forward to his friend, brother Jay.

In reassuring tones the officer said: "Don't be afraid, brother Jay. As you see, my men and I are here primarily to protect you. You may know that this is the body of a gangster's woman companion, and I suspect that only those so identified will be here today. If any resent the message and try to make trouble, you are our special charge for protection."

Surprised at this statement, brother Jay answered: "Sheriff, you and your men can look out for yourselves. I am in the hands of Him who promised that the angel of the Lord is round about them that fear Him, and will deliver them."

With full confidence in the Lord's presence, he then joined the procession of underworld characters who were following the handsome casket to the open grave. He had already noted the luxuriously expensive cars, the fashionably dressed and jeweled women, and the self-assured air of the male attendants. One of the latter had a fractured arm fastened to a shoulder-high board, and the sheriff whispered that he had participated in a recent "high-jacking." With these the preacher took his stand at the head of the grave.

A brief prayer preceded the usual identification of the deceased. Then the minister spoke briefly: "We are here to pay our last respects to one who is now beyond all earthly help. During her sojourn among you she may have been greatly loved, tenderly cared for, and now sadly missed. Or she may have felt unloved, lonely and misunderstood. Whatever her life may have been, she is now in the hands of Him who knows and understands all about her, a comprehending and righteous Judge. We can leave her with Him while we consider the case of each one here."

Then briefly and tenderly he presented to his hearers the sweet story of God's love to lost sinners and His perfect provision in the cross of Christ for their eternal welfare.

A solemn stillness reigned as each one listened intently. Tears flowed unheeded from some eyes, and wracking sobs convulsed the frame of one handsomely gowned woman. To her the preacher's wife made her way, and gently offered her sympathy.

When the weeping woman could control her tears, she inquired: "Do you know that preacher?"

The brief answer was: "He's my husband."

The next question was almost a wail: "Then tell me, oh, tell me, does he mean what he says?"

Most positively came the reply: "He means every word of it."

Next came the hesitant statement—almost a plea: "If I could just have something to hold on to."

And like a flash from the blue came that precious verse: "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."

This was followed by the presentation of a small "Gospel of John" in which that verse was already marked for her reassurance.

The cars were rapidly filling and leaving the cemetery and the earnest inquirer had to hasten her departure. As she turned to go her eyes filled again, but she could say emphatically: "I'll never forget what I've heard today."

With that, we must leave her as we left the deceased; in the hands of Him who knows all about her, and with whom each of us has to do.

But who can measure the results of that brief address on hearts softened even for a moment by the touch of sorrow? Our God has said: "My Word... shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa. 55:11.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccles. 11:1.

Pleasures That Endure

Mr. and Mrs. Evans, my next door neighbors, were thoroughly worldly people; they liked to "have a good time," and seemed utterly careless about their souls.

At last Mrs. Evans' health began to fail, and eventually she consulted a doctor. He pronounced her condition as serious and advised that she be taken to the hospital. There was no improvement and so she was brought home.

Mrs. Evans began to realize that the end of her life was drawing near. She knew she had only lived for this life and was not prepared to meet God. I was distressed at the thought that I had missed opportunities to speak to my neighbor about her soul and asked the Lord for another chance to speak to her of the Savior I knew and loved. After her husband brought her home from the hospital he asked me to stay with her while he was busy elsewhere, and this gave me the opening I wanted.

I found Mrs. Evans equally desirous of speaking with me. She said, "I am so distressed about my soul. You know the frivolous life we have led. I believe the Lord is speaking to me. We have had dancing parties here at our house and I always felt so ashamed, knowing you folks could not approve of this. Then you would go to your meetings every Sunday. I had joined the church once, but I know I was not saved; now I know that my sins are piled upon pile. Is there any hope for me?"

I quoted that precious scripture verse: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.

"But will the Lord forgive me?" was her anxious cry.

"Yes, indeed He will," I replied, "for He came to this sin-laden world to 'seek and to save that which was lost.' He died on Calvary's cross, shedding His blood for sinners. He said when here on earth: 'Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." "

At this point her husband returned; and our conversation being ended, I left.

The next day was Sunday. Some of her worldly friends came to see her; but, simply greeting them, she turned away her face. They could give her no comfort for the dark hours ahead of her.

On Monday morning I called to see her. Her mother, a Christian, was attending her sick daughter. "Go, and whisper, 'Jesus' in her ear," she said.

I did, and the daughter turned to me in response, her face all smiles. "Oh, how sweet," she said. "The Lord has been so close to me ever since you spoke to me on Saturday. Yesterday I did not want to see my old friends, because I knew they could not give me any hope for eternity. Now the Lord alone is my hope and stay, and I have such joy and peace in Him."

Dear reader, how will it be with you when you leave this world. If you die in your sins, it will be to exist eternally away from God, in "the blackness of darkness forever." Jude 13. But if you will "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ... thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. He suffered and died, His precious blood was shed that we by faith in Him might be saved, and enjoy in the presence of God "pleasures for evermore."

"In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalm 16:11.

The Man Who Bought Himself

Black Ned's master, "Marse John," had died, and the new owner did not need the old slave. "Marse John" had been kind to him and had taught him many things, including the way of salvation. In short, old Ned was a Christian and it was his joy to preach Christ to his fellows.

Over the long years, while devoting himself to the service of his earthly master, old Ned had been able to save the small gifts of money bestowed upon him occasionally by this kind man. But now Marse John was gone, and Ned's one desire was to be free to preach the gospel. To do this he knew that he must have his freedom certified in writing; but could he, a poor slave, accomplish this? As he realized as never before his great lack and inability to do anything of himself, the word of the Lord came to him as it had to Paul the Apostle in Philippians 4: 13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Humbly confident of the Lord's guiding hand, Ned awaited his turn at the auction. His heart beat high with hope as he mounted the block.

"How much for this well-trained old man?" So shouted the glib auctioneer. "He is strong—honest faithful—a good preacher! How much am I bid? Gentlemen, bid something! Twenty-five dollars is bid. Twenty-five only, for this excellent servant? Thirty is bid; thirty, thirty, thirty-forty; do I hear forty? Forty!—fifty!—sixty—sixty-five, sixty-five?"

The old man's heart beat rapidly; his eyes were flooded with tears. The money he had laid up so laboriously—was it enough to buy himself? Could he possibly go free? The extent of his little hoard was nearly reached and the bids would soon be beyond his poor means. Taking a deep breath and in conscious dependence on the Lord, the old man's voice rang out: "SEVENTY!"

The slave buyers stood aghast. This unheard of proceeding stilled the observers.

"Seventy—seventy—am I bid only seventy? Then seventy it is, and done!"

Old black Ned was free—he who for so long had been a slave—FREE to serve the Lord Christ. He had bought himself with his own hard-earned money. Now with his legal certificate of purchase he was a free man.

Not many years went by before President Lincoln signed the document that abolished slavery throughout the land. But, friend, slavery still abounds. Sin and Satan still hold in bondage myriads who, willingly or not, are bondslave of the powers of darkness. Are you numbered among these miserable creatures, or do you think that in your enjoyment of all that is opposed to godliness and the claims of Christ, you are exercising your free will? Let me tell you, you are either in slavery to Satan, or you rejoice in the liberty that is in Christ Jesus. There is no middle ground. If you have not come to Jesus and accepted His payment for your sins, you can find no other way to "buy" yourself out of Satan's clutches and into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

What is His payment? It is the most precious price of all time and eternity: "the precious blood of Christ," shed when He bore our sins on Calvary. There He paid the full price to redeem (buy back) poor, lost, sinful humanity. Now He waits for each of His creatures to accept His payment—sign the papers, so to speak—and deliver the goods. Will you not receive this precious Redeemer? Why continue to serve Satan when the King of Glory, the Son of God, offers you freedom from eternal doom?

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

"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.

Whitfield's Long Ordeal

George Whitfield, the great preacher, during his early years had serious thoughts as to his eternal salvation. But according to his own account they were not sufficiently disturbing to restrain the evil tendencies of his nature.

At the age of sixteen Whitfield again and more seriously contemplated the sad results of a life of religious observance without personal knowledge of Christ Himself. How could he become a member of the family of God? He says: "I began to fast twice in the week for nearly sixty-six hours together, prayed many times a day, received the sacrament every Lord's Day, fasting myself almost to death all the forty days of Lent, during which I did not go less than three times a day to public worship, besides seven times to private prayers. Yet I knew no more that I needed to be born again, born a new creature in Christ Jesus, than if I had never been born at all. Charles Wesley, the evangelist, gave me a book whereby God showed me that I must be `born again' or be damned. Praise His name! Even after all that search and striving I, simply as a child, received Christ as my Savior, and became a child of God."

A preacher sat in his study one night after returning from hearing Whitfield. He began to question himself: "I have preached to others, but have I been converted myself? If so, where was I converted? When was I converted? How was I converted?"

Reader, put these questions to yourself, and if you are honest you will soon discover the true state of your own soul. The reason why we must be born again is plainly stated in Scripture. In the sight of God we are dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), and therefore unfit for His presence. But Christ died that we might have life. And now he that believeth on Christ, God's Son, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE (John 3:16).

Take it to heart, dear reader. Have you really been born again?

"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:7.

Let Your Bucket Down

The great river Amazon pours out so mighty a stream of fresh water into the Atlantic, that for miles out of sight of land, just opposite the mouth of the river, the water in the ocean is entirely fresh.

Some years ago a sailing ship left Europe for a South American port. Through storm and mishap, it was so long on its voyage that the water on board began to give out. Though the crew took every care, they shortly found themselves with their last tank or last cask empty.

A day or two later, though becalmed in a hot climate, to their great joy and relief they sighted another vessel. When near enough to signal, they ran up their flags, telling of the distressing condition: "We're dying for want of water."

To their astonishment, the reply came back quickly. It seemed almost to mock them in their extremity: "Water all around you; let your bucket down."

Little did they know that they were just then crossing the mighty Amazon's ocean current. Instead of being in salt water, they were actually sailing in fresh. Good drinking water was all around them, though out of sight of land!

Fellow-traveler, you may be crying out, "What must I do to be saved?" little realizing that the ocean of God's love is all around you. "Let your bucket down!"

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

That Name

(Lines suggested on hearing some young men using the name of our Lord Jesus Christ profanely.)

That name I just heard is delightfully sweet,
Jesus is Christ! and Him you must meet;
Now He is meeting sinners in grace,
He knocks at your heart—oh, give Him a place.

He hears you blaspheme; but oh, if you knew
How much He loves sinners, how much He loves you,
You would fall at His feet and adoringly sing
Jesus! my Savior! my Lord! and my King!

'Twas for this that He died on Calvary's tree,
That sinners, the chief, might from judgment be free;
He's now up in glory—a Man on God's throne,
But He's coming again—it may be quite soon.

He left us this message, while He is above,
A message of mercy—a message of love:
"Tell sinners I love them—tell Adam's whole race,
And this is the day of My patience and grace:

"Yea, more, go, beseech—beseech them for Me,
Beseech by My blood—by My death on the tree;
It cleanses from sin and fits them to be
At once and forever in glory with Me."

Oh, these are sweet words, and wondrous to tell
How God in His mercy saves sinners from hell.
The story's so simple—so plain to the lost,
To be saved without doing—saved at God's cost;
To be saved as ungodly, unrighteous, undone,
To be saved by faith in the blood of His Son.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."

Acts 3:19

"I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

Isaiah 43:25

Down In Water Street Jerry Mcauley's Mission

"Madam, do you know Jesus?"

"Indeed, and who is He?"

This brief conversation on a stairway on Cherry Hill in the Fourth Ward of New York disturbed the drunken slumbers of Jerry McAuley. He lay almost senseless on the floor of his room a few feet away, trying to sleep off a debauch. The first question was timidly asked by a young lady missionary, and the second by a belligerent woman of ample proportions, who barred the way.

When Jerry heard the salutation of the missionary, "Madam, do you know Jesus?" he began to pull himself up from the floor. No one ever knows what that name will do, nor whose heart it will pierce, when mentioned in love. Jesus! Jesus!

Jerry was a hard-looking sight. He has often told how he had an old disreputable hat on his head and that it looked as if it had come out of a tar-pot. He wore a ragged pair of trousers stuck in the tops of his boots, a tattered red shirt, and, to finish the outfit, a murderous-looking face. As he staggered out onto the landing, the missionary was afraid of him, and ran down the stairs.

Jerry followed, and walking toward her said: "What was that you said to that woman? Whose name was that you mentioned? I used to know and to love that name once, but I've lost it."

Then tough old Jerry began to cry! The missionary saw that something had touched his heart, and she took him to the "Home for Little Wanderers" on New Bowery. There Jerry signed the pledge. Signing the prohibitionist's pledge was about as far as rescue work had advanced in those days. In Water Street the pledge has little importance, for they do not think that a bankrupt's signature amounts to much.

Jerry McAuley was born in Ireland and immigrated to this country at the age of only thirteen years. He was brought up by his grandmother, but soon got beyond her control and became a thief. At the age of nineteen, caught in such a felony, he was sentenced to Sing Sing prison for a term of fifteen years and six months.

In the prison chapel one Sunday morning "Awful Gardner," a noted prize-fighter and all-round ruffian whom Jerry had known prior to going to prison, was preaching. Gardner had been converted most wonderfully, and was now spending his life telling the story of Jesus to all whom he could get to listen to him.

Jerry looked up as he heard Gardner's voice. As Gardner went on, with tears streaming down his face, he told of the love of Jesus. Jerry listened with an open heart and was convicted of sin. To himself he said: "That man is in earnest."

Gardner told them that if he, though now notable and respected, had his deserts he would be down among them wearing the "stripes." He quoted a passage of Scripture that impressed itself on Jerry. When the prisoners were dismissed and Jerry was back in his cell, he searched till he found a Bible long hidden in the ventilator. Dusting it off, he tried to read; but in the dim light it was difficult.

Jerry never had a Bible in his hands before. He looked aimlessly to find the passage that Gardner had quoted, but he never found that particular verse.

However, he did find in that precious Book that Jesus died for sinners, and the Holy Spirit had already showed him that he was a sinner.

As the long Lord's Day wore on, the convicted felon got up and paced to and fro in the narrow limits of his cell. Now feeling his load of sin, he finally got on his knees and began to pray. How long did he pray? Until the light of heaven shone in his darkened cell, and into his much darker heart; and then it seemed to him that the blessed Savior appeared and told him that his sins were forgiven. Jerry could never be made to believe that it was not the light of heaven itself that had shone into his cell. In his joy he shouted and shouted: "I've found Jesus! I've found Jesus! Bless the Lord, I've found Jesus!"

The unusual commotion brought the keeper, and he threw the rays of his dark lantern on Jerry as he was praising God in his lowly cell. Roughly he shouted: "What's the matter with you?"

"I've found Jesus!" replied Jerry.

"I'll put you in the 'cooler' in the morning," the keeper said, and put down his prisoner's number.

Jerry said afterward: "The Lord made him forget it, for I was never put in the cooler for it."

This was Jerry McAuley's conversion. He immediately went to work in the prison for God with an ardor and courage that would put many missionaries to shame. At every opportunity he spoke to the man in front and the one behind, telling the burning news that was filling his soul: that he had found Jesus; that his sins were pardoned; and how happy he was in his new-found joy. At the table he was able to speak to the one on his right hand and the one on his left; but even with this limited opportunity a wonderful revival broke out in the prison as a result of Jerry's labors.

Missionaries of the city went up to visit the jail and every opportunity was given them by the prison management. Bible classes were formed of the converts, and wonderful work was done for God. Jerry was the center of all this activity. It resulted in his being pardoned by the Governor.

Then back to his old haunts came Jerry. No friendly hand was held out then as now, down in Water Street, to help the ex-convict to an honest and useful life.

So Jerry fell. Time after time, the Savior, by the Spirit's power, drew him back from the old sinful life, but each fall was harder and deeper. It was during this time of ups and downs that Jerry's reputation was made as a criminal. He became a noted river thief and with his chum, Tom Wilson, was a terror to police and all honest folks in his ward. Only after he had reached the depths of degradation did he, like the prodigal son, come to himself. He was naked before God, helpless and deserted by man. Then it was that the question was heard: "Do you love Jesus?"

In his most miserable state, the query fell on Jerry's ears. By the power of that Name which is above every name, the poor besotted ex-convict was drawn back, as he said, and saved "from the gutter-most to the uttermost."

It was soon afterward that Jerry's great life work opened up. In a little mission hall "down in Water Street" on the Bowery Jerry offered a helping hand to any poor human derelict who applied. His love for souls and deep sympathy for sinners were used of God to draw many to Himself. The judgment seat of Christ will show forth the scope of this labor of love.

"He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 7:25.

A Daring Challenge

Many years ago in Germany lived a countess of the House of Hanover. She was a noted unbeliever, especially opposed to the teaching of resurrection and eternal life.

"THIS BURIAL PLACE, PURCHASED FOR ALL ETERNITY, MUST NEVER BE OPENED."

All that human power could do to seal that grave was done. BUT GOD—

What a loud voice is this to those who know not the Scriptures nor the power of God!

"There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither, shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it." Eccles. 8:8.

Man will be just as impotent in resisting the power of God in resurrection as he now is evading His decree of death.

My reader, do you still deny God? Are you determined to hold fast to your God-dishonoring skepticism?

In that solemn day of your own death it will be too late for you to seek the light. For you it will then be the blackness of darkness forever.

"Our times are in Thy hand,

Father, we wish them there;

Our life, our soul, our all, we leave

Entirely to Thy care."

Satan's Clock

Maybe Satan can't "tell time":—his clock is always wrong, either too fast or too slow. He tells the deluded, despondent soul that it is too late, that he has sinned away his day of grace, or that he is too great a sinner. His clock is too fast.

Then he tells the anxious procrastinator: "Sure, get saved, but not just yet. It is too soon; enjoy life first. Have a good time, for you're young only once. Get settled in business before settling with God. Everything in its own order; a little later will do!" His clock is too slow.

An American missionary, Dr. Eddy, had been holding special evangelistic meetings in China. At one of the closing services three eminent statesmen, Sun Yat Sen, Wu Ting Fang, and Admiral Chen were present. The audience was obviously deeply moved by the gospel appeal. Admiral Chen himself was affected as to ask for a decision card. As he took a pencil from his pocket intending to sign it, his colleague, Wu Ting Fang, whispered in his ear: "Think it over! Why not wait till tomorrow?"

Dr. Eddy perceived that nothing further should be done at that time, and asked the admiral when he could see him to talk things over. "Oh," said Admiral Chen, "call and see me at eleven in the morning."

But as he was leaving the building, an assassin shot him and he was fatally wounded. On the tomorrow, at the hour when he had purposed making his decision, Admiral Chen's soul passed into eternity.

Friend, how often you have heard: God's time is NOW. Make this the moment of your acceptance, and NOW receive His great salvation.

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

An Indelible Picture

It was mid-winter, and World War 2 was drawing to a close. Brandon Rimmer, son of evangelist, lecturer, author Harry Rimmer, marched into an Italian city with the first American troops to occupy it. As he picked his way down streets pitted with shell holes, heaped with rubble, lined with gutted, tottering walls of ruined buildings, he came upon an unforgettable scene.

The Germans had withdrawn from the immediate area, but were still lobbing shells into the town intermittently. Every few minutes, as one would land, a geyser of debris rose skyward, then fell to earth again. One wall standing alone in the midst of this chaos bore on its summit a shining crucifix; but at its base, as though drawn there by a powerful magnet, bodies of the dead lay in piles.

Somewhat apart from this mass of slain men lay a single body, that of a young German soldier. He had been wounded in the upper thigh by a piece of shrapnel. The hole was big and jagged and so high up that a tourniquet could not be properly applied. He had tried to fashion one from his belt, twisting it around what was left of his leg. It had been obvious even to him that this was useless, for he had apparently abandoned his efforts and pulled out his Testament in the search for strength and comfort.

What a picture was thus imprinted on the heart and mind of the American! The German's belt lay loosely around what had once been a leg. The open Bible had half fallen from one hand and the other hand shaded eyes that could no longer see.

With jaws set tight, young Brandon picked his way through rubble and between dead bodies to the side of the German lad. He wanted to see with what scripture he had left this scene. When the American bent to observe more closely the sacred page, he found the Book open at Romans 8: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus... For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.. He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"

Almost as a marker, the thumb of the hand holding the Book was pressed firmly on the last two verses of that beloved passage: "For 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 us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 8:38-39.

What blessed and divine assurance to carry one through the valley of the shadow! Friend, is it yours? Or has indifference, unbelief, and sin hardened you against the love of God so that death is your dreaded enemy?

Then here is good news for you: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

Trust the Lord Jesus as your ever present Comforter and all-powerful Savior. Then you can say:

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood."

Proof Positive

The late Dr. Pentecost, a well-known American Bible teacher and lecturer, was introduced to an outspoken infidel. This unbeliever scoffed at the idea of anyone putting faith in the Bible. He said, "A good many books of the Bible have no name of the writers attached to them. How then can you have any confidence in a book whose authorship is so uncertain, and the subject of so much dispute?"

"Who wrote the multiplication table?" asked Dr. Pentecost.

"I don't know," replied the infidel.

"What a man you are," exclaimed Dr. Pentecost. "You believe it and use it, and yet don't know who was the author of it."

The infidel had no immediate reply. He saw his difficulty; but finally discerning, as he thought, a way out, he exclaimed triumphantly: "But the multiplication table works!"

"Doubtless," replied Dr. Pentecost. "And so does the Bible. It works!"

How true this is! Tens of thousands, even millions of true Christians all over the world and down the centuries, have attested to that. "The Gospel... is the POWER of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Rom. 1:16. Everyone without exception who has really trusted the Savior can testify to the truth of this. It works!

Reader, have you been introduced to real Christianity? Either it is true or false. If true, you cannot afford to neglect it. If you claim it is false, how can you explain that when the Lord Jesus is received in human lives, and the Bible is believed and practiced in those lives, it produces men and women who show forth the pure and holy precepts of the living Word of God? A real Christian is ever seeking the salvation and the blessing of others.

But remember! Salvation is by FAITH, faith in the Savior who died on the cross that your sins might be forgiven. REMEMBER: eternal life is a GIFT, and you cannot work to earn a gift. You can only receive it with thanksgiving. "The gospel of Christ... is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Rom. 1:16.

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

The Joy of Salvation

One who claims to be saved and yet is not happy in the Lord, has not understood true salvation. The only people on earth who know real happiness or have an entrance into the joys of salvation are "born again" Christians. In their knowledge of sins forgiven and washed away by the precious blood of Christ, and of souls saved for all eternity, what could result but a flood of thanksgiving and "joy unspeakable and full of glory"?

The worldly person believes that conversion to God puts a damper on happiness. That is its testimony as to the result of what it knows nothing about. If one has never tasted the pure waters of redeeming love, how can he compare it to the polluted pleasure streams of this world? The Word tells us to "taste and see that the Lord is good."

It is a poor testimony to claim to have received the "good tidings of great joy" and then display to an unbelieving world a spirit of gloom. Friend, have you believed the glad tidings? Are you rejoicing in eternal life? If not, you have missed the greatest, the only true and abiding joy to be found on earth.

"Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD." Psalm 144:15.

No Storm Now

An aged Christian, Sam Saunders, was growing weaker day by day. His wife and he had lived many happy years together. One day, as she realized his rapid decline, she said to him: "Well, Sam, the storm will soon be over."

"That's a mistake," he answered. It wasn't that he did not know that his life was soon to end; but he said: "The storm has been over and done for near two thousand years. It's a thing of the past! Now there's no storm—nothing but bright glory all the way for Sam."

Yes, the old man had the truth of it. For every believer in Christ, the storm is over. The Savior bore it all on Calvary; and now we have peace. In Christ we stand in all God's favor. And what about the future?

"We... rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Rom.5:2.

With what blessed assurance the believer in Jesus can sing;

"The storm that bowed Thy blessed head
Is hushed forever now,
And rest divine is ours instead,
While glory crowns Thy brow.

"Within the Father's house on high
We soon shall sing Thy praise,
But here, where Thou didst bleed and die,
We learn that song to raise."

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus."

1 Timothy 2:25.

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

Titus 3:5.

A True Shark Story

In that playful marine acrobat, the porpoise, the shark has an enemy that will permit no intrusion on its feeding grounds. This fact came out in the course of a story told about themselves by two old and experienced Christian fishermen while conducting a fishing excursion off Swan Beach, New Jersey, years ago. The story which appeared first in Harper's Weekly was as follows: "Some ten years ago we were hard drinkers, swearers, wild surfmen and fishermen. We never entered a church, and cared neither for God nor devil.

"On a fine Sunday morning in August, we started at daylight for this very reef of rocks. With plenty of bait, we looked for four or five hundred-weight of sea-bass, flounders, and black-fish. At first we pulled them up as fast as our lines touched bottom; then we had not a single bite.

"Surprised, we looked up and around, preparatory to changing our ground. To our astonishment the water was alive with sharks. We commenced pulling up our anchor, when a savage fish rushed to the bow of the boat and bit the rope in two. Then we hoisted sail, but the moment we put the steering oar into the water, several sharks began biting it into pieces. So we were compelled to take in sail, and drift.

"We were in the midst of a school of sharks two miles long and half a mile broad. They were of all sizes, from six feet long to twelve or fourteen. They swarmed around our boat, and dashed it one third full of water with their tails. We had to bail, one with his hat, and the other with the bait pail. Every moment some big fellow would put his nose almost on our gunwale, while his yellow tiger eye glared ferociously at our pale faces.

"One shark dashed at the boat and seized one of the side planks, and almost shook us out of our seats. Fortunately his teeth broke off, and away he went with a bleeding jaw. In a moment he was torn into pieces, and devoured. Then the school returned to us again.

"We were in despair, and never expected to see shore again. We could not sail, we could not row, and were drifting out to sea. Finally Charley said: "Bill, we are in an awful mess. Let us see if God will help us!' We knelt down, and prayed for help, confessed our sins, and promised amendment and repentance. We had hardly finished before we saw a great school of porpoises. They hurled themselves out of water, jumping twenty feet at a bound. Soon we were in the midst of them. The sharks started out to sea, but the porpoises were too quick for them. They bit and tore the sharks fearfully. Sometimes three porpoises would have hold of one shark. Then they jumped out of the water and fell heavily on those tigers of the ocean. The fight continued for miles. We were saved and rowed safely to shore."

God's promise in Psalm 50:15 is, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me."

In their "day of trouble" the two evidently doomed fishermen called on God. He answered by providentially delivering them from the sharks by means of the porpoises. They lived to prove subsequently, that God sent His Son to save them from their sins (Matt. 1:21). And in their godly walk that followed that "great salvation", the last part of the verse was fulfilled in their lives: "Thou shalt glorify Me."

Two Classes

However much we choose to divide mankind into races, religions, stations, or attainments, God recognizes only two classes. All that men cling to, and hold most dear, counts in His eyes as but little worth— just the small dust in His scales. The Scriptures define each class very minutely and conclusively, giving the character of each: Class 1. THE LOST SINNER. "DEAD in trespasses and sins;... by nature the children of wrath" (Eph. 2: 1-3). "All have sinned" (Rom. 3: 23).

Class 2. THE SAVED SINNER. Christ "who knew no sin" was "made sin for us" (1 Pet. 2:21, 2 Cor. 5:21). "We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Eph. 1:7).

Dear reader, to which class do you belong?

No Difference

Louis IX, King of France, was found instructing a poor kitchen boy in God's plan of redemption. Asked why he troubled himself with the lad, the king replied: "The poorest person has a soul as precious as my own, and may be bought with the same precious blood of Christ."

Jimmy Davis

He was a Chinese lad from Swatow but had spent much of his boyhood as an urchin on the streets of Shanghai where he had early become acquainted with all the vice and corruption of that city.

As he roamed the streets he discovered that the neighborhood of the U. S. gunboats was a fine place to get scraps of food, and so day after day would find him there to paw over the garbage or get handouts from the cooks.

He was an unusually bright and ambitious lad and he soon attracted the notice of some of the sailors and marines. Finally, to his great pride, he was installed as "Cook's boy" on one of the gunboats.

While working on this ship, Jimmy had great expectations that he would in time become an American citizen. But before he could attain this hope, the ship was decommissioned and had to return to the U. S. She was not allowed to take any Chinese personnel with her, so poor Jimmy again returned to the streets.

As he had picked up a good deal of English by this time, Jimmy began to spend his time in the parts of Shanghai where there were more foreigners, and so came in contact with numbers of missionaries. One of these missionaries took him into his own home and sent him to a Christian school. He treated him like a son, but in spite of all his efforts, he finally had to let him go, for it seemed that Jimmy was bound to live his own life However, "There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24). His eye was upon the wayward lad and He would not let him go.

One memorable evening found Jimmy among a small group gathered for Bible reading in the back room of a Shanghai Bible shop. During the course of the meeting the teacher inquired: "Jimmy, if somebody wanted to buy you, how much do you suppose you would be worth?" Jimmy considered the question carefully and then he answered with great conviction.

"A strong, smart boy of fifteen should be worth at least three thousand dollars!"

"Well, Jimmy, Jesus wants you how much are you worth to Him?" That was another story! Tears suddenly streamed down his face as he replied, "I wouldn't be worth hardly anything to Him." His stated price fell rapidly lower and lower till finally Jimmy had figured that he was "Worth only two cents to Jesus."

He then received, however, a new idea of what he was really worth. With a shock, which for the moment knocked all the pride out of him, Jimmy learned that the Lord Jesus had esteemed his soul to be of more value than the whole world and had given His own life upon the cross to purchase him, and redeem him from a life of uselessness and sin that he might love and serve God.

Jimmy had often heard his missionary friends read from the Bible such verses as "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15), and that "He gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4), but until that day Jimmy had never grasped that it was for him that the Lord Jesus died. Now he realized how worthless he was, indeed, but that Christ should love him was a marvel that he could not understand. But he believed it, and the wonderful truth changed his life completely. His great desire now was to serve in some way the Lord who loved him so greatly.

He left Shanghai some years before World War 2 and went to Hong Kong with the expectation that he might be able to make the gospel known to the thousands of Swatow Chinese who worked in Hong Kong. But he did not find very many who had any interest beyond the question of where their next day's rice would come from.

As soon as the war came, Jimmy's foreign friends were scattered, and he found himself alone. It was apparently that which brought him, on Pearl Harbor Day, knocking at the door of two Canadian missionaries who had decided to ride out the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong.

Throughout the troublous days of the fighting and the vicissitudes which followed, he shared their dangers. However, Jimmy was essentially a restless character. He had never stayed very long in one place, and his thoughts began to turn again to Shanghai which was more like home to him than anywhere else in China.

He found, however, on his arrival again in Shanghai that all his missionary friends had either returned to their homelands or been interned by the invading Japanese. But the servant left in charge of one of their houses allowed Jimmy to make it his home.

From there he went out faithfully and alone day by day to the villages round about Shanghai and preached the gospel to his countrymen. One such expedition however left him worn out, hungry and ill, and the following morning he failed to appear as usual. When the servant went to his room to find out where he was, he found the Lord had called Jimmy Davis to Himself. He who makes no mistakes had taken him to His eternal home.

Jesus Is Able

"Turn your field glasses on that spot on the mountain side, sir, and you will see a lost sheep!" The words were spoken by an old servant to a tourist as they hunted deer together in the Highlands of Scotland, and sure enough, he was able to discern the poor creature on a ledge of rock. Above it were un-scalable crags, and beneath it a precipice that dropped down a sheer 500 feet. "However could it have got there without flying?" exclaimed the visitor.

"Do you see a few yards down from the top of the cliff a narrow ledge of rock from which the grass has been eaten, and again to the right, another, and lower down another, and still another just above the one upon which the sheep is now? Well, that silly creature, tempted by those green-looking ledges, has scrambled from one to another, and can't get back."

"But can nothing be done to save it?"

"Nothing," was the answer. "Even if anybody were foolish enough to risk his life in trying, the poor beast is in such a nervous state now that at the sound of anyone approaching, it would leap over the precipice. And there's an eagle waiting for its prey. Nothing can save it."

Dear reader, if unsaved, your lost soul is in as great and imminent danger as that sheep was. Jesus alone can reach you and save you!" He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 7:25.

"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.

God Holding Out His Hands

I said one night to a hard old sinner who had come on several occasions to the gospel services, "Is it not time you turned to Christ for salvation?"

He told me that he had done so that very night, and that he was a saved man.

I asked him how he knew this. Was it because he had determined to give up the drink and live a decent life?

He said, "No it was not that; but while you were preaching I thought I saw God holding out His hands to me and saying, 'I will receive you just as you are.' And I just came."

The Indian's Prayer

One of the most touching and beautiful expressions of the Indian faith and true piety is found in the following hymn, composed long ago by one of these converted warriors of the prairie. His name was William Apes, born in Massachusetts, a descendant of the Indian warrior king, Philip.

"I shall never forget", writes an old laborer for God among the Indians, "the effect that the hymn produced upon a crowd of working men when it was sung in the open-air by a native, his dark face beaming with heavenly joy as known only to those who have Christ dwelling in their hearts."

In de dark wood, no Indian nigh,
Den me look heaben, send up cry,
Upon my knees so low,
Dat God on high, in shinee place,
See me in night, with teary face;
De missionary tell me so.

God send Him angel take me care;
Him come Heself and hear un prayer,
If Indian heart do pray.
God see me now, He know me here,
He say, poor Indian, never fear,
Me wid you night and day.

So, me lub God wid inside heart;
He fight for me, He take my part.
He save my life before.
God lub poor Indian in de wood;
So me lub God, and dat be good;
Me pray Him two times more.

When me be old, me head be gray,
Den He no lebe me; so He say,
Me wid you till you die.
Den take me up to shine place,
See white man, red man, black man's face,
All happy like on high.

Few days, den God will come to me,
He knock off chains, He set me free,
Den take me up on high.
Den Indian sing His praises blest,
And lub and praise Him wid de rest,
And neber, neber cry.

"He that has received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true." John 3:33.

Where Am I Going?

She was an only child, an heiress. Lovely and accomplished, she lived for this world, and this world offered her no ordinary attractions. Idolized by her parents, loved by her fiancé, she knew not the meaning of a wish ungratified.

But an unexpected Visitor arrived at the mansion. The eye of affection soon perceived that the seeds of a dread disease had taken root. The skilled physician pronounced the heartrending verdict that her days were numbered.

"Father", said she, "I am about to die. Where am I going?"

Her father gave no reply.

"Mother, can you tell me what I am to do to get to heaven?"

Her only reply was a flood of tears.

"William, you who were to be the guide of my life, can you tell me anything of the future?" Again there was no response.

"I'm lost!" she exclaimed. "Am I not, Father? Is there anyone who can tell me what I must do to be saved?"

At length the father spoke.

"My child, you have always been a dutiful daughter, and have never grieved your parents. You have regularly attended church, and helped in the services. The minister has performed the rites of the church, and expressed himself satisfied with your state."

"But I feel that is not enough. It is no rest to my soul. It is hollow— it is not real. O! I am about to die, and I don't know where I am going. Can no one teach me what I can do to be saved?"

Death was in their midst. Eternity was looming before them. They knew not how to answer the agonizing appeal of an immortal soul, awakened to a sense of sin— to a dread appearing before God— to the terrors of hell.

By the grace of God, like Naaman of old, she was waited on by a young girl who was in the habit of attending a meeting held in the village where prayer and praise were offered up in simplicity, and where they sang the old hymns—.

"There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel's veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains."

"God laid our sins on Jesus,
The spotless Lamb of God;
He bore them all and freed us
From the accursed load:"
She longed to tell her mistress that she might "wash and be clean," but felt diffident. At last she took courage, and told her mistress, "There is a preacher in the village who tells all they can have salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and he urges us to accept forgiveness freely offered in the gospel."

"O if I could only see him," she exclaimed. She asked her father to invite the strange preacher to the house, and her wish was granted. Again the family were assembled, as the strange preacher entered the room. The dying girl, raising herself, appealed to him: "Can you tell me what must I do to obtain rest for my soul, and die at peace with God?"

"I fear I cannot."

"Is there no hope for me?"

"Stay," said he, "though I cannot tell you what you can do to be saved, I can tell you what has been done for you!

"Jesus Christ, the Savior-God, has completely finished a work by which lost and helpless sinners may be righteously saved. God, who is love, saw us in our lost and ruined state. He pitied us, and in love and compassion sent Jesus to die for us.

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

"He shed His precious blood on the accursed tree in the place of sinners, that they might be pardoned and saved.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.' "

"And I have nothing to do?"

"Nothing, but to believe. No doing, working, praying, giving, or abstaining, can give relief to the conscience burdened with a sense of guilt, or rest to the troubled heart. It is not a work done in you by yourself, but a work done for you by another, long ago. Jesus has completed the work of our redemption. He has said. "It is finished." Through faith in Him you have pardon. It is impossible to add anything to the perfect work of Christ. Doing is not God's way of salvation, but ceasing from doing, and believing what God in Christ has already done for you. God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son: "

"I do believe that Jesus died on the cross for sinners; but how am I to know that God has accepted me?" she asked.

"Jesus the God-man has ascended into heaven. He has presented His blood before God, and has been accepted for us; and when you believe, you are accepted in Him."

The awakened sinner listened with breathless attention. She received the Word of God, which revealed Christ to her soul. The glad tidings of salvation fell as balm upon her wounded spirit. Her face was lit up with heaven's sunlight. Looking upwards she exclaimed,

"O, what love! what grace!"

Soon after she went home to be with Jesus, triumphant and rejoicing in her salvation.

Hail, Sovereign Love

HAIL, sovereign love, which first began
That scheme to rescue fallen man!
Hail, matchless, free, eternal grace,
Which gave my soul a hiding place.

Against the God who built the sky
I fought with hands uplifted high;
Despised the mention of His grace,
Too proud to seek a hiding place.

Enwrapt in thick Egyptian night,
And fond of darkness more than light,
Madly I ran the sinful race,
Secure without a hiding place.

And thus the eternal counsels ran,
"Almighty love, arrest that man!"
I felt the arrows of distress,
And found I had no hiding place.

Indignant Justice stood in view,
To Sinai's fiery mount I flew;
But Justice cried with frowning face,
"This mountain is no hiding place!"

On Jesus, God's just vengeance fell,
Which would have sunk a world to hell;
He bore it for a sinful race,
And thus became their Hiding Place.

Should sevenfold storms of thunder roll,
And shake this globe from pole to pole,
No thunderbolt shall daunt my face,
For Jesus is my Hiding Place.

A few more rolling suns at most,
Shall land me on fair Canaan's coast,
Where I shall sing the song of grace,
And see my glorious Hiding Place.

Christ Is Coming!

"What's coming out of all this?" exclaimed a bewildered man of the world as he surveyed the news headlines reporting the earth-shaking events occurring almost everywhere today. To this a Christian gave the following terse reply:

"Christ Is Coming!"

On this momentous subject another has penned the following faithful appeal: Christ is coming, and one of two things will happen to you when He comes; you will either be caught up to be forever with Him or left behind for judgment. Think of it left behind for judgment. The Lord Jesus said "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of man." How was it in the days of Noah? A world of sinners, heedless of God's warnings, and unprepared for His judgment, was in a moment swept away to eternal destruction by the terrible waters of wrath. So shall it be when Christ comes. Multitudes will be unprepared, because unwashed in His blood, and hence will be damned throughout eternity. Shall you be one of them?

No Mercy!

There will be terrible crying and wailing in that day, men and women crying out for mercy, and wailing because no mercy can be found. Will your voice be heard?

The myriads who have heard the gospel of God's grace, and turned carelessly away, will realize then that the day of grace is past, and that their doom is forever fixed. Shall you be one of them? Oh, mad lingerer on the brink of that abyss at whose foot dash and roar the flaming waves of eternal judgment, I warn you that Christ's coming is no mere fancy of a disordered mind. Already there are to be heard the mutterings of the approaching tempest. Dare you trifle with the solemn question of your soul's salvation! I solemnly warn you, by Christ's dread appearing, by the love that you have for your soul, by the fear of hell's eternal torment, to fly this moment for refuge to that Savior who still cries, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

Better Than Lighting His Pipe

"It will do to light my pipe" said a man with a laugh, as he accepted a gospel tract. That night, through the providence of God, sleep left him. Getting out of bed for something in his pocket, he came on the tract; and just for something to do, read it. The message arrested him and he did not sleep till he had the peace of God in his heart with the assurance of salvation. The tract served a better purpose than lighting his pipe; it lighted his life to time and eternity.

Five Things That Must Happen

Every eye SHALL SEE HIM. (Revelation 1:7.)

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

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

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

EVERY ONE OF US must give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12.)

The Good Black Doctor

In the Franco-Prussian war, which culminated at Sedan, there was a great International Hospital in the town, at the head of which was a distinguished doctor from St. Bartholomew's Hospital. He died there from smallpox caught from a patient, and was so much beloved that he was given a military funeral, which was followed by the troops of both armies and headed by the Mayor of Sedan. This distinguished physician was Dr. Davis, generally known as "The Good Black Doctor."

He came from Barbados. His father was a European, his mother, a Barbadian. He himself was as black as ebony, a tall and distinguished-looking man. He sent the following account of his last journey, to his friend, Dr. A. T. Schofield, one week before he succumbed to the fatal disease.

At Charring Cross he walked slowly along the platform until he found a seat. Opposite to him sat a little old lady with very bright eyes, busily engaged in knitting. Next to her was her somewhat stolid and burly husband. In the far corner a gentleman sat reading The Times, while at Dr. Davis' side were two elderly and prim ladies.

The doctor, being tired, put his hat upon the rack, and donned a dark velvet cap, whose blue tassel and gold embroidery gave him a striking appearance. He leaned back in the seat, and with closed eyes heard the following conversation between the little lady opposite him, and her husband:

"What a handsome man, John!"

"Hush, my dear; he may hear what you say."

"And what if he does?" she retorted. "He can't understand a single word."

"Don't be too sure of that."

"Oh, John, you are so foolish. Cannot you see who he is?"

"Well, no, my dear; I cannot say that I do."

"Why, he's one of those African Princes you read about that have come over to see the Queen. He's as black as coal."

"You can't be sure, my dear, who he is," said John feebly.

"I tell you he's an African Prince," said his little wife with decision. "Isn't it awful, John, to think that poor heathen is now leaving this country, and probably doesn't even know he's got a soul. I call it disgraceful."

"Well, you cannot help it, my dear," said John soothingly.

"Can't I?" replied the lady with spirit. "I'd soon let him know if I could speak his language. It's dreadful to think of."

Just then the train was passing the Crystal Palace on the right. Its panes of glass were shining like diamonds in the rays of the afternoon sun. The gentleman behind The Times began: "Wonderful building that; how fine it looks. I hear it's full of students of an evening. What advantages our young people have now. There was nothing like it in my school life. Young men and women have much to be thankful for today."

"I'm not so sure of that," replied the little lady to whom he seemed to be addressing his remarks. "I don't see that children now are any better than we were; indeed, in many respects they are worse. These huge places of amusement do a lot of harm. Boys and girls do pretty much as they like now; while as for morality, the less said the better."

Dr. Davis saw his opportunity, and in the purest English said as he slowly opened his eyes and leaned forward "Morality, ma'am?"

"Oh, sir, I'm so sorry. I'd no idea you understood our language. I don't know what you must think of me!"

"I think you said 'morality,' ma'am?" repeated Dr. Davis.

"Yes, sir, I did. Morality, sir, is a very good thing for both worlds."

"For both worlds?" he inquired.

"For both worlds, sir. There is another besides ours—indeed, there are two; one is called heaven and the other is called hell."

"And what are they like, ma'am?"

"Heaven, sir, is where the angels are, and where all the good people go all gold and glass, and harps and happiness; and hell, sir, is where the devil is, and is a dreadful place, where all the bad and wicked people are all flames and horrid darkness; and we must go to one or the other when we die."

The "African Prince" leaned forward full of interest.

"And how can we get to heaven, ma'am?"

"Well, sir," said the little lady." It's quite easy. Of course, you must be good, and kind to all and forgive everyone their offenses. And you must be baptized and be sorry for your sins, and go to church and take the sacrament, and love your enemies, help the poor, and do as you would be done by, and and that's the way to heaven. Isn't it, John?"

"Quite right, my dear," answered her husband. And then to Dr. Davis, who was still politely listening, he said: "I might say, sir, if you wish any further information on these matters, we have a most excellent clergyman at Folkestone who will tell you all you wish to know. I can give you his address."

"Sir," replied the black doctor, "we are traveling at fifty miles an hour, and I should like to be sure now of the way to heaven."

"Well, sir," interposed the little lady rather piqued "haven't I just told you word for word, just as it's written in the Bible?"

"The Bible, ma'am?"

"Oh, ma'am," said the doctor. "I should much like to see it in the Bible."

"The Bible, sir; the Bible is God's Book, written to tell us the way to heaven. You'll find it all there exactly as I've said."

"And so you shall, sir," replied the little lady, who proceeded to hunt in her bag. After she had rummaged in it for some time without success, she turned to the unsympathetic John, "Have you got a Bible anywhere?"

"No, my dear, I haven't; and you had much better leave the gentleman alone."

Nothing, however, could daunt the lady's missionary zeal.

"Excuse me, sir," she said, addressing the gentleman in the corner, "Have you a Bible?"

"No, I have not, ma'am; and I consider these religious conversations in railway coaches most improper."

"Have you a Bible?" pursued the little lady, nothing daunted, turning to the two maiden ladies in turn.

"No," replied each one in succession, "I'm afraid we have not."

"Dear me," said the little lady. "I fear, sir, we haven't a Bible in the coach.' I'm so sorry. But I have told you word for word the way to heaven; and as John, my husband, sir, says, our vicar will be most pleased to see you at Folkestone."

"I wish I could see the passage now," said Dr. Davis with a sigh, as he leaned back again and closed his eyes.

There was silence once more in the carriage as the train roared through the dusk of the evening.

After a while Dr. Davis slowly felt in his coat pocket, and drew out a small book. Leaning forward once more, and holding it out, he said to the lady, "Was that what you were looking for?"

"Oh dear, yes, sir. Why, that's the Testament—the very Book."

"The Testament, ma'am?"

"Yes, sir, the Bible has two Testaments; there is the Old Testament and the New."

"And which is this, ma'am?"

"This, sir, is the New."

"And which tells us the way to Heaven?" "Why, the New, sir; that's the very Book!" "Would you kindly show me the passage you spoke of, ma'am?"

"With pleasure, sir," said the lady bright again with missionary zeal, taking the Book in her hand.

She then rapidly turned its pages, first one way and then the other. After fumbling in vain for some minutes, and getting very red, she turned to her husband. "John!" she said.

"Yes, my dear."

"Do you know where that passage is that tells us the way to heaven?"

"No, I don't, Maria; and you see what a mess you've got into. I haven't the least idea where it is."

In despair the lady rapidly turned over the pages again, but all in vain. "I'm afraid, sir, I can't lay my hands on the exact passage. I know it's just about here. My poor head is not so young as it once was, and I can't think of the verse. But it's all there, sir, exactly as I told you, for I know it by heart."

"Would you allow me, ma'am?" said Dr. Davis, very politely, gently taking the Testament out of her hands, and turning the leaves over to John 3:16 which he indicated with his finger. "Was that the passage?"

"Oh, dear, yes, sir; why, they are the very words. Just as I said. Now, sir you can read it for yourself, and see it's all true," and she lay back triumphantly.

"Would you allow me to read this passage aloud, ma'am?"

"Certainly."

So Dr. Davis read: "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.'

"There, sir," said the lady in high spirits, and evidently without any suspicion of the storm about to burst, "the very words I told you. I'm so glad you've found it. I knew it was there."

"One moment, ma'am. I should first like to say a word to the gentleman in the corner.

Sir, I don't know who you are, or what you call yourself, but of one thing I am sure. The man that says that a British railway coach is not a place where a supposed heathen (which I thank God I am not) may learn the way to heaven is unworthy of the name of Englishman!"

The little lady quietly applauded.

"But as for you, ma'am," he continued, "you are ten times worse. I came into this carriage, and you believed me to be a heathen Prince, and seemed anxious to tell me the way to heaven; so I asked you, and you told me I had to do this, and that, and the other, and you have never opened your mouth to tell me one word of what Christ has done for me. Not one syllable of all you told me is to be found in this glorious text; no word that it contains has passed your lips. You have utterly misled me. Your religion is two letters short.

"It is `D-O,' do; and mine is `D-O-N-E,' done; and this makes all the difference."

The poor missionary lady collapsed, while the supposed heathen proclaimed the glorious gospel of the Cross to a now attentive audience, until the train drew up at Folkestone Harbor Station.

On his way to the boat in his mackintosh, for a fine rain was falling, Dr. Davis felt a slight tug at his overcoat. Turning round he found the two maiden ladies at his heels.

"Oh, sir," said the one who had given the pull, "you will excuse us, but we could not let you go without thanking you for the blessing your words have been to us.

"We always thought we had to do our best to get to heaven, and never understood that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had done all the work of atonement for us, and that we can now know that we are saved. (1 John 5:13.)

"Sir," she continued, her eyes full of tears, "we shall have to thank God for all eternity for this afternoon."

Within a week Dr. Davis himself had passed away to his eternal rest.

The Price

In the reign of Edward 1, the price of a Bible, copied by hand in writing, was 37 pounds and a day-laborer's wage was 3 halfpence. Accordingly, the purchase of a Bible would have been the wages of over fifteen years. Today a Bible can be bought for a dollar or less. We found one used book store which would not sell used Bibles—they gave them away. Millions of copies are distributed free every year. The responsibility of having and reading the Bible was never so great as today.

Are You Acquainted With the Author?

"I am personally acquainted with the author." Such was the simple reply of a humble Christian when challenged by a skeptic as to the authenticity of the Bible.

How many there are who have Bibles but have no personal acquaintance with the Author! How many there are who regard the Bible as merely a masterpiece of English literature, or perhaps go as far as to call it, "The good Book."

Again, how many there are engaged in the production, distribution and sale of the Bible but ignore its message to them. Like so many in Noah's day standing at the door of the ark, but not entering in. An extreme example of this folly is found in the following story.

A Christian who revered and loved the Bible recently visited a major Bible wholesaler in the United States. The proprietor proudly took him by elevator to the top floor of one of his three warehouses, and from there they toured the building floor by floor, the proprietor describing to him his stocks.

The building contained literally thousands upon thousands of Bibles of almost every size and description in versions acceptable to practically every individual, creed and denomination.

Orders flowed in continuously throughout the working hours from all over the continent; and every order was promptly processed and shipped the same day. In his community the proprietor was rightly regarded as a most successful business man, a good citizen, and incidentally, a millionaire.

On leaving the building, the visitor was presented with a Bible bound in white kid, commemorating his visit, as a souvenir. As he accepted it and thanked the proprietor, he was constrained to inquire, "And do you know the Author of this book?"

To this the proprietor gave no reply, but quickly changed the subject. Evidently the correct answer to his question would have been, "No."

The Bible is divinely given to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (see Psalm 119: 105). To possess, handle or make merchandise of the Bible while closing one's ears to its divine message, is to love darkness rather than light and commit folly in the extreme.

Light obeyed increaseth Light;
Light rejected bringeth Night.
Who shall give me power to choose
If the love of Light I lose?

How Many Are Left?

A woman in the city of Dundee, who had been a profligate, but through faith in Christ had been saved and confessed it, was met by the sneer of a self-righteous woman, to whom she had testified of God's grace, who said, "Do you mind what you used to be when I knew you ten years ago?"

"Yes, and you do not know the half of it: I was far worse than you or anybody else knows. But you forgot one thing, 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin!' How many are left after that?"

This silenced her accuser, as it does the devil (see Revelation 12:11). He cannot stand before the all-cleansing blood. As the hymn states it—

His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.

I Don't Believe There 's Any Hell!

"Say, Mr. Willis," said a red-haired lad of about fourteen, "I don't think there's any hell."

"Yes you do, Arthur. You know right well there's a hell."

"No I don't. The minister down at Barton Street church says there isn't any hell, and I don't believe there's one either."

"Yes, you do. You know perfectly well there's a hell: and you know the wicked will be turned into it."

"Well, anyway, I wish there wasn't a hell!"

Arthur was honest, and we fear that most of those who "don't believe in hell," if they were honest, would have to say the same thing as Arthur "I wish there wasn't a hell."

Excused!

The feast has been prepared for all!
The Master of the house has sent
His servants out to call them in;
But they begin, with one consent,
To state why each man should decline;
"I beg of thee have me excused,
I've bought a farm," "I've bought a team,"
"I've got a wife; I must refuse."

How trifling these excuses seem,
Like money put in bags with holes!
They make excuses, just as lame,
For losing their immortal souls!
They fain would think they're not to blame,
They really think that they might try,
Were there not molehills in their way
That to their eyes seem mountains high.

"Besides, I want to have some fun;
My friends the gospel have refused,
And so I guess that, for a time
At least, I'd rather be excused."
"Money is what I'm after now,
To spend old age in ease my goal."
But what shall profit man if he
To gain the world, shall lose his soul?
Poor soul, whate'er be your excuse,
Look forward to that final Day.

From Rags to Riches in Christ

The story of Teddy, a London derelict, as told by Harold Begbie, runs somewhat as follows. It does not begin with a godly home despised, a family disgraced, a fortune wasted. Teddy had none of these to regret. He was born in the slums, the child of parents who spent all their money on drink. Life for him had been hard from the start. But in spite of it he grew up smart, active, nimble-witted, and humorous. He came out of the army a hard drinker; and became a rag-and-bone merchant. But as fast as the little money he made came in he drank it away. Fortunately, the woman he married made him a good wife, who was able to exercise a measure of restraint so that Teddy's home, though very poor, was generally happy.

But a terrible catastrophe overtook him. His wife died. He was left alone in the world. It was the death of a wife he sincerely loved which made him a chronic drinker. He drank, laughed and sang to forget his loneliness; and in this he found, what he thought was happiness. But there was no peace.

He became immensely popular. His companions in saloons and taverns laughed at his jokes and cheered when he sang. His good humor was contagious and everybody liked him. In this dissolute course he continued for some years.

But eventually his rag-and-bone business dwindled and failed. He couldn't pay his rent. But he went on laughing and singing to his ruin.

He took to sleeping in back yards, alleys, beneath benches, even in ash bins— any place where he could fall or stumble into. Such was his poverty.

He would even take the laces from his boots and go into beer parlors where he was not known and offer them for sale. His eyes were quick to spot salable things in garbage and gutters. Thus he begged and bartered his way through life. But he would not steal. He was too good-natured to commit a crime.

But it became increasingly difficult to make enough money to satisfy his ever-growing craving for drink. His old fans began to lose enthusiasm for his songs and grew tired of his jests.

It was at this point in his career that he discovered an old broken down cart in a yard which was never disturbed by its owner. It offered shelter from wind and rain, so here he established himself. The old cart became his home. People got to know about it and laughed at his "lodging." He slunk into the yard late at night, climbed into the cart, lay in his rags on the floor and slept until morning.

One cold night after a fairly successful day he decided he would treat himself to a bed in a common lodging house. As he ambled towards it, anticipating the warm fire, he met an old tramp of his acquaintance, a piteous human wreck, clothed in rags. This man whined about the bitter cold, said he felt sick, wished he had some place where he could sleep. Teddy told him of the cart and gave him permission to occupy it, for that night only.

After a peaceful night in the lodging house, Teddy emerged into the street with renewed vigor and hope. As he walked someone met him... started... turned pale and stood gazing at him.

"What's the matter?" asked Teddy.

"Why!" cried the man with an oath, "You're dead!"

"Dead!" "What do you mean?"

"D'you mean to tell me you're alive? Everybody in the place is saying you're dead," replied the man. "Hundreds say they saw your corpse. You died last night in the cart. I saw them wheeling your body away."

The old tramp had died in his sleep. Somebody had seen the body lying there. The crowd saw it taken away in an ambulance. Everybody said, "Teddy is dead."

The thought that he had been considered dead had a tremendous impact on Teddy. It pulled him up. It made him reflect on death. He considered within himself that the hour surely comes, and for him might come suddenly and soon, when a man's soul passes out of the body and he must give account to God of the deeds done in the body. He saw how very easily the corpse of the old tramp might have been his corpse. He might die one night in his sleep. People would say, "Teddy is dead!" But what of his soul?

He thought, What can I do? He could never more sleep in that cart. He must avoid his old haunts. Best of all he must leave the city behind him. Somehow he must find work. Somehow he must begin again.

So the frightened drunkard, born and bred in the slums took to the road— always regarded with suspicion. He was barked at by dogs; followed threateningly by village policemen; refused not only one helpful word or one kindly gift; but refused work of any kind.

One day on the point of collapse from starvation, he sank down in a ditch and covering his face with his hands, weeping like a child, cried aloud, "O God, give me something to eat!"

A feeling of help came to him in the midst of exhaustion and despair. He took his hands from his face and looked to right and left, not a soul was to be seen. Then he looked ahead. In the opposite hedge he saw a piece of paper. He got up, convinced that there was the help he sought. The paper turned out to be a bag which contained two scones.

Whereupon he tramped back to the city, feeling those who knew him would be more likely to help him than villagers and farmers who took him for a criminal.

One day back in his old haunts, the craving for alcohol became so irresistible that he knew whatever the cost, he must obtain it. Rapidly scouring the streets he noticed the landlord of a tavern in which in past days he had spent huge sums of money, standing at the door. Teddy went up to him. "Trust me till tomorrow for a drink, I'm perishing," he begged.

Strangely enough, as he spoke, the pleading message of a gospel hymn floated softly towards them. To Teddy and the landlord the music suggested two different things.

"Go and ask the army for help," snapped the landlord scornfully.

But denied by the tavern keeper, Teddy suddenly thought of Christ— of His great kindness to the outcast and lost of— His dying love for sinners. It was a beam of light from heaven shining into his dark soul.

"Right, govn'or," said Teddy, "I'll take your tip!" And he walked away in his rags.

He went straight to the Open Air Meeting in the next street. They were just leaving for the hall and Teddy went along. There like the repentant sinner of old (Luke 18:13) he knelt and prayed with anguish for mercy.

"Oh, Lord, Oh Lord," he kept saying, "I want to be born again!"

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me," is the unqualified promise of God in Psalm 50:15. "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21.

The answer to Teddy's prayer came with his cry. His burden rolled away. The man who a short while before pleaded for drink was saved.

The shepherd had found His lost sheep, and just as He did to the returning prodigal of old, God the Father ran to meet him "and covered him with kisses." For the perfect work of Christ upon the cross has opened the way. God, in the full power of His righteousness and love, rejoices to receive the vilest who believes.

"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory." 1 Sam. 2:8.

"There's comfort in the memory of a good life," said a visitor to a dying relative. The dying man raised his eyes in wonder, and slowly repeated the lines—

Upon a life I did not live
Upon a death I did not die—
Another's life, Another's death,
I stake my whole eternity.

Arrested by a Song

It was a busy scene at an American railroad station. The train was late and the waiting room crowded.

One loud-voiced man seemed to take pleasure in impious remarks in which the name of Christ was unsparingly mixed, to the intense disgust of many of the passengers. But regardless of the discomfort he caused, the man kept on.

Presently, above the blatant voice of the swearer, rose the sweet words of a hymn sung in a manly voice:

"Jesus lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high."

Fearlessly the singer went on till he had sung all the verses.

When he had finished, not a sound was to be heard; the rebuke seemed effectual, at least in stopping the blasphemy.

"Could I see you for a moment outside?"

It was the voice of the swearer, and he had come up to Dr. Vincent, the man who had sung the beautiful song.

"Certainly" was the reply, and out they went. "How came you to sing that hymn?"

"I heard you swearing, and profaning the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and I thought I would let you know that there was someone present who loved His name."

"That's very singular, certainly," replied the man. "My sister, when she was dying, sang that very same hymn, and she made me promise to meet her in heaven. Will you pray for me?"

Seeking a sheltered spot Dr. Vincent and the man, who had just before shocked everybody with his language, knelt together, and earnestly the good doctor prayed for the now repentant man, asking especially that grace and strength might be given him to trust the Savior and keep the promise made to his dying sister.

Presently the bell rang, the train passed into the station: all was confusion and hurry, and the two parted.

Who shall say what the result of that courageous song and earnest prayer was on the heart of the poor scoffer? One day it will be known. It is believed that the singer and the scoffer will meet again in heaven, through the shed blood of the One who died for both upon the cross— "Jesus, lover of my soul."

The Purest Thing on Earth

What is the foulest thing on earth?
Think if you can and tell!
It is a soul by sin defiled,
'Tis only fit for Hell;
It is the loathsome earthly den
Where evil spirits dwell.

And what's the purest thing on earth?
Come, tell me, if you know!
'Tis that same soul by Jesus' blood
Washed whiter far than snow!
There's naught more pure above the sky,
And naught else pure below.

A Chapter on Bees

Although there is nothing basically new about bees, the ferocious behavior of new hybrid Brazilian bees has added a new chapter to the volumes already written about them. These hybrids of deadly African honey-bees have plagued Brazil since 1957 when a beekeeper accidentally let twenty-six swarms escape.

Headed by queens brought from southern Africa these swarms spread rapidly across southern Brazil, invading the hives and quickly displacing their docile Brazilian cousins.

Noted for their swarming habits, persistent assaults and savage stings, it is estimated that up to one hundred-and-fifty human and countless animals have been killed in unprovoked attacks. During one three-hour raid the mass of bees is said to have been so thick it blotted out the sun.

Although honey is mentioned in Scripture much more frequently than the honey-bees, the ferocity of bees is alluded to in Deuteronomy 1:44 where the fierce Amorites chased the soldiers of Israel "as bees do."

Most people in their lifetime encounter bees in some way. Following is an account of one youth's experience with a bee which resulted in the salvation of his soul. It is an old story, but worth repeating.

Asked how long he had known his Savior and if he was sure his sins were forgiven, the young man replied: "Oh, yes, I know they are all forgiven: I am quite sure of that."

"When did you first come to know that?"

"When the bee stung Mother."

"Tell me what you mean."

"I have a mother," said the lad, "who for some years told me what Jesus had done for me, but I never really understood how He had taken my place and died in my stead until one summer's afternoon when as a child I was playing at the door of our cottage.

"Mother was ironing in the kitchen, when suddenly a bee came buzzing about my head evidently determined to sting. I tried to drive it away, but round and around me it flew, closer each time.

"At last I ran inside to escape and made for my mother who had been watching the whole performance through the open door. With a cry I hid myself under her long white apron.

"With motherly care she put her iron down and put her arms outside her apron to assure me that I had full protection.

"This was hardly done before the bee landed on one of her bare arms and stung her so deeply that it was unable to pull out its stinger. Then exhausted, it crawled slowly down her arm.

"My mother, who felt the sting terribly, was naturally taken aback; but seeing the bee crawling down her arm, a thought struck her which was the means of my salvation.

"She said to me, "There, you may come out now; the bee has stung Mother instead of you; come out and look at it crawling on my arm. It cannot hurt you now."

"Cautiously I lifted the apron, and put my head out to see. There was the bee still crawling down her arm; and my mother, pointing to the sting " 'There it is; it has stung Mother instead of you. You may play with it now; it cannot sting again. See, its sting is in Mother's arm; it has only one sting.'

"Half afraid and a little sorry for my mother, I looked at the sting already beginning to swell. She went on to explain how I might play with the bee now and even take it in my hand, as it could not sting twice and therefore could not hurt me anymore. Then she told me it was a picture of what for long she had told me about— of Jesus taking my place and suffering in my stead on Calvary.

"I had often repeated that verse. 'With His stripes we are healed," but I never understood it till then. With the bee and the bee sting before me I realized that Jesus had given Himself to be punished instead of me. How true are those three short lines—

" 'Payment God will not twice demand;
First at my bleeding Surety's hand,
And then again at mine.'

"It was all so clear— God would not punish me, because He had already punished Jesus! Yes, it was when the bee stung Mother. And ever since I have been filled with joy and peace in believing that Jesus died for me.' "

Many a time Grandmother lost her eye glasses, and searched for hours in all corners of her cottage for them only to find them pushed up on her forehead. Some look far and wide for salvation when it is "nigh" all the time. Read Romans 10:8 and 9.

When the Titanic sank in mid-ocean, there were just two classes, the saved and the lost. Nothing between. So there are now in the world. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18.

The Dividing Point

High in the Canadian Rockies is a rushing stream called Divide Creek. At a point in its course the creek divides around a large boulder. Waters which flow to the left of the boulder rush on into Kicking Horse River, and finally into the Pacific Ocean. Waters which travel to the right rush into the Bow River which courses through the mountains into the Saskatchewan River, on into Lake Winnipeg, the Nelson River, Hudson Bay, and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.

Once the waters divide at the boulder, the ultimate destiny of the separated streams is settled. Downstream from the rock there is no turning back.

Every person meets his "great divide" which determines his destiny. The greatest "divide" of all comes when one chooses to accept or reject Christ. This "divide" determines eternal destiny.

Selected

All Trusting in Christ?

Some years ago all England was shocked by news of the great Barr Pit mine disaster which buried many miners alive.

Heroic rescue operations succeeded (it was thought) in bringing all the entombed men to the surface; but an official count revealed that six were still missing. These, were evidently still trapped in a part of the pit almost hopelessly blocked by tons of debris.

The massive rescue operations however were immediately resumed, and the tunnel leading to the remote work area at last cleared. At the end of the long passage was a fire door which the rescue crew forced open. But it was too late— all of the six men they had risked life and limb to save were found lying side by side— dead. But in their death there was hope.

The final account of the tragedy, as reported by The Morning Leader, carried a photograph showing the inside of the door where the bodies were found. Inscribed on it was the dead men's last message to the world, printed with white chalk. It read:

WE ARE

ALL TRUSTING

IN CHRIST

Below these words each of the six victims had signed his name.

All trusting in Christ! What a sure refuge in the hour of danger and death. Trusting in Him we can face death unafraid, confident that the One who died for our sins abides with us all the way home.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me." Psalm 23:4.

Christ Himself has entered death's domain and returned victorious over all the power of hell. The stone rolled away, the empty grave and a risen, glorified Savior are eternal proofs of His glorious victory— the spoils of which He shares with all who trust in Him. Are you trusting in Christ? "Will your anchor hold in the floods of death?"

Come to the Blood-Stained Tree

Come to the blood-stained tree;
The Victim bleeding lies;
God sets the sinner free,
Since Christ a ransom dies:
The Spirit will apply
His blood to cleanse each stain;
O burdened soul, draw nigh,
For none can come in vain—
Come, come, come.

Dark though thy guilt appear,
And deep in crimson dye,
There's boundless mercy here—
Do not from mercy fly:
Oh, do not doubt His word,
There's pardon full and free,
For Justice smote the Lord,
And sheaths her sword for thee—
Come, come, come.
Look not within for peace,
Within there's naught to cheer;
Look up and find release
From sin, and self and fear:
If gloom thy soul enshroud,
If tears faith's eye bedim,
If doubts around thee crowd,
Come, tell them all to Him.
Come, come, come.

Why?

In what has been described as the most spectacular stunt to be staged at Niagara Falls in more than one hundred years, three iron-nerved French acrobats recently crossed the Niagara River Whirlpool on a motor cycle, balanced on a greasy cable tightrope.

While one of the performers controlled the cycle, the chief aerialist stood, with arms outstretched on framework above him, while below him, dangling by one foot, rode his wife, head down facing the whirlpool. Two hundred feet below them, in a veritable valley of death, the roaring white waters raged, churned and whirled.

Whatever the rewards might be in terms of fame, fortune, thrill or fulfillment few would agree that the risks involved were worth it.

As the whole death-defying spectacle is reviewed in the light of the fatal consequences which might easily have been, all reason asks, "Why?"

Years ago a French peasant woman asked that question of some mountaineers who were about to ascend the perilous crag at the foot of which she lived. They had called at her humble home for refreshment. Having told her their object was to reach the top of the mountain, she exclaimed in astonishment: "Pourquoi?" Why were they about to risk their lives? She who had lived so near had never attempted to gain the summit. It was a dangerous climb; what was the good of it? She could not understand that it was worthwhile. The excitement of adventure, added to by the risks they were to run, did not appeal to her imagination.

Could it be that for a mere view they would place their lives in jeopardy? What was their motive? What was their gain?

Why? Why? The question comes even to you, today, if unsaved.

Why will you risk your eternal safety? Why will you go on day after day without forgiveness, without peace with God, without the salvation of your precious soul? Is it worth it?

Why will ye die? Why will ye not come to Christ and live. Oh, consider the dreadful alternative, to be forever lost. Come to the Savior while yet there is time.

"What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36.

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

Only Two Classes

There were two classes in the time of the flood in Noah's— day those who were inside the ark, and those who were outside; two in the parable of the gospel-net— the good fish and the bad; two in the parable of the ten virgins— the wise and foolish; two in the account of the judgment—day the sheep and the goats; two— only two abodes when the last unalterable sentence has been passed— heaven and hell.

A Trifler's End

A youth on board the Harbinger, during her last outward voyage to Melbourne, was asked to come to hear the gospel preached on board by a servant of Christ. To this invitation he made this light and trifling reply: "Heaven is not for sailors, it is only for landsmen"; and he refused to come and listen to the joyful tidings.

Now it happened that this very man had in his possession a small New Testament. Many precious verses were marked in it by some unknown hand, and, among others, Acts 13:38, 39:

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses."

Had he read those verses? If he had, what a flat denial they should have furnished to his own rash statement, "Heaven is not for sailors," since God has said "All that believe are justified."! Alas! for such hardened mockery.

But now read the solemn sequel. On July 25 he had climbed to the foreroyal (to reach the topmost mast but one), when suddenly he lost his hold, and fell with a sickening crash upon the ship's rail, and from there into the water. The man at the wheel saw the accident, and as he floated astern the crew threw a life-buoy close to him: but to all appearance he was dead; for as he floated past his head was under water. And what use, therefore was all the help in the world to a dead man?

Who can tell what may have passed through his mind on the way between that foreroyal— yard and the ships bulwarks?

May this story be a solemn voice to every soul that reads be he sailor or landsman. The limits of your little history are in God's hands. Remember, "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Prov. 29:1.

"Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish." Acts 13:40, 41

DESPISE today, and you may

WONDER at your own madness tomorrow and

PERISH forever.

The Sinner's Surety

From whence this fear and unbelief
If God, my God, has put to grief
His spotless Son for me?
Can He, the righteous Judge of men,
Condemn me for that debt of sin,
Which, Lord, was charged to Thee?

Complete atonement Thou hast made
And to the utmost farthing paid
Whate'er Thy people owed;
How, then can wrath on me take place,
Now standing in God's righteousness,
And sprinkled by Thy blood?

If Thou hast my discharge procured,
And freely in my place endured
The whole of wrath divine,
Payment God will not twice demand,
First at my bleeding Surety's hand
And then again at mine.

He Is My Savior Too

"Any razor blades today?" inquired a door-to-door salesman as he entered a car repair shop in Toronto and addressed a young Christian welder, busy with his torch and tools.

"No thank you," replied the welder without raising his head or scarcely noticing the stranger.

The salesman lingered, but instead of pressing the sale, he started to sing softly the well known gospel song:

"Jesus did it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed me white as snow."

Lifting his torch and pushing his dark safety goggles from his eyes, the welder gazed at the singer, whom he immediately discerned to be a young Jew.

"Do you know the meaning of what you are singing?" he demanded.

"Yes, I do."

"But do you know the real meaning of those words?"

"Yes, I do."

"But you are a Jew."

"Paul was a Jew. Paul's Savior was Jesus. And Jesus is my Savior too," replied the young salesman.

Here was a clear confession of faith in the Lord Jesus, by one of that nation of whom the Apostle John wrote: "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But 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 1:11, 12.

On his becoming a Christian, Morris Brook-stone (for this was his name) was cast out by his family and friends in New York and came to Toronto to earn a living and witness for Christ.

His father died some years after his departure and in his will bequeathed Morris two hundred dollars. This he determined to put towards renting a room and buying chairs that he might preach Christ to "his brethren after the flesh" and testify to them of Jesus, who, according to his confession, was Paul's Savior and his Savior too.

Isaiah 53, Verse 6

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

Notice that this verse begins with ALL and ends with ALL. An anxious soul (one of thousands) was directed to this verse and found peace with God. Afterward he said, "I bent low down at the first all, I stood up straight and came out at the last."

At the first all he acknowledged his deep need. At the second all he found how fully his need has been met in the cross of Christ.

Are you one of that happy company who has found salvation through the atoning work which took place on the cross of Calvary?

A Solemn Fact

There is a way for a sinner to keep out of hell. There is no way to get out of hell. The Lord Jesus says, "I am the Way." But the rich man in hell was told there was "a great gulf fixed."

Christ Gave All

The Greek heiress who recently inherited the principal share of her father's estimated one billion dollar fortune has announced that half of it will be given to help the poor.

Such large-scale philanthropy is praiseworthy indeed; but how limited even so great a gift appears when compared with God's unspeakable gift! "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.

Again, the grace and love expressed by a gift is qualified by what the giver reserves for himself. The measure here is not what he gives, but what he keeps. Jesus, the Son of God, in His infinite love toward God and man, "gave all that He had"— not merely the half.

Again: "For 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." 2 Cor. 8:9.

He held the highest place above,
Adored by all the sons of flame;
But such His self-denying love
He laid aside His crown and came
To seek the lost; and at the cost
Of heavenly rank and earthly fame
He saved me!
Blessed be His Name!

But the Apostle Paul goes further still to express the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in all its divine fullness. In Galatians 2:20 He writes by the Holy Spirit:

"The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."

What human mind can fathom or measure the gift of HIMSELF... of Jesus the Son of God?

"That Thou shouldst love me as Thou dost
And be the God Thou art,
Is darkness to my intellect
But sunshine to my heart."

Is It Well With My Soul?

Felix Neff was born in Geneva in 1798. At the age of twenty-five he began laboring for God in the Hautes-Alpes— in the lonely valleys where the faithful Waldenses sought refuge from persecution some three hundred years before. Worn out with the hardships endured in his strenuous missionary work he died at the early age of thirty-one.

One day as this Swiss preacher was walking along a street of Lausanne, he accosted a supposed acquaintance with the words: "Friend, what is the state of your soul?"

The man turned, and Neff, seeing he had addressed a stranger, apologized. In one sense however it proved not to be the wrong man after all, for God carried home the word to his conscience.

Three or four years afterward, the stranger came to Neff and reminding him of the incident, said, "Your question led me to serious reflection, and now I can answer you that it is well with my soul." Reader, is it well with your soul?

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Matthew 11:28-29.

The Kaiser and Prophecy

Prior to the First World War, the German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm, invited to his palace a noted student of prophesy to explain the dispensations up to the Second Coming of Christ.

After listening attentively to a lengthy exposition of the prophetic Scriptures and reviewing related charts, the Kaiser said: "Do I understand you aright? Do you mean to say that Jesus Christ is coming back literally, and that when He returns, all the kingdoms of the world are to be destroyed and He will set up His kingdom on the ruins of them all?"

"Exactly, your Majesty, exactly," was the reply. "Oh, no," said the Kaiser. "I can't have that!

Why, that would interfere with all my plans!" That the Kaiser's plans were interfered with is now a matter of history.

Man's refusal to accept the truth of God's Word will not alter God's plans in the slightest; although the execution of them may interfere with ours.

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

Difference Between History and Faith

A Japanese Christian convert thus expressed it:—Believing that Jesus died will save nobody this is simply a matter of history.

Believing that Jesus died for me—will save anybody— this is an act of faith.

The Apostle Paul was no clearer when he said, "The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20

Receive

"How is it that you religious people are always trying to rob us of our pleasures?" inquired a fashionable young man of the world while in serious conversation with a Christian lady.

"You are greatly mistaken," was her reply. "I don't want you to give up anything— I want you to receive."

"What do you mean?"

"I would rather not say any more at present. Think on that word, receive."

On his way home the words kept ringing in his ears; "I don't want you to give up; I want you to receive."

Try as he would, he could not forget them. Night and day he kept repeating to himself, "Receive... Give up." He became thoroughly wretched, till at last he confessed to himself: "I should not be surprised if these Christians have the better part of it after all. Perhaps they do have something which I have not. What are the things I could not give up? What does she wish me to receive?"

Finally he contacted his Christian friend again. He told her how unhappy he had been since their last conversation. He then asked her what it was he was to "receive"?

"Your whole life has been one long attempt to find satisfaction in things that cannot satisfy," she told him. "God wants you to receive from Him that which alone can satisfy. When you have received what God gives, you will be glad to give up the empty husks on which you have been feeding."

She explained to him from the Bible that Jesus Christ alone can bring peace, rest and satisfaction to the hungry heart; and that when Christ is received by simple faith, the pleasures and amusements of the world lose their charm.

You may try to give up your love for the world, but you will find that you cannot until some greater, fairer object takes its place.

Sinner, God would have you know that He loves you— that He so loved you as to give His only Son to die for your sins— that you might not perish but have everlasting life. (See John 3:16).

Why not receive God's priceless gift, which is Christ, now?

"But 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.

The Blind Boy's Answer

An atheist visiting a home for blind children noticed a boy reading aloud from a Braille Bible.

"Why should you give time to God who caused you to be born blind?" said the atheist to the lad. "What has God done for you?"

The boy lifted his sightless eyes to the speaker and quietly replied in the words of the Lord Jesus: "Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight." Matt. 11:26.

The blind boy, like the man born blind in John chapter 9, had learned the preciousness of the One who could bring sight to the poor dark hearts of those who believe in Him.

God Tells It As It Is

Hannibal, the mighty Carthaginian general who lived 200 B.C., lost an eye in one of those perilous campaigns for which he was so famous. When later in life two artists were engaged to paint his portrait, so anxious were they both to hide the physical defects of their hero that neither of them gave a true representation of the man. The one painted him full faced, but gave him two good eyes; while the other produced a side-faced picture, but carefully selected that side which had the good eye! The intention was kind but the result in both cases was deception.

How different are God's ways! Not only does He see beneath the mere outward appearance of a man; but His holy eyes search the dark recesses of his heart (1 Sam. 16:7). Then He clearly reveals to all what he finds within. And what is the revelation?

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart...." Jeremiah 17:9, 10.

A missionary in China once read to a large audience the first chapter of Romans. When he had finished a Chinaman came and said he thought it was very unfair for this foreign devil (as missionaries were called) to come and find out all their secret sins, then write them down in a book and read them out in public.

"God is light" (1 John 1:5); but thanks be to God if we have learned the further truth as well, that "God is love" (1 John 4:8). "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). And what the light shining into our hearts reveals, the precious blood of Christ cleanses away completely and forever.

Will Your Anchor Hold?

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain: We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love

Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow,
Shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?

Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail
While your anchor holds within the veil.

Will your eyes behold through the morning light
The city of gold and the harbor bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore
When life's storms are past forevermore?

Five Gas Jets

Sitting at dinner at a friend's some years ago, another guest next to me told this true story.

In a family of five, four were Christians, father, mother and two daughters— while the fifth was a wild youth, growing wilder and more self-willed and determined every day.

One Sunday his mother asked him to go to the gospel service, as he hadn't been there for a long time. "All right, mother," he said; "I'll go tonight if you never ask me to go again." She stood aghast at his proposition, but then she consulted his father who said, "Agree."

The young man was therefore in for it, and had to face the hardship— for him— of going with the family to the preaching that night; but go he did. He made up his mind, however, that he would not listen to anything that was said from the pulpit, or take part in anything that might be done by the congregation. That being so, he must necessarily take up his attention with something or other so as to keep his mind off what was going on around.

When the service began the young fellow began to count some projecting bricks that formed a sort of dado round the walls of the old hall. Again and again he checked them, to see if the number within his range of vision was correct. Then he reckoned up the small diagonal panes of windows all round. This he did several times.

The chandeliers suspended from the roof were likewise counted. These had a number of small coronas, with five gas jets on each. Over these he went time after time—one, two, three, four, five.

"O, what is that? One not lit up. Yes, there it is, a black one— four shining, and a black one. If I had that old janitor by the ear now, wouldn't I let him have it!" he soliloquized. "He often rides me for my shortcomings."

"Why I smell it too. What a nuisance! The atmosphere will be poisoned. The janitor ought to be severely reprimanded, and I'm the man to do it if I had my hands on him. I expect there would be an explosion before long if gas were allowed to continue to escape. Wouldn't it be a scene to see that old roof going off, and the walls blown out ... what a hullabaloo there would be!"

At that moment the preacher rose and closed the meeting; the people began to leave the hall. The youth had not heard one word. But God had spoken.

Now for the sequel. That night our young man could not sleep a wink. He turned on his right side, then on his left; kicked the blankets off, and pulled them on; tried every conceivable method to woo sleep. But sleep, in the good providence of God, was hid from his eyes that night.

"One, two, three, four lit, and a black one," he kept saying. "Yes, I know that's Dad, Mother, Maggie and Jen; they're lit and I'm not. I won't tell Mother, or she would say I was quite correct. Yes, I remember, the smell was disagreeable; a downright nuisance. Exactly, that's me again; I'm the nuisance in the house, I'm the cause, and the only cause, of everything disagreeable in this family; but for me everything would be pleasant.

"O, yes, I know I'm the black one; I wish I were lit like the others; I do. An explosion in the long run. And so there will be— death, judgment, eternity, the lake of fire. I'd better get lit!"— And he did.

As he knelt in prayer by his bedside, humbled and repentant, before morning the light of the Sun of righteousness dawned on his soul. Thereafter there were five lit in that household. How many are lit in yours?

He had accepted Jesus as his Savior, as the One who had died for him, and he then could seek to have the life of the Lord Jesus manifested in his life, and thus be a light in this dark scene where the Lord Jesus has been cast out.

Fragment

"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.

Homo Unius Libri

(Man of One Book)

I am a creature of a day. I want-to know one thing— the way to heaven; how to land safely on that happy shore. God Himself has condescended to teach me the way; for this very end He came down from heaven. He has written it down in a book. O give me that Book! At any price give me the Book of God! I have it; here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri (a man of one book). Here, then, I am, far from the busy ways of men. I sit down alone; only God is here. In His presence I open, I read His Book; for this end— to find the way to heaven. J. Wesley

If He Should Come Tonight?

Two sisters shared a home in a small town near a big city; one lived for Christ, the other for the world.

One night the Christian girl went to hear a lecture on the coming of the Lord. On her return she told her sister what she had heard and remarked, "I felt like this: I thought if He should come tonight what a fearful thing it would be for you. I should be taken up to be forever with the Lord, and you would be left behind for judgment. I could not bear to think of it!" Her sister made no reply.

They slept in the same bed; and in the night the Christian lay awake, thinking, "If the Lord should come, oh, my poor sister!"

At last, unable to bear the dreadful thought any longer, she arose quietly and stole to a corner of the room. There she knelt down and poured out her soul in silent prayer to God.

Presently the other girl awoke. She felt for her sister but she was not there. Not knowing what had happened and in sudden agony of mind she thought to herself, "Can it be that the Lord has come?"

She got up immediately and in almost a frenzy searched about the dark room until she found her sister still on her knees. She knelt beside her, and before she arose she too had trusted in Jesus and was ready to meet Him.

Reader, are you ready?
Christ is coming, oh, be ready!
Let not slumber dull your eyes;
Do not say, "My Lord delayeth"
He is coming, O be wise.

R.A. Torrey Saved

In the salvation of the bitterest enemies of Christ, and their transformation into His most devoted servants, the grace of God displays its most glorious victories. The conversion of R. A. Torrey, the evangelist so greatly used and honored of God, is typical.

Of Torrey it is written that as a young man "he was an awful unbeliever." Steeped in sin, rebellion and infidelity he scouted everything Christian— the Bible, Christ, God, heaven, hell, immortality.

His dear, God-fearing mother yearned after him, pleaded with him, prayed for him, until at last young Torrey told her!

"Mother, I'm tired of it all. I am going to leave you, and I will not bother you anymore. I'm tired of all this." And in his revolt and unbelief he left home.

His mother followed him through the door, down the path to the gate, pleading, praying, weeping.

"Son," she said as they parted, "when you come to the darkest hour of all, and everything seems lost and gone, if you will honestly call on your mother's God, you will get help."

But with hardened heart, Torrey pursued his dark, downward way. Deeper and deeper, month in, month out, he sank into "the horrible pit" of infidelity and sin. But only to prove that a godly mother's prayers are not easily shaken off, and that God hears and answers speedily in His own time and way.

One dark night, in a dingy hotel bedroom, 420 miles from his mother's home, R. A. Torrey lay, the victim of overwhelming remorse and despair. In the providence of God sleep utterly forsook him. Burdened with his sins and weary with life itself, the devil prodded him on to the very brink of self-destruction. Just before daybreak he sat up, saying, "I will get out of this bed, and I will take the gun from my suitcase, I will put it to my temple, and I will end this farce called human life."

But even as he stood up to do that dreadful thing, and paused and looked through the window into the black, dark night, the last words his mother had spoken to him echoed loud and clear in his mind: "Son, when your darkest hour of all comes, and everything seems lost and gone, if you will honestly call on your mother's God, you will get help."

In spite of himself he fell on his knees beside his bed and called: "Oh, God of my mother, if there is such a Being, I want light! If Thou wilt give it, no matter how, I will follow it."

Immediately, light from heaven came. It was the Light that made everything light, but it did not destroy, for it was love itself. With it came faith, the gift of God— and with faith in Christ came salvation. Torrey left the hotel a converted man, "a brand plucked from the burning."

In his newfound peace he hastened back home. But instead of surprising his mother as he intended, she came to meet him up the path to the gate; laughing and crying with uncontrollable joy.

"Oh, my boy," she cried, "I know why you are coming back, and I know what you have to tell. You have found the Lord. God has told me so!"

Oh, the power of a mother's prayer!

I Can't Pray

The fire burned brightly on the hearth in the King's Head Inn, while the landlord, leaning with his back to the wall, discussed the news of the day with one of his neighbors.

It was the twilight of a winter afternoon. Suddenly the sound of wheels came from outside. Hastily getting up the landlord ran to the front door. The neighbor disappeared through the back door— just as the stable boy entered by it with a lantern to take his master's orders concerning the horses. All was suddenly hustle, bustle and business.

"Good to see you, sir! Come in," said the landlord as he greeted the incoming guest. "The lad will lead your horses to the stable."

A tall, grave-looking man entered the room. The landlord pushed up a chair.

"I am going to stay with you, tonight," said the stranger. "I am Rowland Hill. You have family prayers in this house?"

If the king himself had walked in, the landlord could not have been more surprised. He opened his eyes wide and replied, "I never had such a thing as family prayer here." And then, with sullen determination in his voice he added, "And I don't want it now."

"Oh, very well," said Mr. Hill, "will you kindly have my horses brought round again? I cannot stop in a house where they will not pray to God." And he arose and took up again the heavy cloak he had thrown off.

The landlord saw that he was in earnest, and not wanting to lose a guest when travelers were few, reluctantly said that Mr. Hill might have prayer if he liked.

"Ah, but I'm not in the habit of conducting worship in other people's houses," said Mr. Hill. "You must do it yourself."

"I never prayed in my life," muttered the man, almost below his breath, "and I couldn't pray." He hung his head, ashamed of the confession. There was silence.

"My dear man," said Mr. Hill persuasively, "you will begin tonight." With that he sat down again in front of the fire, and the landlord relieved at least for the time, busied himself with the many duties of a wayside innkeeper.

But that night something happened in the King's Head Inn which had never happened before. The sight of a family on its knees, and the sound of heartfelt prayer were unfamiliar in that room.

"Now," said Mr. Hill, "every man prays in his own house; you must pray tonight."

"I can't pray; indeed I can't," said the landlord as he knelt with his wife and children; "I can't pray, Mr. Hill."

"What, man!" was the solemn reply; "are you so ungrateful that you can't thank God for all His mercies? And can't you ask Him to forgive you your sins?"

But the landlord kept repeating that he never had prayed and that he could not pray.

"Then tell the Lord you can't pray, and ask Him to help you," said Mr. Hill.

And at last the landlord with tears in his eyes, cried out, "O Lord, I can't pray. I wish I could!"

"Ah! You have begun to pray," said Rowland Hill. "Now I will pray for you."

And the prayer was answered. The landlord of King's Head Inn was brought to Christ, and soon learned to put the prayers he felt in his heart into words.

"Now that God has set you to pray," Rowland Hill told him, "faint though it be, you will never leave off."

And he never did.

Witnessing to Christ

George Cutting, the author of Safety, Certainty and Enjoyment, was a rather quiet man not given to raising his voice. But one day when cycling past a cottage in Norfolk, England, he was constrained to shout at the top of his voice: "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world!" John 1:29.

The impulse came a second time, and again he shouted the same verse. Then he pedaled away on his bicycle.

Six months later while visiting from house to house in that area, he entered a cottage, and asked the lady within whether or not she were saved.

"Oh, yes!" she replied. "Six months ago I was in great distress of soul, and pleaded with God for help. And while I was calling upon Him, I heard a voice shout loud and clear, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.' And when I asked God to repeat what He had said, the voice came again."

In an old Inn in Wales a poor Welsh boy who could speak but little English lay dying. A Christian traveler asked him: "What is your hope about your soul?" In broken English the boy replied, "Jesus Christ is plenty for everybody."

He is just the Savior you need.

Seven Bible Questions

THE ENQUIRER

1 "How long have I to live?" (2 Sam. 19:34.) "What is your life? it is even a vapor." (James 4:14.)

THE NEGLECTER

2 "How shall we escape?" (Heb. 2:3.) "They shall not escape." (1 Thess. 5:3.)

THE REASONER

3 "How can these things be?" (John 3:9.)

"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27.)

THE REFUSER

4 "How long wilt thou refuse?" (Ex. 10:3.)

"Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." (John 5:40.)

THE DOUBTER

5 "How long halt ye between two opinions?" (Kings 18:21.)

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord." (Isa. 1:18.)

THE PROFESSOR

6 "How earnest thou in hither?" (Matt. 22:12). "They... have not submitted themselves unto

the righteousness of God." (Rom. 10:3.)

THE UNBELIEVER

7 "How long will it be ere they believe Me?" (Num. 14:11.)

"He that cometh to God must believe that He is." What shall your answer be?

(Heb. 11:6.)

"Open Thou My Eyes" - Psalm 119:18

"What are you reading?" demanded a university student of a girl of sixteen.

"God's Book, the Bible." she replied.

"Then do you believe there is a God?" asked the young man.

"Is it possible that you don't believe it?" she answered.

"I used to believe it," he said, "but after living in Paris and studying science and philosophy I learned it is all a mistake. There is no God."

"I was never in Paris," replied the girl, "and never studied those important things which you speak of. But since you are so educated, may I ask you a question?"

"Certainly, ask as many as you please."

"You say there is no God. Now suppose I were holding an egg, could you tell me where it came from?"

"What a funny question! Of course the egg comes from the hen."

"And which then existed first, the egg or the hen?"

"I really don't know what you mean by this question. I suppose of course, the hen existed first."

"Well, that must have been a hen that did not come from an egg. Can you tell me where that hen came from?"

"I beg your pardon, young lady, I was mistaken. Of course the egg existed first."

"Then that must have been an egg that did not come from a hen. Where did that egg come from?"

The student became excited and said, "What's the use of asking questions such as these?"

"The use is just this," said the girl, "if the first hen did not come from an egg as other hens do, then Somebody must have made the hen: that Somebody must be God. If you cannot explain how the first egg existed without God, can you explain how the world existed without God?"

That is a question which all the infidels in the world cannot answer. The young man having nothing further to say, departed.

God had opened the eyes of the teenage believer to see what the young man with all his education could not see. This is the sight we all need and should earnestly desire.

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psalm 14:1.

"All things were made by Him." John 1:3.

?Forgiven?

A Christian doctor in Scotland was very lenient with his poor patients. If he found they could not pay, he wrote in red across their indebtedness one word— "Forgiven." This was of such frequent occurrence that his case book had few pages where the red letters did not appear. After his death his executors thought the doctor's estate would be greatly benefited if the "forgiven" debts were collected, and took legal proceedings to recover the amounts. But when the judge examined the doctor's case book and saw the word "Forgiven" canceling the entries, he said, "There is no tribunal in the land that could enforce payment of these accounts marked 'forgiven' "; and he dismissed the case.

"And He said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." Luke 7:48.

Just As I Am

A ragged little street urchin in New York came to a city missionary with a torn and dirty piece of paper, on which was printed the following well-known hymn, written by Charlotte Elliot in 1836.

"Please, sir," he said, "Father sent me to get a clean copy like that."

The missionary learned that the poor boy's sister had loved to sing "Just as I am" and that the soiled and crumpled copy had been found in her pocket after her death. The father wanted to obtain a clean copy of the verses in order to have them framed.

Just as I am— without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee:
O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am— and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot:
O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am— poor, wretched, blind,
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find:
O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am— Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe:
O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am— Thy love, I own,
Has broken every barrier down:
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come!

A Prodigal's Return

One Sunday in Glasgow as I stood beside my mother outside the hall waiting for the afternoon service hour, two young men appeared. They were dressed in their working clothes, unshaved, dirty and somewhat intoxicated. As they swaggered past, laughing and singing a profane song, my mother said:

"Follow those men and invite them to a seat in our pew."

I soon overtook them and delivered her message. One laughed scornfully and began to swear. The other pondered, evidently impressed with my mother's invitation. Finally, looking me in the eye, he said: "When I was a boy like you I went to church every Sunday. I have not been inside a church for three years. I don't feel right. I believe I will go with you."

Seizing his hand, and in spite of the remonstrances and oaths of his companion, I led him back and into a seat next to my mother.

A powerful sermon was preached from Ecclesiastes 11:1: "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."

The young man was very attentive; he seemed abashed and downcast. When the service was over my mother asked kindly: "Have you a Bible?"

"No, Ma'am; but I can get one."

"Well take my son's Bible until you can secure your own, and come back again next Lord's Day:

I will always be glad to accommodate you with a seat."

He put the Bible in his pocket and hurried away. That evening, my mother prayed fervently for the conversion of that young man.

Next Sunday came, and the next, but the stranger did not appear. My mother frequently spoke of him, and grieved over his absence. He had doubtless been the subject of her private prayers. On the third Sunday morning the young man again entered our pew.

He was now well dressed and appeared thin and pale as if from recent sickness. Immediately following the benediction he laid my Bible on the desk and left, without giving my mother the desired opportunity of speaking with him.

On one of the blank leaves of my Bible we found some writing in pencil signed "W. C." He asked to be remembered in my mother's prayers.

Time rolled on. My mother passed to her heavenly rest. I grew to manhood. The stranger was forgotten.

Many years afterward, the ship of which I was the medical officer, anchored in Table Bay. The next day being Sunday, after the morning service, a gentleman seated behind me asked to look at my Bible. In a few minutes he returned it, and I walked into the street. I had arranged to eat dinner at "The George" Hotel, and was walking up the steps, when the gentleman who had asked to examine my Bible laid his hand on my shoulder and begged to have a few minutes conversation.

As soon as we were seated, he examined my face with great attention, and then began to sob; tears rolled down his cheeks. He was evidently laboring under some intense emotion. He asked my name, age, occupation and where I was born.

He then inquired if I had not, when a boy, invited a drunken youth to a seat in a church in Glasgow one Sunday afternoon. I was astonished! The subject of my mother's anxiety and prayers was sitting before me. Having exchanged greetings, he gave me a short history of his life.

He was the son of Christian parents who gave him a godly upbringing and a good education. But when he was about fifteen years old, his father died and his mother was obliged to take him from school and put him to learn a trade. In his new situation he imbibed all manner of evil, became incorrigibly vicious and broke his mother's heart. Freed now from all parental restraint, he left his employment and traveled to Scotland. In the city of Glasgow he had lived and sinned for two years, when he was arrested in his godless career by that invitation from my mother to sit with us in church. After leaving the church that day, he was seized with the pangs of unutterable remorse. The sight of a mother and son attending church together recalled the happy days of his own boyhood, when he went to church and Sunday school, and when he had a mother a mother whose gray hairs he had brought down with sorrow to the grave. His mental suffering threw him on a bed of sickness; but there he found Christ as the great physician and Savior of sinners; and from thence he arose a converted man. He returned to England and cast himself at the feet of his maternal uncle and asked and obtained forgiveness. With his uncle's consent he prepared for the missionary field, and had been laboring for several years in South Africa.

"The moment I saw your Bible this morning," he concluded, "I recognized it. And now, do you know, who was my companion on the memorable Sunday you invited me to church? He was the notorious Jack Hill, who was hanged about a year afterward for highway robbery. I was dragged from the very brink of infamy and destruction. You remember the text on the day of my salvation: "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccles. 11:1.

At Peace With Himself

I once met a man who told me that he had never injured anyone, had never done any wrong, and was no worse than others. But this man was at peace with himself, and not at all at peace with God.

Do you also, as this man, speak of having a good heart? If so, it is because you have never been by faith in the presence of God. Your thought from morning till night is, how you can please yourself or others, rather than God.

Are you at peace with yourself or at peace with God? Have you no Savior, no Jesus? "For there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

Do you happen to say, "Oh, you make the gospel to be too easy?"

Was it easy for Christ, who went into judgment that He "should taste death for every man" (Heb. 2:9)? Is it an easy thing for you to take your place as a sinner and to judge sin? "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

If you in this world refuse Christ, Christ must deny you; as He has said, "He that denieth Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God."

Between Two Slides

Catastrophic snow-slides are not uncommon in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Suddenly and without warning, massive build-ups of snow take off rapidly down the mountain sides, overcoming or burying everything in their paths. One such slide buried a British Columbia motel and gasoline station, killing several people, in 1974. A short time later a skier died there beneath an avalanche. During one fateful week in March years ago over eight hundred people are said to have died in Rocky Mountain snowstorms and slides.

It was during that week that one hundred passengers on an eastbound train barely escaped a catastrophe which could have added them all to the death toll— a disaster described as "missed by the narrowest margin."

Less than one minute after the train had passed a certain point east of Field Station, a snow-slide buried the track behind for one thousand feet, to a depth double that of the engine.

Almost simultaneously another tremendous slide completely buried the track just ahead. The train was hopelessly stranded, caught between two slides. Escape on foot was impossible as blinding snow, whipped on by terrific winds, filled the pass. The position of all aboard was one of gravest danger.

But what would have been the horror of the already frantic passengers had they been told that a third avalanche would bury them alive unless the train moved immediately— that they were doomed if they stayed where they were?

And yet, dear reader, if unsaved, your danger is infinitely greater. You are between two slides. A lifetime of sin lies behind you; the judgment of God lies ahead.

And what threatens to overtake you at any moment like an avalanche of destruction? It is the imminent return of the Lord, which will close the day of His grace, and with it the door of heaven, leaving you forever outside. Or, the cold hand of Death may take you away suddenly if the Lord should tarry.

These railway passengers missed death by the narrowest margin, huge rotary plows arriving in time to clear the track. But your doom draws ever nearer and may claim you in an instant. How terrible! Is there not one hour of escape for you? Yes, thank God, there is. There is One— only One— who can save us from this extremity of peril. It is Jesus.

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

If you remain where you are you will surely be lost; but if you yield to the pleadings of the One who died to save your soul you will surely be saved. Why not come to Him now— just as you are?

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

How far may we go on in sin?
How long will God forbear?
Where does hope end, and where begin
The confines of despair?
An answer from the skies is sent:
"Ye that from God depart,
While it is called Today, repent,
And harden not your heart."

See Hebrews 4:7.

Mrs. Boston, one August afternoon, wrote in her diary: "I take Jesus Christ in all His offices to be my Savior, and I take Him on His own terms." Have you made this decision?

A little girl, anxious about her soul waited at the close of a gospel meeting. One worker advised her to "read the Bible," another to "pray to God." In agony of soul she went home, got on her knees and cried, "O Lord, I cannot read, I cannot pray; so take me as I am!"

?Jesus Loves Me?

Often a long-forgotten sacred song learned in childhood is recalled years later and used of God to bring a lost soul to Christ. Little is much when God is in it! The mighty power of the simple truth contained in Anna B. Warner's "Jesus loves me," is shown in the following true story— the personally related experience of "a woman that was a sinner."

She told it to the preacher following a gospel meeting during which he had noted the rapt attention of the woman unknown to him, and heard her irrepressible "Amen!"

"Why should I not praise Him, when He has done so much for me?" she exclaimed. "Oh, sir! you don't know the depths from which Christ has brought me. Let me tell you my story.

"I had a good home; I had a good husband and children; but the curse of drink came on me and I became its slave. I broke my husband's heart and our little home became a place of shame. I sold our furniture to buy the cursed stuff. In the early morning, when the men were on the street, on their way to work, I would be out begging from them for the same purpose.

"But one morning when the burning thirst was upon me I felt I would go mad. I had come to the end of everything. Oh, how great is the mercy of our God! I know not why, but the words of a children's hymn I had learned years ago when I was a little girl in Sunday school came into my mind:

"Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.

"Sir, I flung myself on my knees and bowed my head on a poor rickety chair left from our once happy home, and prayed: "Oh, Jesus, if there is a Jesus, take away from me this awful thirst and curse. I can do nothing to help myself. Help me to know Thy love and be one of Thy 'little ones.'

"I arose from my knees a free woman. The thirst for drink was gone forever. I came to know the blessed Lord as my Savior. Don't you think I ought to praise Him?”

One Thing Thou Lackest

George Whitfield, the evangelist, born in 1714, preached the gospel in America and Great Britain with untiring zeal. On one of his preaching tours he spent the night at the luxurious home of General Thompson. After he had gone, the General noticed some scratches on the bedroom window-pane. Someone had etched on the glass the words: But one thing thou lackest "Depend upon it," said the general to his wife, "this is George Whitfield's work."

As he thought of his magnificent home, costly furniture and beautiful grounds, his servants and horses, his loving wife and darling children, his big bank account and large financial resources, he wondered, what could be lacking? Ah, the "one thing" he lacked, not all the world's wealth could buy: neither could all the love of his dear ones procure it.

The evening before, George Whitfield had been sorely exercised as he went to bed. Instead of speaking freely to his host and hostess about eternal matters as he usually did wherever he might be staying, a strange power held him back. Satan was busy with many reasons why on this occasion he should not be as faithful as at other times. Truly nothing could be wanting in the kindness he had been shown— the hearty welcome, the concern for his comfort, the dainties provided all told of tender loving care. And all the surroundings radiated satisfaction so far as earthly things were concerned.

But there was "one thing"— the love for Whit-field's dear Master, whom he delighted to serve, was not in General Thompson's mansion or family, and he felt it keenly; the more so as his tongue kept silence.

Before he left his room in the morning, George Whitfield took off his diamond ring, and etched on the glass the above message which he felt he must leave to bear its silent witness, As General Thompson read it, the conviction grew on him, "This holy man of God loves my soul." His wife agreed and said, "Yes, he has evidently not been happy here, although we did our best to make him so. It is because we do not love the Lord."

Soon father, mother and six children were kneeling together, stricken by that message on the glass.

Earnestly they sought the Savior and prayed for this "one thing." And He who delights in mercy gave a loving answer to their prayer, sending peace and joy into their hearts— the peace which comes from the knowledge of sins forgiven, and the joy which can only be known through possessing the "one thing" needful.

Have you found this "one thing" which is truly one Person? That Person is Christ. If so, then "all things are yours." (1 Cor. 3:21) But without Him you are poor indeed.

?So Is Our Life?

Twelve hundred years ago a conference of Saxon chiefs was called to consider if they should permit certain new Christian teachers to address them. An old chief speaks: "Life to me is as though we are seated by the cheerful board in the bright firelight, with storm and darkness outside. Suddenly a bird flies in at the window. For a few minutes we see it in the firelight, then it passes out into the darkness.

"So is our life, we see it for a short time, but know not whence it comes nor whither it goes. If these strange preachers can tell us this, let us hear them."

To every man at times come quiet thoughts on life and death— the same solemn thoughts as our Saxon forefathers had 1200 years ago. How vital, how priceless the words of Christ to whosoever will hear Him!

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

”This Is Victory!”

Early one July morning, Dr. Wolston was called to the bedside of a middle-aged lady he had been attending. A glance at her face told him that she was dying.

Looking into the doctor's face as he lightly felt her pulse, she said.

"Doctor, am I dying? Don't be afraid to tell me. You know I am quite ready, so you may tell me the truth fearlessly."

"Yes, my dear friend, I think you have come nearly to the end of life's journey. Your pilgrimage is over, and you will soon be at home with the Lord."

"Do you really mean that?" was her quick reply, as a smile of deep joy and a flush of glad surprise lit up her handsome face.

"I do indeed," replied the doctor. "I think before the sun has gone to his rest today, you will have gone to yours forever."

"Oh, that's glorious! Do you mean that today I shall be absent from the body, and present with the Lord?"

"Yes, that is just what I mean."

"Then I shall see Jesus today, my precious Lord and Savior. Oh, what good news!"

Then fixing her eyes on her husband, she exclaimed: "John, did you hear what the doctor has been saying? He says I am going to see Jesus today; that before the sun sets I shall be forever with Him, in all the rest and glory which His precious blood has secured for me. Is not that glad tidings? I feel much at leaving you and all the dear children; but you will all meet me in heaven. I know. You will be there I know my love."

Then turning to the children, and calling each endearingly by name she added: "You will be there, won't you? and you?— and you?— and you?— and you, my youngest? Yes, you must all meet me there."

Crying profusely, as they all were, she bade them not to weep for her, as she added: "Think of this, the doctor says I am to see Jesus today. Yes, today I am to see Him, and be with Him forever!"

She paused a moment or two, and then turning to the doctor abruptly exclaimed, "Doctor, you told me I was dying. That is a mistake.

"THIS IS NOT DEATH; THIS IS VICTORY!" Soon after noon, she joyously passed into the presence of her Lord.

?Weep for Yourselves?

One, who knew George Whitfield well, said he hardly ever knew him to go through a sermon without weeping.

"You blame me for weeping," he would say, "but how can I help it when you will not weep for yourselves, though your immortal souls are on the verge of destruction, and for all you know you are hearing your last sermon and may never more have an opportunity to have Christ offered to you?"

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
Thy head upon My breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary, and worn, and sad;
I found in Him a resting place,
And He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold! I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived',
And now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
Look unto Me, thy moth shall rise,
And all thy day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my star, my sun;
And in that light of life I'll walk
Till traveling days are done.

—Horatius Bonar

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

Romans 1:16

Echoes of Grace: 1975

Table of Contents

Sheep That Have Gone Astray

Unbuttoned" and "Stripped

No Better

Ready! or Making Ready?

A Good Choice

Good Tidings

A Royal Confession

The Old French Shoemaker

An Urgent Invitation

Live While You Live

Where Are Your Sins?

Possessions - a Few of Yours

Jesus

The Book Seller

After Darkness

This Is Not Death: This Is Victory.

Of Surpassing Importance

Two Pictures

In the Depths of the Sea

A Valiant Captain's Effort

A Sequel

Looking Unto Him

A Man of His Word

A Way to Hell Past Calvary

A Daring Challenge

Great Sovereign, Forgive

Meet God in the Morning

An Irish Soldier's Sacrifice

A Gangster Funeral

Pleasures That Endure

The Man Who Bought Himself

Whitfield's Long Ordeal

Let Your Bucket Down

That Name

Down In Water Street Jerry Mcauley's Mission

A Daring Challenge

Satan's Clock

An Indelible Picture

Proof Positive

The Joy of Salvation

No Storm Now

A True Shark Story

Two Classes

No Difference

Jimmy Davis

Jesus Is Able

God Holding Out His Hands

The Indian's Prayer

Where Am I Going?

Hail, Sovereign Love

Christ Is Coming!

Better Than Lighting His Pipe

Five Things That Must Happen

The Good Black Doctor

The Price

Are You Acquainted With the Author?

How Many Are Left?

I Don't Believe There 's Any Hell!

Excused!

From Rags to Riches in Christ

Arrested by a Song

The Purest Thing on Earth

A Chapter on Bees

The Dividing Point

All Trusting in Christ?

Come to the Blood-Stained Tree

Why?

Only Two Classes

A Trifler's End

The Sinner's Surety

He Is My Savior Too

Isaiah 53, Verse 6

A Solemn Fact

Christ Gave All

Is It Well With My Soul?

The Kaiser and Prophecy

Difference Between History and Faith

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