Messages of God's Love: 1933

DEAD flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink and ferment” (verse 1), but why allow the dead flies to get into the ointment? Ah, it is a picture of the world; its choice “ointment” prepared with consummate skill and much pride, is found to be spoiled by the admixture of the “dead flies.” Sin and folly and death are here, and man has no remedy. The canker of sin at the heart is, however, by common consent, never to be mentioned, and death is to be glossed over, in the world, with flowers and fair speeches. It is only Ecclesiastes that gives us the true state of things with man, from his own point of view.

The book is drawing near to its close; happiness has not been found; all is vanity and profitless under the sun; a little folly is weightier than wisdom and honor. And all this the believer accepts as true of man “after the flesh,” and thankfully turns away from the world and its delusions, to the heavenly Man, to Him who has captivated his heart forever by His matchless grace and love.

Let us, nevertheless, follow the Preacher’s discourse to its end. He compares (verse 2) the wise man and the fool again, as he did in chapter 2 (verses 13, 14). The “fool” in Ecclesiastes is the self-confident one; his judgment is perverted. As this book can offer no remedy for man’s condition, so the “fool” continues a fool to the end, though the grace of God. Its transformed many a self-confident man into a useful member of His family.

The Preacher notes again the disorder that prevails in the world (verses 5-7), but he offers no solution for the problem. There will be none, nor can be, until He comes who has the title to rule and will reign, though, He was once rejected and cast out.

The verses which follow illustrate the ills and dangers with which life is connected. Some of them are the consequences of doing wrong; some are due to the lack of wisdom, and others are occasioned by tampering with danger. Verse 11 is better rendered,

“If the serpent bite before (or without) enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.”

Wisdom is a great gift from God, if it be used in His fear. The words of a wise man’s mouth in such a case are gracious. The fool, on the other hand, causes mischief; he speaks of what he knows not, and his labor is wearisome and unprofitable. That land is happy where the government is a model for good (verses 12-17).

Slothfulness is to be guarded against; pleasure has its place, but money is more useful; the king and the rich should not be cursed, because they may hear about it. Such is earthly wisdom, far less satisfying than the wisdom which is from above.

ML 01/01/1933

Whither Bound?

A CELEBRATED scientist, who was on his way to a convention, arrived late at a railway station. Hoping to reach a suburban station in time, he jumped into a taxicab; but too hurried to think clearly, he merely shouted to the driver, “Drive quickly!” The cabman indifferent to his patron’s interests, ran the car at high speed up one street and down another. At length the passenger realized the predicament and called out,

“Do you know where you are going?”

“No,” was the reply, “I do not know where we are going, but we are going quickly!

You say, “What a foolish man!” But stop, are you wiser? You also are on a journey—the journey of life—and you are going quickly, but where? There are only two destinations—heaven and hell. Let the question “Whither bound?” cause you to pause and think.

If you are on the broad road be assured that you are at the mercy of one far worse than the taxi-driver; for, unless you see your hopeless course, he will take you round at his will and then land you in that place of banishment from God’s presence.

“There is a way which seemeth right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction; and many there be which go in thereat:

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:13,14.

“Passing onward, quickly passing;

Yes; but whither, whither bound?

Is it to the many mansions,

Where eternal rest is found?”

Can you say, “Yes”? You can if you have put your trust in Christ, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

ML 01/01/1933

The Angel's Care

ANNIE was a very timid little girl and did not like to be left alone in a dark room. Sometimes at night, when the wind blew very hard, she would wake up and be afraid.

One day her mother put her to bed, and after giving her a “good-night” kiss, was just leaving the room, when she heard Annie say,

“Mother!”

She went back to the little girl’s bed to see what she wanted.

“O mother! I hear such strange noises, and the windows rattle so.”

“It is only the wind blowing down the chimney that you can hear,” said her mother, “and it blows the windows too. I will try and fasten them more tightly.”

Then she put some little wooden wedges in the windows, so that they did not rattle any more, and sitting down by Annie’s side she said,

“You don’t feel afraid now, darling, while I am with you, do you?”

“O no, mother, I don’t feel afraid of anything while you are here.”

“Yet, Annie, God can take better care of you than I can, and He is with you all the time. I will teach you a beautiful verse from the Bible, and then you can say it to yourself whenever you feel afraid:

‘He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.’” Psa. 91:11.

Annie repeated this verse several times, until she knew it by heart, and then she said,

“Now, mother, you can go downstairs, I don’t think I shall be afraid any more if I know that God is watching over me and telling His angels to take care of me.”

“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psa. 34:7.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psa. 56:3.

ML 01/01/1933

The Fish and the Pussies

IS this beautiful setting amid the flowers and the well-behaved little pussies a safe place for the pretty fish? No, alas! the defenseless fish may be devoured by any one of the three merciless creatures.

We may remind ourselves that we have the bitterest of all enemies, Satan. Nor is this foe always easily detected. Not all that is of the world is mean and disgusting. Often Satan comes to us as “an angel of light,” rather than as a “roaring lion.”

Can we escape from this enemy? Yes, for Christ Jesus, the Lord of glory has “stood between us and the foe,” and all we have to do is to believe on Him Who gave up His life and was raised again to save us. Then we have a sure refuge; for the Lord Jesus tells us,

“I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand,

“My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:28, 29.

The same power that saves us eternally, keeps us in our journey through the world.

We must believe on Jesus, for if we reject or neglect Him, our doom is certain. The fish may not become a victim to its possible enemies; but for all who do not receive Christ as their Saviour, there is no escape from hell.

“HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?” Heb. 2:3.

ML 01/01/1933

"Can't You Talk?"

CAN’T you talk?” Surely a fine noble-looking dog like this one would have many pleasant conversations with his pretty winsome little mistress. Even kitty would express its devotion in words, too.

Although God has withheld speech from our pets, He has bestowed especially upon the dog, such faithfulness to and trust in his master, that man is put to shame. Whoever saw a dog that considered him self too intelligent to serve his master? No, the better dog he is, the better he learns his master’s desires and tries to please him.

We of the human race belong more truly to God than do our pets to us:

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psa. 24:1.

“Can’t you talk?” Despite this fact of ownership, there is a barrier more real between God and man, than dumbness is a barrier between the child and her pets. That barrier is sin. Man in his natural state can know God only as his Creator and Sustainer and Judge. To any person who does not know Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord, the question in the title may be addressed: “Can’t you talk?”

If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, you do not desire to talk with Him, because of His holy character; but He longs to give you eternal life, if you will only confess your sins and take refuge in Christ.

“HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON HATH EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM.” John 3:36.

Do hasten this moment to accept God’s gracious, loving provision for your hopeless condition.

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

Having been made a new creation in Christ Jesus through believing in Him, we can indeed talk intimately with the Lord Jesus and with God our Father. Let us thank God often, and present our requests to Him.

ML 01/08/1933

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 11

THIS chapter surprises us with wisdom that seems unearthly. Is it the thought of God that moves the Preacher to vary, now at the close, from the theme he has pursued from the very first words of his discourse?

“Cast thy bread upon the waters:” give away your substance where there would seem no likelihood of being repaid: “for thou shalt find it after many days.” Not only is liberality thus commended, but, “Give a portion to seven and also to eight,” for you do not know what need may not come to yourself later on. Perhaps long, long afterward you may be in a position to receive, where now it is your privilege to give. This is not the narrow, selfish thought of man, surely.

“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn thou not away.” Matt. 5:42.

“Lend, hoping for nothing again, and your reward shall be great, ... . Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:35-38. These are the gracious words of the Lord, of Him Who gave Himself for those who trust in Him, our Example, as well as our Hope.

Verses 3 to 6 carry on this thought of open-handed giving. The clouds, full of rain, empty themselves upon the earth, only to receive again in due time, when the earth has benefited from the moisture; it is not to be a matter of much concern which way the tree falls,—the wind, or the way it was cut, perhaps, gives it direction, but once down, there it lies for the use of man.

Further, there should not be too much concern over circumstances in giving;

“He that observeth the wind will not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds will not reap.” Give, as needs may become known to you, and leave the results with God.

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” This is part of the wisdom of God, gracious and kind to all His creatures, and He would have men to learn from Himself.

The “Churches of Macedonia” furnished, in the apostle Paul’s day, a refreshing example of giving, and we may profitably consider the eighth and ninth chapters of 2nd Corinthians before we leave this interesting and important subject.

Verses 7 to 10 we shall reserve for our consideration of the last chapter, if the Lord will.

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:17.

“God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7.

ML 01/08/1933

A Strange Punishment

A LITTLE while ago I came across a very interesting story of a boy who was caught stealing apples, and it seems just the sort of story that would interest young readers of this magazine.

A gentleman was walking round his orchard when he caught sight of a boy crouching in the branches of one of his trees. Now when a boy is seen up an apple tree there is only one explanation of presence there. It’s no use his pretending he wants to study the way the tree grows, or that he is admiring the view. He is after the apples, and as they are not his own he is doing wrong. What is more, he knows it.

Well this boy was truly caught, and was made to come down at once. You can guess he came down in a miserable, shamefaced way, fully expecting what he fully deserved. And what was that? Why a good whipping of course, and generally that is what such boys get. This one didn’t however. When he came down and stood before the owner of the apples, no doubt very uneasy and wishing he had never come at all, the gentleman said,

“Now then, my boy, you know you have no business after my apples.” So the boy had to admit that he hadn’t. “And you know you deserve to be punished.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well I am not going to punish you. Instead, I want you to look round this garden and pick out what you think is the very nicest flower there.” The boy obeyed, wondering very much what the gentleman meant. When he said which flower he liked best, he was told,

“That’s for you. But you won’t come after my apples again, will you?”

I was telling this story to some boys and girls a little while ago and when we came to this point, I asked them,

“What do you think the boy did then?” One boy held up his hand and said,

“He tore up the flower and threw it away.”

I don’t know what put such an idea as that into his head, but our naughty boy wasn’t as bad as that. No, when he found that not only was he not punished, but that he was given the best flower the gentleman had in his garden, he said in a very subdued voice,

“No sir, I won’t. But aren’t there any errands I can run for you?”

“Now isn’t that just what you would expect? He was so overcome with the kindness of the man he had tried to steal from, that he felt he wanted to do something for him. The idea of throwing away the flower never entered his head. Of course it didn’t. Would it not have been worse than his stealing, if he had insulted and hurt his benefactor in such a way?

But, boys and girls, there are thousands of young people—yes and old people too, sad to say—who act much worse even than that towards One who has done far more for them.

God sent His own dear Son to bear our punishment when we were sinners against Him, and now through the work that Jesus has done on the cross, He offers us eternal life through believing in Him, and yet so many refuse to accept Jesus as their Saviour. When we think of how bad our sins look in God’s sight, and how much it cost Jesus to put them away, how dreadful it is to turn away from God’s love. I doubt very much if the gentleman in our story would have forgiven such naughtiness, or have given the boy another chance, and yet God has given you so many chances to come to Jesus.

O, dear boys and girls—and older people too who may read this—don’t treat God’s love like that, but thankfully accept the Saviour He offers. The gentleman gave the best flower he had. That was very kind of him, but after all it did not cost him very much. God has given for you and me the dearest object of His heart, even His only Son. Will you not gladly accept Him and own that He has borne the punishment you deserved?

Then, like our naughty boy, you will want to do something for Him, to show your love. And God can use even boys and girls in His service, if they love Him and seek to do His will.

“For God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.

Do You Hide Your Bible?

THIS question was put to a little boy who had professed to love Jesus, by a lady who knew the boy very well, but who never heard him speak of Jesus, nor saw him read his Bible. The question went deep down into his heart, and he remembered how Jesus had said,

“Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me, and of My words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels”; and that night he prayed earnestly to God that he might have the strength never to be ashamed of His Saviour again, nor to be ashamed to be seen reading his Bible.

ML 01/08/1933

Jesus Loves the Little Ones

I’m just a little child,

But six years old today,

I don’t know very much,

But I have learned to pray.

And I have learned to trust

In Him who died for me;

He put my sins away

While hanging on the tree.

God says in His own Book

That if I do believe

In Jesus that I shall

Eternal life receive.

That I shall go to heaven,

That bright and happy place;

I’ll never be sick there,

I’ll see my Saviour’s face.

I’ll never sin up there

As I do often here;

I’ll never cry again,

Nor ever have a fear.

When Jesus lived down here,

He loved the children so,

He bade them come to Him

That round them He might throw.

His arms so kind and strong

And on each little head,

He gently laid His hands,

And Words of blessing said.

He’s just the same today,

So loves us just the same,

And when we trust in Him,

He keeps us from all shame.

To please Him is our song,

At lessons or at play,

He sees all that we do,

And hears all that we say.

I wish that every one

Would trust in Jesus, too,

He’d, make them, O, so glad,

And give them life anew.

Souls that will turn to Him,

And trust His precious blood,

He’ll save and keep them, too,

For He is wise and good.

And when He comes again,

He’ll take us all away

To His fair home above,

Where it is always day.

ML 01/08/1933

Snowballing

IN our picture the boys and girls seem to be enjoying themselves by snowballing each other. They are prepared for the cold and snow with their warm caps and coats. How much children enjoy the snow.

There is but one thing in this world that is whiter than snow, and that is, a sinner washed in the precious blood of Jesus.

We trust that all of our dear readers have heard the gospel message, —that Jesus died for sinners, and shed His precious blood on Calvary’s cross to wash away the sins of all who will come to Him, accepting Him as their own Saviour, “WASH ME AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW.” Psalm 51:7.

May each one of our little friends be able to say, “The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son, has washed me, and I am whiter than snow.”

“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.

Jesus, spotless Lamb of God,

Thou hast bought me with Thy blood—

I would value naught beside

Jesus—Jesus crucified.

I am Thine—and Thine alone,

This I gladly, fully own;

And, in all my works and ways,

Only now would seek Thy praise.

Help me to confess Thy name,

Bear with joy Thy cross and shame,

Only seek to follow Thee,

Though reproach my portion be.

When Thou shalt in glory come,

And I reach my heavenly home,

Louder still my lips shall own

I am Thine, and Thine alone.

ML 01/15/1933

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 12

WITHIN the few pages of Ecclesiastes the Preacher has given a truly remarkable picture of man, and of man without the saving knowledge of God. He has set down as his own observation five principal statements the truth of which cannot he denied. These are:

(1) That the human heart and soul cannot be satisfied with what the world can supply (chapter 1, verses 8 and 18; chapter 2, verses 4 to 22; chapter 6, verse 7).

(2) Where judgment and righteousness should be, wickedness is found, for though God made men upright, they have sought out many devices, and the heart is fully set to do evil; there is not a righteous man on earth that doeth good and sinneth not (chapter 3, verse 16; chapter 7, verse 29; chapter 8, verse 11; chapter 9, verse 3; chapter 7, verse 20).

(3) What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is wanting cannot be numbered (chapter 1, verse 15).

(4) All man’s days are sorrows, and his travail vexation. Even in the night his heart takes no rest; he eats in darkness and has much vexation and sickness and irritation (chapter 2, verse 23; chapter 5, verse 17; chapter 8, verse 6).

It is appointed unto men once to die (chapter 3, verse 19; chapter 8, verse S; chapter 9, verse 3).

Well may the Preacher declare, after having applied his heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

But now as he draws to the close of his work, the Preacher calls again earnestly to man. After death the judgment!

“Rejoice,” he says, “O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things, God will bring thee into judgment” chapter 11:9.

“Put away evil ... . and remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come and the years draw nigh of which thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” Chapter 11:10; 12:1.

Since happiness is not attainable in and from the world, seek it where it may be found! Let your restless, unsatisfied heart find the peace which only God can give, and freely gives, to those who come to Him through His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 4:23 to 5: 11).

Chapter 12, verses 2 to 7, looks at man in the evening of life, as the pleasures once enjoyed are ended, and sorrow quickly succeeds sorrow (verse 2); the keepers of the house are, of course, the hands; the strong men are the knees; the grinders are the teeth; the windows are the eyes (verse 3). The doors are the ears, no longer hearing well (verse 4); fears take possession of the mind; “the almond tree flourishes” refers to the white hairs of old age; the least weight, as of a grasshopper, is a burden; and desire has failed (verse 5); the silver cord is perhaps the spinal cord, and the golden bowl, pitcher and cistern wheel, have been spoken of as the brain, the heart and the blood,—the vital organs of life are undoubtedly pictured in this poetic language.

Ecclesiastes being limited to the experience and the reasonings of man in connection with what happens “under the sun,” has no word from God of comfort to the believer; it is a book of negatives recording on every page, there is no happiness here!

We thankfully turn to the positives of the gospel of the glory of God and read again Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Revelation 1:5; blessing Him for showing us so plainly in Ecclesiastes that life without Christ as the peace and joy and hope of the believer is indeed folly.

ML 01/15/1933

Lessons From Everyday Life

No. 5 The Stove

ONE cold rainy fall day, having been working outside a long time, I became cold and wet. As I thought of my condition, I longed to be home near the cheery fire, where I could sit down in comfort and warmth. But when the door was opened, instead of the cheery warmth greeting me, all was cold—the stove was cold, the room was cold and everything I touched was cold. The reason was at once apparent: I had failed to put on enough fuel to keep the fire burning.

O! I thought, how much like ourselves. Do we find the love of many waxing cold? If so, are our own hearts so fired by the sense of God’s love, that it fills our whole being, and shows in all our actions, so that others cannot help but feel the radiance of that love? Are we shedding comfort to all around us in this cold dark world?

While we know that our only true source of comfort is the Lord—we as fellow-pilgrims can often cheer one another with a word fitly spoken, by someone hearing us sing a hymn or even by a cheery look, showing we are occupied with the love of Christ, and the many mercies of God to us.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7.

“This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12.

ML 01/15/1933

"The Uttermost Parts of the Sea"

IF I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10.

Did you ever see the sun rise over the sea? If the sky is clear it is a most lovely sight. The darkness of the night gradually gives way, and the sky becomes grey—then just a blush of rose color spreads itself more and more until at last, bright and glorious, the sun appears above the waters, gladdening the scene and forming a path of gold across the waves.

If one could take the wings of the morning and fly on, on, on, eastward towards the rising sun—if one could reach the uttermost parts of the sea—we should still be in the presence of God.

Yes! He is everywhere—there is not a spot on sea or land where He is not. There is no biding from Him.

Yes! as I write, and as you read, it is true in each place “God in now here.” He sees and knows us altogether. He sees us when we lie down at night, and when we get up in the morning. He sees us when walking on the roads or sitting in our homes. At work in the school. At play in the garden. Wherever we are, and whatsoever we are doing, He sees our actions, He hears our words, He reads our thoughts.

When I was a boy I went one day into a dark china closet, thinking that God could not see me there. Do you know why I wished to get away from God? It was because I was a sinner and did not like to think that God saw me.

I did not then know that God loved me in spite of my sin, and that He had sent His Son to be my Saviour, so that my sins might be put away and that I might be saved and become His servant. I then thought that God was my enemy. I have found that He is my best Friend.

“All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13.

ML 01/15/1933

'Nobody Looking'

MRS. CLARKE had a hard struggle to bring up her little family: but she did not mind how hard she worked, so that she could get food and clothing for them. Her eldest boy, Herbert, was a sharp, intelligent little fellow, and his mother had great hopes of him that he would grow up a good boy; for she taught him to be honest and truthful, and as Mrs. Clarke was a Christian, she wanted to see her children Christians too; that is, she wanted them to know Jesus as their Saviour.

When Herbert was old enough he went away to learn a trade. His master was very fond of him, and as Herbert used to tell him that he loved Jesus, because He had forgiven him all his sins, his master was not afraid to trust him to be in his office, and do many little things that he would not have trusted to an unconverted boy.

But one day Mr. Mills noticed Herbert was very downcast, and fearing Satan may have tempted the boy to do wrong, he called him into his study and asked him what was the matter.

Herbert said there was nothing; but his face showed all was not right.

However, a little time after this poor Herbert came to his master, and with tears in his eyes told him how he had taken a penny out of his till, and afterwards told a lie to hide it.

Mr. Mills could not help crying too, as the sorrowing boy confessed his sin. He asked him what led him to take it. Poor Herbert said,

“Satan seemed to say, ‘Nobody’s looking, take a penny, you will be able to buy some nice apples at the shop round the corner;’ and I looked every way, and saw nobody looking, and took it.”

“You forgot to look one way,” said Mr. Mills; “for some One was looking at you all the while, and saw you do it.”

“Who was that?” asked he.

“Have you forgotten the little text which says, “Thou God seest me”?

“O yes! I forgot God was looking,” said the sorrow-stricken boy; “Or I should not have taken it.”

Satan makes many a little boy and girl do wrong, because he says’, Nobody’s looking; but if they would look up, perhaps they would remember that little word, “Thou God Seest Me.” Gen. 16:13.

ML 01/15/1933

More About Jesus

When the Blood of Jesus

Sprinkles all within,

Rests the burdened conscience

From its load of sin.

When the love of Jesus

Floods the willing heart,

Hateful thoughts and selfish

Hasten to depart.

When the power of Jesus

Strengthens heart and will,

Chains of sin are broken,

Passion’s storm is still.

When the Word of Jesus

Dwells within the mind,

Food and light, and guidance

For the path we find.

And when this same Jesus

Soon shall come again,

We shall then be like Him,

And with Him shall reign.

ML 01/15/1933

The Arabian Lady

IN all countries there are the rich and the poor. The rich have gathered together all the things which they like, with the thought that by these things they will become happy; and the poor very often work hard with the desire to get rich too, and thereby become happy; but sooner or later all have to find out that there is nothing in this world that can make one happy, and that the more one has, the more he adds to his troubles and cares.

Let us now take a look at this Arabian lady; she has better clothes than anyone else in her boat. She has two African servants to wait on her, and the boatman takes her around on the river wherever she wants to go; but does she seem happy? No, she has her cares, and her expression shows that she has something on her mind that troubles her.

How true is that word,

“I HAVE SEEN ALL THE WORKS THAT ARE UNDER THE SUN; AND BEHOLD ALL IS VANITY AND VEXATION OF SPIRIT.” Ecc. 1:14.

It is true there is nothing in this world that can satisfy our hearts, or can make us happy. We may be happy while here in this world, but it must be by the Lord Jesus. First, to have Him as our Saviour, and then to walk with Him, doing His will, and thus be to His praise and glory.

“God is satisfied with Jesus,

We are satisfied as well.”

ML 01/22/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 1

IN Ecclesiastes we had man, trying to be happy without the knowledge of the only true God, and finding no satisfaction here, and at the end of life death (unwelcome visitor!) and the promise of judgment after death. The book we now enter upon has a far happier theme. Written as a song or poem, it has Christ for its subject, and Himself in connection with the redeemed of the Jews in the day now at hand, when the heavenly saints shall be gone away to glory, and great events are happening and about to happen in the ancient homeland of Israel.

The Song of Solomon will be to the “remnant,” as Scripture terms the repentant Jews, assurance that the Lord Jesus their once rejected and crucified Messiah, loves them and in Him they will find joy forever. While the place of these Jewish believers will not be equal to the Christian’s portion, there is much in the song that finds a response in the heart that loves Him in our own day.

Verse 2 is the language of a soul who already knows Christ, and seeks to know Him better. Is this the state of our own hearts? It is well for us if it is so, “That I may know Him” is the longing wish of Paul the pattern saint in Philippians 3, who desires to “win” Christ, though he knew Him, we make bold to say, more deeply than any of the children of God today. Truly the love of Christ is better than wine, the token or symbol of earthly joy.

Verse 3 speaks about the fragrance of His person. “Thine ointments savor sweetly; Thy name is an ointment poured forth” (N. T.).

Oil, when used as a symbol in Scripture, refers to the Holy Spirit; and ointment, fragrant oil (Exodus 30:22-33) tells of the worth, the moral glory, of the Son as Man sealed with the Holy Spirit, in all His wondrous journey from the manger at Bethlehem to the cross of Calvary.

What delight the Father must have had in His Son as He saw Him at Samaria’s well (John 4); by the grave of Lazarus (John 11); meeting the leper (Mark 1)—and all along His course! We who having believed, have tasted of the love of Christ, do not we find our delight in Him, as we meditate upon His perfect ways? “Ointment poured forth,” too, so that all, even the feeblest and most neglectful of the saints, may enjoy the fragrance! O, search the Word, learn more of Him. (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“Draw me, we will run after Thee,” (verse 4). Be this the language of all our hearts. There is an answer: “The King hath brought me into His chambers.” “King,” He will be, for Israel; King of Kings and Lord of Lords in the millennial day (Revelation 19:16), but the heavenly bride knows Him as the Lord, our Lord Jesus (Luke 22:31, 33; John 20:13, 18; John 21:7; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3, etc.).

In verses 5 and 6 the earthly bride speaks of herself. She is black, scorched with heat, for she will then have passed through the judgments which are to fall upon the Jews in the last days (Matthew 24; see Lamentations 4:8; also Job 30:30). And she has been hated by her mother’s children—the apostate Jews of whom the Psalms so often speak (see Psalms 31, 32, 35 and others), for the believing Jews will be cast out of Jerusalem, and made to hide for their lives because of the hatred of the unbelievers of their race. She has been made to toil for the Gentiles as foretold in Genesis 49:14, 15, but her own vineyard, the Land of Israel, has she not kept. Yet she is comely to the Bridegroom, her King; black as the tents of Kedar; beautiful as the curtains of Solomon; whiter than snow in Christ.

Verses 7 and 8 in question and answer, tell of the desire of the bride to know the bridegroom as Shepherd (Psalm 23, and see Ezekiel 34:11-15), and Of His love for her and care for even the little ones (end of verse 8).

But where is the flock of God (John 10) today? Scattered and divided by the wolf as foretold in Acts 20:28-30. Yet still, we are persuaded, there is a place or ground of gathering according to the mind of the Great Shepherd, where He feeds His flock, and makes it to rest (Matthew 18:20).

Verses 9-11 are still the voice of the Bridegroom, and verses 12-14 the bride’s language. We can only refer to these passages very briefly. The Bridegroom not only loves His earthly bride, but He will ornament her with gifts from Himself. See the mention of the gifts to Rebekah in Genesis 24, also read Ezekiel 16:10-13.

Mary in John 12:1-3 answers to verse 12. And does not communion of heart with the Lord give the key to the figure of verse 13? Is He embalmed in our breasts, in our hearts, as He should be? (John 14:21, 23).

Myrrh (verse 13) carried in a bundle is hidden from the eye, but the cluster of camphire (henna flowers) is carried openly (verse 14). Myrrh, we are told, is the juice of a tree, which flows through broken parts of the bark, and the camphire tree flowers grow in dense clusters, beautiful as well as fragrant. The vineyards of Engedi were celebrated for their rich fruits and costly spices.

Verse 15 is the Bridegroom’s voice again, and in verses 16, 17 it is the bride speaking to Him who has won her heart. She has nothing now to say of herself; faith goes on and says “our bed,” “our house,” “our rafters,” linking Him with herself, looking on to His visible presence on earth as the Husband of redeemed Israel (Isaiah 54:5). The first verse of chapter 2 belongs to this utterance of the bride. She is the rose, or narcissus of Sharon. Sharon is the fertile region of western Palestine, between Caesarea and Joppa.

ML 01/22/1933

"What's This, Religion?"

BEFORE commencing a gospel meeting at the street corner, I gave away some tracts. I handed one to a young girl with the desire that she should read it, and that it might be used by the Lord for the blessing of her soul. She snatched it out of my hand, and without even opening its pages, made the remark,

“What’s this, religion?” and immediately tore it into pieces, threw them into my face and passed on.

Some of my young readers may say, “What a wicked thing to do!”

But it is what many are doing with the gospel. The little book did not speak of religion. It told of a Person who had died for poor lost sinners, both young and old that they might live. He has expressed His love by going into death, and that in order to win our love.

This was the wonderful message that the girl refused. She concluded that I was only trying to force religion upon her, but the gospel does not speak of religion, but of a real living Person—a Saviour. Not for a certain class of people often called the good ones; no, He is a Saviour for all, and there is no salvation in any other. He saves sinners—the youngest and the poorest who come to Him. He blessed the little children when He was here, and is still blessing them today.

Have you been blessed? If not, it is because you have not come to the Saviour. The girl I have told you of, refused the blessing that was presented to her in the little book. You may have refused it in another way, not quite so openly as she did. You may have sat with your parents under the sound of the gospel many times, but up to the present not given your heart to the Saviour. But He still waits to bless you. He died to win your heart, your affections.

He now lives at God’s right hand, and is patiently watching for response from

you.

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6.

“By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Heb. 9:12.

ML 01/22/1933

The Faith of a Little Child

A LITTLE boy, aged three years, sat beside his mother, repeating that wonderful hymn,

“There is a fountain filled with blood,” and when he came to this verse,

“The dying thief rejoiced to see,

That fountain in his day;

And by that blood, though vile as he,

Our sins are Washed away,”

his mother asked,

“Have you washed all your sins away in that fountain, my dear boy?” The child looked up in her face, with such a sweet smile, and said,

“No, Mamma; I have not, but the dear Lord Jesus has washed all my sins away.”

At another time, the mother and child were alone, and father was gone to preach in the town. The child saw his mother’s lips move, and said,

“Who are you talking to, mamma?” She replied,

“I was asking the Lord to bless the word papa is now preaching to the poor sinners who are hearing him, darling.”

“Den I will pray too, mamma.” Directly he knelt down, and said,

“Dear Lord Jesus, bless de words papa is speaking about You, to poor sinners.”

That evening, souls were blessed in a remarkable way; one especially, who had been for years a wanderer from home and country, and, like the prodigal, had returned naked and hungry, without God and without hope, was convicted of sin, and brought to the foot of the cross with many tears. Before he slept that night, he found peace through the blood of the Lamb. Thus the Lord heard and answered the simple prayer of an infant.

“It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Lev. 17:11.

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

ML 01/22/1933

Just a Little One I Am

Just a little one I am,

But I was born in sin;

My Saviour died upon the Cross

To bring the wanderer in.

Eternal is the life He gives

To His unworthy child,

And though He died, in heaven He lives,

For God is reconciled.

Sure and steadfast is God’s Word

Which makes these blessings known;

If I but trust my risen Lord

He claims me for His own.

Unseen by us He lives above

To mediate our cause,

Before the Father’s throne of love

Until the morning dawns.

Saviour and Lord of all who trust,

The God who sent Him down

To earth to die for unclean us,

To make us all His own.

ML 01/22/1933

The Scanty Meal

WE like to see animals enjoy their food, especially when they have been working hard. The three horses in our picture are hungry; we hope they will be given more food and be treated kindly. Each one seems to be eating quietly, and not trying to get the others’ portion. But this is not always true with animals; we often see them quarrel and fight to get what belongs to the other.

Do boys and girls ever act this way? How naughty it is for little brothers and sisters to fuss and quarrel over the same toys, or something good to eat. Each heart is naturally so very, very selfish, that it wants to please itself, rather than the other child. Even tiny folks should be taught to give up to one another.

Christian boys and girls ought to be interested in the welfare of others, and be pleased when they succeed. The happiest people are those whose thoughts are not centered upon themselves, but who are really anxious to do for others in Jesus’ name.

Are you interested in knowing that your associates are saved? Do you seek to comfort those in need, by words and deeds that are Christlike? Think what the loving Saviour has done and is doing for you, dear children, and surely it will bring forth love from your heart to Him and others.

“MY LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD, NEITHER IN TONGUE: BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.” 1 John 3:18.

ML 01/29/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 2

VERSE 1, as remarked already, should have been placed as a part of the first chapter, since it is a part of the words at the end of chapter 1 of the figurative bride who represents the believers among the Jews in the future day. It is well known that the chapter and verse divisions of our Bible were made in comparatively modern times; they are not inspired and are often faulty.

Although there are roses in Palestine, the first verse should read “I am a narcissus of Sharon, a lily of the valleys,” Sharon being the very fertile plain between Joppa and Mount Carmel, near the Mediterranean; it is named in Isaiah 33:9; 35:2, and 65:10, and in Acts 9:35 where it is called Saron.

Verse 2 is the Bridegroom’s rejoinder to His bride’s last words. What grace is in our Lord Jesus, thus to speak of the Jews who once cast Him out and crucified Him!

In verses 3 to 6 we get the bride again; her beloved is likened to the apple tree (or, properly, the citron tree) among the trees of the wood. This tree’s thick foliage gives shelter from the sun, and its fruit is both refreshing and fragrant. Thus near to Him she would rest (Luke 10:39-42).

Verse 4 brings the bride to the banqueting house, or house of wine, a token that her happiness is full.

“The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.” Isaiah 35:10.

“Sing, O daughters of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem ... .the King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. . . . The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save; He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love; He will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:14-17.

Thus the prophets speak of Israel’s future glory. Then shall a different Israel than we have known, —redeemed, new born Israel,—find their joy in the person of their King.

The seventh verse is the Bridegroom’s voice; the bride, now resting in His love, must not be disturbed by anything, however slight. The roes (or gazelles) and hinds of the field are creatures very easily alarmed; so this verse speaks of the tender love of the Lord for His own, for all who trust in Him. He would not have the peace He gives, the rest, and spiritual joy, disturbed. (At the end of the verse read she, instead of he).

Verses 8 to 15 take up, as the Jewish bride’s language, her expectation of the coming of the Lord as Israel’s King to establish His throne and bring in the glory of His kingdom; and what that will mean to the remnant which shall have waited for Him. She repeats with delight His own words (verses 10 to 15). The dawn of the long day of blessing here is looked at as come; the “winter” of dread and suffering for the faithful Jews will be over at the appearing of the rightful Ruler, and He bids her (or them) to leave their hiding places, the bitter persecution of the three and a half years being ended.

The desire of the Lord, as the Bridegroom for Israel, His earthly bride as expressed in verse 14 and other passages, is most touching. The little ones, He warns (verse 15), must be guarded against; they are enemies of the vineyard. So must the Christian guard himself from every little thing that would interfere with his own fruitfulness for God.

With sweet confidence begotten of God, the bride now says,

“My Beloved is mine, and I am His; He feedeth (His flock) among the lilies until the day break and the shadows flee away.”

The first part of verse 17 should be read with verse 16, the latter part of the 17th verse then reading “Turn (or return) my beloved; be Thou like a roe, etc.” It expresses the heart’s longing for the coming of the Lord as Israel’s King.

How good is our God to provide, in the Psalms and in the Song of Solomon, for the consolation and cheer of the remnant of the Jews while they wait for the return of their Messiah. These books, it will be seen, have as important a place as the prophetic books which are likewise for their instruction and comfort.

ML 01/29/1933

Christ Calleth "Come"

YES, I remember it quite well, dears! We were on the sands at L., and my brother took part with others in holding some Children’s Meetings. He spoke about Bartimaeus, who sat by the wayside begging, and showed what a wonderful thing, what an undeserved favor, it was for Christ to call the poor blind man. And so it is with us. We do not in any way deserve that He should love us.

Afterwards another speaker gave a short address, and said that he thought the grandest thing was that Jesus stood still. Yes, graciously waited for Bartimaeus to come near, after having commanded that the poor blind one should be brought to Him. How wonderful for the Son of God, the Lord of Glory, to stand still, commanding Bartimaeus to be brought to Him; for Jesus had divine authority and power.

And Jesus is waiting for you. Will you not come? Do not think you are too young. “Suffer little children to come unto Me,” are His own words. O! there is no love like His. Just think—He loves you.

If we love and honor our father and our mother, we are pleased to obey them, and to come when they call. How much more quickly ought we to come when the great Saviour calls! Bartimaeus did not say, “I will not come.” Why? Because he was anxious to be able to see. His eyes were no good to him if he could not use them. And I want you too, dear children, to be anxious about your souls, which only Jesus can save.

Did the Lord Jesus refuse the blind beggar’s request? No, it would not be like Him to turn anyone away. His words were:

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. So you are invited to come. ‘Do not refuse this loving welcome. When Bartimaeus got his request, did he go away and say,

“I have my sight; I am satisfied now”?

No; he just followed Jesus in the way. And that is what Jesus wishes you to do: “Follow Me.”

“He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:15.

(See Mark 10:46-52; John 21:19.)

ML 01/29/1933

Lessons From Everyday Life

No. 6 House Cleaning

HAVE you watched Mother or Big Sister clean the house? Does she do it in the dark, or does she choose the day-time and raise the shades so that all the sunlight possible may come into the room and shine in all the dark corners? Then the one that is cleaning can find all the dirt to clean it away.

Dear young Christian, let us open the door of our hearts that the light of God’s Word may enter in and search out the hidden corners where perhaps unjudged sins are hidden.

If our eye is single, that is, if we have Christ’s glory for our one object, then we shall know how to act in everything; and our house of clay will be all ablaze with light, and we shall soon detect all that is not of Christ.

The Word of God marks out a path for each one of us, and if we are walking according to that light, the Word will be our Guide, and we may be sure, if we work in that light, whatever we do will be done well “as to the Lord and not to men.”

“That ye may be blameless and harmless; the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Phil. 2:15. (Also See Luke 11:34-36.)

ML 01/29/1933

Clinging to the Wreck

BY an early hour one morning news reached W—that a few miles down the coast a vessel was sinking about a mile from the shore. A number of brave men set out to see if they could rescue any of the poor sailors. When they reached the place where the vessel was, they saw that part of the wreck was still above water, and to it was clinging a man, the sole survivor of a crew of four. The side of the vessel was speedily reached, but though the men in the boat shouted to the poor fellow to let go his hold of the mast to which he was clinging, it was of no use, he still remained clinging and heeded not. At last one of the men in the boat swam through the surging waves, and laying hold of the man unloosed his numbed frozen hands and brought him safely to land.

Is not this just what poor sinners are doing? Clinging to a wreck; death on all sides, and they themselves just ready to drop into the terrible abyss? But the Lord Jesus comes with the offer of salvation and of life.

Stop clinging to a wreck in the midst of the storm; just drop into the arms of love that are stretched out to save you. Do you feel too weak to go to Jesus? Then just loose your hold on what will be certain death to you ere long, and trust yourself to Him Who has gone through the terrible death of the cross that He might save you.

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6.

ML 01/29/1933

He Loves Me so

God, who lives in glory,

Who this world has made;

Every man and woman,

Every boy and maid;

Longs that little children,

With Himself may be,

Sent His Son from heaven,

Down to earth for me.

Jesus left the glory,

Came to earth to seek,

All who need a Saviour,

Therefore children weak:

Gave His life to save them,

Died their love to win;

Now He lives to take them,

His bright home within.

O, I love the Saviour,

For He loves me so!

And I long to see Him

And His beauty know.

Yes, I know He’ll take me

Soon with Him to be;

Then, O I shall praise Him

For His love to me!

ML 01/29/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But the,” etc. Rom. 10:6.

2.“For whatsoever,” etc. 15:4.

3.“And that he,” etc. 9:23.

4.“Now to him,” etc. 16:25.

5.“For I say,” etc. 12:3.

6.“But why dost thou,” etc. 14:10.

7.“For the gifts,” etc. 11:29.

Bible Questions for February “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 2 Corinthians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The God of love and peace.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “All sufficiency in all things.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Unknown, and yet well known.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “We should not trust in ourselves.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Such trust have we through Christ.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “We are confident, I say.”

7.Why was the Apostle Paul given a thorn in the flesh?

Answers to Bible Questions for December “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Present them living sacrifices to God. Rom. 12:1.

2.Never. We are but creatures; He is the Creator. Rom. 9:20.

3.No, they are yet to be brought into blessing. Rom. 11:25-32.

4.To give to their need. Rom. 15:25, 26.

5.We are to be subject to them. Rom. 13:1.

6.Avoid them. Rom. 16:17.

7.No, God will see to this. Rom. 12:12.

Bible Questions for February “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 2 Corinthians

1.Why could Paul take pleasure in his infirmities?

2.What is an unequal yoke for a believer?

3.What equips us to comfort other believers in their sorrow?

4.Why did the apostle tell the Corinthians to examine themselves whether or not they were in the faith?

5.Where are deceased believers?

6.What would Satan (the serpent) seek to do to the believer?

7.What are we to do with the reasonings (see margin-imaginations) of our natural minds in divine things?

ML 02/05/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 3

WE can discover no change in the Bridegroom (Hebrews 13:8), but this cannot be said of the bride.

Verse 1: It is night, the “night” of His absence from this world as for the Christian (Romans 13:11, 12; Mark 13:35; Matt. 25:6; Isa. 21:11, 12). The bed is for rest, but energy, spiritual energy, is needed if there is to be nearness to Christ. See the virgins in Matthew 25:5 who were not following the exhortation of Romans 12:11. How has the bride of the Song become separated from her Beloved? The fault is in herself.

Nevertheless, the bride seeks the heavenly Object of her love. She speaks of Him as “Him whom my soul loveth” four times in the first four verses. Does love to the Lord Jesus fill our hearts, fellow Christians so that we think of Him, as the Jewish remnant is encouraged to do, as Him whom our soul loves? Are we not too apt to be at ease in the rest and peace He has given us, and to forget Him to whom we owe all? Who was it that said, “This do in remembrance of Me?” 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25.

It was love to the Lord that led Mary Magdalene out early on the morning of the first day of the week, while it was yet dark (John 20:1), and kept her at the empty grave (verse 11), while the more privileged John and Peter returned to their home. It was not intelligence in Mary, we may say, but it was love, and love to Christ is of more value to Him, we are persuaded, than intelligence in the things of God, though both assuredly have their place.

So the bride in the Song, like Mary Magdalene, seeks the Object of her affection, and both find Him, though they looked for Him where He was not to be found. Why should the bride here look for Him in the City, in the streets and in the broadways? He is not there. The heavenly stranger finds no welcome in man’s busy world. Has the bride forgotten that He told her (chapter 1, verses 7, 8) of a meeting place the Shepherd has appointed with His flock?

She finds Him, as Mary Magdalene found Him, speedily, because love to Him has its reward. The references to the mother in verses 4 and 11 are to Israel (see Ezekiel 23 and Hosea 2).

The Lord, first delivering the remnant of the Jews from their enemies when He comes again to the world presently, will bring the lost ten tribes back to form again with Judah and Benjamin the nation of Israel (Ezekiel 37). This is the meaning of the bride’s not letting Him go until she has brought Him into her mother’s house, and explains the mother’s afterward crowning Him, the true Solomon of the Song. Then will He be the acknowledged Son of David, King of Israel.

Verse 5 is, as in the corresponding passage of chapter 2 (verse 7), the language of the Bridegroom; He desires rest for His people, and there remains a rest to the people of God (Hebrews 3 and 4; Matthew 11:28, 29). But the present enjoyment of this rest is easily lost”; earthly things coming in destroy the Christian’s communion with the Lord. How careful we should be!

Verse 6 sees the bride coming up from the wilderness which has been her home during the years of persecution, and with her is the King—Bridegroom; this is to be the hope of the Jews while suffering for His sake. The Jew will look for Christ’s coming to the earth, while the Christian’s hope is to be caught up to meet Him in the air, and to share His heavenly home and glory. Each hope will be fulfilled in its own time.

Verse 7. Christ will be the Warrior—King of Israel at the beginning of His reign, and His earthly people will be used in putting down at least one enemy (the Assyrian).

The wood of Lebanon speaks of earthly grandeur; the strong pillars of silver, of redemption; gold, of divine righteousness; purple of wealth and power. These are linked with love from (rather than “for”) the laughter of Jerusalem. (Verse 10).

Go forth, behold Him! is the call to the daughters of Zion,—a term we judge to be applied to those of the remnant most devoted to Christ. What heart can there be that will not then be full to overflowing, as they behold the glory-crowned Victor? And what of our own hearts, today, as we journey toward a more glorious eternity than redeemed Israel’s? Can we join the Christian poet in singing,

“What will it be to dwell above,

And with the Lord of glory reign,

Since the blest knowledge of His love

So brightens all this dreary plain?”

ML 02/05/1933

The Little Boy and the Policeman

I WAS riding in a street car the other day, and the weather being very wet the conductor had many times to strike the bell for the car to stop, while passengers one after another got in. By-and-by the seats were all taken, and the full number of passengers had one by one paid their fare.

I noticed a policeman with his blue coat and brass buttons sitting on one side, and opposite him was a lady with a little boy. Just then another lady wanted to enter the car, but was told there was no room. The policeman, who seemed a kind-hearted man, said to the little boy opposite, “Come, my little fellow, and sit on my knee to make room for that lady.”

The little boy’s face became very red, and when he found himself so close to the big policeman, and felt his strong arm around his waist, perhaps thoughts of prison, of being locked up all night, and being fed on bread and water, passed through his mind. And though he did not cry, it was quite plain he was a little bit afraid.

No doubt we can all remember the time when we ourselves were afraid of policemen. But tell me, need the little boy have felt uneasy? Certainly not, policemen have to protect those who do right; they only take persons to prison when a wrong act has been done. You may read in Romans 13:3, what God says of those who hold the position of policemen and magistrates.

Now I find many people really think that God is a very hard Master, but the Bible tells us He delights in mercy, and that judgment is His strange work. He longs to make us happy, but if we go on sinning against Him, He will be obliged to punish us when His time comes for Christ to judge the wicked. Let us give up all hard thoughts about God, and believe that He so loved the world, as to send His only Son to die on the cross for us.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.

“Perfect love casteth out fear.” 1 John 4:18.

ML 02/05/1933

The Dead Lamb

HOW sad these two little girls are as they stand beside their pet lamb. Only a day or two ago it was gamboling about in the meadow, or following them around in the yard, and now it lies there dead, and their hearts are filled with sorrow.

I wonder how many of my little readers have had some dear little pet to die. Perhaps, worse still, some member of the family has been taken away in death. Death is an awful thing, and you know, dear children, it has been brought in by sin.

“BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED.” Rom. 5:12.

You know how Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, and thus sin came into the world, and every one since then has been a sinner, except, of course, the Lord Jesus. Even the animals have to suffer and die as a result of man’s sin.

But the Lord Jesus came to be a Saviour for all who believe in Him. He came to redeem creation, too. That means that because of His death on the cross, when He comes to reign in this world, there will not be sorrow and suffering. The curse brought in by sin will be removed, and its sad effects gone from this world.

But before that time comes, terrible judgments must fall upon those who have been guilty of rejecting the Son of God.

Trust in Him now, dear children, and you will be among those caught up to meet Him in the air before the judgments fall.

ML 02/05/1933

Jesus of Nazareth

OUR picture is a little sketch of Nazareth. Nazareth is beautifully situated on the slope of a hill, but like most of the Eastern towns of the present day is not very clean. In this town there live some true believers in the Lord Jesus, though many of the sixty thousand people are still in darkness.

In John 1:46, Nathanael asks, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Yes, indeed, that precious Jesus of Nazareth came from here, the One who died to save us.

Jesus was born at Bethlehem, but very soon Joseph and Mary took their Son down to Nazareth. In Nazareth He spent most of thirty years. He is called the Nazarene. The Lord of glory, God manifest in the flesh, took a humble place in this world.

There is only one natural well in Nazareth. This water flows from the spring, as it did in the time of our Lord’s sojourn down here over 1900 years ago. The Lord, no doubt, drank from this well.

When we think, children, that the Lord Jesus walked down this sloping hillside, drank from this well, lived a perfect life, our hearts are filled with love and praise to this Jesus of Nazareth, the lowly Nazarene, who traveled all the way from glory to the cruel cross. There He died to save us and bring us to God. We can but thank and praise Him for love so marvelous.

“O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER. LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO.” Psa. 107:1, 2.

ML 02/12/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 4

ONE is impressed with the thought that this chapter answers to the promise in Isaiah 53:11,

“He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.”

That Scripture cannot be fulfilled in its entirety until, not only the Church and other heavenly saints, but the earthly saints, Israel and saved Gentiles (Revelation 15:2-4; Matthew 25:31-40, 46; Micah 4:1-6, etc.) are brought into the full blessing designed for them by God, and won for them by Christ’s atoning death.

The desire of the Bridegroom (chapter 2:14) was to see the face of His chosen; chapter 4 shows, in prospect, the fulfilment of that desire. Seven (the number of spiritual completeness in Scripture) things about the earthly bride are noted in speaking of her beauty in His sight. May we be able to grasp their spiritual meaning.

Eyes like a dove surely suggest that the character represented by the dove in Scripture is to be seen in these Jewish believers—the clean dove finds no rest amid the corruption in which the unclean raven is at home (Gen. 8). Christ’s words to His disciples were, “Be ye ... .harmless (guileless) as doves.” Matthew 10:16. In Leviticus the dove or pigeon is mentioned repeatedly as acceptable to God as an offering for sin under the law, and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record the Holy Spirit’s descending upon Christ at His baptism as like a dove.

Hair as a flock of goats on the slopes of Mount Gilead is believed to refer to the long hair of the Nazarites (Numbers 6), separated to God from the attractions of the world.

Teeth (verse 2) like a flock of shorn sheep, etc., the context appears to show, tell of purity within in full measure. (How different from Acts 7:54).

Lips and speech (verse 3) are fashioned anew for His praise.

The temples (upper cheeks) as a piece of a pomegranate, may refer to fruitfulness, which the pomegranate represents in Scripture. May we not then connect verse 3 with Ephesians 5: 19, 20, and Colossians 3:16?

Neck like the tower of David (verse 4) speaks of security with God against the power of Satan (see 1 Peter 1:5).

The breasts like roes (fawns of a gazelle) which feed among the lilies, tell of affection for the Lord, and toward His people who are the lilies (chapter 2:1, 2, 16. See 1 John 5:1).

Beloved Christian reader, have we all of these seven characteristics in full display?

The Bridegroom waits until the day dawns, and the shadows dee away (verse 6). Then will He come to the help of His people who will be waiting for Him. Meanwhile He abides where the prayers and praises of the saints are incense (Revelation 5:9). There He has gone in the virtue and power of His work on the cross, and in the fragrance (see Psalm 45:8 and Exodus 30:34-38) of His matchless life and God glorifying, sin-atoning death.

Verse 7 is a fresh call to the bride. Her bridegroom a second time tells her she is all fair, all beautiful, and adds, “and there is no spot in thee.” Most comforting to the troubled Jewish saints will these words be when they are in the lions’ dens, and the mountains of the leopards—apt figures for the fearful persecution which the believing Jews will experience (Matthew 24:9-22).

He bids the bride come with Him from Lebanon, the range of mountains near the Mediterranean sea north of Palestine, to look from the top of Amana (believed to be one of the northern peaks of the range east of the Lebanon), from the top of Senir (apparently to the south of Amana and one of the lesser peaks of Hermon), and from Hermon, the continually snow clad mountain which far exceeds in height (9,381 feet above the sea) all other mountains of the Holy Land. All these heights are in the north, near and beyond Damascus. (See Deuteronomy 34:1-6 where Moses viewed the land from the east, though he could not enter it).

Space prevents our consideration here of verses 9 to 15, the outpouring of the love of Christ for His people, the Jews, who will be converted at last. The language is figurative, yet the land of Israel, when blessed in the Millennium will be the most fertile land in the world.

The bride answers in verse 16, in language which we believe refers, in the north wind and south wind to the Holy Spirit without Whom the “garden’s spices” would not “flow forth.” She invites her Beloved to come into His garden and eat its precious fruits, and the next chapter brings Him there.

ML 02/12/1933

Only a Poor Gipsy Chap

PASSING near an encampment of Gipsies, I went in among them. After buying some of the skewers they were making, I learned one of their number was ill, and begged to be allowed to see him. The father asked:

“Did you want to talk about religion to him?”

“No.”

“What, then?”

“About Christ.”

“O, then, you may go; only if you talk religion, I’ll set the dog on to you!”

In the caravan I found a boy alone, and in bed, evidently at the far end of the last stage of consumption. His eyes were closed, and be looked as one already dead. Very slowly in his ear I repeated the Scripture,

“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.

I repeated it five times without any apparent response; he did not seem to hear even with the outward ear. On hearing it the sixth time, he opened his eyes and smiled. To my delight he whispered,

“And I never thanked Him! But nobody ever told me! I ‘turn Him many thanks. Only a poor gipsy chap! I see! I see! I thank Him kindly!”

He closed his eyes with an expression of intense satisfaction. As I knelt beside him I thanked God. The lips moved again. I caught “That’s it.” There were more words, but I could not hear them.

On going the next day, I found the dear boy had died (or rather, had fallen asleep in Christ) eleven hours after I, left. His father said he had been very “peaceable” and had a “tidy death.” There was no Bible or Testament in the encampment. — I left one of each. The poor man wished me “good luck,” and gave me a little bundle of skewers the “boy Jemmy” had made.

Reader, it was apparently the first time this dear boy ever heard of God’s salvation, and with unquestioning faith he took God at His word, and with his dying lips thanked Him that He so loved the world as to give His Son for him, “a poor, gipsy chap.”

God is satisfied with the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This poor boy was also satisfied, and this mutual satisfaction was instant and everlasting salvation. In eleven short hours he exchanged that forlorn, rickety caravan for the paradise of God, where he is tasting that God is as good as His word.

If you have not with your heart said “Amen” to God’s way of saving lost sinners, you are on the extreme verge of that death which God calls “eternal,” and He alone has the keys of hell and of death. But the “grace of God that bringeth salvation” is brought down to you—to your very level—today. O, will you walk past it to “the great white throne” lying ahead of you, and thence to the fire that “never can be quenched?” or will you pause and take it, and “return Him many thanks?”

My fellow-believer, may none within your reach or mine have occasion to say, with regard to these everlasting realities,

“Nobody ever told me.”

Smiling, he said, as his last sigh was spent, “I am so glad that for me He was sent!” Whispered, while low sank the sun in the west:

“Lord, I believe! Tell it now to the rest.”

ML 02/12/1933

Jesus for Me! Jesus for Me!

SOME time ago I wrote to one of the scholars in our Sunday-school, on whose earnest face, for some time, I had noticed a look of unhappiness. I could not but feel that she was in trouble about the question of her soul’s salvation. I told her of the Saviour’s love, and begged her not to trust to any fitness on her part.

“All the fitness He requireth,

Is to feel your need of Him.”

Her answer finally came,

“You must feel that it was wrong of me in not taking any notice of your letter before, but I was still in darkness, but now I trust I can say the words you quote in your letter—

‘Jesus, my Saviour, Thou art mine,

The Father’s gift of love divine,

All Thou hast done, and all Thou art,

Are now the portion of my heart.’

Please will you write some texts out for me to study through the week? O, it is, ‘Jesus for me, Jesus for me!’”

The look of unrest has now left the face of my little friend, and, instead, the joy of God’s salvation rests on it. Do you, dear little reader, know Jesus? You may know about Him, but do you know Him as your own precious Saviour? Can you say,

“Jesus for Me”?

If not, let me entreat you to seek Him now in the days of your youth. He has said,

“I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood ... . to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” Rev. 1:5, 6.

ML 02/12/1933

White as Snow

Dear little readers, do you know

Of anything as white as snow—

The snow so pure and fresh and white,

Which glistens in the morning light?

“Ah no,” you say, “there cannot be

One thing on earth besides, so free

From all defilement as the snow,

Not one thing else so white we know.”

Well do you know that you may be

As white as snow, as pure, as free?

If on the Saviour you believe,

This wondrous blessing you’ll receive.

Your sins are dark, but Jesus died,

The cruel soldier pierced His side,

From whence His precious blood did flow:

And that can make you white as snow.

It washes all our sins away,

And we who trust in Christ can say—

“We once were black with sins, we know

But now we are as white as snow.”

Now little reader, can you say

That all your sins are washed away?

If not, O, come to Jesus now,

And He will make you white as snow.

ML 02/12/1933

Sparrows

THERE is no bird so common, or of as little value as the sparrow. There are not only a great many of them, but their feathery coat is not beautiful and their song is not sweet like many other birds. But there is one thing that is good to remember—God’s Word lets us know that He takes the same needed care of the sparrow as He does of other birds.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father;” and the Word continues,

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt. 10:29, 30.

How many there are who fret and trouble themselves about the affairs of this life, and so occupy their time in putting forth great effort to gain something in this world, that they have little or no time to give to God’s Word, or to pay attention to eternal things.

They forget that God cares for all, and provides food and raiment for all His creatures, and thus He is the preserver of all men, but especially of those who believe.

So, it is wrong for any to worry about how they can get along, but how much worse for those who believe, for God has loved them so much that He did not even spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for them all.

May each one, young or old, who reads these lines, seek first to know and confess the Lord Jesus as the One whom God sent for them, and rejoice, not only that He has saved them, but that they are such objects of His care, that the very hairs of their head are all numbered and that they are of more value than many sparrows.

“MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.” Phil. 4:19.

ML 02/19/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 5

AT the invitation of His beloved people, the Bridegroom of the Jews yet to be redeemed, has (verse 1) come into His garden of fragrant shrubs and precious fruits. He has “gathered,” He has “eaten,” and He has “drunk” there what they have provided Him.

Have you and I, Christian reader, realized what these words mean in application to the believers of our day, to ourselves? Have we done our little share to provide Him a feast?

If God had His own joy in the sacrifices of Leviticus (chapter 1:9, 13, 17; chapter 2:2; chapter 3:5, etc.) when offered in faith, do not John 4:32; Hebrews 13:15 and 1 Peter 2:5 with Matthew 18:20 tell us of our blessed Lord coming into His “garden” now gathering, eating, drinking, what His saints have brought in their baskets to the appointed place of meeting each Lord’s day? (Deuteronomy 26:2). And have we not, alas! often, failed to give Him the worship of a full heart? To our shame be it said, yes.

Verse 2 is a confession of failure. His beloved one has fallen asleep, though as she says, her heart was awake; she dozed when she knew she should have been wide awake. The voice of the Bridegroom awakened her; He knocks but she has locked Him out in order that she may be at ease without Him. Has this been my portion, too, to be enjoying myself without His company, without a thought of Christ? “Open to Me;” His voice is heard, but I am not at once ready to let Him in.

His words touch the heart, but her state of soul is not right, and she makes excuses (verse 3). At length she does open the door, but He is gone! The door bears traces of His loving hand for there is myrrh upon the handles of the lock (verse 5). How near He was! Now He must be sought, and this takes diligence. To recover communion with the Lord when it has been lost is not the work of a moment, as many dear children of God have found.

The bride goes out to seek for her Beloved, but her spiritual sense is not keen, and she looks as before (chapter 3:2, 3) where He is not. She calls, but He does not answer (verse 6). Sorrows increase; the world is no help to a believer (verse 7). She realizes what she has lost.

What we have in this passage is a picture of what our souls may have often experienced, but it is not true Christian experience. It is the result of neglecting the Word of God, and sinking into self-indulgence in some form.

With a returning sense of His worth, His beauty, the bride is seen in the last verses, telling the daughters of Jerusalem about the Bridegroom.

If the whiteness of verse 10 represents spotless purity and holiness, “ruddy” surely speaks of His blood shed for our pardon and eternal blessedness. The head of gold (verse 11) stands for the righteousness of God. Perennial youth is seen in the bushy locks, black as a raven. Eyes, not merely as doves, as was said of the bride, but by the rivers of waters, washed with milk and fitly set. Who can fully set this forth?

Blessed Lord, we read of Thee, and these figures of speech of the earthly bride stir the hearts of Thy heavenly redeemed ones, to see Thee face to face. Lord, haste that day!

The cheeks (verse 13) bring to us memories of Calvary, when He was buffeted by man, and spat upon, and the kisses of the traitor, Judas, were there. Lips like lilies; hands as gold rings set with the beryl, body as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires; legs as marble set upon sockets of fine gold (verses 14, 15) are representations that bring to our minds the worth, the beauty, the love, the power, the glory of Christ.

But we pass from imagery, from symbols, to what speaks directly, and in language the veriest child may understand (verse 16),

“His mouth is most sweet; yea, He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend.” He is ours too, is He not?

ML 02/19/1933

The House Was Open

WHAT’S that man walking up and down in front of that empty house for, with his hands behind his back? He looks as if he is waiting for something—or somebody. Here comes a little boy (whistling on his way), to whom he puts this simple question:

“Seen Mr. Donnow down that way, Sonny?”

“No, sir. Why?” asks the boy.

“I’m waiting for him to come and let me have a look at this house. I think it will just suit me.”

“But, please excuse me, sir, the house is open. See the sign board. ‘Open for inspection at any time. Please walk in and view the premises.’”

“But Mr. D. told me he had the keys, and none could go in without his permission.”

“Begging your pardon, sir, but again I say, read the sign board. Don’t look for Mr. D., but look at the house, and you’ll see it’s open. I went through it myself yesterday with my father.”

The man turns round, reads the sign board, looks at the house, finds that what the boy said was true, and walks in. What a, picture of those who will not read the Bible for themselves, to see plainly that heaven is open to all who put their trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Yes, thank God, heaven is open today! But we cannot say for how long. There is a moment coming—yes, fast approaching—when, “in the twinkling of an eye,” the scene will be changed. Delay not, but come to Him now and be ready!

“Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28.

ML 02/19/1933

Little Lizzie's Mistake

O! THAT I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His mercy-seat.”

Such were the words which came from the lips of a little girl kneeling by her bedside.

“I think I will kneel here until I do find Him,” she said. “I wonder whether He would reveal Himself to me, if I kneel here all night. Surely He would think me so in earnest, that He would let me find Him before the morning.” And then she cried again,

“O! that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His mercy-seat!” See Job 23:3.

Who was it that this dear child was so anxious to find? Some little reader will, I am sure, be able to answer at once, that it could be no other than the Lord Jesus. Yes, it was Jesus whom Lizzie sought, and was longing to find. But she was seeking Him in a wrong way! She expected that wonderful feelings of peace and happiness would come over her, by which she might be sure that she had found the Saviour.

Thus this poor little straying lamb went on, night after night, kneeling at her bedside, her young heart yearning to know Jesus as her own Saviour. And again and again she was disappointed, because those wonderful feelings of happiness of which she dreamed did not burst upon her, as she fancied they would if she found the Lord Jesus.

But Lizzie had not heard the gospel of God’s grace in its real simplicity. Instead, therefore, of just believing on the Lord Jesus in order to become a saved soul, she was waiting to first feel that she was saved! God plainly says in His holy Book,

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

Happy feelings will come later. This is what Lizzie had yet to learn. But after she saw her own helplessness, she was led to look simply to Jesus, and believe on Him as her own precious Saviour. Then she could by faith gaze up into His blessed face, and truly say,

“He died for me; He is risen for me; He lives for me.” “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

Can you say this, my little reader? If you cannot, let me tell you that Jesus is willing and waiting to save you now, as He did Lizzie. Once she was miserable; but now, by God’s grace, she has joy and peace through believing on the Lord Jesus. God has forgiven all her sins; He has given her eternal life. She is saved for time and for eternity. The Saviour in whom she trusts “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:25. Will you come?

ML 02/19/1933

Jesus Loves You

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14.

Little children, Jesus loves you,

He loves you—yes, indeed;

Why, He came from heaven on high

He came to meet your need.

Think! He laid aside His glory,

To come to earth below,

To save our souls from misery,

And everlasting woe.

Jesus died for you, dear children

To put your sins away,

And fit you for His home in heaven

In everlasting day.

Yes, Jesus died on Calvary,

Upon that cross of shame,

That you might ever happy be—

O, blessed be His name!

O, come to Jesus, trust in Him,

He waits to meet you now;

His precious blood cleanses from sin,

And washes white as snow.

ML 02/19/1933

"Jonah and the Whale"

THOSE who assail the truths and teachings of the Bible have always sought to place the account of “Jonah and the Whale” in the class of not only the improbable, but of the impossible. In the first place, the Bible narrative does not say that it was whale, but a “great fish”, but even so-called scientists who claim that it would be impossible for a whale to swallow a man, have evidence against them.

“The Literary Digest” of New York, in Volume 12 No. 3, page 681, which was issued April 4th, 1896, shows that even in recent years whales have swallowed men.

In the month of February 1891, a whaling vessel cruising in the Mediterranean Sea, not far distant from the coast of Palestine, indeed, one might almost say in the very waters where Jonah was cast overboard, this whaling ship, “The Star of the East,” the account narrates, “launched two whale boats with an equipment of men to pursue an immense whale that was observed at some distance. The huge creature was harpooned and wounded to death. While it was writhing in its last agonies, one of the whale boats was struck by its tail and shattered in pieces. The sailors who were in it were thrown into the water. All but two were saved shortly by the other boat. The body of one was recovered, but the other, a man named James Bartley could not be found. When the monster had ceased moving, and its death was quite certain, it was hoisted alongside the ship, and the work of cutting it up began. A day and a night were devoted to this task. When it was ended, the stomach of the whale was opened. What was the surprise of the whaleman to find in it their lost comrade, James Bartley, unconscious, but alive!

The Captain of “The Star of the East” adds, that cases where furious whales have swallowed men, are not rare, but that this was the first time he ever saw the victim come out alive.

Scripture does not need to be proved true by external evidence: it is the Word of God and therefore true and infallible. Then let us not deny the Infinite, All Wise and Almighty Creator the power which He exercised in the preservation, transportation, and safe delivery of His prophet Jonah, so that he might obey the command given to him to deliver the message of warning to the city of Ninevah, and by heeding the Word of God and repenting of their evil ways, the people were spared from judgment.

Have you heeded God’s warning of judgment on account of your sins, and have taken refuge in Christ, the One who bore the judgment that you deserved while He was on the cross?

“He bore our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

“NOW THE LORD HAD PREPARED A GREAT FISH TO SWALLOW UP JONAH.” Jonah 1:17.

ML 02/26/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 6

WE cannot question the state of the bride’s heart after her description of the Bridegroom in the closing verses of chapter 5. She is happy again. That He has never changed in His love for her, is amply shown in His utterance beginning in verse 4.

Well is it for God’s children that their security, their everlasting portion, depends not upon themselves or their feelings, but upon the finished work of Christ.

The daughters of Jerusalem, not realizing the change that has come over the bride, ask her where her Beloved is gone, where turned aside (as though the fault lay with Him!), and they would seek Him with her. She knows where He is (verse 2); it is where she wished Him to be (end of chapter 4), —among His people, finding enjoyment as in a garden of spices and lilies.

He speaks to His beloved, and in His words, there is no reproach. There is no love like His! Sadly, had she failed to welcome Him when He came before (verse 3, chapter 5) but she has learned a lesson, and is before Him with not a cloud between.

In chapter 2, verse 16, in her happiness, the bride had said “My Beloved is mine, and I am His.” A deeper work has gone on in her breast, and now she says, “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine.” It is now her greatest joy to know that she belongs to Him, is His. Is this our chief joy, too?

In language of perfect grace, the Bridegroom tells her again what he had said in chapter 4, before her coldness to Him; could He more perfectly express the unchangeability of His love for her? But the language is not only purposeful repetition; there is addition to what He had before told her.

The earthly bride is compared in beauty to Tirzah, capital of Israel’s ten tribes before the city of Samaria was founded by Omri (1 Kings 16:23). Tirzah means “delight” or pleasantness. She is also comely as Jerusalem, terrible as troops with banners. What Jerusalem will be is described in Psalm 48, Isaiah 62 and Zechariah 14:8-11, 16, 20, 21, beside other passages. There will be but one capital city then, the rivalry of Samaria and Jerusalem (John 4:20) will be over, and the New Israel will be far beyond the old Israel in glory (Isaiah 54), and the chief city of the world.

Verses 8-10 compare all others with the bride; no city like Jerusalem; no earthly people so beloved as the remnant of Judah. Jerusalem’s and Judah’s day of glory, shining as the moon by night and the sun by day, is about to arrive.

Verses 11, 12. The Bridegroom—King of Israel—has come to see His land, and His willing people set Him upon their chariots. It is the scene of earthly glory, the answer to His own word in Matthew 23:39.

Verse 13. Shulamite is the feminine of Solomon; it is the new name, the name of the married wife of the true Solomon. She is with her Husband, David’s son and David’s Lord. Israel and Judah are one, not two anymore, and Christ is their King. The prophecies of the Old Testament are thus completed.

ML 02/26/1933

Marked and Claimed

MAHOGANY trees of an immense size grow in the tropical forests. Huge logs sawn from them are dragged by mules or horses to the nearest stream, pushed into the water, and left to drift along with the current. After a journey of many days or even weeks, they arrive at the mouth of the river, where they are stopped by a “boom,” or strong chain stretched from one bank of the river to the other.

Hundreds of logs are there, brought by the upland tributaries of the river from the great forests. Every log is examined by the owners’ agents, and is claimed according to the mark it bears. Logs that have drifted downstream in company with one another for many days, are now separated, and go to different destinations.

This is like something which will take place among people. Two, perhaps, are drifting down life’s stream in contact with one another. At school they were in the same classes, and played the same games. They have been associated in college, in business or professional life, and have been much together.

A time is coming, however, when, like the mahogany logs at the “boom,” they will be separated forever: one of them has trusted in Christ, and has been marked, or sealed, as belonging to Him, by the Holy Spirit. The other one has never come to the Saviour, but still belongs to the world.

When Jesus comes, this final separation will take place. Those marked, or sealed by His Spirit, will be taken to heaven., Those not thus marked, will be left in their sins, and will be condemned in the great Judgment Day.

Do not forget the lesson of the mahogany logs. Put your whole trust in the Saviour of sinners, who wants to be your Saviour. Then when you reach the end of your life’s journey, or He comes in the clouds, He will claim you as His own!

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9.

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

ML 02/26/1933

Obeying Orders

ON one occasion, the Duke of Wellington was out hunting, with some friends who were on a visit at one of his country seats. In the course of the chase, they wished to cross a field whose hedges were too high to think of jumping; so they sought the gate. Here they found a boy leaning against it, in a leisurely manner, as though time hung rather heavily on his hands.

“Open the gate, my boy,” said one of the hunters.

“Can’t, sir, without orders,” replied the boy, looking up, with a countenance so full of determination, that the gentlemen scarcely knew whether it was ignorant rudeness, or the thought of gaining money.

“Open the gate directly, boy, or I’ll put the whip about your shoulders,” again cried the rider, who was impatient to proceed in the chase.

“Well, sir, if you do, I can’t open the gate till master tells me.”

“And why not?” they ask.

“Because master sent me here, and told me not to open the gate for the huntsmen, and I don’t mean to do so, unless he comes, and tells me to do it.”

Again and again came the demand for the gate to be opened, but the boy moved not from his position. Neither kindly words nor threats could prevail upon him to stir. At last one of the horsemen said,

“Do you know my boy, that the gentleman who wishes you to open the gate is the great Duke of Wellington?”

The boy put his arms backwards across the top bar of the gate, as though that would strengthen his determination. Looking up quietly into the speaker’s face, he said,

“If that is the great duke who fought Bonaparte, he ought to be the last man in the world to ask me to disobey orders.”

Taken aback by the quiet rebuke, the duke smiled, and said,

“Well done, my boy; we were wrong in asking you to disobey your master.”

The old general and his companions rode away, but not until they had given a proof how much they esteemed the faithfulness of the boy who had been put in a position of trust. He was not told to argue the question whether it was right or wrong, he was simply told not to open the gate without his master’s permission.

You may be sure the incident highly pleased the duke, as it appealed to his own high sense of duty, which is a feature that more than anything else, makes the true soldier—obeying orders!

When king Saul was sent to do the Lord’s will, he disobeyed, and, on meeting Samuel, who rebuked him for it, he made a great fuss of what immense sacrifices he had spared, to which the prophet forcibly replied,

“To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” 1 Sam. 15:22.

ML 02/26/1933

Eternity

Count the little drops of water

That within the ocean lie,

Count the many stars that twinkle

As you look into the sky.

Count the sands upon the desert,

And upon the ocean’s shore;

Count the moments in your life-time,

Gone, but to return no more.

Count the leaves within the forest,

And the tiny flakes of snow;

Count the blades of grass in summer,

And the shining drops of dew.

Count the tears which all the millions

In so many lands have shed,

Count the stones in all the grave-yards

Telling where they’ve placed the dead.

Count the birds which soar above us.

And the atoms in the air,

Count the many, many blossoms

Giving fragrance everywhere.

When your counting all is done

Eternity has scarce begun.

Then reader, say, where will YOU be

During all eternity?

ML 02/26/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For since by,” etc. 1 Cor. 15:21.

2.“And such were,” etc. 6:11.

3.“Whether therefore,” etc. 10:31.

4.“For other,” etc. 3:11.

5.“For now we,” etc. 13:12.

6.“After the same.” etc. 11:25.

7a. “And I baptized,” etc. 1:16.

b. “I beseech you,” etc. 16:15.

Bible Questions for March “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Galatians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He deceiveth himself.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Redeemed us from the curse.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That I might live unto God.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Because ye are sons.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Christ liveth in me.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “By love serve one another.”

7.What did the Apostle say as to anyone who preached any other gospel?

Answers to Bible Questions for January “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.On the first day of the week. 1 Cor. 16:2.

2.1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; 11:16; 14:33.

3.1 Cor. 10:21.

4.The Church. 1 Cor. 3:16.

5.Yes. 1 Cor. 11:10.

6.“Household of Stephenas.” 1 Cor. 1:16.

7.With a holy kiss. 1 Cor. 16:20.

Bible Questions for March “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Galatians

1.Why should we not be weary in well doing?

2.What was Peter’s failure in walk?

3.What is the fruit of the Spirit?

4.What determines the kind of crop we reap in our spiritual lives?

5.What is the portion of anyone preaching another gospel?

6.What is the portion of those who place themselves under law?

7.Why should we bear one another’s burdens?

ML 03/05/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 7

THIS chapter brings us to the farthest point reached by the Song in the history of the Jewish people viewed as the beloved one of the King (Christ), for chapter 8 is supplemental.

In sinless perfection, beautiful and glorious as the handiwork of God in new creation, the bride is seen in verses 1 to 5. Because the description begins at the feet and ends at the head, it is by some thought that the language is that of the daughters of Jerusalem, rather than of the King. It is the perfect work of the divine Penman, the Holy Spirit, Author of all of the Bible.

The wonders of the grace of our Saviour God are beyond our minds to take in. Think of the poor, degraded, despised Jew, hated and cast out by his unbelieving brethren, brought into a place and condition of glory beyond anything this world has ever seen, and this in association with their King, the once rejected Messiah. It is the Israel of God, ransomed, redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, that is portrayed in the verses before us in figurative language which tell of beauty, wealth and honor in abundance. And this beauty fills, captivates, the heart of the King (verse 5).

In verse 10 the bride’s statement should be compared with verse 3 of chapter 6, and with verse 16 of chapter 2, for there is progress in each repetition. The Bridegroom-King at last fully occupies her heart, and self is lost to view:

“I am my Beloved’s, and His desire is toward me.”

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to occupy the saints, not with themselves, or their feelings, but with Christ their Head.

Verses 11 to 13 are also the words of the bride; she calls upon her Husband to go with her through the land. It is early perhaps for such a visit, yet the reunited twelve tribes of Israel will already have found the land to be far more fertile than ever it proved under the hands of their forefathers.

The beginning of the joy of the millennial earth is set out in the last verses of the chapter. The earthly people of God will find it a happy theme while they wait in the years of tribulation for the Lord Jesus as their Messiah to appear for their deliverance, and to establish His rule of peace and prosperity in this now groaning scene, but the joy will be fully consummated during His reign, and for all eternity. The Word of God will be in the hearts and minds of heavenly and earthly saints forever.

ML 03/05/1933

"Jesus Christ so Sorry for You"

IN a waiting room, all ready for the arrival of the train, stood a little blue-eyed girl at her father’s knee, gazing with big wondering eyes on the many comers and goers.

After a while a man, looking fierce and sullen, was brought in by two policemen on his way to jail. The man was handcuffed, but in spite of his fierce looks there was something so melancholy in his appearance that it aroused all the little maiden’s sympathy, and, leaving her father, she ran across the room, and looking up into the man’s face said,

“Man, I’se so sorry for you.”

The man turned and looked at her with an angry scowl on his face, which so frightened the little one that she ran back to her safe retreat by her father’s knee.

But still she watched the prisoner, and after a few moments ran across to him again and said, with tears in the sweet blue eyes: —

“Man, Jesus Christ so sorry for you.”

This was too much; and, big fellow as he was, he found it very hard to keep down a choking sensation in his throat, for the simple words brought to mind the recollection of Bible teaching of the by-gone days; and the old, sweet story of the cross that had so touched him when he was a boy.

As the train came up, with a very subdued look, he allowed the policemen to lead him away. They were quite astonished at the sudden change in his manner. They had had a great deal of trouble in getting him to the station, and expected a good deal more before the end of the journey.

During his imprisonment he was asked the cause of the change.

“Well, some time ago,” he replied, “when you were bringing me here, while we were at the —station, there was a little girl, I can’t remember her very well, but she had big blue eyes and golden hair. She told me she was sorry for me, but I suppose I frightened her, for she ran back to her father, then she came back again and told me the Lord Jesus was sorry for me, and her words just brought back to my mind what I had been taught about the Lord when I was a boy, and I’ve been thinking of her words ever since, and now I know that the Lord Jesus was not only sorry for me, but that He died for me, and my sins have been washed away by His blood.”

Jesus Christ is sorry for you too, my dear reader, if you have not accepted Him as your own Saviour, —if you do not believe that He died for you, and that your sins are washed away in His blood. He longs for you to come to Him. He lovingly says to you,

“Come unto Me, ... and Twill give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

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

If you still refuse to come to Him now in the day of grace, there is nothing left for you but judgment, the portion of all who will not come now:

“Depart from ME, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke 13:27.

ML 03/05/1933

The Spoiled Picture

AFTER taking a careful look at our front page, you will probably decide that the children’s father has been painting a picture.

While he was away the children took the paint-brush and paints, and are having a good time adding something to the picture.

But what do you think Father will say when he comes back and sees what they have done? Can’t you just hear him saying,

“Children, you’ve spoiled my picture. I’ll have to do it all over again.”

Many, many years ago, God made this earth and the trees and flowers and animals. You can read all about it in the first chapter of the Bible.

The 31St verse of Genesis 1, says, “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold it was very good.”

Then God planted a very beautiful garden, called the “Garden of Eden.”

He put Adam and Eve in this garden, and told them what they might do and what they might not do. But they disobeyed God and sinned.

Then came sorrow and suffering as a result of sin, and God’s beautiful work was spoiled, just like the painting in our picture today.

So God will make a new earth where there will be no sin.

“NEVERTHELESS, WE, ACCORDING TO HIS PROMISE, LOOK FOR NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH, WHEREIN DWELLETH RIGHTEOUSNESS.” 2 Peter 3:13.

ML 03/05/1933

Jessie's Sweet Story

What is this beautiful story

Jessie is loving so well?

O, ‘tis a tale full of glory,

Holding the heart in its spell.

For ‘tis the tale of the Saviour

Dying on Calvary’s tree,

Paying the debt of the sinner

That you and I might go free.

How He keeps watch o’er the children,

Looks on the world from above;

Leads His redeemed ones to heaven

Where they may “rest in His love.”

Could any story be sweeter,

Or one even half so sweet

As the one this little sister

Loves o’er and o’er to repeat?

Precious to her is the Saviour,

Who on the cross shed His blood;

For His dear sake she is tender,

Kind to her sister and good.

Letting her light shine for Jesus,

Living for Him day by day,

Feeling His aid, and His presence,

Guiding each step of the way.

Children, have you heard the story?

Are you washed “Whiter than snow?”

Tell of the Lord and His glory,

Tell it wherever you go.

Live every day for the Saviour,

Show forth His grace and His love,

Shining for Him ever brighter

Until you meet Him above.

ML 03/05/1933

Poverty

WHAT a sad picture we get here of two poor children. They seem so sad and discouraged. They may have been looking for work, and could not get anything to do, and now, tired and hungry, they have sat down to rest.

What a world this is of suffering! How much we might be doing to help others, giving to the poor for immediate help, and seeking to help them to get work, so they may earn their own living; and above all, to point them to the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for sinners, to redeem them from this world and all its consequences.

If you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, as the One who died for you, then you are told to “Make to yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness.” That is, to use what temporal things you have, and give to the poor, and help them in that way, and they will become your friends, and you will then have their ear, and they will listen to what you bring before them of God’s Word. You could read to them some beautiful verses, such as,

“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.

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

There are many other beautiful verses that might be given to the unsaved, and the Scripture is full of words of comfort for the believer in the Lord Jesus.

ML 03/12/1933

Bible Lessons

The Song of Solomon 8

THIS closing chapter stands alone, but the theme is still, Christ as the Bridegroom; and the poor, outcast Jews as the bride, who will put their trust in Him in the interval between what is foretold in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17, and in Matthew 24:27-44.

Chapter 7 ends with the Bridegroom and the bride together in the glory and blessing of the Millennium.

Chapter 8 goes to the beginning of this action of divine grace to complete the story.

Before chapter 1, in order of time, stands verse 1 of chapter 8. There will be a longing on the part of the redeemed to know their Redeemer and King, to have Him with them. They have learned of His love, have seen His power on their behalf, and would lavish their love upon Him to whom they owe every blessing.

If He were as a brother! Now in infinite grace He will take that very place with them. (See Psalm 22:22; Matthew 12:46-50; Matthew 25:40, and Joseph’s dealings with his brethren (Genesis 42- ,15) which foreshadow Christ’s dealings with His earthly brethren).

The “mother” spoken of in verses 1, 2, 5, as in chapter 1:6, and chapter 3:4, 11, is Israel. Verse 4 gives the Bridegroom’s voice, and “he”, at the end, is properly read “she.” He desires that the objects of His love and grace shall rest in the enjoyment of His gifts. This we have seen in chapters 2:7, and 3:5.

In the fifth verse our spiritual gaze is directed toward the bride. “Who is this?” is asked, to occupy our minds with the amazing change which divine love has brought about. What hath God wrought! as Balaam truly said in Numbers 23:23 of Israel’s yet future glory. Behold then the bride, the earthly bride (for the Church, the heavenly bride of Christ, is entirely distinct), coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her Beloved! The wilderness scenes and experiences will then be forever behind, but memories of grace and mercy amid her failure, sin and coldness of heart will remain. And thus the day of Millennial glory dawns on this earth.

I, says the Beloved, I awoke thee under the apple tree (properly we believe citron tree, as noted in connection with chapter 2:3); there thy mother (Israel) brought thee forth. The natural birth is not enough; new life must be received from the Life Giver. (John 5:24, 25; Ephesians 2:1).

Verse 6 begins the bride’s response with which this lovely little book draws to its close. She desires that she may be set in tokens of His love and His power as a seal upon the Bridegroom-King’s heart and His mighty arm, there to abide. Thoughts of His love, proved strong as death, unquenchable by many waters fill her heart. What songs of praise will well up from grateful, adoring hearts!

The bride has a “little sister” (verse 8); this is evidently Ephraim, —the ten tribes lost to our sight since 2 Kings 17, but to be brought back, as Hosea 1:10, 11; Zechariah 10:7-12, and other scriptures foretell. These other Israelites have never known what the Jews have experienced; Christ’s earthly ministry was unknown to them; they had no part in His crucifixion, and only after His return in glory, and delivering the sorely tried remnant of believing Jews, will the long hidden ten tribes return to the land of Israel.

So the bride will instruct and build up her sister (verse 9). She herself is strong, through the grace of God, and well favored (verse 10); “then was I in His eyes as one that findeth peace” (see the marginal note).

Solomon and his vineyard (verse 11) are figures of speech; it is the Lord Jesus and the whole earth that are in view. All will then bring to Him His due—the converse of Matthew 21:33-41.

The Bridegroom speaks in verse 13 to His bride. All the world will be looking toward Jerusalem, but He says, “Let Me hear thy voice.”

Blessed Lord, Thou shalt hear our praises in the endless ages of eternity, the voices of the redeemed will never weary of Thy praise.

Verse 14 fitly closes this Song of Songs with a call to the Beloved to hasten, to come with all speed. So does the last book of the Bible close: “Surely, I come quickly;” “even so come, Lord Jesus!”

This Song is for the future earthly bride, but how much there is in it that fits the saints of God today. It speaks of a heart affection for the Lord, of desire toward Him. May this be deepened in our hearts!

ML 03/12/1933

Come to Jesus Right Now

WHEN the Lord Jesus Christ was down here, years and years ago, many came to Him, and He met them in all their need. He was so kind, so good, so full of love, that whoever came to Him in faith always received what he needed.

If a blind man came, the Lord Jesus opened his eyes; if a deaf man, the Lord Jesus opened his ears; if a leprous man, the Lord Jesus cleansed him; and if a poor sinner came to Him about his or her sins, the Lord Jesus forgave them. How glad and thankful those must have been who received such wonderful blessings from Jesus. How they should have desired the blessing of others.

Yet we find that there were some of those whom Jesus loved, and who loved and followed Jesus, who tried to hinder little ones from being brought to Him, and scolded the persons who brought them.

But Jesus knew all about it—blessed be His name—He knows everything, for He is God as well as man; and when He saw this,

“He was much displeased.” Mark 10:14. Jesus felt it. And He is as tender and full of feeling today as He was then. And there came those precious, loving, tender, yet rebuking words from His lips, and not only from His lips but from His heart,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not.” Mark 10:14.

The Lord Jesus Himself desired that little children should come. You are not too little to “come to Jesus.” Will you come? You need a Saviour; and the Lord Jesus, although He is not here, but in Heavenly glory, is still the same loving Saviour. And you need Him now, this very moment, if you are not already saved.

Remember, you are to come to a Person. Perhaps you say, How am I come to Jesus now? If Jesus were still on earth. I would gladly go to Him! but now He is in glory, how can I?

Well, dear child, supposing your dear father or mother were to go away from home, you know that it is quite possible for you to be so with them in spirit, where they are, that it seems sometimes you can almost talk to them. Now, although it would be quite impossible for you to speak to them, or them to you, yet it is possible to speak to the Lord about your sins, and when you do He will hear you; although you do not see Him, He sees you, and knows all about you. So, if you have never gone to Him about your sins, go today—go tonight. He is able and willing to save; and His precious blood, God’s word says, “cleanseth from all sin.”

Are your sins washed away in the blood of the Lamb?

“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son, of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:20, 31.

ML 03/12/1933

A Little Child's Faith

JESSIE had been staying a few days with me, and on the morning that she was expecting to leave and take a long journey into a distant country, her little head was full of wonder and guesses as to what the new place would be like. Suddenly, her simple face, she was but six years old, was put above the bedclothes, and she said:

“I shall be at A— tonight, shall I not?”

“Yes, darling,” I replied, “if God takes you there safely.”

“Don’t you think I might ask God to look after us in, the train?” said Jessie, “I did once when I was left by myself in the dark, and Miss T. was away, and He did.”

I answered “Certainly,” and when she came to me to thank God for His care over her during the night, I led her in a few words to ask the Lord to take them safely to their journey’s end.

An hour or two later, when waiting for the train to come up to the platform one of Jessie’s little brothers said,

“Supposing there should be an accident today.”

“No, there won’t be any, because shave asked God to look after us,” replied Jessie.

There was no thought of irreverence in the little one’s mind, but doubtless she had been accustomed to have either a nurse or governess to look after her, and her thought was that the all-seeing God could do the same for her.

Now I wonder whether my dear young readers who have believed in the Lord Jesus, and who know Him as their own Saviour, can trust Him to take care of them when le ft for a few minutes by themselves, or when they wake up in the night to find it quite dark.

When little troubles come, or when your lessons are difficult, to whom do you go for help? If you have been trying to bear your troubles by yourself, don’t do so next time; tell them all to God, ask Him to hear you for the sake of His dear Son”. And He will, for He cares for you, and loves to hear you tell Him all that is in your heart.

This child had “faith in God,” for when the thought of an accident was suggested to her, it did not disturb her happiness, for she had asked “in prayer believing,” and thus was sure she should receive.

I must not forget to tell you that Jessie and her brothers arrived quite safely at A—that evening.

“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” Psa. 37:5.

ML 03/12/1933

The Only Saviour

Not my works, my prayers, or tears,

Not my inward joys or fears,

Not my conduct—good or bad,

Not my feelings—grieved or glad,

But the Son of God who came—

Died for me and rose again,

Lives above at God’s right hand,—

Is the Christ in whom I stand.

ML 03/12/1933

The Serpent and the Tiger

I HAVE been looking for some time at the picture, but I cannot see that there is much hope for the poor tiger. He may open his mouth, and look very angry at the huge serpent, who has wound around the tiger his beautiful but deathly coil; but he cannot get away, and will be crushed to death before he has the chance to make any resistance. You see the serpent has a small, smooth head, which he could slip under the tiger when it was asleep, and before the poor victim would be aware of it, he would have twined his powerful body around him.

There is an enemy of ours, dear children, called “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), who keeps himself out of sight, but who draws people, old and young farther and farther from God, until they find themselves cast for ever into the place prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41).

But many have been most thankful to learn the power of Christ, who is “a stronger than he,” and they have put themselves into His mighty hand, that He may keep them from “all the power of the enemy.”

“TRUST YE IN THE LORD FOREVER: FOR IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH.” Isa. 26:4.

ML 03/19/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 1

WE enter upon the study of the last great section of the Old Testament — the Prophets. Isaiah stands at the head of the line of these faithful witnesses in the darker days of Judah’s history, and his prophecy is the fullest, most varied in subjects. He was the first, or among the first, of the writing prophets who were raised up during the last two hundred years before, and the first two hundred years after, the carrying away of the Jews to Babylon.

It was during the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah (2 Chronicles 26), about 200 years after Solomon, and 50 years before the ten tribes were carried into captivity by the Assyrians, that Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah and possibly Jonah (who may have been earlier), came forward to urge the claims of God, to warn of coming judgments and to tell of a day of glory which is yet to dawn on this earth.

A little later Micah gave his testimony; then came Habakkuk, Zephaniah and Jeremiah not long before Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem. Afterward Jeremiah in Judea and Egypt, Ezekiel in Chaldea, and Daniel in Babylon spoke and wrote. When the 70-year captivity had been ended by Cyrus, king of Persia, Haggai and Zechariah were raised up by God to speak to His people.

Last of all the prophets after what is recorded in the books of Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah, at the brink of the “four hundred silent years,” Malachi gave his stirring testimony.

The first chapter of Isaiah is a preface to the book. What an appeal to the conscience of rebellious Israel is here! God speaks, and calls upon the heavens and the earth to hear His complaint,

“I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me.” Even the ox and the ass, —creatures far beneath man, put Israel to shame (verse 3).

The state of the people was so bad, and had been so long continued, that judgment must soon fall. They had not benefited from the dealings of God with them, but rather grew worse. The picture presented in verses 5 and 6 is indeed a grievous one of the inward state of the nation, and as for their land, it was desolate, far different from the purpose of God when He gave it to Israel (Exodus 3:8, Numbers 13:26).

The history of Israel and Judah in 2 Chronicles, and 1 and 2 Kings is a history of decline and fall. With Israel (the ten tribes) there was rarely any change for the better, but Judah had several kings who feared God and tried to stem the tide of evil. Isaiah in verse 9 acknowledges that if it had not been for God’s mercy, the nation should have been destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah.

There was much outward show of religion, we gather from verses 10 to 17, but little heart for God, and He who reads the heart, so judged of their sacrifices, the gatherings at the new moons and the sabbaths; to their multiplied prayers He would not listen. Yet in unmeasured grace to such a people He will say,

“Come now, and let us reason together .... though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow ... .” If they would but give ear to Him, they would soon learn how their sins might be put away. If willing and obedient, they should eat the good of the land, but if they refused and rebelled, the sword would devour them.

The latter part of the chapter looks on to the day in which the Lord Jesus will appear again to the world, will purge Judah and Israel and punish the wicked.

ML 03/19/1933

He Is Coming Soon

THERE was once a gentleman who had two fine houses, one in the city and one in the country. When he and his family were in the city they left the country house in charge of some of the servants. When the time came round for them to go back to the country for a while, they would send a message to the servants, saying:

“We are coming back on such and such a day; get the house ready.”

When the servants received this message they began to bustle about and to get everything clean and nice. They were so busy that even the dogs about the place got to know when the master was coming by seeing the servants so active in making ready for him.

The Lord Jesus Christ has sent a message from heaven to His servants telling them that He is soon coming again. He says,

“Surely, I come quickly.” Rev. 22:20,

He wants us to do all we can to prepare for His return by letting others know about it, and by telling them the story of salvation. If we are earnest and active in doing this, poor unsaved people will get to know that something is going to happen, and that they had better get ready for it, even if they do not understand that the Lord Jesus Himself is coming again.

If we always bear in mind that the Lord is coming soon, it will make a great difference to us in our lives. We shall not wish to go to any place where we should not like Him to find us when He comes. We shall not read any book that we should not like Him to find us reading. We shall not keep any company that would not please Him. In all our ways we shall try to serve and honor Him, and thus show that we are really expecting Him from heaven.

There is a very sad verse that says “Without are dogs” Rev. 22:15. When the Lord Jesus comes and shuts the door of salvation those who have trusted in Him will be inside rejoicing in being with their Saviour. Outside will be those called “dogs,” those who have never been cleansed from their sins, those who are rejecters of Christ. God grant that none of my young friends may be among them in that day.

Come to the Lord Jesus Christ now, take Him as your Saviour, and make Him your best Friend, then you will be ready to meet Him when He comes—

PERHAPS TODAY.

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

ML 03/19/1933

"A Little Child Shall Lead Them"

A GENTLEMAN was once preaching to a large congregation of Christians, and urging upon them to work for the Master. At the close of his address, a little boy from the farthest end of the hall made his way through the crowded seats to the platform, and touching the preacher’s arm, said,

“If you please, sir, what can I do for the Lord? I am willing to work for Him.” The gentleman hardly knew how to answer, so he quietly lifted up his heart to God.

“Well,” said he, “are you converted?”

“O! yes, sir,” was the quick answer.

“Have you a mother and father?”

“I have a mother, sir.”

“Well, and is she saved?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And your brothers and sisters?”

“I haven’t any, please, sir.”

“Then have you a companion?”

“O, yes, there’s Charlie,” was the reply.

“Well, my boy, is Charlie converted?”

“No, he ain’t sir.”

“Then go and try and get him saved, and that will be working for the Lord.”

With a glad heart the little fellow ran off. As soon as he got home he rushed up to his little room, and knelt down.

“Please, dear Lord, save Charlie. Please, Lord, convert Charlie;” was his cry.

Presently Charlie himself came bounding up the stairs in search of his companion. He paused outside the door, quite awed at hearing his own name repeated so many times, because he understood that Johnnie was praying for him.

“Come here, Charlie, and kneel down,” said his friend. Charlie came, and soon he was sobbing as though his heart would break.

“Come to Jesus, Charlie; come to Jesus,” urged the little fellow; and then he continued his prayer,

“Please, Lord, convert Charlie.”

“O! but I’m so wicked,” sobbed Charlie.

“Never mind that, Jesus’ll take all your sins away if you’ll only trust Him.” And Charlie did trust, and there and then the Lord gave him the assurance of forgiveness.

The next morning Johnnie went in search of the preacher and found him at home.

“Well! my boy,” he said, recognizing the little fellow.

“If you please, sir, Charlie’s converted,” burst from Johnnie’s lips, and then he went on to say how it had come about, “And now what else shall I do?”

“Go and get the neighbors converted,” said the gentleman, “tell them of Jesus.”

Away went Johnnie, his heart quite full at the thought of doing this.

One by one, he told the people who lived near his mother’s cottage about the love of Jesus, until he won fifty precious souls for his Master, and today they can praise God for the “little child who led them.”

“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” Mark 5:19.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord: forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

ML 03/19/1933

"Never Perish"-Who?

MY sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish.” John 10:27, 28.

Listen— “They shall never perish!”

Who shall never perish, who?

We would learn to whom it speaketh,

Who, and whence they are, would know.

Listen—’tis the words of Jesus,

And ‘tis spoken of His sheep—

In His hand in perfect safety,

He has promised each to keep.

Born they were as sons of Adam,

Sinful, fallen, of the earth,

They have heard the word of Jesus,

And now have a heavenly birth.

Now from Satan’s power delivered,

Jesus takes them in His love;

They shall “never, never perish,”

He will bear them safe above.

ML 03/19/1933

Saving Life

THIS picture tells its own story pretty well. Puss has been in danger of losing her life; her faithful friend has come to her rescue, and he is now carrying her off to give her a chance to recover from the fright, and to rest awhile.

It is a grand thing to save the life of any one. The life of a cat does not seem of much account, yet it is much to the little thing itself, though it is only being brought back to its own old life again, and allowed a few more weeks or months, at most, of the same life.

The Lord Jesus, you remember, asked the question, which is better “to save life, or to destroy it?” He also said, He was the good Shepherd, because He laid down His life for His sheep.

In order to save our lives, He gave up His own. But the wonderful thing is, that the life we get by faith, through His dying for us, is not the same life that we had before, but a new life, a life that is pleasing to God, so that He can receive us through the Lord Jesus, who has made atonement for our sins.

Do you think God loves the Lord Jesus? Well, He says those who believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ are children of God; they have eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Are these not wonderful blessings?

“YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.” Galatians 3:26.

ML 03/26/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 2

THE first chapter showed that the coming day of blessing on earth would not be introduced without the punishment of the wicked.

The second chapter begins with a very important statement about Jerusalem, —that in the last days God’s dwelling place on earth will be there, and that all the nations shall flow unto it. This prophecy has not yet been fulfilled, and wars and rumors of wars continue as of old.

Before it can be fulfilled, several things must happen. The Lord Jesus must return to the world in power; the devil must be shut up; the world must be cleansed by judgment, there must be a change of nature both in the Jew and in the Gentile nations so that they will be lovers of God; Jerusalem and the Holy Land must again be the home of Israel.

That this prophecy is shortly to be fulfilled, is, we believe, certain. Recent years have seen the revival of the Jewish hope of a national home in the land of their fathers, and other changes have taken place, or are in process which lead to the conclusion that the day of the Lord is now not far off.

Before it dawns He will have called away all who now trust in Him, to be His heavenly people, His body and His bride. Then a new work will begin, centering in the Jews, some of whom will believe, and a new gospel message will go worldwide.

From verses 6, 7, 8 we gather that though, like the Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), the house of Jacob was rich and increased with goods that are valued in this world, they were desperately poor toward God. They were filled with what the east could provide; they used auguries (soothsaying) like the Philistines (see Deuteronomy 18:10-12, and 2 Chronicles 33:6); they allied themselves with the children of foreigners; their land was full of silver and gold and there was no end of their treasures; it was full of horses and there was no end of their chariots; also it was full of idols. They had forgotten that they were to be a separate people, and had joined hands with the world around, disregarding God and His Word given to them through Moses and Joshua (Deuteronomy 6 and 7; Joshua 23). The loss was great indeed.

Because of this, God will yet enter into judgment with the Jews. He gave them up to captivity under the Babylonians, but this chapter looks on to the coming day. In that day the Lord alone will be exalted; man will be humbled, and the false gods on which he has leaned, will be thrown away in the terror of the judgment scene. We know that the judgments will be poured out on Gentiles as well as Jews (Revelation 6:14-17).

This is what the Scriptures promise concerning this world, and not the gradual conversion of all men by the spreading of the gospel. Meanwhile, the gospel is being received into human hearts, and thus the Holy Spirit is gathering out of the world a people for heaven.

Has that gospel found lodgment in your heart?

ML 03/26/1933

A Friend in Need

MANY years ago there were living, in a lonely part of the country, a man and his wife who had both received Jesus as their Saviour, and knew God as their Father; to whom they were able with confidence to commit themselves for guidance and protection throughout each day.

One afternoon, as the wife (who was naturally of a timid, nervous disposition), was sitting alone in her cottage, a loud knock came at the door. Upon opening it, there stood before her a sturdy beggar, of forbidding appearance. He asked her for money. She replied that she had none to give, as her husband, who was employed on a neighboring farm, was very poor.

At this the man became most angry, and told her that he would allow her a few minutes to get together for him all the money she had; and that if, at the expiration of that time, she still refused to give him what he demanded, he would kill her, and search for it. Meanwhile he would, he said, take a walk down a lane close by the cottage.

The same afternoon a Christian gentleman, residing several miles away, was out for a walk in the neighborhood. As he went along, it occurred to him to visit the poor woman, whom he well knew. So crossing some fields, he reached her door, unperceived by the beggar, just as the latter had turned away to walk in the lane, as he said, while the money was being got ready for him. Finding the door open, the gentleman stepped in, and beheld the now trembling and terror-stricken woman in prayer to God for help. She started on hearing a footstep, and to her joy found that, instead of the man whose return she so much dreaded, the Lord had sent a friend to deliver her. She soon explained the cause of her distress, and the gentleman was quite prepared suitably to receive, upon his next appearance, the one who intended, at least, to rob her of the small sum which she possessed.

In a few minutes they heard the beggar again approaching the door; but when, instead of a weak woman, he found himself confronted by a strong man, he was quite taken aback, and, without uttering a word, ran off as fast as his feet could carry him.

The two Christians then knelt down together, and unitedly thanked God, their Father, that He had heard the cry of faith, and had sent the needed help in a time of deep distress.

All who have, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, become children of God, may, in seasons of trial and danger, confidently count upon His ready hand to help, His outstretched arm to save, when they call upon Him. He says,

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

We would earnestly warn the unsaved reader that he is exposed to a peril more dreadful than that of the one of whom we have written. He has a fearful foe, who, “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8), who “was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44), who first deceives, and then destroys.

Jesus, the Son of God, came into the very place of the sinner’s danger, that He might rescue him from his perilous position, and be his Deliverer “from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10). The Lord Jesus is in heaven now, “mighty to save” those who cry to Him in their need. Such He will always receive, and “in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

ML 03/26/1933

A Welcome

A YOUNG woman, who was an orphan and homeless, was about to pay a visit to a small cottage in the country where she had never been before. Rachel was wondering what sort of a welcome she would receive.

God who is the Father of the fatherless had inclined a Christian lady to invite Rachel to spend a few weeks with her, while waiting for another situation, and poor Rachel, having nowhere else to go, was only too thankful for this home and shelter for the time being.

Still, as I said, she was wondering what sort of a welcome she would receive. The cottage and all its surroundings were pretty enough. Virginia creeper and climbing roses covered the little cottage, giving it an air of sweetness and comfort.

When Rachel arrived, she found that peace and happiness reigned inside the house, as much as they appeared to do outside.

Before ever she had taken off her hat and cloak, a bright girl brought her a cup oil hot tea, which Rachel found most refreshing after her long journey. Then, while taking off her things, she heard her friend at the piano, playing and singing—

“There is a home, ‘tis better far

Than any earthly home can be.”

This took Rachel’s thoughts away from earth and all its troubles to the bright home in heaven, where her dear friends had gone, and where she expected to follow in God’s own time.

A very happy evening it was for Rachel, the first of many spent at the cottage, and before going to rest, her kind friend, Mrs. A., read, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. And then an earnest prayer followed for God’s blessing to rest upon them all.

Now the welcome that Rachel received was a hearty one, and it made her feel happy, and I have told you about her that you may understand about the welcome that is waiting for all boys and girls who come to the Lord Jesus. You will remember that when He was on earth He said,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not;” and though He has gone back to heaven, He has still left us those words.

He still invites us to come to Him. There is only one thing that keeps us away from so loving a Saviour, and that is our sins. But the very reason why we should go to Him is, because He can forgive our sins. He can make us happy, He will give us a hearty welcome, for He says,

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

ML 03/26/1933

The Old, Old Story

I love to hear of Jesus:

It makes my heart so glad

To think how much He loves me,

How can I e’er be sad,

When He, God’s Son from heaven,

Who came to die for me,

My sins has all forgiven

And set my spirit free.

I love to think of Jesus,

Who walked upon this earth,

In all His love and mercy,

Midst men of sinful birth.

He knew their guilt and sorrow,

He came to seek and save:

To tell God’s bright tomorrow

In life beyond the grave.

I love to speak of Jesus,

He died my heart to win;

He every moment tells me

How dear I am to Him.

He fills my soul with gladness,

He gives my lips to tell

To those that sit in sadness

Of Him who loves them well.

I love to wait for Jesus,

It makes my heart rejoice

To know I soon shall see Him

And hear His loving voice.

O then, O then, in glory,

With Himself I’ll be;

Forever tell the story

Of His great love to me.

ML 03/26/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Finally, brethren,” etc. 2 Cor. 13:11.

2.“And God is able,” etc. 9:8.

3.“As unknown,” etc. 6:9.

4.“But we had,” etc. 1:9.

5.“And such trust,” etc. 3:4.

6.“We are confident,” etc. 5:8.

7.“And lest I should,” etc. 12:7.

Bible Questions for April “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Ephesians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “God, who is rich in mercy.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Followers of God, as dear children.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Doing the will of God from the heart.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The God and Father of our Lord.”

7.In what three consecutive verses does the word “one” occur seven times?

Answers to Bible Questions for February “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Because thus the power of Christ rested upon him. 2 Cor. 12:9.

2.Being linked with an unbeliever in any fellowship or association. 2 Cor. 6: 14, 15.

3. Having tasted the comfort of God in our own sorrows. 2 Cor. 1:4.

4.Because if Paul was not a genuine apostle it looked bad for the Corinthians as they professed conversion under his preaching. 2 Cor. 13:5.

5.Absent from the body-present with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8.

6.Corrupt his mind from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Cor. 11:3.

7.Bring them into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5.

Bible Questions for April “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Ephesians

1.What is the Church?

2.Against whom do we wrestle?

3.Of what is water a figure?

4.List three ways in which we are to walk.

5.Who is our peace?

6.What is the “mystery”?

7.Why do we work with our hands?

ML 04/02/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 3 and 4

IN these chapters we reach the end of the first section, the introductory part, of the book of Isaiah. There was soon to fall upon Judah and Jerusalem a partial fulfilment of the promise of unsparing judgment, but what is spoken of, in its direct application, waits for the last days, when the Jews are again to be in their homeland.

Verse 1: We have before called attention to the habit of the translators of our English Bible of substituting “the LORD” for Jehovah which means “HE WHO IS,” a name expanded into “Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come” in Revelation 1:4. Only four times (in Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 12:2 and 26:4) have the translators preserved the name Jehovah in our Bible. It is God’s name in relationship with man, first appearing in Genesis 2, and often thereafter until Malachi 4.

The Hebrew word Adonai translated “the Lord” is also often found in the Old Testament; it first appears in Genesis 15: 2, where Abram speaks to God as “Lord Jehovah” (Adonai Jehovah); lord, or master is its meaning, but it is only used for God.

In verse 1 we have “the Lord, Jehovah of hosts,” a name of God first to be found in 1 Samuel 1:3, after Israel had become weak and corrupt. It tells of His power, the mighty hosts of angels and all the forces of nature at His command for use in behalf of His people, or in dealing with the wicked as in our chapter.

Men have been learning ways of making war upon each other in terrible fashion, but when God begins to deal with this world, every man will tremble (see Revelation 6:12-17).

Here in chapter 3 everything upon which mankind rests—food and drink, men for war, judges, prophets, the wise and the elderly, the honorable, and statesmen, clever mechanics and inventors, and those who deal in enchantments—all will be removed from Jerusalem and from Judah. Unfit persons will be the rulers, and oppression and insolence will abound. Sin will be open, unconcealed. They will have brought evil upon themselves.

Nevertheless, it shall be well with the righteous; they, like the wicked, will eat the fruit of their doings, or the desert of their hands. The leaders of the people, who have misguided and robbed them, will be dealt with according to their guilt.

Note that in verse 13 the Gentiles are meant; it is properly “the peoples,” not “the people,” which might be limited to Israel or Judah; mankind will be judged

In considering verses 18 to 23 we are reminded of the verse in Psalm 94:9: “He that formed the eye, shall He not see?” He from whom nothing is hidden, noticed the ways and the details of the dress of the daughters of Zion, and passed judgment upon them. Fashions have changed many times since Isaiah’s day; the things of vanity of today have been substituted for those of 2,700 years ago.

In the last days there will be fearful losses of men in war (verse 25), so that women will far outnumber the men (verse 1, chapter 4).

The short fourth chapter, after verse 1, presents a glorious picture of the coming age, when once the judgments are past.

“In that day there shall be a Branch (the true meaning is Sprout) of Jehovah for beauty and glory, and the fruit of the earth for excellency and for ornament for those that are escaped of Israel.” (N. T.)

The Branch is the Lord Jesus. (See Jeremiah 23:5, 6, where we are told His name, — “Jehovah our Righteousness,” and Zechariah 6:12).

Every blessing, whether to the redeemed of earth, or the heavenly saints, comes through Christ, and as the result of His God-glorifying, sin-atoning death. The blessing of this earth will however not be brought about through the gospel, as some think, but by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning (verse 4).

Over Mount Zion in the Millennium a cloud by day, and brightness of a flame of fire by night, will be as a covering or canopy over all the glory. These tokens of God’s presence were over the tabernacle during Israel’s journey of old (Exodus 40:38).

ML 04/02/1933

"This Same Jesus"

Acts 1:11

“JESUS CHRIST, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Yes, the very same to you tonight that He was to the disciples who stood gazing up into heaven, when having lifted up His hands and blessed them, He went up to the opening gates of glory.

The very same to you tonight that He was to the little children, when He took them up in His arms and blessed them. Not a bit different! Just as kind, just as loving, just as ready to take you up too, and bless you, and keep you always “safe in the arms of Jesus.”

The very same to you tonight that He was when He said so lovingly,

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Do you not feel that you would have loved Him ever so much if you had heard Him say that, and that you would have gone to Him at once, because He was so good and kind? Well, He is “this same Jesus” now. When you lie down, see how many sweet and gracious words and deeds of His, you can recollect, and say to yourself with every one,

“He is the same now, and the same for me!”

ML 04/02/1933

Saying "Amen" To God

TWO little girls, scholars in the same class at Sunday School, were walking together in the garden, amusing themselves with their dolls, and learning to repeat their seven daily texts for the week, which happened to be on “Faith.”

“What is faith, Ada?” said the younger girl to her companion, “I do not understand what it means.”

Ada, a bright and happy girl, one year older than her companion, and a true believer in the Lord Jesus, replied,

“Why, it’s just the same as believing, Mary. Do you not remember that teacher told us only a few weeks ago, that faith was just saying ‘Amen’ to God’s Word?”

Mary seemed quite satisfied with her companion’s explanation, and went on with her memory texts.

I think that dear child’s definition of faith is very true, and very simple. It is just saying “Amen” to God, letting God be true, believing without question what God says.

He tells you that you are a sinner, lost and ruined. Do you say “Amen” to that?

He says that Jesus died for sinners on the cross, and all who believe on Him “have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Do you say “Amen” to that?

There is no need for waiting. Feelings do not make the Word of God one bit surer. The Word of the Eternal God, who cannot lie, is worthy of being believed, and faith accepts it, saying “Amen” to all that God has spoken.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away.” Matt. 24:35.

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.

ML 04/02/1933

Two Mothers

WHAT a kind-looking mother with her little boy. She has come down to the stream, and seeing the pretty little ducklings, has sat down to watch them.

But there is another mother watching them, and she does not look so happy. Little chickens do not know how to swim, and if they do not keep out of the water, they will be drowned. But ducks can swim; and it is the nature of the little ones to run right into the water as soon as they see it. The hen does not know the difference between them and the little chicks, so when she sees the ducklings in the water, she looks quite frightened, for she fears they will be drowned.

The little ducklings do not obey their mother, but we hope the little boy who has intelligence, and knows good from evil, will obey his loving mother. To be obedient to parents is the only happy path for children. The Bible says:

“CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN THE LORD: FOR THIS IS RIGHT. HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER.” Ephesians 6:1, 2.

ML 04/02/1933

The Sheep

I WANT to talk to you a little about the picture. It seems to me that the friend who drew it thought more about the lambs and sheep than about the shepherd; but thought there ought to be someone to look after them, so he put a man sitting down, a good way off, and looking half asleep. I am afraid this is too much like we all think of our own “good Shepherd.” We think more of ourselves, and how we take care of ourselves or of one another, than of what it is to belong to the “one flock” of that good Shepherd who never sleeps. He “ne’er forgets the least,” and He holds in His “hand” the lambs as well as the sheep. He “gathers” them with His “arm,” holds them in His “hand,” carries them in His “bosom” or on His “shoulders.” And does He not love them with His heart? If he does not, I cannot tell why He should say,

“THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.” John 10:11. May you, dear little readers, and may I, learn more about this Shepherd of the sheep!

My Shepherd is the Lord,

The living Lord who died;

With all things good I ever am

By Him supplied.

ML 04/09/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 5, Verses 1-7

FAMILIAR to every Israelite were the hillside vineyards of the fertile land God had given his forefathers. They yielded their fruit in season every year for the enjoyment of the owner of the vineyard, generally paying him back bountifully.

Isaiah, led by the Spirit of God to consider Israel as God’s vine, in this chapter brings before His people what God had done for them, and the shameful return they had made for all His care.

The 80th Psalm completes the picture of Israel as the vine, first as the work of God, and then in the desolation which was the fruit of their sins.

In Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1 and Luke 20:9 and following verses, the Lord convicted the Jews of their crowning sin: their land was the vineyard; God was the husbandman. He had sent messenger after messenger to them, seeking fruit, and these servants were cruelly treated; He at last sends His Son, and they become His murderers. He was, as come into the world, the true vine (John 15:1), taking the rejected Israel’s place and bearing fruit for God. Afterward, in Revelation 14:18, 19, we read of the vine of the earth—a corrupt thing of religious profession, to be swept away in judgment. Then Israel will be restored, and there will be fruit for God from that reborn nation.

Israel was favored and blessed as no other nation had been, having every advantage that could be given by a benefit cent and wise Creator; redeemed from Egypt’s slavery, and given to know the true God, while the world in general was sunk in the darkness of idolatry and immorality; brought by His power into possession of the richest land on earth, and there set apart with Him as their Head and Protector, from all around that would have defiled and corrupted; His word in the 5 books of the Pentateuch given through Moses, with an admirable religious system provided by God for their case. Such and more was Israel’s place as set up in the land. But this favored vine, which should have brought forth in abundance the choicest grapes, produced wild (or bad) grapes.

What will the owner of this vineyard do? He will take away its hedge and break down its wall, that enemies may come in; the vineyard shall be trodden under foot; He will make it a waste, neither pruned nor hoed; briers and thorns shall come up, and He will command the clouds that they shower no rain upon it.

This accounts for the present condition of the Holy Land; some small patches have been put under cultivation by returned Jews from other lands, but the country as a whole waits for Israel’s change of heart in the days to come, when judgment shall have accomplished what the gospel has not.

ML 04/09/1933

True Joy

A CONVERTED Brahmin by the name of Dondaba, after confessing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and being baptized in His name, lost all his possessions — houses, villas, orchards, farms, money and other riches, as well as wife and children.

When someone asked him how he was able to bear such sorrow and tribulation, and whether the cross was sufficient for him in this hour of trial, he exclaimed:

“Alas, so many ask this question, but no one ever asks me how I can bear the joy that I now possess in Christ. Let me say that notwithstanding the sorrow, my soul is filled with such joy that no mortal is able to express or comprehend it.”

“Whom not having seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8.

ML 04/09/1933

Robert's Inheritance

A YOUTH named Robert K. became dissatisfied with his home and ran away. His parents were in very moderate circumstances but he had never wanted for anything. He became a wanderer, going from place to place. He found it difficult to get employment and the money he had was soon spent, and Robert was reduced to want.

About this time a most unexpected thing occurred at his home. News reached them that Robert had been made heir to a large sum of money. He had a brother George who undertook to find his wandering brother and tell him of the handsome legacy that awaited him. It was not an easy task, nor one soon accomplished, but in the end he was found, poor and cold and famished. As you may well suppose he lost no time in returning home and claiming his own.

How fortunate, you say, and perhaps wish that it had been you who had received this bequest. No doubt Robert’s inheritance was an advantage to him, and added much to his comfort while life lasted. However, when his time should come to quit this life he would leave it all behind. That which men prize here is of no value beyond the grave. Whatever one’s circumstances are here, all must leave this world empty-handed.

There is, however, an inheritance of a different nature that will endure. It is of this we want to tell you. The happiest thing about this inheritance is that it is not to a favored few, not to those that are better than others, but to all.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Pet. 1:4.

Now let us inquire how this may be made ours. Valuable though it be, there is only one way this rich inheritance may be obtained, and that is by receiving Christ. He it is who, by His atoning death, has made all blessing possible. His blood has purchased it for us, and also made us fit to receive it. We are thus made joint-heirs with Christ, and shall be sharers with Him of all the wondrous things that are His by right, as the Son of God.

Think this over carefully, dear reader, and you will not fail to see that the heavenly and enduring treasure is enough to make everything of earth look poor and mean by contrast, inasmuch as you will not leave it behind when this brief life is spent, but it will be yours to enjoy forever.

You would have thought Robert very foolish, had he not accepted the bequest and lived on in poverty. Much greater would be your folly if you fail to avail yourself of the gracious provision God has made for your salvation. What will be your exceeding loss if you do not accept Christ, for there is no salvation apart from Him.

As you value your never-dying soul, do not treat this matter lightly. Your opportunity to be saved may soon be gone forever. We do not know how soon Jesus may come for those who are ready, leaving all others behind to their eternal doom. Lose no time in seeking the Lord while He may be found. He is so ready and willing to save you. He died for this very purpose. He longs to bestow upon you all the fruits of that wondrous atoning death. Could you possibly turn away from such love? Open your heart to receive Him now and be forever blessed.

“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.

ML 04/09/1933

The Snake and the Frog

WE were walking on the hills one day when we saw a snake about two feet long, gliding across our path. In its mouth was a small frog. The head of the frog and its two front legs were outside the mouth of the snake, but more than half of the frog was in its mouth.

The poor frog was terribly frightened. It felt that in a few moments it would die. It had absolutely no power. It had no hope at all unless someone who was stronger than the snake should come and save it. As we passed by, the frog called out, “Squeak, squeak!” as if to say, “Save me, save me!”

How like that little frog is to us! It had got into the hold of a dreadful enemy, and could not free itself. Unless a deliverer came to it, it must die. And you and I, dear children, have also a dreadful enemy, Satan. Long ago in the garden of Eden, he caused Adam and Eve toy sin, and death came by sin. Yes, we have all sinned, and “the wages of sin is death.” What we need is a deliverer. We cannot save ourselves, any more than the little frog could. If you and I are to be saved, it must be by One Who is stronger than Satan. The frog seemed to realize its hopeless position and called on us to save it. Are you like the frog in this? Do you feel your need of a Saviour?

Well, the frog was saved, for we took a stick and struck the snake, making it drop the frog, which quickly hopped away, happy to be free. We chased the snake as it tried to escape and killed it.

Now is there a Saviour to Whom you may call, “Save me, save me!”? Is there one to be found in all the universe stronger than Satan? Yes, thank God, there is a Saviour, One Who is able and One Who is willing to save you from the power of Satan. God has sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for us and save us. He not only pitied us, but He loved us.

“God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8. Yes, on the cross the Lord Jesus Christ broke the power of Satan, and set everyone free who believes in Him.

Let me ask, Have you found out that the little frog is a picture of you? Have you ever cried, “Save me, save me!”? If you have, God says,

“Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

ML 04/09/1933

Gentle Words and Tender

Little acts of kindness

Christian love display,

Make home bright and happy

Through the busy day.

Gentle words and tender—

Like soft drops of rain

Making spring-time blossom—

Take away sharp pain.

Children, in your trials

Patient be and meek,

Check the rise of anger,

Help from Jesus seek.

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Prov. 20:11.

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32.

ML 04/09/1933

Timothy

THE aged apostle Paul, in the very last letter he wrote before he went home to be with Christ, said to Timothy,

“From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

Timothy had a godly mother and grandmother and they taught him to love the Word of God, but you see it was not being their child that saved him. They were persons of faith, but it was not because they had faith in Christ that could save Timothy. It was his own faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that saved him.

He was a very useful man in the work of the Lord, and much loved and valued by Paul, as we see almost every time Paul speaks of him (Romans 16:21; 1 Cor. 16:10; Phil. 1:1, 2:19-22; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:5).

Paul tells us that the man of God could find all the instruction he would need for his work in the service of God in those very same Scriptures that Timothy had known from a child.

The Lord wants to have a people in this world who will confess Him before men, and prove that they are not their own, but His, for He has bought them with His precious blood—He has died for them, that they should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him, their living Lord and Master in heaven.

“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.” 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

ML 04/16/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 5. Verses 8 to 30

WOE is now pronounced upon the rejectors of the claims and the mercy of God; these are grouped under six heads, six classes of humanity, and all of them are at least as plainly to be found today as they were when Isaiah wrote.

The first group is described in verse 8. These bring to mind the men of Genesis 11, and the rich farmer of Luke 12; an hour comes for which they are totally unprepared. Men justify such, but God says, “Thou fool!” Israel’s blessings, unlike the Christian’s are connected with this earth, and so we read of the very, very poor return (verse 10), they got for all their work—6 1/2 gallons from 10 acres of vineyard, and of the seed planted only one-tenth harvested.

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

Verses 11 and 12 describe the second class; pleasure is their object in life. Thus does Satan lure many nowadays to destruction. It will be noticed that the word concerning such, in verses 13, 14 particularly, is especially solemn.

The third class of people is named in verses 18 and 19. Here are they who think nothing of sin, and laugh and sneer at the warnings and pleadings of the servants of God.

In verse 20 is the fourth group whose numbers, or whose boldness, or both, have been growing rapidly of late. These devote themselves to the breaking down of right conduct, and of recognized moral standards, of corrupt mind, they seek to corrupt everyone else. This is very noticeable in the literature of the present time.

The fifth group or class of the enemies of God is singled out in verse 21. These are the learned, or would be learned, the philosophers, professors and teachers, and such like; not all of them, thank God, for there are faithful men of God among the highly educated. But there is a very evident class of thinkers, doctors of religion, scientists, etc., who push aside the Word of God and substitute the conclusions of their own minds—science falsely so-called.

Verse 22 names the sixth and last class of mankind who desire not the knowledge of God. These appear to be the corrupt men in the governments, and judges who accept bribes. Upon these last the judgment of Jehovah of hosts will fall in consuming power.

But because of all this, the anger of Jehovah was kindled against His people; He had stretched out His hand against them, and smitten them, and His hand is stretched out still (verse 25).

He was about to call a nation far off, the Assyrians, or not long after the Babylonians, to execute His judgment upon the despisers of His Word. But the language of verses 26 to 30 cannot be limited to the events of Hezekiah’s reign, and of the last two kings of Judah; evidently the fulfilment of this prophecy awaits the day to which the prophetic Scriptures nearly all point, when Judah will be again in the land of Palestine.

ML 04/16/1933

"I Am Ready! Are You?"

IN a pretty country village, not far from the sea, lived little Agnes, the story of whom I wish to tell you. One Sunday afternoon, among the new faces at our Sunday school were Agnes and her sister Emily, and that is how we came to know them. Agnes was seven years old, Emily three. Their sister Maggie, aged fourteen, took care of them and a baby sister, whom their mother had left an infant when she was taken very ill and died.

Children at Sunday school are often not very attentive, and teaching them is a work of patience. Well, Agnes was about the same as the rest in this respect, but as she sat near her teacher, perhaps she heard better than most in the class.

A few weeks passed away, when one day a sad accident happened. Maggie had gone out on an errand, and left the three little ones at home. Agnes stood on the fender to reach something off the chimney-piece, when her clothes caught alight from the fire.

The door was standing open, and as the wind blew in it quickly fanned it into a flame. Agnes was terrified and ran out of the house across the road to the nearest cottage, screaming for help. But before help could come it was too late. The little dress and petticoat were so burnt they dropped off the poor little scarred body.

The neighbors put Agnes to bed as soon as they could, and sent for a doctor; but she had some hours of great pain before the remedies used began to tell on her, and then she fell into a restless sleep.

The next day Agnes lay for a long while in a kind of stupor and we could not speak to her, but while in this state it seemed as if God spoke to her; for, after a time, from her poor dry lips came the words of the little hymn she had so often sung in school:—

“There is a happy land,

Far, far away.”

Then she became occupied with The One who makes heaven a happy place. She, like Stephen, saw Jesus; and her oft repeated words were, though she had certainly never said such things before,

“Heavenly Jesus! O, Jesus! You are my Jesus! Are You ready? I am.” Then she used the words, “Christ in glory,” and so the day passed away.

Thursday came and it was evident Agnes would not get better, but was passing away. I went to look at her again. She lay as before and had not spoken for some time, but while I was there her lips parted and faintly the words came,

“I am ready; are you?” A few minutes more and she had gone to be with Jesus.

O! that all who read these lines were able to use Agnes’s words and say to others,

“I am ready, are you?”

“And they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Matt. 25:10.

ML 04/16/1933

"And That's the Way to Heaven, Sir"

WHEN we know the Lord has saved us, we want to bring others to Him. By and by, when we get home, the Lord will call to remembrance everything that has been done for Him, and in His name, and He will reward every one according to his service. What a priceless pleasure there is in serving Him so that we do not work for reward, but for Him; but then, He is not forgetful of the work of faith and labor of love.

It is astonishing what we can do when we try.

“Can you tell me the way to Waterloo Station, my little man?” inquired a gentleman of a little boy that was walking along with a book under his arm.

“Yes, sir,” was the ready answer; “and I can tell you the way to heaven, too, sir.”

“Can you, my little fellow?” said the gentleman with a look of pleasant surprise on his face; “I should like to know both ways, then.”

“Well, sir, if you’ll keep straight on—no turnings—that will bring you to Waterloo Station; and Jesus said” (and the boy looked up with a smile into the gentleman’s face) “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life,’—and that’s the way to heaven, sir.”

“Is it indeed so simple as that? Where did you learn the way to heaven so clearly?”

“At the Sunday school, sir, out of this book” (pointing to the Bible under his arm).

As they were going the same way, they got into conversation; and the gentleman found the little fellow had got hold of the Gospel, or God’s way of saving sinners, in such a nice manner, repeating several texts, that he was more than interested. After bidding his little guide to the station and to heaven good-bye, he told him he hoped he should see him again.

While on the train, the mind of the gentleman turned again to the answer of the little boy who immediately thought of heaven and was not ashamed to speak of it. God used the little boy’s conversation as the means of the man’s conversion. When he went to his Bible again, he found, as all must find who search it with a prayerful spirit, that God’s way of salvation is a straight way, straight on through the door opened by Christ Himself. He found there was nothing to do, for Christ has done it all, and God’s Word says,

“To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly.” Rom. 4:5.

Was not that gracious of God; dear little readers, in using a little Sunday school boy to the conversion of a gentleman who thought he had something to do before he could be saved, and yet found that a child was in the secret, who could point the way to heaven in such a simple manner; and that way was through the open door, as Jesus says,

“I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.”

The little boy could speak on the authority of what Jesus says, —

“‘I am the way, the truth, and the life,’ —and that’s the way to heaven, sir.”

A beautiful sight by the road side, a little boy and a tall gentleman talking about heaven and the way to get there.

It is so precious to have the mind and heart and memory stored with the Word of God for our peace and joy, and to be able to tell the unconverted what Jesus says.

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

ML 04/16/1933

Come to Me

Jesus calls to little children, —

And His words are words of love,

“Come to Me, receive My blessing,—

Come to Me, and live above.”

“But,” you say, “He lives in heaven,

How can I approach Him there?”

Listen, then, to what He utters,

Thus His gracious words declare: —

“Though in glory I am seated,

E’en the softest word I hear,

And the voice of little children

Soundeth sweetly in Mine ear.

“For My love to ruined sinners

To this wretched world I came;

Here I died to make atonement,

Justice now no more can claim.

“Sinners now in Me believing,

Everlasting life receive;

Come, in faith, to Me for pardon—

I have died that thou may’st live.”

ML 04/16/1933

Peace

HOW peaceful is the scene before us, with the cattle standing quietly, knee-deep in the river, lashing the flies away with their long tails, and cropping the ends of the over-hanging boughs. The sheep lie in the shadow of the elm trees, and the shepherd boy seems to have covered up his face with his hat, perhaps to keep the flies off while he may try to sleep.

However peaceful all around may seem, it is possible that the boy may not have much peace in his heart. If he thinks about his sins and having to meet God, it might well fill him with fear; but if he only knows that he can have all his sins put away through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, he may have peace in his heart.

Do you have peace in your heart? Can you say you have peace with God? All that is asked of us in order to have this peace, is to have faith in Christ. Do you ask, “What is faith?” Faith is believing what God has said, without seeing or feeling. The Scripture says,

“THEREFORE, BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Romans 5:1.

Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, have peace in their hearts that no one can take from them.

ML 04/23/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 6

CHAPTER 6 is one of the very few passages of Scripture in which the unseen is revealed. Here is the very presence of God. By and by this will be made good here on earth, in Christ, and what is revealed in this passage is in view of the day of the Lord, as well as to show that man, even the godliest, is in himself unfit for God’s presence.

In this scene of glory are seraphim, a symbolic representation not named elsewhere in Scripture; in Revelation 4 are four “beasts” (properly “living creatures”) who seem to combine the characters of the cherubim of Genesis 3:24, and the seraphim of Isaiah 6. Six wings are seen on the seraphim, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and with two they flew. The representations of cherubim in the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 25 and 37; 1 Kings 6 and 8, and 2 Chronicles 3 and 5) had two wings; in Ezekiel 1 and 10 four wings are mentioned, and in Revelation 4, six wings. Evidently these are all symbolic, and when Scripture does not explain or gratify our curiosity, we shall not speculate.

Holiness, the precise opposite of the uncleanness and defilement so characteristic of the world that now is, marks the scene of glory which Isaiah beheld. What he saw filled him with a deep sense of his own unfitness, and the unfitness of the people among whom he dwelt.

“Woe is me!” is his cry, not now pronouncing for God woes upon the unbelieving as in chapter 5.

One of the seraphim took a glowing coal from off the altar and made it touch Isaiah’s mouth. Thus cleansed and set free he can say,

“Here am I, send me!”

It is not however, the blessed message of the gospel that has reached our ears, that Isaiah is to deliver to Judah and Jerusalem, but a solemn indication of impending judgment.

How long? “Until the cities be wasted, without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land become an utter desolation, and Jehovah have removed men far away, and the solitude be great in the midst of the land. But a tenth part shall still be therein, and it shall return and be eaten; as the terebinth and as the oak whose trunk (or stump, or sap) remaineth after the felling; the holy seed shall he the trunk (or stump, or sap) thereof.” (N. T.).

Here we have the first assurance that there will be a remnant saved in the last days; not including any who have heard and refused the gospel of the grace of God, but many who having never heard the glad tidings of this dispensation, will receive the gospel of the kingdom, that Christ is coming to reign. Thus grace and mercy will have their part amid the awful scenes of judgment on earth. Here, too, is the key to the condition of the land of Israel at the present time. It will not be fully restored until Judah and Israel are back there, a redeemed, worshiping people before God.

ML 04/23/1933

Who Else Was Crucified With Jesus?

PAPA, who else was crucified with Jesus? Of course, I know the thieves were. Was anybody else?”

“Yes, Eddie, there was indeed; but what makes my little boy ask such a question?”

“Why, papa, I heard it read the other day at meeting—something about ‘our old man being crucified with Jesus’—and I couldn’t think what it meant; I thought none but the two thieves died with Jesus.”

“You will think it stranger still, when I tell you that this ‘old man’ the Bible speaks of died on the same cross with the Lord Jesus, too.”

“Why, papa, I never heard of that. Who was it?”

“I think you know something of him, my dear boy. At least, if what you tell me is true, that you believe in Jesus. Are you sure of that?”

“I am quite sure I am a sinner, papa, and Jesus, you know, died for sinners. And I do trust Him.”

“Well, Eddie dear, ‘blessed are all who put their trust in Him.’ But is your heart quite changed, then, now? Have you a new heart that loves Jesus? —Is it all, all new?”

“Why no, papa, not all. I do so wish it was. But I sometimes think it’s as if I were two people now. There’s one Eddie still, that doesn’t seem to love Jesus after all; and there’s another one that does.”

“So there’s like an old Eddie, and a new. There’s one Eddie, a new Eddie, that God has made, and who loves Him; but the old Eddie that didn’t love Him isn’t gone. Well, even the apostle Paul found that. He found he had in him an old Paul still. That’s what he calls his ‘old man,’ and that’s what was crucified with Christ.”

“How, papa? Hadn’t Jesus died before that?”

“Yes, my dear, He had. But you know; for all who believe, it is just as if when He died they died, too. When God saw His dear Son hanging on that tree for us, He saw us there in Jesus. It is just as if we had been all put upon that cross with Him. Now, when He looks at you, He sees the Eddie He has made—not the old Eddie that you feel in you. The old Eddie, God says, is dead and gone. The blood of Jesus has blotted it all out. It is all put away. ‘Our old man was crucified with Christ.’ One day it will be gone, so that you will never find it any more. But, even now, while you do find it, God says, that is not you. The old Eddie died upon the cross with Jesus. The new Eddie is all He sees.”

“And that is how God can go on and bless us, in spite of all we find in ourselves. He has put all our sin away. And Jesus, who has gone up to God for us, is really what God sees. So, when He looks down at us, He sees only what is like Jesus in us. All the rest is put away.”

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Rom. 6:6.

“Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3.

ML 04/23/1933

"I Expect I'm Too Little"

THE crowd was fast dispersing in different directions, and the lights in the Mission Hall were being extinguished. Just inside the entrance door stood a little girl poorly clad, and with eyes that bore traces of tears. No one had noticed her until a Christian lady, who had stayed behind to talk to those who had been anxious about their souls, suddenly caught sight of the little figure.

Touched with the forlorn and wistful countenance, she stopped and addressed a few kindly words to the lonely little girl.

To her surprise, her only answer was a flood of tears.

“Wouldn’t you like to love Jesus, dear?” asked the lady.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“He loves you very much, you know; so much, that He died to win you for Himself.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Wouldn’t you like to give yourself to Him, then, tonight—just here?”

“I expect I’m too little,” was the answer this time.

“Too little? O, dear no. Jesus says, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me,’” was the bright reply.

“I thought He didn’t take no notice of the little ‘uns: He was so busy seein’ after the big folk.”

“Ah! but that’s not true; the Lord Jesus has a heart large enough to take in everybody—little as well as big.”

The lady sat down on one of the benches, and drew the little girl down beside her. It was growing late, but this was not of much consequence to her: people who live to win souls for their Master do not look much at their watches!

She soon learned all about the lonely little waif: hers was no uncommon story; a father who cursed and swore, and a mother who spent much of her time in the neighboring public houses.

Before they left the Mission Hall, she had, in her simple, child-like way, given herself into the keeping of the Good Shepherd, who, while He leaves the sheep to follow Him, carries the lambs in His bosom.

She carne regularly after this to the services, and delighted in listening to the sweet gospel hymns. Once even she induced her mother to come with her—poor mother, who had grown hard and cruel through the terrible life she led.

Have you ever said to yourself,

“I expect I’m too little for Jesus to care for me. I expect He is too busy looking after the big people”?

O, what a mistake! How the, Lord loves to win you when you are boys and girls, instead of when your hair, has grown grey, and your eyes dim.

Do you remember the little boy He called many, many hundred years, ago, who afterwards became a great prophet— the little boy Samuel, who ministered before the Lord? And since that He has called hundreds of other boys and girls too, who have gone forth as witnesses of God into the world as burning and shining lights amid the surrounding darkness and gloom.

It says, in the Word of God, that when the Lord wanted Samuel, “He came; and stood, and called” him. (1 Sam. 3:10.) And that is what He is doing every day, in your case.

He has come—ah yes, we know that! He has walked this sin-stricken world; he has died, “the just for the unjust.” Yes, He has come, He stands—where? At the door of your heart, and knocks.

He calls! ah! how often has He called you, and you have turned a deaf ear to the loving; pleading voice of Jesus? How often? And as He comes today and calls you once again, will you stop and listen?

“Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth,” was little Samuel’s reply. Shall it be yours? Will you stop and listen to what God has to say to you?

“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.

ML 04/23/1933

"Behold I Come Quickly"

“Behold I come quickly.”

Yes, that is the word,—

The promise once given

By Jesus our Lord.

“Behold I come quickly.”

E’er sweetly the same,

Then why should I care

For earth’s riches and fame?

“Behold I come quickly.”

Have I joy below?

What greater delight

When to Jesus I go!

“Behold I come quickly.”

Then let come what may:

This comforting promise

My spirit shall stay.

“Behold I come quickly.”

His word must abide.

I’ll soon be with Jesus,

Safe, safe at His side.

ML 04/23/1933

Just a Peep

AH! they have caught him, just taking a peep while playing at blind man’s buff. But this is not fair, it is cheating they say, because he is uncovering his eyes so as to see where they are, while he pretends to have his eyes covered all the time. He is trying to deceive them. Some may think that does not matter much, because it is only at play; but acting a lie is as bad as telling a lie, and if it is allowed in play, it will soon be thought nothing of in connection with what is not play.

Well, God is so thoroughly just and right in everything, that He cannot allow even that sin to go unpunished; so what will we do, dear children? Must we bear the punishment ourselves? No, we need not, for the word is,

“HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES: THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR PEACE WAS UPON HIM; AND WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED.” Isaiah 53:5.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:10.

O, what a wonderful thing this is, and how thankful we, who believe, should be to Him who has borne the punishment from God for our sins, so that we should never have to bear it He’ said on the cross, “It is finished.” Then instead of perishing, we get “everlasting life.”

If you believe in Jesus as your own Saviour, may you not only thank Him for what He has done for you, but may you seek in all your ways to please Him, and remember that even deceit is one of your sins that the Lord Jesus died for, and if the thought comes in your mind to deceive, turn away from it immediately.

ML 04/30/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 7

CHAPTER 6 refers to the year of Uzziah’s death; chapter 7 passes by the 16 year reign of his godly son Jotham and tells of the time of the wicked Ahaz, Uzziah’s grandson. 2 Chronicles 28 gives the inspired account of this thoroughly bad king; God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria, and into the hand of the king of Israel; many were killed in battle and far more were carried away as captives. The Edomites also attacked Judah, and carried away captives, and the Philistines seized several cities during Ahaz’ reign.

We learn from Isaiah 7 that the kings of Syria and Israel were not able to capture Jerusalem; God spared Judah to that extent—yet the people as well as the king and his family were stricken with fear, and no wonder, since the king who sat on David’s throne walked in ways utterly displeasing to God.

It was the intent of these northern kings (and one of them an Israelite) to substitute for David’s line a king of their own choice. God would not allow this; His word to David must stand. Those who in unbelief have criticized our Bible, have pointed to the sixty-five years of verse 8, as a blunder, because the ten tribes were carried away in about 21 years, but the 65 year limit was reached when a colony of foreigners was planted in their land, in Samaria. God does not err; the word is “within 65 years shall Ephraim be broken so as to be no more a people.” They then lost their land, and have never gone back to it.

Ahaz, utterly unbelieving, will not ask of God (verse 12), but Isaiah is privileged to tell him of a marvelous sign that God would and did give,

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and shall bring forth a Son, and call His name Immanuel” (meaning “God with us”). (See Matthew 1:23 for the fulfilment in the birth of Jesus the Lord).

Thus is the promise of Genesis 3:15 made clear. Not partaking of the sinful nature of Adam, but truly man, yet fully and essentially God, came the eternal Son of God into the world to save sinners.

The end of verse 16 should read, “the land whose two kings thou fearest (or abhorrest) shall be forsaken.” Verse 17 adds a promise of judgment not long to be deferred: the king of Assyria was coming! Coming not as a friend or ally but as a conqueror! Ahaz had before sent there for help instead of humbling himself because of his sins and seeking God’s forgiveness and help, but the Assyrian king has been no help (2 Chronicles 28:16-21).

The Assyrians were coming; they came twice in Hezekiah’s day and ravaged the land of Judah.

ML 04/30/1933

The Little Burman

SOME time ago a missionary went to the far East and toiled and prayed for the good news of salvation to be received by the poor ignorant people that surrounded him. One day a little boy in his school came to him and asked that he might read the Bible all the next day, instead of learning his usual lessons.

“Why,” asked the kind-hearted missionary, “do you wish to read the Scriptures?”

“In order to become a disciple,” answered the dear little boy.

“Do you, then, wish to become a disciple while yet so young?”

“I do,” the child replied, “because young people die as well as others; and if I should die without becoming a Christian, I should go to hell; but if I become a Christian, I have nothing to fear.”

“What sins have you done?” asked the missionary, when the dear boy replied,

“I have neglected the true God, who has kept me by night and by day, and who has fed and clothed me all my life, and I, notwithstanding, have worshipped false gods.”

O, what a touching answer, dear young leader, from a little heathen boy! His greatest sorrow was not about lying or theft or disobedience, but that he had “NEGLECTED THE TRUE GOD.”

Alas, how many thousands of boys and girls in this gospel land are daily committing this great sin, without thinking it a sin at all! God, who has given them life, and food, and raiment, and loving parents, is quite forgotten, by them; and I know right well that Satan would give a hundred toys to shut that gracious, loving God out of their thoughts and hearts.

But life, and food, and raiment are not all that God has given—He has shown His love by a far greater gift than these, even the gift of His own well-beloved Son. For sin came into this world, and death by sin, and so God in grace gave Jesus from that bright heaven above to come down here and die for us.

And was not that a great gift? And would you, dear reader, like to forget the Giver of such a gift, and live day after day neglecting such a One? Ah, no! will you reply? If God has loved me with such a love I would forget Him no longer. —How true the words of the little Burman scholar, “Young people are exposed to death as well as others!” and if you die in your sins, Jesus has said,

“Where I go ye CANNOT come.”

Would not my young reader love to spend that long, long eternity with the Lord Jesus—to sing the new song, to be in the Father’s home, to share His smile forever and forever?

O, that bright, blessed, glorious home. I am sure you would all love that, and there is but one way of securing all that blessedness; the way the dying thief got it, and went that same day into paradise; the way every ransomed soul has secured it since that memorable day; and the way in which my dear young reader may get it even now, and that is, by resting in simple faith upon God’s own testimony given to us in 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, that “Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again, according to the Scriptures.”

Is there some little voice asks,

“And is that all I have to do to make this great salvation mine”?

Yes, that is all. Jesus has left nothing else for you to do, for upon the cross He said,

“It is finished.” John 19:30.

And if He finished the work, none can add anything more.

It is now but for you to accept, the gift of God, and give all the glory to Him, for He is worthy.

ML 04/30/1933

Happy Charlie

DEAR little Charlie! How happy he is, sitting on his low stool near the window listening to the song of the canary, as it warbles so sweetly in the cage above his head. His chubby hands are clasped together in childish delight, and his face is turned in the direction from which the music comes. His eyes, too, appear to rest on the pretty bird which is giving him so much pleasure, but it is only in appearance, for dear Charlie is blind! He has never seen the golden sunshine lighting up the flowers and trees that grow around.

Yet Charlie is always happy—very happy. He is always ready for a game with any of his companions, and the ringing peals of his laughter have such an effect on others, that the room quickly becomes a scene of brightest merriment—childish merriment and uproar.

No wonder that Charlie has gained the name of “Happy Charlie,” and that he has become the pet and plaything of the house in which he lives. For Charlie is an orphan, and cannot even remember a mother’s or a father’s love. How good of God to put it in the hearts of his friends to provide him with such a home as the one in which he lives.

And now, I think I hear some dear boy or girl say,

“But how can Charlie be so happy? I should be very miserable if I were blind, and unable to see father and mother, and all the beautiful things around me.”

I am going to tell you a little incident, and then I think you will understand Charlie’s joy.

A kind lady came to visit the Home of which the little blind boy is an inmate. Her kind voice and winning manner soon drew Charlie to her side. It was not long before his little arms were clinging round his new friend’s neck, and his curly head nestling confidingly on her shoulder, as she spoke to him of many things which she thought might interest and amuse him.

But as she paused in the conversation, Charlie lifted up one of his chubby little hands, and passing it softly over the lady’s cheeks, asked thoughtfully,

“Do you love Jesus? Charlie does.”

Yes, Charlie loved Jesus. This was the secret of all his happiness. Though only a little boy five years old, he had learned to love the Saviour who had done so much for him. He had heard the story of God’s wonderful love in sending His beloved Son to die for poor, perishing sinners. And his little heart had found rest in believing that Jesus had washed away all his sins. It was the knowledge of this that had led him to love the Saviour, and had filled his little heart with happiness and delight.

You can think how glad the lady was as she responded to dear little Charlie’s question, and after kissing his upturned face, she read to him one of the beautiful Bible stories of which he was so fond. And Charlie, seated on his kind friend’s lap, felt so glad, so thankful, that God had given hint the power to listen, although He had seen fit to withhold the blessing of sight.

Dear boys and girls, are you as happy as Charlie? The love of Jesus will make you so. Even should God see fit to deny you some gift which others around you possess, you will still have the knowledge of His love towards you. This will fill your heart with such joy and delight that your face may beam as brightly as that of “Happy Charlie.”

“Perfect love casteth out fear.” 1 John 4:18.

ML 04/30/1933

Are You Ready?

When the Saviour comes to call us

To His happy home on high,

Say, will you, dear little reader,

Go to meet Him in the sky?

Can you say, “He is my Saviour,

He has washed my sins away”?

Happy, happy, little children,

Those who truly this can say.

If you have not trusted in Him,

Listen now to what He’s done,

You have sinned, but He was punished—

He, God’s perfect, sinless One.

Do not doubt another moment,

He has died instead of you.

Only trust this loving Saviour,

And believe the message true.

ML 04/30/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For if a man,” etc. Gal. 6:3.

2.“Christ hath redeemed,” etc. 3:13.

3.“For I through the law,” etc. 2:19.

4.“And because,” etc. 4:6.

5.“I am crucified,” etc. 2:20.

6.“For, brethren,” etc. 5:13.

7.“But though we,” etc. 1:8, 9.

Bible Questions for May “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “If ye be dead with Christ.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “To die is gain.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The kingdom of His dear Son.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “What things were gain to me.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Which was also in Christ Jesus.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

7. On what is the Christian told to set his affection?

Answers to Bible Questions for March “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Because in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Gal. 6:9.

2.Pretending to be subject to Jewish national ceremonial prejudice. Gal. 2:11-15.

3.Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Gal. 5:22,23.

4.What we sow. Gal. 6:7, 8.

5.Let him be accursed. Gal. 1:8.

6.They put themselves under its curse. Gal. 3:10.

7.Because thus we fulfil the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2.

Bible Questions for May “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.Why did Christ think it not robbery to be equal with God?

2.For what was Epaphras noted?

3.What was death for Paul?

4.What two things should characterize the speech of the believer?

5.Whom are we to hold in reputation?

6.What are we to do if we have a quarrel?

7.What is given the believer on behalf of Christ?

ML 05/07/1937

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 8

CHAPTERS 7, 8 and 9 to the end of verse 7 should be considered together as one prophecy, growing out of the attack upon Jerusalem by the kings of Israel and Syria, Pekah, the son of Remaliah, and Rezin.

In chapter 7 the son of David reigning over Judah had no faith, and in chapter S the people are seen to be as faithless as their king. They refused the softly flowing waters of Shiloah (Siloam in John 9:7, a pool on the south of Jerusalem by the king’s garden. Nehemiah 3:15). God known in grace they despised; and rejoiced in the wicked kings of the northern countries who were soon to be overthrown, and to lose their lives.

Grace despised, brings sure judgment, and this is indicated in the names of Isaiah’s two little boys: “A remnant shall return” (chapter 7:3), and “Swift for spoil, hasty for prey” (chapter 8:3). Before the older boy knew to refuse the evil and to choose the good; and before the younger one knew to cry “My father!” and “My mother!” the kings of Israel and Syria would be no more, and the glory of their countries would be gone (See 2 Kings 16:9, and 15:29, 30. In the latter passage, the “twentieth year of Jotham” is the fourth year of Ahaz; see verse 33). The Assyrian attack upon Syria and Israel was in the year 740 B. C.

Israel as a nation (the ten tribes) had so exceeded in sin, that their removal into captivity was now near at hand, but Judah (the two tribes still professing the worship of the true God and owning the line of David as their rulers, and Jerusalem as their capital city) was not far behind Israel in wickedness. Therefore the Assyrians were to be brought like an overflowing river through Judah,— “Thy land, O Immanuel!” (verse 8).

Christ then is the key to the Scriptures (John 5:39; Luke 24:27). He is the Immanuel of Isaiah 7:14 and 8:18, as Matthew 1:20-25 shows. The prophet is here again led on to the future day when the nations, with godless Judah will, according to Psalm 2, set themselves against God and His Anointed, and be broken in pieces. This has been before us in our reading of the Psalms, particularly. The remnant of Judah believing in Him will be preserved and blessed when the Lord Jesus appears for the setting up of His kingdom.

Those then who fear God are warned to keep out of the schemes of the unbelieving mass of the Jews (verses 11-17), and told not to fear them, but to fear Jehovah of hosts. In verse 14 is a passage quoted in 1 Peter 2:6-8, the truth of which is seen on every page of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Christ, and not Isaiah, is in view in verse 18, as we learn from Hebrews 2:13. With Him is seen the believing remnant. and in contrast we have the unbelieving Jews in verses 19-22, who, rejecting God and their Messiah will seek for help from the necromancers and soothsayers, and become the very picture of wretchedness, to be later judged according to their works.

ML 05/07/1933

What Is a Saviour?

A SAVIOUR is one who saves; just in the same way as a doctor is one who cures; a banker is one who lends money; a baker is one who sells bread; each person has a special object and work, which is expressed by the name he bears.

You do not go to the banker to be cured of disease; nor to a doctor to present a check; the title of each denotes his office and character.

Just so it is with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of Him as “a Saviour”. Why? Because, “He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:21.) That is His special office and work; therefore, when people want to get rid of their sins, the word is, “Go to the Lord Jesus.” Jesus Himself says, “Come unto Me.” Why then should people go to others for salvation? Men cannot save’, works cannot save, promises cannot save, crying, praying, self-denial cannot save; the word is,

“Look unto Him and he saved.”

Will the doctor cure? Yes, he will, if he can.

Will the banker pay? Yes, he will, if he has the money.

Will the baker sell? Yes, he will, if he has the bread.

With each of these there is an “if.”

There is no “if” with the Lord Jesus; the “if” is with the sinner. “If” you go to Him, He can, He will, He waits—without money, without price—to save the sinner who will only come: who will only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation; that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

ML 05/07/1933

See Saw

KITTY doesn’t quite know what to make of this kind of play, and seems about to go to a quieter place. Little sister has lost one shoe during the romp, and is somewhat at the mercy of her brother who appears full of boyish fun. Yet she is not afraid; and we may be sure all three of the children will do all in their power to keep her from injury. Thus the little one can well trust them as far as they are able.

Do you trust in the care of God Who can never fail? The children might let the chair slip; but with God there can be no accidents. He supports the worlds, and cares for each one who trusts in Him.

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, the present needs of your soul will be met as well as those of your body; and you will one day go to dwell forever with Him.

“My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

“COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD; TRUST ALSO IN HIM; AND HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS.” Psa. 37:5.

ML 05/07/1933

Mary's Apple Seed

A LITTLE girl got an apple seed in her windpipe, and as it could not be removed, it was decided that the doctor must come and take it out.

Mary was much frightened when they told her the doctor was coming that afternoon. She commenced to cry,

“O Mamma! don’t let him cut me! O Mamma! I can’t bear it!”

Her mother feeling very sorry to hear her, said,

“Mary, do you not know that Jesus carries our sorrows? He tells us to call upon Him when we are in trouble, and He will deliver us. If you ask Him to help you to bear the pain, He will give you strength, and it will not hurt so much.”

Mary went into the parlor alone to pray, and in a few minutes she came out smiling with the apple seed in her hand.

“Mamma, I thought Jesus could help me get out the apple seed just as well as to help me bear the pain. So I asked Him to help me get it up, and then I coughed, and it came up just as easy.”

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

“The Lord is good, a strong bold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7.

ML 05/07/1933

My Saviour Died

“Not on my guilty head

The wrath of God shall fall;

The Lamb has suffered in my stead,

His blood atones for all.

“I seek no other way,

My soul is satisfied;

To know that God forgives today,

Because my Saviour died.”

ML 05/07/1933

"Work While It Is Day"

IN this lovely scene it is night. The moon is rising through the heavens in and out among the fleecy clouds, while its soft light bathes everything below, and sparkles and dances over the quiet stream.

The busy hum of the mill has ceased; its great wheels are motionless; all is still.

There is something solemn in the darkness of the silent night. And it is exceedingly solemn to think of the long, dark night into which no ray of hope will ever enter—the night that awaits those who continue to be rejecters of God and of Christ. May none of the dear readers of this paper be found in that night of sorrow. God tells us,

“The night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4.

May you who know the Lord, be found serving Him—working while it is day! May you who do not know Jesus as your Saviour, come now to Him, lest that awful night of darkness overtake you!

“TODAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.” Heb. 4:7.

ML 05/14/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 9

MATTHEW 4:12-16 gives the answer to the opening verses of our chapter. The “dimness,” darkness or gloom that fell upon the land of God’s earthly people because of their sins, was to be penetrated by the light. And this was to take place in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, Galilee of the nations, rather than in Jerusalem. (See John 1:43-46; 7:48-52 and Matthew 23: 37-39 and 28: 7).

In days to come when the Jews in great numbers shall have returned to the land of their fathers, proud, religious Jerusalem will again be the seat of rebellion against and hatred of God and Christ, and the believing remnant of that time will be despised as were the Galileans when Jesus trod this earth. More, they will be hated because of their testimony, and some will suffer martyrdom for His sake.

Omit the word “not” which has mistakenly been added to the third verse, and the sense of it becomes clear. The rejoicing is in view of the Lord’s appearing in the latter day, when He will break the power of the oppressors of His people.

The correct translation of verse 5 is: “For every boot of him that is shod for the tumult, and the garment rolled in blood, shall be for burning, fuel for fire.” It tells of the end of war, brought about by the Lord Jesus when He has put down all power and authority that opposes His righteous rule.

Again the Holy Spirit presents the Lord (Verses 6, 7), for upon Him depends all of Israel’s future. Despised and rejected when He came in grace nineteen hundred years ago, the government will be upon His shoulder when the Jews see Him. Remark His titles as here given; many more are His, but these suit the purposes of the Divine Author here. Many times, are Jehovah’s works spoken of in the Scriptures as wonderful, but here we have Himself, the Doer of them all. In one word, what is He?

“Wonderful!” beyond compare. We shall adore Him eternally because of what He has done, and the ground of it all is, “Thou art worthy ... . because Thou hast been slain, and hast redeemed to God by Thy blood,” etc. (Revelation 5:9).

“Counselor” is His name, too (Romans 11:33-36).

“Mighty God” He is, as the Scriptures again and again amply testify, —as fully and eternally God as is the Father, and as is the Holy Spirit.

“Everlasting Father,” or more exactly, “Father of Eternity,” or “Father of the Coming Age,” and “Prince of Peace” are worthy titles for Him who shed His blood that poor unworthy sinners, both Jews and Gentiles might live, and that peace may fill this troubled world.

“Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end.” His kingdom will not decline and fall, as have the kingdoms of men all through the past.

Verses 8 and following, resume the general history of Israel which was left in chapter 5. Israel, blinded by sin and pride, rejected the judgments already brought upon them, and heavier punishment was to come (verses 11, 12).

This would not be limited to the invasion of the country by the Assyrians; destruction and desolation were to be wrought in the land. The leaders, both ancient and honorable and the prophet teaching lies, were to be cut off in one day, and no man would spare his brother. It is a fearful picture of anarchy that is presented in the closing verses.

ML 05/14/1933

The Bear of the Amstel

Part 1

ON the banks of the Amstel, stood a farm-house. The house had once been handsome and imposing-looking, but had been so neglected that it seemed to be going fast to ruin. The trees of the avenue leading to it had long been untrimmed, the paths were overgrown with weeds, the flower-beds had run wild, and the house itself, whose grey walls were half hidden by the branches of the aged oaks and tangled shrubs, was hastening to decay.

The windows in front were blocked up, and here and there a rent in the old walls or a fallen stone gave the place the appearance of an uninhabited ruin. But the back of the house was in a different state, and the flourishing condition of the well-kept orchard and kitchen gardens showed that the dwelling was still occupied, although even here a human form was seldom seen.

Beside the farm-house, and separated from its grounds by a thick hedge, stood a cottage in a similar state of neglect, and evidently empty; its garden, too, was overgrown with weeds, its walls were weather-stained, its shutters closed, and its iron gate so overrun with nettles and vines, that nature herself seemed to bar the entrance against all intruders.

A notice on a board announced that the cottage was to rent, and being pleasantly situated, it had been rented again and again, yet all who came to it were sure to leave it at the end of the first quarter, and at last it seemed to have gained such an evil repute that the notice-board had become a fixture, and like the gate, was overrun with weeds and wild flowers.

What could be the reason? It was neither damp nor dreary in itself, and so conveniently near the bustling town, yet so rural, that many a worn city man would have been glad to escape the turmoil of the town in a place so peaceful.

You will be curious to know then, why it was so deserted, and will wonder still more when I tell you that it was owing to the extraordinary behavior of the owner of the estate, who, although willing to rent the house, drove away everybody who took it!

“Why,” you will say, “he must have been crazy!” And so indeed he was, poor man; so crazy that he had gained for himself the nickname of “The Bear of the Amstel,” partly from his rude and even violent behavior towards everyone who came near him; and partly from strange fits of growling like a wild animal with which he was seized every now and then, so that he could be heard even by persons passing by the house.

Of course these occasional attacks of insanity; together with his habitual surliness and strange reserve, drove everybody away from him. No one entered his house; nobody could even live near him; and thus he was completely deserted by all except one old faithful servant, whose boast it was that she had lived nearly fifty years with her strange master without having ever left him, even to visit the neighboring city of Amsterdam.

Now and then this strange man might be seen in his orchard walking up and down the path by the thick hedge, waving his arms or pressing his hands to his frenzied head, like one in desperate sorrow or anguish of mind. Then, after a while, he would stop, look fixedly at an old apple tree, whose moss-grown and tangled boughs told that it had been untouched for years; and then, with a cry of pain, he would rush wildly into the house, growling loudly like a wild and furious beast.

It was plain that some terrible remembrance haunted him, and that anguish of heart deprived him at times of his reason. No wonder that people refused to live near him. Moreover, some who had done so, complained that he had pelted their children with stones, if they happened to go near the hedge when he was in the orchard, and if a chicken or any other living thing entered the place, he would destroy it. Thus the poor Bear of the Amstel was deserted by everybody, and the cottage allowed to stand unoccupied for years.

But one morning the notice-board was again taken down, masons and carpenters and gardeners were seen about the place putting it in order; and a boat laden with furniture came up the stream from Amsterdam. Then, at last one evening, a family carriage stopped at the cottage gate, and a gentleman, with his wife and four children, entered the house and took possession of their new home. Lights were soon gleaming through the crevices of the long-closed shutters, and the deserted cottage, after many a long day, had at last found inhabitants.

How was that? you will ask. Was the new-comer ignorant of the character of the owner? No; he knew all about the Bear of the Amstel, but he greatly needed a country house on account of his wife’s delicate health, and had long been seeking one not too far from Amsterdam. He was a merchant of that old city, and of course must needs be in his office every morning. The deserted cottage was therefore just in the right place for him, and, although he had been warned by his friends of the character of the owner, he hoped to overcome his surliness by showing him every possible kindness, for Mr. M. was a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, and had great faith in the power of grace, and the help of his blessed Master.

“At all events,” said he to his wife. “we will make the attempt with the Lord’s help, and see what comes of it.” And thus he and his wife took up their dwelling in the long-forsaken house.

Every morning after this he was seen on his way to Amsterdam with his two elder children, who attended school there; and every evening they all returned together with cheerful hearts and happy faces to talk over the busy scene they had left, and rest in their rural home. Morning and evening prayer and praise were heard in that once deserted house, and it may be that the sounds were sometimes wafted across the solitary path of the strange owner, as he wandered up and down his orchard; but, if so, he took no heed, and seemed utterly unconscious of their presence.

As the taking of the house had been all arranged by correspondence, Mr. M. and his strange landlord had not yet met each other, and, therefore, for the present, there was nothing to disturb the peace of the merchant and his happy family.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:16.

To be continued.

ML 05/14/1933

Jesus

For our sakes the blessed Saviour

To this world of sorrow came;

For our sakes He bore the judgment,

Dying on the cross of shame.

Children, have you ever told Him

You believe He died for you?

Have you ever really thanked Him

That He paid your sins’ full due?

Precious Saviour! now in glory,

Still He bears that wondrous Name:

Jesus; still the sinners’ Saviour,

Jesus, evermore the Same.

Let your soul delight the Saviour

By submitting to His love;

And in everlasting favor,

You will dwell with Him above.

ML 05/14/1933

The Pony and the Dogs

WHAT fun it is to race across the meadow on the back of a pony.

Although a hunter prides himself on having fine hounds, our little master and his various dogs seem as happy as if the latter were a well-matched pack.

Let us compare ourselves to this in one way. God chose the Jewish nation for blessing. If His people had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ when He came to earth, we of Gentile origin could have had no claim on the mercy of God.

Through the death of the blessed Son of God, the way was opened for the Gentiles to become recipients of His favor. Now each person, Jew or Gentile, has but to take his true place as a helpless sinner before God, and trust in the blood of Jesus Christ shed at Calvary.

The dogs in our picture will never become noble-looking hounds; but at the coming of the Lord, all His own will be changed into His likeness.

‘Do you belong to the Lord Jesus?

“We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” Rom. 3:9.

“There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.” Rom. 10:12.

“WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” Rom. 10:13.

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

ML 05/21/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 10

VERSES 1 to 4 are connected with chapter 9 in subject. One class — the judges — should have remained on the solid ground of truth and righteousness when the people and their guides went astray. But all were now corrupt in the northern kingdom, and the visitation of divine wrath was about to take place. Then what would they do who decreed iniquitous decrees, and prescribed oppression, that widows might be their prey, and that they might rob the fatherless? They could but crouch under the prisoners, and should fall under the slain, in the day when the Assyrian army swept over the land.

The Assyrian is then again made the subject of prophecy (verses 5 to 34). He is the Rod of God’s anger and His indignation against His people, sent by Him against them because of their hypocrisy and their mounting sins. The king of the Assyrians did not realize that he Was only a tool in God’s hands working out His purposes.

The later Assyrian empire, as it is called, is generally considered to have been founded by Tiglath-Pileser in 745 B.C., and five years later that monarch destroyed Damascus and carried away the tribes of Israel who lived east of the Jordan. The king of Judah seems to have acknowledged him in a way as his overlord, but he was bent on seizing Jerusalem as he had Damascus and Samaria and other foreign capitals. This, God would not allow him to do, as Isaiah himself later shows. He would overrun Judah, and besiege Jerusalem, but would not be permitted to capture the city.

The Assyrian empire has crumbled into dust long since, but it is to live again, and when the Lord has performed His whole work upon Mount Zion and upon Jerusalem, He will punish the fruit of the stoutness of heart of the king of that land, and the glory of his high looks (verse 12). In that day the Lord will be at the head of His earthly people, and a short work will they make of the Assyrian army (verses 16-19).

Then the remnant of Israel will no more rely upon those who smote them, but will rely upon the Holy One of Israel, the Lord. The unbelieving mass of Israel will die in their sins (verses 22 and 23).

Those who turn to God are comforted in verse 24 and following, with. the assurance that though the Assyrian smite them with the rod, they need not be afraid of him. Only a very little while would he appear to have his own way, and then he would be overwhelmed in destruction. While this prophecy had an early fulfilment (in Isaiah’s life time) in the larger sense, it awaits for fulfilment the long promised time when Israel will be again in their land with the Lord Jesus as their King.

The last verses of this chapter, 28-34, trace the course of the Assyrian army, coming from the north toward Jerusalem. Not all of the places can now be identified, but Aiath is believed to be Ai, near Jericho; Migron, Michmash and Anathoth are nearer to Jerusalem, and can be found on a map of Palestine. The Assyrian king will seem to have everything his own way, but the beauty and pride of Assyria will unexpectedly meet with a power they have never known, and utter defeat will follow. He shall fall by a mighty One.

ML 05/21/1933

The Bear of the Amstel

Part 2

ONE morning Mr. M. went alone to the city, for the school holidays had begun, and the two elder children remained at home. Richard, the only son, was a quiet boy, and although only twelve years old, his whole course showed clearly that the prayers and teaching of his dear parents had not been fruitless. The Lord in His grace had evidently drawn him thus early to Himself, and his obedience and attention to divine things were very marked. The Bible was the dearest of all books to him, and whenever his father spoke of divine things, his earnest look told that his heart was touched.

As a little reward for his good conduct, his father had given him a beautiful white rabbit, which soon became a favorite with all the children, for I dare say you know that most children are fond of rabbits. To gather green food for “Snowflake” in the fields and lanes, and to watch its gambols round and round the barn, gave them some amusement in their holidays, and when at times it escaped and scampered over the garden, they had rare fun and some trouble to catch it.

But one day when Richard was playing with it alone in the barn, it suddenly ran past hint, and before he could overtake it, got through the hedge into the orchard belonging to the Bear of the Amstel. In vain the boy tried to entice it back again; it soon disappeared among the trees, and he dared not follow, for his parents had cautioned him and his sisters on no account even to go near the hedge. What to do he knew not, and while he was thinking over it and peeping about, he suddenly caught sight of the strange man leaning with folded arms against a tree.

The fear of losing his favorite, nerved him to the task of speaking to his dreaded neighbor, and timidly approaching the hedge, he asked gently whether he had seen his rabbit. But even while he spoke, he trembled, for the appearance of the man was enough to terrify any one. His eyes seemed to flash fire; he was panting as if from recent exertion, and as soon as he saw the boy, he began to make a hideous growling, like a wild beast about to spring upon his prey. Richard’s first thought was to run away, but again the vision of his lost pet, rose before him and gave him courage, and again he asked, “Have you seen my little Snowflake, Mr. Vilers?”

“Look there!” cried he, with a mocking laugh, pointing to a tree; and as the poor boy turned to look, he saw, to his unspeakable distress, his little pet hanging dead to a branch with a rope round its neck. “Do you see, boy? That’s my work!” said the old man savagely, “and now be off,” he roared, stooping to find a stone.

Richard, terrified at the man’s violence, did not give him time to throw, but ran at once into the house, crying out,

“O! mamma, mamma! my rabbit, my poor little Snowflake!”

“What has happened?” asked his mother, alarmed at the boy’s pale face and wild excitement, but for some time he was unable to reply. Sobs choked his utterance, and the terrible appearance of the furious man had almost frightened him out of his senses. At last he was able to tell her the cause of his distress, and finished by asking,

“Is it not shameful, abominable, mamma?”

“It is certainly shocking,” replied his mother, “and yet Mr. Vilers is most to be pitied.”

“He! that wicked, ungodly man?” exclaimed Richard.

“Just for that very reason, because he is wicked and ungodly,” said his mother. “Only contrast him with your dear father.”

“O! he is the very opposite of what Mr. Vilers is. He always looks so gloomy, and runs along by the hedge like a ghost. He cannot, I’m sure, love the Lord Jesus Christ, and must be very unhappy.”

“That is true,” continued his mother. “He seems to love no one, and not to live in peace with any. Some great trouble has affected his mind, and he has treated all who have lived here, as he has treated you.”

“But why, then, have we come here?” asked Richard.

“Your papa had his reasons for choosing this dwelling,” his mother replied. “Perhaps he hopes to gain and soften the heart of our unhappy neighbor.”

“He will never succeed in that, mamma,” said Richard. “You should only have seen how dreadful he looked!”

“With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” said the mother. “Let us often pray for the poor man, that the Lord may have mercy on him. Or, would you rather that the Lord should not forgive him all his sins and convert him?”

“O, mamma,” cried Richard, “I would give ten rabbits, if that could be the means of making Mr. Vilers like papa.”

Thus wisely reasoning with her boy, this Christian mother succeeded in calming his agitation, and leading him to exercise a forgiving spirit, and in the evening, when his father came home, it was resolved to get the dead rabbit from the tree, that the boy might at least have the only consolation left him of putting his favorite into a little grave.

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44.

To be continued.

ML 05/21/1933

Come Early

YES, dear boys and girls, come early to Jesus. Happy, indeed, are the young who know His love, —happy in living, happy in dying.

As we grow older it seems harder to come to Jesus. Every time you listen to His loving invitation, “Come,” and go away without coming to Him, you have made it more hard for yourself to come to Him.

Do not think that you can come to Him tomorrow, or when you grow old. The word is Now: therefore, come early. Today, today! rings in our ears. You may never live till tomorrow, you may never grow old, therefore come now.

Jesus will be your Friend all through life. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Should your parents die, should you be left alone in the world, with the Lord near you, you will always be cared for.

Do not turn away from such a Friend, but, since He calls you, come early.

“Come early,” for no one can come too early to the blessed Saviour.

“I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov, 8:17.

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

ML 05/21/1933

He Loves: I Trust

Not one single moment passes,

But is laden as it flies,

With some precious gift of blessing

Which His loving care supplies.

Not one step, in faith, is taken

O’er life’s pathway rough and dim,

But may open out new treasures

To the soul that trusts in Him.

ML 05/21/1933

The Great Pyramid and Sphinx

WE have a picture before us of some immense stone structures in Egypt. They were built many, many years before Christ was born into the world. The smaller pyramids were individual burial places for the kings of Egypt.

The one in our picture is the largest that has ever been found, so has been named the Great Pyramid.

On this side of the pyramid, we see a strange stone head, called the Sphinx. Notice how small it looks beside the Great Pyramid, —we can scarcely believe that this sphinx is some sixty-three feet in height. We do not know, for what purpose the Egyptians made these queer stone creatures. They may have built this one, thinking it would protect the entrance to the Nile River valley.

We know very well that God alone, can protect us and our country from danger, How terribly sad to think about these people who do not know God, but who trust in creatures they make with their own hands.

Someday each king will be resurrected from his pyramid and be made to appear before God. There is no hiding from Him:

“Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Rom. 14:12.

Are you ready to meet Him? He speaks loudly to you; He wants you to seek pardon through His blessed Son, Jesus Christ. It is only by faith in the blood of Jesus that you can approach God.

“AS IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT: SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY.” Heb, 9:27, 28.

ML 05/28/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 11 and 12

IN order, in our progress through this most instructive book, we have found,

First, the state of man (Israel, it is true, but man nevertheless), and God’s proposal of cleansing and blessing, with the assurance that His enemies would be dealt with (chapter 1).

Second, the declaration that Jerusalem shall be the capital city of the world, the seat of government and the center of earthly blessing of the highest order, when the day of Jehovah has come, and He shall judge among the nations, and wars shall cease (chapter 2).

Third, that in that day there will be a Branch, or Sprout, of Jehovah for beauty and glory, —Jehovah will dwell in Zion (chapter 4).

In chapter 7 we found the promise of the virgin’s Son Immanuel, taking up the declaration of God to Satan in Genesis 3:15.

In chapter 8 the land of Israel under the heel of the invading Assyrian is Immanuel’s land, and He will subdue every enemy, though for a time He would be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but afterwards He is seen with “the children that Jehovah hath given Me,”—the begotten-again of Israel.

In chapter 9 Immanuel, the child born to Israel, is the Head of all Government, the Wonderful, the Counselor, the Mighty God, the Father of the Coming Age, the Prince of Peace.

Chapter 11 briefly describes the Branch, Immanuel, the Hope of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ who died on Calvary’s cross that sinners lost and perishing might live eternally. He is of the seed of David truly (2 Timothy 2:8; Luke 1:32,33), but here of the stock of Jesse, David’s father, taking His place thus with the humblest of the children of Israel.

Upon Him shall the spirit of Jehovah rest. In verse 3 the best text is “And His delight will be in the fear of Jehovah, and He shall not judge, etc.” Blessed will be this poor world, when He rules it and its present ruler (Matthew 4:8, 9; Revelation 2:13; John 11:30) is deposed and in chains (Revelation 20:1-3).

In that day deep changes will be wrought in the very animals and reptiles, so that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatted beast together, and a little child shall lead them (verses 6 to 9). Impossible today, for such a thing to be! Romans 8:19-22 is not yet fulfilled.

Then will Jehovah set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His earthly people which shall be left when His judgments are over. Pathros (verse 11) is upper Egypt; Cush is Ethiopia, Elam is Persia; Shinar is west of Persia—pact of Irak. Hamath is north of Damascus.

There will be physical changes too (verses 15, 16). Read “into seven streams” instead of “in the seven streams.”

Chapter 12 Concludes this most interesting and instructive section of the prophecy of Isaiah with a song of praise, Israel’s praise to God. The sighs, and groans and tears of the past will be remembered only to magnify the grace of our Saviour God.

The reader will note that God’s purposes for Israel are entirely distinct from His purposes for the Church; the one is earthly in prospect, the other a heavenly body. The present period of grace, from the cross to the Lord’s coming to take His Church away (1 Thessalonians 4) is entirely passed by in Isaiah’s prophecy.

ML 05/28/1933

The Bear of the Amstel

Part 3

To apply to their churlish neighbor would, they feared, only lead to quarrelling, and to avoid this Mr. M. got over the hedge late at night, and going quietly to the tree where the little rabbit was dangling in the moonlight, he cut it down. But as he was returning across the orchard a loud wild cry was heard, and Mrs. M. who from the cottage-porch had been all the time anxiously watching her husband’s movements and waiting for his return, saw the Bear of the Amstel run furiously among the trees and seize her husband by the arms. Weak in health and terrified by the unearthly cry and furious gestures of the madman, she sank fainting on the ground, and saw no more.

When she again recovered her senses, she found herself on a sofa and her husband bending over her, his pale agitated features telling that he had been sorely disturbed. His explanation was this: after he had cut down the dead rabbit and before returning to his own side of the hedge, he looked around to enjoy the quiet moonlight scene.

His neighbor’s house seemed all shut up for the night, no light was visible save that of the moon riding high in the heavens, and casting the shadows of the trees upon the grass, and the faint murmur of the Amstel flowing near, was the only sound that broke the stillness that reigned in that rural spot, so refreshing to the worn mind and body of one who was daily in the midst of the rush and roar of the busy city.

Thinking of the contrast between the hush of sleeping nature, and the turmoil of the restless world, he forgot for the moment that he was trespassing, when, as he turned to leave, he was painfully reminded of the fact by a startling sight that suddenly met his gaze.

There, near the hedge where the old apple-tree stood, and leaning against a beech, motionless as a statue, his pallid features made more pallid in the moonlight, and his eyes gleaming like coals of living fire, stood the tall form of the Bear of the Amstel evidently unconscious of his presence, and indeed of everything else save some deep-seated anguish that burned in his eyes, and worked in his haggard face. Spellbound, Mr. M. stood rooted to the spot, when he saw the old man raise his long lean arms, and, pointing to the old apple tree which he had been fixedly regarding, exclaim, in deep despairing tones:

“There, there, he stood! there he died—O, my son, my son!”

There was such an expression of utter hopeless misery in the tone and whole action of the poor man, that Mr. M. was filled with compassion, and his first thought was to hasten towards him, but remembering that he had no right in the orchard, and that his appearance at that late hour (for it was past midnight) would either alarm or exasperate his strange neighbor, he began to make his way as quietly as he could towards his own garden.

But although he made no noise, his movements attracted the man’s attention, and, as I have already told you, he darted among the trees with a wild fierce cry, and seized him by the arms, while his eyes gleamed with insanity, and it was plain that he was quite beside himself. Pointing to the old apple-tree, while he held his neighbor’s arm with a trembling grip, he whispered hoarsely,

“See, see, yonder he stands! and there, see! his little friend is with him!” then, covering his face with both hands, he wailed piteously.

Mr. M. tried in vain to comfort or restore him to reason; but, after a while, as he continued to speak, he seemed to regain consciousness, and, turning angrily on him, demanded what he did there, and whether he had come to inform the police of him. Then, breaking out into a fury, his features became terribly distorted, and striking Mr. M. violently, he roared,

“Be off with you! Be off, you spy!”

“Mr. Vilers,” said the latter, calmly, “I have no such intentions as you suppose, but would far rather help and comfort you if I could. The Lord Jesus Christ offers forgiveness to the worst of sinners, and whatever be your crime, He will not cast you out. From what you say, you seem to have lost your son by death?”

Scarcely had his son been mentioned, than his fury vanished as suddenly as it had arisen, and stretching his arms towards the old apple tree, which seemed somehow connected in his mind with his lost boy, he cried in bitter tones, “My son, my son!” and sank exhausted to the ground in a swoon.

Mr. M. was too much exhausted from his recent struggle with the poor maniac to raise him from the ground, and therefore hastened to arouse the old housekeeper, who, as soon as she understood what was the matter, hurriedly dressed herself, and followed to the orchard, wringing her hands in deep distress. Between them they managed to carry the old man to his house, and lay him on the bed, where, after some difficulty, they succeeded in restoring consciousness; but he no sooner became aware of the presence of a stranger, than his fury began to return, and Mr. M. thought it best to leave him.

“I fear,” said he to his wife, “that nothing can be done to help this unhappy man. Some terrible cause of distress appears to dwell on his mind, and drive him at times into fury.”

“With God all things are possible,” she replied, “and He in His infinite good-ness may yet point out a way in which one object with which we came here may he attained.”

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

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

To be Continued.

ML 05/28/1933

Seedtime

THE first of the year has now passed; the trees have sent the sap into the branches, tiny green leaves have appeared; the flowers have begun to show their tiny heads out of the ground; and the birds have returned to gladden us with their beautiful songs.

Those who have gardens have planted the hardier varieties of vegetables and flowers.

In referring to a seed catalogue the other evening, I noticed that several kinds of seeds require steeping in water before they germinate.

Then after the seeds have been in the water a number of days, they begin to swell and soon a tiny root will show itself. The seed is now ready to be planted in the ground where it will continue its growth and in the length of time required, the plant will bear fruit.

Does not this process which seeds go through to produce fruit make one think of these verses in God’s Word?

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psa. 30:5.

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psa. 126:5.

Sorrowing one! You may be going forth weeping bearing your precious seed, but you shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing your sheaves with you (Psa. 126:6).

Each and all of ones trials will, in glory, be seen to be special proof of our Father’s faithfulness, and we may rest assured that no trial, however great, will last longer than necessary to bring eternal glory to God’s Name.

ML 05/28/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But God,” etc. Eph. 2:4.

2.“Be ye therefore,” etc. 5:1.

3.“Not with eyeservice,” etc. 6:6.

4.“That the God,” etc. 1:17.

5.“For this cause,” etc. 3:14.

6.“Blessed be the God,” etc. 1:3.

7.“There is one body,” etc. 4:4-6.

Bible Questions for June “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Not as the word of men.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Not unto you in word only.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Be not weary in well doing.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Ye, brethren, are not in darkness.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Ye sorrow not, even as others.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “They received not the love of the truth.”

7.When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, upon whom will He take vengeance?

Answers to Bible Questions for April “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The body of Christ. Eph. 1:22-23.

2.Against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. 6:12.

3.Of the Word of God. Eph. 5:26.

4.(1) Worthy of our vocation. Eph. 4:1. (2) In love. Eph. 5:2. (3) Circumspectly. Eph. 5:15.

5.Christ. Eph. 2:14.

6.Jew and Gentile united together in one and joined to Christ in heaven. Eph. 3:3,6.

7.So we may have to give to him that needeth. Eph. 4:28.

Bible Questions for June “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians

1. What should be our attitude toward the Lord’s servants?

2.What are we to hold fast?

3.For what had God appointed us?

4.What is the penalty for being unwilling to work?

5.What verse shows man to be a triune being?

6.With what are believers to comfort one another?

7.What is the character of antichrist?

ML 06/04/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 13

WE begin in this chapter the second chief section of the book, which ends with chapter 27. As we noticed in examining early chapters, the Holy Spirit groups together the events and characters of Isaiah’s times with those of the last days. The reason for this is that Israel is in view, set aside from the Babylonian captivity (B. C. 606) until the last days, while the Gentiles rule them; it is as though time were not reckoned during this long period, for when God takes up Israel again, the Assyrian will reappear and also the Roman Empire.

Particularly is the period from the cross of Christ to the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) entirely omitted from Old Testament scripture; indeed the Church is never mentioned in the Old Testament; it was a secret until made known to the apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:9; 3:3-11, etc.)

It is the nations in connection with Israel, rather than Israel, that are the subjects of the section of Isaiah’s prophecies on which we now enter, though Israel is reached at the end, and then the whole world is brought into blessing.

The first subject is Babylon, and we shall find that it is not only the actual city of that name and its king, but the power of the last days which will have the same character,—the revived Roman Empire. (See Daniel 2:37-45 and 7:1- 27; Revelation 13: 1-8; 16:19).

The actual Babylon must have stood not far from the early tower of Babel (Genesis 11). It began as a city very early, but the kingdom which rose to wide dominion under Nebuchadnezzar, was not founded until 120 years after Isaiah’s prophecy, and the Jews were not taken captive and carried away to Babylon until nearly 20 years after that. The site is desolate today, and has not been inhabited for many centuries.

The capture of Babylon by the Medians is referred to in Daniel 5:30, 31, but the future destruction of the last great empire occupies a larger place in our chapter. Note for example the connection with the day of Jehovah (verses 6-9), and the punishment of the world (verse 11). In connection with verse 10 see Joel 2:10, and 30, 31; 3:15; Ezekiel 32:7, 8; Matthew 24:29, 30. The capture of the literal 1-abylon is indicated in verses 14, 18, while its later destruction, hundreds of years afterward, is stated in verses 19 to 22, and continues to the present time.

Babylon was the first power to which God delivered up the Jews, when people and king had alike fully turned to idolatry and kindred corruption. Its fall and destruction picture the greater fall and destruction of the great power of the west, the Roman empire, last of the four beasts seen by Daniel, but called Babylon in the Revelation.

Rome was and will be characterized, as was ancient Babylon, by excessive pride, cruelty and idolatry. There is no warrant in Scripture for supposing that there will be an actual Babylon, built on the plain of the Euphrates, in the last days. The future Babylon is the city built a seven hills, the capital of Italy.

ML 06/04/1933

The Bear of the Amstel

Part 4

I DISCOVERED, in conversation with the housekeeper,” said Mr. M., “that they have not so much as a Bible in the house. What if we were to send one to her?”

This suggestion was carried out on the following morning, and little Richard was the glad and willing messenger. On going to the house he learned that Mr. Vilers was seriously ill and very feverish, as the result of his terrible fit of violence of the night before. The poor old woman was in such distress that, glad of sympathy, she willingly accepted his little gift, and seemed disposed to be friendly with him. The boy had quite forgiven the old man the cruel act he had been guilty of in killing his little rabbit, and his chief thought now was to enter into his parents’ scheme of trying to find some way of doing him good in return for the evil he had done.

In the afternoon, as there happened to be a general holiday, his father came home early to take out his family to visit some friends, but Richard preferred to remain at home because his school began on the morrow, and he wished to study his lessons. While all alone, busy at his work, Mr. Vilers’ condition would every now and then intrude into his thoughts. His kind father had brought him some oranges from the City that morning as some little solace for the loss of his rabbit, and Richard meant to enjoy them when he had finished his lessons; but, on thinking of the poor invalid next door, it suddenly occurred to him that if Mr. Vilers was feverish, oranges were just the thing for him.

“How nice it would be to take them to him,” thought he; “I wonder whether he would accept them? Well, I can but try, at any rate;” and, so saying, and putting them into a little basket, the boy took his way to the orchard. The housekeeper happened to be there, and, no sooner understood his purpose, than she agreed to go and ask her master whether he might come in.

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, forgiving one another, .... even as Christ forgave you, so do we.” Col. 3:12, 13.

To be continued.

ML 06/04/1933

Security

A LITTLE bird built its nest under the iron track of a railway. All day and night the heavy trains thundered along, with their terrible noise, but the little bird was not disturbed, and sat there in quiet peace and reared her little ones in safety. So amid this world’s danger and rushing noise, the believer in Christ may rest in quiet confidence, undisturbed, undismayed.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.’’ Isa. 26:3.

ML 06/04/1933

The Pet Lamb

MANY of our little readers have pet lambs smaller than the one in the picture. Others have never been near one to touch its woolly coat, or see it frisk about the pasture.

Although a sheep is not as intelligent as a dog, its gentleness soon wins the heart of one who takes care of it. How the dear little shepherd in the picture seems to love his pet.

God’s Word speaks of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Even when He, the Creator God, was suffering the greatest injustice at the hands of men, and was wickedly nailed to the cross, He still maintained the character of a lamb at the slaughter (Isa. 53:7).

He is now in the glory, risen to die no more. There the apostle John saw Him,

“A Lamb as it had been slain.” Rev. 5:6.

He endured all the suffering and the judgment due to rebellious creatures that He might save us. Do come to Jesus while you are young, and live your life for Him. You will never be truly happy till you know that your sins are forgiven.

“BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.” John 1:29.

ML 06/04/1933

My Saviour Was a Child

“He came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” Luke 2:51.

I love to think, though I am young,

My Saviour was a child;

That Jesus walked the earth along,

With feet all undefiled.

He kept His Father’s Word of truth

As I am taught to do,

And while He walked the paths of youth,

He walked in wisdom too.

I love to think that He who spake,

And made the blind to see,

And called the sleeping dead to wake,

Was once a child like me.

That He who wore the thorny crown,

And tasted death’s despair,

Had a kind mother like my own,

And knew her love and care.

I know ‘twas all for love to me

That He became a child,

And left the heavens so fair to see,

And trod earth’s pathway wild.

Then, Saviour, who was once a child,

A child may come to Thee;

And, O! in all Thy mercy mild,

Blest Saviour, come to me.

ML 06/04/1933

The Fight Interrupted

TWO of the boys in our picture began fighting, and now the teacher has come to find out what the trouble is. The small boy is trying to explain to him how the fight began.

We do not know for what reason they got into such an ugly temper; but naughty words must have been spoken, for it is our tongues that always cause us trouble.

How unhappy the boy with the clenched fists must feel way down in his heart.

He knows he has hurt the boy who is leaning against the well, and he has disgraced himself.

Our natural hearts are so wicked, and capable of every evil thing. Our tongues speak forth the wrong things that are in our hearts.

“Every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7, 8.

We have no power of ourselves to control even our lips; it is as we depend upon the Lord Jesus each day, that we can use our tongues rightly.

“Be not rash with thy month, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon the earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Eccles. 5:2.

“BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE JUSTIFIED, AND BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE CONDEMNED.” Matt. 12:37.

ML 06/11/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 14

THE time is approaching when the Roman Empire, broken into fragments in the beginning of the Christian era, will again appear, with boundaries corresponding to those it possessed in the time of Christ. The city of Rome, Scripture clearly indicates, will be the capital of the revived system of empire, and it is not without interest that we observe today the extensive improvement and enlargement of that city.

But the mighty empire, challenging (as it presently will) the admiration and wonder of those left upon the earth after the Church is gone, meets its doom at the mouth of Him who suffered crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. (For scriptures relating to this subject, see Rev. 13:14; 17:8-14; 19:11-21).

It is in that day, and linked with the destruction of imperial Roman power, that as verse 1 recites, Jehovah will have mercy on Jacob and will yet choose Israel and set them in rest in their own land. Then the peoples (plural) i.e., the Gentile nations will take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of Jehovah for servants and for handmaids (verse 2). (See among many related passages Zechariah 8).

The King of Babylon, spoken of in verse 4 and following, is the last head of Gentile dominion, as Nebuchadnezzar was the first. The old enemy of the Jews serves as the type of the final one of whom Daniel 9:26, 27 and Revelation 13 and 17 tell so much,

Verses 9 to 14, while applying first to Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, refer in the fullest way to the coming head of the Roman Empire. This man, to whom Satan will give his power, will surpass all his predecessor rulers in pride and in the service of the devil.

At first, under papal control, this will be thrown off before the Lord destroys him with the breath of His mouth, but in the holy land, at least, he will be the protector of the Anti-christ or Man of Sin, the false prophet, the second “beast” of Revelation 13:11, and the arch enemy of the believing remnant of the Jews whose experiences fill so much of the Psalms.

Verse 24 introduces again briefly the Assyrian; the ancient Assyrian perished before Babylon’s brief but more exalted splendor, but when these powers are brought into being at the end, Babylon will receive its doom first. Afterward the Assyrian will be broken in God’s land, and will be trodden under foot upon its mountains.

Verse 28 (not 29 as indicated by paragraph mark) takes up Philistia (“whole Palestina” is properly read “Philistia, all of thee” both in verse 28 and verse 31). No doubt the Philistines saw the weakness of Judah after Uzziah, who had warred against them successfully (2 Chronicles 26:6, 7), and his son Jotham were dead, for Ahaz was notorious for his disregard of God, and suffered greatly from attacks by the kings of Syria and Israel, and also from the Edomites. The Philistines invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the south of Judah, and dwelt there (2 Chronicles 28:18), while Ahaz reigned.

The address to Philistia no doubt looks on to the coming day when nations long since gone in name, at least, will be revived. The Philistines, ancient enemies of the children of Israel, must again appear, with Moab and Syria, for judgment when the Lord comes again.

ML 06/11/1933

The Bear of the Amstel

Part 5

On entering his room, she was surprised to find him reading the Bible, which she had left within his reach, and so intent was he upon it, that it was some time before he was aware of her presence. At last he raised his eyes, and perceiving her, he said, —

“Listen, Margaret! I feel very strange since I have been reading this book. It seems to me as if I were again a child, and sat on my mother’s lap, who often read to me out of the Bible. I continually find passages which I heard long ago. How strange it seems! I long to weep, and yet it seems to me as if a load had been lifted off my heart. Our neighbor next door spoke words to me last night that I cannot forget. They are wonderful people.”

“Yes,” replied his aged servant, “there you are right. They are the best people in the world,” and then she went on to tell him how they had sent to ask after him in the morning, and how the little boy was even then waiting in the hall with a present of oranges, and only afraid lest he should repulse him.

“Repulse him!” exclaimed the old man, quite overcome with emotion, “no, indeed. Ask him in.” The housekeeper, laughing to herself for very joy, hastened to bring in little Richard, who, approaching timidly, asked the invalid to accept his oranges because they would do him good.

“Do you, then, think of me, little boy?” asked the old man.

“I have thought of you twice today,” replied Richard.

“But why exactly twice?” inquired the invalid.

The boy hesitated a moment, and then coloring, said: —

“I have prayed for you this morning and this afternoon. Yes, sir,” he added, taking courage, “I have asked the Lord to make you well, and to give you a peaceful heart.”

“But why? Why do you pray for me when I killed your little rabbit?”

“The Lord Jesus prayed for His enemies,” replied the boy, “and He says to His disciples, ‘Love your enemies,’ so I felt able to forgive you, and to pray for you as papa and mamma did.”

The old man listened in wonder, and as the boy, growing bolder and more familiar, spoke with rising eagerness and warmth of the love of Jesus Christ to poor sinners, he covered his face with his hands to hide the tears that flowed down his furrowed cheeks until his silent weeping became loud and convulsive sobbing, which could not be restrained. The hard heart was broken, the demon of rage was cast out; the best and only remedy for his disease was found, for the Lord had heard His children’s prayers.

An hour later little Richard entered his home. The family had returned, and his sisters were full of the joy of their visit; but he had a joy of another and a higher kind, which when his father and mother knew, their hearts were filled with praise and adoration.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all.” Gal. 6:10.

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” Titus 3:8.

To be continued.

ML 06/11/1933

The Tom Tit and the Dog

A GENTLEMAN, while staying in the south, witnessed a strange incident in which a tiny bird was one of the actors.

A fine large dog was lying down to enjoy a nap when a bird called a Tom-tit was flitting about in search of something with which to finish her nest. When she saw the dog she must have thought that the soft hair on his back would be just the thing for the purpose.

Taking advantage of his quiet slumber, she approached near enough to grasp a few hairs in her beak; and pulled them out.

Upon feeling this sensation, the dog sprang up quickly to see who had so rudely disturbed his slumber, but the little creature had vanished by this time, and was probably at that moment placing the soft hairs in her cozy nest.

The dog lay down again to sleep, but soon the bird returned to repeat her hair-pulling, and again the dog failed to catch a glimpse of his tormentor.

We cannot blame the little bird for wanting the soft lining for her nest, and as she did not know any better, we cannot blame her for getting the hair from the sleeping dog’s back. We can just say that she was not responsible for the discomfort she caused him.

With boys and girls it is different. They have greater knowledge of right and wrong, and should not get what they want at the expense of the feelings of others, like the little bird who thought nothing of causing others pain.

One passage of Scripture tells us,

“Be ye kind one to another.” Eph. 4:32, and another says,

“Even Christ pleased not Himself.” Rom. 15:3.

His life was the one perfect example. It was spent in constant service to others. Not only His life, but especially His death was the one great service to humanity. It was there He made atonement for sin. As a result of this He is now a Saviour for all who believe.

Has the reader accepted Him as his Saviour? If you do this, you will receive eternal life from God, and in the power of this new life you will be able to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

ML 06/11/1933

"Our Lord Jesus Christ"

OUR Lord Jesus Christ,” spelled out a little boy who had not learned yet to read properly, but he knew the meaning of those blessed names, for he quickly added: “O, that does sound nice! —I do like that so much—it sounds as if ‘our’ meant like having the Lord Jesus Christ for our very own to keep.”

Yes, that is indeed a beautiful truth. Where the Lord Jesus Christ takes pos session of the heart of any little girl or boy by His Holy Spirit, having washed away their sins by His own blood, He will never leave them again. He is indeed their own to keep forever, and they are His for Him to keep forever.

What a sweet thought, is it not, dear little ones? Christ says to His own,

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

“They shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28.

So He is grasping His own loved ones so tightly, so closely, in His almighty, loving hand.

ML 06/11/1933

Will You Say so?

If in Jesus Christ you trust,

Speak for Him you surely must,

Though it humbles to the dust,—

If you love Him, say so.

Is your Saviour ever nigh?

Does He keep and satisfy?

He would like to hear you try

Just to simply say so.

“Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 10:32.

ML 06/11/1933

Waiting and Watching

THIS little boy is perhaps waiting for his dear papa to come home. There he sits on the window-sill, looking as far off as he can see, to catch the first sight of the one he is waiting for. We may be sure he loves that one, or he would not sit so patiently and watch.

Dear reader, are you waiting and watching for any one?

There is One who loves you very much, and He has told us that He is coming soon to take all His loved ones to be forever with Himself.

Do you know who that is? Many of you can answer that it is the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, there is no one who loves as He does, and He wants our love, and wants us to be waiting and watching for Him to come for us. Are you doing so? Just according to our love to Him, will we be watching for Him.

What a blessed moment it will be, for those who love the Lord Jesus, when they see Him who loved them so much as to die for them on Calvary’s cross. The Scripture says,

“WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.” 1 John 4:19.

May we all think much of His love to us; and that will draw out our love to Him; and then, not knowing what moment He will come, we shall watch while waiting for Him to come, as He has told us:

“Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.” Matt. 25:13.

ML 06/18/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 15 and 16

THE pride of Moab is spoken of in Jeremiah 48. He magnified himself against Jehovah; Israel was a derision unto him, and they shall be destroyed from being a people. Zephaniah 2:8, 11 takes up the same subject and declares that their land shall be as Sodom, a possession of nettles and salt pits and a perpetual desolation on account of their pride, because they reproached and magnified themselves against the people of Jehovah of hosts. Little did they realize that they would have to do with God about their treatment of His earthly people!

Today their land once populous and fertile, is desolate as the prophecy promised, but that they will reappear as a people we know from Daniel 11:41 and Isaiah 11:14. God has not finished with them.

Chapters 15 and 16 view Moab as passing under the judgment of God, —both the events that shortly followed Isaiah’s inspired writing, and what shall yet come to pass. Where there had been arrogance, there is weeping; they cry and flee; their abundance is carried off; the waters of Dimon (Dibon) are full of blood, token of great slaughter. God’s judgments may be long deferred, but “He requireth (or bringeth back) that which is past.” Ecclesiastes 3:15.

Chapter 16 calls upon the Moabites to send the lamb of the ruler of the land to the mount of the daughter of Zion, because the throne of David shall be established and the oppressor will be consumed. The lamb is evidently an acknowledgment of subjection to Israel. (See 2 Kings 3:4).

As to the chastisement then to fall on Moab, verse 14 names the time as three years distant, and its severity so great that of that great multitude but a remnant should be left. Scripture does not say at whose hands this infliction would occur. It may have been the Assyrian of that day.

In the future day they will escape the armies of the Assyrian, perhaps because thought of too little consequence to bother with them, but they will be dealt with by restored Israel.

ML 06/18/1933

The Bear of the Amstel

Part 6

FROM this time Richard paid frequent visits to his old neighbor, and although his sadness occasionally returned his state of mind was much more peaceful. His former dislike to the boy was changed into warm affection, and even in his most dejected moments, the mere appearance of our little friend was sufficient to chase away all dark clouds from his brow.

But one day about noon the old housekeeper stood near the thorn hedge, and called loudly to Richard,

“Come over quickly, little one,” cried she. “My master insists on going to the apple-tree, and is talking wildly. I think he will be calmed when he sees you.”

Richard leaped over the hedge, hastened to the house, and entered the room. The old man strode uneasily to and fro.

Violent lamentations escaped his lips; he seemed to imagine that he was standing opposite the fatal apple-tree, and that he saw something extraordinary there. Great terror was in his looks, and although he sometimes seemed to hearken to Richard’s comforting words, it was only for a few moments. Then the boy took the Bible in his hands, and, opening it, his eyes fell on the following passage, which he read aloud:

“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; for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30.

The old man’s steps were arrested. These words had pierced through his soul as lightning; and, gazing long at his little friend, he exclaimed at last,

“How, boy, could I find rest for my soul? Could this be possible? Where are those words?”

Richard pointed to the passage, and repeated slowly the words, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

“Alas!” sighed the old man; “what must I do to get this rest?”

“You must go to Jesus, my friend,” said Mr. M., who had entered the room unperceived, and had been a witness of the scene. “Only Jesus can give this rest. It is He who calls to you, ‘Come unto Me.’ He can and will give rest to the weary and heavy laden.”

“But am I also included in this appeal?” asked the old man anxiously.

“Are you not heavy laden?” asked Mr. M. “All such He invites without exception. All who are lost and laden with sin are invited to come, in order through grace to receive forgiveness of sins, peace, righteousness, and eternal life.”

“But if—I—were even—a murderer?” murmured he in a trembling voice.

“Even in such a dreadful case,” was the answer, “you have no cause to doubt the love and grace of God, but can come as one heavy laden to Jesus. Know you not the history of the thief on the cross, who, because he merited death, had to suffer for his wicked deeds, and yet found eternal salvation. And why? Because he saw himself a lost sinner, and fled for refuge to Jesus. You are a great sinner, and have deserved death; but the Lord Jesus hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”

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

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

To be continued.

ML 06/18/1933

Not Ashamed of Christ

A GROUP of girls employed in a store were engaged in busy conversation. As they were to attend “a show” that evening, they seemed very happy and full of interest—all but one of the number, who listened in silence. Presently one of them addressed her:

“Aren’t you going this evening?” “No,” she quietly replied, “I do not go to such things.”

“And why not?”

“Because I am a Christian” was her answer. And now came a chorus of voices:

“I’m a Christian!” “And I’m a Christian!” “And I’m one too! and we go to dances, and such things.” “We’ve no notion of laying ourselves on the shelf yet awhile.”

From the dear Christian girl came the quiet rejoinder,

“God says in His Word that we cannot serve two masters: we cannot serve God and mammon.”

“But won’t you go this evening?” “No, the Bible says we should ‘seek those things which are above.’”

Was not this a happy testimony for a babe in Christ to bear? This dear girl was not ashamed of the “Gospel of Christ.” After deep exercise of soul, she had found Jesus as her Saviour; and now His approval was more to her than the smiles of the world and in His strength she stood for Him. Although it takes true courage to confess Christ in the face of a jeering world, He will give courage to the one who has a true heart for Him.

The time will come when in the Father’s presence, and amid the host of holy angels, Jesus will own as His, those who, in the midst of sorrow and temptation, owned Him down here. O, to be true to Him! Is it not worth more than worlds!

What about the girls who said, We are Christians, too, but we are going to have our pleasure yet a while! Let the Word of God answer,

“Lovers of pleasure more than rovers of God.” 2 Tim. 3:4.

Will Jesus own such? Ah! beware, ye who have the world. A fleeting moment of pleasure may be yours; but what about that eternity of woe!

“If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.” 1 John 2:15.

“No man can serve two masters.” Matt: 6:24.

ML 06/18/1933

The Power of a Smile

ONE day a women crossing a certain station was stopped by an old man, who said: “Excuse me, ma’am, but I want to thank you for something.”

“Thank me,” exclaimed the woman.

“Yes, ma’am. I used to be ticket collector at B., and whenever you used to go by you always gave me a cheerful smile and good morning. You do not know what a difference it made to me. Wet or fine it was always the same, and I thought to myself, I wonder where she gets that smile; one cannot be always happy, yet she seems to be, and I knew that smile came from the inside.

“Then one morning you came by with a little Bible in your hand. I said to myself, perhaps that is where she gets her smile. As I went home that night I bought a Bible, and have been reading it, and have found Christ: now I can smile, too, and I want to thank you.”

“Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” Prov. 16:20.

For Thou exceedest all the fame

Our ears have ever heard;

How happy we who know Thy name,

And trust Thy faithful Word.

ML 06/18/1933

Closer Than a Brother

I have a Friend, a loving Friend,

He’s not like any other;

This Friend I’ve tried and proved Him

oft,

He’s closer than a brother.

He never disappoints my hopes,

He never has deceived me;

I know He never will forsake,

He says He’ll never leave me.

I want you all to know this Friend,

And in Him find favor;

To yield your hearts and lives to Him,

And let Him be your Saviour.

And then whate’er your pathway be,

Through trial or temptation,

In danger or perplexity,

You’ll find in Him salvation.

He’ll save you from the guilt of sin,

He’ll save you from its power;

And having Jesus for your Friend,

You nothing then need fear.

ML 06/18/1933

Discordant Sounds

THE charming little pianist does not quite understand Rover’s pitiful howl.

It is evident God did not intend music for the ear of dogs, although it sounds beautiful and pleasing to the ear of man. God has made each creature just as it pleased Him, and each has his place to fill.

Many people leave God out in connection with music, and play beautiful selections to please themselves or sing to have others admire their voice. They forget that God gave them their talents, and that they should use their faculties for His glory.

Scripture tells the believer in the Lord Jesus,

“WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.” 1 Cor. 10:31.

If you, dear child, are a believer in the Lord Jesus, may you seek for grace from the Lord to bring Him into all you do.

ML 06/25/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 17

THE burdens of the preceding chapters have taken up the great oppressors of the Jews, Babylon and the Assyrian, the Philistines on the west and Moab on the east. Now Damascus, the once great city on the north in Syria, is before the prophet.

We may wonder at the promises of judgment upon cities and countries which either do not now exist, or are but shadows of former greatness. Nothing is however so sure as the Word of God, and He will not only fulfil His Word as to those mentioned, but will bring to light the lost ten tribes of Israel, as to whom no one today has a certain clue.

Damascus is taken away from being a city, and shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer, a district nearby, are to be forsaken and shall be for flocks. Dominion shall cease from Damascus and Syria; all will be Israel’s in the glorious time that awaits God’s earthly people. Yet before the glory, Israel will be judged along with Syria (verses 4-6).

At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, it would appear that Damascus had been destroyed (by Tiglath-pileser, 2 Kings 16:9). The prophecy however looks on to the yet future time when it will be overthrown under the hand of God.

In that future day man shall look to his Maker, and not any longer to the altars, the work of his hands, nor to the idols and things connected with idolatry. This passage (verses 7-11) refers to Israel as well as the neighboring countries (see chapter 28).

Verses 12 to 14 properly begin, “Ho! to a tumult of many people,” etc. It is the gathering of the nations to spoil the land of Israel. But the rebuke comes, and they flee like thistle down before the whirlwind.

What light the Word of God affords concerning the recovery of His people in their land, the schemes and efforts of their enemies, and the ultimate triumph under the Lord Jesus!

ML 06/25/1933

The Bear of the Amstel

Part 7

MR, M. paused to await the effect of his words. At a sign from him, Richard left the room, and the two men stood opposite each other. The moment had now come that the unhappy man could no longer conceal the secret that weighed him down to the earth, and he made an open, repentant confession. He had confessed his sin to God, and how true the scripture,

“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.

The conversation between the men lasted more than two hours, and when Mr. M. again entered their little cottage, he said to his wife in a cheerful tone,

“Our neighbor has found settled peace. The Lord be praised for it! He has, as he himself said, for the first time in his life revealed a secret to a fellow-being which caused him the most terrible misery for many years. As he has permitted me to tell it to you also, dear wife, I shall do so,

“Many years ago this little cottage was inhabited by a family who, like us desired to enjoy the country air during the summer months. In this family were several children, one of them a boy of our Richard’s age. Mr. Vilers, who was then already a widower, had also a son whom he loved as the apple of his eye, and as he could scarcely bear to be an hour without his darling, he had a teacher from town in order to educate him at home.

“Now the boy had formed a deep affection for the son of their neighbor, and every play-hour saw them together, though Mr. Vilers had strictly forbidden it. Neither caresses nor chastisements were of any avail. The more Mr. Vilers sought to hinder their friendship, the more it increased.

“On returning from a walk one day, he beheld the two boys at play under the apple tree in the garden, and overpowered by rage, sprang over the hedge in order to end the matter by giving his son a good thrashing. No sooner, however, had the neighbor’s son seen his flashing eyes, than he sought to escape by flight, but in doing so ran with such violence against the apple-tree that he fell to the ground in an unconscious state. Without noticing this, the furious man seized his own child, struck him violently, and shut him up for a whole day in a dark cellar as a punishment.

Half an hour after, loud lamentations were heard from the neighbor’s home, and the sad news reached Mr. Vilers’ ears that their son had lost his life in a most mysterious manner.

“The poor parents were not to be comforted; but as no one had witnessed the terrible occurrence, the real cause of death was not known. From this hour, however, two beings were very miserable. Mr. Vilers felt the bitter sting of a guilty conscience, and his little son looked upon him as the disturber of his happiness. And when, soon after, the corpse of his playfellow was borne to the burial ground, all the boy’s happiness seemed buried with him. He sighed constantly for his companion; he pined away visibly; and was almost always to be seen standing by the thorn hedge gazing fixedly on the apple tree. All the endeavors of his father to lead his thoughts to other things were fruitless. His distress daily increased, and at last even the physician declared that there was no hope of his recovery.

Who can describe the bitter sorrow that now reigned in the father’s heart? Every day he had the consequences of his violence before his eyes, and thus some months passed away.

The winter had gone, and the first days of spring had come. On a lovely morning in May the boy implored his father to carry him into the garden in his chair, and when according to his request he was put down at the thorn-hedge, a smile of joy lighted up his wan features, while his eyes fixed on the tree under which he had once played with his little friend. But, alas! it was only the last flicker of expiring life. A few minutes more, and the child’s weary head sank down on his breast—the spirit had fled, to the father’s bitter and inconsolable grief.

“And now, dear wife,” concluded Mr. M., “our neighbor’s state of mind will no longer be a mystery to you. An evil conscience gnawed daily at his heart until reason itself was at times overturned. O, how blessed that the Lord has at length had mercy on this unhappy man, and has given him that peace which passeth all understanding. The Gospel was the best, the only remedy for him, and now he places all his trust in Him, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace!” (Eph. 1:7).

Mr. M. concluded his narration with fervent praise for the great things the Lord had done. The affection of the old man for his little friend Richard grew very warm. The hours of their country life passed calmly away, and when the family had returned to town for the winter, frequent visits were paid to the lonely but now cheerful farm, where they were always received with a joyful welcome by the happy and grateful old man.

“Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:7,8.

Concluded.

ML 06/25/1933

The Missionary's Lion

AN African missionary once caught a very young lion and took it to his home. It was carefully and tenderly brought up along with several tame animals; and as it grew, it seemed to have lost the savage nature belonging to the lion.

For several years it continued to move about the missionary’s homestead, even walking into the rooms and playing with the children. The little daughter would sometimes ride on his back. Probably none of our readers would care to have shared her seat, although, so far as we know, no harm came to the little girl.

One day the tame lion wandered into the forest, where the growl of the savage lion was often heard, and, very likely falling in with some of his kindred, he got into his native haunts, and was seen no more.

He had still only the lion’s nature. It might be tamed, but it could not be changed, and whenever he got out among other lions, he would no doubt become like them.

There is a solemn lesson here for every unsaved reader. The sinner’s nature is enmity against God. You may appear very amiable, and even be outwardly like a Christian, but unless you are born again, and have a new nature implanted in you, you are not fit for God’s presence and must one day undergo His judgment unless you come to Jesus.

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood.” Rom. 3:24, 25.

ML 06/25/1933

Come to Jesus

Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

COME To Jesus, little children,

He will never say you nay,

Those who come to Him for blessing

He will never turn away.

He is waiting to receive you,

He is calling you to come—

For He loves you, little children,

Longs to have you in His home.

COME To JESUS, little children,

For His heart is full of love,

‘Twas for you He left the brightness

Of His glorious home above.

‘Twas for you He lived and suffered,

Bore the Cross with all its pain;

‘Twas for you His life was given,

And for you He rose again.

COME To JESUS, little children,

He is up in heaven now,

Seated on the throne of glory,

With a crown upon His brow.

But His heart is just as loving,

Just as full of tenderness,

As of old when Jewish mothers

Brought their babes for Him to bless.

Come To JESUS, little children,

He is calling you today.

Will you still refuse to hear Him?

Will you foolishly delay?

He is longing now to bless you

And to clasp you to His breast,

Will you come and taste His kindness?

Will you come to Him and rest?

ML 06/25/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Wherefore if ye,” etc. Col. 2:20.

2.“For to me,” etc. Phil. 1:21.

3.“Who hath delivered,” etc. Col. 1:13.

4.“But what things,” etc. Phil. 3:7.

5.“Let this mind,” etc. Phil. 2:5.

6.“I can do,” etc. Phil. 4:13.

7.“Set your affection,” etc. Col. 3:2.

Bible Questions for July “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Confidence in thy obedience.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Keep that which is committed to thy trust.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Oughtest to behave thyself.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Give thyself wholly to them.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Mightest war a good warfare.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I will that thou affirm constantly.”

7.What is found in a great house?

Answers to Bible Questions for May “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Because He was that already. Philip. 2:6.

2.For being a man of prayer. Col. 4:12.

3.Gain. Philip. 1:21.

4.Should be with grace and salt. Col. 4:6.

5.The faithful servants of the Lord. Philip. 2:25-29.

6.Forgive. Col. 3:13.

7.To suffer for His sake. Philip. 1:29.

Bible Questions for July “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon

1.Why did Demas miss the path?

2.To whom was Philemon’s love and faith directed?

3.What is great gain?

4.What are those who believe in God told to do, and why?

5.How should the young sisters he treated by the young men?

6.What should the believer flee?

7.What kind of a spirit has God given us?

ML 07/02/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 18

ONE of many remarkable developments in the world during the past 20 years has been the changing prospect of the Jews. In the light of the prophetic Scriptures, General Allenby’s capture of Jerusalem on December 9, 1917, was a significant event, and since that time the Jews have become much more interested in plans for making Palestine again their national home. Indeed, a beginning has been made, several colonies of Jews having settled in portions of the Holy Land; but opposition of the Arabs has hindered progress in this direction.

It is plain from the Scriptures that the Jews will go back to Palestine without faith in God. What circumstances will lead them to return? The restriction of their liberties, persecution in one form or another, seem the most probable.

Chapter 18 lets us know that a country doing much business by means of ships will aid the Jews in getting back to Palestine. The name of the country is not given; it will be one further away from Israel’s homeland than the Nile and the Euphrates, the rivers of Ethiopia.

“Shadowing with wings” is believed to indicate the protection of the Jews from hostile nations, as a bird guards its young under its wings. The opening words of the chapter should read,

“Ho! to the land shadowing with wings,” etc. “Vessels of bulrushes” (or papyrus), it is thought, refers to light, fast ships, without regard to the materials of which they are made.

The return of the Jews to the land of their forefathers will, we judge, take place soon after the coming of the Lord for His heavenly people (1 Cor. 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), an event there is much reason to believe to be now close at hand.

But though the help given by the unnamed friendly country will be great, the Jews will not be very long in the land before they are despoiled by Gentile enemies. All the inhabitants of the world are invited to see what happens (verse 3).

God will apparently have no part in what takes place (verse 4), but when everything seems to prosper with the Jews, and glorious days apparently are just ahead, they will be made to suffer greatly. This we know will be during the great tribulation, after the Church is taken away to be with the Lord.

It is only under God that they can be blessed, and in the Millennium, they will be delivered and wonderfully blessed (verse 7).

ML 07/02/1933

Faith

MARION was a little girl about nine years old. One hot summer day she went out with her mother and grandmother. The sun poured down on the white stones of the pavement, giving everything a glittering look, which was very trying to Marion’s weak eyes. She longed to shut her eyes, but was afraid to walk along blindfold lest she should fall.

Was not her mother by her side, and would she not take care of her daughter? Marion knew that she would, so without saying a word, she closed her tired eyes, and slipping her hand into her mother’s, walked along in safety close to her mother’s side. Was she then afraid of falling? No, for her mother held her hand, and she felt perfectly safe although her eyes were shut.

When Marion’s grandmother saw how the little girl trusted in her mother, she said,

“That is a true type of what faith in God is, to trust Him perfectly, and to know that we are safe near Him.”

“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” Psa. 37:5.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Pet. 5:7.

ML 07/02/1933

Old Charlie

THE residents of a mountainous district have recently been troubled by a large and daring wolf, who has carried away many of their fowls and animals, and proved himself generally destructive. His unusual size and strength makes it possible for him to kill a fair-sized sheep or porker and carry it away for his dinner. He has been in the locality so long that he is quite generally known, and has been given the name of “Old Charlie.”

The most skilled hunters have done their best to kill him, but he has cunningly eluded them. On one occasion he took to a creek, so that the hounds were unable to follow his trail, and once more he escaped his pursuers.

This bold and destructive creature reminds one of Satan, who is going up and down in the world as the enemy of God and man. Does the reader know that he is exposed to this foe who desires for him only that which is evil?

While he has great power, he is also shrewd and deceptive. Old Charlie, the wolf, is no match for him in subtlety. The Scripture speaks of him as being transformed into an angel of light, so that he may appear in a very polished way, and even of religious form, but he is ever the deceiver, a “liar and the father of it.”

His one great object is to keep people from coming to Christ and be saved. He knows full well that salvation is offered to all, and that whosoever will, may accept it, but he seeks to pervert the simplicity of the gospel, or to hinder any from receiving it. And sad to say, he may and does use human instruments in his deception.

No doubt, it has been laid upon your heart that you should believe the gospel and be saved now, before your opportunity has forever passed, and following upon this impulse comes the thought that there is plenty of time; that you might just as well enjoy the world a few years longer. This second voice is that of Satan, who is afraid lest he should lose you as his own,

Or perhaps when you have heard the heavenly message, that you have only to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved, Satan comes along, and whispers that faith in Christ may be false, but the Scripture says,

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

It is for the reader to choose whom he will serve, Satan or Christ. Satan is the deceiver, the destroyer. Christ will bestow upon you only that which is good—all that He won by His redemption work, including a place in His home above, where there is fulness of joy forever.

ML 07/02/1933

Preparing for the Future

LOVELY is the scene before us this week. We see the two birds building their nest where they may raise their young. They are preparing ahead of time, and considering what is needed.

God says of the ants that they are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer. They are one of four whom God terms exceeding wise.

God would have us to be preparing for the everlasting future, and He has said,

“Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.

But one may say, What shall I do to prepare for such a moment? The Lord Jesus says,

“HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON HATH EVERLASTING LIFE.” John 3:36.

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

All that is needed then, is simply to come to God through the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour—He will not refuse you, and thus you will be prepared to meet God. If you attempt to come to God in any other way, then God must refuse you, and will assign you to what you deserve, and that is everlasting banishment from His holy presence.

“He that believeth not the son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

Dear reader! prepare now, if not yet prepared, for that everlasting future, by simply taking Christ as your Saviour. This is true wisdom, and the result is everlasting salvation.

ML 07/02/1933

Come to Jesus

O come to Jesus, little child,

For He hath said you may;

And you shall dwell in heaven above,

Through God’s eternal day.

Though you have sins of crimson glow,

Yet Jesus died for thee:

His blood will wash you “white as snow,”

And He says “Come to Me.”

Then come to Jesus, little child;

Yes, come without a doubt;

For He hath promised to receive,

And in no wise cast out.

O! He is loving, good, and kind,

He’ll be a friend to thee;

And soon will come and take thee home,

His glory there to see.

ML 07/02/1933

Seeking Attention

POOR Shep does not like to see his playmate fondling the little kittens on her lap when he is not getting any attention, so he has put his paw on her knee, and looks into her face as much as to say,

“Are you not going to pet me, too?”

We need not wonder at the poor dog being selfish, as it does not know any better, but how sad to see children and grown up people too, jealous of those who have something that they do not have, —and you know, that is selfishness.

The Lord Jesus was not that way, for He gave up all that He had, even His life, for poor sinners, as we are, and now He is waiting for that time when He will take all who put their trust in Him to His bright home above to share all that He has.

I am sure we can say there is no one just like Him; but if we know Him as our Saviour, as the One who gave His life for us, we can ask Him for grace that we may be more like Him, and thus be pleasing to God in all our ways down here.

“LET US HAVE GRACE, WHEREBY WE MAY SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY WITH REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR.” Heb. 12:28.

ML 07/09/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 19

EGYPT fell from the high place it held during much of Old Testament history, when Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian Empire rose. It then suffered after the order of Isaiah’s prophecy, but chapter 19 awaits the last days, for its fulfilment, as we believe, now near at hand. Jeremiah 43, verses 8-13, and chapter 46, and Ezekiel, chapters 29 to 32 give the description of the early judgments carried out under Nebuchadnezzar.

For many centuries Egypt lay under Turkish misrule, but since 1879, largely through British interest, it has recovered some of its former importance. From December, 1914, it has had a king of its own, under British protectorate, and a movement is on foot to secure complete independence.

Our chapter reveals that greater calamities are coming on Egypt than befell when Nebuchadnezzar conquered the country about B. C. 590. A land without rain, Egypt depends upon the river Nile which every year has supplied the moisture for the crops; canals carry the water the width and length of the fertile valley.

So although the river failed them in Joseph’s time (Genesis 41:54), the Egyptians became proud, self-sufficient, boastful (Ezekiel 29:3, 9. See also Exodus 5:2). They rejected the only true God, and worshiped idols. In due time God will visit Egypt in swift and unsparing judgment (verse 1).

A picture of an awful state of things is presented in verses 2-10; civil war; the failure of the spirit of the people; the loss of men of counsel, and the Egyptians seeking vainly for help from their idols and from the sorcerers and wizards; a cruel lord and fierce king (believed to be the Assyrian of the last days, “the king of the North”—Daniel 11:40-43) ruling over them; added to all this, the Nile failing with disastrous results to the country. Surely the cup of the people of Egypt will seem full!

In verse 5, the word translated “the sea” may mean either a sea or a large river, —in this case it is the Nile. Verses 6 and 7 have been retranslated:

“And the rivers shall stink, and the streams of Egypt shall be diminished and drain away; the reeds and sedges shall wither. The meadows by the Nile, on the banks of the Nile, and everything sown by the Nile, shall be dried up, be driven away and be no more.”

In verse 8 “the brooks” is read— “the Nile,” and in verse 10 the correct translation is believed to be “And her pillars shall be broken in pieces and all workers for hire shall be sad of soul.” (These variations from our excellent King James translation are not mentioned in criticism of its general accuracy which has not been questioned, nor could it be. No serious error has ever been found in it).

Zoan, verse 11, was a city in lower Egypt, the capital city where Moses and Aaron met Pharaoh. Noph, verse 13, is Memphis, another of the capital cities which Egypt had.

Out of the tribulation which the Egyptians will have to endure, there will come blessing (verses 18-25), for there will be repentance at last (verses 20-22), and in the Millennium the land of Israel, God’s inheritance, will be flanked on the south by Egypt, and on the north and east by Assyria, peopled by Gentiles, who have been born again, and whose delight it will be to serve the Israel of God.

ML 07/09/1933

The Sunshine of the Face

IT was a terrible night. The storm was raging fearfully round a vessel far away in the Chinese Sea, off the coast of Singapore. Could the ship live through the tempest? It seemed doubtful, and many stout hearts not accustomed to tremble, were trembling now.

The men off duty were in their berths below, but it was no time for sleep; for none could say whether they might not all be swept into the angry waters long before morning. All were wishing they were safe on shore; many were feeling now, with death staring them in the face, that there was something wrong within—that the great matter between themselves and God had never yet been settled.

But a cheerful voice was heard among them:

“Well, my men, I’ve come down to read to you: the Word of God is the same in a storm as in a calm, and always does us good.”

The words came from a young officer who, whether on sea or land, always tried to serve God, and never lost an opportunity of doing his Master service. His heart was full of the love of Jesus; he had come to the Saviour with his load of sin, and had left it there; and he had felt the perfect peace which that Saviour gives to those who trust Him in simple faith.

Yes, even on this night of tumult and danger the peace was in his heart, and it shone out in his countenance, and as he sat there on a mess-table, holding to a rope, with his Bible open in his hand, his face was like a sunbeam.

The officer read, and talked, and prayed out of the fulness of his own spirit, rejoicing in his God.

After a while the storm abated, the howling wind sank gradually; the morning came at last, and the sun shone out on dripping decks, and torn sails, and weary workers. The danger was over and no harm had been done.

Everything went on as usual, and, as far as human eye could see, the solemn feelings of that awful night had passed away with the storm that gave rise to them. The vessel reached the port and the officer went on his way.

Some years afterward, while walking along the streets of Singapore, a man touched his hat to him. The officer stopped, and asked him how he knew him.

“O, sir,” said the man, “I have reason to know you, and much indeed to thank you for. Do you remember the night of that terrible gale off St. P—? I was lying in my hammock in fear and trembling, when I saw you come down to read the Bible to the men. I could not hear a word you said, but I could see your face, and I watched you the whole time. I saw your bright, happy smile, just the same as ever. I said to myself,

‘Here am I an old sailor, many years at sea, and I am afraid now in this gale, and here’s a young man as happy as if he were ashore!’

I felt that you had what I had not; I felt that you had what I had heard you say you had—forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. I prayed that night. Ever afterwards I came near you when you were reading, and when I left the ship I was a believer in Jesus Christ.”

“He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isa. 26:3.

“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.” 2 Cor. 3:2.

ML 07/09/1933

Fifty Cents a Pair

A DOCTOR was fond of dogs, and usually had two or three big ones and a number of puppies about his yard. All the boys in the town knew this, and often peered with longing eyes into the doctor’s premises. One day while his servant was busily occupied cleaning up the yard, two little heads appeared at the gate. With timidity they inquired,

“Will you sell us a pair of these puppies for fifty cents?”

The half-dollar, quite a large amount to the little boys, had taken a long time, and a great deal of saving to gather together, and now hopes ran high at the expectation of acquiring the coveted prize. The man was highly amused at the proposal, and smiled at the offer, as the puppies were worth many times the amount offered.

The doctor, however, overheard the inquiry, and being of a kindly disposition, asked their names, and found they were the sons of a well-known family in the town, whose father he had attended.

“Come here, my boys,” said the medical man, and lifting two of the finest puppies into the basket, he said, “take these two homes, and be good to them.” Holding up the half-dollar to the gentleman, the little fellows were further delighted when he added,

“No, no, I do not sell puppies for fifty cents a pair, I give them for nothing.”

Delighted with their prize, they straightway made for home, and, moved by love, sought ever to be kind and attentive to the doctor’s doggies. As the pups grew and developed, how proud the boys were to be the owners of such splendid animals.

This is a simple picture of how any boy or girl may obtain something of ten thousand times more value. What is it? Hear the Word of the Lord:

“The gift of God is eternal life.” Rom. 6:23.

Because God has loved you, and Jesus has died for you, life everlasting may be freely bestowed “without money and without price.” (Isa. 55:1).

Remember, the Great Physician is like the kind doctor, He does not sell salvation, He gives life, joy, peace, a home in heaven, and endless bliss to all who take their place as unworthy sinners, and accept from His pierced hands His free gifts.

“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8.

Will you accept “everlasting life” (John 5:24) as a free gift now? Do not reject such grace.

ML 07/09/1933

The Child's Question

“Mamma, does praying save the soul?

Can prayer remove my sin?

Can it atone for guilt, and make

Me clean and pure within?”

“No, dearest child, ‘tis not by prayer

That souls from sin are freed;

Prayer never can one sin efface

Or meet the sinner’s need.

“Remission is by blood alone,

And only blood can save;

The soul which would sweet pardon know

Must in the blood believe.

From Calvary’s cross the precious stream

In rich profusion flowed.

And, by its cleansing power divine;

The soul is brought to God.

“‘Tis sweet to pray; ‘tis sweet to bow

Before the Saviour’s face;

But they alone can thus draw nigh

Who know the Saviour’s grace.

Dear child, believe in Jesus Christ,

And peace and pardon know;

Then, from the heart by grace made glad.

Shall prayer and praises flow.”

ML 07/09/1933

An Old Fashioned Harvest

HERE is a picture of harvesting hay in olden times, when they used oxen. It makes us think of a harvest that God’s Word tells us about in Matt. 13:24-30.

It is a parable that the Lord Jesus spoke while He was here upon earth, about the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is not heaven, but is the rule of the heavens; and the Lord Jesus used the parable to tell us that this rule is here upon earth.

He likened it to a man that sowed good seed in his field: and while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. When it grew, the tares came up too, and the servants said,

“Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this.”

They wanted to gather up the tares, but he told them to wait till harvest, and he said,

“IN THE TIME OF HARVEST I WILL SAY TO THE REAPERS, GATHER YE TOGETHER FIRST THE TARES, AND BIND THEM IN BUNDLES TO BURN THEM: BUT GATHER THE WHEAT INTO MY BARN.” Matt. 13:30.

Then in verses 37-43 He tells what that means.

“He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

There is one point we should like to impress upon you, and that is that you must make sure that you are like the wheat. The way you may be sure you are among those likened unto wheat, is by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

Those who believe on Him will not be put into the bundles of tares to be burned; for the burning of the tares will be the wrath of God executed on the unbeliever. The Scripture says:

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

That harvest is near. Soon all the believers will be taken into the Father’s house to be forever with the Lord and the bundles of unbelievers will then get God’s judgment.

Blessed thing for the believer, but terrible thing for the unbeliever.

O, do not neglect this all-important question of your soul’s salvation. Have it settled now.

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

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

ML 07/16/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 20

THIS short chapter forms a sort of appendix to the nineteenth chapter, dealing further with the history of Egypt. It shows that before ever the Babylonians came on an expedition of conquest into Egypt, the Assyrians came there and led away captives.

The purpose of what is here told is clearly to show that in God alone, never in man, should His people trust. Fearing first the Assyrians and afterward the Babylonian king, many of the Jews turned to Egypt for help instead of to God.

The year that Tartan (which is apparently the title of a general, perhaps the chief military officer of the Assyrian armies) came to Ashdod, a city near the sea coast, west from Jerusalem, on the road to Egypt, would appear to be about the time when Sennacherib, co-regent with Sargon of Assyria invaded Judah (Isaiah 26 and 37, —see verse 9 of the latter chapter). It was then that the king of Egypt and Ethiopia, Tirhakah, set forth with an army to make war on the Assyrians.

Ashdod was formerly a stronghold of the Philistines; there they had the house of their god Dagon, and thither they brought the ark of God, only to find their god humiliated before that representation of Jehovah’s presence (1 Samuel 5:1-8). Ashdod reappears in the New Testament as Azotus (Acts 8:40).

It was, then, at the time when an Assyrian army was in Judah, that God graciously gave a warning to the Jews that they should not look for help in Egypt against the Assyrians.

Isaiah was directed to remove his outer garments (already sackcloth), and his sandals, for a sign of what was to happen to the Egyptians. The term “naked” here does not mean absolute nudity.

If God permitted Egypt to be thus treated, what could Judah expect, knowing the true God, but dishonoring Him with the worship of idols in open indifference to Himself?

What, too, of our own day? Is there no lesson for us in the moral pointed out to the Jews? Let believers go to God, and not to man, with the difficulties of the present hour.

ML 07/16/1933

It Was All Coal

MANY boys and girls seem to think that, because they have not committed any very great sins, they do not need to be saved.

Because they do not swear, or tell lies, or steal, they fancy they have a good chance of getting to heaven.

When travelling down the line recently, I noticed a quantity of coal loaded into coal trucks according to the size of the lumps. Some were very large pieces, others small, and some almost like dust. But though the pieces differed in size, it was all coal.

This reminded me of our sins. Some of us commit a few very big sins, others commit a great many small ones, and some people think their sins are so small that they are scarcely sins at all.

But, boys, now think for a moment, God says,

“The thought of foolishness is sin.” Prov. 24:9.

How many foolish thoughts do you have in one hour? Multiply that by the number of hours in one day, and then again by the number of days in one year,

Again, God says that when we do our own will it is sin. Now how many times do you do what you like to do, instead of what you are told to do? God says this is sin.

Yes, we must all own that what God says about us is true; that is, we have “all sinned.” You may have dear, loving, godly, and Christian parents or friends, but that will not get your sins put away, You must have to do with Christ yourself.

Then do open your eyes. Christ is coming soon. He may be here tonight. If He had come last night and found you in your sins, you would have been lost forever. But God tells us of one way by which all our sins may be forgiven and forgotten; but there is only the one way, and that is by believing in our hearts on the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43.

Let me advise you, dear readers, not to go to sleep tonight unless you know for a certainty that all your sins are forgiven. Then if Christ were to come while you sleep, you would be among that number that rise to be with Him forever. If you do not rise with that company, you will join that awful company of lost, weeping, and wailing souls that shall have their part in the lake of fire.

“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.

ML 07/16/1933

The Soldier's Story

SOME years ago, it was my privilege to work as a visitor in one of our poor districts. In a basement of one place where I used to visit, lived a pious old soldier, who had lost one of his legs.

This, however, did not trouble him much, nor yet his deep poverty, but his one trouble was that his wife was not a Christian, and it was a burden that lay heavy on his heart.

The simple faith of the old soldier at once won my heart, and I often visited him to have a little reading of the Word together.

One day they had no food in the house, and a penny was the only coin they possessed. The soldier’s wife asked him to go to the baker’s to buy a penny roll, and while going he met a man with a wife and three children, who were, if possible, worse off than himself, for they were sick and hungry. His heart was so touched that he gave the man his penny instead of buying bread.

Then he thought, “What will my wife say?” and not liking to go home empty-handed, he walked up and down, asking the Lord all the time to supply his need.

Just then a gentleman asked him the way to the Post Office; the soldier offered to show him the way, and while walking together, the gentleman asked him if he were not the soldier he had known years ago. He replied that he was, upon which the gentleman put a 25-cent piece in his hand, and bade him farewell.

“Is not our Master ever true to His word, and does He not bless a hundredfold all we do for His sake?” said the old soldier.

I was greatly touched by his story, and felt how wonderful are the links in the chain of our lives, that show to those who look for them, the love and care of the Lord Jesus for His people.

ML 07/16/1933

A Boy's Prayer

A LITTLE boy had done something wrong and had been hiding it all day. Some children might do the same thing and not feel uneasy afterwards. But Arthur could not forget it. He had taken something which did not belong to him, a piece of sugar. He ate it and went back to his play as if nothing had happened, before his grandmother returned to the room.

All that day Arthur was unhappy, and conscience, like a voice within him, seemed to remind him of what he had done. It was like darkness in his heart which he could not shake off.

“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, .... thefts ... . these are the things which defile a man.” Matt. 15:19.

“Dost thou steal?” Rom. 2:21.

“Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Rom. 12:17.

At last, when bedtime came, and he had said good-night to his grandmother, upstairs in his little room his aunt knelt down beside him and began to pray.

Presently she found that Arthur was really praying for himself, while she said the words. He looked up for a moment and said,

“Tell God about the sugar, Auntie.”

He went to bed feeling so much happier than he had been all day, before he had told the truth about what only God and he himself knew.

When anything wrong has been done the only way to get forgiveness, and be relieved from the sorrow it brings, is to confess it to God; and if we have wronged any one, to confess it to that person also.

There is one thing people often forget. Although they may not know of wrong acts they have done, like Arthur’s sin, yet in God’s sight all are sinners by nature. Nothing but the death of Christ could meet our sinful state. By faith in Him as our Saviour, we are brought into a new state, that is, from death unto life.

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

Then when, as those who have put their trust in the Lord Jesus, we sin we must confess it to God, for we have “an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.

“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.

ML 07/16/1933

The Way Home

NOT far from the great city of S. there are beautiful farms on Lake Washington, and many of these farmers have their own little ferry boats, so that when they have to come to the city to buy what they need, they can do so, and then return home. This is the means they have of reaching their homes. They have other ways as well, but many use the ferry boat. Some way is needed in order to cross the lake.

I wonder, dear children, if you have ever thought how you are going to get to heaven. I am sure you would all like to go there, at least when you have to leave this world. But what means have you of getting there?

A boat of some kind was necessary to convey the farmers and their families from S. to their farms, but what means could be suitable to take us to heaven? Some perhaps will say, prayer; other, to do good. But the Lord Jesus says:

“I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.” John 14:6.

He does not say, I am a way, but “I am the way.” There is no other.

Have you, dear reader, come to the Father by the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus been assured that your way into heaven is secured? Prayers, and doing good, are important things, but are by no means ways to heaven.

O, how simple God has made it for us. Simply to take Jesus as our Saviour, the One who died for our sins, and He will take us safely there. If we believe this, we shall delight to please Him while we are down here.

ML 07/23/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 21

BABYLON was first in the series of “burdens” whose beginning was in chapter 13, and it now reappears as we draw near to the dose of them. The “desert of the sea” seems a strange name for the great world capital of its day, but “desert” it became under the judgment of God, overwhelmed by an irresistible force for which the figure of the sea is used (see Jeremiah 50:41, 42; 51:42).

Babylon, as Daniel 5 intimated, and Isaiah 47:11 and Jeremiah 51:31 foretold, was captured with stealthy swiftness, the inhabitants being taken by surprise on a night of revelry, by the attacking armies of Elam (Persia) and Media in B. C. 538.

With its capture, the sighing (verse 2) of the captives of Judah ceased, for they were allowed to return to the land of their forefathers if they chose to do so (see Psalm 137 and 2 Chronicles 36:20-23).

Verses 3 and 4 express the feelings of the Babylonians when the invaders rushed in upon them. Verse 5 shows that while the feasting was going on, there was a watch provided against attack, but it did not save the city from capture.

The intent of verses 7, 8 and 9 is to show the approaching armies of the Medes and Persians; the pleasure-loving citizens were otherwise occupied, and before they knew of danger, the invaders had entered the gates of Babylon and the first empire was at an end. The second empire (Medo-Persia) now began.

Dumah (verse 11) represents the children of Esau who had no love for Israel or Israel’s God. Scornful is the inquiry,

“Watchman, what of the night?” but solemn in its warning note is the watchman’s answer,

“The morning cometh, and also the night.” Yet there is hope, —still time for repentance, for turning to God while His mercy waits:

“If ye will inquire, inquire ye; return, come!”

If this reply of the watchman is considered in connection with the Lord’s appearing on earth with which it is really concerned, so much the subject of prophecy in Old Testament and New, we know that the dawn of the day of the Lord will bring blessing to those who will be waiting for Him, and judgment upon those who have refused the offer of grace.

But we may apply the watchman’s answer to the skeptic, to our own time, and to the prospect of the coming of the Lord in the air to call His saints away; when that moment comes, the great eternal day will have begun for them, and just as certainly the “night” of judgment will have closed in on the rejectors of the gospel.

Arabia (verses 13-17) is evidently the section of that large country which adjoins the land of Edom. A warning is given, that though for a time the people shall see judgment descending on others, and they be able to succor them, in a set time not far away, judgment would reach their own people; there is no escaping out of the hand of God.

“Prepare to meet thy God!” Amos 4:12.

ML 07/23/1933

Listening for a Sound

WHEN I was a boy at school, unsaved and unconcerned about my salvation, I was brought to think of eternity and my lost condition, through overhearing a conversation between my mother and a Christian woman who was at our house spending an evening.

They were speaking together about the second advent of Christ—a truth that they had just recently learned from the Scriptures— and the change that would be wrought among the living and the dead in that moment of His descent to the air, for His people. I was sitting in the room reading a book at the time, but the conversation became so interesting that I forgot all about my story and sat listening to what they were saying.

“There is a dark side to it,” said the Christian lady to my mother. “What about those of our households who will be yet unsaved when Jesus comes? They will be left behind for judgment. The doom of those who have lived rejecting Christ will be sealed then. I often think if we should be caught away during the still hours of night, what an awakening it will be to the unconverted ones under our roof, to find us all gone, and them left behind.”

I could sit no longer. I crept out and got off to bed as quickly as possible, but that word haunted me. What if during the night the Lord should come? I knew that my dear father and mother would be gone— they were both saved; so were my sister and the servant maid; I alone in the house was unconverted.

I spent several nights of sore trouble thinking of the possibility of being left. Several mornings when I awoke and all was quiet, I thought they had gone. One morning particularly I felt so uneasy I arose, dressed, and stood on the stair listening for a sound from the kitchen. How thankful I was to hear Mary, the servant maid, lighting the fire. I knew then the Lord had not come, and that I had another chance given me.

I could endure it no longer. I told a Christian young man, who worked in my father’s office, of my state, and he told me it was God speaking to my soul, urging upon me the need of deciding for Christ, and that I ought not to stifle my convictions, but close with Christ, accepting Him as my Saviour.

“If you have Christ, you will rejoice then that He is coming, but mind, there is no time to trifle,” he said.

This seemed to sound as God’s final warning to me. I saw clearly that I had to make a choice between Christ and the world: I could halt no longer. So going out into the dark night, I took off my cap, looked up into the starry heavens, and said,

“Lord Jesus, I accept Thee as my Saviour; I believe that Thou hast died for me; I want to be Thine.” Just then I remembered that it was written in God’s Book—

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

I believed God’s testimony, thanked Him for giving it to me, and hastened to my room. I was saved, everlastingly saved, all in so short a time, that I could scarcely realize it was true. But my heart was filled with peace, and I had the witness within me, as well as. the Word of God before my eyes, that I was in reality saved. I could not keep it longer; I ran down stairs and told my parents and sister, and there was great joy that night.

Most blessed is the truth to the believer in Christ, that the advent of the Lord Jesus—His personal return to call His ransomed people home to share His glory —is near, and that it will be sudden, whether at noonday or at midnight.

It has its dark side for the rejecter of the Gospel of God—the despiser of Christ. To all such, it will ring the knell of doom. There will be no more pleading from loved ones in Christ; no more tearful entreaties to come to Jesus. Full well the unconverted sinner knows all this, and dreads the coming of that long-expected day.

These are not sentimental fancies; they are not cunningly devised fables. Jesus—the Son of God—will come again, and at His coming will gather home His own, leaving the Christ-rejecter for judgment. Will you be among those caught away to “eternal glory;” or will you be left to the “eternal judgment”? Pause and think!

“Left, though God pleaded often,

Asked thee again, again;

Called, but thou wouldst not hearken—

Why was it all in vain?

Left, not because He wished it,

Left at thine own self-will;

Left, and thy heart grew harder,

Thou wert rebellious still.”

Left for the coming judgment,

Left for the sinner’s doom;

Left, while thy life-day darkens

Into a solemn gloom.

Left, but instead of heaven

What will thy portion be?

“Weeping and wailing” only

All through eternity.

ML 07/23/1933

"And Jesus Said"

WHAT power there is in the written Word of God! I remember a case in Ireland where a Testament had been torn up and the leaves thrown to the wind. A poor man who found several pieces of the leaves picked them up, and read,

“And Jesus said,” “And Jesus answered and said,” “And Jesus said.”

He thought to himself,

“What! has the blessed Lord said so many things, and I did not know them?”

Struck by these simple, but solemn words, “Jesus said,” he went off to the neighboring town and bought a Testament, and was converted. He believed what “Jesus said,” and was happy in a known Saviour.

“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

ML 07/23/1933

"Is It Well?"

I’ll ask you a question, O you who are young,

And trust that the truth you will tell;

Let conscience and heart give the word to your tongue,

“Is it well with you, child? Is it well?”

You have health, you have strength, you have raiment and food;

In a bright happy home you do dwell;

But, though God all your path with His blessings has strewed,

“Is it well with you, child? Is it well?”

A mother you have, always loving and kind,

A father, whom none can excel;

But, though round your young heart all their love is entwined,

“Is it well with you, child? Is it well?”

Have you looked to the Lord? Have you trusted in Him

On whom our just judgment once fell?

If not, though your mercies run over the brim,

With your soul, dearest child, ‘tis not well.

Against God, who sent Jesus His Son from above,

O, let not your bosom rebel;

Take refuge in Christ, and repose in His love;

Then ever with you ‘twill be well.

ML 07/23/1933

A Boy With a Future

HOW many boys and girls, especially when they leave school, go out with the desire and hope that they will make a name in this world, or get rich and have all that their heart might wish? It does not take long till most of them are sadly disappointed; the great height they had hoped to reach, has not been gained; or those who have reached it, find they have soon to give it up, but there is another future staring them in the face, which is eternity. They have spent all their time for gain in this poor world that they have to give up so soon.

May each of my readers consider the future that lasts forever. Are you prepared for it? The scripture says,

“FOR WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?” Mark 8:36.

It matters little whether we get along well in this world or not; the question of all importance is,

“Where will you spend eternity?”

God in His mercy had not only warned us of “wrath to come,” but He has provided the means of escape from it at a great cost to Himself.

“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.

If anyone is lost for eternity, it must be his own fault. The fault would be that he had not believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore would perish and lose the grand blessing of having eternal life.

Dear reader, may the aspirations of your heart be for the eternal future of bliss.

ML 07/30/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 22 verses 1-14.

THE valley of vision is Jerusalem, and the scenes portrayed in verses 2 to 11 (although partial fulfilment of the prophecy is recorded in 2 Kings 25 and 2 Chronicles 32) belong to days which are yet to come.

We may turn with profit to several scriptures from which the time and occasion of and participants in the siege of Jerusalem here spoken of will be readily seen.

We have already noticed (in chapter 18) the return in unbelief of many Jews to the land of their fathers. They will set up their old religious observances under the protection of the head of the Roman Empire, but having a king of their own whom Scripture calls the false prophet and the Antichrist (see Revelation 13; Daniel 11: ,36-39 and 9:27). A covenant is made with the head of the Roman Empire yet to be revived, for the period of seven years, during which the Jews are to be allowed to carry on their sacrifices as when they were in their land in olden times; notwithstanding this covenant, the sacrifices will be stopped in the middle of the period, and idolatry be set up instead.

Because of the protection of abominations (God’s term for idolatry) there shall be a desolator—this is the true reading of Daniel 9:27—and this desolator is the Assyrian of the last days, called in Daniel the king of the North.

The apostate Jews will think they will be safe from that “overflowing scourge” because of the covenant protection of the western powers (see Isaiah 28:14-19). But they will not be, for God will use the Assyrian to punish them. Evidently the great power of the Roman Empire will be moving toward Palestine with its chief, when the Assyrian with an immense army comprising the forces of Asia and northeastern Europe descends upon Israel’s land from the north (Daniel 11:40-45; Isaiah 5:26-30; 8:7-10; 10:5-7 and 24-34), besieges and captures Jerusalem, taking half of the city captive (Zechariah 14:1,2).

It is this siege and capture that is represented in Isaiah 22. Pursuing the subject further, it appears that the head of the Roman Empire and his great army shortly after this reach the vicinity of Jerusalem where the false prophet-king of Judah is. Then, while the Assyrian is gone down to Egypt on an expedition of conquest, the Lord descends from heaven (see Revelation 19:11-21, and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-2:10), and overwhelms His enemies then in the land.

When the Assyrian shortly afterwards returns, he will meet a power he had not expected (Isaiah 10:12-19; 14:24, 25). He will come to the same end as the head of the Roman Empire and the false prophet-king, being sent direct to the lake of fire, —hell (Isaiah 30:27-33).

After that, along with other judgments on the living (see Matthew 25:31-46 and Isaiah 1:24-31) the Lord will establish the thousand years’ reign of peace and righteousness, wherein sin will be held in restraint and war and blood shed be unknown, the devil being shut up (Revelation 20:1-6; Isaiah 11:1-12:6).

Returning to our chapter, verses 12 to 14 show the spirit so prevalent in the world today, —heedless of approaching doom, unrepentant; “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” God is treated with contempt, and His Word rejected. More solemn then, will be the judgment, when it comes, as it certainly will. How escape it, if so great salvation is neglected?

ML 07/30/1933

The Treasure in the Wall

OUT on a western plain, where dwellings were far apart, a rancher was building a rude shack in which to live. His work was not skillfully done, but he was doing the best he could.

About the time he had the walls up, a young man visited him selling Bibles and Testaments. Though the rancher had no interest in the Scriptures, he was induced to buy a Testament, as he was told the book would tell him about God, and how one could be saved.

He laid the Testament on top of a scantling and by some accident it fell down between the outer and inner wall. He was a busy man, and as he felt little interest in the book, he did not take the trouble to remove the boards to get it out.

Twenty years passed and the rancher, now getting on in years still lived in his lonely dwelling. One day he was thrown from his horse and injured very seriously. Two workmen brought him home, and while one of them set off to get a doctor, the other one stayed to care for the suffering man.

He asked his attendant if he would get an ax and remove some boards from a certain place beside the door. The neighbor paid little attention to the request at first, thinking that the patient’s mind was wandering, but was finally convinced that he was rational, and did as he was asked. Upon removing the boards, the little Testament was recovered from the place where it had been hidden so many years.

“That’s it, that’s the book,” exclaimed the sufferer as he saw it taken from the wall, covered with dust and cobwebs.

He told his attendant that the one who had sold him the book had made great claims for it; that it would tell him how to meet God, and he believed this meeting to be near at hand, and asked him to read it to him.

The neighbor was as ignorant of the Scriptures as the injured man himself, but the One above, who knew the great need of the dying man’s soul, doubtless guided the reader to the right passages.

The wondrous verse, John 3:16, was that which impressed him the most, and spoke peace to his soul,

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

The message contained in this verse was so simple, and the ‘whosoever’ so clearly included him, that he laid hold of it at once.

What a treasure the little Testament proved itself to be to him, inasmuch as it made him “wise unto salvation.” No earthly treasure would have given him peace and comfort at such a time, or prepared him for the life beyond. The Word of God received in faith, alone could do this.

Let us raise a warning note here. Even though this man was enabled by grace to receive the gospel in his last hours, it is most unsafe to depend upon this. While one may be saved in his last hours, the many die as they have lived—without God, without salvation.

No, do not wait till the end of life. It is much happier and safer to be saved at the beginning of life, for who knows what a day may bring forth?

It is to be remembered that it was by means of the little Testament, though long neglected and hidden, that he heard the voice of God. The Lord Jesus said,

“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

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

ML 07/30/1933

The Three Questions

ONE time when we were holding meetings in a farming community, Johnny S— was very attentive and regular in attendance. I wanted much to have a talk with him, to see what effect the Word was having on his soul. Johnny was a busy farmer’s boy, and to have much time with him I must follow him to the field.

I went one day and found him plowing corn. We talked as we walked up and down the field, Johnny driving the team and I holding the plow handles. I said:

“Johnny, there are three questions I want to ask you.” He said,

“All right, sir.”

“There is something that has come into this world, and ruined everybody! —What is it?”

“It is sin,” he answered.

“Now Johnny, there is one thing, and only one, in the whole universe of God, that can wash away sin, —what is that?”

“It is Blood.” Of course he meant the blood of Jesus.

“Our sins are here on earth, and the blood speaks in heaven. Now what can bring these two things together, and make the blood do its work on my soul? In other words, what must we have in order to get the benefit of that blood?” I asked.

“Faith” was Johnny’s answer.

Three little words, of one syllable each: the first tells of our ruin and need; the second, God’s remedy for it all; and the third, the mighty link that binds the other two together, and gives us peace with God.

We walked along the rows of corn for some time, in silence, and at last I ventured to ask another question, which I hope God will press upon the heart of every reader of these lines.

“Johnny, have you that faith?” Johnny’s immediate and cheering answer was:

“Yes, sir!”

All need to heed the mighty teaching of these three words, Sin, —The Blood,— Faith.

“The righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:22, 23.

“Without shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22.

ML 07/30/1933

The Bible

O Lord, with wonder and with praise,

On all Thy works I look;

But still Thy wisdom, power and grace,

Shine brightest in Thy Book.

Herein I learn how Christ has died

To save my soul from hell;

Not all the books on earth beside,

These heavenly wonders tell.

Then let me love my Bible more,

And take a fresh delight,

By day to read these wonders o’er,

And think on them by night.

ML 07/30/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For this cause,” etc. 1 Thess. 2:13.

2.“For our gospel,” etc. 1 1:5.

3.“But ye, brethren,” etc. 2 3:13.

4.“But ye, brethren,” etc. 1 5:4.

5.“But I would not,” etc. 1 4:13.

6.“And with all,” etc. 2 2:10.

7.“In flaming fire,” etc. 2 1:8.

Bible Questions for August “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Hebrews

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “An evil heart of unbelief.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Refuse not him that speaketh.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Thou hast loved righteousness.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The power of an endless life.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Author of eternal salvation.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Might obtain a better resurrection.”

7.What happened to the man who despised Moses’ law?

Answers to Bible Questions for June “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Esteem them very highly in love for their works’ sake. 1 Thess. 5:13.

2.What we have been taught from the Word. 2 Thess. 2:15.

3.To obtain salvation. 1 Thess. 5:9.

4.Such should not eat. 2 Thess. 3:10.

5.1 Thess. 5:23. Body, soul, and spirit.

6.With the truth of the Lord’s coming. 1 Thess. 4:13.

7.He takes the place of God. 2 Thess. 2:4.

Bible Questions for August “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Hebrews

1.What are we not to forsake?

2.What is to be our attitude toward those who take the lead (have the rule) among us?

3.What is faith?

4.For what purpose has Christ entered into heaven?

5.What is the character of our “calling”?

6.What is said of the word of God?

7.What promise is given as to the Lord’s coining?

ML 08/06/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 22, verses 15 to 25.

THE rejection of the self-seeking Shebna, and the putting in his place of the worthy Eliakim is a true part of Isaiah’s prophecy, and not a disconnected piece of history without reference to the future. See Revelation 3:7, and it is at once plain that Eliakim, godly man of Hezekiah’s reign (Isaiah 36:3), was used by the Holy Spirit as a “type” of Christ. Shebna, then, is a foreshadowing of the false prophet-king of the Jews, who will be cast alive into the lake of fire at the coming of the Lord to the earth.

The man whom Shebna is intended to bring before the mind is variously characterized in the Scriptures, but always as a leader in evil. Referring to him, the Lord said to the Jews (John 5:43),

“I am come in My Father’s Name, and ye receive Me not; if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.”

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 is the fullest reference to this man of unsurpassed wickedness. He will oppose and exalt himself above all called God or object of worship, showing himself as God. He will in an extraordinary way be energized by Satan, having power to do signs and wonders beyond anything now known, —not for good, of course, but in serving his master who is a murderer and liar from the beginning (John 8:44), by means of falsehood and all deceit of unrighteousness to them that perish.

Revelation 13:11 presents this enemy of God in symbolic language, and chapter 19:20 shows his end. 1 John 2:22 calls him the Antichrist, while warning believers that there are many antichrists in our own time. Zechariah 11 speaks of him as a foolish and worthless shepherd.

Daniel 11:36-39 presents him as “the king,” and we learn from this passage that he will be a Jew, for he will not regard the God of his fathers, or Christ (the desire of Jewish women was to be the mother of the Messiah).

This, then, is the final culmination of the present order of things; the world is not getting better, but worse and worse (2 Timothy 3:13; Acts 20:28-32; 2 Peter 3:3, 4). On the great election day, Barabbas the murderer was chosen, and Jesus was rejected and crucified (Mark 15).

This Jesus hath God raised up and exalted at His right hand according to His Word,

“Sit Thou at My right hand until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.”

Meanwhile the gospel goes out in a dispensation of grace and forbearance (Acts 2-4, etc.), that whosoever believes in that rejected One, God’s only begotten Son, shall not perish but have everlasting life.

He is coming again to the earth in judgment according to Psalm 2; Matthew 24: 27-51; Jude 14, 15; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. He is coming in glory, attended by not only the angels, but by all those raised or changed at His coming for His heavenly people (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).

When He comes in judgment the government shall be upon His shoulder (Isaiah 9:6), and the key of the house of David will be laid upon His shoulder, so He shall open and none shall shut, and He shall shut and none shall open. All power is given unto Him in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).

What a day that will be for this world, when He reigns!

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and forever.” Rev. 11:15.

ML 08/06/1933

Blind Susie

WE have something to tell you children about a little girl. She was twelve years old, but had never been able to see. We who can look around us little understand what it must be never to be able to gaze upon the wonderful works of God on every hand—never to behold those by whom we are loved and cared, for. Such was the case with little blind Susie.

The first time I saw her she was very sad, and did not wish to talk to me. I tried to gain her interest by telling her something about the love of Jesus in coming down into this world to die for sinners, and asked her if she had ever realized that she was a sinner.

She made no reply; and soon I had to leave.

Some weeks had passed before I saw her again, and then it was at a gospel preaching, where I noticed her singing at the beginning of the meeting. After it was over I asked,

“Well, Susie, do you know anything about what Mr. C— has been telling us tonight?”

“Yes,” she answered, “I know that Jesus is my Saviour, and that my sins have been washed away in His precious blood.”

“But how do you know that?” I inquired.

A bright smile shone upon her face as she said,

“Jesus did it,
God says it,
I believe it.”

Little Susie was very happy now that she knew her sins were forgiven. She had taken her place before God as a lost sinner, and then had believed His Word in which she read that Christ Jesus died in her stead.

Will you not come to this loving Saviour now while there is time? He has never turned one away.

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

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Pet. 1:8.

ML 08/06/1933

Tomorrow

THOSE who go down to perdition from gospel lands have almost all been ruined by the word tomorrow. They did not intend to make their bed in hell. They intended to embrace the Saviour, and prepare for heaven.

But they were never quite able to attend to the matter; they were always going to do it tomorrow, or at some not very distant day. So they deferred, till death came.

O fatal tomorrow! O cruel murderer of souls! How many have been robbed of heaven, and forever lost!

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

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

ML 08/06/1933

Happy Times

SEE how happy the children in our picture look as they swing to and fro beneath the limb of a beautiful tree, with a carpet of green under their feet. We trust our little readers often have this pleasure.

There are many other ways to have happy times in harmless forms of recreation. For the littlest boys and girls there are toys, and for the older ones there are work and studies, games and outings to give enjoyment that is wholesome.

Those who do not know Jesus as their Saviour seek happiness in worldly things, trying to forget God and His claims upon them, only to find that such happiness is far from satisfying.

If you would know what true happiness is, you must look away from this world to the only One who can satisfy the heart.

Solomon, after repeatedly showing that nothing of this earth is worthwhile, turns our thoughts to something better, saying, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Eccl. 12:1.

David said;

“HAPPY IS THAT PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD.” Psa. 144:15.

What happy times we can have communing with our Lord, studying His precious Word, carrying out His blessed will, and serving Him whenever we can. This is true happiness, and when we have learned by experience what such happiness is, we will say with Solomon, of the pleasures of this world,

“All is vanity.”

ML 08/06/1933

Jesus Lives

The terrors of the cross are past,

Jesus lives,

Redemption’s work, so grand, so vast,

Jesus lives,

Although a crown of thorns He wore,

And all man’s wicked hatred bore,

Those dreadful suff’rings now are o’er,

Jesus lives.

Captivity is captive led,

Jesus lives.

Death and the grave bear naught of dread,

Jesus lives,

Released from sin and Satan’s hold

We soon shall enter joy untold—

With rapt delight His face behold,

Jesus lives.

ML 08/06/1933

The Nest

HOW very happy these dear children seem! What a lot of them there are, too; can you count the number?

This is an old elm tree that they are in; it has been split open by lightning, or by the wind in a storm at some time. Now the children can climb up into the hollow places and make a fine nest for themselves.

What makes these children so happy? Isn’t it because they are having a good time in a way that is not displeasing to their parents?

It is so good to see little folks happy, because they know that they are doing what is right.

Whom do you wish to please besides your parents and teachers? If you know Jesus as your own Saviour, He is the main One, I am sure. Did any child ever make fun of you for not doing just as he did, because you wanted to please your Lord? Boys and girls that are faithful to Jesus, are sure to have this experience at some time. But we are told in the Bible that we ought to be happy even at such times.

“IF YE BE REPROACHED FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST, HAPPY ARE YE.” 1 Pet. 4:14.

The Lord will protect you from harm, even though some boys or girls may become very angry with you, and threaten to harm you for not joining them in some things they do, that you think is not right in the sight of God.

We read in the Old Testament of three boys who would not do evil, as the people around them were doing, and so they were thrown into a terribly hot furnace. They suffered all this because they really loved the Lord; and what an awful thing it was to be thrown into such a place. What happened to them? It was a wonderful thing, God brought them out of it without a hair of their heads being scorched, nor even the smell of fire on their clothes.

God who could do such a marvelous thing for those boys, is surely just as able to care for you, and to give you courage to do what is right and good in His sight —even though all the other children may laugh at you for it.

“Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye.” 1 Pet. 3:13, 14.

ML 08/13/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 23

AS in the burdens of Babylon, Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Egypt, Dumah, Arabia and Jerusalem, which have on previous occasions been before us, there had been a partial fulfilment of the prophecy, and the final development will be seen in the coming day.

Tyre was a very ancient city; it is even said to have been founded as early as the flood which engulfed the world in Noah’s time. However, that may be, it was a fortified city, when the children of Israel under Joshua took possession of the land God had designed for them.

Tyre was within the boundaries of the tribe of Asher, but the Asherites settled down among, instead of driving out, the inhabitants of the country (Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31).

It was an independent kingdom in David’s and Solomon’s times, we know from 2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:1 and 9:11, and other passages. Of its wealth Zechariah 9:3 testifies.

But it is from Ezekiel 27, verses 1 to 25, that we get our knowledge of the importance of Tyre in that day. Its trade was with countries near and far, to the east and north, and the south and west, by land and sea. The builders of the city had adorned it with costly wood and ivory, fine linen with broidered work, blue and purple, and the city’s boast was “I am perfect in beauty.”

With devotion to commerce and the adornment of their city, the citizens had not neglected the arts of war; an army was maintained, besides the walls and towers of defense around the place.

Tyre thus very fully represents the world and its ways, upon which judgment is soon to fall, and not the less severely because long delayed. When in Ezekiel 26-28 the judgment of Tyre is pronounced, it will be noticed the prophecy goes on to include the judgment of Satan (28:11- 19) since he is the ruler and god of this world.

Judgment fell on Tyre in a 13 year siege by Nebuchadnezzar, lasting from B. C. 585 to B. C. 572. They would have escaped it, had they heeded the word of Jeremiah the prophet (chapter 27:1-11), but they were full of self-confidence and rejoiced over Jerusalem’s fall (Ezekiel 26:1-14). Serious are the consequences of warnings despised.

The ancient Tyre has disappeared, both the original main land city and its later island site, but Tyre will be found a city in the day to come, for Psalm 83:7 numbers it among the enemies which will unite with Assyria in the attack upon the Holy Land which we have before considered, and Jeremiah 25:22 includes it as one of the kingdoms to come under the judgments of the last days which will take in the whole world. Then Isaiah 23 will be fulfilled.

Nevertheless, the Millennium will bring in a restored Tyre, for her merchandise and her hire shall be holy to Jehovah (verse 18 of our chapter). Psalm 45:12 sees the “daughter of Tyre” coming with a gift then, and Psalm 87:4 includes Tyre with Egypt, Babylon, Philistia and Ethiopia as enjoying the blessing of God in that day.

The Lord in Matthew 11:21, 22 and Luke 10:13, 14 spoke of the past judgment on Tyre and its neighbor, Sidon, saying that if the mighty works He had done in Chorazin and Bethsaida of Galilee had been done in them, they would have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

It is pleasing to note the present work of grace in such a scene of judgment, connecting together Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17 and Acts 21:3, 4 with its record of disciples found, perhaps to the surprise of the travelers, at Tyre.

ML 08/13/1933

Dinamma

DINAMMA was a dear child of eleven years, who lived in India. Her people were heathen and did not know anything about the Lord Jesus, but worshiped idols.

One day, however, Dinamma went to a gospel meeting near her home, which was being held by some faithful missionaries. Here she heard how 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); and how the Lord Jesus Christ loved us so much that He was willing to die for us on the cross, shedding His precious blood, that all who believe in Him, may be washed whiter than snow.

This was all very new to Dinamma, but she listened very attentively. She opened her heart to the Lord Jesus and in simple faith, accepted Him as her personal Saviour.

She was very happy indeed, and attended the meeting regularly, taking great delight in learning more about her Saviour and singing the bright gospel hymns.

In India the people have to draw their water from large wells with a bucket, and one afternoon Dinamma was sent out to draw water. It had rained and was very muddy and slippery around the large, deep well, which had no protecting walls around it. Leaning forward to draw up the water, Dinamma’s foot slipped and in she fell. Now Dinamma knew nothing about swimming or floating, but she did know that the Lord Jesus who had saved her soul from hell, would also be able to save her from drowning.

About fifteen minutes later a woman passing by heard moans coming from the well, and stepping across and looking in, saw the child floating with just her face out of the water. The alarm was given and neighbors came with a rope and let it down to her. She managed to grasp the rope and soon was brought to safety.

In their heathen darkness, her people wanted to express their gladness at the child’s deliverance by getting a good-sized fowl and sacrificing it to their idols, putting some of the blood on the forehead of the idol and sprinkling the remainder of its blood around her to ward off further evil. But Dinamma would have none of it.

“Will you,” she said, “sacrifice to the devil, when it was my God, the Lord Jesus, in whom I trust, who has saved my life?”

Dinamma did not forget to thank the Lord Jesus for having delivered her, and also asked the missionaries to return grateful thanks to her Saviour for His wonderful care of her.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

I wonder how many of our little readers, who perhaps have had many opportunities to hear the gospel, have accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. If you have never done so, come to Him now. He tells us in the Bible:

“Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. And,

“Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16.

ML 08/13/1933

Hiding

WHAT would you do if the Lord Jesus were to come at this moment?” was the question asked of a little girl.

“I would not run away and hide,” answered the child.

Would you “run away and hide,” dear young readers? or could you give the answer that a little girl in London gave to the same question:

“I would throw my arms around Him.”

Adam and Eve hid themselves among the trees of the garden. Why? Because they knew they were sinners, and feared to meet God.

A day is coming when people will cry to the rocks, and call on them to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. They will then know that they are sinners, and have rejected the only Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and they will be filled with terror when they think of His coming in judgment.

Only those whose sins are washed away in the precious blood of Christ, and who are made whiter than snow, are ready to welcome the One who has done it all, when He shall come, not in judgment, but to take them to Himself.

Dear children, would you welcome Him, or hide from Him, if He were to come today?

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28.

ML 08/13/1933

Is Christ Your Saviour?

A YOUNG lady asked a little girl, as she overtook her, when walking in the country,

“Can you tell me who Jesus is?”

“Yes, miss,” the little girl answered, “He is our Saviour.”

“But is He your Saviour?” To this the little girl said,

“I do not know.”

How many there are, like this little girl. They speak, sing and talk about a Saviour, but do not know Him as their own personal Saviour.

They cannot truly say,

“He is my Saviour.”

Just to know that there is a Saviour, without having to do with Him personally, will benefit no one.

Let me earnestly entreat you, dear children, not to rest, till, in the presence of God, you can really say,

“Christ is my Saviour,” for unless you know Him thus, you cannot be saved. Be wise; take God at His word, and the result will be eternal salvation.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

“The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Rom. 10:8-10.

ML 08/13/1933

David Playing on the Harp Before Saul

DAVID was one that, feared God, and God was going to honor him, and put him on the throne instead of Saul who was disobedient to Him. After he disobeyed, God sent an evil spirit upon him, and when David played the harp before him, Saul one day cast a javelin at David; but David escaped (1 Sam. 18: 10, 11).

How many times when the Lord Jesus was here upon earth, people tried to take Him and to stone Him and kill Him, but He always escaped out of their hands, till His time came for Him to go to the cross and then He gave Himself up to them, and allowed them to show out all the wickedness of their hearts. And now that Christ has gone through death, and is in the glory, still people show out their hatred to Him by desiring other things rather than Him.

Which side are you on? Do you, dear reader, take part with those who do not want Jesus? Or do you say,

“I love Him, because He first loved me?”

Saul is a picture of the unsaved people in all their hatred to the Lord Jesus, and God’s judgment will surely come upon them. God will have all to honor the Son, and if they do not honor Him now, they will have to honor Him later. But it will then be too late for their salvation.

“AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, OF THINGS I N HEAVEN, AND THINGS IN EARTH, AND THINGS UNDER THE EARTH; AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.” Phil. 2:10, 11.

ML 08/20/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 24

THIS chapter gives the result of all the judgments upon the nations and the Jews which have engaged our attention in recent weeks. Nothing short of unsparing judgment will answer in the day of the Lord.

Matthew 3 in giving the testimony of John the Baptist speaks of “the wrath to come,” and concerning Him for whom he was the herald,

“He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire; whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor and gather His wheat into the garner, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The baptism with the Holy Ghost only has taken place. The references to fire refer unmistakably to sharp, unsparing dealing in judgment with the wicked, which in the long suffering of God has not yet begun.

In Acts 17:30, 31, the apostle Paul, speaking to Greeks at Athens, told his hearers that God, now commanding all men everywhere to repent, has “appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.”

Enoch’s testimony, given to us in Jude 14, but uttered by Noah’s great-grandfather about 700 years after Adam and Eve were formed, is the earliest warning of judgment on the living, of which the Scriptures tell.

Psalms 2, 46 and 110, several passages in Isaiah which have been before us, and others, some of which have been already referred to in other portions of the Word of God, tell of the beginning of the day of the Lord in its effect upon man, and the world he has used as his own.

What a picture of ruin, of desolation, this chapter presents in the first 12 verses! All of mankind is made to feel the out pouring of God’s judgment, though we know that the believers of that day will be spared from that fury which shall consume the wicked.

Notice in verse 3, “the land,” referring to the land of Israel, and in verse 4 the wider, or universal terms “the earth” and “the world,” referring to the whole world. The cause of the judgments is stated in verse 5:

“The earth is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance (or statute), broken the everlasting covenant.” It is because God has been disowned and dishonored, His mercy despised, the gospel rejected.

Verses 13-15 bring in the saved remnant, —as the few olives left on the tree after it has been shaken, and the handfuls of grapes left by the gleaners. These shall rejoice in that day; yet withal the godly shall groan because of their low condition, and because of the apostacy of the great majority of their kinsmen according to the flesh (verse 16).

Verse 21 brings in the judgment of the “high ones” (the angels who sinned) “on high” (not, “that are on high”). These, with whom Satan is united, are judged and will no longer be allowed to mislead man, and to oppose the work of God in grace.

All that we have had before us, it will be noted, has to do with the judgment of the living, at the beginning of the Millennium. The judgment of the dead at the great white throne (Revelation 20:7-15) is not expressed in the Old Testament.

ML 08/20/1933

The Greatest Blessing

UPON visiting the hospital recently I saw a boy who had met with a serious accident, and had both arms cut very badly with a circular saw. Indeed, it seemed a wonder that they were saved to him at all.

Of course during the process of healing, both arms were bound up so that he had no use of them. He was not able to feed himself or wait on himself, even to turn the page of the “Messages of Love” which I gave him to read.

During the weeks that I have seen him lying helpless, my thoughts have turned many times to the old saying,

“We never miss the water till the well runs dry.”

When we are in health and everything goes nicely, when we have the use of our various members, our hands and feet, our eyes and ears, food and clothing—all the great blessings that God has given us for our use and enjoyment, we are wont to think nothing of them. Indeed, we usually take them for granted; nor do we realize how richly we are blessed, until the use of one or more of these is lost.

Is it not strange that some of our greatest blessings are so frequently not appreciated or overlooked entirely? This is especially true of the greatest gift, the greatest blessing that could possibly come to us—the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ whom God has given to be our Saviour.

Probably the greatest reason that so many fail to appreciate this greatest gift is because they do not realize their need of a Saviour. If one sees himself to be a lost sinner, and unable to do anything for himself, he would be glad to take advantage of the Saviour, and this is exactly the condition that all are in by nature —Lost.

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

“There is none righteous, no, not one.” Rom. 3:10, 23.

Many passages might be quoted to prove that in ourselves there is no hope whatever. When one gets a little glimpse of what his real need is, he cannot fail to see what a mercy it was that God “spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all.” He would know beyond a doubt that the Saviour thus provided was his only means of getting to heaven, and likewise his only chance of escaping hell.

Our future destiny depends entirely on whether we accept Christ or not, —whether we believe on Him, as the Scripture says,

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 5:24.

ML 08/20/1933

"He'll Come Soon"

BERTIE, how long are you going to live?” a friend asked a little boy.

“I do not know,” little Bertie slowly replied.

“Until you are an old man of a hundred years?”

“I don’t think so,” said the tiny boy, gravely, as he raised his blue eyes to his friend’s face.

“Indeed! Are you very sick that you think you may die soon?”

With a sweet little smile, but trembling lips, six-year-old Bertie replied:

“O! you don’t understand one bit! I’m only waiting for Jesus, and He’ll come soon.”

Dear little boy: with childish simplicity he went on with his play, but the words he uttered sank into the heart of the one who had heard them—

“He’ll come soon.”

What joy it gave him to be expecting Jesus to come every day, for he knew that He had said,

“Surely I come quickly.” Rev. 22:20.

This does not mean, as some people say, that He comes whenever any of His children die; but He is coming in the clouds of heaven and He will call away all who trust in Him and give us bodies of glory like His, and we shall live with Him forever, and be most happy. (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).

I hope each one of our dear little friends is waiting for Him to come soon.

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thess. 3:5.

ML 08/20/1933

"She Doesn't Love Jesus"

SOME children were playing together in a house one evening, when one of them said,

“Let us sing some hymns.” They all agreed to this but one little girl whose name was Ada. She wanted some other amusement, and wouldn’t sing. The others, not thinking it right to mind a little girl who was rather noted for always wanting to have her own way, began to sing a hymn. Ada remained silent.

“Ah!” said one present, who was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, “Ada doesn’t want to sing because she doesn’t love Jesus.”

Presently, while the others were singing all happily together, Ada began to cry. Supposing this was only temper, nobody heeded it until bedtime, and then, as she was still crying they began to tell her how naughty she was for being so stubborn. At first she made no reply, but as she did not stop, one of them asked,

“What can you be crying about now?” To the surprise of all her answer was, “Because I don’t love Jesus.”

This unexpected answer changed everything, and now instead of scolding, they told her that if she did not love Jesus, He loved her, and that as when on earth He took little children up in His arms and blessed them, so now He would surely receive her if she would simply trust in His love. Before she went to bed that night Ada was able to say that she loved Jesus because He first loved her.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

ML 08/20/1933

I'm but a Little Child

Lord, I’m but a little child,

Yet throughout by sin defiled;

Deep is my heart’s need of Thee,

Who alone from sin can free.

Thou for little ones hast died—

By the wicked crucified—

Men have shed Thy precious blood,

Whereby peace was made by God.

In Thee only I believe;

From Thee, Lord, I all receive—

Peace, eternal life and heaven,

All my sins for e’er forgiven.

Thou Thyself art my blest part,

And the joy of my young heart;

All I need in Thee I find—

Boundless love and grace combined.

Thou alone canst satisfy

In this world of Satan’s lie;

For, blest Lord, I’ve found in Thee

Joy to all eternity.

ML 08/20/1933

A Lesson in Ship Building

LITTLE Fred listens with interest to grandpa’s instructions as to how the ship should be built. Although a thorough knowledge of some kind of trade or profession is very useful for everyone, there is a lesson of far greater importance, and that is to learn to attend to whatever God tells us.

We must pay the utmost attention to the very first step in this lesson, for if we do not learn it properly we shall never be able to learn anything else in the things of God.

This first step of such moment is to believe our great need of a Saviour and God’s love in providing that Saviour. We are all aware that we have sinned: we have had wrong thoughts in our minds, we have said things which we should not have said, and we have done things we should not have done. These three ways of sinning are probably used by us every day of our lives. If we multiply every day we have lived by three, we shall see the least number of sins we have.

It is not alone what men call sins that we need be concerned about, but it is all that will not come up to God’s holiness. What a great measure that is, and what great sinners it shows us up to be.

How then, can we be saved? All, God has not only shown us what we are, but has also shown us what we need, and has provided for that need. We need a Saviour, and God has given His only begotten Son to die in our stead and thereby save us. Those sins that are many, may all be forgiven us through Jesus having paid the debt, in giving His life in our place. This is what we need to pay strict attention to, and after we truly grasp the truth of this we can go on to learn other things in God’s Word.

“THROUGH THIS MAN IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: AND BY HIM ALL THAT BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS.” Acts 13:38, 39.

ML 08/27/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 25

CHAPTERS 25 and 26 express the thoughts of the delivered believing Israelites, when God’s judgments will have been poured out on the earth, as we saw in our study of chapter 24 verse 23, showing the conclusion of those judgments in Christ’s reigning in Mount Zion.

Brought through fearful times of suffering, these earthly saints will be filled with thankfulness to Him.

“O Jehovah,” they will say (verse 1), “Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee.”

Wonderfully will He have worked, according to counsels of old which are faithfulness and truth.

For many long centuries has He been compelled to hide His face from His earthly people, because of their sins, of which the greatest is the rejection of their Messiah; but He has never given up His purpose to bless Israel, and the Gentiles through them.

The works of man at enmity with God will then have been utterly destroyed, never to be rebuilt (verse 2), and those of the Gentile nations who will have been preserved alive will glorify and fear Him (verse 3).

In the very depths of trial, the believers who make up the “remnant” (Isa. 10:22, 23) will have learned His compassion, and known His protection: He has been a fortress to the poor; a fortress for the needy in his distress; a refuge from the storm; a shadow from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones (their enemies) will have been as the storm against a wall (verse 4).

In Israel’s land (spoken of as “this mountain” because it will be to the whole earth the particular country where Jehovah will be exalted) Jehovah of Hosts will make to all people, spared through the fearful judgments of the last clays, such a provision out of His bountiful goodness as has never been known (verse 6). It will be the richest earthly blessing, seen and acknowledged as from God.

The world today receives much from God, but in unbelief never owns Him as the giver; in the Millennial day the darkness connected with man’s unbelief will be removed (verse 7).

Verse 8 gives us the expression quoted in 1 Cor. 15:54, for, the first resurrection (Rev. 20-: 1-6) will then be an accomplished thing, with Christ and His risen saints come to be seen by Israel and the nations.

The Word of God does not tell us when the earthly saints will receive the new resurrection body; apparently it will not be until the close of the Millennium or thousand years’ reign of Christ, and before the new heavens and new earth appear (Rev. 21:1-4). The making “all things new,” of Rev. 21:5, will necessarily include the clothing of the earthly saints with the new body, if it shall not have been done before then.

Verses 9 to 12 show very plainly that the blessing of the coming day will be first of all for Israel, and that their position will not be the same as that of the heavenly saints, —as indeed the whole of the prophetic scriptures indicate. We observe, for example, in verse 9, “He will save us,” referring to those Jews who have trusted in God during the interval between the Lord’s coming for His heavenly saints, and His return in power. But the heavenly saints are already saved, and do not wait for that day in order to be saved.

Moab was one of Israel’s proud enemies, and they will rightly look to see them put down, but the Christian is taught of God to love his enemies, and to seek to get the gospel before them, desiring their salvation.

ML 08/27/1933

Young Pigeons

ONE morning, I received by rail from M—, quite unexpectedly, a basket containing five live young carrier pigeons. When I opened it, a piece of paper was found inside, on which was written:

“Please liberate these birds at once.”

So the little prisoners were forthwith let go, and off they flew, round and round, higher and higher, the circle increasing each time. Then they suddenly went straight northward for their home at M—, sixty-four miles distant.

From a letter I afterwards received from the owner and sender (who is a perfect stranger to me as I am to pigeon flying), he said that some of these little creatures actually reached their home the same day and the rest next day, although he remarked that one of them was only fifteen weeks old and the others one year.

But why should they proceed to M—? Well, just because they were born there!

PIGEONS ALWAYS FLY TO THEIR BIRTHPLACE

when let loose. So do the children of God when they are, in the Lord’s good time, set free from their earthly tabernacle, or when the Lord comes for them. Yes, they go straight to their birthplace, their bright and happy home in glory. They are born from above, and above they fly, when the time arrives, to the Father’s house on high, to be with and like their precious Saviour, and to bask in the warm love and bright sunshine of His own blessed presence.

In John 3, we get that word to Nicodemus “Ye must be born again” (or anew), and then the blessed Saviour of sinners is presented to him for the salvation of his priceless soul.

DEAR CHILD, Where Is Your Eternal Home? Where would you proceed to if liberated today? Could you say it would be “absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” or not? O, if not, do get it settled without further delay and before you are too late.

THINK OF The Love Of The Lord Jesus in coming down from that home and settling a work, at Calvary so that you might spend your eternity in that thrice-blessed home. Do make sure, dear one that that heavenly home is yours when the time comes, and enjoy the sense of it on the road to the satisfaction of Him who said,

“It is needful that ye should be born anew.” John 3:7. (N. Tr.)

“There’s a home for little children

Above the bright blue sky;

Where Jesus reigns in glory—

A home of peace and joy.

No home on earth is like it,

Or can with it compare;

For everyone is happy,

Nor could be happier there.”

ML 08/27/1933

Heaven's Door

I ONCE heard of a very little girl who set off to walk to heaven’s door.

She thought the door to some large vaults in the cemetery was heaven’s door, and she toiled on till she reached the place.

Then she knocked and knocked; but no answer came.

She thought that heaven must be on the other side of the door, because many people who died were taken there.

Little Katie was disappointed when no one answered her. She waited and waited, and knocked till her little hand ached; and then she turned wearily homewards, thinking the angels were too busy to hear her.

A loving friend was able to tell her of the true Door to heaven, and to direct her to Him who said,

“I am the Door,” and who also said, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was dead, and is alive again for evermore in heavenly glory. Have you come to Him yet?

What is heaven like, that little Katie so desired entrance? It is a place of greater delight and blessedness than human mind can possibly imagine. There will be no trace of sin or of its effects; there will be no night, no need of the sun or of the moon, for

“The glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the Light thereof.” Rev. 21:23.

But better than the place is the Person who is there, the Lamb, the blessed Lord Jesus. We enjoy the comforts of home on earth, but unless our parents are there, home is a sad place. So it would be with heaven: it is not the glory which so attracts our hearts as it is Jesus who loved us and gave Himself for us.

“I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me, where I am.” John 17:24.

ML 08/27/1933

"Christ Is My Goodness"

LITTLE, girl who knew the Lord Jesus, and who could not help singing about His love while playing, or at work at home, was asked by a Christian if she knew she was a sinner; and if she thought she was good enough to go to heaven?

“O yes, sir,” was her reply.

“But you have no goodness,” said he.

“Indeed I have, sir,” she answered.

“And where is your goodness!” he asked.

“Up in heaven, sir,” she replied, with a smile; “Christ is my goodness as well as my Saviour.”

How sweetly some little ones learn about Jesus; and to them that believe He is precious. May you dear children find in Jesus salvation, life, peace, joy, and goodness, through faith in His name.

“Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Cor. 1:30.

ML 08/27/1933

Why Do You Wait?

Why do you wait to be better,

When Jesus is calling you now?

Why do you wait till you’re older

When NOW at His feet you may bow?

Why do you wait, when He asks you

To come as you are, in your need?

Why do you wait, while He’s pleading

To make your soul happy indeed?

Why do you wait, for the sunshine

Of days that are brighter to come?

Why do you wait, when ere morning

Fore’er may he settled your doom?

Why do you wait, little children?

O, come and believe on Him now,

Why do you wait? for He’s waiting

Salvation on you to bestow.

Wait no longer, He will save you;

Wait no longer, come today;

Wait no longer, or His offer

From you soon may pass away.

ML 08/27/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for July "The Children's Class"

1.“Having confidence,” etc. Philem. 21.

2.“O Timothy,” etc. 1 Tim. 6:20.

3.“But if I,” etc. 1 3:15.

4.“Meditate upon,” etc. 1 4:15.

5.“This charge,” etc. 1 1:18.

6.“This is a,” etc. Titus 3:8.

7.“But in a,” etc. 2 Tim. 2:20.

Bible Questions for September “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in James, 1 and 2 Peter

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The eyes of the Lord.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Fulfill the royal law.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Giveth grace unto the humble.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Seeing that ye look for such things.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Unto the coming of the Lord.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The chief Shepherd shall appear.”

7.What is said to be much more precious than gold?

Answers to Bible Questions for July “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.He loved this present world. 2 Timothy 4:10.

2.Toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints. Philemon 5.

3.Godliness with contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6.

4.Maintain good works, because they are good and profitable. Titus 3:8.

5.As sisters with all purity. 1 Timothy 5:2.

6.Youthful lusts. 2 Timothy 2:22.

7.Of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7.

Bible Questions for September “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in James, 1 and 2 Peter

1. How should we deal with the devil?

2. What should we do with care?

3.What is to happen to the present earth and heavens?

4.By what are we born again?

5.To whom should we confess our faults?

6.What is the proof of a wise man?

7.What is the effect of the trying of our faith?

ML 09/03/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 26

MARVELOUS changes are to take place in Israel’s land when God begins the long deferred outpouring of blessing, but greater will be the change in the hearts of His earthly people. When they have owned their crowning sin in putting to death their Messiah, and adopting the language of Psalm 51 (for example) as their confession of blood guiltiness, have been enabled to make Psalm 103 their own, then will they be able to sing (verse 1),

Poor and feeble they will have been, but now, in the time to which the chapter refers, all is changed. The enemy has been vanquished, and Jehovah reigns in Jerusalem; His people are at rest.

Read Psalm 118, and note particularly verses 19 and 20 in connection with verse 2 of our chapter.

Precious to the saint of God in trial or out of it, is verse 3: “Perfect peace” assured, and not for a moment, or during a passing hour, but, “Thou wilt keep in perfect peace the mind stayed on Thee,” and for what reason, upon what ground, is this blessed gift bestowed? “Because he trusteth (or confideth) in Thee.” This cannot be limited to the Israel to come: it is for faith today to lay hold of.

We have before considered the practice of the translators of our common English Bible, of using a title “the LORD,” for Jehovah and Jah, two names of God. In verse 4 these two names occur. We may read the verse thus, as perhaps the best translation known,

“Confide ye in Jehovah forever, for in Jah, Jehovah is the rock of ages.”

Jehovah is God’s name of relationship with Israel, but the Christian knows Him in a nearer way, as Father (See John ‘20:17.) “Jah,” a name which occurs 47 times in Exodus, the Psalms and Isaiah, refers to God as the Absolute Being, supreme, over all.

Verse 9 answers a question raised as to the world’s prospects for getting better. It is stated positively in the Word of God that it will get worse and worse until He deals with it in judgment, and so here we have, “When Thy judgments are in the earth” (not till then) “the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness,” and verse 10 confirms this.

The end of verse 11 may be better understood if read, “Yea, the fire which is for Thine adversaries shall devour them.” God’s infinite patience will have reached its limit, and pent up judgment, richly deserved, will be poured out upon the despisers of His forbearance.

Verse 14 speaks of the enemies and oppressors of the Jews, —death had overtaken them because of their ways. They will reappear at the judgment of the great white throne (Rev. 20:12), like all other unrepentant sinners. “They shall not rise’’ means that they shall not return in power to trouble the godly.

“All that are in the graves” shall come forth at the call of the Son of God (John 5:28, 29).

In verses 16-18 the believing Israelites are considering their past; they had been in sore distress, and had cried to God, but they had not in all their history carried out God’s purposes (verse 18). “Wrought any deliverance in the land” is better translated, “wrought the deliverance of the land”—indeed, the land of Canaan they had entirely lost because of their sins, and it has for centuries been overrun by the Gentiles without fear of God.

Verse 19 brings the answer to the confession of sinful failure to do the will of God through, Israel’s history: “Thy dead shall live!”—not the physically dead, but the morally, spiritually dead. (See Ezekiel 37: 1-14, and Daniel 12:2 in this connection). In neither case is actual death and resurrection referred to but a national revival of Israel.

Some place of refuge of security (its location is not given), will God provide for His earthly saints when the judgment of the living takes place (verse 20). In this we have an example in Lot, taken out of Sodom just before its judgment fell (Gen. 19:15-22).

Abraham’s place, entirely out of the scene (verses 27, 28) is an illustration of the position of the Church of God when the promised storm breaks: we shall be taken up to the scene of heavenly glory, to the Father’s house. Afterward, when the Lord comes to execute judgment, we shall come with Him.

ML 09/03/1933

Saved in Her Class

I WAS saved in the Sunday school when a child, and have proved the Lord Jesus a true and faithful Saviour, Lord and Friend, for many years.

I had a godly father who set before us all our need of conversion, and told us that we were just as bad in the sight of God as the children of the drunkard. I remember well how my sister and I resented that, our proud hearts taking refuge in the fact that we were children of Christian parents.

Our teacher was speaking to us one afternoon on the children of Bethel who mocked the prophet Elisha, and she made the remark that those Bethel children were worse than the heathen, although they lived at a place which at one time was the House of God, and then she added solemnly,

“Some of you who have long heard the Gospel may become scoffers at God’s servants and His truth, if you remain unsaved.”

I was arrested by that saying. I knew it applied to me. All the week I was in soul-trouble and would fain have told it, but was too proud. The following Sunday our lesson was in John 10.

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

I saw, entered in, and was saved in my class.

There are very few even among children who have not heard of Jesus as the Saviour. Yet many are not saved. Are you, reader, child or adult, like this child who at one time sought to find a vain refuge in the faith her parents had? If so, may you see for yourself, and enter in by Christ, the Door, and be saved.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6.

ML 09/03/1933

Digging Potatoes

I KNOW of nothing, dear children, more interesting in nature than country life. We have an extensive country around our home town, and we so much enjoy driving out to the different farms with tracts and papers, at the same time watching the work of the farmer. It is especially refreshing in the summer time.

The old man and the women have come out to dig potatoes, and to lay some by for the winter. They are working hard, and no doubt will be ready for a substantial dinner, after their hard toil in the heat.

Now, dear young friends, God is speaking to you and me. He has placed man here to plant, but it is God who gives the increase. He has promised seed-time and harvest, and His word will never fail.

“WHILE THE EARTH REMAINETH, SEEDTIME AND HARVEST, AND COLD AND HEAT, AND SUMMER AND WINTER, AND DAY AND NIGHT SHALL NOT CEASE.” Gen. 8:22.

Now there is much of another kind of good seed being sown, which is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). How often, dear ones, you have listened to His Word at home, and in Sunday school. Has the seed only fallen by the way side; and has Satan devoured it? That is what Satan does with many of your memory texts, and lessons. You forget them immediately.

May your hearts, dear ones, be ready to receive the seed—The Word of God, and may it have power over your heart and conscience, bringing you to trust fully in a crucified and risen Christ.

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” John 12:24.

ML 09/03/1933

The Shepherd's Care

How carefully the shepherds keep

The flocks within their sight;

So Jesus watches o’er His sheep,

And guards them day and night.

The shepherd numbers, twice a day,

The flock beneath his care;

He knows if any goes astray,

Or sick or dying are.

So Jesus reckons, one by one

And numbers all His sheep;

He knows if but a lamb is gone,

For He doth never sleep.

The flocks of men are bought with gold,

And grass is all their food;

The sheep and lambs of Jesus’ fold

Are purchased with His blood.

ML 09/03/1933

Hay Makers

HERE we have a picture of two people whom we might call harvesters. Do you little readers know what harvesters are? Have you heard of harvest time? It is the time in summer and fall when the hay, grain and corn are ready to be reaped and gathered in.

Farmers always like to have a big harvest, for that means money to them—money with which to buy food, clothes, and other comforts.

The Bible tells us of another kind of sowing and reaping:

“Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:7-9.

What are the seeds we sow when we sow to the flesh? Perhaps some of you will say,

“Naughty things we do.”

“Yes, anything naughty we think, say, or do; anything unkind or selfish; anything we do to please ourselves. When we sow seeds of this kind, they will not grow into anything good or beautiful. They are bad seeds. And we should not want to sow such seeds any more than the farmer wants to plant seeds that will grow up into thorns and thistles and troublesome weeds in his field. We know he does not want these.

What do you think sowing to the Spirit is?

“Sowing good seed,” you say.

Yes, but how do we sow good seed? Until we have new life and a new nature given when we believe in Jesus, all that we do is displeasing to God, and is like sowing weeds. But when we do believe in the Lord Jesus whenever we do anything for Him—when we seek to help others, and do them good for the Lord’s sake, we are sowing to the Spirit, and we shall reap good and blessing to our souls.

May everyone who reads “Messages of the Love of God’’ be happy, like the harvesters in the picture, because he is reaping a good harvest. If any of you are sowing to the flesh, stop and think of the corruption—the sorrow and trouble you must reap. How much better to reap “life everlasting,” and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.

“THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, F A I T H, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

ML 09/10/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 27

WITH this chapter we are brought to the close of the important section of Isaiah’s prophecy which began at chapter 13. Principally occupied with God’s purposes in the judgment of the Gentiles, especially those nations which were much in relationship with Israel, this series of prophetic outlines has shown also the position of Israel and the nations in the last days (chapter 18); the judgment of the whole world (chapter 24), and the full blessing to be made good to Israel in the Millennium (chapters 25:27).

Before that blessing can be enjoyed, “the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan” (Rev. 20:2) must be dealt with on earth; Isa. 24:21 and 12:9 show him driven out from the heavens above.

Verse 1 of our chapter, with Rev. 20:1-3 and 10 gives us to know that man’s great enemy will, in God’s own time, be dealt with finally and eternally never more to deceive nor to work craftily through men as now. “In that day” (verse 1) we understand to refer to the period called the day of the Lord, which includes the Millennium and a little more,

Blessing, not judgment, is God’s delight He turns in verse 2 to consider His earthly people, the objects of His love and tender care, though because of their sins He had had to punish them. Had he smitten Israel as He smote those that smote them (verse 7)? No; they were enemies; these are His own, and the character and purpose of their punishment is explained in verses 9 and 10: “In measure, when sending her away didst ‘Thou contend (or debate) with her? He hath removed her with His rough wind in the day of the east wind. By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin,” etc. (N. Tr.)

As for the Gentile powers, which had opposed God and His Son to the last, their fortified cities are seen to be solitary, desolate, forsaken as a wilderness (verses 10, 11), unsparing judgment having fallen upon these enemies of God and His people.

The Israelites will be gathered one by one (verses 12, 13). (See Matt. 24:31). Wherever they may be, over the face of the whole earth, angelic power will be used to bring them together to the land God gave their forefathers, and there, in the holy mountain at Jerusalem, they shall worship Jehovah.

It will be noticed that while chapter 26 begins with Judah, the Jews, chapter 27 looks at the whole reunited nation of Israel, —all the twelve tribes gathered back in the land.

ML 09/10/1933

The Bible That Was Chopped in Two

FAR away in one of the Western States a man used to go about selling Bibles and Testaments. Sometimes he was warmly welcomed at the lonely farms and homesteads; at others he was told that books of his sort were not wanted there.

One day a farmer asked him if he knew a settler nearby who delighted to talk against the Bible, and those who believed in it. The colporter took down the name and address, and before long called at the settlement.

He found the wife busy hanging out clothes, and she seemed pleased to chat with him. After a little conversation he offered her a nicely bound Bible, telling her not to trouble about paying for it, if she would like to have it. She received it with pleasure, saving if her husband would allow her, she would be delighted to keep it.

At this moment her husband came from back of the log house, carrying a large axe over his shoulder, and seeing the Bible in his wife’s hand, asked roughly,

“Whatever do you mean by bringing-such rubbish here?”

God’s servant answered gently, and although John M— became very angry, he spoke in such a frank and manly way that the settler did not return the book, but let him go off with a scowl.

As soon as the colporter’s back was turned John seized the Bible from his wife’s hand, saying:

“Up to now we’ve had everything in common, so we’ll share this, too.”

Opening the Bible, and placing it on a block, he chopped it into two parts with one blow of his axe. Giving one piece to his wife, and putting the other part into his pocket, he walked off.

Several days afterward he was in the forest hewing timber. At noon he sat on a log to eat his dinner, and feeling for a knife in one of his large pockets his hand struck the Book. He took it out, and before he knew what he was doing, he was deep in the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke, and in the parable of the prodigal son.

“What a wonderful account it is!” he said to himself. He read of the father’s home; of the son turning his back on all the love, peace, and plenty of that home; of his wandering off to the far-off land; then of his losing his money by wrong living, and being actually in want, and near starvation; how he thought of his home and of his father, and how then went up his cry, “I will arise and go to my father,” and then—

Ah, he couldn’t tell what happened then, though he longed to know, for just at that point the story had been cut into by the angry blow of his axe, and he could read no further.

He returned to his work, but those eight words rang on and on in his ears, and he found himself murmuring,

“Bother that axe; if it hadn’t been for it, I should have known what happened next.”

It was the axe, not himself he blamed!

When he returned home he determined not to let his wife know how he was longing for her portion of the Bible. They had supper, and while she washed the dishes, he said, carelessly—

“I say, wife, if you’ve got your part of that there Bible handy I shouldn’t mind having a look at it; I’ve nothing to read.”

Mrs. M— was a wise woman, so said nothing, but quietly handed him her portion, and went to bed early. Far on into the night John read. And next morning his wife saw that he had in a rough way joined the two parts together. Through that day and the next, in every leisure moment, he was reading, reading. Still Mrs. M. wisely made no remark. The next evening he said, suddenly,

“Wife, I think that’s the best book I ever read.”

Day after day passed, and still John seemed to be reading’ as for his life. At last, one evening, he put down the patched Bible, and said:

“I give in at last! By God’s help I’m going to try to live by that Book. I’ve despised it. I’ve sworn at it I’ve insulted it; but now the sword of God’s Word has pierced to my very heart. It has taught me what a sinner I am. But it has also given me a hope that there is pardon even for me.”

His wife quietly clasped his hand, whispering,

“I, too, long to know more about it all.”

Her husband smiled at her as he had rarely done even in their courting days, as he said,

“We’ll take it, won’t we Kitty, both of us together, from this day forward, as the guide of our lives? And, pray God to help us, we’ll live by it.”

“We will,” answered his wife. “O, fohn, this is a glad night!”

“Aye, it is,” he said, “and I believe it will be the beginning of brighter days to us. I’ve read things the last three weeks in that Book that have fair amazed me.”

“What about?” asked his wife.

“About all that God says He will do for those who serve Him. I couldn’t ever believe such things could ever be for the likes of me, till He seemed to keep pointing me to the hits that told so plain that He began it all by giving us the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and forgiving our sins.”

“And to think you found it all in the book you chopped in two!” said his wife.

“O, but shame I ever did such a thing,” replied her husband. “The very first day I can rightly leave, I’ll ride over to the town and get it mended the best way money can do.”

“Would you like a new one better?” suggested his wife.

“No, let’s keep to this, Kitty, if you don’t mind. No other could be to me what this has already become, and it will help to keep me humble to remember what I dared to do to it with my axe.”

“And I’d rather keep to it, too,” said his wife. “But I’ll tell you what, John, when you go to town, you get us two nice strong little Testaments, that we can carry in our pockets, just to read out of at odd times; you, while you’re in the woods, and I, while I’m about my work.”

“Grand idea, Kitty,” said the husband, “And I must bring a few bits of ribbon for markers. That there Bible has got at least twenty pages turned down at the corners, where I’ve found verses to study out again.”

Mrs. M— said thoughtfully,

“The good man who brought it here, said that he would ask God the Holy Spirit to make it a blessing to us.”

“So he did,” answered her husband. “I was too angry to remember much that he said; but I’m sure God has answered his prayer.”

For many years John and Katherine M—’s lives and the lives of those about them were richly blessed by the truths learned out of the Bible that was chopped in two by an axe.

You who have read the story above have never dared think of cutting into a Bible. Yet if unsaved you are guilty before God of the worst sin of all, the rejection of Christ. Do this very moment recognize your lost condition, and find in the blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son a full, free and immediate salvation.

“He that believed on the Son path everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

ML 09/10/1933

The Kind Brother

SCHOOL was out for the day, and John was running home with his hag of hooks, glad to be out in the fresh air.

He was thinking of having some fun out of doors after spending so many hours in school.

But when he reached home, his mother told him that she had to go out for an hour or so, and he would have to stay in and take care of little sister and baby brother. Without a murmur, he gave up his own plans and gently cared for the dear little ones, and when mother came home she found him rocking the cradle with little sister asleep in his lap.

Do we not always feel happier when we have been serving others than when we have been selfishly seeking our own pleasure?

Now can you tell me of One who never sought to please Himself, but always did the will of His Father? I know you will say, It was the Lord Jesus. Yes, He came down from heaven to do the Father’s will, and the will of God was that He should go to the cross and there suffer and die for sinners, that all who believe in Him might have their sins putt away, and become children of God.

Put your trust in Him and believe that He died for you, and you will have the joy of knowing that you belong to Him. Then you will seek to please Him by being kind and gentle to others.

“THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO, BUT TO MINISTER, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY.” Matt. 20:28.

ML 09/17/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 28

FROM chapters 28 to 35 we learn the details of what is to happen to the Jews in their own land in the last days. We have had before us a general outline in earlier chapters of Isaiah, and the Psalms have told much of the last days as we found in reading them. What sovereign favor of our God, to tell His children what so deeply interests those whose hopes are heavenly, and so directly concerns those not yet children of His, who are to be delivered from Satan’s power to be His earthly people!

“Ephraim” and “Judah” are the names frequently found in the prophetic scriptures of the Old Testament, designating the ten tribes which revolted after Solomon’s death; and the two tribes which continued to own the son of David as king. “Ephraim,” or the ten tribes, occupied the northern part of the Holy Land, and “Judah” the southern portion. ‘Ephraim” has for many centuries been gone from sight, and we judge from various scriptures that the ten tribes will not reappear and he brought back to Israel’s land until after the invasion spoken of in chapter 28.

It is, we believe, the Jews that will by occupying the northern part of the land that are referred to in verse 1 as the drunkards of Ephraim. Of course, there may be today, among the Jews, as in the Lord’s time on earth, some of other tribes than the two of Judah (Luke 2:36).

The language of the first verse is not to be understood literally; it speaks of the state of the people as full of pride, pleasure seeking, stupefied like drunkards, so that they do not know what they should, nor heed the warnings of coming trouble; they will be deaf to God and His Word, sunk in infidelity and idolatry.

Against this people will come a mighty and strong one as a storm of hail and a destroying tempest; as a storm of mighty waters overflowing, he shall cast down to the earth, and the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim shall be trodden under foot; the fading flower of his (Ephraim’s) glorious adornment shall he like an early fig, seized by the finder and eaten in a moment.

This overwhelming invader is the Assyrian or king of the north who occupies the Holy Spirit so much in the prophetic scriptures. We have found him referred to already several times in Isaiah.

The Jewish rulers at Jerusalem, relying on their league with the imperial head at Rome, and thoroughly in Satan’s power, will be confident that the northern power, independent of the Roman Empire, will not touch them. As Rev. 13:2 discloses that the devil will give the head of the western empire his power and his throne and great authority, these scornful rulers may well say (verse 15).

“We have made a covenant with death, and with hell (rather Sheol) are we at agreement; when the overflowing; scorge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us, for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.”

Daniel 11 shows (verses 40-43) that the Assyrian, or as there called, the king of the north, will be the chief, but not the only power which will attack Palestine’s wilful king (the Antichrist). The first a i11 be the king of the south (Egypt), but he evidently withdraws when the king of the north comes down from Asia Minor, bringing the armies of other countries with him (Psa. 83; see Psa. 79 also).

Isa. 5:20-30 gives the manner of the coming of the Assyrian, and chapter D2:1-14 with Zech. 14:1, 2 tells what will be the state of Jerusalem when besieged by him. To this we must add, after the promise in verse 10 of our chapter, the solemn words of verses 17-22, though we believe that in part this will be fulfilled at the Lord’s appearing, which will shortly follow the Assyrian’s attack on Jerusalem here described.

In verses 24 to 28 the people are besought to give heed to the warning of judgment; men do not plow, or sow always; they reap, and in reaping they employ different methods for differing grains; so the longsuffering-God will reap, presently; He will not always leave man to do his own wicked will, unrestrained. (See Matt. chapters 24 and 25; Rev. 14 and 19.)

ML 09/17/1933

Not Afraid

A LITTLE girl lay in bed one summer evening, waiting for her mother to come to say “good night.” She was thinking about something that troubled her.

When her mother came into the room she sat up in bed, and, pointing to the window, said,

“Do you see that dark cloud, mother? Is it going to rain?”

“I think it will not,” answered her mother, “and what if it does?”

“I do not like it—it frightens me so when I hear the rain beating against the window, it makes such a noise,” said the little girl.

Then her mother reminded her of the One who is always near, and taking care of her, and would allow no harm to come to her, and giving her a good-night kiss, left her.

The next evening, when she went into her room as usual, the little girl said,

“When I knelt down I asked Jesus to give me a nice night, and not let it rain or thunder or lighten.”

Her mother explained that these things were needful, and if God sent rain or a thunder-storm, she need not fear. He would keep her safe.

The following evening she was all smiles when she said “good-night.”

“I have asked Jesus that if it rains or thunders to make me sleep right through it all.”

It seemed as if she had been weighing the matter over, although she had not talked about it. A little time after there came a very stormy night. The next morning she said,

“I kept waking in the night, and I heard the wind and rain.”

“Were you afraid?” asked her mother. “No,” she replied, “I knew Jesus would keep me safe.”

Have you ever thought, dear little reader, that He is the only One who can keep you safe? Have you put your trust in that blessed One to whom all power belongs, or, are you afraid? If you are afraid, it is because you do not know the. Lord Jesus as your Saviour. If this is your case you may well fear, for you are not safe, and you know not what may happen at any moment. Let me entreat you to go straight to Him about it.

Think what it cost Him to save sinners! He has been down into death that we might halve eternal life. What love! It is past understanding that for such as you and I, He suffered that awful death on the cross. He, the holy spotless Lamb of God, was the only One who could satisfy a holy God. There, He who knew no sin was made sin for us.

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being. dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Pet. 2:24.

“And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.” 1 John 3:5.

May not we who know Him take a lesson from this little story? Let us count on the One in whom we have trusted to take care of us right through. As we travel life’s journey, we get into troubles small and great, and we are inclined, perhaps, to ask God not to allow this or that, like the little girl, but as we go on we find that whatever He does allow is best, and He is able to bring us right through safely, and in it all we shall be learning more of His love and care for us. What a happy thing to be in His keeping, for He is able to keep us from falling.

“God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13.

“My times are in Thy hand.” Psa. 31:15.

ML 09/17/1933

Loving Obedience

WILLIE’S father told him not to touch the cherries which looked so bright and sweet as they hung in hundreds on the branches of the old tree in the garden. Willie loved his father and obeyed his command. It was a plain direction and easily understood.

One day Willie was invited to a friend’s house. When there, he was asked to do a thing not forbidden him; however, presently he said,

“No, thank you, I would rather not, for I do not think my father would like me to do it.”

How was it the little boy knew his father would not like him to do the thing? Because he had listened to his father and knew what he had said. He remembered the words his father had spoken. Here was obedience to his father’s wishes, without the direct command being given.

Now the Lord Jesus says,

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments,” John 14:15.

He has given plain directions which cannot be mistaken. He also speaks of our keeping His words, that is, of having His sayings treasured up in our hearts, and doing what Jesus loves.

“If a man love Me, he will keep My words.” John 14:23.

ML 09/17/1933

Why Did Jesus Die?

Many wonder why the Lord

Should come from heaven and die,

Till from God’s holy, precious Word,

They learn the reason why.

He gave His life to ransom souls;

He died that they might live,

He paid the heavy debt for sin

When we had naught to give.

And more, His righteous soul endured

The fearful wrath of God,

That sin—man’s sin—might be forgiven

By His atoning blood.

And this is why the Saviour died,

That souls to Him might flee,

And all who come to Him by faith

Will ever welcome be.

ML 09/17/1933

The Serpent of Brass Destroyed

WHEN the children of Israel were being led of God through the wilderness, they continually murmured against Him. At one time He sent fiery serpents, a type of sin and Satan to bite them so that many died. When Israel acknowledged their sin God told Moses to set a brazen serpent on a pole, and caused everyone who looked upon the serpent to live if he had been bitten. This was a beautiful type of the way the Lord Jesus gives eternal life to any sinner who by faith looks to Him who died for sinners.

There came a time when the Israelites began to worship the brazen serpent, burning incense to it. That was very wicked because God only is to be worshiped. The serpent was only a piece of brass through which God worked.

Hezekiah, trying to allow God His rightful place in his kingdom, had the serpent broken up and destroyed.

Surely all who read “Messages of the Love of God” know that it is only those who by faith look to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, that have eternal life, and have their sins forgiven.

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

“LOOK UNTO ME, AND BE YE SAVED, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: FOR I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONE ELSE.” Isaiah 45:22.

ML 09/24/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 29

ARIEL, meaning “Lion of God” is a name for Jerusalem, only found in this chapter. It speaks of what Jerusalem should have been, and what for a short time it was, in in measure; the place of brightest glory, of power which God bestowed on David and Solomon. But not now as when David dwelt there!

Yet it is the city God chose, and the Assyrian’s first attack upon it (in chapter 28) is shortly to be followed by the return of Israel’s Messiah, the rejected Christ of God. First, however, Jerusalem must be brought low (verse 4). The enemy must, as a part of God’s dealings with this people, camp against it, lay siege with watch-posts and raise forts against it. Verse 4 must be fulfilled ere God intervenes. The rebels of Israel will be brought to a state of terror, all their resources gone; no help avails (verses 5, 6).

What has the great federation of the west been doing at this time? Has the powerful head of the Roman Empire (which is yet, according to the Scriptures, to be revived) neglected the Jewish kingdom under his authority, since the news must have quickly reached him of the attacks from south and north? What more natural than that all the military power he can muster shall be sent, as rapidly as possible, to the shore of the Holy Land, and sent inland to fight the daring Assyrian, now pursuing the Egyptians, and conquering their land (Dan. 11:42, 43)?

Turn to Rev. 19:11-21, and Zech. 14:3-5; 12: 1-9, the former giving the destruction of the Roman chief, and the head of the Jewish state (called the false prophet, but evidently the same person as the king and the Antichrist), and the armies of Europe under the command of the Roman emperor; the latter including the destruction of the Assyrian or king of the north whom Daniel 11:44, 45 shows getting bad news from the north and the east, and returning to Jerusalem to meet an unexpected end.

We may conjecture what news it will be, that will cause the Assyrian (or king of the north, for they are evidently one) to be troubled; if the news from the north is that the Roman arms is ready to meet him near Jerusalem: or that it has been destroyed (at the Lord’s coming), and what the news from the east may be, Scripture does not enlighten us on these points. We are amazed that God should have told so much, in His Word; but it is there for the help of His people, more particularly in that awful day to come.

We would just point out, while on this subject, that the correct reading of Dan. 11:45 is: “And he (the Assyrian) shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the mountain of holy beauty, and he shall come to his end, and there shall he none to help him.” It is not in Jerusalem, then, but between the city and the Mediterranean Sea, that he encamps for the last time.

Returning to Isa. 29, verse 5 is better understood if “enemies” (the true meaning) is read instead of “strangers.” Verse 6 and the passages in Zechariah show with what demonstration of divine power the coming of the Lord with His saints will be attended.

In Acts 1, the apostles had asked the risen Lord about His restoring the kingdom to Israel, and He had left them to be witnesses for Him while absent. Then as they gazed steadfastly after Him as He ascended from the Mount of Olives to the scenes of eternal glory, two “men” are seen standing by them in white apparel, who tell them that this same Jesus should in like manner return. From Rev. 19:11-21 we have the manner of His coming; and from Zech. 14:4, the place—the Mount of Olives.

The remainder of chapter 29 is quite plain, and calls for no special comment. Verses 9 to 16 are addressed to those who should give heed to God and His Word; their sins have taken them far from Him; but in verses 18 to 24 is the glad news of a recovery out of all the wretchedness and misery man has brought on himself. Great events that have come before us in considering this chapter are:

(1) The coming of the Lord in judgment, attended by His heavenly hosts;

(2) The destruction of all nations arrayed in battle against Him;

(3) The blessing of His earthly people. For this the world waits, but the Christian, taught of God, waits for the Lord Jesus from heaven, to meet Him in the air, to have the body of mortality and corruption changed to an incorruptible one like His own, to be forever with Him, knowing Him as we are now known,—and this and more to be ours who trust in Him, long before this groaning earth shall be set free following His coming to the Mount of Olives. (1 Thess. 4:15-17; Phil. 3:20, 21; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52).

ML 09/24/1933

Left Behind

OUR train stopped at the station of E— where, as usual all was bustle and noise with people passing to and fro. We troubled ourselves little about what was going on around us. We heard indeed some loud shoutings but took no notice of them as we were busy talking.

Thus a few minutes went past. At last one of us said, “Why are we stopping here so long? The train should have left long ago.” Another opened the window and looked out. The next moment he turned around to us with the words,

“This is a pleasant surprise! The train is gone. The two last carriages have been left behind.”

We all sprang up, called a railroad official who was near, and asked him what it meant.

“You have been left behind,” he answered dryly.

“But why has no one come to tell us to change coaches?” we replied, showing that we were annoyed.

“I passed both coaches and called out frequently as loud as I could,” he replied. “It is your own fault if you remained sitting.”

What could we say? We had heard him calling but had not heeded. Happily, another train arrived an hour later, so we were still able to reach our destination the same evening.

Our little self-guilty mishap reminded me of another more serious matter.

How many will be left behind when once the Lord comes to take His redeemed people to the Father’s house! How many, who had heard the warning call so often, but had not heeded! Occupied with the things of this world, their business, their family, their friend-circles—that they had neither time nor desire to occupy themselves with such solemn matters.

The warning call, the pleading to turn in time and come to Christ, met their ear; but they did not heed, they had far too many things to do and think about.

But O! for those who are left behind at the coming of the Lord; there will be no late train, so to speak, to take them to heaven. It is then forever too late! No hope, no more entrance, only a fearful looking for of judgment.

All who have accepted the friendly invitation of the Lord Jesus, and during this period of grace have found a refuge in Him, will be with Him in the glory—in the Father’s house—where no suffering can ever reach them. No enemy can there afflict them. For them the coming of the Lord is the most joyful, the most glorious reward of their faith—the blessed fulfillment of their hopes.

What can full joy and blessing be,

But being where Thou art.

“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever he with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

“They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But He answered, and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not.’” Matt. 25:10-12.

Which of these Scriptures will be true of you, dear reader? They cannot both be true of you. I beg of you, do have the matter settled at once with the Lord. He has called to you as loudly as He could,

“Come unto Me.”

ML 09/24/1933

First Sight of the Ocean

A LITTLE, boy, who was born in the city, and had never seen the ocean, was one day taken with a number of other children to the seaside, to spend a whole day there.

When he first came in sight of the bay with its bright sunshine, and saw the tide roll in waves on the shore, he gave one long, satisfied look, and then said,

“How nice it is too see plenty of anything!”

Poor boy, these words told a touching tale; he had never in his parents’ home, known what plenty was. Poverty was there, and often-times they had to be content with a little bread and butter, while others enjoyed plenty, and that was why, when he looked at the sea, his first thought was that there was enough and to spare in that wide ocean. God had made plenty, there was no stint there.

Another little boy said on first seeing the sea,

“How great God must be who made it!”

This perhaps is the thought of most of us when we see anything great or wonderful, whether it be the sea, the mountains, or the sky above us. All is so wonderful, and alike speak to us of the great power of our God.

But if we think of His love, we must look somewhere else, for though His love is seen in providing us with food and clothing, yet the greatest proof of His love is seen in the gift of Jesus, who came to die for us, to atone for our sins, to fit us for His presence, where all must be pure and holy if we would enjoy dwelling with God, for He is holy. And the ocean of His love is enough to satisfy the longings of all the world, if they desire it.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9.

ML 09/24/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for August "The Children's Class"

1.“Take heed,” etc. Heb. 3:12.

2.“See that ye,” etc. 12:25.

3.“Thou hast loved,” etc. 1:9.

4.“Who is made,” etc. 7:16.

5.“And being made,” etc. 5:9.

6.“Women received,” etc. 11:35.

7.“He that despised,” etc. 10:28.

Bible Questions for October “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1, 2, 3 John and Jude

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, “The record that God gave of his Son.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That we might live through him.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He that doeth good is of God.”

4.“Write in full the verse containing the words, “Abideth in the doctrine of Christ.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “When he shall appear.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “It is the last time.”

7.What was Enoch’s prophecy?

Answers to Bible Questions for August “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The assembling of ourselves together. Hebrews 10:25.

2.Obey and submit to such. Heb. 13:17.

3.The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11:1.

4.To appear in the presence of God for us. Heb. 9:24.

5.It is “heavenly”. Heb. 3:1.

6.It is quick (living) and powerful. Heb. 4:12.

7.Yet a little while, and He shall come. Heb. 10:37.

Bible Questions for October “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1, 2, 3 John and Jude

1.What if we say that we have no sin?

2.How do we know that we have passed front death unto life?

3.Where are the angels which kept not their first estate?

4. What gave John’s heart joy?

5.What is the proof that a man hath not God?

6. What verse shows that we may know for sure that we have eternal life?

7.Who is a liar?

ML 10/01/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 30

IT is a principle with God, in His Word, to show the result that He will certainly bring about, and then to introduce details of practical instruction for those who are to be blessed in what He has stated already. So in chapters 28 and 29 we had the warring Gentiles, and God overturning their plans, disposing indeed of themselves, turning them out of His world who oppose Him, and now in chapter 30 we find the moral condition of those whom God would bless.

Egypt (verse 2) serves repeatedly in the Scriptures as an illustration or type of the world; why should those who have God for their help, seek help from the world or worldly wisdom? Was it not both dishonoring to Him, and debasing to themselves? It was not right, is not right for believers today, either.

The latter part of verse 7 should be read: “Therefore have I named her Rahab (Arrogance), that doeth nothing.”

Verses 8-11 Contain a charge which exposes the human heart. We do not by nature (Gentiles are in this the same as Jews) like the truth to be told about ourselves. Some of us have even gone out of our way to avoid meeting a faithful servant of the Lord; we have in heart refused His Word, despised the gospel.

And to rebellious, self-willed Jew (and Gentile) He says, “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength,”— “and ye would not” (verse 15). For Israel it was in their doubts and fears as to the future, to return to their God, finding rest in Him and in His Word. So the apostle Paul, looking on into the future with some of the Lord’s people, said to them.

“I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32.

God has in perfect wisdom given to us His Word, and His ear to hear our prayers. The Word cannot be detached from the Person, so that we cannot make our say by depending on the Bible’s instruction while neglecting prayer, or by resorting to prayer while neglecting the Book of Books. God must be waited on, as well as His Word be drunk from.

This is not according to man’s will (verse 16). He will “flee upon horses.” Yes, says God, you shall flee indeed, and that at the rebuke of five (verse 17). It has been rightly said that God constantly makes the earthly object of trust to be the rod for the fool’s back.

Pointed have been these lessons, sharp the rebuke. But blessing is His object. He must pull us down from the seat of pride, and bring us into trouble, sometimes deep distress, but all for our ultimate blessing. So verse 18 begins the sweet story of His gracious love and mercy to all who will receive it.

“Blessed are all they that wait for Him.”

The weeping days will come to an end; there will be necessarily the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but the Word of God will have its place (verses 20, 21). And when restored in heart they would rid themselves of everything that had drawn their hearts away from Him (verse 22).

Earthly blessings follow (verses 23-26), appropriate for Israel, whose hopes are all earthly. The Christian, whose hopes are all connected with heaven and the heavenly One, is never promised riches or plenty of good things on earth; for him, though blessed indeed now, there is to be the realization that the truest blessing will be found in the home above where Christ is.

Since the people of God have been spoken to, verse 27 now turns to their great enemy. He had been used by God to punish them; what is for him? Israel had sinned, but the Assyrian had been merciless, and vengeance will overtake him.

In verse 32 read the “appointed staff” instead of the “grounded staff;” “battles of shaking” is “tumultuous battles.”

Tophet (verse 33) is the figure of the judgment God has prepared, the lake of fire, as we learn from Rev. 19:20. Solemn word! “It is prepared of old.” The true reading is, “for the king also it is prepared.” The king is the false king of the Jews, the false prophet of Rev. 19, called “the king” in Dan. 11:36-39.

ML 10/01/1933

"Are You a Christian?"

A LITTLE girl was asked where Jesus lived. To the surprise of the questioner the child answered,

“Down our alley.”

What did she mean?

In that dingy court dwelt a young Christian woman whose whole life was sweet with the Spirit of Christ. Those who lived near her had seen that her life had been changed. Instead of the savor of self and sin, the savor of Christ was known to all around.

Yes! the life of Jesus was manifest in her.

Are you a Christian? Is the life of Jesus fragrant through you? Do not say, I am so weak I can do nothing. Remember Christ is in you that others may be blessed. The power is with Him, and not with you. Keep near to Him, pray often, read the Word constantly, and you will be carrying the fragrance of the presence of Christ wherever you go.

“They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13.

“Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” John 15:8.

ML 10/01/1933

The River of Time

SOME of us live near rivers or lakes and can often have pleasant times boat-riding. We enjoy such rides, breathing the pure fresh air and admiring the beautiful trees and grass, the hills and fields and the sparkling rippling waves around us. God has given us all these beautiful things to enjoy, and we thank Him for His goodness.

Others, living far away from streams, do not have these opportunities. But there is one river, dear reader, on which we all ride. Each one of us is floating down the river of time. The rivers of this earth flow on and on, till they reach their mouths, and finally empty into the great and mighty ocean.

Do you know into what ocean the river of time empties? Into the ocean of eternity! The men in our picture are having no difficulty with the current for it is not strong. But the river of time bears all along with irresistible force and ere long we shall all be carried out into eternity.

What will eternity.be for you, one of blessedness or one of misery? Jesus wants you to spend it with Him, and that would be untold happiness. He has given His life that He might have you with Him. He has borne the punishment for your sins that you might not have to bear that punishment. He has shed His precious blood to wash away those sins, and make you spotless in God’s sight and fit for His presence.

You do not have to work to obtain this wonderful salvation from eternal punishment. God offers it to you as a gift.

“THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” Rom. 6:23.

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

Have you not faith to believe His Word? Does not His love compel you to accept His priceless gift? Then your eternity will he one of unclouded joy.

But if you harden your heart and turn away from this unspeakable love, you will Soon be launched on an eternity of awful darkness and unutterable woe.

ML 10/01/1933

Our Saviour's Care

Did you ever think, dear children,

Of your tender Saviour’s care?

How He watches, guards, and keeps you

From the danger everywhere?

He is with you in the morning,

At the dawning of the day,—

With you while the hours are passing,

While you work and while you play.

Unseen dangers oft surround you,

Dangers great, and dangers small

But while His strong arms uphold you

You can never, never fall.

Then when day at last is fading,

And the twilight shadows fall,

He is with you in the evening,

And will hear your faintest call.

Nestled warmly neath the covers,

Little eyes all closed so tight—

Still His care unceasing hovers

Fondly o’er you through the night.

Yes, dear children, this kind Saviour

E’er will guard with loving eyes,

Till He comes, now soon, to take you

To His home beyond the skies.

ML 10/01/1933

The Milk of the Word

WHAT a nice picture we have before us today in these Jersey beauties. They are well cared for. Apparently, the young girl has brought them along with the goat, to the brook for a drink and a cooling. The dog no doubt will watch them and keep them from going too far into the water.

In these cows and goat do we not see God’s wonderful care for boys and girls, older ones too, in providing milk for the nourishment of our bodies? How thankful we should be to the Giver of every good and perfect gift!

There would be no growth for the babe, unless fed and nourished by milk, and we love to see baby grow. So it is with young believers, whom God calls babes in Christ. You know, dear ones, God has provided food for our souls, as well as for our bodies. There will be no growth of soul, unless we feed on God’s food, the Bible. A young believer in a healthy condition, will be hungry for His food.

“AS NEW BORN BABES, DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY.” 1 Pet. 2:2.

We long and pray that all our young readers may come to the Lord Jesus in their youth. Time is quickly passing; the day of God’s grace will soon be over, soon we shall hear the “shout,” and all under the shelter of Jesus’ blood will be caught up, to be forever with Him. Will you be among the number; or will you be left behind for judgment, banished from God’s presence for eternity?

Do not delay longer, dear unsaved one, but come, and enjoy the food of God’s providing, — “The Milk of the Word.”

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

ML 10/08/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 31 and 32

CHAPTER 31 is a sort of supplement, in its theme, to chapter 30; a reminder of the purposes of God to punish the wicked, and to bless those who trust in Him, and a repeated call to seek God and not rely on man when in need.

He does not now say, as in chapter 31, “Woe to the rebellious children,” but “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help”—trusting in horses, and chariots, and horsemen; not looking to God, nor seeking Him. How prone believers are in this day of ours to lean on natural things and not upon God! Thus they lose, though they do it because they think they will gain.

“Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord ... .Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Jer. 17:5, 7. (Read verses 5-10.)

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ... ..My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6, 19.

Are we wiser than God’s infallible Word?

God also (not man only, or chiefly) is wise. Indeed, what is man’s wisdom worth, in the path of a believer? “He will bring evil, and will not call back His words.” Men have to recall their words often enough, promising what they cannot perform; not so God. “He will arise against the house of the evil-doers, and against the help of them that work iniquity” (verse 2). I can safely leave all that, and every problem and perplexity, to Him; but do I? To decide without waiting on Him for direction in the things that confront us in life, is sin against Him, self-will.

There is no enjoyment such as is found in the path of simple obedience, subjecting oneself to His will, and learning it day by day in prayer and reading His Word for profit to one’s soul.

Verse 3: The Egyptians are men and not God. What is man, to lean upon. after all? Wise within a narrow compass, and rich perhaps, and resourceful, but is that safe leadership? (1 Pet. 5:6, 7; 2 Pet. 2:9). Is God turned back by man? is He afraid of their voice? (verse 4).

In chapter 32, Christ is the King who reigns in righteousness. His rule will extend over the whole earth in the Millennium, and in a special sense over the land of Israel. The nations will still have their kings, but there will be the central, supreme government of the earth under Christ. Isa. 49:23; 60:3, 10, 16, and Rev. 21:24 show that the nations’ kings will continue during this period of blessing never before known on earth.

The thousand years will then be marked by a righteous rule, but this would not alone satisfy our God. Through His beloved Son there must be rest, peace, satisfaction, comfort, enjoyment of what is good. So “a man,”—it is Christ, of course, in Manhood—shall be as a hiding place from the wind; a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. What figures these are of a mighty change for those who shall be brought through the terrible judgments of the last days!

Verses 4-8: In that time, things and persons will be seen in their true character. False and deceitful appearances will have disappeared. Should wickedness appear, it will be dealt with openly and at once (chapter 66:23, 24).

Verses 9-16: Not until the Holy Spirit is poured out, as in Joel 2:28, 29, will the earthly saints be out of sorrow. Note that it is only those who compose the Church who are spoken of as indwelt by the Holy Spirit; this incomparable boon and privilege is reserved for the bride of Christ. (John 14:16, 17; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13, 14; Rev. 22:17.

Acts 2:17 declares that what was seen on the day of Pentecost was the same in character as Joel 2:28, 29 promised, but it was not the same in extent, for “all flesh” did not then (nor could) receive the outpouring; nor will the future day reveal the same measure of the gift that is the believer’s in this day of the gospel of the grace of God.

There will be no room for man’s natural pride in the Millennium, however prominent it is today in every sphere of life. The “forest”—pride and loftiness of man—will be destroyed by the “hail;” and the “city”—Cain’s first step when departing from God’s presence (Gen. 4:17) shall be low in a low place then. The judgment of God will have accomplished all this.

The closing word of chapter 32 is precious. “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth the feet of the ox and the ass.” This verse stands apart from what has gone before, a reminder to serve the Lord in spreading the good seed of His truth, to thus occupy ourselves for Him while we wait for His coming. May we he stirred up to do this more faithfully, more wholeheartedly!

ML 10/08/1933

God's Looking Glass

LET us take a peep into God’s looking glass.

An ordinary mirror is for the purpose of showing us exactly how we look. It will show up rough hair or a dirty face; but if all is right in our appearance it will also make it known.

In some tailors’ shops long mirrors are so arranged that by a double reflection you can see how your coat fits at the back as well as in front.

Now, God’s looking glass does not take into account so much the outside of the man but the inside; not the body so much as the heart. God’s glass shows up the heart and also the thoughts and intents of the heart. What a wonderful glass that must be.

I have seen glasses that change the appearance of a man and make him look bigger, or taller, or broader than he really is. But God’s glass is not like that, it always shows us exactly as we are, and therefore it is entirely reliable.

Do all know what God’s looking glass really is? It is the Scriptures, the Word of God, and it is such a true and wonderful mirror that although we may see boys and girls whom we have never met before, yet we know something about the thoughts and intents of their hearts, because the Scriptures reveal them. As a mirror will show a black mark on the face, so the Word of God will show tip a sinful heart.

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

None of us like to look in a glass that shows us such a sad picture as this, but thank God it also shows us how we may be made fit for His presence, so that His eye cannot see a single spot and stain of sin.

A woman once looked at a photograph of herself and exclaimed,

“What a fright.” But the photographer, not liking for his work to be complained of, retorted,

“It is exactly like you, madam.”

Although that man could take an exact photograph, he could not make the lady beautiful, or take away the wrinkles that were upon her face. God’s mirror first shows us our guilt, and then points out the remedy.

God knew that we could no more remove one of our sins than the woman could transform her appearance, so He provided a way whereby we may be justified from every trace of guilt.

He has sent Jesus to die for us, to bear our punishment, to atone for our sins; and now all who put their trust in Him as their Saviour, receive the forgiveness of all their sins. They are no longer afraid to look in His looking glass, because they know that a certain text of Scripture is true of them which says,

“Her sins, which were many, are forgiven.” Luke 7:47.

“The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 10/08/1933

That Sir, Is My Dear Friend

A LITTLE Indian boy living in an old hut, lying on a few leaves and covered with a dirty blanket, in the last stages of consumption, was visited by a Christian. Who asked if there was anything he could do to relieve his wants. The poor boy replied,

“Nothing, sir, I am very happy, Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, died for my sins; and I trust only in Him.”

When asked if he found comfort in his Bible, he replied,

“That, sir, is my dear friend. Last year I went to visit my sister, two hundred miles up the lake. When I was half way back, I remembered I had left my Bible. I turned directly around; and myself and my canoe were nine days tossing on the lake before I reached the house. But I got my friend at last; and I never mean to part with it till I am dead; and then, sir, I want you to give it away, so that it may do good to others.”

I wonder how many of our little readers can say, with this dear little Indian boy, that the Bible “IS MY DEAR FRIEND.” We like to have a dear friend near us, and to hear that one speak to us, and if the Bible is “MY DEAR FRIEND,” will I not read it often to hear it speaking to me? It is God’s message concerning His beloved Son, and the greater our love for the blessed Lord, the greater will be our love for that Bible which the little Indian boy could call “MY DEAR FRIEND.”

“His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psa. 1:2.

“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job. 23:12.

ML 10/08/1933

His Love to Me

And is it so that “all have sinned,”

And wandered far from God,

In fleshly lusts, by Satan led,

To tread destruction’s road?

And is it so that “God so loved”

This world of sinners lost,

That His beloved Son He gave

To die upon the cross?

And is it so, whoe’er believer;

In Jesus, God’s dear Son,

He everlasting life receives

In Him whose work is done?

Such love as this I can’t reject.

I’ll perish if I do.

My sins are great and God detects

Them all I know ‘tis true.

Now melted is my stubborn heart,

I trust to self no more;

I look to Jesus on the cross,

Where all my sins He bore.

Yes, now I know that Jesus came,

And for my sins did die.

For me did He thus suffer shame,

For my sins did He cry,—

In accents loud, with darkness round,

And enemies before,

“Eli, lama sabachthani”?

Could Jesus love me more?

ML 10/08/1933

Hospitality

THE little girl in our picture is busy with her tea-set. She seems not to have any company, but if some of her little friends should come in, she would, we feel sure, be very happy to share her pleasures with them.

May we not gather from this cheerful little scene, a lesson which God, in His Word, makes plain for us—that is, the exercise of hospitality? He tells us not to be forgetful to entertain strangers; and to be given to hospitality.

Long ago, a dear man of God, who was sitting in his tent door one day, and right in the heat of the day, saw three strangers before him. He did not cast a cold glance upon them and turn away, but got up and hastened toward them, and bowed himself toward the ground, for this was the respectful greeting of that day. Then he begged them to rest in the grateful shade of the tree, while water would be brought them to wash their feet, and he would get them something to eat.

Water to bathe the feet in that warm country where people usually wore sandals, was very refreshing, and guests were thus honored. After the water was furnished, this man of God spoke to his wife about the strangers, and together they hastened to prepare a good meal for them.

Afterwards it proved that these visitors were angels, one of whom was the Lord in the form of an angel; and blessing came upon those who had so kindly received them and waited upon them.

Can you tell me who these dear people were? I imagine that most of my little readers would quickly answer, It was Abraham and Sarah; and that is quite right. If you will turn to Genesis 18, you can read about it for yourselves.

Can we learn from this to receive strangers freely, and willingly to serve them? For God wants us to use hospitality one to another without grudging, (1 Pet. 4:19.)

We may sometimes grow weary in waiting upon one another thus; but let us look to the Lord for strength and press on. All that is done for Him, according to His mind, will receive its happy reward. In receiving His own we receive Him. This is a very happy thought, is it not?

“LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL-DOING, FOR IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, IF WE FAINT NOT.” Gal. 6:9.

ML 10/15/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 33

HERE an unnamed enemy comes up for judgment. Who is he? It is believed to be none other than the Gog of Ezekiel 38 and 39, the last earthly enemy to be dealt with in the judgments attending the personal return of the Lord to the earth.

Turning to Ezekiel 38, verse 2, we find his title, “The chief prince of Meshech and Tubal,” and this is repeated in verse 3, and in verse 1 of chapter 39. It has been known for an extended period that the words translated “The chief prince” are properly rendered “Prince of Rosh,” Rosh being the ancient name corresponding to Russia, while Meshech is represented in. Moscow, and Tribal in Tobolsk, important City of Siberia.

The Assyrian, or king of the north, whom we have considered in reading previous chapters, it is believed will get his support from Russia, but that vast country, joining with others named in Ezekiel 38, verses 5 and 6, must meet its judgment too, and latest of all.

Indeed, in one or other of the conflict; of which Isaiah prophesied, occurring and following the Lord’s appearing, the power of all nations will meet His judgment, and those who remain of the Gentiles after those conflicts must meet Him in the tribunal of Matthew 25:31-46.

The special marks of this last enemy are his immunity from attack, and his habits of spoiling and dealing treacherously with other countries. He will reap according to his sowing. Nevertheless, the threatened attack, regarding which (read the two chapters in Ezekiel which have been referred to) will cause the greatest alarm in the land of Israel, although they will have seen the defeat and destruction at the hand of the Lord of all other hostile powers.

This alarm is but brief however, for verse 3 continues “At the lifting up of Thyself the nations were scattered,” and the Lord tells His fearsome people that “your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpillar; as the running of locusts shall they run upon them.”

Verses 7 to 9 show how deeply the people of God will be concerned over the approach of the last enemy, and verses 11 and 12 are the Lord’s answer to the insolent challenge of the leader. We must turn again to Ezekiel for the account of the disaster which will overtake Gog and his hosts, for Isaiah refers to it only briefly in verse 23.

It is evident also, from this chapter and other prophetic scriptures that the Lord’s dealing with sinners will not be all in a moment; it will go on for some time after He has descended from heaven. So verses 13 to 16 indicate that there are then, at that time, sinners in Jerusalem. For them judgment is certain, and will he early, we may be sure.

Verses 17 to 22 picture Israel in their new happy, blessed state. They shall behold the King (the Lord Jesus) in His beauty, and no longer shut in by fear and alarm, but free to look at the far stretch-big land (as verse 17’s close should read). They will meditate on the terror they had experienced; the men who had been so important, so fierce, before the Lord’s appearing, are gone forever from Israel’s land. Jerusalem is now seen as a quiet habitation, where Jehovah will be with them in Majesty. He is their Judge, their Law-giver, their King.

"Jesus Loves You"

“TEACHER,” said one of the young girls in my Sunday school class, “Polly Moran is very sick, and would like you to go and see her.”

I of course said I would go, but I was at the moment somewhat surprised at receiving the message, coming as it did from a morose and uninteresting child, whose absence I had hardly noticed.

The place where Polly lived was the most wretched in the city and the people of the quarter the worst. In the center of a labyrinth of small streets I found the court, and then the number I sought—the door was open and on approaching it I heard from within, a most dreadful oath. Lifting up my soul to the Lord, I prayed that I might be kept and guided, and then I rapped timidly.

“Come in” was the response. I entered and found myself in the presence of three villainous looking men, who were seated at a table upon which was a pitcher of beer and a pack of dirty cards. As they were looking at me with surprise, I said,

“Is this where Polly Moran lives? I am her Sunday school teacher.”

“If you are our Polly’s teacher go upstairs, and don’t be afraid; no one shall touch a hair of your head as long as I am here,” replied one of the men as he rose up, holding by the table to steady himself.

I went up the stairs and found myself in the only sleeping room in the house. It would be impossible to imagine a more miserable place—there was not a single piece of furniture; some piles of rags here and there, and on one of these poor Polly was lying.

When she saw me, she tried to raise herself up, but the effort only led to a violent paroxysm of coughing. Her hollow cheeks, and red cheek bones showed clearly that she was one of those victims sacrificed by parents to the demon of drink.

“My poor child,” I said to her, “I am distressed to see you so sick.”

“Yes Miss, I am very sick—I cannot get up, only for that I would come to the school,” she replied.

“I am very much afraid Polly that you will not be able to leave this room, for a long time to come.”

“I shall never go back again, Miss, but I am going to heaven. The doctor said this morning, when Mrs. N. brought him, that it would be useless to take me to the hospital as I am dying.”

“And are you afraid to die my dear Child?” I said.

“O! no Miss, I am so happy to go, for people do not drink in heaven, do they?”

Wishing to assure myself of the foundation of her confidence, I said to her:

“Why do you think you are going to heaven, Polly? Is it because you have always been a good girl?”

“O! no! no! I have been very wicked; I was in the habit of saying very bad words, and doing all sorts of bad things before that—”

Here a violent fit of coughing, almost with convulsions, interrupted her words.

I made her take a little light nourishment I had brought and she soon recovered her breath.

“Why have you ceased to say bad words?” I asked.

“One Sunday you had told us that Jesus had so loved us that although He was rich and a great King, He had come down to the earth to be poor like us, and I thought that meant that He loved good people and well dressed like you, and at the moment I thought that, you turned towards me and looking directly at me said:

“Jesus loves you.”

“Yes, my dear Polly, Jesus loves you very much, quite as much as though you were rich and noble.”

“When I left the school,” the girl continued “I said: ‘Thank you Jesus for loving me so,’ and I promised Him I would do everything He wished me to do, for before that, no one ever cared for me, except yourself, Miss.”

“Why have you not told me this sooner?” I asked.

“I did not like to do it, but I was so happy that when father was drunk and took to beating me, I would say in a low voice: ‘Jesus loves me,’ and then I did not mind the blows.”

I prayed with the dear child, and left her with my heart full of praise, and in admiration of the wonderful ways of the Lord, who saves the weakest and most wretched child.

I went twice after to see Polly. I read to her passages which speak of the Lord Jesus who loved her, and I prayed with her. At each visit I found her weaker in body, but strong in the faith.

“When I go to heaven,” she said, “I will say: I am Polly Moran, whom Jesus died to save, and they will let me right in, won’t they?”

O! dear young reader, that you might have poor Polly’s simple faith!

“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God!”

Jesus died to save you, you also. He loves you. He was delivered up for you, and all that He asks is that you believe on Him.

When I came again to see Polly, the neighbor Mrs. N. said,

“Polly is dead; her last words were: Tell the lady that Jesus came for me; her head then dropped upon her bed, and she was gone.”

What a glorious change. She had left her miserable bed of rags and her sufferings; she had left her abject poverty for the infinite riches of Christ; from grief and misery to endless joy and happiness, in the presence of Him who loved her and died to save her.

“To be with Christ, which is far better.” Phil. 1:23.

“We are confident, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:8.

ML 10/15/1933

What Can I Bring to God?

A little one I am,

What can I bring to God?

Can I bring lovely fruits and flowers

Up to His high abode?

Not these, my child.

O what, then, can I bring?—

The labors of my hands?

For surely one who bringeth these

Loved and accepted stands;

Not so, my child.

No fruits or flowers avail

To please the Holy God;

Remission is by blood alone—

The Saviour’s precious blood;

‘Tis this, my child.

No labor of your hands

For sin can e’er atone;

The Bible says salvation is

By faith in Christ alone;

Not works, my child.

Believe what God declares,

Believe in Christ and live,

For all who trust His precious blood

Eternal life receive.

Believe, my child.

ML 10/15/1933

All May Come

The Bible tells us Jesus came,

From glory bright and fair;

God’s perfect, sinless, spotless Lamb,

His mercy to declare.

The Bible tells us Jesus died,

A sacrifice for sin;

The gates of heaven to open wide

That all may enter in.

The Bible tells us Jesus rose

And left the silent grave;

Triumphant over all His foes,

The mighty One to save.

The Bible tells us Jesus lives

Again upon the throne,

The blessed proof the Father gives

That mercy’s work is done.

The Bible tells us He will come

To take His saints away,

To dwell with Him in His blest home,

Through everlasting day.

The Bible tells us all may come,

And drink at mercy’s stream;

And Jesus soon will share His home

With all who trust in Him.

“THOU HAST MAGNIFIED THY WORD ABOVE ALL THY NAME.” Psa. 138:2.

ML 10/22/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 34

THE day of judgment has a large and important place in the Word of God. There may be difficulty in putting together in the precise order in which they will occur, the various events which the prophetic Scriptures reveal in connection with the coming of the Lord Jesus to the world, soon to take place, but every true saint knows that God has promised to judge the world and its inhabitants.

This is, in our own times, an unpopular subject for discussion; the modernists will have none of it. But the Holy Spirit has given ample testimony in both Old and New Testaments, that the day of God’s bearing with man’s wickedness will end in judgment, both of living and dead.

Isaiah 34 begins with a call to the nations and peoples (or races of mankind) to hear and hearken to a promise that concerns themselves. They have heard of the love of God, but have not received the gift of God, and shall therefore know the wrath of God. He has never promised that everyone shall be saved. He has said indeed that all those who receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved, who have not believed the truth, but have found pleasure in unrighteousness, shall be judged (2 Thess. 2).

The wrath of Jehovah is therefore rightly against all the nations, and His fury against all their armies (verse 2). The language used in this chapter is clearly figurative in part, but there is no mistaking what it means: fearful and unsparing vengeance on those enemies of God who are here in view.

Edom, the ancient home of the descendants of Esau lying south and southeast of the land God gave to Israel, is the scene of the action here depicted, and the desolation of Edom is to be complete, as not only this chapter, but Ezek. 35 and the prophecy of Obadiah show.

God has graciously made known much through His Word regarding the state of the world when the Lord Jesus will appear, accompanied by His heavenly saints and angels; He has shown what must and shall be done to cleanse the world—the scene of Christ’s kingdom—of all things that offend, and to fit a people for Himself, among which Israel, reborn, will be the center of blessing and privilege.

It is plain that some time must elapse during which enemies will be dealt with, and a work of God will go on, —among Jews and the lost ten tribes especially. It is well known that in Scripture a definite period is set for the time just before the Lord’s appearing; this is variously called “a time and times and a half time” (Dan. 7:25, N. Tr.); one-half week (a week being reckoned as 7 years, not 7 days) (Dan. 9:27); 42 months (Rev. 11:2), and 1260 days (Rev. 11:3). In the closing verses of Daniel’s prophecy, however, two other periods are named without explanation—1,290 days, and 1,335 days,

“Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand, three hundred and thirty-five days” (Dan. 12:12) seems to indicate that by that time all open enemies will have been judged, and the people and land of Israel, at least, be cleansed and at rest.

The scene pictured in Isa. 34, (with which compare Isa. 63:1-6) is the destruction of the armies associated with the Assyrian or king of the north. Previous to this, the head and the armies of the Roman empire, and the Antichrist will have been judged (Dan. 7:11 and 26; Rev. 19:19-21), and the Assyrian likewise in his turn (Isa. 14:24, 25; 30:30-33; Joel 2:20).

Apart from these acts of righteous vengeance, a singular work will have been going on among the Jews (Zech. 12:10- 13:9), the first result of which will be mourning and deep confession such as Psalms 51 and 88 and other passages give; the lost ten tribes of Israel will be recovered and brought, after passing under God’s chastening rod, to their places in the land once theirs (Ezek. 20:33-44; Matt. 24:31). Then Psa. 107 will be fulfilled.

Edom, singled out above other nations for judgment in chapter 34 and other scriptures, will be confederate with other neighbors of Israel in the attack planned and executed by the Assyrian (Psa. 83). The complete destruction of Edom will be God’s answer to their undying hatred to the people of God (Ezek. 35:5). The unbelieving Jews will die under the Lord’s dealings, directly, as well as during the invasion by the Assyrian who will be an executor of divine judgments before he is himself judged.

ML 10/22/1933

A Wise and Safe Thing to Do

“THY Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Psa. 119:11. This, truly, is a wise and a safe thing to do. Let us ponder it. Let us understand it. Let us imitate it. There are three special points suggested, namely, What have I hid? Where have I hid it? Why have I hid it? The reader will easily remember what? where? why?

1. What have I hid? “Thy Word.” It is not man’s word, but the Word of God, that liveth and abideth forever. This is the thing to hide. It is a treasure worth hiding. No thief can steal it, no moth corrupt it. It increases by being hidden in the way here spoken of. We cannot set too high a value upon the Word of God. So the Psalmist thought when he “hid” it. This expression sets forth how intensely he prized the word. “I have hid it.” He placed it out of the reach of everyone and everything that could deprive him of it. May we ponder it—may we understand it—may we imitate it! Memorize it, and meditate upon it.

2.Where have I hid it? “In my heart.” It was not in his head or in his intellect; but in his heart—the seat of his affections—the center of his moral being—the source of all the influences that swayed his entire career. This is the right place to hide the Word. It is not hiding it under a bushel, or in the earth. It is not basely cushioning it, through a slavish dread of men, lest they should sneer at us, or oppose us. No, my reader, this will not do. We must hide the Word where the Psalmist hid it, even in the heart. May we ponder this—may we understand it—may we imitate it!

3.Why have I hid it? For a very weighty reason—a most important reason. “That I might not sin against Thee.” It was not that he might have a rich fund of new ideas to talk about and show off upon. Nor yet was it that he might be able to confound in argument all his opposers, and silence them. The Psalmist did not care about any of these things. He had a horror of sin—a holy horror; he knew that the most effectual safeguard against sin was the Word of God, and therefore he hid it in his heart. May we ponder this—may we understand it—may we imitate it!

ML 10/22/1933

The Invitation

TODAY I received a letter from a very dear Aunt of mine. I was very glad to hear from her, and I know she loves me. How do I know she loves me? Because she has proved it in many ways. In her letter she told me she wished I would come to see her, and that at any time I would be most welcome.

Isn’t it nice to receive such a kind invitation, and don’t you think I should be very grateful for it?

Do you know, dear children, that you have received a letter with the most gracious invitation that has ever been given to any one? Have you read this letter, and the wonderful invitation, and have you accepted it? It comes from One who loves you more than tongue can tell, and the welcome that waits you when you accept this invitation far surpasses any earthly joy that you may have known.

God Himself invites you to spend eternity in His home above. He has given the dearest object of His heart, His own beloved Son to die on the cross in order that this invitation might be given, for if the Lord Jesus had not shed His precious blood to cleanse away our sins, we would not be fit to be in His presence.

If you will take God’s precious Word, and turn to Matt. 11:28, and Luke 14:17, you will find two of the many times that God repeats this invitation, “COME.”

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

“Come, for all things are now ready.”

Will you not accept these invitations, and come to the Lord Jesus Christ today, and receive Him as your own Saviour for now and for eternity?

ML 10/22/1933

"Mary Sunshine"

MARY was always happy and ready to sing, so that you could justly call her Mary Sunshine. She was very busy, with carrying water, washing, cleaning, building fires in stoves, cooking, etc.; but each additional work seemed only to make her more happy. She was once asked:

“Why are you always so happy Mary? When one sees your rejoicing face, and hears your singing, one would think you had just received some remarkably good news.”

“Yes, indeed,” she replied, “there came very good tidings, the best of all, to me. I have found the Lord Jesus, or He has found me.

“Now I can be happy every day, and do my work for Him and with Him. When I clean the house, I hear Him say, ‘Mary do this for Me!’ When I set the table, it seems to me, as if He was invited, and I could arrange all for Him; and if I take care of the children, then I remember His word, ‘Shepherd My lambs!’

“I use to do everything just because I had to, but now, I do all things with a happy heart, for my Saviour, therefore everything goes so easy.”

“Rejoice in the Lord alway.” Phil. 4:4.

“He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Prov. 15:15.

ML 10/22/1933

The Fading and the Unfading

Who gave the rose its beauteous tint,

Its fragrance rich and rare?

Who decks the earth with varied green,

And blossoms bright and fair?

The flowers are His, whose mighty hand

Created all of old;

Sweet tokens of His love, that man

His wonders might behold.

And when, thru sin, the way was barred,

To shut us out from God;

His love devised an open way,

Through Jesus’ precious blood.

Take thy young heart to Him, that He

May fill it with His joy,

And treasures more than earth can give,

Which time can ne’er destroy.

ML 10/22/1933

The Song of the Nubian

EVEN a slave tries to make himself happy in this poor world, with his harp and his song, while the passers-by stop to listen. If such could only get to know the Lord Jesus, then they could have real happiness, and a song that is worth singing.

All kinds of things are tried, by, not only slaves, but, by many classes of people to endeavor to make themselves happy, but all they can possibly find in this world, —that which belongs to it—cannot give them real and lasting joy, for everything down here brings disappointment and sorrow. Do you ask, “Where can real joy be found?”

The answer is, first, by having the Lord Jesus as your Saviour; and, second, by walking according to His Word. Then, and then only can you be really happy, and it will last forever. Then is when we can truly sing with joy,

“Happy they who trust in Jesus;

Sweet their portion is and sure;

When the foe on others seizes,

God will keep His own secure.

Happy People;

Happy, though despised and poor.”

“BLESSED IS HE WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED.” Psa. 32:1.

ML 10/29/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 35

THIS short chapter gives a little picture—one of several in the Scriptures—of the thousand years when the Lord Jesus shall reign as Israel’s Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, when He shall have put down all enemies on earth, and cleansed the land and its inhabitants.

In considering the contents of this chapter which tells so much of the true hope of Israel, the Christian may well survey his own exalted prospect. Preceded by no storm of trial; heralded by no “signs”; appearing not as a warrior King, but as the Church’s Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus will make His coming known by a shout, by archangel’s voice and trump of God. Instantly the dead in Christ shall rise, followed within the twinkling of an eye by us (believers) who are alive and remain, caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with Him (1 Thess. 4:15-17).

When about to leave the world at the close of His matchless life on earth as the God-glorifying Man, He made it known that in His Father’s house are many abodes; that in leaving those He called His own, for whom He died, He was going to prepare a place for them, and would come again and receive them unto Himself, that where He is they may be also (John 14:2, 3). Amazing prospect for poor confessed sinners, deserving the torments of hell!

Israel’s hopes are also founded upon God’s Word; with them reliance is upon His promises to Abraham and David, for which reference may be made to Gen. 17:1-8; 1 Chron. 17; Jer. 33:7-26, and numerous other passages. Israel’s hopes, it is well to remember, are all earthly; the Christian’s are all heavenly, although we shall be with the Lord when He comes to reign, and we shall reign with Him over the earth.

Everything here has been touched by sin, and while sin will still be found in the world, it will be restrained; (Isa. 65:20; Psa. 101 would seem also to be applicable, its last verse in the best reading being “Every morning will I destroy all the wicked,” etc.); Satan will not be free as now to deceive (Rev. 20:2, 3), and in the land of Israel there will be few indeed, that are not born again. In large measure the curse will be removed from the ground; compare Gen. 3:18 with Isa. 55:13. The wilderness and the dry land (“solitary place”) shall be gladdened; the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose, the comparison being made with Lebanon, Carmel and Sharon, three most favored regions in olden times (verses 1 and 2).

If the barren land shall be so wonderfully altered, what of man, long exhibiting the effects of sin? Verses 3 to 6 answer: the weak, the feeble, the fearful will find salvation in their God—their fears will be banished. The eyes of the blind shall be opened; the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped; the lame shall leap as the hart, the dumb shall sing.

Where no water is, there shall be abundance, and there shall be a highway which Isaiah mentions a number of times (chapter 11:16; 49:11; 62:10), a way to Zion which shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass through it. It shall be for those that seek God.

“Those that go this way—even fools—shall not err therein.”

Along that new road, the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, coming to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Happy prospect, indeed! Meanwhile, the whole creation groans (Rom. 8:22), and believers too, but with a higher, a heavenly prospect (2 Cor. 5:2).

ML 10/29/1933

Come and Drink

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

Here is God’s invitation to “every one that thirsteth,” to come and drink. We all know what it is to be really thirsty on a hot summer’s day, and to run for a drink. But God means eternal life in this verse, which, if we thirst for, or desire, and come to Him, we get at once.

How this world is thirsting for something that will satisfy! So they go to the dance, the music-hall, the theater, etc., night after night. But these things last only a short time, and do not meet the soul’s deep need.

Are you not thirsty, dear reader? I mean, do you not want Jesus the Saviour, both now and forever? Then hear His words:

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” John 4:14.

That means, whosoever comes to Him, receives eternal life as a gift. Do you not want it? Come to Him just as you are, hungry and thirsty, and He will not turn you away empty.

ML 10/29/1933

Jesus Alone Gives Peace and Salvation

SOME time ago, I was told of a Jewish family who were in great want. The Grandfather, an old man eighty-two years of age, was ill, and covered with rags, he lay in a corner of the room on a sack of straw. The room, a miserable hovel, was quite cold.

Five children and four grandchildren of the old man, all alike thin and pale from hunger and cold, lived together with him.

I sought to comfort him, by bringing the divine promises of the Old Testament to his memory. He listened to me with great reverence, and at last said in a voice trembling with emotion,

“I thank you, sir, for reminding me, a poor Jew, of these glorious words from our holy books. I perceive thereby that the salvation of my soul lies on your heart; but I know another and still better means, that is able to heal the wounds of the soul, and that is, the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. That blood cleanses from all sin.”

Surprised in the highest degree, I asked how he came to this knowledge. A smile passed over the sunken cheeks of the old man, and his dim eyes began to brighten. With a trembling hand, he drew a much worn New Testament from under the rags which covered him, saying,

“In this little book my soul has found light and consolation. In it the voice of Emmanuel, ‘God with us,’ speaks to our hearts. Moses and the Psalmist have often encouraged me and done good to my soul; but Jesus alone gives peace and salvation.”

“How came you to possess this New Testament?” I asked further. He smiled again as he answered,

“The Lord sent it to me. Two years ago I went to R— with my eldest son, Saul, to the burial of one of my brothers who lived there. On the way, we spent a night in an inn. We were taken to a place in the barn, and there among the hay, my son found this New Testament.

“On the following morning we took the book which we had found to the landlord, but when he saw it, he said:

“‘That is a Hebrew book. I cannot read it. Perhaps old Simeon, who lived in the barn for three weeks, has left it there. He will not be here again; take it with you, if you care to have it.’”

So we kept the treasure. We read much of it together, and through it my son Saul died in peace, though he left behind four helpless children.

‘A clergyman wanted to baptize him, but the consent of the government had to be obtained. That took a long time, and as my son had to return to his family, he could not wait. Shortly after, he took typhus fever and died in a few days. His last words were,

“Lord Jesus, remember me! Thou hast said to the thief on the cross, ‘Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise,’ although he was not baptized, and Thou wilt not reject me.”

“He then turned to me and said:

“‘Father, dear father, I am going to Jesus. Be sure that you go there also, you and your children, and mine!’”

“His lips moved, but I understood no more. At the last I heard him whisper, ‘Jesus! Jesus!’ and then his breath ceased.”

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

ML 10/29/1933

Are We Afraid?

A LITTLE girl who was very timid and fearful had a present of a Bible from her father on her eighth birthday. On the white leaf at the front he wrote,

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psa. 56:3.

It was a favorite verse of her father’s. He told his little girl that the verse had always helped him, and he thought it would help her.

“What time I am afraid!”—there were so many things to make her afraid. How terrifying was the darkness, and what fearful things dogs were, and there were men of whom she was almost afraid to think. But she recited the verse often to herself, and it gave her comfort.

When she grew up, she found that the things that frightened her in her childhood caused her no fear; but she found other things in life that were very unnerving. The text was just as good a help then it grew as she grew. That is one of the wonderful things about the Bible. A promise that suits us in childhood, suits us no less when we are old.

God is the helper in every period of life. God is always the God of comfort. Our strength for all things is in Him.

“What time I am afraid” covers all time. God never “slumbers nor sleeps.”

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” Psa. 91:2.

The Bible never changes; it is God’s Word to us. It is as good now, as when it was written, and is a comfort to us in all circumstances.

ML 10/29/1933

A Heart's Desire

O blessed God, how kind Thou art,

To Thee we bow the knee,

O, may Thy presence fill our heart,

And keep us true to Thee.

When cares and griefs beset our path,

And fears arise within;

O, may we see that blessed One,

Who died our souls to win.

Our risen Lord is coming soon,

To take us to our home;

Where we shall ever be at rest,

And never more shall roam.

O, come, Lord Jesus, quickly come;

We long Thy face to see;

To dwell within the Father’s house,

And ever happy be.

ML 10/29/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For the eyes,” etc. 1 Pet. 3:12.

2.“If ye fulfil,” etc, James 2:8.

3.“But he giveth,” etc. James 4:6.

4.“Wherefore, beloved,” etc. 2 Pet. 3:14.

5.“Be patient,” etc. James 5:7.

6.“And when,” etc. 1 Pet. 5:4.

7.“That the trial,” etc. 1 Pet. 1:7.

Bible Questions for November “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Revelation, Chapters 1-11

1.Write in full the verse containing the words. “Which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Worship before thy feet.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Have the keys of hell and of death.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Unto living fountains of waters.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Out of every kindred and tongue.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The kingdoms of this world.”

7. What classes of people call upon the mountains and rocks to fall on them?

Answers to Bible Questions for September “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Resist him. Jas. 4:7.

2.Cast it all upon God. 1 Pet. 5:7.

3.They are to melt with fervent heat and pass away. 2 Peter 3:10-13.

4.By the Word of God. 1 Pet. 1:23.

5.To one another. Jas. 5:16.

6.He shows out of a good conversation, his works with meekness of, wisdom. Jas. 3:13.

7.It works patience. Jas. 1:3.

Bible Questions for November “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Revelation, Chapters 1-11

1.What shows the infernal character of the “beast”?

2.What verse shows that Christ’s return in glory to set up His kingdom will be a worldwide visible event?

3.Where was our Lord crucified?

4.What is the significance of each of the four horses?

5.List the seven classes of men who sense the terror of divine wrath.

6.How many “Woes” are there?

7.Give the corrected reading of the last clause of verse 6 of chapter 10.

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 36

AT this central position in Isaiah’s prophecy, the Holy Spirit has directed the inclusion of the account of the Assyrian invasion of Judah and purpose to capture Jerusalem which is given in 2 Kings 18, 19 and 20. Two reasons for this are plain: in the future day of which prophecy treats there will be another invasion of Israel’s land by another Assyrian—an event we have had before us in examining many earlier chapters; the manner in which the pious Hezekiah conducted himself on the former occasion is a pattern for the conduct of those God-fearing souls who will be in the place of danger in the time to come. Beside this, the incident in Hezekiah’s history showed that Isaiah was a faithful and true prophet; that he spoke as God’s mouthpiece and what he said actually came to pass; the historical portion is therefore a testimony in support of the prophetic portion, yet to be fulfilled.

The year was 713 B. C. Seven or eight years earlier, the ten tribes of Israel under Hoshea had been carried away by the Assyrians into a captivity from which they have never returned. Lachish (verse 2) appears to have been not far from the seacoast, southwest of Jerusalem, on the highway to Egypt. “Rabshakeh” is a title, not a personal name; it means “chief cup-bearer.”

Where Ahaz and Isaiah had met nearly 30 years before (chapter 7:3), the messenger of Sennacherib awaited the representatives of Hezekiah. Little did he realize that One far more to be feared than Hezekiah’s steward and secretaries was listening to his speech and would return answer in due time.

Rabshakeh’s knowledge of the Jew’s language, and of what Hezekiah had done in removing the high places and altars which his forefathers had made contrary to the Word of God, suggests the thought that he may have been a renegade Israelite; Scripture does not, however, tell anything about him.

He knew that some of the people had wished to get help against the invaders from Egypt (verse 6); he sought to misrepresent Hezekiah’s zealous act for God so as to impress his hearers with the notion that it was against God, and that God was now punishing Hezekiah for a wicked act (verse 7). He spoke contemptuously of the Jew’s ability to defend the city (verses 8, 9); and finally he claimed that God had told him to invade and destroy. In his later utterance, he boldly declared himself greater in power than Israel’s Jehovah (verse 20).

It was a moment of sore trial to Hezekiah. He had been faithful to God far beyond any of his forefathers since the days of David, although he had swerved a little from the course of full dependence upon God (2 Kings 18:14-16, not mentioned in 2 Chron. 32). It may have been suggested to his mind, and to the minds of his people, that God did not value what he had done (see 2 Chron. 29, 30, 31); perhaps that He was giving up Judah now, as He had Israel a few years back.

We, like Hezekiah of old, do not always know or understand what God is doing, or will presently do for His tried and afflicted saints. But we are in the very best of hands, when we depend upon that God and Father who sent His only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. It is always safe to wait on God, when the way is not clear; we shall not lose thereby.

ML 11/05/1933

A Noble Boy

MANY years ago, when a wicked king was on the throne, the people were forbidden to read the Bible. A party of soldiers with their cruel leader were riding along a country road one day. A little way on before them, they saw a boy walking with a large book underneath his arm. Coming up to him, the leader asked, “What book is that you carry, boy?”

Looking up fearlessly into his face, the boy said,

“It’s the Bible.”

“Throw it into the ditch, then,” shouted the fierce commander.

“No, no,” replied the boy in his broad Scotch accent, “I cannot do that, it is the Word of God.”

A second order from the enraged commander to the same effect was given, but the boy hugged the Bible more fondly to his bosom.

“Then pull your cap over your eyes, for you shall die,” cried the wicked man foaming with rage, and at the same time giving the word to his men,

“Soldiers, prepare to fire.”

For a moment the soldiers hesitated, thinking that probably the boy would yield and throw away the Book. But he stood firm and true.

Dear boy! he had found in the Book that he carried, the way of life; he had trusted his soul to Jesus the Saviour of the lost, and he knew that the soldiers’ bullets would only send him into the bright and blessed presence of his Lord, where others who had not flinched to die for Him had gone before.

“I will not cover my eyes,” said the brave youth, “I will look you in the face, as you will have to look me in the face in the day of judgment.”

He stood calm and peaceful while the soldiers prepared their muskets, and in another moment he was shot through the heart. His body fell on the green grass, and the Book for which he died fell with it, but his ransomed spirit freed from its earthly house was with the Lord. And surely angels around the throne would have felt it an honor to stand where that noble boy so boldly witnessed for his Lord that day.

Would to God there were more of our boys and young men of the same spirit, not afraid to stand firm and true to Christ with faces like a flint.

The times no doubt are changed; we do not fear the troopers’ bullets now. But there is the same enmity against God, and hatred to Christ and His Word, now in the world, although it may be manifest in other forms, and it is the privilege of all who are saved to stand firm and true to Christ, confessing His name, and obeying His Word, whether amid the opposition of the devil as a roaring lion, or as a subtle serpent.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil ... ..And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Eph. 6:11, 17.

ML 11/05/1933

Guilty

HOW condemned this little girl looks as she stands before her mother, with her finger in her mouth and her head down! She has, evidently, just come in from school with her book and slate under her arm.

What is that her mother holds in her hand? It looks like a letter, and is perhaps a note from her teacher telling her of some naughtiness on the part of the child. Now that she has read it, she looks at her little girl to see what she will have to say for herself. But the child cannot meet her mother’s gaze—her eyes have fallen. People who are guilty do not like to look into the face of one who may know of their wrong-doing, or who may suspect them. The eye, the expression of the face, will usually tell out the guilt; and the downcast look speaks of guilt also.

We can hide nothing from God: His eyes see all; and when the guilty one stands before the judgment bar of Christ, His eye will search him through and through. And not only will all be known then, but all is known to God now, and He tells us,

“The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Pet. 3:12. This is very solemn and should make us fear to do wrong.

When we have done wrong, let us own it to our teachers, our parents, or whoever it may be that we have wronged, and let us confess it to God.

Now would like to have you learn, and think much about, this very important verse:

“HE THAT COVERETH HIS SINS SHALL NOT PROSPER; BUT WHOSO CONFESSETH AND FORSAKETH THEM SHALL HAVE MERCY.” Prov. 28:13.

ML 11/05/1933

God Loved You

God so loved you, little one,

That He gave His only Son

Once to die on Calvary’s tree,

That you might quite happy be:

That your sins might be forgiven,

And that you might dwell in heaven.

“Why,” you ask, “did Jesus die?”

Ah! He loved you, that is why.

ML 11/05/1933

Rabbits

GOD has implanted in His creatures the feeling of fear in connection with danger. If men, or women, little boys, or little girls, see danger approaching they fear it, and will seek to avoid it. And the same is true of the lower creatures, such as horses and cattle. The rabbit is especially a timid little creature, and it will flee, or hide, the moment it sees danger near.

In this world of sin and evil, the different kinds of creatures have their enemies, which prey upon them, or destroy them; and so they need to be on the watch against these.

Rabbits burrow in the ground, so as to have a place where dogs cannot reach them. Scripture tells us

“The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats, and the rocks for the conies.” Psa. 104:18. The coney is a creature very much like the rabbit, feeble and timid, but they make “Their houses in the rock.” Prow. 30:26.

We have a greater enemy than any of these little creatures have, and we need a place of safety, where we can be secure from danger. Our enemy is the devil, but in Christ Jesus we have a place of refuge.

We are sinners too, and there is a day of storm and tempest coming for every sinner who is not sheltered in Christ. O! how terrible it would be to be overtaken in that storm.

Let me ask you, dear children, have you fled to Jesus for refuge? If you have not, will you not take warning now, and be as wise as the little coney, or the rabbit? Flee at once from the coming danger. Flee to Jesus Christ, and He will shelter you from all danger.

“THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER: IN HIM WILL I TRUST.” 2 Sam. 22:2, 3.

ML 11/12/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 37

WHEN the Assyrian armies came into the land of Judah on an expedition of conquest, Hezekiah had not gone to God about it, but tried in his own wisdom to pacify Sennacherib with a payment of gold and silver. The invader was not so easily turned away, and the appearance of Rabshakeh and his companions outside the wall of Jerusalem with the message from Sennacherib (chapter 36) showed poor Hezekiah that his tribute payment had been in vain; Sennacherib was determined to seize the country and take all the people away, as the ten tribes had been removed eight years before.

The king of Judah, overwhelmed at the prospect, went into the temple, now committing his burden to God. His message to Isaiah (verses 3 and 4) reveals a heavy heart, with but little faith that God would come to his help. (It is better to go to God first rather than last.)

The answer to Hezekiah’s faint hope seems to have been given by God to Isaiah so quickly that the messengers returned with it to the king. “Be not afraid”— words of unspeakable comfort to the distressed ruler; “. . . he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land” (verses 6, 7).

Rabshakeh had gone back to his master whose attention was diverted by news of the coming out of the king of the south to fight him; nevertheless he sent another message to Hezekiah, one far more daring than the first: “Let not thy God deceive thee.”

If Hezekiah had any doubt before as to the issue, it must have been dispelled now, the invader had insulted the living and true God, in whose hand his breath was, and whose were all his ways.

We notice a change in Hezekiah not in fear anymore, but in the confidence of faith he goes with the letter into the temple, and there addresses God, owning Him in devout expressions as Israel’s God, Jehovah of hosts, God of all the kingdoms of the earth, Creator of the heavens and the earth. He prays that His ear may be inclined to hear, His eyes opened to see, what Sennacherib had sent to reproach the living God. That boastful ruler had met and overcome the nations and their false gods, but was he not now to have to do with Jehovah, Israel’s God?

As before, it was through Isaiah that God let His mind be known. (Such was the state of God’s people in their later Old Testament history that He raised up prophets through whom to speak to the people; the priests are not even mentioned at this time).

Majestic was the answer to Isaiah’s prayer; God was for His feeble saints, and against their terrifying enemy. Sennacherib should presently learn that he had gone too far in his pride, even lifting his hand against the God who had commissioned him to carry out His purposes (verses 26, 27).

Hezekiah got a message of comfort (verses 30-32), but as to the Assyrian, he would not be permitted to enter Jerusalem, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come against it with shield or fortifications (verses 33, 34). God would defend the city, for His own sake and His servant David’s sake.

Whether at Libnah or elsewhere, we are not told, but in the night 185,000 of the Assyrians died at the hand of an angel of Jehovah. Sennacherib returned to Nineveh, and there his own sons killed him, fulfilling the word of God (verse 7).

ML 11/12/1933

The Fifty, and the Five Hundred Pence

ANNIE was little more than seven years old when the Lord touched her heart and made her anxious about the salvation of her soul. She was at the annual treat of the Sunday school; all were very lively and in high spirits, as is usual on such occasions. We knew nothing of what was passing in little Annie’s mind. After tea was over, and the noise of hundreds of little voices speaking to each other was silenced, a hymn was sung. And this, we have often observed, the children enter into as heartily as their own play, when rightly directed. They were then solemnly addressed on the great subject of salvation, and as to whether they had really in their hearts believed in Jesus. The Lord in great mercy gave His blessing. Some were much affected and weeping; and as children are extremely sympathetic, the infection spread, and many all over the place were in tears. But although much of that feeling was nothing more than sympathy, there was also much that was of divine grace, as the fruits afterwards proved; but at present we only speak of one.

In the course of the evening, Annie’s elder sister came to me and said that she could not pacify her little sister, she was crying as though her heart would break. I found that she had been much affected when we were singing the well-known lines,

“I can believe, I do believe,

That Jesus died for me;

That on the cross He shed His blood,

From every sin to set me free.”

Her distress was very real; she was exercised about her sins, young as she was.

“I cannot sing,” she said, “that Jesus died for me, and that He has washed away my sins.”

After explaining to her the way of pardon through faith in His precious blood, and looking to the Lord for His blessing, I left her, apparently little relieved: there were many others to talk with. But, probably in half an hour, the sister came with the good news that little Annie was now happy. On my return to her I found the tears wiped away, and a happy smile on her countenance. She could now look to Jesus as the One who loved her and died for her, and believed that her sins were all forgiven. The work of grace appeared so genuine in that child’s soul, that after saying a few words about it, I said, We will sing the hymn again, that she may sing the chorus with us before parting.

Just as I stood up to read the hymn, a woman, well up in years, crossed the open space, and said to me, with deep feeling,

“I could not sing it either when it was sung before, but I too can sing it now.”

I could only say, Praise the Lord! I asked the woman no questions. Her expression, her age, her tears, her voluntary confession, were enough for the moment. I accepted this as God’s work—as the gracious creditor forgiving the “two debtors,” according to His own Word,

“And when they had nothing to pay He frankly forgave them both.”

The hymn was sung—it was a joyous evening to many; but what was our joy compared with the joy in the presence of the angels of God. No unbelief there, no cold suspicion to draw a dark cloud over the happy scene. The key-note of joy is taken from the Father’s heart, and choir after choir catching the flying joy, roll round the rapturous hosannas, till the vast regions of glory are filled with one mighty outburst of praise to God.

If we suppose the child to be seven, and the woman to be seventy, we have a perfect example of the Lord’s own words of purest grace,

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell Me therefore which of them will love him most?”

Such is the matchless grace of the Lord Jesus to all who own Him as the Saviour. When grace is the ground of the Lord’s dealings with us, it is no greater stretch of mercy to forgive the sinner of seventy than the child of seven. And mark, dear reader, the word which the Holy Spirit here uses,

“He frankly forgave them both.” Not grudgingly, or unwillingly, or hesitatingly; but “frankly,” readily, immediately, yes, joyfully. Carefully examine that scene of surpassing interest in the house of Simon; like the precious fifteenth of Luke, its bloom never fades.

May the Lord lead you, my dear reader, to fall down at those blessed feet in the bowings and meltings of worship to esteem it your highest privilege, your greatest honor to bathe them with your tears, and to fill the place of His presence with the sweet fragrance of your adoring love; and, O! to hear Him say,

“Thy sins are forgiven; thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace.”

The Lord grant that this may be the happy portion of my reader now, henceforth, even for evermore.

ML 11/12/1933

The Coming of the Lord

LITTLE children think time very much longer than older persons. A child who has lived seven or eight years regards one year as a long, long period, while a man of seventy looks at one year as but a span. With the Lord one day is as one thousand years, and one thousand years as one day, but people seem to forget this, and they act like little children who think a promise forgotten when it is not at once fulfilled.

Now the Lord says He is coming quickly, and, we read, yet a little while, and come He will, for it is His promise. The Lord will come at the very moment that God has planned; and happy will they be who when He comes are watching and waiting for Him.

ML 11/12/1933

The Lord Jesus Christ

There is ONE loving, tender heart

That is forever true;

There is ONE longing, earnest gaze

That always follows you;

There is ONE melting, clear-toned voice,

Would one sweet note proclaim;

There is ONE great, eternal Friend,

I think you know His Name.

There was ONE Man who lived on earth

Who touched the depths of grief;

There was ONE Man whose bitter tears

Were shed without relief;

There was ONE Man whose yearning heart

Forever beat the same;

There was ONE Man who died for you,

I think you know His Name.

There is ONE Man in heaven today

Whose “Come” is whispered still;

There is ONE message from the skies

Which all your heart can fill;

There is ONE love whose mighty

strength Puts all the world to shame;

There is ONE Saviour, and I think

You know His wondrous Name.

ML 11/12/1933

Awake Thou That Sleepest

WELL, dear children, what we have before us in our picture, is, the world asleep.

How this speaks to us of many people who seem asleep as to eternity and the need of the salvation of their souls. They have heard the gospel of Christ as Saviour, but they turn a deaf ear to it. They seem so satisfied with their condition, feeling they are all right, but the time will soon come when their false joy will be turned into sorrow. The Lord is coming to judge all who refuse Him.

“The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” 1 Thess. 5:2, 3.

Many of you remember the ark which Noah built. God was about to send judgment upon the world, and the Lord said to Noah,

“Come, thou and thy house into the ark,” “and the Lord shut him in.” Gen. 7:1,16.

Dear children, that door was never opened again to those on the outside, who refused to go in while the door of the ark was standing open. Neither will the door of salvation be opened after the door of mercy is shut to those who refuse to go in now, in the day of God’s grace,—now while the door is standing open.

How dreadful it will be for you to be found outside for judgment.

Are you indulging in a mock peace and safety with the world? Asleep? Awake! before it is too late.

God’s time is now!

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

“SEEK YE THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND; CALL YE UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR.” Isa. 55:6.

ML 11/19/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 38

WHAT we have been reading in chapter 37 is an indication of the end of the Assyrian of the future day, though he will be allowed to capture Jerusalem and shed the blood of some of its inhabitants. In that time Jerusalem and Judah will be visited as never before because of sin.

And now in chapter 38 we have both history and a picture of what is to come in the story of Hezekiah’s illness, apparently unto death. Israel in the coming day will be brought low, as it were to death, in order that God may work in them a great and necessary spiritual change.

Hezekiah’s grief over the thought of death is in remarkable contrast to the apostle Paul’s expressed desire to depart (Phil. 1:21-24); but we must remember that the hopes of Israel are earthly; their great desire will be to live to see the Messiah reigning as king of the land; so Hezekiah mourned that he should not (if he died) see God in the land of the living (verse 11); “the living, the living, he shall praise Thee” (verse 19).

The Epistle to the Hebrews makes clear the difference between Israel under the law, and the present dispensation of grace; a few passages from it will suffice:

“That through death He (Christ) might annul him who has the power of death, that is the devil, and might set free all those who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage.” Chapter 2:14, 15.

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never, with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the corners thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered, because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins? . . . For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins . . . He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Chapter 10:1-22.

Israel must be delivered from outward enemies, as we have before seen; they must also know deliverance from the power of death working in them. For all that, they will not have the faith or the experience of the Christian, properly speaking; nor will they be changed from the natural to the spiritual body before the Millennial kingdom begins, but only at its end.

Death should never be a dread-prospect for the Christian; it is release, as 2 Timothy 4:6 is properly read; — “the time of my release is come.” And in 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 is the apostle’s expression of confidence always, and pleasure in the thought of being absent from the body and present with the Lord.

God is however presenting in His Word Hezekiah as an example or foreshadowing of the quickening of the Jews in the latter days. It will take place, in at least the Jewish remnant, before the delivery from outward enemies is accomplished.

ML 11/19/1933

The Painted Cell

A MAN who was interested in public buildings visited many places, and even went into prisons to see what they were like.

In one prison he was taken into a cell which surprised him with its decorated walls. A man had occupied this cell for a long time, and had spent his time painting patterns and pictures all over the walls and the ceiling.

His daily task was to work at so much. yarn, and finding the yarn was of different colors, he soaked out the colors with water. Thus he got his red, blue and yellow with which he did his painting.

But although the painting made the place beautiful, yet after all it was only the cell of a prison. It seemed as if that prisoner wanted to forget where he was, and why he was found there.

There are many in the world like him, many who are trying to make things appear different from what they really are. They place wreathes of flowers on the graves in the cemetery to make it a beautiful place; but each grave tells us that death has been there, and flowers cannot alter that.

Although we live in a wonderful age when many inventions make life in the world more easy and comfortable, all this cannot alter the fact that we live in a sinful world that is going on to judgment; for God will judge the world in righteousness.

Through disobedience man brought death and judgment upon the entire human race, and ruin upon the whole creation. Christ died to redeem the world, and each one who takes Him as his or her Saviour is freed from judgment, and made fit to dwell with the Lord Jesus Christ where there is no death or anything displeasing.

Let us remember that in Noah’s day people ate and drank, they builded and were given in marriage, till one day the flood came and swept them all away, because they did not care to please God and walk in His ways; so also will it be when the Son of man comes again to judge all those who have despised His offer of mercy, and rejected Him as their Saviour. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isa. 55:6.

“Now in Christ Jesus ye who were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Eph. 2:13.

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

ML 11/19/1933

Thou Knowest Not What a Day May Bring Forth

YOU will not be long, Freddy?” said Mrs. S. to her little boy, one fine day in October, as she sent him out for an errand.

“No, mother,” replied the boy, “I shall soon he back,” and, kissing his mother, he went away, delighted at the thought of being allowed to do something for mother.

Mrs. S. followed her little boy until he was out of sight, little thinking it would be the last time she should see her son alive.

But little Freddy, although he was a good boy when at home, forgot his last words, “I shall soon be back,” and, instead of doing what his mother had bidden him, went near the river—which he had been especially told not to do and, seeing some planks on the water, thought he would go on them, and have a nice game.

For a few moments all went on pleasantly, and the little boy amused himself very much. But while Freddy was on the planks a steamboat passed up the river, and its swell tossed the planks about, and Freddy fell into the water.

Two little boys saw him fall into the water, but they could not save him, and before help could come poor little Freddy was drowned.

Freddy was only eight years old, and if on that Monday morning you had said to him,

“Freddy, you will die today,” he would probably have replied,

“I am young and healthy, and hope to live a good many years yet.”

A little act of disobedience took him into eternity. You, too, are young, strong and gay, but remember how uncertain is your life, and let me affectionately ask you, “If God were to take you away today, where would you spend eternity?”

You and I deserved to be banished from God’s presence, for we have disobeyed God, but Christ died on the cross so that “whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)

Come, then, to Christ while you are young, for God says,

“Those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

If you are not ready to meet God, do not rest until you know that you are, but “boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1.

ML 11/19/1933

Who Are Sinners?

SPEAKING to a class of boys the other night, I was astonished to find that not one of them would own being a sinner. Evidently they thought this designation applied only to drunkards, thieves, and openly ungodly people. I asked one boy if there were any “sinners” in the town.

“Yes,” he said, “down in the V—,” a district of very bad repute.

“Any others?” I asked, but the boy shook his head.

One bright little fellow, who had been listening to our conversation with evident interest, quietly said,

“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

That little boy was right. Not only the openly ungodly, but those also whose lives may be outwardly very moral and even religious, are sinners in the sight of God, and need a Saviour. It was for such that God provided Jesus, for we read,

“God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:6.

It was not for the good, or the worthy, or the religious, but for “sinners” that Jesus died. And it was lost “sinners” that He came to save. The grand declaration of Paul, which has brought many a weary sinner to the Saviour, tells the same story,

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

And that very name gives you a title and a claim, for as the little boy truly said, “All have sinned.” There is not one exempt, from the greatest to the least. Have you learned that your name is “sinner,” and have you claimed the sinner’s Saviour? Can you truthfully say,

“I take the guilty sinner’s name,

The guilty sinner’s Saviour claim.”

There is no other way of entering the kingdom, save on this plea, and in this Name. Thousands who are now in heaven entered thus, and thousands more are on the way, who were saved by taking their place as sinners, and claiming the Lord Jesus as their own and only Saviour. If people will cling to their religion and their good name, rejecting Christ, they must perish, as surely as the Word of God has declared.

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

ML 11/19/1933

A Great Enemy

WHAT a sight we have before us of some men lassoing a bear! How frightened you would be if you were in the place of these men. Their lives are in great danger: we all know how very fierce bears are when they are attacked, or when they are hungry. Isn’t it good that we live in a settled country, where we need not fear the wild beasts of the forest?

You probably have seen a bear, but I am sure it was behind iron bars, or was penned within stone walls. None of us would want to meet one of these animals in the street or in our own yard: they seek flesh to eat, and will prey upon man or beast.

The lion has the same ferocious nature. Have you ever seen a lion? He can make a tremendous roar, and is called the king of beasts, for he is the strongest of any of the wild animals.

While we feel we are safe from ever meeting a bear or a lion, even in our woods, yet we do have a great enemy who has been compared to a lion. Do you know who it is? God has warned us about him in the Bible. He calls him an adversary, which means an enemy. Satan is this adversary, and he is great and powerful.

He comes to boys and girls in a pleasing way to make them sin; he tells them there is no harm in this thing or that, and they don’t realize that he is like these wild beasts, leading them on to harm. It is this evil one who puts it into the hearts of people to neglect their greatest Friend, the Lord Jesus.

Let us give our hearts to the Saviour, who loved us so much that He gave Himself in death for us. He is able to keep this wicked one from having power over our lives.

“Kept by the power of God.” 1 Peter 1:5.

“YOUR ADVERSARY, THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.” 1 Peter 5:8.

ML 11/26/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 39

BABYLON here first appears in the history of the people of Israel. At this time it was a petty independent kingdom, most of whose history was linked with Assyria, but 90 years later the Babylonian empire was founded, of which Nebuchadnezzar was the outstanding ruler. Under him Judah ceased to be a kingdom, the people being transported to Babylon, and Jerusalem was burned.

Hezekiah’s piety was not so marked when riches and honor came to him, as when he first reigned, or when the Assyrian invasion threatened. This is evident from our chapter, but we have the Holy Spirit’s comments upon this period of his life in 2 Chronicles 32: verses 25, 26.

“But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him, for his heart was lifted up; therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.” And in verse 31:

“Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.”

It was (so deceptive are our hearts!) what God had done for him in recovery from illness, and the possession of wealth and honor that turned Hezekiah’s head the interest of the king of Babylon in his sickness, and the curiosity of the princes regarding the wonder (chapter 38:8, 9), with the sending of the ambassadors, afterward lifted him in pride altogether unworthy of a Godfearing man. The result was that he showed the visitors all his treasures, everything that could impress them with his riches, his honors:

Then came the prophet Isaiah to inquire about the visitors, and, when Hezekiah told him what he had done, to give to him a message from Jehovah of hosts foretelling the breaking up of all in which his heart naturally delighted.

What the Assyrian was not allowed to do, a king of Babylon would, —to take away to captivity. God as the judge of His people, had pronounced the sentence, their guilt being great, and only its execution was put off until later. Hezekiah had not been in the current of God’s thoughts, when the ambassadors came!

The Word of God quickly did its work in the conscience of this really godly man, as we see from his answer to Isaiah (verse 8).

It is a mark of the child of God that he bows under God’s rebuke, owns that, He is right in all that He does, and finds blessing to his soul that he otherwise would have missed.

This concludes the historical section of Isaiah, introduced as we have seen to throw light upon the events of the last days, when both Assyria and Babylon will reappear as troublers of Israel, and meet their doom separately from Israel’s Messiah.

ML 11/26/1933

"Let Your Light so Shine"

BOB came in breathless from a romp with Fido and sat down in the living room where his father was explaining a verse from the Sunday school lesson to the little boy’s sister.

“We were just saying,” explained his father, as he handed him a Bible, “that Matthew 5:16 does not mean to let your good works shine before men. That is what unbelievers do; and the moment we make good works the object, we put ourselves on the same ground with them in that respect. To let the Lord Jesus Christ be known is our object. Then good works will follow, which, when men see them, will cause them to glorify God.

Years ago when bands of Indians were still roaming the country, two young men were going across into the wilderness of Upper Canada. One evening, when they were encamped beside a stream for the night, in spite of keeping close watch for their dusky foes, they were overwhelmed by the sudden approach of a band of Indians.

Words were of no effect because the Indians could not understand English, and the young men were totally ignorant of the sign language of the Indians. Presently the savages made a gesture which plainly meant “Come along,” there being no use of resisting, they went.

Soon they reached a large Indian lodge, which they entered. The Indians beckoned to them to sit down in front of a large fire in the center of the lodge. They were offered food, but appetite had been scared out of them. The Indians ate, and then got out knives and hatchets.

“Our time has come,” said one of the prisoners, and his companion thought so, too.

However, instead of falling upon them with the weapons, the Indians procured strips of ash wood and began stripping, measuring, splitting, and bending the wood for making baskets.

After the Indians had worked for some time at the basket-making, their chief suddenly gave a terrible yell. The Indians threw down their materials, and formed a circle about the fire and their captives. The terrible ceremony of death was about to begin!

Then the chief sounded a note with his voice, and all the rest began to sing. The two young men looked at each other in astonishment, for the song was a hymn, the tune of which was familiar to them. After that they sang “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”—both of the songs in the Indian language, of course.

The fears of the boys were gone. They joined in their own tongue; and when the Indians had finished their devotions, all lay down, and slept soundly in the warmth of the fire.

The tribe was one which had been visited by missionaries, and the Indians had no other purpose than one of grateful hospitality in bringing these two youths to their lodge.

The next morning the guests ate with gusto the food offered them, and, expressing their thanks as best they could, went on their way.

“That was a good story for this lesson,” said Bob’s sister, “because of the unfavorable way in which the works of the Indians were manifested, and the way their showing forth love for the Lord Jesus removed the fears of the two young men. But do you think these Indians were really Christians, or were they just so in name like so many today?”

“God alone knows the heart, and knows which of them really knew the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and whether with any the singing was merely a matter of ceremony. This is a very solemn matter to be settled between each soul and God. Certain it is, they who do not have the light which comes from Christ Jesus, cannot let it shine. Those who do have this light must let Christ be known rather than to display their works.”

Can it be that there is one among our readers who is vainly singing hymns which are not meant for him because he has not yet come to Jesus to be saved? Is any trying to satisfy himself and please his neighbors with his good deeds, while

Christ is unknown?

Do believe in Jesus now. Then it can be said of you,

“That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Pet. 2:9.

ML 11/26/1933

The Load Lifted

“I THINK a great deal of trouble comes from hiding things,” said a little girl, putting down her magazine. “I have just read about that boy in ‘Crooked Paths.’ It was such a pity to hide his naughty doings from his parents.” “What would have been a better way?” asked the little girl’s mother.

“Go and tell,” said Lucy, “I think; go and tell. That takes the load from your mind.”

“It is the Bible way,” said mother.

“I never read it in the Bible,” said Lucy, opening her eyes wide.

“Not in so many words, perhaps,” said her mother. “God says,

‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.’ Prov. 28:13. Confessing is going and telling.”

“Yes,” said Lucy, “that is the way. I am always a great deal happier to come straight and tell you, mother, even if you blame me.”

Cannot a great many other children say the same thing? Then why do others so often try to hide things from their parents? Are they afraid of blame or reproof? That is cowardly. Yet Satan always tempts them to hide the secret. He made Eve tell a lie when she ate the fruit which God had told her not to eat; and he loves to make children follow poor Eve’s foolish example.

God teaches you a better way. He knows you may go astray; He knows you will meet with accidents; He knows you have weak, sinful hearts; but He loves you tenderly, and desires to set you right again as soon as can be; therefore He tells you to confess, because He that confesses and forsakes his sins shall have mercy.

ML 11/26/1933

The Saviour's Love

The Saviour is gracious,

His love is a well;

His blood is most precious—

Its worth who can tell?

He loved us so truly,

He came from the sky,

That He, the Most Holy,

For sinners might die.

From heaven, His dwelling,

That bright, blessed place,

He sweetly is telling

Us all of His grace.

The love of a mother

And father is great;

The love of a brother

And sister so sweet;

Yet who but the Saviour

For us would have died,

That we, blest forever,

With Him might abide!

In mercy delighting

He speaks from above,

Poor sinners inviting

To trust in His love.

ML 11/26/1933

Answers to Bible Questions for October "The Children's Class"

1.“He that believeth,” etc. 1 John 5:10.

2.“In this was,” etc. 1 John 4:9.

3.“Beloved, follow not,” etc. 3 John 11.

4.“Whosoever transgresseth,” etc. 2 John 9.

5.“Beloved, now are we,” etc. 1 John 3:2.

6.“Little children,” etc. 1 John 2:18.

7.“And Enoch also,” etc. Jude 14 & 15.

Bible Questions for December “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Revelation, Chapters 12-22

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The song of Moses the servant of God.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “No man could learn that song.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Come out of her, my people.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “His name shall be in their foreheads.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Priests of God and of Christ.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The power of his Christ.”

7.In what is the wife arrayed at the marriage of the Lamb?

Answers to Bible Questions for October “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.We deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8.

2.By the fact that we love the brethren. ¤ Jno. 3:14.

3.Reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Jude 6.

4.To hear that his children in the faith were walking in the truth. ¬ Jno. 4.

5.When he abides not in the doctrine of Christ. § Jno. 9.

6.1 John 5:13.

7.He that denieth that Jesus is the Christ. ¤ Jno. 2:22.

Bible Questions for December “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Revelation, Chapters 12-22

1.Who is the accuser of our brethren?

2.List three verses that speak of lies or liars.

3.What verse depicts the abiding condition of the saved and the lost in eternity?

4.What is the final judgment of the devil?

5.What is the second death?

6.What is the number of the beast?

7.What is the new song to be sung in heaven?

ML 12/03/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 40

IN the historical section chapters 36 to 39, we saw the contrast between the gods of the nations, and the living God with whom we have had to do. We found there too, the outward enemies, whose actions toward or against Israel and Judah, and their judgment at the hands of God and His people when later restored, occupied the first part of this book.

We now begin upon what has been called the second book of Isaiah because the subject brought out in it by the Holy Spirit is the inward or moral history of this people in their God-given place of testimony against idolatry. With this we shall find their relationship with Christ, and the salvation of a remnant of the nation through the mercy of God.

The second part of Isaiah’s prophecy begins with the comfort of God. How gracious of Him! He sees the end from the beginning, and though what follows will expose unsparingly the nation’s moral condition, His purposes in grace are interwoven throughout.

Verses 1 and 2 look then at the result; the details; how this result will be reached, occupies the Holy Spirit to the end of the book. When God can say that Jerusalem has received from His hand double, we know He is thinking of what His Son suffered on their behalf. Upon Him was laid, as the remnant will say (Isaiah 53:5, 6), “The iniquity of us all.” What they will have endured is but the needed correction, cleansing of heart and conscience in connection with the discovery to themselves of the enormity of their sin. Yet God here says to them, you have received double for all your sins; this is the reckoning of His gracious compassionate love.

In verses 3 to 8, though the beginning be concerned particularly with Israel—presenting John the Baptist’s mission to Israel (see the quotations in Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3 and Luke 3:4-6) we see the principles according to which God acts toward man. “All flesh is grass,” and Peter in his First Epistle, chapter 1 reminds us of this humbling fact; “but the Word of our God abideth forever.” Peter adds “And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you,” which could not be said by Isaiah, the gospel being then unknown.

Jerusalem will be the city of richest blessing, of highest favor, in the day toward which the prophets looked. What will be the state of the inhabitants when they may say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” (verse 9)?

We have read in the first part of Isaiah much about the judgments that will be poured out when He comes; here (verses 10 and 11), though His coming is with power and authority, Jehovah is Israel’s tender, gracious Shepherd, carrying the lambs in His bosom, and gently leading their mothers.

In what follows, Isaiah tells of the glory of God in language surpassing any attainment of man with all his boastful learning. Of course all of the Bible has a character which none of the world’s best literature approaches. Here, it is a question of God or idols.

In Job 38-41 is a comparable passage, where God declares His glory to the end that His servant may learn a lesson which none of his friends, not even Elihu, could teach him.

What moves our hearts in His praise is that this High and Lofty One stoops down to our feeble selves.

“He giveth power to the faint, and to him that hath no might He increaseth strength.”

“They that wait upon Him shall renew their strength; they shall mount up; with wings as eagles; they shall run and not tire; they shall walk and not faint” (verses 29, 31). Blessed be His Name forever!

ML 12/03/1933

Famous for Learning

“MY daughter gives the whole of her time and thought to study,” said the Christian mother of a young girl. “She is never happy without a book, and she says the only thing that she desires is to become famous for her great learning.”

The next thing I heard of this young lady, only a few months later, was that she was taken suddenly ill, and after a day or two of severe illness she died. What did her learning avail her then? Nothing. Her short life down here was ended, and her desire was not granted.

I do not know if she had ever thought of the life beyond death, or of where she would spend eternity.

Have you, dear boys and girls? What is your desire? Do you wish to make a name for yourself down here? It is quite right not to neglect your studies, but do not let them or anything else so fill your thoughts that you neglect your soul’s salvation. The wisdom of this world can never save your soul; nor give you the greatest knowledge of all, the knowledge of God (1 Cor. 1:20), for

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Prov. 1:7.

A great name for yourself will be of no use to you when called to die, only the name of Jesus can be of value to you then.

“For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

ML 12/03/1933

Not of Works

SALVATION costs us nothing, but it cost Jesus His life. The bitterness of the Cross, and the darkness of the tomb were His, that we might not know the shame of eternal darkness.

Reader, if you are laboring for salvation, give up your works of every kind, and find in Jesus, God’s only Son, blessed peace and rest.

“I would not work my soul to save,

For that my Lord hath done,

But I would work like any slave,

For love to God’s dear Son.”

Life, first, and works after. Rest your soul in Christ and what He has done for your salvation, then serve and honor Him in all you do and say.

The whole Word of God is true; let it be so to you. Accept the Word as your guide, and rest on it. First, out of self; then, into Christ; and then, into glory, are the three steps.

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

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me.” John 17:24.

ML 12/03/1933

Giving of Thanks

MANY of our readers, from their early days, have been taught to give thanks to the Lord for everything they receive, and how good it is to know while we are young that God is the One who gives us all things. We know that we brought nothing into this world, and that we carry nothing out of it, so it is evident that God has given us all things. Our place is, according to His Word, to be

“GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS UNTO GOD AND THE FATHER IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Eph. 5:20.

So, whether it is little or much, it becomes us all to give thanks to God.

There is one gift God has given us above all else, and that is His only begotten Son. He gave Him as a Saviour for us. Have you ever thanked God for such a Saviour?

He is the only and competent Saviour, and the One who saves to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. So we can truly say, God has done great things for us, and we should ever give Him praise and thanks for all things, but above all for His unspeakable gift, the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 12/03/1933

The One Who so Loved Me

Jesus, I know that Thy blood can save,

For I know it has saved me;

I once feared death, and the dark, dark grave,

And the darker eternity.

I felt my sins were a fearful load;

No language my sorrow could tell;

And ah! as I walked the broad, broad road,

I knew it was a journey to hell.

But I heard of One who loved me so,

That He came from His throne on high,

To bear the weight of my sin and woe,

And to bleed on the cross, and die.

He washed my sins in the crimson flood

That flowed from His open side,

And I knew I was saved by the precious blood

Of the Lord who was crucified.

So now, a sinner redeemed by blood,

In Christ accepted I stand,

And wait, as a blood-bought child of God,

For my home in the heavenly land.

And this is the joy I seek below,

As I sing of His love so free,

That others the wondrous love may know

Of the One who so loved me.

ML 12/03/1933

Snow

EACH season has its own particular beauty, and we might well praise and thank God for all His provisions to His creatures. God has fulfilled His promise which He made after the flood,

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Gen. 8:22.

The earth has had its seasons from that time on, and will till the end of all things here, when He shall melt the earth with fervent heat, and there will be no more sea; all man’s works shall be burned up, and there will be no more trace of sin.

God also uses the seasons as a symbol of the time of opportunity for man to be saved.

Soon the harvest for this earth will take place; that is, the Lord Jesus is coming to take all His own to be with Himself; and those who have heard the gospel of His grace, and have not believed in Jesus as their Saviour, these words will be true of them,

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jer. 8:20.

Thank God, the opportunity to be saved is still here, but at any moment it may be over for you.

“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 12/10/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 41

THE Gentiles are next challenged, for the nations are the islands and the people (peoples, as should be read here). “Let them come near, then let them speak; let us come near together to judgment.” It is still Jehovah speaking, “Who raised up from the east him whom righteousness calleth to its foot?” (verse 2). The person thus introduced we shall find named a few chapters further in this book; it is Cyrus, called “The Great” in profane history, —the conqueror of Babylon.

God gave this Persian king the power to destroy Babylon, notorious for its idolatry; and directed him to let the Jews go back to their land. We have read of him in our journey together by means of these “Bible Lessons” through the Scriptures, in the closing verses of 2 Chronicles and the first chapter of Ezra. But Isaiah’s prophecy was written about a hundred years before the birth of this Persian king.

Scoffers who reject both God and His Word, knowing nothing of their state as sinners before Him, and therefore in complete moral darkness regarding the Word of God, have found in Isaiah’s prophecy a favorite theme for display of their “Learning.” That God is the Author of the Book, they of course deny. If He is its Author, and no intelligent Christian doubts it, why should there be any difficulty over His telling about Cyrus a century before he was born? Far more wonderful things, than this are found all through God’s Holy Word.

As before in Isaiah, we observe that events yet future are linked with what was soon to happen when Isaiah wrote; so the Holy Spirit evidently had Christ in mind, in His future reign, when Cyrus came before Him.

The Gentiles turn to their idols; verses 5-7 are the sequel to the call, in verse 1. What folly engages man, that he will make his own idols, and then bow down to them!

Cyrus is not God’s servant, but Israel is (verse 8). God never gives up His purposes of grace, and though the chosen nation is set aside during many centuries, He will bring them into far greater blessing than they have ever known (verses 9-13).

“Thou worm Jacob” is a reference to the past and the present of this people; but the day of their power is not now far off (verses 14-16), and when that day dawns, the wilderness will rejoice, the thirsty land will become water springs. In the wilderness there shall be cedar, acacia, myrtle, oleaster; in the desert, the cypress, pine (or perhaps plane tree, or evergreen oak) and box tree together (verses 14-20).

Again the nations are challenged (verses 21-29); let them bring forward proof of the divinity claimed for their idols. “Let them bring them forward and declare to us what shall happen; show the former things, what they are, that we may give attention to them and know the end of them; or let us hear things to come; declare the things that are to happen hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil that we may be astonished (or examine) and behold it together.

Behold ye are less than nothing ... ..” (verses 21-24).

Yet man rejects the true God and returns to his idolatry!

Did the idols or their priests and soothsayers, astrologers, and the like tell of Cyrus’s, coming? Only Judah knew before the Babylonian empire was founded, that it was to take them captives, and that that empire would in due time be destroyed by Cyrus the Persian.

ML 12/10/1933

Where Is Your Name Written?

It was a charming winter’s morning, the roads were hard and dry, the frosty air brought the color to our cheeks, and the untrodden snow sounded crisp under our feet. A little friend, whom we will call Eva, was my companion.

We took our walk along a country road, where the unmelted snow became cleaner as we got away from the town. When Eva had run on a good way ahead of me, I halted before a lovely bank of the purest snow. It looked tempting, and my umbrella was soon at work making holes and figures.

At last I wrote my name in large round letters; very beautifully it stood out from that depth of snow; you could have read it from the middle of the road.

But I have been along that way many times since and have never seen my name.

“O!” you will say, “of course not, the snow has melted.” Just so, and my name has melted too. I have often seen children write their names in the sand, and very soon, as you know, the waves have washed them quite away.

Let us see what God’s Word says about the writing of names,

“O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake Thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.” Jer. 17:13.

When Jesus was here, He told His disciples not to rejoice at the great things they had been doing,

“But rather rejoice, because your names-are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20.

Now we know that God is going to burn the earth up, so it is of no use to have our names written there. But have you had yours written in heaven?

Philippians 4:3 speaks of some whose names are in the “Book of Life,” and a verse in Revelation tells of the doom of those whose names are not found there:

“Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

You see how careful we ought to be to have our names written there.

It is God who writes these names. He writes the name of any child who believes in His dear Son Jesus.

Some child may say, “O, but many children have the same name as I, and mine is the same as father’s.”

Quite true. I know two girls called Annie Harvey and two boys named John Brown. Still God knows each one separately, for if “He numbers the hair of our heads,” don’t you think He knows every child’s face? Never fear, God will make no mistake. He won’t let some other person into heaven instead of you, nor will He allow you to go there instead of someone else.

It is the names of those who have eternal life that are written in the book of life, and Jesus said,

“Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:15, 16.)

ML 12/10/1933

"On the Road to School"

WALKING out one pleasant morning in a pretty road, I saw two little figures coming along together: one, a little boy evidently going to school, for he carried some books and a tablet; the other, a little girl with a tiny basket upon her arm, as though she had been sent out to make some purchase for her mother.

I was interested in the two little people, and watched them without being noticed; for some short distance they went on famously, and I was pleased to see how well they were attending to their duties, when suddenly Bertie, for I had heard his sister call him by that name, stopped, and in a thoughtful manner said: —

“I wonder if I have brought my marbles with me;” after a little search they were found, safe in his pocket, and bringing them forth he said, “Now see, Maudie, I will show you how well I can play;” and putting down his books and tablet against a garden wall, he began to play with the marbles. Now Maudie was very fond of her brother, and proud of him too, as all little girls should be; but still, remembering her mother had said they were not to stay upon the road, but that Bertie was to make haste to school and she to return quickly, said:—

“Do not let us stop, Bertie dear, for you know mother said we were not to do so; and remember the text we learned last Sunday,

‘He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.’ Luke 16:10.

“We should not be faithful if we disobeyed mother, should we?” and taking her brother’s hand they trotted quickly away as the school-bell began to ring, Bertie to the school doors, and Maudie to return to her mother, her trust well fulfilled.

And now, my dear little friends, do you try always to faithfully carry out the commands of our Heavenly Father? Are you brave and strong when pleasure tempts you to neglect some duty? But let us not trust in our own strength, but call on the Lord, and He will help us fight the good fight, and so at last shall we hear those joyful words:

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matt. 25:23.

ML 12/10/1933

Jesus Is Our Saviour

Jesus is our Saviour,

Full of tenderness;

Now in heaven He liveth

Little ones to bless.

Once He left His glory,

And the desert trod

As a lonely stranger,

Though the Son of God.

If our souls but trust Him

We can surely say,

All our sins so many

He has washed away;

For His blood most precious

Was for sinners spilt,

When He died on Calvary

For our sin and guilt.

Jesus is our Saviour,

What have we to fear?

He will lead us onward

Through the desert drear.

Many sons to glory

He will surely bring;

Jesus is our Captain,

Of His praise we’ll sing.

Jesus is our Saviour,

Who for us has died,

Jesus is our Shepherd,

Now to lead and guide;

‘Twas His grace that sought us,

Wandering far away;

‘Tis His grace that keeps us

Near Him all the way.

ML 12/10/1933

Ready

BE ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matt. 24:44.

The apostle Paul could say, “I am now ready to be offered.” 2 Tim. 4:6.

Can the reader say, “I am now ready”?

ML 12/10/1933

The Snowstorm

THIS afternoon the snow began to fall—a real snow storm. Down came the little flakes faster and faster, making a heavy white blanket on the ground.

We sat at the window and watched the snow piling higher and higher on the ground, and several lessons came before our minds, but one especially seemed to impress itself.

If there is snow on the ground where you live, watch the next sunshiny day and see what happens to the snow where the sun shines directly on it. The snow will soon be all melted and the warm rays of the sun can reach the cold ground. But what about the shady places where the sunshine cannot reach? The snow is there—just as much and just as cold as ever.

Perhaps in your life, young as you may he, a coldness has come in between your soul and God. Perhaps you are beginning to neglect your morning or evening reading of God’s Word. Perhaps you are not getting on your knees or lifting your heart to God as often as you did at one time. Whatever it may be, it has come gradually, has it not, till there is a blanket of coldness, because of which we have forgotten the warmth of God’s love to us?

And how can we get rid of this which has fallen so lightly that we did not realize its seriousness?

“KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD.” Jude 21.

It is by doing this that the coldness will soon vanish away, and we can again enjoy the full radiance of God’s love.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 20, 21.

ML 12/17/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 42

THERE are two “servants” in this chapter; the Servant of verse 1 is Immanuel, God’s beloved Son, the only Man upon whom God has ever been able to look with unqualified delight. The servant of verse 19 is Israel.

The Son of God was not revealed to man until His coming into the world as the virgin’s Son; though His coming was foretold, we know, from the light the New Testament throws on the Old. We need the revelations made to the New Testament apostles and prophets in order to understand the prophecies of the Old.

The opening verses of our chapter are shown in Matt. 12:18-20 to refer to Jesus, the God-Man, as He passed on His solitary way from the manger of Bethlehem to the cross of Calvary; Isaiah, however could not have understood this at all clearly when he wrote his prophecy. He spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Pet. 1:21).

The Old Testament saints did not know of God’s secret purpose to seek a bride for His Son, chiefly among the Gentiles, to share the Son’s glory eternally. That purpose was revealed to the apostle Paul, and we learn of it in the Epistle to the Ephesians (compare 1 Pet. 1:10-12 with Ephesians, chapters 1, 2, 3).

There will be a heavenly, and there will also be an earthly people of God, for His Word cannot fail. But the two bodies will never be merged into one, if we rightly understand the Scriptures.

Isaiah then passes at once, without the suggestion of any break or interval such as has occurred now for 1900 years, from the earthly life of our adorable Saviour and Lord to His coming again with power and glory (verses 2-4).

And now, from consideration of the Son of His love, God turns in verse 8 to the subject of idolatry. Many would scorn the thought that idol worship will ever be practiced generally by the enlightened people of the world, but if we believe God’s Word, we know that it is certainly coming back, and to be practiced by all except those who will receive Christ as their Saviour (Matt. 12:43-45; 24:16 Rev. 13:14, 15).

He and He only is the light of the Gentiles, and the One who will make good the new covenant with Israel. Through Him and His redemption work on the cross, Israel will have a new song (verse 10) though not the same song as the heavenly saints (Rev. 5:9).

Verses 19, 20, though addressed to Israel, in substance are true of mankind generally; shutting their eyes and stopping their ears to every message from God, they plunge along with ever hastening steps, toward a lost eternity.

May we not apply the present state of the Jews in certain lands to verses 22-24? Modern Germany adds its name to the list of oppressors of Jacob’s sons, and the dwellers in Palestine resent their appearing in that land that once was theirs as God’s gift.

As yet however, the fury of God’s anger and the strength of battle (verse 25) have not fallen on the Jews. This awaits the time of Jacob’s trouble, the time when God will visit them on account of their sins, before He blesses them as they never have been blessed before.

ML 12/17/1933

Be Warned in Time

ONE day in the city of D—, an elephant was being transferred to one of the parks. As his keeper was taking him through the streets he saw, a little distance off, a milkman, with his wagon full of milk and cream, driving toward him. He called to the man not to come near, but he replied that he wanted to see the elephant, and he continued to drive towards it.

It was not long until the elephant smelled the milk, and hastening up to the wagon, he soon pierced its sides with his strong tusks, then with his trunk lifted the lid from one of the cans, and in a very few minutes emptied it of its contents.

By this time the driver, who was thoroughly frightened, was whipping up his horses and trying to get away from the elephant that he had been so anxious to see. But Mr. Elephant had no notion of losing a dinner that was so much to his liking, and trotting along beside the hurrying wagon, he adroitly twisted his trunk about can after can, and jerked them out one by one, until all were on the ground. Then he made his dinner on the milk and cream that had not been spilled.

In this way forty-five gallons were soon disposed of, greatly to the dismay of the poor milkman. He had had timely warning, but he did not heed it; and because of this he not only had a great fright, but he lost many dollars’ worth of milk and cream.

What lesson do you, dear reader, gather from this story? The attractions that this world offers to keep you from owning yourself a lost sinner and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, may not look more dangerous to you than the elephant did to the milkman. But God’s Word tells us of a yawning lake of fire, a death that never comes to an end, for those who will not be warned of the judgments to come.

The milkman was foolish not to heed the warning given; do not let this worst of all follies be yours—not to heed the warnings of God’s Word to come to Christ. Flee now to Him, the only refuge from the coming wrath, ere it be forever too late.

“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Heb. 9:27. 28.

“A Man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isa. 32:2.

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

ML 12/17/1933

A Good Answer

A CLASS of little boys of about seven years were being examined by the inspector in “Religious Knowledge.” At the conclusion of the period the following question was put,

“Can any boy tell me what God cannot see?”

What the inspector had in his mind, one cannot tell, but it was a puzzler to these little boys.

At length one of the boys put up his hand, tremblingly perhaps. The teacher interfered, and ventured to say that this particular boy was rather below standard, and no attention need be given him.

“Never mind,” said the inspector, “we shall see what he has to say.”

“Now then, Sonny, tell me something God cannot see.”

“My sins, sir,” answered the boy. “O! Why?”

“Because the Bible says, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’”

Let me ask you if you had been one of the boys in that class, what answer could you have given?

Does God see your sins, are they “in the light of His countenance”? (Psa. 90:8). Are they “before God’s face” (Hosea 7:2)?

If your sins have not been removed so that God cannot see them, it will be terrible to consider that you who read this have not acquainted yourself with God and His remedy for your sins.

The remedy is the blood; the measure of it is cleansing, not merely covering and removing, but cleansing, making that which was sin-stained, clean and pure; and the extent of it is to all.

“What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”

ML 12/17/1933

I Am the Door

IN a town, some boys were in the habit of meeting together for prayer. A little girl was passing, and heard them sing. She stopped to listen, and thinking it was an ordinary prayer meeting, she felt anxious to get in. Putting up her hand she pulled the latch, but it would not open; it was fastened inside. She became very uneasy, and the thought arose in her mind,

“What if this were the door of heaven, and me outside?” She went home, but could not sleep that night.

Day after day she became more troubled at the thought of being shut out of heaven. She went from one meeting to another, and found no rest. At length, one day reading the 10th of John, she came to the words,

“I am the door.” She paused, and read the verse again and again. Here was the very door she was seeking, and wide open, too; and she entered it and found peace.

Dear reader, have you entered by that blessed door, the way to heaven and God? Jesus says,

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

ML 12/17/1933

He Is Coming

He is coming—who is coming?

Is it one whom I shall fear?

No!—the blessed, kind Lord Jesus—

He who suffered for me here:

He is coming!

In the clouds He will appear.

O, how happy!—those who love Him

All His beauty then shall see;—

And the glorious sight will make them

Bright and beautiful as He:

In a moment

Like their Saviour they will be.

He will take them up to heaven

From this world and sin apart,

There His Father will receive them

To His home and to His heart:

In the glory,

Never more from Him to part.

Happy children who are waiting,

For that bright and joyful day!

Knowing Jesus as their Saviour,

They can watch for Him and say,

“Come, Lord Jesus!

Take Thy little ones away.”

ML 12/17/1933

Selling Oysters

THE fresh oysters and crabs seem to be much in demand among our colonial friends in this picture.

How thoughtful God is of us to provide us with food from both the land and the water. What thankful children we ought to be! Isn’t it sad that many people enjoy His bounties without stopping to think of God who has given them?

It hurts your feelings to see one pay no attention to your kindness when you have helped him. Is this the way you are treating God? Do you love Him?

Above all these earthly gifts, He has given His Son, Jesus, to die for us. There. is no way of pleasing God in return for His kindness to us, unless we first accept His Son, Jesus, as our own Saviour. Let us thank Him truly for such a Saviour, and for all the other good things He has given us to enjoy while we live in this world.

“Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17.

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

“THANKS BE UNTO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT.” 2 Cor. 9:15.

ML 12/24/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 43

WE are constrained to say, again and again, as we read of God’s ways with man in both Old and New Testaments, How marvelous is His grace! How amazing is His love! The gifts and calling of God (Rom. 11:9) are without repentance (or, not subject to repentance). Having determined to bless, He will bless; He will not give up His purpose because of the unworthiness of the objects of His love, His care.

In the latter part of chapter 42 God has spoken in the most positive way about Israel’s sins, their present state and coming judgment; He goes on in chapter 43 to speak words of deepest comfort to His redeemed. Out of the fearful judgment through which the Jews and (though separately) the last ten tribes, will pass after the present day of grace is ended, there will be a remnant of faith, as the Old Testament prophecies abundantly show.

For them is this exceedingly precious message to encourage the remnant in the fearsome days to come,

“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee; for I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel thy Saviour. ... Fear not, for I am with thee. ... (verses 1-7).

The little land of Palestine, which many unbelieving Jews think too small and too far from the busy centers of the world, will be large enough for all of Israel that shall be converted to God. And as to its capacity to sustain them, we need only turn to Dent. 8:7-9; 11:12 and 32:8.

All the earth will see what God has wrought in that day, —the blind that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears (Israel), and the nations and peoples, idolaters witnessing to the truth of the living God and the worthlessness of their idols (verses 8, 9).

“I am He,” in verses 10 and 13 is a name of God the Hebrew word for which is found in chapter 41:4; in Deut. 32:39; 2 Sam. 7:28; Neh. 9:6, 7; Psa. 44:4 and 102:27 and is quoted in Heb. 1:12. It has the meaning of “the Same,” “the self-existent One who does not change,” in contrast to man who is so changeable.

The God who has revealed Himself in His Word, is eternal in His existence; before Him there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Him; He is the covenant-keeping God; and beside Him there is no Saviour.

“The eternal God is thy refuge.” Deut. 33:27. “A just God and a Saviour, there is none beside Me.” Isa. 45:21. How suited to the dire need of poor, lost, undone man!

Verses 14-17 refer to the judgments to be executed on the nations in the last days, and verses 18-21 to the blessing that will follow the judgments.

But that day has not come; until it does, the conscience-searching words of verses 22-24 hold against Israel. How touching is the language of this passage:

For His own sake, God will not blot out their transgressions, and will not remember their sins. They will have no merits of their own to plead; they can take refuge in nothing less than the only acceptable plea of any poor sinner today (Isa. 53:5, 6; Acts 10:43; Rom. 3:23, 24; Tit. 3:3-5),

“Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee—

Lamb of God, I come!”

“Thy first father” (verse 27) is Adam; by one man sin entered into the world (Rom. 5:12). “Thy teachers” is literally “thy interpreters,” and it is so given in Job 33:23; it is those who were in position as God’s ambassadors to the people.

In 2 Chron. 32:31 The same Hebrew word is translated “ambassadors.” The whole nation was far from God—people, prophets and priests; therefore judgment long deferred was overtaking them.

ML 12/24/1933

Sin

DEAR children, do you know what a terrible thing sin is in the sight of God, and how He hates it? God is holy and cannot have sin in His presence or even look upon it; therefore when the Lord Jesus Christ was bearing our sins and the judgment of God on the cross, God turned His back on Him until that judgment had been fully met.

Sin is a short word and not difficult to understand, but it is hard for many to believe that what God says about sin and sinners applies to them. However, it is a fact that

“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

Spell the word, s-i-n, and what do you find? A little “i” in the middle, fenced in by s and n. Are you not saying right now,

“Yes, that is me, I am in my sins”? Our own consciences tell us that we have sinned. How sad it makes us feel to think we have sinned against God, who loves us so.

Although God cannot receive one into His holy presence with sins, He wants us to be with His dear Son, and justly forgives the sins of those who believe in Him who died on the cross.

Do you not want your sins forgiven? Then confess them to God at once. Do not wait until you are older or better, for you will be growing worse. Come to Him just now, owning your sins and God will forgive you at once for Jesus’ sake. Then you can be a really happy boy or girl, with your sins all forgiven, and washed away in the blood of Jesus.

Do confess your sins to God this moment, and claim Jesus as your Saviour.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ... ..to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5, 6.

ML 12/24/1933

"He Says He Will;" or, Faith in God

ONE bitter cold winter, a poor Christian woman who had long been struggling against illness and poverty, was left without a cent of money. She was obliged to tell her little boy, who was also a believer and her only son, that she could give him no breakfast that morning, for she had not a loaf of bread in the house. She was therefore, very much surprised, when after having been out of the room, he presently returned and began as usual to lay the little white cloth on the table, get out the plates and cups, and put everything in readiness for breakfast.

“Why Frank,” said his mother, “what are you doing that for; did you not hear me say that we have not a bit of bread in the house?”

“Yes, Mother, but I have been asking God to send us some, and I know He will hear me, because He says He will,” answered the little boy with a cheerful smile.

Soon they heard the sound of horses’ feet coming up the road, and going to the door, Frank perceived a man leading a horse slowly along. He stopped at the gate and said,

“Look here, my boy, my horse has lost two shoes, and I have still twelve miles to go; take him to the blacksmith’s shop over the way, and when you have brought him back safely, I will reward you for your trouble. Will you allow me to rest in your cottage in the meantime?” he added to the poor widow, who appeared in the doorway.

“Surely, sir, and welcome, too,” she answered, and hastened to set a chair for him.

They soon got into conversation.

“I fear I am keeping you from your breakfast, my good woman,” he said, seeing that there was nothing on the table but plates and cups, “pray do just as if you were alone.”

At length the poor woman was obliged to tell him the real state of affairs. When little Frank came back with the horse, the man mounted quickly, and rode off, having first dropped a coin into the boy’s hand.

“You shall hear from me again,” he said as he galloped away.

O, how eagerly Frank ran to show his mother what God had sent him! What was his surprise when with tears of joy the poor widow held up a bank note, exclaiming,

“O, my child! how could I doubt the Lord for one moment! You were right, you were right, my boy.”

The happy mother and still happier son knelt down and returned most hearty thanks to their heavenly Father for His goodness to them.

“I knew He would send us something,” said little Frank, “I knew He would, because He said so.”

O that we all had this dear boy’s faith in God’s promises. Then, indeed would we find the truth of David’s words,

“God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.” Psa. 46:1.

ML 12/24/1933

"Because I Love Jesus"

I ASKED a dear little girl why she wanted to do what is right. She answered,

“Because I love Jesus.”

Many people are trying to do right because they think that is the way they can get to heaven.

But they are making a big mistake. Jesus has done the work on the cross. There is nothing left for the sinner to do. He has only to believe in Christ and His finished work. His own, works can never save him.

After we know Jesus is our Saviour, it will be our delight to serve Him and to please Him by doing what is right and good. Like little Ruth, we will want to do good because we love Him.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Col. 3:1.

ML 12/24/1933

The Lambs of Christ

Each lamb of Christ is purchased

By precious blood;

Each lamb of Christ is nourished

With heavenly food;

Each lamb of Christ is tended

With loving care;

Each lamb of Christ is destined

Life’s home to share.

How happy to be folded

Upon His breast!

His purchased lamb, there ever

In peace to rest;

To fear no condemnation

Since He has died;

To have a full salvation—

To none denied.

Dear child, and are you loving

This precious One?

Are you, by faith, rejoicing

In God’s dear Son?

Fly to His loved embraces,

He waits for thee;

Accept His offered mercy,

And happy be.

ML 12/24/1933

The Young Watchmaker

WHAT fun these children are having at keeping shop. “Mr. Jimmy” looks very wise, but his big spy-glass and the hammer look to be rather clumsy instruments for mending watches.

Probably the three at the end of the room are only playing; and it is quite well that they should all be having fun of a wholesome sort. It is pleasant to think again that the Spirit of God takes notice of the activities of children:

“And the streets of the city (Jerusalem) shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.” Zech. 8:5.

Since you are not playing, but only looking at the picture, perhaps you may learn a good lesson from the notice, “Time taught while you wait.” Our lesson is that God’s great clock of salvation points only to one time.

“Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, Now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

To learn that NOW is God’s day of salvation, is not merely to learn the text in our memory, but to receive Christ as our own Saviour in our heart.

While you look at this picture and enjoy its fun, don’t forget that NOW is the best time, and God’s time to be saved.

“IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD.” Hosea 10:12.

ML 12/31/1933

Bible Lessons

Isaiah 44

THE first five verses are in subject connected with the preceding chapter, but the division of the Bible into chapters and verses, while very useful, is a human arrangement, and far from perfect. It was in 1250, nearly 700 years ago, that a cardinal of Rome named Hugo divided the Bible into chapters as it is today. In 1551, an Englishman, Sir Robert Stephens; put out a Greek New Testament with the verse arrangement we have in our Bibles; in 1560 the whole Bible was printed in this form for the first time.

“Fear not!” (verse 2). These words of inexpressible comfort to faint-hearted saints are found in the Bible no less than 33 times as uttered by God, or spoken by angels, His messengers, who delight to do His bidding. Well might the Psalmist say,

“I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” Psa. 23:4.

Should the Christian fear when John 10:27-30; Rom. 8; 2 Cor. 5:1-5; 1 John 4:17 assure him on God’s authority of his security now and eternally?

“Jeshurun,” a name given to Israel in Deut; chapters 32 and 33, and in our chapter, is believed, to mean “the upright (people).”

Faith grasps God’s “I wills” (verse 3), wherever they are found. They speak of the blessed purposes of our gracious God, as we sometimes sing,

“Whose love is as great as His power. And knows neither measure nor end.”

See Gen. 9:15 to Noah and his descendants; Gen. 17: 1-S to Abraham; Ex. 12:13; to Moses and the children of Israel; Matt. 8:3 to the leper; John 14:3 to the Lord’s people of this day, and Heb. 13:5 for believers at all times.

It fills the heart with gladness to think of the day to come when God’s earthly people, the Jews, now blind and deaf (chapter 42:19, 20) to the gospel of His grace, will carry out what verse 5 foretells of them.

Verses 6 to 20 take up again the needful discussion of the idols to whose worship Israel was so prone, Who can speak as God can? To the heart and the conscience His Word is directed; why would not His chosen people hear, and repent with humble confession of their sinfulness?

We may think ourselves free from the besetting sin that was Israel’s, but let us recall that, after all, anything which is allowed to take the supreme place in the heart which belongs to God, is an idol. Not to those who bowed down before images of false gods, but to Christians, children of God by faith in Christ Jesus is 1 John 5:21 addressed,

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

It is the living and eternal God who speaks (verse 6): the First and the Last, and beside Him there is no God. Compare this name of God with it as used by our risen Lord of Himself in Revelation 1:17, 18; there He is “the First and the Last, and the Risen One;”—He was dead, but is alive for evermore, and has the keys of hales and of death, —the mighty Conqueror of Satan and of death’s power, through His own death has brought deliverance to all who trust in Him.

All the issues of life are in the hands of God; who but He has foretold with absolute truth, what has happened, and what will happen? (verse 7). Have the substitutes for Himself that Satan has provided, —the idols, or the sorcerers, the necromancers, the star-gazers, on the one hand: or man, boastful in his pride, self-sufficient as he deems, —have these proved themselves trustworthy? Let such answer the demand of verse 7; for the children of God, there can be no question at all, —Satan, the father of lies, held out to Eve in the garden of Eden a bright prospect (Gen. 3:5). But what misery, what tears, and groans, what fearful consequences have followed believing Satan’s lie!

Coming down to the measure of man’s darkened mind, God in verses 9-20 shows the utter folly of idol worship (see Rom. 1:21-23). The first mention of idolatry is in Gen. 31:19, but Josh. 24:14, 15 shows that it was from it that Abraham was called, the “flood” being the great river Euphrates (See Amos 5:25, 26 and Jer. 2:28).

In most touching language God brings Himself before His people.

“Remember these things, O Jacob and Israel (the old and new names of the father of the nation) for thou art My servant; ... thou shalt not be forgotten of Me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions ... return unto Me, for I have redeemed thee” (verses 21, 22). This language will yet reach the stony heart of Israel, God’s Word will not return to Him void.

At the close of the chapter, the Persian deliverer of the Jews from the oppression of the Babylonians, already referred to in chapter 41, is named though then unborn. Man in his unbelief may reject the inspiration of the Bible, but for the Christian there can be no doubt that it is God Himself who speaks from its pages, and He alone declares in truth things to come. Cyrus is not the only case of a man’s being named long before his birth (see 1 Kings 13:2, 3, fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:16).

ML 12/31/1933

Jesus, the Good Shepherd

JESUS bears the name of THE GOOD SHEPHERD. No other shepherd has such a name. He was never selfish, He did not come to make again out of the poor sheep. O, no; He came to heal the sick, to bind up that which was broken, and to bring together again those who were scattered. Shepherds may serve for hire, but the Good Shepherd serves for love. Jesus served His Father and the sheep, because He loved His Father’s will. He came from His bright home in heaven to toil and to suffer upon earth, because He so loved us.

We may know why Jesus bears this beautiful name of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is so very kind, and so full of love and pity, that He “giveth His life for the sheep.” He loved His sheep so much that they were dearer to Him even than His own life.

The prophet Isaiah speaks very sweetly to us of the Good Shepherd. He says,

“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isa. 40:11.

If your father had you in his arms, you would feel quite safe, because you could trust your father’s strength. I have never heard of a very little child saying, “Father, don’t let me fall.” It is only older children who have such fears; when in their father’s arms, they will say sometimes, “Don’t drop me, father!” If you repose on Jesus’ strength, you will never fear that He will let you fall. Think of what He has said:

“Neither shall any pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28.

A very strong robber might pluck the lamb out of the shepherd’s arms, but Jesus is Almighty, and none can steal us away from Him. No one—neither Satan, nor anyone else—can steal away from the Good Shepherd the least of the little lambs who belong to Him.

If you had your head upon your mother’s bosom, you would feel quite happy, because of your trust in your mother’s love. I never yet heard of a tiny child saying, “My mother does not love me.” But Jesus’ love is stronger even than a mother’s and He loves His own too much to part with even one of them. He loved His own so much that He died for them, and now that He has risen from the grave, and gone back to glory, He says,

“Because I live ye shall live also.” John 14:19.

ML 12/31/1933

Waiting for Jesus

AT the close of a gospel meeting for children, several young ones remained, desiring to hear more of the “good news” which had been the subject of the address.

One little girl, of about nine or ten summers, was sitting by herself, evidently much interested. I sat by her side, and asked her name, and then said,

“For whom are you waiting?”

Her simple reply was,

“Jesus.”

“And whom is Jesus waiting for?” I asked.

One word alone she answered,

“Me.”

Little Mary was waiting for Jesus; Jesus was waiting for little Mary; and so, very soon, the two met, for Mary, just as she was, a poor, lost sinner without one plea, but that the Lord Jesus had shed His blood for such, came to Him who was “waiting for her,” and found that He kept His Word, and did not cast her out.

My little friend, do you know that Jesus is waiting for sinners like you to come to Him? Yes, just as you are, and just now. This loving Saviour—

Stands patiently:

Though oft rejected,

Calls again.

How many times has the Lord Jesus called you? Perhaps through your Sunday school teacher, or father or mother, He has called you, but you have not come. You have kept Him waiting, He still calls;

“Come unto Me.”

When on earth, He called a little child unto Him (Matt. 18:2), and the little one seems to have come at once. Now, will you come? Do not say, I am such a sinner, must I not wait till I am better? No, dear friend, the Lord says,

“Come now ... 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.

ML 12/31/1933

The Sweetest Name

I asked a little darling child,

“Which is the sweetest name?”

And from her lips, without a pause,

The accents “Jesus,” came.

“And do you know,” continued I,

“One who that name doth own?”

“I do, I do!” she sweetly said,

“He sits on heaven’s bright throne.”

“And Why does He, my precious child,

The name of Jesus bear?”

A smile at once lit up her face,

So pleasing and so fair:

“He bears the name,” her answer was

“Because He shed His blood

To save the wretched and the lost,

And bring them nigh to God.”

ML 12/31/1933

Messages of God's Love: 1933

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for November

Bible Lessons

Whither Bound?

The Angel's Care

The Fish and the Pussies

"Can't You Talk?"

Bible Lessons

A Strange Punishment

Do You Hide Your Bible?

Jesus Loves the Little Ones

Snowballing

Bible Lessons

Lessons From Everyday Life

"The Uttermost Parts of the Sea"

'Nobody Looking'

More About Jesus

The Arabian Lady

Bible Lessons

"What's This, Religion?"

The Faith of a Little Child

Just a Little One I Am

The Scanty Meal

Bible Lessons

Christ Calleth "Come"

Lessons From Everyday Life

Clinging to the Wreck

He Loves Me so

Answers to Bible Questions for December

Bible Lessons

The Little Boy and the Policeman

The Dead Lamb

Jesus of Nazareth

Bible Lessons

Only a Poor Gipsy Chap

Jesus for Me! Jesus for Me!

White as Snow

Sparrows

Bible Lessons

The House Was Open

Little Lizzie's Mistake

Jesus Loves You

"Jonah and the Whale"

Bible Lessons

Marked and Claimed

Obeying Orders

Eternity

Answers to Bible Questions for January

Bible Lessons

"Jesus Christ so Sorry for You"

The Spoiled Picture

Jessie's Sweet Story

Poverty

Bible Lessons

Come to Jesus Right Now

A Little Child's Faith

The Only Saviour

The Serpent and the Tiger

Bible Lessons

He Is Coming Soon

"A Little Child Shall Lead Them"

"Never Perish"-Who?

Saving Life

Bible Lessons

A Friend in Need

A Welcome

The Old, Old Story

Answers to Bible Questions for February

Bible Lessons

"This Same Jesus"

Saying "Amen" To God

Two Mothers

The Sheep

Bible Lessons

True Joy

Robert's Inheritance

The Snake and the Frog

Gentle Words and Tender

Timothy