Bright Stories for the Young: Mother's Bible Stories

Sitting under the burning rays of the eastern sun the little boy soon became very ill and called out for his father to come to him. His father told one of, the lads working in the field to carry him home to his mother, and in a very short time the little boy died, sitting on his mother's knee. His mother took his body and laid it on the bed of Elisha, the prophet, who sometimes lived with them in the house. Then the mother went away to Carmel where Elisha was. The prophet came and shut himself in with the dead body of the little boy and prayed to the Lord. Then he stretched himself on the child and very soon he opened his eyes, and was restored to his fond mother's arms.

We may learn from this story, that little boys die, sometimes very suddenly too. If you were to die like this little boy, are you ready? The Lord Jesus, like Elisha, has come, and can give you eternal life, and make you ready to live with Him in heaven. He will one day raise all the dead bodies that are in the graves, saved and unsaved, but He is at present raising sinners dead in sins and giving them spiritual life. Can you say dear young reader, that He has given life to you?

Have you been raised from death in sin by the Lord Jesus, and will you be ready to meet Him when He comes again on the resurrection morning, to raise the bodies of all who have believed on Him? There was joy, no doubt, in the home at Shunen that day, and there will be joy in your heart if you receive Christ.

The Little Captive Maid

DURING a time of war, a band of Syrian soldiers, went up to the land of Israel and carried away captive a little girl. Far away from the land of her birth, where she had been kissed and carressed by a fond mother, and where she had played as a child on the beautiful hills and valleys of the land of promise, she was carried to Syria, there to serve as a slave in the house of Naaman, a great captain of the Syrian army. In her early days she had been taught, as all the Jewish children were, the word of the Lord, and even after she was far away from home and kindred, she did not forget the name of the Lord.

Her master was a leper, and for a leper there was no cure known. As the little maid went in and out before her mistress she may have seen her sad look, and heard her speak of the loathsome disease that was carrying her husband to the tomb. The heart of the little maid was moved with compassion for her master, and she remembered that God had a prophet in her land who could cure him of his leprosy. One day she told her mistress about this prophet, and on the word of this little maid, the great captain with his horses and chariots set out to see the prophet in the land of Israel, and he came back cured of his leprosy, and converted, to worship the God of Israel. How glad the little maid would be when she saw him return healed and happy, I am sure she would be glad that she did not keep the good news of healing to herself, or fear to testify for her God in that heathen land. Boys and girls who know Jesus as their own Savior, should speak of Him to others, and tell of His precious blood that cleanseth from all sin. It is not at all likely that any of our young readers have ever seen a leper. Leprosy is a very loathsome disease, carrying its victim slowly to the tomb. Nothing can arrest or cure it. The leper is not allowed to live with his friends, he must dwell alone, far from other men, away in the dreary desert, until he dies.

The Story of Samuel

THERE is a beautiful story told in the Bible about a little boy, whose name was Samuel. He was one of the children of whom we read in God's Word, who were converted in their very early days. I am sure you will all like to know something about this little boy. His mother's name was Hannah, and his father's name Elkanah. They lived in a place called Mount Ephraim, which, if you look in a map of Canaan, you will see, not very far from the center of that country. A little way off from their home, there was a place called Shiloh, and there stood the tabernacle. It had been carried through the desert by the children of Israel, and put up at Shiloh, as God told His servant Joshua, in order that His people might go up there to worship Him, as He had told them. One time when they went up to Shiloh, Hannah prayed very earnestly that God would give her a little boy, which He did, and she called his name Samuel, which means, "Asked of God." I am sure his mother was very fond of her little Samuel, but she had told the Lord, that if He would give her a son, she would "give him to the Lord all the days of his life" (1 Sam. 1:2), because she saw that some one was needed to do the Lord's work amongst His people.

When Samuel was a very little boy, she took him up to Shiloh with her one day, and after offering the usual sacrifice, she gave the little boy over to the care of Eli, the aged priest of God, and praised the Lord in a very beautiful song of thanksgiving: Then I suppose she kissed her little Samuel, and went away back to her home. And did she ever see him again? O yes. When the time came to go up to Shiloh to worship God, Hannah, his mother, would see her little boy. And do you know what she took up for him every year when she went? A little coat. Our picture shows the fond mother fitting it on. It is not the same as children wear here. It would be made of linen, and that band she is putting around him is the girdle. Though only a very little boy we are told that "Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod." I fear many boys and girls would rather have been out in the world seeing sights than there, but Samuel grew up before the Lord to be one of His most honored servants. But there is one thing I must not forget to tell you about him. He needed to be converted just like any other boy. He had to be "born again" just the same as any other sinner, even although he had a godly mother, and although he was brought up in the temple of the Lord. We are told that there was a time in this dear boy's life, in which "Samuel did not yet know the Lord" (1 Sam. 3:7). He needed to be awakened one night out of sleep to hear what God had to say to him, and so must every boy and girl before they can be saved. As Samuel lay in his bed by night, he heard the voice of the Lord calling. But Samuel thought it was the voice of Eli, and arose and went to him, for he did not then know the voice of the Lord. The same voice called again, and yet again, and the third time Samuel said―"Speak, for thy servant heareth." Then the Lord spake to Samuel's heart, and he became one of the Lord's lambs, who know His voice, and follow Him. Have you been converted, dear young reader? Do you know the Lord? Can you say―"Jesus is my Savior," and "I know that my Redeemer liveth.”

When little Samuel woke,

And heard Jehovah's voice;

At every word He spoke,

How did his heart rejoice!

And God now speaks to me

Within His holy Word:

The Savior there I see,

And own Him as my Lord

Dot's Alphabet

HERE is "Dot" with her large Alphabet. She is too young to go to school, but she knows the letters pretty well. Do you know how she learned them? Mother takes her a quarter of-an-hour every Lord's-day afternoon, while her big brothers and sisters are at the Sunday School, and teaches her a text beginning with that letter of the Alphabet, a different one each day, and a little verse along with it. So you see she

soon gets to know all the twenty-six letters and she can repeat twenty six short texts, and verses too in six months. I think this is very good for a little "Dot" like her, and there are many other little boys and girls who might do the same. Try this simple way. Many texts from God's holy Word and sweet gospel verses, would be sown in the young and tender heart about sin and the Savior, to be thought of after many days. Let us see what "Dot's Alphabet" is, and then we will try and learn to repeat it, and her verses too.

A. All have sinned. Rom. 3:23.

"ALL" means every girl and boy, And

"SINNED" means turned from God and joy.

B. Behold the Lamb of God. John 1:36.

"‘THE LAMB OF GOD' who came to die,

Upon the Cross of Calvary."

C.“Come unto Me. Matt. 11:28.

"COME to the Savior make no delay,

Here in His Word He shows us the way.”

D. Dost thou believe on the Son of God. John 9:35.

"All who in His Name BELIEVE,

Everlasting life receive.”

E. Enter in at the strait gate. Luke 13:24.

"Whosoever cometh need not delay,

Now the door is open, ENTER while you may."

F. Flee from the wrath to come. Matt. 3:7.

"To Jesus Christ I trembling FLEE, My

REFUGE from the storm is He.”

G. God is love. 1 John 4:8.

"GOD Is LOVE, I know it well,

Jesus came that love to tell.”

H. Hear and your soul shall live. Isa. 55:3.

“Jesus only life can give,

And His Word is, 'HEAR AND LIVE.’”

I. I Will trust and not be afraid. Isa. 12:2.

"I am TRUSTING Lord in Thee,

Blessed Lamb of Calvary.”

J. Jesus Christ my Lord. Phil. 3:8.

"Lord of all is JESUS now,

Every knee to Him must bow.”

K. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 21.

"Cleaving ever close to Thee,

KEEP a little one like me."

L. Took unto Me and be ye saved. Isa. 45:22.

“There is life for a LOOK at the Crucified One,

There is life at this moment for thee.”

M. My Strength and my Redeemer. Psa. 19:14.

"I will sing of MY Redeemer,

And His wondrous love to me.”

N. Not of Works. Eph. 2:9.

I will NOT work my soul to save,

For that the Lord has done.”

O. Open to Me. SOS. 5:2.

“Swing the heart’s widely OPEN,

Let Him enter while you may.”

P. Prepare to meet thy God. Amos 4:12.

"Haste, haste thee, O sinner, prepare for that day,

The bright hours of mercy are passing away.”

Q. Quicken thou me. Psa. 119:25

"I once was dead in sin, but Jesus gave me life,

Now QUICKENED by His power I conquer in the strife.”

R. Rest in the Lord. Psa. 37:7.

"Jesus gives the weary REST,

Simply trusting I am blest.”

S. Salvation is of the Lord. Jonah 2:9.

"SALVATION for the aged, salvation for the young,

Salvation e'en for children, proclaim with joyful tongue.”

T. Trust in the Lord. Prov. 3:5.

"Jesus I will trust Thee, trust Thee with my soul,

Guilty, lost and helpless, Thou canst make me whole.”

U. Underneath are the everlasting Arms Deut. 33:27.

“Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o'ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.”

V. Vengeance is mine. Rom. 12:9.

"The day of grace will quickly end,

The VENGEANCE of the Lord descend."

W. Without shedding of blood is no remission. Heb. 9:22.

"Jesus precious blood was shed,

And by this my peace was made.”

X. Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Luke 13:3.

"Lost to God, to hope, and heaven.

Unbelieving, unforgiven.”

Y. Ye must be born again. John 3:7.

"Soon as my soul I trusted, to Jesus precious blood,

The Holy Spirit entered and I was BORN OF GOD."

Z. Zealous of good works. Titus 3:14.

“Thou hast lived and died for me,

I would live and work for Thee.”

The African Slave Boy

I AM going to tell you a very sad story of a poor little African boy. But, first of all, I must tell you that we have no trains here in Africa, and when we want provisions we have to send black men to the coast for them. These men carry on their shoulders big loads of things that come out from England and Scotland for us here. They walk all this distance on their bare feet without hats, and with hardly any clothes on their bodies. There are many little boys that go with them to carry their food, and little earthen pots in which to cook it. Poor little fellows! They have a very hard life of it, walking and running, day after day, alongside of the men. I must tell you now what happened to one of these little boys. A number of men were coming along the road carrying loads for us, when they came upon a poor little black boy lying on the road nearly dead. He had a great big cut behind his ear, and was nearly wasted away almost like a skeleton. These men took him up and brought him here. Mr. Arnot says the blow behind the ear, would be given by some one intending to kill him. He might not be able to carry his load, and this is the way they would get rid of him. He is about ten years of age, poor wee fellow!

He knows nothing of a mother's love or a father's care, such as you boys and girls know, and he has never heard of Jesus, the One who gives rest to the weary and who is a Friend to the friendless. The man who found him could not get him to speak, and he was so afraid of us that if we went near him he began to cry. I went in to see him, and gave him a biscuit, which he took, but crept behind the man who brought him, quite afraid. Mr. Arnot wanted to keep him, that we might care for him, but he would not stay. He has gone with the man who will likely keep him until he grows bigger, and then he will sell him as a slave. Isn't it very sad to think of what this poor child may have to suffer. I went into the hut to see him before he went away. There he sat with his little black arms crossed, and put over his shoulders. When he saw me he began to cry, for fear that I would take him away. Poor little fellow! how one longs for the time when such as he should hear the story of Jesus' love, and of that glorious liberty which the Gospel brings. Will you, dear boys and girls who know Jesus, pray for the little slave boys and girls of Africa?

They have had a hard life of it. Parted often from their parents, and snatched away from their quiet village homes by slave dealers, then sold and carried far away to spend their remaining days in bitter slavery. Can you imagine anything more sad? I know of only one thing; that is, to be a slave of Satan. To be parted from God and Christ by sin, and to live and die in the service of Satan. Then at life's close to be parted from loved friends who are in Christ, never more to meet again. Dear children, Are any of you in this sad condition? If you are, do not remain in it any longer. Jesus longs to set you free, and to make you happy.

The Story of Our Dog, Sambo

I AM going to tell you about our fine dog, Sambo, which Mr. Arnot brought out of Africa, from England. He was a dear, faithful dog, and such a comfort to us as a watch in these African wilds. Well, he took ill one day, and became so strange and snappish, that it became necessary to shoot him. He was shot a few yards from my hut, and the boys buried him in the ground within our enclosure. But what do you think? Some of the people who live around us here, having heard of what had happened to the dog, came up and demanded that his remains should be dug up and carried to the river. There is a long story connected with this custom, and the people have so many strange ideas about witchcraft, that anything of this kind frightens them terribly. They do not know God, the God of love, and the devil has got them to believe all sorts of strange notions. When an African chief is enthroned, it is the custom to sacrifice a dog, a bullock, and a man, and owing to this they will not allow a dog to be buried in the ground. So the boys had to go and dig up poor Sambo's remains and carry them to the river. After this was done, the men came to our yard, took one of the fowls and killed it. Then they sprinkled the blood all over the spot where the dog had been buried, to atone for the error we made, I suppose. Does it not seem as if these poor people had at one time known something of the doctrine of blood-shedding, so much spoken of in the Bible. Alas! they know nothing of the precious blood of Christ once shed on Calvary to purge away our sins, but God has made it known to us in the blessed Gospel. How thankful we ought to be, that God has sent us the good news of how our sins may be all put away at once and forever by the precious blood of Jesus. Satan, who blinds the minds of men lest the Gospel of Christ should shine into them, has deluded these poor people, by making them imagine all sorts of things about their departed friends. They kill one another, and oftentimes a number of fowls and animals also, when one dies, and sprinkle their blood about the grave. The kind of God they have been taught to believe in, is not the God of love who gave His Son to die for His enemies. If they only knew that God is a God of love, they would soon cease these cruelties.

I have told you this, dear children, just to show you how dark these poor Africans are as to God's way of salvation. I hope the day is not far distant when many of them may hear of, and believe in the power of Jesus' cleansing blood, and be able to sing, as all of us can who are saved, "Unto Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood." Dear boys and girls, you have often heard the old, old story, but have you been cleansed from your sins in the precious blood of Christ? The children of Africa are in dark ignorance of the One who loves them. They do not know the meaning of His Name. How much deeper will the doom be of those who know and yet reject His love; who know God's way of salvation, and after all, refuse to accept it, and perish in their sins.

Our Little School at Bihe

WE have a very interesting school of little African boys and girls in one of the villages here. The first day I went out to try and gather them, I got over twenty names, some of them pretty little children. I gather them together around me, under a tree. We sing a hymn in Umbundu, sometimes that well-known one, "Come to Jesus, just now." I fix up my "blackboard" on one of the mud huts, where they may all see it. It consists of a piece of black linen, with a stick at each end to keep it straight; the chalk, a bit of the lime used here for whitewashing houses. I write on this the letters of the Alphabet, and the children are usually very attentive. Some of the older ones come and listen also. Then I get some pieces of paper and write the Alphabet on them for the bigger boys and girls, so that they may learn them at home. You would have been interested to see how carefully they carried these pieces of paper home. They took a bit of stick from a bush growing near, in the tops of which they each cut a slit, into which the paper was put. Then they marched along the path holding in banner-style their Alphabets. I may say that this is the mode in which letters are carried here. We have begun to repeat the Gospel by John also, the children repeating each verse after me. They are very obliging, and often want to carry my bag for me. One of my little boys was walking along yesterday saying, "Ondaka ya Suku," that is―"She speaks the Words of God." I am thankful to be thus permitted to have this little service among the little boys and girls of these dark African villages. One day they may be able to read God's Word for themselves, and to learn their lost condition as sinners in the sight of God, and how God loved them, and gave His Son to die for them, that they might be saved. This is what you need to know and believe, dear children, for yourselves, just as much as the boys and girls in Africa. Here they have not been rejecting the gospel, for few―O how few -have ever heard the name of Jesus. O, the darkness and the ignorance that is everywhere manifest around us here, as to the knowledge of God and His Son. How thankful I am to be privileged to tell these little ones the simple truths of the Gospel, and to teach them to read. One day these dark lands may shine with Gospel light, and sound with the song of sinners saved. Will those of you who know Jesus as your own Savior, pray that He may win many of those little African hearts for Himself? If you have not yet been saved by Him yourself, will you trust Jesus now? Then you will be one of His own, and your heart will be filled with His love for others―yet without Him, such as the little boys and girls of Africa. I hope to be able to tell you one day of some of my little boys and girls being brought to Jesus. This will be the grandest news I can send. I know that many who are Christ's are praying for this, and God is faithful: He will answer prayer.

Little Georgie, the Mulatto Boy

THE little African boys here begin to learn the meaning of sin, and how God hates it. Coming along from one of the villages yesterday, one of the boys said, "Ondona, Satana ocimundu,"―Satan is a robber. How true we know that to be. He has robbed man of peace and joy, and worst of all, of God. I was much interested with the answer given by a little mulatto boy, whose name is Georgie, to a question I put to him. I was sitting with Konga, Cecelia, and Georgie last night, and after we had sung the hymn "Come to Jesus," I asked them if they could tell me what Jesus had come down from heaven to earth to do. Georgie at once replied, "To die for our sins.”

We have thought Georgie rather a slow little fellow, but this answer shows that he has been learning more than we had thought. He is about eight years old. Only a few days after this conversation, I was away at one of the villages, and while I was there Georgie's father sent a man to take him away. I had no opportunity of saying a word to him in parting. I am very sorry to lose the little fellow, but I hope he may never forget that Christ died for our sins, but that his young heart may be opened to receive the blessed tidings unto his salvation, and then to make the same known to others.

Kind African Girls

AFTER our work was finished to-day, I went off to the river with a number of our girls. Mrs. Arnot had promised each of them a new pinafore, so they all went to have a bath in the river. We carried the new clothing along with us and they came home quite delighted wearing them. You can hardly imagine how happy these dear girls are, and how kind they are in many of their ways. On our way to the river to-day, we met a woman carrying a large basket on her head and a child on her back. In a minute one of the girls had the basket lifted off her head and carried it herself. Another took the child and carried it along, thus relieving the poor creature of her burden. Some of us remember the day that Jesus met us and relieved us of a heavier and bigger burden―the burden of our sins. O that these down-trodden women but knew the rest of that great deliverance, how it would sweeten their lives here, and give them the blessed assurance of a home in heaven hereafter. One little dot, whose name is Nambanja, brought me the present of a basket of corn from her village “Ocingunda." She came with us to the river, and before returning home with her nice new pinafore on, she sang her little hymn, "Come to Jesus,” in the Umbundu language. In the village where this child comes from, there was a great beer drinking fete. What a scene of revelry and foolishness, just what Satan likes to get sinners here and elsewhere occupied with, that he may deceive them and lure them on to the pit.

An Afternoon in the Corn Fields

THIS afternoon I paid a visit to the corn fields a good distance from here, hoping to reach the women at work there. When the children saw me coming, they came in bands shouting "Ondona woza"―she is coming―and ran to meet me.

After the usual salute, I sat down on an old tree, and after having a hymn with them, I got them to repeat John 3:16, in Umbundu, until the head woman called them off to their work. I went with them and helped a little. They soon had their baskets filled with corn, and many of them heaped up sticks on the top for their fires. Then they raised their baskets to their heads, which is the native mode of carrying, and we all started for home, they singing the song usually sung as they carry home the corn. I am not so well acquainted with their language as to know its meaning, but their sweet voices sounding through the great still wood were very pretty. O that these woods but re-echoed with the name of Jesus, sung by lips and hearts of sinners cleansed in His precious blood, and able to call Him "My Savior." Reader, do you know Him? Can you sing and say, "Jesus is mine.”

Our Scholars Gone to War

I WAS telling you how happily our little school was going on here and in the surrounding villages, how the boys were learning to read and to repeat the Scriptures. But here, in Africa, we can never count upon anything for certain, things are so unsettled. I have just witnessed a sight that makes me sad. The head men of the two villages near us passed to-day, with a great band of men and youths, on their way to the "capital," to join the chief of this district on a plundering expedition. I was grieved to see all my grown-up scholars among them, on their way to join in this cruel work. It appears that a caravan had been plundered on the way from the interior, and this is said to be to take vengeance on the plunderers. They presented a rather war-like appearance, poor fellows. They were dressed up with all the feathers and ornaments that they could muster. When they came opposite our village they formed a circle, with two men in the center beating a drum, the others dancing around, singing and passing their guns from one hand to another. So they are all gone. The women remain at the villages, but it is more difficult to reach them than the men. Like those in the parable who were bidden to "the great supper," and began to make excuses, so the African women do when we ask them to come and hear the Word, or learn to read it. They pretend to be so busy pounding corn, sewing, and such like. They are, nevertheless, very kind and courteous, and, as a rule, we get on very well with them. O how I long to see them won for Jesus, saved, and following Him; and there is nothing too hard for Him. The God who has saved us sinners of the Gentiles, lost in sin, is able to cause His Word to reach the hearts of these African men and women, and bring them to Himself. Some of my dear scholars may never return, for these raids are very often attended by much bloodshed. I am thankful to have been able to tell them something about the true God, and the Savior of sinners.

Scripture Name to Find

First, name a famous man of might,

Who by wrong-doing lost his sight.

Next, mention one whose blood was spilled,

'Twas by his brother he was killed.

Then search for one whom God did smite,

For doing that which was not right.

And fourthly, name a man whose wife

Through disobedience lost her life.

The initials call to mind a king,

Of whom some women once did sing.

Our Scholars Return From War

I TOLD you of a number of my scholars going off on a plundering expedition. This was a great grief to me, and I cried to the Lord to deal with them, and convict them of the sinfulness of such ways. I know the Lord heard my cry. Vandonga, one of my scholars, did go, but had to return in a few days, lame by a shot from a gun. He came to his lessons after he returned. The plundering party has been obliged to return without accomplishing their purpose, which is a mercy. The people got to hear of their coming, and fled from the villages with their wives and children to the bush, where they hid themselves, firing on the enemy. They killed one man and wounded another, and the result was that the thirty camps of our warriors returned to their homes. Chilema's brother had to return also. I believe God is working with him, and Satan is filling his mind with all sorts of foolish reasonings about the righteousness of God.

This morning at eight, I started off to a village to seek three of our scholars. I found them sitting by the huts, and they went through their lesson very nicely. I got the wife of one of them to begin to-day, and hope she may go on.

Nama, the Little Slave

I HAVE had a little slave girl handed over to me to-day, a bright child of about nine years old. Although so young, she has quite a history, poor little thing. It is as follows. When Mr. Arnot passed through this country in 1888, it appears that the headman Cinyama, gave the chief of the district, whose name is Boma, this child. This was unknown to Mr. Arnot, until several days after they had left the place He has kept it in mind all the intervening years, and on our arrival at Boma's, he brought the matter before them and demanded the release of the little girl. A number of excuses were offered, but he insisted that she must be delivered up and sent to our camp, to go on with us in the morning. Shortly after, the little girl was brought, and handed over to me not as a slave thank God, but as a little charge to care for, and bring up for the Lord. She came to me quite cheerfully, poor little thing, although she had never seen me before. She does not understand a word that I say, either in Umbundu or English. When she came, she had no clothing, but I have had her dressed, and her hair, which was plaited thick and covered with palm oil, cut. Now she looks quite smart, seems very cheery, and is quite a favorite already in the camp. She sleeps in my hut on a mat which I bought at the "Kuanza" for a handkerchief. Her name is Nama. She is picking up some Umbundu words from the other girls, and I was very pleased to hear her little sweet voice join in the singing of one of our Umbundu hymns this evening.

May the Lord Jesus open her young heart to receive the wondrous story of His love, and to believe on Him as her own and only Savior, that she may spread His saving Name abroad, amongst the thousands in this dark land who have never yet heard the joyful sound.

We have reached Nana Kandundu after a long journey, and been welcomed by Queen Nana. There are thousands of boys and girls all around us. O, that we may be helped to make known to them the story of His love.

The Best Birthday

“I HAVE two birthdays every year, my dear children" said an aged friend the other evening, while addressing the annual gathering of a Sunday School―"two birthdays! My first is in April, and my second is in June. I was born a sinner in April, 1829, and I was born a saint in June, 1860. I had thirty-one years of a sinner's life, sporting in the world, and I have had thirty-one years of happy life in Christ as a Christian. I am glad to be able to tell you that the last has been the best by far, and 'tis better than before. My best birthday is my second, because it reminds me of the beginning of a new and better life, which will never end. Have you two birthdays, my dear boys and girls? Remember, Jesus said, 'Ye must be born again,' and this is as true of little ones like you as of men and women."

Our Girls at Nana Kandundu

NAMA, my little girl, has had small-pox. Poor little thing, she was quite covered. We removed her to a little hut by herself, where she was attended to by Mrs. Bird, and through the Lord's mercy she is getting better. I can hear her singing away at verses of hymns she has picked up, in the Undundu language. She seems so pleased and happy. Mr. Bird says, "one would think to hear her sing, that she was really converted.” Before her illness she was doing her work so nicely. She cultivated a little field, made her own pots, and got grass for her baskets, all with a view of teaching her to do for herself. I desire to teach her to read, write, sew, and other useful things, and above all, I long to win her for the Savior, who loves and gave Himself for her. We have other two girls with us. One a little girl named Mbuya, the other, who is older, is named Cesanga, and was one of Queen Nana’s slaves. Both are of the "Va Luena,” and speak a different language from that of Nama, so we are a mixed lot. But how blessed to know that God loves sinners of every tongue, and that by the blood of the Lamb, a people shall be brought to heaven at last, out of every tribe and nation and tongue, to gather round the throne. Will the boys and girls who have received the Gospel themselves, and been saved by it, pray that soon its joyful sound may be known by the boys and girls of Nana Kandundu.

Hughie's Verse Or, Safe in the Arms of Jesus

HUGHIE sat on his father’s knee one Sunday afternoon, when all the other children were away at the Sunday School. He was only five years of age, and they thought he was rather young to go. His father had been telling him a Bible story, and teaching him to sing the hymn―"Safe in the arms of Jesus." Are you in the arms of Jesus, father?" asked the child. "Yes, my dear," said the father, "I am." "And is mother?" again asked the child. "Yes; mother is there too," was the reply. Hughie sat thinking for; a minute, then looking up into his father's face, he said, "Jesus has big arms to hold so many; I will be there too." In after years, when Hughie was a little older, he knew better how "big" the arms of Jesus were, and how strong they are too, for he had trusted himself to Jesus, and he can sing now, knowing what the words mean,

"Safe in the arms of Jesus;

safe on His gentle breast.”

Yes, dear boys and girls, the Lord Jesus has strong arms. He carries the lambs of His flock―that is, the little ones who believe on Him―in these mighty, everlasting arms, safe to heaven. Are you "safe in the arms of Jesus;" or do you refuse to allow Him to take you into them?

Little Minnie

A LITTLE company of young boys and girls were spending the day together in the country. A little girl named Minnie, who formed one of the company, overheard a cluster of girls speaking of their joy and peace in Christ, and of the certainty of being in heaven. Little attention was being paid to the little girl, until she gave a great sob, and burst into tears. Her eldest sister took her on her knee, and said, "What's the matter, Minnie, dear?" Sobbing bitterly, Minnie answered, "I'm not saved, and I know that I cannot go to heaven with you until I am converted." The girls were glad to see the Spirit of God working with one so young, and making known her sinful and lost condition to her tender conscience. They told her of the love of God, and of Jesus' death for sinners on the cross, and pointed her to Him who gives the weary rest. Her young heart was opened to receive Him as her own and only Savior. She bore a clear and bright testimony to the reality of her conversion to God, and God gave her a clear grasp of the truth.

One day she heard it whispered that Tom―a lad who professed to be a Christian―had done something inconsistent with such a profession. "O," said Minnie, "when old Tom was alive he used to do that. Now new Tom lives, and old Tom should not be there.”

Eleven months after Minnie's conversion, she showed signs of feeble health. By-and-bye she became worse, and in the following summer she went home to be with Christ. Only a few months of a bright and happy Christian life, then home to Jesus. The Lord, who saved Minnie at so early an age, can save you too, my dear young reader, and He will, if you trust Him. Then you will know and enjoy the happiness of being a lamb of the good Shepherd's flock.

Little Janet" Or, the Flitting Time

WEE Janet, though but five years old,

Was a saved lamb in Jesus' fold;

She loved the Lord, and oft would say,

That He would come for her one day.

She has been known to steal away,

Leaving her playmates and her play,

To hear of Jesus and His grace,

To sing sweet hymns, and seek His face.

She loved to hear her parents tell,

How He would take His saints to dwell

With Him one day in His bright home;

How He for them would quickly come.

But once with wonder and surprise

She opened wide her large blue eyes,

And asked, "If He could bear them all,

Such thousands, and not let one fall.”

When told that He was strong, that all

Were safe whom He from earth should call,

Her fears were quickly hushed to rest,

She leaned her soul on Jesus' breast.

A friend who called on them one day,

Was startled to hear Janet say―

"We're going soon to flit from here;”

"Indeed,” the friend replied, "and where?”

"Ah, don't you know," she quick replied,

“That Jesus who was crucified,

Is coming soon to take His own

Back to His glory and His throne?”

Dear Janet still waits for that day,

Though she has left her house of clay,

And joined the happy saints in light,

Who drink from founts of pure delight.

She―and all those who there surround

The Lamb who now in heaven is crowned;

With Him look forward with delight,

To that glad day of glory bright.

When He shall come to raise His own,

Who here in weakness have been sown;

To change His living saints, and bear

Them all away His home to share.

Would you, dear child, be with that band?

"Flit" with them to that glory land!

To Jesus come and be forgiven,

Then He will take you home to heaven.

A Little Girl's Conversion as Told by Herself

"I am the youngest child of six. My brothers and sisters were all saved, and often told me about my need of a Savior; so did my parents and my teacher in the Sunday School. Still, I remained without Christ. Some Children's Meetings were held in the Hall where our School is, and many boys and girls were anxious, and waited to be spoken with in the after meetings. I felt very miserable, especially when I heard them say they were saved. One night I felt a load on my heart, and waited also. A gentleman spoke to me; he told me how Jesus would save me if I only trusted Him, and read this verse-'I will trust and not be afraid' (Isa. 12:2). He asked me if I could say that. I saw then it was all in trusting: I did trust Jesus and He saved me. I am happy now."

NELLIE O (Aged 8 years)

There's No If, Tommy

TOMMY and his sister, Bess, sat poring over the pages of a large Pictorial Book, in which there was an engraving of "Noah entering the Ark." Beasts and birds are seen in the picture, entering in before him, all fleeing from the coming deluge. "What if the Ark had gone down and become a wreck? Bess; then everybody in the world would have been drowned," said Tommy, thoughtfully. “No fear of that when God was in it," answered Bess, and around Tommy's neck, she added, “There’s no if, Tommy, when God says, “shall not perish," He means it, and if you come to Jesus and trust Him, You will be safe, as Noah and all the beasts were in the ark." "There's no if, Tommy."

Dear boys and girls, how true this is. God says to all who trust in Jesus, they "shall be saved;" to all who believe not they "shall be damned." There is no "if" about it.

The Little Hop-Picker

HAVE you ever seen a hop garden, with its long rows of plants, hanging full of flowers, with men, women, and children all busy stripping off the flowers into baskets or "cribs?" It is a very pretty sight on a bright day, and the hum of many young voices singing hymns tell that some of the little hop-pickers know the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Lord. In one of these hop gardens, there was a meeting held every evening for the preaching of the Gospel, and many―both old and young―were brought to Jesus. One little girl especially was a bright case of conversion. She was a good way from her home, and when she came to the meeting first she had no Bible. Some one gave her a Testament, and marked several verses with red ink, among others, John 3:16, asking her to commit it to memory, and repeat it over every morning, remembering each time she did it that the word "whosoever" in the verse meant her. She set herself to do it, and before many days she could repeat the verse without looking on the word. This verse she continued to repeat morning after morning, remembering that "whosoever" meant her. One morning, while at her work in the hop garden, she was thinking over the words, when suddenly it dawned upon her, that if "whosoever meant her," then she had everlasting life, for she truly believed in Jesus. She never thought of it in that way before, as being meant for her, but when she took the words home to herself she was happy in the knowledge of her salvation. Often while busy picking hop flowers would she be heard sweetly singing―

"Happy day, happy day,

when Jesus washed my sins away.”

Dear young reader, have you, like the little hop-picker, taken the word “whosoever” to mean you, and Jesus to be your own Savior?

Ella's Grief Or, How a Little Girl Trusted Jesus

IN a very poor neighborhood in one of our large cities, a Christian lady teaches a class of little girls. In speaking to them one afternoon of the love of Jesus, the heart of one little girl named Ella was deeply moved.

All along the way home she cried bitterly, and wished she could go back to the lady and tell her how anxious she was to be saved. The following day, when her mother was away at work, she locked the door

and started off to try and find the lady's home. After long and weary wandering, up one street and down another, Ella at last found the house where her teacher lived, but when her feet were on the steps leading up to the door, her courage failed, and, instead of ringing the bell as she had intended, she lay down on the steps and began to cry. Poor little thing! how long she might have lain there I cannot tell, but the Lord Jesus who loved her, and who saw her tears, and knew how heavy her heart was, did not allow her to be there long, when the door was opened and her teacher came out. Imagine her surprise to find her little scholar lying there all alone, with the big tear resting on her cheek. "Ella dear, is this you? whatever has brought you here?" said the lady, as with surprise she lifted the child from the cold pavement,

Bridget's New Testament

BRIDGET was a little girl in the South of Ireland, whose parents were Roman Catholics. A gentleman passing along the road near to the cot where she lived gave her a New Testament, and asked her to read a portion of it every day. Bridget was delighted, but her parents were angry, and threatened to take the book from her. But Bridget was so interested in the book and the wondrous things it told her, that she could not cease reading it; so she dug a hole in the garden, lined it with pieces of wood, and put a wooden lid on the top, which she covered lightly with earth. Into this strange place she put her precious Testament, taking every opportunity she could of reading it. She learned the way of salvation, and became a follower of the Lord Jesus. Not only so, but her parents seeing the change in Bridget's life, gave her liberty to read the Testament in the house, and it is said that both her father and mother were by this means brought to Jesus. My young reader, you may have no such hindrance placed in the way by friends at home, but has your heart been won for Christ?

Where God Is

“I WILL give you a shilling, Tommy, if you will tell me where God is," said an infidel to a little boy, whose godly mother had taught him the truths of God's word. "And I will give you the shilling back," said Tommy, "If you will tell me where God is not." The infidel had no answer to give. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Mind that, boys and girls. At home, in school, at work, at play, "Thou God seest me.”

Left Behind or the Little Girl's Dream

WHEN I was a little child, I dreamed one night, that I was sitting in the garden waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus. It seemed to be the day fixed for Him to come for His people, and I wanted to go too. I waited for some time, but could not see Him coming, and, at last, I found out that the Lord had indeed returned and was gone back again, but alas! I was “left behind.” O how sad I felt at the thought of being "left behind," but some one told me, "He's coming again tomorrow," and I was comforted, because there was still hope for me. Now, dear children, this was only a dream, but it is quite true the Lord Jesus will come in the clouds some day. He has not told us what day, but He has promised to come again to receive those who love and trust Him, unto Himself. What a happy day it will be for those who are ready when He comes for them―they shall see Him, and be like Him, and be forever with Him:, O how delightful! But how very sad for those who are not ready, they will be "left behind." How will it be with you? Some of you have fathers and mothers, some have brothers and sisters who are Christians. They will be "caught up" to meet Him. Will you be "left behind.”

Emmie's Birthday

(Written to a little girl on her Fourth Birthday)

DEAR little Emmie, I would say

To thee, on this thy fourth birthday,

O many may you see.

And may our Father in His love,

Send richest blessings from above,

And still watch over thee!

Ah! little dost thou know, as yet,

Of life, what cares shall thee beset,

Or what temptations rise:

That blue-eyed doll is all thy care,

And life to thee is bright and fair,

As are those summer skies!

So let it be: a sunny morn

Should still the future day adorn,

With dew-drops glistening bright:

With birds and blossoms of the spring;

An infant's heart should laugh and sing,

Rejoicing in the light!

O happy may you be, dear child,

Your spirit pure and undefiled,

Free and unfettered still.

'Tis thus, dear Emmie, I would pray

For thee upon thy fourth birthday,

God keep thee from all ill!

And early bring thee to the fold,

Where the young lambs the face behold

Of Christ, the Shepherd blest!

For happier still the new birthday,

When thou thro' grace shalt choose the way,

Of everlasting rest!

The Ship-Wrecked Sailor Boy

This incident occurred on the Coast of Cumberland during the gales of last November.

A VESSEL sailed the wintry sea,

Bound for a distant shore,

A thing of life she seemed to be,

Nor feared the billows roar.

Strong were her timbers, brave the men,

Who formed her gallant crew,

Though tell-tale tears had started when

Each bade their homes adieu.

A boy, the youngest of them all

Had stowed away with care,

Safely within his sea-chest small,

His mother's likeness fair.

Yes, passing fair-so deemed the boy,

While o'er and o'er he'd trace

With mingled thoughts of love and joy,

Each feature of that face.

And childhood's fast reseeding days

Would come before his mind,

With all his mother's tender ways,

Her words and actions kind.

They sailed away, but only gained

The stormy Cumbrian coast,

Where in high gales while darkness reigned

From wave to wave they tossed.

At length, upon a ridge of sand,

The struggling barque stuck fast,

Death threatened all, though near to land,

Each hour, might be their last.

One of the men that fearful night

The sea claimed for its own,

By one huge wave swept out of sight

While loud the winds made moan.

But soon the life-boat from the shore

Manned by a willing crew,

Who swiftly plied the supple oar,

Till near the ship they drew.

Come to the rescue-it would hold

All of those ship-wrecked men,

But each must be both prompt and bold,

No time for trifling then.

For moments seem like hours when death

Is brooding o'er the wave,

No time to fetch aught from beneath,

If they their lives would save.

So said the captain, but the lad

Flew like an arrow down,

Secured his treasure, then right glad,

Braved the wild ocean's frown.

He gained the life-boat with the rest,

And when they asked him why

He ran such risk-pulled from his breast,

With triumph in his eye.

His mother's likeness-that was all!

A smile went round, and yet

You might have seen the tear-drop fall,

From eyes but seldom wet.

God bless that boy, and may the love

Of Jesus yet inspire

His heart with ardour from above,

Stronger than flood or fire.

Such is the love all owe to Him,

Who sunk beneath death's wave,

And drank that cup filled to the brim,

Our ruined souls to save.

His love was stronger far than death,

No flood could quench its glow,

Then let us use our fleeting breath,

That all His grace may know.

Teenie's Text Or, I Will Trust and Not Be Afreaid

“WEE TEENIE"―as they called her―lay for many weary days in the hospital, suffering from a disease in the joint. At times she was able to sit up in her crib and look out at the window, to see the girls with their skipping ropes playing on the school playground, but for most part she was compelled to lie. Some little girls came in to visit her one night, bringing with them a posy of flowers, which was very much prized by Teenie. One of them brought, a pretty Text Card, which she had colored with her own hand, and having obtained permission from the matron, they put it up at the top of Teenie's cot. The words of it were―"I WILL TRUST and not be AFRAID." After they were gone, Teenie began to repeat it. When lying awake during the night, after the lights were lowered, she kept saying it to herself; and next day a lady called, and sitting down by her side, told Teenie what it meant. “It means that those who trust in Jesus are not afraid of death and judgment; they need not be, for Jesus has borne their punishment instead. He who had no sins of His own came down and died for those who had many. He died for little girls like you. Now He has gone back again to heaven, and there He wants to save all who put their trust in Him. No one ever yet trusted in Him and perished. He says in His blessed Word that "He knoweth them that trust in Him" (Nah. 1:7). If thou can say from the heart "I will trust," then Jesus will save you at once and forever." She had never heard of such wondrous things before. To be saved now, and to go to heaven to be with Jesus after her earthly life was past she did desire, but she had no idea that this was the way to reach it. She had been taught at home otherwise, and nobody had ever spoken to her before, since she came to the hospital about these things. She lay thinking after the lady had gone, and looking up at the words of her text "I will trust." She thought with herself, I can say that with my heart, for I do now trust in Jesus. Then she repeated the latter part, "and not be afraid." Yes, that was what it said. "Not be afraid" of death or judgment, for, as the lady said, she "need not be" when Jesus had suffered both in her stead. This was something new to Teenie. She trusted Jesus, and He saved her. The text was now doubly precious, and all who came to see her were told what it had done for her. She had trusted Jesus: He had saved her, and now she confessed that she was truly His, and that she loved Him, because He had loved and died for her. Reader, do, you love the Lord Jesus? Of course you cannot, unless you have believed that He has loved you. His love believed, and received, begets love to Him in return; and looking upon His dying agony, His pierced hands and wounded side, all for us, we cannot fail to say―"We love Him, because He first loved us.”

Bill's Punishment Or, the Little Substitute

WHEN I was a boy at school, there arose a quarrel one day between two boys in my class. When we got out to play, the elder of the boys gave the little one a blow which knocked him to the ground. The master saw him from the school-room window, and when we returned he was called up to the desk to receive punishment. The little fellow who had received the blow rose from his seat, and, with a tear in his eye, requested that he might be spared. "O no," said the master, “I could never allow such a thing to happen without punishing the offender, else we would have more of it, and our school would lose its character."

"Please sir, allow me to bear Bill's punishment instead of him, then? said the little boy.” The whole school looked on with a feeling of sadness as the little fellow got the rod, and immediately it was over, they raised a cheer for the noble substitute of the evil doer. But where was he? Standing in a corner with his head hung upon his breast, ashamed to look up. That act of noble love from one whom he had wronged and ill-treated, was harder for his proud spirit to bear than the rod. But it wrought repentance. He was ever after the warmest friend of the boy who bore his punishment, and would do anything for him. There was another Substitute, who died the death due to His enemies and bore their punishment His name is Jesus. Reader, has His love won you from enmity to friendship, or do you still spurn it?

One Station More Or, the Little Traveler

SITTING in a railway carriage, a little boy was seen to smile as the train moved out of a station, and on being asked the reason, said, "Only one more station now, then I shall be at home!”

"ONE station more―I'll be at home,”

Almost I seem to see

The gleaming gates of that fair land

Where Jesus waits for me.

Farewell, farewell ye things of earth,

Farewell ye friends so dear,

One station more, then I shall be

Where never flows a tear.

"One station more"―O joyous thought,

My journey then shall end;

And I shall see His blessed face,

Who was on earth my Friend.

Oh I this is why I am so glad,

And this is why I sing

"One station more,"―then I shall see

Heaven's glorious Lord and King.

"One station more"-the journey ends,

Then I am welcomed home,

No more the desert's burning paths

My wearied feet shall roam.

No more my heart with grief shall throb,

No more my spirit sigh,

"One station more," then I shall rest

In my fair home on high.

"One station more"―bright angels then

Shall bear me to the skies,

And Jesus' glory I shall see,

Too bright for mortal eyes.

Lord Jesus, Thine be all the praise,

And Thine the honor too,

O I hold me in Thine arms till I,

Am this last station through.

Bella, the Edinburgh Girl's Conversion

"I WAS saved on the 1St of January―New Year's day. I had been very unhappy during the forenoon. It was not a happy New Year to me. I knew that I was not saved, and if I did not trust Jesus at once, I might not have another opportunity, as the Lord might come at any moment and receive from the world

His own. I believed that Jesus had died for sinners like me, and I knew that I had only to believe on Him to receive everlasting life.

Still I did not feel that I was saved, and could not say it. At mid-day Mr.― asked me if I had trusted Jesus yet. I said, No. He said if I trusted Him now I would never regret it, and that it would be a very happy New Year's day for me if I would trust in Jesus, give my heart to Him. About seven o'clock in the evening, when I was alone, I felt that I could not put it off deciding any longer, so I knelt down by a chair, and gave myself to Jesus. Since I trusted Jesus I have never had cause to regret it, and never will. I am happy, for I know that Jesus is mine. The Lord may come at any time now, but I am not afraid; for I know 'whom I have believed,' and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." BELLA.

This is the true way of securing a happy New Year, a happy life, and a happy eternity. In Christ alone there is true joy and happiness.

Rosa's Prayer

A BEAUTIFUL and true story is told of a little Prussian girl named Rosa. She lived with her mother in a little cottage, and they were very poor in this world's goods. One day she was sitting by her mother's bedside, singing a pretty hymn, when the door opened, and several tall soldiers walked in. Rosa was so terrified at the sight of them, that she almost fainted; but when she saw that they did not mean to hurt her, she calmed herself, and raising her eyes to heaven, she prayed―"Lord, make these soldiers kind to my dear mother, and to me, and bid them go to some other house to get food, for Thou knowest that we are very poor." This was a strange prayer you may think, but it was the desire of a simple child, a believer in the Lord Jesus, who knew God as her Father, and believed He could help in their hour of need. One of the soldiers patted her head, and in a kindly tone asked―"Who taught you to pray, my little girl?" "Jesus," was the simple answer. Brushing a tear from his eye, the tall soldier dropped a piece of money into her hand, and said, as he and his comrades walked quietly away―"Here is something for your mother, and please do not forget to pray for us." The door closed, and Rosa ran to her mother's side, overjoyed that God had heard and answered her prayer so speedily.

Dear children, God does hear prayer. If you are saved, and can call God your Father, go to Him with your every trouble, He delights to hear your cry. But if you are yet unsaved, you cannot pray to God as His child. You need first to be born into His family. Do you know how this may be? Hear what His Word says―"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" (1 John 5:1).

Bobbie's Birthday Text

I NEVER had a more attentive scholar than Bobbie. He was always in his class at the hour; always able to repeat his "Text" correctly; and, if there was a "Bible Searching" given, he was sure to have the answers the following Lord's day. I asked the boys in my class one day to write out their "Birthday Texts" -that is, the text that had been the means of their conversion or second birth-on a slip of paper, or write them in their "Text Books," and bring them the following week. I did this on purpose to make them think; for I knew full well that most of them had no such text to bring. Their ways too plainly told, that they had not been “born of God.” Next Lord’s day came, and I asked the boys to read out their texts, but no one spoke. Some of the bigger, boys held down their heads, and seemed ashamed. At last, Bobbie stood up with his Text Book in his hand, and quietly said―"My Birthday Text is found in 1 Tim. 1:15―'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' I am a sinner―that is my name―so Jesus came to save me. I believed on Him on December 25th last (Christmas day), which is my second birthday." The simple testimony of the dear boy-the youngest in the class―was greatly blessed by God, and before another Christmas, several others had been born again, and could tell their "Birthday Text." Reader, have you a Birthday Text? Can you point to some word given by God to lead you to His Christ, and to give you the knowledge of salvation? Think one moment. If you cannot, then let Bobbie's "Birthday Text" be yours.

Old Joe Or, the Anchor Holds

AN old fisherman, who was an earnest happy Christian, in his declining years used to spend his afternoons on the sea beach, giving away Gospel papers among the people, and speaking to them, as he had opportunity, about Jesus. The children were very fond of "Old Joe," as he was familiarly called, he had such lots of stories to tell of the sea and its dangers. Perhaps the one he told most frequently was the story of his own conversion, which took place at sea one stormy night, through resting his soul on Christ through the words of John 3:16 "My anchor held there," he would say, "and I know of no better anchorage for a sinner than that grand, glorious, verse. Many a weary storm tossed soul has anchored there, and found rest and peace through believing that God loved them.”

Reader, have you anchored there, or are you tossed about, afraid to meet God, because you do not know Him?

“Old Joe" took suddenly ill one day; his place on the beach was empty, and many who knew and loved him called at the house to ask how he was. His pilgrim days were done; and just before he passed away he raised his hand, and pointing to a framed card on the wall with the words of John 3:16 on it, he said in triumph, "The anchor holds! the anchor holds!" Wasn't it good anchorage? Let it be yours, my reader; all else will fail, but "the Word of the Lord endureth forever.”

Maggie's Keeper

LITTLE Maggie lived in a country farm-house, a little distance from the town. She was I sometimes sent with letters for the post, and other errands among the shops in town; and wherever she went, Rover, the big watch-dog, always accompanied her. He was very fond of Maggie, and would walk dose by her side the whole way. There was no fear of anybody interfering with her so long as Rover was by her side, or if they had attempted to do so, they would have dearly paid for it. And well did Maggie know this, and so she placed full confidence in her keeper. Even in the dark nights, she would come and go, without the slightest fear, so strong was her confidence in Rover's protective power. This went on for several years, until Maggie had grown up to be a big girl, and shall I tell you what then took place? It was a very sad day at the farm when it became known that Maggie's father had died. He was a saved man, and loved the Lord Jesus, and so he went to be with Him. But they greatly missed him at the farm, and especially Maggie. She had often heard her father speak about going to heaven, and how a sinner could be made fit for that holy place; and then he earnestly prayed before he died that they all might be saved, and meet him there. Now he had gone, and Maggie at least was beginning to think about her soul. She loved her father so much, and it came to her one day while thinking about him in this way: "What if I should never see my father again? He was saved, and he has gone to be with Jesus; and I too must be saved, else I cannot go there." Such were Maggie's thoughts, and daily they gave her more concern. She knew the Gospel well, and very often thought she believed on Jesus; but still the fear remained, that after all she might not get to heaven.

One Sunday night, she went to hear the Gospel preached. The message that night was exactly what she needed; and the preacher clearly showed, that when once a sinner puts his trust in Jesus, he need not fear, for God will save and keep that soul secure forever. Isaiah sings, "I will trust and not be afraid" (Isa. 12:3); and David says, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me" (Psa. 23).

Maggie saw it all. She used to trust herself so implicitly to Rover coming along the road in the, dark nights, that she feared no evil, and so surely she might trust the Lord Jesus with her soul and fear as little. And so Maggie trusted herself to Jesus, and she was saved. The fears and doubts were all gone now, for she knew that a mightier than Rover was now her Friend and Keeper, even Him who has said. "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness" (Isa. 41:10). Dear young reader, have you trusted your soul to Jesus?

Whiter Than Snow

Told by Fred. S. Arnot at a Children's Tea Meeting in Kilmarnock.

THERE was once a little girl who had been taught to read the Bible, and in her reading she came upon that verse which says―"Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." She lived in a country where snow is seldom if ever seen, and so she could not understand what this verse meant. When she had grown older, some one took her away to a colder climate, where the snow was often seen falling down and covering the earth like a white mantle. Then she understood the meaning of her text, and that text became the desire of her heart. She longed to be made whiter than the beautiful snow that lay on the ground. She knew that she was not so: that sin had blackened her heart and made her unfit to dwell with the pure and holy God of heaven. Earnestly did she long and pray, "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." But it is not enough to wish to be made white, we must take God's way to have it done. This is by the blood of Christ―that precious blood that cleanseth from all sin. She trusted that blood, and it cleansed her. She was saved and became a Christian and a bright witness for Jesus. Only thus, can you, dear boys and girls, be made whiter than the snow. The bright, shining company who will gather around God's throne from every clime, are there because they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. Will you be among that holy and happy company? How many opportunities you have! How many privileges! In Central Africa, there are millions of poor ill-used boys and girls who have never heard the sweet story of a Savior's love. They have not been told of that precious blood that makes the sinner whiter than snow. But you have been more highly favored. How, then, are you treating God's message? What are you doing with the Gospel that you have so often heard?

Without Title or Ticket

AS I was on my way home one evening, I saw a crowd of ragged boys and girls pressing into a hall. I asked what was going on, and was told it was a Tea Meeting for children, who went to no Sunday School, and who could not gain admission to the Annual Treat of the Sunday School children, because they did not belong to it. This was a special tea provided for them just because they needed it, "without title or ticket." This is just like us. We had no title to God's salvation, for we were none of His. But just because we were "very hungry," and had not got anything to satisfy us in the world, God invited us to His Gospel feast. Our need is our plea, and whenever a sinner comes to Christ and owns that he is poor and needy, then at once he is received: saved and satisfied. Reader, are you saved? Have you come to Jesus? He says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Badelet, the Goatherd Boy

NEAR to the town of Fontainebleau, in France, a Christian gentleman built, some years ago, a place for the preaching of God's Gospel, and for the instruction of the young. Among the first who came to Sunday School there, was a young goatherd whose name was Badelet. He was very ignorant when first he came, but listening to the story of God's love he became much interested. As he left one Sunday afternoon, he quietly said to the lady teacher, "I would so much like to have a New Testament, madame; while I tend the cows and goats, I should be so happy to read the Testament as I lie on the grass." A Testament was given him, and when Badelet returned the following week, he could say," Jesus is mine.”

He had read the Book, believed God's. Word, and was saved. The next time that he came to the school, he asked for a Hymn Book, that he might sing God's praise. The following week he brought a companion, and he was also saved. Before many weeks, the old avenues of the forest of Fontainebleau rang with the songs of a circle of goatherd boys who had believed the Gospel. Many a happy day they spent there together, reading the Book that had given them light, and soon they told its wondrous story to others, whose hearts were also made glad by the joyful tidings. Reader, have you thus been made glad?

Mary's Farewell Visit

IN a class of girls taught by a Christian invalid lady, there was a little girl whose name was Mary. She was a very attentive intelligent child, and the teacher hoped would become a follower of the Lord. Much to her grief, little Mary told her one Sunday afternoon, that she would not be able to come again to the class, as her parents were about to emigrate to America. This was a grief to Mary's teacher, for her scholar was yet unsaved, and she was going out into the busy world without a Savior to preserve and keep her. Mary was invited to her teacher's home the following evening. After tea she spoke to her solemnly and lovingly, and urged upon her to decide for Christ. Before she left, her teacher presented her with a nice Bible, and asked her to write as soon as she was settled in her American home. In a few days Mary sailed with her parents across the great Atlantic Ocean. Five weeks after, a letter was received from Mary, telling of her new home and its surroundings, and at the close she wrote, "I attend a class for young believers on the Lord's Day afternoons, and enjoy it. Ever since that afternoon that I came to say farewell, when you spoke to me about Jesus, I have known Him as my own dear Savior, and I am happy now. It is so blessed to be a Christian.”

Wasn't that cheering news for Mary's teacher? And blessed, too, for Mary herself, to have Jesus as her "own dear Savior." Reader, is He yours? Can you say in very truth―"He has saved me." Of course you have often been told of His love, and how willing He is to receive you, but this is not enough. You may go down to hell with the Gospel ringing in your ears. If you receive it into your heart, you will be saved.

The Bird's Nest Or, Build High

TWO little birds came in the early spring and built their nest on a branch near our window. Day by day, with unwearied zeal, they added straw after straw to the little nest, then they lined it and it looked so cozy. Later, a little, the eggs were there, and after that the nestlings. As we looked upon the pretty little things, we could not help fearing that they were in danger. The nest was not high enough to prevent it being assailed and rudely destroyed by some powerful enemy. Alas! alas! One bright morning when we looked out to see how our little refugees were getting on, we found the nest torn down, and the feathers of the nestlings bestrewed the ground. Their nest was not out of danger's reach. Had it been higher it would have been safe. There are men and women, and boys and girls, very much like these little birds. They have built themselves a nest, and chosen themselves a position, but it is in the world―the world which will one day be judged, and all that is in it will perish. Death will sadly wreck the worldling's position, and put an end to his pleasures. In a moment, when he least expects it, his doom will suddenly come. But those who have Christ, whose portion is in heaven, will never lose their nest; they will never have their portion taken from them.

Therefore, beloved reader, "build high." Let Christ be your portion. Earth's things will pass and perish, but He is the same "yesterday, and to-day, and forever." Can you, like Rutherford, sing―

"O, well it is forever, O, well for evermore,

My nest hung in no forest, of all this death-doomed shore;

Yea, let the vain world vanish, as from the ship the strand,

While glory, deathless, dwelleth in Emmanuel's land.”

The Lost Little Boy

PASSING through the streets of a large manufacturing town some days ago, I met a little boy crying bitterly. He had lost his way.

He wanted to reach his home, but instead of going along the High Way, he had turned in to Broad Street where I met him. I listened to his story and was taking his hand to lead him home, when his mother came up breathless with excitement, and hugged the lost child to her bosom, in which she carried him safely home. This little boy reminds me of other boys and girls who have lost the way to heaven. Of course they intend to be there, but they are on the wrong road. They have chosen the "Broad Road" that leads to destruction instead of the "High Way" that leads to heaven. Are you on that downward road my dear young reader? There is One who has come forth to seek and to save you, even Jesus, the Savior of the lost. If you will allow Him, He will save you from destruction, and carry you in His bosom home to heaven.

I Looked: I Live - A Sunday School Teacher's Conversion

I FIRST thought there was some great thing to do in order to be saved, and for months I wrought as hard as ever I could, in good works and religious duties, to attain, if possible, to the standard. But I was still uncertain whether or not I had reached it. After a good spell of religious duty, I thought surely this must be enough―but still the doubt remained. I was not at rest; how could I when I sought salvation where it is not to be found. I sought it by works, and God has distinctly said, it is 'not of works, lest any man should boast' (Eph. 2:9). It took long to convince me of this My own restlessness, together with a secret consciousness that there was something still awaiting caused me to go here and there, listening to preachers of various shades of opinion, in the hope that I might get further light. But I found the opinions of men were just as unsatisfactory as my own. Some said one thing; some another. It was perfectly evident that a number of the preachers I heard were as much in the dark as I was. I could gather from what some of them said, that they were in the same difficulty as myself, and had no certainty of their salvation. I spent months of anxiety, at times bordering on hopelessness, and wondered if ever I would see the light. I knew full well that some whom I met occasionally were possessed of a peace to which I was a stranger. They spoke with certainty of their salvation. They were not afraid to confess they were the children of God. O how I longed to be as they were. I would have given all that I had to be sure of my eternal salvation. In the providence of God I was led into the company of a young woman―a simple servant maid―whom I met on the road one evening, and we began to speak of the things that concern the soul. Frankly, and with a simplicity I had never seen before, she told me that she had known the Lord, and rejoiced in His salvation for several years. ‘It was the story of the serpent lifted up in the wilderness that showed me how simple the way of salvation is,' she said. I used to think I had some great thing to do,

and some great change to feel, but I saw from that simple type that there was nothing to do at all, only to look and live. Jesus has been lifted up upon the Cross: He has finished the work. Now, whoever looks to Him, or believes on Him, receives life eternal. ‘I LOOKED: I LIVE.' In a moment, just as the dear girl uttered these words, I saw what I had been longing to see for years. Jesus had done the work; nothing was left for me to do. I had only to look and live, and, blessed be God, like my fellow-traveler I can say―'I LOOKED: I LIVE!’”

Nannie's Pillow

LITTLE Nannie's nurse taught her to repeat a short text every night after she had been put to bed, and

this little text was called "Nannie's Pillow." When the dear child was about seven years of age she became very anxious to be saved. One night the nurse in putting her to bed gave her Isa. 12:2 for her pillow―"I will trust and not be afraid." This beautiful text became a pillow for Nannie's soul, for through it she trusted Jesus.

Lizzie's New Place

LIZZIE'S last school-day had come, and with a merry heart, she tripped from the little cottage in a corner of the wood where she had been brought up by her aunt, to the village school, to take her place as "dux" of the class for the last time, and then say "good bye" to her old teacher who had been a good and faithful friend to her. She was now fifteen years of age, and a lady living near, who, for many years, had taken a warm interest in the orphan girl, had found a nice situation for her in the house of an aged lady, a few miles off from her aunt's. Lizzie was in high glee at the thought of being free from school-books and lessons, and of getting away to see a bit of the world. She little knew the dangers that beset the path of life, especially of one at her age, launched forth on a world unknown, and as she was, without God. The following day she was driven in a neighbor's cart to the station with her traps, to enter on her new place. After all, she could not help letting drop a tear, as she took a last look at the cottage in the wood, with the rose and honeysuckle twining round the door, where her early days had been spent, but a few minutes longer and it was out of sight. Then her thoughts were turned to her new home, wondering what it would be like, and who her fellow-servants would be. An hour brought her there, and a few minutes later, she was seated by the laundry fire, talking to a pleasant-looking maid, under whom she was to serve. Tea over, she was taken to the housekeeper, who told her what her duties would be, and then said she might take a walk round the place and see it, and perhaps M―, the laundry-maid would accompany her. It was a lovely summer evening, and everything seemed to smile upon her. They walked together along the avenue, chatting freely. Lizzie's companion was a believer, a bright one too, who made it her business to live for God, and to speak a word for Christ where-ever she found opportunity. The coming of this new girl had been a subject of prayer with her, and she had earnestly asked God to give her the joy of winning her for Christ if she was unsaved. Now, she was watching for a fitting moment to make the first effort to reach her conscience. "What a pretty place this is" said Lizzie, "I think everybody ought to be happy here." "Yes" replied the maid, "but like everything here, it has its sorrows too. Only the other day a coffin was borne along this very avenue, and laid in the tomb of one who thought he'd live to enjoy the world for many years, but, in the midst of his hopes he was cut down, and I fear he was not thinking much about his soul or eternity." The words had a strange effect on Lizzie, especially that last word, "eternity," seemed to send a shudder through her heart. She never heard anybody but a minister speak about such things before, and that not very often. "I think it’s such a grand thing to be saved and ready to go at any moment," continued the maid, "then come life or death, all is well." "I was just wondering whether you had been converted Lizzie, and I hope you will not be offended at me asking if you are." Lizzie hung her head and said nothing, so the maid went on to say, "it is now several years since the Lord saved me; I daresay I would just be about your age when I was awakened to see myself a sinner, lost and on the way to hell, and soon after I trusted the Lord Jesus and He saved me. There are several of us about the house converted, and we have some very happy times. I hope we may soon have you to join us, as one of the Lord's redeemed ones." Little more passed that night, but Lizzie felt extremely unhappy. It was not the strange place, nor the new surroundings: but the thought of that coffin passing down the avenue had raised a new thought within her breast. What if she should die and be carried down next? It was possible, and then the words of her fellow-servant about "Eternity" came up and troubled her. She slept little that night, and the following day there seemed a load upon her heart. The maid had a text-card fastened above the fireplace with a verse or two of Scripture on it, and underneath were the words, "Where will you spend eternity?" Every time that Lizzie passed the card her eye fell on these words, and at every look they seemed to take a firmer hold upon her, until the all-absorbing theme of her thoughts by day and night were, where she would go if she died, and what her portion would be in eternity. Such were the effects under God's blessing, of that simple, earnest testimony of the converted laundry-maid. Lizzie was awakened; thoroughly aroused to see her need, her danger, and her doom, but how to escape it she knew not. Poor girl! it was a legal gospel she had been accustomed to hear. She had been earnestly counseled to "say her prayers" night and morning, and to "go to Church on Sunday." Further than these, she had no idea of the way of life, but God who loved her had deliverance near.

"Will you go with me to a meeting to-night, Lizzie," asked the laundry-maid, a few mornings after Lizzie's arrival, "a servant of the Lord is coming to preach in one of the cottages not far off and several of us are going, I thought you might like to go. You will hear the glad tidings and maybe you will be saved. I'm sure you will, if you believe what you hear." Lizzie gladly consented, and that night along with her fellow-servant and several others from the house, she sat listening to the gospel. God had been working, and in the cottage that night there was a company of new-born souls, warm in their early love. At the close, several shook hands with Lizzie and asked her if she was saved. One bright girl took her arm and walked off speaking to her about Christ. They entered one of the cottages and sat down side by side; the young believer pointing, her to several portions of the Word. No one can better lead a seeking soul to Christ than a young believer, full of the love of Christ, and rejoicing in the fullness of the Gospel, and so this dear girl was used to win Lizzie's soul for Christ. John 5:24-that anchorage for many a doubt-tossed soul, was used of God, as the word to give her light, and to effect the second birth. She heard, believed, and could say, "I have everlasting life," as God has written. What a journey back to the house! The woods rang again with the sound of praise, and many a night after, as that little company walked home, rejoicing over sinners born of God. Lizzie's new place was now the sphere of her service for her new Master, and she herself was a new creature. The first visit to the old home had joyful tidings, and many heard, and since then some hove turned to the Lord. Years have rolled on and Lizzie is now a woman, a follower of the Lord, and often and again does she thank Him for saving her in early days, as she entered her new place.

Dear reader have you been converted to God, or do you rush on along life's path, forgetful of death and the judgment. Both will surely come, it may be soon, and in an hour when you least expect them.

She Died Like a Lamb

SO the neighbors said, and it seemed to give general satisfaction to all who listened, to hear that the young woman had died in peace. But what of that, if she was unconverted to God, and unprepared for heaven? Many of the ungodly die peacefully. The Word of the Lord declares―"They have no bands in their death," but this is no guarantee that they have gone to heaven. Ah, no. The devil can drug the sinner right right on to the gates of death, and keep him peaceful. But the Book of God declares, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

Robin's Story

OLD Robin, the coast-guard, was a general favorite among the children. During the summer months, when many are at the seaside spending their holidays, you could often see a group of boys and girls seated on the beach, with Robin in their midst telling some thrilling tale of the sea. Many years have come and gone since I heard him tell the following story, but I seem to remember it as yesterday. He was telling us of his early life as a sailor, and of a wonderful deliverance from shipwreck he had, when all the crew with whom he sailed, except another and himself, went down to a watery grave. Wiping the tear from his cheek, he said, "And now, my dear bairns, I will tell you what was the cause of the shipwreck. It was because our captain neglected to examine his chart. It was provided and hung in his cabin, but he seldom looked at it, else we had never sailed so near that hidden rock on which our ship was wrecked. His negligence taught me a lesson for which my soul will ever bless the Lord. It was the means of leading me to examine His Word, and see how I stood for eternity. We are all sailors across life's sea, where many hidden rocks lie buried. But God has given us His Word that we may know them, and avoid them. Many, like our captain, give no heed to that chart, and they become wrecks in soul and body, for time and eternity. It has been a good friend to me for many a year. It guided me to Christ, and He saved my soul, and ever since, I have made it my only companion and counselor. Take an old man's advice, my bairns, and believe and value your Bibles. Your souls will be safe, your steps will not slip, and your heaven will be sure if you have Christ and His Word in you.”

Dear reader, are you neglecting your God-given chart―the Bible? Has it led you to Christ? It is not enough to have a Bible. The captain of that vessel had his chart but it did him no good: he neglected it. The Bible is God's chart given to you, but if you neglect it, you will make shipwreck of your soul.

Carrie - the Little Italian Girl

CARRIE was a happy little Italian girl of ten years, with a pair of black sparkling eyes, and curly hair. She attended a Sunday-class conducted by a Christian lady, who told the little Italian children the story of Jesus' love. One day, Carrie came to the class, downcast and sad. The kind teacher took the little girl apart from the other children, and said to her, "My dear Carrie, you look very sad to-day, what is the matter." The little girl looked up mournfully into her face, and said, "Because, teacher dear, I've been thinking about what you said." "What were you thinking about, Carrie?" said the teacher. "Oh, teacher, I was wondering whether Jesus cares for me or not; do you think He does?" said the little girl, the tear coming to her eye. "Yes, Carrie, Jesus loves you. Did He not come down from His happy home to show His love for sinners? And did He not say, when He was down here, ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me?’ How then can you doubt whether He loves you? Can you repeat the verse that tells you so, Carrie?" Carrie repeated the verse slowly over, which she had learned at school―"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14). "Well, Carrie, who do you think that means, you or me? Does Jesus invite big folks like me, or little ones like you, to come to Him?" The little girl clapped her hands with delight, and said, "It's for me, teacher, and not for you; for you are not a child, it's for me, for me. Jesus loves me, I know it now." From that day, Carrie believed that Jesus loved her, and she loved Jesus in return. She became a lamb of the Good Shepherd's flock, and followed Him. Now, dear children, if this little Italian child, who had so few opportunities of knowing and hearing about Jesus, compared with you, was so anxious to know if Jesus loved her, why should not you? But, perhaps you know quite well that Jesus loves you, for you have often sung―

"Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.”

Well then, let me ask, have you, like Carrie, believed the glad tidings, and received His love into your heart? Have you said, "It's for me, for me," and come to Him trusting His love, and accepting Him as your own, and only Savior. If you have, the result will be that you will love Him in return, and follow Him, saying, "I love Him, because He first loved me.”

Little Mary Ann

IN a dingy court in the lower part of the town of Gateshead, there lived a family, consisting of four children, three of whom regularly attended the Sunday school.

Little Mary Ann, the youngest but one, was eight years old, and she was truly a lamb of Jesus' flock, saved, and shining for Him. On Christmas day, we held our usual Children's treat, and Mary Ann was there. After tea was over, we told the little ones to go home and try to persuade their parents to come with them to the evening meeting.

Mary Ann ran home and most eagerly sought to induce her parents to go. For want of a shawl, her mother said she could not go. "Oh! I'll get you one," said the dear child, and off at once she ran to the house of a neighbor, and got the loan of one. How glad she was to see her father, mother, and sisters there. They heard the children repeat portions of God's Word, and after that, the Gospel was preached to them. Now both father and mother are trusting in Jesus, and rejoicing in the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins. Not many days after this, little Mary Ann caught cold, and was laid down ill. The meeting just mentioned was her last on earth. The doctor was sent for, and as he sat down at the bed-side, he said, "I have come to mend you, Mary Ann." "You cannot mend me now, doctor; Jesus is my doctor. He has mended me. I am going soon to be with Him." "Would you not like to get better and stay with your mother,” the doctor asked. "I would like mother to go with me, but I don't want to stay here." On the day of her death, she told her mother to be sure and tell the teachers and scholars of the Sunday School, to follow her body to the grave, and to sing―

"Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast.”

As the day grew on, the dear child asked what time it was. On being told it was four o'clock, she said, "I will be with Jesus at half-past five, and I should like to see father before I go." Her mother stood trimming the lamp near her bed-side, "What are you doing, mother," she asked, “I am going to light the lamp, my dear,” said the mother, "it is getting dark you know." "It is not dark here mother," said the dying child, "just come beside me mother and see the bright light here, O no, it is not dark." After twenty-five minutes, her father arrived, and took her into his arms. Then the desire of her heart seemed gratified. She said, "Will you meet me in heaven, father," he replied, "I will." She then held out her hand to her mother, and with slow and impressive tones, uttered the name, JESUS, and then she sweetly fell asleep. Saved at so early an age, and early gathered home, after bearing a brief but bright and blessed testimony to the grace that saves and satisfies the soul of a little child. Dear young reader, are you saved? If not, you may be, and the time is now. Your days, like this dear child's, may be short on earth. Soon you may have to say farewell to all you love on earth. Then you will enter the great eternity beyond. Will it be in heaven or in hell?

Playing With the Life-Belts

THERE is a remarkable incident told in connection with the loss of the steamer Scholten, sunk off Dover, which illustrates greater things. The previous afternoon, when all was fair and bright, a number of the passengers were amusing themselves on deck, by trying on the life-belts. They laughed at their strange appearance, and some said they were quite unnecessary. In the dark midnight hour, when the vessel was sinking, after the collision, there was a rush for the life-belts, and some of those who laughed that afternoon, were drowned because they were too late in securing them. Sinners laugh at God's Word, and lightly esteem the Gospel when all is bright and fair: when youth, and health, and happiness are smiling on them; but in the hour of death, how many would be glad to have that which they despised, but alas, it is then too late. Unsaved one, beware. Trifle not with God's Gospel or His truth. They are not playthings, but like the life-belts that were provided for that vessel, they must be appropriated―used, and that in time. Sinners who reject God's salvation will be engulphed in an eternal hell; sinners who receive it will be saved for endless glory. Reader, are you a receiver or a rejector.

My Second Birthday

"I LIVED in Scotland for the first twelve years of my life, and went to Sunday School in the Gospel Hall, near to where my parents lived. My teacher was an earnest Christian lady, and often spoke very faithfully and tenderly about my soul's salvation. Several times I was very near deciding for Christ, but when I got out among other girls I forgot all about it, and was as careless as before. My, last day at the Sunday School came. We were to sail for America the following Monday. As my dear teacher handed me a Bible as a present, I saw the tears in her eyes. I knew she was sad because I was leaving unsaved, and I was sad at heart myself. When we arrived in Canada, I found there was no Sunday School near, and the long afternoons of the Lord's-day had to be spent at home. How I thought of the dear old class then, and how I wished to be back at it again. But God had His eye on me. At a meeting in the Schoolhouse one evening, I was once more awakened to see myself a sinner, and at the close, I willingly waited to be spoken to about my soul. I trusted Jesus that night, and He saved me. I went home singing all the way. It was a clear, frosty night, the full moon shining brightly, and I could sing of the precious, blood that had made me ‘whiter than the snow.' A happy year has passed away, and this is my second birthday. Dear young friends, will you trust my Jesus too, and He will save and satisfy you, as He has done for me? “There is no happiness in life, or death, or in eternity apart from Christ.”

The Scotch Shepherd and His Lamb

IF you could come with me, dear children, to a little cottage in the Merse, overlooking one of its swiftly-running streams which flow down from the hills, we would find living there, a dear old man who loves the Lord Jesus Christ. He and his wife live together happily there, serving God, and seeking to be His messengers to all around them. In his early days, he was a shepherd on the hills. For many years he had the care of sheep and lambs, and so learned to know their ways. One day, he was taking care of them up among the hills by the side of a stream. You know that, in rainy weather, little streams, which in summer you could easily cross over, become swift raging floods. The flood of waters came down from the hills with a rush and a roar, and swept away some of his sheep which were feeding by its side. One little lamb had got across before the flood came, and had skipped up to the top of a rock overhanging the stream. There it was safe, but there was no food nor shelter for it. The kind shepherd got all the others safely out of the water, but he could not get at that little lamb, as the stream had become so broad and dangerous. He could not leave it there to perish with cold and hunger. He knew the stream was dangerous, so he got in by the bank and crept slowly along, till he got opposite the rock where the little lamb was. He saw the danger of trying to cross, but determined to brave it all, to save his lamb. He waded in, deeper and deeper, and then threw himself across the deep part. Instantly, the water was up to his chin, and would soon have carried him down, only, he caught hold of a piece of broom growing under the rock, and just managed to pull himself out safely. Then he climbed up to the little lamb and brought it down-threw it into the stream before him, and sprang after it; being carried down by the flood after the lamb. He then seized it and struggled through to the other side, which he safely reached, Oh! how glad he was when he had got the lamb safe.

Now, dear children, if you will read the 15th chapter of Luke, you will find the Lord Jesus Christ telling a parable like to this story, and explaining it to mean the joy of God in finding and saving lost sinners such as we are. The Shepherd there, and in this story, is like the Lord Jesus who speaks of himself, in John 10:11, "as the Good Shepherd who giveth His life for the sheep." Try and find out from the Bible what the Lord Jesus did to save lost sinners. Then ask yourself-"Has He saved me?”

The Widow's Letters Or, Anxiety and Assurance

THE postman is a welcome visitor at every door. People like to hear his knock, and run to receive their letters from his hand. Sometimes he is looked for with anxious fears, sometimes with joyous hopes. Sometimes he brings bad news, filling the eyes with tears and the house with gloom, sometimes he brings gladsome tidings, making the heart rejoice. Long and earnestly had Widow B― looked for the postman's coming. Her only boy had sailed for a foreign shore, and the full time for a promised letter, telling of his arrival, had expired. Day after day she watched, and saw the postman pass the gate. At length his knock was heard, and she bounded to the door. A letter from abroad was handed in addressed to her, but in a stranger's hand-writing. Anxiously she opened and read it, and burst into tears. Her boy was lying sick in a hospital among strangers in a foreign land. She believed the sad tidings, and her heart was filled with sorrow. Anxiety and fear filled her mind, and for many days she lived in suspense, dreading what the next mail might bring. The postman's knock was heard again, and she opened the door with a trembling hand. With joyful surprise, she received a letter in her own Willie's hand-writing, containing the joyful news that he was now quite well, and happy in his new situation. The widow believed the gladsome news, and her heart was filled with thanksgiving and joy, and she hastened to her next-door neighbor to make known the joyful tidings. The belief of the sad news filled her with anxiety: the belief of the glad news filled her with assurance and peace. Now, it is just so with us when we believe God's word. That word tells us of "tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil:" it says, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." When the sinner believes these solemn words as they concern himself, he is made anxious.

Reader, have you been made anxious by believing them, or are you at ease because you have turned a deaf ear to these solemn facts? You may be at ease in your sins, and happy on your way to the pit, but this is gained by closing your ears to the truth of God. Nevertheless God has spoken, and His word is truth. But the Gospel brings good tidings from the same God. It declares "Christ died for the ungodly," and "he that believeth on Him is not condemned." Whoever believes the Gospel's message is filled with peace and joy just as that widow was by believing her son's letter. It was not her feelings, or her experiences, but the words of the letter received by faith that gave her joy and peace, and it is belief of the truth concerning Christ and His finished work that gives peace with God and joy unspeakable. Theirs is the knowledge and assurance of salvation, and they say, "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.”

The Gift of God

The Egyptian water-carrier may often be heard calling out―"The gift of God―the gift of God," as water is called in Egypt. There is another gift of God spoken of in the Bible. Have you accepted that gift? Here it is―"The gift of God is eternal life" (Rom. 6:23). Is that life yours? Hear how you may know it―"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).

Johnnie's Death

WE were playmates and companions, Johnnie and I, and many of childhood's golden hours were spent in each other's company. One Saturday, while I was busy at play, a messenger came, saying, "Johnnie is dead." I never shall forget the effect these words had upon me. God caused me to think that moment as I had never done before about my soul, and where I was to spend eternity. Our teacher in the Sunday School spoke solemnly the following day of the nearness of eternity, and asked us if we were ready to die. This deepened my anxiety, and in a few weeks after I trusted Christ and was saved. Johnnie's grave lies green in the churchyard, and as I look upon it with tearful eyes, I think of the moment when the word "Where will you spend eternity?" first reached my soul. Reader, are you ready to die? Companions and playmates are passing away. Are you ready?

Doubting

ARE you saved, Freddie?” asked a teacher, laying his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Yes, but I sometimes doubt," answered the boy. "Whom do you doubt, Freddie?" There was no answer, only Freddie hung his head. "Doubt yourself as much as you like, but never doubt God, my boy. If He says you are saved, there is no room to doubt it.”

My Sunday Text

HE was only four years old, but he was an intelligent little fellow. Father and mother were very fond of him, and delighted in him and his loving ways. How he loved to go to the Sunday-School, and say his text, and come back and tell what he had heard. There was always a special Sunday morning service for the young folks, and there he heard things explained simply about the Lord Jesus Christ and God, so that he could easily understand. God's Holy Spirit opened his young heart to receive simply the precious things of God's salvation. Early this year the measles came to the place, and many of the children were taken ill, and obliged to keep away from school for fear of infection. Sin is like sickness that infects; and many children that love and give way to what is sinful, infect and poison others. The only antidote or remedy against sin, is to know the Lord Jesus Christ as a Savior from it, for He shed His precious blood to make an atonement for sin, that whosoever believeth in Him should receive forgiveness of sins, and get a new nature and His Holy Spirit. Well, the dear little fellow got bad with the measles, and had to keep away from school. Mother watched him all the time, and nursed him so kindly, for she was very fond of her little boy. She got him all she could, and did everything she could think of for him. When the rash that comes out in measles had gone, there was hope that he would get well, but his throat had got bad and swollen. Then an abscess formed in his throat, which made him very ill, and he got heavy and wandering. On Saturday evening, while mother was watching him, he roused up, and said, suddenly―"Mother, I know my Sunday text." "Do you, dear?" she said, "say it me, then." "It's, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'" And then he lay back, so tired. That evening he fell asleep, and never woke again in this world. He had not to say his Sunday text in school, next day; but he had the joy of looking on the face of Him who first spoke those words, and who now had called this "little child unto Him." Father and mother felt so much their dear boy's dying, yet their hearts were filled with great thankfulness to the precious Savior who died on purpose to save sinners, and through whose precious blood their dear laddie was redeemed and saved forever. My dear young reader, how is it with you? Are you ready to die?

We Are Going to Flit

SO said little Janet, a child of scarce five summers, to a visitor who had just come in. "Indeed," said the visitor, looking surprised, "and where are you going?" "Oh, do you not know that Jesus is coming to take us all up to live with Him in Heaven?" This was a very pleasant thought to dear Janet, she often asked questions, and talked about the coming of the Lord. It was, indeed, a great reality to her, and filled her little heart with joy.

Yes, dear young readers, there is a great flitting day coming, and it may be near. The same Jesus who was nailed to the cross of Calvary, who was laid in the cold tomb, who rose from the dead and ascended to God's right hand, He whom all the angels worship continually, is coming back again. He will at first come only to the air, then the trumpet will sound, and all those who have died in Christ will rise up from their graves, and those of the saints who are alive will be changed as quickly as your eye can twinkle; then, all together, those who had died, and those who will never die (John 11:26), shall go up to meet with Jesus in the air, each one shining like Himself-for when we see Him, we shall be like Him. Every one who has been washed in the precious blood will be there on that happy day. Not one left behind (1 Cor. 15:51), for He knows every heart that is trusting in Him, and He says, "They shall be mine in that day when I make up my jewels." Dear young friends, let me ask you in love, where would you be were the Lord to come this very day? Would you go up with the saints to be forever with the Lord, or would you be left behind to weep in hopeless sorrow. There will be many separations on that day. Children will be left without their parents, and, in some cases, parents without their children. Some will lose brothers, and some sisters; some will be taken and others will be left.

Dear little Janet, though too young to understand many of these things, yet understood that Jesus loved her, and that His blood had washed her sins away. She loved Him, and looked for Him. She wanted Jesus, and Jesus wanted her, and very soon He sent the angel of death and took her happy spirit to be with Himself. Her flitting day came early, but she was ready and waiting. Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, your flitting day―either the Son of Man or death―may come.

The Boys' Prayer Meeting

“MOTHER," said Johnnie A―, "would you be willing to let a few of us have the use of the big room on Wednesday evening for a prayer meeting? A number of the boys who have been recently converted bade me ask you.”

"I'll be very glad, Johnnie, to give you the use of the room; but you don't mean to stay away from the usual prayer meeting on Tuesday night, do you?”

"O, dear no, mother; we'll go there too. But we've been thinking it would be nice to have a little prayer meeting, just among ourselves, you know, with none of the big folks at it; because we do not like to open our mouths aloud and pray before so many in the big prayer meeting.”

"All right, my boy, you shall have the room with all my heart, and I hope you will have a time of real prayer and blessing together before the Lord.”

Wednesday evening came, and about a dozen of the boys came together, and had a quiet hour by themselves in the big room, with the door locked. Some of them opened their mouths in prayer for the first time that night. It continued every Wednesday during the winter, and God blessed the little prayer meeting abundantly, and the power of it was felt all over the village. The young believers were kept fresh and green in soul by waiting there together before the Lord, and drawn close to one another in the bonds of true companionship in the Spirit. Some, whose first lispings as babes in Christ, were tremblingly uttered in that little prayer meeting, are now proclaiming the Gospel fearlessly to the crowd, and mingling their petitions with fellow-saints in the big prayer meeting.

Many of the Lord's little ones are ashamed to open their mouths for the first time before a large company, and so they remain dumb for life. They are there regularly, but not a word of audible prayer escapes their lips from one year's end to the other. The "fathers" in Christ do all the praying, and the "babes" sit in silence. But this ought not to be. Surely nothing can be more grateful to the ear of God, than to hear His youngest children lisp His name in prayer, and call Him, "Abba, Father." If an earthly parent loves to hear his infant child for the first time say "father," can it be less pleasing to our Father in heaven? And if it be joy to Him, it is blessing to the young believer, aye, and to all the saints of God. What would become of the prayer meeting if all the young believers were dumb? Where will the men of prayer of the next generation come from, if those who are now babes don't get their mouths opened.

But you must make a start, and the example of Johnnie and his companions is well worth imitating, in the fear of the Lord. At any rate, don't be afraid to open your mouth in prayer. Don't mind if some throw cold water on you, and discourage you; and don't be put out if others criticize your prayer; and never mind if you can only pray short, perhaps only half the time of brother So-and-so. Long prayers

are not always a sign of spirituality in the offerer, or a source of blessing to others. Ask what you feel the need of, and stop when you're done. Shun formality and unreality in your petitions. It is not to be "heard of men,” but to the ear of your Father in heaven that your prayer should be made. God bless the young believer, and make him a man of prayer, both in secret and in public. Thus shall he grow up in spiritual stature, and be able to share the burdens and toil of active service for the Lord.

Johnnie's Faith

A LITTLE boy who attended a Sunday School in Edinburgh said to his teacher one day, "Teacher, I wish my sister would read the Bible.”

"Why do you wish that, Johnnie," asked the teacher.

"Because sir, if she would only read God's Word, I think she would soon be saved; and next time there is a prayer meeting, you might ask prayer that my sister may begin to read the Bible," said the boy.

The teacher was much pleased with the boy's earnestness, and confidence in the power of prayer, and assured him that the case of his sister would be mentioned for prayer next prayer meeting night.

Prayer meeting night came, and the teacher gave out that a little boy present desired prayer that his sister might begin to read the Bible and be saved.

Johnnie rose after his sister had been prayed for, and left the room. His teacher observed it and wondered what it meant. Next day, when Johnnie came to school, the teacher spoke to him about it.

"Please sir," said the boy, "I did not mean to give offense, but I felt such a desire to see my sister reading the Bible for the first time, that I could not sit any longer.

Dear boy! he believed that God was the answerer of prayer. Dear young believer, do you? "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2.)

Ben, the Boatman Or, the Night Before the Battle

“GIVE us a boat with a lug-sail, Ben: we want to go out to the rocks," shouted the foremost of four school-boys to the old boatman who was standing on the shore, preparing his rods for the evening fishing. Ben looked up with a kindly smile, and shook his head, at the same time remarking, "The breeze is stiff at present, lads, better wait for an hour or two till we see how it turns." "No fears, Ben," said the eldest of the lads, who had considerable confidence in his own ability as a navigator, "we can easily manage a lug-sail for all the wind there is, we've done it with ten times as much as there is to-day." "Ah, maybe you have, lads; but it's dangerous for all that, and old Ben knows the sea too well to give you his boat in a day like this; be content and sit down here, maybe Ben has something to tell you that will be quite as good as a sail to the rocks." Ben and the lads were great friends. Many an hour they spent by his side on the beach, hearing the wonderful stories of shipwrecks and sea-battles that he had to tell. In his early days, Ben had been in the Navy, and had seen several "engagements." He had been a wild ungodly youth, and a sad grief to his parents. To escape restraint he ran off to sea, to find there, that if the loving rule of a godly home was ill to bear, the iron rod of authority on board a gun-boat was worse by far, but there was no escape from it. Seldom did Ben refer to his early life, except to warn the lads against such hardness of heart and Christ-rejection as his had been, and to magnify the grace of God that saved him in the midst of it. His stories always had a point in them, and he never failed to "apply" them to the listeners with a loving appeal to turn to the Lord in their early days, or a solemn word of warning to flee from coming wrath.

The lads sat down alongside of Ben, and heard from his lips the following story:―

“You know, lads, it's no easy thing to be a Christian, as folk would say, on board a gun-boat; there you must either be for Christ or for the devil, there must be no sneaking. We had a gunner on board whose name was Bill, a fine hearty young man he was, and a Christian that did not fear to let his light shine. Everybody knew that Bill the gunner was a soldier of the cross, not simply because he said it, but because he lived it. Morning and night Bill read his Bible, and knelt down to pray, no matter who was there. I am sorry, lads, to have to tell you that I often laughed at Bill although, in the depths of my heart I wished that I was like him. One morning, the tidings came that our gun-boat was ordered on active service, and was to be ready for action in a few hours. I shall never forger the night before the engagement lads, while memory lasts; it was the turning point in my life's history, the night in which, by grace, I was converted to God. Our decks were cleared, and everything ready for action; certain death was before some of us on the morrow. Bill sat down in his usual place and began to read, but I can tell you there was nobody laughed at him that night. An eager group of us stood around him, listening to the words he was reading from the Bible. ‘Comrades,' said Bill, after he had finished reading, ‘we may be in eternity by this time to-morrow; it would be well for us if we could all say we are ready. Here we are, all waiting for the Admiral's word tomorrow, and it would be well if we were all as ready for the call of God to enter eternity. By grace I can say, I am not afraid to die. If I die, I will go to be with Christ, not for anything good in me, but because I trust His precious blood that cleanseth from all sin. If you would be safe for to-morrow comrades, and in readiness for eternity, then trust yourselves to Christ to-night, then come life or death, all will be well.'

We all listened in solemn silence, standing under the beams of the pale moon, with not a sound to be heard save the rippling of the waves beneath. We felt that Ben's words were solemnly true. Some of us would almost certainly be in eternity at that time to-morrow, and we knew well we were not ready. Overcome by emotion, one stalwart gunner sank upon his knees, and said, "Jesus I will trust Thee:" another followed, then a third, and before ten minutes, a little circle of us knelt around Ben, and committed ourselves to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the lost. Some may have only been frightened for death, but I believe the greater part were truly broken down before God on account of their past sinful lives, and that hour they claimed His Son to be their Savior. In the calm still air, a dozen rough voices sang―

“O, happy day, that fixed my choice

On Thee, my Savior and my God."

Then we parted for the night. On the morrow, our ship was in the thickest of the conflict. Bullets and shells were flying all around, and the dead and dying strewed the decks. In the evening when all was over, I saw Bill take his usual seat, and the rest that sat with him the evening before quickly gathered around, no longer ashamed to own themselves the Lord's. Wonderful to tell it, the circle was unbroken: while others lay dead or wounded, God had preserved us, and I can tell you, lads, if ever a heart-felt song of praise went up to God from this poor heart of mine, it was that night.

Years have rolled on, and we are all parted from each other. Bill is in heaven, and no doubt, so are some of the rest. Others are yet here, like old Ben, the boatman, trying to live for the Lord who loves him, and to lead others to Him. My dear lads, if you would be happy in life and ready for death, trust yourselves to Jesus.”

The story had a deep impression on the four youths: the lug-sail boat was forgotten, and they sat long beside Ben that night, asking further questions about that night before the battle. They walked quickly home in silence, and within their souls there was a felt need that never was known before-they felt the need of Christ. How much easier for them and for you, dear reader, to trust the Lord Jesus in times of peace, and in the golden hours of youth. Say, have you trusted Him? Have you trusted Him, as that circle of awakened gunners did, on that memorable night before the battle; or will death find you (it may be soon) Unsaved, unprepared to meet God?

A Soldier's Love

JOHN BUNYAN when a young man enlisted as a soldier, and was amongst the number of those on whom the lot fell to besiege Leicester during the civil war. Just as he was ready to go, another soldier begged to take his place. Bunyan consented, and his substitute was shot in the head as he stood on guard. Was not that a noble act towards a fellow-man? for he really gave his life for his comrade, and died in Bunyan's stead. But here is a more wonderful story still. Jesus, the Son of God, died for His enemies. Bunyan was probably that soldier's friend; but sinners are the foes of God and Christ. Yet such was the love of God toward His enemies, that He gave His Son to die for them; and such the love of Jesus, that "He willingly died in our stead.”

“O, 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love,

The love of God to me,

It brought my Savior from above,

To die on Calvary.”

Reader, have you believed the love of God? Have you accepted as your Substitute the One who suffered in your stead? There is no way of salvation apart from this. If you neglect or reject the One who came to seek and save your lost and guilty soul, you will pass on to suffer the wages of sin, and the doom of a Christ-rejector in hell.

Anna and Willie Or, The Best Holiday I Ever Had

SCHOOL-DAYS over, examinations past, and prizes all safely put aside. No lessons for six weeks, but away into the country to romp in the green fields and by the riversides. It had long been looked forward to, and now it had come at last. Anna and Willie were in the stage coach, on the way to spend their summer holidays with their aunt Mary, who lived in the country. A few hours' drive through wooded dell and moor brought them there, and they found their aunt awaiting them. There was such a lot to tell her about home and school, that it was late before they got off to bed that night. Next morning they got up early, and went off to play in the fields, to see the sheep on the hill, and to gather flowers in the woods. It was such a happy time. But this was not all. In the village near to where aunt Mary lived, a great canvas tent had been put up, with a pretty little flag on the top, on which was inscribed "GOD IS LOVE." Notice had been sent round to all the houses that a service for children would be held in it every afternoon, and one for grown-up folks at night. Aunt Mary said she was going, because she loved the Lord, and wanted to help in bringing others to Him. So after tea off they went all together. Some nice hymns were sung, then a short address, and then at the close an "after meeting." Many of the children remained, and were spoken to; and among others, Anna and Willie. They did not trust the Lord Jesus then; but after they came home, Anna said to her aunt that she would like so much to be saved, if she only knew how it could be. Aunt Mary spoke to her and Willie, knelt down beside them and prayed, and before bed-time they could both say, "Jesus is mine." Writing home to their mother the following week, Anna said, "This is the best holiday I ever had. Do you know why? Because Willie and I have trusted Jesus. Aunt and us go to the "Tent" every night, and sing hymns all the way home." Truly that was a happy holiday. Have you ever had a holiday like that? I mean, Have you trusted Jesus and been saved?

Tina's Hymn

TINA was a sweet little singer. She was too young to be able to read, but at the Sunday-school she had picked up a couple of verses of the children's favorite hymn―

"Shall we gather at the river?

Where bright angels feet have trod;

With its crystal tide forever

Flowing by the throne of God.”

In sweet silvery tones, the dear child sang it morning, noon, and night, and never seemed to tire of the sacred sound.

Sitting by herself, singing over the first verse one day, she suddenly started up in the middle of it, and running to her mother, she caught hold of both her hands, looked up wistfully into her face, and said, "Mother, dear, shall we gather at the river." The "we" was strongly emphasized, and the mother felt the force of it, but put her off with an evasive answer. Poor woman, she had no certainty that she would be there. The cares of her family seemed quite enough, and more than enough, to occupy her from morning till night, and these things seldom troubled her.

But Tina's question turned her thoughts to a world beyond the present, and for the first time she began to wonder if she would be among those who will

“Gather at the river,

Where bright angels' feet have trod.”

The following day, Tina took ill, and was put to bed. Her sweet voice was hushed, and her mother missed it. Nothing serious was suspected at first, but as night drew on, Tina became worse. Her favorite hymn was not forgotten even then, for she kept repeating over and over the line:

"Shall we gather at the river?”

and young as she was, she was helped of God to give a clear and ringing testimony, that she was going there to dwell in Jesus' country, where tears are all dried up, and singing never ceases.

Two days later, dear Tina passed away to be among those who will "gather at the river," and her mother, not long after, was saved. Then she could sing her daughter's favorite hymn, and did so with joy and truthfulness―

"Yes, we'll gather at the river,

The beautiful, beautiful river,

Gather with the saints at the river,

That flows by the throne of God.”

Will you be among those gathered at the river, my dear young friend? I know you hope to be! I'm sure you would like to be there! Well, that's right, but then you know, sinners unwashed and unforgiven cannot join that happy throng. You must be washed from your sins, and made white and clean. And Jesus' precious blood can make you white. Trust it, and like Tina, you will be able then to sing―

"Yes, we'll gather at the river.”

The Borrowdale Shepherd and His Lamb

AWAY among the hills of Borrowdale, in Cumberland, where shepherds feed their flocks, a little lamb went missing from the flock. The shepherd went forth to seek the missing lamb, and, at last, he saw it down a deep ravine, solitary and alone. Led on by tempting tufts of grass, it had wandered from rock to rock, gradually getting further down the rocky mountain side. Now it was at the bottom, and it could not climb up again. How like the wandering sinner was that straying lamb. How soon it would have died down there, solitary and alone. But the shepherd cared for the helpless thing, and taking a rope he firmly bound it round his waist, and made it all secure; then he twisted the other end around a post at the top of the rock, and two men gently lowered him down into the deep ravine. There he found the little lamb, and tenderly placed it in his bosom. Then the shepherd and the lamb were both drawn up together safely to the top.

How sweetly this illustrates the path of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came down from His glory-home above, to seek and save the lost. Like that wandering one, "All we like sheep have gone astray” (Isa. 53:6). We had turned our backs on God and heaven, and gone out seeking pleasure on a dangerous path. Pleasure after pleasure leads the sinner on, as the tufts of grass led on the silly lamb, until the end of the path is reached. And what an end it is! See that sinner on his dying bed, all solitary and alone; pleasures all behind him, companions all forsaken him, nothing but death and hell before. But Jesus loved the sinner, and in spite of all his wanderings, He loves the sinner still. He saw the sinner down in the fearful depth, and He went down to where he was. The Borrowdale shepherd only risked his life to save his lamb, but Jesus, the Good Shepherd, "laid down His life for the sheep" (John 10:27). Who would refuse to trust such a Shepherd, or to coldly spurn His love? Had the Borrowdale shepherd's lamb run away from his outstretched arms and perished, who but itself would have been to blame. But it did not; it allowed him to lay it in his bosom. Will you allow Jesus to do this with you? How soft and tender is His bosom! How safe and secure are the little ones who can say "Jesus is mine!" They are saved from death and hell; safely kept, and carried to heaven. He carries the lambs in His bosom.

The Young Soldier

AFTER the fierce and terrible battle of Abu-Klea, in the Soudan, two young soldiers were conversing together in one of the tents. The youngest of the two, little more than a boy, had received a fatal wound, and lay all comfortless and weary in his blood-stained uniform. His comrade, who was a Christian, and acting as a nurse, sat by his side, trying to cheer and soothe his suffering companion, by reading portions of the New Testament. "Shall I read a little more to you, Davie, my lad, it's a comfort in the dying hour you know?" said the Christian soldier. Davie nodded assent, and he went on reading from the eleventh chapter of Matthew's Gospel. Presently he came to the twenty-eighth verse, and read over slowly and pathetically the words― "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

“Stop, Jamie," said the dying youth, "these words were never meant for me. You know I've been God's enemy all my life, and I've fought hard and sore against Him; these words can never be meant for me. No, no, I've been His enemy―they cannot be for me.”

“Enemy or not, I assure you, Davie, my lad, God speaks these words to you. His enemy you, no doubt, have been, as I once was, but here God offers you His terms of peace." "Terms of peace, Jamie, did you say" muttered the dying lad, "terms of peace, let me hear them over again." "That I will, Davie, just listen to them, man," and Jamie read aloud―"now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you, in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

The dying lad's face changed, and raising himself partly on his couch, he clasped his hands, and looking up to heaven, said, "I accept the terms! I accept the terms! O! Christ of of God I surrender to Thee;" and then sank back exhausted.

All through that day he lingered in life, at times, in a whisper, saying, "thank God, at peace, at peace." As the setting sun threw its parting rays on the marble brow of the dying youth, a sweet smile played on his countenance, and ere the morning dawned on the busy camp he was absent from the body, and present with the Lord. There, amid the horrors of a blood-stained battlefield, within a few hours of eternity, he accepted God's terms of peace and surrendered himself to Christ.

How much easier for you who are in health, and amid the comforts of home to do the same. God's terms of peace are just the same to you, today and now, as they were to that young soldier on the far off deserts of the Soudan.

Achan's Sin Or, Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out

IT was a day of victory among the armies of Israel. Jordan had been crossed, and the goodly land of Canaan reached. The stronghold of Jericho had fallen; its huge walls crumbling to dust at the blast of the trumpets of the priests of God, and Israel had marched into the captured city in triumph. Surely every heart would be glad, and overflowing with praise to God, for the great things His hand had wrought. But it was not so. There was one man there who had his eye on something else. Achan saw among the spoils of the city a wedge of gold, two hundred shekels of silver, and a Babylonish garment of beauty and worth, and his heart coveted them. He wanted to have them as his own, and disregarding the commandment of the Lord, that the silver and gold should be gathered into His treasury, and all else burned up with fire, Achan quietly wrapped them up and buried them in his tent. But God would not allow sin thus to remain unjudged. He caused a defeat to be given to His army, in order that they might search their ways, and Joshua was told by God that there was an accursed thing in their midst. Solemn it must have been to see the great company gathered before the Lord the following day, to make inquisition who was the guilty one. How Achan must have trembled, as nearer and nearer came the lot to him. First his tribe, next his family, then his household, and finally he himself was singled out from the vast congregation, and set up before them all. He was asked to tell what he had done, and out of his own mouth he was condemned. There before them all he was unmasked, exposed, and stoned to death in the Valley of Achor. His sin could not be hid, for God had said, "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Num. 32:23). Often as I think of that scene in the Valley of Achor, my mind reverts to another day which is yet to come. I mean the Judgment-day, when the sinner's sin will be unearthed, and his hidden guilt disclosed before the Judge of all the earth.

How will it be with you on that day, reader? Have you hidden sins? Do you act the hypocrite? Are you living in secret sin, and at the same time professing to be a Christian? Then I tell you, if they are not pardoned before, they will be brought up for judgment then. They cannot longer be hid. God will bring the hidden things to light and justice, and judgment will pass the sentence. But it need not thus be with you. Achan had no offer of mercy: no day or grace was given to him. God has given both to you. He has sent you a message of grace, and made a way of escape. If you reject it, your doom in hell will be infinitely worse than the man who died in the Valley of Achor that day.

Willie's Mistake Or, Not Giving, but Receiving

"I DON'T want to be a Christian, yet," said Willie M―, "for I should have to give up my cards and football, and pull a long face." One who overheard the lad's words said, "Willie, you are beginning at the wrong end altogether. You don't become a Christian by 'giving up,' but by 'receiving.’”

Willie was amazed. He had the old monkish idea, that in order to be a holy person, he had to give up everything, and become very sad, and sober looking. The words were strange to him: he couldn't make them out.

“What do you mean by 'receiving?'" asked Willie, anxious to ascertain what his friend meant.

“I mean that God wants you to receive His Son to be your Savior, and His gift of eternal life to be your own. If you do, the giving up will come all right. I have seen a child playing with an old broken toy; but, worthless as it was, if you had asked the child to "give it up," that would only have made the child grasp it the firmer. But, suppose you had brought a nice new top or doll, and presented it. When the child received your gift, he would be so satisfied and delighted with it, so occupied with the new thing, that the old broken toy would drop out of his hand, and the child would forget all about it. Now, Willie, my boy, there you have a 'receiving' and a 'giving up'-but you will notice the receiving comes first, and the giving up next. It's no use talking to you about giving up, for you have not yet received Christ. Receive Him now as your Savior, and the rest will come all right.”

"I'm very sure you'll never see me throwing away my pleasures even if I did become a Christian. I would not go so far with it as you do.”

“All right, Willie, my boy. You make sure of the first point, anyhow. You receive the Son of God, His love, His peace, His salvation, and then we'll talk over the other points after, but not until the first great transaction is done.”

Willie did receive Christ, and so filled was he with the peace of God and the new-found joy, that he quite forgot his good resolution, not to give up anything. The love of Christ filled and thrilled his heart, and constrained him to serve and follow Him. The old habits and former pleasures dropped of unconsciously like autumn leaves, and he never missed them.

Reader, it is not by "giving up" but by "receiving" that you become a Christian―by receiving Christ.

The Dying Poet

WHEN Sir Walter Scott was lying on his dying pillow, he sent for his son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, one day, to read for him. "What book shall I read, Sir Walter?" asked Mr. Lockhart. The dying man looked earnestly into his son-in-law's face, and said, "There is but one Book, Lockhart, read to me out of the Bible." Sir Walter was a writer of fiction; but when the hour drew near that he had to meet his God, he sought the Book of God's eternal truth.

Whatever may have been his estimate of the Word of God during the busy hours of life, he was convinced that for a man entering eternity, there was only one book worth reading, and that was the Bible. But what a pity that it should be left unread until the last hours of life. Its great and wondrous truths are just as applicable in the happy hours of youth, as they are on the dying pillow. The child of tender days, and the sire of three-score years and ten, alike need the Gospel. The Book that tells of Jesus is a Book for life, as well as for death. Do not neglect it then in the golden hours of youth. Believe its words concerning you, its Gospel concerning Jesus, and then as a saved one take it as the light to guide your feet along life's way.

Clara and Susie Or, Saved by the Sea-Shore

YOU all like when the season comes for packing up for a holiday at the coast. To have no lessons, no school bell to call you in from play, but for the long, summer day to walk by the shore gathering shells, and building castles on the sands. I am going to tell you about two little girls who spent a very happy summer at the sea-side together, and who I am sure will ever look back on the happy days they spent by the sea-shore, and thank God for them. Do you know why? Because it was one of those days they both trusted Jesus as their Savior and became the lambs of His flock.

Clara and Susie were school-mates and companions. Their parents were well-to-do people, but very worldly. I fear the two little girls seldom heard the name of Jesus mentioned in their homes. I do not think they even went to the Sunday School, only to the Church once a day with their parents, and what they heard there was by far to "high up" for them to understand. But you know that God who loves the souls of boys and girls so orders events, that His gospel may reach the ears of those who do not hear it at home, and He did so in the case of Clara and Susie. A Christian gentleman who was down at the coast with his family for a few weeks, was in the habit of gathering all the boys and girls he could get to come together on a corner of the beach for a Children's Service. They sat in circles on the sand, and sang many of the sweet gospel hymns that tell of Jesus and His love. Clara and Susie were there, and perhaps for the first time heard the gospel plainly and simply spoken. The meetings on the sands were a great attraction to

them, and they came day after day; the Holy Spirit using the Word spoken to awaken their interest and show them their need.

Sometimes at the close, little groups of children remained to speak with the gentleman who held the services, and often to tell him that they had trusted Jesus. Clara and Susie waited one day among the rest. They had both been thinking much about the matter of their salvation all that week, and only the day before, in walking together on the beach they had arranged to wait behind and be "spoken to" after the Children's Service. They had no particular "difficulty" to inquire about, but they lacked decision. They knew it was by believing on the Lord Jesus that they could be saved, but whether they them-selves had thus believed in Him or not they did not quite know. A few words made it all plain to them. Jesus says― “He that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life" (John 5:24). To hear, to believe and to have go together, and all who hear and believe must have the life eternal. So Jesus says, and His words are truth. Clara and Susie accepted them as such in their hearts that day, and became two of the lambs of the Good Shepherd's flock. Reader, have you like these two girls trusted Jesus? Is He your Savior?

Do It Well

WHATEVER you do-even the very smallest act of service―do it well; do it as under the eye of the Lord, and in view of the judgment-seat of Christ, where true service will be rewarded. If you have served your earthly master or mistress worthy of God and faithfully, then you will hear "well done" from the Master's own lips. Never mind if your lot in life be very mean in the eyes of men―fill it for God, and do your work well.

Two young men were candidates for the same situation. The one who was rejected, sought to throw contempt upon his rival by saying-with a sneer loud enough to be heard all over the room, "He was once my father's shoeblack." The other heard the remark, and smilingly said, "Yes, and didn't I black them well." There could be nothing said by his opponent to the contrary, and so it went to the young man's credit, and the other slunk away.

A young girl was brought to the Lord one evening in a Gospel Tent in Glasgow. She served as under-housemaid in a worldly family, and when it became known that she had professed conversion, they tried to tease her. But her mistress gave the following testimony to a lady who called to inquire after Mary's character and abilities as a servant, previous to engaging her. "Mary was rather careless for a time, but ever since she professed to be a child of God, her work has been very differently done. The rooms have been well done, and Mary has been a truly good, and trustworthy girl." You see she began to do her work as under her new Master's eye, and with the desire to please Him.

The Brazen Serpent

(Num. 21:6, 6; John 3:14, 15)

BITTEN by the fiery serpents

Many dying lay

But the Lord, who loved the people,

Then did say:

“Make a brazen fiery serpent,

Put it on a pole;

Whosoever looketh on it

Shall be whole.”

We, by sin and Satan wounded,

Helplessly did lie;

But the Son of God from heaven

Came to die.

Lifted up in pain and anguish,

He was crucified―

Jesus bore the sinner's judgment

When He died.

Now exalted high in heaven

Ready to forgive,

Whosoever trusteth in Him

Then shall live.

Commit the verses to memory.

The Story of the Flags

IN the island of Cuba, which is a colony of Spain, an insurrection broke out some years ago. The Spanish Government sent out an army to quell the strife, and punish the offenders. A sailor, the son of British parents, but brought up in America, was arrested and charged with being a leader in the insurrection. Although it was believed by those who knew him that he was innocent, nevertheless the Spanish authorities condemned him to be shot. Against this sentence the English and American consuls protested and demanded his release; but the Spaniards would not yield. On the morning fixed for the execution of the sentence, the prisoner was marched to the place of death, and a company of soldiers selected to fire the fatal volley. The two consuls were there also, and, in the name of their respective governments, read aloud their protest in the hearing of the whole company. Still the Spaniards remained unyielding, and the order was given by an officer to the firing party to "present." A moment longer and the condemned man would have been shot, but just as the rifles were leveled, the two consuls, carrying the flags of their respective nations, stepped forward in front of the prisoner, and wrapping the Union Jack of England and the Stars and Stripes of America around him, and addressing the officer of the firing party, the English consul said, "Gentlemen, as a consul of Her Brittanic Majesty, I cannot stand by and see this foul murder of an innocent man. It is my duty to protect his life, and if you dare to take that life, then you must take it through these," pointing to the flags of the two nations. The two consuls then stood alongside the condemned man, supporting him with the flags of the two nations wrapped around him. The Spaniards were dismayed, and lowered their rifles. Another consultation was held, the man's innocence was proved, and that day he was set at liberty.

In this thrilling story, we have a faint picture of how the believing sinner is sheltered by the precious blood, and defended from every foe by the living person of Christ. There is one striking difference. The sailor was innocent, the sinner is guilty. Yet because of the death of Christ in his stead, justice cannot reach him; law may not execute its sentence upon him, and Satan dare not touch him.

My dear reader, is it so with you? Are you sheltered under the blood, or exposed to the judgment? Have you Christ to stand between you and the coming wrath.

A Lesson From the Limpets

WALKING among the rocks on the sea-shore lately, I noticed clinging to them, a number of limpets. As I looked at them for some time, the lines came to my mind―

"Savior, more than life to me,

I am clinging, clinging close to Thee."

They were a picture of perfect weakness and defenselessness: they had no strength of their own, no defense against foes, they could only cleave to the rocks. Yet how wonderful are the works of the Lord. He has so made them that their very weakness is their strength. It is their nature to cleave, and cleaving in their helplessness to the rocks, they are secure from foes without. How much there is for us to learn in this, especially those of us who are young in grace.

It is true that none who have been saved by Jesus Christ can ever be severed from Him, so as to be lost. Oh! no. He says, "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:28). These blessed words are true concerning the youngest and weakest saint. The foundation that he rests upon is sure and immovable, even Christ. What we learn from the limpets is, that our only safeguard from the allurements of the world and wiles of the devil without, is to be, cleaving to the Lord. With as much truth as we say to the unsaved, we may say to ourselves, we are "without strength." It is true that often we are unwilling to own this, and, like Jacob, attempt to do things in our own strength, till we learn by our failure the truth of the words of the Lord Jesus, "Without Me"―that is, severed from Me―"ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). It is here our strength lies. Our very nature as children of God is to cling to Christ. The new life begotten within us cannot, yea, seeks not to do aught else. It is only as other objects occupy us which minister to the flesh, that we depart from Him, and thus become exposed to our enemies without. I have seen these little creatures separated from the rocks in a moment while unaware of any danger, by means of a knife or sharp instrument quickly applied, but if they were accidently touched, it was almost impossible to separate them.

Therefore, dear young believer, may it be yours henceforth, "with purpose of heart, to cleave unto the Lord" (Acts 11:23).