Echoes of Grace: 1932

A young Christian was sounding forth the "old, old, story" in a busy street in a northern town. Suddenly he was rudely interrupted by someone on the outside of the crowd, who hurled the question at him,

"Where's hell?"

"At the end of the broad road that unbelievers tread," was the reply.

After the speaker had finished, the interrupter asked if he could have a word with him, when he again asked a question. This time it was very personal.

"Am I on the road to hell?

The answer was not, "Do you go to, church?" or "Do you read your Bible?" but, "Do you know the Savior?"

"I don't," he said.

"Then according to God's Word you are on the broad road that leads to everlasting destruction."

"God moves in a mysterious way," and so it was in this case. Both men, it appeared, had lived in the same street, in the same town, and knew all the old familiar places.

The preacher had started life selling newspapers, though a youth in years, deep in sin and sorrow. But he had learned that Jesus was the Savior of sinners, and was led to trust Him, and was saved and satisfied for time and eternity.

The other had wandered astray, and had ignored the tender voice of the Shepherd calling the lost ones home. As a young man he had been left an orphan, and had chosen his own paths, and gone his own way, which made him as he was that day—a poor, miserable, self-convicted sinner. He was tired and sick of all that the devil and the world had to offer, a poor slave of sin and Satan, seeking peace and liberty.

The preacher told him in plain and earnest words what the Lord had done for himself. How he had been "plucked as a brand from the burning;" and that Jesus was waiting to save him, too. And there upon the street this weary, way worn, tempest-tossed soul found a haven of rest in the blessed Savior.

Dear reader, no matter who you are, what you are, or where you are, God says,

"All we like sheep have gone astray." Isa. 53:6, and

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Rom. 3:23.

That "ALL" takes you in, whether you realize it or not; if unsaved, you are on the broad road that leads to "everlasting destruction." but

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. God's blessed "whosoever" takes every lost one in. Come to the Savior now, and trust Him for your soul's eternal welfare.

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13. Call now and be saved, and when the roll is called in glory, you'll be there.

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

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

Only a Step between Life and Death

"Truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death." 1 Sam. 20:3.

So said David to Jonathan when he fled from King Saul. The king sought his life, and David realized his danger.

Reader, may it not be said of you, that there is but a step between you and death? But have you ever yet, like David, realized that such is really the case—that the brittle thread of life may snap at any moment? And what then?

Perhaps, like thousands more, you think there is no danger. Well, Nabal the Carmelite did not think there was but a step between him and death when he sent the contemptuous message to David,

"Shall I then take my bread, and my' water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?" 1 Sam. 25:11. But a few days after, God smote Nabal, and he died.

Neither did the rich man, whose ground brought forth abundantly, think there was any danger when he proposed to himself in the midst of his prosperity to eat, drink and be merry. Yet, God said unto him,

"Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee." Luke 12:20.

But, even should your life not be immediately cut short, it is at the longest "but a vapor that appeareth for a little and then vanisheth away." James 4:14. O, if you have never realized your danger, be persuaded to consider it NOW.

But, if there is, on the one hand, only a step between you and death, there is—thank God—a Savior at hand. He is willing to receive you, for He has said,

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

"Only a step to Jesus;
Then why not take it now?
Come, and thy sin confessing,
To Him, thy Savior, bow.

Only a step to Jesus!
A step from sin to grace—
What has thy heart decided?
The moments fly apace.

Only a step to Jesus!
O, why not come and say,
Gladly to Thee, my Savior,
I give myself away?"

Awake then! awake ere it is too late! Hear the Word of the Lord,

"As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" Ezekiel 33:11.

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

Is Not This a Brand Plucked Out of the Fire?

One afternoon, wearied in making house-to-house visits, the air of the over-crowded houses being so oppressive, I turned into a quiet little street, and opening my Bible, read aloud the story of Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5).

Attracted by such an unusual proceeding, several persons gathered around me, and others stood at the doors or at uplifted windows, and listened to the wonderful ancient story.

I next told of sin, of its leprous character, of the blood of cleansing, and in conclusion urged each hearer to—

"Prove the value of the blood
Of Jesus crucified."

I was about to leave when a woman with a pleasant face, and neatly dressed, came out of a house opposite to where I had been standing, and approached me, saying respectfully,

"Pardon me, sir, but will you come and speak to my brother?"

"Gladly, madam," I replied, and followed her into the house.

"None of your preaching here; a lot of canting hypocrites! None of it here; that's what I say."

Such were the words which greeted my ears as I followed my conductress into the room from which the sounds proceeded.

There, on a mangle sat a big man about forty years of age, clad in a butcher's blouse. There also were his wife and three children, one a little cripple girl about six years old.

My entrance put a stop to the loud talk of the man, and sitting down on the mangle beside him, I took from my pocket some books, and gave one with pictures to the little cripple. Then selecting a copy of a monthly magazine, I read to them one of the interesting stories it contained.

"How pretty!" said the little Cripple. "It's beautiful!" exclaimed the wife.

"Not much the matter with that," added the man.

Folding up the paper and offering it to him, I replied,

"You are welcome to this, my friend; and I will soon come and read to you again."

For many weeks I regularly called, and each time read other interesting stories. The man was very civil, and the little cripple was delighted to see me.

Very soon the wife was induced to attend the mission services, and after a year had passed away, in answer to earnest and persevering prayer, one night the husband came to the meeting, and heard the tale of redeeming love.

About this time the wife saw that he was making great efforts and forming strong resolutions to leave off his wicked habits, and to free himself from his evil companions.

Their eldest daughter (a fine young woman, aged nineteen years) came home from service very ill; she rapidly grew worse, lingered a few weeks, and died.

I was present at her death. The mother supported the dying girl in her arms; the brothers and sisters stood around weeping; the father placed himself at the foot of the bed, and tears streamed down his face as he looked on the heaving chest, and heard the quick heavy breathing of his departing child.

Addressing her brother and sister, the dying girl said,

"Be good children to father and mother; and think of Jesus, and love Him, and you will meet me in heaven."

Turning to her mother, she continued,

"Mother, dear, you do love Jesus, and Jesus loves us all, and you will meet me in heaven."

"Then, my child, you are not afraid to die?" asked her mother.

"No, mother, why should I be afraid?" answered the girl. "Jesus has suffered for our sins, and God has said He will spare all who trust in the blood of Christ, the same as He did the people in Egypt. I am going to heaven, and you will meet me there."

And the mother kissed her child, and the child kissed her mother.

"Father!"

"Yes, my child."

"Come to me; let me kiss you." And they kissed each other.

"Father, will you meet me in heaven?" He weeps, but answers not.

Again, in voice calm and firm, comes the inquiry,

"Father, dear, will you meet me in heaven?"

And the father falls on his knee, and buries his face in the bed-clothes, and bitter sobs and groans shake his strong frame.

Again, with increased emphasis, the daughter asks:

"Father, will you meet me in heaven?"

"O! my child," replies the man, "God helping me, I will meet you in heaven."

A few months after the death of his daughter, something occurred which showed that the Holy Spirit was working mightily in the heart of the man. I missed him from his usual place at the meeting on the Lord's Day evening. On the following Tuesday he was again absent from the Bible-class. The next day I called at his house to inquire after him, fearing he was ill.

With downcast looks and stammering tongue, he said:

"Mr. F—, I am a bad man." I shall never forget his look of horror and penitence as he continued, "On Saturday last I cursed my children; I am a wretch to do such a thing;" and as the tears started in his eyes, again he said: "I cursed my children, I did."

He had returned from the market the worse for drink; then went into the little backyard and lay down on a bench and fell asleep. The children were sent to awake him. While thus sleepy, muddled, and annoyed at being aroused, the "old man" showed itself in oaths and curses; but the Holy Spirit was there also, and His convicting power was felt. Horror-stricken at what he had done, the man felt himself to be "vile," and in bitterness of soul cried:

"Woe is me! for I am undone, I am a man of unclean lips." Isaiah 6:5.

Brought now to feel his state, to see his condition as guilty and perishing, he found his desperate case was met by the boundless love of God in saving the lost through Christ Jesus; and when by faith' he saw the Lord of glory take his place and suffer in his stead, with trembling voice he sang:

"O! 'tis a wondrous sight,
All sights above:
Jesus the curse sustains,
Guilt's bitter cup He drains;
Nothing for us remains,
Nothing but love."

One evening an experienced Christian visited him to converse with him, and to see the change which grace had wrought. With faltering lips the butcher told of the mercy that had reached him, adding, "I am like one of them things took out of the fire," referring to that scripture,

"Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire!" Zech. 3:2.

Henceforth was in him exemplified that which was written by the apostle Paul:

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:11-14.

A gentleness of manner and a kindliness of speech became habitual to him; love filled his breast, and peace and concord dwelt at home. His wife and family felt the change, and praised the name of the Lord. He was now an "epistle of Christ" and a wonder unto many. With him "old things had passed away." (2 Cor. 5:17).

"Verily, verily I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24.

Thine, Not Mine

Not what these hands have done
Can save this guilty soul;
Not what this toiling flesh has borne
Can make my spirit whole.

Not what I feel or do
Can give me peace with God;
Not all my prayers and sighs and tears
Can bear my awful load.

Thy work alone, O Christ,
Can ease the weight of sin:
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,
Can give me peace within.

Thy love to me, O God,
Not mine, O Lord, to Thee,
Can rid me of this dark unrest,
And set my spirit free.

Thy grace alone, O God,
To me can pardon speak;
Thy power alone, O Son of God,
Can this sore bondage break.

I bless the Christ of God,
I rest on love divine,
And with unfaltering lip and heart,
I call the Savior mine.

The Defiant Captain’s Fate

The wild winds blew, and the sea rose in mountains, causing great disaster and loss of life in the North Sea. As the shades of night fell, a vessel was seen struggling against wind and tide making for the harbor. Seen by the coastguards to strike a rock, the word was passed by the coxswain to "Man the Lifeboat," which was done, and in less than half an hour the gallant rescuers were making for the disabled vessel, several of whose crew were distinctly seen clinging to the mast and rigging. One after another of the helpless, half-frozen sailors were borne in strong arms from their places of danger to a seat in the lifeboat, where restoratives were given amid many expressions of gratitude, while the crowd on the shore cheered the noble deliverers, who at the risk of their lives rescued those who were "ready to perish" (Job 29: 13.)

When they approached the skipper, who was clinging to the shattered mast of the fast sinking ship, he refused to be carried from the wreck, first by maintaining that she would yet make the harbor, and finally, when every argument had failed to convince him of his danger, he threatened to shoot "dead on the spot" with a loaded pistol he had in his hand, any who would lay hands on him to take him by force. The rescued men were carried in the lifeboat to the shore; darkness settled down on the wreck with its defiant skipper. When the morning broke it was gone, and he with it, to a grave in the storm-tossed sea.

The wrecked vessel with its crew represents the world and all in it, ruined by sin, condemned to perish (John 3:18).

The lifeboat with its living rescuers is like the Gospel of God sent to rescue the perishing out of the world, and bring them to God and to heaven. To all who commit themselves to Christ, the Gospel becomes "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1: 16). None perish that trust themselves to Christ, who is "Mightly to save" (Isa. 63:1).

But some who hear the Gospel and have the salvation it brings brought (Tit. 2:11) to their side, like the defiant captain of the sinking vessel, refuse to be saved, cling to the world, and perish in their sins.

Reader, in which of the two positions are you found today? A believer in Christ saved by grace (Eph. 2:8), or a Christ-rejector, unbelieving (John 3:36), disobedient (1 Pet. 4:17), and determined to abide in your ruined condition? There is no middle, no intermediate state. It must be Christ or the world now; and heaven or hell hereafter.

The Only Badge of Honor

There is a day coming when the shed blood of the Lamb of God will be the only badge of honor.

You may wear the square and compass; you may wear the triple link; you may wear the woodman's axe; you may know every grip from the thumb and finger to the whole two hands, but none of these will answer in that day. God, says:,

"When I see the blood, I will pass over you." Exodus 12:13.

When I see the blood,

I will pass over you.

Exodus. 12:13

The blood of Jesus Christ,
His Son,

cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:7.

In Whom we have redemption

Through His Blood,

the forgiveness of sins.

Col. 1:14

Christ Alone, the Savior

One evening I met an elderly man with a wallet and a mason's hammer slung over his shoulder. He accosted me with these words:

"I say, maister, it's hard work, this I've in hand."

"Indeed," I said; "what is it?"

"Why, traveling about from place to place, seeking work and getting none."

After making several inquiries, and giving him a trifle, I said,

"Your present condition is just like that of a soul without Christ—ever seeking rest and finding none. Away from Him there is no rest or peace; but it is blessed to know that He said,

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

"Well, maister, I'se not a repping and swearing man, I can assure ye."

"I am not saying you are; but you do not expect to be saved simply because you do not swear?"

"Well, no," he replied.

"How do you expect to be saved?" I said. "By praying to Christ," said he.

"You cannot be saved simply because you pray to Christ," I replied, "right as it is to pray. Our salvation 'depends upon what Christ has done. His merit saves. There is no merit in prayer." He looked perplexed, and, after a short pause, said,

"I read my Bible, sir."

"Reading your Bible will not save you any more than abstaining from swearing, or merely praying, will. These things, good as they are in their proper place, will not cleanse our souls from one single sin; only the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin,' (John 1:7.) Christ alone can save us."

Not willing to be thus robbed of the thought that he could do something to merit salvation, he said—

"I never lies down at night, sir, without saying this prayer: 'O Lord, keep me and all mankind this night, Amen.' "

"Does it do you any good?" said I.

"Well, sir, it's better nor nothing."

"Does it give you peace of conscience after you have said it?"

"No," he said, thoughtfully.

"After repeating it can you say, 'Well, if God calls me before morning I shall wake up in glory?’ "

"No, sir, I can't," he replied.

"My friend," I said,” your good deeds, your reading, and your praying cannot give you peace of conscience—peace with God. Nothing but faith in what God has said in His Word can give you peace;" and turning to Rom. 5:1, I read these words,

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

"You may remember," I continued, "that when the jailor at Philippi cried,

`Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' the answer was,

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

"Yes, sir, I do," he replied.

My dear reader, it may be that you, like this old man, have a lurking thought in your heart that there is something you can do for God, that you can make yourself more acceptable to Him by reading the Bible, or by praying, and so you may be expecting salvation as much from your own efforts as from the Lord Jesus.

These things will not save you, you must be willing to be saved on the ground alone of the blood Christ shed for sinners on the cross.

It is because of Christ's atonement that God can "be Just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" Romans 3:26; on this ground alone that a sinner can obtain the forgiveness of sins. (Matt. 26:28.)

Your Greatest Sin

"What is the greatest sin you ever committed?"

You have committed many sins of various kinds and characters. Sins directly against God and sins directly against man. Sins of thought, sins of word, sins of deed. Sins of omission, sins of commission. All of these are serious. There are no little sins, because there is no little God. But what is the greatest of all your sins?

Probably this—that you have not given the Son of God His rightful place in your heart. The Lord Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would come and bear witness against the world "of sin, because they believed not on ME."

They had done much that was evil—indeed their whole life had been sinful—but their chief sin had been that they believed not on Him.

He had come into the world of sinners that He might save them. He had spoken words of grace; He had wrought deeds of mercy. He had shown His goodness. He had revealed His power. But they would not receive Him. They loved darkness rather than light. They would not receive Him. They would not own His claims. They would not bow to His rule. They rejected Him in whom all the love of God had been expressed. They would not have Him to reign over them.

Have you not refused Him His rights in your lives?

Again and again He has knocked at your heart's door. Again and again He has sought for admission. At gospel preachings, through the earnest words of loving parents or friends, by the Word of God and gospel periodicals, He has called for you to yield to Him. And it has all been in vain hitherto. Is it to be in vain for ever?

Shall the Lord sorrowfully say of you as He said of Jerusalem.

"How often would I have gathered you —and ye would not?"

The last knock at the heart's door will come; perhaps it comes by this paper now in your hand. As you value your soul's eternal welfare, open and let Him in.

If you do not receive Him you will be like those who rejected Christ, and of whom He said, "Ye shall die in your sins."

And if you die in your sins-the greatest of them all will have been that you believed not on the Son of God.

O! the bitterness of your sorrow then.

"Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." John 5:40.

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

Washed in the Blood

A dear friend of mine was some time ago brought to the Savior, and I cannot do better than give her conversion in as near her own words as possible.

"Thank God," she said, "I have a conversion to tell. It was on a Sunday afternoon, in a little mission room. I went there merely to pass the time, for the Lord's Day was a burden and a weariness to me. The preacher read the seventh chapter of Revelation, and read over again this part of the fourteenth verse,

`These are they which have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,' and then he read a hymn having this line in it—

`Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?'

" 'Let me ask each of you,' he said, 'are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Do you stand in God's sight pure and white, clothed in the robes of spotless righteousness? or do you still cling to the old garments fouled and stained with sin? Is it a light thing that the Savior poured out His life-blood, and is now offering you pardon and peace?

“‘Let those,' he continued, 'who really know that they are washed, sing—

'Yes, I am washed in the blood,
In the sin-cleansing blood of the Lamb.'

"I, for one, could not sing those words. My heart condemned me, and I stood convicted of sin. There and then I saw my need of cleansing, and left the meeting as in a dream, my one wish being to be left alone with God.

For days that chorus kept repeating itself in my mind, but, through feeling wretched and undone, I made the too common mistake of looking within for some evidence of salvation, instead of looking off self to Christ.

"Some time after, at the close of a meeting in our village, the minister asked those who were saved to confess to it. I felt I must do so, and upon this, joy and peace filled my soul. It is written,

`If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.' “Rom. 10:9.

And now, my dear reader, let me ask, Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? God says,

"When I see the blood I will pass over you." Exodus 12:13.

Death may come to you, and after death comes the judgment. If you are not sheltered under the blood, I tremble for you. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission. The great sacrifice has been made once for all, and now Jesus invites you to Him.

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 4:7.

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

This Night

There is nothing certain in this world. Famines, disasters, pestilences, death, wars, have occurred and do take place. They constantly remind us of eternity. A certain man, who had spent some time in storing up his goods, had proposed to himself to take his "ease, eat, drink and be merry" for "many years" in the enjoyment of his prosperity, like many are doing at the present day. But he had left God and eternity out of his calculations. Just at that time "God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee" (Luke 12:20), and his earthly career was closed.

While crowds were returning from the resorts of fashion at 5:20 o'clock one afternoon, a lady of wealth stepped off the sidewalk and was knocked down by an automobile bus coming up the avenue, and run over. She was instantly taken from under the wheels of the bus and carried into a store nearby, and though all medical and surgical skill was exerted to revive her, she died. Suddenly, "this night," her soul was required of her.

Reader, pause now and consider the uncertainty of existence upon earth. If it should be "this night" your soul were required of you, what would be your eternal destiny? Would it be with the Lord Jesus in heaven? or would it be in eternity "in torments"—your soul lost?

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

"All have sinned"—the rich and the poor, the elegantly attired lady of society and the poorly clad outcast, the scholar and the illiterate-all of every race, nationality and condition in this world.

"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." In the sight of God "there is none righteous, no, not one" (Rom. 3:10; Psa. 52:2; 3). All need a Savior.

Have you taken your true place before God as a guilty sinner in need of forgiveness? Jesus, God's beloved Son, is the Savior. And Jesus has died upon the cross to save poor, lost, guilty sinners. The blood of Jesus Christ is enough to cleanse the blackest and the vilest.

"The blood of Jesus Christ (God's Son) cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7. Through Him is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.

"And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses." Acts 13:38, 39.

"This night," if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, and you should die, it would only be to be far happier in eternity with Him in heaven. The real, actual balance of life's ledger is only taken and declared in eternity. On earth the trial balance may seem to some to read thus-gain, "the whole world." But what shall it profit a man if he gains "the whole world" here, and in eternity he finds the actual balance to be thus—loss, "his own soul?" O, the awfulness, the terrible wretchedness of going to hell. "What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:37.

If the Lord should come "this night," would you be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air? If you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins upon the cross, rose again for your justification, you "have peace with God," you are eternally saved, and you will be caught up in the clouds together with His own redeemed ones "to meet the Lord in the air" when He comes.

If you do not believe in Him as your Savior, and He should come "this night," you will be left behind for judgment. If death should come to you "this night"—and it may—what would your destiny be? Heaven? Hell? Which?

It is no time to trifle with your soul. It is no time to neglect your salvation. Death is busy in this earth, and it may come to you this day—"this night." The Lord Jesus Christ is coming. Haste now, dear unsaved reader, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36. Some day, some night, and then Eternity. It may be "this night."

He Suffered for Us

Many years ago a fierce war raged in India between the English and Tippoo Sahib. On one occasion several English officers were taken prisoners, among them one named Baird, who had been severely wounded, and was suffering from pain and weakness. One day a native officer brought in fetters to be put upon each of the prisoners, the wounded one not excepted. A gray-haired officer said to the native official,

"You do not think of putting chains upon that wounded man?"

"There are just as many pairs of fetters as there are captives," was the answer; "and every pair must be worn."

"Then," said the noble officer, "put two pairs on me, I will bear his as well as my own." This was done.

Strange to say, Baird lived to regain his freedom; lived to take that very city; but his noble friend died in prison. Up to his death he wore two pairs of fetters.

But what if he had worn the fetters of all who were in the prison? What if, instead of being a captive himself, he had been free and great, and had quitted a glorious palace to live in their loathsome dungeon, to wear the prisoners' chains, to bear their stripes, to suffer and die in their stead, that they might go free? And such a thing has been done.

"There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man, Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all." 1 Tim. 2:5.

Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures." 1 Cor. 15:3.

"Our Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity." Titus 2:14. Can the reader say,

"Jesus bore my sins in His own body on the tree"? 1 Peter 2:15.

Two Shalls

I was like a lost sheep over the hedge, and all I could do was to cry, Baa! Baa!!"

Such was the comparison used by a north country-woman, in telling of the time when she learned her need as a sinner, perishing in her sins—her deep, deep need of a Savior.

Her cry was heard. Such cries are always heard. Directly a sinner owns thus the lost condition in which he is, the Savior is nigh to answer.

It was when Isaiah cried, "Woe is me! for I am undone," that the messenger of salvation flew to his succor.

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

Notice those two "shalls." One is the sinner's shall, the other the Savior's shall. Mark the freeness of the promise. How wide, how inclusive. Whosoever! whosoever! shall call. It takes in anyone, everyone, who, feeling his deep misery and need, turns from himself to his Lord. How simple too. The sinner is not told to work, to weep, it is not, Whosoever shall work, whosoever shall weep—but, Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord. Ah! be careful here. The call must be to the right person. No salvation is found in any other name but that of Jesus Christ the Lord. Not on the name of a saint or an angel must the repentant sinner call; it must be to the Lord Himself.

Now mark the Savior's shall. It is not, may be saved, but, shall be saved. Yes, blessed word, the resting-place of faith. He says it: I believe it. Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How well I remember the time when, in my own room, I owned I was lost.

"Lord save me, I cannot save myself," was my heart's prayer; and the answer came.

Reader, now is the time to call. Let the cry of distress be heard, and salvation shall be yours.

"He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.

Their Sins and Iniquities Will I Remember No More

Heb. 10:17.

What though the great accuser roar
Of ills that I have done,
And oft they grieve my spirit sore,
God looks but findeth none,

Christ's precious blood has done its work,
For all my sins He bore—
When hanging on the accursed tree.
Beneath God's judgment sore.

God's waves of wrath and judgment broke
Upon His holy head,
And when that cup of wrath was drained,
He's numbered with the dead.

Of such eternal value was
That work upon the tree,
That God now says my sins are gone,
Not one that He can see.

O love divine that gave for me
Thy precious blood to save,
To set me free from all my sins,
By which I was enslaved.

From this poor heart of mine should flow
Unceasing songs of praise,
Begun on earth, but sweeter far
Through heaven's eternal days.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. —Isaiah 53:6.

March

A Hidden Grave

Probably many of those who peruse magazine are well acquainted with the story of the mighty Alaric the Goth. But as his history may be unknown to some of the readers I will just say a few words concerning him.

About the year 409 A. D. the Romans had a very weak-minded, indolent king named Honorius, of whom the surrounding barbarous nations took great advantage.

The Goths at this time had a very able warrior called Alaric. He made war with the Romans, conquered them, pillaged their city, and took many of them prisoners. But after he had sacked Rome his avarice was not satisfied; he then coveted the beautiful island of Sicily, and determined to acquire it.

He therefore prepared his troops for this purpose; but the first fleet was scattered by a furious tempest, and before he could renew the attempt he fell ill and died. It was the custom among the heathen nations to hide their warrior's graves lest the enemy should find them. So the Goths employed a number of their captives to turn the course of the river Busentimus in order to make a grave for their valiant warrior; and Alaric, with some of his richest spoils, was buried in this singular tomb. The waters were restored to their usual channel, and all who had been engaged in the work were slain on the spot, that the place of interment might remain forever secret. (A.D. 410).

While thinking of the hidden grave of the mighty Alaric, we should do well to remember that solemn day when the sea shall give up its dead, and the small and great who have died in their sins will stand before God's throne of righteousness to be judged according to their works. Alaric's grave will have to give up its contents, for everyone shall give an account of himself to God. None can escape that tribunal. (Rev. 20: 11-15).

Remember there is only one hiding-place from the judgment which is coming, and that is the Lord Jesus. He is the only safe refuge. There every soul that comes may hide, for He has said;

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

"A Man (the Lord Jesus Christ) shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest," (the dreadful judgment of God that is coming on all who have not taken refuge in the True Hiding Place). Isa. 32:2.

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

Young and Strong

A young girl, of not more than twenty years, came to a gospel meeting and listened to the grace of God bringing salvation, and the love of Him who gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. All these riches of the mercy of God towards sinners had been presented, and she was urged to receive the message of love.

But the heart of this young girl was filled with the vanities of this world, and of the love of the pleasure it offers for enjoyment.

In excellent health, and seeing before her many years of such delights, she paid no attention to Christ, and He found no entrance into her soul.

But alas! her indifference was but for a little while! How uncertain is that health, and that life on which she depended! A week had not passed before the fever brought her to the gates of the grave.

Only a few days had passed since Christ had let her hear the gentle calls of His grace, and she refused to answer; now it was the fear of appearing before a terrible Judge.

Where now was the charming future that the devil had caused to sparkle before her eyes, to prevent her receiving the word of salvation? Gone, gone forever, to give place to a future of despair without end!

Listen to her last words, O young readers, entwined, perhaps, now as she had been, in the net of the deceiver. Her brothers and sisters surrounded her bed of suffering, but she, occupied only with the loss she had made in deliberately rejecting the salvation God had offered her, cried,

"I am lost, I am going to hell!" then turning to her eldest brother, said, "Read to me some verses of God's Word." But it was too late, and no attention was paid to her request, and she died while thus expressing her thoughts of the terrible future that was opening out for her.

One would have thought that the brothers and sisters of this young girl would have profited by this solemn warning. But how subtle are the wiles of the enemy of our souls. "It is delirium makes her speak thus!" he suggested.

No, it was not delirium, but the fearful reality of the pit that she saw opening before her, after rejecting the only arm that could save her.

Young man, or young woman, reading these lines, it is to you, personally, that this warning is addressed. Listen now to the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, who calls you to Himself to give you eternal life. Do not believe the world, which treats these solemn realities as fables, intended only to frighten.

Ah! yes, it is a reality that you are a lost sinner; a reality that Jesus, the Son of God, is come to save those that are lost —a reality that there is a heaven for those who believe on Him, and a lake of fire for those that reject His grace, and it is not without a reason that He sends this pressing appeal,

"Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 4:7.

The Skeptic Questioned

"Who knoweth not in all these things that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?" Job 12:9.

A little child with rapid steps
Tripped by her father's side,
Her eyes with wonder larger grew
As nature's blooms she spied.
"Who makes these lovely little flowers,
And feeds them with the dew,
Who holds the fleecy silver clouds,
And lets the sunbeams through."

The birds who sing 'mid shady trees,
"Who made them all?" she cried.
Her father turned with sharp reply,
"Chance made these things, my child."
She looked into her father's face
With eager questioning glance,
"I must say thank you for them all;
Please tell me, who made chance?"

The skeptic's little child had reached
Deep depths in that hard heart;
He did not answer her until
He felt his doubts depart.
"God made and loved the world, my child,
And so He gave His Son;
Whoever will believe on Him
Hath endless life begun."

"I do believe His blood was shed,
On Him my sins were laid;
Upon the Cross sin's debt was paid,
For me atonement made.
I'll turn to Him who gave so much,
And thank Him 'mid my tears;
My heart, myself, my all I give
To Him for endless years."

This story true a message brings,
O! may it speak to you;
Behold, believe, receive the Lord
Who died to save you too.
Earth's passing scenes are changing fast,
Your life glides swiftly by;
Dear friend, take now God's only way,
No other leads on high.

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

That Poor Cabman

Captain W— was in command of one of the finest yachts in the world. He was a splendid man all round; a rare seaman, a well-read man, and physically of unusually fine build and commanding stature.

During the winter his yacht was "laid up," and his time was his own to spend as he pleased. Now the Captain was, above everything else, a Christian, and he devoted all the evenings of this period of leisure to evangelistic work.

One stormy winter's night, after conducting a service, as the rain was falling in torrents and his home was five miles off, he hired a cab, and was soon rattling along, cozily ensconced inside, while the storm beat upon the closed windows from without.

After the fatigue of walking the five miles to the place of meeting, and of conducting a long service, followed by two after-meetings, the rest was very pleasant. Suddenly, however, a fierce blast of wind and rain shook the vehicle, and he said, half aloud,

"That poor cabman! what a drenching he will get!"

All the man in the Captain rose in pity for the bodily discomfort of his driver. Then the thought occurred to him, with sudden and startling force,

"I wonder if his soul is saved;" and all the Christian in him was aroused for the poor man's soul. Acting promptly on his leadings, the captain opened the door, and called him in,

"Cabman, I want you a moment. It is an awful night for your body, exposed as it is; but I cannot be at rest as I think about your soul. Is it saved? Are you ready for death? Are you serving God?"

The cab was drawn close to the roadside, and, at the Captain's invitation, the cabman sat down opposite to him, that they might have a few minutes' conversation. It transpired that for some time the man had been troubled about his soul, and he welcomed the opportunity of learning the truth which now presented itself.

"Where is your difficulty, friend?" asked the Captain.

"Well, sir, you see, I've known all about these things ever since I was a little boy at Sunday school, but what I want now is to know how to get the benefit of Jesus Christ's death for me. I've done any amount of repentin' and prayin', and such like, of late; but I don't seem to get much farther, and tonight at tea-time my little one was singin',—

'It is not your tears of repentance, nor prayers, But the blood that atones for the soul.'

So now I'm fairly hung up, and don't know what to do."

Very simply, but very faithfully, Captain

W—showed the poor man that he had been looking within himself for some sort of comfortable feeling, instead of looking at Christ's work upon the cross for him.

"We are 'saved by grace' (free gift) `through faith,' " he said. "We believe and receive; our joy comes from the knowledge and acceptance of the facts that the Lord hath laid on Him' (Jesus) the iniquity'—the sin—`of us all,' and that He does accept Him as our Substitute."

That cabman went home at peace through believing God's statement as to the Lord Jesus Christ.

I'll Take My Chance for Eternity

"Come along, Uncle George, and hear the gospel tonight. There's a soldier who went through the South African war to speak, and you'll hear something to do you good for time and eternity." The speaker was a fine, stalwart young fisherman, who had just been converted to God, and, like all the royal family of heaven, he wanted to see his friends and kindred saved and happy too. But "Uncle George" had no desire to hear of things eternal. Long continuance in sin, and several narrow escapes from a watery grave, had hardened the aged fisherman against God and His gospel.

Looking up to his nephew, who stood awaiting his answer, the old man said in a determined tone.

"I'll go to no such place, Johnnie, my boy, and, I'll take my chance for eternity."

Further remonstrance and invitation drew forth a torrent of angry words; so the young fisherman had to go, heart-sore at his uncle's indifference to the things of God.

Three nights after that the aged fisherman dropped down dead in the saloon, and was ushered suddenly and without God into that eternity he had spoken of so lightly.

Reader, do not trifle with God or mock His word. There is no "chance" at the close of a Christless life. So surely as God has said "The wicked shall be turned into hell" (Psa. 4:17), He will do it.

Equally sure is the salvation of the sinner who comes to God, reposing in the merits of the atoning death of Jesus Christ as his only plea for salvation. As the damnation of the unpardoned, unbelieving sinner is sure (John 3:18), so is the present salvation and the eternal glory of the sinner who believes in Christ (John 3:16, 36). On which side do you stand? Are you a Christ-acceptor or a Christ-rejector? There is no middle class, nothing between heaven and hell.

The world is full of people today, those who, if asked the question "Are you saved?" will immediately give the answer "I hope so." If you ask them if they are going to heaven, you have the same words, "I hope so."

But if examined as to their hope, it is not a hope of any value, being founded entirely on their own feelings, their own ideas, leaving the work of Christ for them on Calvary out of their calculations.

And many persons who are really desirous of knowing Jesus as their own personal Savior, consider it really presumption to say "I am a sinner saved by grace," forgetting the Bible teaching, which declares,

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

Reader, do not shelter yourself any longer under the words, "I hope so," but ask the Lord Jesus Himself to give you the assurance of His pardoning love in your own heart and conscience.

He is waiting to do this for everyone who, believing they are sinners in God's sight, come unto Him for salvation and for peace.

God says, Come! Take! Without money—without price.

God's Way of Salvation

One day a minister, Mr. W—, received an urgent message to visit a man who was at the point of death. Calling at the address given, he was ushered into the room where the dying man lay. Seeing that he was nearing the end of life's journey, he inquired about his spiritual condition. He confidently replied that he had no fear whatever regarding the future. On being questioned regarding the Ground of his Confidence, he said that when he was a youth his father had said to him,

"You are a young man, and the world lies before you. Do all the good you can, and as little harm as possible, and you will have a good chance at the end."

It is surprising at the amazing ignorance displayed by many religious professors regarding God's way of salvation.

Here was an educated man brought up in a land of Bibles and gospel privileges, imagining that deliverance from sin's penalty and power could be obtained on the ground of good works. Multitudes hope to get to heaven by "keeping the commandments." The substance of the "commandments," as explained by Christ, consists in loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, mind, and our neighbors as ourselves. But no one has kept the commandments—except the Lord Jesus Christ. And Scripture declares that,

"Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all." James 2:10.

One sin unpardoned would keep the unsaved reader from entering the abode of the blest. After Mr. W— had shown the dying man that he was building for eternity on a sandy foundation, he brought before him passages of Scripture which explain God's way of salvation. There are many such which clearly explain the scheme of deliverance, a few of which we mention. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Acts. 16:31.

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

As the truth was pressed upon him that there is but one way of salvation for rich and poor, educated and illiterate, religious and irreligious, he seemed greatly surprised and said,

"Do you mean to say that I am to be saved in the same way as the reprobates on the streets?"

He was told that he must take the place of a lost, and guilty sinner and accept salvation on God's terms. Where does the reader stand? Are you hoping to enter heaven on the ground of what you have done for Christ; or on the ground of what He has done for you?

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.

Some have come further "short" of God's standard of obedience than others, but every one of us has "come short." The Word of God assures us that "there is no difference" as to the fact of guilt, though there are great differences as to the degrees. God has, at infinite cost—the cost of Christ's precious blood—provided a way of escape.

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, He that heareth My Word, and believeth Him that sent Me hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment but hath passed out of death into life." John 5:24. (R. V.).

Why not now believe on Christ who suffered, bled, and died for you on Calvary's cross that you might be eternally saved?

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

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

'Tis not doing, 'tis not praying;
'Tis not weeping saves the soul,
God is now His grace displaying—
Jesus died to make thee whole.
Look to Him and life works follow
Look to Him without delay.
Sinner, look, and ere tomorrow
You will sing and praise and pray.

God's Free Gift

Every one is a bankrupt sinner, owing to God a great debt, having nothing of his own with, which to pay Him. There is no such thing with God as "liquidation by arrangement;" there are no assets to divide. It is just as if a merchant owed five million dollars to his creditors, and he had not one cent to hand over to them. In the midst of man's extremity and need, Christ comes in, and goes to the cross, God is satisfied with His own well beloved Son and with His finished work. Christ is raised, a discharge is given, the debtor goes free.

This is salvation! This is redemption! Very simple and plain: it is God's free gift to man.

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

Romans 6: 23.

"The Wicked Shall Be
Turned Into Hell, and All
the Nations That Forget
God."

Psalm 9:17.

"Let the Wicked Forsake
His Way, and the Unrighteous
Man His Thoughts: and
Let Him Return Unto the
Lord, and He Will Have
Mercy Upon Him."

And to Our God, For He Will

Abundantly Pardon."

Isa. 55:7

April

I Am the Door

As the sun was setting in the western sky, and filling the neighboring rugged glen with a golden radiance, an eminent man stood near the summit of one of his native hills, watching a shepherd placing some sheep in a fold. Sorrow had entered his life, and darkened his prospect of the present and the future. His learning had failed to bring him the comfort necessary for the hour of trial. He was truly "without God and without hope."

At his side stood his eldest daughter. A few years before this she had come under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and, by faith, accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord. She longed to see her father really happy.

As they stood together, a wayward sheep, after a good deal of coaxing and vain efforts to escape, at last walked through the door into the fold. The scene had doubtless brought to the young woman's mind the familiar picture of John 10:9.

"I am the Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture;" for turning round to her parent she laid her hand on his shoulder and said,

"That's all you need to do, father, only enter, in."

The Spirit of God used the simple message, and there on that hillside, the father saw that the work of salvation was complete in Christ Jesus, and entering in by faith he was saved. (Acts 16:13.)

What his learning and, efforts had failed to secure for him, he received the moment he as a lost sheep entered through the door, Christ Jesus. Joy unspeakable was brought to his darkened soul.

Such is the simplicity of salvation that in like manner you may also know the joy of sins forgiven.

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

Salvation is not "do the best you can and look for mercy." It is simply to rest upon the best which is already done, and trust the Lord Jesus Christ who accomplished it; to obey His invitation, and enter in at the open door. Enter now and be saved, and be welcomed by the Good Shepherd.

"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." John 10:11.

"Sir, I Love Him!"

Some years ago a Christian friend of mine visited a building where a great number of people were present, many in devotional attitudes.

One of these particularly attracted his notice, and, feeling anxious to know whether it was simply a form of religion led her to kneel, he stepped up, and quietly whispered in her ear this question,

"What think ye of Christ?"

"Sir, I love Him!" was the simple reply.

Dear reader, let me earnestly and lovingly ask you,

"What think ye of Christ?" Matt. 22:42.

We read in 1 Peter 3:18 that " Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God."

‘Do you know Him as the One who left the glory of God, and suffered for sins on the cross, in order that poor, vile, guilty, lake-of-fire-deserving sinners might be brought into a place of favor with God— yes, even accepted in the Beloved? (Eph. 1:6.)

If you do not know Him as your Savior in this, the day of God's grace, you will have to know Him as your Judge in a coming day, when standing as a guilty, lost, Christ-rejecter before the Great White Throne.

Again, let me ask you, "What think ye of Christ?"

The Apostle Paul could say of Him, "The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

Have you this same blessed knowledge?

A Full Confession of Faith in Christ

"Tell me," I said, "what is it that makes you so happy now? you say you are quite happy, and have been so since last night."

"Yes," she replied, "I am quite happy" —and evidently with much feeling.

"But do you think you could tell me distinctly what it is that gives you such new joy?" After a moment's pause the following reply was given: but such a reply for fullness and simplicity!

"I see the love of Jesus to me a sinner."

"Bless the Lord," I said, "that is something to see; may you never lose sight of it! But in what way, do you see His love to yourself now?"

"I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there!"

"Amen," my heart replied; "surely thou art taught of God! And now, once more, tell me, how do you feel towards Jesus Himself, after seeing and believing all this?" Her reply was natural and beautiful; she said,

"I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him."

I had nothing more to ask of the young believer, and turned away quickly, but with a praising heart, and with these three answers so engraves on my memory as never to be forgotten.

"I see the love of Jesus to me a sinner—I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there—I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him."

I have heard many confessions from many lips, but I have never heard one more simple, more concise, more complete, or more satisfactory. May it be a divine help and a divine test to thousands of the readers of "Echoes of Grace;" this is our deep, earnest, and fervent prayer.

Write Your Name

Two men who were walking along a road which led by an orchard were talking together on various subjects, when one of them said:—

"Have you ever read what the Bible says to you; 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life?" John 3:16.

"But I do not see," said the other, "what it has to do with me."

"How so?" replied the first. "If you jump over this fence, and after having filled your pockets with fruit you read this notice on one of the trees, 'Whosoever trespasses on this property is liable to fine and imprisonment,' you would know very well that 'whosoever' meant you, and that you and nobody else would be liable for the penalty. That is clear enough, and when God has said that He has given His Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, does not that concern you? Yes, it is your name that is there.

Now you are hungry and out of work; if you should see' a notice signed by Carnegie that whosoever would call at his office at such a time would receive a hundred dollars, you would have no difficulty in thinking that it concerned you and you would soon be there to get the money. Whosoever is first for me, then for anyone else who puts in their claim, and so it is as to God's offer, and you may take home to yourself His declaration."

When God says He so loved the world, He speaks to you, whom He desires to save when he says "Whosoever," so you may write your name there."

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever (write your name here) believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

You will also find many other passages where you will see that you can appropriate to yourself what is said, thus:—

"Whosoever" (write your name) "asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."Matt. 7:8.

"Whosoever" (pray do not write your name here) "was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Rev. 20: 15.

"Whosoever" (your name) "drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" John 4:14.

"Why did God send His beloved Son into the world?" An interesting question surely.

"But how do you know He did?"

"The Bible says so." "Then you believe the Bible to be the truth, and we will let it answer your question.

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

What precious words and what but God's word could divulge the secret of His own bosom, and tell out the power that moved heaven and earth so save sinners!

Reader, God has let out the secret of His own heart, and answered the most important question ever raised. Does the answer satisfy you?

"The gospel of Christ... is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." Rom. 1:16.

From Infidelity to Christ

Some years ago a tall, smartly-dressed, intelligent-looking young fellow might have been seen, for several evenings in succession, sitting among several hundred men in a restaurant beneath the shadow of St. Paul's Cathedral.

A gospel mission was in progress. It was my happy work to conduct the services, and one evening he followed the preaching with more than ordinary earnestness. At the close of the meeting he came forward to me and said,

"I should like to have a talk with you tonight, sir, if I may?"

Thereupon followed a most interesting conversation. It was very evident that this young man had become the subject of the Spirit's gracious work.

"I am anxious, sir," said he, "to get a few questions cleared up tonight if you can help me!" There was a ring of earnestness and sincerity about him which at once struck me.

"I might as well tell you, sir," he continued, "I am an infidel! I have learned all my infidelity from the Hyde Park preachers,—indeed, I may say I am now one of them myself; but I have come to the conclusion that we are all of us pure theorizers, and I don't think any of us get any real satisfaction out of our theories—at least I don't, that's certain.

"How I came into these meetings at all I can hardly say, beyond this," said he, producing a card of invitation to the meetings. "In an aimless, indifferent sort of way I strolled in the other night, but I at once found myself in an atmosphere to which I was altogether unaccustomed.

"I became interested as the meeting proceeded, and began to feel that there was considerable force in what was said, and I came to the conclusion that you, at any rate, seemed to possess what I desired, but I knew nothing about—satisfaction!"

Continuing his remarks, he said, "Well, I am afraid I am pretty much in the same place tonight where that young man was of whom you spoke this evening, who could not see the necessity for Christ or His death.

"I have begun to realize somewhat of my responsibility to God, but I don't seem to see what actual necessity there is for Christ to die for me. Would you mind repeating what you said to him?"

I replied, "My object was to show him that apart from Christ and His atoning death, his case was hopeless. Let me put it to you now. Suppose, by way of illustration, I owe your firm $25,000, and I am totally unable to meet even a fraction of it! Now if they cannot afford to 'relieve me from my liabilities, and I cannot meet their righteous demands, what is to save me from bankruptcy and ruin?"

"Nothing," said he, "absolutely nothing, unless someone comes forward—"

"Excuse my interruption," I said, "but you must please not introduce any third party into this business—the question is altogether between your firm and me."

"Well, but," said he, "if you are to be saved from 'going down,' someone must come to the rescue!"

"No," I repeated; "you must not introduce any one."

"Then in that case," said he, "your case is hopeless!"

"That is identically your own position before God tonight!" I remarked. "As a sinner, God has passed upon you the solemn sentence of death, as being His righteous judgment against sin. `So death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' Rom. 5:12.

"This sentence has never been revoked, has no equivalent, and knows no commutation. Nothing can substitute death! Neither repentance, reformation, tears, nor prayers, nor all put together could be accepted by God in lieu of death.

"Behind you lies a history that you cannot alter; upon you lies a sentence you cannot evade; therefore, if someone is not found to step in between you and your sentence, your case is hopeless too!

"Who could be found to do this? If a substitute is to be found, it must be one upon whom death has no claim! The whole of Adam's fallen race could not furnish such an one.

"Listen to the heaven-sent message! O, what music to a sinner's ears!

`Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom' Job 33:24.

"Who is this that has been found to stand in the breach? Hearken! There is `one mediator between God and men—the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.'

"Thus it was love divine, Jesus—the sinless Son of God—left the throne of glory for the shameful Cross, that He might die for sinners.

"What a hum of satisfaction would fill the court, if a judge, after imposing the heaviest fine the law would permit upon some guilty offender, should thereupon step down from the bench and fill in a check for the full amount, thus at his own expense meeting the claims of the law he had just administered.

"Would he not thereby at once put the delinquent as righteously beyond the claims of justice, as if he had never been guilty at all?

"What would you have to say of the God who could righteously pass the sentence of death upon us as sinners and did—and then in the person of His own Son—God manifest in flesh—leave His throne, and at His own infinite personal cost, meet that sentence in laying down His life for us? Is not He to be trusted? Would you not say, What a blessed combination of love and justice!"

"Yes, indeed," said he, "that helps me a good deal; but somehow I do not seem to be able to get the benefit of it for myself! Ought I now to ask Jesus to intercede for me?"

"No," I said, "that is not the way! Let us return to the old illustration. Suppose you had stepped in between your firm and me, and charging yourself with my liability, had offered to your firm that which they had accepted as a full settlement of all their claims on me. Should I need to go to you after that and ask you to use your good offices and intercede with your firm for me?"

"O, no," replied he. "I can see there is no need for that; if the thing is settled, it is settled, and there is an end of it."

"Well now." I said, "that is exactly the position of things. The offering needed to make an atonement for sin has been made to God in the death of Christ—and better still, it has been accepted and witnessed to in the resurrection, and as a result God sends the joyous message of salvation and peace into this world."

Turning to my Bible, I pointed out to him those golden words,

"Be it known unto you, therefore.... that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things" Acts 13: 38, 39. I shall never forget the effect of those words upon him!

"O, do let me look at that," said he, taking out his pocket-book to make a note of the place. "I've never seen anything so clear as that!" and as he looked the fountains broke up, and the tears fell hot and fast on the back of my hand as I held the Bible for him to read.

O, those were grateful drops, dear reader, more refreshing to heaven even than to me! I did not wipe them off, I assure you!

"O, that's fine!" said he.

Just to test him, I said, "What is fine?"

"Why, look there" he said. "All that believe are justified!"

"But what has that to do with you?" I asked.

"Do with me?" he said in joyful surprise, "Why, I am there!" and overcome by emotion, he pointed out the words, "All that believe are justified!"

The thirsty ground never more readily drank in the welcome shower than that thirsty soul drank in the Water of Life that night.

He took his place there and then in the happy circle of "All that believe," and went home with the God-given assurance that he was cleared from all things.

I have put the substance of this conversation on record in the hope that, if it should fall into the hands of any similarly troubled, they may by its means, through God's grace, be similarly helped.

But if my dear reader is still unconverted, and perhaps, worse still, unconcerned, let me say there is another case that should more deeply interest you than even that of this young infidel. It is your own! With life so uncertain, death so 'busy, and eternity so near, you have no time to lose.

"Get right with God, no longer be rebellious
Against the love that seeks thy soul to win:
Bow down at last, and as thy Lord confess
Him Whose blood alone can cleanse away thy sin."

"I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: For It Is the Power of God Unto Salvation to Every One That Believeth."

Romans 1:15.

“How that Christ Died For Our Sins According to the Scriptures; and That He Was Buried, and That He Rose Again the Third Day According to the Scriptures."

1 Cor. 15:3, 4

May

I've Been Thinking

Dr. R—was putting on his overcoat in the vestry of the chapel, at the close of the usual week-night service. In response to a tap at the door he said, "Come in!" The door opened, and a man entered, looking a little nervous and undecided.

"Well, my friend," said the Doctor, in his brisk tones, "can I do anything for you? Did you want to speak to me?"

"Yes, sir, if you please."

"Sit down, then," continued the Doctor, offering the man a chair, the latter, however, remained standing.

"You said you wanted to speak to me; is it upon spiritual things?" asked the Doctor.

The man's lips moved, and he essayed to speak, but words did not come readily. He held an old, soft felt hat in his hand, which he kept turning round and round in a nervous, helpless manner. The silence was becoming awkward, when at last he said, "If you please, sir—I—I've been thinking—I've been thinking—that—"

This was repeated with slight variations several times, when Dr. R. wishing to help the man, said,

"What have you been thinking, my friend?"

The previous scene was repeated, but at last he blurted out the words,

"I've been thinking, sir, it's time I got saved, and—"

The Doctor looked at him, with his grey hair, and wrinkled face; and he listened to his confession, he felt that something startling was needed to bring this slow, stolid man to his senses. So, springing to his feet, he cried,

"Thinking’—thinking,' my good fellow; 'thinking' for years about getting saved, and still under condemnation, without a hope of heaven, with a fearful looking for judgment at the last! 'Thinking' it is time to get saved! O man, get down on your knees at once, confess your sins to God, ask Him to pardon you for the sake of His Son, Jesus Christ. Why, you may never see another sun rise, and you would go down to hell `thinking!' thinking!' `thinking!'—but yet lost!"

The man was truly startled. Thus suddenly aroused from his dangerous ease to see his awful danger, he sought earnestly, and obtained freely, God's mercy, and lived thenceforward a Christian life. But he was full of regret that he had put off salvation so long, and he often felt also what a terrible risk he had run.

Dear reader, are you ready to meet God? The danger of delay in this matter of your soul's salvation, is getting more and more imminent.

Salvation depends entirely upon that finished work of Jesus Christ. The joy of salvation comes, not from how much we feel, but how truly we believe and accept God's Word. God's record about it, or rather about Jesus and His work for us.

He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son." 1 John 5:10.

The moment you accept Christ,—believe with the heart that Christ died in your place, that you were lost, "condemned," "dead already," and that His death was accepted in your place,—that moment, the Bible says, you are saved! Then if you asked,

"How do you know that you are saved? Do you feel you are saved?"you can reply,

“‘This is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life.”

I have believed "the record,' accepted the Son; therefore, God says I have life."

Righteousness

The following incident was related to the writer, who was struck with the illustration afforded of the eternal righteousness of the holy God who cannot behold evil nor look upon iniquity.

In a very large modern factory, designed and laid out as nearly perfect as the plans and thoughts of men could make it, there were more than a thousand men employed, each one contributing his quota to the final product for which the factory was justly famed, and which was placed on the market that it might bring due return to the proprietors of the factory, and wages to the men employed.

This factory is so well organized that every individual worker has his exact duty to perform, and nothing else, so that when every man is obeying his specific instructions and working diligently, there is a steady flow of finished product proceeding from the factory, and everything is in order.

One day, at the end of the working shift, as the men were passing the time-office, on their way to their respective homes, the timekeeper called out to one of the men and invited him into the office; when there, the timekeeper handed the man an envelope with the remark that in it was his week's wages, and he need not come again to the factory.

The man began to expostulate, but the timekeeper would not waste time listening, and told him that all he need know was contained in the envelope. The latter then opened the envelope and found therein three things,—his week's wages, his dismissal, and a photograph. The first two items he could understand, but the third, the photograph, puzzled him for a moment; it was a photograph of himself, showing him talking to another worker in the factory, his own work for the moment being neglected.

Ah! now he remembered, it was that football match which had so filled his mind since he had witnessed it, and he only stopped a minute or two; but the authorities were not concerned about the brevity of the stoppage, to them the repercussion of that stoppage was felt throughout the whole factory, hence their arrangements for ensuring an uncontrovertibly record of the misdemeanor. When the delinquent recognized the photograph, and his mind 'grasped the import of it, he had not a word to say, and accepting the situation, having no other choice, he passed out: the judgment was righteousness.

Does not this scene in the timekeeper's office remind one of that "uncontrovertibly record" that is written in those books which are not opened until the dead, small and great, stand before the great white throne of judgment. (Rev. 20: 12.).

Everyone who stands before that throne of judgment is in eternity, for at that moment there is neither earth nor heaven (see verse 11.), and his life on earth is completely recorded in those books which are opened in order that he may be judged according to the righteous judgment of Him who sitteth upon the throne. The individual records will be as faithfully reproduced, as the sunlight recorded on the camera plate the faithful record of the incident in the factory referred to.

Everything done in this life is shown in its true light and motive before that great white throne. There Truth will prevail; there will be no perversion of justice before that judgment seat. Everyone standing before that great white throne will have participated in the second resurrection, which the Lord calls the resurrection of damnation (John 5:29.).

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Rev. 20:15.

This is the judgment of the great white throne, as recorded in the Word of God; and their silence confesses that the judgment is righteous.

Thank God, there is no need for anyone to stand before that throne of judgment. God is holy and cannot look upon iniquity nor behold evil; God is also love, and is not willing, that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He sent His beloved Son into this world to bear the judgment of our sins, so that we might never appear before that terrible judgment, seat. The Lord Jesus took our place, and on Calvary's cross our sins were laid on Him, and He endured their judgment in His own blessed Person.

Now everyone who accepts the Lord Jesus as his Substitute in the sight of God, is passed out of judgment into life, that is, eternal life in a glorious risen Christ. Will you not accept Him now as your Savior?

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

Fire! Fire!

Some few months ago, early in the morning as men were hurrying to their daily toil, one was alarmed to hear the cry of, Fire!

Two firemen came running along drawing a truck, and going to the scene whence the call had come. It was near the market, where people were driving to get their supplies for the day. Quickly we reached the place where the alarm had been given, and we saw the firemen with the hose playing over a burning building. In answer to inquiries we were told there was not any cause for alarm, that all who had been in the burning building were safely out. As the eager crowd stood watching at that early hour in the morning, little did they think what they were soon to behold.

Yonder could be seen the horses and an engine coming at full speed, amid the shouts of "Stand clear!" The engine is drawn up, the firemen dismount. The chief of the brigade is the first to enter the, burning building, which the fire had almost destroyed. Who can describe the sight that met his eyes? Alas! there were people in the house, and the bodies of six lifeless persons met his gaze, who a few moments before were alive in this world, but were now launched into eternity —an eternity which you and I have to spend somewhere.

There is a solemn question that should come to each one of us—Where will you spend eternity? —a question that you may answer now if you will, for it is God's day of grace. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." But if you put off this all-important question it may be too late. O, do not do so, but accept God's offer of salvation today. Soon the voice of Jesus will no longer plead with you as a Savior, but He will punish you as a Judge. Two ways are put before you. God's Word says:

"Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death." Jer. 21:8.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15.

Under the Lamp

Half-past ten at night found the little market town almost as still as a buried city. A policeman on night duty, standing near a corner, noticed a man who was evidently talking to himself as he walked along, so he determined to lie in ambush and listen. The shadow of an angle served his purpose well, and he was scarcely posted there, when the man paused at the corner, still muttering to himself; but all that the policeman could hear was,

"I'll catch 'em, maybe, if I wait here."

There were several things that peculiarly interested the constable in this man. He had often noticed him in the town, but had hardly ever seen him sober at night before. Besides, that particular district where they now were was out of the man's usual track; and again the constable wondered whom he was waiting to and what he wanted with "them," if he caught them. So he continued to watch and listen.

Presently he heard voices and footsteps, and observed that the man peered cautiously round the corner, and became evidently a little excited as he saw who approached. Then two gentlemen stopped close by him, one a tradesman of the town, the other a stranger. They grasped hands for a moment, and the first said,—

"God bless you! I hope you will get home safely! It is a good five mile."

The poor man, who was in evident distress of mind, immediately stepped forward, and said,—

"I beg your pardon, but may I speak to you?"

"Certainly," replied the gentleman who had just been spoken of as having a walk of five miles before him, and who had been conducting an evangelistic service in the large hall of the town that evening.

"I was at your meeting tonight, sir! I'm sober the first time for many a year, least-ways at night, and I'm regular took down tonight, sir. I saw I was a sinner as you talked, and nobody can't help me 'kept it's Jesus; but where can I go to find Him? I don't quite understand that."

There was a tone of such real earnestness in his words, that both the listening policeman and the two friends were sure that the man's inquiry was honest and sincere.

"You can find Him right here, under this lamp," said the evangelist. "The Bible says, 'The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth;' and 'The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart: and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit!' Do you really come, sorry for your sin? Do you want to find Jesus, and to have Him as your Savior from sin?"

"Yes, I do, for sure."

"Then He says, 'Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' Will you call upon Him now?"

"O, yes," was the eager reply. In a minute the two friends were kneeling with this anxious one under the light of that street lamp where they had met, and the latter prayed in simple language, telling God all his need, and literally accepting the word of God that he was redeemed.

Months afterwards, when they met again, the change in him was most marked. "All things" had "become new." His conversation was real, because his faith, though simple, was real.

Reader, do you want to know where to find Christ—pardon—peace? Just wheresoever you are when you read this. Believe God's word concerning His Son, and trust His grace, and you shall know you are saved.

It is certain that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners," and therefore to save you. All that is needed is that you should believe this, and accept Him as your Savior.

Will you do this? Will you do so now?

"Reader, whereso'er thou art,
At the Cross there's room;
Tell the burden of thy heart;
At the cross there's room;
Tell it in thy Savior's ear,
Cast away thine every fear;
Only speak, and He will hear,
At the Cross there's room!"

It was not because that poor man did such an extraordinary thing as to kneel in a public street, under that lamp, that he went home "justified," but because he believed God. If you will now believe what God says about His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior for sinners, therefore, for you, you also will be saved and justified.

Not One Left

One morning when starting on a journey by rail, I had asked at the bookstall for a copy of the well-known periodical, "The Christian." The attendant had replied to me in the words at the heading of this paper,

"Not one left," and as I walked away I pondered them and thought, yes, there is a day coming when there will not be a Christian left in this world, when every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ will have been caught away, and "not one left." What a solemn thought! Have you ever weighed it in God's presence?

There is a portion of God's Word in which this great fact is plainly declared (Thess. 4:14-18), and the end of this Christian dispensation is stated with no uncertainty, that the Lord Jesus Christ whom the heaven has received, will someday, we know not how soon, leave that heaven and descend into the air, and there meet all His resurrected saints from Adam downwards, to the last who has fallen asleep in Christ, as well as all those saints who are living on the earth at the time, both companies having been caught up to meet the Lord in the air. So shall they ever be with the Lord.

Not one true believer will be left behind; froth every quarter of the globe; from every position of life; the babe of yesterday who has just touched the hem of His garment; the aged saint who has lived in the joy of this hope for many a long day,—not one will be forgotten—"not one left."

But what, you may ask, will be the fate of those who have rejected the offer of mercy, preached through the gospel of the grace of God, who have turned a deaf ear to the many entreaties they have heard to turn from their sins and to trust in the Lord Jesus as their Savior, who have listened to addresses and sermons until they were gospel-hardened?

Their awful fate is left in no uncertainty, for we read (2 Thess. 2:8-12), that they will be left here to be deceived by that Wicked One, the Antichrist, who will then manifest his Satanic power, with the result that all those who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness, will be cast out of God's presence, or in the solemn words of Scripture,—"that they all might be dammed."

Reader, where will you be? To which company will you belong? Will you be one of those who will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air; or amongst those who will be left to incur the terrible judgment of God's wrath forever and ever?

"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. Reader —which is your portion?

Too Late, Too Late

"Too late, too late!" how sad the sound,
On anxious human ears,
Of those who've waited long, a prey
To doubts, and hopes, and fears.

But there's a time, when, sadder far,
Shall sound in mortal ears,
A dread "too late," which killing hope,
Will turn to truth all fears.

"Too late," they'll find the door will shut,
Which now stands open wide;
"Too late," they'll have to meet their God.
With then no place to hide.

Dear sinner, pause, ere yet "too late;"
Now is the day of grace,
Now Jesus calls, O! do obey
His pleading, loving voice.

Today 'tis free to all who come,
And take Him at His word,
Tomorrow's sun may rise "too late,"
For you who now have heard.

As I Live, Saith the Lord God, I Have No Pleasure In the Death of the Wicked; But That the Wicked Turn From His Way and Live.

Ezekiel 33:11

The Blood of Jesus Christ, (God's Son) Cleanseth Us From All Sin.

1 John 1:7.

June

Prepare to Meet Thy God

In one of the suburbs of London, on a June afternoon, a policeman was "on duty"; his attention was attracted by three men, who were going to a drinking saloon to indulge in the "pleasures of sin." On their way they made up their minds for a "lark," as they termed it, so seeing the policeman, they judged he would be a fitting object to practice their cleverness upon. One of their company, addressing him, asked if he could "give them something to do."

"Yes I can," he replied, "if you really want it."

"Very well, then, what is it?" they replied.

This policeman, through the grace of God, had learned the truth of the gospel, and it was his great delight to use opportunities like this to warn and entreat; so he told them solemnly that if they wanted something to do they should "prepare to meet thy God."

Apparently unconcerned, they passed on to the saloon. Summer had mellowed into autumn; autumn had faded into winter, and the circumstances I have related had passed away from the policeman's memory. He was again at his post of duty, when a young man accosted him, and offering a little book, asked if he would "read it."

"What about your own soul; are you right with God?" said the policeman.

The young man replied, "Yes," and asked if he recollected speaking to three young men, and recalled the incident above related, adding that the youngest of the three then stood before him. The words, "prepare to meet thy God," had pierced his inmost soul.

Wherever he went for days, weeks, months, "prepare to meet thy God, prepare to meet thy God," rang in his ears; they disturbed his conscience, and at length awoke the inquiry, "How am I to prepare?"

Then he heard the gospel preached, how that God had prepared a way for the sinner "to be made nigh" and delivered from the wrath to come, and now, in answer to the question, "Are you right with God?" he could say with a joyful heart, "Yes; all right," through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ one Calvary's cross."

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

Do As Mabel Did

In a certain fine house, luxuriously furnished, a mighty transaction took place a few years ago, under simple, yet, in their way, remarkable circumstances.

The lady of the house had two objects of special regard—her rare old china, and her niece Mabel. So fond was she of the former, that she would never allow a servant to dust it, but asked Mabel to undertake this duty for her. Mabel, who loved her aunt, gladly took the responsibility thus laid upon her; and every morning you might find her busy as a bee, dusting the treasures, and singing merrily as she did so. She was a very happy, lighthearted girl at all times, and was a general favorite.

One morning, however, while at her dusting, she felt she could not sing; she went through her work quite mechanically, being evidently absorbed in deep thought. This new, quiet mood lasted for many days, and the servants were puzzled to know what it might mean. Her aunt was away from home for a time, and Mabel was very much alone: but it was not her loneliness that was affecting her. Trouble of soul was the cause of her seriousness and silence.

She had picked up a book called "Grace and Truth," and before she had read three pages of it she had become alarmed. The passage that first startled her read thus:—

"I have in my mind at this moment an accomplished young lady, amiable, kind, and dutiful, surrounded by all that can make life happy; one who has her neat Bible or Prayer-book, and is seen most regularly and religiously in her seat in church or chapel every Lord's Day, who takes great interest in deeds of charity, visits the poor, and—is very happy. No one ever dared to say to such a one, 'You are on the broad road that leadeth to destruction.' It would be considered highly improper so to do. Perhaps this silent page may be before your eye, and now it would say to you what has been so long unsaid, 'Stop! are you ready to meet God? where shall you spend eternity? If you were separated this moment from all the dear friends around you, and all those happy scenes, and that comfortable home, and were standing before God, what would you have to say?... You may be a princess, or an empress, but one word expresses God's estimate of you, and that word is—sinner'."

This paragraph had awakened Mabel from her dangerous sleep, and startled her into a resolve to find out what course to pursue in reference to her soul's salvation. With her Bible she read, and searched, and prayed. She found that God said of the people of this earth.

"There is no difference; for all have sinned," then, just as despair was coming over her at the thought of her lost and ruined state, she came upon the old, old words which she knew (in her memory) so well:—

"God so loved the world" (and surely, she thought, with a dawning of fresh hope, I am part of the world) "that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

A new light broke upon her. Why had she never seen the simplicity of all this before, that though "dead in sins," Jesus was given by God to die in her place, her stead, and that what He asked of her now was to believe this, and "have," take— "everlasting life?" She said, half-aloud,

"I will take Him at His word."

"But when?" whispered her conscience.

"Now!" she replied; and, laying her duster upon a chair, she knelt down and said,

"O Lord, I do believe that Jesus died for me, that I might have everlasting life. I take Thy gift, and thank Thee for it. Help me to live to Thee, and serve Thee faithfully, for Jesus' sake. Amen."

Then with the consciousness that she had done what God asked her to do, and that He had given her what He promised, her heart became lightened. She rose from her knees, and finished her dusting with "a new song" in her mouth.

Dear, reader, does this seem to you a simple way of being saved? It is God's way—Believe and Receive. The story which I have just related is a simple fact. That dear girl lives today, an earnest, devoted Christian. Do you want Christ—pardon—everlasting life? Then do as Mabel did. Believe God's statement about yourself—and about Jesus—just where you are.

Are You Saved?

And now, dear reader, a word about the state of your soul. Are you saved—or lost? Which? Don't shirk the question. It must be answered soon. The longest life has its end.

Who has given you a lease of long life? A long eternity you shall have. Where will you spend it? Another day may find you in it. Gone forever from earth, where Christ died, "suffered for sins once, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." Gone where? With Christ? Or without Him? Would it be without Him? You tremble to say "Yes."

Stop—listen. Your future is awful. Forgotten by man—Forsaken by God Forever in hell. O, pause a moment in your downward course! Listen to the voice of love speaking to you— speaking from heaven,

"Come unto Me,.... and I will give you rest." Math. 11:28.

"Look unto Me, and be ye saved." Isa. 45:22.

"I am Jesus." Acts 9:5.

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

What Is in the Way?

A young lady was so strongly moved under the gospel appeals she heard that she often wept. But she gave her heart to folly. Her sinful pleasures, however, could not guard from the assault of death. Not many weeks elapsed before she suddenly dropped her needle while busy sewing, and exclaimed,

"O! I am dying!"

Her friends placed her on a bed and sought to assist her. But looking wildly about she exclaimed,

"I see heaven and hell both before me, but I can't get to heaven, for hell is in the way!" Not another word did she utter until death closed the scene.

I lately met with the above solemn incident in my reading, and I transcribed it, dear reader, that it may lead you to face the momentous fact that you are, if unsaved, in jeopardy every moment. Terrible words were those, but not more terrible than true. And would not the same words be applicable to you, O impenitent sinner, if you were on your death-bed? Would not hell be in your way too?

Take heed, then, that you do not procrastinate, but this very day turn to the Lord with purpose of heart, having faith in His precious blood unto eternal salvation.

"As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many." Heb. 9:27, 28.

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

Trying

"If only we could get people to believe that the work is finished," exclaimed a preacher of the gospel, addressing a company in the open air, from the text,

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many" Heb. 9:28.

The Lord Jesus on the cross said, "It is finished." All was done there to meet the claims of God about sin, and everyone who simply trusts to that finished work is saved eternally (John 6:47; Acts 13:38, 39).

But people turn away from God's message of salvation through the finished work of Christ, and vainly try by some effort of their own to obtain forgiveness and peace.

"Yes, I am quite happy now," said a young girl who had been for some time troubled about her sins; "I came to Jesus that day, I was always trying to come before."

"How did you try?" it was asked. "I tried to be good," she replied.

But this dear girl had found how useless her own efforts were, and giving up trying, took the place of a sinner before God and rested on His Word, "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53: 6.

At once her soul found peace, and she could rejoice in the forgiveness of her sins.

A poor girl lay on a bed in a large hospital. She had been badly injured by a machine in the factory where she worked, and now lay unable to move. A visitor, passing, stopped to speak to her, and after hearing of her suffering, asked if she knew Jesus.

"I am trying to seek Him," was her reply.

"But He is seeking you."

The poor girl seemed struck with this, and willingly listened to the story in Luke 15 of the Shepherd who went after that which was lost until He found it. Her visitor never saw her again as she was removed to her home as incurable, but a Christian woman in the next bed said she believed the poor girl had found a Savior in Him who came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

A lady was giving tracts among some tenement houses when one door was opened by a young woman with a baby in her arms. She took the offered tract with such evident pleasure that her visitor asked if she were interested in the things of God.

"I have not given my heart to Christ," was her quick reply. A little conversation followed, which brought out that though she had often attended open-air preachings and been impressed and even brought to think seriously about her soul, this young woman had never taken for herself the salvation so freely offered to her.

"But I must really try to," she added as she closed the door, and her visitor was obliged to withdraw with the fear that the poor woman was still resting on her own efforts and again putting away from her that salvation.

Are you trying to obtain salvation by any efforts of your own? All has been, done, and you have only to take what God so freely offers.

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

"Cast your deadly doings down,
Down at Jesus' feet,
Stand in Him, in Him alone,
Gloriously complete."

Should That Not Cover the Worst?

"I know I cannot get better," and as I looked at the wasted form and face of the speaker, as she leaned forward in her chair, I could only listen in silence, for my thoughts echoed her words.

"I have been told so twice, soberly and earnestly. They call it a fatal disease; the end is not expected to come suddenly; my heart is strong."

A pause followed this statement of her case.

"Do you suffer?" I asked. "At times I do a great deal."

"How good it is to be able to say, 'It is well,' " I said.

The face lighted up wonderfully, and its earnest expression gave depth and strength to its very thin outline.

"O, yes!" she answered, "and how one turns to the Sacrifice."

"But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down on the right hand of God." Heb. 10:12.

Quickly and with increasing earnestness she continued,

"His righteousness, His love demands it—namely, demands the pardon of the soul who trusts in that Sacrifice. Think of His being forsaken by God. In righteousness to Christ, God pardons all who trust in that Sacrifice. What a Sacrifice!" Looking bright with certainty, she added,

"Should that not cover the worst?"

Has the mighty sacrifice of the Son of God covered you, dear reader?

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Covered by God! not covered by myself. No, we cannot cover our sins! On the contrary, we are to uncover them! To whom? To God. Then we learn, and not till then, that God Himself had covered them by the blood of His own Son.

I repeat the question asked me only this morning, "Should that not cover the worst?"

"I hear the words of love,
I gaze upon the blood,
I see the mighty Sacrifice,
And I have peace with God.

'Tis everlasting peace!
Sure as Jehovah's name;
'Tis stable as His steadfast throne,
For evermore the same."

But What up There?

A friend of mine was once staying with a rich farmer. He had started life as a poor boy, but by hard toil and saving, had fought his way through the world until now advanced in years, he had built a large house on one of the finest sites in his estates, intending in quietness to enjoy the remainder of his days.

My friend was travelling through the State, and though a stranger, was kindly received and entertained by this rich man, who at once was eager to show him all the objects that were of the most interest to himself. He took him to the neighboring city, and there pointed out the principal stores and warehouses; the largest places of business were his—indeed rows of houses and whole streets had been built by him.

On returning to the house, they drove through miles of country, all the property of the same man, who was proud to tell that he was the possessor of fifty thousand acres, upon which fed thousands of sheep and large herds of cattle. On arriving at the house, they ascended the tower built for the purpose of surveying the surrounding country. On the top of this tower the farmer kept a telescope, by which means he could see what operations were going on at his various farms. He bade my friend look through the telescope, telling him as far as his eye could reach was all his.

"Well," said my friend, after speaking in admiration of all he had seen, "but what up there?"—pointing with his finger as he spoke, to heaven.

"Why, how, what do you mean!" said the farmer; "I don't quite understand."

"You have been showing me what you possess down here, and certainly you have more of this world than most men, what have you in the world to come? You have been for years amassing all this wealth which has cost you toil and time, and yet you know that you cannot take your houses, or your farms, or your flocks and herds with you beyond the grave; and the day is fast drawing near when you will, whether you like it or not, be obliged to leave all this to others. Have you no inheritance for the great hereafter?"

"Well, I don't know; I can't say, for I never think much about that."

My friend then told the rich farmer the blessed truths of redeeming love, and looked to the Lord to rivet home the word in the power of the Holy Ghost.

O! my dear friend, I trust that the simple question, "What up there?" will not be forgotten by you, until you can with joy answer in the words of one when dying, who, laying her hand on her Bible, said—"I have Christ there;" then pointing up, "Christ there;" again laying her hand on her heart, with a sweet smile she passed away, saying, "and Christ here."

O may God grant that you may know this treasure as the inheritance of your heart through time and in eternity!

As It Is Appointed Unto Men Once to Die, But After This the Judgment: So Christ Was Once Offered to Bear the Sins of Many.

Heb. 9:27.

If Ye Believe Not That I Am He, Ye Shall Die in Your Sins.

John 8:24.

August

The Blacksmith's Story

About twenty-two years ago, light first broke into my soul; and it was through hearing a sermon on this text,

"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Acts 1:11.

The preacher began with Bethlehem; he went through all the Lord's life, and spoke of His death, and said it was, as it were, the week's work, and Saturday night came when all was finished. And this being so, said he, what comes next? It is the day of the Lord's coming again. And he asked us if we were ready to meet Him.

The speaker was Joseph P., the village blacksmith; he was standing near his anvil, with his leather apron on, over which his brawny arms were folded, while his mild blue eyes sparkled with joy as he spoke of Jesus.

Behind him stood his helpers, and as they worked, the old shed gave forth its music, as alternately the forge roared to the blast of the bellows, and the ringing hammer beat the chilling iron into the required shape.

"I was about eighteen years old," continued the blacksmith, "and for many a day after that sermon I was in deep trouble of soul. The Lord was coming, I thought, and I was not ready to see Him. My 'mother, who was a Christian, had prayed for us all, and, though she said little to me, she noticed my changed ways.

After some weeks, when I was at work one evening, with my head bent over the anvil, it seemed as if there was a voice speaking to me, so. I went and opened the door to see, but no one was there. Soon after, it became time to go home, so I started off. It was a beautiful moonlight evening, and I could show you the very spot now, though it was twenty-two years ago, where I stood still on the road, and said,

"I won't go home tonight till I know my, soul is saved." Like, lightning it came into my heart,

"Then you won't go home tonight at all."

This was the devil, I knew, and I answered to myself,

"Better not go home at all, than go to hell." As I stood there, the Lord whispered to me;

"Only believe, —just believe that Jesus was your substitute, and died for you on the tree." And I told Him I did believe on Him.

Then I lifted up my head; the moon was shining brightly in the sky above the hedge by the roadside, and everything looked more beautiful to my eye than I had ever seen it look before, and I thought,

"The moon is the Lord's and the hedge is His, and, better still, I am His."

How I got home I cannot tell. As I passed through the town, I did not speak a word to anyone, for my heart was too full. When I came to our cottage, and opened the door, there were my father and mother sitting near the fire, one on the one side, the other on the other; but I could not say a word even to them, so betook myself straight upstairs to bed. And when I was alone in my little room I knelt upon the floor, and praised the Lord in secret. As I was upon my knees,

I heard my mother's voice,

"Father," said she, "did you notice Joe tonight?"

"No," answered my father; "does aught ail the boy?"

"Didn't you notice him?" again asked my mother.

"If he had been ill, he would have told us," father answered.

"No, it was not that," my mother said, with her loving voice; "but I tell you I do believe that Joe is brought to the Lord, and that Jesus has spoken to him!"

"And so He has, mother," I called from my knees; and she came upstairs, and put her arms round me, and wept for joy, saying,

"My boy, the Lord has begun to answer my many prayers: He has now brought in one of my children. Joseph, you are the first;" and she praised the Lord with tears.

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him: and with His stripes we are healed." Isa. 53

Faith - Not Feelings

Well, sir, I do believe every word you say; in fact, I believe every word in the Bible; but I don't feel I'm saved; and I'm not going to say I'm saved until I'm sure I am saved," said a cheery fisherman's wife, at the door of a flower-clad cottage, to an earnest Christian who was visiting from door to door.

"Neither do I feel that I'm saved, and I have been saved for nearly five years, and never yet felt that I was saved: and if you continue to wait until you feel saved, you will never be saved at all, for the Word of God never says feel saved."

"But, sir, the Scriptures say we 'must be born again' (John 3:7), and surely I must feel that great change come over me. You don't mean to say that I could be saved and still continue as I am—miserable, and afraid to meet God?”

"No, I don't mean to say any such thing, for the moment you are saved there will be change enough, for you will be changed from being a 'child of Satan' to a 'child of God.' But Satan is deceiving you, by getting you to wait until you feel a change, and all the while you are shutting your ears to the Word of God, which brings the change, 'for we are saved by grace through faith' (Eph. 2:8); and 'faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17).

You see, if you could feel nice and happy just now, you would conclude you were saved because you felt it, and then tomorrow you might not feel happy, so you would have to come to the conclusion you were not saved then; thus you would make a savior of your feelings, and one day you would have a Savior, and another day you would have none. Instead of believing the testimony which God has given of His Son, and knowing that you have passed from death unto life (1 John 3:14), you are waiting for a change, and remaining in misery.

"Now look here, my friend: suppose, now, that your husband is at sea, and you are left with the little ones; that your stock of money runs out, and you have no bread; and the children are hungry, and nothing to give them; you are sitting over the fire miserable enough at such a state of things, and want a change, but your misery does not bring the change; no thoughts of yours fill the children's hungry stomachs, and put the glad smile where there are looks of sorrow. No! But you are startled by a loud knock at the door, and you open it, when the postman puts a letter into your hand; you look at it, you know the writing— it's your husband's; you quickly break it open, and there is an order for some money. What effect has it on you? Do you sit down and brood over your misery, and wait for a change, thinking there never was such a poor creature in the world as you are? Never! You put on your things, off to the post office to secure the money, make your calls at the shops, and come back loaded with all you need, to the great joy of the children. What a change! How has it come about? Why, just through the letter: you read it, you believed it; the change came, your sorrow was gone, your heart was light, even before you got the order cashed— the letter did it all. Why, now, will you not listen to God's letter, and be saved? You are a sinner, but God's letter says,

`Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners' 1 Tim. 1:15. And Jesus says Himself,

`He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me; hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation (judgment), but is passed from death unto life' John 5:24. Moreover, the letter says,

`These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know (not feel, but know) that ye have eternal life' 1 John 5:13.

You see, you did not feel the money—it was in the post-office, and you could not feel it; but the letter said it was there, and there for you; you believed it, and that made you happy; but you were happy because you knew it was yours; the money was not yours because you felt happy.

Well, you did not feel that Christ died for your sins, neither did I; but I know He died for my sins, and the same letter which tells me He died for me, tells me I'm saved, I believe God's blessed letter, and I feel very happy because I know I am saved." Thus was the fisherman's wife led to know her sins forgiven and rejoice in the wondrous fact.

Perhaps you, too, say you believe all the Bible, but can't feel you are saved, putting feelings in the place of faith. O, don't be occupied any longer with these things; look away from yourself to Jesus. God has set Him on the throne in heaven, the proof that the work is finished to the satisfaction of Himself; and if God is satisfied, why should not you?

Before you lay down this paper, believe God's Word which He in His love has sent you, declaring what has been done by Jesus Christ for sinners; and the moment you take God at His Word, you rest on fact, not on feelings.

The Robin's Message

In relating the story of his conversion from infidelity, and his salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus, a young man told the following touching story.

"It was a winter day, all was dull without and within. I myself was in misery of body and mind. I had been a companion of infidels, and tried to forget what I learned in the home of my childhood about God and eternity. In fact I did not want to believe it, so that I might enjoy a life of sin. This is what makes young men embrace infidelity: it gives them a free hand to go on in sin.

No God, no judgment, no hell; you may do then as you like. I was never altogether at ease. The teaching of my boyhood often haunted me in the hours of night as I lay awake. Mine was a miserable life.

That wintry Sunday night, I sat alone by the fire, musing and wondering where my life would end. I said to myself half aloud—is there a God? If there is, let Him send me some proof that He lives, and that He can provide for me in time and eternity, if such there be? Just then a robin alighted on the window sill, and picking up a few crumbs, sat perched on a twig chirping as merrily among the snow as if it had been a May day. I said to myself,

'There is a God. Who could make that little bird chirp so blithely but He?'

I arose and went into the town, and for ' the first time for ten years, I entered a place where the gospel was preached, and praise be to God, I was saved, and set on the Rock Christ Jesus, that night.

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength." Isaiah 40:28, 29.

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

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

The Twelfth Hour

A man once raised his hand in one of Mr. Moody's meetings. The evangelist went to him and said:

"I am glad you have decided to be a Christian."

"No," said the man, "I have not; but I will later on."

His address was taken; and Mr. Moody visited him when he was ill, and pressed for decision.

"No," said the man, "I won't decide now; people will only say I was frightened into decision."

He recovered; but later he suffered a severe relapse. Mr. Moody visited him again.

"It is too late," he said.

"But," Mr. Moody replied, "there is mercy at the eleventh hour."

"Mr. Moody," he replied, "this is not the eleventh hour; it is the twelfth.;' A few hours later he was dead. Mr. Moody says:

"We fear we wrapped him in a Christ-less shroud, put him in a Christless coffin, buried him in a Christless grave, and if so, he went to spend a Christless Eternity."

Ungodly

I found him in a cottage one Sunday afternoon, and rather abruptly questioned him as to forgiven sins. He was old, and had been reading in a large type New Testament.

"Are all your sins forgiven you?"

"I can't say they are," he replied in a troubled voice.

Allowing one sin per day, I made a calculation that this aged sinner had added up a considerable score.

"Let us see, one sin each day is three hundred and sixty-five in a year, and you have lived—how many years?"

"But there has been more than one each day, sir."

"And you do not know they are forgiven?"

"Well, you see, sir, I've been reading this Testament, but somehow I don't seem to understand it."

Taking the book I turned to Rom. 5: and pointed to verse 6

"Christ died for the ungodly."

"For whom did Christ die?"

"Why, for all of us."

"But was it for you? Look at this verse now. Who does that last word mean—`ungodly?' Are you ungodly?"

This name seemed to rather startle the poor fellow, and he began, like many more, to try and prove he was fairly good.

"I'm not so very bad, sir."

Now the text does not say anything about Not-so-very-bad, so if the old man was to be known by that name he certainly was not mentioned. The Not-so-very-bads are to be found in every church and chapel, and in almost every house. But there are none of that name in heaven, nor are they spoken of in the proclamation of grace.

"You see, my friend, this verse says—`Christ died for the ungodly,' so own your name, and receive the blessings obtained by that death. Ungodly is the person spoken of. Ungodly deserved to be punished because of his ungodliness,

`The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness." Rom. 1:18.

Though God hates ungodliness, He loves the ungodly, and that He might show His love, Christ took upon Him the penalty of the ungodliness, that the ungodly might be saved.

Settled

What is settled? I think I hear my reader say,

"O, that I could find something that was settled! I would rest my soul there, and find at last what I have longed for, and hitherto failed to obtain; for, to say the truth, I am restless, and still seeking for something, I hardly know what, only that word "settled" seems to be the key to what I want. What is it? Can you tell me of anything that is settled, and where?"

By the grace of God, I can.

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

Is that enough for you? I want no more. Happy are they who trust in Him; for I cannot disconnect the Word from Him who speaks, for it is His voice. Do you hear it, and rest on that Word?

There are two sets of people in the world. The one obey God's Word, the other oppose it. The first set are blessed, and happy in proportion as they are found doing so; as the Lord said,

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:17.

These, however poor and humble, only need to be encouraged to more earnest diligence in turning, to God's Word, and to continuance in prayer, that their souls may prosper more and more, as each one for himself is found hearkening to God.

Those who oppose the word of Jehovah, are dashing themselves against an immovable rock, and if persistent in doing so, must perish.

"For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." What can move that? But that can move you, and I pray God it may now, for it concerns you. It is written, "He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath One that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

May you, my reader, be among the number of those who by grace build upon that rock which no storm can ever shake. Will not every doubting heart drop the anchor of its soul in this eternal haven of rest,—the truth of the Living God,—and be settled too?

"For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." Psa. 119: 86.

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

Rest, Peace and Joy

There's rest for thee, O weary soul!
Why longer groan unblest?
Hear Him who cried to laden ones
"Come, I will give you rest."

There's peace for thee, O anxious soul!
A calm tranquility;
'Tis Jesus speaks the cheering word,
`My peace I give to thee."

There's joy for thee, O mourning soul!
Dry up thy tears, and praise;
Confide, and in the Lord be glad,
"Rejoice in Him always."

Rest, peace, and joy in Christ are found,
The Spirit makes them known;
Claim Christ—God's gift—this very hour,
Possess Him as thine own.

He That Believeth
On Him Is Not
Condemned:

But He That Believeth

Not, Is Condemned

Already, Because Hath Not Believed

In the Name of the

Only Begotten Son of

God.

John 3:18

September

Get Rich, Live Easy, Die Happy

A colporteur was passing, in his usual way, from door to door, seeking to sell Bibles, New Testaments, gospel books, and to speak to one and another of the Savior whom he loved.

Calling at one of the houses, he entered into conversation with a man who, when asked to purchase a book, said,

"If you have a book which will show me how to get rich, live easy, and die happy, I will buy it."

The colporteur replied that he had the very book for him. He handed him a New Testament and told him it would give him all that he had required.

And surely it is a wonderful book, a wonderful lamp, if it will show all that. But it does, and multitudes have proved the truth of what the simple servant of God declared.

It shows the way to "get rich"—really rich—rich with true riches which will give enjoyment now and forever.

It shows the way to "live easy." It gives those who believe on the Lord Jesus to know that His precious blood has redeemed them, and has cleansed them from all their sins. Thus their conscience is set at perfect rest and they have peace with God. They have come to Christ and He has given them that which He promised to all who come to Him—REST.

It shows the way to "die happy." That the future has no sorrow for Christians; that Christ has borne the judgment; that He has died and risen again; that He now is in heaven living for His own, never forgetting them; that soon He is coming again for them, and thus they may never die at all; but if they do, they can "die happy," for they know that if their spirits leave their bodies, they will be present with the Lord—all this God's Word shows.

The man bought the Testament and found it to be a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. Have you found it to be such?

"Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be RICH" 2 Cor. 8:9.

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

"In Thy presence is fullness of JOY; at Thy right hand there are PLEASURES for evermore." Psa. 16:11.

Not an Uncommon Mistake

In a country village an old man was anxious to know how he could obtain that forgiveness which he felt his need of.

Somebody, professing to be a minister of the Gospel, visited him from time to time, and taught him that he must pray as long as he lived, and hope in God's mercy through Christ; but that he must not expect to know he was forgiven till the Day of Judgment.

A servant of the Lord, hearing of his case, went to see him, when something like the following conversation took place between them:

"How do you expect to be saved?"

"Well, sir, I keep on praying, and I hope God will have mercy on me."

"Because you pray?"

"Well, yes, sir, I cannot expect to be saved unless I do pray."

"Then prayer is to save you?"

"Why, as to that, I suppose it is Christ who must save me; but I must pray for forgiveness."

"That is, YOU must have a hand in it. But now, if I were to hold out a dollar in my hand and ask you to accept it, would you beg and pray of me to give it to you, or would you take it?"

"Why, TAKE it, of course," said the poor old man, smiling at the apparent absurdity of such a question.

" 'Be it known unto you, therefore that through this Man (Christ Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that BELIEVE are justified from all things.' Acts 13:38, 39.

"God, Himself, offers you forgiveness. He holds it out to you, bidding you believe Him when he declares that the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth from all sin.' Instead of taking what He offers, and believing His blessed word, you keep on asking Him to give you that which He has been offering to you ever since you were a child. He bids you look to Christ: you look to prayer. He declares to you forgiveness through the blood of Christ; you tell Him in return you don't believe Him, for if you did you clearly would not ask Him to give you that which He is offering you. Thus, you make God a liar, and hope to be saved for doing so!"

The poor old man's eyes were opened. He was astonished at himself; his conscience was exercised; a real conviction of sin against God followed; and he finally believed and was saved.

His false teacher came to him at intervals, sadly confusing, bewildering and upsetting him. But it was only for a time. Faith overcame at last, and he triumphed in the assurance of having forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, in and by the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 6:23; Col. 1:14.)

"Three Great Questions"

With the reader's permission we would ask three questions. The first question is,

"Are you saved?"

It is not "Are you religious" nor "Are you a church member?" It is "Are you saved?"

Many are earnest, energetic, and active in social, benevolent, philanthropic, and religious work, who have never been saved. To be "religious" is one thing; to be "saved" is another. Many "religious" persons don't profess to be saved. To test it, ask the average church member how long it is since he was saved, and he will probably say,

"No one can know that for certain."

If you have any doubt about your salvation, give your soul the benefit of the doubt. You may say that you hope it will be "all right" with you "at last." But what about the present? If you are not saved in Time, you cannot be saved in Eternity.

"Well, I hope I will be saved."

Hoping is not enough; you ought to be certain. The second question is,

"Are you willing to be saved?"

Did you ever learn that you were "lost?" One must first know that he is lost before he can know that he is saved.

There are but two classes of persons in God's sight—"lost" sinners, and "sinners saved by grace." Which class do you belong to? Christ came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10).

"Not the righteous—Sinners, Jesus came to save."

Are you lost or saved? If you believe that you are one of the "lost" whom Jesus came to save, and are really wishing to be saved, Are you willing to be saved?

Perhaps you are asking, "What must I do to be saved?" If this is so, the question can be answered in the words of Scripture,

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

"That is too easy a way," says one.

Thank God it is easy for us, but it was not easy for Christ to take our place and die in our room and stead. Though an "easy way," it is God's way, and His only way of deliverance from the penalty and power of sin.

Some years ago I traveled on the Canadian Pacific Railway from Toronto to Vancouver, a distance of nearly 3,000 miles. It was "easy" for me to cross the continent. All I did was secure a ticket, sit in a seat in the train, and I was carried safely through the prairies and over the Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Think of what it cost the Canadian Government to build the railway! It cost them millions of dollars, and millions of acres of valuable land.

What did it cost God to open up the way to peace and happiness for guilty sinners? Hearken to His answer,

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

It cost God his only begotten Son; it cost Christ His precious blood to open a righteous way to secure our salvation. Christ finished the work that saves, and you have only to believe on Him who did it all and paid it all!

Thank God for the word "whosoever." "Whosoever" takes in you and me, and every other person.

"Whosoever believeth in Him." Do you believe in Christ?

"Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Are you the present possessor of everlasting life?

"No," you reply. Then you don't believe on Christ. If you did you would be saved from hell and wrath and woe. The third question is,

"Are you willing to be saved NOW?"

Do you reply "Not now?" Why not now? Why not at this moment accept of Christ as your Savior and Lord? Why not now believe in Him who died to save you from the horrors of an eternity of darkness and woe? Why spurn His mercy? Why resist His Spirit? Why procrastinate longer? The old proverb says,

"The way to hell is paved with good intentions." How awfully true! Many have been rocked to sleep in the cradle of a false security with the hellish lullaby,

"Time enough." "Time enough!"

Tarry not a moment longer, but now at this moment believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved for Eternity.

Only a Step to Jesus

Only a step to Jesus!
Then why not take it now?
Come, and thy sin confessing,
To Him, thy Savior, bow.

Only a step to Jesus!
Believe, and thou shalt live;
Lovingly now He's waiting,
And ready to forgive.

Only a step to Jesus!
O, why not come and say—
"I come to Thee, my Savior,
I cannot stay away!"

What the Sentry Said

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

Each, however, had been lately reading his Bible; and while one of the two was really saved, and rejoicing in God his Savior, the other was in deepest distress under strong convictions of sin, and earnestly seeking deliverance from the load of guilt pressing upon his conscience.

Neither of the two was aware of the state of soul of the other; moreover, the character of their duties, and the distance they were apart, forbade any communication passing between them.

On the occasion referred to one of the officers had been dining out, and was returning to his quarters in the garrison at a late hour of the night. Coming up to the sentry on the outside of the sally port, who was the one really saved, the officer expected to be challenged as usual for the watchword in passing him.

But the man, absorbed in meditation on the glorious and blessed things that had recently been made the joy of his soul, on being roused from his midnight reverie by the officer, to the amazement of the latter exclaimed aloud,

"The precious blood of Christ."

He soon, however, recovered his self-possession, and the officer, after giving the correct watchword, passed on without remark.

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

The words came home to his heart as a voice from heaven, as indeed they were; it was the word of God winged from above. The load of guilt was removed, and those divine words, "The precious blood of Christ," thus brought peace to the soul of the sin-burdened soldier. He was saved, and that for eternity!

Dear reader, I don't want to sermonize over this striking narrative; but let me ask you to observe that it speaks of three persons; one, the officer who heard of the precious blood of Christ, and passed on unheeding it; another, the inner sentry, who heard of it as a voice from heaven, and was saved by it; and the third, the outer sentry, who, out of the abundance of an overflowing heart, spoke of it, and was thus blessed to the salvation of his comrade.

These are representative men, and you and I may certainly find our likeness in one or the other of them.

Forgive my being personal; Like which of them are you?

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

The Sword of the Spirit, Which Is the Word of God

(Eph. 6:17.)

A French preacher of the Gospel, when travelling in the provinces on one occasion, met an infidel, with whom he entered into conversation.

In the course of his remarks he quoted various passages of Holy Scripture.

The infidel told him it was of no use his quoting from that Book to him, inasmuch as he did not believe one word of it; and that he should first establish its authenticity.

"Suppose I were to plunge a sword into your body; there would surely be no need of any logical proof that it was a sword; it would prove itself by its effect upon your person," Malan replied.

He then proceeded with the conversation, still quoting from the Word of God.

They parted; but the truth of God did its own work. It entered, as "the sword of the Spirit," into the heart of the infidel, and cut its way through his infidel system, showing it to be a mass of folly, and himself to be a guilty, hell-deserving sinner.

Time rolled on, and, after many years, the preacher was one day accosted in the streets of Paris by a gentleman who asked him if he remembered having met him in the stage coach. He then told him that "the Word of God" had, in very deed, proved itself in his case to be "the sword of the Spirit," and he now needed no logical proof.

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

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because, when ye received THE WORD OF GOD which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, THE WORD OF GOD, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 1 Thess. 2:13.

A Loss That Was a Gain

A Christian gentleman was hurrying to catch a train, but through his watch being two minutes slow he lost it. The thought came into his mind:

"I'll walk on to the next station."

As he went he saw a young man walking from the rectory. He went up to him and asked him the question:

"Where is your rector?"

"He is dead," said the young man.

"And did he preach Christ?"

"Yes," he replied.

"Well, my friend, have you accepted Him?"

The young man seemed indignant, and there was doubtless a struggle going on in his mind.

"Now, my friend," said the Christian, "don't reason. 'Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above); or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring Christ up again from the dead). But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.' Rom. 10:6-9. "Now," added the gentleman, "do you believe in Him? It is just as simple as that. Do you accept Jesus for your Savior?"

A strange light broke upon the young man's countenance. With his whole heart he replied, "Yes, sir, I do."

And, like the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, "he went on his way rejoicing." One minute a lost sinner; the next saved, safe for ever, as the Lord Jesus said:

"He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death into life." John, 5:24. And again:

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

So may it be with you, dear reader: "Heareth"; "Believeth"; Hath"; "Shall not come into condemnation (judgment)"; shall not perish."

Hear, then, His voice today, and harden not your heart. (Heb. 3:7, 8.)

"Faith" or "Unbelief"

Eternal condemnation must be the awful sentence of God on every soul that despises Jesus. There is not the shadow of a line of middle ground. He who is not "justified by FAITH," MUST be condemned for "UNBELIEF"; and condemned for ever. O! how one's soul is solemnized with these words as the pen writes them down! ETERNAL CONDEMNATION!

"Be It Known Unto You... That Through This Man (Jesus) Is Preached Unto You the Forgiveness of Sins: and By Him, All That Believe, Are Justified from All Things."

Acts 13:38, 39.