Echoes of Grace: 1946

Thorpe, a successful preacher of the gospel, was, before his conversion, one of the greatest antagonist and enemies of Whitefield, the well know English evangelist. He not only delighted in disturbing him in public meetings and hindering his activity as a pro-claimer of the message of the cross, but, whenever he had an opportunity, he made a fool of him. He possessed an unusual talent for mimic, by which he knew how to imitate, in an astonishing way, the preacher's motions, voice, posture, and pantomime, and he would ridicule him and his words whenever possible.

On one occasion at a pleasure party, he and his three friends wagered who could imitate the evangelist most perfectly. They all were supposed to open the Bible at random and preach a sermon on the first verse their eye caught sight of. After all the sermons had been heard, the audience was to judge.

Thorpe's three friends had already performed their part in a godless manner, when lastly his turn came. When Thorpe mounted the table, which was set for a stage, he declared, "I shall beat you all!”

He was handed the Bible. He opened it and God directed his eyes to fall on the solemn words of Luke 13:5, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

He read the words and the same moment he uttered them, he felt their whole power. The sharp two-edged sword of the Word of God penetrated into his soul like a bolt of lightning. His conscience awoke. He saw himself a guilty sinner before God, and a deep horror took hold of him. He felt that the words just read were intended for him personally, and from this conviction taking hold of him with irresistible power, he preached his sermon.

Perhaps never had these truths, guilt, death, eternity, and coming judgment, been painted in darker colors than in this address, because it totally lacked any mingling with grace whatsoever.

In later years, Thorpe often used to mention that, if ever in his life he preached with God's help, it was at that time. The profound solemnity of an awful eternity, the necessity of repentance, the threatened perdition of the soul, and the terrors of the second death, stood before his soul. He preached to his guilty lost friends how he was guilty and lost himself. The solemnity that fell over his listeners, only deepened the sense of guilt in his own soul, and while his emotion rose every minute, words poured over his lips with such force, sharpness and power of language, that, as he tells later, the hair on his head must have stood on end from fear and dread.

No one dared to interrupt him, for it was evident to all under what overpowering influence he spoke, and even when the first surprise of some turned more and more into rage, while with others a growing astonishment took its place, all sat spellbound, gazing at him and listening.

When finally he stepped off the table, deep silence prevailed, and not a word was spoken about the wager. His three friends immediately left the company without another word, and it need hardly be said that he never returned to his old friends.

After a time of deep inner suffering and conflict, there arose in his soul the radiant light of the full blessed gospel—and he became a much used preacher of repentance—and Grace.

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

"By Grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:8.

My Faith Looks up to Thee”

A young teacher in a school in New York City, who had been a dry-goods clerk in Boston and had just graduated from Yale College (at the age of twenty-two), sat down one afternoon and wrote four verses which he said were "born of my own soul." His eyes swam with tears while he wrote. Two years afterward this young Mr. Ray Palmer was met by Lowell Mason in Boston, and asked to furnish a hymn for a new music book soon to be issued. Palmer drew out of his pocket the four verses beginning with the words,

"My faith looks up to Thee.”

He handed them to Mason for publication.

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine.
Now hear me while I pray:
Take all my guilt away;
O, let me from this day
be wholly thine.

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire:
As Thou hast died for me,
O, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be—
A living fire.

While life's dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my Guide:
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow's tears away;
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

When ends life's transient dream,—
When death's cold, sullen stream
Shall o'er me roll,—
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distress remove;
O, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.

A Sleeping City - a Waking Savior

It was night. The sun had long since set behind the western Carmel, and from mid-heaven the moon shone down upon the great guilty city. The song of the drunkard was ended, and he slept heavily. Yonder the toiler sought repose from the labor of the day past, and strength for the day to come. There sleep kissed the lines of care from the brow of the tired mother, while at her side her babe rested peacefully. The merchant had forgotten his business, the Pharisee his pride. The city slept.

But yonder on the eastern Olivet stood a Stranger, solitary, alone. His garments were travel-stained, and His locks were wet with the dew of night. He stood and looked upon the city, and through His wondrous eyes, compassion shone. As He looked, He wept.

Ah! it was Jesus from the plains of Galilee, the Nazarene. Still the city slept; the Weeper and His tears were all unheeded by those for whom He wept. But a wakeful heaven looked on in wonder wrapt, and multitudes of angels bowed and worshipped at the sight. Those were they that spoke aloud with gladness at His birth, and wondered that the earth did not respond in music to their praise. They looked upon Him with reverence as He stood there.

Jesus is the Lord of heaven, the eternal Son of God; yet there He stood, without a home upon the earth His hands had made. Why? The reason is not far to seek. Men's hearts were full of sin, and His was full of love. He came to bring them blessing, to flood their land with joy from heaven, even as the sun at morn fills all the earth with light. He came to shield them from the blast of evil, as the mother bird shelters her young beneath her wing when the hawk approaches.

But they would not. All, all had been in vain. They slept indifferently. His words, His works, His tears did not awaken any love to Him. The city slept. How dark and dreadful was that slumber.

Yet their hatred did not sleep, for often had their hearts been stirred with rage against Him, and that without a cause; yet in spite of all, He loved them. He might have gathered in His fists the leaping lightnings of the heavens, and blasted all the land forever; but that He did not do. Instead He stood and wept, then passed onward to the cross. He went to the cross to die for them, to shed His precious blood that even to them salvation might be preached, and to them be given not joy which they had forfeited on earth, but joy unspeakable in heaven.

He died, His blood was shed, His love passed through the test. He died for sinners, and being raised out of the grave, He sent His servants with the word of life into the city over which He wept. Wondrous fact, from out that deathful mass, there came forth those who hailed Him, "Lord," that bowed the knee before Him, turned from their sins to Him, receiving pardon through His name.

Nearly two thousand years have passed away since then, and still the Savior-Jesus sits on high, and from Him there, the message of salvation comes to men on earth. Alas! thousands there are, who sleep indifferently; the arms of slumber wrap them round about—a dark and deathful slumber—the sleep of sin. They want not Christ, nor God, nor heaven—they love their dreams of peace and happiness. If they rouse themselves at all, 'tis but to show their enmity against their God who longs to bless them.

"The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:7.

O ghastly spectacle, for they must wake ere long, and waking, prove how fearfully they have been duped. Hell forever must be the awful portion of all who will not have the Christ of God.

Dear reader, are you awake or sleeping? Are you saved or lost? The Son of God has died, but can you say, "The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

Have you bowed at His feet as those sinners in Jerusalem did long, long ago? If not, why not now? Say, "Christ for me.”

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

"Where Are You Going?"

A train was just about to start from a large railway station. A lady came hurrying along the platform carrying some parcels and a few flowers. A ticket checker accosted her with the question, "Where are you going?”

Naming the place where she was going, he said,

"All right, get in here!”

When the official asked her where she was going, she didn't say that she didn't know. She knew where she was going, and she gave to her questioner no evasive reply.

Where are you going? You know the meaning of this question, don't you? You know it doesn't mean what place in the city, or what town in the country are you going to. It means, Are you going where the Lord Jesus is, or are you going where the Christ rejecters are? Don't say that you don't know. You know whether you have accepted Christ, or whether you haven't. And your destiny will be shaped by your attitude to Him. He is the goal of the believing heart. To reject Him is to seal your doom. The woman knew where she was going. You also ought to know where you are going—whether you are on the road that leads Heavenwards or Hell wards.

Where are you going? Don't say that you don't want to be insulted. No insult is intended. When the uniformed official asked the woman the question she didn't look on his inquiry as an insult. She didn't blaze up and tell him not to speak to her. He asked her a courteous question. She answered it in a thankful way. Have you ever blazed up when somebody has spoken to you about your soul? Some people do get so angry! You may be one of those, but doest thou well to be angry?

Where are you going? The woman answered readily. She knew that the inquirer was seeking her interest. So do those that speak to you in Jesus' Name about your soul. They have your welfare at heart. They would like to see you saved. Just as the railway official set before the woman an open door, and said, "get in here," so those who seek your soul's good wish to point you to the open Door. Christ is the Door. He says, "I am the Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." John 10:9. Permit the question once again: Where are you going? Face it, and answer it now.

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Psa. 9:17.

"These shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into Life Eternal." Matt. 25:46.

The Man Who Saw His Grave Dug

John Hambleton, the actor, before his conversion, had many narrow escapes from death. In speaking of his experiences on the Pacific Coast at the time of the discovery of gold in California, he says, "Once I was delivered from drowning when the long reeds were entwined around my body in deep water and prevented me from swimming; another time I well-nigh perished in crossing a vast desert; another time pistols were loaded, and blood-thirsty men sought my life; another time Mexican bayonets were pointed at my breast; yet another time a terrible disease laid hold on me, and so hopeless did my case appear that my comrades put me down under the shelter of a tree, and felt so sure that my hours were numbered, that they began to prepare my grave nearby, into which it was their purpose to cast my poor emaciated body when the spark of life had fled. I shall never forget the horrors of that situation, as I seemed to feel life ebbing away, and the dread hereafter, even eternity, looming upon me without one ray of Gospel hope to cheer my guilty soul. There I lay a wreck in the prime of life, and to all appearances, drifting fast from the shores of Time toward the vast ocean known as Eternity, for whose dark expanse I had no chart or pilot to guide me.”

Thank God, John Hambleton's life was saved; and better than that, he obtained the forgiveness of sins and became the happy possessor of eternal life as a free gift from God (Rom. 6:23). By faith he saw Christ dying in his room and stead, and found joy and peace in believing. He immediately commenced to preach Christ and Him crucified, and God greatly owned his ministry in the conversion of sinners.

The same One who delivered John Hambleton from going down to hell, is willing to save you. Do you believe that you are a guilty sinner deserving of nothing but wrath and woe? If so, He who is "mighty to save" is willing to blot out the past and justify you from all things. Hearken to His royal proclamation, "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." Acts 13:38, 39.

"The Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.”

Believe on Him at this moment, and be saved for eternity.

Heaven and Hell are before you. Which will you choose? Christ is in Heaven inviting you to accept Him as your Savior.

Thirty Pieces of Silver

Thirty pieces of silver,
Only the price of a slave;
But it was the priestly value
Of the Holy Son of God.
They weighed it out in the temple,
The price of the Savior's blood.

Thirty pieces of silver
Laid in Iscariot's hand,
Thirty pieces of silver
And the aid of an armed band,
Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
Brought the humbled Son of God
At midnight from the garden
Where His sweat had been as blood.

Thirty pieces of silver
Burn in the traitor's brain,
Thirty pieces of silver,
O, it was hellish gain.
"I have sinned, and betrayed the guiltless,”
He cried with a fevered breath,
And he cast them down in the temple
And rushed to a madman's death.

Thirty pieces of silver,
Lay in the House of God,
Thirty pieces of silver,
But O! 'twas the price of blood.
And so, for a place to bury the stranger
They gave the price of their own Messiah,
He was laid in a borrowed grave.

It may not be for silver,
It may not be for gold,
But still, by tens of thousands
Is this precious Savior sold.
Sold for a godless friendship,
Sold for a selfish aim,
Sold for a petty trifle,
Sold for an empty name.

Sold, in the mart of science,
Sold in the seat of power,
Sold at the shrine of fortune,
Sold in pleasure's bower.
Sold, where the awful bargain
None but God's eye can see,
Ponder, my soul, this question—
Shall He be sold by thee?

Sold! O, God! what a moment—
Stifled is conscience's voice.
Sold! a weeping angel
Records the fatal choice.
Sold, but the price of the Savior
To a living coal shall turn
With the pangs of remorse forever
Deep, in the soul to burn.

"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

February

The Lord As Security

"Hark! What is that? Someone knocking. Well, I. wish they would go on and let us rest. We have lost enough already." Thus spoke a wife, one night, to her husband, who had just been disturbed by someone at the door. They lived in a cottage by themselves, at some distance from neighbors. Their house being near the public road, many a traveler had stopped to beg a lodging, and receiving it had gone away, oftentimes taking things without leave, that could be poorly spared by this couple, for they were poor. The man was a weaver, but now, owing to these frequent stealing, he had very little left but the loom, with which he wove for their daily bread. But they were the Lord's children, and it cost them a severe pang to turn away from any who asked for a favor.

While we have been giving this explanation, the man has not been left to knock, for the husband has been to the door and unlocked it, and brought in the stranger. He is not a very pleasant looking one either, but one that might well arouse their fears that all was not right. Still he is allowed to stay, and is given such comfort for the night as the poor weaver could offer.

Now let us go back with the husband and listen, while he explains to his wife how it all happened.

"Have you really let him stay?”

"Yes, he seemed to need it, and I told him he might.”

"What does he look like?”

"Rather a rough one, that is a fact.”

"Well, we shall probably be robbed of what we have left. Why did you do this? You know what we have suffered.”

"Yes, and I would not have done so, but for the security he gave.”

"What was that?”

"I told him that we had already been robbed of nearly everything, and would rather not have him come in, and asked him what assurance I could have that he would not rob us, and he answered that he gave the Lord as security. I felt that we could take that, and for His sake give any one shelter.”

So these dear simple ones were quieted to sleep, resting on the arm and the word of Him who never fails His own.

But, in the morning, they found that their lodger had left them, and had taken their loom with him! Knowing that if he used the name of the Lord, he would be likely to be taken as a Christian, and a safe man, this cunning thief had thus deceived them and taken just what he wanted.

"There!" said the wife, "I felt afraid, and told you we ought not to trust anybody any more. What shall we do?”

"Well," answered the husband, "he gave the Lord as security, and I will take Him for it, He is good for that, and I will rest on Him yet.”

Happy man! And the Lord met this trust, and brought back the loom before the day had gone. The day was exceedingly foggy, and the fog was so thick that the traveler with his stolen loom, wandered round and round the cottage of these poor people, thinking he was going straight on his way. As night began to come on, feeling worn out, he knocked at the very door he had left in the morning, and asked if he could come in.

"Yes, and put down the loom!" said the man, who knew his voice.

The thief was so alarmed, that he dropped the loom and ran away, and they saw nothing more of him. Thus, though the thief meant nothing for the Lord, when he used His name as security, the Lord Himself took up the case. We cannot trust Him in vain. God has given His Son that we may have One to trust in.

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also, freely give us all things?" Rom. 8:32.

A Letter

Dear reader, you and I must pass into Eternity one day—will you let some passing straw hold you from Christ—can you lay your sins at the feet of any other? Will it comfort you in hell to remember that it was moral beauty you worshiped, gentleness for which you staked your soul? Will it ease your spirit when you see Christ in all His wondrous beauty as God and man, and know whom you rejected; whose love you cast aside; to see the childish image you clung to, instead of to the divine outstretched arm? He looks upon you now, a risen Man—the living Jesus—He calls you now. And as surely as you read these pages so surely will you one day stand face to face with Him. Will you not accept His love now? Will you not shelter beneath His blood and let it make you as safe as He Himself is?

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

He may never call you again. His Spirit may never strive with you again. Tomorrow you may be gone.

"What shall it profit "you" if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul.”

Just One Thing Wanting

How many nice people there are in the world; so kind, loving, generous, so upright and honest; thinking nothing they do a trouble, if they can in any way give others a helping hand, willing to spend and be spent, full of sympathy and practical' philanthropy, loved and admired by all who know them, temper and temperament finely adjusted, perfect characters, charming in every way; but just wanting one thing, and that, the vital thing, Christ.

It is morality, without conversion, amiability of the flesh alone; beauty of character, untouched by the beauty of holiness; good citizens of the world, but not soldiers of Jesus Christ; excellent members of society, but not members of His Body.

Just like some beautiful picture or charming piece of sculpture; every feature and line perfectly brought, out; people gather round and are never tired of gazing at it, such wondrous beauty, but it has no life, and is only painted canvas or chiseled marble, cold and irresponsible to all life and power.

"The Lord seeth not as man seethe; for man, looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Sam. 16:7.

"With the heart man believeth unto righteousness s: and with the mouth confession is ma unto salvation." Rom. 10:10.

The Four Calls of the Spirit

Gen. 6:3

The Spirit came in childhood,
And pleaded, "Let Christ in!"
But O! the door was bolted
By heedlessness and sin.
"O! I'm too young," the child said,
"My heart is closed today!"
Sadly the Spirit listened,
Then turned and went away.

Again He came and pleaded
In youth's bright happy hour—
He called, but found no answer,
For, fettered by sin's power,
The youth lay idly dreaming:
"Go, Spirit; not today;
Wait till I've tried life's pleasures"—
Again He went away.

Once more He came in mercy,
In manhood's vigorous prime:
He knocked, but found no entrance;
"The merchant had no time;"
"No time for true repentance;”
"No time to think or pray"—
And so, repulsed and saddened,
Again He turned away,

Yet once again He pleaded—
The man was old and ill—
He hardly heard the whisper,
His heart was sear and chill:
"Go, leave me! when I want Thee
I'll send for Thee," he cried;
Then, turning on his pillow,
Without a hope he died!

Waiting to See Something

I know but little of the early life of the one of whose passage from darkness into light I desire to tell. It may perhaps be enough to state that the girlhood and early womanhood of Mrs. P. were spent where the gospel of the grace of God was seldom, if ever, heard, and where old superstitions and habits of thought maintained a hold upon the minds of the inhabitants, to a degree that those of us who live in busy cities can hardly comprehend.

My first interview with Mrs. P. was at the house of a relative of hers whom I had been asked to visit. I should have found it difficult to explain why I felt so strongly drawn towards Mrs. P. She had no peace, her sad weary face told that; but there was a look of almost piteous entreaty in her large dark eyes that seemed a mute appeal for help.

Very simply she told how she had been taken by a friend to hear the gospel preached and how the result of that first service had been to arouse her to a deep sense of sin. During the weeks that followed, Mrs. P. gladly took every opportunity of being present at various meetings for prayer and preaching, but she still remained a stranger to the peace and joy that can only spring from faith in Christ.

What could be the reason? The gospel she had heard was a very simple one, and her evident distress could only have been created by the Holy Spirit, who convinces of sin. I was not long left in doubt as to this question; for Mrs. P. said one day, "I do believe that the Lord Jesus is willing and able to save me, and I am longing for the rest He only can give, but I must wait a little longer.”

"What are you going to wait for?" I asked.

"Well, to tell you the truth, I am waiting to see something. When I was a very young girl, I heard a man, whom I thought to be a very good one, say, that if a person was converted he always saw something. I do not know exactly what I shall see, but I am sure to see something. You saw something when you were converted, did you not?”

"Yes," I replied, "indeed I did; I saw my own likeness, or photograph, if you like the word better. It was shown me by the Holy Spirit of God. Shall I show it to you?" and opening my Bible I read from Rom. 3:10-18

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

This is not a beautiful picture, but I knew it to be correct likeness of myself drawn by the Holy Spirit.

"Now I will tell you how it was that the solemn words you have just heard lead me into peace. They showed me that God knew all the deep utter ruin of my nature, all the sinfulness of my sins, before He laid my sins upon Christ Jesus, before He took me up in grace. And when I was before God as a lost sinner, then the same grace that had convinced me of my need, made me willing to accept the Savior God had provided, so all was settled and I had peace.”

And as we re-read the Scripture I have already quoted, Mrs. P. saw that all her need had been met, all her sins put away by the Lord Jesus Christ. And "joy unspeakable, and full of glory," followed the blessed peace-giving sight.

When a person wants to sleep, he closes his eyes to the light, and seeks to remove himself from all noise; so, when a man desires to continue living in sin, he closes his eyes to the light of God's truth, shuts his ears to the least sound of the gospel trumpet, and deadens his conscience against the least awakening to anxiety as to his soul's condition. Satan would help him in this, and draw the curtain of darkness securely around him, lest the light of God's truth should shine into his heart, and scatter the darkness and deadness therein. How much pains men and women take to shut out Christ; one would think, to hear and see them, that He was a thief and a robber, instead of a loving Savior knocking, knocking at the soul, longing to bring in rich blessings to a poor, lost starving, benighted one, and to give life eternal.

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand." John 10:28.

The Indian and His Pension

A story is told of a North-American Indian, which forcibly illustrates the condition of many in regard to their souls' salvation. Hungry and almost starving, this son of the forest entered a white man's house, and earnestly asked for something to eat. Whilst he was partaking of the food, his host observed a colored ribbon hanging around his neck, attached to which there was a little pouch. On being asked what the pouch contained, the Indian replied that he had in it a charm which he had received many years before. Permission being obtained to examine the contents of the pouch, the American discovered to his amazement, that the "charm" was a discharge granted to the Indian as a wounded soldier, and accompanied with a pension for life in recognition of his services in the war. For years the poor red man had been wandering in quest of the necessaries of life, and at times had difficulty in obtaining them. During that period he had in his possession, and carried constantly about with him, that which would have afforded him comfort and plenty. He knew not what a pension meant, and not understanding its value, he made no use of it.

The Indian's condition aptly illustrates the position of tens of thousands regarding the salvation of God. Restless and unsatisfied in heart, they hurry through life trying to satisfy their soul's hunger with the world's husks, instead of feasting on the Bread of Life. In quest of happiness, they endeavor to quench the thirst of their immortal spirits by drinking of earth's brackish waters out of the world's broken cisterns. Their thirst, however, is but increased and intensified. Wearied, disheartened, in agony of soul, they eagerly and anxiously cry,

"Who will show us any good?”

Is this the language of your heart? If so, there is within your reach, at this very moment, that which will supply all your needs, and fill you with joy and happiness.

"What is it?" you earnestly ask.

"A free, full, and present salvation.”

If you are anxious to have the load of unforgiven sins rolled away; if you are wishful that the fear of death and judgment be removed; if you are desirous that your soul should be filled with joy and peace, stretch out the hand of faith and accept of eternal life as a gift from Him who for years has been beseeching you to receive it (2 Cor. 5:19, 20). Hearken to the words of Scripture:

"The Word is nigh thee"—nearer than the pension—"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. 10:8, 9

If you continue neglecting or rejecting salvation, the day is fast approaching when you will eternally regret it.

The poor Indian was ignorant of the value of the treasure that was so long within his reach; but from your childhood you have had in your possession God's precious Word, showing you how you can become rich for eternity, by simply believing on Him who died for you.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.

When the red man knew that he could have the few dollars that he was entitled to for his faithfulness and bravery, he claimed them: but you who have deserved nothing but eternal banishment from the presence of Jehovah, when offered as a free gift, that which cost Christ his life's blood to procure, you deliberately and persistently refuse, despise, or neglect it.

If you wish to have real, lasting happiness, take Christ for your Savior. On the Cross of Calvary He died for you, and satisfied the demands of law and justice. At this moment He is beseeching you to be reconciled to Him. Tarry no longer— "Escape for thy life.”

"Guilty you are, yet we know very well, Jesus has suffered to save you from hell; Though now condemned, justified you may be, Jesus paid the ransom, and salvation is free.”

Be Honest With God!”

Such were the words of a young man to me as I leaned out of a railway train window saying, "Good-bye," to a friend.

An arrow shot at a venture-it was good advice for all, "Be honest with God." Let me add a word as I pass it on to you.

"Be honest with God," today. You will have to be honest in the Day of Judgment.

"The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off forever."

1 Chron. 28:9.

AT THE NAME OF JESUS

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW,

OF HEAVENLY

AND EARTHLY

AND INFERNAL BEINGS,

AND EVERY TONGUE

SHALL CONFESS

THAT JESUS CHRIST

IS LORD,

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

THE FATHER."

Phil. 2:10, 11

March

Diamonds in a Matchbox

An extraordinary story is told of some children picking up a matchbox outside a railway station in a busy thoroughfare. Finding some pretty stones in it, they sat on the pavement and played with them, and then threw them away as worthless bits of glass.

When they got home they told their mother of their find. She had read in the paper of a theft from a jeweler of some valuable diamonds, so she informed the police.

The police realized at once that these must be the stolen diamonds, for the thief was already in custody, and had confessed that he had put the diamonds in a matchbox, addressed them to the criminal police, and posted it at the station post box. The postman, not noticing that it was addressed, treated the thing as a hoax and threw it away.

The strangest part of the story is that the diamonds were found just where the children had thrown them, although the street before the station is the busiest in the city.

What a moral this strange incident points—a moral concerning something more valuable than the whole world, with all its uncounted riches—more valuable than all the gold and diamond mines in the world.

These children did not realize in the least the value of the diamonds they played with for an hour and then threw them away as worthless.

Has this not its counterpart in the way men and women treat their souls, treat God's so great salvation, treat the Holy Scriptures?

And yet how valuable is the soul. O! the deadly indifference of the masses in this vastly important matter. Will you, my reader, not be concerned? Answer these searching questions, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36.

"What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:37.

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

Neither the children, the postman, nor the public, who noticed the diamonds lying in the gutter, had any conception of their value. We cannot blame them.

But suppose some reliable person had clearly informed them, that these gems were not bits of worthless glass, but diamonds of splendid luster and worth a fortune, what would you think if they still persisted in treating the diamonds as worthless?

You reply, if once they were informed of their value how careful they would be of them, how they would seek to restore them to their lawful owner.

Friend, you are hereby informed of the value of your soul, that soul you persist in neglecting. If you lose it and pass into a lost eternity in your sins, your neglect will be criminal and suicidal, and yourself alone to blame.

The Scriptures are plain. Read them.

Ponder them. In them you will find God's way of salvation.

If the Scriptures were as diligently read as the sporting news in the papers, and preaching rooms as thronged as cinemas, it were well.

Let the writer beg and beseech of you to wake up to the value of your never-dying soul, of your need of salvation and of the necessity for prompt decision.

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

"Not Because I'm Good"

"Don't be frightened, Miss, when you go in; but you'll see a great change in Mrs. W.”

"Indeed! Is she worse, then?”

"She took ever so bad on Thursday, and the doctor says as she can't last long.”

"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think she will know me? is she conscious?”

"I don't know; she hasn't spoken since this morning, and then she asked for you.”

This conversation took place at the door of Mrs. W.'s cottage, on a Sunday afternoon. Miss R., to whom the opening words were addressed, was a young disciple of the Lord Jesus, who had been in the habit of paying visits to Mrs. W., in order to read God's Word to this aged widow, who was crippled with rheumatism, and unable to go out to hear the Word preached.

The first time Miss R. entered this little cottage, she found its aged occupant not only in a sad state physically, but, alas! in great spiritual darkness.

The lonely woman had toiled long and hard during her life, and, like many others, had felt that with so much to do, she had no time to think about her soul. So year after year had passed, each day increasing the burden of her sins, which now, in old age, stood as a mighty barrier between her soul and God.

But she consoled herself with the thought, that she was not so bad as were many others; and she hoped, when her time came to die, that God in His mercy would take her to heaven. What a hopeless hope for a guilty sinner to rest on! And what a clever lie of Satan, by which he leads souls on to destruction!

For some weeks Mrs. W. assured her visitor that, since she was fairly good sort of woman, she had no need to fear, but that it would be all right with her at last. However, Miss R. knew, that instead of it being all right, it was altogether wrong with her aged friend, who was "without Christ," and without hope.

After a time the old lady grew silent about herself, and would just sit, resting her chin on her hands, eagerly listening to the word of truth, which told of her guilt and condemnation out of Christ. She heard, too, that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners," that He "died for the ungodly," and that His blood cleanseth from "all sin." But though she appeared to listen with fixed attention, she never made any remark that proved that she heard with the ear of faith.

It was therefore with `great concern that Miss R. heard that she was so near her end. She quickly entered the room, where her aged friend lay apparently unconscious, with death stamped on the brow, and putting her lips close to the ear of the sufferer, she slowly repeated, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us." At the sound of her voice, Mrs. W. opened her eyes, and turned to give her visitor a smile of welcome.

"You are dying, dear Mrs. W.; do you know where you are going?”

"Yes. I'm—going—to—heaven."

"Are you quite sure?”

"Yes. I—know—Fm—going—to—heaven;— not— because —I'm— good,— no—not— because —I'm— good, —but— Jesus— died— for— me.”

These words were spoken slowly and with difficulty, then her eyes closed, her mind became dim, and before the next sunrise she was in the presence of the Lord Jesus, of whom she had said, He "died for me.”

What gave such confident assurance to this dying woman? She had heard God's Word and believed "the record that God gave of His Son," and therefore she knew that through His death she had everlasting life, quite apart from any merits of her own.

Dear reader, young or old, how is it with you? Have you the sins of your life still upon you? Are you trying to content yourself with the flimsy hope that God in His mercy will look over your sins, and that because you think you are not as bad as some people, you may expect to go to heaven when you die?

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

Left Behind!

When the English troops, at the last war of the Indies, abandoned the town of Luck-now, one man was left behind. The following is an account of an eye witness.

"Captain Waterman, having thrown himself on his bed in some remote place of the camp is overcome with sleep and forgotten about the retreat which took place that night. At two o'clock in the morning he awakes, and upon finding that he has been left alone, is seized with horror. Hoping against hope, he goes from post to post, but all are deserted and silent. What a frightful position to be left alone in an open town, exposed to the rage of thousands of barbarous enemies, which would soon penetrate everywhere. Terror takes hold of him and gives him wings. He runs and runs, until out of breath, in the direction of the retreating army, and almost mad with anguish and entirely exhausted, he finally reaches the rearguard."

He was saved, but he certainly never forgot those terrible moments and his happy deliverance.

Reader, the moment is rapidly approaching when every soul, not having Christ for his Savior, shall find himself in a position, infinitely more terrible than that of Captain Waterman.

At the voice of the archangel and when the trump of God shall sound, all those that are Christ's the raised dead and the changed living-shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:16, 17) Every soul born of God, every saint in whom the Spirit of God dwells, every true child of God, whoever he may be, shall go there to be forever with Jesus, but all who are not, shall be left behind!

Where will you be, dear reader, when there is no more time to flee nor means of escape? ...the hail shall sweep away the refuge if lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." Isa. 28:17. The door shall be "shut" (Mat. 25:10).

Left behind—not to the bloodthirsty passions of cruel barbarians, but to the power of "that Wicked One" to be a prey to the great deception of unrighteousness, to the strong delusion to believe a lie, to the dreadful "great tribulation" and the eternal horrors of the "second death.”

Ah, reader, these are not cunningly devised fables, they are solemn realities to come—eternal truths proclaimed by the living God. Captain Waterman's salvation was a temporal deliverance; the gospel proclaims an eternal deliverance through the precious blood of Christ.

"Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified..." Acts 13:38, 39

The door of mercy is still open, the glorified Savior is still seated at the right hand of God in heaven. After He has arisen to take His own, the door shall be shut forever. The living God speaks to you now through His Word: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2:3. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2. Tomorrow may be too late, and tomorrow you could be left behind!

Ten More Minutes”

Prince Napoleon, son of Napoleon III, served with the English Army in Africa. One day he left camp to head a troop of soldiers to spy out the country. It was a dangerous undertaking. One of his company said to him: "We had better turn back, and if we do not make haste, we shall fall into the hands of the enemy.”

"Well," said the Prince, "let's stay here just ten more minutes and drink our coffee." But ere ten minutes were up, they were overtaken by a horde of Zulus, and in the massacre that followed, the Prince lost his life.

Upon receiving the news of his death, his mother exclaimed, half sad, half angry, "It was his great weakness from childhood.

He never wanted to go to bed at night, nor rise in the morning. He always wanted ten more minutes." Prince Napoleon lost his life because he believed he had "ten more minutes.”

Dear unsaved reader, take heed lest this happens to you. You do not know if you have still ten minutes for your soul to be saved from eternal death. You have no promise for the next moment, but only for the present moment.

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

"Come, let us return unto the Lord... and we shall live in His sight." Hos. 6:2.

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

I'll Take Everything That's Given Me?

It was a bright morning. Everyone seemed to be in a good humor. The conductor of the electric car was a bright happy soul, and people were glad to ride with him.

As a certain passenger paid his fare, he gave the conductor a small parcel. A rider remarked to the conductor, "Good things seem to be coming your way." The reply was, "I'll Take Anything That's Given Me”

"How about salvation, which God offers freely to all who will accept it?" the passenger inquired.

"Thank God! I have that also!" was the happy reply of the conductor.

Have You?

Most people are looking for all they can get in this world. They will accept pleasures, riches, honors, or anything which will add to their enjoyment here.

But when it comes to accepting from God true riches, pleasures for evermore, a place with Christ in the glory, they are not so ready to "take anything that is given.”

Salvation, forgiveness of sins, eternal life and everlasting inheritance in glory are freely offered by God to every needy sinner.

Yet how few there are who are willing to accept these priceless blessings from God!

How freely God, in His Word, offers His gifts to every believing sinner!

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

"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Rom. 3:24.

"For by grace are you saved through. faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:8.

No matter what your past life has been, if you will but bow to God in confession of sins and true repentance, and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, all these blessings and many more are God's free gift to you.

Why are you not saved? The Lord Jesus answers, "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." John 5:40.

If you go into eternity unsaved, not justified, without eternal life, without God, without Christ, without hope: if you go into eternity to spend its unending years in hopeless misery in hell, you go there because you loved your sins; because you were indifferent to God's invitations; because you despised and refused His free gifts.

And if you do, you have no right to blame your eternal torment on God!

"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.

On Different Tracks

A minister of the Gospel was riding on one of two railways running side by side for a mile, and then diverged, ending at points far distant from each other. Sitting with him was a clergyman of "liberal" views, who had what he supposed an unanswerable question to ask.

"You orthodox have among you regenerate souls, as you call them, who are proud and penurious, and uncomfortable to others as husbands, fathers and friends. Then, too, you have unregenerate sinners, who are amiable and genial, public spirited, and, in short, make for the present, at least, a better show than the Christians. Now want to know the real difference between the worst Christian and the best sinner?”

Just then the other minister looked out of the car window, and saw another train moving by their side, and said: "You see that other train?”

"Yes.”

"With the same number of cars as ours?”

"Yes.”

"And the two engines are alike?”

"Yes.”

"Not much difference as to looks between them?”

"No.”

"But, dear sir, they are running on different tracks.”

"Except a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." John 3:3.

Are you on that track, reader?

"These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous unto life eternal." Matt. 25:46.

"WITHOUT SHEDDING
OF BLOOD IS NO
REMISSION (OF SINS)."

Heb. 9:22

"THE BLOOD OF
JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON,
CLEANSETH US
FROM ALL SIN."

1 John 1:7

"REDEEMED... WITH
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
OF CHRIST."

1 Peter 1:18, 19

April

Intellect, or Faith in God's Word

A Chinaman and a Hindu met together at an inn. The Hindu was a learned Brahma, (Hindu priest) who was well taught in many sciences. He even had studied the Bible very thoroughly, yet only for curiosity's sake, for which reason it had not become to him the power of God unto salvation.

With the Chinaman, it was just the reverse. He was a simple unlearned man, but he had come to the knowledge that Christ had died for him, a lost sinner, and that He now was his Salvation and his Life. He had enjoyed these precious blessings for some years.

The learned Hindu thought he would have some fun, so he began a conversation with the Chinese Christian, putting such questions to him as: "What is the name of the son of Kis?" "What was in the ark?" and so on. As the Chinaman could not give the answers, he triumphantly turned to the rest of the company and said: "How can he be a Christian? He doesn't even know what is in the Bible!”

But the Chinaman was not readily bewildered, and in turn asked the Hindu: "Do you know if your sins are forgiven?" "Who can know that?" answered the Hindu, whereupon the Chinaman continued, "You don't know that? Then you don't know anything at all from the Bible.”

He then got his Bible and read to the Hindu a number of passages about the certainty of sins being forgiven as: "Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son." Col. 1:12, 13. And again: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

"How can that be?" exclaimed the confused Hindu, who never had found such a thing in the Bible, because he had read it with a cold intellect, and not with a repentant heart, thirsting after salvation and peace. But a man who does not acknowledge his guilt, and does not believe that his rightful desert is hell, will have no desire for a Redeemer or a longing for the forgiveness of his sins.

The faithful Chinaman then said earnestly and emphatically, "You do know much, but you believe nothing, and therefore you are not happy. I know little, but I believe that once I was lost, but now am saved through Christ on the cross. He has given me pardon and eternal life. His word tells me, and therefore I am certain of my salvation, and I am happy in my heart.”

"What Will Be the End of It All?"

Some time ago we heard an earnest Christian Colporteur speaking of his work. For reasons best known to himself, he called not at the front door to see the occupants of the mansions of the great, but at the servants' halls, and his experiences were varied and interesting.

He told us of one place where the butler was not a particularly genial person. He spoke slightingly of religion, as he termed it, and said he had no use for such books as were offered, and refused permission to show them to the servants.

The Colporteur continued to call each month notwithstanding many rebuffs.

On one occasion he found the butler with apparently a little more leisure than usual, and he was decidedly more agreeable. Keeping his books in the background, he got into conversation, and spoke to him seriously about the things that matter. Presently the butler exclaimed: "What I should like to know is this, What will be the end of it all?”

Diving into his bag the Colporteur produced a little book.

"Here," said he, "give me 20 cents for this, and you will learn from it 'What will be the end of it all.'" The butler bought the book and they parted.

A month later the Colporteur called again. The butler met him with a beaming face, shook hands most cordially and said, "Thank you ever so much for the book you sold me the last time you were here.”

"What has happened?" said the Colporteur.

"I commenced at the beginning," said the butler, "and I read on until I came to this question:—

'When will you decide for Christ?'

"I read that again, and again, and again, and I replied, 'Just now!' Now I cannot tell you how happy I am; come in, show your books to the servants, speak to them about Christ, and may God bless you!”

Here ends this true narrative, but do not, as usual, stop here and skip the rest; because as it happens, it concerns you.

There has been the usual round of pleasure, and perhaps an unparalleled record of disaster in the air, on the land, and in the sea. Flying, motoring and swimming have levied a heavy toll. You are "thankful to Providence"— whatever that means—that you have escaped. Of course you must have escaped. Of course you must have your pleasure, and you have plunged into the whirl of excitement. It may be the absolutely babyish occupation of watching some dogs chasing a tin toy called a hare, or the hundred and one other forms of amusement. You will spend your nights in the dance-hall, go to work the next morning limp and weary, and struggle through the day, thinking not so much about business as about the buzz of the following night, and you call that life!

It is going to have an end, however. You know that, though you dare not stop to think about it, but just here ask yourself—will you?

"What will be the end of it all?”

Let the Word of God answer in a word:

"The Lake of Fire.”

"That is all perfectly true," says a reader, "I believe in a person making the best possible use of his life, living straight, doing his duty, seeking to help his fellowmen, and the man who does that need have no fear as to, "What will be the end of it all?”

Will you be terribly shocked, dear friend, if we whisper in your ear—the end will be: The Lake of Fire? Have you noticed the kind of people who will be sent there?

"Whosoever was not found written in the Book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Rev. 20:15.

Who are they whose names are written in the book of life? Those who discovered that they were sinners.

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God," Rom. 3:23, and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ they became the possessors of everlasting life (John 6:47), and their names were inscribed on Heaven's roll. Those whose names are missing, whether religious or irreligious on earth, had not fled for refuge to the Savior, and had not sought the shelter of His blood.

"But no person believes in the Lake of Fire now," someone may say. O! yes they do. They may preach against it, they may write and attempt to prove it not true, they may say they do not believe it, but they do. The Son of God spoke of such a place, the Word of God speaks of such a place, there is something inside you that tells you there is such a place, and you believe it, and you know you do.

Ask the simple believer in the Lord Jesus Christ: "What will be the end of it all?" He will answer in a word, "With Christ!”

You cannot understand how he exists. He is happy, that is quite obvious. He has a satisfaction you know nothing about. He may not say much, but he lives it, and in your heart you envy him and you wish you were like him. What is the secret? He has Christ with him here. He looks on to the end, not only without a tremor, but with eager anticipation. Why? Because it means to be "with Christ." You may have heard him sing,

"Our hearts beat high, the dawn is nigh,
That ends our pilgrim story
In Thine eternal glory!”

You see, dear friend, the true believer has the best of it every time, for, "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Tim. 4:8.

Then be wise, and today face the end, and in the name of our Lord and Master we ask you, "When will you decide for Christ?" Answer without hesitation, "Just now.”

Are You Ready?

It was a lovely summer's day. The sun shone brightly from a cloudless sky, and the waters reflected its rays as from a mirror. All around was peaceful, and many visitors were seated along the beach enjoying the light sea breeze and sunshine.

It being Saturday, many were expecting their friends to spend the weekend with them, and were wending their way to the railway station to met the midday train.

Among them was a bright young girl, who expected a very dear friend, and as the train steamed into the station she was not disappointed, as the one she was looking for, jumped out to greet her.

They walked away together to her home where dinner was being prepared for the traveler. It not being quite ready and the day so warm, he thought he would go and enjoy a bathe while waiting. All were agreeable, and promising to be back soon, the young man went to the beach, and having hired a boat, pulled out into the bay. He was seen by the boatman to undress and dive into the water, and being a good swimmer, enjoyed the water so much, that having got into the boat and begun to dress, he was tempted to take another swim. The boatman saw him jump into the water, but alas! (from what cause was never found out), that young man was never seen again.

Though boats went out, and every search was made, no trace of him was ever found. What a cloud of sorrow and mourning passed over that town that day, as the sad news became known. I remember it well, as I was staying there at the time.

What a time of sorrow for that young girl and his friends, waiting for the return of their loved one who never came back. But the question that came to my mind first was, Was that young man ready for that sudden call? I do not know. He little thought when he stepped into the boat that he would never get to the shore again. Full of life and energy, he little dreamed of death being so near.

That is why I ask you, Are you ready? O, but you say,

"I am strong.”

So was that young man I told you of. Death may find you unprepared to meet God. You do not know what an hour may bring forth.

We entreat you to come to the Lord Jesus Christ now and be saved by Him for eternity, and then if you are called to pass through death, you will immediately go to be with Him, but if you do not, when death comes to you, it will mean for you an eternity in Hell forever.

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

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

On the Wrong Side

A crowd of business men and others were waiting on the up platform the arrival of one of the early morning trains to the city, while one solitary passenger was slowly pacing the platform on the opposite side.

As the train was seen approaching, this man suddenly seemed to realize that he was on the wrong side, for he leaped on to the line, quickly crossed it, and joined the other people just a few moments in front of the incoming train. He mounted the platform close to a man, who having noticed the incident, purposely followed him into the same coach.

"That was a close shave for you a moment ago," he said.

"Yes, I had not realized that I was on the wrong side of the station till I saw the train approaching," was the reply.

"But you ran a terrible risk, did you not?”

"Certainly, but it was worth it. It would have been serious if I had been left behind.”

"But it would have been more so, if you had been killed, and if that had been the case you would have had no one to blame but yourself, as you deliberately neglected the bridge that the railway company had provided for your use and safety. You could have had no compensation, nor could there have been any cause of complaint.”

"That is so. One acts sometimes without regard to the consequences, either from forgetfulness, or from sheer carelessness and neglect.”

"Unfortunately this is so in some of the most serious affairs of life. Indeed in the most important of all there is often seen the most laxity.”

"To what do you refer?”

"I refer to the deep things of eternity, to the salvation of the soul, to the thoughts of meeting God, and to the answer that will have to be made to Him in a coming day. As surely as you ran a great risk to save a few moments, so surely do many for a momentary gratification run the risk of losing their immortal souls. A little profit or promotion may blind a man to the fact that a day is coming in which the Lord Jesus Christ will judge the world in righteousness. The garnish glamour of the present is often sufficient to distract the thoughts from the true splendor of God's eternal Salvation.

"For as the railway company provided a safe way over the line, so has God provided a way of escape from this coming catastrophe. He has made it easy, free, and safe; and there is not, as in your case just now, an alternative road. You set aside the company's bridge, and got safe across.

"There is but one way to God, to glory, to eternal safety and happiness, and if this be not taken, you will be left face to face with the judgment of a sin-hating God. That way is by the Lord Jesus Christ. He has borne the fierce wrath against sin and the curse of a broken law. He has answered to God on every question that could be raised against the sinner, and He offers to you the full results of what He has done.”

The force of this argument was not lost on the traveler, and ere they had reached the end of the journey he had accepted God's great salvation from judgment, and the gift of God—eternal life.

This little incident is told you, that you might be led to consider these same serious facts, and that you might be led to act with the same wisdom as the city traveler.

Christ Jesus in His own blessed words bids you do this, for He says,

"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.

Have you crossed this wondrous bridge from death unto life, from sorrow, sin, and distance from God, to the enjoyment of the joy, favor, and liberty of the sons of God?

If not, why not? The way is now open, and you are invited to cross. It may not remain so. Once "the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door" (Luke 13:25), it will be too late. Enter then, while you may.

From Darkness to Light”

I cannot say I love that Name,
It has no charms for me,
No value in His blood I own,
No beauty in Him see.

Oft have I heard of cleansing blood,
Of sorrow, wounds and death,
Of judgment from a holy God,
Borne in His dying breath.

Nothing of Jesus thus I know,
Nothing I know of grace,
His call to me finds no response,
No, not a single trace.

"Come let us reason," God thus speaks
In words of tender love,
For sinners such as you I sent
My Son from heaven above.

I know thy sins they are not hid
From My all searching eye,
To purge away thy guilty stains
I gave My Son to die.

Lord! I confess with sorrow, shame
In thought and word and deed
I've sinned, am guilty, lost, undone,
Wilt Thou to me take heed?

Drawn by Thy love, to Thee, I come,
Thy blood, Thy Name, my plea;
Confess Thee Lord, with heart believe,
Thus cast myself on Thee.

Darkness is past, the light now shines
On me from Jesus' face,
Jesus is mine, and I am His—
I know I taste God's grace.

"IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS; ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE.”

Eph. 1:7

"UNTO HIM THAT LOVED US, AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD.. TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION Forever AND EVER."

Rev. 1:5, 6

May

The Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, Cleanseth Us From All Sin”

"My dear Miss F., what would I not give if you could see that text as I do!”

"It is no use, Miss S.; I never can, and I never shall.”

The text alluded to was beautifully printed on white satin, and suspended near the dining-room door, so that any one leaving the room could scarcely avoid reading it.

Miss F. was a governess, and had recently obtained an engagement in the school kept by Miss S. By an unusual oversight she had not been asked one single question as to her religious opinions, and so found herself, although a Unitarian, and denying the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the house of a Christian, whose life and conversation were a bright testimony to all around, and above all, to each pupil in her school.

Poor Miss F. soon felt very much like a thief that had gone into the house unawares. Still, there was something sweet and bright about the place, and she did not wish to leave; and as the days passed on she became attached to the different members of the household, and though her conscience became more uneasy, her desire to remain increased.

At last an opportunity occurred to disclose the fact of her Unitarianism. A celebrated minister of that sect had recently lost his wife, and as she was a gifted writer, her death was the subject of an article in one of the papers, and this led to the following conversation;—

"Did you know her, Miss F.? she resided in your neighborhood," asked Miss S.

"Yes, we went to their chapel, and my brother's children were christened by her husband," replied Miss F., with a heart beating rapidly, for now, thought she, I shall have to go tomorrow' for certain!

"My dear, was your brother a Unitarian?" "Yes, Miss S.”

"But you, my dear, were never influenced by his opinions, I hope?”

"Yes, Miss S., we are all Unitarians.”

If the roof had fallen in, Miss S. would not have been more startled. She literally could not speak in her amazement, and took an early opportunity of dismissing the only other occupant of the room; and when they were left alone, she said; "My dear Miss F., did I not ask you about your religious opinions before I engaged you as governess?”

"No, Miss S., you did not, or I should have told you; and as I had no objection to going to church, I thought you were not more particular than myself.”

"That was a great mistake, my dear; but I must wait until morning before I decide anything.”

That night was a trying one for poor Miss F., already much attached both to the principal and the pupils. She knew that in all probability she would be obliged to leave the next day. And not only that, but she felt, on retiring to her own room, that in the room just under her feet Miss S. was pouring out her heart to the Lord in prayer and supplication for her. The very boards seemed to open and let the prayers through, so powerfully did she feel the prayers. No one had ever prayed for her before; it was a new experience.

Morning came at last, and after breakfast Miss S. requested her governess to remain with her a few moments, and then told her that after laying the case before the Lord, she thought that as she had come into the house as governess without questions being asked (a circumstance that had never happened before), it might be that the Lord had sent her for blessing, and it would not be right to send her away—not at present, at all events.

"But," said Miss S., "I shall require your promise not to influence my pupils in any way.”

Miss F. was glad to give the required promise, as she already felt that there was something happier about the teaching of Miss S. than her own Unitarian opinions; and although she thought that the teaching of Miss S. was all founded on a mistake, she made up her mind not to trouble about it.

Already a month had passed, and all went on happily, when one evening as they were going out of the dining-room Miss F. glanced at the text above alluded to, and this being observed by Miss S., it brought out the remark at the commencement of this narrative, "I never can, and I never shall!”

Was not this like setting man's will against God's power? The only response of Miss S. at the time was a profound sigh.

Time went on, Miss S. regularly teaching the children God's way of salvation, without personally speaking much to Miss F., who listened, thought it sounded very sweet, but took no more notice, until just nine months after her first arrival, when passing out of the dining-room as usual, she once more glanced at the text; "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Something seemed different, and she stood still while once more Miss S. used exactly the same words, "My dear Miss F., what would I not give if you could see that text as I do!”

"Miss S., I do!" was the glad cry that almost burst from her governess, as she continued to gaze at the words.

How different they looked, thought she! So they did. A light had shone from it into the heart of the looker on, and there was "joy in the presence of the angels of God" that night. So full of the newly found joy and blessing was Miss F. that she wondered everyone did not notice her happiness.

Letters were written to each dear relative, begging them to turn from their dead doctrine to the life-giving Savior, so ready to receive all who come to Him. Whosoever will may come! Reader, will you?

That text first shone with saving power before the eyes of that governess, filling her with joy and peace unspeakable; the word of the Lord abides.

And thus His word still avails for every one yet in darkness as to the value of that blood, which indeed cleanseth from all sin.

It was shed for the remission of sins; and we have all sinned, and our conscience tells us so. But through faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed on our behalf—for He died the Just for the unjust—we have our consciences cleansed from our sins, and we no longer have an "evil conscience" about them; for we know and believe that His blood has atoned for them all, and put them away from before God,—we purify our souls in obeying the truth, and we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our offenses, and raised again for our justification.

"It is not thy tears of repentance or prayers,
But the blood that atones for the soul;
On Him then believe, and a pardon receive,
Not in part, but indeed, of the whole.

O! take with rejoicing from Jesus at once
The life everlasting He gives;
And know with assurance thou never canst die,
Since Jesus thy righteousness lives.

Extract: "O Fools"

"O fools, and slow of heart to believe." What? "All that the prophets have spoken." O, how that should bind round your heart and mine every jot and syllable of God's word!

Jesus Died

"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8

Yes, Jesus died, "the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." Justice demanded the sinner's life, and Jesus took a life like the sinner's yet without sin, that He might lay it down in his stead. Jesus, as God and man, died for sinners; died in the stead of sinners; died, that sinners might never die.

Sinners still deserve to die; but they need not. They deserve to go to hell; but if they come to Jesus, God will never send them there. O the love of Jesus! to give His life for our life, and to die on the accursed tree, "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

Reader, do you see that you are a sinner? Do you feel that you are a sinner? If so, Jesus died for you. He is now inviting you to come to Him and receive eternal life. It is impossible for Him to refuse to receive and save you. Do you think He would die for you, call you to come to Him, and then refuse to save you? It is impossible.

"He hath made Him to be sin for us, He Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21.

The Golden Word

There is a word that melts my heart,
No other moves me so;
For me no other can impart—
What this word Both bestow.

"Jesus" is my unrivaled word;
A golden word to me;
For in its sound all these I've heard,
Love, pardon, life for thee!

This word is with me in the dark
I hear it on the wild;
It sheds a light upon my path
And I am reconciled.

In the loud storms it soundeth clear;
And oft I bless this word;
It tells me that my help is near,
That my faint cry is heard.

Would I exchange this word for ought
Of gold or costly gems?
Ah, no! a world to it were naught,
Though piled with diadems.

How a Heathen Was Converted

He lived in and was a native of Southern India, and had been taught from his infancy to worship and pray to fire and water.

In that part of India the British Government had a college for teaching English to native young men, so that they might qualify themselves for holding government situations as clerks, etc., in the government offices. And the head of this college was evidently one who respected, and I trust went further and believed God's blessed and precious written Word. So in teaching these native young men to read, a portion of the Holy Scriptures was read regularly each day by those who were able to do so. At first, full of prejudice and dark unbelief, the young man who is the subject of this narrative, disliked having to do this very much, and often Would show his contempt and dislike for the Bible, by kicking it about when he had opportunity, and even spitting upon it to show his fellow students perhaps, how little he cared for, or believed it. But one day, the reading lesson was in the 6th chapter of John's Gospel, and somehow or other the 37th verse fixed and fastened itself on his mind in a way that he could not shake off or forget, especially those words in it, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

He even tried to forget them, but they were constantly returning upon him and coming up again in his mind.

Not very long after these things, a fire broke out in the cantonment close by, and in the endeavors to put down the flames, he found himself with others running with water to put out the fire. When all at once the thought struck him, that as a worshiper of fire and water, here was he, running with a bucket of water to put out the fire, or in other words, trying to put one god out with the other god. The absurdity and folly of what he had been brought up to believe, so took hold of him that he gave his old ideas entirely up and became an infidel, until one day as was often the custom of these students, he went down with another young man to bathe in the sea not very far from the college. It was usual for them to watch the time of the tide, and when it was at a certain height, to swim quite a long way out to sea, and when at a well known distance, to stop and touch bottom on a sand bar, on which they would rest and take breath, and then turn and swim ashore again. On this occasion, however, he had forgotten to notice the time of the tide, and striping off his clothes on the shore, he plunged into the sea, and swam as usual to about the distance from shore where he expected to touch the sand bar and rest before returning, as it was too far to turn and come right back again without resting. To his surprise and consternation when he attempted to touch bottom with his feet, he found no bottom at all, and then it all dawned upon him that he had mistaken the time and that the tide was up far above the sand bank, and now too exhausted to swim back to shore, he was helpless and hopeless, and nothing but death by drowning was before him. His companion had not followed him either, and even if he had desired, it was too far off to help him. He tried of course to keep himself up, but began to sink, and with death staring him in the face, began to look eternity in the face also. All his past life came up before him and here he was, his false gods gone, and nothing to lean upon or trust in, left, and the dreadful thought of going into eternity, and his own unfitness to do so, pressing deeply and powerfully on his terror-stricken soul. His agony was no doubt terrible. When, however, in this state, he began to remember those precious words again which he had read, and which had so impressed him some time back in the reading in John 6 and which he had tried to spurn away and reject at the time; "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

And half doubting and half believing, the poor perishing man cried out, "Lord Jesus, if there is such a person, I come to Thee.”

The gracious, loving, blessed Savior met him just as he was, and just where he was; and revealed Himself as a real living, loving Person and Savior to his soul, faithful to His own words as He always was and is, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no Wise cast out.”

Meanwhile a boat had put off, some persons whom he had not noticed having seen his danger, and though he had gone down once or twice, they reached the spot just in time to save his life, and they took him into the boat and bore him safe to the shore.

Saved, not only from drowning, but from eternal misery too. Saved by the boatmen in God's providence, from a watery grave, and saved from an eternity without God and without Christ, in the awful misery of the lake of fire, by the Lord Jesus Christ. He at once confessed Christ to the one who had come down to bathe with him, but who only treated it as nonsense. He soon confessed Christ openly and boldly to his own relations, who went further, and utterly disowned him and even persecuted him for becoming a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He went over to England and obtained a situation there as a teacher of oriental languages in one of the colleges, and became also an earnest preacher of the gospel. And it was while preaching to a number of British soldiers that he told us of how the Lord Jesus met and saved his soul.

Reader, you must have to do, sooner or later, with that same Lord Jesus, either now as a Savior; or later, as a Judge.

Have you met Him yet? Have you ever come as this man did, as a poor, perishing sinner, to Himself to be' saved? If not drowning, you are getting nearer and nearer to that moment when death will plunge you into eternity, or when the Lord will come and shut the now wide open door, on all who are not ready.

O! that you may, if unsaved, wake up to the realities of eternity, and the reality of there being a living, loving, mighty Savior, who having accomplished the work that only He could do; that work that had to be done, or none could be saved, the work of atonement on the cross, now risen from the dead, and seated high in heavenly glory, still waits to save sinners, still fulfills His own precious words, that were so blessed to this poor heathen, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

Thus Saith the Lord

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

"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Ecc. 8:11.

"The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." 1 Peter 3:12.

"All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eves, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:16.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15.

Extract: For Better or for Worse

It is one thing to render to Jesus the tribute of admiration, or even tears, and another to join one's self with Him for better or for worse, through good and evil... One thing to speak Well of Him, another to give up all for Him.

"GOD COMMENDETH
HIS LOVE TOWARD US,
IN THAT, WHILE WE
WERE YET SINNERS,
CHRIST DIED FOR US."

Rom. 5:8

"THEREFORE BEING
JUSTIFIED BY FAITH,
WE HAVE PEACE
WITH GO THROUGH
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."

Rom. 5:1.

June

The Name of Jesus”

The writer was much struck by the following incident. A dear little girl of tender years had the heart burdening possession of a drunken father. One day the father on returning home, was requested by his little girl, to play with her. Reluctantly he consented, and asked her at what they should play; after considering for a few moments, she said

"Let us play at Sunday School.”

He was inwardly annoyed, but felt he could not refuse.

"Now, daddy," said she, "you sit down there, and say exactly what I tell you.”

After he had seated, she turned to him, and taking the place of teacher, bid him say "Jesus" he was further annoyed but abruptly blurted out, "Jesus!”

"No, daddy," she said, "you must not say it like that; you must say it softly and slowly," and she repeated that holy name reverently to her father, just to show him how he was to say it. He imitated her, and as he slowly and quietly uttered the name of "Jesus" it thrilled his whole being. His little girl then said:

"O! Daddy, I feel so tired, I cannot play any longer," and she went to lie down. God used the power of that sweetest of all names—the name of Jesus—to awaken in that man's heart a sense of his deep need, and a longing to know as his own Savior, the One who bore that name. He knew he was a sinner, for he knew his whole course had been one of gross wickedness, and forgetfulness of God. From the lips of his wee little daughter, he learned the story of the rich and gracious provision that God had made for such a sinner as he, in the Person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He eagerly drank the truth into his heart, and received as his Savior and Friend, the One whose precious name he had been bidden to repeat and he proved the truth of the word of God that "The blood of Jesus Christ (His Son) cleanseth us from all sin."

1 John 1:7.

That little home is no brighter and happier, and father and daughter together praise the grace that has made them His, who, "though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich" (2 Cor. 8:9).

O! ye who teach the young the way of salvation, let me urge you on, take courage, for here you see the result of seed sown in that young heart. The sowing may be hard and trying, but be not disheartened, for how; refreshing is the reaping, if not in this day, 'twill be in that day that is coming. This little incident reminded me of much that we get in the Word of God about the name of Jesus.

"Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21), which means that He was a Savior. Then how glad a dear sinner should be, when bowed down with a felt burden of his sins, he hears of that name and what it means.

O! dear reader, do you know of this Jesus, the Savior of sinners? Is He your Savior? Do you know the sweet and blessed power of His name? O! if not, my heart aches for you, for you must be awfully desolate and unhappy. There can be no question as to the saving power of that name for "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43), and it only requires a poor guilty sinner to believe in Him, and what He has done, and he assuredly receives remission of sins. But what has He done? He has died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He has been buried; and has risen again the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 15:3, 4).

'He "was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification," Rom. 4:25.

It is this: that when you and I were such rebel sinners and enemies of God, deserving to be banished into hell, God so loved us that He sent His own Son to die instead of us. And how was this to meet the holy and righteous claims of the God against whom we had sinned? Why! Jesus suffered all the consequences of our sins, and believing in Him we go free.

"O!" say you, "what wonderful love!”

O! yes, dear reader, it was indeed wonderful love, and it was love that had a purpose, for, "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." 1 Peter 3:18.

Jesus has been raised from the dead, and made both Lord and Christ (See Acts 2:36). And now, the Scriptures say, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

So that if the heart of man rebels against the grace and love of God, in the gift of a Savior bearing such a name, there is nothing else left, but to be lost forever. It is believing in, and confessing the name of Jesus, that insures your name being written in the book of life, but how sad for all those whose names are not written there, for at the great white throne, whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire. (See Rev. 20:15).

O! dear sinner, will you come to Jesus now? He lovingly invites you, saying, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28. It says of Jesus, that, "God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2:9-11.

There are many too proud to bow to that peerless name today, but soon, men will have no choice in the matter. Jesus has so satisfied and glorified God, that God will see that homage is paid to Him by all. And O! that day is fast approaching. How much better, beloved reader, it is to "confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead," while it is God's day of grace, than to have to yield forced homage then. I trust that you may soon learn the sweetness and power of the name of Jesus and the preciousness, too, for "The pardoned sinner's memory holds None other half so dear.”

The Burden Bearer

Travelers in India will probably be familiar with those stone erections often found by the way side, and called by the natives "Sumatanga." They consist of a couple of upright pillars driven into the ground, and supporting at the top a shelf of rough stone. They are said to have been put up by wealthy Hindus, and are intended as places of relief and rest for baggage-carriers, who, as a rule, carry their burdens on their heads. The bearer, toiling wearily over the hot, dusty plain, hails with delight the appearance of the Sumatanga, for to it he can easily transfer his load, and as readily replace it before resuming his journey. Hence the name, which in the original signifies, "A burden-bearer.”

Not long ago one of these native carriers became a convert to Christianity. He was poor and ignorant, his life one of ceaseless toil, yet his face shone with happiness and peace. A European officer, avowedly an unbeliever in the success of missionary work among the heathen, one day came upon Ranji carrying a heavy load upon his head.

"So," he said, "I am told you have joined the Christians. What have you got by that?”

"O, Sahib, me so happy!”

"Well, what have you got by it?”

"O Sahib, me so happy! Me got Jesus for Sumatanga. He take de load off me. Me lay it all on Him.”

Every human being born into this world is in the same position (in one point at least) as the poor Hindu Ranji—he is a "bearer." Every man, of whatsoever rank or degree, has a burden to carry as he treads this journey of life. It is a burden inherited from our first parents—a burden which falls upon us with the first breathings of our earthly existence—the burden of sin! "All have sinned." God has said it, and he makes no exceptions. Every child of Adam is a partaker in Adam's transgression, and "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves." 1 John 1:8.

Sin weighs us down with its intolerable load, and if there be none to take the burden from us, it will sink us at last to the depths of eternal death. Must we go on carrying it to the very end? Is there no relief? no escape?

Yes, thank God, for every poor, heavy-laden one who will turn aside and accept it, there is a burden-bearer—a Sumatanga set up beside this wilderness path—Jesus, the Son of God, "mighty to save," Jesus, "the Lamb of God which taketh away (marginal reading beareth) the sin of the world." John 1:29.

Here is a message to every burdened one who will receive it, "The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6.

Nor is it a mere temporary respite from toil and weariness which God offers to the sin-laden soul. He who casts his burden on the Lord Jesus Christ has not by and by to take it up again and toil on again as before. The load is taken away forever: the rest which God provides is everlasting: one look by faith at the cross of Christ—one cry for mercy from the burdened and crushed heart, and there is eternal redemption; for God says this day to every burdened one, every fainting one, every seeking one, "I even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." Isa. 43:25.

But it may be that you have come to Jesus and cast on Him the burden of your sins, that you have realized His power to take away your transgressions forever. Still you are carrying a burden: you are oppressed by some trouble or anxiety; you are perhaps weighted down by sickness, or poverty, or pain; you are crushed by business difficulties, or domestic cares. Will you go on trying to support such a load as this when there is a rest, a Sumatanga, on which you may cast it?

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psa. 55:22.

The Searching Test

A young man of considerable intelligence, but not a Christian, was persuaded to go and hear an address from a faithful minister of the gospel.

The preacher to whom he listened on this occasion was endeavoring to prove to his hearers the utter impossibility of being saved by works of law. The "doing the best you can" theory was completely demolished, and salvation by simple faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ was enforced, explained, and illustrated.

In the course of his address, he made a statement witch awakened the young man's curiosity, and riveted his attention. It was to this effect, "If God offered salvation to any of you that are unconverted, on condition that you could point to one good work in the whole of your past lives, not one of you could be saved.”

"If I were to be saved on such terms I am quite sure of salvation," he thought.

The preacher proceeded to prove his assertion by saying that the character of an action depended on the motive from which it flowed; that if not from love to God, it cannot be acceptable in His sight; that if flowing from selfishness it must be sinful. He was completely taken by surprise by what he heard, and resolved, at whatever cost, to test the statement for himself. On reaching his room he closed his door, and commenced to review his past life, in order to recall to his mind the best actions he had done. One by one, they were put down on paper, and the test was applied, "Was this done from love to God?" Conscience answered "No," and he drew his pen across it. Another was written, and the same question asked, but conscience gave the same disappointing answer. Every conceivable deed which he thought would come under the category of "good works" was taken into account—Bible reading, prayers, church attendance, deeds of charity and kindness—but the inexorable monitor told him that they would not stand the test—not one of them proceeding from supreme love to God.

He was now fully convinced that if salvation were offered him on this condition, it was utterly beyond his reach. The preacher's statements took possession of his soul, and stood out in bold relief as a stern and awful reality. His whole past life appeared to him one continued sin, and he eagerly and anxiously asked the all-important question, "What must I do to be saved?”

At this point a part of the address which he had heard forcibly recurred to his mind, and greatly increased his anxiety. It was to this effect; "Not only is it impossible in the past to find anything to merit acceptance; it is equally impossible) now to do anything which can secure your acquittal at God's bar. You have sinned, and all your present obedience can never atone for the past. The law of God condemns you for the evil you have already done, and you have no power to undo it. If you sin more, you increase the burden of your guilt; if you sin no more, you do not diminish it—you leave it as it was. Your tears, your prayers, your struggles, can never take away one jot of it; and were Jehovah to set aside His law, and offer to save you if you did one good work, you must inevitably perish, for no work can be regarded by Him as good unless it proceed from love; and so long as you are unconverted, you do nothing from love to God.”

On thinking over this, dismay seized hold of his soul. A mountain load of guilt oppressed his conscience. The word of God rang in his ears, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezek. 8:20.

"The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6:23.

The dark thunder clouds of God's wrath appeared to him about to burst on his spirit, and he was helpless and unable to avert the awful consequences.

"O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me?" was the cry of his heart.

With joy and wonder he read, "Deliver him from going down to the pit, for I have found a ransom." Job 33:24.

"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, 6.

"Gave Himself a ransom for all." "Himself! O! what love. A ransom for all, therefore for me.”

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He Was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him." Isa. 53:5.

The Spirit of God pressed home these truths to this young man's heart, he believed them, and was filled with unutterable joy and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Dear reader, there is "good news" for you! The free and full forgiveness of all your sins is proclaimed to you through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

"Be it known unto you, 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.

We Know

"I know in whom I have believed.”

"We know that we have passed from death unto life.”

"We know that we are of God.”

"We know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him.”

"We have received the Spirit of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

"We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.”

"Ye may know that ye have eternal life.”

May your portion be, "Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”

"The Lord knoweth them that are His.”

Bits of Truth

The devil never throws fiery darts at people who are not trying to get away from him.

People who are much given to prayer are hard to discourage.

A kind act never stops paying rich dividends.

The most deadly sins are those that appear to be respectable.

There is a flaw in that Christian who is doing his best to keep on good terms with the world.

"LOOKING UNTO JESUS
THE AUTHOR AND
FINISHER OF FAITH:
WHO FOR THE JOY
THAT WAS SET
BEFORE HIM
ENDURED THE CROSS,
DESPISING THE SHAME,
AND IS SET DOWN
AT THE RIGHT HAND
OF THE THRONE OF GOD."

Heb. 12:3

July

After Fifteen Years

The writer met on a street car, a friend who had for many years been employed in a depot of the Bible Society. In conversation he mentioned some striking incidents that had happened during his long career selling Bibles. One in particular, he said, always stood out in his memory as the most remarkable of all.

One day a man came into the depot and producing a Bible asked what it was worth. It was one of a number which the Society had, years before, placed in a local hotel. My friend looked at it and said, "Our price is forty-five cents"! The customer replied, "Well, that may be at what you value it, but you could not buy this Bible from me for five hundred dollars.”

"That seems a big price for a forty-five cent Bible," said my friend, rather incredulously. "Why do you value it so highly"?

"I came to town not long ago to attend a hockey match and other sports, and had decided to stay at a well-known uptown hotel. When I arrived I could not go there. I knew no reason to change my plans, but felt impelled to go to another hotel, less popular and situated downtown.

"I did so, registered, and was given a room. I had nothing special to occupy myself with, so went to my room early. On looking about to see if there was any reading matter available, I saw a book on the table when I opened it and saw it was a Bible I threw it down that was not a book that I cared for. Later I picked it up again, began to look through it, and found it quite interesting. Soon, however, I laid it aside and went to bed.

"In the morning I decided to read a little more. As I turned over the pages, I noticed writing on a fly-leaf and read it. It was dated fifteen years back. The writer of the lines stated that reading the Bible had brought great blessing to his soul and shown him the way of Salvation and he strongly urged anyone into whose hands the book came to read it and they also might find blessing as he had.

"As I read this message," said the customer, "I noticed something strangely familiar in the handwriting. It was a peculiar clerkly style of writing. I studied it closely and soon realized it was the writing of my own father, who had passed away some years before. Now, I too have read that book. It has been a blessing to me for I have learned from it the knowledge of Salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. You can understand why I value it so highly. The hotel keeper has kindly allowed me to keep this precious volume for myself and I am come to buy another to place in the hotel room in its stead.”

My friend told me that the subsequent life of the customer showed the reality of his conversion. He became interested in Sunday school work and other Christian activities, seeking to win souls to the same Savior who had so wonderfully brought him to Himself.

The questions may well be asked: what led this man to change his plans? What influenced the hotel clerk from amongst the scores of rooms in the hotel to give him the very room in which lay that Bible with his father's message written fifteen years before?

There can be but one satisfactory answer to these questions: It must have been the Good Shepherd, through the Spirit of God, seeking the lost sheep, leading him to the Word of God where he learned Salvation. How the love of God shines out in this occurrence! How, too, it harmonizes with the words of the Lord Jesus as given in the sixteenth verse of the third chapter of John: "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.”

That same Savior invites you to come to Him "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." "Look unto Me, and be ye saved all ye ends of the earth" Matt. 11:28. Isa. 45:22.

"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.

In these and many similar passages you are earnestly invited to come, just as you are, to the Lord Jesus who died to save you and "whose precious blood cleanseth from all sin.”

To those who accept the invitation these blessings are real and everlasting. Our Lord said: "My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me and I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”

But there is another side! What about those who reject or neglect these offers of mercy?

The word of God tells us "The wages of sin is death.”

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after death the Judgment.”

"God hath appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness.”

You must meet the Lord Jesus Christ in one way or the other. Either now, in this day of grace, as your own personal Savior; or later, as your Judge, to whom you will have to give account for every act of your life and especially for the sin of rejecting Him when He offered you salvation. Which shall it be?

May God give you grace to choose Him now as your Savior, your Lord, your never failing friend!

Hark! the voice of Jesus calling
Come, ye laden, come to Me;
I have rest and peace to offer;
Rest, thou laboring one for thee:
"Take Salvation—
Take it now and happy be.”

Soon that voice will cease its calling
Now it speaks, and speaks to thee:
Sinner, heed the gracious message
To the blood for refuge flee:
"Take Salvation—
Take it now and happy be.”

Extract: The Honor of Witnessing Thy Rejection

O, how poorly has the soul learned... the living, practical lesson of a scorned and rejected Jesus... though the mind and pen can trace the form of it without doubt or difficulty! Lord, give us to know the honor of witnessing Thy rejection in this proud world!

The Hole in the Wall

Mr. Hope, the aged pastor in a district in one of the western highlands of the coast of Ireland, whose one object in life was to bring back lost and wandering sheep to the Good Shepherd, was one day making his way along one of the wildest and least frequented parts of his parish. He was praying aloud, as was his habit when he believed himself to be quite alone, and was startled to hear a voice calling his name, "Mr. Hope! Mr. Hope!" He stopped, and looked around. But as there was no one to be seen, and no appearance of any dwelling, he thought he must have been mistaken, and was moving on, when again the voice came ringing out in a tone of urgent entreaty. "Mr. Hope! Mr. Hope!" He now gazed earnestly in the direction from which the voice seemed to come. There was no cabin, no appearance of any human habitation.

Still, at intervals, the voice came again and again, with such pathetic pleading in the tone as Mr. Hope found it impossible to resist. Astonished and startled, he walked towards the place from which the sound came, looking earnestly around in most eager anxiety. No one was to be seen. Nor was there any cabin in sight.

At last, at the side of a great rock he descried a little shed like a pig-sty, built of turf. Much as Mr. Hope had seen of squalor and degradation, he could scarcely believe that this miserable hut could be inhabited by' anything human. Still he made his way to it, stooped his tall form to look in at the low doorway, and then indeed he found the object of his search. There, on a rude pallet, lay a young man, apparently in the last stage of decline. He was wasted almost to a skeleton, while his deep-sunk eyes shone out like stars in the gloom. He welcomed Mr. Hope with upraised hands, and expressions of fervent thankfulness.

"O, thank God, sir, you are come! God only knows how I have longed for this!”

"My poor fellow, what do you know of me? Why do you wish to see me?”

"Sir, I was within hearing one day when you were talking to one of the neighbors, and what you said came home to me here," and he pressed his thin hand upon his heart.

"The sickness was upon me then. It was almost the last day I was able to get about. O sir! how I have longed to see you again, and to hear more! I know you do not often come this way, it is such a wild lonely part; but I prayed to God that you might come some day; and see, sir, I made this hole in the wall, that I might watch for your coming.”

Mr. Hope looked; and there, opposite the wretched bed, was a hole where a few sods of turf had been removed. Through this the eager eyes had watched, day after day, while the long hours dragged their weary length in that lonely hut. O! what joy, when at last his prayer was heard and answered; when at last the venerable form was seen in the distance! And O, in what trembling eagerness did his heart go out in the cry which was to call the pastor to his side!

"Thank God, sir, you are come at last! O! sir! I want to hear more from you about the Savior of sinners.”

Bending his snow-white head, Mr. Hope made his way into the lowly hut, and knelt beside the dying man. Never through all the years of his ministry had he felt more deeply moved than at this strange and affecting scene. From a full heart, and "simply, as to a little child," the aged pastor told the story of redeeming love; and his words fell upon the listener's ears like rain upon the thirsty ground. Only, the very simplicity of the gospel seemed at first to stagger his perplexed and benighted mind.

"Sure 'tis I that would believe and trust with all my heart," he said; "only I am afraid it is all too good to be true! That may be all for you, and good Christians like you. But how would the likes of a poor sinner like myself ever be fit to go into heaven?”

Then with deep, impressive solemnity came the words of everlasting truth, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

"Though your sins be scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.

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

And then the aged minister poured forth his heart in prayer, that, through the Holy Spirit, God would teach this yearning, anxious soul, bring this weary sinner to the Savior, and grant him the peace which passeth all understanding.

And now every day while the sufferer lingered upon earth the venerable pastor might be seen wending his way to the lonely hut amid the rocks. He chose the time when the invalid was sure to be alone, the rest of the family being away at their work; and he was never interfered with or molested. Every little comfort that his slender means afforded, he took to the poor dying man. But what was that compared with his ministry to the sin-sick soul? Day by day did the faithful pastor tell of the great love of God in giving His beloved Son to die on Calvary's cross, and became the sin-offering for such sinners as he, to this famishing soul eager to receive it. Day by day some "refuge of lies" which perplexed his mind was swept away, through the unerring Word of God.

The poor sufferer found that all his wants were met in Christ, the "one Mediator between God and men,”

"The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world,”

"The Good Shepherd," the tender, sympathizing Savior. The love of God in Christ dawned upon his soul, filling him with joy and peace in believing. Jesus became to him unspeakably precious, and perfect love triumphed over fear.

Then, in mercy, the panting spirit was released from its frail prison, and, from that abject hut in the rocky desert, passed away to enter the untold blessedness of the paradise of God.

Dear reader, think over this strange but true story, and let it convey to you its own lesson. Are you as earnest in seeking salvation as was this poor young man, whose name is written in heaven, though unknown upon earth? Think of his difficulties, and how he overcame them. Contrast them with your own privileges, and ask yourself, "How shall I escape, if I neglect so great salvation?”

And what Christian would not seek to share the happy, glorious privilege of the faithful pastor, in thus proclaiming "liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound?”

To those like Mr. Hope, who go through life praying, many such opportunities will offer, many such cries for help will come. Truly did he go on his way rejoicing, fulfilling Psa. 126:6, "He that goeth forth... bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Lost and Found

Two men might have been seen standing on the steps of a building in a busy thoroughfare. One had a diamond of considerable value to sell, the other was a prospective buyer.

The owner stood, diamond in hand, discussing its sale, when a newspaper boy in his haste jostled against him, and shook the diamond out of the merchant's hand. On ran the boy, all unconscious of what had occurred. To the horror of the merchant, the diamond rolled into the gutter, and before it could be stopped, fell through the grating.

The grating was examined, and it was found to lead to a coal cellar. The owner of the house was requested to allow search to be made for the lost jewel, which he readily granted. For hours search was made, but all unavailing.

Then one of the merchants offered to buy the coal for $25 so as to take it away, and make more thorough search for the lost diamond. Next day the coal, weighing about two tons, was taken away in sacks, the floor carefully swept of even the coal dust, so as to make sure that the diamond would be included, and then removed to a mansion in the West End, where this merchant lived.

The process of washing the coal was begun, when to the relief of the merchant the diamond was found in the very first sack, and the negotiations between the two merchants, thus rudely interrupted, proceeded, and in due time the diamond changed hands by purchase.

Every reader of this story will agree that all the trouble and expense incurred in the recovery of the diamond was legitimate and praiseworthy.

But can you understand people being so careful and persevering in the matter of a diamond worth about $150, and absolutely careless as to their immortal soul and its everlasting destiny Men know not when death may claim them as its victim. They know that God must punish sin, and that the Bible clearly states that sinners dying without Christ and in their sins must go to hell forever, and yet they are careless and indifferent. Nothing moves them to concern. Can you understand it?

Unknown friend, fellow-traveler to eternity, we warn you, you have a soul, more precious by far than a paltry diamond, glittering in a kingly crown. The merchant was rightly concerned in seeking the recovery of the lost diamond. He did two things.

1. He bought the coal in the cellar so as to ensure the recovery of the diamond.

2. He washed the coal till he found it. Does this not illustrate beautifully the glorious Gospel of God? We read in Matthew 13:44, 45, a parable of the treasure hid in the field, and the man buying the field so as to possess himself of the treasure. We are told plainly, "The field is the world" (ver. 38).

So the Son of God, co-equal with the Father, became Man, laid down His life on the cross, made atonement, settled the whole question of sin, and acquired redemptive rights over the whole world, rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God, in the glory, thus enabling God in righteousness to offer salvation to "whosoever will.”

The merchant paid $25 for the coal; the Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself—and that, to the unspeakable horrors of the cross.

But further, the Lord Jesus seeks as well as saves. Just as the diamond merchant sought diligently for his lost gem, so in a far more wonderful way the Lord Jesus seeks. Did not the good shepherd seek for his lost sheep till he found it?

"The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.

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

"I AM THE GOOD
SHEPHERD:
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP."

"MY SHEEP HEAR MY
VOICE, AND I KNOW
THEM, AND THEY
FOLLOW ME: AND I
GIVE UNTO THEM
ETERNAL LIFE: AND
THEY SHALL NEVER
PERISH."

John 10:11, 27, 28

August

I Never Thought of Losing”

While traveling some time ago, I witnessed a scene from which I sought to draw lessons for eternity, and which I now tell you; in hope that you may do likewise.

It was about one o'clock on a fine summer morning, when, with a lady friend, I entered the western bound express, and found the train full of sleeping passengers occupying from one to four seats each. After rousing one man to make room for my friend, I seated her and went to seek room for myself elsewhere in the car. I found a seat, behind which I noticed a stout old man, reclining, his head leaning against the car side—fast asleep. Wearied with traveling on the previous day, I too, was soon oblivious to all around.

How long I slept I know not, when suddenly I was awakened by a loud conversation going on behind me, while my ears were shocked by the volleys of horrible oaths and curses, which passed between the old man just referred to, and two younger men, who wore the smart dress and carried the impudent face that at once branded them in my mind as "sharpers." The old man was demanding money of them, which they refused to give. He declared they had robbed him,—they of course, denied it. At last the young men slipped out into the smoking-car, while the old man followed to find the conductor and seek his aid.

Of course, by this time, the car was all commotion, and anxious to know how the thing occurred, etc.; and the old man's reappearance was eagerly looked for, that a full explanation might be given by him. In a few minutes he re-entered the car, looking very dejected, as he had been evidently unsuccessful—and was at once surrounded by half-a-dozen inquirers concerning his case.

His story was briefly as follows:— He had been awakened from his sleep by one of the young men and asked to try a game of "Three-Card-Monte," which he at first refused to engage in, but sat and watched them play. Then, after further solicitations on their part that he would "try five dollars on it," he yielded, and of course, lost his money. They expressed surprise at his "ill-luck" and told him to try again. So another five dollars were sacrificed.

"And," interrupted a listener, "you lost ten dollars?”

"Why," replied the old man, "I played on hoping to regain my money, until I lost one hundred!”

"I thought as I watched them, that it looked easy, and made up my mind not to go too far—I never thought of losing;" and he wrung his hands at the thought of his lost dollars. He disregarded warnings against such men, and paid dearly for his folly.

"Poor man!" I think I hear some of my readers say. Yes, poor man, indeed. He played a dangerous game, and he lost heavily by it. But, dear friend, what about yourself? Are you also playing a dangerous game? What, dear friend, about that soul of yours? Is it saved yet? or are you yet in your sins? Perhaps my reader is well acquainted with the card table, the billiard hall, the theater and dram shop. My friend, you are playing a dangerous game. You may not "mean to lose," but continue, and the end will be loss— eternal loss—eternal damnation in the lake of fire.

"Whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." Rev. 20:15.

"The fearful, and unbelieving, the abominable, and murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." Rev. 21:8.

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all nations that forget God." Psa. 9:17.

But perhaps my reader is respectable, moral, temperate, or may be religious without being saved— not born again. Dear friend, you are playing a dangerous game. God says, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," John 3:3, and all your fancied goodness and sham religiousness will only take you down to hell the more securely, where you shall wail your folly, it may be in words like those of the poor old man, "I never thought of losing.”

It is not religiousness, it is the blood of Christ, and that alone, which can shelter a guilty soul from the wrath of a sin-hating God.

But, is my reader one who has often resisted the Holy Ghost, as He sought by His strivings to lead you to Jesus? Many excuses are often made use of. The heart desires more pleasure and seeks for it in the world, instead of in Christ; or the desire is for wealth, or popularity and honor with a godless world, forgetting that important question asked by God, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36. It's a dangerous game, dear friend.

You are merry, it may be, as you trifle now, but ere another sun gilds you eastern sky, you may be dead and damned forever, without one other offer of mercy or ray of hope to cheer the dismal future. O the wails that rise from the abode of the lost in hell! Not one meant to lose. Not one meant to be there. But Satan meant it, and he succeeded. They played a dangerous game, which has ended in their eternal ruin.

May God speak to you, dear unsaved friend. There is salvation at this moment for 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.

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

‘“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 3:15.

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

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

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. Dear reader, God asks, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2:3.

Extract: Worth a World

It is worth a world to have an intimate eternity with Christ.

The Precious Blood

What was it washed my sins away,
And turned my darkness into day,
Despoiling Satan of his prey?
The blood of Christ.

What is it makes my conscience clean,
Through all this sin-defiling scene,
And keeps me tranquil and serene?
The cleansing blood.

What makes my coward conscience bold,
Communion with my God to hold,
To taste of joys can ne'er be told?
The precious blood.

When, in the solemn judgment day,
The wicked shall be cast away,
With God my Savior I shall stay,
Secured by blood.

O! what shall keep me in that height,
And soften, to my soul's delight,
Th' unclouded blaze of holy light?
The Savior's blood.

And thus, through all from first to last,
The future, present and the past,
My soul must be completely cast
On Jesus' precious blood.

The Murderer and the Momier

It was noon in Geneva, one fine summer day, many years ago, and the bright sunshine glanced through the window of the court-house and lighted up the solemn scene that was passing there. Its streaming rays fell on the eager faces of the crowd, on the stern countenance of the judge, and on the pallid, haggard aspect of the wretched man trembling in the dock. He was standing there charged with the terrible crime of murder; the verdict of "guilty" had just been pronounced, and now the judge was speaking the fearful words that cut him off from life and hope, and condemned him, according to the Genevese law, to be shut up for twenty-eight days in an under-ground cell, and then brought forth to public execution.

When the judge ceased, the awful silence that reigned throughout the court was suddenly broken by an agonized cry from the criminal, "Mercy! Mercy!" Alas for him! that was no place for the exercise of mercy; only justice could be dispensed from that tribunal, and he knew that his sentence was just. As the miserable man was led away, a murmur of pity ran through the court; but there, as far as most of the spectators were concerned, all sorrow for his fate ended.

But there was one present, a member of the little band of Christians called Momiers by the people of Geneva, who felt the keenest pity for the condemned man, and longed to do something to lessen his misery. But what could he do? He had no interest to obtain a respite in his favor; but he wished most earnestly to bring to the poor perishing soul tidings of a Savior who could wash the vilest clean, and make the guiltiest fit for a home with Him in glory. Day after day the good man came to the prison, and wandered round its gloomy walls without finding any means of carrying out his blessed purpose. He was told that no one but the jailer was ever admitted to the condemned cell, and that it was useless to seek permission of the authorities. Nothing daunted by difficulties, he inquired in which part of the jail the murderer was confined, and found that a small grating near the ground, in a certain part of the prison walls, was the aperture through which a few rays of light were admitted to his dungeon. Here was the opportunity for which he had prayed.

At once he seated himself on the ground near the grating, and began to read in a clear voice the third and fourth chapters of the Epistle to the Romans. He read on without interruption until he reached the fifth verse of chapter 4;

"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness," when a deep hoarse voice from within the wall called out, "Read those words again.”

He read them slowly and earnestly, and then, as no further sound broke the stillness, he went away with a gleam of hope in his heart. Was it not said in Psa. 119:130, "The entrance of Thy Word giveth light"?

He returned again and again to his post by the small grating, until his reading attracted notice, and he was brought before the governor of the prison and questioned concerning his conduct.

"I wanted to tell the prisoner where the mercy he cried for, can be found," was his explanation.

"And where is that?" asked the governor with a smile.

"In Jesus," said the Christian, simply and bravely: "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.

"Well, if you have anything to take him that will do him good," said the governor, "I will grant you admission to his cell for half-an-hour each day; it will be better than you making a disturbance outside.”

It was a wonderful favor; but the Momier knew that all hearts are under God's control, and he accepted it gratefully as an answer to prayer. He was taken into the prison; and, in charge of the jailer, he traversed its gloomy passages, until at length they reached an iron door, and the key being turned, he was admitted into a place about eight feet square, too dimly lighted for him at first to discover any object; but when his eyes became accustomed to the gloom, he saw the prisoner sitting on a straw bed, his limbs heavily ironed, and his whole attitude betokening the utmost dejection of spirit. The Momier spoke, and his voice was recognized by the poor fellow, who, starting from his stupor, exclaimed, "You are the good man who read those wonderful words. O, tell me more about Him Who justifieth the ungodly without works.”

It was a joyous task to open to a mind thus prepared, the message of salvation; and, sitting down in the dark dungeon, the Momier spoke of Jesus, the Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sin of the world; and told him He had borne punishment and fulfilled all righteousness, that those who had nothing to pay, might be frankly forgiven.

"And is there hope for me?" asked the doomed man. "I have been a great sinner; you can see how man judges me, and what must I be in the sight of a holy God?”

"There is hope," said the messenger of mercy, "because Jesus offers to undertake your case, and He is 'mighty to save.' You are in this cell condemned to die for the sin of murder; but if anyone loved you enough to die in your place, that he might bear your punishment instead of you, do you not think that the law would be satisfied, and that you might be righteously forgiven? Now this is just what Jesus has done, to save you from eternal death; and because He died on the cross for sinners, but He rose from the dead, and is now in the glory, God is ready to pardon you as soon as you ask Him for Christ's sake.”

"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Rom. 5:7-9.

The poor man listened as he would have done to the news of the king's pardon, and whenever his kind teacher paused, then came the craving, hungry cry, "Go on! tell me more.”

And then the harsh grating key in the massive lock was heard, telling that his allotted time of half-an-hour was gone. But the next day, and the next, the Christian was permitted to return; and soon it came to pass that those half hours in the condemned cell were the brightest moments in the day to him; for at each visit he found the prisoner understanding the way of the Lord more perfectly.

A light shined in the prison then—light streaming out from the excellent glory where the Lamb dwells, and where angels rejoice "over one sinner that repenteth.”

The day before that appointed for the execution came, again the Christian was with the condemned man. He was so taken up with the thought of God's forgiveness, and of the wonderful grace of Jesus, which had purchased for him a crown of life, that he seemed to have overcome all fear of that terrible death that was so near.

"If I could but tell the other prisoners of this blessed hope," he exclaimed; and turning to the jailer, who had just then entered the cell, he said, "I have a last request to make; will you grant it to a dying man? I want you to take me through the prison, that I may speak to every one of Jesus and His mercy.”

"I have no power to remove your irons," said the jailer, "or I would willingly oblige you; for you have given me almost no trouble at all, and that is more than I could say of most that have been shut up here; the only thing I have had to complain of at all, has been that you have sung hymns so loud the last few days, and it seemed rather unnatural-like, considering what is before you; but, as I said, I dare not take off your irons.”

"I do not wish it; let me go as I am," said the prisoner. And so, his poor limbs weighed and crippled by the clanking fetters, he went slowly and painfully from cell to cell, telling to the amazed inmates that he had found mercy; that though there was no earthly pardon for him, God had, for Christ's sake, forgiven all his sins, and that he had a hope of glory so bright and blessed, that he cared little for the shame and agony of the scaffold tomorrow. And after bearing this glad testimony to the power of Jesus as a Savior to each prisoner, he went back to his cell for a few more hours of darkness and loneliness. Then came the bitter pain and infamy of a malefactor's death—but cheered by the hope of life and immortality through Jesus Christ.

You think this wonderful, dear reader. Had you been among the crowd that watched the death of that murderer, you would probably have thanked God that you were not such a miserable sinner; and yet that miserable sinner was one who had sought and found mercy. Are you sure you are washed by the blood of Christ from your sins, and forgiven, as was that poor convinced and converted man? He was a great culprit, doubtless. He had broken the law, and had deserved to die. Thus the human law had its due. He had violently hurried a fellow-being out of life, and in return was justly put to death himself.

For the murderer there was no forgiveness at the bar of man's judgment. There could be none; for were the law to relax its penalties, society would be broken up. But, blessed be God, at the Divine bar there is forgiveness. It is a forgiveness that, for the sake of Him Who bore our sins in His own body on the tree, not merely remits the penalty, but actually insures eternal salvation of the offender, who will accept Him as Savior and Lord.

Doest thou love the Name of Jesus?
Wilt thou trust thyself to Him?
Canst thou say, "My Savior, Jesus"?
Though thy weeping eyes are dim;
Fear not thou; the blood of Jesus
Cleanseth thee from all thy sin;
In the mighty Name of Jesus
Life anew thou may begin.

"HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE."

John 6:47

"BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME: BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION."

2 Cor. 6:2

"HIM THAT COMETH TO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT."

John 6:37

September

No Time to Waste”

"I had no idea that night, when God awakened me that I was listening to a sermon, preached purposely, against the evangelistic meetings being held in the town, or I would not have gone to the one at which I found peace the night following.”

The foregoing is in substance the comment G—made to some Christians on learning, shortly after he was saved, that his minister's sermon the previous Lord's Day night had been preached in opposition to the blessed work of God then going on in the town, and at which he had found the assurance of salvation; though the fact could not be denied that God, who is "sovereign," really used part of his minister's ill-designed sermon to awaken him to the need of getting "ready to meet God." But for that awakening, he would not have gone to the meeting where he found peace, as he had no desire for anything religious beyond the mere form of attending the church of his forefathers on Sundays, and paying that respect to his minister that he judged due to one occupying so sacred a position.

The "work of God" referred to had been going on for a few weeks in a small town. Gospel addresses had been given nightly by an earnest evangelist with great power, and souls were being saved at every meeting.

The following were the remarks made by the minister referred to.

"How impossible it is for anyone to be positive he has become a 'subject of grace.' In fact it is questionable if any since apostolic times could make themselves certain of that matter in this world. True, as we read of a few in the Bible, such as Paul, who had that certainty at times, but these were exceptions.

"Now what are we to think of the audacity of many in these days, who, we are told, go into a meeting utterly godless, and come out at the finish able to say they are saved. No, brethren, depend upon it, we need to be 'up and doing', if we want to be true Christians. A man's life at the longest is but short to prepare him for the 'life to come.'

"If any of you feel you have not lived in the past as you should have done, there is all the more need to give yourself to it now in real earnest, for again I say, 'there is no time to lose, if we want to escape hell and gain heaven.

"'wail yourselves of every means of grace.' If we go on living in carelessness, in the hope that we can become full-grown Christians within an hour, and thus be fit to meet God, we make a great mistake.”

Now, what was the effect of this remarkable sermon on the heart and conscience of G—? He was completely arrested by the latter part of it. The former part—text as well—like all the sermons he had ever heard, went over his head as if it had never been uttered. But when the minister said,

"There is no time to waste if we want to escape hell, and gain heaven," he was divinely arrested, and was held spell-bound to the finish, feeling most keenly what a dreadful failure his whole past life had been; how it had been wasted in sin and folly; and instead of attending to all the "means of grace" within his reach, he had attended to none, save going to church on Sundays. He went home with a very sad heart, almost despairing of ever being able to make up for lost time.

He lay in bed that night thinking over his minister's words, "There is no time to waste if want to escape hell and gain heaven," and "life at the longest is but short to prepare for the life to come.”

"Will it be worthwhile," he said to himself, "to attempt being a Christian now? Yes, I must try it, for I cannot make up my mind to be lost forever, The minister said, `if we had not lived a right life in the past, we might by greater earnestness become true Christians yet!' So, by God's help, I will now attend to 'every means of grace,' and thus do my best to escape the hell that I fear I should be sent to, if I was called to meet God in my present state.”

As he had fortunately missed the evil design of the sermon, and learned the day following there was to be a gospel preaching that night in the hall where the evangelistic meetings were held, he was fully determined he would not miss it, nor any such meetings, remembering well the exhortation of his minister to "avail ourselves of every means of grace.”

At eight o'clock that night he was found for the first time in a meeting of the kind, eager to hear all the preacher had to say, who took for his text, "Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

The preacher went into his subject with an earnestness that at once arrested the attention of his already anxious hearer. If ever two sermons, both in their object and substance, were diametrically opposed to each other, they were those G—listened to on these two successive nights.

The preacher drew special attention to the word "now," twice repeated in his text, showing that the poor sinner who believed in the Lord Jesus was a possessor of salvation "now." He further showed there was no other way of getting saved than through Christ, for there was "no other name given among men whereby we must be saved," but the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). And to despise or neglect this salvation, which is now offered to all by free grace, would land all who did so in the "lake of fire" forever (Heb. 2:3; Acts 13:41).

"Those who were trying," he further said, "like the Jews, to work out a 'righteousness of their own,' in the hope that God could accept them on that ground, were making a fatal mistake. Nothing that we could do could ever satisfy God for the sins we had committed. So all who are saved, or ever will be, must be saved by the work of God's own Son, which He accomplished to the eternal satisfaction and glory of God when He died for our sins on the cross. His own words, as He bowed His head in death, 'It is finished,' conclusively prove that there is nothing left for the poor sinner to do. How could the work of atonement be finished, if it required the very smallest thing of ours added to it to complete it?

"Then if we want a proof that God is satisfied with the work of His Son, we get it in the fact that He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in heavenly glory as Man. This a righteous and holy God could not have done with the one who took the responsibility of all our sins and guilt upon Him, if those sins had not been fully atoned for, and put away forever from before His eyes.

"Further, it is from the glory where He now is, that the gospel comes, proclaiming in the ears of lost, hell-deserving, and hell-bound sinners a full, free, present and eternal salvation, to be received 'now,' where you sit yes!, where you are, and as you are!”

The preacher afterward referred to many Scripture proofs of what "God's salvation had done for the worst of sinners.

"Look how it saved the repentant thief on the very brink of death and hell (Luke 23:43). Also three thousand of the very murderers of Christ the first day the gospel was preached 'by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven' (Acts 2:41; 1 Peter 1:12), the notorious 'blasphemer' and 'persecutor,' the ‘chief of sinners,’ Saul of Tarsus.

How the Philippian jailer got saved by it, when so miraculously wakened out of his sleep in the dead hour of the night; and all kinds of sinners since—the speaker among the rest. The proof is not wanting either that it is as effectual today as ever it was; for look how God has been saving souls here every night of late—many of whom are sitting before me now with the very joy of salvation' expressed in their faces.

"Now, should there be one here who is yet without this 'assurance' and joy of salvation,' but is anxious to have it,—thank God! he can have it 'now,' for 'now'— not tomorrow—'is the accepted time,' as our text shows. Tomorrow might find those who put it off till then, in the torments of hell.”

This, then, was in substance the gospel G—heard that memorable Monday night. For a time he felt more bewildered than anything else. It was so contrary to all he had listened to the previous night. But there was such power and point about it that he had the distinct conviction that he was listening to a God-given message for his own soul.

As the preacher proceeded, backing up the assertions he made by quotations from the Word of God, G—became more and more enrapt, listening as for life, till he was convinced that this "salvation" was the very thing he, a poor sinner, needed, and now wanted; and finally, as the speaker assured the anxious soul that it was offered to him "now" and only now he gladly closed with the blessed offer, and got on the spot what he thought when he came into the meeting it would take a lifetime to secure—the salvation of his precious immortal soul. Blessed salvation! that can thus meet the guiltiest of Adam's fallen race, bringing with it to the heart that receives it such a conscious knowledge of God's wondrous love, which drives from the heart all that tormenting fear which lodges in the heart of every one in their natural state (1 John 4:18,19).

Now, blessed and happy as G—was that night with the perfect assurance that he was saved for time and eternity through believing in Christ (Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8, 9), and even fit, through the blood of the Lamb, to go to heaven, should the Lord have called him thence that same night.

It is the portion of the youngest believers in Christ to know that their sins are forgiven (1 John 2:12; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 10:17, 18; Rev. 1:5). In fact, no one has a tight to call himself a Christian who does not know that his sins are forgiven. It is not till this fact is known that we really start on our Christian course. From that point we are to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What Will You Do Without Him?

Why will you do without Him?
The Savior of the lost,
Whose precious blood redeems us
At such tremendous cost?
Do you not want a Savior?
Do you not want a Friend?—
One who will love you faithfully,
And love you to the end?

You could not do without Him,
If once He made you see
The fetters that enchain you
Till He hath set you free.
If once you saw the fearful load
Of sin upon your soul:—
The hidden plague that ends in death,
Unless He makes you whole!

You cannot do without Him!
There is no other name
By which you ever CAN be saved —
No way, no hope, no claim!
Without Him—everlasting loss
Of love, of life, and light!
Without Him—everlasting woe,
And everlasting night.

But with Him—O! with Jesus!
Are any words so blest?
With Jesus, everlasting joy
And everlasting rest.
With Jesus—all the empty heart
Filled with His perfect love;
With Jesus—perfect peace below,
And perfect bliss above.

The Gospel of Peace

The great burden laid upon my soul this day is, to proclaim the Gospel of Peace to sinners. Many are busy in our day, as in the days of old, saying to sinners "peace, peace, when there is no peace" (Jer. 6:14), and are thus sending them to sleep upon the very brink of hell. O, that God would awake all such to a sense of their danger, and bring them to see their sins.

Are you at peace with God?

When I look abroad on this great multitude, my heart burns within me: I am constrained to lift up my voice like a trumpet. If God has not spoken peace to you, I would not be in your place for a thousand worlds. You are hanging over hell. The wrath of God is abiding upon your soul.

I know by sad experience what it is to be lulled asleep by a false sleep. Long was I lulled asleep; long did I think myself a Christian, when I knew nothing of the Lord Jesus. I used to pray nine times a day. I used to receive the sacrament every Lord's day; yet I knew nothing of Christ in my heart. I was not a new creature in Christ. I had not been saved.

O awake ye church professors, who have a name to live; arouse ye from a false security! You may perhaps have honest and outwardly moral lives, but if you depend on that morality, or join your works with your faith in order to justify you before God, you are by this making yourselves your own Savior.”

There is only one Savior for sinners-even Jesus Christ.

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

"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Rom. 3:24.

The Last Football Match

Yes, it was his last match. He was carried from the football field to the Infirmary, and from the Infirmary to the grave. Young, strong, and healthy as he was, he was suddenly called to meet his God and to enter eternity. Shall I tell you how and what he said about himself?

Johnnie was a great athlete. It mattered not what line he went in for, he was sure to be at the front. His team was sure to win. At cricket, football, and flat racing, he had scarce an equal, and his rooms at home were hung with the trophies of his victories.

During a game at football, he came into collision with another, and was flung violently to the ground. He was carried in a dead faint from the field. A little later, he lay prostrate with rheumatic fever, and in less than two months, he was in eternity. During the interval, he had time to think, and to review the past. Now he saw that his life of pleasure had been a mistake; and there now he lay alone. Companions as busy as ever; matches going on as usual, and he forgotten!

Prizes and honors were of little value now, for his life was ebbing away. Eternity was unveiling itself, and for it he was not ready.

Reader! do you ever think of the moment when you too must face these things? When solitary and alone, you must stand on the confines of the world beyond, and then meet your God? Companions in sin far away; the busy world rolling on, but your last match has been played. Tell me how would it be with you then? Could you look into eternity without fear? Could you welcome the meeting with God? If you are unconverted and unpardoned you could not, you dare not, for to meet God without Christ is to be damned.

The young athlete felt it so. He longed for something more satisfying than football prizes, and God who saw his need, sent one to speak to him of Christ, and he did not turn the message away. He listened to the word of life, confessed himself a sinner, that his past life had been a failure, and trusted Christ as his Savior. During the remaining days of his life below, he preached Christ to all who came to see him. Then he passed away to be with Him; and from his silent tomb comes the message this day to you who are as fond of the pleasures of youth as he "Prepare to meet thy God." Amos 4:12.

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

Jesus Is Ready to Pardon

"Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee." Matt. 9:2.

"He said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." Luke 7:48.

You have been a great sinner. You may have lived in sin for many years. You may think that no one ever committed so many, or such great sins as you. It may be suggested to you that your sins cannot be pardoned. But this is untrue. You may be pardoned. Come to Jesus and you shall be pardoned. He has said, "All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men.”

There is sufficient merit in His blood, there is sufficient pity in His heart, to secure the pardon of every sinner. He still calls front heaven, "Come, now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.

He never did refuse to pardon a coming sinner, and why should He refuse you? One of His titles is, "A GOD READY TO PARDON.”

The testimony of David, who sinned so fearfully, is, "Thou, Lord, art good, and READY TO FORGIVE; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." Psa. 86:5.

Come, then, to Jesus, because He is ready to pardon, and you need to be forgiven. He will blot out your sins as a cloud, and your iniquities as a thick cloud. He will receive you graciously and love you freely.

Extract: Power to Draw Others

Our power in drawing others after the Lord mainly rests in our joy and communion with Him ourselves.

"I GO TO PREPARE
A PLACE FOR YOU.
AND IF I GO TO
PREPARE A PLACE FOR
YOU, I WILL COME
AGAIN, AND RECEIVE
YOU UNTO MYSELF;
THAT WHERE I AM,
THERE YE MAY BE
ALSO."

John 14:2, 3

October

The Old Shed

The church clock had just chimed six. It was getting dark, and slowly a damp, hazy mist was beginning to gather over the little village of W—. In most of the cottage windows the lights were glimmering; here and there were standing groups of laboring men, laughing, chatting and discussing the news whilst the wives in the cottages hard by were preparing the evening meal. Just off the main street, lying in the shadow of a clump of trees, was a small square building, scarcely larger than a good sized room. From its windows a bright light streamed, and the sweet sound of girlish voices rose, on the still evening air. The door was closed, but just outside the threshold stood a girl, with her head bent eagerly forward and eyes, wet with tears. Suddenly the door opened," and about a dozen young girls issued from it, "O, Alice," they cried, almost in one breath, "you here"?

Instantly the tears were brushed away, and with a defiant toss of the head the girl flung herself off, mortified and thoroughly ashamed at herself having been caught in the act of listening.

"Stop a moment dear," said a gentle voice at her elbow. "I am going your way, and so we can walk home together.”

"It's no use talking to me, Mary," answered Alice with an impatient shrug of her shoulders, "it's only a waste of time; there, leave me alone!”

But it was useless to endeavor to shake the other off, so with another impatient toss of the head, the girl allowed herself to be led through the lane, until they were out of sight of the others.

"Why didn't you come in, dear?" said Mary, then stopping quite still she put her arms round her friend, "O! Alice, we have all been praying for you tonight and asking God to save you; let Him do so.”

"It's no use, Mary, I am much too wicked, so leave me alone. Good-night; and don't bother to pray for me.”

By this time they had reached the pretty little farm which belonged to Alice's father, and opening the gate, without another word, she rushed up the little footpath, leaving Mary to go on her way with a heavy heart.

Within, father, mother, and the boys were seated at the table, over their evening meal.

"I don't want anything to eat," said Alice, "so don't keep anything for me, mother.”

"In one of your tantrums again, I suppose," said the eldest of the boys, looking up for a moment, from his brown bread and butter.

Alice took no notice of this remark, but closed the door again, and went upstairs. Her heart was very heavy! no wonder, for she had begun to realize her own sinfulness, and beneath the seeming indifference, and open defiance, was a great yearning to be what she knew those girls were, who had been gathered together that evening to meet the Master they so loved.

She longed to be alone, and this would be impossible presently, for there would be cries for "Alice" to do a dozen different things.

Quick as thought she hurried into the farm yard, and there in an old broken-down shed she flung herself on her knees, and sobbed as though her heart would break.

"O, Lord Jesus, please forgive me, and make me Thine," she cried again and again.

And don't you think the Lord heard that prayer? Ah! yes, He came there in that tumble-down shed, and spoke peace to her soul.

An hour later Alice was sitting with her friend Mary, and both were rejoicing over the fact that God had heard the many prayers for this naughty, wayward girl, and had brought her that night safely into the fold.

Cannot He do the same for you? You know He can, and even now, as you read this, He is speaking to your heart. He is telling you that He died for you and that He is waiting to take you as you are. Do not disappoint Him.

Some or All?

Simon the Pharisee knew only some of the sins of the "woman in the city, which was a sinner," and condemned her, thinking that, if the Lord Jesus really were a prophet, He would know she was a sinner, and angrily send her away.

The Lord Jesus knew all her sins. But what did He do? Instead of sending her away in anger, the blessed, peace-giving words fell from His gracious lips, "Thy sins are forgiven; thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." Luke 7:48,50.

Down From the Maintop

William Hardy, who had been brought up under the sound of the gospel in a godly Christian home, while still a lad left his home and shipped on board a vessel bound for a distant port. But the good seed, like that by the wayside, had as yet fallen on unprofitable ground.

As years passed, he changed from ship to ship, went voyage after voyage, encountered storm and danger and shipwreck; but still he held upon that headlong, reckless course, forgetful of God and thoughtless of eternity! Once, during those years, it happened that he was engaged on board a sailing vessel bound for a town which stood some miles up one of our great rivers. The wind was light, so a tug-boat was engaged to tow her and another ship to their destination. Bill had been sent aloft to bear a hand in, unfurling one of the sails. He missed his hold, Sand fell from a height of several feet into the water. A sailor from the steamer, seeing the accident, leaped overboard, reached the place with some difficulty, and succeeded in grasping the sinking man. A boat was lowered, by which both were picked up and brought to the steamer. A little while after, Bill was sent back to his own ship. He had been but a short time on deck, when a report; like the discharge of a whole battery of artillery together, almost took away his hearing. The steamer which he had just quitted had blown up! A cloud of steam and smoke, with showers of broken spars and rigging, made the air dark. When it cleared again, he could see the lifeless bodies, mangled and disfigured, floating in the river. Among them w a s that of the sailor who had rescued him from the river not half an hour before! It was a scene and a time that might have touched any heart less hardened than his; but the warning was unheeded. That wonderful escape from a twofold death was to him but 'a lucky escape,' `a cheating the other world,' to be boasted about among his wild companions. His career remained unchecked—his life unchanged.

Some time after this he joined a vessel trading in the Atlantic. They had not been long at sea when, the weather grew thick, and the captain kept all hands sharply up to work. One morning Bill was sent to the maintop. He got through his work safely; but, turning to descend, he again missed hold and fell. Had he come down upon the deck from that height he must have been smashed to atoms, but his foot caught in a rope when he was about halfway, and held him suspended in mid-air. His comrades rushed to his assistance, and he was quickly released.

Foremost among those who helped to bring him safely to the ship's deck was an old sailor. He had once cared as little about eternal things as any of them; but, in a late voyage, he had been led to the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ through the teaching of a missionary, then on his way to China. What better time than this to speak a word of warning, he thought. So, when the young man was once more steadily on his feet, he said quietly, "Messmate, you had a narrow escape just now. WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD HAVE GONE HAD YOU COME SMASH AGAINST THE TIMBERS?" With some careless reply, he turned off to the forecastle.

It is easy to carry a bold face to brazen out our evil doings before our fellow-men, but when God sends an arrow into the conscience we cannot put it from us. That word, "Where would you have gone?" kept ringing within him. Try as he might, he could not still that voice. On watch by night, or at work by day, aloft or below, waking or sleeping, it was like a two-edged sword, piercing his very soul. Then texts of Scripture, which he had learned long ago, came to his recollection, "The soul that sinneth it shall die.”

"Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

"This night thy soul shall be required of thee.”

"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

At length, unable to endure the torture of his mind, he sought out the comrade who had put the question.

"I believe you are right after all, mess-mate," he said. "I have been a bad fellow all along, though I got teaching enough when young. Now tell me what I can do?”

The old sailor was not a man for long sermons, but he had an eloquent teacher at hand one that he knew would be far more powerful to touch the heart of any sinner than any word of his. He took out his Bible, and gave it to his friend, charging him to `read it, to pray over it, and never give up till he got the blessing which he wanted.'

That advice was followed. Every spare moment in the intervals of work, every opportunity in which he could steal away alone and unseen to some quiet corner, found Bill poring over those sacred pages. At first it all was dark and hopeless. He read of "righteousness and temperance and judgment to come,' and, like Felix of old, he trembled at the words. He tried to free himself from the shackles of sin which bound him; but he had long been sin's slave, and was powerless to shake off its heavy yoke.

But God revealed Himself in mercy. He struck the chains from the sin-bound soul. It was God's work, and by grace he was saved. He had had his 'conversation in times past in the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;' he was by nature a child of wrath; but God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He had loved him, even when he was dead in sins, had quickened him together with Christ. By grace he was saved (Eph. 2:4, 5).

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

Was it not all too wonderful to be true? Was it not beyond the possibility of belief that a holy God, in whose sight the very heavens are not clean, and who charged His angels with folly, could look with pity on him, could love him, could give His only begotten Son to die for him the reprobate, the scoffer at Divine things? Ay, but it was true, and God's Spirit was whispering into his heart that it was true, and there was joy in the presence of the angels of God over one more sinner that had repented.

And now, dear reader, how about you, have you settled the question of the destiny of your never-dying soul? This very moment you can be saved by a look of faith at Jesus, who died for you on Calvary's cross.

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

The Excursionist’s Question:

"How far is it to hell?”

The profane question was asked of a policeman by one of three excursionists who, in a half-drunk condition were sauntering along the esplanade of a favorite watering-place.

The officer was shocked by the ungodliness of the youth, whose companions evidently were half ashamed of his conduct and apologized on his behalf. Looking the careless man full in the face, he said, "Hell is at the end of a Christ-less life, and you may be nearer it than you think. Prepare to meet thy God.”

This was more than they had expected, so, without a word, they turned and hastened away.

' That night a lifeless form was picked up on the sea-shore; it was that of the scoffing excursionist. Hell was nearer than he had counted on, and he had reached it sooner than he had thought. Reader, do not forget that "Hell is at the end of a Christ-less life, and you may be nearer it than you think.”

If you die unconverted, in your sins, you will be in that hell as sure as God has said it.

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

Years had come and gone since that sad incident, and like others of its kind, it had ceased to be a warning to the godless multitude, who, for a. time, seemed to be awed by the remembrance of it. The Christian policeman, still in the force, was accosted by a middle-aged commercial traveler one afternoon on the street of that same watering-place.

"I do not suppose you will remember me," he said, holding out his hand to the officer and grasping his warmly, "but I remember you, and especially some words you uttered many years ago in circumstances which may yet be in you memory. Do you remember saying to three excursionists on yonder esplanade, when accosted by one of them with the impious question 'How far is it to hell?' 'Hell is at the end of a Christ-less life?' You will remember, no doubt, the sad fate of that young man. I am one of the two who accompanied him,, and I had often wished I could meet you, to tell you that the words you spoke that day never left me, until I came as a sinner to Jesus Christ and received Him as my Savior. I praise His Name that He took me as I was, a godless, guilty sinner, and saved me by His grace. I daily prove His keeping and sustaining power, and I know as surely as His Word has said it, that a heaven of glory and of bliss is at the end of the path on which I walk, and that I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

The Christian policeman was made glad through this testimony to God's saving grace, by means of the words he was enabled to speak, and the friendship between these two fellow-believers in the Lord Jesus, begun that day, continued throughout many years of happy Christian service.

I would repeat the policeman's testimony; it is as true now as then, and it may be as needful to you, reader, although you are no half-drunk scoffer, as it was to the excursionists that day long ago.

"Hell is at the end of a Christ-less life, and you may be nearer it than you think.”

Is it at the end of yours? Pause and consider! On which road are you traveling? The broad or the narrow? The way of holiness or the path of sin?

"Our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity." Titus 2:13, 14.

Eternal Salvation

"The salvation of God is eternal"; the whole blessing is eternal.

Believers in this day of God's surpassing grace have to do with things unseen.

"The things which are not seen are eternal.," 2 Cor. 4:18.

Christ obtained eternal redemption. Heb. 9:12.

He became the Author of eternal salvation. Heb. 5:9.

The gift of God is eternal life. Rom. 6:23.

The God of all grace has called us to eternal glory. 1 Peter 5:10.

I Have No Cause for Alarm”

What makes you think so? From whence did you get your information regarding the eternal world and your destiny there? Do you acquaint yourself with what God says about you and your state as a sinner before Him? Have you considered the solemn words, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment"? Heb. 9:27.

"God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing" Eccl. 12:14.

Have you no cause for alarm in view of the judgment? Will your secret life stand the searching light of the throne of God? Is there nothing you have cause to fear will meet the condemnation of a holy God, Who seeth not as man seeth? If you have already dealt with God about your sins, been convinced of their hideousness and enormity in His sight, and taken refuge in the atoning death of Jesus Christ, by which alone a righteous God is satisfied and His mercy set free toward the guilty, on account of which He can be Just and at the same time the Justifier of the believing sinner (Rom. 3:26), then truly you have no cause to fear. Of all such, God says, their sins "are forgiven" (1 John 2:12), they are "saved" by grace (Eph. 2:8). there is "no condemnation" to them, for they are "in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1). But if you are yet without Christ, and in your sins, you are "condemned already" (John 3:18), and you have great cause to fear, for ahead of you there is a "fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation" (Heb. 10:27).

"Flee from the wrath to come.”

Mark Well, O Man, Eternity

"The Things Which are Not Seen are Eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18.

Eternity, eternity!
How long art thou, eternity?
A moment's pleasure, sinners know,
Through which they pass to endless woe;
A moment's woe, the righteous taste,
Through which to endless joy they haste,
Mark well, O man, eternity!

"So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psa. 90:12.

Jesus said: "I AM THE
WAY, THE TRUTH, THE
LIFE: NO MAN COMETH
UNTO THE FATHER
BUT BY ME.”

John 14:6.

"YET A LITTLE WHILE,
AND HE THAT SHALL
COME, WILL COME, AND
WILL NOT TARRY."

Heb. 10:37

November

A Brahmin Student’s Testimony

Tens of thousands of India's devotees wash in the Ganges to purify themselves from sin and dedicate themselves anew to their idols. They count themselves happy if they die on its banks. People who have the Bible and profess to be Christians send out missionaries to teach them the folly of idolatry, and bring them to a knowledge of Christ.

A Brahmin student, who had vainly sought rest to his soul in the sacred rites of his religion, was brought under the Gospel's sound preached at a festival, and procured a copy of the Bible in the Telugu language. Reading it alone and apart from any human instrumentality, the Spirit of God convinced him of his sinfulness and showed him the way of salvation through faith in Christ alone. He believed the Gospel, was saved and confessed Jesus as his Savior and Lord, renouncing his "caste," and was disowned by friends and companions for the Gospel's sake.

On a visit to this land where Christianity is supposed to be everybody's religion, he was amazed to find that many were not much further advanced than the idolaters of India who bathe in the Ganges to cleanse themselves from sin. He found some trusting in their baptism, others in their churches, and many in their works as' the procuring cause of their salvation, while others were denying the Bible they had sent out to convert the people of India. The converted Brahmin was amazed, and lifting up his voice he testified, "I solemnly say it is not the water but the blood that cleanses from sin; not man's works but Christ's that justify sinners before God; not human religion but regeneration by the Spirit that fits a soul for heaven. Nothing saves but Christ. The knowledge of my sin and of His cleansing blood brought me to God. The Gospel is the power of God to save a pagan like me, and religious people like, you. There is only one Savior, one salvation, one way. Your learned men deny the Bible, I receive it. I have proved its truth, I know its power. It has an eternal charm for me. It has brought life to my soul, joy to my heart, rest to my spirit. I commend Jesus Christ to one and all. His blood alone to cleanse; His power to save.”

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

"Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12:

Made Very Happy

I had often heard of conversions, and knew that I must myself be converted if ever I was to go to heaven; but how I or anyone else was to be converted was a matter of which I was profoundly ignorant. Not ignorant from want of instruction, nor from not knowing, even from childhood, the theory of the gospel; but, like thousands of other persons, my ignorance lay in this, that I thought I believed everything. That is, I. did not doubt the truth of what is declared in the Scriptures, but how believing that; Jesus died for sinners, even for me, would save my soul, was something I never could' see, or rather feel Awakened, through God's mercy, to a sense of my sinfulness before God, and to my) need of a Savior, I passed a few years of my life with a good deal of inward strife; for the world on one hand, and Christ on the other, were both bidders for my worthless heart.

Such was pretty much my state at the time I have named, when my French tutor, who had for six years been my instructor, and to whom I was much attached, was taken ill with a disease from which it was not possible he could recover.

My father and mother had often spoken of his soul, and longed for his blessing; but there seemed a barrier in the way. My tutor, like too many of his fellow-countrymen, had lapsed into utter carelessness as to God, and even into infidelity. He never went to church, chapel, or meeting-house.

It is true that on one occasion he accompanied me and my brother to hear the famous Pasteur M— preach a sermon in French, and that on another occasion he came with us to hear a young man deliver a special gospel address to young men. But, beyond these two instances, I never knew my poor friend to go to hear the Word of God anywhere.

One day, while my parents were still wondering how his soul could best be reached by the sound of the gospel, some friends came to say we ought certainly to get someone to call and see Monsieur I—, as he was dying, and he ought not to be allowed to die like a heathen.

Accordingly, the next day my father suggested that I should ask Monsieur I—if he would like to see a friend of ours, a devoted servant of Christ, who had spent many years in France in the Lord's work. He had just come to town, and the Frenchman had often heard the name of Mr. D—in our house.

I rather objected to doing this, on the ground that I did not make any profession of religion; but I afterward consented. I went, therefore, that morning to see the sick man, taking with me some little comforts for the body, such as he required, but hardly knowing how I was to broach the subject of a visit from Mr. D—.

As soon, however, as I went into his' room, I found the way was already plain for me. The sick man was unhappy in a way I had never seen him before. As soon as he saw me he said, "I am a miserable man. I wish I was dead. But I am afraid to die. I am a burden to you, and I am a burden to myself and to everybody. I wish I was dead. If I were as holy as that young man" (meaning the one we had heard preach some months before), "I should not be afraid to die.”

I felt for the poor fellow, and gave him such comfort as I could, telling him to cheer up, and take a more hopeful view of his case; that perhaps, after all, he would pull through, and be himself again.

"By-the-by," I added, "our friend Mr. D—is here at present. You have often heard of him. He speaks French like a native. Perhaps you would like him to call upon you, and cheer you up a little?”

To this the sick man, with all the natural grace and politeness, not only assented, but even seemed most thankful for the suggestion. After a little more conversation I left him.

My next step was to call upon Mr. D—and ask him if he would be willing to come with me in the afternoon to see the man whose case I described to him. He very readily consented to accompany me, so about four o'clock we proceeded to the house of the dying Frenchman.

The introduction over, Mr. D— was very soon seated by the bedside of the patient, talking to him of his, native land, and various places in it which they both knew. It was a pleasant conversation to the sick man; and it was very easy to see that Mr. D—had quite gained his confidence.

Presently the conversation changed. Mr. D— turned to the subject of the dying man's state before God, and immediately met with a hearty response. There was an eagerness about the way in which he seemed to grasp at every word spoken (as a drowning man would catch at a straw), which, in my ignorance, I supposed arose from politeness on the part of Monsieur I—who must needs assent to all that was said.

In the course of their conversation (which I cannot detail as I should wish), Mr. D—spoke of Christ as the sole and all-sufficient Savior.

"Ah!" said the Frenchman, "if I only knew Him; if I only had Him!”

"Well," replied Mr. D—, "He is beside you. He is here. He is knocking at the door of your heart, wanting to come in. He says, `Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.' " Rev. 3:20.

The moment the sick man heard these precious words, he sat up in the bed, and with both hands pulling his night-shirt open, and baring his breast, he looked up, and said with the most intense earnestness, "O! I am open, I am open. Come, Jesus, into my heart!”

A little more conversation followed, and we took our leave.

As soon as we were outside the house, Mr. D—took my arm, and said, "Do you know, F—, I believe that man is converted!”

"Converted!" I thought. "I— converted!" It seemed more than I could credit.

I said nothing, but thoughts passed rapidly through my mind;

"Could this marvelous change, by which a guilty sinner is made meet for the glory of God, take place in so short a. time, and in so very simple a way? Was it possible that if Monsieur I— died now, he would go to heaven to be with, Christ? Was every question settled between him and God? Was he really ready to go, while I, with so many more advantages, was still unsaved? Ah well!" I thought, "time will tell, and time will prove all." And so it did.

Monsieur I—was saved. He knew it; he knew his Savior, too, and his whole heart's craving was to be with Him. He wanted to see the blessed One who had plucked him as a brand from the burning. Several times he said to me, When I had brought him little bodily comforts, "Ah! I don't want these things now. They only help to keep me here, and I would rather go to be with Jesus.”

Have you, beloved reader, opened your heart to the blessed Savior who stands knocking, and seeking an entrance? Many and many a time has He knocked, and long has He waited. He has knocked every time you have heard the gospel; He has knocked by sickness, it may be, or by the removal, through death, of a beloved one from your side. He has knocked in a thousand ways and at a thousand times; and yet have you never, as the dying Frenchman did, opened your heart to let Him in?

You mean to do so, no doubt; you intend to open to Him some day. You perhaps think the grace that has waited so long will still wait your convenience. You think of a future day, another time, a convenient season. But O! how you slight the love of Him who knocks, and how you imperil your own soul, by listening to the devil's gospel, "Tomorrow!”

"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

Rest

I do not see how a sinner can find rest until he has learned somewhat of that which is distinctly peculiar to Calvary; learned that, then and there, there was a cup drunk by the Lord, in obedient submission to God, cup of wrath due to sin only, undergone by Christ at Calvary. The only spot I turn to, when in conscience the question is about sin, or guilt, or sins (of the human family, of myself as an individual, etc.) is Calvary, and to the Lord there, crying out, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Matt. 27:40.

A Personal Decision

Many believe in a general way the doctrines of the Gospel as they believe other things they read, but such credence brings no salvation to the soul. Faith is a personal reliance on Jesus Christ, confessing Him as "the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

It is a personal decision to receive Him as mine, whom God has given to the whole world to be the Savior.

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

The moment a sinner makes this personal choice, saying 'Christ for me,' thus receiving Him definitely and decidedly as Redeemer, Savior and Lord, God answers that faith by making the believing sinner His child. There is nothing clearer or surer than this revealed in the Bible.

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD." John 1:12, 13.

Yes, "Born of God," then and there accepted and owned His children, no longer strangers, but of the "household of God.”

This is as true and as sure to the sinner who, while reading these lines, honestly takes his place before God as "guilty" before Him (Rom. 3:19), and confessing Jesus Christ as his Lord (Rom. 10:9), makes the great choice of his life.

Reader, have you ever definitely and decisively accepted the Christ of God to be your personal Savior? If not, will you do so now, just as and where you are, saying to God "CHRIST FOR ME.”

This is not making a mere resolution: that would be of very little value. It would only be another effort of self to do something toward salvation, and like all other such efforts it would surely fail. But to accept Christ as Savior, Deliverer, Lord, and Keeper, in all of which aspects He is presented to sinners in the Gospel is to put yourself into vital touch and living union with One who is mighty to save. That marks the difference between human efforts to obtain salvation and a personal trust in Another to do all for you. This is faith.

That Is Me; That Is My Prayer?

There was a poor Hottentot in South Africa, who, working for a God-fearing. Hollander, was daily present at the reading of God's word and prayer. One day Luke 18 was in order to be read—the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Hollander read:

"Two men went up into the temple to pray.”

The poor heathen, in whose heart the Spirit of God had been active, hearkened.

"Perhaps," he whispered to himself, "perhaps, I may now learn, how to pray.”

The Hollander did not understand him, so read on: "God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men." Here the poor man whispered: "This is not me, this is not me, I can't pray like that; I am worse than everybody else." The reader went on: "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”

"I don't do that, I can't pray like that! O, what shall I do?" Thus the unhappy man talked with himself.

After this followed the description of the publican's attitude and prayer, who, "stand-afar off,"— "That's me," said the Hottentot audibly "that's where I stand!"—"would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven," continued the Hollander.

"That's me again," said the poor heathen. The former read on, "But smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Here the deeply touched African could contain no longer, but cried in a loud voice: "That is me, and that is my prayer!”

Then and there he smote his black breast and cried in the anguish of his soul, "Yes, God be merciful to me, a sinner!”

His anguish of soul, and his cry for mercy were not in vain. He found peace in believing, he had the forgiveness of sins and eternal life—God's free gifts to those who honor his Son. One old man said once: "I daily pray the publican's prayer." But the publican prayed it only once, and went away justified; the poor African prayed it once, and once only from the depth of his burdened soul, and had the almost immediate answer from "God who is rich in mercy," and who delights to show mercy.

Dear young reader, how is it with you? You might say daily with your lips like a parrot: "God be merciful to me a sinner," and find no relief, or you might say it once from a heart filled and burdened and heavy laden, with a sense of your sins and guilt, and find the rest He has promised to all who so come to Him.

"Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13.

The One Who Died for Thee

"Christ the Lord has come in grace,
Lived and died in this dark place,
Shone as "Light" and "Love" below,
Passing on to Calvary's woe.

He Who filled the throne above;
Here revealed God's wondrous love,
Came to do His holy will,
Died, the Father's house to fill.

Died beneath the hand—the rod
Of a righteous, holy God,
There made sin upon the tree,
That the sinner might be free.

He Who once for sinners died,
See Him now the glorified!
Raised from among the dead,.
Set o'er all things there as Head.

Flee for refuge, sinner flee
To the One Who died for thee;
Now from Him salvation flows,
Soon the door of grace will close.”

WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD I WILL PASS OVER YOU."

Ex. 12:13

"IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKETH ATONEMENT FOR YOUR SOUL"

Lev. 17:11

"WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION (OF SINS)."

Heb. 9:22

“THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S SON, CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN."

1 John 1:7

December

Taking God at His Word

I was lately at some services in a fishing village; the meeting house was crowded, and the gospel was preached simply and faithfully.

Among those who remained to be spoken to at the close of the meeting was a young man, about twenty years old. During the evening I had noticed his deep, earnest gaze fixed on the speaker as each word seemed to go straight to his heart. Going up to him, I said, "Do you know Jesus as your Savior?”

"I never heard the like before," he said, adding in eager tones, "O, tell me more about Him.”

I spoke to him, as I would have spoken to a child of the Lord Jesus. He was ignorant, indeed, but the Holy Spirit had convinced his conscience of the true nature of sin and touched his heart with a sense of the amazing love of God.

This young man was able to grasp at once the most blessed of all truths; for it was the person of the One who died for him that had captivated his heart.

"I'll take Him at His word," he said, as we rose to leave, when the others had gone and the place was being locked up. As he accompanied me far on my way home, we still spoke of Him who is the chiefest among ten thousand, the altogether lovely One.

It was the first time he had heard about Jesus, for he had never, before that night, attended a preaching or entered a place of worship. He gladly accepted Christ as his Savior, and went on his way rejoicing in Him.

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

God Is Love”

A farmer had the verse, "God is Love" painted in the weathercock of his barn. Somebody remarked, "You have put an unchanging truth on a changeable thing.”

"That is true," said the farmer, "but I mean to say 'God 'is Love' from whatever direction the wind may blow."

Trying to Believe

When the Lord uplifts His dear Son before the sinner, that sinner should take Him without hesitation. If you take Him by, faith, you have Him, and none can take Him from you. Out with your hand, man, and take Him at once!

Two inquiring ones came to me. They had been hearing the gospel for only a short season, but they had been deeply impressed by it. I asked them, "Have you in very deed believed in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you saved?”

One of them replied, "I have been trying hard to believe.”

"No," I said, "that will not do. Did you ever tell your father that you tried to believe him?”

After I had dwelt a while upon the matter, they admitted that such language would have been an insult to their father.

I then set the gospel very plainly before them in as simple language as I could, and I begged them to believe Jesus, who is more worthy of faith than the best of fathers. One of them replied, "I cannot realize it; I cannot realize that I am saved." Then I went on to say, "God bears testimony to His Son, that whosoever trusts in His Son is saved. Will you make Him a liar now, or will you believe His word?”

While I thus spoke, one of them started as if astonished, and she startled us all as she said, "O sir, I see it all! I am saved! O, do bless Jesus for me! He has shown me the way, and He has saved me! I see it all!”

One of the two sisters, however, could not see the gospel as the other had done, though I feel sure she will do so before long.

Now, does it not seem strange that, both hearing the same words, one should come out into clear light, and the other should remain in the gloom? The change which comes over the heart when the understanding grasps the gospel is often reflected in the face, and shines there like the light of heaven. Such newly enlightened souls often exclaim, "Why, sir, it is so plain; how is it I have not seen it before this? I understand all I read in the Bible now, though I could not make it out before.”

The fact is, the truth was always plain, but they were looking for signs and wonders, and therefore did not see what was nigh them. Christ Jesus is before our faces, and we have only to look to Him and live; but we make all manner of bewilderment of it, and so manufacture a maze out of that which is plain.

The little incident about the two sisters reminds me of another. A much esteemed friend came to me one Sunday morning after service to shake hands with me, "for," said she, "I was fifty years old on the slime day as yourself. I am like you in that one thing, sir; but I am the very reverse of you in better things.”

"Then you must be a very good woman, for in many things I also wish I could be the reverse of what I am.”

"No, no," she said, "I did not mean anything of that sort; I am not right at all.”

"What!" I said; "are you not a believer in the Lord Jesus?”

“Well," she said, with much emotion, "I I will try to be." I laid hold of her hand and said, "My dear soul, you are not going to tell me that you will try to believe my Lord Jesus! I cannot have such talk from you. It means blank unbelief. What has He done that you should talk of Him that way? Would you tell me that you would try to believe me? I know you would not treat me so rudely. You think me a true man, and so you believe me at once; and surely you cannot do less with my Lord Jesus." Then with tears she exclaimed,

"O! sir, do pray for me!”

"I do not feel that I can do anything of the kind. What can I ask the Lord Jesus to do for one who will not trust Him? I see nothing to pray about. If you will believe Him, you shall be saved; and if you will not believe Him, I cannot ask Him to invent a new way to gratify your unbelief." Then she said again,

"I will try to believe;" but I told her solemnly I would have none of her tryings, for the message from the Lord did not mention "trying," but said.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31. I pressed upon her the great truth that

"He that believeth on Him hath everlasting life;" and its terrible reverse "He that believeth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

I urged her to exercise full faith in the once crucified but now ascended Lord, and the Holy Spirit there and then enabled her to trust. She most tenderly said,

"O, sir, I have been looking to my feelings, and this has been my mistake! Now I trust my soul with Jesus, and I am saved." She found immediate peace through believing.

Faith is so simple a matter that, whenever I try to explain it, I am very fearful lest I should becloud its simplicity. I will, however, make one trial, and pray to the Lord to make it clear. I am told that on a certain road there was a disputed right-of-way. The owner wished to preserve his supremacy, and at the same time he did not wish to inconvenience the public; hence an arrangement which occasioned the following incident. Seeing a sweet country girl standing at the gate, a tourist went up to her and offered her .25c to permit him to pass.

"No, no," said the child, "I must not take anything from you; but you are to say: `Please allow me to pass,' and then you may come through and welcome." The permission was to be asked for; but it could be had for the asking.

Just so, eternal life is free; and it can be had yea, it shall be at once had by trusting in the word of Him who cannot lie. Trust Christ, and by that trust you grasp salvation and eternal life. Do not sit and bother your poor brain. Just believe Jesus as you would your father. Faith will not long seem a difficulty to you; nor ought it to be, so, for it is simple.

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

Jesus - Heaven

A fellow Christian, known to the writer, went to a hospital a short time since, to pay another visit to a dying man who, in health, had lived in forgetfulness of God.

"You are very near to eternity now," said the visitor; "can you tell me where you are going to spend it?”

"Heaven," was the simple utterance of the dying man.

"I'm very glad to hear you say that; but, tell me," continued the visitor, "upon what ground do you expect to enter heaven? What is your passport there?”

"Jesus," was the sole reply.

"That's right," answered the visitor. "Cling to that name, the name of Jesus; 'for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.'”

Yes, Jesus went down into death, and there met all the claims of Divine justice in regard to sin.

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2:10, 11.

Have you, my reader, as a lost, helpless, guilty sinner, bowed the knee to Jesus, and in heart, as well as by mouth, owned Him as your Savior and your Lord?

Bow the knee now, in this day of God's grace, and it will mean "eternal salvation" to you; but wait until the day that's coming, and it will mean "eternal judgment.”

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

It Had Life in It”

My earliest recollections are of a large China swan being given me as a toy, which I carried into the farmyard, followed, by geese, turkeys and hens, all eager to get into touch with their painted "brother." But it had no life; pretty as it was, it was dead and could not answer them.

When I was a schoolboy I remember seeing the wax figure of a great soldier, life-size, dressed in all the uniform of a General. It was very pretty, and they said "lifelike;" but it was dead. It could not speak, hear or see. It had all the parts and outward resemblances of the great warrior but it lacked the life.

Later in life, I visited a fine cathedral in which there was a most imposing service being conducted. Music, choir, and robed preacher were there, and the whole program was carried through without a hitch or jar. It was simply magnificent and the people said "impressive," but the "effect" passed away at the door and there was no more of it. It appealed to the senses, but never reached the conscience or the heart. There was no spiritual life or power in it. It was religion but not a living Christ.

In a humble dwelling inhabited by a single woman, gray-haired and old, I rested on a summer day. She gave me a hearty welcome, brought me a drink of cold spring water and said as she handed it, "It is free and refreshing as the water of life.”

I heard from her lips the story of her conversion as a girl, happy life as a working man's wife, and peaceful evening of life as a widow. Her story went to my heart; there was life in it. It came from the heart. The living witness herself was there. It was that simple, living testimony to the power of Christ to save, to sustain and to satisfy, that convinced me of the reality of Christianity, and became the turning point of my life. I had been brought up religiously, taught to read and revere the Scriptures, keep the Sabbath and go to church, but I do not remember hearing of the need of being saved, or of having eternal life from a living Christ.

The words of that aged Christian turned my thoughts into a new channel, I was convinced of the reality of a living Christianity and I determined not to rest until I had a personal knowledge of it in my soul, until I was converted. That happened while listening to an address on "Christ the Life-giver.”

"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.

I learned then how to get that life, not by works or efforts of mine, but by looking to Jesus the uplifted Savior, by hearing His Word and believing on Him.

I came to Him as I was, gave up all hope of saving myself, and simply trusted myself to Him, to Himself only, and I received life. Yes, the Word often read, came true in me, "He that hath the Son hath life." 1 John 5:9.

I received Christ, I have life in Christ now, a living Christ as my salvation, not a dead profession as once I had, but a living, loving Friend, beside me, in me, for me, awaiting me in glory.

The dead swan was pretty, but lifeless; the imposing service entrancing but ineffectual; but the living stream that flowed from that aged Christ-filled heart, carried the conviction of sin to me.

The Gospel presents a living Savior: One to save, to keep, to satisfy. Open your heart to Him. Receive Him, and you will prove His love and His power. There is all the difference in the world between a dead religion, a lifeless profession, and a living Christ. Make sure you have Christ.

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

Have Faith in God

She was a babe; a young believer in Christ; Satan had worried her as to whether she had rightly accepted the sacrifice of Christ. It was pointed out that though Christ offered Himself for us, it was as "an offering and sacrifice to God" (Eph. 5:21), and therefore the acceptance of the sacrifice was God's part, hers was to believe He had done so. He was the One offended by her sins, and therefore the one to be satisfied about them. He was the creditor, so to speak, and she was the debtor. The great question to be settled was, Has God been satisfied, has He accepted the sacrifice? It was beyond her power to meet the case, but Christ has done so. Now, He was delivered for our offenses, and raised again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. That is, "we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Rom. 4:24, 25; 5:1).

There is nothing said here about our acceptance of the sacrifice, but of believing in God who raised Christ from the dead, and this is the point: God's satisfaction in the work of the cross, and His acceptance of Christ who did it, are clearly expressed in His raising Him from the dead who is now seated on high.

The anxious look was gone forever. God was satisfied and Christ was glorified. He was on the cross in her stead. God had accepted the sacrifice in full satisfaction for her sins and raised Him from the dead; she believed in Him, believed His word, was "justified" and had "peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Satan's power also was gone.

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Rom. 8:33, 34. This verse was of assuring comfort to her now, "Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." 1 Peter 1:21.

The Savior's Wondrous Love

Sweet is the story
Of the Savior's wondrous love,
How Christ the Lord of life and glory
Came to earth from heaven above.
To seek and to save us,
His own precious life He gave,
That each sinner trusting in Him
He might freely save.

May you this Savior
Now in simple faith receive,
And gladly own Him as your Lord,
His own assuring Word believe.
And loyally serve Him,
Gratefully His praises sing,
Grow in grace and in the knowledge
Of our Lord, the King.

One day from heaven
Shall the Lord Himself appear,
The dead in Christ, the saints then living,—
Both shall meet Him in the air.
Be with Him and like Him,
From all sin and sorrow free,
And we'll praise our blest Redeemer
For eternity.

THE WICKED SHALL BE TURNED INTO HELL, AND ALL THE NATIONS THAT FORGET GOD."

Psa. 9:17

"GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE. TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US."

Rom. 5:8

"NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION."

2 Cor. 6:2

Echoes of Grace: 1946

Table of Contents

January

"I Shall Beat You All"

My Faith Looks up to Thee”

A Sleeping City - a Waking Savior

"Where Are You Going?"

The Man Who Saw His Grave Dug

Thirty Pieces of Silver

February

The Lord As Security

A Letter

Just One Thing Wanting

The Four Calls of the Spirit

Waiting to See Something

The Indian and His Pension

Be Honest With God!”

March

Diamonds in a Matchbox

"Not Because I'm Good"

Left Behind!

Ten More Minutes”

I'll Take Everything That's Given Me?

On Different Tracks

April

Intellect, or Faith in God's Word

"What Will Be the End of It All?"

Are You Ready?

On the Wrong Side

From Darkness to Light”

May

The Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, Cleanseth Us From All Sin”

Extract: "O Fools"

Jesus Died

The Golden Word

How a Heathen Was Converted

Thus Saith the Lord

Extract: For Better or for Worse

June

The Name of Jesus”

The Burden Bearer

The Searching Test

We Know

Bits of Truth

July

After Fifteen Years

Extract: The Honor of Witnessing Thy Rejection

The Hole in the Wall

Lost and Found

August

I Never Thought of Losing”

Extract: Worth a World

The Precious Blood

The Murderer and the Momier

September

No Time to Waste”

What Will You Do Without Him?

The Gospel of Peace

The Last Football Match

Jesus Is Ready to Pardon

Extract: Power to Draw Others

October

The Old Shed

Some or All?

Down From the Maintop

The Excursionist’s Question:

Eternal Salvation

I Have No Cause for Alarm”

Mark Well, O Man, Eternity

November

A Brahmin Student’s Testimony

Made Very Happy

Rest

A Personal Decision

That Is Me; That Is My Prayer?

The One Who Died for Thee

December

Taking God at His Word

God Is Love”

Trying to Believe