Echoes of Grace: 1962

"Friends," said Rowland Hill, "the other day I was going down the street. Just ahead of me I saw a drove of pigs following a man—a most unusual sight. This excited my curiosity so much that I decided to follow them.

"I did so; and to my great surprise, I saw the man lead them into the slaughter house.

"Now how could this be brought about?

"I said to the man: 'Friend, how did you manage to induce these pigs to follow you here?'

" 'Oh!' said the man, Did you not see? I had a basket of beans under my arm. As I came along I occasionally dropped a few. The pigs followed the beans.'

"Yes," said the preacher, "so it is with the souls of men. The devil has his basket of beans under his arm, and he drops some of them as he goes along, 'the pleasures of sin for a season.' What multitudes he thus induces to follow him into an everlasting judgment!

"Yes, friends! All your broad and crowded thoroughfares are strewn with the beans of the devil.”

"Ponder the path of thy feet.”

"There is a way that seemeth right unto man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov. 4:26; 14:12

Your Passport

A young officer lay on a hospital cot ill with fever. He was much loved by all who called him friend and much esteemed by the men of his company. He had led a gay and carefree life; but now illness had come to arrest him in the midst of his enjoyment of earthly pleasures.

One night in a dream he saw a great number of men and women passing over a bridge, and suddenly he found himself in the midst of them. Looking ahead, he saw a man sitting on an elevated seat, and just below him was a closed door. When the soldier came to it he attempted to open it; but at that moment the man on the seat above called to him: "Where is your passport? This is the door to heaven. No one can enter here without a passport.”

He awakened, completely changed in his thoughts from what he had been before. He had never seriously asked himself what was to be the end of his gay life. The words, "Where is your passport?" now burned into his soul. What could he answer?

As the days passed his distress increased and deepened into anxiety. He saw that in the sight of God he was a lost sinner. "A passport for heaven! What sort of passport can give a man entrance there?" Over and over he asked himself this question; but he received no answer that would satisfy his soul.

"When I get out of this hospital," he thought, "I will ask leave and go see my old captain. He, I know, is a Christian. He will tell me what this passport is.”

His difficulty was soon solved. His friend told him that Jesus was the sinner's passport to heaven. Faith in His name, and in the precious blood of Christ which was shed for sinners brought peace and joy to the young officer. Trusting in Jesus and His cleansing blood was his passport to heaven.

Dear reader, have you found it? Nothing less will enable you to stand before God; and blessed be His name, He asks nothing more. Jesus of Nazareth can save you. God has attached salvation to His name only.

"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.

We Believe in Tomorrow”

What a striking slogan! Printed across the front page of a newspaper, it attracted my attention recently. How far, I wondered, could such a bold assertion be justified, and what could be the character of that "tomorrow" upon which its claimants' faith was thus pinned?

READER, WHAT OF YOUR TOMORROW?

What, indeed, does this present life hold for you? The memory of your past may cause some uneasiness, and your present may depress you; but what, I repeat, of tomorrow? Can you honestly face the unknown which lies beyond your immediate horizon without one single feeling of apprehension?

This is no attempt to spread despondency. Far from it, for we know the unfailing goodness of a God "Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." 1 Tim. 6:17. However, we must face up to facts as they stand. Where, indeed shall we find peace in a world of confusion? If the present be insecure-what, what of the future? What of tomorrow?

The present period of confusion and chaos is a legacy inherited from a godless past. The system of this world is fast being carried forward to a future of judgment. The solemn fact stands out that the boasted "tomorrow" of this world may be one of despair. The ugly stain of a crime perpetrated two thousand years ago remains indelibly impressed on its system. The world's choice then is irrevocable. The hollow echo of the impassioned clamor at Pilate's court continues today as the children of this godless generation repeat, "Away with Him! Away!" to the Savior of sinners.

Friend, are you among these Christ rejecters? If so, let me tell you of your TOMORROW. Unless you come forward and declare your allegiance to Christ, you stand, at this moment, identified with those who are guilty of the crime of Calvary, and you with them will be judged by it.

Your position is one of extreme peril! Apart from Christ, and the efficacy of His atoning work, you stand now on the very threshold of a lost eternity. Let the awful significance of your present position awaken your soul to a sense of your dire need!

The jailor at Philippi (of whom we read in Acts 16), was aroused to his peril when he uttered those anguished words: "WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?”

The answer he received is the reply we give you. "BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED!”

The key to a bright tomorrow is found only in the Lord Jesus. He died to secure it for us, so that TODAY we can rightly emphasize that TOMORROW belongs to the Christian; it holds not a single ray of hope for the unbeliever or procrastinator. However, in another sense, we can also assert that today belongs to the sinner. Your hope, my friend, lies in this present moment.

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

Remember, decisions made in time affect our destiny in eternity; but, in eternity, conditions will be fixed-there will be no further opportunity! An eternity of bliss has been made available to undeserving sinners through Calvary's work of atonement.

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 3:7, 8.

"We expect a bright tomorrow,
All will be well!
Faith can sing through days of sorrow—
All, all is well!”

But what will your tomorrow be? The tomorrow of the Christian is one of eternal glory with the Savior we adore. The tomorrow of the work' is one of uncertainty and gloom. The choice is with you.

WHAT WILL YOURS BE?

Prepare to Meet Thy God!?

A marine diver donned his diving suit, closed his helmet with its glass eye pieces, and descended to the floor of the sea. The effect of the glass and the water together is to magnify submerged objects; and, as the diver reached the bottom, what seemed like a large sheet of paper met his gaze. The words on it—PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD—stared him in the face.

The effect was immediate and wonderful. He did not wait for a more convenient season or place. God had spoken to his soul in those five words. Then and there on the ocean's floor he knelt down and found salvation in Christ. In such a place did God meet and save the diver.

My unsaved reader, you too may receive God's salvation wherever you are, if by faith you will trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior.

A Statesman's Cry

In the height of the war of 1914-1918, a renowned statesman viewed with consternation the course political events were taking. In amazement he exclaimed: "The whole world is perishing: where will salvation come from?”

Where indeed! Where could help be found? Such a pertinent question, wrung from his lips under the terrible stress of world conditions, would be well worth a solution if one could only be found.

And it can! God has "laid help upon One that is mighty," "mighty to save." For you, for me, for all the nations of the earth, the blessed Christ of God stands revealed as God's perfect salvation. "Thou shalt call His name JESUS [Savior]: for He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. 1:21.

"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.

Blessed answer from God to the "perishing world needing salvation"! And how can this marvelous salvation of God be available to you as it has been for the countless myriads of those who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ? It is only by the suffering and love of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. He has indeed borne in His own body my sins on the tree—blessed be God! Jesus has done that; but He also gave Himself for my sins, that He might deliver me from this present evil world, according to the will of God.

"Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Gal. 1:4.

Well may the writer to the Hebrews exclaim: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2:3.

How do you stand in relation to God's salvation? Has the appeal of the love of the glorious Savior now enthroned on high, in His down-stooping even unto death, made no appeal to your heart as yet? Oh, may you now, in the "acceptable time," in the "day of salvation," open your heart to let the Savior in!

What Are We Doing?

In a certain town a wicked man was dying on one side of the street. One who was esteemed a pious man lived nearly opposite to him. He also was in the last stage of life.

The wicked man said to a person who visited him, "I feel that I am dying. And there is Thomas over the way. I hear he is going too. They say he is going to heaven; it may be so. I know that I am going to hell. He must have known that I was perishing; but he never warned me of my danger, or told me of the way to escape. We were together almost every day, and we talked of the weather, and the markets, and politics, and a thousand other things; but he never spoke to me about my soul. His silence I regarded as the sanction of my sins. I could account for it in no other way. He may be going to heaven; but he will be followed to heaven with the curses of my lost soul.”

Friends who read this, what are we doing in these solemn days to win souls to Christ? Like Thomas, we can talk of politics and the weather, and other things, but do we talk of Christ? Do we live Christ, speak of Christ?

?The Sinner''

Daniel Webster, the famous lawyer, during a summer holiday in a district far away from the capital and its scenes of busy life, went each Sunday morning to a little country church. His niece asked him why he went there, when he paid little attention to far abler ministers of the Word in Washington.

"In Washington," he replied, "they preach to Daniel Webster the statesman. But this man has been talking to Daniel Webster the sinner, and telling him of Jesus.”

Will you let me do the same for you? Will you, for a few minutes, regard your own name, and every descriptive term about you except one, as an alias, and let me speak with you as a sinner?

I must tell you what can meet the crying need of every sinner. There is something that can bring peace to his conscience and lasting joy to his heart. It is all summed up in the one word that meant so much to Daniel Webster: JESUS.

The God of all eternity has thought of you with a heart of deepest, truest compassion. Yet your sins make it impossible for Him to bless you and take you into His favor. They raise a most serious question, for God is holy, and hates sin perfectly.

But He has a way to extend His mercy to sinners without in the least degree compromising His holiness. He gave JESUS, His own Son, to take the sinner's place, and to bear the penalty of his guilt. This is the great work the Lord Jesus has done. This is what He accomplished when He hung as our Surety upon the cross of Calvary. He atoned for our sins by His sufferings and death. The condemnation due to us fell upon Him. It was willingly borne by Him, and now God freely pardons and saves the sinner who puts his trust in the Savior. What rest to the sin-burdened conscience the knowledge of this brings!

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isa. 53:5.

Foolish Delay!

It is not long since two young men, of about the same age, found themselves the only occupants of a railway compartment.

A few words passed and it soon became evident that, traveling to the same destination on that railroad, they were bound for different destinations in ETERNITY. The one, a converted youth, was on "the narrow road which leads to life"; the other, an unconverted comedian, was, by his own admission, traveling down the broad road to destruction.

Dear reader, in all love to your never-dying soul, I ask you to consider which road you are traveling? There are only two roads. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the' way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt. 7:13, 14.

Are you, dear reader, among the "few" who have entered the strait gate and narrow way which leads to life? If you are, you can pass this word on to someone else. If not, read carefully to the end.

"Where will your soul spend ETERNITY?" asked the youth.

"Well," said the comedian, "I am not like some who laugh at such people as you! I believe there is a God. I believe all the Bible. I used to read it when I was a boy; but now I have my living to earn, and my profession to follow. I have no time to think about God or any such things.”

"Then," said his companion, "as you say you believe all the Bible, allow me to read you one verse from it—`The wicked shall be turned into HELL, and all the nations that forget God.' Psa. 9:17. Do you believe that?”

"God says so," was the reply. "His word says, `All that forget God shall be turned into hell.'”

This young comedian was making the fatal mistake of forgetting or neglecting God. Many like him have made and are making it today. Presently he said, "The title of a song I sing is, 'It is never too late to mend.' I know what the Bible says is true, and I don't intend to go to hell. But I am young yet, my profession needs all my time and attention. As regards the future [speaking of his soul's salvation], there is `plenty of time.' When I get old will do for that. If I were to be converted I would have to give up my business profession.”

The journey came to an end, and the comedian's parting words to his companion were, "Plenty of time. It is never too late to mend.”

What a sad mistake! Procrastination is by far the best bait Satan can use, and by it he lures to eternal ruin many thousands of souls. Take warning, unsaved reader, lest you too be ensnared by the thought, "Plenty of time." God has said: "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.”

Unsaved reader! procrastinator, neglecter, or whatever you may be, if your sins are still unforgiven, if the eternal destiny of your soul is still unsettled, take warning, for tonight thy soul may be required of thee!

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

"Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1.

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, sisters, 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 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 said: "I cannot realize it; I cannot realize it, if I am saved.”

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

The other of the two sisters, however, did not at once see the gospel as the other had done, though I feel sure she will 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 doubt? The change which comes over the heart when the understanding grasps the gospel is often reflected in the face, and shines like the light of heaven. Such newly enlightened souls have often exclaimed: "Why, sir, it is so plain! How is it I have not seen it before this? I understand what I read in the Bible now, though I could not make it out before.”

In fact, the truth is always plain and simple, but they were looking for signs and wonders in themselves. Therefore they could not see what was near them—Christ Jesus ever at hand, ready and waiting to become the Light of life to all who will receive Him. Childlike trust in Him opens the eyes of your heart to see and understand His Word.

Will you believe Him now?

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:12.

The Way of God

That door has been opened. It was opened up in the Person of God's Son. Sin, the mighty barrier, shut man out from God's presence; but the Son of God put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, bringing in everlasting righteousness.

Sinner, you do not need to pray for an open way, It is open. You have simply to enter in-believing on that Savior who died that you might live.

"And by Him all that believe are justified from all things." Acts 13:39.

Eternity

E TERNITY! how solemn! yet 'tis true
T hat unbelief hath endless ill in view:
E ach hour deriving terror from the last;
R ecurring torment, ne'er completely past;
N o heart to cheer, no hand to bring relief,
I ncessant agony, undying grief;
T he woe unspeakable, sheer blank despair;
Y ea, not one mitigating solace there!

E TRNAL LIFE!—no less, the Savior gives
T o him who in His peerless name believes;
E ntire remission, present, perfect peace,
R ich promise of incomparable bliss;
N ew joys, bright glories, shared with God's own Son—
A biding proofs of triumphs rightly won—
L oved like Himself, and lifted to His throne.

L et none exclaim, "These joys are not for me!"
I n Christ believe; He died for such as thee.
F ear not to take Life's waters; quench thy thirst;
E ternal life awaits the least and worst.

"Are there not with you, even
with you, sins against the Lord
your God?”

2 Chron. 28:10.

"All have sinned and come
short of the glory of God.”

Rom. 3:23.

February

In Jesus?

I've tried in vain a thousand ways
My fears to quell, my hopes to raise;
But what I need, the Bible says,
Is ever, only, JESUS.

My soul is night, my heart is steel—
I cannot see, I cannot feel:
For light, for life, I must appeal
In simple faith to JESUS.

He died, He lives, He reigns, He pleads;
There's love in all His words and deeds;
There's all a guilty sinner needs
Forevermore in JESUS.

Though some may sneer, and some may blame,
I'll go with all my guilt and shame;—
I'll go to HIM because His name,
Above all names, is JESUS.

The Summer Will End?

Hark, sinner, while God from on high doth entreat thee,
And warnings with accents of mercy doth blend;
Give ear to His voice lest in judgment He meet thee:
"The harvest is passing, the summer will end.”

How oft of thy danger and guilt He hath told thee!
How oft still the message of mercy doth send!
Haste, haste, while He waits in His arms to enfold thee:
"The harvest is passing, the summer will end.”

Despised and rejected, at length He may leave thee;
What anguish and horror thy bosom will rend!
Then haste thee, O sinner, while He will receive thee:
"The harvest is passing, the summer will end.”

A Good Joke

One morning a young man sat in his library reading a book. The maid entered with what appeared to be a letter. On opening the envelope he found a tract entitled, "PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD." With an oath on his lips he started to put it in the fire. Then: "No, I won't do that," he said to himself. "I know what I will do; I will send it to my friend Black. It will be a good joke to hear what he will say to it." Putting the silent messenger into a separate envelope, he addressed it in a disguised hand and forwarded it to his friend.

Mr. Black, on receiving the tract, looked at its title: "PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD.”

"Methodist humbug!" he muttered. He too was inclined to destroy it; but then he said to himself, "I'll not tear it up! Perhaps I'll get some fun out of it at our club.”

As he looked at its contents he was struck by the solemn and searching title: "PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD." Deep down in his soul he knew he was utterly unfit for such a meeting. The Holy Spirit prodded his conscience and revealed to him his guilt and danger. In his distress he cried unto the Lord, and not long afterward he was led to rest his weary, sin-burdened soul on the Savior of sinners. Through believing that the Lord Jesus had suffered and died in his stead, he became the happy possessor of everlasting life.

Friend, ARE YOU READY TO MEET GOD? Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Are you certain that you are prepared? You cannot prepare yourself for the inevitable meeting. The Lord Jesus has done everything that was necessary to make you acceptable to God. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." Isa. 53:5. By His death on our behalf He has eternally settled the sin question. Why not now believe on Him who did it all, and thus be "justified from all things"?

"Now is the accepted time.”
"Life is found alone in Jesus,
Only there 'tis offered thee.
Offered without price and money,
"Tis the gift of God sent free.
Take salvation,
Take it now, and happy be.”

Man's State by Nature and Practice

"God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Psa. 53:2, 3.

"God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Gen. 6:5. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately (incurable, N. T.) wicked: who can know it?" Jer. 17:9.

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Psa. 51:5.

"We are all as an unclean thing." Isa. 64:6.

"Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity." Psa. 39:5.

"There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:22, 23.

Ungodly

He was an old, old man, sitting in his cottage one Sunday afternoon. He had been reading in a large type New Testament, and rather abruptly I questioned him as to the state of his soul.

I asked, "Are all your sins forgiven you?”

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

Such an old, old man! Over the years his sins must have added up to a considerable score. And still unforgiven! With deepest pity I asked, "And how do you know they are not forgiven?”

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

Taking the Book I turned to Rom. 5, and pointed to verse 6: "Christ died for the ungodly.”

"Now for whom did Christ die?" I asked.

"Why, for all of us.”

"But was it for you? Look at this verse again. Whom does that last word mean—`the ungodly'? Are you ungodly?”

The word seemed to startle the dear fellow, and he began, like many others, to try to prove that he was fairly good.

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

Now, Scripture does not mention Not-so-very-bad! However the not-so-very-bads are to be found in every church, in every chapel, and almost every house. But there are none by that name in heaven, nor are they spoken of in God's proclamation of grace.

"You see, my friend, this verse says—`Christ died for the ungodly.' Is that your name? Own it, man, and receive the blessings obtained by Christ's death. 'Ungodly' is the person spoken of. The ungodly deserved punishment because of his ungodliness.

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

Though God hates ungodliness, He loves the ungodly. That He might show God's love, Christ took upon Himself the penalty of all ungodliness, that the ungodly might believe and be saved.

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

Living Water

While driving through a beautiful country district in Canada I became very thirsty. I stopped at a farmhouse and asked for a drink of water. The farmer's wife kindly supplied me, and thanking her I said: "Did you ever hear of the Man who gives living water?”

"Oh, do come in," she said; "my husband is very poorly, and he was just wishing someone would come in and talk to him about his soul. He is very troubled about being sure of heaven.”

I went in and found a man about sixty years old. He was reading the Bible. After some conversation I asked him, "Do you know you are, saved?”

He answered earnestly: "I do hope I am saved! I pray to God, and I know Christ died for me; and I do hope I am saved.”

I asked him to turn to John 3:36, and read the verse. So he read, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.”

"Do you believe on the Son?" I asked.

"Oh, I do, I do, with all my heart. I do believe He died for me.”

"Well, then, you must have everlasting life." "Oh, sir, I would not dare to say that; I am not good enough for that. But I do hope I shall be saved." "But you told me you believed God's Word," I said.

"I do," he said; "I believe every word of it.”

"But don't you see God's Word says if you believe on the Son you have everlasting life? Do you think God would lie to us?”

“Oh, I wouldn't dare to say that. That would be awful.”

"You say you believe on the Son, and God says you have everlasting life. Does God tell the truth?”

He paused for a moment. Soon the light dawned on him. "Oh, I see it plainly now. I believe on the Son, and God says I have everlasting life. I must know it, not because I feel it, but because God says it." And then he cried out: "Thank God, I am saved! I am saved! God says it, and it' must be true.”

God said it;
Christ did it;
I believe it;
That settles it.

God's Way to Save.

A young man with whom I conversed on a journey had been earnestly seeking the knowledge of the forgiveness of his sins for many years. That very morning he had been reading his Testament, and thirsting for the water of life.

"Would you be willing," I asked, "to be saved in God's own way? And would now, in this very car, be too soon for you to become a Christian?”

"Let God save me in any way He will," was the reply, "and now!”

"You have been looking for evidence where you will not find it," I said. "God's Word, sealed by the Spirit, is God's evidence. None other is needed. If you received by the mouth of an angel the message from God that your sins were all blotted out of God's record, you would believe that Christ had saved you. If you were suddenly filled with a flood of light and joy, you would believe that you had received remission of sins.”

He assented, and I continued: "But in the first place your confidence would be founded on sight, and the second on feeling. It pleases God to save by faith, founded on the evidence of His own Word, not by either sight or feeling. It is your privilege now, as you sit in this car, calmly to appropriate the promise of our Lord.

"'He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.' John 6:47. Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, you will find 'forgiveness of sins.'”

"It never seemed so simple," the young man exclaimed.

Knowing that the Spirit of God was dealing with him, I dropped into silence and prayer for him.

After an interval he turned to me, his face beaming with joy, and said: "I'm not afraid now! Those trees are not more clear to my eye than it is certain to my soul that Christ is my Savior!”

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

The Great Remedy

Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone, three times Prime Minister of Britain, declared: "If I were asked what is the remedy for the deeper sorrows of the human heart, what a man could look to in his progress through life as the power to sustain him under trials and enable him man-fully to confront his afflictions, I must point to something which in a well-known hymn is called The Old Old Story,' told in an old, old Book, and taught in an old, old teaching. My remedy for earth's ills is the greatest and best gift ever given to mankind—Jesus Christ.... Talk about questions of the day! There is but one question, and that is the gospel. Believed and acted upon it can and will correct everything that needs correction. The only hope for the world is in bringing the human mind into contact with Divine revelation.”

Dr. Clark, the founder of the Christian Endeavor movement, has said that Mr. Gladstone, when, on his death-bed he bade farewell to Lord Rosebery, solemnly said to him: "Rosebery, take care of your soul." Surely this was most excellent advice from the dying statesman.

The Lord Jesus asked the momentous question: "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matt. 16:26.

Oh soul, why not now believe on Christ who died to save you?

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isa. 53:5.

Believe and be saved.

The Face of Jesus Christ

The Spirit of God is ministering at this present time life, righteousness, grace, liberty, and glory; but He gives us to find them only in Christ. The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ is shining for the sinner. Soon, soon that glory will blaze forth against the sinner. Then it will consume. Now it saves.

Have you made the acquaintance of this glorified Lord? Oh, you say, "I am doing.”

I answer, if you are engaged with Moses-reading him (2 Cor. 3:15)—the veil is upon your heart.

Turn to the Lord in glory! Let in the light from heaven! It shines through a rent veil, and is streaming forth to light your way to heaven. Yes, it is shining to blind you to this scene, so that, like Saul of old, you will need to be guided through it. (Acts 22:11).

You ask: "But must I not first see myself a sinner, and feel my need, before I look to Jesus?”

Did Saul of Tarsus "see" himself or the Lord in glory first? The deepest and truest knowledge of self is learned in gazing on the face of Jesus Christ. Why is He in the glory? Because man cast Him out—rejected Him; and now heaven opens and lets Him out to the sinner—the rejecter. He comes out in grace to shine upon poor, wretched sinners; and now, when one has seen Him, he can see no good in self—the darkness within and around is so deep that it may be almost felt—the world's glory dimmed and darkened forever.

Ah! if you have seen the face of Jesus—if you have witnessed the glory of God there—you will be able to count up every earthly advantage, and reckon all as loss for Christ. (Phil. 3:7.)

Heaven opened and Stephen looked in; he saw the glory of God and Jesus. Stephen's face shone; he then went in. Again the heavens opened, and Jesus came out and apprehended for that glory the murderer (Saul), as before He had taken the murdered one (Stephen). The heavens will again open, and Jesus will come out to take up and in His own. (1 Thess. 4.) They will open for the last time, but for judgment. (Rev. 19.)

May God in His rich mercy lead every reader of these pages to look away from self and from the best and brightest glories of the world, and look only "off unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.”

"O fix our earnest gaze so wholly, Lord, on Thee; that, with Thy beauty occupied, we elsewhere none may see.”

Where Can Happiness Be Found?

Not in Infidelity. Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: "I wish I had never been born.”

Not in Power. Napoleon the great, on St. Helena, summarized thus: "Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires. But on what did we found them? On force! And our empires are no more. Jesus Christ alone founded His on Love, and today there are millions who would die for Him.”

Not in Pleasure. Byron lived a life of pleasure. He wrote: "The worm, the canker, and the grief are mine alone.”

Not in Health. Sir Andrew Clarke, the great physician, left this testimony: "There is one remedy for all this spiritual disease, and that remedy is to be found in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.”

Not in Money. Gould, the millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: "I suppose I am the most miserable devil on earth.”

Not in Fame. Sir Walter Scott, who spent his life in writing fiction, when he came to die wanted fact, and said: "Bring me the Book!... There is only one Book—the Bible.”

Not in Position and Fame. Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: "Youth is a mistake, manhood a struggle, old age a regret.”

One and all they confirm Solomon's verdict: "All is vanity and vexation of spirit." Eccl. 2:17.

Joyless Infidelity

"Who ever saw a really happy infidel?”

Dr. R. A. Torrey asked the question. After a slight pause he continued. "Jolly infidels—jolly on occasion, in public—; but who ever saw an infidel that had joy in the deepest depths of his heart, the deep overflowing joy that the Christian knows?”

Again, he paused, and then proceeded: "I was once preaching in Chicago, and I asked everyone in the building who had found deep heart satisfaction, rest, and joy in Jesus Christ, who had found every deepest longing of their souls in Christ, to stand. Hundreds of men and women immediately rose to their feet.

"Then I said, 'I want to be fair. There are a good many infidels here tonight. Will every infidel in the building who can honestly say in the presence of this congregation that he has found, in infidelity, satisfaction for the deepest longings of his soul and real heart-rest, and is satisfied with infidelity tonight, please stand up?'

"Just one man arose. I said, 'I am glad there is one man who has the courage of his convictions, and I would like to ask him to meet me downstairs after the meeting is over.'

"He accepted my invitation. We sat down and talked. 'Mr. Small,' I said, 'you publicly proclaimed at the meeting that you had found satisfaction for the deepest longings of your soul, that your soul was at rest, and that you were fully satisfied with infidelity. Is that really true?'

“‘Well,' he said, 'Mr. Torrey, that will have to be qualified.'

"I answered: 'I think it will. You cannot find an infidel on earth, the deepest longings of whose soul are at rest and satisfied in infidelity. Who ever saw a happy old infidel? Jolly old infidels, yes—that is, jolly on occasions—you have seen; but who ever saw an aged infidel with that deep-abiding, overflowing joy that is so characteristic of the aged Christian?'

"This set the poor unbelieving infidel to thinking, and before many days had passed he came seeking and longing to know the God whom he had denied and ridiculed.”

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psa. 14:1.

The Father's Quest

After the battle of Chambersburg, Pa., during the Civil War, the report of the battle's heavy losses came to hand. A Quaker named John Hartman went immediately to headquarters and asked, "Has my son, John Hartman, answered to his name?”

"No," was the reply, "he must still be on the field among the wounded.”

The old man went with a lantern over the stricken field, looking into face after face to try to find his son. Suddenly the wind blew out the light in the lantern, and he could see no more. But undaunted, he cried out: "John Hartman, it is thy father! It is thy father!”

One wounded soldier moaned aloud, "Oh, my God, that it were my father!”

Still the old man pursued his sorrowful task, shouting: "John Hartman, it is thy father seeks thee.”

At last there came a faint response: "Here, Father, here.”

His son, sorely wounded, lay on the ground. The father stooped over him, lifted him, and carried him to a hospital. And for many years after that John Hartman lived to tell the story of his rescue.

Even so the Good Shepherd is seeking for the lost, wounded ones on the battlefield of life.

"And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:5, 6, 7.

"FLEE FROM THE WRATH
TO COME.”

Matt. 3:7.

"The name of the Lord is a
runneth into it, and is safe."
strong tower: the righteous

Prov. 18:10.

March

In Christ”

She was sitting quietly at her work when a neighbor came in, and the following conversation took place.

"Mrs. Brown, do you know what it means to be `in Christ'?”

"I know what it is to look to the cross.”

"That is not what I mean. Do you know what it is to be 'in Christ'?”

"I know what it is to trust Jesus, ma'am, and through Him to have my sins forgiven.”

"No, I do not mean that. Do you know what it is to be 'in Christ'?" She asked the question the third time.

Now, Mrs. Brown did not like this close questioning. She took up her bucket and went down the garden path. At the well she got some water while she left her visitor sitting in the house.

As she was coming back with her bucket full of water, these words flashed into her mind: "Ye are complete in Him.”

She wondered if that could be what her friend meant. As she went back in she said: "These words have just come into my mind, 'Ye are complete in Him'-is that what you mean?”

"Yes," she said, "you are getting hold of what I mean.”

Mrs. Brown had learned a new thing that day. Not only had Christ died for her, but she was "complete in Him.”

Have you, my reader, gotten hold of what it is to be "in Christ"?

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Rom. 8:1.

Why?

Harold Spender, the famous Alpine climber, tells of an unexpected climax to one of his feats. With two companions he had scaled one of the most difficult peaks, and, descending, had found refuge from the storm and night in the cottage of a goatherd. The three men, half frozen, and exhausted with the long and terrible strain, but glowing with triumph, crouched before the fire. The goatherd's wife, a dull old woman, stood looking at them silently for a while. She then pronounced a single word: "Pourquoi?" This is the French word for "WHY?”

Spender and his companions looked at each other with an expression of surprise on each face. They had risked health and strength and life itself. "WHY?" What had they gained? There was no answer. The lone word struck as if upon a blank wall, awakening their consciousness of useless struggle and suffering and danger. The snow fell outside, and the mist shut out the hills. They did not talk to each other. Each was asking himself, "WHY?”

There are other heights in the world besides those on the towering Alps which men try to scale to as little purpose. The man who gives his life to the accumulation of wealth; the woman whose innate desire is beauty and fashion; the college boy who struggles to prove his manliness by aping the dissolute of his class; the religious hypocrite whose piety is all on the surface-all these are climbing barren heights. At the top they can find neither profit nor honor. Their reward will be only the echo: "WHY?”

Soul, stand still in your path and answer the searching and solemn query, "WHY?" "Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for WHY will ye die?" Ezek. 33:11.

The Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope used to be called the Cape of Despair, because those who sailed around it were never again heard from. Finally a brave sailor sailed around it and returned; and ever after it was called the Cape of Good Hope, the gateway to the East Indies.

Before the coming of the Savior, death might have been called the "Cape of Despair." Most of the world had no vision of the beyond. But when the Savior went down into death, and came back the mighty Victor over the grave, He brought life and immortality (incorruptibility) to light through the gospel. Now, for all who receive that Savior, death may well be called the Cape of Good Hope, the gateway to heaven.

"So when this corruptible shall have put
on incorruption, and this mortal shall
have put on immortality, then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave,
where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the
strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth
us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Cor. 15:54-57.

On the Blackboard

"When were you saved, Miss Lane?”

This question was asked of a new teacher in the little school in a small town. The questioner was the pastor of the church of which she was now a member.

Rather taken aback by the query, Miss Lane replied, "Two years ago.”

When she was safely home and alone, the question and the answer she had given troubled her. Again and again she asked herself, "Have I been really saved?”

Miss Lane thought back to the time when she and several others had been received as "members of the church" at home. None of them, however, had been asked such a question. They had been examined as to their knowledge of the leading facts and doctrines of Scripture; but as to where, when or how they were saved, or, for that matter, if they were saved at all, was never once asked.

Special evangelistic services were then being held in the district, and the fact had again and again been emphasized that the Lord Jesus not only saves but satisfies. Mary Lane asked herself, did she know anything of such soul satisfaction? True, she had given up dancing and other worldly pleasures; she had made a public "profession of religion," and diligently observed the outward forms and ceremonies of her church; yet her heart was restless and unsatisfied. God's Word had declared that, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW." 2 Cor. 5:17.

Mary Lane admitted that she had never known such a change. Could she be really regenerated? After much heart-searching and soul trouble, she came to the conclusion that she was a "professor" merely, having the "form of godliness" without the power, and if she should die as she was, she would be eternally lost. In honesty she must take her place as a guilty and hell-deserving sinner.

How she was to be saved she could not understand; but one morning at school, downcast and sad, her mind greatly troubled and perplexed, she wrote on the blackboard as a copy lesson the familiar, yet oft forgotten and little understood scripture, John 3:16: "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.”

As she sat musing on these blessed words, like a flash of lightning their glorious and soul-saving truth was revealed to her soul in the power of the Holy Ghost. For the first time in her life, though familiar with the words of this scripture, she realized the great fact that through believing on the Lord Jesus, who died for her, and paid the ransom price for her soul's deliverance, she was eternally saved and had His everlasting life.

"Was it weary work believing?
Days, and weeks, and years of toil;
Weary work a gift receiving,
Who would God's salvation spoil?
"No, 'tis faith's delight to ponder
WHAT THE SON OF GOD HATH DONE;
On the throne to see Him yonder,

Holy, crowned, the living One!”

Yes, beloved, it is an "easy way" of salvation for you, but it is not "too easy." It was obtained for you through the most difficult work of all eternity by Him who died on Calvary to satisfy the claims of offended justice. Though procured at INFINITE COST TO HIM, you can have it now "without money and without price.”

"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.

The Sinner

A poor Hottentot in South Africa lived with a God-fearing Dutchman who held family prayer daily. On one occasion he read from Luke 18: "Two men went up into the temple to pray.”

The poor savage, whose heart had been touched by the finger of God, looked up with deepest interest as these words fell from the reader's lips. He whispered: "Now I'll learn how to pray!”

The Dutchman continued reading. He had reached the words, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men," when again the Hottentot whispered: "No, I am not—I'm not; but I'm worse.”

Again the Dutchman read: "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." And again there was a whisper: "I don't do that; I can't pray like that! What shall I do?”

The reading continued: "The publican, standing afar off,"—"That's where I am!" cried the poor African—"would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven," read the other.

"No more can I," said the Hottentot.

"But smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

The poor creature cried aloud now, too deeply moved to confine himself to whispers. Smiting his dark breast, he prayed: "God be merciful to me a sinner." His humble cry was heard and, like the poor publican, he at once became a saved and happy man.

The Word was mixed with faith. How true, how simple! He appreciated it. He appropriated it. He was saved by the blood of Christ. Reader, are you?

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Rom. 10:17.

As Plain As a Pikestaff”

To many, faith seems a hard thing. The truth is, it is only hard because it is easy. Naaman thought it hard because he should have to wash in Jordan; but if it had been some great thing, he would have done it right cheerfully. People think that salvation must be the result of some act or feeling, very mysterious, and very difficult; but God's thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways.

When God uplifts His dear Son before a sinner, that sinner should take Him without hesitation. If you take Him by faith, you have Him, and none can take Him from you. Open your heart, man, and take Him at once! Eternal life is free; and it can be had, yea, it shall be at once had, by trusting the Word of Him who cannot lie. Do not philosophize. Do not sit down and bother your poor brain. Just believe Jesus as you would believe your father. Faith will not long seem a difficulty to you, nor ought it to be so, for it is simple.

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

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

No Salvation for You?

"I never did anybody any harm; I have always paid my way; I have been upright in my dealings and never had any ill will toward anybody. In fact, if anybody may consider he is all right, I am the one.”

"There is no salvation for you, then!”

"What do you mean, sir?”

"I have no message of salvation for you. There is no good news for you.”

"Why not?”

"Simply because, on your own showing, you do not need it. You are, according to your own account, a righteous person. My Bible tells me expressly that `Christ did NOT come to call the righteous, but sinners.' So if you are not a sinner, Christ did not come to save you.”

"Well, I did not mean exactly to do without the work of Christ.”

"Quite so; but Rom. 5 says that 'Christ died for the UNGODLY,' for SINNERS, for His ENEMIES. If you do not own yourself to be without God, an enemy in your nature, and a sinner in practice, it is clear that you are not included in this chapter as the one for whom Christ died. It is of the greatest importance that you should see exactly those for whom He did die; but so long as you stand upon the platform of your own good works, you never can be saved.”

"What must I do, then?”

"Own that what God says about you is true! 'All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.' Rom. 3:23. Take the place of a lost, ruined sinner before Him, like the publican did, saying, 'God be merciful to me, a sinner.' Then you, like him, may go down to your house justified.”

Destiny

Reader, your time on earth is short. Each closing year, each setting sun, each tick of the clock is shortening your days on earth. Swiftly, silently, but surely they carry on—on to ETERNITY and to God.

The year, the day, the hour, the moment will soon arrive that will close your life on earth. Then will begin your song in heaven or your wail in hell. From the regions of the lost no future hour shall come to bring you back to earth again. You are there forever—for ETERNITY.

Today your feet stand on time's sinking sand. Tomorrow, your footprints may remain, but you will be gone—Where? Into ETERNITY.

Today your hands are busy at work; your eyes are beholding, your mind is thinking, you are planning for the future. Tomorrow, all is still—the folded arm, the closed eye remain, but you are gone—gone to ETERNITY.

Others were once busy as you are; healthy as you are; thoughtless as you are. They are gone—gone to ETERNITY.

The merry voice, the painted clown, the talented singer, they whose presence made the theater and the concert an attraction for you, are gone. They are removed far from the region of fiction to that of reality—the reality of ETERNITY.

The shrewd merchant whose voice was so familiar to you in the crowded market is silent. He buys and sells no more—he has entered ETERNITY.

Reader, your own turn to enter ETERNITY will shortly come. Ask yourself honestly, "Amos 1 prepared for ETERNITY?" Give your conscience time to answer. Listen! It speaks to you today. Drown not its voice lest it speak to you no more. Let the heaven and the hell of the future stand forth in all their realities. One of these places must be your eternal dwelling place. Choose now, for today is the time to make your choice. Tomorrow may be too late—one day behind time. Which are you living for? Which are you traveling toward?

To go unregenerate, from the haunts of pleasure, of sin, and of vice, to the holy presence of God and the Lamb—impossible! From the crowd of the condemned to the crown of glory—no, never!

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

Reader, has this ever happened to you? Have you been born again into the family of God? If so, all is well; but if not, the horrors of an eternal hell are awaiting you. Today you are nearer its unquenchable flame than you have ever been before.

But why do you wait to meet God with an unsaved soul? That is not His will. Today He pleads—"Turn ye, turn ye,... why will ye die?" Ezek. 33:11. Today He points you to Calvary's cross with His Son uplifted, groaning, bleeding, dying, all for you. Yes, reader, for the guilty, the crown of thorns encircled His brow; for the lost, the soldier's spear brought the blood from His side; for the helpless and undone, He cried in triumph, "It is finished"; and for you there is salvation free today.

Three Certainties

I feel sure there are many of my dear readers who, though they have heard of the wondrous love of Jesus in giving His life a ransom for poor sinners, and have believed in His name, yet are not always quite certain that they have eternal life and shall never come into judgment; but are, alas! often filled with doubts and fears instead of being filled with joy and peace in believing. May the following little incident be used through God's grace to help any such.

A young man had gone to hear a servant of God preach the gospel. During the preaching he came by faith to Jesus and went home feeling very happy; but he told no one of his joy. After a week or two the happy feelings began to get less and less, and he became afraid to tell his old companions about Jesus. About this time he went to visit his brother who was associated with a gospel mission. It so happened that special meetings were being held and of course the brothers went.

Alter the preacher had delivered his message and was about to close with prayer, he asked those present who wished to be specially prayed for to hold up their right hand. The young man's heart began to beat quickly, and there was quite a struggle going on within him. While he hesitated, he kept repeating to himself: "Lord, Thou knowest I love Thee," until the preacher had closed with prayer. Still the young man felt undecided. On his way out he shook the preacher's hand and said: "You meant me, sir, didn't you, when you asked any to hold up their hand?”

"Are you not saved?" asked the preacher.

"Yes, sir, I am saved; but—”

"Have you got a Bible?”

"Yes, sir.”

"Well, when you get home turn to the Gospel of John, 5th chapter, 24th verse. There you will find THREE DIVINE CERTAINTIES. When you have found them, come and see me again, will you?" The young man replied that he would, and they bade each other goodnight.

"Three divine certainties in John 5:24," our friend kept saying to himself until he reached home. Going straight to his bedroom, he took down his Bible and began eagerly to read John 5:24. He carefully weighed each word:

" 'Verily—verily—I say—unto—you' (that means me). 'He—that—heareth—My—Word' (that is what I have heard tonight), 'and— believeth —on—Him—that—sent—Me' (I believe on Him), `HATH—everlasting—life"' Hath! Hath!! He could scarcely believe his own eyes: "Hath everlasting life." "Have it; have it now!" Throwing himself on his knees he could do nothing but thank God for this wondrous gift.

After a while he remembered that the preacher had told him of three things. This was but the first one, blessed as it was. So he went again to this wondrous verse. Presently he came to the words: "And— shall— not—come—into—judgment.”

"What! No judgment? Oh, praise the Lord! Have everlasting life; shall not come into judgment! Now, what else can there be? What is the third blessing? Ah! 'But is passed from death unto.' Now, at the present time. Praise the Lord! I have eternal life; I shall not come into judgment; and I am passed out of death into life.”

The young man was so full of joy that he could do nothing but praise God for His wondrous and unspeakable gift.

May it be your portion, my dear reader, now and for all eternity.

For Me

I have read of the Savior's love,
And a wonderful love it must be;
But did He come down from above,
Out of love and compassion for me?

I've heard how He suffer'd and bled,
How He languish'd and died on the tree;
But then is it anywhere said
That He languish'd and suffer'd for me?

I've been told of a heaven on high,
Which the children of God soon will see;
But is there a place in the sky
Made ready and furnish'd for me?

Oh, yes! For His love is as wide
And as deep as the fathomless sea;
And love such as this will provide
Even blessings eternal for me!

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

Rom. 6:23

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

2 Cor. 6:2.

April

The Perfect Substitute

Long, long ago an old man and his young son might have been seen wending their way to Mount Moriah. At that time it was wild mountainous country, the lair of the wild beast, the home of the bird of prey. Many years afterward it was the site of Solomon's beautiful temple, and was surrounded by the hum of a metropolitan city.

As the two plodded their weary way, Isaac, the lad, questioned his father, Abraham: "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" How that question must have pierced the heart of the loving parent!

Listen to the wonderful answer, the response of faith and confidence in God: "My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”

What fullness and blessedness was thus expressed neither father nor son could know. Only God Himself, prefigured in faithful Abraham, could see down the ages the blessed Prototype. Wonder of wonders! The God-provided Lamb was none less than His eternal Son, made flesh, dying on Calvary's cross.

And now, bless His holy name, atonement for sin has been made. The work of salvation has been completed. It is acceptable to God the Father, who provided the Substitute so that you and I may go free.

Will you receive this wonderful Savior? He is offered you, as such, by God Himself in His Word.

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29.

"Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am He." John 4:26.

This was devotion indeed! Yet even this sinks into utter insignificance when compared with the loving devotion of our Lord Jesus Christ! That we—poor, lost, ruined sinners—might be delivered from the bondage of sin and Satan, Jesus, the Son of God, gave Himself to the death of crucifixion on the cross. He laid down HIS life voluntarily as a sacrifice for our sin. He paid the price of our redemption to set us free from the domination of Satan, sin, and eternal death. Well may we sing:

"Were the whole realm of nature ours,
That were an offering far too small,
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands our soul, our life, our all.”

The Warning Word

To a city of old came two messengers from God. They bore serious information and solemn warning. This city of wickedness was to be overthrown with terrible judgments because of its many sins.

It seemed incredible, it appeared improbable; and those who heard the message scoffed and doubted. The warnings were ignored and the heavenly messengers set at naught.

But in that city of sin and shame they found one man who believed God. He must be rescued from the coming wrath. His presence there held back the judgments of God from the wicked city and its inhabitants.

Laying hold upon that one religious man and his three beloved ones the messengers hurried them out of the doomed place. They cried urgently: "ESCAPE!" "Escape for thy life." Gen. 19:17.

Some of the little party—three out of the four—hastened to safety. But one stopped. She looked back. Her heart was still in the doomed city. As she stood, she was caught in God's descending wrath.

"Remember Lot's wife." Luke 17:31.

Today the message comes: "This world is soon to be judged." It is under God's condemnation for its sins. The murder of His Son, Jesus, lies at the door; and the heavenly message is still rejected. Many still scoff at the warning.

"Oh," say they, "things go on now as ever. Judgment will never touch us.”

Oh sinful heart, hear the word of the Lord Himself saying: "Likewise as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all." Luke 17:28, 29.

The Judge is at the door. Terrible punishment is at hand. BEWARE!

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

Is there a refuge? Yes! The Lord Jesus Christ is waiting to receive you.

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

The Saloon Keeper Saved

James Meek, a saloonkeeper, stood behind his bar in a Scottish village. Strange to say, he was reading a religious paper sent to him by his Christian brother. In it there was a criticism of a statement made by an Edinburgh minister, who had, in a time of revival, been urging awakened souls to lay their sins on Jesus in order to obtain salvation. Another preacher replied in the "Christian News" as follows: "That, my fellow sinner, you cannot do, and no man can do it for you. God alone could lay your sins on Jesus; and, as we see in Isaiah's prophecy, this has been done already." "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

In most minds there is a lurking suspicion that something has yet to be done. The one difficulty is, your sin; that is the burden that oppresses you, but the question of sin was met and dealt with at Calvary. "The LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

James Meek, like many others, believed that Christ's death was necessary for his soul's salvation, but he had not yet learned that it was enough. He had supposed that Christ did His part of the work and he had to do his. Now he learned that all his sins had been laid on Christ who made complete atonement for them.

As he laid hold of the wondrous fact, James called his wife to come. Hearing his cry, she hurried to his side. Passing the paper to her and pointing out the statement that had been blessed to his soul, James received the glorious gospel of the, grace of God. Mrs. Meek, too, was led to see what Christ's death had accomplished, and trusted Him for salvation.

Dear soul, don't try to lay your sins on Christ! God did it when His dear Son was on Calvary's cross. Believe the good news. Take God at His Word, and receive His full forgiveness for all your sins.

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

Show Your Samples

While a Christian worker was holding a gospel service in the open air, a well dressed man drew near. Stopping for a moment at the edge of the group of listeners, he asked permission to address the meeting. Permission was graciously given; but with the venom of that old serpent, Satan, he denounced the gospel as a humbug and a sham, and advised all there to go to communist meetings. These, he said, would do them more good.

While he was speaking, the Christian leader of the meeting learned that the man was a traveling salesman for a dry goods house, and professed to be an infidel. As he stopped speaking, the Christian said to him: "I hear you are a traveling salesman and go from town to town with samples of the goods manufactured by your firm. Also I see that you are engaged in another business which you are recommending to those here present. I challenge you to show your samples of your communism! I will gladly show you samples of what the gospel of God is doing.”

Beckoning to two men to stand up beside him, he continued: "Here are two brothers. You see them now as fine, up-standing citizens. Five years ago they were the most notorious scamps and drunkards in the district. They were wife-beaters, and even a terror in the saloon.

"Five years ago these two men went to a gospel meeting. There they received the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior. As helpless sinners, they each learned the glad message that Jesus, 'the Son of God, loves them, and gave Himself for them.'

"Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, they were saved. Now they and their wives are happy in the love of God. They are blessed by Him with creature comforts. They are well dressed, and their homes comfortably furnished; yet they are earning just the same wages as they did before their conversion. Their homes are a testimony to the saving grace of the gospel of God.

"That is a sample of the work of the gospel. These two are samples of what it can do. Now show me the samples of your communism, of your infidelity. Show me one drunkard made sober, one immoral man reclaimed! If you have something better than Christianity, show us your samples.”

There was a general smile at the confusion which sat visibly on the face of his opponent. Without answering, he turned and slipped away.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Rom. 1:16.

Exodus 12

It was a most singular spectacle that presented itself in Egypt on the Passover night. On the outside of every Israelitish family appeared the sprinkled blood. It was there for three reasons: First, because of the threatened judgment; secondly, because Jehovah had commanded it; thirdly, because all Israel were obedient. To the natural mind those blood marks signified nothing. To the eye of faith they meant everything; for the Judge had said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

At midnight the test came. Jehovah visited the land. Upon every house, unsprinkled with the blood, judgment was executed. Over every house that bore the token He passed by. Why did Jehovah pass over Israel? Because the judgment had already been executed upon them in the person of their substitute—the slain lamb. The blood upon the lintel was the sign of this.

It mattered not that some among the Egyptians were moral and upright. In God's sight they were sinners. God looked for the blood; and finding it not, executed His just decree. It mattered not that some of the firstborn of the Israelitish nation were great sinners. God saw the sprinkled blood outside, and therefore passed them by. The blood, or the absence of it, made all the difference, and guided the Lord in His acts that night. The time of judgment had come, and wherever the blood was not, judgment was poured out.

These are solemn realities, recorded in the book of God for the warning and instruction of sinners in this world now. God's principles do not change; the ground on which He saves a sinner from judgment today is the same as that on which He saved the sinner in the day of Ex. 12.

From the pages of sacred writ, the work of Jesus rises before us in all its divine and solitary grandeur as the only way of salvation from the judgment of God. This lost world can find no other. There is salvation in naught besides. In man's creeds, good works and human righteousness count for a great deal; but in God's estimation, as a means of salvation, they stand for nothing. He knows only one way whereby we can be saved, and that is through faith in Christ, whose blood has atoned for sin.

This is a note that the Spirit of God is never weary of striking. It sounds throughout the entire New Testament, in which is recorded the history of that blessed God-man who took the sinner's place at the cross. The Old Testament abounds with prophecies, shadows and symbols of the same glorious Person, the promised Deliverer and Savior of men. This could not be otherwise; for, in the counsels of God from everlasting, the redemption of the sinner was to be by blood, the blood of the Son of God.

Reader, are you sheltered beneath the blood of Christ? God has said: "When I see the blood I will pass over you." Ex. 12:13.

Too Many Hypocrites?

A young man once said to me: "I would have become a Christian long ago, but there are too many hypocrites about.”

What a poor excuse! You cannot counterfeit a $30.00 bill, because there are no genuine ones. You can counterfeit a $5.00, or $10.00, or $50.00, or $100.00 note. There must be genuine ones, or there could be no counterfeits.

You ask me, am I a loyal citizen of this country. I reply, "I used to be, but I have found hypocrites here, some definitely using all their influence to incite lawlessness and rebellion.”

You would say: "How foolish! If there are hypocrites here—and there are—doesn't your country need your loyalty more than ever?”

How much more does this apply when we consider Him who is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!

Surely He is worthy of all love, all devotion, all loyalty. If there are hypocrites among those who profess to be Christians—and there are—does not the Lord Jesus Christ deserve your loyalty more than ever?

Come to Christ, my friends. Seek His help to enable you to show forth in your home, in your business, and your life "what great things He has done for you.”

No Salvation for You”

"There is no salvation for you, then!”

"What do you mean, sir?”

"I have no message of salvation for you. There is no good news for you.”

"Why not?”

"Well, I did not mean exactly to do without the work of Christ.”

"What must I do, then?”

The believer can say, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.

The Cross of Christ

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18.

That the death of Christ was necessary as an atonement for sin, and that salvation has been procured for us only through His death "is foolishness" to whom? To them that perish! Now mark it well, for it is to be feared that there are thousands of professing Christians to whom the cross of Christ in many of its bearings "is foolishness.”

The cross of Christ proclaims God's thoughts about sin; it declares with terrible power that all unrighteousness is sin. Many say, and by their lives affirm it, that this "is foolishness,"—that God is too good not to make allowances for human infirmities. Yet the cross of Christ declares with a trumpet-voice: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”

The cross of Christ declares that man is totally destitute of righteousness. Many deny this. They affirm that there is something good in all men and that the death of Christ renders their own works meritorious. They protest that it is "foolishness" to say that God makes no allowance for good works or distinction regarding character.

But behold the cross of Christ! It stops every mouth and declares that the whole world has "become guilty before God." Rom. 3:19. It has become guilty of sin, guilty of murder, guilty of the death of His dear Son Jesus.

By that death of Christ on the cross the world is condemned; but by that same death all who believe on Jesus are justified. For "by the deeds of the law" or any fancied human righteousness "shall no flesh be justified." And if we are not justified, we perish.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

"Whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

"To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Rom. 3:23-26.

The World's Fate

"The world is hastening to a tragic end.”

These words were not uttered by a child of God who might be thought pessimistic and taking a gloomy view of things. The speaker was a man of the world—one in whom, as far as we know, there is no fear of God. Being an observant man he can see the present trend of things and the course they are taking, which will shortly end in its destruction by the judgment of God.

This is a deeply important matter, and one that demands the serious consideration of everybody, especially those who are not prepared for such a terrible calamity.

You inquire: "Is it really true?" Yes, for God has said, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain." Heb. 12:26, 27.

When God shakes everything, the world will crumble and disappear. What have you, dear reader, that cannot be shaken? Are you resting upon the firm foundation of the finished work of Christ? If so, you have nothing to fear in view of the dissolution of everything connected with man's world.

God has said: "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious." 1 Peter 2:6, 7.

Is Christ precious to you, my friend? Do you know Him as your personal Savior? If so, then in view of that which is surely and swiftly coming upon this world, you need have no fear. Your destiny will be heaven, to which Christ will remove you before He comes "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess. 1:8.

Self-Sacrifice

During the fourth century before Christ, Cyrus, King of Persia, led a military expedition against Artaxerxes. In his "Cyropaedia," Xenophon, an Athenian historian, describes how Cyrus took prisoner the wife, daughters, and daughter-in-law of an Armenian King. Fearing for their safety, the monarch had sent the women away to the mountains. There they were discovered and captured.

Tigranes, the eldest son of the king, had married, and his wife was among the prisoners. Returning from an expedition, he learned that his wife was in the hands of the enemy. At once he sought an audience with Cyrus. Eloquently he besought the freedom of his wife.

Cyrus asked Tigranes: "At what price would you purchase the liberty of your wife?”

Tigranes at once answered: "To save her from servitude, I would ransom her at the COST OF MY OWN LIFE.”

A noble reply! Cyrus was evidently affected by it, and granted Tigranes to take his own to himself. He entertained them all royally and hospitably before they departed.

Upon their return, they all spoke glowingly of Cyrus. One told of his wisdom; another of his kindness; others of his stature and beauty. At length Tigranes asked his wife: "And what do you think of Cyrus?”

She replied, "I do not think of him! I only think of him who said, to save me from servitude he would ransom me 'AT THE COST OF HIS OWN LIFE.”

"Herein is love, not that we
loved God, but that He loved
us, and sent His Son to be the
propitiation for our sins.”

1 John 4:10.

"SEEK YE THE LORD WHILE HE
MAY BE FOUND, CALL YE
UPON HIM WHILE
HE IS NEAR.”

Isa. 55:6.

May

Christ's Welcome

Our right to come to Jesus is full and clear. It is irrespective of aught in us. It presupposes Our need and our sin—nothing more. The invitation is wide and free, with no restriction, and requiring no prerequisite. It does not fence itself round with conations, as if fearful that too many might avail themselves of it, or as if desirous to keep off as unqualified or Unworthy. It makes no exceptions as to previous life or present character. It welcomes the Unworthiest. It forbids none. It leaves no room for suspicion on the part of any.

"Come, and come at once; come baldly;" is its message to all; for "him that cometh to, Me, I will in no wise cast out." John 6.37. Christ's free love beckons and beseeches you. It does not stand on ceremony or insist on terms. It does not say, Whosoever dunes in this manner, or that manner, according to this rule or that rule, but "Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

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

"Come to the Savior, make no delay!
Here in His Word He's shown us the way.
And in our midst He's standing today
Tenderly saying, 'COME.'”

I Shall Beat You All?

Thorpe, an eminent preacher of the gospel, was before his conversion one of the greatest antagonists and enemies of Whitefield, the well-known English evangelist. He not only delighted in heckling him in public meetings and hindering his activity as a proclaimer of the message of the cross, but whenever he had an opportunity he tried to make a fool of him. He possessed an unusual talent for mimicry and could imitate in an astonishing way the preacher's motions, voice, posture, and expressions. He used this ability to ridicule him and his words whenever possible.

On one occasion while a group of young people were together at a pleasure party, he and three of his friends each wagered they could imitate the evangelist perfectly. They were supposed to open the Bible at random, and in turn preach a sermon on the first verse their eyes caught sight of. After all the sermons had been heard, the audience was to judge who was best.

Thorpe's three friends had performed their part in a ribald, godless manner when at last his turn came. Thorpe mounted the table, which was the impromptu stage, and 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 slowly, in Whitefield's best style. In the same moment that he uttered them he felt their full power. The sharp two-edged sword of the Word of God penetrated his own soul like a bolt of lightning. His conscience awoke. He saw himself a guilty, blasphemous sinner before God. A deep horror took hold of him. He felt that the words he had just read were intended for him alone. This conviction overwhelmed him, and with irresistible power, he preached his first sermon.

Perhaps never had the mighty truths of guilt, death, eternity, and coming judgment, been painted in darker colors than in this address. "Out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh"; and in Thorpe's poor heart he was convinced by the Spirit of his great sin, God's righteousness, and of judgment to come. He was totally ignorant of God's infinite grace, and so was unable to proclaim it to others.

In later years Thorpe often said that, if ever in his life he preached with God's help, it was at that time. The profound solemnity of the inevitability of an awful eternity for the lost sinner, the necessity for true repentance toward God, the threatened perdition of the unsaved soul and the terrors of the second death weighed upon him. He preached to his guilty, lost friends from his knowledge of his own guilty and lost estate. The solemnity that fell upon his listeners only deepened the sense of guilt in his own soul; and, his emotion increasing moment by moment, words poured over his lips with such force, sharpness and power of language that, as he said 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 that he spoke with complete sincerity and earnestness. Even though the first surprise of some soon turned into rage, in other cases a growing astonishment replaced their anger and all sat spellbound, gazing at him and listening.

When finally he stepped off the table, not a sound could be heard. Deep silence prevailed, and the wager was completely forgotten. His three friends, and competitors hurriedly left the company without another word. As for Thorpe, it need hardly be mentioned that he was through with his old friends.

After a time of deep inner suffering, conflict, and prayerful poring over the Word of God, there shone in his soul the radiant light of the full blessed gospel. He became a much used preacher of repentance toward God and of His fathomless 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.

Poor Lil' Brack Sheep

Poor lit' brack sheep dat stray'd away,
Done los' in de win' and rain,
An' de Shepherd He say, "O hirelin',
Go fin' My sheep again.”
An' de hirelin' frowne, "O Shepherd,
Dat, sheep am brack an' bad.”
But de Shepherd He smile like de lir brack sheep
Is de onliest lamb He had.

An' He say, "O hirelin', hasten!
For de win' and de rain am col',
And dat lil’ brack sheep am lonesome
Out dere so far from de for.”
An' de hirelin' frown, "O Shepherd,
Dat sheep am ol' and gray.”
But de Shepherd He smile lak de lir brack sheep
Wuz fair as de break ob day.

An' He say, "O hirelin', hasten!
Lo, here is de ninety an' nine,
But dere way off from de sheep for
Is dat lil’ brack sheep ob Mine."
An' de hirelin' frown, "O Shepherd,
De rest of de sheep am here?
But de Shepherd He smile like de lil’ brack sheep
He hol’ it de mostes' dear.

An' de Shepherd go out in de darkness,
Where de night was col' an' bleak,
An' de lit' brack sheep He fin' it,
An' lay it again' His cheek.
An' de hirelin' frown, "O Shepherd,
Don't bring dat sheep to me.”
But de Shepherd He smile, and He hol' it: close,
`Cause de lil' brack sheep—is me!

E. M. B.

A Great Question

It flashed across the wires from the city of Glasgow to an Ayrshire post-office—a telegram, addressed to a young man. In order to escape the restraints of a Christian home, he was to sail the following day by an emigrant steamer for the United States. The message arrived in the evening, just as he was about to go to a social gathering to bid farewell to a few companions. They, like himself, were "without God" in the world.

He opened the telegram and read it. "Where will you spend eternity?" This was the message, and it went like an arrow to his conscience. The signature was of one who had long prayed for his poor lost soul, and who had, no doubt, been guided of God in taking this unusual way of reaching him.

The solemn question spoiled the evening's fun for him. Stifle it as he would, the question came up again and again, even after he was far away.

Three, months after he arrived in the new, world he was induced to go to, hear the gospel preached by a fellow countryman. Long since he had been awakened to his danger. Eternity was a dreaded reality to his soul. Now fully convinced of his need, and disappointed in the "life" he had left his home to seek, he humbly came to God as a lost sinner and claimed the lost sinner's Savior.

Ever after, in his testimony and life for Christ, he made free use of the question which God had used to his own awakening: "Where will YOU spend eternity?”

Can you answer this, Reader? "Eternity—WHERE?" You must spend it somewhere. You are not like the beasts that perish; you have been formed to live forever. You must spend eternity either in the enjoyment of God in heaven, or in the reaping of sin's doom in hell. You cannot annihilate yourself, even if you would. But you may know God's mercy, prove His saving power, and be a possessor of His salvation. This is God's one way of salvation—there is no other. It is plain and simple, so that none need mistake it. But to the rejecter, eternal hell is sure!

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

Only One Door

Christ, when here on earth said: "He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." John 10:1. He insisted that He Himself was the door of salvation, saying: "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." John 10:9. Certainly no one should have difficulty in finding the door to heaven, seeing there is only one. The door is not such things as baptism, church membership, or good works. It is a Person—just one Person—the Lord Jesus Christ! All that any church, preacher, or priest can do to save men, is to point them to Him—the only door.

But this door, which is open now, will soon be shut. Jesus warned men: "When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are... depart from Me all ye workers of iniquity.”

The Lord Jesus counseled His hearers to "strive [agonize] to enter in at the strait gate" (Luke 13:24; 25, 27). A "door" or "gate," we understand, is just an entrance; so Christ is the entrance to heaven as He said: "By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.”

When one puts his faith in, and depends wholly upon, the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, he has entered the door. He is saved, and knows on the authority of God's Word that he will be in heaven.

"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.

Every sinner is invited to enter this door. The Savior has promised: "Him that cometh to Me; I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. He stands ready to receive and to bless every soul who comes to Him.

Saved in the Street

Close on forty years ago Alexander was a young man residing near, the famous Cloch Lighthouse, on the firth of Clyde. Like most young men, he had tried to find satisfaction in the things of time; and like all, who have tried, he found they were utterly useless in meeting the longings of the human heart or satisfying the cravings of the soul. Now he found himself utterly lost,' afar off from God, and with no resource or help.

His hopes, were raised by the coming of Brownlow North, once a profligate whom God had saved and now used to the conversion of many sinners in Scot At one of the services held in the town of Greenock, Alexander listened, intently to the message. Through convicting Power of the Holy Spirit he saw himself to be included in the "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" of Rom. 3:23. He knew that "the wages of sin is death," Rom. 6:23; and he realized that as a sinner unprepared to meet a holy God he was in danger of everlasting woe. At the close of the message Mr. North invited anyone desiring a personal interview concerning the way of salvation to call upon him at the house where he was staying.

Here was an opportunity for Alexander. Should he go or should he not go? One voice said, “Go and get the great question settled." Another voice said, "It is no use; the impression, will pass away in a little while, and; nothing will remain; do not trouble about it.”

At last the voice conscience prevailed, and Alexander found himself at the door of the house—halting, wondering if he should enter. The voice of urgency controlled. He rang the bell, and was ushered into the room where the now famed evangelist was sitting.

Mr. North opened up to the young man the Scriptures concerning the utter ruin of man, the glorious remedy provided through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He read: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way"; yet the glad and glorious gospel message declares that "the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6. He also urged the responsibility of the sinner to accept, personally and promptly, the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Savior. He concluded by quietly quoting the Lord's own words, "Be not afraid, only believe." Mark 5:36.

The interview closed. The anxious soul left the room undecided, for the way of salvation seemed more difficult than ever. Passing along Union Street Alexander kept repeating to himself the words, "Be not afraid, only believe; be not afraid, only believe." Suddenly, standing there in the street, light burst in upon his darkened soul; the way of salvation was revealed by the power of the Holy Ghost. He was a sinner utterly unable to do anything to save himself; God had loved him and given His Son to die for him, the ungodly. The Sacrifice had been accepted, the Victim of Calvary had become the Victor of Glory. The Scriptures emphatically stated 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. 10:9. Alexander believed and was saved right "on Greenock street.

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

A Restless Prisoner

Sitting reading, I became aware of a little bird in my room. It was making fruitless efforts to escape. From' "wall to wall and against the closed window it dashed. At last it escaped through the back of the house. Poor little thing, how frightened it was of me! It had no relish for the near company of a human being.

I said to myself: "This is just how a sinner would feel, could he get into heaven unsaved. The presence of God would be intolerable. The poor man would be out of his element, and have no desires suitable to that holy placer His one thought would be to escape. Yet we hear people say: "Oh, of course, we all hope to go to heaven!”

WHAT IS HEAVEN? It is that holy abode where God in all His glory reveals the fullness of His love to those who "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. There the great multitude of the redeemed delight to raise their song of praise to "Him that sitteth on the throne and to the Lamb forever." In heaven all believers in God's dear Son are 'conformed to His blest image; and there all is unsullied' righteousness around and within each heart. Sin, sorrow, suffering, and death have no place there, and partings shall be no more. The presence of God and: His Son make heaven home.

Would heaven be home to you, my reader?

To be at home in God's company you must possess divine fitness and divine affections; else you would only be miserable there, like the little bird in my room. You could not join in heaven's song of praise to the Lord Jesus: "Thou art worthy." You would have nothing to praise Him for. The very heavens we see shall pass away (Matt. 24:3); the earth we live in shall be burned up; and there shall be new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2 Peter 3.)

Where will you be then, reader?

"There shall in no wise enter into it" (the holy city) "anything that defileth." Rev. 21:27.

If you are not washed in the Savior's blood, your presence in heaven would defile it. You cannot have a place inside. "Without" (outside) "are dogs"—unclean things. (Rev. 22:15.) In that state you must live forever "outside heaven, inside hell," where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 22:13.)

There is no middle place for respectable sinners. There is no rest in hell, and no back door out of it. (Mark 9:43-48.)

God's judgment now hangs over this guilty world, as once it did over Egypt and its, rebellious king.

God said, "I will execute judgment: I am the Lord." Ex. 12:12. He did then, and He will do so again. Now He lingers in long-suffering grace in order to save.

God sent His beloved Son into the world to die to prove His love to man. Man showed his hatred of God by crucifying His Son. (Acts 4:24-28.)

God will never pass sin by unpunished; so in righteousness He poured out His wrath against it on the sinless One—made Him to be sin for us. Now sin has been judged to the uttermost; for Christ has died, established God's righteousness, and made it available for every one that believes. God is just, and the justifier, of him who believes in Jesus. (Rom. 3:26.)

This is the only fitness which will avail with God to save a, sinner from hell, and take him to heaven, for it is provided by Himself, and in His grace flows to us through a righteous channel, even through the crucified, risen Lord, and is possessed by the believer. So-called "good works" will not save. "To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. 4:5.

Faith in Christ and the cleansing power of His blood shed on Calvary for sinners can alone justify one before God. Faith in Christ gives fitness and access to the Father, who hath made us (believers) meet (that is, fit) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. (Col. 1:12.)

Believe God's record (1 John 5:11), and you will be happy now in His presence, for His perfect love casteth out fear. (1 John 4:18.) You will love Him because He first loved you, and His love will be shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Rom. 5:5.) Heaven is home to you, dear sinner, saved by grace. There you will sing the song that begins on earth: "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Rev. 1:5, 6.

"Blessed are they that wash their robes (R. V.), that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city." (Rev. 22:14.)

"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. FOR WITH THE
HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO
RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE
MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE
UNTO SALVATION?'

Rom. 10:9, 10.

June

I Cannot Pray

In one of the large steamers bound for India an engineer lay suffering from an illness which, to all appearance, must end in death. A mate of his came to his bunk one day to see how he fared. In his blunt, sailor like way, he inquired how the invalid was, saying: "Bill, you look bad. Are you suffering a great deal?”

"Yes," replied the engineer; "but, oh, Tom, the suffering in my body is nothing to the suffering in my mind. I'm dying, mate, I'm dying! And I'm going to hell! Will you pray for me?”

Tom, suddenly speechless, listened as the poor sufferer cried out, in agony beseeching him to pray. At length he spoke, sadly and in deep distress: "I can't pray, Bill! I have never prayed in my life—and I don't know how.”

The dying man again besought him and suddenly Tom recalled a scripture text. He had learned it when he was a child in Sunday school. Perhaps he had not thought of it for years. Softly he repeated the almost forgotten words: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Falling on his knees, Tom cried from his own sinful heart: "Oh, Lord! Here are two dreadful sinners. Lord, wash us in Thy blood. Save my mate and me! Thy shed blood is enough for us both.”

The two men wept together, and prayer unexpressed in words arose from those two hearts. He who loves to listen to repentant souls, heard their cry. He accepted their tears of true repentance and spoke peace to the troubled soul of the dying man.

A few hours later Tom asked his fellow-engineer:

"How is it with you, mate? Do you think God heard us? Do you really believe in Him?”

Faintly the answer came: "Yes I do, Bill. I can see my way quite clear now, and my soul has peace.”

Thus Bill, the engineer, passed away in the full assurance that "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." Sinner though he was, he knew that the precious blood of Christ had made him fit to enter into the presence of Him who loved him, and gave Himself for him.

Tom, the other engineer, still lives to praise the Lord who drew him, a poor lost sinner, out of darkness into light. His greatest joy is in telling the lost of the matchless love of the God of all grace.

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

Crossing the Line

Mike's early days were spent in the Navy. On board ship he had been in many countries, and seen many strange sights. Now as an old man he was always pleased to assist the boys with their little ships or boats. Mike was a universal favorite with them, and many an hour did they spend in his cabin on the beach or sitting by his side on the rocks, listening to his tales.

"Did you ever cross the line, Mike?" One of the boys asked the question one day, as they sat idling on the beach.

"What line do you mean, chum? I've crossed so many in my day," said Mike, laughing.

"Why, the equator of course. There is no other line than that is there?" said Sam, wishing to show Mike his knowledge.

"Oh, but there is, chum. There's many a line besides that," said the old sailor, shaking his head. I crossed the equator more than once. Still, I can't say I remember very much about it, except that I was serving Satan at the time, and finding him a very hard master. I remember much better the day when I 'crossed another line, and I like to speak about that rather than the days of my wild oats.”

"What line is that, Mike?" asked the boy, sobered by Mike's serious face.

"The boundary line of Satan's kingdom," was the answer. "You see I had been a servant of Satan up to that time, doing his work and running his errands. But a shipmate of mine, a real Christian, got hold of me one night out in mid-ocean. Standing with him on the deck of our vessel, just the two of us, he told me of God's love and of Christ's power to save.

"I knew I was a vile sinner, lost and ruined, and I thought I had crossed the line beyond the reach of God's love and grace. But that night as we stood for hours under the tropical skies, I re-crossed the line of Satan's kingdom. I became a believer and a follower of the Lord Jesus, and trust Him to keep me on the right side of that line forever.”

Reader, do you know what it is to cross that line? It's a miserable existence to be on Satan's side of it. Mike had been on both sides; and as an old man, he could testify that by far the best side is Christ's side.

Mike's story with its unusual account of "crossing the line" so held Sam's attention that he forgot all about sailing his boat. He had never before heard of crossing such a line, the boundary line of Satan's kingdom. Yet, friend, that line is a very real one. As the old sailor said, one side is Satan's and the other is Christ's. On Christ's side there is life, salvation and heaven; on Satan's side there is death, damnation and hell.

There is no straddling that line, no halfway kingdom. You stand this day on one side or the other; you belong to Christ or to Satan.

Which is it, reader? Do not thrust the question from you, for assuredly one day, sooner or later, you will have to face it squarely. To be Christ's now, is to be Christ's forever; and to side with Satan in time, is to be a sharer of his doom in eternity.

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

A Grateful Refuge

Years ago a man sat at his desk writing. Nearby was an open window through which a little bird flew into the room. After dashing wildly about for a bit it alighted on his bosom. Gently he caught it and held it to him.

The little body was quivering with fear, and the cause was soon learned. It had been pursued by a vicious hawk; and in its distraction it had seen the open window and had come to him for refuge. Some instinct had led the frightened bird to trust him in its extreme danger, and in him it had found a sure hiding place.

This man was Charles Wesley, the writer of so many beautiful hymns. This little incident suggested to him the opening lines of a hymn which he immediately wrote:

“Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly.”

What a touching story this is! That little bird found Charles Wesley a savior able and willing to save it from a deadly enemy, one to whom it would soon have fallen a prey.

Is it any cause for surprise to you that Wesley's thoughts were turned by this incident to the Savior of sinners—the One who is in the fullest sense, a refuge for the perishing? This wondrous Person is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is able and willing to save from Satan's power all who come to Him in faith.

A great work, however, had to be accomplished before He could come forth the triumphant Savior. Through Adam's transgression the whole race of mankind had been sold under sin—sold to the usurper, Satan. Only a sinless One—One who knew no sin—could buy it back, or redeem it to God. This work of atonement was accomplished by God's Son on Calvary's cross, when the words "It is finished" escaped His dying lips.

Friend, has He not in truth proved Himself to be the Lover of your soul? Could He have done more? Impossible! He loves us even unto death. He gave His life that we might be eternally saved. He paid the full price in His own blood.

"Himself He could not save,
Love's stream too deeply flowed;
In love Himself He gave
To pay the debt we owed.”

Reader, what is the Lord Jesus Christ to you? Have you profited by His atoning death on the cross? Have you accepted Him as your Savior? Have you fled to Him for refuge from the great destroyer of souls? Your only safety is in Christ. Flee to His bosom now. He is your only refuge, your only Savior. His heart yearns to receive you, to lavish upon you the rich salvation that he has purchased at such a cost.

"Flee from the wrath to come"! Luke 3:7.

Jesus Only?

A short time ago a repairman was called to a residence to do some work. He was shown to an upstairs room where he found the lady of the house absorbed in reading a newspaper. His business was of such a character as not to interfere with her, and she continued her reading.

When the workman had finished, the thought suddenly occurred to him: "If my Savior were here, He would not leave this room without first setting forth the way of eternal life. I am His ambassador. Should I not speak?”

As he stood considering in what way he could open a conversation, he caught sight of a very large Bible on a table. Going up to it, he opened it and said to the lady: "You have a very old and valuable Book.”

She answered politely: "Yes; that book has been in our family many years.”

"Indeed! Then I should judge you understand something of its contents?”

"I ought to," she replied.

"I have in mind a very serious question. How glad I would be if you could answer it," he remarked.

“Well, tell me what it is! I will try to answer, if I can.”

"Some time ago I was troubled with the thought of appearing before God. Now, were I to die today, can you tell me how I could stand before God justified and saved?”

Having thought the question over for a few seconds, she replied: "I don't know of any way but to keep the Ten Commandments.”

Quickly he answered: "But I remember reading in the Bible, 'By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight.'”

"Oh, but wait," she said. "Doesn't that mean the ceremonial law?”

"Well, I don't think so," the Christian answered.

"But if it does, I'd be afraid to say that either moral or ceremonial law could be the ground of a sinner's justification before God.”

"Well, I am afraid you are wrong," she said seriously. Anxious to hold her attention, the repairman continued: "I remember reading in the Bible, 'Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.' Now I have wondered why the Son of God came into this world!”

"He came to die for sinners; and, if you believe on Him, and keep the commandments, I believe you will be all right.”

"But," he responded, "I remember also reading in the Bible, 'By Him (Jesus) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses.' I think that was Acts 13:39.”

On hearing this scripture she seemed unable to find an answer. But he proceeded: "I am just asking as to the way of eternal life. Are you sure you are not directing me wrong? First, you said to keep the Ten Commandments. Then you told me to believe in Jesus and keep the Ten Commandments. But here in Acts 13:39 I find that it says that if I believe in Jesus, I am justified from all things, from which I could not be justified by the Law of Moses. Now what shall I believe? What you said or what God says?”

"Believe God's Word," she answered timidly.

"Oh," said he, "I will believe God's Word. They are words of life. I can be saved only through believing them, and that is the way to go to heaven. God says so! Wouldn't you be happy if you knew you were now pardoned and saved?”

"Yes, I would," she answered anxiously.

"Then, take the place of a sinner before God right now. Take Him at His word. Believe on Jesus, and be saved. God says so. But remember, it must be Jesus only.”

As the workman gathered up his tools to leave, the newly enlightened lady gave him cause to believe that she was saved. She said that she had attended Word of God, the Bible, in her possession or within her reach from childhood. Yet, with all these advantages, she had failed to grasp that one great truth: that "a man is not justified by the works of the law," nor by works and Christ; but that, if saved at all, the sinner must be saved by Jesus only. "And," she said, "how dear that makes Him to me!” preaching for many years, and had the

"The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God," cut down every prop, removed every difficulty, settled every question, and pointed this un-established soul to Jesus only!

"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.

The Next Event

"Some years ago the light of the gospel of God's grace first shone into my soul. It was while I was hearing a sermon on this text: 'Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven' Acts 1:11.

"The preacher began with the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem. He went through all the course of the Lord's life. Then he spoke of His death. He said it was, as it were, a week's work, and Saturday night came when on the cross He said, 'It is finished.'

"'This being so,' said he, 'What do we look for next? And who is ready for that great event?'”

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

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

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

"After several weeks, while I was working one evening with my head bent over the anvil, it seemed as if a voice was speaking to me. I went and opened the door to see, but no one was there. Soon after, it was time to go home, so I started off.

"Not far down the road I felt impelled to stop. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and I could show you the very spot now even after these twenty-two years, where I stood still on that road and said to myself: 'I won't go home tonight till I know my soul is saved.'

"Like lightning it came into my heart, 'Then you won't go home tonight at all.'

"This was the devil, I knew, and I answered to myself: 'Better not go home at all, than go to hell.'

"As I stood there, the Lord whispered to me, `Only believe,-just believe that Jesus was your substitute, and died for you on the tree.'

"And I told Him I did believe on Him. I wanted Him as my Savior and my Lord. Then I looked up.

The moon was shining gloriously bright in the sky, outlining the hedge by the roadside. Everything looked more beautiful to my eye than I had ever seen it look before, and I thought, The moon is the Lord's! The hedge is His; and, better still, I am. His.'

"How I got home I cannot tell. As I went through the town, I did not speak a word to anyone, for my heart was too full. When I came to our cottage, and opened the door, there were my father and mother sitting near the fire, one on the one side, the other on the other; but I could not say a word even to them! I betook myself straight upstairs to bed.

"Alone in my little room I knelt upon the floor, and praised the Lord in secret. While I was upon my knees I heard my mother's voice.

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

"No,' answered my father. 'Does aught ail the boy?'

"'Didn't you notice him?' again asked my mother." 'If he had been ill, he would have told us,' father answered.

"No, it was not that,' my mother said, with her sweet loving voice. 'But I tell you I do believe that Joe has come to know the Lord, and that God has spoken to him!'

" 'And so He has, Mother,' I called from my knees. And she came upstairs, and put her arms around me, and we both wept for joy, as she said: 'My boy, the Lord has begun to answer my many prayers: He has now brought in one of my children. Joe, you are the first!' And she praised the Lord with tears.

"That's how I got ready for that next great event, friends; and I've been looking for Him ever since.”

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:16,17.

Yet

"Yet there is room." Luke 14:22.

How strikingly forceful is the first word in that well-known sentence!

Nearly two thousand years ago these familiar words fell from the lips of our blessed Lord. Today the same words go forth in equal vigor in the gospel of His grace.

That there should be room when He graciously uttered them is conceivable: but when you think of the crowds of blood—bought guests who have entered the portals and taken their places at the festive board in the heavenly house—crowds from Pentecostal times, crowds from the Roman arenas, from Spanish dungeons, crowds from the quiet bedchamber, or the ocean wave—that there should yet be room is wonderful.

How immense must be that house! How full of love that heart which still permits the words to go forth: "Yet there is room!”

Thank God, there is room still; but how much longer? We cannot say. Perhaps the space is limited; maybe the seats will all be filled soon. Can we, are we permitted to say: "Yet there's room for millions more?”

Perhaps not millions! Perhaps not thousands! Perhaps not hundreds! Perhaps not tens!

"Some guest will be the last.”

Reader, are you waiting to be among the last ten?

The Master of the house will rise up one day and close the door. Then woe to him who was just on the threshold, but not over it; not far from the kingdom, but not in it. See to it that you are inside. The invitation still goes out: "Yet there is room." This is true while you read this paper; it may not be true tomorrow, for once the door is shut no matter what plea is urged, or cry raised, or importunity used, it will then be too late.

Friend, consider your loss should you be excluded. "Yet there is room.”

All?

How far it reaches! Precious little word!
How wide is its embrace! And yet how small!
"All we like sheep" have wandered from the Lord,
But Christ, who died for sinners, "died for all.”

"For all have sinned"; "all... have gone astray";
So all must die, is God's divine decree;
But "I have sinned," each one in faith may say,
And "He who died for sinners, died for me.”

O'erleaping Jewish barriers, far and wide,
"The grace of God to all men hath appeared";
"All that believe, by Him are justified"—
From every charge of sin and folly cleared.

Oh grace illimitable, vast, and free!
Ne'er was such grace declared since Adam's fall;
O'er sin abounding, for "upon the tree”
Christ "suffered once"—yes, Jesus "died for all.”

"Looking for that blessed
hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great
God and our Savior Jesus
Christ; who gave Himself
for us, that He might redeem
us from all iniquity.”

Titus 2:13, 14.

July

From Darkness to Light

In one of the fairest districts of a beautiful section of the country is a little village—beautiful to the casual eyes; but to the discerning heart of a spiritual person a pall of moral darkness obscures the beauty of the scene.

Here lived Dame Halberd, a most eccentric character. She had little in common with her neighbors, shunning them as even she was shunned by them. When we became acquainted with the old lady her life had already run the appointed span of seventy years. Strange it is to think that one who so long had bitterly resisted God's loving-kindness, and had grown old and hard in sin, could be dear to Him. Indeed, God had chosen to pluck her as a brand from the burning, and to shed abroad His light and love in her dark old heart.

It was on a Sunday afternoon that a little party of Christians entered the village to tell out the story of Christ and to make His word known. They took their stand on the street not far from Dame Halberd's cottage. At the close of the preaching some of the party approached her house with gospel tracts. When the old dame appeared at the door, she was brandishing a heavy club and screamed at the top of her voice: "Go back with ye! Read your books at home. A passel of cobblers and tailors ye are. If ye come here, I'll beat your brains out!”

Surely her case would seem hopeless! But God acts in mysterious ways, and He had a way to reach the seared conscience and hard heart of this old sinner. Living with Dame Halberd was a daughter-in-law who was in the last stages of an incurable disease.

One of the Christians braved the old lady's displeasure and entered the house to speak to the dying woman and point her to Jesus, the Savior. The old woman did not refuse this comfort to her daughter, though she herself would not stay in the room. However, curiosity was strong in her nature; and, wondering what would be said, she took a seat on the stairs where she could hear without being seen.

Sad to say, the message had no effect on the one for whom it was intended. The daughter shortly afterward passed away, giving no glimmer of hope to those who cared for her soul. But the Word, as a nail fastened in a sure place, had convicted Dame Halberd of sin. How marvelous are the ways of God! She who had resisted all her life was convicted by the Word which smites and heals—which wounds and binds up. "Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up." Hos. 6:1.

Distressed in soul, she invited the gentleman to come again. He gladly went, and the comforting words he carried were like seed dropped into the plowed up field of good soil, taking root and bringing forth fruit. Dame Halberd's heart had been prepared for the entrance of the Word; it took root and produced joy and gladness in her soul.

Joy unspeakable became hers. "Happy!" said she one day, 'Happy! I'm as happy as a queen!" And what was the ground of her joy—the confidence of her boast? "The blood of the Lamb," which had cleansed her from all sin.

"Loving Him that begat," she "loved those also who were begotten of Him." None were more welcome to her house now than "the passel o' cobblers and tailors" whom she had formerly driven from her door. During the brief period of life granted her after conversion—about two years—she continued happy in the joy of God's salvation.

Reader, have you been turned from darkness to light? Is the blood of the Lamb your only hope and confidence? Can you say now from the depths of your heart: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth me from all sin"?

The Lost Sheep Found

The battle was over; and as night came on a soldier still lay there wounded on the battlefield. Around him there were others, his comrades, who had fallen in the struggle. He himself was weak from the loss of blood and he feared his end was near. In his extremity he cried out: "I am dying—dying! And I am not ready to go.”

The conviction had forced itself upon him that he was not fit to meet God. What could he do? Where could he look for help?

Then there came before his mind the days of his childhood and of the gospel preachings to which he used to go with his mother. He seemed to hear once again the story of the grace of God as it had been pictured in the parable of the good Shepherd seeking the one lost sheep among the mountains wild and barren. How happily the Shepherd had brought back to the fold his wandering sheep!

Then the scene changed and he was in his childhood home. He saw himself praying, as a little child:

"Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me!
Bless Thy little lamb tonight;
In the darkness be Thou near me,
Keep me safe till morning light.”

Lonely on that stricken field, he began to repeat the words again. But then came thoughts of the intervening years of forgetfulness of God and of his wandering in paths of folly and sin. The cry escaped him: "I am not His little lamb.. I am a great big black sheep—a vile black sheep.”

Here was his confession of sin. He was repentant and helpless. Who could meet his deep need? His heart turned to the Savior and he prayed: "O Shepherd, come—find me, save me, the great big black sheep.”

Such cries are ever heeded, for God has promised: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." Psa. 50:15. With a sense of peace filling his soul the wounded man sank into unconsciousness. Ere long he was picked up, carried to a hospital, and in a few weeks was in the arms of his dear mother. Her heart rejoiced to hear the story of the lost one who had been found by the Savior she had loved so long.

Dear one, have you seen yourself as a vile black sheep needing to be saved? Have you cried, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep"? Have you longed to find yourself in the care of the good Shepherd? If not, turn to Him now. He is at hand to deliver and bless.

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

The Great Election Day

The whole country is in an uproar. Nothing but canvassing, placards, speeches! What excitement! What a great to-do! Soon it will be voting day, and then the excitement will reach its height. Meanwhile the cry is, "Who's to be the man?”

Strange to tell, that was just the cry in a certain great city many hundred years ago. It was voting day in Jerusalem. What! You say you did not know there was any voting day there? Oh, but there was. And what crowds, what excitement there was then! You could have numbered the people by the thousands—aye, by the tens of thousands.

It was election day; and there never had been a day like it before, nor has there been a day like it since. The governor of the city presided at the meeting, and took the vote of the people.

"Who," you ask, "are the candidates?”

Barabbas and Christ—Barabbas the murderer, as opposed to Christ Jesus the Lord, the Savior of lost sinners!

"Who's to be the man?" That was the all-important question. And it was soon to be settled.

"Who are you for?" said Pilate, the governor. "Are you for Christ?”

"No," they all cried out. The vote was unanimous. "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.”

Their choice was made; their vote is recorded. They have elected Barabbas. They will not have Christ. They will have anybody rather than Him. They prefer Barabbas murderer though he be. Then what is to be done with Christ?

"Away with Him! Crucify Him!”

Thus Barabbas, "the people's choice," was set free. Christ, the rejected One, was led forth and nailed to a cross on Golgotha's hill. There He was lifted up between heaven and earth, as if unworthy of a place in either!

But God has not forgotten that terrible deed—the murder of His own Son. Ah, no. And there is a day coming when the world will have to stand before God, and answer His searching question: "What did you do with My Son?”

Jerusalem's governor must then say what he did with Christ. The Roman soldiers must answer to God. The whole multitude will have to give answer to God for their part in that day's election.

And you, reader, shall have to answer the question: "What have you done with Christ?”

"What?" you say. "Me? I was not there that day." Yes, reader, that question has come down to every individual since then, and today it is the very same one that Pilate asked: "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?”

Have you received Him, or have you rejected Him? Remember, that is the question God has in store for you. On the great day that is coming God will not ask, "Whom did you vote for in this election?" or "What party did you sympathize with?" or "Who was your favorite?" But He will' ask: "What have you done with My Son?”

You cannot say, "I'm neutral. I neither received Christ nor rejected Him." Pilate tried that, but failed. There is no middle ground. The question is: Christ or the world—Which?

And that is the question before you, reader.

Does the world think any more of Christ now than nearly 2000 years ago? Oh, no. Approach any group and say: "Let us have a little talk about Christ!" What will be your answer?

“Away with Him! We don't want to hear about Him. We'll talk of anything, anybody but Him.”

The vote of the world is still the same. God says: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God." But the world says, "No; we must see this election over first. Mr. So and-So is our man, and he must be elected." God says: "Christ is My Man, and He must have the preeminence.”

My reader, if you are yet not converted to God, don't tarry. Let others get excited about the elections or whatever they like; but as for you, make Christ your choice today. Then you can say: "He is my Man—The Man Christ Jesus for me.”

"My heart is fixed, eternal God—
Fixed on Thee;
And my eternal choice is made—
Christ for me.

The Just and the Unjust.?

Some years ago, in Brussels, a poor crippled girl committed some offense, for which she was sentenced to a week's imprisonment.

Her sister managed to slip into her place, was carried off to prison, and bore the week's imprisonment for her.

At the end of the week it was discovered that the real offender had not been punished. The judge refused to consider the penalty paid, and even proceeded to sentence the sister to prison for attempting to shield the guilty, and would have carried it into effect had not the people of the city interposed.

In strict justice the sentence of the law must be carried out. It may, however, in certain cases be borne by a substitute; but in that case the judge must consent to the arrangement. In this particular case no such consent had been sought; and thus the sisterly act in submitting to a week's imprisonment was in reality an offense, instead of affording satisfaction for an offense.

You and I have sinned. Sin's penalty must be carried out. Death overtaking all affords a striking proof of this. If you and I are to meet sin's penalty it will mean meeting God's two appointments. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Heb. 9:27. Are you prepared for that? Woe be the day when death comes for the man or woman in his or her sins, unprepared for eternity!

What a marvelous tale is ours! Great as the offense is, terrible as the penalty must be, the Judge has Himself provided the Substitute. Hallelujah! "The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." 1 John 4:14. "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." 1 Peter 3:18.

The Only Badge of Honor

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

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

God says: "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." Ex. 12:13.

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

Philosopher or Saint?

How simple all becomes when God opens the eye! A friend who lately came from Paris told me of an English groom there. He was a very careless old man who had, during a severe illness, been brought to know that he was a sinner. He dared not die as he was, but the preacher whom he sent for, got tired of visiting him. He knew nothing more to tell him of the way of salvation.

But one Sunday afternoon the groom's daughter went to see the preacher. She said: "You must come once more, sir! I cannot see my father so distressed again without someone to help him!”

"I can tell him nothing new," said the preacher. "But I could take the sermon I have just been preaching, and read it to him.”

The dying man lay, as before, in anguish. He was thinking of his sins, and whither they must carry him. The preacher greeted him, saying: "I have come to read you the sermon I have just preached. First, I shall tell you the text. 'He was wounded for our transgressions.' Now I shall read.”

"Hold on!" said the dying man, "I have it now! Read no more. 'He was wounded for MY transgressions.”

From that time until he died, the old man rejoiced in God's salvation.

Friend, do you remember the story of Archimedes? It is said that he ran through the streets of Syracuse straight from the bath, where he had found out while in bathing, the secret of testing whether the king's golden crown had or had not been alloyed by the goldsmith in making it. And as he ran, he cried, "I have found it! I have found it!”

Poor philosopher! He had only found out a new principle in science! Happy English groom! He had found in Jesus Christ a crown for his own immortal soul! Reader, are you saved?

How clear and assuring are the answers of God through the Scriptures to the heart questionings of an anxious soul!

How can I get right with God?

"By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8, 9.

But how can God righteously save me, a sinful creature, without anything on my part to deserve it?

"Through this Man [Christ Jesus] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." Acts 13:38, 39.

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

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

But how can I know that this is for ME?

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

Then HOW can I make this salvation my own?

"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.

Take, appropriate for yourself, dear anxious soul, the full, free forgiveness which, in virtue of the great redemption price paid on Calvary's Cross—the atoning death of Christ on the sinner's behalf—God offers to all.

The Last Day of Grace

These were the words at the bottom of a statement issued by a bank in one of our large cities. Who the creditor was, or whether he lacked power or willingness to meet his debt of nearly $200, I cannot say. Nor do I know how the debt was contracted. However, this statement made it plain that time for meeting it was to be extended no longer. The last day of grace had come!

There is a debt we have all contracted, a debt of sin. Scripture says: "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." This is a debt that we, too, can never pay, for we are like the two debtors of Luke 7:42. One owed but fifty pence, and the other owed five hundred pence; but they both alike "had nothing to pay.”

Have you ever thought of the debt of sin that you have contracted and are increasing day by day—sins of commission and sins of omission? How are you going to meet it? You may be but a fifty pence debtor, but you have "nothing to pay.”

Friend, a reckoning day is coming! Every one of us shall give account of himself to God. How soon will that day come? I know not. The day of God's grace has already lasted nearly 2000 years, but ere long the last day of His grace is coming and His righteous claim must be met. To escape the penalty of your debt of sin—eternal perdition—what must you do?

In Luke 7:42 we read: "When they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.”

Whether you are a fifty pence debtor or a five hundred pence debtor; whether you are a respectable professor and presenting to God the filthy rags of your own righteousness, though meanwhile a sinner; or, though you be steeped in all iniquity imaginable, there is full and free forgiveness for you in this day of God's grace through the Lord Jesus Christ. He has paid your debt by shedding His own precious blood. Will you accept His payment and receive His pardon—His receipt? "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"; but to everyone who receives Him this scripture applies, "being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Beware, dear reader, of delay in settling this matter; God's day of grace is nearly over. When He sent His beloved Son into the world, the "grace of God that bringeth salvation" appeared to all men. The gospel of His grace has been going forth ever since. Hasten to avail yourself of the free payment of your debt announced by that gospel, lest the last day of grace find you unprepared.

"The sin alights on Jesus' head,
'Tis in His blood sin's debt is paid;
Stern justice can demand no more,
And mercy can dispense her store.”

A Good Title

"Well, my friend, are you going to heaven?" So asked a servant of Christ of a man who, with many others, had come into a room where a lunch had been provided and the gospel was to be preached.

"Yes, sir, I believe I am," he replied. "And what is your title to go there?”

The man was silent for a few moments. The servant of Christ took his hesitance as an opportunity to continue his questioning. He said: "Suppose, now, you found yourself in heaven, and an angel came to you and asked: 'What right have you to be here? What is your title to heaven?' What answer would you give?”

After a few minutes' further silence, the poor man looked up and replied: "The atoning value of the blood of Christ.”

Blessed answer! What answer could you give, my friend? None can enter there but those who have trusted in the atoning value of the blood of Christ, while in this earthly life.

"O precious blood! on Calv'ry shed
For sinful souls in trespass dead!
And seated on the throne is He
Whose precious blood atoned for me.

"O precious blood! O, living way,
By which the chief of sinners may,
Accepted, stand before his God!
O precious, reconciling blood!”

"For ye know the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that, though
He was rich, yet for your sakes
He became poor, that ye through
His poverty might be rich.”

2 Cor. 8:9.

August

God Is Not Mocked

It was an awful wreck. The train had run past the small station into an open switch and into the path of the oncoming express. There were many dead and seriously injured. Doctors and nurses were rushed to the scene. Mr. Watters, a passenger on the ill-fated train, escaped uninjured, and was seeking to comfort the suffering victims. He knelt beside a well-dressed man who was fatally hurt though in no great pain.

Mr. Watters sought to reassure the dying man, but he entreated Mr. Watters to listen to his story, and tell it to others as a warning to them.

He related that ten years before, while traveling as a salesman for a firm, he had spent a night of carousing in the drinking-parlor of a hotel. On that evening the conversation turned in ridicule upon the awakening gospel meetings that were being held in the town. An elderly preacher was proclaiming the glad tidings of God's love to poor lost sinners. A few who had before been drunkards had been converted. This increased the hatred and enmity of the others against the servant of the Lord and against all those interested in his meetings.

The injured man continued his story: "On that particular evening all kinds of wicked jokes were played, and the more the salesman and his companions drank, the worse they became. Someone asked how the meetings were conducted and what was happening in them. A half drunken young man offered to make a demonstration, if a few others would join him in the show.

"Six of us kneeled on the floor, and started the mockery. We prayed for the forgiveness of our sins, and even tried to imitate tears of repentance. We closed with that song we had learned in childhood: 'Rock of Ages, Cleft for Sin'! When all was finished, we found ourselves alone in the parlor. Shocked by the awful blasphemy, the rest of the guests had left and gone home.”

Here the seriously injured man paused, and those who had gathered around him and heard him tell the awful story, were greatly shocked. But continuing, he said: "What I am about to tell you is no fiction. No! It happened within the last ten years. There were six of us participating in that farce.

"Before the end of the first year, the hotel owner suffered a fall. In that fall, a blood vessel burst in his brain and he never regained consciousness. He died. Someone might think that this is unusual; but notice! it was a violent death.

"Two years later the young man who started the demonstration was with a hunting-party in the country. During the night he got up to get a drink of water. In the dark he missed his way and fell down the steps. He broke his neck and died two days later.

"The third to go was Tom, a droll fellow, who in mockery had cried the loudest. He fell down his own cellar steps and died.

"Now I began to be uneasy. What would happen to my two other companions? Sobered and fearful, one of these went west, thus hoping to avoid such a tragic end. I heard that he became a railway guard, a usually safe occupation; but ere long a newspaper reported his tragic death. He had been caught between the bumpers of two coaches and died a horrible death.

"Last year I met my only surviving companion. He had sunk into poverty after having lost his wife and two children. One evening he fell from the door of the saloon onto the concrete walk. His head struck a rock that pierced his temple, and he died instantly. Since that time I have waited for my end. I knew I could not escape it, and now it has come.”

Inside of ten years all six who took part in that blasphemous mockery had died violent deaths. Not one, apparently, had turned to God, nor repented of his sin.

What a solemn voice, dear reader! How true are the words of Scripture!

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Heb. 10:31.

These judgments only affected the bodies of these mockers. But how about their souls, passing into eternity unforgiven? They must appear before the great white throne, there to receive the awful sentence of God's just judgment!

"Because a 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." Eccl. 8:11.

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6:'7.

"Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of FITNESS fondly dream:
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.”

All Done

Alice was an only child and, in the natural course of time and events, she would have become a very wealthy heiress. She was lovely and accomplished; but she lived for this world with all of its extraordinary attractions.

When Alice failed to look quite so bright as formerly, a physician was called in. He diagnosed her illness as tuberculosis, and ere long all could see that her days were numbered.

Alice sank by degrees, although all the care and luxuries wealth could procure were showered upon her. She now had time to think. How sad, she thought, to have to leave her loving friends and all her brilliant prospects, and to go—where? Where?

She sent for her clergyman. He came. The family were assembled. They all knelt round her bed. He intoned the services for the sick. Having received her confession and pronounced absolution, he administered the sacrament. Then placing his hands on her head, he blessed her and pronounced her "a good child of the church.”

When he departed, satisfied with his own ritualistic performance, he assured the anxious parents that all was well with their child. But was Alice satisfied?

She had submitted to the rites of the church, but she knew that her own heart was not right with God.

"Father," she said, "I know I am going to die. Tell me, where am I going?" The father could give her no answer.

"Mother," she cried, "tell me what to do to get to heaven?" Still there was no reply.

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

Lovingly the mother soothed her. "My child, you have always been a dutiful daughter. You have never grieved your parents. You have regularly attended church and even joined in its services. Your minister has performed the rites of the church, and he says he himself is satisfied with your state.”

"But, Mother, I feel that is not enough. That gives no rest to my soul. It is all hollow—it is not real. Oh, I am going to die, and I don't know where I am going. Oh, how black is the way before me! Can no one tell me what I can do to be saved?”

Just within the door stood the young maid whose duty it was to attend Alice. This girl knew the Savior and the joy of knowing the forgiveness of her own sins. Silently she prayed for courage to tell her mistress of the one who had told her how to find "forgiveness" through the finished work of Christ. At last she stepped to the bed-side, and from a full heart she poured out her thanks for this man of God.

"Oh, could I see him?" exclaimed the dying girl. This Christian was sent for, and again the family assembled. Raising herself, Alice appealed to him: "Can you tell me what I must do to find rest for my soul and to die at peace with God?”

"I cannot," was the answer.

Alice fell back on her pillows. "Oh," she cried; "is that true? Is there no hope for me?”

"Wait," said he; "though I can't tell you what you can do to be saved, I can tell you what has been done for you. Jesus Christ, the Savior, has completely finished a work by which lost and helpless sinners may be righteously saved. God is love. The blessed Savior left the glory, bled and died, that the sinner who receives Him might live.

"'He bare our sins in His own body on the tree.' He endured the wrath of God. All, everything, is done. The work is finished. Believe and live. 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.'" Acts 16:31.

"Then have I nothing to do?”

"Nothing, no doing, working, praying, giving, or abstaining, can relieve a conscience burdened with sin. It is not a work done in you by yourself. All the work was done for you by another, long, long ago. Jesus said, `It is finished.' You can do nothing to add to the perfect work of Christ.

"Doing is not God's way of salvation. You must believe what God in Christ has already done for you.”

"I do believe that Jesus died on the cross for sinners; but how can I know that God has accepted me?”

"Jesus has ascended into heaven before God in the value of His shed blood, and has been accepted there for us. When we believe in Him and His great work for us, we are accepted in Him—accepted in God's beloved Son.

"Believe the message God sends you. Appropriate to yourself all He did, and say, Tor me He was slain.' `He was bruised for my iniquities.'

"'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!'" John 1:29.

The newly awakened sinner listened with breathless attention. She believed the Word of God revealing Christ to her soul, and received Him as her own Savior.

READER, WHERE ARE YOU GOING? WHERE!

Are you trusting in works, feelings, anything other than the finished work of Christ? Test your hope— try your foundations now by the Word of God. Trust no longer in self, nor in forms, ceremonies, nor the whole service of ritualism. They are but a snare and delusion.

"Cast your deadly "doing" down,
Down at Jesus' feet;
Stand in Him, in Him alone,
Gloriously complete!”

"But What up There?"

My evangelist friend had been traveling through the countryside, and, seeking a place to stay for a few days, he found lodging in the hospitable home of a very wealthy farmer. This man had started life as a poor boy; but by hard toil and almost penurious saving, he had made his way and enriched himself in the world. Now advanced in years, he could proudly display his possessions, including the fine, large house he had built on one of the beautiful sites in his estate. Here he intended in quietness to enjoy the remainder of his days.

This very kind host was eager to show my friend all those acquired possessions that were of such interest and importance to himself. He took him to the neighboring city, and there pointed out the principal stores and warehouses. The largest places of business were his—indeed rows of houses and whole streets had been built by him.

On the return ride to the farmhouse, they drove through miles of fertile country, all the property of this same man. How proud he was to tell that he was the possessor of fifty thousand acres upon which thousands of sheep and large herds of cattle fed!

Arriving at the house, the two men ascended a tower built for the purpose of surveying the surrounding territory. On the top of this tower the farmer had placed a telescope. Through it he could watch the work going on at his various farms. He bade my friend look through the telescope, telling him as he did so that as far as his eye could reach was all his.

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

"Why, how—what do you mean?" said the farmer. "I don't quite understand.”

"You have been showing me what you possess down here, and certainly you have more of this world than most men. God has greatly blessed you. But what have you in the world to come? Have you stored up treasure in heaven?

"You have been for years amassing all this wealth. It has cost you toil and time, and now you are growing old. You know that you cannot take your houses or your farms or your flocks and herds with you beyond the grave. The day is fast drawing near when you will, whether you like it or not, be obliged to leave all this to others. Have you no inheritance for the great hereafter?”

"Well, I don't know; I can't say, for I never think much about the future. I am satisfied with the present.”

My friend then told the farmer the sweet story of God's love, and the rich inheritance that awaits those who simply believe in and receive His dear Son. He painted so bright a picture of the heavenly portion of the redeemed of the Lord that the farmer's heart was filled with wonder. When he was assured that this could be his own future through faith in the Savior's death for him, an overflow of love and longing to see that One found expression in the exclamation, "What must it be to be there!”

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

"We sing of the realms of the blest,
That country so bright and so fair,
The glorious mansions of rest—
But what must it be to be there?”

A Great Question

It flashed across the wires from the city of Glasgow to an Ayrshire post-office—a telegram addressed to a young man. In order to escape the restraints of a Christian home, he was to sail the following day by an emigrant steamer for the United States. The message arrived in the evening, just as he was about to go to a social gathering to bid farewell to a few companions. They, like himself, were "without God" in the world.

He opened the telegram and read it. "Where will you spend eternity?" This was the message and it went like an arrow to his conscience. The signature was of one who had long prayed for his poor lost soul, and who had, no doubt, been guided of God in taking this unusual way of reaching him.

That solemn question spoiled the evening's fun for him. Stifle it as he would the question came up again and again and even after he was far away.

Three months after he arrived in the New World he was urged to go to hear the gospel preached by a fellow countryman. Long since he had been awakened to his danger; eternity was a dreaded reality to his soul. Now fully convinced of his need, and disappointed in the "life" he had left his home to seek, he came humbly to God as a lost sinner and claimed the lost sinner's Savior.

Ever after, in his testimony and life for Christ, he made free use of the question which God had used to his own awakening: "Where will YOU spend eternity?”

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

Only Two

ONLY TWO PLACES—Heaven and hell— in which to spend eternity. To which are you traveling? Time carries you swiftly on. Once you cross time's boundary, "the great gulf fixed" is set up forever. Then mistakes are irrevocable and indifference fatal.

Heaven will be the home of those who have trusted Christ as their own Savior. But oh, the unbeliever will have sealed his own doom.

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

ONLY TWO SIDES. Which are you on? Christ says: "He that is not with Me is against Me." Matt. 12:30.

The old cry of "Christ or Barabbas?" has not died down yet. Its terms may alter, but its meaning is ever the same. Christ or the world? Christ or self? This world or the world to come? The issue is very plain. Which side are you on?

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

No Salvation for You.”

"I never did anybody any harm; I have always paid my way; I have been upright in my dealings, and never had any towards anybody. In fact, I think if anybody may consider he is all right, I am the one.”

"There is no salvation for you, then!”

"What do you mean, sir?”

"I have no message of salvation for you. There is no good news for you.”

"Why not?”

"Simply because, on your own showing, you do not need it. You are, according to your account, a righteous person. My Bible tells me expressly that 'Christ did NOT come to call the righteous, but sinners' So if you are not a sinner, Christ did not come to save you.”

"Well, I did not mean exactly to do without the work of Christ.”

"Quite so; but Rom. 5 says that Christ died for the UNGODLY, for SINNERS, for His ENEMIES. If you do not own yourself to be without God, an enemy in your nature, and a sinner in practice, it is clear that you are not included in this chapter as one for whom Christ died. It is of the greatest importance that you should see exactly those for whom He did die; but so long as you stand upon the platform of your own good works, you never can be saved.”

"What must I do, then?”

"Own that what God says about you is true! 'All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' Rom. 3:23. Take the place of a lost, ruined sinner before Him, like the publican did, saying, 'God be merciful to me, a sinner.' Then you, like him, may go down to your house justified.”

The believer can say, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.

The Bible Is the Word of God

The Bible is the Book for today. It is God's own revelation. It is His very own voice speaking to each one of us. It is a book that suits every age, every clime, every class, every condition, high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, old and young. It speaks in a language so simple that a child can understand it; yet it is so profound that the greatest intellect can never exhaust it.

What a privilege to possess such a Book!—to have in our hands a divine Revelation!—to have access to a Book, every line of which is given by inspiration of God!—to have a divinely given history of the past, the present, and the future! Who can estimate aright such a privilege as this? What a God we have who has given us His Word in written form and His own dear Son in human form! How can anyone fail to believe Him!

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

"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.”

Eccl. 8:11.

"But God commendeth His
love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.”

Rom. 5:8.

September

The Guilty World

"Not this Man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber." John 18:40.

The world has never been the same
Since Jesus died—
Since He, the peerless, spotless Lamb,
Was crucified.
Earth chose instead sedition's son
With loud acclaim,
And meted to the sinless One
The cross and shame.

No wonder crime, and hate, and war,
Creation knows!
O'er it there burns the blood-shot star
That then arose.
Rebellion lifts its rebel arm
And claims the spoil,
Oblivious to the dread alarm—
The sure recoil!

Weep, weep, O earth, weep bitter tears
For this thy crime;
Against thee stand two thousand years
Of sin-stained time;
Ere judgment falls, repent thy sin,
For He must reign;
And let the cry, "O Lord," begin,
"Come back again.”

The Young Bugler

[The story of Willie Holt, the young bugler, has been often told throughout the years. Those who have heard it in the past agree that it is still well worth repeating, for through it God has brought many to the Savior.]

During my military service in India, in those stirring times of mutiny and murder, I had in my regiment a little bugler. I had often noticed him and feared that he was too fragile and delicate for the life he had to lead.

The lad had been born in the regiment, and we felt bound to make the best of him. His father, as brave a man as ever lived, had been killed in action; then his mother had drooped and died six months later.

She had been the daughter of an army chaplain, and was a delicate, refined woman. To the best of her ability she had brought up the boy strictly, according to her light. In spite of her religiousness she was generally liked and respected. The boy was like her and preferred going to prayer-meeting rather than joining in the horseplay of the other boys. Because of this he was not popular, and suffered from many coarse taunts and mocking gibes. After his mother died—I heard all this afterward—his life was made miserable by the scoffing sneers and ribald jokes of the older men, whose target he was.

About two years later, when Willie Holt was fourteen years old, the regiment was bivouacking some miles from camp for rifle practice. I had intended leaving the lad behind, thinking him too delicate for such work—the ground was swampy and unhealthy—but my sergeant-major begged hard "to take him along.”

"There is mischief in the air, Colonel," he said; "and rough as they treat the lad—and they do lead him a life—his pluck and his patience amaze them; for the boy is a saint, sir; he is indeed.”

I had a rough lot of recruits just then. Before we had been out but a fortnight several acts of insubordination had been brought to my notice. Those were ticklish times and I had felt compelled to make an example of the very next offense by having the culprit flogged.

One morning it was reported to me that during the night the targets had been thrown down and otherwise mutilated, and the usual practice could not take place. This was serious indeed, and on investigation the mischievous act was traced to a man or men in the very tent where Willie Holt was billeted. Two of them were indeed the worst characters in the regiment. When enough evidence was produced to prove conclusively that one or more of them were guilty of the crime, the whole lot were instantly put under arrest to be tried by court-martial. In vain they were appealed to produce the man responsible.

At last I said: "We have all heard the evidence that proves the perpetrator of last night's vandalism to be one of the men before us.”

Then turning to the prisoners, I added: "If any one of you who slept in No. 4 tent last night will come forward and take his punishment like a man, the rest will get off free. If not, there remains no alternative but to punish you all, each man in turn to receive ten strokes of the 'cat.'”

For the space of a couple of minutes dead silence followed. Then, from the midst of the prisoners, where his slight form had been completely hidden, Willie Holt came forward.

"Colonel," said he, "you have passed your word that if any one of those who slept in No. 4 tent last night comes forward to take his punishment, the rest shall get off free. I am ready, sir! Please, may I take it now?”

For a moment I was speechless, so utterly was I taken by surprise. Then in a fury of anger and disgust, I turned upon the prisoners:— "Is there no man among you worthy of the name? Are you all cowards enough to let this lad suffer for your sins? That he is guiltless you know as well as I." But, sullen and silent, they stood with never a word.

Then I turned to the boy whose pleading eyes were fixed on me, and never in all my life have I found myself so painfully situated. I knew my word must stand. The lad knew it too, as he repeated, "I am ready, sir.”

Sick at heart, I gave the order, and he was led away for punishment. Bravely he stood with bared back, as one—two— three strokes descended. At the fourth a faint moan escaped his white lips; but ere the fifth fell a hoarse cry burst from the crowd of prisoners who had been forced to witness the scene. With one bound Jim Sykes (the black sheep of the regiment) seized the cat-o-nine-tails. With choking voice he shouted: "Stop it, Colonel, stop it! Tie me up instead. He never did it, but I did"; and with convulsed and anguished face he flung his arms around the boy.

Fainting and almost speechless, Willie lifted his eyes to the man's face and smiled— such a smile. "No, Jim," he whispered, "you are safe now. The Colonel's word will stand." Then his head fell forward. He had fainted.

The next day, as I was making for the hospital tent where the boy lay, I met the doctor. "How is the lad?" I asked. "Sinking, Colonel," he said quietly.

"What!" I ejaculated, horrified and startled at the words.

"Yes. The shock of yesterday was too much for his feeble strength. I have known for quite a while it was only a question of time," he added. "This affair has only hastened matters. He is nearer heaven than earth, sir." With suspicious moisture in his kind old eyes he stood aside while I stepped into the tent.

The dying lad lay propped up on the pillows. At his side, half kneeling, half crouching, was Jim Sykes. The change in the boy's face startled me; it was deadly white, but his eyes were shining with a wonderful light, strangely sweet. The kneeling man lifted his head, and I saw drops of sweat standing on his brow as he muttered brokenly: "Why did ye do it, lad? Why did ye do it?”

"Because I wanted to take it for you, Jim," Willie's Weak voice answered tenderly. "I thought it might help you to understand why Christ died for you.”

"Christ died for me?" the man repeated.

"Yes, He died for you, Jim; but Christ loves you much more. I only suffered for one sin, but Christ took the punishment for all the sins you have ever committed. That penalty was death, Jim, and Christ died for you.”

"Christ has naught to do with such as me, lad; I'm one of the bad 'uns; you ought to know that.”

"But He died to save bad ones," answered Willie. "He says, 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.' `Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.' Oh, Jim, listen! He is calling you. He has poured out His lifeblood for you. He is knocking at the door of your heart. Won't you let Him in?”

The lad's voice failed him, but he laid his hand gently on the man's bowed head.

Standing there in the shadow, I felt my own heart strangely stirred. I had heard such things long, long ago. Thoughts of my own dear mother came floating back out of the dead past, and the words seemed a faint echo of her own.

How long I stood there I know not. I was roused by a cry from the man, and I saw Willie had fallen back on his pillow, fainting. I thought the lad was gone, but a few drops of cordial from the table at his side soon revived him. He opened his eyes, but they were dim and sightless. "Sing to me, mother," he whispered, "'The Gates of Pearl'; I am so tired.”

The words flashed back to my memory. I had heard them often in the shadowy past, and I myself repeated them softly to the dying boy:—

"Though the day be never so long,
It ringeth at length to even song;
And the weary worker goes to his rest
With words of peace and pardon blest.

"Though the path be never so steep,
And rough to walk on and hard to keep
It will lead, when the weary road is trod,
To the Gates of Pearl—the City of God.”

"Thank you, Colonel," he whispered, "I shall soon be there.”

His confidence seemed so strange to me that I said, "Where?”

"In heaven, Colonel." Then he repeated, as if to himself:

"Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God— I come!”

After a while we saw a glorious light in his dying eyes, and with a happy cry, he flung out his arms as if in welcome: "Mother!—Mother!”

His voice rang out, thrilling the heart of everyone who heard it. Then gradually the weak arms dropped. The light faded from the shining eyes. The brave spirit of the martyr-boy had fled to God.

The Very Words

Some time ago I was asked to visit a sick woman in the City Hospital. Unknown to me, a change had been made in the visiting hours, and I found myself in the ward before the house-doctor had finished his afternoon rounds. As I was about to withdraw, I was invited by the patient in the bed nearest the door to sit down by her and wait for a little while. As I accepted her kindness she said, "Maybe you will be able to tell me words I am trying to remember rightly.”

Her story was this: She had entered the hospital very ignorant of the things of God and was totally careless about her soul. A few days before I saw her, she told me that a lady came into the ward and brought each patient some flowers. "I felt ill and tired," she said, "and did not want to talk; so when she came near me I turned my face to the wall as if asleep. Then she laid the flowers upon my pillow, and passed on. When I heard her go down stairs I took the flowers up. It seemed to do me good to look at them; but I soon saw the flowers were not all—there was a card, and some writing on it. I read the words over and over again, and wondered what they could mean. Soon I began to care more for the card than I did for the flowers. As I read the words I could not help weeping—it seemed as if all my life came back to my mind, and I felt I was a great sinner. When night came I put the card away. In the morning I could not find it, and the words seemed to have gone out of my mind. How I would like to know what they were!”

"Try to remember one word, and I will ask the Lord, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to bring the right verse to my mind," I said.

"There was the word 'sin' in it, and that seems about all I can think of," she answered.

"Were these the words, Tor the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord'?" Rom. 6:23.

The look of disappointment that clouded the face of the poor woman was sad to witness. "No," she answered. "Those are not the ones I wanted to hear.”

I repeated another verse with the word sin in it: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

"The very words— the very words! Oh, how thankful I am!" she cried. "And you are quite sure they are in the Holy Scriptures?”

I read the words to her from the Bible. For some time we talked of the wonderful love of God to the perishing and lost. I do not know—perhaps I never shall know on earth— the result of that afternoon's conversation; but I do know that I left her that day with an expression on her face of joy and contentment which had not been there before.

"So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa. 55:11.

In His Own Way

In His own way they come,
The answers to our prayers;
Not always as we thought they would,
Nor even as we felt they should:
But in the wisdom of a God
Who understands and cares.

In His own time we see
The things His love has planned;
And when we find that they are best,
We wonder that we did not rest,
But fretted that we could not see
The workings of His hand.

Ofttimes He soon would send
The answers on their way
If we would take Him at His word,
Rejoicing that our prayers are heard,
And that His love had planned our way
Before we knelt to pray.

I May Do As I Please.”

One evening a preacher was declaring the glad tidings of the grace of God. He laid much stress upon the truth of the eternal security of the believer as one having passed from death to life. Then he dwelt confidently upon the impossibility of a believer in the Son of God ever coming under the judgment of God. He maintained that, concerning such a one, Scripture affirms that he is a member of the body of Christ. He quoted John 5:24, "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.”

When the preacher paused, a man stepped up to him and said: "Then I may do as I please, if I am saved eternally, without fear of being lost?”

"Yes," was the prompt reply of the preacher, "you may. But tell me this: what will a sinner saved from hell please to do? Tell me what a man, who knows that not only his sins are gone, but that he is united to Christ, will glory in doing? Will not the redeemed and liberated slave be filled with love and adoration for his benefactor, and full of gratitude to his Redeemer?”

The man was silenced. His question seemed to imply that if he knew he was saved without doubt from the penalty of sin, he might go on in his evil course without dread of the consequences. He did not seem to know that, having been born again by faith in Jesus' blood, the believer receives a new nature, is made partaker of the divine nature, a nature that hates sin and loves holiness.

Suppose a man has been rescued from a ditch into which he has fallen in wickedness or folly, and is then taken to the home of the one who has extricated him from his old position. Suppose that he not only gets cleansed and properly clothed, but is lovingly received and adopted into the family as a member, and becomes an equal heir to the vast wealth of the family. Would he be likely to desire to be in the ditch again? Would he be still more desirous to be there because he knows that only through the love and grace of his benefactor the estates have been unalterably secured to him?

Surely not! Nor will one whose heart has been drawn by the constraining love of Christ and purified by faith in Him, desire the husks the swine have left behind. When those who have professed the name of Christ, and have "run well" for a time, go back into their old courses, we are forcibly reminded of the words: "The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." 2 Peter 2:22.

Through carelessness, through the wiles of the enemy, a real Christian may fall into sin; but can he willingly or happily continue therein?

"How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Rom. 6:2.

God comes in restoring grace. He breaks the hard crust around the heart, and brings His child to a sense of his sin.

"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.

Dear ones, saved from eternal death to eternal life by that mighty love displayed on Calvary, may we, each one, love to do those things we shall not be ashamed of when we see Him as He is.

"Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

Dead Faith

"Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17. Dead faith is worthless. It is, indeed, worse than worthless, for it is like a counterfeit coin. It is a deceiver. If not stopped, its currency will work injury wherever it goes; and at last it will bring its owner into the hands of justice.

Dead faith may look very much like living faith. Just so, a corpse, at first sight may be taken for a living person. Many people are too polite to lookly closely into a man's faith, and too careless toward themselves to inquire into their own. These take it for granted that faith professed is of real value.

Since the greater number of persons in our country claim the Christian religion as their own, there is all the more danger of dead faith prevailing among us. Young persons educated to believe that they are Christians, too frequently are content with the Christianity of their education. They take no interest in a personal relationship to God through Christ.

One may be a Christian in name while his heart is as dead toward God as the heathen's. Now, if we are right with God, we shall be right with our fellow men. If we truly believe in God, we shall believe in His Son. (John 14:1.) If we obey Him, our obedience will find its energy in love, for faith worketh by love. We shall seek to please God, because we love Him.

One often hears: "If a man does his best, it does not matter what he believes." But Scripture says if a man has not faith in God it is impossible to please Him. Only through faith in God and trust in the efficacy of the death of His Son can a soul approach the Majesty on high.

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

Christ's Welcome

Our right to come to Jesus is full and clear. It is irrespective of aught in us. It presupposes our need and our sin—nothing more. The invitation is wide and free, with no restriction, and requiring no prerequisite. It does not fence itself round with conditions, as if fearful that too many might avail themselves of it, or as if desirous to keep off the unqualified or unworthy. It makes no exceptions as to previous life or present character. It welcomes the unworthiest. It forbids none. It leaves no room for suspicion on the part of any.

"Come, and come at once; come boldly," is its message to all; for "him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. Christ's free love beckons and beseeches you. It does not stand on ceremony or insist on terms. It does not say, Whosoever comes in this manner, or that manner, according to this rule or that rule, but "Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

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

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

John 1:29.

October

Salvation!

GOD thought IT

Jesus Christ bought IT

The Holy Spirit wrought IT

The Bible taught IT

Faith brought IT

The Devil fought IT

Have you caught IT

If not—It's time you sought IT

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13.

Choose

"Some day," you say, "I will seek the Lord;
Some day make Him my choice;
Some day, some day, I will heed His Word,
And answer the Spirit's voice.”

Choose now, just now, for the Lord is near,
Angels your answer await.
Choose now, just now, while the call is clear;
Soon it may be too late.

God's time is now, for the days fly fast;
Swiftly the seasons roll.
The present is yours, perhaps your last;
Choose, for your priceless soul.

Choose now, just now, there's a soul at stake;
What will your answer be?
'Tis life or death; and the choice you make
Is for eternity.

The Young Officer's Sermon

He had been a wild young officer, this lieutenant, as wild as any of his fellow officers; but when God saved his soul, He changed his whole life. Several others were affected in the same way and at the same time, but his conversion was the greatest surprise because it was least expected.

In the flush of first love, these newly converted young officers felt that they would like to preach the Gospel that they now believed. Dear saved reader, we can understand that. A man cured of a very painful malady by a skilful doctor is expected to talk about it and to recommend his doctor to others. Should people be surprised when men whose souls have been saved by the great Savior-God want to speak of Him?

These officers rented a hall in the town in which their regiment was stationed and took turns preaching. Soon our young friend's turn came to tell the story. He decided to take for his text those wonderful words, "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.

He could not have chosen a better text. But when he had read it and looked up from his Bible at the crowd before him, he could not think of anything to say about it. He decided to repeat the text, if he could remember it. He began: "God—God loved the world—God, God so loved the world: Yes, God so loved the world that, that—”

And that was as far as he could get. Catching sight of an open door at the back of the platform, he made a dash for it and disappeared through it, to the astonishment of his audience.

He paced up and down the anteroom, berating himself for his folly in attempting to preach a sermon. Vowing that he would never do it again, he heard a knock on the door. When he opened it, a young woman was ushered in. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and she could not speak for sobs. "What's the matter with you?" said the would-be preacher. "Is someone dead?”

"No," came the astonishing answer. "I never knew before that God loved me.”

What an amazing result from what he had thought was a great failure! The stumbling words had done their work, and they knelt together in that anteroom, two astonished people—she, that God loved her; he, that God should have used his blundering to acquaint her with His great love.

Unsaved one, hear these blessed words: "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

What a wonderful story it is! Does it not search your heart, and will you not allow the light of life to shine into your soul? Then you can say with wonder and thanksgiving, "I never knew before that God loved me.”

True Riches

How rarely does one find unfailing adherence to a godly walk evidenced by those who, through unavoidable circumstances, are forced to live in isolation and lonely separation from their brethren— often, indeed, afar from those of like mind! Much dearer, in such a case, must be the tender love of the ever present Savior and the sustaining grace of Him who abides faithful.

This indeed was true of dear Miss Gertrude. In the little town where she was born and lived all her long life, she was noted by those with whom she came in contact as a consistent follower of her crucified Lord. And to one and all she never tired of singing His praises.

Then, you may say, He would give her all her heart's desires, for Psalm 37:4 says: "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Ah no, my friend; not if you mean that she would be showered with earthly goods and blessings. That would have been Israel's portion in the old dispensation; but to a child of God in the day of grace the promise is: "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:12.

A promise? Yes, a happy promise, for in that trial or testing, allowed of Him, He Himself is the Burden Bearer; and the dear tried one, yoked up with Him, finds peace and rest for his soul. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matt. 11:28, 29.

And so it was with Miss Gertrude. Many were her trials and afflictions, humanly speaking; but in them all she saw the loving heart of her Father removing the dross and polishing the jewel for His glory.

In this same town was a man who had known Miss Gertrude from childhood. Together they had attended the little school, and with their parents had gone to the humble meeting-room where Christ was preached. When the boy reached manhood, he would have none of the teaching of the Scriptures, but became an avowed atheist. Strange to say, in spite of his hatred of the Giver of all good, this infidel was allowed to prosper. Whereas Miss Gertrude's earthly possessions became less and less as she neared the end of the way, the unbeliever's wealth continually increased as he grew older. Scripture says: "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree." Psa. 37:35.

One day our dear Christian friend was going through a sorrowful trial because of her drunken brother. It was an icy cold day when she heard that he was in jail, and in her pity for him she had gone to the prison to try to secure his release. As she entered the building she was dismayed to see coming toward her this man who had often taunted her because of what he called her religion. Silently she prayed for courage and wisdom in the encounter which she could not avoid. As he came nearer there was a gleam of malice in his eyes, and he greeted her almost mockingly.

"So," he said, "here you are, getting more of the same! When will you ever learn some sense and give up the crazy notion that GOD does this and GOD does that? No one with good sense can believe that. Do you think I could ever believe in a God who treated me as your God treats you?”

Poor Miss Gertrude! Yes, she was poor in this world's goods, but rich in faith. As she stood there helpless before this tirade, the tears came to her eyes and ran unheeded down her cheeks. With all her heart she was crying to the Lord to save this man's sin-darkened soul. When he paused for breaths the answer came from her trembling lips: "You just don't know my Lord; that's all!”

What an answer! Poor lost sinner, that holds good for you, too. Of course you don't love God BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW HIM. Notwithstanding all that you have done and been, He loves you. This is true whether you believe it or not. A holy and sin-hating God actually loves you. Think of this!

"This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3.

If you want to know how much He loves you, gaze on that suffering One hanging on Calvary's Cross. Why does He groan and bleed and die? Hearken to the divine answer: '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.

"God loved the world of sinners lost
And ruined by the fall;
Salvation full, at highest cost,
He offers free to all.
"Love brings the glorious fullness in,
And to the lost makes known
Salvation from the power of sin,
Through faith in Christ alone.
"E'en now by faith I claim Him mine,
The risen Son of God;
Redemption by His death I find,
And cleansing through the blood.
"Oh, 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love!
The love of God to me;
It brought my Savior from above,
To die on Calvary.”

Twenty-Three Thousand Sins

He was a fine, strapping young fellow, and he listened with interest while the sweet gospel story was preached. Afterward he asked to see the preacher.

"I have not been such a bad sort," he said as he opened the conversation.

"I must admit one slip, though—I got into trouble with the police; but if you ever come to my home I can show you a pile of reward books which I received for regular attendance and good conduct at Sunday school! Then I went to Bible class, and later attended chapel.”

"How old are you?" inquired the preacher.

"Twenty-three years of age," he replied.

"Now, listen," said the preacher. "You will admit that few days have passed that you have not had a foolish thought?”

"Yes.”

"God's Word says: 'The thought of foolishness is sin." Prov. 24:9.

"You have also uttered silly words?”

"Yes, I surely have.”

"And the Lord Jesus Christ said, 'That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.'" Matt. 12:36.

"You have likewise committed naughty acts?" "Yes, I'm sorry to say.”

"The Scriptures tell us: 'We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.' 2 Cor. 5:10.

"Now you have admitted three sins a day; this means that on the lowest average you have committed no less than one thousand a year. So that, on your own confession, you stand convicted of twenty-three thousand sins.”

"I had not thought of that," said the young man. His face assumed a very serious expression as he asked: "What can I do, sir?”

"You can do nothing," said the preacher. "I can only give you God's Word that you must take a sinner's place and claim the sinner's Savior. Then you may be assured that 'the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'" 1 John 1:7.

In simplicity the plan of salvation was unfolded: God's great love, the Lord Jesus Christ's precious death, and the priceless value of the soul-cleansing blood. The Holy Spirit applied the Word, and there and then that convicted sinner trusted the Savior, and rejoiced in the happy knowledge of sins forgiven.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

Smashed to Pieces?

I was traveling by train with a friend, and after we had gone some distance, he handed a few tracts to our fellow passengers. I observed an old man reading the one given to him with very marked attention. Though he seemed to be a working man, his wrinkled forehead and careworn face bore marks of mental anguish of no ordinary character.

I felt a strong desire to speak to this old man, but hesitated to make a beginning. I mentally offered a short prayer. It was this: "Lord, if it be Thy will that I should speak to this man, cause him to speak to me first.”

I sat still a few minutes, but responded quickly when he put up his finger for me. I went and sat by him. He said, "I want to speak to you." (If the reader does not know the power of prayer, he will perhaps wonder at this.) I looked at his anxious face, as he said, "When I was a young man, I read Thomas Paine, Voltaire, and many such. Their writing suited me well then, for I liked to have my full fling in sin; and I had it, both here and far away across the seas. I traveled both on the continent and also in South America; and what scenes I have been in! But now, (pointing to his gray hair,) oh, this remorse! It smashes me to pieces.”

The look with which these words were spoken touched my heart. Oh, my soul, thought I, how much like hell is the anguish of remorse! Almost before I could speak, he went on to say, "I think the deceitful ways of professors of religion make more infidels than all the books that infidels themselves have written.”

"Well," I said, "if it were not for an old book I have in my pocket, which tells all about that, I should be staggered myself.”

"Indeed," said he; "what book is that?”

"Oh," said I, "it is the Bible; and there is not an evil in the professing church which was not plainly foretold in it. But you have looked long enough at man; there is nothing in him to heal your broken, smashed heart. I want you to look at another object, and that one is God. You will find no deceit in Him; indeed, all is sincere love. I don't ask you to do this or that to get to God; but I want to tell you, smashed under sin and guilt as you are, what God has done to get to you.

"I want to tell you what Jesus the Savior is, and what He has done, as displayed through the cross at Calvary. The love that is seen there is all sincere, and it is all the work of God in Christ.

"Man put Christ to death, but God so loved. Yes, it is the cross of Christ alone that heals the broken heart. It has been truly said, that to heal the broken heart, Christ's own heart must be broken first. It was broken. He died for us, 'the just for the unjust, to bring us to God.'”

There was power in the name of Jesus! A change passed over the old man's countenance; the raging storm was calming down; the goodness of God was leading him to repentance. He had never thus seen God manifest in the flesh as the God of love. He had long been trying to get out of the pit, like so many others, but he had never before seen Jesus coming into it to save him.

Our conversation suddenly stopped—we had reached my station but I trust we shall meet again at the great and glorious terminus—the coming of the Lord.

My friend, this is a great salvation; it is worthy of all acceptation, yes, your acceptation, for "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." Can't you trust Him? You will see it can be done. "He that believeth hath everlasting life." "We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Reader, believe on the Son of God. Having no confidence in yourself, praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that is to come.

He says, "Sin shall not have dominion over you." There may be falterings and faintings, but faith that finishes with self and takes hold on Christ shall be kept safe to the very end.

Saved As a Sinner

The sun was setting in the clear Egyptian sky, and the domes of Cairo where our regiment was stationed glittered in the golden sunlight. Many and strange sights had I witnessed since I left my native land: in India and in the deserts of the Sudan, in. war and in peace. But here in this most beautiful oriental scene a comrade, a genuine Christian soldier, showed me from the Word of God the most soul stirring sight of all. In that precious Book he showed me that all my religion and self-righteousness were as filthy rags in the sight of God, and that I must be saved as a sinner. Only by the grace of God through the atoning death of Christ, and apart from any merit or works of mine, I must be saved. That was a revelation to me.

Reformation I had heard about. Religion had been often commended to me; but these were all for the improvement of the flesh, in order to make me more fit to approach God. But this Regeneration, being "born again," the Christian insisted was the first requirement. It was the very door into God's kingdom, and it cut at the root of all my ideas of reformation and religion. It left me as far from God and heaven as in my wildest days of "sowing to the flesh.”

I confess I did not like to hear that doctrine. I resisted it, thought it was too severe, and tried to turn aside the sharp edge of the sword of the Spirit. But it was no use; there it stood, plain and clear in the Word of God. I must come as a sinner, only a sinner, wholly a sinner, to Christ the Savior. His own Word assured me that, "Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

At last, convinced, I did come, just as I was, in my lost, sinful state. Faithful to His own promise, my Savior received me. He saved me, and has kept me to this day.

To you I commend this Savior. He is ready; He is willing; He is mighty to save you. Only believe His Word!

"He loves you—He wants you—He died
to redeem you!
Only believe His Word:
There's nothing to do—there's nothing to buy;
Remember, 'twas for you He left His mansion
in the sky!
And now He's ready—He's willing—He's
able to save you!
Only believe His Word.”

Who Can Be Saved?

Do you realize that you are a sinner, dear friend? God says you are. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

Now listen to this good news: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Therefore He came to save you.

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

If you acknowledge the fact that you are lost—and the Scripture says, "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost"—then we must conclude that He came to seek and to save you.

Do you realize that you are unjust? Then look at this: "Christ hath also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." 1 Peter 3:18. You can thank the Lord Jesus that you are the very one for whom He suffered on Calvary's cross. And because He suffered there for your sins, He can bring you to God, freely forgiven and forever justified from all things.

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses." Acts 13:38, 39.

Why not look to Him now, and trust Him as your own precious Savior? He came to save sinners! You confess that you are a sinner. If you really believe that He suffered for all your sins on the cross, that His shed blood has cleansed you in the sight of God, you will be saved—and saved forever. Receive Him now, trust Him for salvation, and yield to Him the gratitude of your heart for all He has done to save you from a lost eternity.

"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.

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

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

Isa. 53:6.

November

In a Ring of Fire

An ungodly European once sought to convince a Hindu who had been converted to God that his belief in the Savior was of no use, and that he would never be any better for it. "What, after all," said the scoffer, "has your Jesus done for you?”

"He has saved me," said the native, with great conviction; "He has saved me!”

"And what is that?" asked the European.

"Come with me to the door," was the reply, "and I will show you.”

The two men stepped out of the house into the yard. The Hindu gathered together a quantity of dry leaves and straw (of which there were plenty close at hand), and made a large circle of them. He then sought for a worm. Having found one, he placed it in the center of the ring. Forthwith he applied a lighted match to the dry material that surrounded it, while the scoffer looked on with amusement.

As the heat of the fire approached the poor insect, it began to writhe and squirm in distress; but it could not get out of the burning ring. The man darted his hand through the smoke, plucked the worm out of its dangerous position, and placed it on the green grass, out of reach of all danger.

"There that is what the Lord Jesus has done for me," he said. “I was exposed to the flames of hell-there was no possibility of escape. I was condemned and ready to perish, and He rescued me by dying for my sins. He snatched me as a brand from the burning, and has given me a place in His heart of love.”

Reader, can you thus speak of yourself as saved by the death of Jesus? Are you able to say, like the poor native, "He has saved me"?

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God." Psa. 40:1-3.

A Challenge

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

This is a question, my reader, that you will have to answer before God one day. You will not be asked in eternity what you think of creeds, or isms, or theology, but what do you think of Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world? What do you think of His life, His death, His resurrection and ascension into heaven? What do you think of His atoning sacrifice? Do the words "It is finished" mean anything to you?

When Jesus was on earth in Caesarea Philippi with His disciples, He asked them a question, "Whom say ye that I am?" Simon Peter answered: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

The answer of Jesus to this confession of faith was: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 16:16,17.

Now, my friend, what is your answer to the question, "What think ye of Christ?”

Wanted, a Man!?

"We want a man"—is the cry of the world—
"A man who can put things right;
For everything's wrong, and we're all astray,
The outlook is dark as night.”
Men have dreamed of peace, and a golden age,
To which they thought they were bound:
But their hopes are blighted, disturbance is rife,
And war, not peace, they have found.
That something is wrong they freely admit,
Though they've boasted things better have grown;
But all is awry, and out of control,
In weakness they sigh and they moan.

Ah! World, you've discovered at last what you need,
But where in distress will you turn?
You verily stand in need of a man,
Though the reason you cannot discern.
Go back in history two thousand years,
When you made that awful choice,
And rejected "The Man" who had come to save,
With one unanimous voice;
Two men were presented to you that day,
Barabbas, and Jesus, God's Son;
"Shall it be Barabbas, or Christ" was asked,
And you chose the lawless one.

Christ is "THE MAN"—the coming Man —
To Whom each knee shall bow;
Earth's rightful King, the Sovereign Lord,
Though scorned and hated now!
Man of the world! would'st thou be blest?
Then let Christ be your trust;
You need Him! He alone can save!
And bow to Him you must.
Confess Him, lest His anger burn,
Escape His ire none can;
Believe on Him, God's glorious Son,
The exalted, corning MAN!

"And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Ezek. 22:30.

"There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. 2:5.

"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.

"Let Thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the Son of Man whom Thou madest strong for Thyself." Psa. 80:17.

Lost Helpers

It was late at night. Two men were leaving the city of Newcastle. They passed along the water-side of a beautiful valley where one of them lived. The other was his guest.

The taller, the elder of the two men, was actively engaged in Christian work in the blessings of which the people of Newcastle and the students of a nearby college mutually shared.

The work had proved too heavy for him; and he had invited his young friend, an unconverted lad, whom we will call Henry, to aid him. Together they had spent many a day supplying books and pamphlets to groups of Christian laborers who cooperated with them.

Weary with their toils, they were now returning home for a night's rest. Hitherto, not a word had been spoken to the helpful lad about his soul; but at last a fitting occasion seemed to have arrived. A quaint subject was chosen. "Henry," asked the older man, "do you know what became of 'Noah's carpenters'?”

"Noah's carpenters!" exclaimed Henry. "I didn't know that Noah had any carpenters.”

"Certainly he must have had help in building one of the largest and best-proportioned ships ever put upon the stocks. There must have been many ship-carpenters at work for a long time to have constructed such a vessel in that age. What became of them, think you, when all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened?”

"What do you mean by such a queer question?" Henry replied.

“No matter what, just now. Please answer me. And you may also tell me, if you will, what you would have done in that dreadful hour. When the storm came in its fury, and Noah's prophecies were all fulfilled, and all but the family of the 'preacher of righteousness' were about to be engulfed in those black waters. What would you have done?”

"I don't know," said Henry, in a half-thoughtful, half trifling manner. "Perhaps I would have grabbed the rudder.”

"That is human nature exactly, Henry. It would `climb up some other way' rather than enter the fold by the only door. It would `get on the rudder,' in its pride and short-sightedness, rather than go into the ark of safety. It would 'save itself,' by hanging on at the hazard of being swept away into the gulf of despair, instead of being saved by the provision of infinite love.

"But I'll tell you plainly what I mean, Henry, by `Noah's carpenters.' You have kindly and generously given me your aid, day after day, in a work through which many, I trust, will be saved. I am grateful for your help. But I greatly fear that while others will be enjoying the fruit of your labors, you will be swept away in the storm of wrath which will, by and by, beat on the heads of those who do not enter the true ark, Jesus Christ. No human device will avail for you. `Getting on the rudder' will not answer. You must be `in Christ' or you are lost. Remember 'Noah's carpenters,' and flee to the ark without delay." They reached the house and parted for the night.

Winter came. The lad entered school. He came home during vacation, and sought his Christian friend. What joy to learn that the conversation about 'Noah's carpenters' had turned Henry's thoughts to the true ark, Christ Jesus! In Him he was safe now for all eternity.

Though these imaginary "Noah's carpenters" could not but be drowned in the flood, there are a great many of the same stock still around. Those who contribute of their time and money to promote the spiritual good of others, but who personally neglect that "great salvation" are among them.

Sunday-school children, who collect for the poor, or give their pennies to send tracts and books to the destitute, or to aid the work of missions, and yet themselves remain unconverted, are like "Noah's carpenters.”

Teachers in Bible classes and Sunday-schools, who point their pupils to the Lamb of God, but do not lead the way, are like guide-posts that indicate the road, but do not travel it. They are "Noah's carpenters" who helped build an ark and were overwhelmed in the waters that bore it aloft in safety.

Careless parents, who instruct their children and servants, as every parent should, in the great doctrines of the Gospel, yet fail to show forth these doctrines in their lives, and seek not a personal benefit from the blood of Christ, are like "Noah's carpenters," and must expect their doom.

Printers, folders, and binders, engaged in making Bibles and religious books; book-sellers and publishers of religious publications, who are doing much to increase the knowledge of the gospel that saves sinners, but so many of whom are careless about their own salvation, will have the endless woe of knowing that, while their toils have brought spiritual good to thousands, they were only like pack-mules that carried good food to market without tasting it; or like "Noah's carpenters" who helped build a ship in which they never sailed.

A greater storm than the one that lifted Noah's ark above the flood waters is soon to come upon this wicked world. Friend, are you ready for it? The only place of safety from the storm of God's wrath is "in Christ," the true ark. Will you enter now while He bids you "Come?”

Soon the door must close. Are you outside? I pray you enter now, for when the day of grace is over, God Himself will shut the door. And then? Too late.

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

You Need Christ”

"I suppose my buddy and I were nearly the worst men in the regiment." So said a young soldier to me. "But," he continued: "my buddy became converted, and I tried by every means I knew to get him back into his old ways. But he was settled fast in his faith. How this did distress me! I had lost my influence with him.

"I was pretty well taught in the Scriptures, and had received a good education. In fact I had been brought up to fit into a good position in society; but it profited me nothing. I enlisted, and went from bad to worse.

"One day a missionary came into the barrack-room. He seemed a sincere man, and I thought, 'Well, I will soon surprise you.' I had always done so before, and had no doubt that I could do so now. He listened to my sophistries and rantings, and when I had done, he said most solemnly: 'My friend, you need Christ!' He fixed his eyes upon me and said again: 'You need Christ.'

"Instantly I looked for some word to discomfit him, but none came. I found no way of escape, and soon went and lay upon my bed. His certainty of my need was a startling eye-opener, and I grew sick and weary at heart. But he followed me there, saying over and over: 'Friend, you need Christ! You need Christ.'

"Deeply distressed, I at last promised to go to a preaching he was to hold that night. And I did go, in spite of every effort of Satan and man to prevent; and, thank God, He sent me home a saved man. It was through His own words: '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.

Perhaps the reader's case finds no parallel in that of this young soldier. Maybe you are not openly profane or irreligious. Perhaps you take no pride in your knowledge of Scripture, and yet believe yourself to be "all right;" but if you have not Christ, you are as far from happiness and heaven as that soldier lad before he found the Savior.

"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.

The Approach to God

When I returned home one Lord's Day after a Gospel meeting, a young woman who was evidently in great distress was waiting. With trembling lips she greeted me with the question: "Sir, how can I approach God?”

"Are you anxious about your soul?" I asked in reply.

"I have been reading my Bible this afternoon," she said, "and I feel convinced as never before that I am a vile, guilty sinner, unfit for His presence.”

"Fine," said I. "The Holy Spirit is working with your soul, and by the written Word has shown you something of your real condition as a sinner against God. By that same Word you can also know that God loves sinners, though He hates sin; for He says in John 3:16 that:

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

"My young friend," I continued, "if you believe what God says, be assured that you can find access into God's presence only through the blood of Jesus, His Son. But she sadly shook her head and soon left.

A few days later I met her again. In tears she still bewailed her hell-deserving condition. She said: "I know that Jesus died for sinners; but I cannot find a way to approach God for myself.”

In this state she continued for some time, and it became quite evident to me that, though she talked about Jesus, she did not know who Jesus was. That He, as God's dear Son, was truly, "God manifest in the flesh," had not been revealed to her. It was my task, therefore, to help her see by the Scriptures that, though Jesus as man was "made of a woman," yet He was truly the Son of God. It was as God's Son that Jesus was sent by the Father to do that mighty work on Calvary God and Man in one Person.

To help her see more clearly, I told her that Jesus said, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6. "Hence," I added, "the way to approach to God is only through Jesus, the Son of God, crucified, dead, buried, and risen. He is now at the right hand of God; and we have this most gracious assurance: 'He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.'" Heb. 7:25.

We then knelt and I earnestly prayed that she might be enabled, by the Holy Ghost, to come to God by Christ. Her whole soul seemed to cry out for the peace of God, and I knew she could find it only by way of the cross of Christ.

When we rose from our knees her tears were gone, and a smile had displaced the gloom from her countenance. She said: "I am happy now, sir!”

"What makes you happy?" said I.

"Oh, sir, during that prayer a bit of Scripture came into my mind, and it has brought sweet comfort to my soul. It seemed as if God spoke to my heart. It was something about, Tor Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God'." 1 Peter 3:18.

"Can you really approach God?" said I.

"Oh, yes, sir. I can approach God now without fear through Jesus, His Son.”

This is the substance of my conversation with this young woman, and it is related because it may meet the need of some others similarly exercised, who, knowing something of God's holiness and their sinfulness, are saying, "How can I approach God?”

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

They Shall Never Perish”

Christian friend, do you remember when you were first converted? How bright and happy you were! But ere long doubts crept in. You found that conversion had not made you totally good, and you began to fear as to whether you would be lost after all.

This generally happens when one lately converted discovers that evil is still in his heart, and that, in the possession and exercise of his new life in Christ, all such evil, sin and wickedness looks blacker and worse than ever before. Doubting his own salvation, he exclaims with Paul: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Rom. 7:24.

Friend, have you, a child of God, allowed Satan to raise doubts and fears in your mind?

It is well for all newly saved souls to remember that, though they are only just beginning to find out how much evil is inherent in their hearts, God knew all about it long ago. That is why He gave His Son to die for them.

The Lord Jesus Himself says in John 10:28 that no one shall pluck His sheep out of His hand; and in verse 29 we read that the Father also is holding them, and no one is able to pluck them out of His hand.

"They shall never perish." Could you possibly be more secure? Kept by both the Father and the Son, and assured by Christ Himself that His sheep shall never be lost! If your salvation depended on your holding on to the Shepherd, there might, indeed, be reason to doubt; but when the Shepherd has once found the lost sheep, He will never let it go! On His own shoulders He will take it safely all the way home. (Luke 15:5, 6).

We may and do learn what we are; but Christ knew all and bore the judgment on account of all. He it is who holds us fast in the everlasting grasp of His almighty love.

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life." 1 John 5:13.

Come - and Rest

Matt. 11:28

O Soul, perplexed with doubt and fears
Of coming woes and wasted years,
Remember One who can restore
Those blasted years! He looks before
And plans and loves; His way is best:
"Come unto Me—I'll give you rest.”

When sorrows theaten to submerge,
And life is like a dreary dirge,
Forsaken and alone you stand
And no one lends a helping hand;
Just lean your head on Jesus' breast:
"Come unto Me—I'll give you rest.”

When Satan's darts fall thick and fast,
The nerves unstrung, and strength is past;
When brightest day seems darkest night
And on the life a bitter blight;
Oh, listen then, 'Us His behest:
"Come unto Me—I'll give you rest.”

In every sorrow, every grief,
In every fear and unbelief,
One finds in Him a cure complete,
A peaceful home, a safe retreat;
So lean, and love, be fully blessed,
"Come unto Me—I'll give you rest.”

"God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.”

Job 33:14.

December

The Wanderer

"I sailed the seas for six years without Christ, but for the last four years with Christ.”

The speaker was a Swedish sailor, a wanderer in every sense of the word. He had wandered from home; he had wandered from his ship; and, worst of all, he had wandered from God.

It was on a Christmas day, when, lonely and homesick, he wandered into a gospel meeting. There a hymn was sung which touched his aching heart:

"Where is my wandering boy tonight,
The boy of my tenderest care:
The boy that was once my joy and light,
The child of my love and prayer?”

In memory he could see his mother bending over her work. Tears would be flowing down her cheeks as she thought of her wandering boy. His father, too, he envisioned seeking to pierce the distance between them with his dimming eyes. Overcome with emotion, he rose and left the hall. No one spoke to him, no one told him of Jesus and the home He has prepared. In his distress, the wanderer determined to go home to his earthly father, still knowing nothing of the Father above.

He was soon welcomed heartily by his family; but home influences were not for God. Eternal matters were entirely ignored among them. God was not in all their thoughts. In company with his brother, the sailor lad willingly entered into every godless pursuit, and, in their search for entertainment, he began to drink.

In this condition the mighty hand of grace led the two one night into a Salvation Army meeting. This was not to the liking of the younger brother, and he soon left the sailor.

Somewhat befuddled by drink and cozily warm in the little hall, the sailor lad settled down to "enjoy the show," as he thought; but before long he was listening eagerly to the old, old story of Jesus and His love. When others responded to the call for penitents, he too was soon on his knees confessing his unworthiness and seeking the peace that passeth understanding. And God in grace made good to him His promise in Jer. 29:13, "And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.”

In scorn and ridicule his family listened to his story of God's saving grace; and, determined to hold fast to his new-found joy, the happy lad again signed up aboard ship.

The next Christmas day, this young Christian was aboard a ship bound from Boston to Europe. The weather was exceedingly rough, a n d the sailor's thoughts turned to the comfort and safety he had found in Christ. Selecting a dry place in the lee of the funnel, he sought to snatch another brief word from His pocket Bible. Hardly was he settled down when a big sea broke over the vessel. To his own amazement, the sailor lad found, when the great wave ebbed back into the deep, that with his two hands he was holding fast to two bulwarks against disaster,—the rail of the ship and his precious Book, the Word of God.

Reader, are you safe in Christ? I beg you, stop your wanderings in search of peace. Let Him be your Hope, your Refuge.

"And a Man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Isa. 32:2.

Known by His Works

Many years ago a man went to visit a friend who was the owner of a vast and beautiful estate. The elderly host, a Christian, was greatly disturbed when his guest began to speak profanely of God. On being reproved he answered flippantly that he knew nothing about God for he had never seen Him. The host said nothing more that evening; but the next morning, before setting out for a tour of the estate, he first showed him a very beautiful picture hanging on the wall.

"Whoever made that picture knows very well how to use his brush," said the visitor.

"My son painted the picture.”

"Then your son is a very clever man.”

The large landscaped garden with its exquisite flowers and the exotic trees, amazed the visiting friend. "Who has the planning of this garden?" asked the gentleman.

"My son," replied the owner. "He knows every plant in it, I may say, from that cedar of Lebanon over there to the hyssop on the wall.”

"Indeed," said the guest, "I shall think very highly of him soon.”

Later in the village they entered a neat cottage where the son had established a home and school for young orphans. The children looked so happy and spoke so well of their benefactor that the visitor was much pleased; and when they returned to the house he said to his host: "What a happy man you must be to have such a fine son!”

"How do you know I have so fine a son?”

"Because I have seen his works. I know that he must be clever and good, if he has done all that you have showed me.”

"But you have never seen him.”

"No, but I feel I know him very well, because I judge him by his works.”

"True," replied the host; "and that is the very way that I know the character of my God and Father. I know from His works that He is a Being of infinite wisdom, power, and goodness. 'The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiworks.'" Psa. 19:1.

But, my reader, the greatest of all God's works was the redemption of lost, guilty man through the gift and sacrifice of His Son. You may own the wisdom, power, and goodness of God as seen in creation and yet not acknowledge Him as your God and Father. God wants you to know His love for you through believing in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom He (God) gave to save you.

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

An Unscriptural Text

"'It is never too late to mend.' Do you believe that, Miss Hall?”

"Of course I do! I believe everything that is in the Bible.”

"But that is not in the Bible! You may search from the first chapter to the last, and you will not find it.”

"Still it is quite true, is it not? Everybody believes it.”

"Well, Miss Hall, I for one do not believe it. It is a flat contradiction of the Word of God.”

"What! Do you mean to say that anyone can be past mending?”

"Yes, that is just what I do mean; and the person who is past mending is yourself, and every other sinner on the face of the earth.”

The young lady to whom these words were spoken seemed greatly shocked. She had never thought it possible that anyone could be past mending, and little did she know that she was one such.

My reader, have you ever thought of this matter? The Bible is plain and positive on this point. It describes us all as "filthy," for Psalm 14 says, "They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that does good, no, not one.”

The Bible tells us too that we are all "under sin" (Rom. 3:9), and utterly "without strength" (Rom. 5:6) to deliver ourselves; and in Eph. 2:1-12 we find that we are "dead in trespasses and sins," and altogether without hope.

Many other verses in Scripture teach us that we are past mending, past reforming, past improving. But, thank God, though it is always "too late to mend," it is not too late to be saved. Though we are sunk deep in the mire and filth of sin, the strong arm of Jesus is able to save us, though no power in heaven or earth can mend us. And whom He saves, He makes into a new creature. "Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 12:7.

Reader, do you want that arm of power to save you? Then get down on your knees, and say, "O Lord! I own that I am just what Thou dost say that I am. I am ungodly! I am vile! I have done nothing but sin! I deserve to be put in the flames of hell forever.”

Tell it all out to Jesus. Take the low place of a poor unworthy sinner at His feet. Put your wholehearted trust in Him as your Savior. Remember, it was for sinners like you that He died.

Think of the blood which He shed to make atonement for sin. Then, look up to Him and say from your heart, "Lord Jesus, I am guilty and helpless, but Thou art able to save. Thou did'st shed Thy blood for me. I am a poor sinner, but I rely upon the merits of that precious blood. I trust in Thee, I confide in Thy love, and I flee to Thee for pardon.”

If words like these come from your heart, they will reach the Savior's ear. And what will be the result? You will become a new creature in Christ.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17.

The Whole Truth

Friend, do you always want "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”

Many do not like it. They refuse to be told that they are sinners needing a Savior. They do not want to have their consciences disturbed.

"What do you mean by conversion?" asked one. "I am as happy as I can be as I am. I'll take my chances on being all right for heaven.”

What folly! When one is on a wrong course, he should be grateful to a guide who would tell him of his mistake, and could direct him aright.

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov. 16:25.

A South Sea Island queen was told by her courtiers that she was beautiful. She believed them and reveled in her imagined beauty. One day some traders brought mirrors to the island, and used them as collateral in bargaining with the natives.

One of these mirrors came into the queen's possession. Gazing into it she learned the truth—she was very far from beautiful. In a fury, she threw the mirror to the hard dirt floor where it splintered into many pieces. But simply knowing the truth did not make her better looking. To improve her looks, she must use the means provided.

The holy Scriptures are God's mirror to show us our lack and ugliness as sinners. We may refuse to believe it. We may throw it from us. But does such an action or attitude improve our appearance before God? No.

However, if we turn to God and confess our need, and accept His Son, He will clothe us with His comeliness. The truth is, we are all sinners, for God's Word says: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3.23.

Friend, look in God's mirror today. See yourself as He sees you—lost and ruined—and accept His way, the only way, to life eternal.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6.

He Was Once Here

He once was here in human form, a Babe of lowly birth;
That we might know His Father's love He came from heaven to earth.
He once was here in Simeon's arms; so grand the sight, that he
Could say, "I now can die in peace; I Thy salvation see.”
He once was here in temple grand, with scholars at His side.
Astonished they at what He knew; none with such wisdom vied.
He once was here a Man 'amongst men, His every act was good;
He healed the sick, He raised the dead, gave to the hungry food.
He once was here on Calvary's mount, nailed to the accursed tree;
His holy head was bowed in death to show His love for me.
He once was here, and all the way this weary desert trod,
From Bethlehem to Calvary, back to the throne of God.
He is not here, for death's cold grasp must His command obey;
So from the silent tomb He rose that resurrection day.
He is not here, for this poor world no place the Savior gave;
He's now upon the throne of God, omnipotent to save.
He will be here, for in His Word so clearly we can see
That righteousness will cover earth as waters cover sea.
He will be here and reign o'er earth with His redeemed ere long,
And all creation join to sing the great redemption song.
How great that day when He who once, a Man of humble birth—
Now sitting on the throne of God—will reign o'er heaven and earth.
Lord, haste that day when, at Thy feet, all creatures great and small,
With one united burst of praise will own Thee Lord of all.

Better Than an Argument

In an office where I had occasional business, I was talking with the proprietor. He asked my opinion in a matter of principle, and I answered: "The Bible says so and so.”

"What Bible?" he inquired sharply, almost defiantly.

"The Bible," I said, quietly but firmly.

"Mohammedans have one Bible, Buddhists another, Jews another. Which Bible do you mean?" he responded.

"THE Bible," was my response.

"Well! I suppose I know what you mean.”

That was a point gained. He admitted that The Bible was not to be put on a plane with the other books, so that he really was in no doubt on the subject. "But," he added, "I don't agree with you as to the value of the Bible.”

"I'm sorry," I replied.

"You think, I suppose," he went on, "that the Bible is God's Word.”

"Of course I do.”

"Wouldn't you like to have me believe the Bible?"

"Of course I should.”

"Well, then, why don't you try to convince me?" Just here came the answer that startled this polemic would-be disputant out of the ruts of his ordinary and self-satisfied lines of thought. He had asked the "why" at my refusal to attempt "logical proof," and God gave me this answer: "If God has failed in a half of a century, I don't propose to set my little brain at the task at this late day.”

"Why, then, don't you prove to me that God is what you believe Him to be?”

To this question also the Spirit gave an answer that must have sunk in deep, not for its arguing power, but by the sheer weight of my own deep conviction that lay behind it: "The subject is too sacred for ordinary discussion. Only one who is a true believer in God and His son can 'receive' the things of God. 'The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' 1 Cor. 2:14.

"I wouldn't consent to discuss with you whether my mother is really my mother; yet God is dearer to me than is my mother or father. It would be sacrilege to debate this subject just to satisfy your love of argument" At this I left the office without further comment.

"Neither cast ye pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Matt. 7:6.

A Tested Remedy

A clergyman was walking along the road and was overtaken by a prominent physician driving in the same direction. The doctor offered the clergyman a ride, which he accepted gratefully. The physician was an infidel, and immediately turned the conversation to religion.

"I am surprised," said the doctor, "that such an intelligent man as you believes such a fable as the Bible teaches.”

The preacher answered: "Doctor, suppose you had a patient very ill with a seemingly incurable disease. Then suppose someone had found and recommended to you a remedy for that dread disease.

You procured the prescription, your patient took it according to your direction, and had been cured of that terrible disease. What would you say of any man who, in like condition, would refuse to take that prescription?”

"I would say he was a fool.”

"Twenty-five years ago," the preacher continued, "I found myself to be hopelessly enthralled by Satan.

I was dead toward God—dead, in trespasses and sins—and bound for eternal doom. In my extremity, I learned that there was only one remedy for my lost condition—the precious blood of Christ. I took that prescription, I tried the power of God's grace. It made a different man of me. All these years I have preached salvation through that shed blood, and wherever it has been accepted, I have never known it to fail to give the desired results.”

What could the doctor say to such a testimony as that? His argument ended. He owned himself to be lost—the victim of a sin-sick soul. He accepted God's remedy and for many years he has testified to the saving power of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lower Than I?

A Christian was visiting in one of the hospitals and saw that one of the patients was evidently desperately ill. Anxious to know his spiritual condition, the Christian went over to his bedside and spoke softly to the sick man: "I have read of One who, when people were very low, helped them.”

In a feeble voice the reply came: "He went lower than I!”

This conveyed to the visitor's heart at once that the one before him, so weak in body, was strong in faith in that blessed One who went down to "the dust of death," but who was raised up again by the glory of the Father, and who is now at the right hand of God, making intercession for those who love Him.

Do you know that blessed One, my reader? Do you know Him as the One who went lower than you could-went under the weight of your sin's just deserts? If not, let me beseech you to come to Him, learn to know Him, without delay. There is nothing in this poor world to give you lasting joy and gladness. But hear His word: "Him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. "He that cometh to ME shall never hunger; and he that believeth on ME shall never thirst." John 6:35. There is perfect satisfaction in Christ.

To Him, then, let our songs ascend,
Who stooped in grace so low;
To Christ, the Lamb, the sinner's Friend,
Let ceaseless praises flow.

The Warning Word

To a city of old came two messengers. They had serious information to impart. They had been sent to warn some of the inhabitants that the city was to be overthrown with terrible judgments because of its many sins and thorough wickedness. It seemed incredible; it appeared improbable; and those who heard the message seemed to doubt.

After some time the messengers seized their hearers and hurried them out of the doomed place, crying: "ESCAPE! Escape for thy life." Gen. 19:17. Some of them—three out of the four—did so. But one looked back at the doomed city, stopped, and was caught by God's descending wrath.

"Remember Lot's wife." Luke 17:32.

Today, the message comes to us that this world is soon to be judged. It is under condemnation for its sins. The murder of the Son of God lies at its door as yet unavenged. But many say: "Oh, things go on now as ever. Judgment will never touch us." The Lord Himself warns us of this, saying: "As it was in the days of Lot, so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man. They bought, they sold, they planted, they builded, until the day that Lot went out of Sodom." (Luke 17:28, 29.)

Sinner friend, I warn you, the Judge is at the door. "Flee from the wrath to come." Matt. 3:7.

But you need not perish. The Lord Jesus Christ is waiting to receive you. He loves you. He died for you. Flee to Him. He is a shelter in the time of storm.

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

"The wages of sin is death;
but THE GIFT OF GOD is
eternal life through JESUS
CHRIST our LORD.”

Rom. 6:23

Echoes of Grace: 1962

Table of Contents

January

Look Where You Are Going

Your Passport

We Believe in Tomorrow”

Prepare to Meet Thy God!?

A Statesman's Cry

What Are We Doing?

?The Sinner''

Foolish Delay!

Trying to Believe

The Way of God

Eternity

February

In Jesus?

The Summer Will End?

A Good Joke

Man's State by Nature and Practice

Ungodly

Living Water

God's Way to Save.

The Great Remedy

The Face of Jesus Christ

Where Can Happiness Be Found?

Joyless Infidelity

The Father's Quest

March

In Christ”

Why?

The Cape of Good Hope

On the Blackboard

The Sinner

As Plain As a Pikestaff”

No Salvation for You?

Destiny

Three Certainties

For Me

April

The Perfect Substitute

The Warning Word

The Saloon Keeper Saved

Show Your Samples

Exodus 12

Too Many Hypocrites?

No Salvation for You”

The Cross of Christ

The World's Fate

Self-Sacrifice

May

Christ's Welcome

I Shall Beat You All?

Poor Lil' Brack Sheep

A Great Question

Only One Door

Saved in the Street

A Restless Prisoner

June

I Cannot Pray

Crossing the Line

A Grateful Refuge

Jesus Only?

The Next Event

Yet

All?

July

From Darkness to Light

The Lost Sheep Found

The Great Election Day

The Just and the Unjust.?

The Only Badge of Honor

Philosopher or Saint?

The Last Day of Grace

A Good Title

August

God Is Not Mocked

All Done

"But What up There?"

A Great Question

Only Two