Messages of God's Love: 1917

DEAR children, as we have said before, we say to you again, there is but One Saviour, and but One Way of Salvation for all, whether we be grown-up persons or little children. God is a holy God, and no sinner in his sins, great or small, could dwell with Him; but “the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all (or every) sin,” and all who are cleansed are in the light.

Now there is only one way of living for God, and that is God’s own way, as shown in His own book. Young or old, there is but one way for us all. Little children are called unto love, and peace, and gentleness; little children are called to serve God. I need not say that small people are not asked by God to do great things, but every little thing a child may do in God’s strength for God is great in God’s eyes, and by-and-by the ways of dear children will be remembered, even as will be the ways of God’s great servants.

Children have often to be carried. Little people need strength. Now, each day, you must seek strength from your God to live for Him. Tell Him your difficulties. Have you difficulties over your lessons, or in your play? Speak to your Father in heaven about them. He will never fail to hear what you say to Him, and He will give you the help that is needed. nave you difficulties with your brothers and sisters? I am sure you have sometimes, and your difficulties are as great to you as those Of grown-up persons are to them. Now take your troubles and your weakness to God in prayer. He is our Strength and our Shield, and as truly for you as. He was for such great men as King David, or the apostles our Lord called, and sent on their work. Ask your Father in heaven, believing. You would not ask your earthly parent and go away not expecting an answer. O, no; and so, when you ask God, believe, for He is more ready to hear than are we to ask.

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matt. 21:22.)

ML 01/07/1917

Jesus Is Always Near.

A PERSON who was anxious about her soul, and wanted to be saved, said to a friend, “I am seeking Jesus.”

“You need not do that,” replied her friend, “for He is close beside you, just waiting for you to accept His offer, and to take Him as your Saviour.”

“And so He is always,” said the dear woman, as she rose and said good-bye and went on her way home.

Now that you have heard my little story will you, dear child, who are not yet saved, take it to heart, and just take Jesus as your Saviour at this very moment?

He is near you today, and will save you. Tomorrow may be too late. Listen to His Word. “The Word is nigh thee . . . that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10: 8, 9).

And for you, happy little Christian, who know Jesus as your Saviour, will you tell this little story to some of your little friends? that they, too, may find Jesus near, and, accepting His offer of salvation, be saved; for He has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6: 37).

ML 01/07/1917

The Sunday School Scholar's Reward, and Its Results.

Part 1.

IT was a beautiful summer’s evening. The rays of the setting sun were shining through the window of a pretty little country cottage. Everything in the room looked bright and cheerful, till the eye turned and fell upon the figure of a woman in deep mourning and widow’s cap who sat by the window. She liked to sit there, because from that place she had the mournful pleasure of gazing upon “her husband’s grave.” Poor woman, within a mile of her cottage could be seen what had deprived her of that husband—the cruel sea. John Harrison, her husband, had been a sailor all his life. He was a good, steady man, respected by all who knew him, and when (thirteen years before our story begins) he married Mary Lee, the daughter of his father’s friend and partner, everyone who knew them wished them joy, and a happier couple could not have been seen. For nearly ten years they had lived very happily, and John Harrison had become partner of a fishing boat with his brother-in-law, Matthew Lee. One night, when the moon was shining bright, these two sailors launched forth upon the sea. All went well for a time, but suddenly the sky changed and a dreadful storm came on. Our sailors tried to get back to shore, but when they were turning their boat, a sudden squall upset it, and both of them were drowned. Thus was Mrs. Harrison left a widow with an only son.

On this summer evening she sat waiting for her boy John, who had been absent all the afternoon, enjoying himself at the annual school feast. He had never left off being a Sunday-School scholar, and through his diligence, attention and good behavior, had become a great favorite with his teacher, Mr. Davison, the clergyman. His mother saw him running along the garden path, and by the joyful look of his face she could see that he had good news to tell her.

On opening the door, he said, “O, mother! I have won such a nice prize. Mr. Davison gave me such a beautiful Bible, because he said that I had come more regularly and got on better than anyone; and I told him that was owing to you, because you always persuaded me to go, and helped me with my Bible lessons at home.” With these words he showed her his Bible, which was a nice one, bound in purple Morocco and with gilt-edge leaves, and on the flyleaf was written, “John Harrison. A prize for good conduct and attention to learning. From Langford Sunday-School.”

Another year passed away, and brought with it many changes to the inmates of the little village. It was again summer, but the warm, bright weather found Mrs. Harrison recovering from a long illness. John was now twelve years old, and a big boy of his age. He felt that he must now earn his own living entirely, and as there was not regular work to be found near home, he thought of going to sea.

One evening, as he sat by his mother’s side, he told her what he wished; and though her heart felt very heavy at the thought of it, she did not oppose him, as she knew how hard it was for her to earn a living; and she felt that if her boy was started in the world, she might then leave her house and go into service. So one fine morning in August, John set off. His mother had packed up a nice bundle of clothes, and in his pocket he placed his Bible.

“Be sure, my boy,” said his mother at parting, “to read a chapter every night and morning, as you have always done with me. Do not let your shipmates’ example or scoffs keep you from doing this. Good-bye, and God bless you,” were his mother’s last words. John promised to obey, and left his home with a full heart; but ere he set out on his journey, he opened the churchyard gate, and, kneeling down by his father’s grave, prayed that God would watch over him, and help him to keep the promise he had made to his mother, and to make his living. He then set out to walk to a large seaport town about twelve miles distant, where there were generally a good many ships at anchor. The only thing he regretted was that he had no recommendation, as Mr. Davison, the clergyman, who had, been very ill, was at this time traveling abroad for his health. But John had been brought by grace to put his trust in Christ, and the prayer he had that morning prayed at his father’s grave had comforted him and given him fresh courage. On reaching the town for which he was bound, he began to look about for work, but all that day he met with nothing but rebuffs. Some captains said he was too little, others that they wanted a character, and some would not take him because he had not been to sea before.

At last, wearied out, he lay down to rest in a little shed, adjoining the house where the lifeboat was kept; but ere the sun had gone down he opened his Bible and read a chapter, according to the promise he had made his mother, and after praying to the Lord to give him better success next day, he fell asleep.

ML 01/07/1917

Mary Sunshine.

MARY was always happy and ready to sing, so that you could justly call her “Mary Sun, shine.” She was very busy dusting, sewing, running errands, etc., but each additional work seemed only to make her more happy. She was once asked, “Why are you always so happy, Mary? When we see your bright face and hear you singing, we would think you had just received some extra good news.”

“Yes, indeed,” she replied, “there came very good news, the best of all, to me. I have found the Lord Jesus, or He has found me. Now I can be happy every day, and do my work for Him and with Him. When I dust the house, I hear Him say, ‘Mary, do this for Me!’ When I set the table, it seems to me as if He was invited, and I could arrange all for Him, and if I should take care of the children, then I remember His word, ‘Feed My lambs!’ I used to do everything just because I had to, but now I do all things with a happy heart for my Saviour, therefore everything goes so easy.”

“Rejoice in the Lord alway” (Phil. 4:4).

“WHETHER YE EAT, OR DRINK, OR WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.” (1 Cor. 10:31.)

ML 01/07/1917

Looking Onward.

Mansions are prepared above

By the gracious God of love;

Many will those mansions see, —

Is there one prepared for me?

Crowns that dazzle human eye

Wait for those who reach the sky;

Many will those bright crowns be,—

Is there one prepared for me?

Robes of spotless white are given

By the gracious King of heaven;

All can have them—they are free,—

Is there one prepared for me?

Harps of solemn sound above

Swell loud praises to His love,—

O, how sweet their sound will be! —

Is there one prepared for me?

Let me ask my thoughtful heart,

Shall I with the blest take part?

Shall I, Lord, thy glory see?—

Is such bliss prepared for me?

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

ML 01/07/1917

God Provides.

Who sends the white and feathery snow?

From yonder inky cloud?

Its gentle flakes fall soft and slow

Till shrubs and flowers they shroud.

Now scarlet berries, leaflets green,

Are hidden from our sight;

Nor is the earth e’en longer seen,

All, all is spotless white.

The birdies now find sure relief

And get their daily food,

When Swedish people raise the sheaf

And prove that God is good.

For thus it is that God provides

And meets the needs of all,

The little bird no longer hides

But answers to the call.

Dear children, He who makes the snow,

And sends it from the sky,

Is God, who to us long ago

Sent Jesus here to die.

And by His blood our souls are made,

Ah! whiter than the snow;

Thus speaks His Word, and what there said

Is true, we fully know.

“THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL. Isa. 1:18.

ML 01/14/1917

Seed Sown by a Little One.

A LITTLE girl was one day distributing tracts, when, meeting with a sailor, she handed him a little book in his own language called “Bob, the Cabin-Boy,” saying kindly, “Will you please take this tract?” The pleasant tones of her voice led him to accept the gift at once, and the sight of his mother-tongue upon the title page constrained him to read it. Through God’s grace, it was used to his conversion; he was led to see his need, as a lost sinner, of a great Saviour, and was enabled to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. On being asked by a friend some time afterwards what he should do when he again went abroad across the seas, he answered with a tear of joy in his eyes, “I will try to preach Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners, wherever I go.”

Now, dear little reader, this sailor was able to speak eight different languages. In his voyages from one part of the world to another, he would, of course, meet with an immense number of people, some speaking one language and some another. To all these he could tell of Jesus Christ; to all these he could say in their own tongue, “Behold the Lamb of God. which taketh away the sin of the world.” “The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin,” “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” If sustained by God’s grace, and enabled both to carry out his purpose and to walk as becometh a child of God, setting a holy and consistent example before all around him, what a valuable missionary of the cross such a man may prove! How many hundreds of poor sinners may hear of Christ through him, and telling others become themselves the instruments of bringing sinners to Jesus! Who shall say where the happy fruits of that one little tract, given by a little girl may stop? Are you a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? Would you not wish to be honored as that little girl was honored of the Lord? Well then, seek grace to “go and do likewise,” and with every tract you give and every word you speak for Christ, ask the blessing of “the Lord of the harvest,” without which all is but labor spent in vain. Then, “in that day” you shall have your reward, and in the meanwhile the joy of doing the will of the Lord will bring its own blessing to your heart and be a present recompense.

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good” (Eccl. 11:16).

ML 01/14/1917

"Deceived All His Life."

I WAS brought up by my grandparents. My grandfather was a Roman Catholic, very strict, too, and particular in some things, and even when lying very ill before his death would not allow anyone to speak to him, not so much as his own son, who was a real Christian, saying no one was to do anything for him but the priest.

I well remember the night he died, though I was only eight years old. I had been out to work all day minding the cows (we had to begin work very young in those days), and when I came home at night my grandmother said, “George, if you want to see your grandfather again you had better go into his room.”

So when I was going to bed I went in to see him and this was all he said to me, “Ah—Ah—I’ve been deceived—all my life —and now I am going—without—the one thing—needful.”

I did not understand then what he meant, but I can see plain enough now that he needed Christ, that he needed a personal interest in that precious blood that cleanseth from all sin.

I crept away to my little room and went to sleep, and in the morning my grandmother said he had passed away during the night.

Dear boys and girls, the foregoing was told me by a dear old Christian some time since, and I am writing it with a desire that none of you may be deceived as that poor old man was (he was over eighty).

Beware of trusting to anything short of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One whom God sent to die for you and me, whom God raised from among the dead and seated at His own right hand a “Prince and a Saviour.”

“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.)

“None but Jesus can avail you,

Jesus and His precious blood.”

ML 01/14/1917

The Sunday School Scholar's Reward, and Its Results.

Part 2.

EARLY next morning he got up, and after reading and prayer, set out on his search. At last he met a captain whose name was Layton, and asked him if he could give him employment on board his ship. He said he could, but he should like to know something about him.

John, encouraged by his kind manner, told him in a few words his history, and showed him his Bible.

“Ah! my lad,” said the captain, “this will do for me. You have been a good boy at your Sunday-School, and I have no doubt you will be a good lad on board my ship. At any rate, I will try you.”

So John went on board, and after depositing, his bundle close to his hammock, went to his work. That evening he again read a chapter, and afterwards offered up a prayer, thanking the Lord for all His goodness to him. Thus did John Harrison begin in the world. For some time John got on well in his new calling. Being a sharp, quick boy, and very willing, he soon learned his work.

He had a kind captain, who always gave him good advice, and encouraged him to obey his mother’s last request. But all things were not so pleasant for the fry, as many of his fellow-sailors laughed and jeered at him on account of his religion. Amongst the sailors was one called James Evans, who always called him “Methodist” when he spoke to him, and did all he could to annoy him. John was often near losing his temper, but he prayed to God to help him keep it, and his prayers were always heard.

The ship was bound for Melbourne, and on reaching their destination, Captain Layton took John on shore, which he enjoyed very much; but this favor did not please the other sailors, who became jealous, and shortly after the ship set sail on her. homeward voyage, they began to show it. They first of all annoyed him in little ways, such as calling him names, etc., and when they found they could not disturb him in that way they plotted something worse. After some talking, James Evans proposed to get hold, of the Bible he was always reading and hide it. This was done the next day while John was busy at his work, and when John went at night as usual to read his Bible, he was in great distress to find it gone from under his pillow. Sorely troubled, both for the loss of his Bible, and also because of the promise he had made his mother to read a chapter every night and morning, he knew not what to do. But remembering that he had learned the Fourteenth Chapter of John at Sunday-School, he repeated the whole of it to himself as if he were reading, and then, comforted at having been able to keep his promise, at least in the spirit of it, he lay down to rest. On the following morning, after prayer, the Twenty-third Psalm came to his mind, and this also he was able to repeat from beginning to end. Thus the purpose of his enemies was so far defeated, and John went on deck to his work, though still sad at heart for the loss of his Bible. The captain noticed his sorrowful look and soon learned the cause.

“Ah, my lad,” he said, “one of your comrades has been playing you this mean trick, but you shall not disobey your good mother’s wishes after all. I have a Bible which my good mother, who is now in heaven, gave me when I first went out to sea, but alas! I was not like you. I put it aside and never read it. I have been a sad, reckless man, but now, by God’s blessing, I will talk about. And mind you come down to my cabin every night before you go to bed, and every morning when you get up, and read a chapter aloud to me.”

Thus the Lord brought good out of evil, and the enemy was doubly defeated. The ship soon reached England, and directly John had been paid off he started for his home. His mother was now servant at the rectory, and Mr. Davison kindly asked John to come and stay at his house whilst he was on shore.

After spending a month with his dear mother, he started once more to rejoin his ship. His captain was now a believer. Through the Lord’s blessing on the reading of the word morning and night in the cabin Captain Layton had been brought to Christ, and almost the first words he spoke on seeing John again were: “Mind, my lad, we must still have our daily reading together; and what is more, I mean to have prayers morning and evening on board my ship.”

That evening he called his men together, and after telling them his purpose, read aloud a Psalm and offered prayer. Henceforth this was always the custom on board his ship. He had also brought with him a good stock of books, which he loaned among the men and encouraged them to read.

ML 01/14/1917

A Happy Home.

Three children dear, in a happy home,

Grew bonny and blithe all day,

The sunshine smiled, on each fair child,

And on their pleasant play.

These children glad, in their happy home,

Of the Lord of Glory heard;

Their mother mild, each darling child

Taught God’s undying word.

The tale of the wondrous night she told,

When to earth the Saviour came;

Repeated the song of the angel throng,

And sang of Jesus’ Name.

Of Eden she told with its tale of shame;

God’s judgment of guilty man;

Yet spake of the grace, which in His place,

Gave Jesus—perfect plan!

And then, with tears, of the Cross she spake;

Its sorrow, its anguish, cry;

How Jesus bowed, beneath the cloud;

Hidden from God on high.

Anon of Him uprisen she told,

How He won the fight alone,

How He went on high, above the sky,

Where He will bring His own.

What grace, said she, to ope that home!

How kind is He to His flock!

And the mother smiled as she saw each child

Hide safe in Christ her Rock.

Two children have left earth’s happy home,

They are gone with Christ to rest.

His Father’s love to share above,

In mansions bright and blest.

In your homes so glad, ye mothers fond,

Your babes of the Saviour tell,

And Him shall they know, while on earth below;

Above, His praises swell.

So when He comes on the shining cloud,

To raise His glorious Bride,

Ye may rejoice to hear His voice;

Your children at your side.

ML 01/14/1917

Faithful Alice.

Here in this beautiful picture

Dear little Alice we see,

‘Tending the children for mother

While she is busy at tea.

Sewing a doll dress for Mary,

Dainty with tucking and frill,

Telling a story to Baby,

Sitting so quiet and still.

Off on her stool in the corner,

Holding her doll on her knee,

There sits the third little sister,

Listening as hard as can be.

What is this beautiful story,

Alice is telling so well?

Oh! ‘tis a tale full of glory

Holding the heart in its spell.

For ‘tis the tale of the Saviour

Dying on Calvary’s tree,

Paying the debt of the sinner,

That you and I might go free.

How He keeps watch o’er the children,

Looks on the world from above,

Leads His redeemed ones to heaven,

Where they may rest in His love.

Could any story be sweeter,

Or one even half so sweet

As the one this little sister

Loves o’er and o’er to repeat?

Precious to her is the Saviour,

Who on the cross shed His blood,

For His dear. sake, she is tender,

Kind to her sister and good.

Letting the light shine for Jesus,

Living for Him day by day,

Feeling His aid and His presence

Guiding each step of the way.

Children, have you heard the story?

Are you washed whiter than snow?

Tell of the Lord and His glory,

Tell it wherever you go.

Live every day for the Saviour,

Show forth His grace and His love

Shining for Him ever brighter,

Until you meet Him above.

ML 01/21/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 171. 1 Kings 18:20-40 Elijah on Mount Carmel.

WHEN all the priests of Baal had come to Mount Carmel, and the children of Israel had likewise assembled there, Elijah came to them and said to the people, “How long do you halt between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him, but if Baal, then follow him.”

The people did not answer a word. They had had Baal and his priests for several years, and famine had been the consequence. No doubt their consciences were touched by the question. Elijah reminded the people that he was the only one remaining of the prophets of the Lord, while there were four hundred and fifty of Baal’s. Then he asked the priests for two bullocks and desired them to dress one for themselves, and he himself would dress the other, neither of them putting fire under their sacrifices, “And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let Him be God,” said Elijah. All the people answered, “It is well spoken.” This was a fair request. The priests of Baal claimed that their god represented the sun and fire. Therefore he ought surely to answer them by fire. But Baal could not hear, there was neither voice nor answer, although the priests called to him from morning till noon, crying, “O Baal, hear us!” They leaped upon the altar they had made. Elijah laughed at them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is talking or has something else to do, or is on a journey; perhaps he is asleep, and must be awakened.” The poor blind priests continued their calling, cutting themselves with knives till the blood gushed out, but their god was silent! O, how different from the true God who could say, “Before they call I will answer.” “Whose ear is ever open unto their cry.” “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me.” Our God is a living God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, and who delights to answer the prayers of His children.

When evening came Elijah called all the people. “Come near unto me,” he said tenderly. They had seen what Baal was, now they should learn that the Lord is God!

The people came near to the prophet, and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down; then he took twelve stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, although they were then divided. With the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord, and dug a trench around it. After Elijah had laid wood on the altar and cut the bullock in pieces and laid him on the wood, he called on the people to fill four barrels with water, and to pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood. Up to this time the people had silently looked on, but now they helped the prophet and did his bidding. Three times they did the same thing, till the water ran around the altar, and the trench was filled with it.

At the time of the evening sacrifice the prophet came near and prayed, saying, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things at Thy word. Hear me, O Lord hear me, that the people may know that Thou art the Lord God, and that Thou hast turned their hearts back again.”

The Lord did not keep Elijah waiting for his answer, but He sent down His fire to consume the burnt offering; the wood also was burnt, and the stones and dust; the water in the trench was all dried up. When the people saw it, they fell on their faces, and said, “The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.”

When the people had turned back again to the God of their fathers, Elijah told them to take the priests of Baal to the brook Kishon and slay them there, for God had commanded Moses that such should be put to death because they would turn the people away from the Lord their God (Deut. 13:1-5).

Elijah’s heart must have been glad indeed to see what an influence his bold faithfulness to the Lord had had upon his brethren, the children of Israel. May we who know the Lord as our Saviour be as faithful! The results, whether we see them or not will surely be for the Lord’s glory and the blessing of those around us.

ML 01/21/1917

The Sunday School Scholar's Reward and Its Results.

Part 3.

JOHN still had to bear occasional annoyance from some of the sailors, but his chief persecutor, James Evans, now quite let him alone. A great change had come over this man which every one noticed. He was no longer in high spirits as formerly, but sat apart, dull and dispirited. The captain was very pleased to see his attentive behavior, too, at daily prayers, and sometimes tried to talk to him; but he could get little out of him as he was a man of few words.

They had not proceeded far when a violent storm came on; the ship was in great danger, and after they had done all they could to save her, the captain assembled the sailors all together and offered up a prayer to God to deliver them. This prayer was answered; the storm gradually ceased, and they were enabled to get the ship into the nearest harbor and have her repaired.

They then set sail again, but one on board never got over that storm. James Evans had been injured by a falling mast, and he was never well after. Now he slowly got worse, and one Sunday he tried to get up but could not. Captain Layton, hearing of his illness, went down to him after morning prayers, accompanied by John. Evans was lying in his hammock suffering great pain, yet he had a happy expression on his face: but when he saw John he looked distressed.

“Ah, my lad,” he said? “I have injured you, but you will forgive me before I die. You are a good lad, and in trying to hurt you I have done myself good.

“What do you mean?” said John, wondering.

“Do you know this?” asked James; and he drew from under his pillow John’s treasured Bible, his Sunday-School reward. He then told them how he had first stolen the Bible to annoy John, and had hidden it away; but one day, out of mere curiosity, taking it out to read, he opened upon the Fifteenth Chapter of Luke, and when he read about the prodigal son, all his home teaching came back upon him. Like his captain, he had had a godly mother; and now the grace of God brought to his memory the prayers and teaching he had heard in boyhood. He felt what a grievous sinner he had been; and the more he read the stolen Bible while on shore, the more he felt his sinfulness. When he came again on board he was under deep conviction, but on the night of the storm he got peace. God’s goodness in answering the captain’s prayers and bringing the ship safely into port went to his heart. He got power to look to Christ, whose precious blood cleanseth from all sin; and believing in Him his sorrow was turned into joy. He now asked John’s forgiveness, and begged him to let him keep that precious Bible until he died. John gladly granted both requests, and with tears in his eyes exclaimed, “O, how my dear mother will rejoice when she hears this.”

“Ah, lad,” cried the dying sailor, “and so will mine when she sees me enter through the golden gates. I never thought to go there, but to be shut out forever and ever! Ah, but Christ’s blood has washed away my sins, and now I can die happy.”

He soon got rapidly worse; at last, one Sunday evening he gave back the Bible to its owner, bidding him show it to sailors wherever he went, and tell them what it had done for him. Then he bade good-bye to his shipmates, begging them, too, to read the precious Bible, and pointing them to Christ. With his last breath he praised and blessed God for the gift of Christ, and for the word that had made Him known in the power of the Spirit to his soul, and so fell asleep, a sinner saved by grace. Thus the Sunday-School scholar’s reward proved by grace a blessing, not only to himself, but to others also. Through his obedience to his mother’s request’ he was used of the Lord as an instrument in His hand of bringing both his captain and his shipmate, James Evans, to Christ; and “that day” alone will declare how many more may have had cause to bless God that ever that little boy stepped on board that ship with his Bible in his hand, determined to read it at all cost, because his mother told him.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord.”

John always stayed with his godly captain; rose till he became chief mate and then when Captain Layton became too old to go to sea, he took his place as captain of the vessel. He always took his Bible with him, and read it night and morning to his sailors. Nor did he ever forget his mother, but supported her in comfort till she died.

“HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER, WHICH IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE.” (Eph. 6:2.)

ML 01/21/1917

Tell Me, Can My Sins Be Forgiven?

I WAS asked to speak to a young man who was in great distress about his soul’s welfare, and, laying my hand upon his shoulder, I said, “Friend, what is your trouble?”

“I am anxious about my soul,” he answered. “I have been to a Bible class time after time, and there I got troubled in my conscience. I gave up attending it, and my companions laughed away my impressions, but I could not keep away from seeking after God. I have been going on in this miserable way for some time. Now tonight, I believe the Spirit of God has said to me, ‘This is your last chance, if you do not accept Christ tonight, you will never have another opportunity.’ O, sir, tell me, can my sins be forgiven?”

I replied, “God has said, ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow,’ The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.’ Let us get down on our knees, and do you confess your sins to God, and ask Him to forgive you.” Together we knelt in prayer, and the young man, in broken, heart-felt words, poured out his soul to God, asking His forgiveness. Before he arose from his knees, the answer came, and he was able to thank God that his sins which were many, were all forgiven. He shook me by the hand as we parted, and said, “I came here a miserable man, I am going out a happy one in Christ.”

ML 01/21/1917

Living Water.

IN a part of India called Tinnevelly, there grows a remarkable tree. God’s providence has planted it among a simple, untaught people, to whom it is a friend untold. It gives them drink, food, beds, mats, stock for trade, almost everything they need or possess. Now there is one strange peculiarity about this wonderful tree. It grows from a seed; when this seed is put into the ground, instead of growing up quickly, it forests its rootlets down—down—through the hardest earth, for very many feet it may be, until it reaches water. Then, having got to the life-giving stream, it springs up immediately, fresh and vigorous, and in time becomes a splendid tree.

Does not this remind us of some words of the Lord Jesus, when He spoke of the “living water,” which He can give, and which He promises shall be in each true believer “a well of water, springing up into everlasting life”? The seed could not grow until it touched the water; neither can we grow at all, spiritually, unless we come to Christ and drink “out of the wells of salvation.” He tells us that the “living water” means the Holy Spirit, “which they that believe on Him should receive.”

ML 01/21/1917

The Begging Monkey.

HERE is a monkey with a little red dress on, and a cup in his hand, trying to get the mother and little girl inside the window to give him some money. We know if he had been left to himself, he would not have been doing such work, nor would he have had any clothing on, other than what God had supplied him, but he has been trained to beg.

It is wonderful what monkeys can be trained to do, but they can never learn to speak. God has given that intelligence to man, and he is responsible to God as to what he speaks about—whether he uses his voice for God, or for Satan.

The highest form of communication is writing, and God has chosen that means to communicate His mind and purposes to us in His word—the Bible. God has placed man at the head of His creation on this earth, and consequently man is responsible to God for all his ways.

God, in His word, tells us that He breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life. That was more than He did for the animals. Man, then, has a spirit, so he will live forever, but when the animal dies, that is the last of it. We would not know this if God’s Word had not given it to us. It takes the Creator to tell us how He made each thing; animal or man.

Another thing He tells us is that we are sinners, and that He has provided a Saviour for us, and if we refuse that Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, we must be banished from God forever and ever, for He could never allow sin to be in His holy presence.

You may be very thankful that God saw fit to make us higher than the animals, but don’t forget that we are responsible to Him, our Creator, and He will deal with us for what we have done with His Son. If we have accepted Him as our Saviour, He saves us; if we reject Him, He will banish us from His presence. Which have you done?

“HIM THAT COMETH TO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT.” (John 6:37.)

ML 01/28/1917

Have You Believed God's Record?

ONE summer day, two little girls started for school from different homes in the same place. Little Mary was dressed in her usual light dress, while the other child, whom we will call Susie, had a mackintosh and cape, and was evidently prepared for rain.

The sun was shining brightly when they set out, and it was a fine day, though there had been some unsettled weather.

During lesson time the sky clouded over, and soon rain was falling heavily.

“O!” exclaimed Mary, “I have not even brought my coat.”

Then Susie answered her, “I looked at the weather report, and brought my mackintosh and cape.”

As I heard this remark this verse came into my mind— “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater”; and I wondered if, as she had believed men’s, she had also believed God’s record.

Little Susie did not understand anything about the weather or the laws that govern it, but she believed the report she read that there might be showers, and so came to school prepared for rain.

But after all it was only man’s word, and it might have been wrong, for the cleverest men may make mistakes; but if we trust to God’s word we may be sure that we shall never be disappointed.

Now, what about you, dear boy or girl, who is reading this? You often believe the word of men that you hear or read, and rightly so, but have you believed God’s Record?

Do you ask what it is?

If you read 1 John 5:9-13, you will find it: “This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”

God’s record is all about His Son—Who He is, what He has done—and that those who believe on Him have eternal life.

If God gave a record about you and me, it could only be about our sins. But God’s testimony is all about His Son, and what He is for the sinner.

Do not think there must be something in you to give you eternal life, but listen to, and believe, what God says about His Son. “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.)

It is very solemn to think that if you do not believe God’s record of His Son you make Him a liar.

A dear girl in a Sunday school class was much struck with this thought. “I don’t want to make God a liar,” she said; “I will trust Jesus.”

And she did, and received eternal life there and then. And so you will also, dear child, if you do the same.

There is no time to delay. So again I ask you, Have you believed the record God gave of His Son?

ML 01/28/1917

The Lost Thimble.

SOME years ago Gertrude came to stay with us for a few months. She was a dear little girl, just seven years old; but you would not have thought her more than five, as she was very tiny, and backward for her age.

Some children do not care to hear about the love of God, it is such an old, old story to them; but little Gertrude was ever ready to listen to anything about Jesus, it was always new to her.

The first lesson she learned was, that she was a sinner and had nothing good in her. It is not a very nice lesson to learn, is it? Gertrude knew that we are all sinners, but had never thought before that she was a sinner.

Often have I heard her say to the Lord Jesus, “I thank Thee, Lord Jesus, that Thou wert punished instead of me.” She would say to me, “I do love Jesus very much.” Her favorite hymn was, “Jesus Loves Me,” which she learned at the Sunday School.

One night on going into her room, after she was cozily tucked up in bed, she looked up with such a bright face, and said, “I have just been saying a little prayer to Jesus. I asked Him to make auntie’s cold better, and I told Him when He comes, I am quite ready. I would be very pleased to see Him.”

Dear children, do you think the Lord Jesus hears such little prayers? I am sure He does, and delights to answer them too, as Gertrude was going to prove. I will tell you how.

One day she came to me in sad trouble, for she had lost her thimble. It was needed very badly just then, to make Dolly some new clothes. They were cut out all ready, but how could she sew them without a thimble?

“It is so very useful, you know, and I expect it cost a lot of money,” she said to me quite earnestly. I could not help smiling at this, but said, “Yes, it is useful, but I do not think it cost more than a penny.”

Still it was real trouble to her, and she did not like losing it.

Her little work basket was turned out more than once, and every place searched, but still no thimble could be found.

I thought I had seen this little thimble a day or two ago, and put it somewhere for safety; but could not remember where.

At last one day I said to Gertrude, “Do you know what I used to do when I was a little girl and had lost anything, I used to tell Jesus, and ask Him to find it for me.”

Gertrude said, “I will ask Him too.” To her little prayer that night was added: “Please let me find my thimble.”

We did not give up looking for it, and now she seemed sure it would be found.

But the Lord Jesus was teaching her a lesson of patience, for two or three days passed, and still no thimble.

One afternoon her auntie said, “We will go into the town, and buy a new thimble.” So they all got ready to start, when lo! it began to rain. Gertrude was very disappointed, as you may guess; but with a knowing look at auntie, she said:

“I am going upstairs, you know.” She went up to her little room, and asked Jesus once more.

Feeling sure that the Lord Jesus knew just where it was, I felt I should like her to get the answer.

That same night, on going to bed, I again thought of the thimbles and asked the Lord, if it was His will, just to give little Gertrude the answer.

Suddenly, like a flash of lightning, came the thought of where I had put it about a week ago.

Searching for it in the pocket of a dress, that had not been worn since, I found the long-lost thimble.

How delighted Gertrude was, when in the morning, she found her own little thimble under her pillow, and heard the story of how it was found!

She could talk of nothing else; and then we saw how God had sent the rain, and prevented her from getting a new one, because He meant to answer her prayer.

“I thank Thee for letting me find my thimble,” was added to her little prayer for several days after.

“I must tell my brothers, that when they lose anything, or have any hard lessons to learn, to tell the Lord Jesus about it, and He will help them,” she said.

Perhaps you will like to know, that Gertrude is still living, and we hope she is able to tell her little friends of the One who so loves her, and has given His life for her.

Will you all learn a verse in John 14? See if you can find it? “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Never forget, dear children, that nothing is too small to tell the Lord Jesus about, not even a little thimble.

This story is written in the hope that many dear children may come to Jesus while they are young, and when they know His love for themselves, they may tell others about Him, and thus bring praise to His precious name.

ML 01/28/1917

A Contrast.

A CHRISTIAN, who saw a woman of sixty-four years of age die, was describing the sadness of the scene. Shortly before her death, her friend had asked her where she would spend eternity, and she replied that she did not know. Her friend pleaded with her, telling her of the love of Jesus, and how He waited to grant her salvation; that God demanded no good works from her; indeed, that there was nothing to do, but only to believe on the Son of God, who died to save sinners from their sins. But the sufferer made no response, and soon after passed away, leaving no hope that she had received Jesus as her Saviour.

In striking contrast with the above, was the death-bed of one who lately fell asleep. When asked if she knew Jesus, she replied, “Yes, I love Him so much.”

“Why do you love the Lord?” I asked. “I love Him because He first loved me. I am trusting Jesus as my only Saviour.”

She knew that peace had been made for her through the blood of the cross, and that the Lord had washed her from her sins in His own blood. The only burden on her heart was her anxiety about her unsaved husband and her children, and she often pleaded with her Lord for their salvation. She passed away, after much suffering, rejoicing in Christ, her Saviour.

Dear reader, if God saw fit to place you on a dying bed, are you ready to depart, knowing. that it is far better to be with Christ, or would you, like the woman of whom I first told you, leave this world not knowing where you would spend the never-ending eternity?

ML 01/28/1917

Because God Said It.

A FEW months since I was reading a narrative under the above heading, sent me by a Christian friend. God made that narrative a blessing to my soul.

My experience was almost a repetition of that of the poor man of whom I read. I was at that time laid on a bed of sickness. The Holy Spirit had previously shown me that I was a poor, lost sinner, drifting slowly but surely to hell. God, in His great mercy, brought light to my soul by this passage of 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,” mentioned in the narrative. I was enabled to take God at His word, and to believe that I also was included in the “whosoever.” I believed the record God gave of His Son, and, having done so, found peace in knowing my sins were forgiven.

Dear reader, have you found that peace? If not, let me entreat you to seek it now. Remember you are at God’s mercy. You are depending upon Him for the very next breath you will take. Although God is a merciful and a loving God, remember that He is also a just God. Do you think He has sent His beloved Son into this world to be rejected by us, and treated with contempt? Do you ever seriously think Who it is you reject? Need anyone wonder that the alternative is heaven or hell for eternity?

ML 01/28/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for December.

1.“For ye are bought with a price,” etc. 1 Cor. 6:20

2.“Purge out therefore,” etc. 5:7

3. “For as often,” etc. 11:26

4.“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,” etc. 1:30

5.“In a moment,” etc. 15:52

6.“There hath no temptation,” etc. 10:13

7.“But when ye sin,” etc. “8:12

Bible Questions for February.

The Answers are to be found in

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians

1. Write the verse containing the words: “Ye are sealed.”

2. Write the verse containing the words: “Save in the cross.”

3. Write the verse containing the words: “To live.” “To die,”

4. Write the verse containing the words: “Well pleasing.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “The life which I now live.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “We look for.”

7. Write the verse containing the words: “Dwell in your hearts.”

ML 02/04/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 172. 1 Kings 18:40-46 Elijah’s Prayer.

GOD had fully shown Israel, by accepting Elijah’s offering on Mount Carmel, that He alone is God, and the people had to fall on their faces, and cry, “The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God!” Wicked King Ahab, too, could not but see and acknowledge God in his heart, although it produced no change in him, except that he did not oppose the slaying of the priests of the idol Baal. His heart had become hardened, and he was indifferent at the sight of the solemn answer of God. Elijah could only say to him, “Go eat and drink, for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” The king, not unwillingly, left the prophet, and Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel. He felt the need to be alone with God, and to pray for the rain the people had so long wanted. He cast himself upon the ground, hiding his face, and cried to God. Happy Elijah knew where to go for his needs and those of others! Happy, indeed, all those who go to the Lord with all their cares. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you,” and “Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Elijah trusted the Lord and expected an answer to his prayer. After a while, he told his servant to go and look toward the sea. The young man went, but soon came back to his master, saying, “There is nothing.” Seven times this happened. He persevered in prayer as the Christian is exhorted to do. He knew that soon the rain would fall, for God had promised it, and he waited patiently, praying in faith till the right time came. God does not always answer prayers directly. Sometimes He waits a long time before He answers them. Does God then, attend to our prayers? Yes, but He knows what is good for us better than we do, and He often sees it best that we should wait for what we ask. Let us do as Elijah did; he prayed and waited a long time, and God answered his prayer and gave him what he asked.

The servant at last came back and said, “Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.” Then. Elijah knew that the rain was coming. Soon the small cloud would have grown, so it would cover the sky. Elijah thought of the king feasting, and unconscious that unless he hurried, the rain might drench him, and make the way home difficult, so Elijah sent his servant to warn him, telling him, “Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.” By that time the sky had become black with clouds, the wind blew and the rain fell in torrents. Ahab entered his chariot and rode to Jezreel. Elijah, moved of the Lord, and to show honor to the king, as God says we must do, ran, ahead of him all the way as his forerunner. No doubt Elijah wanted to show the king, and the people, too, that although he had to disregard the will of the king, yet he wanted to give the king his proper place, and honor him. God must surely have been much pleased with such humility.

If Elijah was taking the place of a servant of the king, he must have been conscious that he was the servant of the King of Kings. If, like Elijah, we are much before God in prayer and seeking His will, we shall show more of this humbleness of mind so pleasing to Him.

ML 02/04/1917

"If I Had Known It."

WHEN Mr. Pollock was governor of Pennsylvania, there was a man whose death-warrant he had signed. He felt that he could not let him die, being a Christian himself, without going to tell him of a Saviour’s love. He went to the prison where the condemned man was, a few days before the time fixed for the execution. He said to the sheriff, “Show me to his cell, but don’t tell him who I am.”

He walked in and talked with the man. He told him of Christ—how God had sent Him into the world to save sinners. He read to him portions of the Word of God which showed this, then prayed with him, commending him to the God of all grace. After he had gone, the sheriff went to the cell and informed the man that the person who had visited him was the governor. The condemned man turned deathly pale, and lifting both hands, cried out, “O, sheriff, why didn’t you tell me that was the governor? If I had known it, I would have fallen at his feet and cried for mercy! I would have asked him to save me! Why didn’t you tell me?” and he wept and wrung his hands in distress at the thought that the governor had been in his very cell and he didn’t know it.

No doubt his pleading for mercy would have been very strong. He was condemned, and that justly. Mercy, therefore, was his only hope, and, had he known it, there was his opportunity to implore it and obtain his life. But that opportunity was past, and the thought that he had lost it, made him wring his hands in agony.

And yet, dear children, this was but to save a life which would have ended later! Think, then, what those must feel who have lost the present golden opportunities of obtaining eternal life from Him who alone can give it, even He who “receiveth sinners.” Those who have heard of Christ and have refused Him, or coldly neglected to lay hold of the eternal salvation He offers them now, will in that day have bitter tears of remorse, and for all eternity.

O, dear young reader, may you not be among them, for “their worm dieth not, and their fire is not quenched!” Fall at the feet of Jesus now, just where you are. Confess your sins, and plead His mercy. “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37.)

ML 02/04/1917

A Little Preacher.

A LITTLE GIRL of ten years of age, whose name was Milly Green, had a grandfather who was very old. He grew weaker every day, and his friends said he could not live much longer.

Milly heard this and was sorry, for she loved him very much. Being a little girl who trusted in Jesus, she prayed that her grandfather might believe on Him and be saved; for she felt what an awful doom would be his if he died in his sins. He lived a good distance from her home, so she could do no more than pray for him; and God heard her prayer and answered it.

One day her mother received a letter saying how very ill the old man was, and how much he would like to see Milly. Although his home was a long way off, Mrs. Green let her little girl go; and thus made the grandfather’s heart glad. When he saw his little favorite, he cried with joy, and when the others had gone from the room, and they were left alone, he said to her:

“Well, Milly dear, and what have you been learning at Sunday School? Can you sing something to me?”

“O yes, grandfather,” the little girl replied, and in a moment her childish voice was sounding through the room, and the aged pilgrim bent to listen to that sweet hymn,

“Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.”

When it was finished, he asked, “How do you know that Jesus loves, you, Milly?”

Because the Bible says so,” was the ready answer, “and He loves you, too.”

“Can you show me, Milly?”

“O yes, I’ll run and get my Bible,” the little girl replied, as she ran off, returning soon with her finger pointing to John 3:16, which she slowly read: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“But, Milly, that does not mean me,” said the old man.

“O yes, grandpa, it does, for it says ‘whosoever.’”

“And what does ‘whosoever’ mean, dear?”

“O, just any one who will believe that Jesus died for them, and they shall have everlasting life,” was the beautiful answer.

“Read it again, Milly,” was the only reply, and again the childish voice was heard repeating those words of eternal life.

“It means me, I see, Milly, and I am one of the ‘whosoevers.’ Well, I do believe,” exclaimed the old man.

Milly was delighted when she heard this, and all his friends were pleased too, for now he would be sure of being saved and when he would be called away from this world he would go straight to be with the Lord Jesus, because he believed on Him as his Saviour. His sins were forgiven, and he was made fit to stand in the presence of his Redeemer.

“IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, EVEN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.” (Col. 1:14.)

ML 02/04/1917

Do You Know God Loves Us?

MANY dear little children have learned something of God’s wonderful love, and in our picture this week we have one little boy speaking to the other. He has his little finger pointing upward, which is quite suggestive that he is speaking of things above, and we know there is no theme so wonderful as the love of God. May this give each one who knows the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, to desire also to tell of what God has done for us poor sinners in giving His only Son to die for us, and bear the awful load of our sins, and the judgment we deserved for them. But it may be some of my little readers have not yet believed down in their hearts that God sent His Son to die for them, and thus have not accepted the Lord Jesus as their own personal Saviour. If such is your case, remember, it is a terrible thing not to believe God. His judgment must fall upon everyone who despises and rejects the Saviour He has so wonderfully supplied. O may it not be so with you, but may you believe that you are a sinner, and need a Saviour, and God has so loved you, that He gave His only Son to be your Saviour. “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.)

ML 02/04/1917

He Died for Me.

LITTLE LOTTIE was very busy singing to her baby brother. “What is that you are singing?” inquired a lady.

“I am singing to him ‘Jesus Died,’” replied Lottie, “because I know He died for me.”

O! I can sing that Jesus died,

For Jesus died for me;

He on the cross was crucified,

And then He thought on me.

O! I can sing that He is love,

For Jesus loveth me;

Though seated on the throne above

He looks and smiles on me.

ML 02/04/1917

Service.

MANY years ago soldiers used to dress as we see them in our picture, but we will not be occupied with their peculiar dress, but with the little girl who is evidently concerned about the needs of the poor soldiers, and has gone out with some refreshing water for them. That is truly an act of kindness and perhaps has been prompted by having a kind lather or brother among them. But whatever has been the cause, we can rejoice to see the act of kindness.

There is one need of our fellowmen that surpasses all the rest, and that is the salvation of their immortal souls. There is an eternity ahead for each one, and God’s word shows us that after death comes the judgment, so on account of that, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. This is what everyone, who knows the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, should be telling those who do not know Him. This is the service that is of great value, for it means a blessing that will last for eternity to the one who will accept that blessed Saviour.

So as we look at the little girl who has come out with the water to meet the temporal needs of the soldiers, may each believer in the Lord Jesus take a lesson from it, and seek to be as faithful in telling others of the Saviour for sinners—the One who alone can, not only save, but satisfy the heart.

ML 02/11/1917

The Alarm.

MANY instances are related of the manner in which God arouses the sinner to a sense of his danger, and necessity of turning from his evil ways. Perhaps among the most remarkable of these is one which happened to a youth who afterwards became a famous poet, and a steadfast Christian (Cowper). When a young man he had occasion to pass through a churchyard on his way home. It was evening, and darkness was quickly creeping on. He perceived at a distance a grave-digger at work by the glimmer of a lamp. Attracted by the light he hastened to the spot, and stood on the verge of the grave gazing at the workman. As the latter shoveled up the earth, a skull was thrown forth and struck the youth. He himself says, “It was an alarm to my conscience;” so that he was then forced to think of death. He began to pray to God to have mercy upon him.

Few indeed are awakened in this manner, but in some way or other a knock comes to each of our hearts, and a warning voice speaks to our conscience, “Prepare to meet thy God!” “The preparation of the heart is from the Lord.” Come to Jesus just as you are, and He will fit you for a useful life on earth and endless joys in heaven. “The sting of death is sin.” If sin is pardoned and put away, death will lose its terrors and the grave its victory.

ML 02/11/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 173. 1 Kings 19:1-8. Elijah’s Flight

WHEN Ahab reached home, he told Jezebel, the queen, all that had happened on Mount Carmel, and especially how Elijah had slain all of Baal’s prophets. How angry she was! She immediately sent a message to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”

When Elijah heard this, he became quite frightened, and ran south to the land of Judah, fleeing for his life. All at once this great man forgot what a God he had. He thought only of the queen’s great power, and his own weakness. The God who had given him strength to stand before Ahab and those eight hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, all of whom would gladly have slain him had they been able, that God had not changed, but Elijah had ceased to look at Him. How quickly we can do like Elijah! But if we realize that God’s favor to His children is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and not dependent on ourselves or what we are, but on Himself and what He is, what rest from circumstances we shall have, Had Elijah only stopped to think for a moment about the queen’s message, he would have seen she would not have sent it had she been able to carry it out. The people had been awakened to the fear of God; they would have defended the prophet, especially after the rain they had so long wished for had come as the result of his prayer. But the wicked, idolatrous queen wanted God’s prophet away from the land that he might not continue to draw the hearts of the people after God; and Satan, through her, succeeded.

Elijah, weary as he must have been with that day on Mount Carmel, and his long run before Ahab, started on that sad journey south through all Samaria, where Ahab reigned, and, not content with reaching the land of Judah, he crossed the whole country till he came to the border of the wilderness, nearly one hundred miles on foot; and all that because he feared a woman who could do him no harm. When he arrived at Beer-Sheba, he left his servant there, and went a whole day’s journey alone into the wilderness. How discouraged he was! He sat down under a juniper tree, and wished he might die! He prayed that God would let him. “It is enough,” he said, “Now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” Exhausted as he was, he soon fell asleep. But God took care of His dear servant while he was taking a much needed rest, and then an angel from heaven touched him, and said, “Arise and eat.” When Elijah looked around, wonderingly, he saw a cake baking on the coals, and a cruse of water. He ate and drank and went to sleep again. Soon the angel touched him the second time, and said, “Arise, and eat; for the journey is too great for thee.” Elijah did as he was told, and the food strengthened him so much he was able to go forty days and forty nights without anything more to eat. He went to Mount Horeb, still deeper into the wilderness.

How good God was to His doubting servant! His patience and love are never ceasing, and beyond our understanding. But we can sing:

“How good is the God we adore,

Our faithful, unchangeable Friend;

Whose love is as great as His power,

And knows neither measure, nor end!”

ML 02/11/1917

Willie and His Sister.

WLLIE was one evening taken by his parents to hear a servant of God preach. He took for his subject on that evening the second coming of Christ, and showed from the Word of God that Jesus is really coming to this earth again to take home to Himself all those who are His, who love and serve Him.

Little Willie sat very still and drank in the words of the good man, but although he felt he would like to be ready when Jesus comes, he did not at that time trust in Jesus, but went to his home still, however, thinking of what he had heard.

Willie slept with his elder sister, and in the morning his sister said, “Willie, why did you touch my face several times in the night?”

“O,” said Willie, “I laid awake a long while in the night and could not get to sleep; then I began to think of Jesus coming again. Just then I noticed how quiet and still the house seemed to be, and I thought perhaps Jesus had come and taken His people away and left me behind. This made me very unhappy, and I felt ready to cry; but I thought, if Jesus has come I’m sure He would take Mary, because she is a Christian, so I just put out my hand to see if you were still there, and then I knew there was hope for me, because Jesus had not come yet.”

I am glad to be able to tell you that Willie was not long in finding Jesus. He put his trust in Him, and then he was no longer afraid of Jesus coming in the night and leaving him behind, because he had learned that Jesus never forgets anyone; and even little boys will be taken to be with Him when He comes, if their sins are washed away, and they are fit to dwell in His presence.

We know also that Jesus died for all boys and girls. He paid the debt for our sins, so if any of my readers are still like Willie, unsaved, and so not ready to meet Jesus, there is hope for you yet, for Jesus will receive all those who come to Him in faith. But if you delay too long, if you leave it till Jesus has come, it will then be too late, for we read in Matthew 25 that it was those who were ready who went in to the marriage and then the door was shut.

Some came afterwards thinking they might yet get in, but alas! they found that it was now too late, the day of hope and mercy for them had passed away forever.

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matt. 25:13.)

ML 02/11/1917

'Cause He Loved Me Best.

AT the close of a children’s service in South London, recently, many stayed behind to speak to me about the Lord Jesus. Among these was a bright, intelligent boy, with his little sister. The boy had, in simple words, confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and afterwards stated that his little sister, Daisy, wished to speak to me.

“Do you love Jesus, Daisy?” I asked; and, as she said, “Yes,” I inquired, “And why do you love the Lord?”

She seemed unwilling to answer for a moment, but, being bidden by her brother, “Daisy, speak up,” she said, “‘Cause He loved me best.”

What a simple answer! O, that each of our young readers could say the same!

There were other dear children at the same meeting, who confessed to knowing Jesus as their Saviour, and, in answer to the question why, they answered, “Because He died for us.”

Their bright, happy faces told out better than words could speak, the truth of their statement.

My dear young readers, I want each of your hearts for Jesus, so that you may be able to say, “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20.) Have you never thought of that dreadful cross, where He was bearing the judgment of God against your sins? Well may we say—

“O, what a Saviour is Jesus the Lord!” May you, dear little reader, know in the days of your youth, the Lord Jesus Christ as your own precious Saviour, and may this be your heartfelt prayer—

“Lord, in my childhood and my youth

Be Thou my heart’s delight;

O, guide me in Thy precious truth,

And keep me day and night.”

And then your happy future is this—of being with Jesus, of being like Him, and seeing Him as He is.

ML 02/11/1917

My Best Text.

A LITTLE girl, coming home from Sunday School, said, “Mother, do you know which is my best text?” “Tell me my dear.” replied the mother. “Well, mother, you know I am just seven years old, and my little text has just seven words in it, and this is it: ‘IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD.” Hosea 10:12.

ML 02/11/1917

Come to Jesus.

His heart is full of kindness,

Sweet words He hath to tell;

Come, listen to Him, children,

For He loves children well;

And many to Him gather,

From every clime and land;

Come welcome, happy children,

And join the holy band.

He on the cross once suffered,

Nails pierced His hands and feet;

But all His pain and sorrow,

Made us for heaven meet.

His blood our sin-stain cleanses,

And takes our guilt away;

Come, welcome, happy children,

For Jesus says you may.

He, He Himself will keep you,

He’ll hold you in His hand,

He’ll never let you perish,

But you shall reach His land.

The lovely, heavenly country,

All bright, and sweet, and fair,

Come, welcome, happy children,

And all His glory share.

O, Jesus, He is kindness,

Jesus the Lord is love;

How sweet to hear Him speaking,

To us from heaven above.

ML 02/11/1917

The Far North.

SOME of my readers know nothing of the severe cold in the far north, yet our paper reaches same, and such know what comfort and cheer a big fire is at times as represented in our picture.

God has given intelligence to man to know how to take care of himself, whether in a hot climate or a cold one, but the horses have not that intelligence, so He has provided them with a heavy coat in winter, and what further care they need, man has to give them. So he has built stables, and made heavy blankets for them, too. How wonderful is God’s care for all His creatures. But His love is shown in giving His only Son to die for us. This is the most wonderful provision of all, for it was at such a cost to Himself and to His Son.

How dreadful it is that some people should despise this love of God. May it not be so with you, but may you thank and praise Him for His unspeakable gift.

“THANKS BE UNTO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT.” 1 Cor. 9:15.

ML 02/18/1917

The Boy and the Idol.

IN the Island of Ceylon there is a religion much followed by the people, called Buddhism. Some years ago a little boy there went to a Buddhist temple wherein lay a very large figure of the founder of that religion. This figure was about thirty yards long.

The boy went to the face of the idol, and put down his wreath of flowers which he had brought as a present, saying, as they usually do, “I take refuge in Buddha.”

He then waited to see what the idol would say in reply, but was much astonished when he found that Buddha did not notice him in the least, as he had hoped he would. The figure did not open its eyes, nor appear to take the least notice of the offering he had brought.

Not long after this, the same boy was sent by his father to the missionary school. He heard many things there that were new to him, and amongst others which gave the Christians in Ceylon much joy. We will translate two lines of the refrain:

“Jesus, Lord, I come to Thee;

Thou wilt all my refuge be!”

This was just what the boy wanted—a refuge—and he learned the truth in the words of this hymn. He saw that Buddha could not be a refuge, for it had not even life itself; he therefore became a Christian. Later on he was a teacher in the missionary school, and has now, for years, been a preacher on the island; and his joy in being able to preach the gospel to his countrymen is exceedingly great. His highest delight is to point them—not to Buddha for sympathy, consolation, or salvation—but to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the right and only refuge and defense for all lost and burdened sinners.

Yes, dear children, Jesus is our only refuge, and it is when we know Him, that the words of the prophet are fulfilled to us: “And a Man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place; as the shadow of a great rock in, a weary land.” (Isaiah 32:2).

ML 02/18/1917

The Way to Heaven.

RAIN was coming down in torrents, making the great city look very dreary. The poor horses were slipping and sliding about on the asphalt, and everyone seemed to be pushing each other very unceremoniously, in their hurry to get home as quickly as possible.

A man with a kind face and a big overcoat was hurrying over one of the slippery crossings; no sooner had he reached the pavement on the other side, then he felt a gentle tug at his coat sleeve, and looking down his eyes met a pair of large earnest grey ones.

“Hullo! my little girl,” he cried, “and what may you want?”

“If you please, sir, can you tell me the way to heaven?”

“The way to where?” asked the man, somewhat taken aback at the question.

“I want to know the way to heaven,” repeated the little one with eager questioning face. The good man hesitated a moment, and then laid his hand on the little shoulder.

“Why do you want to know?” he asked.

“Well, sir,” said the little woman, quite reassured by the kindly face, “it was like this—when father was dying he told me he was going to heaven, but I’ve forgotten the way. I only remember he said, ‘You must find the road to heaven, Lizzie, and meet mother and me there.’”

It was a strange question to be asked in the middle of the surging, hurrying crowd, but the little maid had found someone at last who could direct her to the straight and narrow way that leads to the celestial city. This man was a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus, and his own heart warmed as he pointed the little pilgrim to the Way, the Truth and the Life—Jesus.

Very eagerly the little one listened to the sweet story of redeeming love, and a few moments later as he watched her hurrying through the crowd, his heart went up in prayer to the Good Shepherd to keep this little lamb until that day when He should gather His blood-bought ones into the fold, from whence they should no more go out.

Some of you dear boys and girls have learned to know this kind and loving Shepherd, and have listened to His voice many times as it spoke to you from His Word. O! how nice it is when we have found the way! Jesus Himself is the Way, which leads to. life everlasting. It is to those who do not know Him that I want to write, to those who are wandering far away in the broad road, that leads to everlasting destruction.

There are only two roads in this life; one is smooth and broad and nice to look at. It is lit up with lights which charm and dazzle, as you walk. A throng of laughing, careless men and women, boys and girls, hurry over its pavements, each following on the other’s track, but where? Ah! they don’t know! They don’t care. The cunning ingenious one who planned this broad road, has taken care, too, that they shouldn’t see very far ahead, but the end is darkness and despair forever.

The other road is but a pathway, and few traverse its rugged windings, but all, along the way a trusty Guide goes before, turning back ever and anon with words of loving encouragement, stopping in His onward track, to lift the weary, trembling ones over the difficult places.

Which will you choose? The faithful guide is Jesus, who today offers you life eternal, and a full and free pardon for all your sins. Accept that pardon, and He will receive you to Himself. He loves you, and wants you. Choose Him today.

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

ML 02/18/1917

"Where Are Your Sins?"

A YOUNG GIRL came to see the preacher, being anxious about her soul. “Are you saved,” he asked, “or are you only trying to be saved?”

“I am trying,” she sadly replied.

“How are you trying?”

“I am praying, and reading the Bible, and going to church, and striving to keep the commandments.”

“How are you succeeding?”

“Not very well,” she sorrowfully answered.

“Do you not see that. in all this trying you are leaving Christ out as truly as if there were no Saviour who has come down from heaven to deliver us from sin and its dreadful consequences?”

“O, I believe in Jesus!” she quickly responded.

“You do? Let us see. Do you believe that Christ died upon the cross?”

“Yes, I know it.”

“How do you know it? You were not there to see Him die.”

“I know it because God says so in His Word”

“Do you believe, then, whatever God says in His Word?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well, why did Christ die upon the cross?”

“He died for our sins.”

“You are correct; for God says over and over again that He died for our sins. Your sins were upon Him when He was nailed to the cross, were they not?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Where is Christ now?”

“He is up in heaven.”

“You are right again, for God repeatedly tells us this in His Word. Are your sins upon Him?”

“No, sir.”

“Observe, your sins were upon Him once when He was nailed to the cross, and today He is in heaven without them. Where are your sins?”

She looked down for a few moments in deep thought, and then, raising her eyes, a sweet smile played over her face as she said, “They must be all gone.”

“Who His own self bear our sins in His own body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24.)

God says: “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Heb. 10:17.)

ML 02/18/1917

I Like Them While They Are Young.

ONE morning, a dear little girl came to her mother with a beaming, happy face, having in her hand a tiny basket, which had been presented to her full of chocolates. These had long since disappeared, as all our young friends will understand, but now, on opening it to show to her mother, it was seen to be filled to the brim with the pretty, young, silvery buds of the palm tree, which she had gathered, and stripped off the hard-brown covering which had protected them during the cold of winter.

Her satisfaction was evidently great in seeing her valued little basket filled with the velvety things she so much liked.

Her mother said, “How pretty! But is it not a pity to gather them so young.? They would grow so much larger.”

“O, no, mother, I like them while they are young!” she answered.

“Yes, dear child,” was the mother’s reply, “that is why the Lord Jesus Christ invites the little children to come to Him. He likes them to come while they are young, and says, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me.’”

And if you are past being little children as to age, the same blessed Person says, ‘Remember NOW they Creator in the days of thy YOUTH, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.’” (Eccles. 12:1.)

ML 02/18/1917

What Came of Minding Mamma.

TWO little boys with scowling faces stood before their Mamma. She had told them she did not think it best for them to visit Neddie Tucker that day, so they began to pout and behave in a very naughty manner.

“Now,” said Mrs. Gray, “I am going out for a ride. Be good boys, and amuse yourselves until I come back.”

“What shall we do?” whined Harry. “Play with the soldiers,” answered mamma.

“They are nearly all broken,” cried both the boys.

“Then put your cut-up pictures together.”

“Three of the pieces are lost.”

“Play with your building-blocks or your tops, or swing in the hammock, or roll your hoops in the garden.”

“We are tired of all those.”

“Then,” said mamma, “I don’t see anything for you to do but to be my good boys.”

The clouds vanished from Charlie’s face, and throwing his arms around his mother’s neck, he exclaimed, “Yes, mamma, I will be your good boy!”

Not so with Harry. As soon as the carriage drove away, he began to fret, and at last said to his brother, “Let us go over to Neddie’s.”

Charlie opened his blue eyes very wide as he replied, “Why, Harry! mamma said we could not go!”

“Never mind; she will never know it if we do go. Come on, Charlie; I am going.” Charlie looked very sober.

“No,” he said firmly; “whatever you may do, I shall mind mamma.”

Harry’s hand was on the gate. At that moment he paused to draw his handkerchief from his pocket, and with it came a small Sunday-school card, on which was printed in pretty letters, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Harry put the card back in his pocket, and drew a long breath.

“I came pretty near being naughty,” he said.

Half an hour later, Grandpa Gray drove up in his farm-wagon, and called to the boys—

“I am glad you are here, for I can’t stop three minutes. I have come to take you up to the farm to stay for a little. I met your mother on the way, and she says you may go. Now fly off, for I am in a hurry.”

“Aren’t you glad you didn’t disobey mamma?” whispered Charlie to his brother after Grandma Gray had tucked them up in bed that night.

“I guess I am,” replied Harry earnestly. “And I am going to always remember that verse whenever I am tempted to do what my parents would not be pleased with.”

“God is in heaven: would He know

If I should tell a lie?”

“Yes; if thou saidst it soft and low,

He’d hear it in the sky.”

ML 02/18/1917

David at Bahurim.

2 Sam. 16:5-13.

NO doubt some of my readers are familiar with the incident given to us in the above portion of Scripture, yet many more, I am sure, have never even read it.

There are many needful and beautiful lessons we may learn from this incident, but let us first look briefly at what is recorded.

Shimei was an enemy of David and when David was an outcast from his home, because of his wicked son Absalom, Shimei took the opportunity to show how much he hated him. David and his men went by the way, and Shimei cursed as he went, and threw stones at him and dust. He called him bad names and cursed him. But no matter what Shimei said about David, David took it all quietly and from the hand of God. He accepted it as the cup the Lord had seen fit to give him, and he would drink it up.

In all this we see a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus. He was hated, despised and rejected but there was no call for judgment on His enemies, but He prayed for them. They sought to take His life but they could not, till His time came. That is, the time He had to go to the cross where He would atone for sin—where He would die in our place. Then He gave Himself up because He knew the great need and allowed man to do what he wanted. He allowed man to show out all the hatred that was in his heart. He not only bore it patiently but prayed to the Father to forgive them for they knew not what they were doing.

In all this He is manifested not only as a Saviour to us, but the perfect example for the believer’s walk. Can you say you know that blessed One as your Saviour? If so, then take Him as your pattern and seek through His grace to follow His steps. “When He was reviled, He reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” (1 Peter 2:23.)

ML 02/25/1917

What Do You Think of Yourself?

GOD sent two of His servants into the neighborhood where I, was living. The country was in a state of spiritual darkness, hardly anyone could say “I am saved.” The two preachers boldly affirmed that they were saved, and that they were sure of going to heaven any moment the Lord would be pleased to take them. They also preached that forgiveness of sins was to be enjoyed in this life. But by almost everyone this was considered mere presumption. Still the two preachers went on, and as they spoke of salvation through Christ, many of all classes of people were led to Jesus, and were saved with an everlasting salvation.

It was at this time that the turning-point in my life took place. I was invited by a neighbor to go to one of these meetings. A short time afterwards one of the preachers met me and inquired, “Are you saved?” To which I honestly replied, “That is a question I cannot answer.” But try as I would, I could not get the question banished from me.

I went again to the tent to have a talk with the preachers, and reached it an hour before the time for commencing the service. I thought I would give a hand to tighten the ropes. As I was doing so, one of them said, “It’s an awful thing to be on the road to hell!” While they were arranging the tent, I asked the other evangelist what he thought of a neighbor of mine who had professed to be saved. He sharply replied, “What do you think of yourself?” These two remarks left me without a word to say.

Today I can thank God for the two men who dealt honestly with me, warning me faithfully of my danger. I saw for the first time in my life that I was lost.

On my way home I thought of my past life, and conviction deepened, I saw that I was “condemned already” (Jno. 3:18) and had not a word to say in my own defense; my mouth was stopped, I was “guilty before God,” and I dreaded that which follows death— “after this the judgment.”

I went again to the tent, and this time was not concerned about my neighbor, but was in terror lest I should be lost for eternity in the lake of fire.

The speaker dwelt on John 3:16: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Though this verse has been used in leading so many to the Lord, I left the meeting unsaved. As I turned on my bed that night, the judgment was always before me. Great was my agony, but I can only praise God for it, and for not allowing me to sink down in my carelessness into hell. As day dawned, light broke in upon my dark soul. I then and there saw that the work of Christ had met my need—that God was satisfied with the work of His own Son for me. Resting on this, I had joy and peace in believing. I was able to thank Him for the knowledge of sins put away through the precious blood of Christ.

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

“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.)

ML 02/25/1917

God's Care.

THE sun shone brightly on a group seated outside a cottage door. The central figure was Anne, a widow, bearing evident marks of recent suffering.

Sitting beside her were her two children. Poor Anne was industrious and honest, and worked hard to provide for her children; but sickness had overtaken her, and her scanty savings were gone before she was sufficiently recovered to work again.

The last of her money had been spent for bread, and she was about to give her darlings the last piece. Anne wept bitterly as she cut it in two. One half she gave to little Henry, who was only four years old, and, notwithstanding his mother’s grief, he took it joyfully. The other half she gave to his sister, a pleasant-looking girl of eleven years, who saw the tears that fell; and, putting her arms lovingly around her mother’s neck, said, “Why are you crying so, mother? I cannot eat the bread when I see you so sad.”

“My poor child,” she replied, “my heart feels very much troubled, for what shall I give you tomorrow?”

“O, mother,” said the little girl, “God will take care of that!”

The mother sighed.

“Don’t you trust in Him now? You always used to!”

“O, yes, my child; but my cares are so heavy. Poor children! when you wake tomorrow, and are hungry, I shall have nothing to give you!”

“But, dear mother, cannot God send us some bread before tomorrow? Our Sunday school teacher told us only last Sunday of His kindness, and of the many different ways in which He helps us. He also told us we should never despair, because that was sin; and then he opened his Bible at the place where it is related how the Jews murmured against God in the desert, fearing they would starve, and not willing to believe that God would take care of them. And God was angry at them. Mother, shall I read you the story once more? Perhaps it will make you happier when you hear it!”

The mother stroked the fair hair of her little girl, nodding assent, though her heart was still sad, and her eyes were filled with tears. Mary ran into the house to get her Bible, found the place at once, and sat down to read to her mother.

“O, God does not now work miracles!” said the mother.

“But why not, mother? Is He not just as mighty now as He used to be?”

Mary sat down at her mother’s feet and began to read. Widow Anne folded her hands, the tears rolled down her cheeks while listening to the wonderful help which the Lord sent to His murmuring people. Gradually her sorrow grew less bitter, and she felt as if a weight had been taken from her heart. Yes, she was God’s child, and He could help even her, as well as those poor Israelites. The thought filled her mind, and with a brighter face she listened. Even little Henry had come real quietly and nestled down beside her. It was indeed a sweet picture to see that mother with her children learning from the Lord.

A young man who was just emerging from the woods stood still with speechless delight. He gazed for a moment at the group, and then took a black book and pencil out of his pocket, and began to sketch. Not one of the small family had noticed him. Mary’s eyes were resting on the Bible, the mother was occupied with her own heart, and the little boy followed his sister’s eyes, that shone brighter and brighter the longer she read. Still and motionless they sat there; and the artist, for such the stranger was, could work on without disturbance until Mary had come to the end of the chapter; then, looking at her mother, she said, “Cannot God still send us bread, honey, and quails?”

“Yes, my child,” she replied, and drew her to her bosom; “with God all things are possible.” Her heart was again trusting in the Lord, and gratefully she kissed, her little girl.

But these caresses did not suit the artist. He had just been sketching the figure of the reading child, and was interrupted in his work. Hastily he ran to her, took hold of her arm, and said, “O, please, please, just remain quiet for another moment!” The mother, as well as the children, were startled, and looked at him. They did not understand what he wanted. But he, seeing their astonishment, and taking a new silver coin out of his purse, said, “I am an artist, and should very much like to have your picture in my book, just as you were sitting before. I have begun it already. I give you this piece of money, and shall add a second one if you remain quiet for an hour; then I shall have finished my sketch. Will you do so to please me?”

The poor family stared at him, not knowing what to reply. Then the mother pressed her hands against her heart, and hot tears, but this time tears of joy, filled her eyes. Had not God sent them bread as it were from heaven? And on Mary’s beaming face the same thought might have been read.

“Mother, mother,” she whispered, “is not God good?”

Then she allowed the artist to place her again on the old trunk of the tree at her mother’s feet, where she again took the Bible and put it on her lap. But as he said, “Read, as you did before; it will be best so,” she opened it at Psalm 118, and read:

“O, give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: because His mercy endureth forever.” The artist could now complete his picture. Before the hour had passed, he showed it to them, and at the same time put down the second piece of money.

They would now have enough to buy food to last for more than two weeks, and by that time she would be strong again and able to work. O, how she prayed, and how she thanked God!

Thus God’s care for the widow and the fatherless was shown; thus her faith was strengthened, and their needs supplied. Thus He cares for His own—those who put their trust in Him.

Now, dear children, those of you who know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, let your trust in Him be simple, as Mary’s was, for He has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may bodly say, the Lord is my helper.” (Heb. 13:5, 6.)

Unsaved reader, what a loss is yours, to miss the acquaintance and friendship of such a God, for time and for eternity!

ML 02/25/1917

Scripture Knowledge.

Lord, teach a little child to love

Thy sacred word of truth,

And send Thy Spirit from above

To teach me in my youth.

Give me to read its his’tries o’er

And learn Thy way to know:

The steps Thy saints have mark’d before,

In them with care to go.

Teach me my lost estate to know,

My Saviour, too, to see,

Who died and suffer’d all His woe

To save a child like me.

Oh, may I read of Him with joy,

And learn to love Him too;

And may I all my powers employ

His blessed will to do.

“As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” Psa. 18:30.

ML 02/25/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for January

1.“Always bearing about,” etc. 2 Cor. 4:10

2.“Every man according,” etc. 9:7

3.“For we must all,” etc. 5:10

4.“And He said unto me,” etc. 12:9

5.“For ye know the grace,” etc. 8:9

6.“In whom the God,” etc. 4:4

7.“Be ye not unequally yoked,” etc. 6:14

Bible Questions for March.

The answers are to be found in 1St and 2nd Thess. 1St and 2nd Tim, and Titus.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “The appearing of our Lord.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “Waiting for Christ.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “The coming of the Lord.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “At His appearing.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “At the coming.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “The brightness of His coming.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “The glorious appearing.”

ML 03/04/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 174. 1 Kings 19:9-18 Elijah in the Cave

AFTER Elijah’s rest under the juniper tree, he went to Mount Horeb and took shelter in a cave. He was very much discouraged and depressed and no doubt he knew he was not where the Lord would have him. We cannot be truly happy unless we are doing God’s will. God called Elijah and said to him, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” The prophet answered “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of Hosts, for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy Covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain. Thy prophets with the sword and I even. I only, am left, and they seek my life. The prophet was pitying himself, when he should have been helping and encouraging the very people he now was accusing. “Go forth,” said the Lord, “and stand upon the mount before Jehovah.”

Then the Lord caused a great hurricane to pass over the mountain. The wind tore the rocks to pieces, but God was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, the ground shook around Elijah and he must have felt very much frightened. The Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire. It must have been a fearful sight to see the mountain ablaze. Elijah felt God’s power, and his own littleness; but power does not bring the heart into the presence of God. Then a still small voice spoke. When Elijah heard it he wrapped his face in his mantle, and stood at the entrance of the cave. The voice had reached his conscience.

The voice said, “Elijah, what doest thou here?” “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of Hosts, for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy Covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword and I only am left and they seek my life, to take it away,” answered Elijah. But the Lord wanted the prophet to cease thinking of his own faithfulness. and the shortcomings of his brethren, and to look to Him. If Elijah had been faithful, it was God’s grace that had kept him. The Lord commanded him to go back through the land he had traversed and to go far North, miles beyond Jezreel, to Damascus in Syria, and there to anoint the servant of the King Ben-hadad, Hazael, as future king of that country. From thence he was to return to the land of Israel, and anoint Jehu, a commander of the army, to be King instead of Ahab: Next, he must go South again to Abel-Meholah, in the Jordan valley, to a man called Elisha, the son of Shaphat, who was to be the prophet’s helper and friend, and later, when Elijah’s work on earth was done, Elisha should be prophet in his stead. Then God showed Elijah that judgment must come on Israel for their wicked ways. Those who should escape the sword of Hazael would be slain by Jehu, and those who escaped Jehu would Elisha slay. “Yet,” the Lord said, “I have left Me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees of which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”

How sorry Elijah must have been to have accused his brethren so, and yet how thankful that some were not what he had thought them! He knew himself better now; knew how weak and sinful his own heart was. He had learned it alone with God, after his lack of faith, and his failure. God had searched him through and through with much love and patience, and now in humility, he was ready to go once more and do his Lord’s bidding.

Let each of us, that we may be kept from failure, pray, like David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139: 23, 24.)

ML 03/04/1917

The Spring Morning.

An Allegory. Part 1.

IN a fresh and beautiful garden, full of every gay and sweet-smelling flower, I saw a merry party at play. Four boys made up the group. They were all of nearly the same age and size, and their light hearts laughed in their glad eyes as they ran here and there in their sports and frolics.

While I was watching their sports, delighted with their gaiety, I saw the figure of a man coming to them from among the trees which bordered the garden. He went and sat down in the shade and, calling the boys around him, began to speak to them. There was something kind and tender in this man’s face and voice, and as he talked the boys became very attentive and listened to every word he said. I thought I would draw near and listen, too, and this is what I heard him saying:

“This garden is a bright and pretty place and you boys may be very happy in it for a time. But it is not a place that you can stay in; all its pleasures are likely to turn into pain and trouble, the sun will not always shine, dark night will soon be coming on, when fierce wild beasts will come out of their hiding places, ready to spring upon you. What you need is a place of safety, where no evil thing can come, and it is of such a place I have come to tell you. This garden can never really be your home, but there is a beautiful home awaiting you, over the hills you see yonder. This home has been secured for you by the dearly beloved Son of the King who owns it, and He has sent me to call each one of you boys to hasten to it without delay.” Then the boys began to question the man; some asked what the home was like, and their kind friend told them it was more beautiful than anything they could picture; he told them of the street of gold, and rivers of living water, of harps and golden crowns, and best of all of a loving Friend who would be there to welcome them and make each one glad.

Then another little lad whose earnest manner I had noticed from the first, said eagerly, “Let us go; let us all go at once; will you not take us now?” The man smiled, but he shook his head. “I cannot take you there,” he answered, “but I can tell you the way, and first of all, I would urge upon you the importance of starting immediately. Do not wait until the sun is hot, and the road grows dry and dusty; the hills will seem steeper then, and the way more weary, but go now; in the early morning, while the road is easy to find, for the King Himself has said, “They that seek Me early shall find Me.”

“Then he pointed them to a stile, which led from the garden into the country beyond. “Go over that stile,” said he; “its name is Faith. You may think it will not hold you, but once your foot is on it, you will see how strong it is. When you have gone over it you will find yourself upon a narrow footpath; follow it closely, and in it you will find the footmarks of the King’s Son.” Then their kind friend gave each boy two gifts. The first was a reed flute, and the second was a small bottle of what looked like the clearest water.

“Take these with you,” he said, “and never part with either. The flute may not look very much, but it will be of the greatest use to you. If you see any wild beasts prowling about, or are in danger of any kind, put this flute, Prayer, to your mouth, and as the music comes forth, a way of escape will be afforded you; and when you are weary, or thirsty or discouraged, drink freely from this bottle of living water, and courage and strength will return. You cannot exhaust it, and the more you drink, the more you will enjoy it, and the better you will be able to meet the difficulties of the way.” And having said these words, the tall stranger rose, and bade farewell to the four little boys. “But,” he added, “I shall hope to meet you again in that happy home I have told you of.” Then he disappeared from view among the tall trees and the children were left alone.

ML 03/04/1917

What Is It?

“SOMETHING is hurting my foot,” says the little girl, “what is it?” She pulls off her stocking while baby brother and doggie join in the eager question, “What is it?” All three stop their play, and, forgetful of everything else, try to find out the cause of the pain and trouble.

Now they have found it. It is a bug or insect of some kind. They will take it out of the stocking and it will give no more trouble.

Something much more serious and much more difficult to get rid of may be troubling you, dear reader. Perhaps you have been going on thoughtlessly and carelessly, enjoying the pleasures of this life, and have now found out that you are not happy—that something is wrong. As the children forget their play, so for you, earth’s pleasures lose their charm. You feel the weight of some great burden and long to find relief.

Sin is the heavy load that rests upon you, nor with all your trying can you get rid of it.

But there is One who can help you. Turn to Him. If you do not, you must go on bowed down under your terrible load till it pushes you.’ into the “lake” of fire whose flames are unquenchable.

Then cease your useless struggles. Confess your sins to Him who says: “As far as the East is from the West, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12.)

“IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AND TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.” 1 John 1:9.

ML 03/04/1917

None Other Name.

Acts 4:12.

When sin-sick, weary, and oppressed,

The longing soul doth crave for rest,

For power from sin to cease;

One Name alone can all supply,

One object wholly satisfy,

And give the yearned for peace.

And when, from sin, and shame, and grief,

The guilty conscience finds relief

In Jesus—crucified;

One object still, one aim and goal,

Is placed before the ransomed soul

Jesus—the Glorified.

Thus, in that vast, unnumbered throng,

Treading ‘mid scenes of light and song

The mansions of the blest,

One peerless Person, pure and fair,

Is all the joy and glory there,

By every tongue confessed.

“None other Name” to men is given,

“None other Name” adored in heaven,

The Christ is first and last.

Before His throne all kings shall fall,

At His blest feet, both great and small,

Their crowns of gold shall cast.

ML 03/04/1917

The Ark.

NO doubt all my readers have read, or at least heard, about Noah and the ark. In our picture this week we have him represented as having come out of the ark and offering up a sacrifice to God.

What a solemn thing it is that God has shown His displeasure for sin in this way, that He had to bring a flood over the whole earth and drown all the people. The people were then just as they are now, for the Word of God tells us in Luke 17:27 “They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” You may say, Surely there was nothing wrong in those things. That is true, but it was the way they were doing all these things and leaving God out. God had looked down upon their wickedness and He said: “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” (Gen. 6:3.) So He told Noah to build an ark so that people could be saved if they wanted to, for He was going to bring a flood on the whole earth. Noah did so; he built it according to the directions God had given him and at the same time he preached to the people. No doubt he warned them of the coming judgment and as a proof that he really believed what he was preaching he was building that big ark. But the people did not believe him, so they continued with all the things they were doing just as if there was no God and they would not be punished for their sin.

The day came that God told Noah to come into the ark with his wife and their sons and their wives, but none of the rest of the people went in; and no doubt they thought it was very foolish of Noah to build such an ark and to go inside of it. But when they saw Noah shut in, then they saw the rain coming down and the great fountains of the deep pouring forth water, and soon the surface of the earth was covered, and the high hills, till there was no place for them, and death was their portion. It was too late then for them to cry for mercy. God had ceased to strive with man, by His Spirit, through Noah, so they had to bear the awful results. God’s long suffering with them came to an end.

So it will be again; for God has provided a Saviour, which is the Lord Jesus Christ, for sinners. He has been through death—the judgment of God—just as that ark had gone through the judgment and received all the billows that would have fallen upon Noah and. his family, and no matter how much water was poured forth, the ark was able to rise above it all, and Noah rose in it. So, Jesus was the only One that was able to go into death and rise again, and the Scripture says: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36.) The only way for us to escape the wrath of God is to believe in Jesus as the One who has borne that wrath for us. If we refuse Jesus as our Saviour, it will be the same for us as it was for those who refused to go into the ark; they had to bear their punishment, and so will the rejectors of Christ. Which is it with you, my reader? If you have not believed in Him as the One that has died for you, may you do so now, while He is still saying: “Come unto Me,” but if you do not, remember, “The wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” (Col. 3:6.)

ML 03/11/1917

"If I Knew How to Believe."

Or Four Steps to Jesus.

FLORENCE felt that she must be a Christian. Her heart was heavy with the knowledge that it was sinful. For many days she had been carrying this burden alone. She did not think she could speak to anyone about it. She had been away in her bedroom alone, and prayed many times, and still all was dark and heavy in her little heart. “O, if I knew how to believe,” she would say to herself. “And Mr. M— says it is easy. If I could only ask him. At length a thought struck her. “If I cannot talk with him, I can write him a little note.”

When Mr. M— found an envelope directed to him, which someone had quietly laid on the large Bible in his study, he was surprised to find it a note from his little friend Florence. When he read it he was very glad, too. “The dear child, what can I say to her?” he thought. Then he closed the door, and asked, as if he were a little child, going to a father, to be guided in answering that note. And I think he was. He began it with Florence’s own question, and this is what he wrote:

“‘How shall I come to Jesus?’ The desire to come now is the first step.

“Feeling my sinfulness and danger and need of His help is the second step.

“Feeling that He is both able and willing to help and save me is the third.

“And then asking Him to do for me what I cannot possibly do for myself is the fourth.

“Four steps to Jesus. That is all. Perhaps I should say there is but one, and that very short. Out of the heart gushes the prayer, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner,’ and on the wings of the prayer the soul flies to the Saviour, in a moment, saying, ‘Here, Lord; I give myself to Thee: ‘tis all that I can do.’

“This seems to be the short, the simple, and only way to the Saviour. May my dear Florence find it so.”

Florence read the note very carefully.

“I think it is the third step I need,” she said. “I have tried the first and second, and fourth, and I do and will believe He is able, yes, and willing to save me.” So taking the third step, and then trying the fourth, it was not very long before Florence felt that in her heart she had found the answer to her own earnest question, “How shall I come to Jesus?” “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” (Jno. 6:37.)

ML 03/11/1917

The Spring Morning.

Part 2.

The little boys watched their new friend until they could see him no more, and then they sat still for a few moments, thinking of all they had heard. At last one of them, named Edone, began:

“Well, what do you say? Of course, we cannot stay here always, but I should like to play a little more before I go.”

“So should I,” said Argia, “and I want to eat a few more strawberries before we set out on this long, tiring journey.”

The third boy, Astathes, seemed undecided. “I hardly know what to say,” he remarked. “We were so warned not to delay.”

“Yes,” said Edone. “Of course, I do not mean to be late, but there is no use being in such a hurry. It is early morning yet; we could play for another hour and still be in plenty of time.”

“Well! Yes!” said Astathes, “and the wind might get up, and then it would be cooler, not hotter. I don’t see why we should be in a hurry; but what do you say, Agape?”

“That I mean to set out directly; and so I hope you will’ too. Think of that beautiful home; I am longing to be off, and begin my journey at once. What pleasure should we have in playing here, when we have been so urged to start immediately?”

“I believe you are right,” said Astathes, “so I will go with you.”

“Well, then,” replied the other, “do not let us delay a moment.” So he took his reed flute and hung his bottle of clear water at his side and set out with Astathes for the side of the garden next to the plain.

Then Edone and Argia began to laugh at them and say, “What a hurry you are in; we shall be there all in good time and have all the pleasure of playing, too.” And as I watched these boys, some words I had once read in a good old book came into my mind, and they were these: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.”

So the little boys walked on, and as they walked, they talked of the beautiful home and the kind Friend they should find there. Presently they came in sight of the stile, and beyond it they could see a rough looking waste.

“O! how rough and dreary!” exclaimed Astathes. “I feel like turning back.”

“No! No!” said Agape, and he put his foot on the stile. As the stranger had told him, it was firm and strong, and in a moment he was on the other side. He hardly noticed Astathes had not followed him; he was so busy spelling out an inscription which he found printed in old English on the farther side. It was this: “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God,” and underneath was a second motto, if we may call it so: “Run with patience the race that is set before you.”

Agape was just going to show these words to his little companion, when he observed that Astathes was still on the other side of the stile, and calling to him to return. “Come,” he said, “and let us gather some of this beautiful fruit to take with us in case there is none on the way,”

“No, dear Astathes,” said Agape, “I do not wish to come back. I know we shall not be denied any good thing upon the way. Here is the path; let us follow it.”

But Astathes still lingered. “I do not know how to get over the stile,” he said. “I am afraid it is not firm, and then you are walking so fast I can never keep up. I will just wait here for Argia and Edone.” And he stood leaning against the stile, gazing at Agape, as he sped along the pathway. At last he roused himself, and saying, “Well, it’s no use troubling any more just now,” he crept back to his former companions, who were still busy eating wild strawberries. At first they laughed at Astathos for turning back so son, but presently it was forgotten, and they went again to their games. But I noticed that the gaiety had gone from these boys; the sun began to beat upon their heads; they wearied of the beautiful fruit, and when they tried to play it only ended in a quarrel, and I felt more and more certain that Agape, in spite of all they said, had chosen the better part.

“Enter ye in at the straight gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:13, 14.)

ML 03/11/1917

Almost.

ALMOST a Christian, but not altogether. Almost saved, but altogether lost. Fearful words to have to utter all through eternity. “I am in hell: I was almost a Christian!”

It is vain to trust to being almost saved. You may be a child that has been brought up by Christian parents, under the influence of a godly home, a regular attendant at the gospel service, and a habitual reader of the Bible, and be reckoned among the almost saved, and yet be altogether lost.

Let nothing hinder you, my dear child, this very day, from seeking and finding salvation. Life, health, friends, are nothing when compared with your soul. All that this world can give is lighter than vanity when compared with eternity. Come to Jesus now, just as you are. Accept Him as your Saviour, and receive from God eternal life through Christ.

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

ML 03/11/1917

A Child's Thoughts of the Stars.

When looking up into the sky,

On clear and cloudless night,

We see the heavens spangled o’er

With little specks of light.

What are those tiny shining specks?

Is asked by many a child,

And often little minds are filled

With notions strange and wild.

A little girl once sweetly said,

She thought that heaven’s floor,

With the blue curtains of the sky,

Was only covered o’er;

And that the little twinkling stars,

That spangle all the blue,

Were small holes in the curtain cut,

To let the glory through.

No, little child, those stars are worlds,

Supported in the sky

By the same God who loves you so,

He sent His Son to die:

That, through His death, you might have life,

Might know your sins forgiven,

Might dwell with Him in glory bright,

Above that starry heaven.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.

In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, ye may be also.”

ML 03/11/1917

The Lamb of God.

I KNOW a Person who has a Lamb. I wonder if you know Him. The Person I mean is God, and His name is Love. Have you ever been told about Him, and about God’s Lamb? Who do you think God’s Lamb is? God’s Lamb is Jesus Christ, His own beloved Son, who which is full of sorrow and sinful people, both old and young.

Do you know, dear young friend, what this world did to Jesus, God’s Lamb? It put Him to death. Yes, wicked men took Jesus, and put on Him a purple robe, and platted a crown of thorns and put in on His head, and spit on Him, and then led Him away to a place called Golgotha there came down into this world to save poor sinful men, women and children, who could not do a single thing to save themselves. He must have loved them very much indeed, to have come down here and left His Father and His bright, happy home above, where no sin, or sorrow, or naughty, sinful people are—down to this world they crucified Him on the cross, and gave Him vinegar to drink, and left Him there until He died.

What did God’s beloved Lamb do when these wicked men treated Him so cruelly? Did He do them harm in return? O, no! He prayed for them, and said: “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24.)

Perhaps you will ask, Why did Jesus say, “They know not what they do”?

Because they did not believe that He was God’s Lamb; and when that patient, loving Jesus told them that He was God’s Son, they put Him to death.

Now what does God say to all (boys and girls as well as grown people) who believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, and God’s Lamb also, who shed His blood on the cross?

God says, they shall never perish, but have everlasting life, and when Jesus, God’s Lamb, comes again, as. He certainly will, or if they die before He comes, God will take them to be with Himself in heaven, where God’s Lamb now is; and no one ever dies there; no sickness, or pain, or tears, or sorrow there, and they will live forever and ever with Jesus. O, do you want to go and live with Jesus, Who is so loving and gentle, and is always the same?

Then believe in Him, trust Him, and God says that He will take you there.

Perhaps you will say, But I am not good enough; I have done so many naughty things! No, you are not good enough, and more than that, you cannot make yourself any better.

But listen a moment, and I will tell you what God, whose name is Love, says about you. God says you are a sinner, and cannot do any good thing; but that if you believe in Jesus, and trust in His most precious blood, all your sins have been paid for, and forever put away, by that blood which He tells you to believe in. Are you trusting in the blood of Jesus, God’s own Lamb? Then you are safe, and God will never let you perish.

ML 03/18/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 175. 1 Kings 19:19-21. Elisha.

MUCH more cheerfully did Eli oh retrace his footsteps than when he came to Mount Hor. Then. he was fleeing because. of his want of faith, from Queen Jezebel; now, he had met and talked with the Lord, and knew more of His blessed love and care.

The way was long from Mount. Hor through the wilderness, through the land of Judah, through the land of Israel and across the Jordan into Syria, as far as Damascus. He must have often been weary, yet happy, because he was where God would have him. Obedience to Him is the only happy path. But no one who is yet in his sins has the power or the ability to obey God. When we become God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus, we become partakers of God’s own nature, and new thoughts and new desires are ours. We want then to live for the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Elijah did as God told him. He was to anoint Hazael as the coming Syrian king, then Jehu, Ahab’s captain, in the lace of Ahab, and finally to go to Abel-Meholah, not far from the Jordan river in the land of Israel to Elisha, who was to serve him.

As he came to the little town he saw a young man plowing in the field. He had twelve yoke of oxen, and he was driving the last. This was Elisha whom the prophet was seeking. God must have told Elijah it was he, for when Elijah saw him he threw his mantle over him, as a sign he was to be a prophet. Elisha was a God-fearing man, and must have been one among those seven thousands who had not bowed to the knees to Baal. Elisha understood the prophet’s action, and leaving his oxen, he ran to Elijah and said “Let, me, I pray thee, go and kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow thee.” Elijah said, “Go,” and Elisha went home and took two oxen and killed them for a feast. He prepared the flesh, boiled it, and gave it for food to the people. Then he followed Elijah, and waited on him in his journeys.

What a comfort he must have been to his master as they went together, and talked of the Lord’s love, as Elijah had learned it in His service! And what a privilege to Elisha, to hear such words of wisdom from the old prophet! Yet we now know God’s love as shown in Jesus so much heifer, so much more fully, than these two dear servants. Is it our delight to talk to Him, and to tell others about our blessed Saviour?

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

ML 03/18/1917

The Spring Morning.

Part 3.

We left our little friend Agape just entering on the path which led to the beautiful home he had been told about. He had crossed the stile, which bore the name Faith, while his companion, Astathes, afraid of the dangers by the way, had turned back once more to indulge in ease and pleasure. Agape felt lonely enough as he began his journey, and as he climbed the first hill he felt its steep steps heavy traveling; he felt, too, that he was all alone, and that he was weak and helpless, so finding his heart beginning to faint, he pulled out his sweet-voiced flute to help his flagging footsteps and played some sweet music upon it, and, as he played, it seemed as if heavenly words went along with the music, and they said, “In the waste howling wilderness He compassed him about” (Deut. 32:10), and again, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Then he thought of his King, and his heart was lifted up, and soon he was at the top of the hill. Now his path lay for a while downhill, and he stepped on cheerfully and easily, until he came into a low, green valley, and here a stream ran across his path: He could see that sometimes after rain it was swelled very high, and there were marks just to show the traveler who should come by at such seasons how to get safely over. But it was low now, and there was no danger, so Agape stepped easily over the stones that were laid in it and gained the other side. But as he pushed on the sun grew higher and higher in the heavens, and the little lad began to feel faint and weary; then he saw a soft green bank and two or three bushes threw a pleasant shade upon it and he was tempted to lie down and sleep a while; but as he drew near it, looking carefully, he saw a snake lying in the grass, which startled him; so then he remembered himself, and he saw that the deep footsteps of his Guide had passed that bank by, and he thought: “Perhaps if I had fallen asleep there, I had never wakened again. No, I will push on to my journey’s end, and then there will be rest for me.” And still feeling hot and tired, he thought of his bottle of water, and drawing it out, he drank freely from it, and, as he drank, his ears seemed filled with these kind words: “The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night” (Ps. 121:6). So he looked up and saw just before him a grove of tall trees, and his road lay under them. Right glad was he of their shelter, and of the breeze which blew gently through them. Now he made his way easily and swiftly; and as he walked along he could look around him into the wood, and as he looked, he saw that on all sides of his path there were snares and traps and pitfalls, and sometimes the ground was all tumbled and torn by the mouth of the pitfalls, as if someone had fallen in, and it had been a terrible struggle to get out again. Then he was more thankful than ever that he had passed through this wood in the day time.

“How,” he said to himself, “if it were dark, should I possibly escape these dangers?” But his need for watchfulness was not over yet; when he was nearly out of the wood, he saw something creeping on towards him. He kept his eyes fixed upon it and soon saw it was a great lion. The eyes of the beast were upon him, and his long white teeth were gnashing as he prepared to spring upon him; then for a moment the boy’s heart sank low and he was giving himself, up for lost when the thought of the flute came into his mind, and, taking it quickly out of his bosom, he played a few earnest notes upon it. As soon as the notes of the flute were heard, the lion turned round and dashed away into the thicket, and instead of his angry growl, it seemed as if a voice from the tree tops repeated, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8), and again, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7).

Then Agape passed out of the wood, and as he came out of it, he fancied he could see, far away in the distance, something bright and shining, and he thought it must be the gate of the beautiful city he was hastening to, and the joy of that “hope set before him” made the rocky path seem smooth and caused him to forget the heat of the blazing sun, and, taking out his flute, he played cheerfully upon it and ever and anon refreshed himself from the precious bottle of living water.

By and by a terrible storm came up and the child would, indeed, have been in sore distress, but he was not forgotten by his King. Through the dark clouds he saw a shelter by the roadside, and here, he rested until the tempest was over, realizing the truth that “A Man shall be as an hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest” (Isa. 32:2).

The storm, though wild, had cooled the air, and now Agape moved quickly on towards his goal. We cannot tell of all that befell him, but must hasten on to the moment when, with a heart full of joy and thoughtfulness, he stood before that golden gate. Now all his troubles were over, and as he looked back, it seemed but a little moment since he had left the beautiful but deceiving garden. The scorching of the sun he remembered no more, the weary hillside, the pitfalls of the forest, and the lion’s paws—all was over, and he only thought of the wondrous grace and kindness of the One who had brought him safely through. What awaited him as he entered into that wondrous city I cannot tell you, but I have heard it said of the King that “in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

ML 03/18/1917

Sugared Poison.

I SAW a bottle hanging up in a fruit tree. Inside was a sweet, liquid poison. Wasps and flies of all kinds buzzed into the bottle, sipped, and died. They left the fruit for the sugared poison.

Now, the devil has his poison traps for people—big and little—to draw them off from the gospel fruit. He knows what people like, and he makes the mixture palatable and sweet.

How agreeable it tastes to one going on in sin: “There is no hell, no devil.”

How pleasant it tastes to the self-righteous: “You can be saved by being religious, or by doing the best you can.”

How does the pleasure-seeker sip up the sweetness: “Enjoy the world, for God will never put you into hell.”

And the most subtle but fatal poison: “Do not decide for Christ now; wait till you are older;” or “I am so busy, I have no time to think of these things.”

Dear children, do not put off your soul’s salvation any longer. God offers Christ as your Saviour to you now. You may not have another day to waste. Come to Him at once or you may be too late.

“BOAST NOT THYSELF OF TOMORROW; FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT A DAY MAY BRING FORTH.” Prov. 27:1.

O! children, pause, ere yet “too late”;

Now is the day of grace,

Now Jesus calls, O! do obey

His pleading, loving voice.

Today ‘tis free to all who come,

And take Him at His word;

Tomorrow’s sun may rise “too late”

For you who now have heard.

ML 03/18/1917

Trouble.

DO you see baby as he cries, over his spilt bowl of milk? What a nice, chubby, fat fellow he is! But oh! what disappointment and sorrow is written in that face! The milk is gone, and he cannot gather it up again. Perhaps he has been careless, and now he must do without the nice milk which he has been enjoying just a moment before.

Well, dear children, there are many kinds of trouble in this world of sin. Some kinds of trouble can be removed, and some cannot; some kinds seem of great importance, and some of little consequence, but I want to ask you if ever you were troubled about your sins? What a far more important matter than spilling a bowl of milk, or losing some valuable article.

Some people go on in their sins and do not seem to be troubled about them at all. They never seem to think that they will have to give an account to God for them, and that if they don’t get their sins forgiven in this world, through the blood of Christ, they will be lost forever. Our dear baby boy is crying because he has lost his milk; but how terrible it will be for those who lose their own souls, because they have neglected God’s salvation through Christ! Think of this question which Jesus asks:

“What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36, 37.)

Again let me ask you, if you have been troubled about your sins? Remember if you do not get them forgiven, they will sink you down into hell, and there you will have infinite trouble forever. But if you bring your trouble to Jesus He will deliver you. He will save you from your sins, and cleanse you whiter than snow through His precious blood. If you are in trouble about your sins, come to Him.

“THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL.” ISA. 1:18.

ML 03/25/1917

The Spring Morning.

(Part 4.)

AND now we must turn back again to the record of the little boy, Astathes. That word means “Waverer,” and that describes the character of this boy. First of all, impressed by the King’s message, he had almost crossed the stile, and accompanied his friend, Agape (Love), but held back by the fear of hardship or loss, he returned to his idle companions. Now we find him weary with amusement, unsatisfied by the good things of the garden, once more standing by the stile, vainly wishing he had crossed it in the early hours of the morning. Now as he looked over the pathway before him, it seemed narrower and steeper than ever, while the thorns appeared in places like a wall through which he could never make his way, and as he looked his heart sank and he wept bitterly. Perhaps he would have stood there till the darkness fell, but suddenly a voice seemed to sound beside him, and the words he heard were these, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Heb. 2:3.)

At last roused to action, he gathered all his courage, and sprang over the stile. Either the way was really narrower than it had been in the morning, or he did not tread so steadily as Agape; for where he had run, Astathes could now scarcely creep. The path was steep, and the thorns scratched his feet and ankles, till they were wounded and bleeding; the sun too was at its height, and the heat made him ready to faint. Then he thought of his water bottle, but it had been corked so long that the cork had got firmly fixed, and it was slow work getting it out. At last, however, he did, and the words, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out,” seemed to bring hope and comfort to his spirit. He had not yet reached the top of the hill, when the storm that overtook Agape in the King’s arbor, fell upon him on the bare hillside. Heavily did it beat upon him, as the rain fell in torrents, and the fierce gusts of the whirlwind swept by him. The ground, too, became miry with the rain, so that he often slipped down, bruising himself, and soiling his garments. At last, however, he reached the top, and down the other side of the slope he got on rather better, though there, too, he slipped about and got more than one fall. But when he reached the stream at the bottom, which had been so easily crossed in the morning, he found it a roaring torrent, dashing along, foaming, boiling, eddying, carrying all along in its course.

Poor Astathes! What shall he do; give up forever the thought of the beautiful Home, or venture into the stream? “I cannot give it up,” he exclaimed, and as he spoke he spied the posts which were set to guard travelers in the time of floods. So plucking up a little courage, he began to creep along by them. First the water was ankle deep, then to his knees, then to his waist, and still the boy kept on, holding fast to the posts. But as it grew still deeper, and he began to be lifted off his feet, his courage failed, and he felt that in his own strength he could never cross the flood. Then, for the first time, he thought of his flute. With sore trouble he drew it out, and tried to make music upon it, but not a note could he sound. Then he saw that while playing idly in the garden, or in his many falls, the earth had stopped up the small holes in it, so that no sound could pass. Here, however, the waters helped him, and ere long he could sound a few notes, and so soon as its sound was heard, the waters began to sink, and amidst their rushing and roaring, the poor child heard a sweet voice which said, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee,” and again, “When thou passest through the floods they shall not overflow thee.” Thus comforted and helped he reached the other side, where he lay down upon the grass, exhausted and benumbed, but his difficulties had taught Astathes many lessons, and first among them the use of his precious bottle, so he had recourse to it not once, but again and again, and presently was able to pursue his journey once more.

Now he had reached the thick wood, and as he entered it the sun sank behind the hills. Very hard he found it to trace the path, by the faint light that remained, and more than once he found himself on the very brink of a deep pitfall, and only saved himself from falling in by catching at the neighboring bushes. On all sides of him, too, wild beasts were roaring.

How he repented of wasting those bright morning hours, and not passing through the wood while the sun was high. And how did he escape all these dangers? Not by his own wisdom or skill certainly. As he came into the wood, he put his flute to his mouth and though the strains that came from it were often poor and feeble, no wild beast would touch him, while its music was heard. And .by degrees the flute became clearer, and its sounds more sweet, and though perhaps no song of triumph rose from it, the notes were sweet and clear, and told of trust in the One who alone could bring him through.

So he passed on, often weary and distressed and discouraged, but slowly and painfully nevertheless approaching the happy Home. The restful arbor he passed by in the darkness, but his eyes were upon a light in the distance, which grew brighter and brighter, till at last he. too reached that golden gate, and Astathes, poor wavering Astathes himself, of the King’s bounteous goodness, entered the heavenly garden.

ML 03/25/1917

"'Cause Were Thirsty"

PASSING a drinking fountain the other evening, which was about four feet from the ground, I noticed two very little ragged boys standing by, who, when they saw me approaching, came running and said, “Mister, please lift us up so we may get a drink of water.” This I did very gladly, and then asked them why they were drinking water on such a cold, wet evening.

“‘Cause we’re thirsty,” said they.

Their answer set me to thinking why so many children have never been to Jesus for the living water.

“I heard the voice of Jesus say,

‘Behold I freely give

The living water—thirsty one,

Stoop down, and drink, and live.’”

Then the answer came, those children are not thirsty; they have not felt their need of Jesus, who gave the living water, of which whoever drinks shall never thirst again.

O, dear young reader, as you read this may you be led to feel your need of Him. You will never find satisfaction in the world; though you may drink of its pleasures, it will only be to thirst again. Jesus says, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 21:6.)

“Jesus, the water of life will give,

Freely, freely, freely;

Jesus, the water of life will give,

Freely to those who trust Him.”

ML 03/25/1917

Whiter Than Snow.

There’s a beautiful word which I often have heard,

Its meaning I wish much to know;

I think if we look we shall find in God’s Book

About being “whiter than snow.”

It puzzles me much to think there is such,

For, for whiteness there’s nothing I know

With the snow to compare, so shining and fair;—

Then what can be “whiter than snow”?

Perhaps angels’ wings, or some beautiful things

Which I as a child cannot know;

If I think all the day, I never could say

What there is that is “whiter than snow.”

The snowdrop looks brown with its head drooping down

On its white winter border below,

And the lily, though white, I’m sure has not quite,

The claim to be “whiter than snow.”

But a child cannot find out the depth of God’s mind;

To a wiser than I, I will go,

And ask Him to tell, for I’d like to know well,

Of this wonderful “whiter than snow.”

But can God behold, as I have been told,

A child who’s so little and low?

And can it be true, if my heart is made new,

That I shall be “whiter than snow”?

I thought of the flowers freshen’d up by the showers,

Of the clouds with the bright sunlight glow;

I could not have thought it was I who was brought,

And wash’d and made “whiter than snow.”

How sweet! —it is true that I am made new

If washed in the blood that did flow

So freely to cleanse away the dark stains,

And to make our hearts “whiter than snow.”

And now that I’m Thine, O! teach me to shine,

And in love and in wisdom to grow;

From sin undefiled, dear Lord, keep Thy child,

Who is washed, and made “whiter than snow.”

ML 03/25/1917

The Person More Than the Gift

HAS she brought me anything? asked a little girl of four summers when she was told of the return of a much-loved friend; but hardly had the words passed from her lips, ere she added, “O! but that doesn’t matter, because she is better than anything she brings.”

The presence of the person was better than any gift.

Can we who are saved say of the Lord Jesus the Saviour: He is better than His choicest gifts? Everything He gives is to be received with thanksgiving, but He Himself is worthy to be “better” to us than all besides.

Many value “salvation,” and forget the “Saviour.” May we be enabled to remember Him through whom all blessing comes to us, and to live for His glory.

ML 03/25/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for February.

1.“And grieve not.” etc. Eph. 4:30

2.“But God forbid,” etc. Gal. 6:14

3.“For to me to live,” etc. Phil. 1:21

4.“Children, obey your parents,” etc. Col. 3:20

5.“I am crucified,” etc. Gal. 2:20

6.“For our conversation,” etc. Phil. 3:20

7.“That Christ may dwell,” etc. Eph. 3:17

Bible Questions for April.

The answers are to be found in Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1St, and 2nd, Peter, 1St, John.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “Sins of many.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “A brother beloved.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “Will not tarry.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “Not be ashamed.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “Shall be revealed.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “For the coming.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “Heavens shall pass away.”

ML 04/01/1917

The Spring Morning.

Part 5.

YOU have heard how the little boys, Agape and Astathes, crossed the stile, and traveled along the narrow pathway, which led to the golden gate, and the beautiful garden. They met with trouble and sorrow on the road, perhaps you think, but when you hear how differently their day ended to that of Argia and Edone, the children who, you remember, remained in the garden, I believe you will agree with me that the, trouble and sorrow were well worthwhile. And how did Argia (indolence) and Edone (pleasure) spend their day?

After they had driven Astathes from them, they sat for a while longer on the same grassy bank, dreamily doing nothing. Then, as the sun grew hotter, Argia fell asleep, and Edone strolled some way from him to gather the rich looking fruit which hung from a tree a little farther on; there he sat for hours, eating fruit and idly amusing himself by throwing the stones from him.

Gradually the sun sank in the west, and just as it disappeared behind the horizon, Edone saw a fierce beast creeping towards his sleeping companion. He thought it very shocking to see his friend eaten up, but he felt more afraid for himself, so without trying to awaken Argia, he stole away towards the wood. The beast came up to Argia, who still slept soundly on, when just at that moment Edone shook the bushes as he fled away. This turned the attention of the fierce lion in his direction, and a moment later, Argia was awakened by the fearful shrieks of Edone, as the beast seized him with his terrible teeth and claws. Argia sprang up in deadly terror, and ran, he knew not where. Then he thought of his flute, and felt for it in his bosom, but it had fallen out whilst he slept, and he hardly dared steal back to look for it. At last, however, he did; but when he found it, it was so bruised and bent, he could hardly sound a note. However, having found it, he started off as fast as his feet would carry him, and as it happened, he ran straight to the stile over which Agape and Astathes had passed. But the darkness prevented me from seeing whether he ever got across it. He may have done so, for we know that the Lord is merciful and very gracious, but we also know that God is not mocked, and whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap, and so we must leave the fate of the unfortunate boy unknown.

O! how much happier were those who, though they passed through trials and difficulties, were now safely at rest in the Father’s house.

And now my little allegory is finished, and I know it is not necessary to explain it to my young readers. But I would say a word, especially to those among them who have heard of these things from their infancy, who have early been provided with the flute of prayer, and the pure water of God’s Word; who have been pointed to the stile of faith, and the narrow road which leads to everlasting life, again and again. Have you ever really decided for Christ, or are you halting between two opinions, as Astathes, the Waverer; or given up to pleasure, as Edone; or are you sunk in the sleep of indifference, as Argia? It may seem as if the world was a pleasant place now, in the sunny morning of your youth, and as if you can well afford to wait awhile before deciding, but be wise, and heed what the Word of God says to you, even you “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” (Eccles. 12:1.) And again, “But ye have set at naught all My counsel, and would none of My reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but shall not find Me, for.... they did not choose the fear of the Lord.” (Prov. 1:25-29.)

ML 04/01/1917

No Time.

WALKING along the street one day, I was distributing little gospel books to the persons I met on the way. All received them very kindly, some with apparent pleasure, as if they understood the real desire of my heart and appreciated it. Only one refused me. He was a gentlemanly person affable in manner and address. As I offered the little book, he asked what is was.

“A little paper which tells the way of salvation,” I replied.

“Well, really, sir,” said he, “life is so short, and time is so full, that I cannot stop to read such things.”

I was so astonished at such an awful excuse I felt dumb, and before a suitable answer came to me, he had bowed himself politely away and was gone.

“Life so short!” I thought as I went slowly on. That’s so. And what follows?

Death and Judgment!!

“Time so full!”—with what? With everything that shuts God out!!

Reader, listen to the words of the Lord Jesus concerning one, who, like this gentleman, found life too short, and time too full to think about God and his soul:

“The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments.” Was there any hope there? Hear again: “Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot: neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (Luke 16:19-31.)

Beloved reader, O, be wise in time! We who have found in Christ the living water which quenches all thirst, which sets the conscience at rest forever, we can yet “pass to you,” and beseech you to drink before it is too late. Think of the folly of crowding time with what you have to leave behind, and from which you can get no more comfort when this short life is over! Think of the stupendous thought in that word—

Eternity.

Think of your sins. Think of the holiness of God, who cannot have sin in His presence. Think of the day when you must surely give account of yourself to Him.

Then think, O, think of the grace He has shown in sending His only begotten Son into this world “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Think on these things, accept Him as your Saviour, and you will find this short life but the beginning of a blessed eternity, and time so full of things that perish not, that the things which perish will be compelled to take their place in the far background.

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” (Heb. 4:7.)

“Behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2.)

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

ML 04/01/1917

A Pleasant Surprise.

A LADY was walking in her garden one day, and she was startled by seeing a neighbor’s hoy amongst the apple trees, —looking, as she thought, for some fruit; for she knew he was not a very good boy. However, before she could speak, the boy lifted up his head, and with a beaming face said, “I am only looking for a ball, ma’am. I love the Lord Jesus now, and I could not take anything that is not my own; so do not be afraid of me.”

The lady was only too glad to learn that the boy had just been brought to know Jesus.

May you, dear children, know, as the little boy did, the love of Jesus in your hearts, and may the power of it show itself in your consciences as it did in his, teaching him that what he could do before (such as taking what did not belong to him), he could not do now, for his Saviour’s sake.

ML 04/01/1917

Who Will Work for Jesus

Come work for Jesus while ‘tis day,

And help the wanderer home,

To flee from every sinful way

And to the Saviour come.

The poor, the blind, the sick, the sad,

Give them a helping hand,

And those that have not known His love

Help them to join His band.

To work for Jesus we may have

A heavy cross to bear,

But then, if we stand firm all through

We shall his glory share.

Then, help us Lord, to bear our cross,

However hard it be,

Until we reach fair Canaan’s land

And Thy blest face we see.

ML 04/01/1917

Bethlehem.

THIS beautiful picture gives us a view of Bethlehem, a city of Judah, also called Bethlehemjudah (Jud. 17:7-9). It is first mentioned in connection with the death and burial of Rachel in Gen. 35:19. There are interesting things which we might write in connection with it and the history of Ruth, but we will not at this time. David was anointed in the house of Jesse the Bethlehemite, so apparently it was the place of David’s birth and this accounts for it being called the city of David in Luke 2:11. It was also the birthplace of the Lord Jesus, though it was spoken of as “little among the thousands of Judah,” but that only reminds us of the lowly character of the Lord. His whole path was marked with lowliness. He sought not for glory, for He came into this world to die for poor sinners. But God has now highly exalted Him.

Many think a great deal of Bethlehem because it was the birthplace of the Lord Jesus, but what God would have us to be occupied with is His death. Some say, if Jesus had not been born, we would never have been saved, but the truth is, if Jesus had not died, we could never have been saved. It is His death that met the claims of God against our sins, for the wages of sin is death. He had no sins of His own to die for, but He died for the sins of those who would believe on Him. Do you believe He died for you? If you do, you are saved, for it is His death that earned salvation for you, and your believing it makes it yours.

While we may then look at a picture of the birthplace of the Lord Jesus with interest, what will concern us the most is His death?

“GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS CHRIST DIED FOR US.” ROM. 5:8.

ML 04/01/1917

Only a Soap Bubble!

O HOW pretty, just look at those beautiful colors, and how it floats in the air. Ah, it is gone! What was it? Only a soap-bubble, that was all; yet the little boy’s eyes followed it until it burst. He could not help looking at it, and when it was gone he had to make another, and another, till he was satisfied? O, no! till he was tired of it, and then he wanted something else.

Dear children, we may learn two lessons from this; one about our own hearts, and the other about all that this world gives.

We are never satisfied with anything that belongs to this world; and all that is to be found in this world soon passes away.

But there is One I want to tell you about that will satisfy your heart, and will never pass away. I expect you know who I mean. It is the Lord Jesus, do you know Him? If not, I trust you will know Him before you lay down this paper. You cannot have real happiness and joy until you know Jesus as your own Saviour.

And He is not only a Saviour for you, but He will be your unchanging Friend. His love for you caused Him to come down from heaven to bear the punishment from God on account of your sins, (which you deserved to bear) so that you would never have to be punished and He would be able to have you with Himself in glory forever.

He does not turn away from you and say: I don’t love you any more, like some of your friends, but He loves you all the time and gives you everything that you need.

Have you thanked Him for what He has done for you on that cross? Do you go to Him and ask Him for what you need, and do you thank Him for all that He gives to you?

O, dear children, there is no one who loves you as Jesus does, and if you have believed He died for you, He will never give you up. There is no friend like Jesus!

“O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD.” Psa. 107:1.

ML 04/08/1917

Bible History

Chapter 176. 1 Kings 20:1-30. Ben-Hadad

DURING Ahab’s reign, Benhadad, a wicked man, was king of Syria. The Syrians were neighbors of the Israelites, and lived on the north and east of them. David had conquered them, and while he and Solomon, his son, reigned they were subject to the children of Israel, but as soon as they were strong enough they rebelled against their masters and gave them much trouble.

Success had made them very bold, and Ben-hadad, gathering all his army, determined to besiege Samaria. With him were thirty-two kings from the small kingdoms around, with men, horses and chariots in quantity. Messengers were sent into the city to Ahab, saying, “Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine.”

Ahab was much frightened, and hastened to send reply, “My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have.” This did not satisfy Benhadad who sent the messengers once more with the word that the Syrians would come on the morrow and search the houses and take whatever they wished.

Hastily, Ahab sent for the elders of Israel, and all decided they could not allow this, and told Ben-hadad not to boast ahead of time. The Syrians prepared to attack the city.

Ahab, idolatrous and wicked as he was, had no thought of turning to the Lord for help, but God was looking down upon this disobedient king and his people, and through His goodness and patience sought to bring them back to Himself. A prophet came to Ahab and told him that all the multitude of the Syrians should be delivered into their hands, that all might know it was of God.

Ahab then counted his army and found he had only seven thousand, with two hundred and thirty-two princes to lead the men. At noon, while Ben-hadad sat eating and drinking with the thirty-two kings, his allies, the princes walked out of the city. They had left the soldiers behind to follow at a distance. The Syrian guards informed Ben-hadad that there were men come out of Samaria. “Take them alive,” said he, “whether they come for peace or for war.”

Confident that there was nothing to fear from such a small band, the Syrians came forward. But the army, behind the princes, had followed, and each singling out his man, they slew many of the Syrians. The others fled and Israel pursued after them.

Ben-hadad jumped on his horse and escaped. Ahab and his men pursued and utterly routed their enemies.

The Syrians, however, were not discouraged. They said, “The gods of Israel are the gods of the hills, therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” So Ben-hadad arranged his army in the valley of Aphek. It was a very great army indeed against which the Israelites looked like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the whole country. The Lord had heard what the Syrians had said, and He determined to give them into the hand of Israel that they might know that He is God, and there is none else. He sent a prophet to Ahab to tell him that He would deliver this great multitude into his hands that they might know who He was. Por seven days the two armies faced each other and on the seventh the Israelites slew one hundred thousand footmen and the rest fled, learning in this terrible way that there is but one God, that He reigns over all the earth. The hills and valleys are alike to Him; we cannot hide from His eyes, which are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

ML 04/08/1917

The Bell Is Ringing.

PASSING along the main thoroughfare of a large seaport town, not long ago, I noticed that people were hurrying past me, hot and breathless, towards the end of the street. It was quite dark, and to the stranger it became a matter of surprise why such haste was manifested without any apparent cause or object.

I was making my way to the railway station, but there was plenty of time, and I had no cause to exert myself unnecessarily. But seeing the “eager, anxious throng” pushing onward, I quickly made my way over the footbridge which spans the lock-pit between two docks, and forms part of the main road.

The bell which had been ringing for some minutes then ceased, and all hurry and bustle among the foot passengers as suddenly subsided.

On inquiry I found that in this great town, which is intersected by docks, vessels are at certain intervals passed through the dock-gates, during which times the draw-bridge is lifted and all traffic is suspended—sometimes for half an hour at a stretch. In order to give due notice of this obstruction, the gatekeeper rings a large bell as a note of warning, and those acquainted with the usages of the place are at once aware that unless they make haste they will be delayed.

A gentleman who, like myself, had just passed over the bridge, exclaimed breathlessly, “Thank God for that bell ringing! If I had not got over, I should have been left, for the train on which I am going on a matter of vital importance, leaves in so many minutes, and ‘time and trains wait for no man.’”

Midst the flickering of the lamps on the quay side I could see the rapidly gathering crowd. Some had rushed up “just in time to be too late,” others had been sauntering lazily along, heedless of the warning bell. And how many there might have been among that company to whom a few minutes were just then “of vital importance”!

To my mind a very striking analogy was suggested; and it is one of those lessons which any one of us may profit by, if we keep our eyes open to the circumstances which surround us in our everyday life.

The bell of grace rings out an invitation to the sinner; the voice of the preacher echoes God’s message, “Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.” The glad tidings of a dying Saviour’s love are told out by those who have been sought and found by the meek and lowly Jesus.

We see men hastening on in the race of life; and though the night is dark, and the object of their pursuit is undiscerned by those around them, yet they press forward towards the mark for the prize of their high calling.

Others, again, linger by the way, disregarding the ringing of the bell, or the affectionate appeal of the preacher. They have “plenty of time.” They want to get over the bridge, and they mean to do so, but there is no cause to hurry.

Presently the bell stops, and the bridge is raised. Those who have passed safely over are at once peaceful and calm in the certain knowledge that their onward course will be unimpeded. On the other side, there are expressions of vexation and disappointment, anxiety and regret.

Reader, the hour is coming—God only knows how soon—when the bell of grace will be hushed forever! The preacher and those who have crossed over will be occupied in singing the song of the redeemed, in the presence of the King of Glory. And the door, which no man can open, will be shut forever!

Are you striving to enter in at the straight gate, while the warning bell is yet ringing? It may be that the last of its shrill notes are now being wafted to your ears, and that presently there may be joy and peace on one side, and blank despair on the other.

The gate is still ajar—nay, wide open; and the message of God’s love is ringing in your ears— “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” Millions have crossed the bridge; millions more are pressing along with fast hurrying feet, accepting the Saviour’s loving invitation, “come,” and all are welcome.

The gatekeeper refused no man, whether poor or rich, while the bell was ringing, but both were equally refused when the time of warning had expired.

And so “God is no respecter of persons.” The day of grace is lengthened out, dear children, for you, whoever you are, or in whatever circumstances you may be. And Jesus, the Lamb of God, who died for sin, is stretching forth His hands still, and bidding His servants ring the Gospel bell of invitation— “come.” And all you have to do is to accept the gift of eternal life so freely offered—will you?

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

ML 04/08/1917

Spring Time

O’er the hills and meads and vales;

On the bank, across the dales,

Where the flocks and herds are seen

Nibbling at the blades of green;

By the hillside, down the plain,

Welcome Spring is seen again.

Cheery sunshine follows showers;

Tiny buds and opening flowers

Dot the shrubs and grace the trees,

Smiling as old Winter flees;

Warbling songsters bid him go

To his house of ice and snow;

Busy insects’ ceaseless hum

Tell of joyous days to come;

While from many a hidden bed

Pretty violets raise their head;

And the pale primroses’ face

Many a warm plantation grace.

Cowslips with their cups of gold

Diamond dew-drops gladly hold;

Daffodil and crocus, too,

Cotters’ little gardens strew;

Buttercups in yellow dress

Round about the daisies press;

Little children clap their hands

As they wander forth in bands

To enjoy the sunny hours,

Reveling among the flowers,

Mid the hills, and mid the vales,

One glad note of praise prevails.

Budding hedgerows, flowers, and trees,

Raise their voice upon the breeze.

While the river and the stream

Catch and join the wondrous theme;

Countless songsters help to raise

To the Lord a song of praise.

In the mountain, hill, and plain,

In the sunshine, in the rain,

In the tree, and in the flower,

There I read a God of power:

But in Jesus from above

There I read a God of love.

Further still, at Calvary’s tree

There I read His love to me.

ML 04/08/1917

Companions.

DEAR little doggie up on the back of his little mistress, his paws about her neck and held tight by her hands, and his face laid against her cheek!

What happy companions they seem to be! No doubt they play and have many a frolic together, and they will be very fond of each other.

Dogs love those who are kind to them, and often they make most desirable companions, for they will follow their friends and watch over them, and in many instances they have been the means of preserving their lives. I once read of a dog that was sleeping with his master one night in an old, untenanted house. Along in the night the dog began to bark furiously and to pull at his master’s clothes. After a time, the man, seeing the dog was much distressed, got up and went out of the house. He had scarcely got well out when the whole ceiling, under which he had been lying, fell down with a great crash. His faithful dog was, in this instance, the means of preserving his life.

But there are other companions besides dogs, dear children, and it is of these I wish especially to speak, for you will all, perhaps, have such companions; I mean boys and girls. Have you ever thought how important it is that you should be very, very careful in choosing your companions? Perhaps you have often heard this old saying, “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” Now this is very true. If you go with those who use naughty words, you will soon be using naughty words, too; or if you do not allow them to come from our mouth they will be in your mind and will thus have a defiling effect on you. If you go with those who do naughty things you will learn from them to do naughty things also.

If you will put a good sound apple beside a rotten one you will find that the sound one will soon begin to rot, too. The good apple will never make the bad one good, but the bad apple will soon make the good one bad. And the same principle is true as to our companionships. We must keep away from evil if we do not wish to be defiled.

I hope you will all heed God’s word, He says:

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” (Prov. 4: 14-15.)

Sometimes those we would not claim as companions come and seek to lead us in a wrong way. Here again God’s word directs our action.

“MY SON, IF SINNERS ENTICE THEE, CONSENT THOU NOT.” PROV. 1:10

ML 04/15/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 176. 1 Kings 20: 30-43. Ben-hadad. (Continued)

When Ben-hadad saw his army completely defeated by the Israelites, he fled to Aphek with the rest of his army of twenty-seven thousand men. But God’s judgment pursued them there and caused a wall to fall on them to kill them. Benhadad, looking for a hiding place, went from place to place till he found an inner chamber where he hid. He was at the mercy of the King of Israel; what would become of him? How could he save his life? His servants thought they might work on the sympathy of their enemy, and putting on sackcloth and ropes around their necks, they went to Ahab saying, “Thy servant, Ben-hadad, saith, I pray thee, let me live.” They were watching the king closely to catch his thought whether Ben-hadad had a chance to live or not. “Is he yet alive?” inquired Ahab, “he is my brother.” “Thy brother, Benhadad,” quickly answered the men. “Go and bring him,” and when he came the king took him in his chariot.

What was it to Ahab that Ben-hadad was an idolater, that he had defied God? What was God to him who himself worshiped false gods? He had no fear of God before his eyes; why should he then punish the enemy of the Lord? He was quite indifferent as to what was due to God. He was willing to receive from Him every blessing, but was ungrateful. This wonderful deliverance and victory he knew came directly from God, and was given in order that he might once more see His power, and fear Him. But it had no effect on Ahab’s hardened heart. Ahab and Ben-hadad in the chariot together could discuss their conditions of peace altogether apart from God. You shall have back the cities which my father took from your father, said Ben-hadad, and you shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, just as my father made in Samaria for himself. Then Ahab said he could go on this condition, and so they parted.

But God had something to say to Ahab as to this. He “is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” but He is a holy God, and must punish sin. A prophet, sent of God, met Ahab on the way and said to him, “Thus saith the Lord, because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore, thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people!”

O, that we might realize more the solemnity of having to do with God! He is now giving sinners the opportunity to be saved through Jesus Christ His Son. He offers now, a full pardon to everyone who will come to Him through that blessed Saviour, but “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” (Heb. 2:3.)

ML 04/15/1917

Do You Want to Go to Heaven?

A LITTLE boy, four years old, was amusing himself o n e day in the room of an invalid friend. She had a little table fitted with drawers, in which she kept many things which it was convenient to have at hand. To look into these drawers, and examine their contents, was a never-failing amusement to little H—.

On the day of which I speak, after he had sat quietly on the floor for a good while, playing with something out of the drawers, he began asking his friend various questions: Why could she not walk about? How long was it since she was well? When would she get well?

To this last question she answered “When it pleased God to make her so.” “When would He?”

That she could not say; but as the persistent little questioner pressed for an answer, she said she did not think she should be quite well till she went to heaven.

“When shall you go?” said little H—.

“When God pleases.”

“And what shall you take with you?” “Oh, nothing,” was her reply.

“But you will take your little table; you can’t leave that behind!”

“Oh, no, I shall not want it there.”

“But why won’t you want it?”

“Because Jesus is there, and He will give me all I want; I shall not want to take anything with me.”

A deep sigh, and then the little fellow said, “My mother will want to take her box of clothes with her, I know that.”

Again his friend told him that where Jesus was we should want nothing; we should have everything, and be always happy.

“Do you want to go to heaven? said H—. “I don’t.”

Here he got up, and ran away to play, and the conversation ended, while his friend was left to reflect on the way in which little H— had expressed the unspoken feeling of many a heart.

Is it not so? How many of us are ready to go? I do not now speak of the readiness of knowing our sins put away, that we are washed in the blood of Jesus. There must be that readiness, or the thought of going will fill our hearts with fear. But is there this heart-readiness? Is the Lord so all to us, that there is no packing up to be thought of; but that when His summons comes, we shall be glad to go?

Now let me tell you of another little boy, of about the same age, a happy, joyous child, whose sweet, clear voice might be heard all over the house, as he went about singing like a little bird. He was very fond of the hymn:

“There is a happy land, far, far away,” and would often talk about “sweet baby,” a little brother who had been taken to the Home above. Less than a year after the baby’s death, this little boy was ill.

One day, his mother was watching tenderly by his bedside, when he said, “Mother, are there a great many people in heaven?”

“Yes, Alfred, a great many.”

“Mother, would there be room for Alfred?”

The tender mother, who, till now, had not thought she might have to part with her precious child, remembered, “In My Father’s house are many mansions,” and answered, though with an aching heart, “Yes, there would be plenty of room for Alfred.”

“Then, mother, I want to go to God.” And very soon after, God took him to His home above.

Dear reader, which little boy’s words express the feeling of your heart? The boy at school is happy, and rightly so, with his games, and his lessons, and companions, but if an offer comes to go home, what then? Is the Lord’s presence the home of our hearts?

ML 04/15/1917

The Vine and the Branches.

IT was the children’s bedtime, and Mr. Green got down his large Bible to read a portion to them before they retired for the night. He brought his family up to love and honor the word of God which is able to make wise unto salvation. John, Harry and Mary each read a verse, then their parents read a verse. Then in simple language their father explained the meaning of the verses about the vine and the branches.

“Now, dear children,” he said, “you all know whom it means by the vine. It is Jesus, and all who trust in Him and are living in Him, are the branches growing out of the vine, just as the branches grow out of the grape vine in the garden. As those branches receive all their life and nourishment from the vine, so we receive all our spiritual growth and life from Christ who says, ‘He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.’ Of course, little children, this is not grapes, but the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Each little word of kindness, or deed of love we do for Him is a seed dropped, which shall bring forth fruit to His praise and glory. Those who do not bear fruit for Him, He says He will cut down and have burned in the fire.”

This Mr. Green said in a very solemn voice, and each of the children felt afraid lest it should be said of them that they served Satan instead of bearing fruit for the Lord.

However, they were much encouraged by his concluding remarks, urging them first to trust in Christ, and then however feeble their efforts for Him, they would not be in vain, for fruit would come to them even after many days.

ML 04/15/1917

The Debtor Free.

Nothing to pay! Ah, nothing to pay!

Never a word of excuse to say!

Year after year thou hast filled the score,

Owing my Lord still more and more.

Hear the voice of Jesus say,

“Verily thou hast nothing to pay!

Ruined, lost art thou, and yet

I forgave thee all that debt.”

Nothing to pay! the debt is so great;

What will you do with the awful weight?

How shall the way of escape be made?

Nothing to pay! yet it must be paid!

Hear the voice of Jesus say,

“Verily thou hast nothing to pay!

All has been put to My account,

I have paid the full amount.”

Nothing to pay; yes, nothing to pay!

Jesus has cleared all the debt away;

Blotted it out with His bleeding hand;

Free and forgiven and loved you stand.

Hear the voice of Jesus say,

“Verily thou hast nothing to pay!

Paid is the debt, and the debtor free!

Now I ask thee, lowest thou ME?

“Whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” (Col. 3:17.)

ML 04/15/1917

Pleasures of Childhood.

WHAT a happy scene we have before tis in our picture! If you were studying the faces of the group, would it not be hard to tell which was the happiest of all these little folks?

There is baby in the cart with stick in one hand and lines in the other, highly delighted to be getting a ride and receiving so much attention. But the boy who is pulling the reins and guiding the goat that is hitched to the little wagon while at the same time he watches the happy little driver, and the little fellow behind who is so vigorously lending his aid, and the two happy girls who are reflecting the joy from baby’s face, all have faces which speak of happy hearts. And there are the two boys in front, one with his drum, the other with his flag and horn—how well pleased, they seem! Then the little folks in the rear, one boy being carried by another and seemingly in high glee, while the little girl with her basket on her arm trips along lighthearted and gay. Happy children! Happy childhood, free from care!

And this is as God would have it. He allows the little folks to run and play; but at the same time He would have them submissive to their parents, and attentive to the little duties they may be called upon to perform. The time, however, is coming when they will need to put away their childish thoughts and words and ways. The Apostle Paul says, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Cor. 13:11.)

So dear children, run and jump and play, but seek to honor the Lord in your young lives; and as you grow older you will learn of other things, and other ways. But, young or old, may the Lord have the first place in your thoughts!

“HE WILL BLESS THEM THAT FEAR THE LORD, BOTH SMALL AND GREAT.” Psa. 115:13.

ML 04/22/1917

A Child's Faith.

A GIRL, seven years old, was being taught that beautiful hymn—

If I come to Jesus,

He will make me glad, etc.

Presently she came to the verse—

If I come to Jesus,

He will hear my prayer;

He will love me dearly,

He my sins did bear.

But the lady who was teaching her made a mistake in the last line. Instead of saying, “He my sins did bear,” she told her, “He my sins will bear.”

“O, no,” said the little one, “it cannot be will bear, when He has done it. Jesus did bear my sins, did He not, dear auntie? It cannot be ‘will bear.’”

Dear reader, this little child was right; and her answer reminds me of our Lord’s words, “Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes.” That child did not reason as so many anxious souls do, “I don’t feel that Jesus bore my sins, so I fear it can’t be so.” No; she just took God at His word; she believed Jesus bore her sins, because it is written, “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4, 5.)

Dear reader, is your faith like that dear child’s? “Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the Tree.” (1 Peter 2:24.)

ML 04/22/1917

Bible History

Chapter 177 1 Kings 21:1-14 Naboth’s Vineyard.

THERE was a man named Naboth who lived in Jezreel and had a vineyard there, very near King Ahab’s palace. It was a very pleasant plot of ground, and the king often looked at it and said, “I wish I had that for my garden.” At last he called Naboth and said to him, “Give me your vineyard. I like it very much. It is near my house and I want it for my garden. I will give you another better vineyard in its place, or, if you prefer, I will give you money.” Naboth was a God-fearing man. He knew the law of Moses forbade the selling of the land because it was the Lord’s. So he answered the king fearlessly, “The Lord forbid it me that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.”

Ahab went home angry and, throwing himself upon his bed, he would speak to no one; when his servants brought him food, he refused to eat, acting more like a spoiled child than like a man and king.

The queen came in to see why Ahab had refused to eat. He told her Naboth had refused to sell his vineyard to him. “Is that all?” Queen Jezebel answered. “Are you not the king of Israel? Arise and eat and be merry. I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth, the Jezrelite.”

The wicked woman, without any fear of displeasing God, wrote letters and sealed them with the king’s seal and sent them to the nobles who lived in Jezreel. “Proclaim a fast,” the letters read, “and bring Naboth before the people and have two lawless men bear witness against him that he has blasphemed God.” Jezebel was a poor heathen herself, but she knew it was a crime to speak against God, and she did not hesitate to bring this lying accusation against an innocent man to gain her desire. “Then carry him out and stone him with stones that he die,” were her instructions.

It was not hard for the nobles of Jezreel to find men to execute the queen’s command. They came forward and declared that Naboth had blasphemed God and the king. The nobles attended to the false witnesses and brought out Naboth and stoned him with stones till he died. Then they sent word to Jezebel, “Naboth is dead.”

Jezebel was glad to hear this. She ran directly and told Ahab to go and take possession of the vineyard, for Naboth was dead.

Had Ahab had any conscience left, he could not have accepted such a gift from his wicked wife. He had married her, a Gentile, but he was an Israelite and knew God was to be feared. He was therefore as guilty as if he had ordered Naboth’s death himself when he went down to the vineyard which he had so recently acquired to take possession of it. Would he be allowed to enjoy it, or would God, whose eyes are in every place beholding the evil and the good, set His face against him that had done this evil? Yes, a day of reckoning was coming for Ahab, as it is for everyone, king or servant, that thinks to do without God, “when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 1: 7, 8.)

ML 04/22/1917

Tell the Little Ones of Jesus.

“Mother, mother, tell a story,”

Tiny voices say to me;

Willie seeks his little footstool,

Mabel climbs upon my knee.

Sunday evening twilight gathers,

And upon the parlor wall

Shines the ruddy, dancing firelight,

And the fitful shadows fall.

“Shall my story be of Jesus?

He who loves the, children dear?”

“Jesus, and the little maiden,”

Mabel answers sweet and clear.

Then the little faces brighten;

Closer little Willie comes,

As I tell of Christ, the Saviour,

And His love for little ones.

Once there was a stately mansion

Decked with many a treasure rare;

And within that beauteous dwelling

Lay a little maiden fair.

Twelve years old that little maiden—

Youth’s bright days had just begun;

But with all so fair around her,

Dying lay the little one.

All a father’s love could bring her,

And a mother’s tender care,

Had been lavished on their darling

As she lay so helpless there.

Many a loved one thronged around her,

Eager each to soothe and cheer;

Weaker grew the little maiden,

Death was drawing very near.

But no wise physician’s presence,

Or the virtues of his art,

To the lovely little maiden

Health or healing could impart.

Then the father thought of Jesus—

“He can save my child!” he cried;

“He can cure my little daughter;

I will hasten to His side.”

Forth he goes upon his journey,

Heeding not the toilsome way,

Till he finds the blessed Jesus,

And his weary footsteps stay.

At His feet he falls before Him:

Will the Saviour deign to hear

Of the little dying maiden—

Of his little daughter dear?

Yes, the loving Jesus listens,

And His look is soft and mild;

“Only lay Thy hands upon her,”

Prays the father for his child.

And the blessed, blessed Saviour

Answers to the parent’s cry:

“I will come unto the dwelling

Where the little maid doth lie.”

As they journey Jesus pauses,

Hears another tale of woe;

Throngs the eager crowd around Him

As they seek His gifts to know.

And the father’s heart beats faster,

For he sees his servants come;

Surely they have brought some tidings

Of the little one at home!

“Trouble not the Master further,

It is useless now!” they say;

“For thy little daughter lieth

In the sleep of death today.”

Lo! the Saviour hears them telling

How the little maid had died;

“Fear not!” says He to the father,

As He journeys by his side.

Now they near the stately dwelling,

Sounds of bitter woe are there;

Sounds of grief and bitter wailing,

Mourning for the maiden fair.

See the Saviour cross the threshold,

Now His gentle footsteps stay;

Enters He the silent chamber

Where the little maiden lay.

Hark! He speaketh to the mourners:

“Weep not! make not such ado,

For the maiden only sleepeth;

Life and health I can renew.”

But His words seem strange and wondrous,

Such before were never heard;

And they rudely mock and scorn Him,

Though they marvel at His word.

Then the blessed, blessed Jesus

Speaks again in accents mild:

“Put them forth from out the chamber,

They must leave the little child;

But the father and the mother

And My own disciples two,

They may stay with Me and witness

What I am about to do.”

Pass they out in silent wonder,

His behests they must obey;

For the Lord of earth and heaven

In their presence stood that day.

While the father and the mother

Gaze upon the Saviour there,

Standing in the silent chamber

By the maid so still and fair.

Scarcely can they breathe for wonder

As the matchless sight they see;

For He speaketh to the maiden—

“Damsel, rise, I say to thee!”

See! the little sleeper wakens,

And her eyes from death unclose;

Oh! the joy of father, mother,

As the little maid “arose.”

To her parents Jesus gives her,

With a word of loving cheer;

How He loves the little children!

Every child to Him is dear.

He would have them all obedient,

He would bless them full and free,

As He blessed the little maiden

On the shores of Galilee.

Jesus died from sin to save them,

Life eternal He will give;

“Come to Me, dear little children,

Those who come to Me shall live.”

Thus He speaks to little children,

May my gracious darlings here

Know His voice, and answer sweetly,

“I am coming, Saviour dear.”

Like the little maid, obedient

To the Saviour’s loving call;

And in answer to His message

Gladly at His feet to fall.

May my Mabel, may my Willie,

Listen to that voice divine;

May they say this Sunday evening,

“Make us children, Lord, of Thine.”

ML 04/22/1917

Pool of Bethesda.

NO doubt you have all read of the pool of Bethesda where a great many impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waited for the moving of the water.

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whoever went in first after the troubling of the water got cured of whatever disease he had.

Our picture does not quite illustrate the above as it does not show that the people sitting around are very sick and helpless, but it is something similar.

At that pool, when the Lord Jesus was here upon earth, there was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years and was not able to go into the pool and had no one to put him in, so someone else would step in before him and he did not get the benefit of the troubling of the water. But Jesus saw him and knew he had been there for a long time and He said to him, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Ah, yes, he was willing, but was unable to go in. Jesus was the One who was able to meet his need. So, Jesus said, “Rise, take up thy bed and walk.” Immediately the man was made well.

Do you think anything better than this could be done for man? I am glad to tell you that something far more wonderful is being done for man today than healing his body. If he were to get his body healed, that would only be for time, but man needs all his sins to be put away and he is just as unable to do that, as this man was to put himself in the pool. This man, then, might be taken as a picture of ourselves in all our weakness and helplessness to save ourselves, and just as Jesus was the one that met his temporal need, so Jesus is the one that can meet our need for eternity. Is not this far better than what was done for this poor man, or if we were to get our bodies healed now? Yes, it is of greater importance. And let me ask you, ‘Have you felt your load of sins and your need of a Saviour?’ If you have, Jesus says to you, “Wilt thou be made whole?” If you are willing, Jesus is willing and ready to save you. He says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” He is a Saviour for those who cannot save themselves. He saves the lost. “WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY.” (Rom. 5:6.) May you praise and thank Him for having come to be your Saviour and having earned salvation for you at such a cost as the giving up of His life in your place.

ML 04/29/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 178. 1 Kings 21:15-29. Ahab’s Sentence.

GOD’S eyes had been on Ahab and Jezebel all the while in the matter of Naboth, the Jezreelite. When Ahab went down to the vineyard and there, apparently without any sorrow for the past, he was planning to lay off that garden, God said to Elijah, “Arise, go down to meet Ahab, king of Israel; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, hast thou killed and also taken possession? In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.”

King Ahab saw Elijah coming and must have felt very much frightened, for he knew Elijah was sent by God. All his possessions could not make Ahab feel safe and happy now. “Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?” he said when he saw the prophet. “1 have found thee,” was the answer, “because thou hast sold thyself to do evil in the sight of the Lord. All thy family shall be destroyed like the families of Jeroboam and Baasha. In the place where Naboth was killed, the dogs shall lick thy blood and eat the flesh of Jezebel. For none of the kings before thee have ever done as wickedly as Ahab, whom Jezebel, his wife, stirred up. He has done worse than the Amorites and the idolaters which were in the land and were cast off for Israel.”

Ahab heard this solemn message with dread in his heart. At last he realized in a measure how guilty he was before God. He rent his clothes in sign of sorrow, put sackcloth on himself and ate nothing.

But the king’s repentance was not to last very long. He was not really sorry for his sin and did not confess it to God, who would have forgiven him, for He says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” But God, who is merciful, said, when he saw Ahab humble himself, “I will spare him a little longer that he may prove whether he will turn from his own way to follow Me.”

How kind and longsuffering God is! He is willing to save all—not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ. He always gives the wicked time for repentance, but if they refuse to turn to Him and still go on in sin, He must punish at last, as He did Ahab.

ML 04/29/1917

What Little May Learned.

A FEW years ago, in the beautiful summer time, a little girl, whom we shall call May, went with her parents to spend a holiday at a pleasant sea-side resort.

May and her little sister had many happy hours together upon the sands, finding delight in the various recreations, as digging, bathing and games, that are so attractive to young people on the shores of the sunlit sea.

At the same place some earnest Christians were seeking to occupy the time for their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, by holding children’s special services on the beach; and little May, who was only twelve years old, might often have been seen at these services, listening very attentively to the old, yet ever sweet, story of that love which brought the Saviour down from heaven’s bright glory to die on the cross for sinners like you and me.

May had frequently heard of the love of Jesus, but, like some of you, had never yet realized the truth that He loved her, and that she, herself, needed a Saviour; because, young as she was, she was a lost sinner; yes, a lost sinner, even though she had always been an amiable and obedient child; for does not the Scripture say that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”? (Rom. 3:23.) And again, “The Son of man (that is, Jesus) is come to save that which was lost.” (Matt. 18:11.)

But I am pleased to tell you that, after one of these services, little May ran home and told her mother she had given her heart to the Lord. That this was really true, her brief life afterwards bore abundant witness.

A few months later she became sick. Though her complaint at first seemed a very ordinary one, it was soon necessary to send for a doctor, and shortly afterwards to call in another. The sorrowing parents were told that the only chance of saving May’s life lay in performing a surgical operation of a very dangerous kind. Without such an operation, the doctor said, it was impossible that she could live; and even if it were performed, he could not hold out any great hope of her recovery.

Just think for a moment, dear children, how you would feel if you knew that in a few short hours you might have to pass out of this world, away from all those you love and who love you, away from all that you think pleasant, and that you find so much pleasure in; yes, away from all these things, to go—whither?

But May was not afraid, because she knew the Lord Jesus as her own living and loving Saviour and Friend, and she was confident that He would never leave her, whatever suffering she might have to pass through. So at the time arranged the doctor operated, and to his surprise the little patient got on so well that in a few days, as everyone thought, she was out of danger. “You could see the life coming back to her,” said her father to me afterwards.

How rejoiced her parents were to see their beloved child steadily getting stronger, although they had previously despaired of her life! Alas, their joy was to be but short-lived! One morning, about a week after the operation had taken place, May suddenly took a bad turn, and in a few hours her anxious parents saw their darling evidently dying. Just at the last moment her father, who had been repeating some verses of Scripture in her ear, noticed her lips moving, and, bending closely over her, he heard her saying, slowly and with great difficulty, these beautiful words: “Redeemed — by — the — precious — blood — of Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:18, 19.)

Then her happy spirit passed peacefully away to be with that blessed Saviour— “present with the Lord.” (2 Cor. 5:8.)

How would it have been with you, dear little reader, if you had been in May’s place? Could you have rested on that “precious blood,” shed at Calvary? and would you have passed from time into eternity without a fear? Or would you have been afraid to die? O! think over this question well, and answer it in your own hearts, as in the light of God’s holy presence. But remember what God’s Word says: “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7.) “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5: 8.)

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

All then, dear children, that any of you are still unsaved have to do is, first of all, to believe what God says about you, that you are a sinner; secondly, to believe what God says about Jesus, that He died for sinners; and then, if you have believed these two great facts in your heart you will, like May, trust in the Lord Jesus as your own precious Saviour.

You will have from that moment the joy of knowing that all your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake; and then, while He leaves you down here, you will seek to live to Him who loved you so much as to lay down His life for you.

ML 04/29/1917

Taking Out the "If."

A LITTLE boy was awakened to anxiety about his soul at a meeting where the story of the leper was told.

Leprosy is a dreadful disease which soon covers the whole body. When any one became leprous in Israel they were obliged to go outside the camp, and when any one came near them to cry, “Unclean! unclean!”

Leprosy is a marked emblem of sin. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint; from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, there is no soundness in it, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.”

One day a poor leper came to Jesus and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth His hand and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

Well, this dear little boy who was anxious said, “I noticed that there was an ‘if’ in what the man said, but there was no ‘if’ in what Jesus said; so I went home and I took out the ‘if’ by my grandmother’s fireside, and I knelt down and I said, ‘Lord Jesus, Thou canst, Thou wilt make me clean; I give myself to Thee.’”

My beloved children, have you thus come to Jesus? And, if not yet, will you come now? O! do come to Him. He can, He will make you clean; yes, whiter than snow. You are a sinner, and sin is a far worse disease than leprosy. Nothing can take it away but the blood of Jesus. Come to Him this very minute. For, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

ML 04/29/1917

The Precious Blood.

Not all the gold of all the world,

And all its wealth combined,

Could give relief, or comfort yield

To one distracted mind;

‘Tis only to the precious blood

Of Christ the soul can fly,

There only can a sinner find,

A flowing, full supply.

Gold could not give the heart relief

The malefactor craved;

Ah, no! ‘twas Christ, the Christ of God,

That dying sinner saved;

Faith’s view of Him who bleeding hung

A victim by his side,

He saw, he knew, he cried, he heard,

His soul was satisfied.

O, what can equal joy divine!

And what can sweeter be,

Than knowing that this Christ is mine

To all eternity.

Safe in the Lord, without a doubt,

By virtue of the blood;

For nothing can destroy the life,

That’s hid with Christ in God.

ML 04/29/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for March.

1.“That thou keep this.” etc. 1 Tim. 6:14

2.“And the Lord direct your.” etc. 2 Thess. 3:5

3.“For this we say unto you.” etc. 1 Thess. 4:15

4.“I charge thee therefore.” etc. 2 Tim. 4:1

5.“To the end He may stablish.” etc. 1 Thess. 3:13

6.“And then shall that Wicked.” etc. 2 Thess. 2:8

7.“Looking for that blessed hope.” etc. Titus. 2.13

Bible Questions for May.

The answers are to be found in 2nd and 3rd John, Jude and Revelation.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “Clouds.” “Wail.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “Ten thousands.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “Many deceivers.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “Testifieth these things.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “That which is good.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “Give glory to Him:”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “Hold fast.”

ML 05/06/1917

Nature's Lovely Scenes.

I sit and look around me,

At nature’s lovely scenes,

At clouds, at vegetation,

At rippling, murmuring streams,

I think of God who made them,

A mind so wonderful,

That could conceive such beauty;

I learn in His great school.

I bow in thankful worship,

As I behold His power,

Displayed in His creation,

In sky, and sun, and shower.

His wisdom too, unerring,

Shines out in all He’s made,

A mind of beauty, order,

Is everywhere displayed.

And man, a wondrous being,

O’er all His works supreme,

Can find in Thee, Creator,

An unexhausting theme.

But not alone creation,

His power and love has shown,

But His great revelation,

Himself to us made known.

Though fallen, lost, and ruined,

A slave to Satan, sin,

Our God has spoken kindly,

Brought light and peace within.

For through the cross of Calvary,

We see redeeming love,

Through it God fits His creatures

To dwell with Him above.

Beyond all clouds, all sorrow,

Beyond all weakness here,

Beyond all darkness, shadows,

Beyond all doubt and fear,

Into the glorious sunshine,

Into the home of light,

Into the joy and gladness,

Into God’s glory bright.

ML 05/06/1917

Disobedience and Death.

DO you, dear children, always come directly, when mother calls you? Or do you sometimes stop where you are a little longer, and give her the trouble of calling to you again? This ought never to be.

I will tell you a little verse which was written for a child whom I knew and which you may like to learn; and then I hope you will follow what it tells you to do.

“Like an arrow from the bow,

When you are called to go,

Run, run, my little one,

Let the right thing be done,

Nor stop on the way

For a moment’s play.”

How many verses there are in the Book of Proverbs which tell children that they ought to obey their parents. I will give you one from the first chapter: “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother?’ (Verse 8.) There are also many other verses like this in Proverbs, which you may someday be able to find for yourselves.

Then, too, in the New Testament we read: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, that it may be well with thee; and that thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Eph. 6:1-3.)

I am now going to tell you a true and very sad story of what happened quite lately in New Zealand. In the North Island, as it is called, there are many springs of hot water, some of which are called Geysers. One of these, which is a kind of small lake, is partly bounded by rough hills, at the top of which it is safe to stand and watch the Geyser “play,” as it is called; this means that every now and then the water in the lake suddenly rises to a great height, sometimes straight up in the air, but at other times washing up against the hill-side.

A guide is employed to show travelers the way, and to warn them not to go into danger.

On the day of which I speak, two girls, with their mother, were visiting the place; when the former wishing to take “snapshot” photographs, ventured nearer to the Geyser than was safe. The guide called out to warn them; and their mother, who was near him, also called her daughters by name, requesting them to come away. They turned, and smiled at her, one of them saying, “Just a moment, mother.”

At that moment the Geyser went up; the eruption, which took the form of a tidal wave, becoming suddenly terrific; and when it subsided, it was found that the girls had been swept away in the rush of the boiling water and mud! Of course there was no possibility of saving them; although their bodies were afterwards recovered.

I will add no words of mine to this solemn story; but would earnestly beg my young readers to remember that, not only in their early childhood, but as they grow older, they should bear in mind the verse which I quoted at the beginning of this paper:

“MY SON, HEAR THE INSTRUCTION OF THY FATHER, AND FORSAKE NOT THE LAW OF THY MOTHER.”

It is written of the Lord Jesus, that “He was subject to His parents” (Luke 2:51). If you love Him, you will wish to please Him, and to be like Him. And if sometimes your naughty heart wants you to do your own way, you must look to the gracious Saviour to help you, even Him whose name is called JESUS, “for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21.)

ML 05/06/1917

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.

Part 1.

Of all the memories which linger round the ancient streets and ruins of Rome, none are more sacred than those of the Apostle Paul. The lonely Christian may well be excused if with patient care he traces out every footstep of the apostle in that great city.

Come with me for a walk in the Campagna, that is the country outside Rome. There in the distance are the beautiful Latin Hills, from the top of which Paul caught his first glimpse of the city What are those long lines of arches, broken here and there and which seem to cross the plain between the mountains and the city? They are the aqueducts built by the ancient Romans to carry pure water from the springs in the hills to the fountains in the city.

Here we are on the road I wanted to find! Do you see it is paved with great round cobblestones? And how straight it runs from the city to the Latin Hills! There in the mountains it passes a place called “Appii Forum,” for this road is the famous “Appian Way,” trodden by Paul about eighteen hundred and fifty-five years ago. It was built long before Paul was born, but even now it is one of the chief highways to Rome and is still paved in the old Roman manner.

It is a good five miles to the city gate from where we are. The afternoon is partly over, so let us set out for home and think of St. Paul as we go along. He was led along as a prisoner by a band of soldiers. Was he in chains, or did the courteous centurion leave him to walk freely? We do not know, but one thing we may be glad of, he had friends with him. There was the faithful loving doctor, Luke, who had come with him all the way from Caesarea, and there were the Roman brethren who had brought him fresh courage when he met them at Appii Forum. For years Paul had longed to see Rome, but I suppose he had never thought he would go there as a prisoner to be judged before Caesar.

Do you feel these stones trying to your feet? How weary Paul must have been— “such an one as Paul, the aged.”

Now we are getting near the city, and a high stone wall shuts out the view on either side of the toad, unbroken except for now and then an ancient inn or blacksmith shop. The sun begins to set behind us, but here we are at last, at the city gate. On each side are grim old towers and beyond them the brown tufa wall stretches away into the distance. But we are still far from home, for this gate leads us into the ruined part of old Rome, where scarcely anyone lives. So wearily we must trudge on. To our left rises the Palatine Hill, with the ruins of the palaces of the Caesars showing gigantic in the dusk against an amber sky. Still our Appian Way leads us straight on, and Paul, too, must have followed it to the center of the city. To me it will always seem that he must have arrived in the evening, after a long march.

But here we are at last in familiar ground. I see the Forum at our right. Now we can take an electric car home to supper. Paul and the other prisoners were formally delivered over by the centurion to the captain of the guard. “And then,” we ask, “were there brethren to receive him, to take him home and refresh him?” We may hope so, for Luke tells us that Paul was permitted to dwell by himself in his own hired house with a soldier that kept him.

For the next two years he was never separated from the soldiers who took turns to guard him. He was living in Rome, the city of great soldiers, and from this time on, you may notice constant references to soldiers or fighting, or armor, in his writings.

“Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” he had written to Timothy. He, himself, had endured many a hardship. “What persecutions I endured! But out of them all the Lord delivered me.” (2 Tim. 3:11.)

ML 05/06/1917

The Saviour's Voice.

From heaven the Lord and Saviour speaks,

O, listen; He your blessing seeks;

He calls you to Himself above,

And says, in accents breathing love,

“O, flee to Me from all alarms:

Come, children, to My heart and arms.

On Calvary’s cross I bowed My head,

‘Twas there My precious blood was shed;

Myself I gave for old and young,

For such as you, from Adam sprung;

I save from sin and all its harms;

Come, children, to My heart and arms.

The world, with its ensnaring smiles,

The simple heart of youth beguiles;

It promises a path of joy,

But flatters only to destroy.

O, leave its false, delusive charms,

And come ye to My heart and arms.

Though young in years, you’ve felt the smart

Of sorrow and an evil heart;

And something know ye of the fruit

Of sin, that deep and bitter root.

O, fear ye judgment’s loud alarms,

And hasten to My heart and arms.”

ML 05/06/1917

Be Ye Thankful.

WE are reminded of blessings which come from the Lord as we see the farmers in our picture with their good horses and sheep.

Each one of us can count many blessings which we are constantly receiving from Him—fresh air, light, sunshine, health, clothing, homes, kind parents and friends, etc. Are our hearts continually turning to Him in thankfulness for each blessing we receive? May we do so, for if we do not appreciate what He so richly gives us, He may see best to withhold them from us, till we learn to value His blessings.

There is a blessing which is above all earthly blessings, and it is offered to each one of us freely. This great blessing is eternal life. Do you have it? If not, do you want it? It is a gift from God and given to those who will accept Jesus as their Saviour.

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

May you, dear children, be given to know what it is to have eternal life by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“IN EVERY THING GIVE THANKS: FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU.” 1 Thess. 5:18

ML 05/13/1917

The Blind Girl and Her Bible.

MANY years ago, says a preacher of the gospel, every summer I took a journey into the adjoining suburbs and went from village to village and from house to house proclaiming the gospel of God’s grace.

While on such a journey one summer, I came to a little cottage. In the low, spacious kitchen, I found a middle-aged woman busy ironing, a little boy playing upon the ground, while a girl about nineteen years of age, with a most cheerful countenance, was sitting by the window platting straw. She did not look up when I walked in, and when I had observed her more closely, I saw that she was blind.

After a few general remarks had passed between us, I began to tell them the story of the Lord Jesus, His love, His sufferings, and His death. They listened with the greatest attention, and tears rolled down the cheeks of the blind girl. All that I told them was quite new to them, because they had never heard of the love of Jesus and His finished work. The following days I visited the poor cottagers several times, and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gave me a new cause of thankfulness that He used me as the instrument to bring the mother, as well as the daughter, to true peace of heart.

Poor blind Marie! O, how she was touched when I spoke of Him who opened the eyes of the blind, how blind Bartimaeus sat by the wayside begging, and how he called to Jesus of Nazareth and received sight! An irresistible desire to have her eyes opened also filled her heart from that moment, although it was not merely to see the blue heavens, or the countenance of her mother or the friendly smiles of her little brother, that she desired to have sight; no, it was because she earnestly desired to be able to read the words of Jesus.

There lived at that time a God-fearing man who had gathered a few blind ones around him whom he taught to read and work. I visited this man, told him of Marie and arranged with him that she should come for an hour every morning to learn to read. I gave her a Bible, the letters of which were printed high so that the blind could feel them with their fingers.

That was joy when she went out the following morning, led by her little brother, and with her precious Bible in her hand, to take her first lesson. But, alas! how she was disappointed. Through continual straw platting her fingers had become so hard that she could not feel the letters. However, one day when she was busy cutting off the ends of straw, the thought struck her to cut the hard skin off her fingers so that new, soft skin should grow on. And positively she did it, however much pain it caused her. But, alas! also this did not help. There was not enough feeling in her fingers, and, moreover, she had to go on platting straw, because she depended on it for her livelihood.

This was a bitter disappointment for poor Marie. Day after day she wept, saying she would so like to read the Word of God. At length she said, “God has opened the eyes of my soul; ought not I then to bless and praise Him?”

But what should she do now with her new Bible? She resolved to return it, so that another blind girl who had not such hard fingers as she had, might learn out of it, and that in it she might find the words of life. And, pressing the precious book to her bosom, she fell upon her knees and prayed, “O, precious Lord Jesus, Thou who lovest the poor, and openeth the eyes of the blind, I thank Thee that Thou has not hid Thyself from a poor blind girl. And as I cannot read Thy heavenly words, I beseech Thee that Thou wilt whisper them to my heart continually, so that my mind may not be so dark as my eyes. I can hear Thy blessed word; and Thou knowest that I love Thee.” She then put the opened Bible to her lips to kiss it. And, O, what joy! The tender lips could plainly distinguish the high printed letters. With a shout of delight, she followed the lines until she read a whole page. Everything was easy and plain to her. The lips could do what the hard fingers were unable—they could read.

Twelve months later I visited there again. The low kitchen was not altered, but the happy countenance of Marie shone with heavenly joy. She was sitting on an old chair with a straw basket at her feet reading her dear Bible. It was an affecting scene to see that poor blind girl so rejoiced.

There was, as it were, no more darkness to her. She said, with her beautiful, well-sounding voice, “Is it not nice to kiss the lovely words while I am reading them?” Happy girl! How gracious has the Lord been to her! He heard her prayer, and filled her heart with gladness. Oh, that all my readers would value the Bible as she did!

“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of fire, purified seven tithes.” (Psa. 12:6.)

ML 05/13/1917

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.

Part 2.

And so for two whole years Paul dwelt in his own hired house and received all who came unto him. There was no danger of his being out, or too busy to see anyone. “Beloved brother Paul” was always there, with the soldier who kept him—always ready to look up from his writing with a welcome. Then he would give counsel and sympathy, would answer questions, and explain difficulties.

When he was alone he was thinking of and praying for all the Christians in the world. He wrote a great many letters to the Christians in different places, and these letters were written in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that they are really the Word of God. Though they were written to people who lived so long ago, they are just as much for us, if we too believe as they did in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And our questions also will be answered as well as those of the Roman brethren, I am sure.

We too are soldiers of Jesus Christ, but not always good ones. Sometimes we are cowards and slip out of the battle, and sometimes—we are ashamed to confess it—we are overcome by the enemy. What shall we do?

“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?” says the apostle. Perhaps we have been trying to fight in our own strength. Or perhaps we left ourselves open to the enemy by not taking the whole armor of God. “Take unto you the whole armor of God,” says Paul, “that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” (Eph. 5:13.) And finally, “Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here is someone who wants to be a child of God, and a servant of Jesus Christ, and does not know how to become one.

Here is the answer: “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus,” (Gal. 3:26.) And, again: “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:13, 14.)

Someone else has a giant enemy in the shape of a bad habit which he fears he cannot overcome. For him come the words, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:4, 5.)

We cannot come to Paul, but what is infinitely better, we can come to Paul’s Master, who also receives all who come unto Him. For He says, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” (Jno. 6:37.)

ML 05/13/1917

A Boy in the Well!

A BOY in the well! This was the cry which sounded through the streets on a bright summer’s evening. The day’s work was done, the sun had gone down in purple and gold, the busy workmen rested after their day’s labor. Some asked, “Whose boy was it?” Others inquired, “Had the lid not been laid over the opening?” or, “Had it been taken off?”

But a young man sprang quickly forward, threw off his coat, and asked help of the bystanders in these words, “Never a word about the cause of the mishap, but let us see how we can save the child. That is the question.”

“That’s it,” was the answer of a dozen voices, while the well rope was set going, and many pale faces peered over the edge of the well. One after another called out to the child; some asked if it was frightened; but to all the advices and questions no answer was heard, no sound came forth.

“The weather has been dry, and there is little or no water in the well,” said one.

“O, dear,” said the boy’s mother, “it was only yesterday that I grumbled because there was so little water.”

“Let us have a lantern,” said the first man, and a lantern was lighted and brought there, but in the same moment the boy’s father was seen pushing his way through the crowd. A way was made for him. He had been at work at a neighboring farm, and returning at dusk to his home was surprised to find it empty, the street deserted, and all the people gathered around the well.

When he heard what had taken place, and saw his wife wring her hands, he turned very pale. But recovering himself as much as possible, he said: “Stand back, leave the child to me.” Then he carefully examined the wheel and the rope, and tied to the rope a couple of sacks rolled up hard. Having done this, he let it down till he felt it touch the bottom of the well. “Now, be quite still,” he said, looking around. And lying down, with his face to the well opening, he called out softly and distinctly: “John, take hold of the rope!”

This time a faint pull was felt on the rope.

“Pull up, men,” said the Irian; “steady, mates, steady.”

And again leaning over the well, he said down into the dark, “Hold fast, my child.”

All the time the wheel was turned, but the well was deep, and it seemed a very long while.

At last there sounded forth a right good cheer.

“He is saved,” said the crowd. “Thank you, mates,” cried the father, as he lifted the boy in his arms, and carried him down the street.

The child was saved. The father’s voice had reached him. He had learned to obey, and when the well-known voice had told him to take hold of the rope, the child understood and did it. The command was a plain one, and brought salvation to the child.

Our heavenly Father has sent His only begotten Son down to this dark world. He has given a way of salvation. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” This is His command. If you obey, you are saved. Will you do as the little boy in the well? Will you take hold of the rope “today”?

“He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” (John 5:24.)

ML 05/13/1917

God Looks Down on Children.

From the glorious heaven,

Where the angels are,

God looks down on children,

Seeth them afar.

Heareth all they ask for,

All the night and day;

Watches like a father,

All their work and play.

As a father giveth,

So He gives them bread;

Saves them out of danger,

Watches by their bed.

Tell all little children

Of His watchful care;

That He loves and pities,

Children everywhere.

“He that keepeth thee will not slumber. The Lord is thy keeper. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil.” Psa. 121:3, 5, 7.

ML 05/13/1917

Safe.

WHAT an interesting picture! What does it all mean? What are the dogs trying to do? Why is the cat on the donkey’s back? I think most of you can tell the story. The dogs were chasing the cat, as dogs so often do, and the cat jumped up on the donkey, knowing she would be safe there. Dogs cannot jump high and climb the way cats do. If they could they would often hurt and kill the poor cats. You have often seen cats run up a tree very quickly, or over a fence when dogs were after them. The dogs do not often catch them.

Whose friend do you think the donkey is? Will he help the dogs to get the cat? No, hardly. That hind leg looks ready to kick the dog if he should come any closer. The cat has a friend that is stranger than her enemies—a friend quite willing and able to protect her. She is in a safe place.

Dear children, does this picture make you think of another place of safety? Do you know One who can protect you from harm? Jesus, the Son of God, loves you so much that He does not want to see you in trouble or danger, and He came down from heaven and died on the cross that you might be safe. You and I and all others have sinned and are in great danger unless we have reached this place of safety—which is Jesus, Himself. In His arms we are safe. Some of us have found shelter in His blood. Hove you? If you love Him He will take care of you. He is stronger than all your enemies and you may safely trust Him at all times.

“THE ETERNAL GOD IS THY REFUGE, AND UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS: AND HE SHALL THRUST OUT THE ENEMY FROM BEFORE THEE.” (Deut. 33:27.)

ML 05/20/1917

"Let Go Your Hold."

SEVERAL boys were playing near an unfinished house, before which the scaffolding still remained. Boy like, they were trying to outdo each other in acts of bravery. At last one little fellow said he should like to go to the top of the scaffolding and look down on the people below. So away he went up the ladder, and in a little time was at the top. Now for his treat! He looked down, and was so interested in what he saw, that he slipped forward and lost his footing. However, in falling, he happened to catch hold of one of the poles going crossways. Here he hung, calling out for someone to come and take him down. One of the workmen, hearing the cry, came, and standing underneath, called out, “Let go your hold, my boy, and I will catch you.” After some hesitation, and a good deal of calling for someone to come and save him, he let go his hold, and was caught safe in the man’s strong arms.

Now, my dear children, if you stop to think for one moment of the fact that you are in a far worse position than that boy, and Christ is stretching out His hands, inviting you to trust in Him—believe in Him —what can you say? O, will you not let go everything else and commit yourself to Him, who says, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest”? (Matt. 11:28.)

Hark! the voice of Jesus calling—

“Come, deaf children, come to Me;

I have rest and peace to offer,

Rest, dear children, now for thee.”

Yes; though high in heavenly glory,

Still the Saviour calls to thee:

Faith can hear His gracious accents—

“Come, dear children, come to Me.”

Soon that voice will cease its calling,

Now it speaks and speaks to thee:

Children, heed the gracious message—

To the blood for refuge flee:

Life alone is found in Jesus,

Only there ‘tis offered thee—

Offered without price or money,

‘Tis the gift of God sent free.

ML 05/20/1917

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.

Part. 3

LAST week we thought about St. Paul living in his hired house in Rome. We could only visit that house in spirit, because though a house is pointed out to sightseers as the house Paul lived in, it is very unlikely to be the one.

“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all who came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”

And now do you ask what happened at the end of those two years? How did Paul spend his last days?

I believe that by carefully searching his letters, we may find part of the answer to that question. We may also learn something from records handed down by the early Christians.

First, I want to tell you a story about Paul which is not in the Acts at all. Did you ever hear of Onesimus? He was a slave who belonged to a rich man who lived in or near a little town called Colosse in Asia Minor. His master, Philemon, was a Christian, but Onesimus knew very little about that. After awhile, the poor fellow became so impatient to be free that he decided to run away.

At last he succeeded in escaping, and in order not to be recognized and caught, he traveled hundreds of miles across sea and land to the great city of Rome. He was free now, but was he happy? No, he was lonely and miserable, and after a while he discovered that he was not really free, but the slave of a much worse master than Philemon; that is, of sin. Do you know anything about that master? Do you find that something forces you to do wrong even when you would like to do right? That is sin. We are all born slaves of sin, and we cannot escape from that master by running away from him. He has terrible wages too, for “The wages of sin is death.” There would be no hope for us at all, but that One who loved us paid the full price and redeemed us from our old master. Now we have nothing to do but accept with thankfulness the freedom which He offers.

Who would tell poor Onesimus this good news? Paul was there in his own house, but, prisoner as he was, it is certain that he could not go after Onesimus. But God, in His mercy, brought Onesimus to Paul, and the poor slave heard from the prisoner the story of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. This brought the greatest joy to them both, for the poor, lonely slave felt that he was redeemed and that he now belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ, who had loved him so much as to give up His life for him. Paul felt that Onesimus was like a son begotten in his bonds. He would liked to have kept him with him always, but Onesimus was a runaway slave, and now that he was a Christian, it was his duty to act honorably and go back to Philemon. It must have seemed a very hard thing to do to go back into slavery, and probably be severely punished.

But though Paul told Onesimus he must go back, he wrote a letter for him to carry to his master. It was the kindest, most gracious letter imaginable. Philemon, you remember, was a Christian, and Paul told him that, now that Onesimus had been converted, he was more than his servant, he was his brother in Christ. Then he begged him to receive him kindly, and said that if Onesimus had stolen anything, he himself would pay for it. Finally, he asked him to prepare a lodging for him, for he hoped soon to pay him a visit. He believed that God had heard the prayers of the Christians and that he was about to be set at liberty.

So Onesimus went home, carrying. the letter to Philemon, and another longer one to the Church at Colosse. I think that we need not doubt that Philemon received him kindly, and even made him free. The next time we hear of him he was back in Rome.

Paul, too, was set free and had the joy of visiting some of the assemblies of Christians who had been converted through his preaching in Greece and Asia Minor.

ML 05/20/1917

A Little Prayer.

A TINY little fellow of about three or four years old had climbed, as little boys, and even some little girls, are too fond of doing, upon a large stack of wood in a farm yard. He did not think when he was climbing up how he was to get back; indeed, he did not once stop to think, until his companion called out, “Mind, Bertie, you will fall.” He then looked down, and got so frightened; but what do you think he did? Why, he raised his head, and put up his little hands, and said in his funny way, “God help this boy.” And instead of falling, he seemed to gain courage after he had said his little prayer, and got down in perfect safety.

Bertie’s father and mother are Christians, and have taught their little ones to love God, and to trust Him at all times; and that if they know He gave His only-begotten Son to die to save them (John 3:16), and wash them in His precious blood, they will love to look to Him, not only in trouble and sorrow and danger, but to put beautiful thoughts into their hearts about heaven and its untold glories, and they will not only long to go there, but they will also desire to tell their companions about Him that they may be happy.

ML 05/20/1917

The Pet Bird.

ARE you not glad to see this little bird free from its cage? How tame it is! It enjoys its freedom just as much as you would, if you had been shut up for a long time. It is a great pity that little birds should be caged when we know they love to fly about and build their nests in the trees.

We who are saved may liken ourselves to this little bird, and if it had not been for the Lord, who is on our side—One mighty to save—we would still be slaves to sin and Satan.

Have you been set free from this power of sin and Satan? A look of faith to Jesus, the Saviour, will set you free.

“There is life in a look at the crucified One,

There is life at this moment for thee,

Then look sinner, look unto Him and be saved,

Unto Him who was nailed to the tree.”

“AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS, EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP: THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.” John 3:14,15.

ML 05/27/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 178. 2 Chron. 17. Jehoshaphat.

AT the death of Asa, king of Judah, his son, Jehoshaphat, reigned in his stead. He was a good man and sought to serve and honor God. The first thing we are told that he did was to strengthen himself against Israel, from whom he had most to fear. Being of the same people and both bearing the name of the Lord, it would seem that they could not have better neighbors than each other. Such was not the case, however, for Israel, after rebelling against the house of David, whom the Lord had set over them, had so forgotten God that under the rule of wicked Jeroboam down to the still more wicked Ahab, they had bowed down to idols and done as badly as any of the heathen nations around them.

For this reason, in the freshness of his zeal for the Lord, Jehoshaphat looked upon the Israelites as enemies who shamefully dishonored His Lord. The Lord blessed him for this and made him prosper in his kingdom, for “he that honoreth Me, I will honor,” says the Lord. Jehoshaphat became very rich, for God put it in the hearts of all Judah to bring him presents in abundance.

He was anxious that his people should serve the Lord; therefore, after having torn down all the groves and high places where Baal had been worshiped, he sent princes and Levites and priests throughout all his kingdom to teach the people the law of the Lord.

God never forgets to reward faithfulness. Jehoshaphat soon found out what a wonderful Master he was serving. The fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands around Judah, and nobody dared to make war with him. The Philistines brought him silver for tribute, and the Arabians thousands of sheep and goats. He built cities and castles to store his riches, and fenced cities in which he placed armies of valiant men of war that they might be ready to defend the country in time of need.

How happy was King Jehoshaphat as long as he walked before God and in His fear. Yet not more happy than those who, knowing Jesus as their Saviour, seek to please Him in all they do or say.

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” (Prov. 10:22.)

ML 05/27/1917

Is the Sting Gone.

IT is related of a serpent charmer living in Madras, a few years ago, that having obtained a cobra of considerable size, he had it conveyed to his home. Being occupied abroad all day, he neglected to get the dangerous fangs extracted from the serpent’s mouth. In the evening, having returned to his dwelling intoxicated, he began to exhibit tricks with his snakes to various persons who were around him at the time. The newly caught cobra was brought out and thoughtlessly handled like the rest, but the poisonous creature darted at his chin, and bit it, making two marks like pin points. Sobered at once, the poor juggler exclaimed, “I am a dead man! Nothing can save me!” His professional knowledge was but too accurate. In two hours he was a corpse.

Visiting a sick man a few days ago, he said, “I am never for five minutes at a time without thinking I soon shall have to die; it makes me miserable.” He added bitterly, “I wish I could forget it.” I urged that “the Bible says, “The sting of death is sin.’ It is because your sin is not pardoned and put away that you are afraid to think about dying.” Like the poisonous cobra, death had a sting for this unhappy man.

Two days after this visit I was led to the sick bed of a young man evidently sinking to an early grave. That morning he had been informed by his doctor that his disease (consumption) was making decided progress, a cavity having formed in his left lung. His face brightened as he told me this, and with a beautiful smile, he added, “I was so glad to hear of it, for it will not be long now before I get home.”

Death in his case had lost its sting; he feared it not. To die was only to go home, —home to his Saviour, to whom in early life, he had surrendered the heart that Saviour had won.

My friend, let me ask you the question at the head of this article, “Is the sting gone?” In other words, are you prepared to die? Can you look death in the face without fear? Again, I would say, “The sting of death is sin.” Is your sin pardoned? More than 1,800 years ago, on a cross raised up between earth and sky, was One who in sorrow cried out, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Behold there, in the person of that scorned and suffering Jesus of Nazareth, “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” And yet it was of Him the words were uttered, when the heavens were opened above His head, “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” Why then did that sorrowful cry escape His lips? Because Jesus Christ was then on the cross bearing the wrath of God against sin. “All we, like sheep, have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Will you not give credit to God’s word which proclaims these glad tidings? and placing yourself on the list of lost and condemned sinners, believe the record which God hath given of His Son Jesus Christ? “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life; and this life is in His Son. He that believeth not God, hath made Him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.” (1 John 5:10, 11.)

ML 05/27/1917

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.

Part. 4

Today let us go for a walk on the Palatine, one of the seven hills on which the city of Rome is built. It is called the Palatine Mount because on it once stood the palaces of the emperors. Now it is a park where the gigantic ruins of palaces rise amid grass and trees and flower beds. Many of them used to be under the ground, but they have cleared away the earth now, and you may even walk up the old, old street, with ruins of shops on one side, and on the other great arches and mysterious flights of stairs which once led to palaces on the hill above. And on the hill itself we can wander through great tunnels and underground galleries which will suddenly lead us to the old gardens with flower beds and fountains. In other places are gigantic rows of arches built sometimes of great blocks of stone, sometimes of brick. These are only the cellars of some of the palaces. As we wander through the ruins of marble halls, we can scarcely imagine the grandeur and beauty with which these old emperors surrounded themselves.

“And what has all this grandeur to do with Paul?” you say.

Wait a bit. We are reading what the guidebook says about each place as we come to it, and now we find ourselves in a great court, paved with marble and known as Caesar’s Judgment Hall. Round the sides are the stumps or broken remains of marble pillars. The court has a rounded end, like’ a great bow window, in which once stood a marble throne; and separating the throne from the rest of the court was an ornamented marble fence, or screen, the remains of which may still be seen.

Here the emperor himself sat as judge and heard the prisoners who had appealed to him.

Paul, you remember, had appealed to Caesar, therefore it is probable that at the end of two years, in Rome, he stood here before Caesar’s throne, pleaded his cause and was set free. Of this, however, we have no record. But the epistle to Titus and the first epistle to Timothy were certainly written when he was at liberty, and after the two years’ imprisonment at Rome. We do not know how long he was at liberty, but it was probably not more than two years. In the second epistle to Timothy he was again a prisoner in Rome and had been brought before the emperor.

Nero, the worst of the emperors, was reigning at that time. The trial would be held either in this hall, or in one very much like it in the Forum close by. Let us stand here, then, and think how, long ago, in that throne sat Nero, with his cruel, wicked face, and his purple robe; guards and courtiers are standing all about the grand, spacious hall! In the midst stands an old lonely man, being tried for his life. No one dares to speak a word for him.

“At my first answer, no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

“Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

Thirty years before, the Lord Jesus Himself had stood before a judge, had witnessed before Pontius Pilate a good confession. Now He stood beside His servant and strengthened him, so that he could preach the gospel to the crowds who came to hear his defense for his life.

Nineteen hundred years have passed away, but the Lord still deigns to stand by His servants and strengthen them. You are not asked to join a church or subscribe to a creed, but to trust yourself to a real person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 05/27/1917

"I so Happy."

ONE day a little boy was playing with his toys, when at last he said in a quiet tone, as if giving utterance to that which was passing in his own mind, “I so happy! I so happy!” On his mother inquiring what it was that made him so happy, he said, “I been thinking Jesus up in heaven me. I love Jesus so much. Jesus love Harry.”

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

“And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:14,16.)

ML 05/27/1917

Jesus Died for Me.

Waft, ye winds, and tell the story

Over heaven, and earth, and sea;

Tell aloud in realms of glory

Jesus! Jesus died for me.

When the vine and fig-tree blossom,

When my mind from care is free—

Whisper by the Spirit’s mission,

Jesus! Jesus died for me.

When, as oft, by cares surrounded,

Sorrow all around there be,

Ever hear the echo sounded,

Jesus! Jesus died for me.

Onward, onward, through my journey;

Home, abroad, where’er I be;

Tell me name and work so worthy! Jesus!

Jesus died for me.

In the coming day of wonder,

When Christ’s bride like Him will be,

All shall hear above and under,

Jesus! Jesus died for me!

ML 05/27/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for April.

1.“So Christ was once offered,” etc. Heb. 9:28

2.“Not now a servant,” etc. Philemon 16

3.“For yet a little while,” etc. Heb. 10:37

4.“And now little children,” etc. 1 John 2:28

5.“But rejoice, inasmuch,” etc. 1 Peter 4:13

6.“Be ye also patient,” etc. James 5:8

7.“But the day of the Lord,” etc. 2 Peter 3:10

Bible Questions for June.

The answers are to be found in Matthew.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “All power is given.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “Lose his own soul.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “Shall be abased.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “As little children.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “By bread alone.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “Leadeth unto life.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “I will give you rest.”

ML 06/03/1917

The Story of Cyril.

MANY hundred years ago, a little boy of the name of Cyril was called upon to lay down his young life for Christ. His father was a heathen, and hated Christianity, yet his youthful son did not hide from him the fact that he believed in Jesus, the Lord. Fearless of the face of man, Cyril was known as one who prayed to God, and neither punishment nor aught else could make him cease.

Enraged at this conduct, the cruel father sent him from his home, declaring that he would no longer regard him as his son. This young believer was then taken before a judge, who endeavored to reason him out of his faith. He told Cyril that he ought to obey parental authority, and that if he would do so, he might return to his happy home and all the past would be entirely forgiven.

The noble-hearted boy knew that he was called upon to obey One higher than his father, and the latter only “in the Lord.” Since his parent was not allowing him to own the Lordship of Christ, he chose “to obey God rather than men,” like the apostles of old. Cyril told his judge that he must ever be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ, adding, “I am not sorry, because I am turned out of the house, for I have a better mansion, and I am not afraid to die, because then I shall have a better house.”

Still hoping to make the boy yield, the judge endeavored to frighten him into obedience. He therefore commanded him to be fettered and taken from his presence, as if about to be put to death. But yield he would not, in spite of all that the judge could say or do, and even the flames before his eyes did not alarm him. Truly God alone gave the needed strength to that youthful witness, and stayed his heart upon Himself. “I am going to a better home,” said he, “and greater pleasure too; make haste and kill me, that I may enjoy them.”

Some wept as they looked on that young and courageous boy on the brink of the grave, while still in full health and vigor. To these Cyril said, “O, you know not what a city I am going to live in, or what a hope I have.”

There with the blessed One whom he had loved and trusted on earth, dear Cyril entered into rest in the spring-time of his days. Could you, my dear reader, thus nobly die for Christ? You could only do so by having the heart first set on brighter things above.

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

ML 06/03/1917

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.

Part 5.

Last week we went for a walk on the beautiful Palatine Hill and looked at the remains of Caesar’s judgment hall, where probably Paul stood before Caesar.

Where was he taken to after the trial? Perhaps to the Mamertine prison, which still stands close by, in the side of the Capitoline Mount, overlooking the Forum. Early Christians believed that both Peter and. Paul spent their last days in this prison, and though we cannot be sure of this, it is well worth while visiting it, because it will give us an excellent idea of what a prison was like in those days. The Mamertine prison was old, even in Paul’s time, and here it still stands, or part of it, grim and cold and damp. A little church is built over it now, but we enter by a low door which leads us into a large rather dark room, built of enormous blocks of stone. This room is fitted up as a chapel in honor of St. Peter. We go from this to a second room, smaller than the first and dark. The roof is vaulted, and the walls and floor are of enormous hewn stones. A chill strikes us at once on coming into such a place from the hot Italian sunshine outside. No wonder Paul asked for his cloak in that last letter to Timothy, written probably from a room like this.

Here perhaps he spent several months, lonely and ill-treated, but brave as ever. The faithful Luke was with him, and after-awhile Onesimus, the grateful ransomed slave, found him out and fearlessly visited him, bringing him refreshment.

“The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus (or Onesimus),” says Paul, “for he oft refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. But when he was in Rome he sought me out very diligently and found me.”

He longed to see Timothy once more, his dear son in the faith, and begged him to come as quickly as possible. We do not know whether this last wish was granted. Paul felt, when he wrote, that his time was short.

He had been brought before Caesar once already, in the great judgment hall we visited last week, but though acquitted apparently on the first charge, he had no expectation of being set free. “The time of my departure is at hand,” he writes. But with what a brave and joyful spirit this good soldier was looking forward to his last fight.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”

He was, in fact, soon afterwards sentenced to death probably in the year 68, but possibly as early as 64 A. D. Being a Roman citizen, he had the privilege of dying by the sword, and a tradition handed down from the Christians of those days who loved him so well, describes how he was led out of the city, through the western gate, known now as the Pauline gate,—along the busy road to Ostia, the Port of Rome. After a short distance a road branches off and leads into low swampy ground, where executions usually took place. Three very ancient churches mark the place where Paul’s spirit passed to be with the Lord. The great church of San Paolo, near the place of execution, claims to have his body buried under the high altar. It make little difference where that poor earthly tabernacle rests; we know that at the great shout, and the archangel’s cry, Paul, risen and glorified, will rise together with all other saints, to meet the Lord in the air. “So shall we ever be with the Lord.” But all in that great company, from the weakest believer to the great apostle all have the same title to be there—only the precious blood of Christ.

“This is a true. saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Tim. 1:15.)

ML 06/03/1917

Feeding the Chickens.

HERE in our picture we see a very common and yet a very pretty sight. How natural this woman looks as she stands there feeding her chickens! I am sure each one of you has, in the same way, scattered bits of food to the chickens, as you called them around you either in your own, or in some farm yard when you were visiting in the country.

Now as you look at this picture, does it make you think of the One who really has provided the food? This woman can give only what He has given her. Who can that One be? Surely it is God, who has given so many good things for His creatures down here to enjoy. He not only provides food and shelter for the chickens, but just think of the birds, animals and other tiny creatures that He has made, and how wonderfully He provides and cares for all! Does this care, then, not include you and me? Jesus tells us in the twelfth chapter of Luke of His care for the ravens; if He watches over the birds, such tiny creatures, He surely watches over us and His care for us is far greater. He says, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap: which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?”

In God’s Word we also read that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Of all these good gifts, what is the greatest one that God has ever given us? I am sure you all agree that it was the gift of His only Son, Jesus, to come down to this world to die on the cross for us. What a Great Giver God is! and how dependent we are upon Him; not only for our food and daily needs, but above all for our eternal welfare.

The gift has been given and now it is for you to accept it. There is no real peace for your soul until you do know Jesus, God’s greatest gift, as your own personal Saviour.

“HE THAT SPARED NOT HIS OWN SON, BUT DELIVERED HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM ALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?” (Rom. 8:32.)

ML 06/03/1917

For You and for Me.

WHEN little Georgie was between three and four years of age he was taken one Sunday evening to hear the Word of God preached. The speaker often repeated these words: “It is Jesus and His blood; that is for you, and that is for me”; and they made a great impression upon the little boy.

The next day a woman who was working for his mother passed the window to get a bucket of coal. Georgie called after her that he had something to tell her.

“Ho! my chicken, what is it?” she said.

“I heard Mr. M. preach about God,” said the little boy, and he told us, “It is Jesus and His blood; that is for you, and that is for me.’”

And so earnest was Georgie that he struck his fist right out through the window and broke the glass.

When his mother said to him, “What have you done, Georgie?” he replied, “O, never mind about the window, mother. It is Jesus and His blood; that is for you, and that is for me.”

The poor woman was much interested in the child’s eagerness for her to believe what God says about Jesus and His blood, and she told us that though she had often heard the same things from Georgie’s mother, yet she had never felt the value of them before.

She, too, came and heard the gospel of God’s love in Christ preached, and we believe that she was brought to. trust in Jesus as her Saviour through Georgie’s simple testimony.

“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise.”

ML 06/03/1917

Saved or Not Saved.

It is one or the other. Nearly saved may be really lost. Be sure you are really saved —saved out and out—saved by Him who never half saves, but who saves now for eternity—Jesus, the Saviour.

ML 06/03/1917

The Coming Storm.

A LITTLE ago the sky was blue and the sun shone brightly upon a placid sea, or upon waters only rippled by a gentle breeze. Such a scene is very attractive to those who go out in their boats for fishing or for pleasure.

But now the blue in the heavens is no longer seen. The sky is overcast with clouds which are carried swiftly along, growing heavier and blacker each minute. The waters are troubled by the rising wind and the waves beat higher and higher. The boats are in danger and the men hasten to row them to shore—letting down the sails that would, in a ‘strong wind, cause them to be overturned. There is no time to be lost and the men are no doubt thankful that the shore is so near at hand. They will soon be safe from the coming storm.

Dear reader, there is a “coming storm” far more terrible than the one suggested by our picture—a storm that will carry with it far more desolation, destruction, and death than any storm that has yet been witnessed. It is the storm of God’s wrath—a storm that will utterly destroy all in its path. Thousands, millions of precious souls are hastening on, engrossed in pleasure and business—heedless of this storm that threatens. If it were not for God’s goodness, not one would escape its ravages. But God is good and He has made a way of escape. He has afforded a place of shelter in the person of His own beloved Son. We have all sinned and by sin have earned the wrath of a sin-hating God. But the great love of Jesus, the Saviour, led Him to take upon Himself all the wrath due to our sins, and now, for us who are sheltered by His blood the judgment is past.

Have you taken shelter or are you too much engrossed in the affairs of this life to “flee from the wrath to come”? O, do not be blinded by the allurements of this world “for what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36.) Your soul is far too precious to exchange for the pleasures of time, or for the vanities of a Christless world. God who gave it demands it for Himself. Why not commit it to Him, and in His presence spend an eternity of joy?

Do not delay. The clouds are gathering thick and fast. Flee for shelter to those loving arms outstretched to receive you just as you are, in all your sin.

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

“HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE” (John 6:47.)

ML 06/10/1917

Bible History.

Chapter 179. 2 Chron. 18:1-27.

WHEN Jehoshaphat had become rich and powerful, he forgot, to some extent, what was due to the Lord, and made an alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, and went down to Samaria to make him a visit. Ahab was very glad to see him, and made a great feast for his royal guest. He had a large number of sheep and oxen killed and roasted for Jehoshaphat and the people that were with him, not because Ahab thought so much of him, but for what advantage he might gain from so rich and great a friend. They had not been together very long when Ahab proposed that Jehoshaphat go with him to fight against the Syrians at Ramoth-Gilead and take this city, which belonged to the Israelites, but had fallen into the hands of the Syrians. The king of Judah was very willing to go. “I am as thou art,” said he, “my people as thy people, we will be with thee in the war.” Was this right? Jehoshaphat was a servant of God and Ahab a wicked idolater. Should God’s people choose their friends among Satan’s slaves and to love their company?

Jehoshaphat did not, however, like to go to battle without asking God’s mind about it. He wished Ahab to ask the prophets to tell them the word of the Lord. There were many wicked prophets of Baal in Israel then. Ahab called them all together (there were about four hundred of them) and asked, “Shall I go to Ramoth-Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” They all answered, “Yes, go. God will give the city into thy hand.” But Jehoshaphat feared that these wicked prophets were deceiving Ahab, and inquired whether there was not a prophet of the Lord to inquire of him. The king of Israel replied, “There is yet one man, by whom we might inquire of the Lord; but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil; his name is Micaiah, the son of Imla.” But Jehoshaphat still wished to see Micaiah and Ahab sent a messenger to call him.

When the messenger came to Micaiah he said, “The prophets have all declared good to the king, therefore let thy word be like theirs, and speak thou good also.” But Micaiah answered, “I shall speak the truth which God tells me to speak.” Micaiah was not afraid of Ahab’s anger, but he was very much afraid of displeasing God by speaking lies and deceit. May the Lord give every one of His own to do the same!

The two kings were sitting upon their thrones dressed in gorgeous robes, in a place that had been cleared for them at the entrance of the gates of Samaria. Before them stood the prophets of Baal, prophesying “Go to Ramoth-Gilead and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it into the king’s hand.” One of the prophets, name Zedekiah, had made himself horns of iron, and stood with them prophesying, “Thus saith the Lord, with these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.”

When Micaiah came, Ahab asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go up to Ramoth-Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” Micaiah began to tell Ahab of the fearful message God had sent to him.

“I saw a vision, the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the holy angels standing around Him. The Lord asked who would go to tempt Ahab to go to Ramoth-Gilead that he might fall and die there. A wicked spirit came and said, I will tempt Ahab to go to Ramoth-Gilead, I will teach his prophets to lie and deceive him, and they shall persuade him to go. Then God told the wicked spirit to go and do as he had said.”

Then Micaiah turned to Ahab and continued, “These lying prophets who stand around are those whom the wicked spirit has taught to deceive. They are tempting thee to go to the battle and thou shalt fall and die there, for God Himself has spoken evil against thee.”

Zedekiah, the prophet, with the iron horns, was standing by Micaiah as this man of God was boldly testifying the truth. He became very angry, and struck Micaiah, saying, “Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak to thee?” Micaiah answered, “Behold, thou shalt see on the day when thou shalt go to an inner chamber to hide thyself.”

Ahab commanded his servants to take away Micaiah and put him in prison, feeding him on bread and water till his return in peace. But Micaiah said, “Thou shalt never return in peace again,” and called the people to be witnesses to it.

Like Ahab, thousands are being deceived by evil spirits sent by Satan, and made to believe all is peace and safety for them, that they do not need a Saviour, that they have never done any harm; that there is plenty of time, for they will not die for a long time to come. I trust none of my readers will be so blind as to believe these things, but that God will open their eyes, and see their real lost condition before God, if yet in their sins.

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

ML 06/10/1917

In Everything Give Thanks.

MANY a time in your lives you have thanked your heavenly Father for the good gifts which He has given you; happy homes, father and mother, health, kind friends, and, above all, a Saviour provided by God in Christ Jesus.

Most of you could continue the list of blessings till it was quite a long one; and for each one of them your heart goes up in thankfulness to the Giver. But have you ever thought about thanking God for the troubles He sends you? That is quite a different thing, you may say; and perhaps you think it is scarcely possible to do so. However, you may see from the story of poor Christina, that it is possible; for she does it.

Christina was a poor Indian girl. Once she had been happy, but husband, home and baby boy had all been taken from her, and she was turned out of the village to wander about, and die. For an awful thing had happened to her—she had become a leper. Her husband, instead of being sorry for her, was more cruel than anyone else, and would not even allow her to speak to him anymore.

Christina went to the priests, who told her to fast, and sacrifice to their idols, which command she faithfully obeyed. But she became only worse. Then she went to different priests and to a different temple, where she fasted, and bathed, and lived a miserable life, always wet and shivering and hungry. Disappointed, she forsook this way of cleansing to go to the “holy” river Ganges, to bathe there, hoping to die in the waters, and end her sad life. But she did not find death when she sought it, and sorrowful and starving she turned back to her own village, only to be driven out once more to wander about and beg as best she might.

One day she was begging as usual of the passers-by, when a little Christian child came along. He stopped and looked pitifully at her poor scarred face and maimed hands, and instead of turning away with disgust, he said quietly, “Why do you beg here? Go to the Leper Asylum; there you will fare well, and will not need to beg. Jesus lives there.”

What wonderful news this was to Christina! It seemed too beautiful to be true, that anyone could still care for her. But she soon found the little child was right. She was received and nursed and loved, for Jesus’ sake.

“O, how much pain I once suffered!” she said to one of the visitors to the Asylum. “How much time and money I once spent on the idols, though they could not help me! Here my body is cared for; they give me medicine, so that my leprous sores no longer pain me.

“Before all, I have the dear God’s words, and have learned to know and love the Lord Jesus.

“Praise be to God, Who sent me this disease! Praised be God to all eternity!”

ML 06/10/1917

A Story About Young Pigeons.

ONE morning in sunny June I received by rail from M., quite unexpectedly, a basket containing five young live pigeons. When opened, a piece of paper was found inside, on which was written— “PLEASE LIBERATE THESE BIRDS AT ONCE.”

So the little prisoners were forthwith let go, and off they flew, round and round, higher and higher, the circle increasing each time. Then they suddenly went straight northward for their home, M., sixty-four miles distant. From a letter I afterwards received from the owner and sender (who is as perfect a stranger to me as I am to pigeon flying!), he said that some of these little creatures actually reached their home the same day and the rest the next day, although he remarked that one of them was only fifteen weeks old and the others one year. But why should they proceed to M.? Well, just because they were born there!

PIGEONS ALWAYS FLY TO THEIR BIRTH PLACE

when let loose. So do the children of God when they are, in the Lord’s good time, set free from their earthly tabernacle, and when the Lord comes for them. Yes, they go straight to their birth-place, their bright and happy home in glory. They are born from above, and above they fly, when the time arrives, to the Father’s house on high, to be with and like their precious Saviour, and to bask in the warm love and bright sunshine of His own blessed presence. In John.3 we read that Nicodemus was born again (or anew), and then believed on the Saviour of sinners to the salvation of his priceless soul.

DEAR CHILD, WHERE IS YOUR ETERNAL HOME?

Where would you proceed to if liberated today? Could you say it would “be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” or not? O, if not, do get it settled without further delay and before you are too late.

THINK OF THE LOVE OF THE LORD JESUS in coming down from that home and settling a work, at Calvary, so that you might spend your eternity in that thrice-blessed home. Do make sure, dear one, that that heavenly home is yours when the time comes, and enjoy the sense of it on the road to the satisfaction of Him who said, “It is needful that ye should be born anew.” (New Trans.)

“There’s a home for little children

Above the bright blue sky;

Where Jesus reigns in glory—

A home of peace and joy.

No home on earth is like it,

Or can with it compare:

For everyone is happy,

Nor could be happier there.”

ML 06/10/1917

A Game of Marbles.

IN our picture, we see two boys intent upon their game of marbles; and they are not the only ones who are interested, for three others are watching them with great earnestness. Which shall win? One would gather from the earnest faces that it was a matter of much importance; and so, no doubt, it seems to those engaged in the game. But let me tell you, dear children, of a game which is of very much greater importance—the game of life, if I may so call it.

In this game of marbles, the boy who wins will feel triumphant and happy for a little time, and the loser will feel downcast, likely; but the whole affair will soon pass from mind. Not so in life’s game, for the issues are eternal; the results will go on forever and ever.

There is another difference in the two games. In marbles, each player depends on his own nerve and skill; in life’s game we need another to help us through, else we will never be triumphant, for we can never play life’s game aright, unless we have been born again. If we have believed in Jesus, He will enable us to overcome, and will bring us off more than conquerors.

But let me tell you, dear young reader, if you are saved, you have a very important part to play in life’s game. There are many words of Jesus to heed; and if you love Him, and keep His words, your part will be well played. Without Him you cannot do anything; through Christ strengthening you, you can do all things. Is not this wonderful? If you abide in Him, and cleave with purpose of heart to Him, you will have a fine record, when all that has affected life’s game is shown out. May God help you to play this important game well—to play it to His glory!

In marbles, boys sometimes “play for keeps.” This is a kind of gambling, and is very wrong, and those who play it this way, too often, alas! go on from bad to worse. In life’s game, many play for self; this is wrong, too, and can only bring loss. If we belong to Jesus, we will try to keep self down, and to seek the good of others.

Jesus says. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24.) If then, you would play life’s game well, you who know the Lord, study the words of Jesus in your Testament and your Bible, that you may know what He would have you do; and go often to the Lord in prayer, that you may be guided aright. If you hear and do His words, your triumph will be very great, and will be attended with an eternity of joy.

ML 06/17/1917

Lighting the Lighthouse Lamp.

I IMAGINE a dark spur of rock jutting up above the sea. On the rock is a lighthouse which is continually wetted with the spray of the great waves which break against the rock. The wind is rising and in the distance you may see the steamers outward, or homeward bound, plunging in the great swells of the Atlantic rollers. It was about four o’clock, and there was promise of a wild night.

All this was noticed by a boy of twelve, who was standing at the window of the lighthouse looking anxiously toward the land. Nat Marble’s father was the lighthouse keeper of the Mitchell Lighthouse. But he was very sick with a fever, and the assistant lighthouse keeper had gone ashore to look for a doctor. So Nat was alone with his father, and was just be ginning to realize that however much Tom, the assistant lighthouse keeper, might wish to return, he would not be able to get a boat to take him across the channel in such a storm as this.

Even in his fever, Nat’s father raved about the lighthouse lamp, and seemed to worry over ships which he imagined were driving on the rock.

It began to grow dark, and Nat realized that there was no hope of Tom getting back that night. He would have to take care of his poor sick father all night, and he would have to light the lighthouse lamp.

“The lamp,” he said to himself “ought to have been lighted an hour ago; suppose a ship should run ashore for want of a light, and all the people be drowned, why I should be a murderer,” and poor Nat’s blood almost froze in his veins.

Taking a light, he climbed the winding stairs to the great lamp at the top. All seemed clean and in good order, but when he touched the wicks with the flame of his lamp, to his horror the wicks only burned charred, and went out. Could there be no oil in the lamp? He at once ran downstairs for the oil can. After trimming the wicks again he attempted to fill the lamp. But the oil would not flow, and yet the can must be full, thought Nat, it was so heavy. He unscrewed the top and put in his finger—hard as a stone. What should he do? The oil was frozen.

At this Nat was in despair. He put his arms round the can and cried, till the thought came to him, “Jesus could help me.” Looking up through his tears, he said, “Lord Jesus, You know that there are poor men drowning tonight; help Me to do the right thing to save their lives. Amen.”

As he uttered these words it occurred to him that he might learn something from his father’s wandering words. He ran downstairs again.

“Father, dear,” said Nat imploringly, “the oil is frozen, what shall I do?”

“Don’t get it too hot, Tom, not too hot.”

What did that mean? Why the oil, of course. He would heat it up at once. He held the can carefully over the lamp and turned it slowly round the flame so as to heat it on all sides. But the oil melted more quickly than he had expected and soon was trickling out on his clothes. The next moment the flame of the lamp caught the oil, and his trousers were blazing. He tried to put out the fire with his hands, but only spilt more oil, and as there was neither carpet nor rug to smother the flame the poor boy was in a blaze. Then he suddenly thought of the little snow patch on the rock outside the lighthouse. He dashed downstairs and threw himself on the heap of snow and rolled over and over in agony. But the fire went out and he was saved.

Then the thought of the unlighted lamp came into the boy’s mind again. He must try to light that lamp for Christ’s sake, and surely it was in His strength that he staggered to his feet, entered the house and crawled painfully up the stairs. At last he got to the lamp; he tried the can, the oil poured out, but what agony he suffered. With many a groan and cry of pain, he filled the lamps and screwed on the top, but he could scarcely hold out long enough to light the wicks and turn them right. The light of Mitchell’s Ledge hurried through the black night just in time to save a fine steamer from striking on the rock. Several smaller ships, too, had been nearing the breakers when they were suddenly warned of their danger by the faithful light.

Salvation is never gained without sacrifice; to save the drowning sailors, Nat suffered much; to save a lost world, including each one of us, the Lord Jesus suffered infinitely more. He gave Himself; He wept for us, He died for us.

Why did He have to suffer so much? Because our sins are so terrible in God’s sight. But now God sees the great work that the Lord Jesus did on the cross. He sees that it is enough. We have only to accept the greatness and perfection of that work—to say simply, “Christ died for our sins.”

When morning came, Tom, who had been weather-bound on the mainland, arrived. He ran hastily upstairs and never stopped till he reached the lantern room. There was Nat lying on the cold stone floor. Tom guessed the story as he looked at the form of the poor lad; he tenderly picked him up and carried him into the warm room below, and watched over him till he opened his eyes.

“I got it lighted, Tom,” were Nat’s first words. A big, bright tear fell from Tom’s eye on to the floor, and he dashed his fist into the other to hide the tell-tale drops.

“You’re a real brave chap, Nat,” he jerked out. “I’ve heard of such things, but never came across it before. You saved a lot of lives last night by your brave pluck, all burnt as you were, in lighting the lighthouse lamp.”

Our poor little Nat risked his life in order to save the lives of the sailors, but our Lord Jesus Christ offered Himself to God, and bore our sins on the cross, to save us and to make us fit to live with Himself for eternity.

Let us thank Him every day for His great love to us.

“LET EVERY THING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE THE LORD.” Ps. 150:6.

ML 06/17/1917

Simon Stone.

Simon Stone, he spied a boat,

“O here is a boat,” cried Simon Stone,

“I’ve a mind to try if this boat will float,

I’ll fish a spell, if I go alone.”

“O no,” said the rest, “we are going, too.”

“Then jump aboard,” said Simon Stone,

They sprang in the boat, a happy crew:

Wouldn’t you like to have counted one?

They rowed and rowed, they sailed and sailed;

“Small luck, small luck,” said Simon Stone.

They tried and tried, and they failed and failed,

Till they ached in every muscle and bone.

They dipped and dipped, and they hauled and hauled;

“Not a fin for our pains,” said Simon Stone.

“Hark!” cried one, for somebody called,

“Who can be out on the shore alone?”

“Never mind who? Pull away, pull away!”

“Let’s give it up,” said Simon Stone;

“We have fished all night, we may fish all day;

Let’s quit; I’m going ashore, for one.”

Then the strange voice called from the shore again.

“Listen! Listen!” said Simon Stone.

And now in the dawn they see Him plain,

Walking along the shore alone.

“Throw the net to the starboard, and then you’ll find,”

Cried the voice. “Let’s do it,” said Simon Stone.

So they dropped the net with a willing mind,

“Heave, ho! There’s a haul,” cried everyone.

They tugged and they hauled, but they hauled in vain.

“Let’s drag it ashore,” said Simon Stone:

So they dragged and dragged with might and main,

“It’s the Lord,” spoke softly Cousin John.

“What! What! What!” cried the rest in the boat,

“What’s that you are saying?” quote Simon Stone:

“The Lord? Why, here then, give me my coat.”

In a trice he had it and put it on.

“Why, what in the world are you going to do?”

“I am going ashore,” said Simon Stone;

And he sprang without any more ado,

Overboard into the sea alone.

Then the rest they looked and said with a smile,

“What a man, to be sure, is Simon Stone!

He’s up to some queer thing all the while:”

“How he loves the Lord!” said Cousin John.

O, he swam for life, and he swam for love,

‘Till he stood on the shore with the Lord alone.

Who knows, but he and the Lord above,

How the Lord spoke sweetly to Simon Stone?

Now tell me, boys, both old and young,

Did you ever hear of Simon Stone?

And have you guessed the riddle I’ve sung?

And is it a story you’ve always known?

Now tell me if ever you loved like him?

If ever you felt like Simon Stone,

Whether I run or fly or swim,

I must have a word with the Lord alone?

ML 06/17/1917

Mind Your Foundation.

A LITTLE child who was busy on the sea shore with her little spade and bucket, said to her father, “Father, it is much easier to build a house upon the sand than upon a rock.”

“Yes,” he replied, “for when you build upon a rock, you have to lay the foundation right into the solid rock, and then the house and rock become one. There is no trouble necessary in laying a foundation in the sand; with your little wooden spade you can easily do that.”

Children, mind your foundation. Are you building on the sand, or in the Rock?

My hope on nothing less is built

Than Jesus, and the blood He spilt;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on His Great Name:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand—

All other ground is sinking sand.”

“The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in whom I will trust.” (Psa. 18:2.)

ML 06/17/1917

The Reward.

O, you look at this little pony and cart, I expect you can but wish that they belonged to you. What a good time these two must be having in their drive together!

I wonder if this larger boy spent his morning helping mother and was promised this drive with little brother if he was faithful? It is such a happy thing to help mother and others around us. You know it makes them glad to give boys and girls good times when they are thus helpful. But even above what our parents and friends think of us, we want God’s approval of our doings, do we not? He has told us in His Word to bear one another’s burdens. So when we have work to do which may sometimes seem hard and distasteful to us, we must remember that even these things can be done in a happy spirit and, as unto the Lord. He says:

“WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD, AND NOT UNTO MEN.” COL. 3:23.

What a sad thing, though, for the boy or girl who does not know Jesus. Such have never been to Him for the forgiveness of their sins, and so cannot have the joy in their hearts of knowing that they please Him in their work and play.

How is it with you, reader, are you a stranger to Jesus? If so, remember, it is impossible for you to do anything that is pleasing to Him. What a solemn thought!

It makes no difference how many good things in the sight of men you may do, if you are not a saved soul, all your good deeds are but “filthy rags” before God. You must bow your knee to Jesus, His Son, before you are the least acceptable in His sight. When you do this, God will give His Spirit to dwell in you to lead you and enable you to live a life pleasing to Him.

ML 06/24/1917

What the Old Clock Said.

ONE night Daniel, who was a shoemaker, sat long after every other worker in the village was fast asleep. As he bored, and stitched, and hammered, his mind dwelt upon his father’s death, and many thoughts began to stir that had often come and gone with no very visible result—thoughts of death and immortality, memories of words, and events that had impressed him in his very early childhood, and now woke up from their long slumber with strange force; how that he, too, must pass away, and whither should he go?

Suddenly the old clock in the corner took up the message with its slow and solemn ticking. In that still hour it kept repeating with measured beat and strange monotony, its brief sentence: For ever—where? For ever—where? Forever—where? Without a pause for a moment, without a break, it ticked on its dreadful questions. Every other sound was hushed, and in the lonely stillness the ticking clock seemed to become almost unbearably loud. It was troublesome, and Daniel hammered more vigorously; but the ticking only grew louder, the question was pressed home only more closely. Distinct and incessant, it repeated itself. For ever—where? For ever—where? Daniel’s deepest feelings began to be stirred. The memory of his father’s last words broke upon him, — “Good-bye, Daniel, but not for ever.” And again, slow and solemn, the old clock took up its strain—Forever—where? Forever —where? Daniel could bear it no longer. He rose, laid down his work, and resolved to stop this persistent messenger. He walked over to it and opened the narrow door. More loudly the question began, “Forever”; but, before it could be finished, Daniel put his finger on the pendulum. At once all was still, and he returned to his work.

But the silence was more impressive than the slow ticking, and from within himself a voice began to say some plain things.

“Daniel,” it whispered, “thou art a coward and a fool.”

“So I am,” he cried aloud, as he flung down his work, and the tears gathered in his eyes. “Stopping the clock won’t stop the time. The moments are going all the same, whether I hear them or not. And I am going with them?—Forever—where? Forever—where? No; I’ll set it agoing again, for it does no good to stop it.”

Bravely he set it off once more. But the work lay at his feet, and, with clasped hands, and head held down, he gave himself up to thoughts that impressed him so deeply. The thought of God, of His claims, of His goodness, of His righteousness, grew upon him; of sin, of its horribleness and its awful peril. All the sins of his life began to rise up before him, especially the one great sin of neglecting and forgetting God; and amidst it all came every now and then that slow, solemn ticking—Forever—where? For ever—where? His distress became unbearable. He flung himself upon his knees, and cried, “O God! Be merciful to me a sinner!” Long he wrestled in earnest prayer, but all was in vain; no help, no light, no peace, came. In despair he ceased to pray, and buried his face in his hands. Forever—where? Forever—where? rang again from the clock in that lonely silence.

What could he do? Goaded and driven on by that dreadful message, whither could he fly? All he could do was to fall as a poor helpless sinner into the Saviour’s arms. The tears fell faster as he flung himself helplessly on the stool and groaned, “O Lord! a broken heart Thou wilt not despise! Look at mine. Broken and crushed, have mercy upon me, and save me.” That moment light dawned upon him. He rested upon Christ, his crucified Redeemer. And that was everything. Helpless and undone, he just simply clung to the cross of Christ, and there he found what the thousands of the redeemed have found there—pardon, and peace, and heaven. For his sins the Lord had died; for him that life had been laid down. The clear light of the Holy Spirit who is come to testify of Jesus lit up all the purpose of the cross, and revealed all the mercy of God in Christ. Daniel knelt, hushed in adoring gratitude. Again, through the stillness came that message from the corner, welcomed now with strangely different feelings. For ever—where? For ever—where? From Daniel’s heart there burst the rapturous response: “Glory be to Thee, O Lord! with Thee forever! He that believeth hath everlasting life.”

As he rose from his knees the old clock struck twelve. “‘The old things are passed away,’ he whispered, ‘and all things are become new.’ Well may the old clock strike twelve, and finish this strange night—ay, and that old life! A new day begins for me:” And he left it in the darkness ticking on its solemn message—Forever—where? Forever—where?

Dear young reader, let me ask you have you heard the message; and what is the answer? Onward, downward, towards the eternal darkness? or forward, upward, towards the sunny distance of the everlasting light?

“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18.)

ML 06/24/1917

"O, Mother, Why Did You Make Me Learn Dancing?"

WERE the dying words of a dear young lady to her weeping mother. “I did love Jesus once, but then you made me learn dancing, and the world took the place of Jesus in my heart.” How sad! The world is very attractive, but remember it hates Christ; it murdered Him once; and people’s hearts are just the same now as then. You may speak of Washington or Lincoln, but breathe the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at a Christmas party, a party professedly held in honor of the birth of Christ, and you will be told it is out of place, and not the time to speak of Him! Boys may boast of their runs at cricket, or their prizes, but let a boy boast of the Lord Jesus; or, as I once knew a boy do, put a paper with the questions, “Do you love Jesus? Are you saved?” in another boy’s Latin grammar, or school book, and he will be scoffed at and persecuted. And all this, too, in a Christian country.

Ah, dear friend, do you want to belong to such a world? To be its friend? No! Go forward in the path of faith, where Jesus has gone before, leaving the world behind you. Whosoever will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God. Come out, then, and no longer refuse to own that One who• came into the great slave market and took pity on your slavery and wretchedness, and

SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD

to set you free; bought you out of the hands of the cruel slave master, and from the horrors of the lake of fire; bought you by His own life-blood. Beware, lest if you still refuse to own such a Saviour, the Lord should take you away by death, as He did in the case of a boy I knew. During his last illness his parents were anxious about his salvation; but almost to the hour of his death he said nothing that could give them a ray of hope. At last he called his mother to his bedside, and said, “Mother, you think I am not converted, but I am, only I have never confessed Christ. I was saved a year ago, when you took me to hear Mr.—, but I would not confess Him, or let anybody know that I was saved; and I know the reason He is taking me away—it is because I refused to stand up for Him here.” Then, turning to his sister, he said, “Sister, I know you, too, are saved, though you have never confessed Christ. But take care, if you do not own Him, He may take you, too, away by death.”

It was quite true, she had been saved some time, but had concealed it. Now, thank God, she had owned the Lord. May you do the same at all costs. You will not regret it when you meet the One who has saved you, and to whom you are dearer than a thousand worlds, or the highest angel. May you this day be able to sing—

“At home, at school, by night and day,

Christ for me.

At work, at leisure, or at play,

Christ for me.

Him first, Him last, Him all day long,

My hope, my solace, and my song,

He sweetly leads my soul along:

Christ for me.”

“Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father, which is in heaven.

“But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father, which is in heaven.” (Matt. 10:32, 33.)

ML 06/24/1917

The Little Girl Who Was Lost.

MR. L. was teaching some little girls in Sunday School one afternoon, and describing the meaning of the lost sheep, and the kind shepherd who sought it upon the high mountains and saved it from death; also how that Jesus was the Good Shepherd, and died to save all those who trust in Him.

When he had finished there was silence for a few moments, then a little girl of seven said:

“O, teacher, I am lost.”

“Lost, dear,” he answered, “how can that be? You are in school.”

“Yes, but teacher, I am lost,” she continued.

“But Florry, dear, if you, are in school, how can you be said to be lost?” This he said to try her.

“O, but please, teacher, I’m lost to God,” answered the child in earnest tones.

What a depth of sweetness there was in her simple utterance, to realize that she was lost to God; to know, deaf children, that she was like the lost sheep on the mountain, and needed the Good Shepherd to go after her and find her; and Jesus was waiting, the teacher had said, to find all those who were lost in sin; He would shelter them beneath His precious blood, which was shed on Calvary, that they might be saved from death and sin through trusting in Him, who was the Good Shepherd, and gave His life for the sheep. These are His own words:

“The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10.)

ML 06/24/1917

Sin and Its Remedy.

“How often when my weary head

Is on my pillow laid,

I think of judgment, death and hell,

And I am so afraid!

“And when I read God’s sacred Word,

It tells me I am vile;

And pondering o’er the solemn words,

I tremble all the while.

“O, that I some deliverance knew,

Or hiding-place could find,

O, that some relief would come,

To ease my troubled mind!”

“Is such thy cry? then list, dear child,

To One who loves thy soul;

Who yielded up His precious life

To make the wounded whole.

“Yes, list to Jesus; He who was,

On earth the children’s Friend;

And who in heaven the risen One,

Can to an infant bend.

“He sweetly says, ‘Believe on Me,

Trust My atoning blood,

Then thou shalt saved and happy be,

A ransomed child of God.’”

ML 06/24/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for May.

1.“Behold, He cometh with clouds,” etc. Rev. 1:7.

2.“And Enoch also,” etc. Jude 14.

3.“For many deceivers,” etc. 2 John 7.

4.“He which testifieth these things,” etc. Rev. 22:20

5.“Beloved, follow not that which is evil,” 3 John 11.

6.“Saying with a loud voice,” etc. Rev. 14:7.

7.“But that which ye have already,” etc. Rev. 2:25.

Bible Questions for July.

The answers are to be found in Mark.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “A voice.” “Hear Him.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “They that are whole.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “I say unto all.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “Be of good cheer.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “Forbid them not.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “On the right hand.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “What manner of man.”

ML 07/01/1917

Precious Jewel.

“PRECIOUS JEWEL” was his name and a precious jewel indeed he was to his father and mother, for he was their only son, and the two little sisters who had come to the home before him, had soon been taken to a better home above. Not that the parents knew this; no, when their baby girls died, they were heathen, and knew nothing of the Good Shepherd who gathers the lambs in His arms. The mother, Mrs. Zing, worshiped idols, and used to make many a weary journey to temples, and offer candles and incense, in hope that the goddess of mercy would give her a baby boy, but it was no use, as you may suppose.

At last, one day, as she returned home tired out, her tiny, cramped feet aching with the long walk, she heard her husband and a friend talking about a “new religion,” of which they had heard a Chinaman preaching in the town to which they had been carrying sweet potatoes for sale. That was the beginning of happy days for the family. First Mr. Zing became a Christian, and then his wife followed and gave her whole heart to the Saviour, who had loved her and died for her. Then the Lord gave them “Precious Jewel,” and what a treasure he was to them!

After a little while, Mr. Zing became an evangelist, preaching the gospel to the people around, and his wife helped by teaching her neighbors. You may be sure she did not forget to teach “Precious Jewel,” and as he listened to the story of Jesus it sank into his heart, and he early learned to love and trust Him for himself. While quite little he noticed how different his home was from the neighbors’ houses—no idols, no candles or incense stick’s used in worship—and he asked many questions as to the reason. When he was told, his heart felt more and more thankful to God that his father and mother knew better and could teach him so.

One day his mother took him to a children’s meeting, at which they sang the hymn, which I expect you know:

“When He cometh, when He cometh,

To make up His jewels;

All His jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning,

His bright crown adorning;

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.”

Always after that this was his favorite hymn, and if he was ill or tired he liked to have his mother sing it to him.

As time went on he was sent to the mission school, and at fourteen he was well known among his companions as a follower of the “Jesus Religion.” By and by his parents hoped he would be able to preach the gospel, but God’s plan for him was very different.

The year 1900 came, when so many missionaries and Chinese Christians were called upon to lay down their lives for their Lord and Saviour. Mr. and Mrs. Zing, and “Precious Jewel” knew their danger, but they would not flee. Mr. Zing would not leave the Christians around who looked to him for help and teaching, and “Precious Jewel” would not leave his parents, so they all stayed on, trusting in God to either keep them safe or take them home to Himself, as He saw best.

July was drawing toward a close, when, one hot day, a party of Boxers (as those who murdered the Christians were called) surrounded the peaceful cottage home and burst in. In a few minutes both Mr. and Mrs. Zing were with their Saviour, but the boxers seized “Precious Jewel,” bound his hands and feet and dragged him outside the house, which was quickly set on fire. Then a rude cross was scratched on the ground, and the cruel men; as they surrounded their little prisoner, told him they would kill him unless he spat on it, and promised to persecute the Christians, denounce their Jesus and acknowledge the idols of the Chinese as the only gods to be worshiped.

They gave him a certain time to decide, and then they demanded his answer. Calmly, for his Saviour was close beside him upholding him, he replied, “You have slain my parents, and destroyed all I have in this world, and you would now cause me to forfeit my Heavenly Father’s smile, but I dare not dishonor Him. Do your worst, for that worst can only send me into the presence of my beloved father and mother, and the Saviour I love so well.” In a very little while “Precious Jewel” was with those he loved; no more pain and suffering for him, but joy and happiness that would last forever, with his blessed Lord.

You see what it cost this boy to confess Christ. Have you confessed Him? If He has saved you, do your parents and brothers and sisters know you belong to Him? Remember the Bible says, “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.) Don’t say, “My teacher and the others in the class know I am a Christian,” and think that will do without those at home knowing too.

May this be your prayer to God from the heart: “O my God, I trust in Thee: let me not be ashamed.” (Psa. 25:2.)

ML 07/01/1917

Summer Flowers.

WE have reached the beautiful summer month with all its gorgeous flowers with which God has decked and adorned this creation. How delicate some of them are, unable to withstand a cold blast which sometimes comes over night. In the morning, we see them wilted and their marvelous beauty all gone; but in a few days, some more come, just as beautiful, and we forget about the withered ones, but we get occupied with the fresh and beautiful ones that are before our eyes. The children, like the little girl in our picture, delight to gather the wild flowers, but they, too, in a few days wither and have to be thrown away.

What a picture we get in this of our own lives! We came upon the scene, young and fresh; sometimes a cold blast, or some disease cuts off our dear ones in early life, but whether or not, the end comes to all down here in time, and we may well be reminded of that Scripture, “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.” (1 Peter 1:24.)

But there is this difference between us and those beautiful flowers; when they come to their end here, that is the last of them, but not so with us. God lets us know we Shall live forever and ever, either with Him, or separated from Him but He has provided a way so that none need be separated from Him. Our sins would have caused us to be cut off from Him forever, because He is holy; but God gave His only Son, who alone was able to bear the awful results of sin, to die in our stead —to be forsaken of God. So He took that place on Calvary, and gained the victory for sinners; so that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. “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.)

May each dear reader, young or old, consider how quickly the beautiful flowers are gone, and think how soon, too, we will be done with this life, and if you have not put your trust in Jesus as your Saviour, I beg of you to do so now. He is ready and willing to save all who will come to Him. Tomorrow you may be gone from this life, and if without Christ as your Saviour, the wrath of God will remain upon you.

ML 07/01/1917

Seeking to Serve Jesus.

A LITTLE girl, named May, had gone to pay a visit for a few weeks to her cousins, some of whom she had never seen before. After the welcome was over she was soon chatting pleasantly with Mattie.

May had seen both her uncle and aunt before, so felt quite at home with them. After a quiet half-hour spent in the drawing room, the boys and Eva came in and carried off May to tea in the school room. There was so much to show, and so much to tell each other, that May soon lost all feeling of shyness, and spent a very pleasant time with her cousins.

At seven o’clock they had to part company; the little ones went to bed, the boys had to study their lessons, while Mattie was required to help her mother, so May was left alone. She stayed a few moments turning over the leaves of a book her cousin had loaned her. She was not reading, for her thoughts were about her cousins, and, as she was a Christian herself, whether she could serve Jesus during her stay by speaking to them of her Saviour.

May left the school room, and going to the little girls’ room, and finding Eva and Lily in bed, offered to tell them a story. The children were delighted, and made May sit on the bed beside them while she told them the story of the prodigal son. She spoke most about the best robe which the son had after his return, and added, “Miss Chester says we are all like that wicked son, we are all a long way from God; but if we come to Him He will give us the best robe, or as it is called in another place, the ‘garments’ of salvation.”

“I should like to have the best robe,” said Eva. “So should I,” said Lily. “Shall we ask Him to give it to you?” said May.

Have you, my little reader, this best robe? In other words, have you Christ as your Saviour? You do not even need to ask Him to be your Saviour, for He wants you to come to Him now. He has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37.)

ML 07/01/1917

Looking Unto Jesus.

(Heb. 12:2.)

I cannot look within,

For aught that’s good or true,

For my corrupt and evil heart

Is evil through and through.

I look away from self,

To Jesus’ precious blood,

And there I find a storehouse, full,

Of everything that’s good.

That precious blood alone,

Is all my hope and plea,

‘Tis that, and nothing we can do,

Can set the spirit free.

That precious blood speaks peace,

And pardon, free and full;

It heals the leprosy of sin,

And lifts the sinking soul.

And by that precious blood,

I soon shall dwell on high,

And bask beneath the Saviour’s smile,

With everlasting joy!

ML 07/01/1917

Kindness.

HOW tame this dear little canary is? He is perched upon the hand of his mistress, and is pecking at the lump of sugar she holds in the other hand.

If she had not been very kind to the little fellow, he would, not sit thus contentedly on her hand.

This sweet picture reminds me of a story I read of a little girl who lived in the country. Her father had a great many fowls, and he gave the care of them all to her. When she would call them to be fed they would run from all quarters, and some of them would fly upon her head and shoulders. They did this because she was the one who gave them what they needed, and she was always kind to them.

Let us learn lessons from her, and be ever ready to show kindness, and to help those who are in need.

“And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” (¤ Jno. 4:21.)

ML 07/08/1917

Misdirected.

A TERRIBLE blizzard was raging over the eastern part of the States, making more and more difficult the progress of a train that was slowly facing its way along.

Among the passengers was a woman with a child, who was much concerned lest she should not get off at the right station. A gentleman, seeing her anxiety, said:

“Do not worry. I know the road well, and I will tell you when you come to your station.”

In due course the train stopped at the station before the one at which the woman wanted to get off.

“The next station will be yours, ma’am,” said the gentleman.

Then they went on, and in a few minutes the train stopped again.

“Now is your time, ma’am; get out quickly,” he said.

The woman took up her child and, thanking the gentleman for his kindly interest, left the train.

At the next stop, to his surprise and alarm, the brakeman called out the name of the station where the woman had wished to get off.

“You have already stopped at this station!” called the gentleman to the official.

“No, sir,” he replied, “something was wrong with the engine, and we stopped for a few moments to repair it.”

“Alas!” cried the passenger, “I have put that woman off in the storm when the train stopped between stations!”

Afterwards they found her with her child in her arms. Both were frozen to death. It was the terrible and tragic consequence of wrong direction being given.

Still more terrible are the results of misdirecting the souls of men. Yet it must be evident to all that amid the babel of contradictory voices which are heard today, many of the directions given must be false and misleading, even when given by well-meaning men. All cannot be true.

We should then, one and all, be on our guard against being misdirected for eternity. It is all too solemn to rest on uncertainties with such an important matter as our soul’s salvation, and as to where we shall spend eternity—in heaven, or in hell? It must be one of the two places.

Thank God, there is no need for us to depend upon doubtful counsel. In His own sure Word, He has Himself given the plainest directions as to the way to heaven. The way He indicates is not the way of “doing our best,” or of “observing the golden rule,” or of “trying to be good.”

We are assured, at the outset, that none of these ways will lead us to heaven. We have, all of us, wandered too far astray from God, for any such directions to help us.

The Word of God points to Christ as the only way. He suffered at Calvary, not merely as a martyr, but as a Sin-bearer, making atonement by His blood. Now that He is risen from the dead, He is proclaimed to all as the Object of faith. The way to have blessing for the present, and glory for eternity, lies in trusting Him.

The Scripture says, “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name, whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43.) Could words be plainer?

The course of true wisdom is to give heed to the sure directions of the Word of God, and thus escape the awful peril of being misdirected.

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

ML 07/08/1917

Little Dora's Lesson.

LITTLE Dora was what many would call a good girl, that is to say, she was not a wilful or disobedient child; but she had one great fault, and that was, she always thought that she knew best. But Dora had to learn that sometimes, if not always, she was not quite so wise as older people; and I will tell you how it happened.

One day Dora’s mother was taken ill; she was out in the fields a few days before, when a thunderstorm came on; poor Mrs. Lee got very wet, and it brought on such a severe cold that she had to lie in bed.

Dora was very sorry that her mother was so ill, and did her best to keep quiet, and not to hinder Mrs. Jenson, who kindly came in to help in the house until Mrs. Lee was better.

But little Dora sometimes found the long afternoons very dull; in the mornings, you know, she fed the chickens and ran to play in the fields; but in the afternoon her mother liked her to do a little needlework, for Dora was not very strong, and her father and mother did not like her to run about too much in the hot sun.

Dora disliked sewing very much, and often longed to be playing out of doors instead.

The afternoon I am speaking about, the little girl was feeling particularly lazy and tired; it was very hot, which was just the reason why she ought to have kept quiet, instead of which, Dora threw down her work and began to move restlessly about; she looked out at the fowls in the yard cackling and croaking with their dry throats, and she longed to go out with them. “Just to look at my dear little chickens,” said Dora to herself, “I am sure mother will not mind”; and so without asking her mother, as she ought to have done, she tied on her sun bonnet and ran out at the back door.

But after all Dora did not care to look at her chickens, but looked with longing eyes at the cool shady orchard. “I’m sure it cannot do me any harm just for a little while, it is so very hot indoors.” So Dora ran into the orchard, and played there amongst the rosy apples some little time. Now you know, dear children, that when we yield to one naughty thought Satan soon puts other naughty thoughts into our heads, and we always find it harder to do right then, than if at first we had done right, so we often yield again.

It was so with Dora, a merry, thoughtless girl; she soon forgot that she had no right to be out at all, and when Satan tempted her to go just a little farther and to stay out just a little longer, I am sorry to say she did not try to put away her wicked thoughts, but she did as she wanted. Leaving the orchard, she ran on to the meadow, and on again to the sea; for I forgot to tell you that where Dora lived, was close by the sea.

Away, away over the golden sands, away to her favorite retreat, a small cave under the cliffs, ran the little girl. Was it not sad that she should be so forgetful of her kind mother and father’s wishes!

Well, Dora ran into her little cave, and being very hot and tired, for she had come a long way, she sat down to count her shells; all she had gathered she kept in her cave on a high shelf, for unless there was a storm or very high tides the sea never came into Dora’s cave. For a long time the little girl played with the treasures that she had, as it were, taken from old ocean’s storehouse.

Then closing her eyes, the tired and naughty little Dora went fast asleep. When she awoke, it was a little past midnight; the sun had long since gone down, and the beautiful moon had risen to light the earth in its absence.

O how tired and cold Dora felt; for you know that even in the hottest weather you find it rather cold if you had to sleep out in a cave by the sea, and with only your thin summer dress on. Well Dora felt very cold, and very unhappy, too, when she found out where she was.

“O dear!” she exclaimed in despair, “how naughty I have been, however am I to get home?” Dora burst into tears; she was very sorry now that she saw how wrong she had been, and wondered what her poor mother and father were doing, and whether her father was looking for her.

“I must go at once,” she thought, and jumping to her feet she ran to the mouth of the cave, but started back in horror. The water had come right up to the entrance. Poor Dora, she did not know that it was the annual high tide, and was horrified to find that she could not get home.

Every moment too the little waves came lapping nearer, and still nearer, and Dora was afraid the cave would soon be full.

“O! I shall be drowned,” she cried, “and I shall never see dear mother and father again.” And then in solemn moonlight, with the fear of death before her, came the thought of God. Dora knelt down on the sands, and prayed very earnestly that God would forgive her for being so naughty and disobedient, and then asked that she might get back home safely. After a little while Dora became more happy; she still feared that the water would come up right into the cave, but she was not quite so sure that her father could not come to save her, and so she sat down and waited, and nearer and still nearer came the little waves, sleepily lapping the shore as they came.

But God who is so very great can say, “Hitherto shalt thou come and no farther, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” He heard and answered the prayer of the lonely little girl, and stayed the waves when they had come about half way into the cave, so that Dora remained safely and quite dry until her father came in a boat in the morning to carry his darling little girl safely back to her sorrowing and anxious mother.

They all thanked God very much that day, for the poor father and mother had been so unhappy until a man told them he had seen Dora go to the little cave on the beach. Mr. Lee went and found her, as I have told you.

“CHILDREN OBEY YOUR PARENTS, IN ALL THINGS: FOR THIS IS WELL PLEASING UNTO THE LORD.” Col. 3:20

ML 07/08/1917

Still Believing.

IN a little country town, a children’s meeting was being held. The room was full, and the children listened attentively as the preacher told them of Jesus and His love.

“I wonder,” he said, at the close of the address, “how many children in this room will trust Jesus, and believe in Him as their Saviour?”

Many little hands were lifted in answer to his appeal, and after a few more words the children left the meeting to go to their homes.

Among them were little Frances, aged five, and her brother Herbert, nine years old.

“Mother,” said the little girl, as they went into the house, “Mr. P. asked us tonight how many of us would believe in Jesus, so I held up my hand.”

“Did you, dear?” said her mother; “and what about you, Herbert, did you hold up your hand, too?”

“No, mother.”

“And how was that, my boy?”

“Why, mother, I thought he meant who would trust Jesus for the first time tonight, and I trusted Him years ago,” was the child’s reply.”

Little Frances is not able to write yet, but she very much wanted to send a letter to the preacher after he had gone back to London, where he lived. Her mother asked what she would like to say to him. “Tell him I am still believing in Jesus.”

Perhaps some of you who read this are older than these little ones. Can you say, “I trusted Jesus years ago”! Are you “still believing”?

“Oh,” you say, “I should like to be a Christian, but I am afraid I shouldn’t be able to keep on.”

It is not you who have to keep hold of Jesus, but Jesus who will keep hold of you The Lord Jesus said to His Father in the 17th of John, “Those that Thou gavest Me I have kept.”

If the Father gives you to Jesus, you are safe for eternity. He who loved you, and died for you, will never let you go.

“Oh, who’s like Jesus,

Who died on the tree!

He died for you, He died for me,

He died to set poor sinners free.

Oh, who’s like Jesus,

Who died on the tree!”

ML 07/08/1917

Giving Thanks.

IN everything give thanks,” said an aged woman softly.

“I don’t see what there is to give thanks for.”

It was Nina who spoke, a hearty, healthy girl of fifteen. She was an orphan, it is true, and poor; but she had a loving grandmother to look after her, and she had good health—a precious gift. Yet Nina had not a thankful heart, and did not count her mercies.

“You have to work hard, grandmother, and at your age too, when most people rest.

I work all day long as well; yet still we are poor, and can afford but soup and dry bread for dinner.”

“Ah! child, count your mercies, not your privations or difficulties. Many a girl would be thankful to be in your position. Look at poor Margaret down in the valley; she is just your age, Nina, yet she cannot walk at all, her poor spine is so weak, and you know her aunt grudges her every mouthful she eats, because she can make no return for it.”

“I had forgotten her,” said the girl slowly, as she glanced at the old grandmother, who so lovingly watched over her.

“You have youth and health, my child; you are strong and able to work. Between us we earn sufficient to live on, for though it is not much, it is enough. We have a roof over our heads, and a comfortable bed. We have God’s Word in our hands and freedom to read it. Ah! child, we have much to give thanks for even here on earth; how much more when we think of what God has done for us for eternity through Christ.”

Nina could not reply, but there were tears in her eyes, as she folded her hands, while her grandmother returned thanks for the nourishing meal spread for them. But afterwards she sprang to her work with a happier face than she had worn for some time.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.” (Psa. 136:1.)

“O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD; CALL UPON HIS NAME.” Ps. 105:1.

ML 07/15/1917

Saved.

SOME years ago, an evangelist was preaching to a vast assemblage of people, and among them was a young lady.

The preacher took for his theme the text, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Tim. 1:15.)

After showing various ways in which we sin, and describing different classes of sinners, he added, “I have another class among the ‘chief of sinners’ to point out; I myself belonged to it, and therefore I speak with feeling. I address those who have had much light, and yet have sinned against it, who have been taught better, who have had a knowledge of the way of truth, and yet have turned aside to crooked paths.”

“To have been nursed upon the lap of piety,” continued the preacher, “to have been rocked in the cradle and hushed to sleep with a lullaby in which the name of Jesus comes as a sweet refrain—this involves an awful responsibility.” No man can go to hell over a mothers’ tears without accumulated vengeance. No son can rebel against a father’s affectionate and tearful admonitions without perishing ten times more frightfully than if he had never been thus privileged.

“Ah, my hearers, alas, alas, for the hardness of your hearts! there are many such here now.”

“I would charitably suppose that very few of you belong to the other classes I have been speaking of, but the great mass of you who are unconverted belong to this class.”

“Dost thou remember, young man, how thy mother put her arms around thy neck, and wooed thee to turn to Christ?”

“Do you remember that little Bible, given you when you first went to school, and that verse, inscribed as a motto? She watered it with her tears, as she wrote it.”

“Do you recollect those letters she addressed to you?” She is now in heaven—is she—and yet you are unconverted. You have the light shining upon your eyeballs, and yet they are sightless still.

“Have I not the privilege of speaking to some whose old familiar associations are awakened by these feeble glances at their life-story? Do you not feel just now as if you were kneeling down again in that little room, and again hearing the native accents of your mother’s prayer, while you can hardly refrain from repeating afresh the words of your own prayer, which she taught your lips to frame, before putting you to rest? Do you not remember it? And do you not remember sometimes when your conscience was awakened, and your heart was almost broken, and you said, ‘I could almost be a Christian’? Ah, you put the message from God by, saying in your heart, ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season I will call for thee.’ (Acts 24:25.)

“But, alas, that convenient season has never yet come. Your conscience becomes seared, drugged with the opiates of sin, the affectionate appeal affects it less and less. Woe to the day of your visitation, for it shall be cloudy, indeed, unless you turn at the voice of reproof. But to you, O chief of sinners, is the word of this salvation sent.”

Every word pierced this young lady’s soul. She lost sight of the vast assembly around her, and felt that she was the only one addressed in that large meeting—her own history had been set in order before her.

She was the child of many prayers; a mother, now in heaven, when on earth had often prayed for her; her terrible guilt rose up in its dread reality before her, and O! how she longed for salvation, while she feared it could not be for one who was such a sinner in the sight of God.

The preacher continued thus:

“Let the fact that the ‘chief of sinners’ is spoken of here attract you. I have heard it said of the elephant that before crossing a bridge he will place his trunk, and perhaps one foot, upon it. He wants to be assured that it is quite safe, for he is not going to trust his bulky body to a bridge built only for horses and men. Well, after he has tried the bridge, if he finds it strong enough, he at once trusts his great weight to it, and safely reaches the other side.

“Now, suppose you and I sat on the further side, and said we were afraid the bridge would not bear us! Why, how absurd our unbelief would be. So, when you see a great elephantine sinner, like the Apostle Paul, go lumbering over the Bridge of Mercy, while not a timber creaks, and the bridge does not even strain under the load, why, then, methinks, you may come rushing in a crowd and say, ‘It will bear us if it will bear him; it will carry us across, if it can take the chief of sinners to heaven.’”

The young lady did come at once, just as she was, and found that the bridge was strong enough for her.

The joy, the happiness, which filled her soul, words cannot tell. That evening she sang the first note of that new song, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” (Rev. 5:12), and she has since found the second line of this little hymn to be as true as she then found the first.

“The chief of sinners He receives,

His saints He loves, and never leaves,” and she writes the following verses to invite you also to come to Jesus:—

Weary, wasted, guilty one,

By thine own foul sin undone,

Who could ransom such as thee?

Christ, who died upon the tree.

If to Him alone you trust,

Counting all things else as dust,

Then, poor sinner, you shall be

Safe for all Eternity.

ML 07/15/1917

Frightened.

THERE was once a little girl who used to think a great deal about the coming of the Lord and the succeeding judgments. She heard the book of Revelation read at family prayers, and though she sometimes tried to stop her ears, she could not shut out the fear and anxiety she felt. At night she would carefully close her blind for f ear the moonlight would shine through, for it made her think of the verse which says, “The moon shall be turned into blood.”

As she lay in her little bed, many were the resolutions that she made, that, come what might, she would never worship the beast or his image, never have his mark impressed upon her; and often did she in imagination go through the tortures and the death which she vainly thought would lead her into the presence of God; and about the present she never thought at all. Often as she had heard it, it never came into her mind, that God was ready to receive her now; to make her His child, and take all her future into His keeping. So she went on day after day and night after night, making herself miserable, when God was wanting to make her happy.

One day it flashed upon her, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” How simple it was: saved from judgment, whether in this world or in another. How foolish she had been. As her mother bent over her to say good-night, she whispered, “Mamma, do you think I am a Christian?” And when her mother answered:

“If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are, for He died to save us from our sins,” she knew that she did believe and that nothing need frighten her any more. Was she not a happy little girl?

And now she is waiting for the One who said,

“I go to prepare a place for you.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” (Jno. 14:2, 3.)

ML 07/15/1917

Take the Lantern.

JOB was told by his father one afternoon in the winter to take two empty sacks to the miller, who lived in the next village. He said, “Be sure you take the right turn in the road, Job; and, as it will be quite dark before you can get back, you had better take the lantern with you.”

“O,” said Job, “I can find my way back in the dark with my eyes shut; there is no fear of my taking the wrong road.”

So off Job went with the sacks and reached the village in daylight; but on coming back it began to get dark. Neither moon nor stars were visible, and it became quite dark. Job now wished he had brought the lantern, but on he went. He, however, became bewildered, and was at last quite at a loss as to where he was going. Ile stood still, not knowing what to do.

At length he heard a footstep, someone was approaching. It might be a foe, but what could he do? It turned out to be a man on his way home. Though afraid, Job mustered courage to ask his way to his father’s house. He was told he had taken the wrong road, and was quite out of the way.

The man was going the same road, and showed him the way, and at length he reached home, a sadder, if not a wiser boy, for having neglected his father’s advice.

How many there are in this world like Job. They not only try to find their way about in the earth, but even think they can find their way to heaven in the dark. God has provided a lamp to show the way to heaven. How foolish then to think of finding the way without that lamp. I hope you all know that I mean the Bible. God Himself calls it a lamp, or lantern. Be sure then you take the lantern.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psa. 119:105.)

ML 07/15/1917

"Come Unto Me."

“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.)

Come unto Me, ye weary ones,

With sin and fear opprest;

Salvation ye shall surely find,

Come unto Me and rest.

Come unto Me, ye suffering ones,

With pain or sorrow prest;

I sympathize in all your griefs,

Come unto Me and rest.

Take thou My yoke and learn of Me,

Lean ever on My breast;

Abide with Me in all thy path,

And let thy soul find rest.

Lowly of heart, and meek I am,

Learn this and be thou blessed;

Cleave closely to My pierced side,

Walk on with Me and rest.

ML 07/15/1917

Do You Love Jesus?

DO you love Jesus?” I said to a dear little girl, five years of age; “O yes!” she replied brightly. “What makes you love Him?” “‘Cos He loved me, and died for me on the cross.”

What a sweet yet simple answer! I wonder how many of my little readers really love Jesus. Have you come to Him to receive pardon? If not, oh come to Him now; for He is waiting to receive you; do not put it off any longer, or think that you will be a Christian when you grow older, for the Lord Jesus may come today, or if He tarry, you may be called to die. Think of it now, dear little reader, before it be too late; take God at His word, and accept Christ as your own Saviour,

“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.

ML 07/15/1917

Sound Asleep.

OUR dear little boy has fallen sound asleep after playing till he was tired. How refreshing when wearied to go quietly off to sleep. It is a wonderful provision which God made in order to refresh our bodies.

But for those who are not saved—do not know Jesus as their own Saviour—we wonder how they can lie quietly down and go to sleep, knowing they may waken in hell, or the Lord might come and they would be left behind and the door of mercy be forever closed against them. O, dear children, do not delay another day in taking your place before God a lost sinner, and accepting His precious gift—the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Redeemer.

There are some precious verses in God’s Word for those who are saved.

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psa. 4:8.)

“HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP.” PSA. 127:2.

“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Prov. 3:24.)

O, how blessed to know that whether asleep or awake, all those who belong to Jesus when He comes, will go up with Him to the Father’s house, to be “forever with the Lord.”

ML 07/22/1917

The Little Boy's Prayer and Its Answer.

ONE evening, late in July, a gentleman was walking through a park where many dear young people were amusing themselves in one way and another. He strolled from one happy little group to another, watching their innocent play. Having walked some little distance from them, he stopped near a large tree. As he was gazing round upon the scene before him, a voice came softly to his ears, and turning in the direction from whence it came, he saw a boy kneeling beside the trunk of the tree with his hands clasped together, and his face upturned to heaven, evidently in earnest prayer, little thinking that anyone was near. Listening attentively, he heard the dear little fellow, in a soft voice, half choked, with sighs, say: “Dear Saviour, wash away her sins and save “my dear mother.”

As he rose from his knees the gentleman stepped forward, and taking his hand, asked him where he lived.

“I live down there in that small house,” he said.

“And where did you learn to pray, my dear boy?”

“At the Sunday-school, where my teacher told me Jesus died for me, and that now He lives in heaven.”

“And do you love the Lord who died for you?”

“O yes! O yes! indeed I do, and I so wish my dear mother loved Him too, for she is very ill and may soon die. I try all I can to tell her of Jesus, and I pray to God for her and father.”

“And do you think He hears your prayers, and will really save your father and mother?”

“O yes, for my teacher tells me that God loves to hear young people pray, and that whatever we ask in the name of Jesus He is sure to give us.”

Having said this, the little fellow added: “Now I must go; good-bye,” drew away his hand, and, smiling sweetly, ran off to his home.

About a year after this, the gentleman being again in the town, called to inquire after his little friend, and learned from his father that both he and his mother were dead, and that his wife had found, ere she died, the forgiveness of sins through the words of her little boy. He said, too, that after his mother’s death he used to come to him and tell him all he learned at the Sunday School, and that thus, through his son’s means, he had also been led to believe in Jesus.

The poor father wept as he talked about his dear boy, and as he wiped away his tears, said: “I am now just waiting to join him and my dear wife above, there to praise the blessed God, that taught us both to love Him through the lips of our child.”

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

ML 07/22/1917

No Room in the Inn.

(Luke 2:7.)

THERE was no room in the inn for Jesus, the heavenly stranger at His birth, and as He advanced in years, and “went about doing good,” He still found that man had no room for Him in his heart or in his world. Those whom He would so gladly have befriended, could they have found room for His kindness, preferred taking counsel how they might destroy Him. He condemned their selfishness by His own beneficence, and so they would make no room for Him, but hated and persecuted the blessed Jesus.

And by-and-bye they cast Him out of the world, for they put Him to a death of cruelty and shame, and “His life was taken from the earth.”

Since then He has gone on high, to prepare a place Himself—not an inn for wayfarers, but a happy and eternal dwelling place where “many mansions” are. And will He find room up there for those who had “no room” for Him down here? Ah, yes! He will, for it was always His way to render good for evil, and so He is providing room in His Father’s house for millions of those who least deserve His grace. And further, He has sent forth His servants to invite, yea to compel all whom they find to enter in, that “His house may be filled.” And of those sinners who come, confessing their guilt and ruin, and trusting to His atoning blood for their everlasting salvation, He has never turned any away.

Dear reader, do you know what it is to be brought near to God now, through the work of Christ, who suffered, “the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God?” Do you know, as the returned prodigal, the feasting and joy and holy mirth of His banqueting house? If not, His language to you is, “Come, for all things are now ready.” Many, many starving ones have entered and have been made glad at heart, and “yet there is room.” Yes, room enough at this moment for you, my friend, and for all who trust their souls alone to Jesus, the Saviour, the Friend of sinners. At this precious moment the door stands wide open, and Jesus bids you come. O, my reader, can you find “no room” in your needy soul for God’s “great salvation”? (Heb. 2:3.)

ML 07/22/1917

Bobby.

I REMEMBER as a child saying to myself sometimes: “O, if only the Lord Jesus were still in this world! How simple and natural it would be to go to Him, and follow Him, but now it is so difficult to believe!”

So difficult! And yet He was then as near to me as He was to the little children whom He took in His arms long ago when He was on earth. This reminds me of two little boys to whom the Lord Jesus became a reality.

The setting sun was sending his last beams through the high windows of a hospital ward. All was beautifully bright and clean. A bird was still singing in the old elms in the court, and a sweet smell of spring was in the air.

Only two beds were occupied in the great ward. The sun shone on one of them and showed a little boy’s curly head resting on the pillow. His face was pale and drawn with pain. He must have been run over, for he lay there crushed and wounded, never again to run about. The doctor had said he had only a few more hours to live.

“It hurts me,” he groaned. “O! it hurts me so much, all over.”

From the next bed came a childish voice, also a little feeble.

“Bobby, tell me, did you ever hear of Jesus? If you would ask Him to cure you!”

“Jesus?” said Bobby. “I don’t know Him.”

“Listen, and I will tell you.”

Then slowly and gently Jack told the story of the Lord Jesus; how, full of compassion, He went from place to place doing good, and how He still loves little children and wants to have them near Him in heaven.

Jack had heard the story at Sunday school and had received the message quite simply. Now he loved to tell to others that which brought him such joy and hope.

Bobby listened eagerly. He also longed to know this powerful Saviour who could comfort and cure. But soon he shook his curly head with a discouraged gesture.

“You see, Jack, He would not want me; I am too dirty and too poor; and then how can I find Him? I cannot go and look for Him. I am so sick.”

But Jack was not disconcerted.

“The gentleman at school said that Jesus came always to those who had need of Him; He has not changed now, I am sure. You have great need of Him, Bobby, so certainly He will pass through here this evening. Only try to keep awake; when He comes, you will tell Him what you want.”

“But, Jack, I can’t hold my eyes open; I am so tired.”

Jack was perplexed for an instant, then said:

“You know, Bobby, if you lift your hand He will see you and will ask you what you want.”

Three times Bobby tried to lift his little hand, and three times he let it fall, overcome by weakness.

“I can’t; it is no use,” he said, and a great sob shook him.

“Don’t cry,” said Jack. “Take my pillow. I don’t need it.” And he gently put his friend’s hand on the pillow, supported against the bars of the crib.

Then night came on and the two poor little boys went to sleep. As he fell asleep Bobby whispered softly: “Lord Jesus, come quickly; I need You.”

And the Lord Jesus heard the child’s prayer. He who loves to bless passed through the hospital ward that night. The next morning Bobby was lying quite quiet, his eyes closed, his hand still held up by his friend’s pillow. But for him there was no more suffering. The Good Shepherd had gathered into His bosom the feeble lamb who had need of Him.

For you, too, Jesus passes today. Do you not need Him? He alone can cure you; He alone can take away your sins. Tomorrow may be too late, but you can find Him today. He is near to all who call upon Him.

Think! He died for you; He loves you.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20

ML 07/22/1917

The Secret.

WE all know how children, as well as grown people, and especially little girls, are curious to find out a secret where there is a suspicion of one. Lucy Mitchell in this was not above the weakness of her sex.

“Do you know, mamma,” she exclaimed one day, “I am sure Mina has a secret!”

Mina Harrison was the child of Mrs. Mitchell’s sister, who had lately come on a visit to Lucy.

“Why, do you think so, my dear?” replied Mrs. Mitchell, smiling; “I never met a more truthful or candid child than Mina.”

“I don’t know,” returned Lucy, shaking her wise little head. “I often see her smiling as if at something only known to herself, and once when I asked her what she was thinking about she would not tell; no, not for anything.”

“I dare say you are right,” said Mrs. Mitchell, after a pause. “I think Mina has a secret; suppose we ask her.”

“No, not for the world!” exclaimed Lucy. Then, as curiosity got the better of her alarm, she added, “Very well; do.”

In a few minutes Mina entered the room without being summoned, when her aunt said to her—

“Come here, dear. Lucy thinks you have a secret which you keep from her. She says you seem to enjoy it very much, and would not disclose your thoughts when asked; probably feeling they at least were your own.”

Mina looked surprised, but after a moment’s reflection said: “I don’t think I should have been ashamed to tell them, aunt. I was speaking to my best Friend, and hearing Him speak to me.”

Mrs. Mitchell took her niece’s hand in hers.

“You remind me of a verse in God’s Word,” she replied: “‘The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.’(Psa.25:14.) You have been well instructed, Mina. Do you know what a covenant is?”

And the little girl answered, “An agreement between two parties.

“That is—?” questioned her aunt.

The answer was very low but steady “Between God and me.”

“You have heard the secret,” said Mrs. Mitchell to Lucy; “may you, my darling, learn it by heart. May God show you His covenant for your eternal safety and joy.”

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

“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.

ML 07/22/1917

"Who Saved Me?"

IT was a beautiful, bright day, and many were spending it by the seaside. The waves sparkled in the sunshine, and, far as the eye could reach, the sandy shore was a scene of pleasure and childish merriment, for it was a holiday, and many a weary mother was resting, and watching her children as they waded in the sea or played in the sand. Not a sad face was to be seen—all seemed to catch the sunlight and brighten into joy. Even the feeble little hump-backed child sitting in the rickety old wheel-chair, wheeled down for a breath of sea air, had caught a ray, and brightened, forgetting for a moment, the weary days and nights of its short life spent in a close room in one of the narrow streets of the city.

Low down on the beach the children were gathering shells, or building castles in the sand, to be swept away by the rising tide; and others were chasing the receding wave, and being chased back again by the returning one.

Some amused themselves riding on the donkeys, while others, who could not afford that pleasure, shouted and ran behind them. There did not seem to be one anxious face; all was merriment.

Yet there was one. A rough-faced, weather-beaten man paced up and down the sands near the water’s edge, and with knit brows and half-closed eyes watched the movements of some boys who were bathing and swimming. The bright, warm, sunny day had made them unusually venturesome and this man, known as “The Rescue,” had warned them of a strong, southward-going current, and he trembled for their safety.

He had been watching earnestly since the early morning, and as yet all had been well; no one but himself dreamed of danger, no face but his spoke of anxiety, and even his face was beginning to brighten with the hope that the day would close without an accident, when the cry arose from another quarter, down the beach, “A boy drowning!”

Instantly the scene was changed. Every face became pallid, and the cry was echoed and re-echoed.

“The Rescue” ran to the spot, and throwing off his coat and boots, plunged into the sea and swam towards the place where the boy was struggling with the current. Before he reached him, he had sunk, and not for some moments could the Rescue find him.

At last they were brought in by a boat which had been quickly launched to help them, but as the eager crowd caught a glimpse of the poor boy hanging with his head down on the Rescue’s back, they said, “He is drowned.” Some asked, “Is there any hope?” but the gruff seaman’s voice said sadly, “I don’t know; I fear not.”

Carrying the boy to the bath-house, the Rescue applied all the possible means for restoration, but, to all appearance, in vain. And at length he was left with the boy’s body by those who at first had helped him.

Being thus alone, he determined to go on with the appliances, though it seemed like hopelessly working with a dead body, but after some time signs of life appeared. Then, tired with his exertions, the Rescue sat down for a moment by the side of the boy, who certainly was breathing; he watched earnestly to see whether the breathing would cease or strengthen; whether the eyes would open again, or remain forever closed.

After a time the eyes of the sleeper opened for a moment, and looking up, he asked the question, “Who saved me?”

“I did,” said the Rescue.

A look of gratitude was all the boy could give just then, and he closed his eyes and slept again, but the rough, weather-beaten seaman said of all the rewards he had received for saving life, that was the best, for he remarked, “You see, it was the first word he spoke. He said, ‘Who saved me?’”

As I turned homewards, for I had had enough of the seaside, I thought of the merry scene, where all were bent on pleasure, yet danger so near; only one alive to it; and he so ready to save; and I thought of the reward he had had in the interest manifested by the boy he had saved from death.

Then I thought of Him who is indeed The Rescue, our Saviour, our Redeemer. and how He laid down His life to save. Yet how few know Him as a personal Saviour? How few are saying, “Who saved me?” It must be a joy to the Lord to see some making it their first and last object to know Him, and to live a life of thankfulness, loving and serving Him, because He first loved them.

The apostle Paul speaks of “THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.” Ga1.2:20.

“Be ye followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” (Eph. 5:1, 2.)

ML 07/29/1917

For Ever and Ever

Eternity! Eternity!

How wonderful it seems to me!

For every day that here I spend,

I know will surely have an end;

And every night must pass away,

When sunrise lights another day.

Thus weeks and months are rolling on,

This passing year will soon be gone;

And long or short as life may be,

‘Tis nothing to eternity!

Eternity! Eternity!

How very wondrous it will be!

Then think, where would you like to spend

Time that will never, never end?

O! come to Jesus while you may,

He calls you to His arms today;

Then, when your life on earth is o’er,

Counted by months and years no more,

He’ll take you to His home of peace,

Where sin and pain and sorrow cease;

A home of light and joy and love,

All earthly pleasures far above.

O! happy, happy, then to be

With Him through all eternity!

ML 07/29/1917

The Old Mill Stream.

SHALL we go by the mill stream, uncle? I do like to see the fish jumping about as the stream runs from the miller’s wheel.”

“Very well, Harry; we will go there, if you wish. But we will take a walk down this shady lane, and that will take us by the back of the mill, then we have to go over a little plank that spans the stream.”

Harry was a little boy of eight years of age, who was fond of having a nice stroll with uncle along the country lanes, by the little brooks or streams that skirt the wild moors, or run through the cowslip-covered meadows like a silver thread. And nice little chit-chats they were, although sometimes Harry’s questions were easier asked than answered, for uncle did not know everything, you see, though little boys and girls sometimes suppose that uncles and aunts ought to know everything, if they don’t.

“What a pretty place that is, uncle,” said Harry, pointing to a little mansion that lay surrounded with trees and shrubs, over whose sides the busy little ivy and Virginian creeper and roses and sweet pea seemed to be trying their hardest to cover every brick and nook and corner with their flowers and leaves.

“Yes, Harry; and I always look on that house with pleasure, for when I was a little boy I used to go there every now and then, for a dear old clergyman lived there, and he would have some of us boys from the school to visit him, and many a little book his dear wife would give us, and in fruit time a pocketful of apple’s. I do believe he really loved us children, and he spoke so nicely to us whenever he met us in the street, and used to read the Bible with us and explain it, although we did not always understand him.

“But he had a son who was a cripple, and during his illness God led him to see what a sinner he was, and what a Saviour Jesus was, and he believed what God said, and was happy, and then he wanted to be a little glow-worm for Jesus, to shine in the darkness and bring others to Him.

“Well, he used to come to our Sunday school in the afternoon, and after the lessons were over he would speak to us, or read some book out of which he hoped to teach us the way to heaven. It is a great many years ago, Harry, but I remember his words and manner (so kind and loving that you could not help listening, and could not help understanding, too, what he spoke about) as though it were but yesterday. And when he prayed it seemed so real like, that he believed God would give him what he asked for; and God did so, for through that dear young man I was saved. Do you think I ought to be quite sure I am saved, Harry?”

“Yes, uncle, because Jesus says, ‘I give unto My sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish.’” (John 10.)

“That’s it, my boy; and lots of other texts, too, speak of the youngest believer in Christ.”

ML 07/29/1917

A Nurse's Story.

I HAD been longing and praying for some work to do, or some message to carry for Jesus, when I was ordered to do duty in a strange ward, as the sister in charge there had gone away for some hours. I felt very pleased to take this new duty, especially in her absence, for this would give me a freedom which I could not have while she was there; and even in the wards there is often a jealousy about speaking to each other’s patients.

Passing along the bedsides I observed a poor girl, who had, along with other ailments, fallen into dropsy. She was reading a book, but seeing a new nurse approaching, she laid it down upon the bed. I picked it up, and saw that it was entitled: “Food for the children of God.” I expressed pleasure to see her reading such a nice book, and she said it was indeed a very good book. “And are you one of God’s children?” I asked.

“O, no!” she replied, “I am not able to say that; I wish I were.”

I had only time for a few words, but I tried to encourage her to seek first to come to Christ, for then she would fully enjoy the food as her own.

Later on I had to give her medicine, and when she had taken it I said—

“If you could take Christ as easily as you have taken this medicine, would you not do its”

“O, yes,” she said, “I wish I could.”

“You can,” I said. “‘The gift of God is eternal life.’ He will give it to you; He waits to bless and save you.”

I had no opportunity to visit that ward again until a good many days after. My dropsical friend was much weaker. I slipped in, and approached her bed. She at once recognized me, and putting her arms around my neck as I bent over her, she said—

“O nurse, I have it! I am not afraid to die now!”

“What do you have?” I asked.

“Eternal life, and I shall never perish, no one shall pluck me out of His hands.” Then she added— “Nurse, I have you to thank;” but I stopped her by saying—

“Both you and I have to thank God, for He loved us, and gave His only-begotten and well-beloved Son, that we might have eternal life through Him.”

ML 07/29/1917

A Child's Question.

It seems so wonderful, mamma,

Indeed, how can it be?

You say that He who made the world

Died on the cross for me!

Oh! yes, my child, ‘tis true indeed,

For He came down from heaven;

And took upon Him all our sins,

That we might be forgiven.

Yes, He was once a child like you,

And grew to be a man;

For none but He could thus fulfil

His Father’s gracious plan.

For God so loved this world of ours,

He gave His Son to die;

That whosoever trusts in Him

Should live eternally.

Then come to Him, my darling child,

He bids you come today;

And He has promised, him that comes

He’ll never cast away.

And oh! so safe His little lambs

Upon their Shepherd’s breast,

That whether they should live or die,

They are forever blest!

ML 07/29/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for June.

“And Jesus came and spake.” etc. Matt. 28:18.

“For what is a man profited.” etc. 16:26.

“And whosoever shall exalt,” etc. 23:12.

“And said, verily I say unto you,” etc. 18:3.

“But He answered and said,” etc. 4:4.

“Because strait is the gate,” etc. 7:14.

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor,” etc. 11.28.

Bible Questions for August.

The answers are to be found in Luke.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “That repenteth.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “Midst of them.”

3.Write the verse containing the words; “Your treasure.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “City of David.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “Heareth My sayings.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “Come to the place.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “Standing afar off.”

ML 08/05/1917

Talking to Jesus.

“DID you speak to me, Grandma?” said one who was watching beside the sick-bed of an aged saint and who thought she was being spoken to by her, and therefore asked the question, “Did you speak to me?”

“No,” replied the happy and yet suffering one; “I am talking to Jesus.”

This was said in a way which told more than the mere words could express; in a way which told of the deep joy and settled peace of the heart, which could thus in the quiet and solemnity of the midnight hour, and on the bed of pain be “talking to Jesus.”

She had before this been talking about Jesus, and had fallen into a quiet slumber, in which she was still supposed to be. But no; she had awakened, and was “talking to Jesus,” as the broken accents fell upon the watching one’s ear.

And now, dear children, I will write to ask you, Have you ever “talked to Jesus”? I know you have talked about Him, and sung about Him; but I want to know whether you have ever been “talking to Jesus”?

To talk to and to talk about are different things, are they not? You have often talked about the President, but perhaps not one of you has ever talked to him. Just as you may have talked about Jesus, yet have never talked to Him.

And do you know what is necessary to be able to talk to Jesus? Only one thing, and that is, to believe on Him. Not to believe about Him only, but to believe on Him; that is, to know yourself as a lost sinner; and Him—that is Jesus—as the Saviour of lost sinners. To know yourself a very great sinner; and Jesus as the One who has taken your sins upon Himself, and has been punished for them all. And, O, how you will love to talk not only about Him, but to Him! Yes, and praise Him too. Then why, dear little one, will you not be happy? Sometimes you sing—

“Jesus, only, He can give

Sweetest pleasures while we live.”

You would love to talk to Jesus, would you not? When He was on earth, He took little children up in His arms and blessed them. So He must love little children, must He not? He does, indeed. He says to all, “Come.” Do not say, “No,” any longer. Go to Him. Tell Him that you will take Him as your Saviour—that His love has won your heart, and that you are His forever. But go today!

“Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart.” You, too, may be laid upon the bed of suffering and pain; and what would you do then, to have no Saviour to sympathize with you, and no Jesus to talk to?

You may be even called to lie upon the bed of death. What would you do in view of eternity? You remember, perhaps, the lines—

“Jesus can make a dying bed

Feel soft as downy pillows are.”

But what is a dying bed without Jesus? May you never experience it! Go, then, to Jesus now. He will make you happy in life, happy should you be called to die, and happy forever.

“Take salvation,

Take it now, and happy be.”

ML 08/05/1917

Jessie R; or "Jesus Is Mine."

JESSIE R—was a gay and thoughtless girl the first time I met her. She was at home for a few weeks with her friends during the holidays. Her cousin, who was a Christian, was very sorry to see Jessie growing up to be a young woman, caring only for the pleasures of the world. She had often spoken to her about Jesus, and told her of the blessedness of being His; but Jessie had always put her off with a laugh and a sneer. Like many young people, Jessie thought that if she became a Christian she would lose all her joy, and have to become very grave and sad.

No doubt many of the young get frightened at conversion, by the miserable looking faces that some religious people wear. They give one the impression that Christ makes people miserable, and they frighten others away from Him. But, my young friends, you must not take your ideas of being saved from such people, for very often it turns out that they are not true Christians at all, but mere religious professors, expecting to get to heaven because they are melancholy, and don’t smile and laugh as other people do. Jesus never made anybody sad and gloomy. He has made thousands of hearts to bound with perfect joy, and filled their tongues with singing. None are so truly happy as the people whose sins are forgiven.

But I must tell you about Jessie. Meetings for preaching the gospel were being held in the place where Jessie was spending her holidays, and after much persuasion Jessie’s cousin got her to promise to go. It was not that she cared a bit for the preaching, but she did not like to be continually refusing her cousin. She went, and was astonished to see everybody so happy. It was entirely different from what she expected. Girls of her own age were there, singing the praises of the Lamb; their very faces beaming with joy. Some of them were her companions in childhood. She knew them long ago, and now they were saved and on the way to heaven. First one, then another of them went up to Jessie and told her what the Lord had done for their souls. She felt uneasy, and deep down in her heart she wished that their joy was her own. She left that night with her ideas of being saved completely changed. Next night she offered to go of her own accord, and sat deeply interested. At the close she hung her head, and the tears were glistening in her eyes. She wanted to be happy, but she was not. The world had failed to give her the happiness she sought; and she saw that others had a peace and joy of which she knew nothing. The hymn was given out and sung by a company of new-born souls with great power and sweetness—

“O, now I have good news for you;

A story wonderful and true:

‘Twill, make you happy, that I know;

It made me glad, and now I go

To sing my great Redeemer’s song

With the happy saints above.”

Jessie could not restrain herself. The tears began to course down her cheeks, and she made no effort to hide them. Sitting down by her side, I told her of the One who came down from God to die that she might be saved, and how He had finished the work, and gone back to sit on the. Father’s throne, and gladdens the heart of every one who by faith commit their souls to Him. I pressed upon her the necessity of immediate decision for Christ, and urged upon her to make Him the Saviour and portion of her soul. I was not very sure whether she did so then or not, but we were all anxious to see her the following evening.

As I was passing on my way to the meeting, she came out of her father’s house with her Bible in her hand. There was no need for asking Jessie if she was saved. The beam of joy in her countenance told its own story. She came up and warmly shook hands with me, saying, “Jesus is mine.”

She has gone back to the busy city, with its temptations and sins; but the “everlasting arms” of her Saviour-God are underneath, to uphold and keep her. She wrote some time ago, to tell us that her joy is still in the Lord, and she does not regret having made Him the portion of her soul.

My dear young friends, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” For the pleasures of the world are false and unsatisfying; they give no real happiness.

ML 08/05/1917

Gathering Flowers.

HOW good of our Lord to supply us with not only food and raiment and everything we need, but even to give us that which is pleasing to our eyes, and sense of smell. The beautiful flowers which grow in such abundance and so many varieties remind us of God’s wonderful provision for us, His creatures. We should truly have responsive hearts, and seek to live to His praise, seeing He has been so good to us in this creation. But there is something else that God has done which shows more than His provision in creation that He is good to us, and that is that when He looked upon us in all our sins and hatred in our hearts to Him by our wicked works, His heart went out in love and pity for us. So rather than have us bear what we deserved, He gave the One He loved the most to take our place and bear our sins and our punishment. Jesus was the one He gave, and it was on Calvary’s cross He gave Him. There was no one else in all the universe who could meet God’s holy claims and stand in our place but Jesus. Have you accepted Him as your Saviour, and thanked Him for being so willing to die for you? And have you thanked God for sparing Him from His side for you? If you have not, may you do so now, and thank Him also for all the things He has given us in creation.

The little girl in our picture seems so pleased as she plucks the blossom off the tree, but it is very possible that she is just thinking of the beauty and sweet fragrance, and forgetting the Giver. May this never be with one of my readers, but may our hearts ever be going up to God in praise for all His gifts. But, above all, His unspeakable gift—the gift of His Son.

“THANKS BE UNTO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT.” 2 Cor. 9:15.

ML 08/05/1917

The Good Shepherd.

See the tender Shepherd treading,

O’er the rough and thorny way,

Down into the awful chasm,

Where the wandering sheep doth lay.

Thorns and stones His path do cover,

Wounding Him at every step;

But the Shepherd’s heart is yearning

O’er His naughty, erring sheep.

Though deep sorrows weigh His spirit,

Yet His heart with love abounds;

Love which cannot be contented,

Till its object it has found.

Onward in His course He presses,

Over mountains steep and drear—

Then a feeble cry of anguish

Falls upon His list’ning ear.

Now behold His glad rejoicing,

“I have found my long-lost sheep;”

On His shoulder strong He bears it,

And the Shepherd’s joy’s complete.

Oh, what love it was that brought Him

Down from heaven’s eternal bliss;

Shame and death for us to suffer!

Was there ever love like this?

Each to his own way has turned,

We like sheep from Him have stray’d;

But the Lord upon that Shepherd

Our iniquity has laid.

Nails His hands and feet have pierced,

Wounded, too, His holy side:

Tell me, reader, do you know Him,

He who thus for you has died?

ML 08/05/1917

The First Flight.

SEE the little bird that has left the nest, and is trying to fly! Its claws are drawn in, and its wings are only half spread, and it seems to be going down instead of up; but soon, perhaps, the wings will stretch out and begin to flap, and the little bird, beginning to realize its power, will mount upward. Or maybe it will go quite down to the ground, and have to try again and again before it will succeed in its upward flight, for little birds have to learn to fly, just as little boys and girls have to learn to walk.

How eagerly the mother bird, and perhaps the little brother, seated on the edge of the nest, watch the little one that has gone out, as it seems to hover in the air. They look as if they felt the deepest interest; and the little one so wide awake may soon follow. The other little one in the nest looks up at its mother, as if to say: “I wouldn’t like to try that.” The other two seem to be cooing to each other, not thinking at all that they, too, will have to fly, though one of them looks like one of the old birds.

Sometimes little birds do not like to leave their soft, warm nests; they would rather stay where they are, than exert themselves to fly; but this will not do, for the time will come when they, too, must leave the nest.

Now, dear little readers of this paper, do you think you should learn to fly? I fancy I hear some of you saying: “O, I never could do that!” And it is quite true that you cannot fly with your bodies; but let me tell you how you can fly: If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can learn to fly, “in spirit,” above the things of this world. Suppose someone would say to you, “There’s no harm in going to see the show, it’s ever so nice;” and you could answer, “The show belongs to the world, and I cannot go to it, for God says:

“WHOSOEVER WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD.” Jas. 4:4.

Ah! then you are learning to soar in spirit above the things of the world.

People with their comfortable homes, and nice surroundings, who do not care for the heavenly things, are like the little birds who do not wish to leave their soft, warm nests. But suppose a storm should come and blow the nest away! Then the little birds that have refused to learn to fly, would be dashed to the ground and killed. So it will be with those who are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,” when the storm of God’s wrath will come upon this poor world; they will be thrown out of their comfortable nests, and they will perish.

Come, then—come now, to Jesus! and, knowing Him, seek strength to fly—that is, to rise in spirit above these things that are of the world. It will prove a blessed flight, whose terminus will be that happy home where there will be no more going out.

ML 08/12/1917

The Message From Heaven.

ONE day God opened heaven and called out these beautiful words: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” (Matt. 17:5.) Are they not beautiful words, children? They were spoken to some fishermen, but about the Lord Jesus Christ.

You know that name very well—you have heard it very often, and have sung it in hymns perhaps. But do you know that God, who lives in heaven, loved Him so much that He called out of heaven to tell us so?

Three things God said that day about Him: He called Him “beloved”; He called Him “Son”; and that He (the blessed God) was well pleased with Him.

Children, do you know why God was well pleased with Him?

Because the Lord Jesus could say, “I do always those things that please Him.” “I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.”

Which do you like to do? your own will, or the will of someone else?

Do you not like to do your own will best, very often?

But the Lord Jesus always did the will of His Father.

He even said once, when weary and hungry, to His disciples, when they wanted Him to eat, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” He loved better to finish God’s work than to stop and refresh Himself.

What was God’s work, dear children, that kept His beloved Son so occupied, and gave Him no time to spare?

Listen! It was the salvation of sinners.

God’s great work was your salvation. Jesus Christ has done that great work for God. He said, “I have finished the work which Thou gayest Me to do.”

It was God’s work, and His servant Jesus accomplished it. Do you know what it cost Him to do that work?

The cost was His life.

No one can give more than his life, can he? But the Lord Jesus gave Himself. He “offered Himself without spot to God.” And the blessed God “laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” so that all who believe on Him can say, “He bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24), and also that He suffered “the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”

Was God satisfied with the work and also the way the work was done?

Yes, perfectly satisfied.

Has another voice called out of heaven to tell us so? No! A greater thing God has done, He has raised up the Lord Jesus Christ out from among the dead, and has put Him at His own right hand in heaven.

He is there now. The marks are in His hands and in His side, of that death upon the cross on which He died for sinners. He is safe now out of all the cruel hatred of man against Him. He is seated at the right hand of the majesty in the heavens.

That is the proof that God is satisfied.

Do you know you never could be forgiven your sins or saved from judgment, unless Jesus had done God’s work? for it is only the blood of Jesus Christ that can clean away sin. His blood can make you whiter than snow.

He is coming again to take those who will receive Him, to be with Him in glory, and all who receive Him not, will (terrible to say) be turned into hell, with “all the nations that forget God.” The last words of the message are, “hear ye Him.”

No one can hear Him for you, dear child; you must hear Him yourself. Are you a sinner? He said, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Are you lost? He said, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

He said also, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” Are you weary of yourself and all your ways? He has said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Listen once more to words so sweet and lovely, meant for you especially. He said Himself, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

ML 08/12/1917

Little Charlie.

I DON’T want to!”

That was what angry little Charlie said when his mamma told him to come into the house. O, shame on a little boy who will speak so. I hope you do not act and speak as Charlie did to dear mamma.

It began to look like rain; thick clouds were coming up in the west, and there was a sound of distant thunder.

Alice brought in her new dolly. She had been playing under the trees with it, and Charlie had been drawing his little cart through the walks; for the day had been warm and sultry, and the children had played in the garden all the afternoon.

Charlie said, “I don’t want to,” when his kind mother called him, and then he ran down the walk so as to get out of her way. At the end of the walk there was a little bridge which crossed a stream and led out into an open field. Beyond the field was a broad belt of woodland, and towards this Charlie ran to hide away. His mother called Mary to go and look for him, and bring the naughty boy in the house before the shower should reach him. But while Mary was looking in the garden, Charlie was wandering farther on through the woods.

Presently there came a heavy clap of thunder, and the rain began to fall in great drops, that speedily became a heavy torrent. Then Charlie was frightened. He did not know where to go. He found that he was lost, and knew not which way to turn so as to find his way home. The rain fell so fast that he was wet to his skin; the water soaked his neck and curls; it got in the sleeves of his jacket as he held up his arms to keep his hat on, and even ran down his little bare legs to his short socks and down into his slippers.

O, what a sight to behold was naughty little Charlie! You would not have thought he belonged to decent people, for he fell many times, and the wet mud smeared his wet clothes; the briars through which he forced his way, tore his hands and legs, and made great rents in the pretty white linen coat in which he had looked so fine. He was mud from head to foot; and now a strong blackberry vine caught in his hat and tore it off from his head, while every moment the rain came down faster and faster.

Aha! Master Charlie! “I don’t want to!” —that was what he said half an hour before; but O, how he did want to come in now! How gladly he would have rushed into mamma’s arms. But he had no knowledge of which way to turn, or which way to find his dear home and his mamma; so he rushed on and on, every moment getting more and more wet and dirty as the mud splashed over him, and the wet leaves rubbed against him, and the prickly branches tore his clothes. At last he came suddenly upon a little stream, into which he slipped and fell, striking his hand against a stone. His poor little hand was very much cut, and began to bleed so profusely that, besides the mud and wet, his clothes were now all smeared with blood.

He could not walk or run any more. He could only sit down on the wet ground, for he felt very sick and faint. He felt so miserable that he thought he was going to die; and when he remembered that the very last words he had spoken to dear mamma were spoken in anger, and that his very last act had been one of disobedience, then he felt wretched indeed. He thought he would pray to God; so he began—

“Now I lay me down to sleep.”

No, he felt that was not right, for he was not going to lie down to sleep at all. He did not know what to say; so he just called out, “O, please, God, help me!” And that was, after all, the best prayer he could have made; for immediately after he added, “O, God, Charlie is sorry for being such a bad boy;” and then he did not remember anything more, for he had become insensible.

When he awoke he found himself in his own little bed, with all his dirty wet clothes taken off, and mamma leaning over him rubbing him. He had been found and brought home; all the family had turned out to look for him, and they were so glad to find him that they did everything now to make him comfortable.

Some days after this papa read in the Bible about the prodigal son; and Charlie said to mamma that night, “I think I know how the prodigal son felt when he wanted to get back.”

“You might know something of the feeling,” mamma replied.

“But, mamma, what made you so glad to get me back; for you know I was so naughty?”

“It was because I loved you so,” said mamma; “and that was why the father was so glad to see the prodigal son, and that also is why God is glad to welcome us back. God loves us. ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’”

ML 08/12/1917

Little Bessie.

LITTLE Bessie was in bed Norre came in and found her lying wide awake.

“Ah! alone in the dark,” said Norre, “and not afraid at all, are you, Bessie, darling?”

“No, indeed,” said little Bessie, “for I am not all alone. God is here. I look out of the window and see the stars, and God seems to be looking down on me with His loving eyes.”

“To be sure,” said Norre, “but God up in the sky is a great way off.”

“No,” said Bessie, “God is here, too; and sometimes He seems to be clasping me in His arms, and then I feel so happy.”

ML 08/12/1917

Jesus' Love for Little Children.

Even unto little children,

Jesus Christ said, “Come to Me”;

And He spoke to them so kindly,

Took the babes upon His knee.

Still He loves the little children,

Still He says, “Come unto Me”;

Beckons them to come and trust Him,

Trust His dying on the tree.

ML 08/12/1917

The Blessed Man.

“BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful: But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psa. 1:1, 2.)

The happy man, whom David describes in the first Psalm, is one who finds his “delight” in the word of his God, and sinful ways of “the men of this world.” There are those around him who are “ungodly”; who have not the fear of God before their eyes, and who live out their days as though there were “no God”; but He is not guided by them.

“Looking unto Jesus,” is the way to be led aright in this sinful world, where we all go the wrong way if we are guided only by our own thoughts. Then, if we are directed by His “counsel” (Psa. 73:24) it is not the “way of sinners” in which we “stand.” We have learned that we are sinners, but that Christ “died for sinners”; that He “came into the world to save sinners,” and that God Himself shows “His own love,” in that while we were sinners, “Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). But when we are thus saved from our sins, it is no longer the “way of sinners” we delight in, but we say, “SHOW ME THY WAYS, O LORD; TEACH ME THY PATHS.” Psa. 25:4.

And we find His ways are “ways of pleasantness,” and all His paths are “peace.”

May you, dear children, take delight in reading God’s word, and thus get His wisdom, and be kept from the many sins of this world.

ML 08/19/1917

It Comes From Above.

THERE was once a poor boy who was called “Little Peter.” He was an orphan, and begged from door to door. He had a beautiful voice, and sang very sweetly, and people did not often refuse to give him. He had a habit of saying, whatever would happen, “It comes from above;” and this is the way he learned to say it. When his father was dying, he said to his son, “My dear Peter, you will now be left alone, and many troubles you will have in the world. But always remember that all comes from above; then you will find it easy to bear everything with patience.”

In order not to forget these words, Peter would very often repeat them to himself, aloud. When he knocked at a door and the people would ask who was there, he would say “Alms for Little Peter.” Or he would say:

“Alms, to little Peter give;

Without shoes or hat I go,

To my home beyond the sky;

I have nothing here below.”

He acknowledged every gift by saying. “It comes from above!” and the Lord often used this little word of testimony. Once, as he was passing through the town, a sudden gust of wind blew off a portion of the roof of a house, which struck him to the ground. His first words, on rising, were. “It comes from above.” Those who heard him, laughed, and thought he must be out of his mind, for, of course, what hurt him could not fall from below. But they did not understand him. A minute after, the wind tore off a whole roof, in the same street, which crushed three men to death. Had Peter not been hindered by his fall, he might have been, at that moment, just where the roof fell.

Another time a gentleman employed him to carry a letter to a neighboring town, telling him to go with great haste. On the way, he tried to jump over a ditch, but it was too wide, and so he fell in and was nearly drowned. The letter was lost in the mud, and could not be found.

“It comes from above,” were the first words of the little boy when he got out. But the gentleman was quite angry, and drove him out of his store with a whip.

“It comes from above,” said Peter. The next day the gentleman sent for him.

“See here, that is for falling into the ditch,” said he, as he handed him quite a nice sum of money. “It was a good thing for me that the letter did not go, as I should have lost a great deal if it had gone.”

“It comes from above,” was Peter’s answer.

And so he went on all his life. He did not know many things, but this he learned well, and the Lord blessed him in using it. When he had grown to be a large boy, he was still called “Little Peter.” And now the Lord fully provided for him, by means of his confession of faith in things coming from above. A rich man came into the town where he was, and having heard his story, sent for him, that he might give him something. When he entered the room the gentleman said, “Why do you think I sent for you, Peter?” “It comes from above,” was the boy’s answer.

This greatly pleased the kind gentleman, and after thinking awhile, he said, “You are right; I will take you into my service and provide for you. Will you agree to that?”

“It comes from above,” answered Peter, “why should I not?”

Here he was taken care of and was taught a trade, and when his generous friend died, he left Peter a large sum of money, and so he became rich. But everything to him came but from one place, “above!”

Even so, dear young friends, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17.) We are not made happy by what we have ourselves, but by what we receive from Him. And the first best gift, is His only begotten Son, that we might have life. It is all gift, when we come to God; He loves to give. Just think of these precious gifts: His Son Jesus Christ, life, breath, and all things, salvation, eternal life, grace and glory. And His way of giving is freely, liberally, abundantly, running over. Now, can you not trust Him? He has sent His Son to make sure to us, all things. Receive Him, as your Saviour, freely offered to put away all sin.

ML 08/19/1917

Drops of Water.

“RAIN, rain, go away, come again another day.” A child’s voice so full of trouble that it sounded almost like a cry, half singing, half saying the words with which my story opens, reached the ear of Alfred Mayfield, as he crossed the hall of his father’s house one rainy day. He stood for a few moments with one hand on the handle of the street door, as if about to open it, then said, almost in a whisper, as if speaking to himself, “Poor little Amy, it must have been quite a disappointment for her not being able to go to M— today. I wonder if I could cheer her up.” In less time than it takes to write it, his waterproof and umbrella were returned to their places, and recrossing the hall he entered the family sitting room in search of his little sister.

He had not far to seek, for Amy stood at the window, looking out with a very blank face into the damp, cheerless street.

So absorbed indeed the child had been that she did not seem to hear the approach of her brother. Bending over the little girl, he lifted her gently down from the high stool on which she had perched herself, then drawing a cozy arm-chair up to the fire, seated himself with Amy on his knee.

Amy smiled through tears into her brother’s face, then laying her small, thin hand on his arm, said softly, “O, Bertie, this is nice; but I thought you wanted to go out?”

“So I did, little sister,” Alfred answered in a very cheerful tone. “I wanted to go and see a poor sick boy, who is in my Sunday School class, but I think I wanted still more to stay at home and comfort a lonely little girl.”

“Yes, Bertie, I am lonely. You don’t know how dull it is, now dear mamma is in heaven. Papa has to stay so late at the office, and Mrs. Green is always busy, and says I must amuse myself and not worry her; and you know I must not talk to you when you are at your books. O, dear, how I do wish the Doctor would say I was strong, and let me go to school again. And, please, Bertie, if it is not very naughty to ask, why do you think God let the rain come today, so that 1 can’t even go into the garden?”

“Because He loves you, little sister, He knows how glad you are to welcome the spring flowers. You cannot see them yet, though, perhaps, after the rain is over we may find a few snowdrops in the garden border, just like messengers sent to tell us that the spring is coming; that crocuses, violets, and primroses will soon be here, but the raindrops are needed.

“A very long time ago God said to Noah, ‘Seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.’ (Gen. 8.22.) And resting on His word, we know that sunshine and showers, bright days and dark ones alike tell us of the wisdom and the love of our Heavenly Father.”

“You have often heard about the Lord Jesus and His love to little children; but have you trusted in Him as your very own Saviour? Do you know Him as “your Friend? One who loves you? Yes, dear Amy, His love can comfort a lonely little girl and, turn even a dull and rainy day into a bright and happy time. Shall we kneel down together and speak to the Lord in prayer?”

Amy knelt by her brother’s side, and I am sure her heart went with her brother’s words, as he prayed that the Good Shepherd Jesus might bless and keep His little lamb.

ML 08/19/1917

Ella's Prayer.

“O LORD, open Thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise,” was the prayer of Ella Horton, a young Christian, who desired to speak forth the praises of Him who had redeemed her soul from death by dying for her, but she found it hard to speak, for it seemed she was dumb as yet about the things of God.

Although saved, she felt she could not speak of His love as she wished, and so prayed very earnestly that her lips might be opened and she might speak a word for Jesus. Her prayer was answered after a few days.

One afternoon she was introduced to Edna Ray, who was not a Christian, and then it was that her heart seemed so full of Christ and His love that she spoke of it and pleaded with her new acquaintance to accept Him as her Saviour. She hardly knew how she did it, but, as she thought afterwards, it was not she, but the Spirit of God within her, leading her to do God’s will.

Now, Edna was very much offended with her and sneered at her, while she gaily answered, “I am of the world—worldly.”

But, unknown to either of them, the seed of truth had sunk deeply in her heart, and it only wanted time to grow and bring forth fruit.

Days and months passed away and winter came on, and with it, great illness for Ella, whose life was despaired of, but, in answer to many prayers, she recovered.

One evening, when lying in bed very ill, who do you think came to see her? It was Edna, her old acquaintance, who had been in a sad state since Ella’s illness, for she was sorry to think how rudely she had spoken to her, and moreover, despised her for being a Christian. When she saw her lying so pale and wasted, she longed to speak the thought of her heart and ask to be forgiven. When she bid her “good-bye” (she knew not if it were the last time), she whispered, “O, Ella, I am so sorry I did not listen to your words about Jesus. I wish I felt decided about being a Christian.” And so saying, she turned away and went home heart-broken, for the look of Ella and the remembrance of her own unkindness troubled her, and she longed to be forgiven for Christ’s sake, but Ella had forgiven her.

Conscious of the burden of her sins, she went to a Bible class, and while listening to some of the sweet words of Jesus bidding the sinner come, she burst into tears and confessed that she believed in Jesus.

Thus was Ella’s prayer answered for herself, and also for her friend.

ML 08/19/1917

A Child's Prayer.

Gracious God, how good Thou art!

Let Thy goodness fill my heart;

Let Thy wisdom me engage,

Now in this my childish age.

Let Thy power my mind perceive;

In Thy Son I do believe—

In His love may I abide,

Cleaving closely to His side.

May His blood my conscience know,

As that which makes me white as snow

Through faith in Jesus by God’s Word,

Through faith in Christ the coming Lord.

ML 08/19/1917

A Hebrew Shepherd and His Sheep.

A TRAVELER from Palestine narrates the following anecdote:

A man was accused of having stolen a sheep. He was arrested, taken before the judge and brought face to face with his accuser, who declared himself the rightful owner of the animal.

The judge, knowing that in his country it is the custom for shepherds to always walk before their flock and to call to them to follow, had the sheep brought into the court room. Then, sending the prisoner into an adjoining room, he ordered the other to call his sheep. But the sheep, which did not know his voice, paid no attention to him.

In the meantime, the prisoner was getting restless and, chafing under the delay, began to whistle softly, giving the call to which his flock was accustomed. This startled the sheep, who immediately ran toward the door to answer the well-known voice.

The judge had therefore no difficulty in deciding who was the real owner of the sheep.

In John 10:4, 5, we read, “And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” In verse 11 of the same chapter: “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” You all know, dear children, who the good Shepherd is—Jesus Christ, our Saviour, the one who gave His life for the sheep. But do you know His voice and does He know you as His own lamb? “I know My sheep,” He says, “and am known of Mine;” and then again, “I lay down My life for the sheep.” Is not the weakest lamb safe in the care of such a shepherd? Will you not come to Him and be safe from “the thief (who) cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”?

“MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME. AND I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH.” John 10:27, 28.

ML 08/26/1917

Joy in Heaven.

(Luke 15.)

What joy there is in heaven

When sinners lost are found;

When Satan’s cruel chains are riven

From those whom he had bound.

The angels, wondering, gaze,

And share the holy bliss,

As they observe God’s gracious ways,

And mark the Father’s kiss.

The saints of God rejoice:

Possessing Christ’s own mind,

They gladly own the Shepherd’s choice,

As He His sheep doth find.

The Saviour’s joy, how great!

When by the Spirit taught,

With conscience purg’d, and heart elate,

A soul to God is brought.

And O! with what delight

The Father sees the Son,

Now reaping fruit from that dread fight

Which on the cross He won.

The Saviour longs and seeks

To bring the wanderer home.

O! sinner, now to thee He speaks,

His Word says, sweetly, Come.

“I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven, over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance,” Luke 15:7.

ML 08/26/1917

Dot's Faith.

IT was a cold, blustery day; such a day as drives the poor and needy, the wretched and starving indoors, if, perchance, it is more comfortable indoors than out.

A boy of eleven years of age was hurrying along the pavement of an obscure street in one of our large cities, leading by the hand his little sister, only eight years old.

Although their clothes showed the pinch of poverty, yet they were neater in appearance than any of the many children they passed, and had that look of intelligence that betokens good home training.

Turning down a side alley, they entered a house that was in a deplorably tumble-down condition, one would think unfit to live in. As they entered they were greeted by a weak, gentle voice:

“Charlie, is it you, my son? Come here, dear.”

Leaving his sister to warm herself at a scant fire, Charlie hastened to the side of the bed on which the mother lay, whence the voice had proceeded.

“What success—no work yet?” she asked as she caught the sight of his face.

“No, mother, none; no one wants a boy. Dot and I have traveled about all over the city, but it’s no use; we must starve or beg.”

“Did you go to see the persons who advertised in yesterday’s paper?” queried his mother.

“Yes, mother, we called on every one; but they all had boys already, and we went from store to store until we were both tired, and coming to church where they was holding a meetin’, we went in to get warmed; and the preacher was sayin’ to the people to throw their bread in the river, or the water, or something like that; and all the people said ‘Amen,’ like as if they was a-goin’ to do so just as soon as they got home, when you and me and Dot haven’t got none but a little bit; and I just shook my fist at him under the seat, ‘cause he might have told them to give their bread to poor people;” and the rebellious tears sprang to his eyes, while his mother drew him to her.

“Hush, my son,” she responded, “you did not understand him—God does not like a rebellious heart;” and she explained to him, as well as she could, the meaning of the text, “Cast thy bread upon the waters.”

Little Dot, his sister, had been an attentive listener, both at the church and to her mother, and in her innocence took them as literal truths.

Timidly approaching her mother’s side, she asked—

“Mother, does it mean that it will come back after awhile a big lot of bread?”

“Yes, my daughter; it means that what you give to the Lord will be given back increased an hundred times.”

Dot said nothing more, but was quiet and thoughtful the whole afternoon.

Towards evening Charlie prepared a cup of tea for his mother—the last they had; and after each had eaten a small slice of bread there remained only one slice in the cupboard, and no money to buy more.

After Charlie had gone out to continue his quest for employment, Dot quietly put on her well-worn cape, took the slice of bread from the cupboard, and stole out of the house—her mother having fallen asleep.

This was Dot’s first venture on the streets alone very far from home, and after the first few squares had been passed she was at a loss where to go to find the water, and accosting a gentleman who was approaching, she said: “Please, sir, is the water near?”

The gentleman stopped, looked at her a moment, and replied—

“Do you mean the river, my dear?”

“Yes, sir,” replied Dot.

“You are quite a distance off; what takes such a little girl to the river on such a cold day, hadn’t you better go home?”

“No, sir; I must throw the bread in the river first, so we will get more;” and she trudged bravely on in the direction the gentleman had indicated.

The latter having taken a fancy to the demure, blue-eyed little lady, and being mystified by her last reply, resolved to follow her and learn her mission to the river.

Dot finally arrived at the river, and making her way with some difficulty on to the wharf, found herself at the edge, the gentleman close behind, hid from view by a woodpile close to her.

Dot pulled the bread from her pocket, and in a scarcely audible voice began:

“Please, God, this is all the bread we’ve got, and we must do without for breakfas’; but if ‘taint too long till the hunderd slices come back, mebby Charlie can get some money to buy some a while. Send it to Dotty Horn in Thomas Alley. Amen;” and she cast the bread into the muddy river.

To say that the gentleman was affected would not describe his emotion. Hastily dashing the tears from his eyes he followed Dot homeward.

She was met by Charlie, who had been hunting her, when nearly home, and was soon clasped in her mother’s arms. In reply to her mother’s inquiries she told where she had been, ending I just thought as we had only one slice of bread I’d go and throw it in the river, and we’d get the hunderd slices afterawhile.”

Her mother, affected to tears, could not find it in her heart to chide her for her simple faith, although she knew the cupboard was empty and no one to provide more for the morrow.

“Don’t cry, mother,” cried Dot; “God will send it sure, ‘cause the preacher said He would.”

Soon after Charlie lighted the lamp and drew a chair up to the bed to read the customary chapter of Scripture before retiring, and had just begun when a knock was heard at the door, and before he could get up to open it, a man entered, placed a large basket on the floor and a letter on the table, and stepping out, returned with a bag of flour, and departed without saying a word, to the astonishment of all. Quickly running to the door Charlie looked for the man, but could find no trace of him; and closing the door, he examined the basket, which was labeled “For Dotty Horn, Her bread from off the water.” Opening it, he found bread, a large chicken, and a large list of groceries. Charlie now espied the letter on the table, and seeing it was addressed to himself, tore it open, and read, “Master Charles Horn is hereby appointed messenger in the store of John Lennox & Co., at a salary of six shillings a week. To begin at once.”

There were fervent thanksgivings in that humble household that night. Their benefactor, the gentleman who had followed Dot, had made inquiries concerning the family from near neighbors, and resolved that such sublime faith as Dot’s should not go unrewarded. Charlie is a partner in the firm now, and his mother is well again, and they both attribute their prosperity to “Dot’s faith.”

“All things, whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matt. 21:22.)

ML 08/26/1917

Is He Your Saviour?

A YOUNG lady asked a little girl, as she overtook her, when walking in the country, “Can you tell me who Jesus is?”

“Yes, Miss,” the little girl replied, “He is our Saviour.”

“But is He your Saviour?”

To this the child answered, “I do not know.”

How many there are like this little girl. They speak, sing, and talk about a Saviour, but do not know Him as their own personal Saviour. They cannot truly say, “He is my Saviour.”

Just to know that there is a Saviour, without having to do with Him personally, will benefit no one.

Let me earnestly entreat my reader not to rest till, in the presence of God, he can really say, “Christ is my Saviour,” for nothing short of knowing Him thus will avail for salvation. Be wise; take God at His word, and the result will be eternal blessing.

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

“The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall 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. 10:8-10.)

ML 08/26/1917

I Love to Trust in Jesus.

When arms of flesh are failing,

And earth seems cold and drear,

I love to trust in Christ’s strong arm,

For then He draws so near!

In deepest midnight darkness,

When not a star I see,

The harder then I lean on Him,

For then He’s nearest me.

And when the raging billows

Are threat’ning to o’erwhelm

I love to trust in Jesus then,

For He is at the helm.

Though clouds obscure His presence,

I know He’s just as near;

And still I trust His changeless love,

And will not yield to fear.

ML 08/26/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for July.

1.“And there was a cloud,” etc. Mark 9:7

2.“When Jesus heard it,” etc. 2:17

3.“And what I say unto you,” etc. 13:37

4.“For they all saw Him,” etc. 6:50

5.“But when Jesus saw it,” etc. 10:14

6.“So then after the Lord had spoken,” 16:19

7.“And they feared exceedingly,” etc. 4:41

Bible Questions for September.

The answers are to be found the Gospel of John.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “It is finished.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “Cometh unto the Father.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “In no wise.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “Lay down His life.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “Heareth My word.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “The world itself “

7.Write the verse containing the words: “Believe on His name.”

ML 09/02/1917

Attention.

WHILE a young man was waiting on the edge of the platform for his train to come up, he began to reflect in a dreamy way on what he had lately seen and heard, living over again in memory the scenes through which he had passed. He was startled from his idle musing by a sharp cry from one of the officials of

“Attention!”

“Who can the fellow be shouting at?” he said to himself. “Someone needs rousing, or is in difficulty or danger.”

Again the call—

“Attention!”

This time the man looked on either, side of him, wondering to whom the summons was addressed, when he felt a hand upon the collar of his coat, and was suddenly dragged back. Just then an engine came whizzing past so closely that he would have been caught and dragged along by it but for the timely aid of the bystander.

“Thank God for preserving my life!” exclaimed the young man fervently (who, I am happy to say, was a Christian). “Ah!” thought he, “that is the way with many who are strangers to Christ, and in danger of the great judgment. They seem to think the warnings of God’s Word are intended for someone else, —greater sinners, it may be, than they are. ‘They have ears and hear not,’ or if they do hear with their ears, do not ‘understand with their heart.’ How wise are they who give to the gospel call attention.”

And how earnestly we who are Christians should seek to snatch them from danger; as the Apostle Jude wrote, “pulling them out of the fire.”

ML 09/02/1917

Harvest.

HOW quaint is the picture before us this week, with the old way of harvesting and all its hard labor, yet men and women were just as happy doing their work that way, as they are now with, all the improvements. Can you tell what it is that will make people happy in whatever line of work they have to do? I am sure some of my readers can answer readily—it is through knowing the Lord Jesus as the One who has loved them and given Himself for them, a sacrifice on the cross. I trust all my readers may be given to know Jesus as the One who has died for them, and put all their sins away. But there is another thing our picture reminds us of and that is a harvest that God’s word tells us of in Matt. 13:30.

There He is telling us of a harvest of people that is to take place soon and of two classes which He likens to tares and wheat. Tares look like wheat until they come to bear fruit and then the difference can easily be detected. A man with experience in that line can tell the difference from the start, but to one who is not acquainted with it, he could not so readily tell. The tares are like a great many religious people who are not trusting in Christ and His finished work, yet by their religion they may look like real Christians, they are to be gathered into bundles for God’s terrible judgment, because they had not believed in Christ, but trusted to their own goodness as a means of salvation. But the wheat is what He uses as a picture of those who are His—who therefore have seen they could not save themselves, and believed in Christ as the only One who could save them; so at the time of harvest, the Lord Jesus will come in the clouds to take all His own to be forever with Himself. Be sure, dear, reader, you are among those who are likened to wheat, and not of those who are likened to the tares. Then when the Lord Jesus comes you will rejoice to go to be forever with him.

“YET A LITTLE’ WHILE AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY.” Heb. 10:37.

ML 09/02/1917

Little Stanley and the Great Storm

I expect even the smallest of you who read this have seen a thunderstorm, have heard the loud noise of the thunder, and seen the bright flash of the lightning, and perhaps some of you felt rather frightened, while others are braver and like to watch. I wonder if any of you can find a Psalm, which speaks of the thunder as God’s voice, and one verse which says, “The God of glory thundereth.”

If I were to ask you, “When is it that the thunderstorms come?” I think you would all say, “O, they come in the summer,” and you would be quite right; they generally do. But the storm I am going to tell you about came in the winter.

We had all gone to bed, and were asleep, when at about twelve o’clock we were suddenly wakened up by the loudest peal of thunder I have ever heard. It was like crash upon crash of artillery sounding out; and shall I whisper to you that although I am many, many years older than you, I was frightened! and you will know how terrible the noise was when I tell you that several people were made quite ill by it.

After the thunder had died away, we had, O! such a storm of wind and hail and rain, which lasted for several hours. But now I want to tell you that a dear little boy called Stanley, about five years old, was staying with his father and mother and tiny sister in the same town for a little holiday, and on that night he was tucked into his little bed as usual, and was fast asleep, when suddenly there came the great crash of which I have been telling you, waking him up, as well as his father and mother. And what do you think little Stanley said? I do not think you could guess if you tried. I expect you would think that such a tiny boy would be frightened, and want his kind mother to cuddle him up in her arms until the storm was over. But strange to say, dear little Stanley was not one bit afraid. He just sat up in his little bed, and said so sweetly, “Is that Jesus mamma?”

His dear father said afterwards it made him think of the verse when Jesus came to His disciples in the storm, and said, “It is I; be not afraid.”

But I think I hear some of you saying in astonishment, “Why did the little boy think it was Jesus?” Well, I think this is the reason. His dear father and mother both loved the Lord Jesus, and were expecting Him to come very soon from heaven to take them up there to live with Him always; and they had read to little Stanley the verses which speak about it, and in several of these verses we are told that as the Lord Jesus comes down from heaven there will be a shout and sound of a trumpet, which is called “the trump of God.” And so dear Stanley did not feel afraid when he heard the great noise of the thunder, but thought it was Jesus coming to take them all up to heaven, as He has said He will do.

Now, before you finish reading this, I would like you to get your Bibles and either read for yourself, or ask mother to read to you, a few verses which speak about the coming of the Lord Jesus, so that you may know just what God says about it. One is in 1 Thess. 4:16, 17, and the other is in 1 Cor. 15:51, 52. There you will see about the shout, and “the trump of God”; and also I specially want you to think about “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”

You know how quickly a moment passes by, and how quickly you blink your eye; and yet just as quickly as you can do that, Jesus is coming again; and who do you think He will take up to heaven with Him? He will take all who love Him, and whose sins have been washed away in His precious blood. But, dear children, those who do not love Him, and who have not come to Him to have their sins washed away, will be left down here, and will never go to heaven to be with Jesus. If I were to ask you, “Do you want to go to heaven with Jesus?” I know you would all say to me, “O, yes, I would like to be in heaven with Jesus”; but then little children and grown-up people often add, in their hearts, if not out loud, “But there is plenty of time, I need not be saved just yet.” And so I do want you to think of what the Bible says, that Jesus is coming “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” and then it will be too late for you to get your sins put away. Now He is holding out His loving arms to every little child and grown-up person too, and saying so tenderly, “Come unto Me.” Will you not come to Him now? Then you too will be glad and happy if Jesus were to come, even tonight. (Mark 13:33, 35.)

ML 08/02/1917

I Can't Understand It!

IT was four o’clock on a bright Sunday afternoon, the last hymn had been sung, and the children were all eager to be let out of school, when the superintendent said, “We should be so glad if any boy or girl would stay with us to a short prayer meeting we are going to have this afternoon.”

Several children remained, and amongst them a bright-faced little girl of about twelve.

She knelt very quietly in a corner, with her face buried in her little brown hands, while the short, earnest prayers were being offered up, and then tried to slip away without being noticed, but her teacher laid a hand on her shoulder and said, kindly, “Why don’t you trust Jesus, Dorothy?”

The child laughingly shook off the detaining hand, and darted into the street. Then the little face grew very grave, and Dorothy said wearily to herself, “That’s what they all say, ‘Why don’t you trust Jesus?’ and they can’t see how all the time I am longing to know Him, but I can’t understand it. I don’t know the way to be saved. I wish I did—O, I wish I did.”

Late that night Dorothy went up to her little room. All the evening she had tried to be her usual cheerful self, but there was such an aching in her heart, poor child—she was seeking the Good Shepherd, and she knew not where to look for Him.

Kneeling down by the window, she laid her head upon the sill, and let the tears flow. “O, if Jesus was here, if He lived on earth now,” she thought, “I would go straight to Him, and tell Him all about it. I would tell Him that I cannot understand how to be saved, and He would help me to find out the way.”

Suddenly a bright thought came— “Wasn’t Jesus there all the time with her in her little room? Even though she could not see Him, mightn’t she speak with Him just the same? Why hadn’t she thought of it before?” And there, in the deepening twilight, Dorothy told Jesus all—how unhappy she was, and how she longed to be saved.

Long she knelt there—she had so much to tell the Lord Jesus—and when she at last got up from her knees the little face was perfectly radiant with happiness. Jesus had taken the trouble all away; she had found the way to Him at last.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” (John 3:36.)

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

ML 08/02/1917

Robbing the Poor Birds.

TWO boys were roaming through the woods one day, when they saw a bird’s nest high up in a tree. Now, their parents had told them not to hunt for nests, or to climb the tree for them, as it was cruel to take away their tiny houses; and if Alfred and Frank had been obedient boys they would have remembered this and left the nest where it was.

But Alfred was determined to get the nest almost as soon as he caught sight of it. With some difficulty he managed to climb the trunk and reach the upper branches where the nest was lodged. He was pleased to find four pretty eggs in it, and at once began to pull the nest away from the twigs by which it was held.

While doing this, however, he did not notice that he had placed his foot on a dead and rotten branch; and as his weight began to bear more directly upon it, a sudden crack was heard, and before Alfred could save himself by grasping another and firmer branch, he dropped the nest and the eggs, which were all smashed on the path, and he fell nearly twenty feet to the ground.

Poor Alfred! This was a sad ending to his expected pleasure, but it was well earned by his disobedience, and although Frank had not, like him, been up the tree, I think he was equally at fault, for he did not seek to help Alfred to do right, and he looked on with equal interest while his brother sought to get the nest.

Alfred was not really injured, but was much bruised and shaken by his fall and unable to walk home so that Frank had to do his best to carry him on his back. This was a slow way of returning, as Frank had often to stop and rest.

I think both boys will remember that day, especially as they could not hide from their dear parents what they had been doing. I trust it will remind them that all wrong-doing will meet its due reward. The Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23), and “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” This is the course of things; the punishment may be withheld for a time, but will be sure to come at last, unless there is confession of our sins, and the happy result of confession—forgiveness. O, how sweet is forgiveness, and if my readers have not tasted it, I trust they may soon do so.

“BE NOT DECEIVED; GOD IS NOT MOCKED: FOR WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP.” Gal. 6:7.

ML 09/09/1917

"Remember Now Thy Creator in the Days of Thy Youth."

(Eccl. 12:1.)

In these budding years of promise,

While your heart is light,

O, remember your Creator

Now, while all is bright!

Prospects fair may be before you,

But, O, stay awhile!

What is all the world can offer

To the Saviour’s smile?

While your heart is young and tender,

Trust it to His care;

In these days so bright with sunshine

Live for Jesus here.

Yes, remember Him who made you,

And by whom you live;

O, remember your Creator,

To Him glory give.

He who made you, O, remember

Made you for His praise.

Made you for Himself, then render

To Him all your days.

Now remember Him, and trust Him,

Do not turn away;

He is calling now, O, listen!

Think of Him today.

Now, O, now His Word repeats it,

Now this very day,

Come to Him e’en for salvation,

Come in His own way.

Turn away from thoughts of pleasure

And from self, from all;

Think now only of the Saviour,

Listen to His call.

O, remember and consider

Him and all His love!

In these days so full of sunshine

Think of Him above.

ML 09/09/1917

Package of Mixed Seed.

HAVE you any seeds of kindness for sale?” a little boy asked at a seed store. “Seeds of kindness — what are those?” said the man.

“Why in our Sunday school we sing:

‘Then scatter seeds of kindness,

For our reaping by and by.’

I have a little garden, and I want to plant some kindness seeds.”

“O, those come in a mixed package.” said the man as he took a big book from a shelf.

“That looks like a Bible,” the little boy thought. And, sure enough, it was.

“Let me see. I think I will find that package of seeds in 2 Peter 1:5,” said the man. “Yes, there it is; see if you can read it for me, beginning with the fifth verse.”

So the boy read: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

“Eight kinds of seeds in this package, you see,” said the man.

“But aren’t there any real seeds?” said the boy. “Does it just mean that you are to be kind to people?”

“Yes, that is what it means,” said the man. “But kindness and love and faith are real things; and if you plant them in your heart, they will live and grow just as seeds grow in the garden.”

“What is the reaping by-and-by?” said the boy.

“It means that if you are kind, people will be kind to you,” said the seedman; “and, better than all, it means that God, who is kind to the unthankful and evil, will be pleased with you.”

“I shall find that package of mixed seeds in my Bible when I get home,” said the boy, “and it may help me to remember to be kind all the time.”

ML 09/09/1917

Precious Blood.

ONE bright day I was walking in the country when I came upon a plow-boy, who was endeavoring to clean his boots and leggings of the mud that clung to them.

I went up to him, and, offering him a little book, said, “Your muddy boots make me think of your sins and mine; they cling to us till we find the way to get rid of them.” The boy willingly took the book, put it into his pocket, and then looked up at me with a surprised expression.

“You have sins, have you not?”

“O, yes.”

“Do you know how to get rid of them?”

“Yes; by prayer.”

“You don’t pray for what is offered to you as a free gift! You didn’t pray for that book I offered you; you took it.” I then told him how God, in the Gospel, was offering salvation to lost sinners through the precious blood of Christ, and warned him that if he went into the presence of God in his sins, he would be cast out in judgment into the lake of fire.

“You don’t want to go to hell, do you?” The boy, with an anxious, earnest look, said, “No, sir!”

“Well, God’s Word says, ‘How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.’ I was talking to a man lately, and I said to him, ‘R—, are you going down into that lake of fire?’

“‘No, sir; He won’t let me,’ he replied. “‘Who will not let you?’ I asked.

“‘Jesus Christ.’

“‘Why, what about your sins?’

“‘Gone!’ he said.

“‘Gone where? How’s that?’

“‘Precious blood!’ sweetly sounded from his lips.”

I parted from the boy, saying, “Take care, my boy! don’t neglect God’s salvation; God’s way of taking away sins. You may have difficulty in getting those boots and leggings clean, but if you take God at His word, the precious blood will wash away all your sins, and make you quite clean in His sight. ‘The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.’”

Dear reader, are you still praying, while a “finished” work is presented before you as God’s remedy for all sin? God calls Himself, in His Word, “God our Saviour,” adding, “who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” And again we read, He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Are you still praying, when God says, by His Apostle, “The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith which we preach: that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved?”

ML 09/09/1917

Little Nellie.

LITTLE Nellie was a little girl in my class at the Sunday School, a bright, happy child about nine years of age, with such pretty little ways that one could not help loving her.

One Sunday afternoon when I had been telling the children of the love of Jesus in coming right down from His Father in heaven, to die that we might live, and how He lives again and leads to Himself all who put their trust in Him, she suddenly asked me, where is Jesus now?

What would you say if you were asked where Jesus is, where is He now?

If you get your Bibles and turn to Mark 16:19 you will read, “So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them (His disciples), He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”

Then turn to Acts 1:11 and you will know where Jesus is, and where He is soon coming from.

When I had told little Nellie what you have just read, it pleased her very much, and about three weeks afterwards, she said, “I should so like to be lien Jesus, because He loved me and gave Himself for me.”

There are many little girls like Nellie, we are happy to say, but there are many, too, who cannot say what she said, who are not happy when we speak to them about Jesus, because they know how grieved He is at their naughty ways, they don’t like to think that soon He is coming again, to take all who are His, all who love Him, and know their sins are washed away by His precious blood to be forever with Him, they are afraid they would be left behind.

O, dear boy or girl, if these are your thoughts, do come to Jesus now; He is bidding you come to Himself now, for only those who come now will go with Him then. You may come at once by faith to Him, and know Him as your own precious, loving Saviour, then you will learn to love Him, to wait for Him to come, and be able to say as little Nellie did, “I should so like to be with Jesus, because He loved me and gave Himself for me.”

ML 09/09/1917

A Home for Me.

There is a home in heaven for me

A home and with the Lord;

Who gained this blessed home for me?

‘Twas He who died on Calvary,

‘Twas Jesus Christ the Lord.

There is a crown in heaven for me,

Laid up before the Lord;

And who hath won this crown for me?

‘Twas He who bled on Calvary,

The Lamb of God, the Lord.

There is a life in heaven for me,

A life, and with the Lord;

Who bought with blood this life for me?

‘Twas He who hung on Calvary,

The Son of God, the Lord.

Yes, Jesus won them all for me,

He is the risen Lord.

He bore my sins upon the tree,

Upon the cross at Calvary,

He is my life, my Lord.

ML 09/09/1917

Love One Another.

WE often find that when dogs and cats are raised together they learn to be kind to one another and love each other as far as they know how. But when they are not, we often see the dogs so naughty and hateful to the cats that they will chase them and if they can get hold of them they will kill them. The dog, being stronger, seems to think the weaker must not live.

We need not be so surprised to see the poor animals act that way but how terrible when we see strong boys tormenting and hurting weaker ones. Do you think God made us with such a nature? O no, dear boys and girls, the Bible lets us know that God made man perfect, but Satan came and sowed bad seed in his heart, seed of distrust in God and disobedience, and all these bad things came as a result of it. So it is necessary for us to be born again. It is necessary for us to have a new life and nature so as to do the things that are pleasing to God. I do not mean that one cannot be trained to abstain from doing certain bad things, that may be done, but in order to be fit for God we need a new life and nature; that is why God’s Word says, “Ye must be born again.”

The Scripture says, “‘Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” (1 John 5:1.) Do you believe that God sent His beloved Son into this world to die for you, dear reader? If you do, then you are one who is born of God, for you believe that Jesus is the Christ and you will have love even for your enemies. But the greatest expression of our love will be seen in obedience to the Word of God.

“IF A MAN LOVE ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORD; AND MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM.” John 14:23.

ML 09/16/1917

The Naughty Scholar.

I SUPPOSE nearly every Sunday school has one notable scholar — notable for naughtiness. We had one in our school, always restless, always dirty, always trying the patience of his teacher and shocking the other children. A Christian woman who pitied him had asked him to the school, and accordingly he came with his sisters. Ted was his name; his untidy clothes and shrewd, old-looking face made us notice him at once. He always lingered about after school helping to collect the hymnbooks, and looking for a little kindly notice from the teachers.

But how to manage him in the class was a puzzle; he kept his teacher in constant anxiety. Perhaps for a little while he would appear to be very quiet and attentive, and then suddenly a tiny chap next to him would begin to cry—Ted had hit him. He heard, however, a good deal in spite of his restlessness, and if he could answer a question or join in the chorus of a hymn would do so heartily.

At last, when the novelty of the new school wore off, he became so troublesome that all the teachers felt he must not be allowed to come; he spoiled the lesson for the rest of the class.

We were very sorry about it, we wanted to keep him, we knew that he had a precious soul that would live forever; we knew that the Lord Jesus was willing to save him; we knew he had no Christian mother and father to teach him, and we longed to see him converted, turned from a little thief and story-teller into a follower of the Lord Jesus.

The climax came in this way: One Sunday, in the middle. of the lesson, he wanted to go home and made a dash for his cap; in so doing he pushed against a platform which was standing on end. It tilted over, and almost fell on the heads of three little girls in the next class. O! how thankful we were it was caught in time, for had it struck the children they must have been very much hurt.

Having secured his cap, and feeling a ‘little frightened at what he had done, Ted ran out. The next Sunday when he came the superintendent told him that we could not let him stay.

He has been a few times at intervals since then. Once he brought a new boy, and the teacher said, “Now, Ted, you must show your friend how to behave in Sunday school.” Ted sat up straight, and tried to be good for a little while; but in the end the new boy was better than he, and when Ted fidgeted would nudge him and say, “Be quiet.”

Ted learned a few texts and hymns, and we hope that someday the good seed sown may bring forth fruit abundantly. In Mark 4, we read the parable of the Sower and the seed. If we could read the Bible in the language in which it was written we should see that the Lord Jesus said, “One fell by the wayside,” “another fell on the rocky ground,” “another fell among thorns,” “and another fell into good ground.” You see it was one seed at a time, so if we can teach one verse of Scripture to such as poor Ted something is gained.

We have not lost sight of him. Sometimes a teacher walking along the street will hear someone call out, “Hullo,” and see Ted riding along the other side of the road on his father’s horse. He spends a good deal of time wandering about with this horse, taking it wherever there is any grass growing by the roadside. Not long ago he fell off a cart, and the wheel passing over him, he was rather badly hurt; so was taken to the hospital, where he stayed a few weeks, but he was glad to get out again, for, as he told his sister, “You could not do what you liked there.” Sometimes he will call to see one of the teachers, who gets him to repeat some verses of Scripture, and then gives him a ticket.

Now if there is a poor, naughty little boy like this in your school, I want to suggest something to you boys and girls who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you pray especially for him and ask the Lord Jesus to save him from everlasting punishment, and to save him from growing up to be a wicked man?

You know it is such a priceless boon to have even one person to care for your soul. I expect when you were converted many hearts danced for joy; and now many are praying that you may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now will you pray for the naughty scholar? No doubt you do pray for your unconverted brothers and sisters, but I want you to remember as well those poor children whose parents and friends do not care for their souls.

“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” (1 John 5:14, 15.)

ML 09/16/1917

My Burden Gone.

THE Lord had graciously blessed me with Christian parents, and from a little, child I always longed to be able to say I was one of the lambs in the Good Shepherd’s flock.

It was not, however, until I was fourteen that I had that peace which I so desired. One Lord’s Day evening I was present at a preaching, where an earnest servant of the Lord told out God’s message of a full and free salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ, and my anxiety was increased; but being very shy and reserved, I did not like to confess my soul-sorrow.

For a few days I said nothing of what 1 felt, until at last I could bear the load of sin on my heart no longer and resolved that I would not rest until the question was settled.

I was almost afraid to sleep, lest, when I awoke, I should find the Lord Jesus had come and taken His own to be with Himself forever, leaving me behind for the judgment.

I was filled with fears and anxiety, until one morning the Lord directed my attention to two verses upon art almanac on the wall: “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.) And Rom. 10:9: “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.”

I knew that I did believe on the Son of God, and did in my heart believe that God had raised Jesus from the dead, and now saw that God said I had everlasting life.

In a moment the burden was gone, and all was joy and peace in believing, and from that hour to this I have not dared to doubt Him.

There are many who are, as I was, waiting for happy feelings before resting on the word of God. The Lord Jesus says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” Come without feelings; wait no longer; come as you are. Faith comes first, and happy feelings follow.

Time is short, eternity is at hand. It is still the day of grace, but tomorrow may be too late. When once the Master of the house rises up and shuts the door it will be forever too late; there will be no admittance for you then.

The Lord Jesus offers salvation now, without money and without price. Accept then His great gift, the great salvation purchased at such infinite cost.

ML 09/16/1917

"Today"

YOU have often heard the words, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1), but have you heeded them? Have you acted as if you knew what a day might bring forth? Are you ready for whatever may come to pass? Those of us who belong to the Lord are daily expecting Him to come in the clouds to call us to Himself. Are you waiting for that event?

But even should the Lord tarry, is life so sure that you can go on

“Careless of your soul immortal,

Heeding not the call of God?”

How sad! If you were to visit a cemetery and notice the ages on the tombstones, you would find that many, both boys and girls, have been called away at your age.

Do not think that I am speaking only to delicate, pale-faced children; no, I want to call the attention of you sturdy, lighthearted boys and girls, with roses on your faces, and “life in every limb.”

Listen while I tell you of a boy whom I often saw playing in the street, and joining in his playmates’ noisy glee, with that mirthfulness which only boyhood knows.

One day in wanton sport he climbed a lamp-post, and by some means he fell with his back to the curbstone. He was picked up helpless; his back was injured, and after a few months of pain he died. And what about that boy’s soul. I know not. It was not till I heard of his death that the story of his accident was told me, and I could get no further information.

We read of a time when “the dead, small and great, shall stand before God.” (Rev. 22:12.) How solemn!

Then in Revelation 19:5, and 11:18, we read of “those that feared Him, both great and small”—the young are not overlooked.

Dear one, believe today the glorious news that the Lord of life and glory went down into death and the grave for you—that He rose triumphant, that life, eternal life, might be your portion.

ML 09/16/1917

The Thunder Storm.

While Kitty by the window

Was looking at the rain,

Watching the big drops splashing

The bright transparent pane;

She saw the vivid lightning,

And hear the thunder roar,

Each time the flash seemed brighter,

And nearer than before.

Till Kitty at the window

No longer could abide,

But nestled, pale and trembling,

Close to her mother’s side.

“Mamma, is God so angry

He speaks so very loud,

High up in the sky yonder,

Behind the thunder cloud?

“And when He throws the lightning

That looks so very red,

And when you raised your hand up,

What was it that He said?”

“‘Tis not that God is angry”—

The mother, fond, replied,

And kiss’d the little questioner

That nestled by her side.

“God does not speak in thunder,

‘Twas not His voice we heard;

To us, in love, He speaketh,

We hear Him in the Word.

And all who love the Saviour

To whom their souls are dear,

If fearing to offend Him,

Need have no other fear.”

ML 09/16/1917

Little Winnie's Trouble.

Poor little Winnie got into trouble on her way to school. Something was hurting her foot, and the further she went the more painful it became till she could not help crying.

But kind brother pitied her, and set her up on a stone wall and took her shoe off, and there found a pebble that must have been in her shoe when she put it on. Now that the trouble was all over, and she had learned what a kind-hearted brother she had, she could go on the rest of the way quite happy and all her tears were dried up.

What lesson do you think we may learn from this little incident? I expect there are several, but there is one that comes before my mind, and it is suitable for those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as thee Saviour, and God as their Father,

You know this is not a world with nothing but roses in it. Oh, no! it has thorns and thistles in it, too. So we have times in our lives when everything seems to go so smoothly, and then comes trouble. And why does our good and kind God and Father allow anything to happen to us but pleasant things?

You know He has shown His wonderful love for us in giving His beloved Son to die in our place; so the Scripture says, “He that spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32.) The reason then for allowing difficulties to come in our path is not that He has ceased to love us, but that He sees the need to teach us lessons and prove to us His tender and loving care.

There is not a circumstance too small for us to take to the Lord, and learn what His love is to us, for we know that “All things work together for good to them that love God.” (Rom. 8:28.)

How should we know what His tender love and care is, if we had not a circumstance to prove it. Just like little Winnie, she found out how tender and loving her brother was by the trouble she was in with the pebble in her shoe.

But for those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and God as their Father, their trials are very difficult to bear, as they cannot go to God with them and learn His tender care for them. How much better it is to know the Lord than to be without Him.

“BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM.” Psa. 2:12.

ML 09/23/1917

I Am the Door.

A GENTLEMAN was one morning giving an address to a large number of children in a big city. I need not tell you what his subject was; of course it was about Jesus, and how the dear. boys and girls might have their sins forgiven, and when it was nearly time to close the meeting and go home, a very solemn question was asked, “Will anyone here have Jesus as their Saviour?” All was very quiet for a moment as the speaker looked round to see if there would be any answer to this, his question, and the dear little boy stood up, and said out loud, “Yes, sir, I will.” O, what a happy choice for this little fellow, and his ways proved afterwards that a real change had taken place with him.

Now let me say a few words about a little girl. She was found one evening sitting with her head hanging down, and in great trouble. What was she in trouble about? perhaps you will ask. Well, she had found out that she was a sinner, and she wanted to be saved.

A friend read a short text to her; it was this: “I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,” and then explained that Jesus called Himself a door because He was the way into blessing. Because of our sins, we all deserve to be shut out of heaven, but the Lord Jesus Christ having been punished instead of sinners, it was like opening the door wide. “I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” Christ is the only door, “neither is there salvation in any other.”

The way then to become a child of God is to have faith in Christ Jesus, and that is like going in by the door, and all who enter thus are saved.

Two days afterwards, Nellie had quite a different face; she was now bright and happy; all the sorrow was gone; she was trusting in Jesus, and He made her happy.

ML 09/23/1917

God Is With Me.

A LITTLE girl, who had been taught of the Lord Jesus, and His love for her soul and body, was sent out one evening to pay a bill for her grandmother. The distance from home was pretty long, and the way somewhat lonely.

After she had paid the money and received the change, she turned to go home, but it became dark before she reached there.

As she passed along, a man met her in the dark. Surprised at finding a little thing like her alone, he asked, “Little girl! are you not afraid to go in this lonely place in the dark?”

“O, no!” she answered, “for God is with me.”

And then both of them kept on their ways, and after a little while she reached home, led safely by Him in whom she trusted.

The little girl soon forgot the matter. There did not seem much to remember in simply being asked by a man if she was not afraid; and a little child of nine years can soon find enough new things to think of, without keeping such trifles of the past in mind.

But, this was no trifle; and God made use of it, as He makes the little seed dropped, without meaning, to grow into a bush or tree, after many days.

This little girl was sent to Sunday school after a while, and became fond of her teacher, and was no doubt very much beloved by her.

One day her teacher called her back and told her that her husband wished to see her. So she went with the lady to her home, and after she had taken dinner with her, the husband of the teacher said to the little child: “Do you remember, many months ago, meeting a man on the road in the evening, who asked you if you were not afraid?”

“Yes, sir,” she answered, “I do.”

“Well,” he said, “I was that man; I was drunk at the time; but your answer, that God was with you, clung to me, and I thought it over when I became sober, and it has really been used by God, to lead me to become His child by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to thank you, and let you know, dear child, that the Lord used you in my salvation, not only from drunkenness, but from hell.”

Do you not think this dear child felt very happy and very solemn, in hearing such words?

She has grown to be a young woman, a dear, happy Christian, having had a great affliction in her own body but still able to say, “I am not afraid, for God is with me.”

It is a very precious thing to be able to say that; but every reader of this, by simply believing what God tells us of His Son and of His love for us, and resting on the death and resurrection of Christ, can have all that, and be forever sure of it. We have peace about our sins, by taking what God says about the work of Christ on the Cross; and then peace about everything that happens, by casting all on Him, knowing He cares for us. He delights in having our confidence, our whole hearts. He wants us, as His forever.

ML 09/23/1917

The Toy Soldier.

LITTLE Alfred had a present given him of some pretty toy soldiers, which charmed him very much; but like most children, when he grew tired of his playthings, he would pull them to pieces and see how they were made. Now his aunt had told him when he had this last new present, that if he began to destroy it, the soldiers should be taken from him, so the little boy was trying his best to take care of them.

One evening the child had his pretty soldiers out while his aunt was working in the same room, and he was busy putting up the little lead-men in rows to play a mimic battle.

Whether by accident or mischief, something happened that made him suddenly quiet, and his aunt, looking across the table, saw in Alfred’s little hand a poor soldier broken off his steed, and Alfred’s face covered with confusion.

His aunt felt bound to keep her word, so the child, having forfeited his toy, ran out of the room, while his aunt, equally full of sorrow, thought over what she could do about it, feeling that she must forgive him just this once, though she had always been very particular on every occasion to keep her word to the child.

Just then she felt his little hands touching her dress, for Alfred had crept back very quietly into the room, and with a wistful look in his large sweet eyes said, “Auntie, I am so sorry I broke my soldier!”

“Well, dear,” said his aunt, “I will forgive you this once.” When the little fellow whispered softly, “Auntie, has God touched your heart? I have been out and asked Him on the stairs to touch your heart, and to let you be willing to let me have my little soldiers again.”

“Yes, dear,” she replied, “God has heard your little prayer; go again and play, and be more careful in the future.”

Dear little child, though hardly six years of age, yet he knew to Whom he should go in his childish sorrow, and the God of heaven deigned to listen to his little petition and answered him at once.

Dear children, this is all true, what I have written, and the God to Whom little Alfred made his prayer will comfort you if you trust Him, and listen to all your little sorrows, and reward the prayer of faith, as He did when Alfred confessed his fault, and had again his box of pretty soldiers. But better still, the child’s faith was strengthened by this little circumstance, and he learned for himself that God is indeed a prayer answering God.

ML 09/23/1917

A Little Prayer.

A TINY little fellow about three or four years old had climbed, as little boys, and even some little girls are too fond of doing, upon a large stack of wood in a farmyard. He did not think when he was climbing up how he was to get back; indeed, he did not once stop to think, until his companion called out, “Mind, Bertie, you will fall.” He then looked down, and got so frightened; but what do you think he did? Why he raised his head, and put up his little hands, and said in his funny way, “God help this boy!” And instead of falling, he seemed to gain courage after he had said his little prayer, and got down in perfect safety.

Bertie’s father and mother are Christians, and have taught their little ones to love God, and to trust Him at all times; and that if they know He gave His only-begotten Son to die to save them (John 3:16) and wash them in His precious blood they will love to look to Him, not only in trouble and sorrow and danger, but to put beautiful thoughts into their hearts about heaven and its untold glories and they will not only long to go there, but they will also desire to tell their companions about Him that they might be happy.

ML 09/23/1917

God's Care.

From the glorious heaven,

Where the angels are,

God looks down on children,

Seeth them afar.

Heareth all they ask for,

All the night and day,

Watches like a father,

All their work and play.

As a father giveth,

So He gives them bread,

Saves them out of danger,

Watches by their bed.

Tell all little children

Of God’s constant care,

That He loves and pities

Children everywhere.

ML 09/23/1917

Better Than the Fowls.

WHAT a lesson we may learn from our picture this week. There we see the dear little boy feeding the chickens, yet little may he think that he is doing God’s service in this. God often uses one, even when he has no thought of serving God.

If we turn to Luke 12:24, there we read these words, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” From this, then, we learn that it is God who takes care of all His creatures. He may use this one or that one to accomplish His purpose, but after all no matter who or what may be the instrument, it is God’s way to provide.

May you think of this, dear little children, what you are feeding the chickens or other animals, that God is using you to provide for His creatures. Then, another thing which perhaps is more important, and that is, what is given at the end of the verse where He tells us that we are “better than the fowls.” That is, He has put more value to us than the fowls. What do you think it is that He has done for us that shows that He puts more value to us? I am sure many of my young readers can tell me. He has given the dearest object of His heart for us—that is His beloved Son. Animals do not live forever so while they do what is wrong they need no Saviour, we are made to live forever, and to remain in our sins, would mean to be shut out of God’s presence forever and ever. Therefore, God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This life is the life of God, that sin can never touch. The Lord Jesus had this life and never sinned, and He bore the punishment that we deserved for our sins. How great is the value God has put upon us to give His Son in our place the One who had always done His will, and had ever been His delight. Yes, dear children, there was no one else He could have given, that could have met His holy claims that stood against us, and met us in all our need, but the Lord Jesus Christ.

He also gives to us His life if we believe on Him. Truly, He has put more value upon us than the fowls. May we trust Him fully for all things, seeing He spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. May we rejoice, too, in the great love He has for us.

“GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.” Rom. 5:8.

ML 09/30/1917

The Chinese Boy Teacher.

I HAVE been much interested in reading about a Chinese boy who was brought to an open confession of the Lord Jesus as his Saviour when about thirteen.

At the age of fourteen, he went from Wun-Chau, in the seaboard province of Cheh-Kiang, where he lived, to a city forty miles away, to attend on a native preacher. He had been well instructed in the truth by a missionary, who has departed this life “to be at home with the Lord.”

One day this lad strolled into a Buddhist temple, and there found an old man worshiping idols. He waited till the man had finished his devotions; then, seating himself by the side of the devotee, he said: “Venerable grandfather, do the idols see and hear you when you worship?”

“Yes.”

“But you see, they are made of clay; how can they answer your prayers?”

Said the man, “I do not worship the clay, but inside the idol there is a spirit that can see and hear.”

The boy, who had often heard Mr. Scott answer such questions as these, said: “You say there is a spirit in the god; but look at this one—it has a dirty face; it has not been washed forever so long. There is another whose nose is broken off; and it has not the sense to have it mended. This one has had part of the beard on its upper lip taken away; yet it has not been able to protect itself. What is the use of a spirit inhabiting a body that cannot protect it better than this?

“We have a spirit within our bodies, but rats do not run away with our beard. I can speak to you and you can hear, because of the spirit within. Let the spirit leave our bodies, and we are dead like the idols, and cannot protect ourselves.”

The old man was struck with the wisdom of the boy, and asked where he had learned such wonderful things. He replied, “In the school at Wun-Chau. But I can tell very little. If you go to the preacher, he can tell you more.”

The old man went, and took his wife with him. They learned of the Saviour, and at last believed. That was the beginning of e good work in the city, where there are now about a hundred professed Christians.

Now what about our idols? What did the aged Apostle John mean, when he closed his First Epistle with the tender words, “My little children, guard yourselves from idols”? Should not our motto be, “Jesus only”? Having eternal life in Him, and being one with Him as to our position before God, surely He ought to be the object of our first affections. While we think of how the inspired writer warns all Christians, young and old, against “loving the world, and the things that are in the world” (Chap. 2:15-17), let the words of a well-known hymn be the language of each of our hearts:

“Is there a thing beneath the sun

That strives with Thee my heart to share?

O, tear it thence, and reign alone,

The Lord of every motion there:

Then shall my heart from earth be free,

When it has found its all in Thee.

“Lord, draw my heart from earth away,

And make it only know Thy call;

Speak to my inmost soul and say,

‘I am thy Saviour, God, thine all!’

To feel Thy power, to hear Thy voice,

To taste Thy love, be all my choice.”

ML 09/30/1917

Millie's Fears.

I REALLY think there never was a more timid child than Millie. She could not bear the dark, nor would she ever go alone about the house, even in the daytime. Her sisters, who were stronger and more robust than she, could not understand this nervousness, and I am sorry to say the poor child often had to stand thoughtless teasing from them.

But at last there came a change in Millie’s conduct. She was no longer the nervous little child she had been. What had made the difference? Was it only because she was growing older and leaving childish ways behind?

We will find out the secret. In a certain box, where Millie keeps her greatest treasures, there is a leaf torn out of a little diary, and against the date, March 10th, are written these words, “Jesus saved me.” Ah! now we know the reason:

“Her terrors all vanished before the Sweet Name,

Her guilty fears banished, with boldness she came

To drink at the Fountain, life-giving and free.”

Speaking one day of her former fears to her sister, she said:

“I will tell you how it was I so disliked being alone. I was in constant terror lest the Lord should come and leave me behind, and whenever the rest of you were out of my sight, I fancied this had happened.

But now Millie knows she is one of those who will be caught up to meet their Lord and Saviour when He comes, and she has nothing to fear down here, for she knows He is ever near her, and she can say.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee,” “I will trust and not be afraid.”

And now should any child read this who is troubled in the way Millie was, do you dear one, put your full trust in the Lord, and then “under the shadow of His wings” will you rejoice.

ML 09/30/1917

Not Forty Men.

ELLEN was the youngest child of Christian parents, who were anxious for their little one to know Jesus as her Saviour. So one autumn evening, while staying at home with her mother reading the tenth chapter of John, Ellen said, “Mother, do you think Jesus would save me tonight if I were to ask Him?” “Yes, certainly,” replied her mother. “Well; mother, it says here in this chapter, ‘No man can pluck them out of My Father’s hand.’”

“No,” replied her mother; “because if you believe in Jesus you are in His hand, and then the Father’s hand is over His again, so that you are safe.”

When Ellen went to bed, her mother said to her, “Ellen, shall we ask Jesus to save you and make you one of His lambs?”

“Yes, mother,” replied Ellen.

So mother and child knelt in prayer to Him whose ear is always listening, and who is ready and willing to save all who come to Him. Prayer ended, Ellen arose and said,

“There, mother, I knew Jesus would save me tonight before I went to bed.” Frank, her only brother, being in bed, Ellen said to him:

“Frank, dear, are you saved? if not, you are lost—only think, Frank, that I was saved tonight, Alice was saved on Sunday night, and if you were to be saved now what a rejoicing there would be in heaven; but better to be saved any time than lost.

“Think, Frank, that I am in Jesus’ hand, and then the Father’s hand is over that again. It is not like you taking my hand; no, Frank, you cannot feel it, but it is by believing it, and no man can pluck me out of that hand—no, not forty men. Frank, are you gone to sleep? remember, if you lose this opportunity, you may never have another.” Thus Ellen pleaded with her brother till twelve o’clock, so overcome with joy of being in her Father’s hand that not forty men could pluck her out.

Dear little reader, I want to ask you if you are in the Father’s hand? You are not too young to come to Jesus. He bids you, young or old, rich or poor, now, if you have not already come to Jesus—come now, just as you are. Then you, like Ellen, will be able to say, “I am in the Father’s hand, and not forty men can pluck me out.”

ML 09/30/1917

Why Didn't They Let Him in.

“BEHOLD I stand at the door and knock!” The day’s work was over, and in the stillness of a summer’s evening John Madden, a sturdy Christian laborer, sat in his cottage reading this beautiful verse aloud:

“Behold I stand at the door and knock!”

Suddenly there was a pause in the reader’s voice. Two little hands had imprisoned his knee, two eyes full of wonder were raised to his face, and a child’s tones asked feelingly:

“But, father, why didn’t they let Him in?”

Little Jack, busy tossing his ball up and down against the wall, had caught the sweet sound of our Saviour’s gracious words, and full of surprise, had run to his father with the eager question:

“Why didn’t they let Him in?”

Dear reader, I am sure that again and again the Lord Jesus has knocked at the door of your heart. It may have been when you attended some children’s service and as you listened to the preacher’s earnest pleading, felt almost persuaded to become a Christian too. Or it may have been when some dear little relative or friend was borne away from you to the dark grave, and the solemn truth has come before you, that you too must die. Or perhaps at the beginning of this year, you heard His voice calling you.

In one way or other, He has knocked —is knocking still. Have you let Him in? If not, hesitate no longer; open the door, yield your heart to the blessed Saviour who has loved you so much that He died for you.

ML 09/30/1917

Rejoicing.

I know a little girl,

Whose voice I often hear,

As merrily she sings,

With accents sweet and clear.

This dear child is assured

Her sins are cover’d all,

And that no vengeance can

Upon her ever fall:

That Jesus on the cross,

God’s wondrous love to show,

For young and old did die,

To save from endless woe.

If, children, ye believe

He suffer’d thus for you,

And liveth now to bless,

Ye should be singing too.

ML 09/30/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for August.

1.“I say unto you,” etc. Luke 15:7

2.“And as they thus spake,” etc. 24:36

3.“For where your treasure is,” etc. 12:34

4.“For unto you is born,” etc. 2:11

5.“Whosoever cometh to Me,” etc. 6:47

6.“And when they were come,” etc. 23:33

7.“And the publican,” etc. 18:13

Bible Questions for October.

The answers are to be found in Acts.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “To give repentance.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “The word of His grace.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “This same Jesus.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “A resurrection of the dead.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “We must be saved.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “Concerning Jesus.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “The right hand.”

ML 10/07/1917

The Captain's Prayer.

MANY years ago the Christian captain of a vessel was, during one of his voyages, surrounded by fog and darkness for days, and became, in consequence, very anxious about the position of his ship.

At last he went down into the cabin and prayed to God, asking Him to preserve the vessel and all on board, and that He would be pleased to give a cloudless sky at twelve o’clock, as he desired to make an observation at the time to ascertain their real position, and whether they were on the right course.

At eleven o’clock he came up on deck, with the quadrant under his coat. As it was still thick and dark around, the crew looked at him with amazement. Again he went down, prayed, and came up. There still seemed no hope. Again he descended to his cabin, prayed, and again appeared on deck with the quadrant in his hand.

It was now ten minutes to twelve o’clock, and as yet there was no appearance of a change; but he stood on deck waiting on the Lord, when, in a few minutes, the mist seemed folded up, and rolled away by an unseen hand, and the sun shone out clearly from the blue vault of heaven.

There stood the man of prayer, with the quadrant in his hand, but so awe-struck, that he could scarcely take advantage of the answer to his prayer. He, however, succeeded, although with trembling hands, in making the observation, and found that all was well. But no sooner had he finished, than the mist rolled back over all.

Was not this a direct answer to prayer. What an encouragement to us, that whatsoever we shall ask in prayer, —believing we shall receive. (Matt. 21:22.) Our Father, God, ever answers the earnest and believing prayers of His children.

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,

And looks to that alone;

Laughs at impossibilities,

And cries, “It shall be done.”

ML 10/07/1917

Lured to Death.

YOU have heard, I doubt not, of the rattlesnake—a most deadly reptile. Its food chiefly consists of rabbits, birds, etc., though it frequently attacks man and inflicts a deadly wound with its poison fangs, which may prove fatal in a few minutes. It is provided with a strange appendage to its tail which produces a rattling sound. When on the look-out for its prey it continuously shakes this rattle, until bird or rabbit, attracted by the sound, approaches it.

The serpent, erect and motionless, now fixes its glittering eyes upon the frightened bird or animal, and subjects it to some sort of strange influence, for though half paralyzed with fear, the victim makes not the slightest effort to escape, hovers or plays about nearer and nearer the beautiful destroyer, fascinated by those sparkling eyes, and at length the trembling prey approaches, unable to escape, coming close to the serpent.

In the twinkling of an eye the subtle serpent darts forward and fixes its deadly fangs in the victim which he has lured to destruction.

Remember the words of the preacher: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” (Prov. 1:10.) Satan has varied snares for the unwary, and subtly deludes with the world’s pleasures; but, dear reader, be not deceived, he seeks your soul’s destruction. All that this world can offer is for TIME; your soul must live for ETERNITY. Seek, I beseech you, a refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ. He died to deliver you from the power of Satan, and find you a home in glory with Himself for ever.

Which will you be—lured to destruction, or saved for glory?

“FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” Rom. 10:13.

ML 10/07/1917

A Child's Desire.

A LITTLE boy, who was much concerned lest he should not reach heaven, came to a minister, and earnestly inquired of him the way of salvation.

The minister was struck with the child’s eagerness, and after telling him of God’s goodness and readiness to receive the young and old to His rest above, he bade the child run quickly home and kneel down and pray earnestly to be received for Christ’s sake.

With a mournful voice the little fellow said, “O, sir, but suppose I should die before I reach home?”

The minister, who felt rebuked at the child’s simple answer, readily caught the lesson God would teach him.

“You are right, my child,” he said at once, “and I am wrong. I ought not to have bidden you go home and pray to be saved, but, as the Scripture, God’s own Word, shows us, I should have told you, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’”

To be assured of salvation was the longing of that simple-hearted child; and God, through the lips of the minister, met his desire. He at last gave him a text as God’s own Word, and he believed it simply, and found rest.

Has our dear reader this child’s earnestness? And do those precious words, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” satisfy your heart, and give you joy and peace through believing it?

ML 10/07/1917

The Miller's Wife.

Part 1.

Young Annie Smith was dairy maid

At Brookland on the hill;

The pretty farm that lies above

Old Jacob Slater’s mill.

A sweeter girl than Annie Smith

Ne’er sung beside a cow;

Her cheeks were like the morn itself,

Or damask rose in blow.

Her shining hair, as black as jet,

Was fastened close and tight;

Her dress it fitted prettily,

Her cap was snowy white.

She was a bonny little lass

As e’er you’d look upon;

No wonder, then, she stole the heart

Of Slater’s miller, John.

For best of all, both loved the Lord,

And trusted in His love

To cleanse them from their scarlet sins

And take them home above.

John went past Brookland every day,

It was the thoroughfare;

And always had a pleasant word

To say, if Anne was there.

‘Twas long before she heeded much

The words he had to say:

And if he loitered by the door,

She blushed and went away.

But perseverance will prevail

Where all is right and fair;

And she became his happy bride,

His weal and woe to share.

No doubt sweet Anne had often thought

That she would someday wed;

So put her money in the bank,

And not upon her head.

She never liked a dashing dress,

Her taste was always neat;

And now her savings helped to make

Their little home complete.

Between them both, with management,

With industry and skill,

They bought sufficient furniture

Their happy home to fill.

John was the foreman at the mill,

Their cottage was close by;

It lay so handy for his work,

And stood both warm and dry.

It had a plot of ground behind,

A little piece before;

And just a sort of rustic porch

Around the pleasant door.

John made the porch, both he and Anne

Were very fond of flowers,

And worked together happily.

In many leisure hours.

He left no room for weeds to grow,

They could not lift a head

Amongst the rows of cabbages

Or in the parsnip bed.

You really hardly would believe

How many things there were,

That John contrived to cultivate

In his small garden there.

The little garden in the front

Was Anne’s special care;

And soon was full of scented flowers

That sweetened all the air.

But let us now go in with Anne

To see her table spread,

And then at once we shall perceive

A loaf of home-made bread.

She always found it possible

To get both yeast and flour;

It only wanted management,

The will—it brought the power.

Besides the bread, both she and John

Had porridge thick and hot;

It was a hearty, wholesome food,

And cheaper, Anne thought.

With such a breakfast, John would say,

He never wanted beer;

Yet not a workman at the mill

With him could strength compare.

His mates would often sneer and laugh,

And tempt him to a “pot”;

But he would let them laugh away,

He scorned to be a sot.

When winter came and nights were long

They sat beside their fire;

She knitted stockings thick and strong;

He read, at her desire.

At church, on Sunday, they were seen—

Anne always had been there;

And now, they both together went

Up to the house of prayer.

Anne’s mother always counseled her

To make the Lord her stay;

“’Tis sunshine with you now, my dear,

But you’ll be forced to pray.

“For clouds may gather, one by one,

And you will want a friend;

If you don’t know His face before,

‘Twill then seem far to send.”

Anne always thought her mother was

The pattern of a wife;

And now she tried to copy her

In this sweet married life.

ML 10/07/1917

Little Mary.

LITTLE MARY was an orphan, born and brought up in a great city, but after the death of her parents she went to live with a relative in the country. On the evening of her arrival there she was allowed to sit outside the cottage and eat her supper of bread and milk, in full sight of the sea with its rolling waves.

This was a great treat to Mary, who had never lived in the country before; but ere she began her supper, she did not forget to thank Cod for having taken her there in safety, and for the food before her. For Mary had learned to know and love the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and she loved to think of Him, knowing that it is through Him God gives us all things. The Scripture says, “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8.32.)

“O, GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD; CALL UPON HIS NAME.” Psa. 105:1.

ML 10/14/1917

No Room.

ONE of the old preachers was one day speaking from Matt. 25, seeking to press upon his hearers the awful danger of putting oft the salvation of their souls, lest they should be among the number of those who would come to knock, and say, “Lord, Lord, open to us,” after those who were ready had gone inside, “and the door was shut.”

Dear reader, have you never thought of the possibility of your being among the number of those who will be found seeking for salvation outside the closed door, only to find to your bitter disappointment that the last one has been gathered in, that God’s house is full, and consequently there is no room?

There were some gay young men listening to him, and one whispered to another, “But another door will open.” As though the preacher had heard the remark, he went on to say, “Someone may say, ‘But another door will open.’ Yes, another door will open, but it will be the door that opens into hell.”

Dear unsaved children, do not trifle with such an important matter as the salvation of your soul. Grace—long-suffering grace—still keeps the door wide open, that poor, needy sinners may enter in and be saved eternally; but it may close while you linger outside, to leave you without hope for eternity, with the awful cry “no room” ringing in your ears.

Day is declining, and the sun is low;

The shadows lengthen, light makes haste to go.

Pass in! pass in! That banquet is for thee;

That cup of everlasting love is free.

Ere night that gate may close and seal thy doom;

Then the last low, long cry, “No room! no room.”

ML 10/14/1917

Jesus Is Mine.

SOME time ago, a young lady was staying at a beautiful seaside. She was having her holiday, which she had looked-forward to for a long while, and now the time had come ‘round when she found herself many miles away from home at the seaside, where she might enjoy the fresh air, lovely sunshine and the sparkling sea. She hoped to have her health built up, and get back color in her face, which was pale from city life. One day she might go for a ramble along the shore, and another time climb the high hills: near at hand.

“O!” you say, “how I should enjoy a holiday like that! How happy I should be!”

Ah! but that was the strange thing about it. This young lady, of whom I am telling you, was not happy. She could not enjoy the brightness and freshness all around that God in His goodness was pleased to give. No, she had a trouble that took up all her thoughts, and prevented her from enjoying her holiday.

One day she had been at a meeting where Jesus and His love were being spoken about, and God by His Spirit caused His word to have a great effect on her, and the thought would come to her, what a sad thing it would be to be lost forever. She did not want to be lost forever, and yet her sins were not forgiven.

No wonder she was unhappy, no wonder she could not enjoy her holiday; but I am glad to be able to tell you that she did not remain in that state; no, she was told to look to Jesus, and to trust in His finished work for the salvation of her soul. And, O, she did look to Jesus, and told Him what a sinner she was, and how she wanted her sins forgiven.

A happy change then came over her, for she saw that Jesus was her Saviour, and that holiday, though sad at first, proved to be the happiest in all her life. Now she could say, “Jesus is mine.” ‘Boys and girls who are now going into the country for your holiday time, think, are you ready? If not, O, look to Jesus, trust all to Him, then you will surely have a very happy time.

ML 10/14/1917

I Do Not Want to Wait.

THIS little note, written by a child to her mother, is given you to read, dear children, in the hope that many of you will do as this child did: resolve not to wait until you “grow up,” but come to Jesus now, for He who once said, “Suffer the children to come unto Me,” and “Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out,” is the very same Jesus now; and although you may not have found it out, you need to “know Him as your Saviour” just as much as the writer of this letter did, when she wrote these words:

“My dear Mamma—I have been long wanting to know the Lord Jesus as my Saviour, for I have found out what a wicked child I am, and that I cannot make myself better. But I have asked the Lord to take away my sins, for I know that I cannot stand in the presence of God as I am, and I know that Jesus has died for me as well as for other people. I am very unhappy about my soul, mamma, and I shall not be happy till I know the Lord Jesus as my Saviour.

“I do not want to wait until I grow up, for that, perhaps, will never be; and it says in Proverbs 8: 17, ‘I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.’

“I am seeking the Lord early, though not as early as I ought. Good-bye.—Your affectionate child.”

It was the voice of the Good Shepherd, speaking down in this child’s heart, and bidding her come to Him, which made her desire to seek the Lord. Has this still small voice never spoken to you?

What do you do when it speaks? Do you “incline the ear” of your soul, or do you try to drown that voice of love by thinking of other things, things “which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain”?

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

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

ML 10/14/1917

The Miller's Wife.

Part 2.

So happily the weeks flew by,

Till just a year was o’er;

And then a little stranger came

To John the Miller’s door.

He said ‘twas like his little wife,

So bright its black eyes shone;

But she was sure ‘twas just like him—

Her own good husband, John.

He ran about at ten months old,

And soon could lisp her name;

And all the babies of his age

He fairly put to shame.

O, Anne! your mother told you true,

That clouds would gather soon;

And we must see the shade of night

Pass over Anne’s noon.

There came a gentle angel down

From heaven’s shining bowers,

To take this precious little one

From this cold world of ours.

Her own sweet darling pet, she thought,

It must get well again;

But fever parched its burning lips,

Its head was full of pain.

A shade is passing o’er his cheek;

The sun begins to rise;

It shines upon the window pane,

But death has closed his eyes.

She wept there long and bitterly;

Her heart was stricken through

To see her little flower escape

Like early morning dew.

She smoothed his glossy ringlets down,

As smiling there he lay;

She kissed the little waxen cheek,

And then knelt down to pray.

To God she turns her saddened heart,

To soothe its grief and pain;

From Him she always comfort sought,

And now ‘tis not in vain.

So peace came back to Anne again,

Yet long it was before

She could forget the little step

That trotted round her door.

But soon another baby came,

And very soon another;

And now the parents saw, with pride,

A sister and a brother.

And they were fed on porridge, too,

Anne firmly stood to that;

And certainly the children grew

Exceeding fair and fat.

How many pence they saved by thrift,

Was more than they could say;

But money in the savings bank

John weekly put away.

‘Twas well he did; we do not know

When want is drawing nigh;

With Anne, it was the washing day,

Her clothes were out to dry.

Then in she ran, and soon the soup

Was made, with right good-will;

“It is so good today,” she said,

“He’ll smell it at the mill.”

She hears a groan, a shuffling tread,

And people talking low;

And to the cottage door she flew,

Like arrow from a bow.

Upon a door they bore a man,

His face was ashy pale;

It needed not that any one

Should tell poor Anne the tale.

She saw her husband’s leg was broke,

In working at the mill;

The doctor came and set it right,

And told him to lie still.

John’s master was a careless man;

He quite forgot the case,

When he had found another hand

To take his foreman’s place.

Bear up, dear hearts! though selfish men

May pass you coldly by;

You have a Friend Omnipotent,

Who can your wants supply.

Fail not yourselves—He will not fail;

It is most true indeed,

That God delighteth every day

His little ones to feed.

Don’t think it is a barren form

To supplicate and pray;

There never was a humble soul,

Unpitied sent away.

God has the world in His control.

With all its stores of gold;

He sends it forth, a flowing stream.

In ways that can’t be told.

The needy poor for water seek,

Their tongue with thirst is dry;

He open,’ in the wilderness

A fountain for supply.

Cheer up, dear hearts! the Lord is near,

And do not be afraid;

But calmly trust His providence,

And prove what He has said.

That when the waves of sorrow rise,

He will be near at hand;

And those who trust in Jesus’ blood,

All troubles can withstand.

ML 10/14/1917

Prompted by Love.

“ISN’T that hard work for the little arms?” I asked.

A look of sunshine came into her face as she glanced toward me. “It isn’t hard work when I do it for mamma,” she said, softly.

It was love that caused little Dora to want to help her mamma. She loved her mamma because her mamma loved her, so she did what she could for her.

How this reminds those who know and believe that Jesus loves them, that there should be this same response and delight to live and serve our blessed Lord. And we know this will be, if there is the real belief in the heart, that the Lord Jesus gave Himself for us on Calvary’s cross.

“GREATER LOVE MATT NO MAN THAN THIS: THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.” Jno.15:13

But the love of the Lord is greater, for He gave His life for us, knowing there was no love in our hearts to Him. At first we preferred anything and everything instead of Him, and yet He gave Himself for us. What love, who can measure it! And what response must be expected from us?

But it may be that the one who is reading these lines has not taken the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, so is still a rejecter of the very One who loves him. If so, I beseech you, dear reader, do not spurn that love any longer, but bow now and accept from His hand, full and free salvation which has cost Him so much.

“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.)

ML 10/21/1917

Well Worth Knowing.

A LITTLE seven-year-old girl came to her mamma one morning, and said, “Mamma, would you like to see what I have written? I copied it out of your book.”

Mamma took the paper, and this is what she found: “Three things well worth knowing. I am seven years old. I have learned three things worth learning.

“The first, I can do nothing towards my own salvation.

“The second, God does not want me to do anything.

“The third, that Christ has done it all, and all I have to do is to take it.”

When mamma went to her book to see what her little girl had copied from, she found it said, “An old man once got up in a meeting, and said, ‘I’ve been forty-two years learning three things’”; and these were the three things which this little girl of seven years had learned.

Has my little reader learned these three things yet? How true that little hymn is which says,

“Nothing, either great or small,

Nothing, sinner, no—

Jesus did it, did it all,

Long, long ago.”

Yes, Jesus

“* * * knew how wicked men had been—And knew that God must punish sin, So out of pity Jesus said,

‘I’ll bear the punishment instead.’”

If you have not thanked Jesus, dear little reader, for dying for you, then thank Him now.

ML 10/21/1917

The Gift of God.

GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jno. 3:16.)

Of course, you cannot have this life, unless you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; that is as much as to say, you must accept the gift in order to have possession of it. But God offers it to you, free as the waters of the sea, free as the air of heaven. “Whosoever will, let him, take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17.)

A Sunday School teacher wanted to illustrate to the children about the gift of God, and how they might have it, so he left his desk and went ‘round among the children with his watch in his hand. He held it up as he passed before the children, and said to the first child,

“I give you this watch.”

The boy stared at it, and that was all he did. He went to the next, and repeated,

“I give you this watch.”

The boy blushed and that was all he did. And so he went slowly ‘round the class — some of them stared, some blushed, some grinned, but nobody took the watch. We may imagine one of the older, wiser boys pondering over the subject.

“How can he give us his watch! Surely he does not mean what he says. I wonder what he is after?” Finally a little fellow just reached out his hand and took the watch. The teacher let go the chain, and put the watch in the scholar’s hand. As the teacher went back to his seat, the little fellow said, very gently,

“Then if you please, sir, the watch is mine?”

“Yes, my dear boy, it is your watch.” The boys were fairly roused by this time.

“Do you mean to say, sir, he may keep the watch?”

“Certainly; I gave it to any boy who would have it.”

“O, if I had known that,” exclaimed one of them “I would have taken it!” “Did I not tell you I gave it to you?” “Yet but I did not believe you were in earnest.”

“So much the worse for you; this boy believed me and he has the watch.”

Receiving the gift of God is as simple as that. God says “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We keep thinking, and reflecting, and discussing, and wondering how He can give it, and how we can take it, instead of believing God, and saying, “Eternal life is mine,” and thanking Him for such a precious gift.

“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.” (Jno. 3:36.)

ML 10/21/1917

Without Any Light.

A LADY had a class of young boys in a Sunday School. After the lesson was over, one day, she laid her hand on the head of one of her scholars and said:

“Are you afraid to die, Johnnie?”

“Yes,” he said sadly.

“Why, my child?”

“Oh, teacher,” said he, in a low voice, “because it seems like going into a strange house at night without any light.”

“Yet, Johnnie,” she said, “there have been people who were not afraid to die. Do you understand how that could be?”

He shook his head. Then she told him of some who had lived in martyr times, when men, women and children had been put to death; but they departed joyfully because of the love they had for Jesus, and of the light which He caused to shine into their hearts.

“The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, heither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light; and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Rev. 22:3-5.)

ML 10/21/1917

The Miller's Wife.

Part 3.

It was the time of trouble now,

Poor Anne was sorely tried;

With wages stopped, and garden waste,

And food to be supplied.

And John, poor man! he could not help

Sometimes to fret and mope;

But Anne had ever cheerful words

To keep alive his hope.

It would have been an easy thing,

When she was tired out,

To slap and scold the little ones.

Who ran and screamed about.

But she could rule her temper well;

A greater feat by far,

Than e’en to take a citadel

That’s held by men of war.

She turned her hand to everything,

She stitl was stout and strong;

Though John, he thought her rosy face,

Was getting pale and long.

And she kept up her spirit well,

For she had peace within;

And well knew where to carry all

Her trouble and her sin.

She often said, within herself,

“What shall we do tomorrow?”

But when the day was fairly come,

She did not beg nor borrow.

The quiet stream of Providence

Kept flowing on—and on;

‘Twas often Anne’s astonishment,

And wonderful to John.

It is so easy to forget

That God a Father is,

Who loves His children, better far

Than earthly parent his.

The money in the Savings Bank

Had all been taken out;

And John upon a crutch and stick

Was hobbling about.

“‘Tis no use talking now,” said he,

“The workhouse is our home;

‘Tis long ere I shall work, you see,

And we’ve to nothing come.”

“O, John!” said Anne, “though we have naught,

Our God is still the same;

Keep up your heart, my husband dear,

We will not come to shame.”

She spoke so cheerily to him,

She saw his heart was dull;

But as she sat alone at work,

Her own was very full.

She read the chapter through and through

About the widow’s meal;

The little oil, the gather’d sticks,

And thought what she must feel.

“We are not brought so low as that,

Some helper still may come;

It seems to me—I can’t tell why—

That we shall keep our home.”

And so she stitched away again,

More briskly than before;

Until she heard her husband’s crutch

Move slowly to the door.

For so it fell—that afternoon

Old Slater came along;

“Ah, John!” said he, “I’m glad to see

Your leg is getting strong.

“We want you sadly at the mill,

The men the labor shirk;

I’ll give you half your wages now

To overlook the work.

“A foreman’s eye about the house,

An honest workman’s eye,

Is like a cat before a mouse—

It makes the idlers fly.”

John thanked his master, said he’d come,

And then he sought for Anne;

“Well, wife,” he said, “thanks be to God,

I’m now another man!

“I think I’ve learned to trust in God—

I think I’ve learned today;

I really think and do believe,

He hears a poor man pray.”

He told her how he’s prayed with tears,

Still fear’d he prayed in vain;

Then how his master came that way,

And gave him work again.

He said, “Dear Anne, you’ve always been

The comfort of my life;

What should I do without you now,

My precious little wife!

“‘Twas you that kept my spirits up,

‘Twas you kept bed and board.”

But Anne kissed his cheek, and said,

“Dear John! it was the Lord.”

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (Psa. 118:8.)

ML 10/21/1917

Temptation.

DOUBTLESS those apples look very tempting; yet our dear little friends must turn away. The apples do not belong to them, and it would be wrong to take them. This dear boy and girl know well enough they must not touch the tempting fruit; yet this very fact makes them wish all the more to have some.

If my little reader finds himself thus face to face with temptation to do wrong of any kind, let him not stand, like these dear children, looking and longing, but turn resolutely away, or the battle will be lost, and he will be found committing sin.

Conscience quickly tells us when we have done wrong, but gives us no power to avoid sinning. God alone can give us power to keep from sin.

It was when Eve saw that the fruit was good for food, and much to be de sired to make one wise, that she partook and gave also to her husband. She did not turn away from the tempter’s voice, but she listened to him; she saw the fruit, and the next moment she had sinned.

Thus it was that sin came into the world, and O, what a sad story it is. From the very moment that Eve in the garden of Eden disobeyed the direct command of God, down to the present day, it forms one long, sad, dark story. Yet there is a bright side also, for God, with whom all things are possible, is going to make a new heaven and a new earth, in which shall dwell righteousness.

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

May each one of us say from our heart,

“PRESERVE ME, O, GOD; FOR IN THEE DO I PUT MY TRUST.” Psa. 16:1

ML 10/28/1917

"He Giveth His Beloved Sleep."

THERE was a boy who loved the Word of God very much. He was accustomed to go by him, self to read the Bible, and often would go down on the seashore for this purpose.

The neighboring boys would often make fun of him for this, and try to stop him, but he did not mind them, and kept on reading and enjoying the precious book.

One day, when they disturbed him more than usual, he got into a boat that was lying fastened to the shore, and went on with his reading. Now the boys, thinking they would have some sport, unfastened the rope of the boat, and let it go. Away it floated off in the tide, from the land, and before the little boy noticed, he was away out on the ocean.

Was not that a condition of danger for the little fellow? When he saw how it was, he began to use what means he had to get to shore, but it did no good. Away he floated out to sea, a helpless one, and night coming on, with all the dangers of storms and tossing waves before him, and possible starvation, too. But he was the Lord’s and he knew that He was near, and saw him in his loneliness. And the Lord was preparing a way for his deliverance, in due time. But for the present he must know what it is to have faith in God. And besides, God meant to show the manner of His kindness, in the midst of the greatest danger. After all the efforts that the boy made were found to be in vain, at last, wearied out with watching for a vessel, the child fell asleep. Just think, out alone upon the ocean, in a small boat, in the night, floating this way and that, and fast asleep. Yes, and it was by this sleep that God preserved him alive, and from anxiety, that he might not be able to know how badly off he was. Some have become insane by such things. But he was thus kept on through the night and day, too, while from a far-off distance a vessel was moving through the water towards him.

The captain looking out ahead saw something like a speck on the waves, away off in the long distance. Then taking a look through his glass, he thought it must be a little rowboat, that had got adrift from some vessel. So he turned the vessel toward it, lest there might be somebody in it. At last he came up to it, and saw that it really was a boat, and that someone was in it, lying on the bottom, but whether dead or asleep, he could not tell. He made a noise so as to rouse him. He threw something into the boat to startle him, and had the joy of waking up a boy, and the very boy of our story. He then took him and his boat into his vessel, and thus, as the messenger that God sent, delivered him from death. The dear child had not really known the danger he was in for many hours, and though hungry, was refreshed in mind and body by the sleep. This was God’s way of keeping him, till deliverance should come.

Everywhere God is showing His kindness in these ways. But it reminds me of that One who came to deliver us, poor lost sinners, down here, floating along in sin and ruin, not knowing how lost our condition was. Well, Christ knew, and came to save. Shall He take you up, as the captain did this boy, and thus become the Captain of your salvation?

ML 10/28/1917

"Wait for Me."

AMONG the passengers in a street car, in which I was riding not long ago, were some little children with their father and mother. At a certain place the car stopped, and the mother got out, taking two of the children with her. The father was the last to leave, carrying in his arms a dear little boy of about five years of age, when suddenly the little fellow cried out in a frightened manner, “Wait for me.”

You can guess how everybody smiled at the little one’s fear of being left behind, while his father’s strong arms bore him safely out to the others. And yet how much this is like many who love the Lord Jesus! I dare say you remember that beautiful parable of the lost sheep—indeed, I hope you often read your Bible—where the Lord Jesus Himself tells that wonderful story of the sheep that strayed away from the fold; how the shepherd went after it, and did not cease to seek until he found it. When he had found it, he laid it on his shoulders rejoicing; and never did he once let go his precious treasure.

What would you think now, if the sheep had cried out to the shepherd, “Wait for me?” Why, you would say, “Where the shepherd went, the sheep went, too; because it was on his shoulders.” And so I would just say to you, dear boys and girls who have put your trust in Jesus, that you are in quite as safe a place as that poor sheep that was found, and that the Shepherd who has found you will never leave you, nor forsake you, and you will never need to cry to Him, “Wait for me,” for until He brings you to that bright home in the skies, He will make you His constant care all life’s journey through.

Yes, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and in order that He might find us, and have us with Him f or ever, He had to give up His own life, to suffer on the cross for our sins, and shed His precious blood to make us clean and pure, whiter even that the snow, that we might be made fit to dwell with Him in that place where nothing enters in that defiles.

May you still trust His tender care,

Until He brings you safely there.

ML 10/28/1917

Saved on the Spot.

ON my way home the other night, a Christian woman stopped me and begged me to go and visit a friend of hers who was dying of consumption. So the next day, on my way to the office, I turned aside to see her. “Well, Mr. S., I am glad to see you, I have been waiting for you all day, and I have been wondering every moment if you would come, and whenever there was a knock I thought it was you,” were the first words of greeting. I immediately took the chair set for me by the head of the sofa.

“And why have you sent for me?” I said.

“I want to know how my soul is to be saved,” was her deeply earnest answer, with her eyes riveted on me.

“‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved’ is God’s Word—can you trust it?”

“I wish I could!” was her reply.

“If you were drowning in a river,” I said, “and a man was on the bank, and threw you a rope, what would you do?”

“I should seize it,” she said.

“Well, you are drowning; God has seen your lost state, and has given Christ to save you, and now He is waiting for you to accept Him as your Saviour.”

“I wish, I wish I could,” she said.

“Well,” I said, “if you owed a month’s rent, and I were here this afternoon with the money in.my hand offering it to you would you lie there, and keep saying, ‘I wish I could take it! I wish I could take it!’”

“No, I should take it at once.”

“Well, do so with Christ, and you will then have the joy of His salvation.”

She paused and replied in deepest earnestness, “I will accept Christ.”

ML 10/28/1917

I Shall Be Satisfied.

ROSE was ten years of age, and a very plain child; so much so, that her companions made fun of her and called her “the ugly child.”

Now Rose did not like this, but so well trained was she in the ways of truth and peace that she answered nothing, but was all the more grieved at her infirmity, as she thought.

Being a little Christian, she began to wonder why God had not made her pretty and attractive, that instead of scorn she might have the love and friendship of those around.

This led her to search the Bible for some verses to comfort her, and teach her why all are not alike.

Soon she came to that beautiful passage: “I shall be satisfied when I awake in Thy likeness.”

O, how sweet to know that she would be like Jesus in heaven, pure, sinless, and lovely, with not a tear to dim her eyes, nor a grief to burden her little heart.

Musing thus, a whisper seemed to echo through her: “Tell the little girls at school that when you see Jesus you will be like Him.”

Next morning after school was over, several girls were walking home with her when one said, “I do like pretty people, don’t you, Selina? but not ugly ones like Rose.”

This was meant to reach her, so turning round she looked at them and timidly said: “I shall not always be ugly, for I shall be pure, sinless and beautiful when I awake in my Saviour’s likeness, for I shall be like Him, and with Him forever.”

O, what a look of surprise came over the children’s faces, and bursting into a loud laugh they ran off, exclaiming: “I wonder when that will be?”

A few days after this incident Rose was not at school, being ill; so many of the little girls called at her house, among whom were the children mentioned as laughing at her.

They were very sorry now for all their unkindness to her, and when they saw her pale face, and heard that she was very ill, they thought of her words, and longed to be as sure of Jesus as she was.

Daily they inquired for her, but still no improvement.

One sunny morning they came to the house, but fear made them stop in their eagerness to knock, for all was quiet. No need to ask why, no occasion to ask how Rose was.

Gone? Yes; to be forever with Jesus, who had loved her more than any one, and transplanted His little flower to a fairer realm above; washed in His precious blood and made pure and sinless through believing on Him.

Whilst standing in mute astonishment and sorrow, the door was softly opened and Rose’s father came out, tearful and sad.

When he saw the children, he took their hands and said, “She is gone, my dears, to be forever with Jesus, and sent you a message: ‘Tell my little school girls I did pray for them, and want them to trust Jesus; and when they come to die they will not be afraid, for it is falling asleep in Him, to awake in His likeness.’”

Her words sank deeply into their hearts, and when tempted to despise anything which God’s hand had made, they thought of her and the Saviour whom she had gone to dwell with. From thinking and longing to be free from sin, they prayed for faith in Christ, and I hope at last trusted in Him who had so loved them that He gave Himself for them.

ML 10/28/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for September

1.“When Jesus therefore had,” etc. John 19:30

2.“Jesus said unto him,” etc. 14: 6

3.“All that the Father giveth Me,” etc. 6:37

4.“Greater love hath no man than this,” etc. “15:13

5.“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” etc. 5:24

6.“And there were also many,” etc. 21:25

7.“But as many as received Him,” etc. 1:12

Bible Questions for November.

The answers are to be found in Romans.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “Delivered Him up.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “The law for righteousness.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “No respect.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “Only wise.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “Fell on me.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “Come short.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “A living sacrifice.”

ML 10/28/1917

"I Cannot Love God."

A LADY became anxious about her soul. She prayed and labored earnestly to “love God.” Instead, however, of doing so, her heart seemed to get harder.

Meetings were being held in the district, and one evening the preacher said, “Some imagine that God requires people to love Him in order to be saved. They begin to examine their hearts, and they cannot find one particle of love in them to God. “If,” said he, “we were not to be saved till we loved Him, we never would be saved at all; but the blessed truth is, He loves us.” “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10.) The moment she saw that God had so loved her as to give Jesus as a propitiation for her sins, peace and joy filled her heart, and she could not help loving Him for all He had done to her.

Have you been trying to love God in order to be saved? If so, give it up. It is true you ought to love God, but so long as you are unsaved you cannot. Meditate on His love to you, and you will be able to say, “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

ML 11/04/1917

Sarah's Ebenezer.

Part 1.

SARAH COLLSTON was a widow with six children, who lived in a small cottage in a village in Y.

She was highly esteemed by all who knew her, for her unflinching faith in God; and her many friends, whether rich or poor, seemed to believe that Sarah’s prayers found special favor with God, her Father. One reason for this persuasion was that she was always ready to aver that God would never fail any soul that really trusted in Him, no matter how dark the hour might be through which He let His child pass.

At other times Sarah would tell her visitors of marvelous answers to prayer. One of the most remarkable shall be given to our readers in her own words. We had called on Sarah one winter’s day, and when seated by the fire we begged her to give us a few incidents from her past life.

“I will do it with pleasure,” she replied, “because nothing gives me greater joy in my soul than telling of God’s goodness, which has followed me continually. You see I was the child of godly parents. There never could have lived a better man than my father, or a truer Christian than my mother. We were a large family, and wages in the country were low. Father was a weaver, before the days of strikes, and when machinery was unheard of at the mills; but mother managed to bring us up in an honest, clean, godly way. We were poor: there is no denying it, and many a time I have known mother very hard put to. Often she would go short herself that we children might have more. Yes, and to be host, there has been many a morning when, with all her managing, we have gone hungry to work or to school. But you never heard either father or mother let out a word of complaint.

“From my earliest recollection, I used to notice that when the neighbors grumbled, my parents did not; but at morning or evening prayer they would just tell the Lord all, and then leave their trouble, whatever it might be, with Him. I never remember a Sunday when we did not go with our parents to church, morning and afternoon. At night, father or mother stayed in with us in turns. Ah! those Sunday nights were fine! The Bible and hymn book were brought out: we sang some hymns together; then the Bible was read and we prayed. I say we, because as we children grew old enough to understand what prayer was, we used to offer our own little requests to God. Yes, as I look back to those days, I bless God for such parents.”

“In course of time, I took a class in the Sunday school, and it was there I met George Coulston. George was not my first lover, there was more than one who spoke to me or to father, but I always said ‘No’, because they knew nothing of having passed from death unto life, and I made up my mind from the day of my conversion, at the age of sixteen, that I would never be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. I knew what the apostle’s warning meant, and never gave any of them a second thought. But when George Coulston came along it was different. He knew what it was to have his sins forgiven, and we were married. There are some now-a-days, who would smile at me going to be married in a print dress, but we had no fine clothes for our wedding. Instead of that, we put a few things in a tiny cottage, which were all paid for, and began life in the fear of the Lord.”

“By-and-by the children came, and then we felt the shoe pinch as wages fell lower, and machinery was brought into the mills, but we stuck to God’s Word, and tried with His help to walk in His ways.

“There were many times when things went awry, and trouble pressed on us, and there were times in our lives, when we were tempted to say with Jacob, ‘All these things are against me,’ but that is where we make the mistake, we just look at things as they appear to us, and we forget He sees the other side. You know a weaver sees the wrong side of the fabric; it’s the other side which comes out all right; so God sees the other side, and so shall we, some day. George and I used often to sing in the dark times. Aye, He can keep us singing, when, but for Him, we would be sighing and grumbling.

“This was one of our hymns,

‘His every word of grace is strong

As that which built the skies;

The voice that rolls the stars along,

Speaks all the promises,’

and we always proved Him true to His word.

“George went home quite suddenly. He was taken bad in the mill, and only got into the house in time to say good-bye to me. He died, as he had lived, loving and trusting in his Saviour. ‘God won’t fail thee, Sallie,’ he said, ‘He will be a Friend to thee, and a Father to the children.’”

ML 11/04/1917

Sunshine.

FINE clothes and a beautiful house may be much desired by many, but these things do not bring happiness. So in our picture this week we see the little girl all dressed up sitting by the window looking out at the beautiful trees and the bright sunshine.

She evidently is not satisfied with all that she has in the house, but seems to be longing for the moment when she will be able to get outside in the sunshine.

It is true about everything in this world. Nothing belonging to this scene can satisfy our hearts. The preacher has said,

“VANITY OF VANITIES; ALL IS VANITY.” Eccl. 1:2.

But there was another preacher said, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Phil. 4:11. This was one of the things he could do through Christ who strengthened him.

He had learned the emptiness of all the pleasures and glory of this world. He had tried these things, so he could say, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Phil. 3:7, 8. So he had found Christ to be the only One who could satisfy him, and He had shed sunshine in his soul so that he could exhort others to “rejoice in the Lord.”

Jesus is the perfect One, and the One who saves to the uttermost, all who come unto God by Him. He says to the believer, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Yes, dear reader, Jesus not only saves but satisfies the heart of all who put their trust in Him and walk with Him.

ML 11/04/1917

Singing.

“I will sing unto the Lord.” Exodus 15:1.

SITTING all alone on the garden step was little Maggie singing a favorite hymn which she had learned at Sunday School. The words were,

“Trusting in that precious blood,

There is perfect peace with God;

Saved for glory, wondrous story,

Saved thro’ Jesus’ precious blood.”

After listening to the singing, we heard her say, “Now all sit still, and look at me.” So looking over the fence we found she was playing Sunday school. Although quite alone she seemed very happy, and had sung the hymn as from her heart.

“I, even I, will sing unto the Lord.” Judges 5:3.

Now, let me ask two questions.

Do we think of the meaning of the words when we sing?

Do we remember while singing that Jesus hears the words, and looks at our hearts? Because the Bible says we are to sing and make melody in our hearts to the LORD. This should always be so, whether in the class at Sunday School, or at home alone.

If we trust Jesus now as the Saviour whose precious blood cleanseth from all sin, we can sing now both of Him and to Him, because

“On earth the song begins,

In heaven more sweet and loud.”

They sang a new song, saying, Thou (Lord Jesus) art worthy. Rev. 5:9.

ML 11/04/1917

Closer Than a Brother.

I have a Friend, a loving Friend,

He’s not like any other;

This Friend I’ve tried and proved Him oft,

He’s closer than a brother.

He never disappoints my hopes,

He never has deceived me,

I know He never will forsake,

He says He’ll never leave me.

I want you all to know this Friend,

And in Him to find favor;

To yield your hearts and lives to Him;

And let Him be your Saviour.

And then whate’er your pathway be:

Through trial or temptation,

In danger or perplexity,

You’ll find in Him salvation.

He’ll save you from the guilt of sin,

He’ll save you from its power;

And having Jesus for your Friend,

You nothing then need fear.

ML 11/04/1917

The Wrong Man.

OUR little darling’s dolly’s head has come off and it needs to be fixed on again, but what do you think she has done? Why she has gone to the blacksmith with it. Poor little thing, she did not know any better, and we can easily look over it. The kind-hearted blacksmith will send her to the right one, who will put it on properly.

Would you think children who are able to read, and grown up people too, would ever make such a mistake as this little girl? I expect most of my little readers would say, “Surely not.” But let me tell you, there are a whole lot who are making such a mistake about the salvation of their souls. Instead of going to the Lord Jesus to save them, and who alone can save, they go to a preacher, and hope he will be able to save them, maybe, by baptizing them, or praying over them, or doing some other things for them. Others will turn to do good works with the hopes they will get their soul saved that way, not knowing, perhaps that the Scripture says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5.

“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.

“There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

“May you, dear reader, go to the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul, for He is the only One who can save you, and He has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

ML 11/11/1917

Inmates of the Bee Hive.

VERY wonderful are the many kinds of work that go on inside a bee-hive, from the time that the tiny eggs are laid in the wax cells till the bees are hatched and full grown, ready to take their share in the hard work. Indeed none are idle in the hive, with the exception of those bees called drones. When the eggs are first hatched they are little worms. These are fed on what is called bee-bread; it is the pollen from flowers mixed with a little honey. In a few days’ time they are ready for a change, and the bees that act as nurses shut them up in wax cells by making a door of wax and sealing it up.

Then follows the cocoon state, and the worm has gradually changed into a fluffy bundle, but changes still go on till presently legs and wings grow on the insect and it forces its way out of the covering.

Now it is a grey young bee, but still shut up in its little wax cell. All bees, as you know, make a buzzing noise, and as soon as the nurse bees hear the little ones making the well-known sound, they scrape away a little of the wax till a hole is made in the door and give the captive a little honey every now and then till it has grown strong enough to come out and begin work.

In every hive there are two classes of bees, one called the workers, who gather the honey, and, indeed, do everything in the busy hive, except laying eggs, which is the work of the queen bee; the other class are the drones. The latter, however, form only a small proportion of the whole number, as for every drone there would probably be forty workers. But, however many bees a hive may contain there is never more than one queen bee. She reigns in the midst of her subjects and receives the utmost loyalty from them.

Several times during the season there is great excitement in the hive on account of another queen bee being hatched and coming out of her cell; then the two queens either fight till one is killed, or else the old queen with some thousands of the bees will swarm; that is, they leave the hive and look out for a new home.

The real work of the hive is to gather honey, and the workers have honey bags to put it in and also pockets for the wax, besides which the dust of the flowers or pollen, which clings to their legs, has to be taken home somehow, so it is first rubbed into rough balls or lumps and carried to the hive on the joints of their legs. These joints being very wide may almost be called pollen baskets.

Honey has always been valued from the earliest times, and in Palestine it was so abundant and of such good quality that the land is spoken of as flowing with milk and honey. That is how God spoke of the land of promise when about to deliver the children of Israel from their cruel position in Egypt. Later on, too, we read that John the Baptist lived in the wilderness and his food was locusts and wild honey; that would be the honey stored by wild bees in the hollow trunks of trees and open spaces in rocks.

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1 Cor. 3:13.)

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31.)

ML 11/11/1917

O! What a Debt We Owe!

All that I was—my sins, my guilt.

My death was all my own;

All that I am, I owe to Thee,

Thou God of grace, alone.

The evil of my former state,

Was mine, and only mine;

The good in which I now rejoice

Is Thine, and only Thine.

Thy mercy found me in my sins

And gave me to believe,

Then, in believing, peace I found,

And in Thy Christ I live.

All that I am, while here on earth,

All that I hope to be

When Jesus comes, and glory dawns,

I owe it, Lord, to Thee.

ML 11/11/1917

Sarah's Ebenezer

Part 2.

“George was right,” continued my old friend, “God has always been a ‘Father to the fatherless, and the God of the widow,’ but you can guess that times were not always easy. Work was none too plentiful and six bairns to feed and clothe, and only one pair of hands to earn food and rent, made me like my mother before me, sore pressed for the next meal. Sickness came into the home, and then during one year our mill only ran half time. This brought us into sore straits. One night there came a dark hour for me, and a severe trial of faith.

“It was in December, and the snow was thick on the ground. The children came in from school and play, and wanted tea. I gave them all I had, all there was in the house. After that meal I had no more bread or butter or sugar or tea or milk left; nor any more coal when the fire had burned itself out. Worst of all, there was no money to buy anything. I kept up mother’s way with the children, and after tea we had prayers. Then they all went to bed except Ellen, my eldest, who was about twelve years old, and able of course to understand more than the others. Well, she said to me, when she had put the tea things away, ‘Shall I make up the fire, mother?’

“No,’ I said, ‘You cannot do that, for we haven’t any more coal, nor yet money to buy coal with, my dear. But don’t fret (for I saw she was beginning to cry) or the children will hear you. Come here, and we will tell our Heavenly Father all about it, for I mind how thy father’s last words were that God would never forsake us; no, neither will He!’

“We knelt together by the fast dying fire and prayed. I don’t remember now what I said, only how near the enemy of souls was to me, and how again and again he brought up to me that God had forgotten me. More than once Satan nearly won the victory, and it seemed as if my faith in God must fail. But I bless Him that, near as the enemy was, Jesus was nearer, and when I cried to Him to help me, He did.

“I can’t say how long I was praying; only I lost sight of all, and forgot even my child. Then at last I felt that I had won the victory, and that in some way or other God would provide for us.

“When I opened my eyes, Ellen was fast asleep, but a candle was burning on the table, and the breakfast cloth was laid. In moving I woke Ellen, and then I said, ‘What have you laid the cloth for, child?’

“‘Why, mother,’ she said, ‘I have the table all ready for the things that will come. We shall have food by breakfast time, I am sure.’

“‘What makes you sure, my child?’

“‘Of course, food will come, mother,’ she replied, ‘for you have been reminding God of all His precious words and His promises to help all who trust Him. And you said at last, Praise the Lord, there’ll be a breakfast for the bairns in the morning.’ So I laid the cloth, for I’m sure God told you there would be breakfast—and there will be.’

“She kissed me and went to bed, but I sat up. The conflict was not quite ended,

Satan flung thoughts of discouragement and unbelief at me, but, thank God, it was in vain. I said quietly to myself:

‘When Satan appears to stop up our path,

And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith,

He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried,

The heart cheering promise, ‘The Lord will provide.’

“As I rested upon His word, nature had its way with my poor tired body, and I fell asleep. Then in a dream I saw ‘Him whom my soul loveth.’ It seemed just real, for He came up to me and said, as He gently touched my hand, ‘Be of good cheer, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’

ML 11/11/1917

A Happy Day.

FAR away in that land known as New Zealand, there lived a Maori boy called Hui. He had dwelt with his tribe nearly all his life, but some of the members of it had wandered away from their “pah” (village), and had “camped” near a European settlement in Wellington.

An evangelist was preaching in a tent just on the outskirts of the township, and Hui, seeing the people go in, thought he might try to get in as well, and see what the “white man” was doing! He went in, took a seat at the back of the tent, and gazed about, and wondered greatly at what was going on—not understanding English, he was, of course puzzled. He caught the words—

“O happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away,”

and on account of the chorus of that hymn being repeated several times, he actually learned them there and then. He went back to his tribe, and kept saying the words over and over again, feeling quite important in having learned some of the “white man’s” language. Day after day he said the lines, not understanding one of the words.

Some months afterwards he went to work on a settler’s farm, and picked up English very quickly, and from his fellow workmen heard about God.

Once again the tent was pitched, and Hui went to hear the “white man” preaching.

The preacher was feeling rather downhearted for he fancied that all in that tent were Christians; but Hui was touched and drank in the words of the gospel of God’s great love to poor sinners quite eagerly.

“O! did God so love a poor ‘Maori boy,’” he thought, “that His Son came here and shed His blood, and will it really wash my sins away?”

The hymn, “O Happy Day,” was given out, and the tears streamed down Hui’s face as he joined in singing those precious words, the first English words that he had learned. The preacher noticing this spoke to the young Maori lad as he was leaving the tent, and had the great joy of hearing that Hui had that night met the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour God, and that Jesus had indeed washed away his sins.”

ML 11/11/1917

The Shepherd's Care.

How carefully the shepherds keep

The flocks within their sight;

So Jesus watches o’er His sheep,

And guards them day and night.

The shepherd numbers, twice a day,

The flock beneath his care;

He knows if any go astray,

Or sick are dying are.

So Jesus reckons, one by one,

And numbers all His sheep;

He knows if but a lamb is gone.

For He doth never sleep.

The flocks of men are bought with gold,

And grass is all their food;

The sheep and lambs of Jesus’ fold

Are purchased with His blood.

ML 11/11/1917

A Boy with a Future.

HOW many boys and girls, especially when they leave school, go out with the desire and hope they will make a name in this world, or get rich and have all that their heart might wish? But it does not take long till most of them are sadly disappointed; the great height they had hoped to reach, had not been gained, and those who had reached it, found they had soon to give it up, and there was another future staring them in the face which was for eternity. They had spent all their time for gain in this poor world that they had to give up so soon.

May each of my readers consider the future that lasts forever. Are you prepared for it? The scripture says,

“WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL.” Mark 8:36.

It matters little whether we get along well in this world or not; the question of all importance is, “Where shall you spend eternity?” God in His mercy has not only warned us of “wrath to come,” but He has provided the means of escape from it at a great cost to Himself. So the Scripture says, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. If anyone is lost for eternity it must be his own fault. The fault would be that he had not believed in the Lord Jesus and therefore would perish and lose the grand, blessing of having eternal life. Dear reader, may the aspirations of your heart, be for the eternal future of bliss.

ML 11/18/1917

Sarah's Ebenezer.

Part 3.

“How long I slept,” said the old woman, “I do not know, but at last a loud knock at the cottage door, made me jump, and at the same time the children began to call out for their breakfast.

“‘All right, my dears,’ I called back, ‘you shall have some presently.’ Another knock, and I opened the door to a man with a hundred pounds of coal on his back.

“‘Look sharp, missus,’ says he, ‘where am I to put this, and four, more like it?’

“‘Five hundred pounds of coal for me!’ I cried out almost in. fear. ‘They can’t be for me. I’ve no money to get coal; you’ve made a mistake!’

“‘No mistake,’ said he, walking through the house and opening the back door, where he flung them down in the yard.

“‘But there is a mistake,’ I said, ‘for—’

“‘Now, missus, just you be quiet. The coal is bought and paid for, and here’s my orders on this paper to deliver them here. Your name is Sarah Coulston, isn’t it?”

“‘Yes, that’s right,’ I said, my heart well-nigh too full to speak; ‘but whoever could have sent them?’

‘“There, there, mother,’ said Ellen? as she came to my side, and looked at the coal; ‘that is number one of what ‘God will send,’ and she was right, for we had only just lit the fire when another knock came at the door, and the grocer’s boy left a big basket of groceries—everything you could want in the house, besides canned meat and milk enough for a large family.

“Ellen jumped for joy, and the younger children clapped their hands. The water was soon boiling and the food on the table.

“‘O, mother, we’ve no bread!’

“‘Not yet, lass,’ said I, for all my doubts had gone. ‘It will come, for God never does His work by halves,’ and sure enough, another knock at the door, and a push and the baker came in. Now, Clifford was not what you would call a Christian by profession, but he was a kindly fellow and he had often let me have bread when I could not pay for it.

“‘Good morning, missus,’ he said, ‘I am that orful cold, I can’t go no further; this weather makes my heart trouble worse. Can I have a warm?’

“‘Yes, to be sure, come in.’

“‘Why, what a jolty fire you have!’ he exclaimed as he went over to it.

“‘You are right,’ ‘I ‘answered and then told him all that had happened. He listened with ears, eyes and mouth open; then, when I handed him a cup, of tea, he said to Ellen, ‘Run out to my van, and bring in two big loaves, and mind, my girl, you will have two every day till things is better with you.’

“‘Bless the Lord!’ I cried out, ‘He has never failed anyone yet, Clifford!’

“‘No it seems not, missus, and as I believe what you have told me of how He has helped you in the hour of need, by His help, I will begin to trust Him from this moment.’

“‘That’s right lad. Trust Him now as a Saviour, who can pardon all your sins. Let us kneel down here and ask Him to receive you. Shall we?’

“‘Yes, missus, I’m willing.’

“You may be sure, continued Sarah, that God saved him then and there, and from that day he was quite a changed man.

“‘There, that is my story:” I like to tell it to show God’s goodness, and it may help anyone who is wavering in faith to believe that God is always true to His word. From that day to this He has supplied all our needs. My children are firm believers in prayer, and in the God who never forsook their mother nor them, nor let them cry to Him in vain. And here I raise my Ebenezer and say:

‘Engraved as in eternal brass

The mighty Promise shines,

Nor can the powers of darkness ‘rase

Those everlasting lines.’”

ML 11/18/1917

Willie's Psalm.

LITTLE Willie was scarcely five years old when it pleased God to take his mother to heaven, to be with the dear Saviour, whom she had loved on earth. Willie saw how sad his father looked when he talked of the dear one who had gone from them, and who would never come back to them again; but he was too young to understand how great their loss was.

As Mr. —. could not be much at home with his motherless child, he accepted an invitation for him to spend a few months with his aunt Maria.

On the first Sunday of his visit, he accompanied his aunt to chapel in the morning, and behaved very quietly during the service. In the afternoon his aunt Maria gave him a picture book, thinking it would amuse him while she read. Presently the little fellow laid down the book, and going to his aunt, and looking up into her face, he said, “Auntie, will you read to me, please? Mamma always used to read to me on Sunday afternoon.”

“Yes, dear, certainly I will,” was the reply. “If you give me that book, I will read one of those pretty stories for you.”

“No, not that, auntie; please read to me out of the Bible.”

In some surprise aunt Maria said, “Out of the Bible, Willie! Will you like that best?”

“Yes, please, auntie, I would like the Psalm which mamma used to read to me.” “Which was it, do you know, Willie?” “It was about a shepherd. I can say a little of it.”

“I shall so much like to hear you say it. Will you tell me what you know?”

Willie repeated the words, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” he could get no farther than those first five words, but by these his aunt knew directly which Psalm her little nephew meant. But in order to try if he really knew the right one, she read some other verses in which the word shepherd occurs. At length, finding that he was not satisfied, she turned to the twenty-third Psalm and read, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” On hearing these words, Willie clapped his little hands, and with a very bright face, he exclaimed, “That’s it, auntie, that’s it; now will you read it all to me?”

“Yes, darling, I will.”

As she replied, aunt Maria kissed the child’s sweet upturned face, and taking him on her knee, she read and talked to him about that beautiful Psalm which King David wrote, so many, many years ago.

Perhaps he wrote it when he was himself a shepherd, taking care of his father’s sheep in the wilderness. This occupation made him well acquainted with the habits of sheep. He knew how likely they were to stray from the fold; even the little lambs would sometimes wander away to the bleak barren mountains, where they could find no nice food, no cooling streams of water, but where they would be exposed to great danger, and perhaps to death. David knew too how sorry a kind shepherd would feel for the poor silly creature; how anxiously he would search for it. And when he found it wounded and bleeding, how tenderly he would carry it back to the fold, and care for it so lovingly, till it was quite healed; and ever afterwards take special care of it. In like manner David knew that God cared for him, so that he could truly say, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

We hope that many of our young readers know this beautiful Psalm, and love it as little Willie did. It will be the greatest happiness to you, if you are able to say, “The LORD is MY Shepherd.”

ML 11/18/1917

Out of His Troubles.

TWO men were watching a costly funeral procession as it made its way through the streets of a busy city, and passing by I overheard one say to the other, “It’s all over with him—he’s out of his troubles now!”

All over with him! nay, thought I, rather the reality has only just begun with him, life’s dream has ended, and the waking is his. I went up to the speaker and said,

“My friend, you said just now, it was all over with him, has it not rather just begun with him?”

“What do you mean, sir? I don’t understand you.”

“You forgot when you passed your remark upon the funeral that there is something after death.”

“You are quite right,” he said, “I know there is after death.”

“Well, friend,” I asked, “and what will be yours after death? God tells us, ‘It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,’ and after the judgment there is hell fire for such as do not receive Christ in this life.”

The man was distressed and said, “What will it be with me? O! I am sure I don’t know. I hope and I try at times, but I cannot tell.”

“Then hear what God says, ‘Be it known unto you that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things;’ also, The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin. Believe in Jesus and eternal life shall be yours now, and after death eternal happiness.”

Dear children, the unsaved one begins his troubles after death—all he ever suffered here is nothing to what he will endure after death.

On the other hand, the true believer is indeed out of his troubles after death. No grief, no pain shall reach him when he is with Christ.

Let me ask you, as I asked the old man, “What will be your ‘after death’”?

“Flee from the wrath to come.”

ML 11/18/1917

That Sweet Word.

Children dear have precious souls,

Souls for which the Saviour died—

Souls for which the Prince of Life

Was on Calvary crucified.

How it tells the matchless love

Of the blessed Son of God,

Thus to come from heaven to bear

Sin’s tremendous heavy load.

Had He not upon the cross

Borne the wrath that sin deserved,

Never had our happy ears

That sweet word Salvation heard.

Now we hear the joyful sound

Of salvation full and free;

Faith in Jesus makes it ours,

Now and through eternity!

ML 11/18/1917

I Am the Lord.

WHAT a sad picture we have before us this week. We see the awful result of despising and disobeying God. Pharaoh, king of Egypt, was one who had no thought of God, neither did he fear Him. Just think of one of God’s creatures doing as he pleases instead of asking God what He wanted him to do. But Pharaoh went further than that, he said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.” Ex. 5:2. He ought to have known the One who had created him, for God has shown Himself in creation. “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” Rom. 1:20. No wonder that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. And God does so today to those who despise Him and refuse to know Him. “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider.” Isa. 1:3. Should not Pharaoh have known who it was that was providing him with food and raiment? He evidently did not, so the ox was ahead of him, for the ox knew his master who fed him. Do you, my reader, know the One who gives you all you need? If you do, then you can say, “The gift above all the gifts that God has given, is His beloved Son to die for us.” “Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6. “Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.

The awful end of Pharaoh here upon earth is, what is pictured before us, and not him only, but all who followed him. But the terrible and final judgment of those who will not know nor fear God will be to be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death.

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

“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 11/18/1917

The Magnet and the Nails.

I HAD the pleasure of listening to an instructive address, delivered in our Sunday School by one who is a great lover of little children, and I am sure a short account of it will prove both interesting and profitable to my young readers.

The speaker brought with him a brown paper parcel, on which all eyes were fixed. On its being opened, it was proved to contain a powerful magnet and several nails of different sizes.

These were carefully spread out upon a table in the midst of the children, who were seated in rows on either side of it. A verse of a hymn having been sung, the speaker asked a boy to read from Eccl. 12:1, these words: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, ‘I have ono pleasure in them.’”

It so happened that the lad who sat next to me read the words. How it rejoiced my heart as he did so, to know that he had already given his heart to the Lord! And all the more, because he is my own precious little son in the faith. In that very same room, within four yards of the place where he was standing up and reading the verse, he had, about sixteen months before, found joy and peace in believing, while kneeling at my side.

The more firmly to impress the verse upon the memories of all present, the sneaker bade the children repeat it together, and, after various attempts, they performed the task to his satisfaction.

The speaker, now holding up the magnet, and pointing to the nails, said they must be understood as representing little children, older boys and girls, and men and women.

He bade them notice some very tiny and bright nails, which he had laid in order on the table. These, said he, resembled those children who in infancy gave their hearts to Jesus, and were very bright and happy.

“You can tell them,” he said, looking upon his hearers round, “by their bright and happy faces.”

Just behind me sat two dear little girls, whose little faces beamed in the sunshine of Jesus’ love, Whose they are, and Whom they desire to serve.

He passed the magnet over these tiny nails, and in a moment each one leaped up to it. And how they clung to it! Just so, he said, are little children that believe, attracted by the power of love to Jesus, to Himself. They are ready at any moment to spring up into His strong and loving arms; and how they cling to Him!

He then applied the magnet to some larger nails, and the bright ones amongst them clung so tightly to it, that it required a violent jerk to throw them off. “The dear boys and girls who are growing up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord have certainly grown older and stronger, since they first came to Jesus,” continued the speaker, “yet there is the same attractive power in His love affecting them as at first. They are bright in His love; and how they cling to Him!”

The magnet was then passed over some rusty nails of about the same size as the others, but it had very little power over them. These rusty nails, the children were told, were like those youths and maidens who, forgetting their Creator, were growing each day older in sin and more hardened in heart, and having less and less desire to come to Jesus.

Some large, stout, straight and bright nails were next tested and in a moment all could see how powerful was the magnet’s influence over every one of them. The parable was that these resembled believers of mature age, who had been converted in their youth—that just as these nails were fit to be employed in all cases where large, stout, straight and bright nails were required, even so “full grown” believers prove to have become, through grace, strong in the Lord, upright in walk and conduct, and fit for His service, and that they, as well as the smallest, are attracted to Christ.

He next held up a very long nail, and bade all the children notice that its head or face was quite as bright as were those of the tiniest nails they had before seen. So, he said, the aged believer, who had sought and found peace in believing in his youth, is no less bright and joyous in old age while he clings to Christ. The Scriptures say, “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

I trust that Sunday afternoon’s lesson, so aptly illustrated, will not be forgotten by any of the dear children who were privileged to hear it; and may God grant to every youthful reader obedience to His Word, which solemnly charges each one “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”

ML 11/25/1917

Sarah's Ebenezer.

Part 4.

About a week after Sarah had told us Cod’s wonderful answer to her prayer, a gentleman from a neighboring town called upon us. He was a Christian man, and our conversation turned upon prayer; we mentioned Sarah, and asked if he knew her.

“She is a wonderful woman,” our visitor replied. “Many years ago, God used me to help her. Let me tell you the story in a few words.

“Curiously enough, God brought about her relief through my missing a train. I had been in this town for one night, and had purposed to return home by the last train, but I missed it by one minute. Consequently I could not get nearer to my home than the next village, four miles from here; the rest of the way I had to walk. It was a bitter night in December, and as I left the little station I almost shrank before the wind and driving snow. My shortest way led me past Sarah Coulston’s cottage. On approaching it I heard her voice raised and thinking that someone was bothering her, I paused to listen. In a few moments I knew it all, for the poor woman was earnestly praying for help to her Heavenly Father. ‘Thou canst not break Thy word,’ I heard her say; ‘Thou hast promised to stand by the widow and the fatherless: Thou knowest, Lord, I have no coal, no food, no meat, no money, and unless Thou dost help us, we shall starve. Lord, help us; help us Lord.’

“My first impulse was to knock at the door and give her a few dollars; but I felt led to hold back, and to send her the exact things she had asked for. So, in the morning, I called up the shop folk and sent her what she needed as she told you; yet there is more than that, Sarah will ever thank God for her night of trial; but so will I, for it is true that the liberal soul shall be made fat.’”

Dear reader, let this story be the means of increasing your faith in God. In dark days never lose heart but always remember that God works when honest faith lays hold of Him.

“He never is before His time,

And never is behind.”

ML 11/25/1917

Opening the Heart.

“I KNEW a little boy,” said a minister once at a meeting,— “he was my own brother, in fact,—whose heart was touched by a sermon on the words, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock.’ My mother said to him, when she noticed that he was anxious, ‘Robert, what would you say to anyone who knocked at the door of your heart, if you wished him to come in?’ and he answered, ‘I would say. Come in.’ She then said to him, ‘Then say to the Lord Jesus, Come in.’”

“Next morning there was a brightness and a joy about Robert’s face that made my father ask, ‘What makes you so glad today?’ He replied, ‘I awoke in the night, and I felt that Jesus was still knocking at the door of my heart, and I said, Lord Jesus, come in; and I think He has come in. I feel happier this morning than ever I was before.’ I could see that Jesus had come in by his obedience, by his beaming countenance, and by the love he showed to God’s Word and to God’s people.”

Dear reader, will you not let the Lord Jesus “come in”?

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20.

ML 11/25/1917

He Gave Himself.

“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

A LITTLE boy once learned this verse, and he could not understand it, as he had not been taught much about the Lord Jesus.

After he had repeated the text several times, he asked, “What does ‘gave Himself’ mean?”

Then his friend told him very simply how the blessed Lord Jesus left the glory above, and came down into this world, and died upon the cross; how He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, and shed His precious blood, that all who believe in Him may have their sins forgiven, and be with Him forever in the bright heaven above.

Alec listened attentively, and then said softly, “What made Him do it?”

The only answer could be, “It was His love, wondrous love.”

After that day, Alec delighted to speak of the love of Jesus for him. He said once, “I know what ‘gave Himself’ means; it means, He put away my sins when He died on the cross.” And another day he said to his friend, “I love Jesus very much; don’t you?”

When asked why he loved Him, his answer always was, “Because He gave Himself.”

It was the love of Jesus in giving Himself for him, a sinner, that won his heart, and drew back his love to Him. “We love Him, because He first loved us.”

You have often heard of this wonderful love, dear children, but have you believed it O, do not turn away from such love! It is all for you, if you will have it. Stop and think what it means: “gave Himself.” He could not give more, and nothing less would do.

Just let this love of Jesus into your heart now, and then you will rejoice to say, “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

ML 11/25/1917

How Happy Is the Child.

How happy is the child

Who loves the Saviour’s name;

In whose young heart the fruits of grace,

Love, joy, and meekness reign;

Whose young affections all

Are set on God’s dear Son;

Who loves the Lord for what He is,

As well as what He’s done.

Thus early brought to Christ,

To know and love His ways,

The object of his life shall be

To sound abroad His praise.

ML 11/25/1917

Answers to Bible Questions for October.

1.“Him hath God exalted,” etc. Acts 5:31

2.“And now brethren,” etc. 20:32

3.“Which also send,” etc. 1:11

4.“And have hope toward God,” etc. 24:15

5.“Neither is there salvation,” etc. 4:12

6.“And when they had appointed,” etc. 28:23

7.“And said, Behold,” etc. 7:56

Bible Questions for December.

The answers are to be found in 1 Corinthians.

1.Write the verse containing the words: “Weak conscience.”

2.Write the verse containing the words: “Foolishness unto him.”

3.Write the verse containing the words: “Shall be changed.”

4.Write the verse containing the words: “Destroyed of serpents.”

5.Write the verse containing the words: “Stand fast.”

6.Write the verse containing the words: “So also is Christ.”

7.Write the verse containing the words: “Power of God.”

ML 12/02/1917

Eliza, the Orphan.

ELIZA’S father and mother were both dead, but God provided for the orphan, and He is a Father to the fatherless. He put it into the heart of a kind lady to take Eliza to her own house to care for her, and she had looked to the Lord that Eliza might be brought to know Jesus as her Saviour, and she expected an answer to her prayer.

The child, when she came, was altogether ignorant of the meaning of God’s Word, but as she was tolerably well acquainted with the letter, she knew, as a matter of history, that Jesus Christ came from heaven to earth; that He died upon the cross, and that after three days He rose again, and went up to God’s right hand in heaven. The little teaching, she had received was like laying the fire overnight, ready for kindling in the morning, and none can tell when the flame of Divine love may be lighted in the soul. But this we know, when once alight, it shall never be put out. But while the fire was laid in her heart, there was neither light nor heat. A heart-belief in Jesus who loved her soul; in Jesus who shed His blood for her sake to wash her sins away—this was the light and the heat—this she lacked.

You see, dear children, the difference between knowing about God in your head, and believing in your heart.

“Thou believest that there is one God;” says the Scripture, “thou doest well; the devils also believe and tremble.” (Jas. 2:19.)

But of the heart-belief we read, “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.” (Rom. 10: 9,10.)

The lady occasionally read portions of Scripture with Eliza, and she saw with thankfulness that the little girl did, by degrees, begin to understand in her heart. Before long the child saw her own sinfulness, and her need of a Saviour. She had discovered that when the lady knelt down and prayed to the Lord Jesus in heaven to make the little orphan love Him, it was indeed to a living Person she spoke, and to One who heard the cry of those who call upon Him.

It happened one morning that the 53rd chapter of Isaiah was chosen to be- read, and as Eliza read each word slowly, “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,” the expression of her face changed, and was lighted up with faith, as she exclaimed, “I see it all quite clearly. He—me; His wounds—my sins!” She believed it was indeed so, that Jesus was bruised for her sins, upon the cross, and that God had laid her sins upon His Son.

The love of Jesus now filled her youthful heart, and she could sing, “Jesus is mine.” Henceforth in her simplicity, she referred each trouble and difficulty to the Lord, Himself.

One day, when dusting a room, which was part of her duty, it came into her heart to hurry through the work.

“Don’t do it properly, your mistress won’t see,” something said.

“But Jesus is watching me,” she mentally replied, “and He will help me to do what is right”; and she said to the tempter, “I will not listen to you.”

It was not merely by saying that she believed in Jesus that little Eliza proved herself to be a Christian, but it was evidenced in all her behavior.

ML 12/02/1917

Soap Bubbles.

“HOW wonderful!” the little boy exclaims, as the soap bubble rises and floats around with all its beautiful colors. But, alas, how soon it is gone. Just like everything else in this world. Our joys and sorrows are soon over, and even our life at the longest is short, and one might well ask, “What is it all for? What profit is there in being here?” If this life is all, there is no profit in being here; for if we were to get all we wanted while here, we would have to leave it all behind very soon.

Dear children, may you early learn that there is a life beyond this scene, and you must spend that either in Heaven or hell. What, therefore, is of profit while you are in this life is to find the way to Heaven. How simple God has made it all for us, for He sent Jesus, His beloved Son, down into this world to be our Saviour. He said, “I am the way,” and again, “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” Notice He does not say, “I am a way,” as if there were other ways. O, no, Jesus is “The way”; there is no other way. You must come to Jesus, take Him as your Saviour, and He will take you safely and surely to Heaven. But to despise “The way,” is to remain away from God, to be lost forever.

What, therefore, is of the utmost gain and profit for us while we are down here in this life is to have Jesus as our Saviour.

“WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?” Mark 8:36.

ML 12/02/1917

Happy Charley.

CHARLEY was a cripple, and the only child of poor parents. One day as Charley was sitting by his window, unable to move, a young lady paid him a visit, saying:

“I heard that a little invalid lived here, and I have come to cheer one of his lonely hours.”

After chatting a while with him, the lady asked Charley if he would like to come to a Sunday school.

“I can’t walk, Miss,” was the poor lad’s reply; but when he heard that the young lady’s father would send his carriage for him every Sunday, poor little Charley’s face brightened up with delight.

When Charley’s mother came home, he told her all about the visit, and his mother promised him that if the carriage came, he should go to the school. And, sure enough, on Sunday morning the beautiful carriage drove up to the door, with the kind young lady seated in it, and Charley was driven off to the school.

You may guess why this young lady took all this trouble about the poor child. It was because she wished that he might indeed know the love of Jesus and be happy forever. One day the boy said to her:

“Miss Caroline, do you think Jesus loves me?”

“He loved you so much that He came down from His home in Heaven to die upon the cross for sinners,” was the reply; and very simply did the poor boy receive in his heart the sweet story of Jesus’ love. God gave him power to believe on the Lord, and Charlie was enabled to say to his kind teacher:

“O, I am so happy, so very happy, I have found Jesus. Everything looks bright now;” and he pointed from his poor little window to the trees and fields— “The trees are more beautiful now, and I am so happy.”

And the poor little sufferer would say, “I shall very soon be with Jesus, and then I shall not suffer any more pain: and shall I not be happy up there?”

My little friends, are you as happy as poor Charley, the cripple?

“Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Pet. 1:7, 8.)

ML 12/02/1917

God Loves Bad People.

A FATHER once heard one of his little lads say to his brother:

“If you are naughty father won’t love you!”

His father called him and said, “My boy, you must never say that. It is not true.”

“Is it not true, father? Will you love us if we are naughty?”

“Yes,” said his father. “When you are good, I love you with a love which makes me glad; but when you are naughty, I love you; but it is with a love that makes me sorry.”

That is like God’s love. He loves the sinner, but it is a sad love, a love which longs to see the sinner different; and God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son. He commends His love to us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

ML 12/02/1917

The Children's Friend.

Come, little one, and I will tell you

Of a friend, if you will hear;

One that loves you more than mother,

Or your brother, sister dear.

‘Tis the One that made this wide world.

And the sun to shine by day;

Moon and starry heavens that lighten,

Weary travelers on their way.

One in Heaven with God His Father,

Once He came to dwell with men;

Came into this world of sorrow—

Born a babe in Bethlehem.

In that same hour there were shepherds

Watching o’er their flocks by night,

When an angel stood beside them,

Glory of the Lord shone bright.

When afraid, the angel told them

Of a Saviour born; and said

In swaddling clothes they’d find Him

Lying in a manger bed.

Then in early morn they sought Him,

Baby in a manger laid;

Found the little Heavenly Stranger

Even as the angel said.

As a child He grew in stature

Filled with grace and wisdom rare,

Once they found Him in the Temple

Talking with the doctors there.

Subject to His earthly parents,

Bless’d example, child, for thee;

Hast thou learned to know and love Him,

Heard His call, “Follow thou Me.”

‘Tis but little I can tell you

Of this Blessed Heavenly One;

How He came to seek and save you,

Bids the little ones to come.

Yes, the Blessed Holy Jesus,

He, the life, the truth, the way,

Opes His arms and bids thee welcome—

Come to Him without delay.

Coming, He will meet and bless thee,

Take thee in His arms of love;

And at last He’ll bring thee safely

To His Father’s house above.

ML 12/02/1917

Reflection.

LOOK at the two little birds viewing themselves reflected in the water. It may be they think they see two other birds, but we know they are mistaken.

There is another kind of a mistake that many people make when they look at bad people; they forget they have a reflection of their own hearts in such, for God’s Word says, “As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” (Prov. 27:19.) Have you, dear reader, remembered that your heart is just as bad as one who has permitted the evil to be manifested by wicked works? Perhaps you say, “I do not commit such bad things as others do.” That may be true; you may be able to look back and say, “I never stole anything, I never told a lie, I never used a bad word, I never disobeyed my mother,” and so on, but God’s Word lets us know that every evil thing is in our hearts, so our hearts are all the same, whether we have manifested the evil that is in them or not. We are responsible not to let out the evil; if we did we would be adding sin to sin.

Some may say, “What is to be done, seeing we have such bad hearts? For no sin, even in thought, can be permitted in God’s holy presence.” Would feeling sorry for our sins ever put them away before God? Would being careful that we did not commit the sins, make our hearts any better in God’s sight? We must answer to these questions, No. Nothing that we could do would ever make us one whit better, or fit for God. Banishment from God’s presence is what our state called for, but this is why Jesus, the holy One of God, came down here and became like one of us, apart from sin. He went down under the penalty of all our sins, and was forsaken of God on Calvary’s cross, and rose triumphant out of it all, because He was holy, so that all who would put their trust in Him could be accepted by God.

“IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.” Eph. 1:7.

ML 12/09/1917

The Prodigal Son.

LITTLE Robbie is only three years old, but can sing, “I will arise and go to my Father, and will say unto Him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son.” He is very fond of his father, and when asked if he loves his father, he answers,

“Yes, and Jesus who lives in the sky.”

Of course he is only a child and does not understand things like grown-up people, but he knows that Jesus loves him, for God reveals that to babes, and they can praise Him.

Once there was a man who had two sons, and one of them did not wish to stay at home always with his kind father, and wandered away, and soon spent all the money given to him by his parent.

Soon he was penniless, and had nothing to eat. Instead of going straight home and telling his father he was sorry, he just wandered farther away, and at last had to mind swine in the fields, after going without breakfast. He saw the swine had something to eat, but he had nothing.

This state of affairs made him sit down and think of all his wickedness, and his wandering. After much thought he determined to go home again and ask to be forgiven.

His pride broke down and he went ragged, footsore and weary to the place where he had spent so many happy days.

While he was yet afar off he saw his old grey-haired father coming to meet him, and falling on his face, and bursting into tears, he said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.”

His father forgave him freely, and kissed him with a kiss of reconciliation.

He then ordered the best robe to be put on him, and in his joy at finding his son, he made a great feast, and said, “This my son was lost, and is found, he was dead and is alive again.”

Now, little ones, this is just what God does when any little prodigal returns and says from the bottom of his heart, “Father, I have sinned, and want to be forgiven for Jesus’ sake.”

All the angels rejoice over one sinner that repenteth, and He “who came to seek and to save all who were lost” gives you a kiss of reconciliation, and puts on you the robe of righteousness, and forgives you all, making you a child of God through being born again.

If you are lost, and have not been found by Jesus, return now to Him and He will save you, for He says:

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.”

Not only sing, as little Robbie did, that you will arise, but come now and be made happy once and for ever; and so shall you live always in His presence, “where there is fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore.”

ML 12/09/1917

The New Body.

A VERY little girl heard about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He will raise up those who sleep in Jesus, and chance those who remain alive till His coming, giving them all bodies of glory. So one day when his mother was quite sick and moving about the house in great pain, she came to her and said:

“O, mamma! Won’t you be glad when the Lord Jesus comes, and you will get your new body?”

Was not that a sweet word of comfort, leading that mother’s mind up to “the blessed hope,” and to think of how much was awaiting her in the future, in the glory?

All who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ will be caught up to meet Him, at His coming, and so be forever with the Lord.

“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.)

ML 12/09/1917

I Cannot Go to God for You.

A LITTLE girl of seven years of age was in great trouble about her sins, so much so that her father, who is a faithful minister of Christ, said of her, “That to see her great sorrow about her soul, you might think she must be the greatest sinner in the world.”

But—no! She had been a good and obedient child, and had been brought up in the fear of God. It was God’s Holy Spirit who was showing her what her sins were in God’s sight, and this made her feel herself so very sinful before Him.

“O, dear papa,” she said, as she came to tell him her trouble, “do pray for me that God will pardon all my sins and give me peace!”

After praying and talking with the child, her father saw that his little girl was trusting to him instead of going to Jesus Christ for herself. So he unclasped her arms, which were fastened around his neck, and though he felt very sorry to leave her so unhappy, he tenderly said that his little girl could not be saved by his prayers. He told her that he must leave her quite alone with God, and that she must go to God herself, that the Lord Jesus could and would save her soul if she went to God through Him. The little girl entreated her father not to go away; but he rose, and left the room.

When quite alone, the trembling child knelt down and prayed to God to forgive her all her sins, and to fill her with His Holy Spirit. She went by faith to the Saviour—she put her whole trust in Him; and when her father, who had been pleading with God elsewhere, came again into the room he found his child quite happy. God had received her in His love, and had given her pardon and peace in believing in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and since that day this little girl has been a happy follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

No one can go to God for us, we must go to Him ourselves; and if we go as poor, lost sinners, forsaking our sins and seeking His mercy in the Saviour’s name, and through His precious blood, God will give us pardon and peace, and put His holy Spirit within us. No one who has gone to the Lord Jesus has been turned away, and He says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,” and though heaven and earth shall pass away, not one word of His shall ever pass away till all be fulfilled. Come, then, to Him for yourselves, and you shall, like the little girl, be a happy follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 12/09/1917

Only a Little Child.

I WAS on my way to business, full of thought, and not a little anxious as to matters which pressed upon my mind, when I passed a boy, perhaps three or four years old. He was singing, and as I passed him I caught the words, which as near as I can give in his own language—

“Gentle Jesus, meet and mild,

Loot upon a little child;

Pity my simplicity,

Teach me, Lord, to tome to Thee.”

Perhaps he only knew this verse, and singing it again and again, I caught it pretty clearly. It was only a little child; but the words from the infant lips which I heard turned my thoughts away from business and its cares to Him who said, “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.” These simple hymns learned in a Sunday school are often as tiny seeds sown, which in after years may bring fruit. This child’s song took me back to years long past, when, as a child as young as this one, I too learned of a Saviour’s love, for I am quite sure they were the seedlings of the truth which I was to learn in a fuller measure in after years. How often I thank God for the simple hymns taught me in childhood’s days in the Sunday school. Teachers may well take courage in their work of love, for they know not what blessing may flow from their labors.

What a privilege a Christian teacher has of thus directing the young heart to Jesus by the sweet and simple words of childhood’s hymns, while the heart is open for good, for in a few years the ear will catch, alas! too soon that which is bad. It is a blessed thing whenever we can do so to direct the young heart to Him, who when on earth said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.” Those who learn of the loving God in early days have their hearts gladdened and made happy, and will be saved from many a bitter pang and many a scar by the buffeting of the evil one. We may not be able to do great things, but most of us have the opportunity of teaching infant lips to sing His praises.

“Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day.” Psa. 96:2.

ML 12/09/1917

Jesus for Me! Jesus for Me!

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

“All the fitness He requireth,

Is to feel your need of Him.”

Nearly two years passed before an answer came. It arrived a few weeks ago:

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

‘Jesus, my Saviour, Thou art mine,

The Father’s gift of love divine,

All Thou Nast done, and all Thou art,

Are now the portion of my heart.’

Please will you write some texts out for me to study through the week? O, it is,

‘Jesus for me, Jesus for me!’”

The look of unrest has now left the face of my little friend, and, instead, the joy of God’s salvation rests on it. Do you, dear little reader, know Jesus? You may know about Him, but do you know Him as your own precious Saviour? Can you say, “Jesus for me”? If not, let me entreat you to seek Him now in the days of your youth. He has said, “I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find me.” (Prov. 8:17.)

ML 12/09/1917

The Old Shepherd.

I WAS on a visit to some friends in the country, when word came to the house in which I was staying, that the old shepherd was very ill, and obliged to keep his bed. Indeed, he had been ill for several days, but, his cottage being some distance from any other dwelling, no one had been aware of his illness.

In the afternoon of the same day, as my friends were starting to take him some nourishment, I asked to be allowed to accompany them, to which they gladly consented. On our arrival at the cottage, we, with some difficulty, ascended the broken stairs, and found the old man, about seventy years of age, in bed. After he had partaken of some of the refreshments we had brought him, I thought I might have a word with him. Seeing a Bible lying upon an old chest, I took it in my hand, asking him if he knew anything of its contents, to which he replied, “I cannot read.”

“Well,” said I, “that is your misfortune, no doubt, not your fault. Do you know anything about the Lord Jesus Christ?”

The poor old man seemed anxious to hear what I said, and raised his head towards me inquiring, “Who did you say, sir?”

I replied, “The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Saviour of sinners.”

He said, “No. Where does He live? I never hered of He afore.”

My feelings at this unlooked-for ignorance I cannot describe. I was speechless. Lifting my heart to God in silent prayer that He would give me words to speak, I opened the Bible in my hand at the third chapter of John’s Gospel. I read several verses, and explained to him, as best I could, our state before God as sinners, and God’s great love to us in giving His Son. As I was talking the tears ran down his cheeks, and, clapping his hands together, he exclaimed, “Sir, if that be true, then I be a lost sinner!”

I assured him it was God’s word, and that God cannot lie. He repeated again and again that he was a lost sinner, and asked if I thought that God would look in mercy upon such an old sinner as he was. I assured him Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. The old man fully realized his lost condition, and I have no doubt that the seeking Saviour found and rejoiced over this lost one.

May this incident be used to stir up God’s servants to spread abroad His truth in the villages and lonely cottages of the country. How little do Christians realize the awful amount of practical heathenism that prevails in this Christian land!

ML 12/16/1917

The Name of Jesus.

There’s a name, the name of Jesus,

Far above all other names;

All in Heaven delight to hear it,

All delight to own its claims.

Ruin’d sinners learn its meaning,

And rejoice with those above,

Find it more than all things precious,

Taught of God that name to love.

Many name the name of Jesus,

Strangers to its power still;

Who are they who love Him truly,

He who reads the heart can tell.

ML 12/16/1917

Flora and Her Tracts.

LITTLE Flora had been brought to the Lord through reading a tract containing the account of a young man, a soldier, who had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour and had given a bright testimony on his death-bed, of how happy he was to go to be with his Lord.

This account had reached her heart. and she longed to tell others about the Lord, who had died for sinners.

As she was thinking to herself one day what she would do to spread the good news that had made her own heart so happy, she remembered the tract that she had so much enjoyed reading, and she said to herself, “This tract went to my heart; perhaps it would to the hearts of others, also. It just says what I should like to say, if I were old enough and brave enough to speak. I wonder if I could manage to give some of them away! Only fifty cents for a whole hundred copies! Then I can get twenty with my bright little silver dime, and twenty people may learn about the Lord Jesus! I know mamma has laid in a good stock of them, and I will ask her if I may buy some from her.”

So she went to her mamma, and asked her for twenty copies, for which she gladly gave her bright silver dime, and Flora felt very happy as she thought of many a heart that might turn to the Lord through her giving them away. But Flora was a shy little girl and she soon began to find that not only was it hard to speak about the Lord Jesus to others, but even to give away a tract that spoke about Him, and she felt almost inclined to despair, and to return them again to her mother.

The next day she was sent on an errand to the town, so she put three of her tracts in her little bag, hoping she might have courage to give them away. Presently she heard the rumbling of wheels behind her, so she thought she would put one of her tracts in the hedge, hoping that someone would see it, and take it to read, for she was afraid to hand it to anyone. Now we shall see what happened to it. When she had returned to the place, where do you think she found it? Not in the hedge, nor yet taken up by anyone, as she had thought, but blown into the ditch, and was all crumpled and dirty, so poor Flora saw that through her cowardice, one of her tracts was wasted.

When she reached home, she saw a little boy standing at the door waiting, so she thought she would give one to him. She did not feel afraid to speak to a little boy, and with a silent prayer, she offered him one. He said he could not read, but his father could, and he would give it to him, so the boy carefully put it into his pocket. When she entered the house, she found two visitors with her mamma, a lady and her little daughter. After shaking hands with them, her mamma told her she might take her young friend to her room, and play together.

Margaret and Flora were very glad, and they went upstairs, and Flora showed her all her pretty things. Margaret said:

“You have plenty of nice books.”

So Flora asked her if she was fond of reading, adding she had a beautiful story, which was all true. Flora asked if she should read it to her, and the offer was willingly accepted, but she had scarcely finished two pages when the dinner bell rang, so she had to stop, much to Margaret’s disappointment, as she was getting much interested.

“You may take it with you, and keep it,” said Flora.

“I should like it very much,” replied Margaret, “but I shall not keep it, as a box is going across the water to my brother, for he is a soldier, and I shall send the tract to him.”

Little Flora, as you may imagine, felt so happy at the thought of her tract going so many miles over the sea, and that it might lead someone to God, whom she would never see till she met him in Heaven.

One morning her mamma asked her to r with her, and visit a sick woman, who lived down the road. She had a very wicked husband, and Flora was afraid to go in lest she might see him, but her mamma told her he would be at his work, and that she need not be afraid. So they went, and found the poor woman lying in bed, and she was so glad to see them.

The eyes of both Flora and her mamma caught sight of a well-known tract lying on the bed. Flora’s mamma asked who gave it to her. She said her little boy had brought it home about three weeks ago, and told her a little lady had given it to him.

The tears came into her eyes as she said:

“It took my husband’s fancy, and many the times he has talked about it since; he has been a different man since reading it, and now he likes to read his Bible. He said yesterday that when he died, he would go where the young soldier had gone before him.” Flora’s heart leaped for joy that the Lord had used her to help one soul to find the Saviour.

Now, dear children, does not this story make you feel you would like to bring some soul to Jesus? You can’t be too young, and Jesus loves the youngest one, and likes to see them trying to do something for Him.

“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:9.)

ML 12/16/1917

The Power of Love in the Sunday School.

I REMEMBER calling upon some boys’ parents, in order to get the boys to the class, and the parents turned the boys out of the house, and bade them go to school; but when the boys came to the school door, they only peeped in, and when the teacher peeped out after them, off they ran as fast as they could.

Can you tell me the happy way of getting children to the Sunday School? How do you think the Lord Jesus drew the children around Himself? Surely it was by showing His love to them.

A little girl was looking at a picture of the Lord with the mothers bringing their children to Him; one of the mothers had her hand upon the back of a little child, as if she was gently pushing it near to Jesus.

“Mother, I would go without the pushing,” said the little girl. The way to draw the children is by love—by the love of

Christ. No children are too young to be the lambs of Jesus, none too small for the Good Shepherd to love. I asked a child, the other day:

“Who is Jesus?”

“I don’t know,” she answered.

“Who goes to Heaven—what sort of children?” I said.

“I don’t know,” was her answer. It was some time ago, but I can still hear the strange little voice saying, “I don’t know.” I trust that the readers of “Messages of Love” would all be able to answer these questions.

It is the “I don’t know” children — and there are, alas, thousands of them—whom we wish to get to our Sunday School. I have noticed a man put out his hand to a horse, and the animal immediately go up to him, and why? —because the horse knew the man loved him. But the Bible tells us that in some things, animals and birds are wiser than men. Man does not believe that God loves him, and will not come to God. “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life,” Jesus says.

If love will bring the children from the street into the school, love will, I trust, keep them there. For when a child finds that his teacher loves him, the child loves the teacher, so the power pulls very strong. But listen to me. There is something in everyone’s heart which loves evil. A wicked boy or girl does wicked things because of the pleasure which doing wickedly gives, and the Old Serpent, the Devil, knows this very well. He knows the evil thing which every boy and girl likes the best, and when God sends persons to bid the children to come to Jesus, Satan at once tries to keep them away. And even if the children do come to the school, Satan comes too. God says, when he comes thus into the Sunday School, that Satan is like a bird. If you will watch the sower this spring, casting abroad the seed in the fields, and notice the birds following him, you will understand how Satan is like the bird. The birds do not come near to the sower because they love him, or because they wish to help him, but because they wish to catch away the seed which he sows. Whenever God’s Word does not enter into the heart, you may be sure that “the fowls of the air came and devoured it.”

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “We love Him, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:10:19.)

ML 12/16/1917

He Is My Salvation.

HOW did you find the Lord?” said a child of God to one who had recently been converted. “Well, it just happened this way: After I had tried everything, I went to my room, shut the door, fell on my knees, and prayed, ‘O Lord, Thou must be my salvation.’”

“And what then?”

“He just said He would, and I believed Him, and I have had peace ever since.”

“The Lord is my light and my salvation.” (Psa. 27:1.) This is the simplicity of faith.

“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.)

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 12/16/1917

Daily Mercies.

HOW refreshing a good drink of water is! We are so constituted that we need plenty of water, and how thankful we should be that God has given us an abundance of it. We should certainly suffer if we were in a place where none could be found. The animals also need it as much as we do.

This splendid-looking horse has, no doubt, carried his master many miles, uphill and downhill, all so faithfully, and now he is being refreshed by a long drink to quench his thirst.

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.” (Prov. 12:10.) And if the righteous man is so considerate of the animals that he owns, in what tenderness do you think God cares for all His creatures man and beast, which He has created?

Are my young friends thankful for all the mercies which they receive daily from God—food, clothing, good water, pure air and sunshine? or do they sometimes pout and fret for something they think they should like better? I hope not, for God giveth us all things richly to enjoy.

Do any of you, dear children, get hungry and thirsty for the Word of God?

Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” And, “Let him that is athirst, Come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Jno. 7:37; Rev. 22:17.)

O, dear children, turn to the Lord Jesus for this living water which gives perfect satisfaction—not for a few hours, but for time and eternity.

You know if you go for a long walk, you become tired, hungry and thirsty, and you need rest, food and water, and to do without these you would become faint and die.

Even so, we need to be daily refreshed by the Word of God—the food for our souls.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” (Jno. 6:35.)

“He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” (Jno. 6:47.)

ML 12/23/1917

Darling Edgar

Part 1.

It is some long years ago,

And yet seems scarce a day,

That Jesus down from Heaven stooped,

And Henry took away.

The sturdy child was slightly ill

Upon the Sunday morn,

But when the clock the midnight tolled,

Our boy was from us torn!

And week on week lay Edgar sick,

But as his strength increased,

“Is Henry well?” he frequent said;

His questions seldom ceased.

Yet never heard he Henry’s voice,

He asked and asked in vain,

Until, at length, obliged to tell,

We said, “Not here again.

“Will you your brother see, dear boy,

For Henry is not here;

To Heaven, where Jesus lives, he’s gone:

Be patient, Edgar, dear.”

“O! shall we never on this earth,

Meet Henry anymore?”

Cried Edgar, lifting up his hands,

And weeping very sore.

“Dear mother, let us take the train,

And all to Heaven go,

Nor let us home return again,

I long to see him so—.”

“My darling boy,” his mother said,

“Such things can never be,

But we must wait till Jesus’ comes,

Then Henry we shall see.”

“My mother,” Edgar then would say,

“You have but one boy here,

Like two boys I will be to you,

And try your heart to cheer.”

And he would stroke away the tears,

His little best would try,

By loving and obedient ways,

To hush his mother’s sigh.

As in the wheel-chair by the sea

He sat, and stronger grew,

He oft would ask the passers-by,

If they of Henry knew.

And if one cared to hear his words,

And listened to his say,

“Henry’s in Heaven — Do you love God?”

Said he, in his sweet way.

When little more than five years old,

To health once more restored,

He with his uncle walked one day,

And spoke thus of the Lord.

They strolled along a pretty lane,

When two big men came by,

Who begged for halfpence, said they starved,

But spoke, alas, a lie.

Then holding to his uncle’s coat,

“Unless they Jesus love,”

Outspoke the child, “these naughty men

Will never go above.”

“Dear boy,” his uncle kindly said,

“Would you to Heaven go?”

“Indeed, indeed, I think I should.”

“Then why, I wish to know?”

“Say, would it be because you’re good?”

“O! no,” the child replied;

“No uncle, dear, but just because

Jesus for sinners died;

And I believe upon the Lord”—

O! children, what say you?

God grant you may the Saviour love,

And to His love be true!

“Edgar, my love,” his uncle asked,

“Do you to Jesus pray?”

“Yes, very often, uncle, dear;

Yes! many times a day.

And sometimes in the night as well,

Awake in bed I lie;

‘O! quickly make my sister well,’

To Him my heart will cry.

‘Please God to hear my little prayer,

Make haste—do not delay—

This week—tomorrow—very soon—

Perhaps, O Lord, today.’

But God does not do what I ask,

Dear sister is not well;

Yet why He does not answer me,

Indeed I cannot tell.”

“My love, you are a little child,

And do not always know

The best and wisest; but the Lord

Will teach you as you grow.”

“Then I will say, ‘If Thou dost please,

Make haste and hear my cry,

Bless’d Lord, when right it seems to Thee,’

And He will then reply.”

“And, Edgar, do you ask the Lord

For uncles, aunts, and all,

And for your cousins also, dear,

Do you on Jesus call?”

Then Edgar said he prayed indeed,

“That all might Jesus love!”

His heart was large, his wish the best,

That all might meet above.

His nurse, one day, was chiding him

For disobedient ways:

Then Edgar to his bedroom runs,

And to his God he prays.

He tells his Father of the fault—

Our sins we must confess—

And in his little heart he feels

God’s love and tenderness.

Then sweetly to his nurse he comes,

“Now, Nurse, dear, pardon me.”

“Stay, Edgar, you have naughty been,

So quick I cannot be.”

“But, Nurse, as God has pardoned me,

Forgive me so must you”;

Which, having heard, her tender heart

Did not delay to do.

ML 12/23/1917

Forgotten! Forgotten!

A BUSINESS man entered a large business establishment, and after making inquiries about certain things, he sat down in a chair. He had not been seated long before he took suddenly sick. Those around him sent for a doctor, who did what he could for him. The man kept saying:

“I’ve forgotten! I’ve forgotten!”

What could he have forgotten? Something in his will? Or some important business? Send for his lawyer, someone said. The lawyer came and implored the man to tell him what he had forgotten. At last the man said

“I’ve forgotten about my soul!” and he fell into the arms of the doctor dead.

How awful to pass from time into eternity with such words on the lips!

Many people may be very shrewd in business, and very careful to make every provision for themselves and their families while down here, but never think about where they are going to spend their eternity.

O, dear children, what about your soul? Has this ever caused you an anxious thought? What if you should be lost forever?

You cannot say, like the Psalmist, “No man cared for my soul.” No, there are those who care for your soul.

God cares: He gave His only begotten Son for you.

Christ cares: In wondrous love and pity He came down into this scene of sin and woe, and died on Calvary’s cross, offering Himself to God a sacrifice for sin. His precious blood was shed to cleanse you from your sins.

Think, dear children, if you go to hell, you go past Calvary, and all the anguish of the Saviour there. You pass the infinite love of God expressed there, as though it were nothing.

O! what a hell yours will be, to think for all eternity that you might have been saved, but neglected it, and you will have no one to blame but yourself.

O! be wise, get this important question of your soul’s salvation settled now. God offers you a full and free pardon—salvation present and eternal, if you will but come to Him as a poor lost sinner. Jesus did all the work. You have nothing to do but simply to trust in Him. He never turns anyone away. He is Mighty to Save. Come to Him. He will save you.

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

To lose thy gold is loss to thee,

To lose thy health is more;

To lose thy soul is such a loss

That no man can restore.

ML 12/23/1917

Songs of Praise.

Welcome little birds of spring

With the cheerful sounds you bring,

We are glad to hear your voice

Making wood and vale rejoice.

We would learn your joyous song

Early morn and all day long,

We would learn to trustful be

Which with happiness agree.

You have pass’d the winter through,

Comforts have been scarce and few,

Yet your needs have been supplied

Otherwise you must have died:

So your glad and grateful praise

Seem to God your thanks to raise;

Saved from death you rise to learn

What your labors now may earn.

We would learn this lesson, too

And begin our life anew,

All the past we leave behind

On the cross no sin to find.

Christ is risen from the grave,

Having all the ransom paid;

In the darkness of the night,

Now to live in glory bright.

God who hears the raven’s cry,

Sending help it can descry,

Sees our weakness, hears our prayer.

Giving strength to do or bear.

Let us then in joyful song

Praise our God the way along,

Thank Him for the blessings nigh

Since His Son has been to die:

This will make us happy here,

Keep our tongue, our eye and ear

Ever ready all the day

His good pleasure to obey.

“PRAISE, O YE SERVANTS OF THE LORD, PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD.” Ps. 113:1.

ML 12/23/1917

The Unheeded Warning.

ONE lovely morning in the month of October, a number of fishermen were preparing to go to sea. They gathered around to consult the barometer, and were very much astonished to find that during the night the indicator had gone back from “Fair” to “Stormy.” They looked up to the horizon, but no appearance of a coming storm was there. The sky was clear, and everything around them gave indications of fine weather. The one dissenting voice was that still barometer, in its unmistakable voice, saying, “Stormy.” What was to be done?

Barometers had been known to go wrong at times, and so they came to the decision that this one must be wrong. Off they sailed on the mighty deep, confident and sure, with the exception of one solitary boat, whose crew were doubtful about the “fair” signs, and whose faith was firm in the testimony of the barometer. The boats arrived at their respective fishing-grounds, and had let down their nets. Everything was going on quietly, when lo! suddenly the sky became covered with clouds, the wind began to blow, and the waves began to lash around.

Could it be possible that the barometer was right, after all, and that they were wrong? That it was so became more painfully evident every moment, but alas! it was knowledge acquired too late for them. The sea raged in fury, and the storm increased. Unable to recover their nets, they left them, and made for the nearest harbor. The scene was heart-rending and painful beyond description. There on the shore stood wives and children weeping. Husbands and sons sank down beneath the surging waves before their very eyes. The wreckage and the dead strewed the shore. Many perished, and all because they rejected the warning voice of the barometer.

And now, dear children, I think you have seen the lesson that this sad story teaches. God has put a barometer into your hands—it is the Bible. With a clear and solemn voice we are told in the Bible of a coming storm of vengeance and wrath upon sinners, All was “fair” and peaceful in the days when sin was unknown in the garden of Eden; but ever since the lurking serpent’s lie was believed, the indicator has been pointing to “Stormy,” and warning sinners, both old and young, of the wrath of God to be revealed from Heaven. It will burst upon the Christ-rejector swiftly and suddenly, and there will be no escape.

“Yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, . . . and they shall not escape.” (1 Thess. 5:2, 3.)

“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 1:7, 8.)

Strange to say, the most of people heed it not. They reason like the fisherman on that fatal morning. The blue heavens above present no sword of coming judgment, and people say, “It must be a mistake: the indicator must be wrong.”

So men reason and hasten on in forgetfulness of coming wrath, until with awful force it bursts upon them. Where will you seek shelter then, dear children? O! be warned while yet the Refuge is open. Jesus is the hiding-place. Flee to Him now.

“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.” (Jno. 3:36.)

ML 12/30/1917

Shall Never Perish.

WHAT does God say to all (that includes little boys and girls as well as grown people) who believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, and God’s Lamb also, who shed his blood on the cross?

God says, they shall never perish, but have everlasting life—that means that when Jesus, God’s Lamb, comes again. as He certainly will, or if they die before He comes, God will take them to be with Himself in heaven, where God’s Lamb now is; and no one ever dies there; no sickness, or pain, or tears, or sorrow there, and they will live forever and ever with Jesus. O! do you want to go and live with Jesus, who is so loving and gentle, and is always the same?

Then believe in Him, trust Him, and God says, He will take you there.

Perhaps you will say, but I am not good enough. I will tell you what God, whose name is Love, says about you. God says you are a sinner, and cannot do any good thing; but that if you believe in Jesus, and trust in His most precious blood, all your sins have been forever put away, by that blood. Are you trusting in the blood of Jesus, God’s own Lamb? Then you are safe, and God will never let you perish.

ML 12/30/1917

Where Is Your Name Written?

IT was a charming winter’s morning, the roads were hard and dry, the frosty air brought the color to our cheeks, and the untrodden snow sounded crisp under our feet. A little friend, whom we will call Eva, was my companion.

We took our walk along a country road, where the unmelted snow became cleaner as we got away from the town. When Eva had run on a good way ahead of me, I halted before a lovely bank of the purest snow. It looked tempting, and my umbrella was soon at work making holes and figures.

At last I wrote my name in large round letters; very beautifully it stood out from that depth of snow; you could have read it from the middle of the road.

But I have been along that way many times since and have never seen my name.

“O!” you will say, “of course not, the snow has melted.” Just so, and my name has melted too. I have also often seen children write their names in the sand, and very soon, as you know, the waves have washed them quite away.

But now let me ask you, where is your name written?

In Jeremiah 17:13 we read of those who had forsaken God and they were to be written in the earth.

When Jesus was here, He told His disciples not to rejoice at the great things they had been doing, but to rejoice because, their names were written in heaven.

Now we know that God is going to burn the earth up, so it is of no use to have our names written there. But have you had yours written in heaven?

In Philippians 4:3 we read of the “Book of Life,” and in Revelation 20:15 it says, that “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” So you see how careful we ought to be to have our names written there.

It is God who writes these names. He writes the name of any child who believes in His dear Son Jesus.

Some child may say, “O, but many children have the same name as I, and mine is the same as father’s.”

Quite true. I know two girls called Annie Harvey and two boys named John Brown. Still God knows each one separately, for if “He numbers the hair of our heads,” don’t you think He knows every child’s face? Never fear, God will make no mistake. He won’t let some other person into heaven instead of you, nor will He allow you to go there instead of someone else.

It is the names of those who have eternal life that are written in the book of life, and Jesus said, that “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:15, 16.)

ML 12/30/1917

Darling Edgar.

Part 2.

His ready mind saw lessons fine,

E’en in most simple things;

For to a child with open eyes,

Each day instruction brings.

Two birds within a cage had we,

Within our cozy room;

As pretty birds as eye could see,

Alike in chirp and plume.

But though they nestled side by side,

At times they’d peck and scold;

Then each would mope all by itself,

All miserable, and cold.

Till one would hop, and nod, and look,

As if to say ‘I’m good’;

When down would fly the other bird—

I’m sure they understood.

These little birds, with feathers green,

And odd and child-like ways,

Were quite a sermon to us all

In darling Edgar’s days.

For he would say, we must not tease

Or quarrel, but show love,

And like the birds all nestled close,

Our words by actions prove.

And Edgar sought, in word and look,

A gentle child to grow;

He strove to overcome himself,

And love to Jesus show.

A Christian lady asked him once—

“Your brother dwells on high—

Would you to Jesus like to go,

Above the bright blue sky?”

“I should, I should,” dear Edgar said,

“And Jesus soon will come

To the bright cloud, and we shall meet,

And all be then at home.

Today, perhaps, the Lord will come,

Tomorrow it may be,

But very soon I know He will,

Then Henry I shall see.

Yet all will not the Saviour meet

When He comes to the sky;

But such as love Him, they will rise

And see Him up on high.”

Astonished at the words so wise,

The lady asked again;

And Edgar, in his simple way,

His meaning made so plain.

That she was sure, though young indeed,

He looked to see the Lord,

And in his heart, by God’s own grace,

Had treasured up the word.

With Sunday came the morn of joy!

How sweet it used to be

To read God’s Word, together pray,

And Scripture wonders see!

He loved to hear the full-toned hymn,

And helped it in his way;

When in the house of prayer we knelt,

He, too, would silent pray.

With solemn mind and reverent look

He sat, because God’s Word

Declares when Christians meet to praise,

Among them is the Lord.

“Do you love Jesus, little child?”

My Edgar used to say;

“O, Jesus is the children’s Friend,

Come, then, to Him today.

ML 12/30/1917

The Most Important Thing.

I WAS speaking with a retired man of business—one who had been eminently successful and who had amassed a considerable fortune. After talking for some time on his success, he concluded with these remarkable words, “But I found, after all, I had forgotten the most important thing.” He had forgotten God! He had prospered in business, made a fortune, but had nothing to satisfy his soul.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark. 8:36, 37.

Again, I listened to a few words from the lips of another. He was telling me what was to him the most wonderful thing he had learned in his lifetime. It was this— “Jesus so loved me as to die for me. O, what a precious fact! —Jesus, Son of God, loved me and gave Himself for me! What love! and He loves me now!”

Reader, do you know this fact for yourself?

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

“I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST: FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH.” Romans 1:16.

ML 12/30/1917

Messages of God's Love: 1917

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for November.

To Christian Children.

Jesus Is Always Near.

The Sunday School Scholar's Reward, and Its Results.

Mary Sunshine.

Looking Onward.

God Provides.

Seed Sown by a Little One.

"Deceived All His Life."

The Sunday School Scholar's Reward, and Its Results.

A Happy Home.

Faithful Alice.

Bible History.

The Sunday School Scholar's Reward and Its Results.

Tell Me, Can My Sins Be Forgiven?

Living Water.

The Begging Monkey.

Have You Believed God's Record?

The Lost Thimble.

A Contrast.

Because God Said It.

Answers to Bible Questions for December.

Bible History.

"If I Had Known It."

A Little Preacher.

Do You Know God Loves Us?

He Died for Me.

Service.

The Alarm.

Bible History.

Willie and His Sister.

'Cause He Loved Me Best.

My Best Text.

Come to Jesus.

The Far North.

The Boy and the Idol.

The Way to Heaven.

"Where Are Your Sins?"

I Like Them While They Are Young.

What Came of Minding Mamma.

David at Bahurim.

What Do You Think of Yourself?

God's Care.

Scripture Knowledge.

Answers to Bible Questions for January

Bible History.

The Spring Morning.

What Is It?

None Other Name.

The Ark.

"If I Knew How to Believe."

The Spring Morning.

Almost.

A Child's Thoughts of the Stars.

The Lamb of God.

Bible History.

The Spring Morning.

Sugared Poison.

Trouble.

The Spring Morning.

"'Cause Were Thirsty"

Whiter Than Snow.

The Person More Than the Gift

Answers to Bible Questions for February.

The Spring Morning.

No Time.

A Pleasant Surprise.

Who Will Work for Jesus

Bethlehem.

Only a Soap Bubble!

Bible History

The Bell Is Ringing.

Spring Time

Companions.

Bible History.

Do You Want to Go to Heaven?

The Vine and the Branches.

The Debtor Free.