Messages of God's Love: 1927

IN the ninth chapter we found a man who received kindness, the kindness of God. The present chapter shows us one who refused it and the result of the refusal. The Epistle to the Romans, in chapter 2 verses 4-6, contains a question which perhaps applies to you who are reading this paper. It is this: “Despisest thou the riches of God’s goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”

In both chapters it is “kindness” that is shown, but the advice given Hanun, and on which he acted, was poor advice indeed. He should have made a friend of the great king of Israel, but he made him his enemy by insulting his messengers and sending them away. This is like what many are doing today to those who would tell them of the great salvation God has provided. Revelation 20:12 has no word of comfort for them; it speaks of those who appear before the great white throne as being “judged out of those things which are written in the books according to their works.” Now is the day of mercy; then is the day of judgment without mercy. When the door of mercy is shut, it will not be reopened to those who would say “Lord, Lord, open to us” (Matt. 25:11,12).

Hanun and his people got a great force to come to their help, twenty-thousand from Beth-rehob and Zoba; a thousand from Maacah, and twelve thousand from Ish-tob, but it was all useless and vain trust in a power that could not deliver from the one who had been rejected, and his kindness treated with contempt. They call for help from the more distant land beyond the Euphrates, but this army too was hopelessly defeated; and the survivors made peace with. Israel and served them. These however were not the Ammonites, of whom Hanun was the king; they made no peace, remaining as a nation the bitter enemies of God’s people to be judged later, as the prophetic books of the Bible tell us. Individuals among them turned to God and joined His people, however.

Have you peace with God? Christ has made peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20), and He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), who trust in Him and His finished work. It is folly to arm yourself against God.

“See that ye refuse, not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who re fused him that spake on earth (God speaking through Moses), much more shall not we escape if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven.” Heb. 12:25.

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

ML 01/02/1927

Sheltered

THE two little girls in our picture today a r e tramping through the snow carrying a wreath of pretty flowers. We can see by their dresses and the torn umbrella, which they are both holding so tightly, that the wind is blowing hard.

But the umbrella shelters them some from the wind and the snow. When they reach the house to which they are going they will find a still better shelter.

There are many things in this world from which we need to be sheltered and protected. In summer the beautiful shade trees and houses protect us from the hot sun and rain, —from annoying and poisonous insects.

In winter, our homes with their warm fires shelter us from the cold and snow—also from dangers and many discomforts, and our warm clothes protect us from sickness.

But there is a storm coming far more terrible than any you or I have ever seen. It is the storm of God’s wrath and judgment upon sin. This storm is surely coming, and we know not how soon. Have you found shelter from it?

There is a place of shelter, and none can escape the storm unless they have found this place—for all have sinned.

You have heard many times about the child Jesus who was born over 1900 years ago and cradled in a manger.

You have heard how the angel told the shepherds about the babe Jesus and how the star in the east guided the wise men to Jesus when they came with gifts for Him.

An angel had said to Mary,

“Thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.

You know, too, how He grew up and went to the cross to die for your sins and mine. And it is in Him and Him alone, dear reader, that shelter can be found from the most terrible of all storms.

“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: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.” 2 Thess. 1:7,8,9.

If you have not already turned to Him for safety, do not wait longer. As one of our hymns says.

“There’s danger and death in delay.”

“SEEK YE THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL YE UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR.” Isa. 55:6

ML 01/02/1927

"Don't You Love Him?"

A LITTLE girl having been in to stay with a Christian neighbor, had heard the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

When she saw her father, she began to tell him what she had heard, and after every portion of the sweet story she asked, “Don’t you love Him for that, father?”

Her young heart loved Him, and she wanted her father to love Him also. Time after time the question was asked, and as the child made the inquiry the Spirit of God pressed it home upon the man’s conscience.

Hitherto he had been careless about his soul, and about the things of God; but as he thought of all that Christ had suffered upon the cross for sinners, his guilt as a sinner came before him, and at length he bowed before God, confessing his need, and soon found salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

My reader, do you love Him?

How hard must the heart be that has no room for Christ after all that He has done.

Think of Him leaving His glory and becoming man.

Don’t you love Him for that?

Think of Him suffering for sins, the just for the unjust.

Don’t you love Him for that?

Think of Him dying for us that we might be blessed.

Don’t you love Him for that?

ML 01/02/1927

Do You Ever Pray?

Children, do you ever pray?

Hark! one answers— “No, not I,

‘Twill be time enough to pray,

Just when I’m about to die.”

Say not so! how many pass

Quickly from this world below;

In a moment some are called

To the dark, dark grave to go.

You may perhaps yourselves have known

Children young and light and gay,

In a moment called to go

From this wicked world away.

O, bethink you! turn to Jesus!

Listen to His voice today;

Only those who Christ receive

Can with true acceptance pray.

Then shall faith and prayer and praise

Cheer you as through life you roam;

Heir of glory, child of grace,

Peace your portion, heaven your home!

ML 01/02/1927

The Faithful Servant

FIDO brings the book to his loving little mistress with great delight, as he thinks he has accomplished a great feat, and likes to return kindness for all her kind and tender treatment of him. Not only so, but as she sits on the garden bench and reads her book, he keeps watch, and if anyone would attempt to do her any harm, he would protect her to the best of his ability.

This faithfulness might well cause us to think of the loving, tender, watchful care of our God which far exceeds what we have been considering. He knows all about us and nothing is hidden from Him. The Psalmist could say: “O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandeth my thought afar off.

“Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.” Psa. 139:3. Do you think of that care? Ah, He is faithful, no matter how forgetful you may have been. He has ever been watching, supplying the needs, and keeping you from the many dangers in this life.

But that is not the greatest expression of His watchfulness, care and love. That only can be seen at the cross, where God gave His only Son to die for us poor, forgetful sinners. He was His only Son—the Son of His love, His delight, and O, think of it, He gave Him to die for us! Who could measure love like that! Ah, the moment we lay hold of that, we can truly trust Him, and count on Him to be watching our downsitting and our uprising and knowing all about us, so that we will not only trust Him, we will seek that our downsitting and uprising will be pleasing to Him. We will not be found sitting in the seat of the scornful, either, for we know that would not be pleasing to Him, and seeing that He has loved us so much, and watches over and cares for us, it surely calls for us to seek to please Him.

“BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT WALKETH NOT IN THE COUNCIL 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

ML 01/09/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 11.

IT is in the natural heart to pass over sin lightly, and even to ignore it altogether (unless oneself be injured by the sin of another person), and God’s Word, speaking of these things in Romans 1:29-32 solemnly declares man away from the true knowledge of Himself; “who, knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

This chapter gives us the darkest page in David’s history. When the parallel story of grace is told, in 1 Chronicles, not a word of this is given, but here the sins as well as the piety, of David have their place. It is well for us that God should, in telling their life stories, have exposed sin in His children which, as His word says, “doth so easily beset us” (Heb. 1.2:1), else we should look upon such characters as Noah, Abraham, Moses and David as without sin, and wholly beyond ourselves. Instead, we have them principally as examples to be followed, in so far as they were guided by faith, and also as giving us warnings of what the believer may fall into, and must shun with all his power. The believer is set apart to God by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:2); he should seek “those things which are above,” putting to death the things which characterized him before the light of God’s holy Word broke in on his soul (Colossians 3); he needs the “whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11, 13-18). If sin overtakes him, he is to confess it to God and be forgiven (1 John 1:5-9).

It was when David did not have on this armor of God, when he was tarrying at home instead of leading his army to battle, that he was tempted and fell. The consequences of that fall followed him to the end of his life, though his sin was confessed and forgiven, but of this we learn in the 12Th and following chapters. One sin was followed, as is often the case, by another in a hope of protecting himself from discovery and shame. Even the godly attitude of Uriah (verse 11) was a rebuke to David, and must have been felt by him. Joab, as to whom we have already noted that he was a self-seeking, unprincipled man, was quite willing, it seems, to put Uriah out in the forefront of battle where he was likely to be killed. And Bathsheba’s husband was killed (verse 17); so far David’s hopes had been realized. Circumstances seemed to favor him; he probably felt very much relieved when the messenger brought the news of Uriah’s being removed by death. Bathsheba mourned for her husband, and when the mourning period was over, David brought her to his house and she became his wife. A little son was born. The last sentence of the chapter is the only hint the chapter gives that there was punishment in store for David. He had sown; would he reap? He would indeed, for God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7, 8).

ML 01/09/1927

Katie; or, Love Stronger Than Death

WOULD you like to hear a story of a very brave little girl of nine years old, who lived in Australia, which you know is thousands of miles away, across the great ocean? If you look at a map of the world, you will see that it is an island and then you will understand when I tell you, that this little girl, whose name was Katie, lived not very far from the sea-shore.

She had two little sisters, aged three and five; and her mother used sometimes to send her out with them in the afternoon to gather sticks.

One day Katie and her sisters went out rather later than usual, and had to wander some way in search of wood; but before Katie’s apron was full, the sun went down. Poor little Katie, she did not know what to do, for the children, when they saw the night coming on, began to cry and complain of being tired. She could not carry them both, and besides, if she had been able, it would have been no use, for to add to her troubles, she was not sure of the way home, and in the ever-increasing darkness, would not have much chance of finding it.

What would you have done if you had been in Katie’s place? She searched about for a sheltered corner, under a great rock, where she laid her little charges, who were now growing quite sleepy with cold and fatigue. She then collected a quantity of sea-weed, and heaped it about them, to keep out the cold night air, and last of all, took off her own jacket, wrapped it round them, and sat down to watch while they slept. Ah! Katie was not thinking of herself, nor how cold she was—she was not selfish, and trying to get all she could for herself, so there she sat shivering, trying to keep awake, until her senses became quite benumbed.

When the morning dawned, and Katie’s friends came out to search for their lost ones, she was found lying cold and stiff and motionless beside her little sisters, who were comfortably sheltered under Katie’s jacket and the sea-weed. They were soon restored, but Katie’s life was gone, and the sorrowing mother read the simple tale of her child’s unselfish love and devotion, which had cost her, her life. But in so doing she had saved the lives of her little sisters. She had loved them unto death. Would any of you have done like Katie? I am afraid not.

But I can tell you of One who has done much more than that for you. Will you listen while I relate another story, which is quite as true, and much more beautiful than this. I can tell you of One who gave up His life for you, and not because you were His friends, not because you loved Him a little, like Katie’s sisters loved her. O! no; the blessed Lord Jesus died for sinners, for His enemies, those who hated and despised Him.

Katie’s little sisters could not do anything to help themselves. She covered them with the sea-weed and her own jacket. She laid down her life to save theirs; and I want by the simple story of her devotion, to impress upon your minds the dying love of Jesus. I don’t want you to think about Katie, because after all, hers was only human love, but I ask you to read that verse in John 10:11.

“I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep;” and again, in verses 15 and 17,

“I lay down My life for the sheep.” And you know the Bible says,

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. And, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us.” 1 John 3:16.

Once again I entreat you to believe that “God is love,” and then you will be able to say,

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

ML 01/09/1927

The Praying Boy

THERE was once a little colored boy living in Africa, who had been a slave, but was taken from his cruel masters by some kind men who loved God, and who taught the little boy about Him and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

One day his school teacher heard him praying in a low voice outside the school room.

This was the little boy’s prayer: —

“Lord Jesus, I thank Thee that the wicked men came and took me from my parents, and made me a slave, and that the English ship brought me here, where Massa Thompson has taught me to read, and to know Thee. But I have a great favor to ask of Thee. Let other bad men take away my father and mother, and let an English ship bring them here, that they too may learn about Thee, and that we may all go to heaven.”

The teacher was much surprised to hear this prayer, and thought about it a great deal. That evening, as he was walking by the seaside, he met the little boy. In a kind voice he said,

“What are you doing here, my boy?”

The little fellow replied, “I have been praying that the Lord Jesus will bring my parents to this place, and I am come to see whether He has granted my prayer, and brought them here.”

That evening his parents did not come. The boy went every day to visit the shore, and to watch all the ships that arrived.

One evening he came to Mr. Thompson leaping and dancing and clapping his hands, saying, “My prayer is heard; my prayer is heard! My father and mother are come!” Then he took Mr. Thompson by the hand to the seashore, and pointing to his parents, said joyfully,

“These are my parents! My prayer is heard!”

This poor little colored boy when he heard of Jesus and His love, longed to have his father and mother believe in Jesus too.

Dear young reader, how often you have heard and read about Jesus. Do you trust in that precious Saviour? Do you talk to Him like the little boy you have just read about? He loves children and wants them to know what a loving Saviour He is.

“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.

Blest Lord, what heavenly wonders

dwell In Thine atoning blood,

By it are sinners saved from hell,

And rebels brought to God.

ML 01/09/1927

All Are Welcome

All ye weary, come to Jesus;

Still He calls, O, come away;

All are welcome to the Saviour,

Come to Him without delay.

Trust upon His sacred promise,

All who come to Him are blest;

He will save you, come to Jesus,

He alone can give you rest.

ML 01/09/1927

Lost

SOME of us may have known what it is to realize that we are lost on a wild mountain in deep snow. Turn which way we would, there seemed no means of deliverance. Weary and way-worn we had gone in this direction and in that, until at last, hopeless and helpless, we had given ourselves up as “Lost!” Then what joy when the way was discovered, or we were rescued by friends.

What will it be for a soul to wake up in an eternity of woe, and to discover that be is “lost forever!” To remember every opportunity of salvation which was missed. To consider the last invitation of the gospel which was slighted. To think how Christ, the Son of God, was rejected as Saviour, and His claims as Lord were refused. And how, now, at last, the door of blessing has been closed, and doom is fixed eternally.

O, sinner awake! You are drifting towards that “lost-for-ever” state. Every clock-tick, every pulse-beat urges you on. Be no longer a trifler. Flee for your life, even as your eye scans these lines. Tarry not for any. Delay not even for earth’s dearest loved ones, or for most cherished joys. Your soul is at stake.

“FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” Luke 19:10

ML 01/16/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 12.

GOD was, so to speak, left out of the events of the eleventh chapter. There we had man in his desires and his doings. Here we have to do with God. “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God” Romans 14:12; and He has said, “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me” Leviticus 10:3.

The governmental dealings of God with His children is a very real thing; Jacob found it out as the result of his deceit toward his father (Genesis 27); Moses learned it through his disobedience at the rock of Merihah (Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 4:21). Eli proved it in the sad end of his children foretold in 1 Samuel 2:27-36; and now David was to have it impressed on himself in many painful circumstances almost to the end of his life.

David confessed his sin (verse 13), and was forgiven (see 1 John 1:9), but the little baby must die, and the sword should never depart from his house because he had despised God (verse 10). We learn how he felt at this time in the fifty first Psalm, not a word is there of excuse for himself, but the deepest contrition, and David prayed to be washed thoroughly from his iniquity, and cleansed from his sin.

“My sin,” said he, “is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight .... Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.”

David besought God for the life of the baby, but when it died, he knew that his prayer could not be answered, and with deepened faith, and chastened spirit, he said to his servants who did not understand what was in his mind, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

Out of the sad marriage with Bathsheba, however there was to be blessing, for Solomon, David’s glorious son, was hers, and he called his name Jedidiah “the beloved of the Lord.” David went to the war with the Ammonites wherein he had failed before (verse 1 of chapter 11). He dealt with them with uncommon ferocity; was it of God? That judgment should have fallen on them is certain, and as a foreshadowing of the day of Gods unsparing judgment of the wicked, it may well stand.

God’s dealings with David were as with a son. “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him, for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Heb. 12:5,6.

He had received the gift of God, eternal life, and was no more in the position of a sinner, but a sinning child of God.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:17, 18.

ML 01/16/1927

"Living Water"

A DEAR girl, 12 years of age, was very sick. Her mother and relatives knew that dear Alice (for such was her name), would not be with them very much longer. The Lord in His wisdom, thought soon to call her home. Dear Alice was not afraid to die because she loved the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, —the One, Who had suffered for her sins. Those Who know Him and trust Him, can say:

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Cor. 15:55.

Little boys and girls that belong to the Lord, will go to Him when they die, or should they still be living when He returns for His own, will be caught up, to be forever with the Lord in the Father’s house above. (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Yes, Alice even rejoiced at the thought of soon being with the Lord, and beholding Him in all His glory.

One afternoon, not long before her departure to be with the Lord Jesus, she received a visit from her cousin, a young man who did not know or love the Lord. Alas! the poor boy sought his happiness and portion in this poor sinful world; and never gave a thought to the solemn scripture:

“The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:17.

His precious soul was still under the power of the prince of this world, who is a liar and a murderer. O how many, both young and old, are even now in the same position as Willie was at that time.

Willie came into the sick room where Alice lay, and sat on a chair next to her bed. Alice’s mother, soon after, purposely left the room, and attended to some household duties, which left Willie alone at the sick-bed. After some time, Alice, who was very weak, opened her eyes and asked for a drink of water that was standing near her. Willie took the glass and handed it to her, while he supported her as she drank. Alice did not drink at once, but with a look which penetrated his soul, she said:

“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” John 4:13, 14.

“Tell me, Willie, have you drank of this living water?” Then she drank; and without saying another word, lay back on her pillow and closed her eyes as before. Willie feeling very uncomfortable, rose up and left the room. But the look and words of the sick one, he could not forget.

Alice’s lips and eyes closed a few days later for this life, and she entered into the everlasting rest; but for Willie there was no more rest. As often as he saw a glass of water, or wanted to go out for pleasure, the words rang in his ears:

“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.”

Yes, how well he experienced this, for with all the pleasures that this world could give, it had not made him happy. From this time on, there was awakened in his soul a real burning thirst for this living water which the Lord gives; and His call was heard in vain no longer:

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” John 7:37.

“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Rev. 21:6.

Willie now came to the Lord in full confidence, desirous of salvation; and the dear boy found by faith in Him eternal salvation, everlasting life, real and abiding peace.

ML 01/16/1927

"Tuppence, Please"

YOU don’t get much for nothing, I’ll say you don’t,” said a little fellow, as he dived his hands down into both his pockets to see if there were, by some oversight, a little coin in one corner, but the discovery not turning out as he would have wished, a disconsolate look passed over his face, especially as he passed some stores with very tempting wares; and he could not help comparing himself to his master’s boxes that now and then went to the station with the large letters on them, “returned empty.”

He and a companion had been strolling in a park, and when weary he sat down to rest. Being a little boy from the country, and as he saw a choice of seats everywhere—the hard straight-backed wooden one, the more easy chair which one might have to oneself without being squeezed by a neighbor, and lastly, the more luxurious arm-chair, in which a boy might delight himself, he chose the latter, and certainly, by the manner and attitude in which the seat was occupied, you might have supposed the occupier to have been saying to himself,—

“I’m monarch of all I survey.”

But if he did so, he was awakened from his pleasant dreams by an unexpected person standing before him, and with a demand of “Tuppence, please.”

“Tuppence?” questioned the lounger, “what for?”

“For the arm-chair, sir,” replied the man who demanded the fee for the use of the chairs.

“Can’t I sit down where I like?” demanded the young autocrat, who thought he had but to choose and take.

“Certainly, sir,” replied the man, laying emphasis on the last word, “only you have to pay for it; penny for Windsor chairs—tuppence for arm-chairs.”

There was no getting away from the fact, but, terrible discovery! the pockets were empty, and if the elder one had not wherewith to meet the demand, I don’t know what might have happened. But the claims were duly met, and, as I said, the young gentleman gave expression to his feelings in the most decided manner, by saying,

“You don’t get much for nothing; I’ll say you don’t.”

No, my little friend, not even rest in a park, unless you take it very rough-and-ready; and the little adventure helped me to remind him that there was only real rest for soul and body without money and without price. Yet, to that place of rest, poor weary ones are invited, and then they want to “do” or “give”, whereas Jesus says, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” And it is not until we find our pockets empty, and how helpless we are to do anything, that we really consent to the help of another.

Remember, the rest that is offered to you, is without money and without price.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isa. 55:1.

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

ML 01/16/1927

The Bible

No book for our souls like the Bible,

Everything else may deceive;

Reading the true words of Jesus,

What can we do but believe?

No book for our hearts like the Bible,

Telling the kindness of God;

Proving that sinners are pardoned,

Ransomed and purchased by blood.

No book for our path like the Bible,

Showing where sin leads astray;

Pointing our eyes off to Jesus,

The Light, the Life, and the Way.

O, what can compare with the Bible

Spreading its blessings around,

Pouring out streams of salvation

Just where poor sinners are found?

ML 01/16/1927

A Shelter From the Storm

THE dear little birds take shelter from the fast falling snow. They have wisdom given to them of God for this, and therefore take advantage of this protection.

This reminds me of a dreadful storm that is coming on this world. God’s sore scourges are going to sweep over this world, and then at the end there will be everlasting judgment; but He has provided the way of escape, a shelter from the dreadful storm, and that shelter is Christ.

Are you wise, dear reader, like the little birds, by taking shelter? In other words, have you accepted Christ as your own Saviour, as the One who died for you to shelter you from the awful judgment that you deserve for all your sins? If wise, you will settle that matter now, and I trust you will be able to say from your heart:

“I do believe, I will believe

That Jesus died for me.”

If you can say, “Jesus died for me”, you are not only saved from the awful judgment of being separated from God because of your sins, but you are saved to share the glory with the Lord Jesus into which He has entered.

“CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.” 1 Cor. 15:3

ML 01/23/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 13

WE come now, to the beginning of David’s reaping as he had sowed. The sorrows of his later years would never have been felt, had he kept before himself that standard of conduct which is set before the Christian in Colossians 3:1-17.

Nor would Jacob have gone through the character of trial he endured, we may conclude, if he had not first deceived his father (Gen. 27).

God has laid it down as a principle of His dealings with mankind (Gal 6:7, 8) that the sower must reap what he sowed, and David who smothered the protest of his conscience to take the wife of Uriah, and afterward to have Uriah exposed to certain death, must learn by example what he would not learn by precept, that is, from the word of God.

When Jacob’s father-in-law, and his sons deceived him, do you not suppose that his thoughts ran quickly back to the time when he had stood before his aged father, pretending to be Esau, that he might get the blessing of the heir? And similarly when David’s eldest son, Amnon, brought the shame and dishonor of the thirteenth chapter upon his father, and presently the third son. Absalom became guilty of the murder of Amnon, was there no voice within that spoke to the king of Israel of his own sin? Assuredly there was. God is not mocked.

While David was a shepherd boy, and fought the giant Goliath, and when a fugitive, his home the cave of Adullam, he was near to God: but once on the throne there was quickly a change, as we have seen in chapter 11. His eight wives, Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail. Maacah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah. Bathsheba, contrast with the one wife of earlier men of God, and they gave him but one son of whom David could think well, (Solomon, the youngest); three sons met violent deaths, and as to the other six the Scriptures are silent. Is it not likely that if they had been godly, we should have been told it in the inspired record?

When Absalom murdered his brother Amnon, he escaped to his grandfather’s home (see chapter 3:3), and David instead of demanding his return that punishment might be meted out according to the divine command (Exo. 21:12; Deut. 19:11-13), forgave the murderer and longed after him.

We turn with relief from the sad details of this chapter to consider the Perfect One, the Lord Jesus, of Whom a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17), of Whom the redeemed say with rapture, “The Son of God Who loved me, and gave Himself for me” Gal. 2:20.

ML 01/23/1927

The Next Train

ENTERING the station some time before the hour at which I expected my friend, I was able to watch the passengers passing to and fro. The train was just about to leave, when a man and woman hurried to the platform, the man leading a large dog, the woman carrying a large bundle. The man had time to jump into the express car with his dog, and the woman was about to step into a coach, when the train moved, and she was left behind. She called to her companion,

“I’ll come on the next train.”

The incident made me think of a time now fast approaching, when those who are “too late” will have no hope of “coming on the next train.” Perhaps tonight the signal may be given, the Lord Himself may come into the air, and all who are ready will go to meet Him. What of those who are left behind? There is no hope for them, no other chance if they have rejected Christ now, no “next train” to take them to glory.

“Ah,” you may say, “I shall be like the man who just caught the train; I will come to Christ on my death-bed; there is no hurry now.” Well, there are some people who like to run to the station, and jump into the train just as it starts; they know the hour of its departure, and reckon accordingly, and catch their train as certainly as those who have been waiting a quarter of an hour. But suppose you did not know when the train would start; you were told it might go at any time in the quarter of an hour. If your journey was one of importance, would you wait till the last minute, and run the chance of catching it then? Most likely you would be too late. No, you would be early at the station, so that whenever the train might come, you would be ready.

The Lord may come at any time. His coming is more certain than death. Are you ready for Him? “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump.” How those who are ready and waiting for Him long for that moment. Do you long for it? Are your sins washed away in His precious blood?

Dear reader, do not put it off any longer. We read in Heb. 10:37,

“For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” That was written over 1900 years ago; the “little while” is nearly over, but still the door of mercy is open, and you may now enter in.

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

That loving invitation will not much longer be given—now it is addressed to you. Will you accept it?

ML 01/23/1927

A Gift Freely Given

A SUNDAY-SCHOOL teacher wished to show his class how free the gift of God is. He took a silver watch from his pocket, and offered it to the eldest boy in the class.

“It’s yours, if you will take it.”

The little fellow sat and grinned at the teacher. He thought he was joking. The teacher offered it to the next boy, and said:

“Take this watch: it is yours.”

The little fellow thought he would be laughed at if he held out his hand, and therefore he sat still. In the same way the teacher went nearly around the class; but not one of them would accept the proffered gift. At length he came to the smallest boy. When the watch was offered to the little fellow, he took it and put it into his pocket. All the class laughed at him.

“I am thankful, my boy,” said the teacher, “that you believe my word. The watch is yours. Take good care of it. Wind it up every night.” The rest of the class looked on in amazement; and one of them said,

“Teacher, you don’t mean that he hasn’t to give it back to you?”

“No,” said the teacher, “he hasn’t to give it back to me. It is his own now.”

“Oh—h—h! if only I had taken it!” were the exclamations of some of the class.

This little story will show you in a feeble way what a gift is. It is something given you for which you do not have to work, nor to pay.

Now God has given to man, the greatest gift that He could give. The apostle Paul had accepted this gift, for we hear him saying:

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15.

What is this great gift of God? Why, it is the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, the dearest object of His heart! He gave His life to save you, and nothing delights His heart more than to see a little boy or girl receive Him by faith as his or her own personal Saviour. God wants you to accept Him, so take Him as your own precious Saviour as simply as the little boy did the watch, and then thank God for Him, as the apostle Paul did. When the Philippian jailor became exercised about his soul, he cried out in distress,

“What must I do to be saved?” The simple answer was:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:30,31.

You know there are many dear children who think they must work to save their souls, but that is not God’s way.

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4,5.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5. These and many other scriptures show that salvation is not by works.

Good works do have a place in Scripture, but we must not take them out of their proper place. It is after you have accepted God’s free gift and become a child of God, that you may work in every way to please Him. There are countless way of serving the Lord. Being obedient to your dear parents, speaking to your little playmates of Jesus, etc., etc.

In Titus 3:8 we read “That they which have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works.”

I cannot work my soul to save,

For that my Lord has done;

But I will work like any slave

From love to God’s dear Son.

I would like to say to those who have not accepted God’s gift, to do so at once. You do not know how soon you may be called out of this world, and then it will be forever too late. You will say, like the little boy in our story, “If only I had taken it,” but it will then be too late. You will be banished from God’s presence forever to dwell in outer darkness where there shall be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 22:13).

ML 01/23/1927

The Lord Himself Shall Come

Dear Children, have you ever heard

That Christ the Lord will come,

With angel’s voice and trump of God,

To call His people home?

The saints of God, from death set free,

With joy shall mount on high;

The heaven shall ring with praises loud,

They’ll meet Him in the sky.

O! say, if He should come tonight,

Would you in terror be;

Or would you lift your heads with joy

The blessed Lord to see?

O! children, seek the Saviour now

The Saviour full of love;

And when He comes He’ll take you up

To His bright home above.

ML 01/23/1927

The First Step

WITH what delight we look upon the little baby brother or sister, who is taking the first step, and all like to catch up the little darling and kiss him, and then encourage him to take another step and another, until he is able to walk. So we say “the first step leads to another,” whether it is the first step in walking; the first step in doing what the Lord wants us to do, or the first step in sin.

Keep away from those who would lead you into sin. They want you to take just one step and then will lead you into all kinds of sin.

“IF SINNERS ENTICE THEE CONSENT THOU NOT.” Prov. 1:10

So, dear children, do not take the first step; but if you have already done so, don’t take another in such a path.

Now do you ask what is the first step the Lord wants us to take? It is to come to Him about all our sins, for He is the only One who is able to put them all away; for He died for sinners in order that our sins could be forever removed, so God can say:

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

Have you come to Jesus, and do you know Him as your Saviour, as the One who has put all your sins away? If so, that is the first step; the next step is, to go to Him about all that happens to you and He will guide you.

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Prov. 3:6.

ML 01/30/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 14

THE worldly-wise Joab is the man behind the scenes here. Seeing that David was deeply attached to the unpunished murderer, Absalom, he seeks a way to bring about his return from Geshur. A wise woman lived at Tekoah, 12 miles south of Jerusalem; with her Joab arranged for an artful appeal to the king. She pretended that she was a widow with two sons, one of whom had killed the other, and so excited David’s pity. God had required the death of the murderer in Gen. 9:6 (a command of universal application and never withdrawn), and in Exo. 21:12, and Numbers 35:16- 21; but David had allowed his natural affection for Absalom to take the place of God’s Word—a most serious thing, which was to he visited upon him later in the behavior of that son.

The visit of the woman of Tekoah gave David an excuse to send for Absalom, though his conscience troubled him too much to permit the murderer’s presenting himself at the paternal home. Two years more went by, and it was now five years since Amnon was killed by Absalom’s servants. Absalom judged rightly that there was no intention on his father’s part to have him put to death, and demanded to be restored to full favor. It was done, the king even kissed the man whom the law required to be put to death. He was handsome, the most admired in all the country (verse 25), without seeming blemish from head to foot, but under the judgment of God, which though delayed, would be visited upon him.

It is not likely that this paper will fall into the hands of a murderer; the reader may have a very good opinion indeed, of himself, may be as popular as Absalom was, and as much admired, but let him know that God has declared,

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9:27.

Truly, as the wise woman of Tekoah said to the king (verse 14), “We must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground which cannot be gathered up again, neither doth God respect any person; yet doth He devise means that His banished be not expelled from Him,” but Christ is “the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me”. (John 14:6).

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. Has this reached your conscience, filled your heart?

“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.

ML 01/30/1927

The Gold Digger

SOME years ago a gold digger was called to decide between preserving his life, or parting with the gains of many years. He stood on the deck of a ship, which coming from Australia had all but reached her harbor, in safety. Night came on, and with the night a storm that wrecked ships and hopes, and fortunes, all together. The dawning light but revealed a scene of horror, death staring them in the face. The sea, lashed into fury, ran mountains high; no boat could live in it.

One chance still remained—a stout, brave swimmer, disencumbered of all impediments, might reach the shore, where hundreds stood ready to dash into the boiling surf to seize and save him. One man was observed to go below. He bound round his waist a heavy belt, filled with gold, the hard-earned gains of his life, and returned to the deck. He saw his friends, one after another, leap overboard.

After a brief but terrible struggle, head after head went down, sunk by the gold they had fought hard to preserve, and were loath to lose. Slowly he unbuckled his belt. His hopes had been bound up in it. It was to buy land, and ease, and respect—the reward of long years of hard and weary exile. What hardships he had endured for it? The hopes of day, the dreams of night, were there. If he parts with it, he is a beggar; if he keeps it, he dies. He held it in his hand for a while, took a long, sad look at it, and then with a strong effort, flung it far out into the roaring sea.

Was it not a wise thing to do? It sank with a sullen plunge; and then he followed it, not to sink, but relieved of its weight, to swim over the billows, and safely to reach the shore.

Had he not acted wisely? Yes, a man can realize his danger in a scene like that and choose life; but how few realize their infinitely greater danger before God, and take His way of escape!

There is no need of being lost; it is ones own fault if he is not saved, for God has dealt with sin in the person of His Son, and now His command is,

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

The blood has been shed—the blood of the sinless One; God’s righteous law has been vindicated, and His justice satisfied; and He beseeches you to be reconciled to Him.

This is good news. Instead of asking you to do anything, He tells you plainly,

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

“The righteousness of God.. . . is ... . unto all, and upon all them that believe.”

He is “just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:22,26.

Behold His patience beareth long,

With those who from Him rove;

Till mighty grace their hearts subdues,

To teach them “God is love.”

This precious truth His Word declares,

And all His mercies prove;

Jesus, the Gift of Gifts appears,

To show that “God is love.”

ML 01/30/1927

Beanstalk

I WILL tell you of an incident which a godly man related of his youth:

“When I was about nine years old, I was one day playing with my younger brother by the bank of a large mill-pond near my home. But, sorry to say, I did not remain there very long, but was soon jumping up and down on an old plank that extended out into the water, and which was partly loose. In my boyish merriment, enjoying the splashing of the water, I went higher and higher until suddenly, the board broke, and—I landed in the water and would surely have drowned, had not just then a man passed by, whom we called, “Beanstalk”, who came and pulled me out of the pond. Without wasting any words, he simply placed me on dry ground, shook most of the water off from me, and then went his way.

“O, if only it had not been he!” Thus we thought, and so said an inner voice accusingly. The man’s real name was not Beanstalk, but we mischievous boys had given him this nickname because of his tall, thin stature, and we had provoked him more than once by calling him that name on the street. What burned deeply in my heart now, was the fact that it was this same man whom I had often mocked, who drew me out of the water.

We reached home, and told the whole story honestly. There I received, amidst a mother’s tears, hot tea and warm clothing, but from father, —something else.

The next morning my brother and I were sent to Mr. Beanstalk, who lived about a mile out of town. We were given a letter from my father, with a receipted bill for medical service, which he had rendered at one time when the man was sick, (for father was a physician). Besides this, a large basket with meat, coffee, sugar, fruit, etc., and in addition to this, we were to express hearty thanks, and also apologize for having previously insulted him.

We willingly delivered everything but the last request, i.e. the apology, which to us proud boys seemed too humiliating, to this, as we thought, simple-minded man. So as he seemed exceedingly joyous over the letter, the present, and our thanks, we silently passed over the part of our confession of wickedness which we were told to make; and when we arrived home again, and were questioned about it all, we wisely dodged this point. This again, was not right or honest.

Not long after that, my father one day told us that Mr. Beanstalk had suddenly died. This pierced my heart so keenly, that I feel it even to this day. I felt hot and cold alternately, and wept bitterly; which was approved of, and considered favorably by my parents. But it wasn’t a feeling of sympathy, but rather of remorse, because I had not confessed my wrong to him, and now it was too late. Since that memorable day it has rested like a ban upon me, and as a stone weighing me down; yet I was too proud to own or confess it to anyone. Even to this day I feel this debt, although I have earnestly confessed it to the Lord.

It was customary at all funerals, for us, the older school children, at the open grave, under the direction of our teacher, to sing the hymn,

“My life is but a pilgrimage.”

But I could not sing because of the way I felt. On account of this, our dear teacher, who was not acquainted with the cause of my sorrow, and who had a right to require me to sing, gave me several painful nudges. At that moment I really did not deserve this, for at the grave of Mr. Beanstalk, I experienced for the first time in the depths of my whole being, the living reality of the words I had so often heard, but never really understood, that man’s heart is hard, proud, wicked, deceitful and incurable, and that we cannot enter heaven except with a new nature. I then realized my need of a Saviour.

Dear reader, have not you too? And perhaps you realize the weight of sins on your conscience? O, come with them all to the Saviour, confess them, and He will forgive you.

“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,

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

ML 01/30/1927

Why Do You Wait?

Why do you wait, dear children?

O! why do you tarry so long?

The Saviour is waiting to give you

A place in His sanctified throng.

What do you hope, dear children,

To gain by a further delay?

There’s no one to save you but Jesus;

There’s no other way but His way.

Do you not feel, dear children,

God’s Spirit now striving within?

O, why not accept His salvation,

And part with thy burden of sin?

Why do you wait, dear children?

The harvest is passing away,

The Saviour is waiting to save you;

There’s death and sure doom in delay!

ML 01/30/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For all have sinned,” etc. Rom. 3:23.

2.“For the wages of sin,” etc. 6:23.

3.“For it is written,” etc. 14:11.

4.“That if thou shalt confess,” etc. 10:9.

5.“But to him that worketh,” etc. 4:5.

6.“He that spared not His,” etc. 8:32.

7.“Now the God of hope,” etc. 15:13.

Bible Questions for February “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 2 Corinthians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The righteousness of God in him.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “For your sakes he became poor.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Nothing against the truth.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “In him Amen.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “In the face of Jesus Christ.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Touch not the unclean thing.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words. “The simplicity that is in Christ.”

Answers to Bible Questions for December “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. Rom 1:16.

2.(1) Their iniquities are forgiven; (2) their sins are covered; (3) the Lord will not impute sin to them. Rom. 4:6-8.

3.By one man (Adam). Rom. 5:12.

4.That in his flesh dwelt no good thing. Rom. 7:18.

5.That God hath raised Christ from the dead. Rom. 10:9.

6.“Until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Rom. 11:25.

7.Aquila and Pricilla. Rom. 16:3-5.

Bible Questions for February “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 2 Corinthians

1.Whence goes the spirit of the believer at death?

2.What Scripture shows it to be wrong for a Christian to be yoked with an unconverted person?

3.What is the reward to the one who will “come out from among them and be separate”?

4.What should a believer do with reference to those things that might be termed “filthiness of the flesh”?

5.When was the Lord Jesus in poverty, and why?

6.If we are close and sparing in our giving to the Lord, what result may we expect?

7.How did the apostle Paul regard his bodily infirmities?

ML 02/06/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 15

VERY soon after this, things moved swiftly. The unpunished slayer of his brother aspired to his father’s throne, and would take it by craft and by force. With his chariots and horses and fifty men to run before him, and yet more by his cunning treatment of those who came to see the king with their complaints, Absalom won the people to himself—stole their hearts from David his father. Spies were sent through all the land to prepare the nation for the proclamation of Absalom as king in Hebron.

Ahithophel, who seems to have been Bathsheba’s grandfather (see chapter 11.:3, and chapter 23:34), a very wise man and David’s counselor (chapter 16:23). joined Absalom, and presently the news of what his favored son had been doing came to the king. David, the conqueror of the Philistines, must flee before the face of his own son, so the king and all his household left Jerusalem.

Now was shown who were true to David and who were not. The Cherethites and Pelethites, David’s personal guard, and the Gittites, the high priest and the Levites, and Hushai the Archite were attached to the king and were ready to share his exile. Ittai the Gittite was told to go back to Jerusalem with his men, all of them no doubt Philistines, but answered nobly.

“As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.”

This was true devotedness to David, and without doubt the more appreciated on account of coming from a stranger who had no interest by nature in Israel or Israel’s king. He and his men foreshadowed the believing Gentiles who are attached to the Lord Jesus in the present time of His rejection, and will share His glory.

The brook Kidron (verse 23) is the little stream, now generally dry, that traverses the valley between the east of Jerusalem and the west of the Mount of Olives. Crossing it, David ascended the mountain, as did the Lord on the night of His betrayal (John 18:1).

David when in trial almost without exception recognized God’s hand in it (verses 25, 26), and here, while feeling the sharpness of that “sword” which he had been told should not depart from his house (chapter 12:10), leaves himself in His keeping. “Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth,” and David was learning in these deep exercises; his heart was with God, and his sorrows taught him godliness. The tokens of God’s dwelling place must be maintained in Jerusalem, the place which He had chosen to set His name there, and the weeping king ascends the Mount of Olives with his weeping retinue, to meet Hushai the Archite, and send him back also into the city.

David’s sins had brought this grief upon him, but the loving heart of God was concerned with him, and his return to the throne was not far away.

ML 02/06/1927

My Three Boys

ONE evening I felt deeply exercised about speaking to my three boys, —Robert, Alfred and Philip, as my heart was very heavy concerning their soul’s welfare. I told the boys that I thought of them while I was at work during the day in the shop; and when I awakened at night they were still before me. Life being so uncertain, and their path being beset with many dangers which might at any time overtake them, and thus usher them into eternity without having Christ as their Saviour. Before retiring, I as usual, commended them to God, with all our needs, praying very earnestly for them in a special way. I awoke in what seemed to me, to be the middle of the night, and heard someone crying, and calling me. It was Alfred, who said,

“O, I am so afraid!”

“Afraid of what?” I asked.

“I am afraid the Lord might come and I would be left in all my sins. They are so many.”

The boy fairly shook, and after quieting him a little I told him what the Lord Jesus had done for such sinners as he; putting the gospel before him in simple words, and directing him to the Lord. He then asked me to pray with him, after which he was so happy, and he embraced me and kissed me, saying,

“I am happy because I know that my sins are forgiven, and I belong to Him. Before this, I was always afraid of the scripture:

‘The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.’ 1 Thess. 5:2.

But now if He comes, He will take me to be with Him.”

After a little he said, “I wish Philip and Robert were saved too.” Then he called,

“Philip, are you sleeping? Philip, are you sleeping?” But Philip gave no answer. Then he said to me, “Let us pray for Philip and Robert that they may be saved too.” After we prayed he quietly went to sleep. The next morning, Alfred, (of his own accord) said to Philip,

“Philip, if the Lord had come last night where would you be now?”

“In heaven,” he answered.

When I heard that, I asked. Philip how he could say so, since I had not heard of his conversion before, —although he was once deeply troubled about his sins. He replied, “Is it not written in the Bible that whosoever believes on the Lord is saved, and has eternal life?”

“Yes,” I said, “that is Bible truth, but do you believe on Him, and have you accepted Him as your Saviour?”

“Yes,” he answered frankly and honestly. Then from my heart I said,

“I am so glad!”

“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.

“Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15.

ML 02/06/1927

Be at Peace Among Yourselves

WHAT a happy peaceful scene we have in our picture today! The father and mother are watching their little puppies, and mother cat her kittens. One, two, three pretty kittens, and four pups all having such a good time eating. Their parents are very proud of them, and keep careful watch to see that no harm comes. In the very front of the picture are some soft-downy goslings; and to one side, some dear little chicks, with their mother, too, watching and trying to help them pick some food from the sand.

Do you see any of these pretty creatures quarreling or fighting? No, not one. Each one is eating his own food, and quietly letting the others have their share. Perhaps some of us can learn a lesson from this beautiful picture.

Some children quarrel and try to get things away from each other—not contended with their own share, or their own playthings. But they look neither happy nor pretty when they are acting that way, and I’m sure they don’t feel happy. We are all much happier when we are treating others kindly and unselfishly. The 13th verse of the 5th chapter of 1 Thess. says,

“Be at peace among yourselves.”

If anyone who reads this has been accustomed to being selfish and quarrelsome, let him try living peaceably, and he will find himself much happier.

“LIVE IN PEACE: AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU.” 2 Cor. 13:11

ML 02/06/1927

"Behold I Come Quickly"

“Behold I come quickly”.

Yes, that is the word,—

The promise once given

By Jesus our Lord.

“Behold I come quickly”.

E’er sweetly the same,

Then why should I care

For earth’s riches and fame?

“Behold I come quickly”.

If sorrow is mine,

With this cheering promise

Why should I repine?

“Behold I come quickly”.

Have I joy below?

What greater delight

When to Jesus I go!

“Behold I come quickly”.

Then let come what may:

This comforting promise

My spirit shall stay.

“Behold I come quickly”.

His word must abide.

I’ll soon be with Jesus,

Safe, safe at His side.

ML 02/06/1927

Frightened Sheep

A PERSON walking along a country road saw a large flock of sheep. The poor creatures were so frightened by a stranger’s appearance, that they ran hither and thither, and it was only when the one who had been caring for them came to their rescue that they quieted, and their fear subsided; but one poor silly little lamb came to grief. She strayed from the flock and ran in her own way to destruction.

My dear children, does not this remind us of that portion in Isa. 53:6,

“All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way”?

Your own way leads from God and heaven, and if you have not come to Jesus, you are still a wanderer, —you are lost. Satan leads you on, first after one pleasure, and then after another, for he delights in getting you to forget God, and to neglect His holy Word, which makes known to you your lost condition. Don’t let Satan deceive you, and lead you astray any longer, dear children; believe the Word of God,

“Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” Jno. 6:37.

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

Will you not trust Him? His grace led Him to die to save your guilty soul. What folly, if by carelessly neglecting, or willfully rejecting such boundless love and mercy, you shall be lost for eternity.

“IF THEY ESCAPED NOT WHO REFUSED HIM THAT SPAKE ON EARTH, MUCH MORE SHALL NOT WE ESCAPE, IF WE TURN AWAY FROM HIM THAT SPEAKETH FROM HEAVEN.” Heb. 12:25

Do come to Jesus, dear children. NOW! He is graciously waiting to receive you. Accept Him as your own dear Saviour. Then you can sing,

“I was lost, but Jesus found me.

Found the sheep that went astray;

Threw His loving arms around me,

Drew me back into His way.”

ML 02/13/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 16

DAVID’S distress brought many into view, of whom perhaps we should not otherwise have learned. Ittai the Gittite and his band of six hundred followers, and the Cherethites and Pelethites, and Hushai the Archite have come before us, testifying their devotion to the dethroned king; Ahithophel had joined the standard of Absalom.

Now appears the servant of the crippled Mephibosheth, Ziba, to see what he can get for himself at the expense of his master. We find in a later chapter the truth of the matter of Ziba’s presence, and Mephibosheth’s absence, but David was just now deceived. He thought Ziba’s kind heart had devised the plan, provided the asses, the bread, the raisins, summer fruits and wine, but it was a scheming, self-seeking mind that had done it, to defraud his lame and helpless master. To make the matter worse, Ziba deliberately lied about Mephibosheth, saying that the kingdom was what he sought, and why he stayed in Jerusalem. Well it is that God is concerned with those that are His; He is their Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble (Psa. 46). For the time, however the deceit and the lie triumphed. All that had been Mephibosbeth’s was to be Ziba’s.

David reached Bahurim on his way to the Jordan, and there came out a man of the house of Saul, Shimei, to curse the king and throw stones at him. Truly David’s cup seemed full as this man shouted his abuse at him. Abishai, Joab’s brother, would have killed Shimei, but David restrained him, saying, “So let him curse, because the Lord hath said into him, Curse David.” It is again the spiritual man that we see in David. Trial brought out in him a heart taught of God. Upon Him his eyes were resting, awaiting the time when sorrow should be turned into joy.

We are taken now, leaving David and his faithful few, back to Jerusalem where Absalom has gone. Hushai, David’s friend is there, and Ahithophel the traitor. Hushai appears to be for Absalom, but his statement in verses 18 and 19 begins with God: the man whom He chose would Hushai serve; if that were the king’s son, he was for Absalom.

Ahithophel is the counselor at first, and his advice was to show to the people that all ties with David were broken. Absalom is exalted; David is rejected, escaping for his life; God is not seen.

Thus for a time, the evil triumphs in this world, as today. So the gospel of the grace of God is “foolishness” to men.

“God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty ....that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Cor. 1:18-31.

In due time, as Absalom’s plans came to ruin, the schemes of men to get along without God will be shown in their worthlessness. It will then be seen that faithfulness to Christ has its reward. Have you decided for Christ?

ML 02/13/1927

Not Afraid to Meet God

A SERVANT of God recently called at a small cottage, the sole inmate of which he found to be an aged woman. Noticing her visitor’s tired appearance, she very courteously asked him to rest a while, and share her simple meal.

The invitation was gladly accepted, be deeming it a fitting opportunity of speaking for his Lord. Accordingly, he soon asked her how matters stood between her and God.

“What about eternity? Where will you spend it?” he inquired.

The dear old woman, who had learned, and was realizing the blessedness of simply taking God at His word and resting, in what He said, readily responded,

“The Lord Jesus Christ has settled the matter for me, having died for my sins according to the Scriptures.”

On being told that the same blessed Lord Jesus was coming to take those for whom He died, to be forever with and like Himself; and knowing that He Himself said He would come quickly, the grave might never receive her body, she expressed great gladness. The tears of joy trickled down her wrinkled cheeks as she thought of Him and of the depths into which He descended in order to win her poor soul.

“Were He to come now, as we are talking together, would you not be afraid?” asked the servant of God.

“Afraid!” she exclaimed, “No, indeed! Why, man, I love Him.”

Surely in her case, 1 John 4:19 was verified: “We love Him, because He first loved us.”

Who dares speak of fear to one who is the conscious object of the love of God. His “perfect love casteth out fear.” 1 John 4:18.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us.” Titus 2.13.

ML 02/13/1927

The Preaching of a Child

I WOULD like to preach,” said little Evan Hamilton to his mother, as they walked thoughtfully homeward after having listened attentively to the preaching of God’s Word.

“Why don’t you?” returned his mother with a curious smile. Evan looked up inquiringly,

“How can I?” he questioned, “I am too small.”

“You are young,” his mother replied, “but Evan, young as you are, your life can preach; and you can tell the people you meet about the Lord who loves them.”

Evan did not answer, but he repeated his mother’s words to himself.

In the evening, his uncle, a gay young man, unexpectedly arrived at his father’s house. He took great notice of Evan, who was an attractive child. Suddenly, as they were alone, Evan remembered his resolve.

“Uncle Donald,” he began hesitatingly, “I said I would like to preach, and mamma said I could, I would like to tell people how good the Lord is, and how He loves them. Are you glad He loves you?”

The uncle was startled, and turned the young questioner aside with a laugh. He never had felt the love of Christ to him. Go where he would, the question— “Are you glad He loves you?” pursued him.

Did the Lord really love him? he asked himself. Surely not; he was a careless, luckless fellow, and there was nothing in him to attract attention. It could only be the foolish fancy of a child that supposed such a thing. Still, he could not get rid of the thought, and it did not leave him until he inquired more deeply into the matter.

He found from Scripture that it was not good people, but sinners the Lord Jesus loved and died to save, and knowing he belonged to the class of sinners, he found that mercy was even for him.

Thus Evan preached, and thus his childish ministry was blessed. Every boy or girl may not be called upon to speak as he did, but all who know the Lord as their Saviour should seek earnestly to glorify Him by their lives, and to bear some witness to His goodness and love.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” Rom. 1:10.

ML 02/13/1927

Judgment

“I DON’T want God to write my sins in His book,” moaned a little fellow over and over again, weeping bitterly as he lay in the darkness of his room. His father had hastened to comfort his son, and inquiring the cause of his sorrow, heard his child sob out the words.

Very little did the father know of the gospel; but remembering a verse which had again and again been repeated in his hearing, he sought for and found it in Isaiah:

“I, EVEN I, AM HE THAT BLOTTETH OUT THY TRANSGRESSIONS FOR MINE OWN SAKE. AND WILL NOT REMEMBER THY SINS” Isa. 43: 25

Again and again he read it over to his boy. The poor boy got comfort from the word of God. But not only so, the father was brought to see his need and to trust in Christ as well.

How many do not want God to write their sins in His book, but they are written there nevertheless, and if in their impenitence they pass on and die in their sins, every one of them will come out when the books are opened at the great white throne.

Now there is a Saviour;

Then there will be a Judge;

Now there is a shelter in Jesus;

Then no place of refuge will be found;

Now the blood of Christ is the ransom;

Then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.

Flee, my reader, flee, FLEE from the wrath to come.

The Judge standeth before the door.

ML 02/13/1927

"Why Will Ye Die?"

To the ark of refuge flee,

All that heavy laden be,

God is still beseeching thee,

Why will ye die?

Jesus is the living way,

Come! for this is mercy’s day,

None shall e’er be cast away,—

Why will ye die?

All that ever to Him came

Found redemption in His name,

And the Lord is still the same,—

Why will ye die?

For the guilty world He bled,

And for sins atonement made,

‘It is finished,’ Jesus said,—

Why will ye die?

He, the pure and spotless Lamb,

Tasted death for everyone,

Finished the redeeming plan,—

Why will ye die?

Come to Jesus as thou art,

He will bind thy broken heart,

And eternal life impart,

Why will ye die?

ML 02/13/1927

"Shall I Draw Your Portrait?"

O yes, little artist, you certainly may;

But mind that it’s very correct:

And don’t let your colors be all sober grey,

But some of your sunshine reflect!

My lips with a smile I’ll endeavor to curl,

Since my orders are “not to look sad!”

Besides, if the artist’s my dear little girl,

I think I have cause to be glad.

Well! what shall I think of, or where shall I look,

To make me seem happy and bright?

Fix my eyes on a picture, or else on a book?

Well! dear little artist, “all right!”

I remember one day that my likeness was drawn—

Ah! drawn by the light of God’s Word:

A light that eclipses the light of the morn,

The lamp is in Romans the third!

My picture was drawn with the pencil of truth,

My features and character too;

And I find there the sins both of age and of youth

Are strikingly brought out to view.

But the blots and the blemishes—numberless stains,—

And they were much blacker than mud,

(When I found out how useless, how helpless my pains,)

Have all been washed out in the blood.

The blood of the Saviour—the Lord from above,—

Who died upon Calvary’s tree;

And who from the glory sends tidings of love,

Salvation for you and for me!

For the aged and young, whom the world has enticed,

And Satan and sin have enslaved;

If we but believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,

The Scriptures say, we shall be saved!

“ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.” Rom. 3:23

ML 02/20/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 17

THAT Absalom was quite willing to have his father killed is shown by his being well pleased with Ahithophel’s proposal to take twelve thousand men at once and seek David, expecting to kill him and bring the people back to Absalom. Ahithophel’s advice was of the best, if God were to be left out of the reckoning, for David’s fortunes were at the lowest ebb, and his followers, though courageous men, and deeply attached to him, were but few, nor had there been time to prepare and put into use a plan of defense in case of attack. Hushai counseled delay, professing to be true to Absalom, and his words won approval, for God had a controversy with Absalom. How often He works behind the scenes, in due time to show His hand!

It remained for Hushai to warn David, and the message he sent shows that he was not sure that Ahithophel’s advice would not be followed after all. But it pleased God to use weak instruments for the carrying out of His will; there was nothing to mark the circumstances that follow in the inspired record as extraordinary or miraculous at all, yet One was at work to show Himself strong in the behalf of David whose heart was faithful to God, though he had sinned and brought these sorrows upon himself (see 2 Chronicles 16:9).

David and those with him crossed the Jordan northeast of Jerusalem to Mahanaim, the place where Jacob met the angels on his return from his long exile (Genesis 32:1, 2); and where Ishbosheth, son of Saul, had reigned as king over the larger part of the land of Israel (2 Samuel 2:8, etc.). Ahithophel, disappointed because his advice had not been acted upon, went home and hanged himself. Miserable man, he had wisdom for this world (see chapter 16, last verse), but seems to have been an enemy of God.

There were those who showed kindness to David in the time of his rejection (verses 27-29). Among the names we observe that of the man who had taken in the poor crippled Mephibosheth, Machir (chapter 9) and a stranger of the children of Ammon.

ML 02/20/1927

Saved by Love

MANY years ago a gentlemen had a favorite horse, which he treated with great kindness, so that the horse became quite fond of his master.

One evening this gentlemen set out on his homeward journey, from a distant place, riding horse-back, and to save about sixteen miles he took a road that was both hilly and difficult.

Snow had fallen heavily, and in some places had drifted into large masses and filled up all the hollow places and blotted out the road altogether, so that little was to be seen but one wide waste of snow.

He had not gone far before he lost all idea of direction, as all the usual landmarks had been covered up.

There was no house in sight, where he might seek shelter, or ask his way. Night was coming on, and he knew that every step his horse took might plunge him into some deep ravine where both horse and rider would be in danger of losing their lives; and that is just what did happen, for as they were going slowly along they came without knowing it to a deep ravine quite filled with snow. Suddenly both horse and rider sank into it to a great depth.

Of course they were instantly buried, and the violence of the plunge took away the rider’s senses, so that he was powerless to do anything.

Now what do you think happened? O, you say, both horse and rider were frozen to death. No, it was not as bad as that, for when the gentleman came to himself he felt something warm on his face, and looking up he found himself lying on his back some yards from the dangerous ravine, and his faithful horse standing over him and licking his face, to warm him back to life.

How he got out of that dreadful hole he never knew, but God has not only given the horse great strength, He has given him what we call instinct, that is, the power of doing the right thing or going in the right direction, when there is nothing really to guide him.

Our friend could only suppose that the horse realized their condition and managed not only to scramble out himself, but, out of love for his master, to drag him out also to a place of safety. There is no doubt but that he owed his life to the fidelity of his horse. Then finding his master did not move or speak, he began to lick his face like a mare may sometimes be seen to lick her colt out of real affection.

Now what are we to learn from this incident? Well, I think there are two things we may learn; first, the helpless condition of the man himself, who must have perished if some power outside himself had not been used on his behalf.

The other point is that love was behind the power that was used in his deliverance.

But I want to show you that by nature that is exactly your condition and mine. We are in the power of sin and death and cannot help ourselves. But God knew how helpless we were, and as sinners we must surely perish. Then He devised a way whereby we might be saved from the result of our sins.

He sent the Lord Jesus, who suffered for us, who bore our sins in His own body on the tree, and if we own Him as our Saviour, if we trust Him as the One who has loved us and died for us, we shall have the forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting.

What then is going to be your response to the love of the Lord Jesus? Are you going to say like a gipsy boy once said,

“I return Him many thanks”?

If so, you will also be able to say from the bottom of your heart what Paul said, “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:25.

ML 02/20/1927

A Child's Faith

ONE Sunday, as the family were at dinner, Rosie, who was the eldest, noticed that there was but a small piece of bread left for tea, so when her mother offered her a little of it, she refused it. On retiring to her bedroom, the child began to speak to herself after this fashion:

“My father and my mother are Christians, and Jesus is my Saviour. He loves me I know, and I love Him, for I am His. Does He not care that I am hungry?”

She had closed the door, and falling upon her knees, with tears streaming down her cheeks, she said;

“O, my Father, who loved me so much as to send Jesus, Thy dear Son, to die for me. wilt Thou not let the people pay my father what they owe him, so that we may have plenty to eat? The Bible says to those who belong to Thee, and I— belong to Thee,—

‘His bread shall be given him; and his waters shall he sure.’ Isa. 33:16.

O God, Thou knowest we have not bread enough for all of us; Thou knowest my father will not allow us to go into debt for anything. O God, do keep us according to Thy promise; in the Name of the Lord Jesus.”

After this prayer Rosie went to Sunday-school. The Bible lesson was a cheer to her heart. Rosie was met at the door by one of the older girls saying, “I hope you will not be offended, Rosie, but yesterday while mother was baking, the thought kept coming into my mind, to ask her to make one for you,” and producing a currant cake sufficiently large to provide supper for a whole family, she left the parcel in Rosie’s hands, and Bessie Green ran away half ashamed of her kindness.

Rosie wondered why Bessie should think of bringing a cake to the Sunday-school, but the Lord leads people to do strange things, in order to be His messengers, in caring for those who put their trust in Him.

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given, will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:17.

On the morrow one of the father’s debtors called and paid him some money, and in this she saw an additional answer to her prayer. The quick response to that Sunday afternoon’s appeal has never been forgotten, and is still most sweet to her. Years after the occurrence of this incident, she confided these details to her teacher.

Well would it be for us all if we would thus learn with the faith of a child to cast all our care upon Him, for He careth for us. (2 Peter 5:7).

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19.

ML 02/20/1927

Jesus, the Friend of Children

The gentle Jesus pities you,

Poor thoughtless little child;

He bends on you a look of love

So tender and so mild.

He knows this is an evil world

In which awhile you dwell,

Where many, dying day by day,

Are sinking into hell.

He knows your little foolish heart

Prefers a worthless toy

To all His love, which, once believed,

Would give you lasting joy.

He knows you have a cruel foe

Who tries to hold you fast,

That you may be his servant here

And dwell with him at last.

And therefore does the Saviour send

The message of His grace,

That children, drawn to Him by love,

May early seek His face.

He tells you in His Holy Word

How joyfully He gave

Himself, the spotless Lamb of God,

His wandering sheep to save.

The child that knows its sins forgiven

Through His most precious blood,

Is made a lamb of Jesus’ fold—

A happy child of God.

O! come to Jesus, come today,

And you shall find it true

That He is still the children’s Friend,

And loves to save e’en you.

ML 02/20/1927

The Faithful Dog

THE shepherd-dog has been sent after the flock of sheep and goats, and now he is bringing them home. They run in front of him because they are afraid of him, nevertheless he will bring them to their shepherd, and the place of pasture the shepherd has for them.

How different this is from the way the Lord Jesus does with His sheep. He goes before them, as He knows the way and He leads them. If we are His sheep, and we follow Him, we shall be led in paths of righteousness, and we shall have a happy path, and shall be to God’s glory pleasing Him in all our ways. We shall also be able to 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.” Psa. 23:1, 2.

That would be a good and happy place for the sheep, and it is such a place the Lord ever leads His own, if they are willing to follow Him.

On the other hand, there are those who do not love the voice of the Lord Jesus, they do not know Him, and they like to follow in the paths of sin, and thus they reap bad results.

Dear children, do not rest till you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour and Shepherd, and then seek to follow Him closely, and you will not only please Him, but your path will be one of happiness.

“I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH, NEITHER SHALL ANY MAN PLUCK THEM OUT OF MY HAND.” John 10:28.

ML 02/27/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 18

ABSALOM and his army had now come up to David’s men, and a battle was imminent. David divided his followers among three leaders; Joab and his brother Abishai, and Ittai, and proposed to go to the battle himself, but was restrained by the people. Absalom’s army was defeated and he himself was killed, —God’s requirement that the murderer be put to death, as to which David had utterly failed, being thus carried out. Once more the character of Joab comes out; his own hand it was by which Absalom was killed, though the king had charged that he should not be hurt.

Very touching is the account of David’s reception of the news of his son’s death which was brought to him by two messengers, the son of Zadok the priest, who had already served David (chapter 17, verses 17-21), and another. All the anguish of a father’s heart is contained in those words of his at the close of the chapter,

“O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

But David could not have died for his son, deeply as he loved him. As far as we may judge, Absalom died as he lived, without God. He had staked everything upon a great name, a great honor, which he wanted, and he lost.

What are your objects, reader? Life’s short story is soon told, and more or less of Absalom’s history has been repeated in the lives of many young men, no doubt, since he passed out of this scene. But what of eternity?

Young man, no anguished sobs of a dishonored father will avail you in the day of God’s judgment. One alone can change your destiny; it is Jesus, Whom you have despised. The Just One, He died for the unjust.

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. Which will you have, the wages, or the gift?

ML 02/27/1927

Feelings Follow Faith

WHILE staying some months ago at a seaside place, I walked across the beach one lovely morning, to enjoy for a little the fresh sea-breeze that was then blowing, hoping the opportunity of giving away a few tracts, might be given me.

I took my seat beside two girls, the oldest of whom was about sixteen. After some few minutes I handed her a little tract, entitled, “I want salvation now.”

She looked at it and said, “Thank you.”

“Can you say salvation is yours?” I asked.

“No! I wish I could.” she answered.

I then spoke to her of the love of Jesus, and asked her if she believed He died for her and bore her sins.

“Yes, I believe all that,” she said. “My mother is a Christian and she often speaks to me of these things, but I don’t know how it is, I cannot feel that my sins are forgiven.”

I saw she was trusting to her feelings, and this kept her from being happy in the knowledge of the forgiveness of her sins. I sought to show her how she must first believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and what God says in His Word about believers, and that feelings follow faith. They come after, in their proper place, not preceding faith.

After repeating to her that well-known verse, “He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life,” and asking her to read the little book very carefully, I left, looking to the Lord to use it in blessing to her soul.

How is it with you? Can you say, “I know my sins are forgiven,” or are you like that young girl, trusting to your feelings? Remember, if you are, you will never have peace and joy in the Lord. Our feelings are like the shifting wind; one day you may feel very happy, and think your sins are all gone; and the next day you may be miserable.

Just take God at His Word, and salvation will be yours forever. The Lord Jesus said,

“He that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life.” John 6:47.

ML 02/27/1927

The Young Sower

MARION is a little girl four years old whose privilege it is to live in a Christian home where she has early been taught the beauty and value of the name of Jesus. Her little heart, as well as her bright mind, has responded to these precious things in an unusual way. Not only does she seem to prize them for herself, but even at this early age has shown an interest in passing them on to others.

One day she was playing in the yard, when she noticed an old man walking slowly past. It was very apparent that something was going on in her mind, and an instant later she came running into the house, and said,

“O mother, there is an old man going past, and perhaps he doesn’t know about the Lord Jesus; let me give him something to read.”

Her mother very hastily gave her a copy of “The Sower,” a gospel paper, and our little friend rushed out again and handed it to the aged man, saying it would tell him about the Lord Jesus, and warned him not to get it dirty. He told her she had better keep it herself, but she said they had many more, and urged him to keep it, which he did. That night when she said her little prayer upon going to bed, she asked the Lord in her simple way to bless the paper to the old man’s soul.

Who could doubt that this little attempt on the part of a mere babe to sow the “Good Seed” was pleasing to the Lord? And how sweet to see that she asked His blessing upon it. Who but He, the Lord of the Harvest, knows what the result will be. With His blessing it may yield a hundred-fold.

He, to whom nothing is impossible, can use a little child, as well as a grown person, in the working out of His purposes; for the work is His, and happy is he who is used of Him in carrying them out.

What a wondrous message it is that God sends to a lost world! The word “Gospel” means “Good News,” and it is indeed such, for it speaks life to the dead soul; it gives light to him who sits in darkness, and to the weary, rest. Nothing but a message from God could do this.

There must, however, be faith on the part of him who hears it, else the message, sweet as it is, will be in vain. One must believe what God says, to get the blessing.

What is the “Good News” that we are considering? John 3:16 tells the whole story,

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

We earnestly hope that each and every reader will believe the “Good News,” and thus profit by God’s love and kindness in providing a way to be saved. One need not be lost, however sinful he may be, for another verse from the Scripture says,

“The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin.”

A simple faith or belief is all that is necessary.

Just a word to those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour—We hope there will be no lack of interest on your part to share the precious truths of God you possess with the unsaved. May you all be sowers of the “Good Seed” in whatever way you are able. This would be but a small thing to do to show in a little measure ones gratitude to Him who died that we might live.

ML 02/27/1927

Little Harold and the Snow

LITTLE Harold lay on his couch by the window watching the falling snow. “Mother,” he said, “do you know why the snow has come?”

“No,” she answered.

“Jesus sent that snow,” said Harold, “to show me that I am whiter than snow, washed from my sins in His blood.”

Harold was very fond of going to Sunday-school; he loved to hear God’s Word, and to sing hymns. He is only nine years old, but he is waiting for the Lord to call him home to Himself.

Happy little Harold! safe in the arms of the Good Shepherd.

No one is too young to come to the Lord Jesus; no one is too young to have their sins washed away. O come to Jesus, little children, come to Him now, for He is waiting to receive you, longing to make you “whiter than snow.” Perhaps you say that you don’t know how to come, but the Lord Jesus is close beside you; you have not to go a long way to find Him. Just speak to Him where you are; tell Him that you need Him because you are stained with sin; tell Him that you come to Him because you cannot do without Him, and you will find it true, as He said long ago,

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.”

ML 02/27/1927

"Behold I Come Quickly"

“Behold, I come quickly.”

Yes, that is the word,

The promise once given

By Jesus our Lord.

“Behold, I come quickly.”

E’er sweetly the same;

Then why should I care

For earth’s riches and fame.”

“Behold, I come quickly.”

If sorrow is mine,

With this cheering promise

Why should I repine?

“Behold, I come quickly.”

Is joy mine below?

Still greater my joy

When to Jesus I go.

“Behold, I come quickly.”

Let come, then, what may,

This comforting promise

My spirit shall stay.

“Behold, I come quickly.”

His word must abide;

I’ll soon be with Jesus,

Safe, safe at His side.

ML 02/27/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For since by man came,” etc. 1 Cor. 15:21.

2.“For other foundation,” etc. 3:11.

3.“For ye are bought with a,” etc. 6:20.

4.“That, according as it is,” etc. 1:31.

5.“Whether therefore ye eat,” etc. 10:31.

6.“Know ye not that they,” etc. 9:24.

7.“Watch ye, stand fast,” etc. 16:13.

Bible Questions for March “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Galatians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Concluded all under sin.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Made a curse for us.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “This present evil world.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The world is crucified unto me.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I am crucified with Christ.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Have crucified the flesh.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Blessed with faithful Abraham.”

Answers to Bible Questions for January “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.It comes to naught. 1 Cor. 2:6.

2.Because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14.

3.It is foolishness unto Him. 1 Cor. 3:19.

4.Our body. 1 Cor. 6:19.

5.When we sin against the brethren. 1 Cor. 8:12.

6.Jew, Gentile, and Church of God. 1 Cor. 10:32.

7. A glory to her.” 1 Cor. 11:15.

Bible Questions for March “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Galatians

1.How do we win the battle against the lusts of the flesh?

2.What is the meaning of “dissemble” and “dissimulation”?

3.If we sow to the flesh what will be the result?

4.What is the penalty for perverting the gospel of Christ?

5.What is the position of one who is under law?

6.What are we to seek to do for a fellow-believer who is overtaken in a Spirit?

7.Into whose hearts did God send forth His Holy Spirit?

ML 03/06/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 19

THE weeping king of Israel reminds us of that occasion in the life of Christ (Matthew 19:41) when He also wept over his enemies, brings before us, too, Himself as the One who for His enemies was slain. If David loved his enemies, how far beyond his love is that of Jesus!

David did as his general bade him (verses 7, 8), and took his seat in a public place, though his heart was yet deeply pained. The people wanted him back at Jerusalem, for he was still at Mahanaim, east of the Jordan, but their leaders did not at first respond to their wishes. Perhaps we rightly judge that the memory of their deserting David at his son’s call, made them slow to present themselves to him. Conscience makes cowards of us all. The king then took the first step (verses 11-14), and selected Amasa to succeed Joab, the man of blood, at the head of his army.

Shimei, who had cursed David (chapter 16:5-8), and cast stones at him and at his servants, now fearful that his life would be taken, came hastily to greet the king, to seek his pardon; Ziba, too, the unworthy servant of Mephibosheth, came with his fifteen sons and his twenty servants. It was a time now to seek David’s favor, but one of those who went to meet him was not moved by selfish desires; Mephibosheth mourned during the whole time of his master’s absence, and now that he was returning in peace, this delivered son of an enemy cared for nothing else: David was everything to him. Ziba had deceived Mephibosheth, and slandered him to the king, but Mephibosheth was willing for Ziba to have, not only half, but all the land of Saul. David was all he wanted. This was true devotion.

And if the kindness of a man, necessarily limited to his power and willingness, so touched this poor cripple, how should not the transcendent love of Christ move the objects of it to lives of true-hearted devotion to Him? Should not those who have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), live for the One who loved them and gave Himself for them? (Galatians 2:20).

Should they not mourn His absence here, and be marked by real separation from the world, which in fact disowns Him still; be, as it were, counting the hours till He comes? (Revelation 22:20). Shame upon us who are Christ’s, that Mephibosheth’s lamp of testimony shines so much brighter than our own!

The aged Barzillai had given to David at Mahanaim; and now went with him a little way over the Jordan, —another of those who were devoted to the king.

The chapter closes with discord among brethren; they seem to have almost forgotten their delight in David’s return, in an angry dispute. Such, we may say, is man.

ML 03/06/1927

Home

A LITTLE boy about four or five years old, was returning from school one day. He bounded into the house, exclaiming as he hung his hat up in the entry, “This is my home, this is my home.”

A lady was then on a visit to his mother, and was sitting in the parlor. She said to him,

“Willie, the house next door is just the same as this; suppose you go in there and hang your hat up in the hall; wouldn’t that be your home as well as this?”

“No ma’am,” said Willie, very earnestly, “It would not.”

“Why not? What makes this house your home more than that;” asked the lady.

Willie had never thought of this before. But after a moment’s pause he ran up to his mother, and throwing his arms around her neck, he said,

“Because my dear mother lives here!”

It is the presence and company of those we love which make our earthly home, and it is just so with our heavenly home—that home which our dear Saviour has gone to prepare for the children of God.

Till that day, the Lord will keep

Safely all His lambs and sheep;

He will guard them night and day,

Keep them walking in His way.

ML 03/06/1927

Always Praising

A MAN was converted some years ago, and his heart was full of praise. He used to preface everything he said with, “Praise God!”

One day he came with his finger all bound up. He had cut it, and cut it pretty bad, too. Well, I wondered if he would praise God for this. On entering he said:

“I have cut my finger, but, praise God, I didn’t cut it off!”

This man was truly carrying out the exhortation given to us in 1 Thess. 5:18,

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

ML 03/06/1927

In Disgrace

HERE is a dear, sweet little girl sitting up on a high stool. But she doesn’t look a bit happy, does she? And her pet dog is just as close to her as he can get. He is showing his sympathy because he loves her, and is very sorry to see her unhappy.

Now, what do you suppose is the matter with this dear child? I think most of you will say, she has done something naughty, and is being punished for it.

All of you do naughty things. Sometimes you are punished, and sometimes you are not punished when you should be, for sin deserves punishment.

In Proverbs 13:15, we read,

“The way of transgressors is hard.” If we disobey our parents we are likely to suffer for it in some way.

Often sin brings its own punishment. Many times children who have been forbidden to go near the water, have gone in, or gotten in boats, and have been drowned. Others, who were told to stay in their yard, have gone out into the street, and been run over by automobiles, street cars or trains.

Still others have eaten things they were told not to eat, and have been made sick by it. Or have played or meddled with things they were told not to touch, and have been cut or hurt in some way.

But none of these dreadful things happened to the little girl in the picture. Often punishment comes from our parents, and it is never pleasant. So we would be much happier if we didn’t do the naughty things.

Sometimes we do wrong, thinking our parents will not find out about it, but there is another verse that says, “BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT.” Numbers 32:23.

Grown people, as well as little folks, often do wicked things, thinking no one will ever know. But sooner or later the evil is discovered, and the Lord always knows.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 15:3.

But don’t think, dear children, that your parents enjoy punishing you. It is just as hard for them to see you suffer, as it is for you to suffer. They sympathize with you just as truly as the kind hearted, faithful dog in our picture, but the punishment must be given for your own good.

I hope all who read this will try to do only that which is right and pleasing to the Lord. Wrong-doing brings sorrow and trouble, not only to yourself, but also to those you love.

ML 03/06/1927

How to Be Saved

We are not saved by trying,

From self can come no aid;

‘Tis on the blood relying,

Once for our ransom paid.

‘Tis looking unto Jesus

The holy One and just;

‘Tis His great work that saves us,

It is not Try, but Trust.

“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.

ML 03/06/1927

Naughty Boys

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 trees 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.

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 it 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 03/13/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 20

SO bitter was the dispute mentioned at the close of the last chapter that at the appearance of a leader, howbeit a tool of Satan, all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba of Benjamin. Amasa, the new army head, was directed by David to bring the men of Judah before him within three days, but he took more time, and David, fearing that the insurrection might grow, sent Abishai, Joab’s brother with an armed force after Sheba. On the way Amasa took the lead, and Joab craftily killed him, unwilling to see him take the place that he, Joab, had held, and from which David had removed him. The pursuit of Sheba went on nevertheless, and ended when his head was thrown over the wall of the city whither he had gone. Joab once more went unpunished, through David’s weakness; he was put to death when Solomon came to the throne.

Chapter twenty closes the general history of David’s career. What we get in the twenty first and twenty fourth chapters is of earlier date, but introduced separately in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. David’s “song” and “last words” occupy the twenty second and twenty third chapters, and the First Book of Kings, which follows, introduces Solomon, with David’s charges to him, and David’s death occurs in chapter 2.

What rich and varied experiences this servant of God passed through, in his course from the sheepfold to the throne. and onward to his death! He is named among the faith-worthies of Hebrews 11, without reference to any particular incident in his life, but the Psalms which bear his name, are deeply instructive, telling as they do, not only of the sufferings and joys of David, but of the afflictions and glory of Israel, and of Israel’s rejected King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 03/13/1927

The Old Scrap Box

MR. Peters, a somewhat eccentric old merchant, put up a notice in a window of his store that there was a “Boy Wanted,” and the card remained there a great while before he found the boy he was after. John Simmons and Charlie Jones, and one or two besides, were taken for a few days, but none of them stood trial.

Mr. Peters had a peculiar way of trying them. There was a huge long box in the attic, full of old nails and screws, and miscellaneous bits of rusty hardware, and when a new boy came, the old gentlemen presently found occasion to send him up there to set the box to rights, and he judged the quality of the boy by the way he managed the work. All pottered over it more or less, but soon gave it up in disgust, and reported that there was nothing in the box worth saving.

At last Crawford Mills was hired. He knew none of the other boys, and so did his errands in blissful ignorance of the “long box” until the second morning of his stay, when in a leisure hour he was sent to put it in order. The morning passed, lunch-time came, and still Crawford had not appeared from the attic. At last Mr. Peters called him.

“About through?”

“No, sir; there is ever so much more to do.”

“All right, it is lunch-time now; you may go back to it after lunch.”

After lunch back he went. All the afternoon he was not heard from, but just as Mr. Peters was deciding to call him again, he appeared.

“I’ve done my best, sir,” he said, “and down at the very bottom of the box I found this.” “This” was a five-dollar gold piece, which Crawford handed to Mr. Peters.

“That’s a queer place for gold,” said Mr. Peters; “its good you found it. Well, sir, I suppose you will be on hand tomorrow morning?” This he said putting the gold piece into his pocketbook.

After Crawford had said good-night and gone, Mr. Peters took the lantern, and went slowly up the attic stairs. There was the long deep box in which the rubbish of twenty-five years had gathered.

Crawford had evidently been to the bottom of it; he had fitted in pieces of shingle to make compartments, and in the different tills he had placed the articles, with bits of shingle laid on top, labeled thus: “Good screws,” “Pretty good nails,” “Picture nails,” “Small keys some-what bent,” “Picture books,” “Pieces of iron, whose use I don’t know,” and so on through the long box.

The box was in perfect order at last, and very little that could be called useful was to be found within it. But Mr. Peters, as he read the labels, laughed and said, “If we are not both mistaken, I have found a boy, and he has found a fortune.”

Sure enough, the sign disappeared from the window, and was seen no more. Crawford became errand boy to the well-known firm of Peters & Co. He spent his evenings in his little room, and Mr. Peters gave him a motto which he hung at the foot of his bed,

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10.

All this happened a long time ago. Crawford Mills is an errand boy no more, but the firm is now “Peters, Mills, & Co.”

May all of our friends who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, ask Him for grace, strength and guidance to do their work, whether at home, school, or at business, in a way pleasing to Him. The Christian should do his or her work in the very best way.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Eccl. 9:10.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward.... for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:23, 24.

ML 03/13/1927

What Could the King Do?

IN the second century they brought a Christian before a king, who wanted him to give up Christ, but the man spurned this. Then the king said:

“If you don’t do it, I will banish you.”

The man smiled, and answered, “You can’t banish me from Christ, for He says, ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’”

The king became angry, and said: “Well, I will confiscate your property, and take it all from you.”

The man replied: “My treasures are laid up on high; you cannot get them.” The king became still more angry, and said: “I will kill you.”

“Why,” the man answered, “I have been dead forty years; I have been dead with Christ, dead to the world, and my life is hid with Christ in God, and you cannot touch it.”

“What are you going to do with a man like that”? said the king.

“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15.

ML 03/13/1927

All I Have Left

A LITTLE boy found joy and peace in believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, and then sought to win others for his Saviour.

His father forbade him ever to enter the mission school where he had heard the simple gospel which had given him rest and gladness. He knew that he, as a child, ought to be obedient to his father, and said to him,

“Father, I will obey.”

The boy kept his word; but it was observed that every morning and evening he went away, and stayed for some time alone.

His father, followed him on one occasion, and found him under a clump of trees, reading his much-loved Bible. Rushing forward, the father said,

“Why, this is as bad as going to the school. Give me that book.”

“Father,” he replied, bursting into tears, “it’s all I have left.”

The parent’s heart was touched by the earnestness of his child, and he wept with him, and gave him permission to return to the school, and to read his Bible without fear.

Is the Word of God precious to you, dear young reader? Have you found it a joy to your heart, and food to your soul?

To the Psalmist it was better than thousands of gold and silver, sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. To the little boy, it was all he had—his all—when he was no longer allowed to hear the gospel preached.

What is the Word of God to you, my dear reader?

“Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” Psa. 119:2.

ML 03/13/1927

He Is Coming

He is coming—who is coming?

Is it one whom I shall fear?

No! the blessed, kind Lord Jesus,

He who suffered for me here;

He is coming!

In the clouds He will appear.

O, how happy! Those who love Him

All His beauty then shall see;

And the glorious sight will make them

Bright and beautiful as He.

In a moment

Like their Saviour they shall be.

He will take them up to heaven

From this world and sin apart,

There His Father will receive them

To His home and to His heart;

In His glory,

Never more from Him to part.

Happy children who are waiting,

For that bright and joyful day!

Knowing Jesus as their Saviour,

They can watch for Him and say,

“Come, Lord Jesus!

Take Thy little ones away.”

ML 03/13/1927

Lost in the Snow

WE wonder if this dear boy would be ready to meet God, if he should die alone in the snow?

How would it be with you, dear one, if you were called to die today?

We all must know how uncertain life is. A great many die without a moment’s warning. If they have been trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they go straight to be with Him.

But if not, they are lost forever. Terrible fact!

If one is lost eternally, it is his own fault, for God has provided the Saviour for us, and what a blessed thing it is to be always ready to go, for we know not what moment we may be called. If we put it off to the last moment, our life here on earth would be a wasted one, and we had failed to respond to the love He had shown in giving His life for us on Calvary.

The Lord now says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

May you be enabled to say, “He died for me,” and “I love Him because He first loved me,” and then prove it in all your ways. It will not then be with fear that you will meet death, like the boy in our picture, but you will be happy and ready to go.

“THE LORD IS NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.” 2 Peter 3:9.

ML 03/20/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 21.

“THEN”, at the beginning of the chapter should be omitted; it is a translator’s error. We are not told when the famine occurred it was “in the days of David”, —something that happened while he was king of Israel. He rightly turns to God to learn the cause of the prolonged drought.

The living God was in the circumstance; is He not in everything that, concerns His children? and should they not bring all their perplexities, their trials, indeed, all their circumstances to Him in prayer? Never a trial, never a burden, without a cause, and the Christian should be “exercised thereby” (see Hebrews 12:11 and context).

The cause of the famine was in the government of God. David might forget the wrong done by Saul to the Gibeonites, (those descendants of the men of the 9th chapter of Joshua), but not so God. The people of Israel had promised to preserve the Gibeonites. Saul had, at sometime not recorded, killed some of them in zeal for the people, but not for God. This sinful act had not been judged, and David now inquired of the poor Gibeonites what they wished. He failed in not asking direction of God as to carrying out their demand; had he done so, some happier way might have been found of compensating for the wrong done them. However, the result is that the whole house of Saul is brought to an end, except Mephibosheth, (the one who, though an enemy by nature, was willing to receive from David, and found in him his happy portion, was true to him in his absence, now escaped the judgment which overtook others no worse than himself. This is the character of the grace of God to the lost).

Rizpah guarded her sons’ bodies day and night from beasts and birds for perhaps six months, and when David heard of her devotion, he was moved to have the bones of Saul and Jonathan and the seven young men who had been hanged by the Gibeonites, given an honorable burial in the family sepulcher. Then the famine ceased.

It was not a new thing to have trouble with the Philistines, but David had killed the fearful Goliath when the people were afraid. David was now in power, and with his people who loved and trusted him, lesser victories were obtained over Philistine giants by Abishai, Sibbechai, Elhanan, and Jonathan. It is always harder to subdue the enemy within (as the Philistines), than outside of one’s self.

ML 03/20/1927

"Is It for Me?"

THE salvation of God is a free gift, offered “without money and without price,” and yet many dear young people, as well as older ones, refuse the grace and mercy of God.

During a very severe winter, while the snow lay deep on the hard-frozen ground, a kind-hearted gentleman, who did not wish his name to be known, made up his mind to send a present of coal to several persons whom he knew to be in very poor circumstances.

The coal-cart stopped before a desolate-looking cottage and the coalman knocked at the door and told the old man who opened it that he had brought him some coal.

“Who from?” he demanded.

“I don’t know,” replied the driver; “all I know about ‘em is they’re bought and paid for, and my orders are to bring them here, to the old man who lives in the cottage by the dyke.”

“It can’t be me,” replied the old man sadly, “no such good fortune for me; I’ve no friends likely to send me coal for nothing.”

“Be quick and show me where you want the coal put,” urged the driver “I can’t stand here talking all day.”

“Take ‘em away, take ‘em away,” almost screamed the old man. “I’ll have nothing to do with ‘em,” and he closed his door with a bang and turned to his desolate, fireless hearth, while the cart with the coal in it that would have brought him so much warmth and comfort, went on its way.

The next day the cart stopped at the end of a low court, and the driver, after looking carefully at his order book, knocked at the door of the first house he came to. It was opened, and he said, “I’ve brought you a quarter of a ton of coal.”

“There’s some mistake, I’m sure,” said the man; “I’ve not ordered any coal for many a long day. Times are real hard for poor folks now.”

“But someone has ordered the coal, paid for them, and sent them to you. Look at my order-book: ‘John Jones, No. 1, F— Court, a quarter of a ton of coal.’ There it is in black and white.”

“I’m John Jones, that’s my name, and I live at No. 1, F—Court, but still I think there’s some mistake. There are half-a-dozen men hereabouts with the same name, or there might be another F—Court in the town.”

“If you don’t stop talking and open your cellar door I’ll put the coal down on your doorstep,” said the driver, losing patience. “I took a load back yesterday, and got into trouble over it; and I’m not going to do the same today.”

So pressed, John Jones slowly opened the cellar door, saying,

“Well, if you will leave ‘em, you must, but I expect you’ll soon be back again to fetch ‘em. Still, if they should be for me, sure I’m greatly obliged, and I’d like you to say so for me.”

Another quarter of a ton had still to be delivered, this time at the house of a poor Christian widow, who herself answered the knock of the coalman, and on hearing that he had brought coal for her, said simply,

“Are you sure that they are really for me? Is there not some mistake?”

“No. Here’s my order, plain enough: ‘Mrs. Day, 24, G—Place, a quarter of a ton of coal.’”

“God must have sent them, for no one but He knew that my last bit of coal was on the fire, and I did not know how I was going to get any more. Bring them in please, and I’ll thank Him.”

“You had better,” said the coalman; and as he replaced the empty sacks in his cart, he added, “you are the only sensible one of ‘em all. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, I never would have believed it was so hard to get people to take a free gift. What folly it is!”

“What folly!” we should agree in saying. But stay a moment, dear boy or girl. Have you accepted a still greater gift, the salvation of God? It is offered to you as a free gift, but it was purchased at a great cost, “the precious blood of Christ.” “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

Are you still lingering and saying, “Can it really be for me?”

I remember some years ago visiting a woman who was very ill, and trying to show her from the Word of God that all the fitness God required was that she should own her need of Christ. As I repeated one line of a hymn,

“‘Twas for sinners Jesus died,”

she looked up brightly and said, “Then I am sure He died for me, for I am a sinner.” Then and there she accepted the gift, and together we thanked the Giver.

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

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15.

ML 03/20/1927

Letter From One of Our Young Friends

IT WAS at the age of eleven that I first became converted. I had been to a, meeting at H—, addressed by a Mr. B—, and some words which he spoke greatly impressed me. I went home from that meeting in a different state of mind, but not saved. I went to bed, and went to sleep. I slept with my elder sister at the time.

In the night I awoke to find the bed occupied only by myself. Then it struck me, Had Jesus really come and left me behind? O, how miserable I felt! I listened for the sound of voices (for my mother and sisters were Christians), but I could hear nothing, all was dark and still. I went out to the landing on the stairs and listened. Hark! was that not my mother’s voice? O! yes! It was.

I went into my room, and, falling on my knees, I asked God to forgive me, and to make me His little child. And He did. I heartily thank God that Jesus did not come then. But I am willing now to go whenever it is His will.

“They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage and the door was shut.” Matt. 25:10.

ML 03/20/1927

For Me!

O Lord, what love for sinners Thou hast shown,

To give Thy life for those by sin undone:

But is that blood, which doth for sin atone,

For me?

Was it for guilty sinners such as I

That Thou, O Lord, didst stiffer, bleed, and die?

And is that grace which Thou dost now supply

For me?

Is it for me, who early went astray,

Who turned from God to tread a self

willed way?

Is it for me that mercy flows today?

For me?

If ‘tis the hopeless case Thou lov’st to meet,

If ‘tis a sinner Thou dost run to greet,

Then ‘tis for me to worship at Thy feet.

For me!

Yes, if my hope is placed in Thee alone;

Yes, if I trust in Thee, th’ Eternal Son;

Then ‘tis for me that work which Thou has done.

For me!

Yes, ‘twas for me, Lord Jesus, Thou didst come;

To me Thou givest pardon, peace, and home;

And, Saviour, on Thy loving breast there’s room

For me!

And till I meet Thee in that glory bright,

And when I walk with Thee in robe of white,

O Lord, I’ll find my sweet, my full delight

In Thee!

ML 03/20/1927

The Young Watchmaker

SEE, these children are playing at keeping shop, and very amusing they seem to find it. Mr. “Jimmy” looks very wise, peering at the watch through his spy-glass, but the big hammer lying on the table looks rather a rough instrument for mending watches. I don’t suppose they learned any very serious lessons at their play, but were well content with the fun they got out of it; nor do we older people want children to he always serious. Old heads on young shoulders are not at all to be desired.

But as you are not playing, but only looking at the picture, perhaps you may learn a good lesson. Look at the notice, “Time taught while you wait.” The greatest instruction you can receive on that line, is that God’s great clock of salvation points always and only to one time.

“Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.” 2 Car. 6:2. How happy when children learn this when they are quite young. I learned it when I was eleven years old, and the older I grow the more thankful I am that I learned it so young.

A friend of mine did even better than that, for he learned it when he was five, no higher than the big dining room table in his father’s house.

What I mean by learning, NOW is God’s day of salvation, is not merely learning the text in my memory, but receiving Christ as my own Saviour in my heart.

So while you look at this picture, and enjoy its fun, don’t forget that NOW is the best time, and God’s time to be saved.

“IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD.” Hosea 10:12.

ML 03/27/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 22.

IN David’s song, which is repeated as the eighteenth Psalm, the inspired writer was led to express (as generally in the Psalms) feelings which were truly his own, but were realized in the fullest measure only by Christ when here as a man; feelings too which are typical of the faithful among Israel in both early times and late. The song is therefore prophetic.

Verses 2-4 give the theme, the conclusion of the song, and the steps leading up thereto, follow God had delivered from all enemies, him who trusted in Him.

Verses 5 and 6 graphically express the sorrows of Jesus on the cross; not atonement, however. No doubt, too, they show the position of the God-fearing remnant of the Jews during the future great tribulation (see Matthew 24:9 and other passages).

Verses 7 to 20 take us back to the deliverance of Israel from the cruel bondage of the Egyptians (Exodus 1 to 14) while no doubt applicable to the Lord on the cross (see Psalm 22:21).

Verses 20 to 23 truly express the case of Jesus, in Whom alone was all His Father’s delight, the Holy One of God. But we could not ascribe to Him the close of the 24th verse: “mine” iniquity, was applicable to David, but not to Jesus; the expression is in view of the state of Israel.

Strength given by God, and victory follow God’s way is perfect; His word is tried. He is a protector of all that trust in Him.

Verses 44 to 40 speak typically of Christ in His Millennial glory—in the thousand years of peace and plenty following the judgment of the living (Revelation 20:1-7, and other passages. See Isaiah 53: 10-12).

ML 03/27/1927

The Love of Jesus

A young woman went to a meeting, where she heard the children’s hymn;

“I am so glad that our Father in heaven

Tells of His love in the Book He has given:

Wonderful things in the Bible I see—

This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.”

WHILE this hymn was being sung she began to feel for the first time in her life that she was a sinner. All her sins came up in array before her; and so numerous and aggravated did her sins appear, that she imagined that she could never be saved.

“The Lord Jesus cannot love me,” she said in her heart; “He cannot love a sinner such as me.”

She went home in a state of great sorrow, and did not sleep that night. She earnestly sought relief in her distress, and learned to her astonishment and her joy that the Lord Jesus could love sinners. that He did love sinners—nay, that He does still love sinners. She saw in the light of the Word of God that it was for sinners that Jesus died, and for none other. When she learned this, she, too, began to sing:

“I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me!”

and became in every respect a consistent disciple of the Lord.

ML 03/27/1927

"Jesus Called a Little Child"

A FEW days ago I stood by the side of a small grave in a village churchyard bearing the above text on the tombstone.

This little grave and text are of deep interest to me; and I want to tell you a little about the dear child whose body lies there to await the resurrection when the Lord Jesus comes. (See 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Maurice Merry, for that was the little boy’s name, was called away from earth at the early age of six years. He was afflicted from birth, and could not walk many steps from his cottage home by the roadside in a lonely part of the country. Maurice could never go to Sunday-school to hear the sweet story of a Saviour’s love. His little brother and sister attended a gospel meeting for children which I held near, but dear little Maurice could never attend. I had the opportunity of seeing him a few times, and speaking to him of Jesus. On one occasion I spoke to him of the 18th chapter of Matthew, and repeated the text several times;

“Jesus called a little child unto Him.”

The Lord, through the Holy Spirit used this text to reach his little heart and lead him to Jesus. From that time he always called it his text, and would speak of it to his mother. He hadn’t the privileges of a Christian home, but he heard the blessed voice of Jesus calling him, and he came to Jesus and trusted Him. Maurice never doubted the blessed words of Jesus, and Jesus drew him to Himself and made him happy.

“He (Jesus) shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isa. 40:11.

This is what He did for Maurice, and helped and comforted him in all his suffering and affliction. He would say to his mother:

“Mother, Jesus called a little child, and that means me.” Just before he passed away he said:

“Mother, Jesus called a little child and that will be me,” meaning that Jesus was soon going to call him home to heaven.

How happy is dear little Maurice now with Jesus forever in that happy home on high. “Forever with the Lord.”

Now, dear children, why do we tell you about Maurice? It is because we want you to know Jesus too, as your own precious Saviour and Shepherd. Will you read in your Testament those wonderful words of the Lord Jesus in Matt. 18:1-14? Notice the three things:

“Jesus called a little child unto Him.” Verse 2.

“One of these little ones which believe in Me.” Verse 6.

“In heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven.” Verse 10.

Jesus calls you, and if you believe in Him, He assures you of a place with Him and His Father in heaven.

“The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.” Matt. 18:11. We are lost through sin, but in these wonderful verses, 11-14, Jesus tells us of His wonderful journey of love down from heaven to Calvary’s Cross, where He suffered, bled, and died to save us. O, what great and wonderful love; and now He is a Risen, Living Saviour still calling,

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

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Whosoever will, may come, —man or woman, boy or girl.

Think of these four facts:—

Jesus loves you.

Jesus died for you.

Jesus wants you.

Jesus calls you.

Will you be like Bartimeaus, who, casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus? (Mark 10:50). Jesus has died for you, and now, “He calleth thee.” O, make haste and come to Him.

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

“Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of mercy, love and power.”

“Just as I am without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come!”

ML 03/27/1927

Should He Write "N. S." or "S. S."

WHEN you get home, get a piece of paper, write down your name, and put after it ‘N.S.’ or ‘S.S.’, then you will see where you are going,” so said the preacher as he urged his hearers to a decision for Christ. It seemed a simple thing, so William took paper and ink, wrote down his name, WILLIAM DRIVER; but what next? N.S. stood for “not saved,” and the end of that road was “The Lake of Fire” (Rev. 20:15). S.S. meant “sinner saved,” washed in the blood of the Lamb, and the end was a heaven of bliss.

He thought, and looked over his past life; there had been no conversion, no change, so he rightly concluded that he should add N. S., but, O, terrible thought, where would that find him at last! The text had been,

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

Could he believe this now? Yes. The work was “finished” (John 19:31) when Jesus died. God was satisfied with what the Lord Jesus had done for William, so, satisfied that He raised the Substitute from the tomb. Quietly realizing that Christ was delivered for his offences and raised for his justification (and yours also, dear reader, Rom. 4:25), William Driver, with his heart, believed unto salvation, and now is one of the happiest of Christian workers in a happy band of young men, all “Sinners saved by grace.”

ML 03/27/1927

Great Grace

Jesus, the Son of God,

Came from His home on high,

Suffered for sinners, suffered for sinners,

And on the cross did die.

The mighty work is done:

See! Christ is risen now!

Yes, it is finished! yes, it is finished!

Crowns are upon His brow.

Soon He will come again

To take His own above;

Welcomed to glory, welcomed to glory.

Ever to share His love.

Come to the Saviour, come,

Gently He calls for thee;

None are too, sinful, none are too sinful,

All may to Jesus flee.

ML 03/27/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for February "The Children's Class"

1.“For he hath made him,” etc. 2 Cor. 5:21.

2.“For ye know the grace,” etc. 8:9.

3.“For we can do nothing,” etc. 13:8.

4.“For all the promises,” etc. 1:20.

5.“For God, who commanded,” etc. 4:6.

6.“Wherefore come out,” etc. 6:17.

7.“But I fear,” etc. 11:3.

ML 04/03/1927

Bible Questions for April “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Ephesians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Set him at his own right hand.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He is our peace.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Redeeming the time.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Be ye kind one to another.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Take unto you the whole armor of God.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Now unto him that is able.”

ML 04/03/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for February “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.“Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:8.

2.“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” 2 Cor. 6:14.

3.God promises to be a Father to such. 2 Cor. 6:18.

4.Cleanses himself from them. 2 Cor. 7:1.

5.In His humiliation in the world, that we might be rich in glory. 2 Cor. 8:9.

6.We shall reap sparingly in our spiritual lives. 2 Cor. 9:6.

7.He gloried in them that the power of Christ might rest upon him. 2 Cor. 12:9.

ML 04/03/1927

Bible Questions for April “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Ephesians

1.What kind of blessings does the Christian have?

2.Who is Head to the church?

3.How are we saved?

4.What is the “mystery”?

5.What were the five principal gifts to the church?

6.What earthly relationship is God’s chief type of Christ and the church?

7.Against whom do we believers wrestle?

ML 04/03/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 23.

Few had so rich an experience in the school of God as David, and his “last words” have special interest. Neither in him, nor in any other of the rulers of this world, have we seen the man that answers to the requirement of verses 3 and 4. We are surely carried onward by the inspired words to the day when the Sun of righteousness (Christ) shall arise with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2).

David acknowledges in verse 5 that his house was not so with, God. What sorrow his acts and the deeds of his children had caused him! “Yet”, he says, “He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure.” This is grace worthy of God, in Whom alone it abides.

The confessed sinner finds a welcome from the Father (Luke 15:18-24), and the righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ is upon all them that believe, though all have sinned and come short of His glory, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:22-24). Whosoever believeth in Him, John 3:16 tells us, shall not perish but has everlasting life. Such a covenant is indeed worthy of God.

David had sadly failed in responsibility, and his desires had not been realized, but the everlasting covenant, and his salvation fill his heart as he speaks. Judgment would inevitably overtake the wicked.

Having considered the faithfulness of God, we are now (verse 8) directed to the devotedness of David’s servants. The energy of David’s faith had brought these men around him, and their notable deeds are mentioned, one by one. We may note a slight error in the translation of verse 8 which should read, “Adino the Ezrite (he stood) against eight hundred who were slain at one time.”

Love of David led some of his worthy ones to risk their lives in his behalf in a special way (verses 15-17). Note that this was when David was rejected, an outcast in the cave of Adullam. Those who shared his reproach, afterward shared in his glory. But we do not find Joab’s among the names of the mighty ones. Of outward appearance there was much in Joab, but it was all selfish, natural desire that carried him along, as we judge.

There is a day coming when every true hearted service for Christ will come into remembrance. There will be some surprises then. O let us who are Christ’s seek to serve Him faithfully, steadfastly, until He calls us to His home! The time is short.

ML 04/03/1927

"When I See the Blood."

THE blood of Christ, nothing but it, can ever save the soul. If some foolish Israelite (Exodus 12:21-23) had despised the command of God, and had said, “I will sprinkle something else on the door-posts,” or “I will adorn the lintel with jewels of gold and silver,” he must have perished; nothing could save his household but the sprinkled blood.

And now let us all remember that “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, Jesus Christ.” My works, my prayers, my tears, cannot save me; the blood, the blood alone has power to redeem. Nothing but the blood of Jesus has the slightest saving power.

O, you that are trusting in baptism, confirmation, or the Lord’s Supper, nothing but the blood of Jesus can save. I care not how right the ordinance, how true the form, how scriptural the practice; it is all a vanity to you, if you rely on it to save. God forbid that I should say a word against ordinances or against holy things; but keep them in their places. If you make them the basis of your soul’s salvation, they are lighter than a shadow. There is not, I repeat it again, the slightest atom of saving power anywhere but in the blood of Jesus. The blood stands out, the only rock of our salvation.

“It is the blood that maketh, an atonement for the soul.” Lev. 17:11.

ML 04/03/1927

Little Polly

ONE Sunday afternoon Annie came home from Sunday-school and found her little sister Polly, three years of age, sitting on the floor talking to her doll.

“Polly, dear”, said Annie, “would you like me to tell you what I have heard in Sunday-school from my teacher? It is so pretty!”

“Yes, I would,” answered the child, getting up and standing in front of her sister, and looking into her face.

“Well, Polly, it is all about Jesus. I told you the other day who He was; now let’s see if you remember. Who is He?”

“The Son of God,” said little Polly.

“And where do you think He is, dear?”

“Up in the sky,” said the little child, her finger following the words and pointing to the blue heavens.

“Ah! but, Polly, darling, listen teacher says that Jesus is everywhere, and that He is alive, and in this room. He can see you and me, and father when he is out at work, and when we do or say anything that’s naughty, Jesus always sees it. But if we are sorry, when we have been naughty, and we tell Him all about what we have done, He will forgive us, like mother does when she gives us a kiss, and says to us, ‘Now don’t do so any more.’ And teacher says when we are sick in bed, Jesus looks at us, pities us, and makes us well again, if we ask Him. He can give us bread to eat when we are poor and hungry.

Many years ago, when He lived on this earth, He gave a lot of people bread and fishes to eat when they did not know where to go and buy food, as there were no stores there—it was in a large field in the country. Wasn’t it kind, Polly?”

Polly was puzzled, and looking into her sister’s face, said,

“You say Jesus is here in this room—but where? —I can’t see Him,” and she glanced with wonder all around the room.

“No, dear,” said her sister, “you can’t see Him, but He can see you.”

“Is He very kind, and does Jesus love me, too?” inquired Polly.

“O! yes, dear,” said Annie; “He does love you, and He wants us all to love Him —father, mother and all.”

Polly looked up to the ceiling and round the room, opened her little arms, and cried,

“Jesus is nice, lock Him in, lock Him in, don’t let Him go out any more.”

Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. Will you let Him come in?

To those who know Him as their Saviour He says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

ML 04/03/1927

Fishing

THIS man in our picture certainly has chosen a beautiful spot in which to fish, and what a splendid exercise of patience fishing is.

We all can afford to be more patient than we are. Many things happen to us, in our short life that call for patience.

There was no one so patient as the Lord Jesus, and there was no one more tried than He, but He never failed. How wonderful to see perfection in every way with Him. Wherever we may view Him, whether it is in lowliness, meekness, gentleness, love, obedience, grace, etc., He is the only perfect one in every respect.

We will find that we are unable of ourselves to be patient, although some are more patient than others, but if we have the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we then can go to Him, and He will enable us to be gentle and patient in our circumstances, and toward each other.

“BE PATIENT TOWARD ALL.” 1 Thess. 5:14

ML 04/03/1927

Wilt Thou Come?

Wilt thou come, or wilt thou linger?

‘Tis the Saviour calls;

‘Death and darkness are about thee,

Sin enthralls.

Wilt thou come? for still is mercy

Pleading for thy soul;

Heavenly voices leading onward

To the goal.

Thou may’st come! the vilest sinner

May in Christ confide;

Thou art welcome, for to save thee

Jesus died.

Night of wrath did shroud the Saviour,

But ‘tis light for thee;

Sacred spot for sin-stained sinners, —

Calvary!

See the blood, and hear Him speaking

Of redemption done;

And on glory’s heights behold Him,

God’s own Son.

Hear Him speak the word of pardon;

Trust in Him who died;

And thy heart shall lose its burden

By His side.

ML 04/03/1927

The Holy Scriptures

HOW needful it is that we should seek to know what God has revealed to us in His Word, seeing that, first of all, it can make us wise unto salvation. It lets us know about the blessed Saviour that God has given to die for us, so that we can be sure of having an eternity of happiness with the Lord Jesus, instead of an eternity of woe, with the devil and his angels.

If we have accepted Christ as our Saviour, then we need not stop there, but take that blessed Book to guide us in all our ways,

“It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

How good of God to provide a Saviour for us, and to give us His Word to let us know about Him, and to tell us how we should act.

May you, dear reader, prize the Word of God highly, meditate upon what it says, and have it as a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path.

“BLESSED ARE THEY THAT KEEP HIS TESTIMONIES, AND THAT SEEK HIM WITH A WHOLE HEART.” Psa. 119:2.

ML 04/10/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Samuel 24.

WE are not told when, in David’s most interesting history, the subject of this chapter took place. It presents God’s dealing both in government and in grace. The anger of God was kindled against Israel; evidently pride and a rebellious heart were at work. Joab was an able man, and he saw David’s mistake, but the thing was of God. When the census was taken, David’s conscience was smitten.

Chastening, however, must take place, because sin has been persisted in. Nevertheless the right desires of David’s heart are at once awakened, and of the three punishments set before him, he chooses to fall into the hand of the Lord, “for His mercies are great” (verse 14). The affliction came severely upon that pride which had rested its boast in the thousands of Israel—from end to end of Israel’s land seventy thousand men died tinder the terrible plague. But judgment was tempered with mercy, and in due time the destroying angel is bade to stay his hand.

David took the blame for all upon himself, though as we have observed, the state of the people was the cause of the judgment. “I have sinned, and I have done wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done?” is his word.

Once he had shepherded his sheep, as a boy; now he was speaking for these for whom he was a shepherd, and offering to take their punishment instead. Once more, therefore, we see David as a type of Christ (John 10:11).

At Jerusalem the altar is to be built, and the grace of God to be shown. Does this not at once present the thought of the cross of Christ which is the foundation of the everlasting peace, not only of Israel, but of all who trust in Him? Atonement by sacrifice thus appropriately closes this book of David’s history under God’s government.

“It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”

ML 04/10/1927

The Shepherd Boy and the Nobleman

JACOB S. was a poor boy who lived in a swampy part of Ireland. He kept the sheep, and his father cared for the large herd of cattle belonging to the rich Count, who owned all the land and houses round about. Jacob’s father possessed a book, the Bible, which they loved more than anything else.

One evening, as the boy was sitting outside reading his Bible, waiting for the return of his father, he heard the loud voice of the good-natured Count.

“Well, my boy, what good do you find in that book? With all my education I do not understand half of it.”

“Pardon me, sir,” answered Jacob, “do not your own words prove that the book is true? For it says:

‘Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.’ Matt. 11:25.

You see, sir, though you are both rich and learned, you are not certain whether the Bible is God’s Word or not; whereas we are as poor as a little lamb, and do not know much more, but we believe every word in it, and it is as much to us as our daily food.”

“But don’t you think your father would gladly change places with me?” asked the Count, smiling.

“What? Give up heaven, where mother and little brother are, and lose the Lord Jesus? Never, dear sir; all your money could never pay for what father possesses,” answered the boy, and pressed the Bible to his heart.

“How should I understand that?” he asked.

“Your Lordship reminds me of a ruler in Israel, who came to Jesus by night and asked; ‘How can these things be?’ because the Lord Jesus had told him, ‘Ye must be born again.’”

“How can you prove, my boy, that a man is born again, as you call it?”

“The Lord Jesus did not attempt to explain that to Nicodemus, dear sir, and I won’t either. If you saw a man walking down the street, you wouldn’t stop him to ask if he had ever been born. You know that he is, or you would not see him alive before you. Now when you see one, who, like my father, was once dead in sins, but is now living and traveling the road to heaven, you would know that he is born again, without asking him to prove it, sir.”

The skeptic smile vanished from the nobleman’s face, as he thus stood before the poor shepherd boy, who apparently pitied him.

“Jacob,” he said, after a pause, “there was a time when I wanted to have this faith. I cared for nothing down here, and I knew I could not take my riches with me into eternity, therefore I sought something better, more lasting. I prayed to God, but He did not answer my prayer, although your father assured me that He would.”

“O, dear sir, I believe you prayed only through selfishness. You were rich and wished to remain so. You did not earnestly seek His glory, regardless of what would become of you. Possibly you went to God with this feeling: I am Count Phelan, and no common man. Perhaps it appeared to you as a great condescension to seek His face. But, dear sir, in that way you will never find the Lord.” “How did you go to Him, Jacob?”

“I went sir, as the poor sinful child that I was,” and said, ‘I am thoroughly wicked, and totally ignorant before Thee; and have no right or title to Thy mercy. If Thou dost send me to hell, Thou wouldst be dealing righteously, but I desire to go to heaven, where the Lord Jesus is, and where there is no sin. If Thou dost take me, Lord, it must be just as I am, for I cannot make myself one whit better.’”

“Jacob, my boy, you talk like a preacher, but you are only a poor shepherd-boy. It is possible you have made a mistake in all these things, what will you do then?”

“O, dear sir, that can never be, for I have the unerring Word of God.”

“But you may have misunderstood the meaning of the Word of God.”

“Ah, your Lordship, when the way of salvation is made so clear, how can one misunderstand?” replied the boy warmly.

“How came you to decide to believe these things?”

“I did not come to any decision about it, I simply read the words of the Lord, ‘The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost’ (Luke 19:10), and believed them. I was lost and He found me. Really, dear sir, when you come to the Lord Jesus as a poor needy, sinner, such as you are, and not as Count Phelan, He will surely accept you as His own.”

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,” says the Lord (John 6:37). Upon this the nobleman departed, and we trust God blessed the message to him.

ML 04/10/1927

Change Immediately

THREE of us entered into a railway train and sat together. As soon as we entered, one gentleman said to another, “Do you confess you are a sinner?”

“Of course I do, I am not any different from other people. I suppose we are all sinners.”

“Very true; but do you know that you are a lost sinner?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“A lost sinner is one who is unsaved, living without hope and without God in the world, and utterly unable to save himself.”

“It is evident you do not know me.” “Why so?”

“Because, if you did, you would not speak to me in that way.”

“Indeed!”

“No, sir, I am not as bad as you think. I am a sinner, I admit; but not as bad as many I see about me; I am far better than some of my neighbors.”

“How do you make that out?”

“Why, I always go to church; I send my children to Sunday-school; I subscribe for and read a religious periodical every month.”

“And do you imagine that any one of, or all these things will avail before God for your salvation?”

“I don’t know about that, still I am not such a very bad man.”

Listen to what the Word of God says,

“There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” God declares that salvation by works is impossible, that if we rest on what we are, or what we do, we are lost forever. He has closed up the way of works, and no man can henceforth open it up. But He has opened another Way, —through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whom He hath set forth a propitiation through faith in His blood, that He might be just and the Justifier of him who believes in Jesus. Do you understand?”

He said, “I am not the lost sinner you make me out to be.”

Just then the train stopped at a station, I suspected that this man was on the wrong train, as I had heard him name the place where he was going. I said,

“Are you in the right train?” “Yes, sir, quite sure.”

Putting my head out of the window, I said, “Conductor, is this train for S.?”

“No, sir; change immediately.”

The man at once rose to depart and I said, “You mistook your train, and you have mistaken the way of salvation. Be warned, and believe what God says in His Word.”

Are any of my readers on the wrong train? If they are, see your mistake while grace lingers, for there is no other wav of salvation but through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God tells us this over and over again in His Word.

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

“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 04/10/1927

Look to Jesus

Look to Jesus, look and live;

Mercy at His hands receive;

He has died upon the tree;

And His words are, “Look to Me.”

Come to Jesus, come and live;

He has endless life to give;

He from sin will set you free,

For His words are, “Come to Me.”

Rest in Jesus, there repose,

Shelter find from all thy foes;

Let His name be all thy plea,

For His words are, “Rest in Me.”

ML 04/10/1927

The Spring

THIS little girl and her mother have come to the spring to get some water. They are standing on the boards which extend over the edge of the water.

The little girl would be afraid, if she did not feel her mother’s hand on her shoulder. Now she knows she is safe.

What a beautiful trust the child has in her mother. She remembers that mother is always doing and caring for her.

There is One whom we should trust, as this small child does her mother. It is the Lord, who is ever caring for us, and asking us to put our trust in Him. He says:

“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART.” Prov. 3:5.

The mother has her pail on her arm. She will stoop down and get it full of clear, cold water. She will not have to pay any money for it.

The Lord does not ask us to pay for the things He gives us. Without fresh air and pure water we could not live. These we cannot get from man, but from the Lord. But there is the “Water of Life,” a better gift than the water that we get from the spring, which we also get from the Lord.

He says, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

He also says, in His word, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money, and without price.” Isa. 55:1.

ML 04/17/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 1.

THE two books of Kings carry on the history of Israel and of Judah, begun in 1 Samuel, to the destruction of Jerusalem and the carrying away of the king and people by the king of Babylon. They cover a period of about 450 years, which we may compare with the 100 years or thereabouts of the two books of Samuel.

Why is so much told of David in the books we have been reading, compared with what is given about the kings who succeeded him? Because David is one of the principal types of Christ, and it is the Holy Spirit’s delight to point us to the Son of God.

The books of Kings give us the history of the kingdom of Israel under responsibility to God, including its glory under Solomon, and its utter failure amid the long-suffering dealings of God, and finally the overtaking in judgment when delay was no longer possible. Only One has ever trodden this earth in unvarying perfection; in One alone has the lamp of testimony burned with undimmed luster; One alone could say without contradiction, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” (John 8:46). It is Jesus.

The feeble old king David is shown us in the first chapter, the chill of death already drawing upon him. And even then, he had to know sorrow in another son Adonijah. The sword was not to depart from his house, as God bad told David through Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 12:10) because of his sin. Yet there was failure in responsibility, as verse 6 shows, David had not displeased him at any time in saying “Why past thou done so?”—a warning to Christian parents.

Adonijah now proposed to be king, —his eldest brother, Amnon, and also Absalom and the third in age, were dead: perhaps the second, Chileab, was dead also. However, it was for God to show who should he king after David, and of Solomon alone of all the sons, it is recorded, “and the Lord loved him.” God had told David that Solomon should be his successor. (1 Chronicles 22:9, 10).

The claims of Adonijah attracted Joab, as we might have expected, and Abiathar that descendant of Eli the priest who had escaped the sword of Doeg the Edomite (1 Samuel 22:20), who had taken refuge with David.

Solomon was therefore declared king, and anointed at Gihon, a place near Jerusalem, and when Adonijah and those who had consorted with him, heard, they were afraid and fled. Adonijah was allowed to live as long as he went on a right, but the next chapter shows his end.

ML 04/17/1927

Do You Value Your Bible?

A FRIEND of ours was for some time living in Russia; she was the first English lady to distribute the Scriptures, in the Russian language, among the poor benighted souls there; so when she went out of the town for a country walk she used to take a few copies of the gospels with her.

On one such occasion she saw a poor woman drawing water from a well, so going up to her she said,

“Would you like a little book in which God tells you something about His Son Jesus Christ?”

The woman turned, and eagerly stretched out her hand to receive the book offered to her. Our friend gave her one of the gospels printed in the Russian language, then thinking that most likely the poor woman could not read, put out her hand again as if to take it back and said,

“But can you read? if not, it will be of no use to you.”

The woman clutched tight her prize, and pressed it to her, fearful lest she should lose it, and answered quite angrily,

“If I can’t read, my neighbor’s daughter can.”

Such was her anxious desire to learn what God had to say to her about His Son that she would on no account give up the book which told her such truths.

Let me ask you who may read this true incident, Do you value the Scriptures of truth? Have they ever conveyed God’s message to your soul? Are they the greatest treasure you possess? They contain wondrous messages of love, for there we read,

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

“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 and yet once more, upon such “the wrath of God abideth.” (John 3:36.)

Stop a moment

and consider whether you have ever bowed to Christ as Lord, and accepted His message of salvation.

It would be well for us also who have accepted God’s message to ask ourselves the same question, Do we prize the Bible as we should? Is it a great treasure to us?

What hidden jewels are to be found in its pages if we only search diligently for them! What wondrous truths are revealed in this wonderful Book, In it we find direction for the path.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:105.

How often our way seems clouded, we cannot see the path before us; it is at such times that we specially need the Lord’s direction, and it is then that in real waiting of heart before Him He may make His mind known to us through the Scriptures, and we may thus find a sure guide to our footsteps.

Again, in times of sorrow or bereavement, when trouble comes, have we not over and over again proved how the Lord can comfort us as no one else can! How cheeringly do His promises come to our bowed hearts. Such words as “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you” are indeed balm to the wounded heart.

May we cling to its truths, as the poor Russian woman did to the book itself, willing on no account to lose such a treasure.

ML 04/17/1927

Satan's House

“I NEVER knew Satan had a house!” Indeed, he has. Alas! the houses that Satan has, or, to put it in other words, the hearts and places where he rules, are too many to be counted, all over the wide world.

Now, I am going to tell you a story of a little girl I knew; which I hope will explain the meaning of this certainly strange title, “Satan’s house.” It was a cold winter’s evening, a bright fire was burning in a large room, the heavy curtains had all been drawn across the windows, and the room looked so cozy and bright. A lady sat alone, watching the fire, when presently the door opened, and two little girls ran in. Ethel, the elder, was seven years old, a fair, gentle-looking child. Amy, the younger of the two, was a remarkable child, never still a minute, her bright eyes seemed to see everything, and her mischievous little hands wanted to touch everything she saw. Their mother drew them both close to her, to have a chat about what they had been doing during the day. These children so looked forward to this hour, which was specially set apart for them.

After a while, the lady took off the table a large Bible, and began showing them some of the pictures in it, and told them of the loving Saviour who had come down from heaven, long, long ago, to save lost men, and women, and children. Ethel was all attention to hear of this Saviour; the story of how cruel and wicked men took Him and put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross, touched her young heart deeply; but with Amy it was different, she was always in such a hurry to turn over the leaves of the Bible, that she did not half hear the words her mother was speaking; so, in order to get her attention her mother turned to her saying,

“Amy! Who is it that says to Amy, when she puts her hand into the cake box, ‘No one sees you, Amy’?”

The little girl did not quite like this question; a puzzled look passed over the bright face, and she answered,

“I don’t know.” Her mother continued,

“Satan says that to Amy, but it is not true, for God sees Amy; Satan never speaks the truth, he wants Amy to believe that if no one is in the room, she will not be seen doing what she has been forbidden, but God sees all the time.” Quickly the child looked up, and said,

“Amy, get out of Satan’s house as quick as possible.” You see, Amy wanted to get away from Satan’s control, Satan’s power or rule; indeed, I do not think I can improve on this little child’s own language; to her, it was “Satan’s house.”

Dear young readers; have you, like Amy, a longing to get away from Satan’s control? A little boy once said to his mother,

“I can’t always be good; something inside of me says it won’t be good.”

Yes, there is a naughty heart inside of you, and it is to this heart that Satan speaks. Well, how are you going to get rid of it? It is too strong for you. Go to Jesus. Jesus is stronger than Satan, stronger than your heart also. Jesus is able and willing to save you. Jesus died on the cross, shed His precious blood in order to wash you from your sins. Again I say, dear child, whoever you are, Go to Jesus. He will tell you of His great love to you in dying for you to save you, and you will love Him. He says,

“I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

ML 04/17/1927

He Died for Me

I muse upon the cross of Christ,

The Saviour crucified;

And love repeats in whispers low,

“‘Twas in my place He died.”

Unworthy of such mighty love,

I have no other plea,

But when His justice, marked my guilt,

I cried, “He died for me.”

He took my place, my soul is free;

The price has all been paid:

On Him that day upon the tree

My many sins were laid.

ML 04/17/1927

The Broken Chord

OUR picture today looks as though two kittens had been having a good time playing with the banjo and making music for themselves until one of the strings snapped.

This probably frightened them some, and they are wondering what is going to happen next. Their master or mistress will be displeased on returning, and finding what the mischievous kittens have done.

It is the chords that enable us to make music on these stringed instruments, and if one chord or string is broken we cannot make good music.

Many of you little readers do not have banjos or guitars or any stringed instrument on which you can play and make music. But everyone who loves Jesus can make music in his heart. You will find many, many verses in the Bible about singing unto the Lord. David says,

“My tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness.” Psalm 51:14.

“I will sing of Thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of Thy mercy in the morning.” Psalm 59:16.

“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live.” Psalm 104:33.

Dear reader, it delights the heart of the Lord to hear these songs of praise coming from the lips and hearts of His children.

“Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Eph. 5:18,19.

But suppose a chord is broken! I hear someone asking “How can that be?”

Well, suppose the pleasures or cares of this world come along, like the two kittens, and get to playing with our hearts. They will break one or more of the chords. That is, they will break or disturb our communion with the Lord, and then our hearts will make very poor music.

Let us, dear reader, with God’s help, keep our communion with Him unbroken, so that the melody He loves to hear, may be always rising from our hearts.

God’s Word tells us about a very beautiful song that we shall all sing after the Lord descends into the air and takes us to be with Himself.

“They sung a new song, saying, ‘Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.’” Rev. 5:9.

May everyone who reads this little paper be among the number who will one day sing this “new song”.

And may the thought of God’s wonderful love cause you to be always making melody in your heart to the Lord.

“SING UNTO THE LORD, BLESS HIS NAME; SHOW FORTH HIS SALVATION FROM DAY TO DAY.” Psa. 96:2.

ML 04/24/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 2.

IF David lacked energy and faithfulness in government, he, at least, knew what was due, and instructed Solomon to carry out justice in the cases of Joab, the, as yet unpunished murderer, and Shimei who had cursed David and thrown stones at him and his followers at the time of his humiliation at the hand of Absalom. Solomon was to keep the charge of the Lord, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, commandments, judgments and testimonies, as they were written in the law of Moses. David’s language to his son is similar to what we read in Joshua 1:7, 8 of Moses’ injunctions to Joshua,

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayst observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayst prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayst observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” And a like word is found in the first Psalm.

“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.

Are these words to have no voice for us? Surely they direct us to the only path that is pleasing to God at any time in the world’s history. The Word of God is given us who love the Lord Jesus, that we may read it, learn from it and live according to its precepts. Thus and the only way, we really “prosper” (see 3 John 2).

Solomon took the throne when his father died, and the next thing we are told is that the ambitious Adonijah, who was no friend of the king, came to Bathsheba to propose to marry David’s last wife, Abishag, and thereby apparently to lay some claim to the throne. Solomon evidently thought that this was his object, and had Adonijah put to death.

Abiathar the unfaithful priest was sent away to Anathoth a city of the priests 3 miles north of Jerusalem, and Joab paid at last the penalty of his crimes. On Shimei also judgment fell when he disobeyed the king’s commandment.

Solomon is a type of the Lord Jesus when He shall reign in the millennium. Then will be peace, and sin will be held in check, but unsparing judgment will fall on the wicked. That this is so, is shown by such scriptures as Matthew 25:30-46; Isaiah 66:15, 24 and Malachi 3:1-5. The promised thousand years of blessing on earth when the Lord shall personally return to the earth and reign, when the lion and the lamb shall lie down together, and the swords and spears shall be made into industrial tools, will be introduced with, judgment, and maintained in righteousness. Before those scenes are enacted, the Lord Jesus will have caught away (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17) those who have been brought to know themselves as lost sinners, and to take refuge in the salvation He has made for those who believe His Word.

Have you, dear reader, peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ?

ML 04/24/1927

Bosom Friends

ADA and Isabelle, when little girls, were what are called “bosom friends”—when one was to be seen, the other was never far off, and, what was more remarkable, they never had the least little quarrel; and yet, for all that, neither of them loved the Saviour—they lived their little lives without Him. But God in love was watching over these two children, and was about to reveal His Son to them before the evil days came.

It happened in this wise. A Sunday-school teacher, having failed to persuade them to attend the school in which he taught, thought that probably he might succeed in getting them to come to his Bible-class, and that thus two souls might be won for the Lord. They both came, and seemed very much interested, and soon became quite attached to their teacher, who always managed to bring in a little word for those who had not yet come to Christ.

One evening as he walked home with some of his scholars, he asked them, by the way, some questions concerning their soul’s salvation. Turning to Isabelle, he said,

“Can you say that you are now on the narrow path?”

“O yes, indeed I can,” was the prompt reply.

“Is it because you are a good girl?” asked he, wishing to make sure that she was not resting on any false hope.

“No, no,” she replied, almost crying at the thought. “If you only knew how miserable I have been because of my sins!”

“Then you have found out that you are a sinner?”

“Yes,” the child answered. “Tell me how it came about.”

“Well,” said Isabelle, “for a whole week I had been so unhappy, and I kept saying to myself, ‘I wish I could say I am saved’, but I was so afraid it would be telling a lie; and then, while you were speaking to us, the Lord seemed to say to me, ‘Isabelle, you are wishing for something which I am offering you, and all you have to do is simply to take it.’ At once I saw it all clearly, and I did take it, and many thanks to the dear Lord Jesus, and I’m so happy now!”

So teacher and scholar rejoiced together.

But my young reader will wonder what became of our little friend Ada. Well, I must tell you how this good news affected her.

The evening Isabelle had spoken to him, the teacher was pouring out his heart in thankfulness to the Lord, who had seen fit to use him to turn a soul to righteousness, and at the same time his little scholar was in her room with a troubled look on her face. She was thinking of her dear friend, Ada, who had not yet trusted the Saviour. In the midst of her sorrowful thoughts, a quiet voice seemed to say,

“Pray for her; prayer will be answered; it was answered for you.”

Was there ever a real prayer left unanswered yet? Before Isabelle rose from her knees, Ada was tossing restlessly on her bed. Thoughts had come into her mind which had never been there before. Her friend, thought she, was heavenward-bound, but where was she bound? The little girl wished it were morning, so that she might run and tell Isabelle that she wanted to go with her to God’s beautiful home. Her thoughts ran on, until at last she fell asleep, and dreamed that Isabelle had gone to heaven, and that she herself was left outside the gate!

Ada took the earliest opportunity to seek her friend. Isabelle saw her coming, and ran quickly to meet her, and asked whether anything was wrong, and what it was that had brought her out so early.

“I cannot bear the thought of you going to heaven without me, Isabelle,” said Ada.

“So you are willing to come, too, darling Ada?”

“Yes, but how can I come?”

Then Isabelle pointed her friend to the Lord Jesus, who alone can save. After a while the light from above dawned upon her soul. And now these two friends are both heavenward-bound.

“When Jesus has found you, tell others the story,

That your dear Saviour may be their Saviour too;

Then pray that your Saviour may bring them to glory,

And prayer will be answered; ‘twas answered for you.”

ML 04/24/1927

The Gospel Alphabet

ALL, all have sinned! God’s word declares;

Have thus come short of heaven.

But ‘twas for sinful, guilty man

That God’s own Son was given.

Christ died for the ungodly ones.

For those whose strength is gone.

Delivers from the coming wrath,

And brings them to His throne.

Eternal life Christ gives to all,

Who bow to Him as Lord;

Forgiveness full they know e’en now,

Who trust His faithful word.

Grace brings salvation to the lost,

No sinner need despair;

How then shall we escape, unless

We to the Lord repair?

In Christ all condemnation’s gone,

And God is glorified;

Justly He pardons all who come

And trust in Him who died.

Kings’ they are made, and priests to God.

Their sins are washed away.

Loved with a Father’s love, they know

His grace from day to day.

Mercy and truth are now agreed,

And peace and justice meet;

Now God can gladly welcome man Before the mercy-seat.

O, wondrous love, O, matchless grace

The plan devised by God.

Pardon and peace are now revealed

Through faith in Jesus’ blood.

Quickened by God the Holy Ghost,

And newborn from above.

Redemption now is known in Christ,

Fruit of the Father’s love.

Salvation is of God alone,

To Him all praise is due.

There’s nothing wanted, blessed thought,

For we could nothing do.

Unto His name, the Saviour-God

Be ceaseless praises given.

Vast is His love! Boundless His grace!

The triumph song of heaven.

We bow before Thee, Jesus, Lord,

Our Saviour and our Friend.

‘Xalted on the throne of God,

Thou lovest to the end.

Yes, blessed Lord, Thy claims we own,

For Thine alone are we.

Zealously would we serve Thee here, Until Thy face we see.

ML 04/24/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But the scripture hath,” etc. Gal. 3:22.

2.“Christ hath redeemed us,” etc. 3:13.

3.“Who gave himself,” etc. 1:4.

4.“But God forbid that I,” etc. 6:14.

5.“I am crucified,” etc. 2:20.

6.“And they that are Christ’s,” etc. 5:24.

7.“So then they which be,” etc. 3:9.

Bible Questions for May “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Shall receive for the wrong.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “By him were all things created.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Suffer for his sake.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Quickened together with him.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Set your affection on things above.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Be careful for nothing.”

Answers to Bible Questions for March “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.By walking in the Spirit. Gal. 5:16.

2.To deceive play the hypocrite; pretense. Gal. 2:13.

3.We shall reap corruption. Gal. 6:8.

4.He who does so will be accursed. Gal. 1:8, 9.

5.He is under the curse. Gal. 3:10.

6.Restore him in the spirit of meekness. Gal. 6:1.

7. Into the hearts of those who were sons. Gal. 4:6.

Bible Questions for May “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.What privilege besides believing on Christ is given to the Christian?

2.What was the prize for which Paul pressed forward?

3.What will the Lord do for our vile bodies?

4.How do we get the peace of God?

5.Why are we not to observe Sabbath days and holy days?

6.What are we to seek?

7.What are we to do if we have a quarrel against any?

ML 05/01/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 3.

SOLOMON quickly became great. He made an alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and married his daughter, bringing her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem. Thus he prefigures the Lord Jesus in that coming day when He will establish rule over, not only Israel but, the whole earth. The daughter of Pharaoh coming under the protection of Israel’s God, speaks of the Gentiles of that day who will believe the gospel preached to them, and be converted (see Rev. 7:9).

But though David’s faith led him beyond his people’s state before God, this was not the case with Solomon. He was on a spiritual level with them, though he loved the Lord, and walked in the statutes of David his father (verse 3). Gibeon, where the altar and the tabernacle were, attracted both king and people, rather than the ark of the covenant which was in Jerusalem, whither David had brought it.

It must have been a grand sight when a thousand burnt offerings were sacrificed at Gibeon, but Solomon’s father’s heart habitually sought the Lord Himself; the ark, figure of His presence, was the chief object to him. It has been rightly said,— “Better to be little and despised at the ark, than to possess the glory of the kingdom and to worship on high places.”

Notwithstanding that Solomon was not the spiritual man, the exercised believer that his father David was, the Lord appeared to the young king in Gibeon in a dream, and asked him what he wished. Solomon answered wisely, that he desired an “understanding heart” to judge the people. His wish was granted, and he was given wisdom beyond all others; and besides this, great riches and honor. He now returned to Jerusalem, his heart touched with the grace of God, and offered up burnt offerings before the ark of the covenant.

Presently Solomon’s wisdom was put to a severe test when two women came to him, both claiming the one living baby they brought, and each denying being the mother of the baby which had died. There was no witness to establish the word of either woman, but Solomon with great wisdom, drew out the true mother’s heart by proposing to cut the living baby in two, that each woman should have half the body. The real mother, anguished at the thought of killing her child, would rather the other woman should have him, than that he should die, but the other, having lost her own baby, was quite willing to see Solomon’s proposal carried out.

He at once was able to discern which woman was the real mother of the child, and he said, “Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother of the child.”

The decision of the king was told all over the land, and it increased his renown.

ML 05/01/1927

Lost

A FATHER and mother went out into the field for harvest work, taking with them their family of seven little ones. When the midday meal was over, the father made a ring of some sheaves, inside of which he placed the baby and little Tommy, aged three.

Somehow little Tommy managed to get out of the ring and wandered away. As soon as he was missed, search was made for him, but he could not be found. Policemen and kind friends joined in the effort, which was kept up till after dark with the aid of lanterns; but still Tommy could not be found.

The next day the search was continued. Policemen were drafted in from other districts, and neighbors poured in from other villages to join in the quest which continued day after day; but still Tommy was not found.

At last, just one month after he was lost, his little body was accidentally found in a bean field only about a quarter of a mile away from the place where he had been placed in the ring of sheaves in apparent safety.

God placed Adam and Eve in safety and happiness in the Garden of Eden. But they were not satisfied with the circumstances in which God had placed them: they wanted their liberty; but on account of their disobedience they found they were lost, and thus every one since, has been lost. People prefer to remain in their lost condition rather than turn to God and live.

Did God then give us up?

No! God loved us and wanted to prove His love to the whole world. In order to do this, He parted with the dearest object of His heart in order to save 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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16,17.

God has come very near to you in this little paper. Beware lest He hear not your voice, not because of your weakness, for the weakest cry He will hear, but because of your will. If there is only the faintest desire in your heart, He will meet it at once. It does not need a long prayer, or a strong cry to reach His ear. The shortest prayer He will hear. Peter said,

“Lord, save me.” The man in the temple said,

“God be merciful to me the sinner.”

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

“But if you still His call refuse,

And all His wondrous love abuse,

Soon will He sadly from you turn,

Your bitter prayer for pardon spurn,

Too late! Too late! will be your cry,

Jesus of Nazareth has passed by.”

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

ML 05/01/1927

The Baby Rocking the Cat

THE baby and the cat in our picture have exchanged places. The cat should be on the floor, and the little boy should lie in the crib to sleep. They are good friends, and treat each other kindly.

Notice how gently the baby is rocking the cat, and she seems to enjoy it.

We are sure the cat is not rough in her play with the baby.

Dear children, you will not be slow to draw a lesson from this. May you all be as careful, and as loving, and as gentle, in your play one with another, as the cat and the baby are!

Love, gentleness, and goodness are three things that are pleasing to the Lord, and they are the fruit of the Spirit. Do not forget that young though you may be, your character is known. If you are naughty and ugly in your ways, you cannot hide it from those who know you. If the love of God is in your heart, it will be seen in your ways.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

“THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE SHOULD BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” 1 John 3:23.

ML 05/01/1927

Come to Jesus

If I come to Jesus

He will make me glad;

He will give me pleasure

When my heart is sad.

If I come to Jesus

Happy I shall be;

He is gently calling

Little ones like me.

If I come to Jesus

He will take my hand;

He will kindly lead me

To the better land.

There with happy children,

Robed in snowy white,

I shall see the Saviour,

In that world so bright.

ML 05/01/1927

The Pool of Bethesda

THIS quiet, peaceful pool surrounded by rocks and beautiful trees, looks very inviting. The woman in the boat must be enjoying it as she rows about in the water.

I wonder how many of you little readers know about the Pool of Bethesda! We are told about it in the 5th chapter of John’s Gospel. This pool was at Jerusalem, and had five porches. Many years ago, when the Lord Jesus was on earth, any one passing by this pool would have seen a great crowd of people on these porches. What do you suppose they were doing there?

If you read the chapter, you will find out that they were sick or in trouble of some kind. Some were blind and some were lame.

But why do you suppose they had come or been brought to these porches around the pool? Our chapter tells us that at times an angel went down into the pool and stirred up the water.

Generally, a pool is quiet, and smooth like the one in our picture. So, the people watched the water, and as soon as they saw it getting rough, they hurried to get down into the pool. The one who got in first was cured. If he was sick, he became well. If he was blind, he could see after he had stepped into the water. If he was lame, he could walk all right again.

One day Jesus was down by this pool, and saw a man there who had been sick for 38 years. Jesus asked him if he would like to be well. The man said he had been trying to get into the pool, but was so sick he couldn’t move fast enough, and he didn’t have any one to help him, so someone else always got into the water first. Then Jesus said to the man.

“Rise, take up thy bed and walk” (John 5:8), and the man was cured at once, and able to go home.

When Jesus was here He cured a great many sick people, because they had faith in Him, and believed He was able to make them well.

Many of us have strong healthy bodies, and don’t need to be cured, like the people who waited at the Pool of Bethesda. But we all have sinful, bad hearts that we cannot make good of ourselves, but Jesus is just as able to cleanse us from our sins, as He is to heal our diseases. If we have faith in Him, our sins are forgiven.

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

ML 05/08/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 4.

WE are given the names of those who were Solomon’s princes, the men who were concerned with the different departments of his government. If the deposed priest, Abiathar, be omitted, there were ten of them, each holding a different office, except that two were scribes. Then there were twelve who took turns in providing for a month, from their various districts, the food for the king and his numerous household. The country was prosperous, and at peace with the neighboring nations during Solomon’s reign, and his rule extended over all kingdoms, from the river (Euphrates) on the east, to the land of the Philistines bordering the Mediterranean sea, and southward to the border of Egypt. This embraced just about the area given to Abraham in Genesis 15:18, but the subjection of these other nations was only during Solomon’s reign.

The food required to supply Solomon’s household for one day was as much as 400 pounds of flour and meal, 30 oxen, 100 sheep, and deer and fowl, which shows that he had a very large number of attendants and others attached to him, beside his own immediate family. Forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen (verse 26) show that there was quite an army under Solomon.

Three things are said of Solomon as given him by God: “Wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore.” His wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and the wisdom of Egypt; he was wiser than all men. He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were a thousand and five. The book of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes are all that have been preserved of his wisdom.

It is a striking thing that this wonderfully endowed man, rich and powerful, wise beyond compare, to whom came people from all lands to hear his wisdom, should sum up life, apart from the true knowledge of God in these words:

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun?” Ecclesiastes 1:2, 3. We are reminded of the words of the Lord in Matthew 16:26.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

ML 05/08/1927

Be Not Ashamed

IN a little village there lived a godly couple who had a young son named Carl. He was a clear and talented child who loved the Lord Jesus and His Word.

His parents sent him to a boarding school which was located in a city near his home. In this school there were about 40 children, most of them older than himself. On the evening of the day of his arrival, he prepared to retire with his room-mates. Before doing so however, he wanted to read his Bible and pray, as he had been admonished to do by his parents on his departure from home. When he saw how the other boys were hurriedly getting into bed, he was too shy to pray before them. He said to himself:

“One can’t kneel down before strangers. I must wait until I get better acquainted with the boys.” He then began to undress, and quieted his conscience thus:

“I can pray in bed as well, and tomorrow morning before the others wake up, I will get up and read.”

But scarcely was he in bed, when he also fell asleep, and did not awaken the next morning until many of the boys were already half dressed. So all his good resolutions were brought to naught and he left his room without having read the Word of God or prayed.

His new duties occupied his mind during the day, but he felt unhappy at the thought of what he had neglected, and decided to take courage and not be concerned about the boys, or of what they might think of him. But O, from day to day he became more fearful, and gave up the reading of the Word of God and prayer. He quieted himself with the thought that he was no worse than the other boys, but he deceived himself. Outwardly he did not behave any worse than most of them, but he had the greater guilt, because he had been instructed differently, and knew what he was neglecting.

Carl was a general favorite, not with his playmates only, but also with the teachers. He was frank and honest and never once sought, by an evasive answer, to excuse himself. He also learned his lessons very well; and when the hour for recreation came, he carried away the others with his zeal and mirth. No one could run faster or jump higher, or get the games going better than he.

At one time the boys were allowed to spend a day in the woods. It was the season for hazel-nuts and wild fruits. After they had amused themselves sufficiently with games, they laid down on the grass.

“I wouldn’t like to spend a night alone, here,” said one of the boys. “I certainly would he afraid it must be very dark in this place under the trees.”

“What a coward you are,” said Carl. “I wouldn’t be afraid. Why, afraid of what?”

With these words he thought of the verse that his mother had taught him:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou are with me.” Psa. 23:4.

He had often repeated this scripture when fear would creep upon him, and it had always comforted him, but at this moment he felt as though he could not think of God as a loving Father; and all at once he felt quite sinful, and deserving of reproof, because he had neglected prayer and reading of the Word. The voices of his friends awakened him from his reverie.

“Yes, Carl isn’t afraid of anything,” said one.

“But I know of something,” exclaimed another.

“What it is? What can it be?” they all said at once; and Carl came forward boldly to defend himself against the charge.

“Well, I will tell you what it is,” continued the boy quietly, “and Carl cannot deny it. He is afraid of our derision.” Then he was quiet for a moment, and fixed his eyes on Carl, who evaded his look and hung his head. “Before he came to us, our teacher told us that he was a pious boy, and never forgot to read his Bible, and pray. Since I heard this I have been watching him, but not once have I seen him read or pray, and I am his roommate. Now tell us why has he not done so since he has been here?”

“Yes, that’s right,” answered another, “that was cowardly of him, and surely not one of us would have laughed at him.”

Poor Carl! There he stood, truly an object of pity; unable to say a word. Never before had he felt so ashamed as now, when he stood there rightfully accused in the presence of his comrades who had just a moment before admired him. He crept away quietly, weeping bitterly, because he knew how much he deserved their reproach.

Upon his return to the school he found a letter from his mother, in which, among other things, she wrote:

“I hope my dear Carl is still reading God’s Word and praying as he did at home. I pray for you constantly, my child, that God may preserve you from ‘the fear of man which bringeth a snare’. Do not give your comrades the impression that you are ashamed of being a child of God, and be assured that in spite of all their mocking, they will respect you, if you remain firm; but they will despise you, if you allow yourself to be mislead by them.”

Carl read the letter over and over, and the hot tears streamed down his cheeks.

“O, mother,” he said, “you don’t know how very much I have already failed.” Then he threw himself on his knees, owning to God his unfaithfulness, and crying to Him for strength in the future. For a long time he remained on his knees before the Lord, weeping and praying. At last he felt better, and returned to his school-mates.

An evident change had taken place in Carl’s life. From henceforth he spent the beginning and the close of the day with His Lord in reading and in prayer. Many of his comrades avoided him; however others among them, together with his accuser, joined themselves more closely to him, and sought to learn from him.

Later when Carl thought of his sad neglect of prayer and the reading of his Bible, he could not praise God enough for the open rebuke of his comrade; and for the loving letter from his mother which came just at the right time.

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:16.

“Them that honor Me I will honor.” 1 Sam. 2:30.

ML 05/08/1927

Room for Jesus

Have you any room for Jesus—

He Who bore the load of sin?

As He knocks and asks admission,

Children, will you let Him in?

Have you any time for Jesus,

As in grace He calls again?

O “Today” is “time accepted,”

Tomorrow you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus;

Soon will pass God’s day of grace;

Soon thy heart be cold and silent,

And thy Saviour’s pleading cease.

Room for Jesus, King of Glory,

Hasten now, His Word obey,

Swing the heart’s door widely open,

Bid Him enter while you may.

ML 05/08/1927

Feeding

HOW peaceful and contended these cattle look as they feed in the pleasant pasture. They are just taking their time. There is nothing to hurry them. They eat the grass and then lie down and digest it thoroughly.

We, too, need food for our bodies and we eat our meals every day. We should thank the Lord continually for His goodness in giving us what we need.

But, dear children, our souls also, need food. Do you know what that food is, and where you can get it?

It is the Word of God, and you will find it in your Bibles.

Jesus’ love for you is so great that He once died for you, and now lives for you. If you love Him, you will want to please Him in every way you can, and grow to be more like Him.

It is by reading God’s Word that you will find out how you can please Him. The more you read His Word, the more you will learn about Jesus and His love and goodness. And the more you learn of Him, the more precious and wonderful He will become to you. It is by learning more of Him that you can grow more like Him.

When you read God’s Word, if you will take your time, like the creatures in our picture,—if you will read it carefully and think about what you have read, it will do you much more good than if you are hurrying to get away to something else.

“BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH DO HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHT-EOUSNESS: FOR THEY SHALL BE FILLED.” Matt. 5:6

ML 05/15/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 5

IT was that Hiram, king of the seacoast City of Tyre, who had sent cedar trees to David, and carpenters and masons, to build his home (2 Samuel 5:11) who now sent his servants to Solomon.

The glory of the Israel of that day has long faded, and the people are scattered; the judgment of God is upon them according to His promise in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, and upon the Jews in particular, on account of their rejection of Christ. Observe their own words in Matthew 27:25, which are surely being fulfilled, “His blood be on us, and on our children.”

“But in the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and, people shall flow unto it, and many nations shall come and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem, and He shall judge among many people;” etc. Micah 4:1-4.

There is then a day yet future, when Israel shall he restored to their land and exceedingly blessed by God, and Solomon’s reign gives us a picture, only partial and faulty it is true, but a picture nevertheless of the coming millennial day. In David’s reign we had a forecast of the beginning of the future thousand years of the reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20, and numerous Old Testament Scriptures); then the enemies shall be put down with much bloodshed (Isaiah 26:20, 21; and 28:14-20; Zephaniah and elsewhere). In Solomon, however, we see the enemies gone, and the earth in peace seeking Jerusalem, as Isaiah 60. and 65:18-25 so beautifully foretell.

To return then to our chapter: Hiram learned from Solomon what was needed to build the house or temple of God, and rejoicing greatly and blessing God, he told him that he would do all his desire about furnishing timber for the house. And so the work was done and paid for. The Lord gave Solomon wisdom as He had promised.

This is a precious word to those who trust in Jesus. Ephesians 3:20, 21, the close of a prayer of the apostle Paul, speaks to the praise of “Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,”—no doubt including the answer to every right desire, every prayer raised in faith by even the weakest believer, regarding earthly needs, as well as spiritual things.

We read of the great number of men engaged in hewing down the trees of Lebanon, and in bringing the materials to Jerusalem, among which were “great stones, costly stones, hewed stones,” for the foundation of the house. Let us think of this a moment: the great trees were living, towering high on the Lebanon hillsides, and they had to be brought down: the axes were laid to the root of the trees (Matthew 3:10), and they were dragged down to the sea. This speaks strikingly of death, as well as of humbling the pride that is natural in us. Then the stones that were used in the building: there was no life there at all: they had to be taken out of the pit or quarry where they lay. Did they lift themselves out? O, no! They could not do that. Power which was outside themselves entirely had to be applied to them. Besides, there was no worth in them at all, except as they were hewed out, taken out of the pit, and squared by the stone squarers.

So it is with man! He may be very well satisfied with himself, never having been humbled by the Word of God, but we may praise God when at last the truth of his lost and ruined condition is brought home to him (see Romans 3:9-20). Then he will learn and drink in as a thirsty soul the precious words of Romans 5:6-8:

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die, but God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And they were not only great stones (great sinners, these stones tell us of), but they were costly stones; a great price was paid for them.

1 Corinthians 6:20 speaks of the believer’s having been “bought with a price,” and 1 Peter 1:18-20 names that price in the touching and forcible language of the Holy Spirit,

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, ... ..but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory that your faith and hope might be in God.”

Lastly we think of the stone squaring. There is a lot of fitting to be done by the Holy Spirit in preparing the believer for glory with Christ. Old ways, wrong thoughts, have to be wrought upon by the Spirit through the Word of God, and of this precious work we learn in so many portions of the holy Book that it would be burdensome to make a list. We will therefore just refer to Colossians 2:6 to 3:17, which the reader may examine with much profit.

ML 05/15/1927

How She Puzzled Her Father

A FATHER was surprised to see his young daughter, a bright, cheery child weeping bitterly, as if overcome by a great sorrow.

“What is wrong with you?” inquired the father.

“I am a sinner, papa; and if I die as I am, I shall never go to heaven.” The father was quite annoyed at the child’s statement, and asked,

“Who told you that?”

“The governess.”

“I won’t allow such things to be taught in my house,” said the indignant parent. He at once rang the bell, and gave instructions that the groom should saddle his daughter’s pony, and accompany her for a ride. Then turning to the troubled child he said:

“Go and ride that nonsense out of your head.”

Three hours afterwards the father entered the room where the child sat, and asked if she had got rid of her “nonsense.”

“No,” was the reply.

“What, then, have you been doing?”

“I went to the cemetery and measured a number of the graves, and found that some of them were those of children younger than myself.” Then, looking up, with tears streaming down her cheeks, she said: “O, papa, I am a sinner before God, and if I die as I am, I shall be lost. If you died tonight would you go to heaven, papa?”

The question was carried home in the power of the Holy Spirit to the parent’s heart.

“If you died tonight would you go to heaven?” rang in his ear. If he were to die as he was, he knew he was unfit for heaven. Where, then, would he go if he were suddenly summoned into Eternity? He knew that there were but two destinies.

The first impulse was to call for the governess, who immediately appeared. The gentleman explained that he and his daughter had discovered their true spiritual condition, and earnestly inquired what they had to do to be saved. The governess was delighted to be privileged to tell the seeking ones the glorious Gospel of God’s matchless grace. As she spoke of Christ being lifted up on Calvary’s cross as a sacrifice for sin, and through believing on Him who “finished” the mighty work of atonement and paid the ransom, they would be pardoned and saved, the light of the glorious gospel of Christ entered their souls, the darkness was dispelled, and they were saved, and the love of God was shed abroad in their hearts.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

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

ML 05/15/1927

"Thou God Seest Me"

WE can all understand the meaning of the picture. The little girl has been left alone, and thinking no one saw her, has made up her mind to help herself to the sweet, ripe grapes which hang so temptingly over the edge of the vase. She looks as if she is saying to the parrot,

“Do you see me, Polly?”

Yes, the bird sees her, and there is Another who sees her too! God’s eye is upon us always, and He sees all our actions, hears all our words, and knows all our thoughts.

Perhaps someone had taught the parrot to say the words, “I see you,” and now they bring to the little girl’s mind the sin she is about to commit.

I hope she stopped in time and clambered down from the chair, leaving the grapes untouched, and thus was saved from being a thief; what a good thing it was that the parrot should remind the little girl of the naughty thing she was going to do in time to prevent it.

I was once walking along the street of a busy town and saw painted on a large board the picture of an eye, with rays of light darting from it in all directions. Beneath it were the words

“I never sleep.”

It was an advertisement for a newspaper, and was intended to lead the passerby to suppose that no event could happen in the world which would not be known by the editor of the paper. This was, of course, nothing but an idle boast, and very wrong for any man to pretend, but it is quite true of the all-seeing God. “THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE, BEHOLDING THE EVIL AND THE GOOD.” Prov. 15:3

“He that keepeth thee shall not slumber.” Psa. 121:3.

Is it not a good thing to be under the care of One who never slumbers? May we all know what it is to be thus kept by God.

Remember this, dear children, God sees and hears us always, and loves to bless us through Jesus Christ His beloved Son according to the love which is ever in His heart.

ML 05/22/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 6

THE 480th year in the first verse is evidently reckoned from the time when the children of Israel were settled in the land of Canaan, for the period of the Judges was 390 years (including Eli’s day), and Samuel adds 12 years to Mizpeh when Saul was made king, then Saul and David each reigned 40 years. This, if the part years of judges and reigns, which are called years, be allowed for, will cover the time from Joshua’s death, to the fourth year of Solomon’s reign.

It may be helpful to state the location and plan of the temple area. The summit of Mount Moriah, one of the hills of Jerusalem. was chosen, because there was the threshing floor of Araunah, where the plague was stopped when God was punishing Israel (2 Samuel 24:24; 2 Chronicles 3:1). To provide a level area large enough, a great wall was built enclosing a rectangle about 1500 feet from north to south, and 1000 feet from east to west. The interior which was filled in and paved, was reached by gates and passage ways, leading upward. This wall substantially remains to the present time.

On the paved height just referred to, the temple building which verse 2 mentions, was erected. Reckoning a cubit, for ready convenience, to be the same as 2 feet, though it was probably about 1 foot 10 inches, we place the size of the temple proper at 120 feet by 40 feet, and 60 feet high. It was however divided into two portions, the holy place and the most holy or oracle; the holy place was 80 by 40 feet, and the most holy 40 by 40 feet (verses 16 and 17).

In front of the building just mentioned was a large porch 20 feet broad and 40 feet long, the full width of the building, and a series of rooms was built on either side of the house; they were 90 in number, 30 on each of three floors.

The complete building we have considered, consisting of the central two portions, the entrance porch and the rooms on either side, was built of stone made ready before it was brought there, so that there was neither hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was being built (verse 7).

This temple we may compare with the spiritual temple of Ephesians 2:20-22 which is made up of living persons, —those who have received Christ as Saviour, built together by the Holy Spirit.

It will be well to consider also John 14:2, the Father’s house. heaven itself, where are “many mansions,” or dwellings, as we think of the 90 rooms attached to the temple Solomon built.

The house was covered or ceiled with cedar beams and boards. These beams, were semicircular, thus forming a dome for the covering. In a general way the temple was now complete; its structure was displayed. (Verse 9).

And now came the word of the Lord to Solomon (verses 11-13) impressing upon him the importance of a life lived before God, the very ground of His dwelling among them. If they turned away from God, He would leave them; this is what has happened. He withdrew His presence (see Ezekiel chapters 9, 10, 11), and Israel were given up to their enemies. Observing God’s solemn words, however, Solomon built and finished the house (verse 14).

The temple was covered within and without with cedar and fir (or as some think, cypress). Within, the cedar was carved with knobs or gourds and open flowers (verse 18). The oracle or holiest of all, was again overlaid with gold, and the altar likewise; lastly the whole house was overlaid with gold. Within the holiest, Solomon made two cherubim of olive wood, each 20 feet high, side by side, and their wings were stretched out so that they touched the two side walls, and met at the middle of the forty-foot room. These were overlaid with gold. All the walls of the house were carved with figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers. The floor was overlaid with gold. Doors of olive wood, carved like the walls, and overspread with gold, were provided for the holiest, and folding doors of fir or cypress for the temple door, also carved and covered with gold.

The temple, with its immediate surroundings is called the inner court in verse 36. This occupied the central portion of the level area within the great surrounding wall. Beyond, was the court of the priests, and an enclosing area was the outer or great court. Concerning these, and the temple itself, we are given much information in 2 Chronicles.

Nothing but gold was to be seen; all was bright with the glory of divine righteousness, though the materials beneath were costly stones, and the humbled cedars of Lebanon.

ML 05/22/1927

The Happy Day; or, It Was Over

I WAS once sitting in a parlor over-looking a square, and I suppose it was between nine and ten o’clock in the morning, when I saw a number of wagons or vans going through the square laden with happy children—yes, happy children, because they were all going out for a day in the country, and you know how city children value that; you know how bright they look as the wagons go along, and how they all cheer with their merry voices. Well, I saw no more of them that day except one thing. I saw them coming back; and I will tell you what thought rose in my mind that evening as I saw them return through that same square.

I thought, “Well, their happy day is over,” and you know all happy days on earth must end. The children had, no doubt, long been looking forward to that treat-day, and perhaps even counting the days up to the time, but now it was all past and gone, and they could only look back to it, but that day could never, no never, come again! Another treat-day might come, but that would soon be over too, and one day all our happy times down here will be over and gone. And what do they leave us, dear children? Can they give you any lasting happiness or pleasure?

Would you not like to be able to look forward to a happy day that will never end? O! how, you would count the days up to that! You have heard of a “happy land”—a happy home where many children have gone in, and from which they will never come out again. They would not like to come out again even for a moment, for the happiness and joy of that land far exceeds all the happiness we can have here, and it lasts for ever and ever!

“There’s a home for little children Above the bright blue sky.”

But are you going there?

No little child can enter into that holy place with its sins. Some little ones have come to the Lord Jesus Christ, and have had all their sins washed away in His precious blood. They belong to Him, and they like to remember Him in their play, for you know we can please the Lord Jesus even in our play. I wonder how many children thought of that on the treat-day I mention, for God’s eye was looking down on them all the time.

If you have not come to Jesus, you are only running after poor passing pleasures, and they will only leave you hungry and thirsty.

“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” John 4:13, 14.

ML 05/22/1927

"That Means Me"

I WAS the youngest child of Christian parents who took every opportunity to instill into my mind the Word of Truth, but I was ten years old before I began to seriously think about Eternity. I knew that if Christ should come before I was ready, I would be left behind. I was thinking one night like this when I opened my Bible and turned to John 3:16. The words just seemed to fit me:

“God so loved the world” (I’m in the world, so He must have loved me), “that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever” (that means me), “believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Then I believed, for I could see that when I believed that “Christ died for me, a guilty sinner,” I was saved. I took the Word of God home to myself and was saved.

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

Jesus Loves You

SUFFER the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14.

Little children, Jesus loves you,

He loves you—yes, indeed;

Why, He came from heaven on high,

He came to meet your need.

Think! He laid aside His glory,

To come to earth below,

To save our souls from misery,

And everlasting woe.

Jesus died for you, dear children,

To put your sins away,

And fit you for His home in heaven

In everlasting day.

Yes, Jesus died on Calvary,

Upon that cross of shame,

That you might ever happy be—

O, blessed be His name!

O, come to Jesus, trust in Him,

He waits to meet you now;

His precious blood cleanses from sin,

And washes white as snow.

ML 05/22/1927

A Lost Lamb, Sought, Found and Set Free

ONE summer we visited a farmer, and one morning, at his desire, we went out to count the sheep and lambs.

The lambs, we may say, were nearly full-grown.

We were sorry to find that one lamb was missing in the count. Close search was therefore at once made at the pools, open ditches and other dangerous places, and the stray lamb was at last found caught among the thorns and briars of the hedge, and a good deal out of sight. It was most interesting to see that when set free, it scampered off across the meadow to its own company, where it was evidently very happy, and its companions seemed not less pleased to see their young friend liberated, and with them again. We noticed, too, that where this poor lost creature was found, it had eaten every particle of green food within its reach, and it must have soon perished of hunger if it had remained there much longer.

God looks upon everyone who has not been found and set free by the loving Shepherd of our souls as still lost and bound with Satan’s thorns and briars. The Lord Jesus, as you know, in love and grace “came to seek and to save that which was lost,” and “died the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”

Dear young reader, have you yet really known yourself lost, found, freed and have you reached your own company?

“If the Son. . . . shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

How delighted God’s dear children always are to see others saved and brought to be with them. Love likes company and heaven is full of it.

“THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH.” Luke15:10

Jesus seeks, saves and satisfies

forever and He only can. Then, dear one, make quite sure of your heavenly portion, and enjoy it on the road with the Lord’s beloved people! You cannot regret it!

The Shepherd sought the sheep,

The sheep that went astray;

He followed me o’er vale and hill,

Along the weary way.

He found me nigh to death,

Famished and faint and lone;

He drew me with the cords of love,

He saved the wandering one.

He brought me to His flock,

Beneath His rod to pass,

He led me by the crystal spring,

To crop the tender grass.

There, with His sheep redeemed,

I know His watchful care,

I rest encircled by His love,

And none can harm me there.

ML 05/29/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 7

SOLOMON took seven years to build the temple, and thirteen years for his own house. He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon. The latter was (let us say) 200 feet long and 100 feet wide, and 60 feet high. It was built of cedar. This house had a porch 100 feet long, 60 feet wide, and a porch for the throne where Solomon might judge. The house where Solomon lived had another court within the porch, and he made like this porch, a house for Pharaoh’s daughter whom he had married. All these buildings were of costly hewed stones.

It is thought that the temple prefigures the Father’s house (John 14:2) where the believers are to be brought to dwell. Solomon’s house then symbolizes the Church, God’s present dispensation of grace in connection with Christ; the house of the forest of Lebanon prefigures Christ’s glory among the Gentiles in a future day; so also Pharaoh’s daughter’s house tells of the wider glories of Christ’s millennial reign, and the bringing into blessing and favor of the Gentiles.

The work of Hiram (verses 13 and following) is next detailed. This no doubt prefigures the employment of Gentiles in the building of the future temple of God on earth. Two brass pillars were made for, or near, the porch of the temple; they were named Jachin (He will establish), and Boaz (in Him is strength). (See Revelation 3:12 which appears to allude to these pillars). The rest of the equipment made by Hiram, corresponds to what was ordered for the tabernacle in the wilderness, but their number is greater. The molten sea is the “laver” of Exodus 30:18-21, but all was grander, and more glorious. None of the vessels were weighed, because there were so many.

Silver and gold and vessels that David had dedicated were brought in, and the house was finished.

ML 05/29/1927

The Happy Death of a Japanese Boy

LESS than a year ago, there lived away across the ocean in Japan, a little boy named Hiromasa.

Hiromasa was only five and a half years old, but he had learned to obey his parents, and he played peaceably with his little friends.

Every Lord’s Day he went to the Sunday-school with his brothers and sisters, even when it was raining or snowing and blowing.

He liked nothing better than to hear from his teacher the Bible stories about Jesus, the Apostle Paul, Joseph, Elijah and the ravens, David and Goliath, Naaman the leper, Moses, Daniel, and others.

He was also very fond of singing “Jesus Loves Me,” and other hymns. And he never forgot the stories and hymns that he learned at the Sunday-school.

Young as he was, Hiromasa believed that the Lord Jesus died for our sins. He loved his Saviour and had a precious joy in Him, which knowledge, wealth, and the honors of this world cannot give.

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

But the middle of June, 1926, Hiromasa was taken sick. The doctor wanted him to eat nothing for two weeks, and to drink only a little water or tea. He grew very hungry and wanted so much to eat something. But he asked the Lord to help him to be patient, and to be brave when he had to take his bitter medicine, and he was comforted in knowing that the Lord loved him and sympathized with him in his sufferings.

“In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them and carried them all the days of old.” Isa. 63:9.

However, the fasting and the medicine did not help Hiromasa. He grew weaker and weaker. But the weaker his body, the happier this dear little boy was in his soul.

“Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16.

July 10th, Hiromasa’s mother, holding him in her arms, said to him,

“Get well, my dear child, for you must go to school next year.”

“No, mamma,” he replied, “I’m going to heaven, I cannot go to school.” “Where is heaven?” asked mother. “Higher than the sun or the moon or the stars,” he replied.

“Dear Hiromasa, do you want to go to heaven?”

“Yes, mamma.”

“Why?”

“There is no trouble or sickness in heaven, and I shall not need to drink the bitter medicine. And above all, I shall see my Lord Jesus face to face up there.”

“If so, let me go with you, my child.” “No mamma, I shall go first and wait until you and papa come.”

How lovely and beautiful his words! Many times he asked us to sing the hymns, and we all sang his favorite songs all day.

About eleven o’clock that night his little heart stopped beating. The end came very peacefully, and his spirit went to be with the Lord. There, in his Saviour’s presence, he awaits the happy day when,

“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.

Dear boys and girls, the Christian need not fear death, for it means, absent from the body, with all its pain and sorrow, and present with the Lord forever, where all is peace and joy (See 2 Cor. 5:8).

Are you, like little Hiromasa, trusting in Jesus? If not, turn to Him before it is too late. For the Lord often takes even the little ones, and sometimes very suddenly, —not after a long illness like that of the little Japanese boy.

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

Jesus is calling, “Come to Me.”

O, dear children, why stand still?

Run to the Saviour’s loving arms,

Let His love your young hearts fill.

ML 05/29/1927

"It Was for Me"

ONE Sunday afternoon, at the hour when a class of young people usually gathered, one young girl only, waited for her teacher. She had been learning during the week the sweet words contained in the 53rd of Isaiah, and as she wended her way to the class, she had been repeating the verses to herself: but they were only to her then as the “very lovely song of one who had a pleasant voice.” She did not know the meaning of “being healed by His stripes.”

After prayer, with which the hour of teaching always began, Mary repeated the first four verses of her chapter. When she reached the fifth verse, “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 tears filled her eyes, and before reaching the end of the verse her head sank down, and the fast falling tears dropped on the open Bible, as she sobbed out,

“It was for me, it was for me.”

The intense solemnity of that moment prevented any other words being spoken.

“Let us thank Him, dear, that it was for you,” and they knelt down. After the teacher had thanked the Lord for opening the blind eyes of her dear scholar to see Jesus as her Substitute, the weeping girl in broken words said,

“Lord Jesus, I thank Thee, that Thou didst die for me, that Thou didst take my punishment,” and then the deep calm of conscious acceptance in the Beloved stole into the broken heart, and peace with God was sweetly realized.

O, dear ones, believe this love that is yearning over you, and say with little Mary,

“It was for me that Jesus died.”

“The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

ML 05/29/1927

Shall We Gather at His Coming?

Shall we gather at His coming,

When the dead in Christ arise?

Shall we hear the Saviour’s summons

To God’s home beyond the skies?

Daily nearer draws His coming,

This makes all His own rejoice;

Who are they that fear to meet Him?

Such as now love not His voice.

When the Saviour, at His coming,

Shall His own in glory bring,

‘Midst the blissful throng around Him,

Shall you too His praises sing?

Ere the coming day of vengeance

Burst upon this world of sin; Haste,

O children, trust in Jesus,

He will gladly take you in.

ML 05/29/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Which he wrought in,” etc. Eph. 1:20.

2.“For he is our peace,” etc. 2:14.

3.“And grieve not,” etc. 4:30.

4.“Redeeming the time,” etc. 5:16.

5.“And be ye kind,” etc. 4:32.

6.“Wherefore take unto you,” etc. 6:13.

7.“Now unto him,” etc. 3:20.

Bible Questions for June “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, “All men have not faith.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Hold the traditions.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Let us not sleep.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Jesus died and rose.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “This is the will of God.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Wait for his Son.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Make you to increase.”

Answers to Bible Questions for April “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.“Spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Eph. 1:3.

2.Christ. Eph. 1:22.

3.By grace, through faith, not of works. Eph. 2:8-9.

4.“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs of the same body (with the Jews) united to Christ the Head in heaven.” Eph. 1:22-23; 2:16; 3:4-6.

5.Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Eph. 4:11.

6.Husband and wife. Eph. 5:25.

7.“Against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12.

Bible Questions for June “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians

1.What two things characterized the Thessalonians after they had turned, to God?

2.How did the Thessalonians receive the “Word of God”?

3.Unto what are we Christians appointed?

4.What will happen to the believers who are living when Jesus comes?

5.What three distinct parts are there to every person?

6.What is the portion of them that obey not the gospel?

7.What verses would show us that a Christian should not be lazy?

ML 06/05/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 8

THE elders of Israel were assembled, and all the heads of the tribes at Jerusalem, to meet Solomon, that the ark of the covenant should be brought out of Zion and put in its resting place in the holiest of all. Sheep and oxen without number were offered in sacrifice upon this occasion. The ark was placed under the wings of the cherubim, and the staves by which it had been carried on the long journey from Sinai to Canaan were long, so that their ends were seen from the holy place,—reminder of that faithful God who had accompanied His people in all their journeys, until at last He could rest in a house where His people might be gathered around, and they to dwell with Him. The ark was not altered, though all its surroundings were changed to suit the grandeur of Solomon’s reign, and as the ark prefigures or typifies Ghrist, we are reminded that He will always be the same unchanging Person. “This same Jesus” as the angels said (Acts 1:11), and the Epistle to the Hebrews declares Him (chapter 13:8) “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and today and forever.” Aaron’s rod, and the pot of manna which had been in the ark, were now gone; there was nothing in it but the law, —the rule of righteousness had displaced grace. So it will be in the millennium.

When the priests had deposited their burdens in the holy place and gone out, the cloud which marked Jehovah’s presence filled the house so that the priests could not stand to do their service. And now Solomon addressed himself to God in prayer. The heavens, and the heaven of heavens, could not contain God, yet would He condescend to dwell on earth. Solomon’s prayer is not based upon the sovereign favor of God in His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but upon the word expressed by Moses, the law. Much in fact reminds us of Moses’ words in Deuteronomy, in view of the people’s failure. Then he blessed the people, desiring God’s blessing for them, that they should walk in His statutes and keep His commandments.

Twenty-two thousand oxen, and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep, were sacrificed in peace offerings in this dedication of the house; the brazen altar was too small to receive the offerings. Seven days the congregation remained, and then on the eighth day they were sent away, joyful and glad of heart for all God’s goodness.

Sad to say, the rejoicing was soon to end, and the people were soon to turn from the true God to idols!

ML 06/05/1927

Children

CHILDREN, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Eph. 6:1.

One great mark of the degeneracy of the age in which we are living is “disobedience to parents” (2 Tim. 3:2; Rom. 1:30), and this lies at the threshold of a sinful, unhappy and dishonored life. The first sin was that of disobedience, and thus it is the parent of all sins.

Children are exhorted to obey their parents because “it is right.” God takes pleasure in obedient children, and His blessing, as we learn from the scripture quoted above, rests upon them even in this world.

The blessing of prosperity and a long life was attached to it under the law, and though the Christian is not now to look for success on earth as a special mark of God’s favor, yet under God’s government earthly blessing still follows children who are obedient to their parents.

The Lord Jesus Christ in His youth set us this example perfectly, being in all things subject to His earthly parents, and if children follow in His footsteps they will in their measure, as He did, “grow in wisdom, as in stature, and in favor with God and man.”

We have already seen that honor and obedience to parents is constantly inculcated all through the Scriptures, and the reverse invariably brings sorrow, and involves the displeasure of God.

The children of Christian parents are born into a place (the family) where all is specially under the authority of Christ as Lord, hence they are enjoined to obey “in the Lord.” They cannot escape the authority under which they find themselves, and where they are also placed by the will of their parents. To disobey their parents, is to disobey the Lord, and it is a comfort for them to know His eye is always upon them to sustain and support them in well doing, and to save and protect them from evil.

He sees them when they are away from home, and not under their parents’ eye and personal care, and He will ever regard their cry for help and protection.

How blessed it is, dear children, to remember the words prophetically spoken by the Lord Himself, the, great secret of His own perfect walk as a Man on earth, and which may be taken up by each of us in whose heart is the fear of the Lord,

“I have set the Lord always before Me: because He is at My right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psa. 16:8.

If we ever keep this in mind, we shall not be easily led astray by the enemy of our souls.

ML 06/05/1927

Happiness

THE girlie in our picture is the essence of happiness and contentment. What a fine bunch of pussy willows she has gathered. I wonder to whom she is taking them, perhaps to mother. How very pleased she will be at the thoughtfulness of her little daughter, —a token of love surely.

How much a mother values every little thought of kindness from her boys and girls, and how nice to cheer her loving heart. She is often tired and weary, and a little love shown from her dear children, cheers and comforts her.

Don’t you think, dear children, that God’s heart must be pained when He sees boys and girls, whom He loves so dearly, and for whom He gave His dear Son, that they might know Him as their Saviour, going from day to day without caring a bit for Him, so ungrateful that they have never loved Him, or even thanked Him, from their hearts, for giving Jesus to be their Saviour? What a precious gift!

Will you accept Him today, as your own dear Saviour? This alone brings true happiness. Then you can sing from the heart,

O, I am so happy in Jesus,

From sin and from judgment set free;

So happy that He is my Saviour,

So happy that Jesus loves me.

“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

ML 06/05/1927

Wilt Thou Come, or Wilt Thou Linger?

Wilt thou come, or wilt thou linger?

‘Tis the Saviour calls;

Death and darkness are about thee,

Sin enthralls.

Wilt thou come? for still is mercy

Pleading for thy soul;

Heavenly voices leading onward

To the goal.

Thou may’st come! the vilest sinner

May in Christ confide;

Thou art welcome, for to save thee

Jesus died.

Night of wrath did shroud the Saviour,

But ‘tis light for thee;

Sacred spot for sin-stained sinners,

Calvary!

See the blood, and hear Him speaking

Of redemption done;

And on glory’s heights behold Him,

God’s own Son.

Hear Him speak the word of pardon;

Trust in Him who died;

And thy heart shall lose its burden

By His side.

ML 06/05/1927

Sailing Down Stream

Carelessly sailing, and onward they go,

Borne to the depths of eternal woe;

Gliding along on the swift stream of time,

Onward fast speeding past mercy divine.

Laughing and sporting with judgment ahead,

Duped by the devil, his captives they’re led;

By sinful pleasures, still onward beguiled,

The world, flesh and devil upon them have smiled.

Nearer they journey to hell’s awful gulf,

Piloted there by the devil himself;

Soon will the ocean of terror be reached,

Soon all their pleasure and folly have ceased.

Then, when too late, will their madness appear,

Loud their entreaty when help is not near;

Then will their weeping and wailing begin,

As hell they enter, the fruit of their sin.

O, sinner, hasten from judgment to flee!

While God in mercy is calling to thee;

Flee to the shelter of Christ’s precious blood,

Still it availeth to give peace with God.

“IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKETH AN ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL.” Lev. 17:11

ML 06/12/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 9

CHAPTER 8 showed us Solomon in public before the people, but we now view him, in verses 3 to 9, receiving instruction in private.

This is well; the believer’s testimony before men, cannot be powerful unless there be much private prayer and meditation on the Word of God. However we know nothing of Solomon’s true state of soul at this stage of his career.

God had appeared to Solomon at the beginning of his reign (chapter 3:5-14) when he was humble minded; He had granted his desire, and given him much more than he asked. But now it is evident there were dangers in Solomon’s path, and he needed the most solemn warning. God had heard his prayer and supplication; He had hallowed the temple to put His name there; His eyes and heart should be there always. If now Solomon would walk before Him as his father David had done, in true heartedness and right ways, and would do and keep all that God set before him, then would He establish Solomon’s throne forever there would not fail a descendent of his to sit on the throne of Israel.

But if they should at all turn from following the Lord, not keep His word, serve the false gods of the heathen, Israel would be cut off out of the land He had given them, and the temple would be disowned by him. Israel should then become a proverb and a by-word among all nations, and they would know that their ruin was clue to their turning from the God Who had done everything for them, to serve other gods. It is just this that has happened, as is well known, though since their Messiah came, in the person of Jesus, the measure of their sin is vastly greater. A little over four hundred years after this time, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the kingdom, long since reduced to two of the twelve tribes, ceased to exist. In its full glory it has not been, and will not be revived until the Lord Jesus comes to reign on the earth at the beginning of the millennium. It is sadly true that Solomon in his later years showed the people a very bad example, and led them into idolatry. The warning voice of God was but little heeded, and the breakup of his kingdom was soon to follow.

The reader will know that as Israel was put in a responsible place, and failed in it, so has the Church of God been placed in responsibility and has failed most grievously. We may not point the finger of scorn at the children of Israel, for our own failure is far greater, bearing in mind the finished work of Christ, the completion of the Word of God, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The latter part of the chapter is occupied with the record of Solomon’s greatness and his riches. The people generally were employed by Solomon as soldiers and servants, princes and captains, and the Canaanites who still lived among them were compelled to serve, practically as slaves. Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built, and the burnt incense on the golden altar in the temple. He had a fleet of ships in what is now called the Gulf of Akaba, the northeastern arm of the Red Sea, which was used to bring gold from Ophir. We do not know where Ophir was; possibly southern Arabia, or India or Africa.

ML 06/12/1927

A Remarkable Escape

I SHALL never forget an incident which occurred when I was a young boy on my way to Australia. We were almost becalmed when close to the equator; there was hardly a breath of wind, and the ship was proceeding at only about one mile an hour.

When standing on the deck I saw a line of clothes which had been washed and put out to dry. These fell into the sea. A sailor who was close to me made some inquiries about them and, taking off his straw hat, he handed it to me to hold. Then he also took off his shoes and, quietly slipping into the water, he swam towards where the clothes were floating in the sea.

On the other side of the ship there were several people standing anxiously watching a large object some distance away. It was a very large shark; and one of the sailors, seeing the danger to which the man in the water was exposed, ran to a barrel of pork and took out two pieces which he threw, one after the other, overboard as far as he could, so as to attract the shark and gain time for the man to get back to the ship. The captain also had shouted to him to hurry back on board and leave the clothes. Dropping these, he immediately swam towards the ship, where several sailors were standing, holding two ropes which were hanging down into the water.

A shark always turns over when about to devour its prey, and this one turned and got hold of the clothes as they floated in the water, thus, mercifully, giving the man time to seize the ropes. The men on deck then pulled him up. But his feet had not been long out of the water when the shark, which had pursued him, made one spring, but just missed the man; so he was hauled up safe and sound on deck.

I stood there watching that incident with intense anxiety all the time, and it has remained vividly impressed on my memory ever since. In reflecting upon it now, I marvel at the hair-breadth escape which this man had from an awful death, and it has been suggestive to my mind of many serious thoughts.

The man was on the brink of destruction and absolutely incapable of delivering himself. Had help not come from out side he must have met a dreadful death in the jaws of the great fish. The whole scene, and the lessons it conveys, made such a deep impression upon me that I feel constrained to ask my reader,

Has it ever struck you that you too are in danger of perishing, and that you are as helpless to deliver yourself as the man of whom I have told you?

Perishing? you say—yes, perishing—not by a fate such as seemed to await the subject of my story— but perishing eternally as to your soul, if still unsaved. And, though you may not think so, deliverance must come to you from outside. You are, at this very moment, in worse danger than was the man in the water, because it is a question of your immortal, never-dying soul.

But those on the deck of the vessel were perfectly free from the danger, and the man was saved—not by his own powers, but by the means provided by others. He did not provide the ropes which were let down, nor did he put it into the hearts of the men who, with willing hands, pulled him up out of the water. The act was theirs, not his.

And is no one interested in the deliverance of the poor sinner from an everlasting hell? I tell you, God Himself is ten thousand times more interested in your deliverance than were these sailors in the deliverance of this man. Has He not proved it when He spared not His own beloved Son, but delivered Him up for us all? What love! —what grace! —and it was for you, for me.

But the man of whom I have told you did not neglect or refuse the means provided for his escape. O no I—the matter was far too serious—he availed himself of it at once; he firmly seized those ropes and was thus enabled to find a resting-place on the solid deck of the ship, away from danger and harm. Indeed the whole transaction is written indelibly on one’s mind in all its details, and I have frequently used it as an illustration when speaking to others. It reminds one so vividly of the provision God has made for the sinner through Christ, the great Deliverer, who gave His blood upon the cross, who died and rose again, so that a full and complete salvation might be the portion of all who believe on Him.

The man’s hands which gripped the rope remind us of faith—that faith which lays hold on the salvation of God and makes it one’s own. Once the man was on board he was no longer afraid; his fears were all gone, and he could look with calmness at that terrible fish in the water, which, only a few minutes before, threatened to swallow him up. He was saved and he knew it.

Thank God, so it is with the believer in Jesus: he is saved and delivered, and now he can thank his Deliverer. He can look death, that terrible enemy, in the face without a quiver, for it has been robbed of its sting; Christ having paid the full penalty for him by His blood shed upon the cross. Yea, he can even raise a note of triumph and say,

“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reader, bear with me while I ask, How do you stand as to these things? Are you saved, delivered from the wrath to come and set free? If not, come by simple faith to Christ now, trust Him as your Saviour now, and you too will be able to join in the note of praise and thanksgiving to His blessed name.

Just as I am—without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am—and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am—Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe:

Lamb of God, I come!

ML 06/12/1927

Annie's Prize

FATHER, shall I read you a story out of my Reward book?” was the earnest re, quest of a little girl as she saw her father toss himself into his arm-chair by the fire-side, one wintry Lord’s-day evening. He was in the habit of spending the evening of the Lord’s-day in “company”, but the cold and rain kept him indoors this night.

“If you like, Annie”, the father carelessly replied, and Annie, glad of the opportunity, sat down on the hassock, and began to read from the volume her teacher had given her as a New Year’s Prize for “good attendance” at the Sunday-school.

It was only a simple story of how two young men were brought to the Lord, and afterwards spent their lives in His service, but the Spirit of God used it to cause Annie’s father to think about his soul.

When she had finished the narrative, he asked her to read it again, and after she had finished, he sat silently thinking for a long time. That was the turning point in his history, and not long after, he confessed Christ, and became a follower of the Lord.

Annie was saved in the Sunday-school, and she longed to see her dear father in the Lord also. This was the way she took to reach him with the gospel, and the Lord owned it.

Dear boys and girls, if Jesus has saved you, seek, as Annie did, to lead your friends and companions to Him also.

“He that winneth souls is wise.” Prov. 11:30.

If you are not yet the Lord’s, then come to Him as you are, and He will save you. Jesus said,

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

ML 06/12/1927

Christ Our Hiding Place

IN our picture today, dear children, there is every appearance of an arising storm. The young girl, no doubt is hurrying along, hoping to reach her destination before the storm breaks upon her. She is obliged to hold her hat, lest the wind carry it away.

How strong the wind is, sometimes carrying little people off their feet: yet God is stronger, and can gather the wind in His fists (Prov. 30:4).

A storm frightened the Lord’s disciples: “Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Matt. 8:26.

Always remember, dear ones, all is in God’s hand, and though “He causeth the wind to blow,” it is for a purpose. The Lord, in speaking to Nicodemus, says,

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8. As the little hymn expresses—

“Ye must be born again,

Or never enter heaven;

‘Tis only blood-washed ones are there,—

The ransomed and forgiven.”

My dear friends, how very important that each and every reader should have a new life. May the Holy Spirit bring home to your souls, the truth of God’s Word, showing you your lost condition, and give you faith to rest completely upon the One who was lifted up on the cross, who died for all, and who now is in glory at God’s right hand, and from there is inviting all to come to Him and be saved.

Sometimes the hot weather in India obliges Europeans to go up the Himalyan mountains for a change. A dear friend was once being carried by the natives in a little covered conveyance. When they had gone part way up, they stopped, drew the curtains to one side, and motioned him to come out, then pointed up the mountains, where a storm was raging, and beckoned him to follow them; they led the way to a deserted hut. Down came the storm, carrying everything before it, but they were sheltered in the hut.

So judgment is coming upon this world, but all who have taken shelter in Christ, are perfectly secure.

“A Man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place. as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32:2.

“O may the Holy Spirit

Thy lost condition show;

There is one place of shelter

Amid earth’s sin and woe;

Our only place of safety

From the o’erwhelming flood,

One spot where God can meet thee,—

‘Tis underneath the blood.”

“WHOSO PUTTETH HIS TRUST IN THE LORD SHALL BE SAFE.” Prov. 29:25.

ML 06/19/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 10

THIS chapter concludes the account of Solomon’s greatness. Sheba was in the south (Matthew 12:42), either in the south of Arabia or in north-eastern Africa (Abyssinia). It was a great distance with such means of travel as were then in use, that the queen traveled to see and talk with Solomon.

In a coming day, many nations shall come, and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths,” Micah 4:2. So the visit of the queen of Sheba to Solomon gives us a picture of what will be when a Greater than Solomon is enthroned at Jerusalem.

So wise was Solomon; so magnificent his house; so well managed his court, that the queen of Sheba was astonished beyond measure. She told Solomon that she had been given a true report of him in her own land, but she had not believed it until she had seen with her own eyes, and now she could say that not half had been told.

We are reminded of the passage in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 which is in part quoted from Isaiah 64:4, telling of the wisdom of God, and how little is known to the unconverted man of the things which He has prepared for them that love Him.

If Solomon’s glory and wisdom were so great as to utterly astonish this rich queen. what shall we who know the Lord Jesus as our own personal Saviour say, when we enter the heavenly city, and know as we are known? (1 Corinthians 13:12).

The queen of Sheba was only a visitor. privileged to look in on a scene of glory, and presently returning to her own land, but the Christian is to enter a place far more glorious, the eternal abode of God, where the Forerunner, Jesus, is for us already entered (Hebrews 7:20). He is to be forever with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17), and like Him (1 John 3:2) in the ages of eternity to be shown the exceeding riches of God’s grace in kindness toward him through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7). What grace!

Solomon made two hundred targets or shields of gold, using 600 shekels of gold for each, —about $360 each in value in American or Canadian money today. He made also three hundred smaller shields of gold worth about $100 each.

A magnificent throne was made of ivory overlaid with the best of refined gold. Six steps led up to it, with figures of lions on each step, and at the sides of the throne.

There was no such grandeur anywhere equal to Solomon’s. Ships brought him gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks, and he was beyond all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. God had given him all he possessed.

Did he give Him honor; did he give Him the deepest love of a grateful and humble heart, for all this? Alas, he did not, as the next chapter plainly shows.

ML 06/19/1927

Ilondo and His Friends

THE following narrative was told by a missionary:

Ilondo was born in a village on the banks of the Congo river in Africa. His parents had never heard anything about the Lord Jesus, but one day, Ilondo saw a strange object in the hands of a boyfriend, who came to see him, and this strange thing was a book which was God’s Word—the Bible in Ilondo’s native language.

A few days later, Ilondo came to my house and said,

“I want to learn to read; I will gladly work for you, if you will only teach me to read.”

His desire was granted, and he was permitted to help to make bricks outside of school hours.

Four months later he came to me one day, very sad, and said;

“My father has come to get me; and I did so much want to learn to read, that I might be able to read to my relatives.”

“That is indeed very sad,” I said, “is there anything I can do for you?”

“O, if you please,” he answered, “if you will only give me the Gospel of Luke!”

I brought one, opened it and said,

“Let me hear you read.” He slowly sounded each syllable.

“See, you can’t read yet!”

“No,” he said, “but I know the letters, and if you will only give me the book, then God will help me to learn to read it.”

I gave him the Gospel, laid my hands upon his shoulders and prayed to God to bless him. He departed, smiling amidst his tears.

For several months we heard nothing of him, except that he had learned to read, and even collected a group of boys and taught them too. Not long after that, they went together to a forest to cut timber to build a “house of God,” as other villages had.

While they were at this work, a government official appeared and asked:

“What does this mean? Remove these stakes immediately; I don’t want any such nonsense in this village.”

But the boys felt they were working for God, and He must be honored at all cost, so they continued to build.

A few days later, the official came again. He locked Ilondo and his four friends into an old dark hut. Imagine the boys in this dismal place! Were they discouraged? No! In the night they prayed, and sang their favorite hymns. This provoked the official even more, and he ordered the door opened, had the boys laid flat on the ground, and whipped with a leather whip, until they were bleeding and suffering. Then they were thrust back into the dark hut again. What then happened can better be told in Ilondo’s own words:

“Our God,” he said, “is a great God, and. He always hears our prayers. After we were whipped, and put back to prison, my friends were weeping bitterly, but I felt God would help us, so I told them the story I had heard from the missionary, of the two men, who many, many years ago were preaching the gospel in a strange city, and were cast into prison for it, after having been whipped. While there, they sang and prayed, till suddenly God shook the whole prison, so that all the doors opened. Then I said, ‘Let us sing and pray too!’ which we did, and our God heard; for soon after that we heard someone opening the door. The official had sent a soldier who pulled us out, and with a kick, said, ‘Get out of here with your singing!’”

How wonderful God owned the prayers and faith of these boys! Ilondo’s school house is now finished, where he gathers a large group of boys, many of which long to know of God’s Word and His salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Seven of them have already been converted to the Lord Jesus, and have been baptized. Isn’t that wonderful?

“I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

ML 06/19/1927

"Yield Not to Temptation."

ONE day as I was walking with my children through the garden,” said a Christian governess, “the red clusters of ripe currants from the neighbor’s garden, looked very tempting, and my little ones had to pass quite near to them. When we came back, we heard that the neighbor had watched us through a crack in the fence, to see if any child would pick them. When our little Johnny heard this, he said proudly:

‘We don’t do that; we know God sees everything; He doesn’t need to look through any cracks!’”

Yes, dear children, God sees us where ever we are, night or day, and He takes notice of how we act, even when we think no one sees us.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 15:3.

ML 06/19/1927

Only Waiting

Christ is coming, quickly coming,

Art thou ready, children, say,

Are thy crimson sins forgiven,

In His blood all washed away?

O, the bliss, the rest of knowing

Jesus as thy dearest Friend,

As thy Guide, thy Guard, thy Shepherd,

Who will love thee to the end.

Once on Calvary’s cross He suffered—

Died in grace to set thee free;

Now believe the joyful tidings

And to Christ for pardon flee.

Jesus waiteth to be gracious—

Waiteth even now for thee—

Listen to His earnest pleadings,

Come, dear children, come to Me.

Come, and gaze by faith upon Him,

Children, come, and look and live;

See, He waiteth to receive thee,

That He may thy sins forgive.

Then Thou wilt not fear His coming,

Thou wilt hail with joy that day,

When He’ll come, and take His ransomed

To His Father’s house away.

ML 06/19/1927

A Strayed Lamb

A little lamb strayed far away,

It left the happy flock,

It wandered all the dreary day

O’er mountain, waste and rock—

Till, weary, ‘mongst the thorns it fell,

And there it feebly cried.

Poor hapless lamb! I know full well

That left there it had died.

But lo! a stranger o’er the braes,

Is wandering all alone;

He stops, he listens; “Hark,” he says,

“I hear a plaintive moan;

“What is this sound? Can child be here.

Lost on this mountain side?

Affliction, O! I sorely fear.

Doth some lost one betide.”

He hastens o’er the wilderness,

Sure guided by the cry,

Till bound with thorns, in sore distress

The wanderer meets his eye.

He gently bears it on his arm,

And softly down it lays,

Then seeks to soothe the lamb’s alarm:

But vain his voice and ways;

For, knowing not the stranger kind,

The lamb is filled with dread;

And though against his will inclined.

‘Twas thus the stranger said:

“So leave thee, helpless thing, I must.

Since all my care is vain,

The shepherd soon will come, I trust,

To soothe thy fear and pain.

“The stranger’s voice thou knowest not,

Ah! from me thou wouldst flee;

Poor lamb! This rough and lonely spot,

A lesson teaches me.”

Then as the stranger turned again

And climbed the rugged brake,

With thankful heart and joyful strain

‘Twas thus aloud he spake:

“In yonder lamb myself I see,

A wandering one was I,

And in my guilt and misery

I feared that I must die.

“The powerful briers, shame and sin,

Both tore and held me fast.

Alas, wept I, my woes begin

Eternally to last.

“Then hasting down my mountain side

To where I bleeding lay,

A loving Shepherd I espied.

Who thus did gently say—

“‘Poor helpless soul, I come to save.

The weak, the lost are Mine,

Wilt thou a Mighty Shepherd have,

And I be ever thine?’

“He raised me with His arm so strong.

My wounds He quickly healed.

‘Thy Shepherd I, to Me belong,

My own thou now art sealed!

“‘I am thy Shepherd! —lo! My hands,

Once nailed upon the tree;

I am thy Shepherd! —see the bands

That bind thy heart to Me.”

“The bands are love; His love, not mine;

Healing and strength, the same.”

Know’st thou this Shepherd? Is He thine?

For Jesus is His name.

“No stranger’s voice, nor stranger’s love.

Was Thine, O! Lord for me,

And now thou bearest me above,

And with Thee I shall be.”

“THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” Luke 19:10.

ML 06/26/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 11

WE may have noticed, as we have read thus far of the history of Solomon, that little is said of any heart-exercises such as David knew. David had once sinned most sadly, yet he was, viewing his life throughout in general, a truly godly man; as the books of Samuel and the Psalms show plainly.

Solomon’s blessings indeed came from God. Besides wisdom, which he asked of God in order to govern His people, God gave him riches, magnificence and glory, but he forsook the law of God, and did not walk according to His Word. He was raised up to be the world’s greatest monarch, but he used his power to please himself, and his heart was turned away from God. He loved many foreign women, besides the daughter of the king of Egypt, —women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, Hittites, —the nations of which God had spoken to the children of Israel that they should be entirely separate from them. His seven hundred wives turned away his heart, and when he was old he became an idol worshiper, going after the goddess of the Zidonians, and the god of the Ammonites, and building high places for them, and for the god of the Moabites. These things lasted until the reign of Josiah (2 Kings 23:13).

At last God told Solomon that because of his turning to the false gods of his foreign wives, about which he had been warned, the kingdom was to be taken away from him, and given to his servant (verse 11). On account of David, this should not take place until Solomon’s son should reign.

Is it not something for sober reflection. that even the richest, and the wisest, the most powerful monarch, born of a godly father, and at least a godly great-great-grandfather and grandmother (Boaz and Ruth), with so much blessing from God; should turn out so badly? The believer, it is our firm conviction, thrives best in affliction. It was so with David, and doubtless with countless others of the flock of God.

Solomon, we learn, had several adversaries. There was Hadad the Edomite (verses 14-22), and Rezon the son of Eliadah, king of Syria (verses 23-25), and lastly there was Jeroboam the son of Nebat; all of them were stirred up against Solomon by God, and on account of Solomon’s giving his heart to the foreign women and to idols.

Jeroboam was the “servant” of verse 11, to whom the kingdom was to be given, because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness. He was brave, and a good worker, and Solomon gave him a responsible position (verse 28), but after the prophet Ahijah, the Shilonite, gave him a message from God that he was to have the kingdom, because of Solomon’s allowing idolatry and joining in it himself, Solomon, learning of it, sought to kill Jeroboam who thereupon fled to Egypt.

And now Solomon’s death closed the story of this remarkable man. Israel had now had three kings, each reigning forty years; Saul, David, and Solomon. But only one of them could say,

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in Him will I trust; He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour” 2 Samuel 22:2, 3.

Reader, what of yourself? Can you echo David’s words from your own heart?

ML 06/26/1927

The Precious Blood of Christ

HAVE we outlived the efficacy of the blood of Christ, and is the tale of His cross a sound from which all the music has gone forever? We need the sun today, as we have ever needed it; the wind is still the breath of health to our dying bodies; still we find in the earth the bread without which we cannot live; these are our friends of whom we never tire; can it be that the only thing of which we are weary is God’s answer to our soul’s deepest need? Shall we keep everything but the blood of Christ?

Shall the cross go, and the sun be left? Verily, as the sun withdrew at sight of that cross, and for the moment fled away, he would shine never more, were that sacred tree hewn down by furious men.

The blood of Christ, it is the fountain of immortality! The blood of Christ, it makes the soul’s summer warm and beauteous! The blood of Christ, it binds all heaven, with its many mansions and throngs without number, in holy and indissoluble security! My soul, seek no other stream in which to drown thy leprosy! My lips, speak no other song with which to charge your music! My hands, seek no other task with which to prove your energy! I would be swallowed up in Christ.

O my Saviour! Thine heart was pierced for me, and all its sacred blood flowed for the cleansing of my sin. I need it all. I search out the inmost recesses of my poor wild heart, and let Thy blood remove every stain of evil.

“E’er since by faith I saw the stream

Thy flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme.

And shall be till I die.”

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

ML 06/26/1927

The Word of God

A COLPORTEUR was one day leaving a town, with a sad heart, because very few had bought a Bible or New Testament. In the distance he saw a lonely cottage, and approached it. He knocked at the door, but received no answer; then he knocked again, but without success. Just as he was about to turn away, he heard a voice behind him, saying;

“What do you wish?”

He turned, and walked up the steps. He showed the man, who had addressed him, a New Testament, saying;

“These are the words of Christ.” The man went into the house, and as he returned, he handed a New Testament to the colporteur, saying;

“I bought this from a man like you, for my little daughter, who is now dead. She took it to school with her, and read it on the way. She said to me one day;

‘Father, I like to read it ever so much; you bought it for me, didn’t you?’”

Soon after this she took sick, and so, seriously, that all hope of recovery was given up. When I saw that her end was drawing near, I wept aloud.

“Don’t cry, father,” she said, “Jesus, the Saviour has said that the children should come to Him. I am quite happy. He said to the thief on the cross:

‘Today thou shalt be with Me in paradise and He will also receive me.”

Shortly after that, she passed away. Since then I have been reading this book.

This message encouraged the colporteur very much.

Say, dear children, do you love the precious Word of God?

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

ML 06/26/1927

Be Kind

If angry words are spoken,

Return an answer kind;

Take Christ for your example,

And blessing you will find.

If brother or if sister

Cross words should speak to you,

Let words, and acts of kindness

Be seen in all you do.

Then great will be your blessing,

And rich be your reward;

Both now and in the glory

When with and like your Lord.

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32.

ML 06/26/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Let the word of Christ,” etc. Col. 3:16.

2.“But he that doeth wrong,” etc. 3:25.

3.“For by him,” etc. 1:16.

4.“For unto you,” etc. Phil. 1:29.

5.“And you, being dead,” etc. Col, 2:13.

6.“Set your affection,” etc. 3:2.

7.“Be careful for nothing,” etc. Phil. 4:6.

Bible Questions for July “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Given by inspiration of God.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Came into the world to save sinners.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “According to his mercy he saved us.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Who gave himself for us.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Godliness is profitable unto all things.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Having confidence in thy obedience.”

Answers to Bible Questions for May “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Suffering for His sake. Philip. 1:29.

2.The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philip. 3:14.

3.Change them so that they will be like His own body in the glory. Philip. 3:21.

4.By being careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving letting our requests be made known unto God. Philip. 4:6.

5.They are but the shadow, but we have the body or reality in Christ. Col. 2:17.

6.Those things which are above. Col. 3.1.

7.Forbear and forgive. Col. 3:13.

Bible Questions for July “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

1.Is it right for a woman to take the place of a teacher of men?

2.With how much of this world’s goods should a believer be content?

3.What verse shows that the world is not getting better?

4.What does the apostle say about the Scriptures?

5.What sad mistake did Demas make?

6.What is the blessed hope of the believer?

7.What two marks of a true believer did Philemon possess?

ML 07/03/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 12

WHY Shechem (verse 1) was chosen for the place where Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, was to be crowned, does not appear. It was however centrally located, about midway of the land in both directions. Sychar (John 4:5) is a short distance to the east. The hundred or so of Samaritans who are left of that people today, live at Shechem which is now called Nablus.

Jeroboam, recalled from Egypt, led the people before Rehoboam to state their complaint regarding the burden of Solomon’s government, and Rehoboam asked for three days’ time to consider what they asked. The old men who had advised Solomon, gave his son good advice, but he would not follow it, and took the young men’s very bad advice, nevertheless God was in it (verse 15). The consequence was that the nation, except the tribe of Judah, with Benjamin added, revolted at once, and made Jeroboam king.

Rehoboam now proposed to make war on the rebellious tribes, but Shemaiah the man of God was directed to tell him there must be no fighting, for the thing that had happened was from God.

Jeroboam then built Shechem and lived there, and he built Penuel which Gideon had, destroyed (Judges 8:17). Next, fearing that the people who had made him their leader, would return to their lawful king, because of Jerusalem’s being the city where God had chosen to set His name, Jeroboam made two calves of gold as idols; the one he set up in Bethel, some 10 miles north of Jerusalem, and the other in Dan, the most northerly city of Canaan. He made “an house of high places” with an altar on which sacrifices were made—not to God, but to the calves which he had made, and he made priests from all classes of the people (N. T.), not of the sons of Levi. He ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month (approximating our October). The feasts of the Lord (Leviticus 23) were in the first, third and seventh months of the 12 Comprising the sacred year, or approximately March-April-June and September.

All of this religious system we are told was devised of Jeroboam’s own heart, and through the counsel of his advisers. Jeroboam well knew that it was because of idolatry that the kingdom had been taken away from Solomon’s family (chapter 11, verse 33), and that if he should be allowed to keep it, he must walk in God’s ways as David had (chapter 11, verse 38).

Here was the beginning of the open apostasy of the ten tribes of Israel; it invited the judgment of God which was pronounced on Jeroboam in the fourteenth chapter, and executed in the fifteenth (verse 29). We may note that Jeroboam as the daring leader in idolatry, is mentioned in the two books of Kings after the fifteenth chapter of 1 Kings no less than twenty-one times. God does not forget, and would not have His people forget, the seriousness of sin, and the more responsible a person is, the more solemn is it for him to reject the authority of the Word of God.

ML 07/03/1927

"God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"

ONE Lord’s day afternoon, while I was present at a service at K. two little girls about six and eight years old seated themselves next to me.

They were poorly, but neatly dressed. I was not particularly pleased to have such neighbors near me, as small children are generally very restless, which, to me, is quite annoying, but as the sermon progressed, I could only wonder how these little ones could sit as long, listening so intently to the preacher.

I offered the youngest one my hymn book, that she might look at a picture in it, because I thought the child would soon begin to show impatience. She took the book, looked at the picture, then handed it back to me, and resumed her quiet attention as before.

The good behavior of the little ones pleased me so much that, at the end of the service, I gave each a shining 50 cent piece. Looking at me with surprise, they thanked me for it. They waited at the door for me, holding out their hands to thank me once more.

Soon after this I read in a Sunday-paper a little article relating the following:

“In a certain family there was great poverty. One Sunday morning there was no more money in the house, and no food except a little coffee and a few rolls. Mother and children passed the latter from one to another, until finally they divided them among themselves. In the afternoon, when the hunger was felt keenly, the six-year old girl said to her sister.

‘Come, let us go to the afternoon service, perhaps God will give us bread there!’ Her sister replied thoughtfully,

‘How can God give us bread through the preaching?’ But the little one was not so easily discouraged, and said;

‘Why not? Didn’t the Saviour feed five thousand people after His sermon?’

At that remark, the older sister did not know what to reply, so the two went together. There they were seated next to an elderly, kind looking gentleman. During the service he gave them a picture to look at, and finally presented each of them with a 50-cent piece. They hastened to a bakery where they bought some bread, which they took home triumphantly to their mother, giving her also the rest of the money.”

Dear children do you trust the Lord to give you what you need, and go to Him in times of trial? He will never leave nor forsake those who have accepted Him as their Saviour.

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:17.

If the gentleman gave the money to the little girls as giving it to the Lord, he shall receive a reward from Him.

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Col. 3:23.

“The poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to the poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” Dent. 15:11.

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:17.

ML 07/03/1927

I Am Going to Him

I LATELY visited a dear little girl, who was at the point of death, and was passing through great suffering. After speaking to her gently for a few moments, I asked her if she loved Jesus. She faintly smiled, and said, “Yes, I am going to Him.” Though her body was racked with pain, she could just utter these few words; it gave me great joy to know that the dear child was simply trusting Jesus, and would soon be with Him.

Dear young readers, remember that this life is uncertain, and that many die early. Trust in the finished work of Jesus now, before sickness comes upon you, and then you will be able to say with this dear little girl, “I love Jesus, and I am going to Him.”

ML 07/03/1927

An Important Question

WE wonder what these dear boys are talking about so earnestly. Even boys, usually so full of life and fun, have their troubles, and they like to have someone in whom they can confide, and tell their sorrows.

The Lord Jesus listens to our prayers and we can confide in Him as in no one else.

It seems to be a very serious and important matter that is occupying these boys. Perhaps they realize that they must spend eternity either in heaven or in hell, and the one in the doorway may be telling the other boys the sure way of getting to heaven.

How many of our dear readers would be able to tell the boys how to be saved? No doubt a good number have found out the way, and can tell others the same good news of salvation.

We would like to have our young friends send in answers on this most important question,

How is one to be saved? Quoting one or more Scriptures.

If any of our readers are not saved, we beg of you to settle at once this greatest of all questions, —your eternal salvation. Do not put off the matter any longer. You cannot afford to do so.

The coming of the Lord must be very near, and when He comes and takes away all of His own redeemed ones, the door of mercy will be closed upon you forever. You would be left behind for His judgment.

“THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE, AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT.” Matt. 25:10.

ML 07/03/1927

The Invalid

A YOUNG girl, who had long been caring for a sick sister, and whose mother was in feeble health too, was getting quite worn out.

One morning as she trudged along to procure medicine, she thought how hard it was to be always waiting on an invalid, when other girls were at liberty and had their pleasures in driving, and strolling through the parks. Then the thought came to her, how likely it was that her sister would die. Between weariness and grief she wept. But a sudden thought crossed her mind, her tears were dried and her steps grew light and nimble. After she returned, noticing how cheerfully she went about her work, and how briskly and easily she did it, her mother asked the reason. It turned out that this verse of Scripture came to her mind,

“I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness has afflicted me.” Psa. 119:75.

Day and night henceforth, she never wearied in her attendance of her dear sister, and ere long, God rewarded her, for the sister recovered sufficiently to sit out in the garden and enjoy the beauties of nature.

Now, dear ones, there is a nice lesson in this for each one of us.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Eccles. 9:10.

The Lord has placed in the hands of each believer, something to do for Himself. It may be pleasant, or it may be that which we do not like, but if done unto Him, we shall be happy in doing it, and will rejoice from day to day, in having the privilege of pleasing the One who has done so much for us.

“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 07/10/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 13.

THE faithful God would not leave the ten tribes, led away to idolatry, under Jeroboam without a message from Him, and a man of God came out of Judah, out of the two tribes, faithful to the son of David, with the word of the Lord. Bethel, to which he came, means House of God, but now it was anything but that House of Satan it had become. A golden calf had taken the place of Jehovah in the system of religion Jeroboam had established, and this wicked man was standing before the altar preparing to burn incense in honor of the idol when the unnamed prophet of God appeared.

It is when the light of testimony burns dimly, that prophecy, through God’s gracious forbearance and love for His people, reappears. What is the message the prophet from Judah brings to the ears of this bold leader in idolatry, the king of Israel? That a child should be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, who should condemn and destroy what was being done by Jeroboam; upon that altar he would burn the bones of Jeroboam’s false priests.

This was not to take place for more than three hundred years, for Jeroboam became king of the ten tribes in B. C. 975, and Josiah of the two tribes in B. C. 641.

The house of David, then, was still to be the royal line, though Jeroboam had been used as an instrument of God to punish them for the idolatry and other evil practices of Solomon’s later history.

A sign was promised, —the altar was to be broken, and the ashes poured out. When the king heard the message which the prophet brought, he wanted to seize him, but was not allowed to; his arm which he stretched out was dried up, so that he could not draw it back. Then the promised break occurred in the altar and the ashes streamed out. Jeroboam, thoroughly frightened, begged the man of God to pray that his hand might be restored. He was a godless man, like many, quite content to live without the true knowledge of the true God, indeed, quite content to serve the devil, but like many another, quick to cry out for help when in serious trouble, and as quick to forget God again. God nevertheless answered the prophet’s prayer, and Jeroboam’s hand was restored.

Now, Satan quickly set a trap for the man of God. If he would go home with the king, he should be rewarded, but he had been forbidden to even drink water among the rebellious and idolatrous people. Recalling his instructions, the prophet refused the king’s benefits, and set out for the land of Judah again, by a different route.

But Satan was still determined to make the testimony of God, as expressed by this godly man, of no effect. It could be done, if he could be made in his actions to give the lie to his words; where the king failed, an unfaithful old prophet succeeded in this aim. What a lesson is there in the story that follows (verses 15-30), for every believer in the Lord Jesus to take to heart!

The man of God knew God’s judgment; he had been used to testify about it before the guilty Jeroboam; did he not enter in heart into the truth of the message he delivered? He should have deeply felt the position of the dupes of Satan under Jeroboam, and the Word of God should have been a sufficient guide for him. He knew the course he was instructed to take, but he accepted the word of another, contrary to what he had learned from God Himself, and died. Obedience to the Word of God was his proper engagement; it would have kept him out of what befell him. Happier far and safer is it to walk in the light of God’s Word, regardless of man’s opinions.

Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, and for a time he was allowed to go on in it. No doubt, at times he remembered the Word of God he had heard, but he preferred his own ways, and soon his life was to be over, and he in eternity.

What of my reader?

ML 07/10/1927

"Do Tell Me Something About Jesus"

A SOLDIER was brought to Jesus in a singular way by a little child. He was quartered for some weeks with a Christian farmer and his family.

They were kind and hospitable and truly Christian people. His first meal in that house made a deep impression on his mind. Before eating, the parents, children, and farm-servants each stood behind a chair and bowed the head, while the father asked a blessing. After they had eaten, all did the same, and the father returned thanks. The farmer and his servants went to the harvest-field, the children went to school, except Johnny, the youngest. The soldier sat down after dinner, gazing from the window on the surrounding objects, feeling impressed with this thought,

“These people love God.”

While thus meditating, the little boy came to him, looked into his eyes and said,

“Tell me something about the Lord Jesus.”

Rather startled at the request, he began talking about dogs, horses, cows, and other things. When he stopped, the little one looked into his face again, and said,

“Do tell me something about Jesus!” Somewhat ashamed, the soldier replied,

“I don’t know anything about Him.” Johnny, much surprised at the answer, replied,

“And you so big, and don’t know anything about Jesus Christ? If you don’t love Him and serve Him you won’t go to heaven.”

The soldier could not reply. This was an arrow from God. He felt miserable. He soon left the house and joined his comrades in the village. In vain he tried to forget the child’s words,

“And you so big, and don’t know anything about Jesus!”

He lingered till dusk, and returned to the farm-house, hoping the family had had supper, that he might avoid the praying. The careful wife had reserved the supper, and, as he sat down to table and was about to eat, his little friend said,

“Please, pray first, then eat.”

Quite discomfited by this rebuke, he laid down his knife and fork, not knowing what to do. The little fellow seeing his embarrassment, folded his hands and asked God’s blessing on the soldier’s supper. Strange thoughts passed through his mind while he was eating.

When the table was cleared, all the family was seated for evening reading, and each one was supplied with a Bible. All united in reading the Scriptures; the soldier read with them. All joined in singing a hymn. The father prayed, and he did not forget the soldier; they then retired for the night, all except their guest, and the farmer and his wife. They spoke kindly to the young soldier, and read other portions of Scripture, and prayed, then showed him his room. The strangest feelings came over him. The Spirit of God was shedding light on that dark mind. He was ashamed, troubled, hardly knew what to do. So he kneeled down by the bed, and prayed the first prayer he had offered for many years:

“O God of this house be my God.”

He there sought for mercy. He found peace in believing on Jesus, and is now a devoted servant of God.

“This is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23.

“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.

You see, God can use even a little boy or girl in leading a “big” man to Christ.

ML 07/10/1927

Put Yourself Down in the Third of John!

GOD, from all eternity, contemplated the salvation of sinners, and gave His beloved Son, the blessed One, who, in His love, came to suffer, and bleed, and die.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (read John 3:1 to 16).

I said to one of a large household,

“Mary, you look very happy this morning; are you happy?”

“O, yes, sir,” she replied, “very happy.” “How is that, Mary?”

She answered, “I went, as you told me, and put myself down in the third of John, along with the world.”

“What world, Mary?”

“O, sir,” she replied, “the world we are told that God so loved.”

“Was it a world of angels, Mary?” “No, sir.”

“A world of saints, then?”

“No, sir.”

“Well, a world of believers?”

“No, sir, but a world of sinners; and that is where I am; and when I read ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,’ that tells me that God loves me.”

Let me pause and ask, Have you ever seen that? Have you ever put yourself in some truth of God like that? You complain of coldness and deadness, and say you cannot believe. Now, the reason, is, you do not go to the truth—the very thing to be believed; you do not go down upon the Rock—the truth, as GOD speaks it to you for salvation.

“But what more, Mary, makes you happy?”

“Ah, sir,” she replied, “the next line—it was that which brought me rest and peace —that ‘whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.’”

“Then you believe that Mary?”

“Yes, sir; I rest in that because God says it; and I am happy because there I see that Christ loved me, and died for me, and I have everlasting life.”

That is the whole English, the very alphabet and algebra of salvation, everything a poor sinner wants—he comes to know the love of Christ. And now ask the Christian how he knows he is saved; he will tell you, because of such a truth as that—that God says it. The God of truth declares,

“Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. I accept His testimony, rest on His Word, believe on His Son, and have the assurance that I am saved for eternity. Will you here and now do the same?

ML 07/10/1927

The Gazelle

THE Gazelle, or roebuck, is a small deer or antelope. Its tail is short; the fawn color on the back is separated by a brown or nearly black band from the white of the stomach.

This animal’s activity of powers of leaping have procured for it its familiar name of “springer.” It is celebrated in Scripture for its beauty, gracefulness, swiftness, and gentleness. The eyes of the gazelle are so beautiful and so kind; its movements so graceful and nimble that the animal often serves as a subject for the poets.

The gazelle is always met with in herds, often of a hundred, thus forming a sure prey to lions, panthers, hyenas, wolves, and eagles. They are inoffensive creatures, gentle and timid, which have as a defense against their enemies only their rapid flight to some high and secure place on the mountain. Sometimes, however, if surprised, they show a desperate courage. They press close to one another, in the form of a circle with their horns toward the enemy. The ravisher, a lion for instance, then may take his time to choose his victim; he springs upon it, and the rest of the band, terror-stricken, disband and flee.

God tells us in His Word that Satan goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Let us not, as these little creatures, try to stand in our own strength when we meet with temptations, but let us flee to Christ who is our Rock, our Secure Hiding place.

“I will love thee, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer, my God, my Strength, in whom I will trust, my Buckler and Horn of my Salvation and my High Tower.” Psa. 18:1,2.

“THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION; WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE; OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID?” Psa. 27:1.

ML 07/17/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 14.

A SECOND time Jeroboam was made to feel the hand of God laid on him, though warnings seem to have been of no avail. Abijah the only child he had, in whom there was piety (verse 13) fell sick, and Jeroboam again showed that he knew there was power in the true God which was not in the demons behind his golden calf. To the prophet of Shiloh, Ahijah, of whom we read in chapter 11, and who wrote a book (2 Chronicles 9:29) which has not been preserved, went Jeroboam’s wife, disguised at her husband’s request in order that it should not be known that the king and leader in idolatry was sending to a servant of the true God. He would be able to tell her what should become of the boy.

Ahijah was very old, and could not see, but He whose eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3), told him that Jeroboam’s wife was approaching, and what was her errand. The Lord God of Israel, whom Jeroboam had provoked to anger by his ways, which were evil above all those who lived before his time, gave Ahijah the answer he was to make to Jeroboam’s wife, to be carried back to her husband. As Ahijah told her when she came into his dwelling, it was a hard message he had to give.

God had exalted Jeroboam to the high place he held, taking the kingdom from the house of David because of Solomon’s sins, but instead of profiting by this, Jeroboam had sinned worse than any that were before him, in making other gods and molten images and turning the people after them. He had rejected the true God entirely. For this reason evil would be brought on the house of Jeroboam; not a man would be left, and the dogs and birds would eat their bodies. (See 2 Chronicles 13:20 for the cause of the death of Jeroboam, and chapter 15:29, 30 for the killing of all his sons). The one exception, of Jeroboam’s children, would be the boy on whose account their mother had come to the prophet, and he would die before she got back to him.

The positive statement was now made that Israel would be removed out of the land, and scattered beyond the river (Euphrates), given up because of Jeroboam’s sins, and his making Israel to sin. (See 2 Kings 15:29 and 17:6 for the carrying out of His word). It was in B. C. 740 that the tribes of Israel east of the Jordan were carried away, and nineteen years later, the rest of the kingdom of Israel followed. One hundred and thirty-three years still later, or in B. C. 588, the kingdom of Judah was ended, and its people carried away to Babylon (2 Kings 24:14-16 and 25:11).

The ten tribes of Israel have never been found, but they are to be brought back to their place in the land of Israel after the Lord has appeared on earth to set up His kingdom. Those we know as Jews are of the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

Jeroboam’s boy died, and the whole country lamented his death, according to the word of the Lord. Jeroboam had been king for twenty-two years, when he died. Nadab, another of his sons, took the throne when Jeroboam died.

We are now directed to the history of Judah during this period. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, reigned 17 years in Jerusalem. Led by him the people turned increasingly to idolatry, and the wickedness of the nations was practiced among them. The king of Egypt, Shishak, or Shashank 1 (there are several spellings) was therefore sent against Judah before Solomon had been dead five years, and he carried away much of the gold of Solomon’s magnificent temple, and of his grand house. Twelve years after this, Rehoboam died, and Abijam his son reigned in his stead. How short lived is earthly glory, and how quickly the heart turns away from the true God to serve Satan!

ML 07/17/1927

God Says I Am Saved

I SPOKE to a young girl about the state of her soul.

“Are you quite happy?” I said.

“No, sir.”

“Why? Are you not saved?”

“I am not sure.”

“But why are you not sure? Do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?”

“Yes, but I don’t feel saved.”

“Do you feel lost?”

“Yes, I do;” and she now began to weep.

“How do you know you are lost?”

“Because I am a sinner, and God’s Word says so.”

“Then you believe His Word, do you?”

“O, yes, sir; indeed I do.”

“Well, then, His Word says, ‘Look unto Me, and be ye saved.’ Do you believe that?”

“Yes,”

“But are you looking to Jesus?”

“Yes, sir; but I don’t feel as I should like to.”

“Granted; but does it say, ‘Look unto Me, and feel saved?’”

“No.”

“What then?”

“Be ye saved.”

“What?”

“Be ye saved.”

“When is that, today or tomorrow?” “When I look.”

“But are you looking?”

“Yes, I am really looking to Jesus.” “Then, are you saved?” She paused a moment, and then firmly replied:

“I don’t feel it, but God says I am saved. I see it now.” The next moment her eye lit up, and her face told the tale of a new spring of joy having been opened to her.

“Well,” I said, “if any one were to come in, and ask you now if you were saved, what would you say?”

“I would say ‘Yes.’”

“And if they asked you how you knew it and were sure of it, what would you say?”

“I would say that I do believe in Jesus, and God says in His Word that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life; and though I don’t feel it, I do believe what God says.”

“Then you rest your soul on Jesus and on God’s Word?”

“Yes, sir, I do.”

“You have no fears?”

“None.”

“No doubts?”

“No; why should I? I see it all clearly. I’m only a poor sinner—and Jesus died for me—and I believe in Him—and God says I’m saved—and so I know I am.”

I had a little more conversation, and called two days after to find her truly filled with joy and peace in believing. Her face shone with the joy the knowledge of God alone can impart.

Dear reader, are you saved or lost? Which? Don’t shirk the question. It must be answered soon. The longest life has its end. Who has given you a lease of long life? A long eternity you shall have. Where will you spend it? Another day may find you in it. Gone forever from earth, where Christ died, “once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” Gone where? With Christ; Or without Him? Would it be without Him? You tremble to say “Yes.” Stop—listen. Your future is awful. Forgotten by man—forsaken by God—forever in hell. O, pause a moment in your downward course! Listen to the voice of love speaking to you—speaking from heaven— “Come unto Me.” — “Look unto Me.”— “I am Jesus.”— “By Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9. “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

You have naught to do but take your true place as a lost sinner now before God. Acknowledge your sin. Justify Him—He’ll justify you. It is all summed up in the sweet confession of the girl. May you this day put your trust for salvation in the same Saviour, and be able to say with certainty, like her,

“I’m only a poor sinner—Jesus died for me—I believe in Him—God says I am saved, and so I know I am.”

ML 07/17/1927

Didn't Think She Was Lost

A LITTLE girl had strayed from her mother’s side at a meeting. The poor woman, on discovering her loss, went to the preacher and told him about it. The servant of Christ called out the child’s name, “Mary,” from the platform. But no one responded. At the close of the meeting the little one was found sitting in the front seat. On being asked if she had been there during the service, she said that she had.

“Why, then, did you not answer when your name was called?”

“O, I wasn’t lost,” she said, “I thought it was some other Mary.”

There are lots of people like the little girl. “We are all sinners,” they say. But when asked if they are lost sinners, they declare that they are not so bad as that. They may listen to the plainest and most pointed gospel preaching, but they do not appear at all impressed. They read powerful gospel appeals, but they seem quite careless and unconcerned. Why? Because they have not accepted God’s verdict, that they are lost and ruined sinners. The reader may admit that he is a sinner in a general sense, but if he is prepared to add to that, “I am not any worse than others,” it proves that he has never measured himself by God’s measuring line, or weighed himself in God’s balances. You are either lost or saved, travelling to heaven or hell. Which?

Until you learn that you are condemned, and helpless to do anything to save yourself, you will never be saved.

“While there is hope of the sinner being able to do anything, there is no hope of anything being done.” How true! God says you are lost. O! unsaved reader, will you, do you, accept His testimony regarding yourself? If so,

“The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” Luke 19:10. He is willing and able to save.

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

ML 07/17/1927

God's Handiwork

When you’re walking in the garden

With it’s many colored flowers,

Do you ever stop and wonder,

As you gaze, perhaps for hours,

Why so many shapes and sizes—

And each one a different hue—

Pink and white and red and yellow

And some lavender and blue?

‘Tis the handiwork of God.

Can you tell when sitting, resting

In the shade of some old tree,

Why the oaks and pines and cedars

All so different should be?

Or why carrots, beets, and lettuce,

Pears, bananas, plums, and grapes

Differ all in taste and color

And have many different shapes?

‘Tis the handiwork of God.

If you’re traveling through the mountains

With their snow-capped peaks of white

Towering high and gleaming brightly

With a million beams of light,

Can you tell just how they came there

With the valleys in between?

And just why the peaks are snow-clad

And the valleys rich in green?

‘Tis the handiwork of God.

When you’re standing by your window

Wrapped in wonder at the sight

Of the moon in all her brightness,

And the beauties of the night,—

At the planets shining brightly,

And the twinkling stars beyond,

Does a note of thanks and gratitude

Deep in your heart respond

To the handiwork of God?

Yes, the flowers, the trees, the mountains

All bespeak God’s love and power,

And the heavens in all their splendor

Breathe His glory, hour by hour.

May our hearts be ever grateful

To the One Who made them all,

And our ears be ever open

To His tender, loving call.

“IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH.” Gen. 1:1.

ML 07/24/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 15.

ONLY a few verses are given about Abijam, who followed in the footsteps of his wicked father. For David’s sake he was allowed to reign, and he was king for only three years. We may learn more about this king of Judah if we turn to 2 Chronicles 13, where his name is spelled Abijah. The Books of Kings give the general history of God’s government in Israel, and after Solomon, chiefly the ten tribed kingdom of Israel, bringing in the two tribed kingdom of Judah, only as it is necessary in telling the history of the former kingdom until its end in the Assyrian captivity (2 Kings 17). The Books of Chronicles on the other hand consider the lives of the kings as objects of the grace and blessing of God, and chiefly deal with the house of Judah.

Asa, the third king of Judah, began in a much better way than his father and grandfather in whom so little of regard for God, and of ways suitable to Him was seen. He removed those who lived in wickedness, and took away all the idols his predecessors had made; he removed his mother (or grandmother) from the honored place of queen-mother, because she had made an idol in a grove, and he burned her idol. However, he let many of the high places remain, where idolatrous practices had been carried on, and when the third king of Israel, Baasha, came against him, he asked the help of the king of Syria, sending him all the silver and gold that were left of the treasures in the temple and in Solomon’s house. Asa was very angry with Hanani the seer when he came to him after this to tell him he had done wrong in seeking the help of the Syrians (2 Chronicles 16:10), and he put him in prison, also oppressing some of the people at the same time. From the same chapter we learn that when Asa’s feet were diseased, he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians. Notwithstanding these things, Asa’s life as a whole was that of one who feared God, though he was not at all the godly man David had been.

Nadab, Jeroboam’s son, who had become king of the ten tribes of Israel when his father died, reigned but two years. He followed his father in wickedness, and Baasha of the tribe of Issachar killed him when Nadab was besieging the Philistine city of Gibbethon.

Baasha then became king and killed every member of Jeroboam’s family; he seems to have been as bad a man as Nadab or as Jeroboam. He was God’s instrument in punishing the guilty house of Jeroboam, but God never approved his crime.

It may be of interest to remark that Ramah (verse 17) was a city of Benjamin, a few miles northwest of Jerusalem; the places and districts named in verse 20 were all in the far north of Palestine, stretching as far south as the sea of Galilee; Tirzah (verse 21) was about 12 miles northeast of the then future capital city of Samaria, in northern central Palestine; Geba and Mizpeh were close to the site of Ramah, Gibbethon (verse 27) was a city of Dan 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

ML 07/24/1927

A Little Christian

MORRIS was a bright little boy of five years when the Lord Jesus took him home to Himself in glory. But little Morris did not go to heaven because he was a good boy, as many children are wrongly taught. No, the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:10.

Morris was taught and believed that Jesus died for him on the cross, the only way for anyone to go to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

You will see, as the story goes on, that this dear boy had a sinful nature just like everyone else. Sometimes he disobeyed his parents, and at other times spoke angry words. But he was taught in his early life that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin, and that the Lord hears and answers the prayers of little children. He believed and trusted the Lord Jesus, so when he did naughty things he told the Lord Jesus, and asked His help.

Now we must tell you a few of little Morris’ sayings which show his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus. He seemed to admire and enjoy God’s work in nature. One day while walking with his grandmother, he exclaimed with delight,

“The trees, the birds, the grass, and all the things the Lord made, are they not wonderful!” One day looking out of the window after a rain, and seeing the matchless colors of a rainbow, he said to his grandmother,

“Look at these beautiful colors, God made them, are they not wonderful! God takes His paints and paints the sky. He can do anything. I tell you. I love the Lord, and believe everything the Bible says.”

From a very tender age little Morris had absolute faith in prayer. Often he would stop in his play, kneel down and speak to the Lord about his own little troubles, or ask help for some sick one. When his Uncle was dangerously sick, he looked perplexed at his mother who was crying for an instant, then kneeling before a chair he said, “Lord, my Uncle is very sick; please come and make him well.” A few days later on hearing his Uncle was better, he said with a sweet smile, “Now you see the Lord heard my prayer and made Uncle well.” Another instance, when his mother was ill, he stopped his play to go and intercede for her recovery.

Nearly every day he would say to his mother, “Mother, how I do love you, but I love Jesus best of all.”

His great delight was to hear Bible stories on going to bed at night. When asked what kind of story, he would reply, “O, about Jesus.” He especially liked to hear about Jesus on the cross, and asked many questions. One of the last things he said about this subject was, “Was it not nice of Jesus to forgive that poor thief, and let him go to heaven with Him.”

Little Morris tried hard to please the Lord, and was often grieved at the suggestions of the enemy to do wrong, and would stop in his spell of temper or disobedience, and say aloud, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”

The thought of heaven as his future home was much on his mind before his last sickness, and asked many questions about it. The day before he was stricken, he asked his grandmother,

“Will I see Jesus right away when I get to heaven?”

There were many more sweet sayings of this dear boy, but these will suffice to show how his little mind delighted to dwell on eternal things, and surely the Lord Jesus must have been pleased with such words from his lips. Truly did the Lord Jesus say, “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise.” Matt. 21:16.

Now, dear children, you who have read these words of little Morris, have you ever praised the Lord Jesus? First you must know Him as your Saviour, as the One who has died to save you. Then you will be able to say in the language of our hymn,

Little children, praise the Saviour;

He regards you from above.

Praise Him for His great salvation,

Praise Him for His gracious love!

When the anxious mothers round Him,

With their tender infants pressed,

He with open arms received them,

And the little ones He blest.

Little children, praise the Saviour;

Praise Him your undying Friend;

Praise Him, till above you meet Him;

There to praise Him without end.

ML 07/24/1927

A Little Maid

NO doubt every one of you, my young readers, has heard of the beautiful story in the fifth chapter of the Second Book of Kings, concerning Naaman, the Syrian, who was a leper.

Now, what I want you to notice is that, humanly speaking, it all came about through some words which were spoken by “a little maid,” who “waited on Naaman’s wife.”

This little maid was “brought away captive out of the land of Israel.” But she possessed a great secret in her little heart, for she knew there was a prophet in Samaria who not only could, but would, cure her mighty captor, if he were only with him there.

Out of the abundance, therefore, of her heart, the mouth spake, and she said to her mistress, “Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.”

“A word spoken in due season, how good is it!” and this word proved to be a word in season for Naaman.

It is not my object to relate the story here but only to point out to those who already know and love the Lord Jesus, that God could and did use even “a little maid” for the carrying out of His purposes of love; and that He has recognized this little act, and caused it to be placed on record by including it in the narrative of this miracle of grace.

Now, this miracle is rendered all the more striking when it is remembered that of all the lepers that were in Israel in the days of Elisha the prophet (and the Lord Jesus has informed us that there were “many”), only one of them was cleansed, and that was Naaman.

A yet greater result, however, than even the healing, flowed from the words “spoken in due season” by the little maid, and that is the conversion to God of this captain of the hosts of the king of Syria; as well as the wonderful tale it told to the heathen around, of the goodness, and mercy, and power of Him concerning whom Naaman afterwards said,

“Behold, now I know there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel,” and “thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.”

But not until the coming glory, will the mighty results in all their fulness be seen and known. Then, shall be revealed the fact that during the last nineteen hundred years, many and many a sinner, from “every kindred and tongue and people and nation,” yea,

From Greenland’s icy mountains,

To India’s coral strand,

will have been turned from darkness to light through the preaching of the Gospel of God’s boundless grace, as illustrated by the story of Naaman the Syrian.

ML 07/24/1927

Open the Door for Us

DEAR children, we have before us today, the lamb and sheep patiently waiting to be let out of the fold, and the little girl is opening the door for them. I wonder if she has something in her basket for them? No doubt when the door is open, they will bound through in great glee, and if they could speak, I am sure they would say, “Thank you.”

Now, my dear friends, this brings before us, the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd of the lambs and sheep, the One who loves and cares for each one who belongs to His flock. How precious to know this One as our Saviour, Shepherd, and Friend.

A dear little girl was visiting her aunt. Upon the wall was a picture of a shepherd carrying a little lamb in his bosom. After looking very intently at the picture, little Mary said,

“Auntie, I don’t wish to grow big.” “Why, my dear?”

“Because Jesus carries the lambs in His bosom, and He doesn’t carry the big sheep,” and then looking again at the picture, she said,

“Doesn’t it look comfortable?”

Dear children, have you learned the tenderness of Jesus? What a happy place it is to be folded in His arms! The door of salvation is not closed, as in our picture, but wide open today, and the invitation goes out to “whosoever will” may enter.

It will not be long, before this door will be closed, and then it will be too late.

You who are still unsaved; you who have not yet come under the shelter of Jesus’ precious blood; you who have not yet felt the weight of your sins, remember the day is very near when the Lord will arise off His Father’s throne, come in the air, His lambs and His sheep caught up. to meet Him, and they will be forever with Him, —throughout Eternity. Then the door will be shut.

Will you, my dear ones, be on the inside or outside of the door?

“Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” Jno. 6:37.

“I AM THE DOOR: BY ME IF ANY NAN ENTER IN, HE SHALL BE SAVED.” Jno. 10:9

ML 07/31/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 16.

JEHU, son of that Hanani who had reproved Asa, and been put in prison (1 Chronicles 16:7-10), a prophet of Judah, was now given to pronounce the judgment of God on the murderer Baasha, that the same fate should be his children’s as befell the children of Jeroboam. Baasha died and was buried, and Elah his son became king. but in less than two years he was killed by his servant Zimri who made himself king, and forthwith killed every other member of Baasha’s family, and besides that, his relatives and friends. This bloody man only reigned seven days, for the people generally were encamped against Gibbethon, evidently still trying to capture the place from the Philistines, and when they heard what Zimri had done, they made Omri, the captain of the host (military leader of the nation) their king. Omri and the people left Gibbethon, and besieged and captured Tirzah, whereupon Zimri burned the king’s house, himself being in it, and so died.

Confusion followed this last horror; half of the people followed Tibni who finally died, and Omri reigned. Omri is noted because he built the capital city of Samaria, and much more because he was worse in his ways than all that were before him. Details of his life were written, like those of other kings of Israel in “the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel” which was evidently well known when the Books of Kings were written, but have not been preserved.

It is well to remember that all the books of the Bible as we have it, have been known as such, as to Old Testament books, since before the Lord was here on earth and as to the New Testament books, none have been lost. God has been careful, even though many highly interesting books of history may have been destroyed, to see to it that His Word should be preserved through all the changing events of man’s career.

Omri died and was buried in Samaria, and Ahab his son reigned in his stead, and alas! he was worse in God’s estimation than Omri or Jeroboam. And as if it had been a light thing to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, he married Jezebel. daughter of the king of the Sidonians, and served and worshiped Baal, rearing an altar for his god in a temple built in its honor at Samaria. In Ahab’s days, Jericho was rebuilt. In Joshua 6:26 you will find the curse put upon the man who should restore the city, but the word of God was disregarded at painful cost, for the man who did it lost all his children by death, as the word of Joshua had foretold.

In this stage of Israel’s history, every year, or at least with every king, getting farther and farther sunk in idolatry and other forms of wickedness utterly offensive to God, and now under the leadership of Ahab with his thoroughly wicked wife, Satan apparently triumphant, God was about to introduce a servant whom he had been preparing, Elijah the Tishbite.

ML 07/31/1927

The Two Friends

IN the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia, there lived a Jewish physician, whose name was Joseph. He was a very clever and capable man, and no doctor in the whole country could be compared with him.

Now in the same city there lived a very godly man named Basilius. He was well acquainted with Joseph, and had often spoken to him about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who had come into the world for the salvation of all mankind. He had often expressed the wish to his friend Joseph that he might know the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, before he (Basilius) was taken from this earth. But the physician always remarked that he intended to live and die in the faith of his fathers, i.e. to remain a Jew. Even when Basilius tried to prove to him that Christ was the beginning and end, as also the center of all God’s counsels, being the fulfillment of God’s promises, the physician’s ears seemed closed to all.

Basilius, one day became seriously ill; he felt his end was drawing near, so sent for his friend Joseph, the physician; who, when he arrived, examined Basilius very carefully; then turning solemnly to the friends standing by, said:

“His end is very near!” But Basilius, who heard those words, asked;

“What, can I not be kept alive till tomorrow?” The physician answered;

“That cannot be, you will never see tomorrow; if you have anything to set in order, then hasten, for in one hour your life will end.” Then the dying man said;

“But what if I live till tomorrow noon?” Joseph answered in the pride and security of his ability,

“Then I would die!”

“Yes, yes,” answered Basilius, “may you die; that is, to sin and unbelief, and then to live for the Lord Jesus, who came into this world and died on the cross, even for your salvation.” The physician answered earnestly;

“Very well, if it adds to your comfort, I will promise you, that I will be converted, and become a Christian, if your life is prolonged.” Saying this he left.

Basilius folded his hands and prayed;

“Lord Jesus, Thou Who hast given this poor body life and breath, and hast granted me strength to use this breath in Thy service so many years, do Thou grant these dying members life and breath for a few more hours; so that the soul of that man, O my God, may be partaker of Thy salvation and blessings.”

The next morning the physician was called for. He entered the room, and behold, the old man was still alive, and greeted his coming friend in his usual kind way.

The latter was so astonished, he sank down upon his knees, beside the patient’s bed, and said,

“Now I acknowledge of a truth, that your God, O Basilius, is the true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our father’s comfort and hope; for He only could perform this miracle, to give new energy to the almost motionless heart, and to restore sight to the dimmed eye. Very well, I will do what I promised yesterday. I commit myself in faith to Thee, Lord Jesus, and am ready to be baptized in Thy name, with my whole house.” Basilius had the desire to perform this baptism himself, therefore he prayed to the Lord;

“From my youth, Thou has been the strength of my weakness, therefore it is but a small thing for Thee to grant me the necessary strength for this service too.”

When the appointed hour for the baptism arrived, there stood Basilius, (he who was to have been dead), and called upon the gathered assembly for prayer and praise to God. Then he baptized his friend Joseph, and his whole house.

As the city’s most prominent persons appeared at this solemn service, Basilius used the occasion to once more testify to all that there is salvation in no other name, but only in the Name of Jesus.

It was by this time almost three o’clock in the afternoon, when suddenly a great change took place in Basilius’ expression; it seemed as if his face beamed with divine light and love, and then he passed away.

The converted physician was now a new man, and to all who knew him, he was an example of faithful love to the Lord and to the Lord’s people.

“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 07/31/1927

Found

ANNA was the daughter of kind fisher folks, who lived by the sea shore. One bright day she took a long walk along the beach, wandering far from her little village, until she was all tired out, and had to sit down and rest. While thus resting, she fell asleep. When she awoke, she thought it was time to return home, so hurried away, but instead of going towards home, she made the mistake of walking in the opposite direction, getting farther and farther away from her home, instead of, as she thought, nearer to it.

After walking a long time, she was so weary and tired, she had to stop and rest, and finding a sheltered nook among the rocks, she sat down, weeping and sad, for evening was drawing near, the sun was setting, and she was all alone, far from home. Now she realized that she was lost, and deeply regretted that she had gone so far alone. Finally sleep overtook her again, this time she slept sound through the whole night. Fortunately, the night was not cold, nor the sea rough.

How easy the wind and weather, or the tide might have been fatal to her; then she would have passed from sleep into death, from which also there is an awakening, but where and how?

In Luke 16 we read of the rich man who, after he had died, awoke in torment. But the poor thief, of whom we read in Luke 23, who died with the Lord Jesus at Golgotha, awoke in Paradise! What an awakening for both! After this awakening in eternity there is no more change possible. How solemn this is, dear children.

A kind gentleman, who had started to walk along the beach at day break, happened to pass that lonely spot where Anna was sleeping, and he gently woke her up. After inquiring where she had come from, he showed her the way home, and even went with her a large part of the way, comforting the poor girl, who was now much concerned about her dear, grieved parents at home, who had not thought of seeking her so far away. How happy they were when Anna finally reached home; then told them all about it!

See, dear children, Anna was lost, and had to be found; she was asleep, and had to be awakened, and she was brought on her way home: Three things.

Now you will be surprised when I say, that these three things must take place with you, if you enter that true, blessed, eternal home up in heaven. The Bible tells us that,

“All we like sheep have gone astray.” (Isa. 53:6). That means that we are all lost; but to seek and to save the lost ones, the Lord Jesus came into the world (Luke 19:10).

Therefore, dear children, let the Saviour, that Good Shepherd find, awaken, and lead you on the blessed way to the glory on high.

“I was lost, but Jesus found me,

Found the sheep that went astray;

Threw His loving arms around me,

Drew me back into His way.”

ML 07/31/1927

To Our Dear Children and Young People

It is with great pleasure we look over the many answers as they come in, and can readily see there has been diligent searching of the Word of God for them. We realize also the labor it is for the dear little ones in finding and writing them on paper, and they are so carefully and neatly written. The Lord takes notice of all this.

We do enjoy reading the little letters added at the end, telling us they know they belong to the Lord by having accepted Him as their Saviour, and we would like to write to each one, and tell them how happy we are that they are trusting Him, but we really have not the time.

Also we are glad to see so many stepping into the “Young People’s Bible Class”, which shows their interest in the work, and willingness to search a little deeper into the precious truths of the Word.

We are thankful to see the deep interest taken in the “Young People’s Class,” and for many of them to tell us of how much blessing the work has been to them. This is to their eternal gain, and the Lord is thus glorified.

It is cheering to read the many good answers that have come to the question, “How is one to be saved?” in July 3rd paper, and the correct verses quoted. It shows to us that any one of our friends can tell a poor lost sinner the way to be saved, through the Word.

Now, we cannot help but wonder if each one has the full assurance of his or her own salvation by resting on the unfailing Word of God, which tells us of the finished work of Christ on the cross for all, made good to those who come, to Him by faith.

If any of our friends are not saved, we beg of you, do not put off accepting Christ as Saviour for another moment. The Lord may come at any time. His coming for His own redeemed ones cannot be far off, and what a terrible thing it would be to be left behind for certain judgment!

The Lord Jesus Christ loves you, and is holding out His arms to receive you. He, still says, “Come unto Me.”

O! come to Jesus, children, come,

Don’t delay, don’t delay,

Secure a place in heaven’s bright home,

While ‘tis day, while ‘tis day;

That blessed home is filling fast,

And mercy’s day will soon be past,

Soon earth shall bear the trumpet’s blast;

Come away, come away.

O! sad, if thou shouldst be too late—

Don’t delay, don’t delay,

Arise, and enter mercy’s gate,

While ‘tis day, while ‘tis day;

A loving Saviour will appear

To meet thee, and to bless thee, there;

Draw nigh, and His salvation share;

Come away, come away.

His blood can wash the vilest clean,

Don’t delay, don’t delay,

O! come, confessing what thou’st been,

While ‘tis day, while ‘tis day;

A full salvation, vast and free,

Wrought out, by Christ, awaiteth thee;

Come then at once, and happy be;

Come away, come away.

ML 08/07/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And that we may be,” etc. 2 Thess. 3:2.

2.“Therefore, brethren,” etc. 2 2:15.

3.“Therefore let us not,” etc. 1 5:6.

4.“For if we believe,” etc. 1 4:14.

5.“In everything,” etc. 1 Thess. 5:18, or 4:3.

6.“And to wait for his Son,” etc. 1 Thess. 1:10.

7.“And the Lord make you,” etc. 1 3:12.

Bible Questions for August “The Children’s Class”

The answers are to be found in Hebrews

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Is a discerner of the thoughts.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Without shedding of blood is no remission.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The word preached did not profit them.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “How shall we escape if we neglect.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “We have such an high priest.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Let us go forth therefore unto him.”

Answers to Bible Questions for June. “The Young People’s Bible Class.”

1.They served God, and waited for His Son from heaven. 1 Thess. 1:9,10.

2.Not as the word of men, but as the Word of God. 1 Thess. 2:13.

3.Afflictions and tribulations. 1 Thess. 3:3,4.

4.They shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Thess. 4:17.

5.Spirit, soul and body. 1 Thess. 5:23.

6.They shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. 2 Thess. 1:9.

7.2 Thess. 3:10-12.

Bible Questions for August. “The Young People’s Bible Class.”

The Answers are to be found in Hebrews.

1.With whom is the Lord contrasted in Heb. Chapters 1 and 2?

2.With whom is the Lord contrasted in Heb. Chapter 3?

3.With whom is the Lord compared in Heb. Chapter 5?

4.How long will it be before the Lord comes again?

5.What two covenants are contrasted in Hebrews?

6.After what order of priesthood is Christ?

7.For what purpose is Christ now “entered into heaven”?

ML 08/07/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 17.

IT may help us now, as Elijah comes into the story of the wayward ten tribes, to review a little: Only sixty years had now elapsed since Solomon’s death, and the division of the kingdom into two unequal parts, but Judah had already enthroned their fourth king, Jehoshaphat; and Israel their seventh, Ahab.

The ten tribes had openly turned to idols under their first king, Jeroboam. Jeroboam’s family had been exterminated by the third king, Baasha; and the latter’s posterity were killed by Zimri who reigned a week, and committed suicide when he saw that his enemies would take his life.

Ahab, reigning when Elijah appeared, was thus the second king of the fourth dynasty of the kings of Israel while Judah kept to the divinely appointed royal line of David’s descendants. The gold calves which Jeroboam had made, still stood in the idol sanctuaries at Bethel and Dan, but Ahab, having married Jezebel, a daughter of the king of the Zidonians, brought in the worship of her country’s chief male god, Baal. The ancient Canaanites, whom the children of Israel had dispossessed when under Joshua they conquered the promised land, were Baal worshippers and the Israelites, in no small number had followed them in idolatry until Samuel. (See 1 Samuel 7:3,4).

Jezebel attempted to kill all the prophets of God (chapter 18:13) after she married Ahab, who did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him (chapter 16:33).

In the mountainous region of Gilead, east of the Jordan, Elijah lived; God has not given us any account of his birth, or of his life, ere he appeared before the astonished Ahab (verse 1), but in the New Testament is a brief statement about him which should have our attention, as it gives the key to his sudden appearance in Ahab’s court. (See James 5:17). He prayed, and what is more important he prayed earnestly, on behalf of his people who were given up to idolatry. He thus became a fit messenger for God. Hear his bold words to the wicked Ahab:

“As the Lord God of Israel liveth before Whom I stand, there shall not be clew nor rain these years, but according to my word!”

It was a declaration from the throne of God, that though Israel had given Him up for idols, He would not give up Israel, but sought to bring them back to Himself by His own means.

ML 08/07/1927

The Faithful Dog

HERE are two dear old ladies out in their little garden. They have been working hard all day, and now in the cool of evening, they are enjoying the garden flowers they have raised, and their little pet dog. They are very much interested in the dog. Why do you suppose they like him so well? Many of us have dogs, and we know what loyal, faithful creatures they are.

At the first sound of his master’s voice or footstep, a dog runs to meet him. When his master calls, he goes at once. He promptly obeys his master’s commands, and is very happy when his master plays with him, or shows him any attention.

A dog will risk his life to save his master, or his master’s child. Many a dog has been killed in his attempt to save some person’s life. Their love and devotion is very wonderful; it is no wonder that we love them so much.

This is why the women in the picture are so happy. After the work of the day it is a real treat to them to get out with their little pet, and teach him some new trick, or watch him do those he already knows.

I hope all the readers of this little paper will learn a lesson from the faithful dog, who tries so hard to please his master.

The Lord Jesus, speaking of God, His Father, said,

“I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29.

And He wants us to “do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.

Too often we are thinking about pleasing ourselves. But you will find that pleasing the Lord gives the truest happiness.

“Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.” Romans 15:2.

“EVEN CHRIST PLEASED NOT HIMSELF.” Romans 15:3

ML 08/07/1927

Praise God for the Bible

Praise God for the Bible!

Which comes like a friend

To counsel and comfort,

To guide and defend.

Praise God for the Bible!

Far better than gold,

The words of sure promise

Its pages unfold.

Praise God for the Bible!

The mirror of sin,

That shines on our wrongness

Without and within.

Praise God for the Bible!

The water of truth,

Which gladdens and cleanses

The way of our youth.

Praise God for the Bible!

His letter of love

Is calling the children—

Inviting above.

ML 08/07/1927

Beach Pleasures

I WONDER how many of you children have been to the beach in the summer time, —if you have not been to a beach along the oceanside, maybe it was one by some lake shore. What fun the boys and girls do have at such places wading, bathing, and swimming! Did you ever try jumping the waves as they come rolling toward you?

The boy in our picture does not have on his bathing suit, but looks as though he has been wading out in the water trying to catch some little fish in his net. He seems to be tired now, and is sitting quite still, thinking a bit.

We surely ought to feel what tiny, weak creatures we are, when we see all the mighty works of God about us; just look at the heavens above you, the miles upon miles of land around you, and the great bodies of water which divide continents—do these things not show us God’s power?

Yes, and the love of God is shown, too, by permitting the lost as well as the saved to enjoy all these beautiful things— how unworthy any of us are of them!

How we should love the Lord for all His goodness; these are gifts we can have only as long as we live down here, but God’s greatest gift to us is His Son, Jesus Christ. It is Jesus alone Who can make us happy for both time and eternity. All these other gifts will fail to bring comfort or peace unless we know Him.

“BY THE WORD OF THE LORD WERE THE HEAVENS MADE; AND ALL THE HOST OF THEM BY THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH.” Psa. 33:6.

“He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: He layeth up the depth in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psa. 33:7, 8, 9.

ML 08/14/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 17.

Elijah now disappeared. What wisdom and what power is here shown, in regard for the faithful servant from whom nothing was asked but simple obedience! His place of hiding was of God’s choice; there he was safe, though Ahab’s searchers spared no effort to find him (chapter 18:10); Elijah’s thirst was met in the little mountain torrent, and the ravenous ravens, notorious for greedy appetite, twice every day brought him his food, reversing the laws of nature at the command of nature’s God.

But the stream became dried up. Did Elijah then take alarm as day by day he observed the volume of water decreasing? Perhaps, for he was a man of like disposition with ourselves, but God was his resource, the unfailing resource of the faithful in all ages and countries. Elijah, we may say, was to be taught longer in the school of God before he might reappear in public life, and Israel had only begun to feel the chastening hand of Him who sits in the heavens.

To Zarephath, near to Jezebel’s former home, must Elijah now go—outside of Israel’s dominions, and to a widow in the most straitened circumstances. There were many widows in Israel at this time, but it was not to an Israelite, but a stranger, that the prophet was directed. (See Luke 4:25, 26). How humiliating it must have been to Elijah to be dependent on this poor woman! Yet she feared God, —she must have been one of those individuals who outside of the nation of Israel, appear from time to time in Israel’s history as true to God. Witness Methuselah, Job, Joel, Naaman, and others.

Faith had to be tested, even in the widow’s extremity, for she had gone out to gather fuel for what she believed to be her and her son’s last meal, but acting on God’s word spoken by the prophet, whose coming she was expecting (verse 9), she prepared first the food he asked for, as he was the representative of the true God. Never thereafter did the barrel fail to yield meal, nor the cruse fail to contain oil. Yet again must the widow’s heart be searched by our faithful and loving God her only child fell sick and grew worse till there was no breath left in him. Her conscience reached, she spoke to Elijah about sin she had committed. Elijah prayed; her boy was restored to life, and to his mother.

ML 08/14/1927

The Lost Boy

WE had just started our meeting for the young, one Friday evening, when we were interrupted by the appearance at the door of a little boy, brought in by someone who inquired if any of the children knew him or where he lived, as he was lost.

None of them seemed to know. Evidently he had wandered from home farther and farther until he could not find his way back again, then he began to cry, thus attracting the attention of the person who had brought him to the door of the schoolroom.

No doubt his friends were sorrowfully seeking him, and how anxious they would be until the little wanderer was found. Our inquiries were soon rewarded, and the little boy was taken hack to his brothers and sisters. How pleased they were to see him again, and how glad was he to be at home in safety.

Does not this remind us of the Lord Jesus, who came to seek and to save that which was lost. He is the tender Shepherd who went after His lost sheep until He found it. He left the brightness of His home above, that He might have the joy of bringing us there, cleansed from all our sins and made fit for His presence.

Have you found out that you are lost, and are you glad to flee to Him for refuge? If so, you can sing joyfully,

“I was lost, but Jesus found me.”

Five children were once lost. One only was crying; why was this? He had discovered that he was lost, and this made him anxious. All were really lost, but one only had found it out. It is a very necessary thing that we should learn that we are sinners in God’s sight and thus need a Saviour. David had learned this lesson when he said to God,

“Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight.” Psa. 51:4. Then he cried unto the Lord,

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness.” Psa. 51:1.

God loves you, He loved David, but He could not love David’s sin, He must punish that. It was God’s lovingkindness that gave Jesus to die for us, to be punished in our stead. What wonderful love He has shown us, who were lost and in our sins, away from God. Will He hear you when you cry? He will, He heard David and answered Him, and He will answer you too. He says,

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

The day of trouble is when we discover that we are helpless, and the Lord Jesus is the only one who can save us. O, He is such a precious Saviour, just the Saviour you need. You need Him, dear boy, dear girl, and He desires you.

It is sad to be lost in this world, to be wandering away from home and from those who love and care for us, but O, how terribly sad to have turned away our faces from the God who loves us and has given His own Son for us. He died on the cross to show us God’s love and His own, and in order that our sins might be put away forever; and now He lives for us at God’s right hand. Listen to what He says,

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me.” Isa. 44:22.

ML 08/14/1927

The Faith of a Little Girl

“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.

“Mother,” said a little girl one day, “if I ask the Lord Jesus to come into my heart, shall I feel Him come in?”

“O, no,” was the answer, “we are not saved by feelings, but through faith. If you ask the Lord Jesus to come into your heart, you must believe that He comes in, because He says, ‘I will come in.’”

The child ran away, and about a quarter of an hour afterwards she came back again, and said joyfully,

“Mother, I have asked the Lord Jesus to come into my heart, and I believe that He has come in.”

The little girl has been a true follower of the Lord Jesus ever since that day.

O, think of these wonderful words of the Lord Jesus (Rev. 3:20), He who came down from heaven to seek and to save the lost. He who suffered, bled and died on Calvary’s cross, the Just One, for us the unjust ones, that He might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18), and now a Risen, Living, Loving, Saviour stands patiently waiting and knocking at the door of your heart. O, listen to His voice of love and mercy.

“Fling the heart’s door widely open,

Bid Him enter while you may.”

This little girl believed the words of the Lord Jesus, and in simple faith opened the door of her heart, and asked Him to come in. Will you do the same?

How gladly will the Lord Jesus come into your heart when you open the door. Say to Him now,

“O, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, come,

There is room in my heart for Thee.”

Then He will fill your heart with His own love, His own joy, His own peace, His own preciousness. How blessed to have the Lord Jesus Himself thus filling our hearts.

But remember that the Lord Jesus speaks of another door.

“When once the Master of the house has risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are.” Luke 13:25.

The Lord Jesus is coming again to take His redeemed ones home to be with Himself for ever in His Father’s house (John 14:1-3), and then He will shut the door of mercy, and those who have shut the door of their heart against Him, will then be shut outside, and will be too late to be saved, and though they will knock, and plead very earnestly, the Lord Jesus will say, “I know you not.”

O, how solemn to be shut out for ever.

Don’t delay, dear young friends, for, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3.

ML 08/14/1927

"I Know God Loves Me"

ONE day, I came across a most interesting little boy named John Harris. His sweet smile almost told me he was a true Christian so I said,

“You love the Word of God do you not, dear boy?”

“Yes, I do,” he replied, and, with a beaming countenance, emphasizing each word, he added, “And I know God loves me.”

While at play one day, John met with a serious accident, which necessitated his being removed to the hospital, where he lay for many weeks. Great were the sufferings he passed through resulting from the accident, in addition to which he was obliged to undergo no fewer than five operations. He had not yet accepted the Lord Jesus until laid upon that bed of suffering; there the Holy Spirit showed him that he was a sinner, and he was led to accept Christ as his own personal Saviour; and there also he was taught that “whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Heb. 12:6).

John loved to record God’s goodness to him in answering prayer, and one day I promised him a little note book, suggesting that he might write down his requests on one side, and on the opposite page the answers he had received.

“O, yes!” he exclaimed, delighted with the idea, “and then it will be so nice to read when it is filled up.”

May you be brought to know and believe the love which God hath to us, and thus will you be able to say with dear little John Harris, “I know God loves me.”

ML 08/14/1927

The Cooling Stream

WHEREVER we may look, we can see the provision that God has made for His creatures, and our picture today reminds us of it. The shady, cool retreat for the cows, and the running stream for their refreshment, speak to us of God’s tender and wise care.

Have you thought, dear reader, how tenderly and graciously God cares for you, and supplies your needs—giving you food and clothing, health and strength, yes, all you have? But perhaps, some who read these lines may say,

“I do not have health and strength; I do not have all I need.”

If God has withheld these things from you, have you thought why He has done so? Perhaps you have not been thankful in the past for all His mercies, or it may be, He wants you to think more of eternal things.

There is one thing we may be sure of, and that is, He has some lesson to teach you, and if you quietly submit. He will show you in time what He has for you.

It may be, you have not yet confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. If that is the case, whether you have many blessings of this life, or are deprived of them, I beg of you, do accept of God’s greatest expression of His love in giving His Son to die for you, so that you may have eternal life through Him.

O! dear reader, believe in Him now, if you have not done so in the past, and then you shall know the preciousness of that verse,

“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.

He will give us all things according to His love and wisdom, but not according to the desires of our natural hearts.

“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 08/21/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 18.

LONG was Elijah’s stay at the widow’s house in Zarephath of Zidon, while the famine grew worse, but in the third year he was there, it being now three years and six months (James 5:17) since he had seen Ahab, God answered the prophet’s prayers (James 5:18). Elijah was now to show himself to king Ahab. That evil man was out with his steward, Obadiah, searching for grass to keep the horses and mules alive. Obadiah, like some others of whom we read in God’s Word, was a true child of God in a wrong position. While the servant of the wicked Ahab, he had been able to care for a hundred of God’s prophets, when Ahab’s wife Jezebel undertook to kill them all, but he missed the blessing, and spiritual elevation of Elijah’s position, because he preferred the world’s glory to the separation from it, which Elijah knew and practiced. He could serve the Lord only in secret, being afraid to act openly for Him whom he had known since he was a boy (verse 12). Obadiah was engaged, when Elijah and he met, in trying to improve the condition of things in a scene on which God had passed judgment as though to turn away that judgment. How like so many of God’s beloved people today!

Ahab came to meet Elijah, who gave him a word for his conscience (verse 18), and told him to gather all Israel, and the eight hundred and fifty false prophets to Mount Carmel, a mountain 12 miles long, forming a notable promontory, the only one in Palestine, at the south of the Bay of Acre on the northern seacoast. Ahab sent the call of Elijah to all the children of Israel, and gathered the false teachers together to Carmel. Now came Elijah with a searching question to ask his people:

“How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord (Jehovah) be God, follow Him, and if Baal, follow him!”

There was no answer; indeed they knew not what to say. Long under the influence of the teachers of false doctrines (and having willingly followed them, too), there was yet a memory of other and happier days when the God of Israel had His place among them. Now, Elijah stood alone of the Lord’s prophets, while Baal, the idol, had four hundred and fifty, not including the prophets of the groves.

Elijah proposed and the people agreed, that two bullocks be provided and sacrificed; one by the prophets of Baal, and the other by himself: then the true God would be shown by an answer of fire from the sky. This proposal itself makes clear how far the people were from God; it should have been sufficient to deliver His word to them to reach their consciences.

In the quiet confidence of faith, the servant of God gave the first opportunity to the prophets of Baal, who probably very unwillingly took the bullock given them, and prepared it for the sacrificial fire, afterward calling on the name of Baal from morning to noon, but there was no voice nor any that answered.

At noon Elijah mocked them, telling them to shout louder, and the poor creatures did so, even cutting themselves till the blood gushed out on them. Midafternoon was reached without their being able to get any reply from Baal, and Elijah then called the people near to himself; he repaired the altar of the Lord there, which was broken down, so recognizing that which was due to God. Then taking twelve stones according to the full number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob (not the ten only, of Israel), he built an altar in the name of the Lord.

These two first acts of Elijah have a voice for our own day when the beloved people of God are following leaders who reject His faithful Word, and spread doctrines of their own invention; when also the scriptural Church of God which includes every true believer in Christ, is split up into many bodies.

In order that there might be no room for the suggestion which Satan would readily put in some minds, that Elijah already had fire prepared, and was only pretending to call down fire from God, he asked for a large quantity of water to be thrown on and around the sacrifice and the altar he had just made. Then Elijah prayed, addressing God as the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, — going back to the assured promises, which the law given at Sinai could not annul. And the fire descended, licking up the water, the sacrifice, the wood, and even the stones and the dust. Deeply moved, the waiting people acknowledged their God as so displayed in power, and Elijah demanded the immediate destruction of the four hundred and fifty agents of Satan who had practiced his wiles among them. They were all put to death forthwith at the brook Kishon which flows close to Mount Carmel. Thus was God vindicated before His people, the evil of idolatry judged among them.

As Ahab’s concern before had been, not with searchings of heart as to the cause of the visitation from God in the famine, but with grass for the animals, so now his mind turned readily to eating and drinking, to which Elijah directed him. Then the rain, and Elijah outstripping Ahab in a swift journey to Jezreel where the king’s residence seems to have been at this time, not very far to the eastward of Carmel.

ML 08/21/1927

Two Important Questions

“WHY is my little daughter so quiet tonight”? said Mr. B. one Lord’s Day evening to his daughter.

“Our Sunday-school teacher gave us each a slip of paper with a question on it, which we should answer by next Sunday.”

“A question you should answer? Let me see if it’s a hard one”, and taking the paper he read:

“Write the name of the greatest sinner you know.”

“Why, that isn’t hard”, said her father. “Run along now and think about it, and then let me read which name you put down.”

Gertrude was much perplexed, but finally thought of the names of two bad men of whom she had heard. But then it came to her that she did not know them, and so this would not do. Suddenly she had a good thought, and said to herself:

“Now, I know what I’ll do. I will get the Bible. Somewhere in a letter written by the apostle Paul, it says something about the greatest sinner.”

She took her father’s Bible, hurriedly turned over the pages, and as certain verses were printed in heavy type, she soon found the place where it is written:

“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.

Full of joy, Gertrude ran to her father.

“Father, look here, now I know who the greatest sinner is; it is the apostle Paul!”

“But Gertrude, you have forgotten that you are to write the name of the greatest sinner you know. Did you know the apostle Paul?”

Gertrude hung her head, and said disappointedly:

“Then, I really don’t know who it is, father.”

“Think it over once more, dear child, it will surely come to you.”

Again she thought it over; at last it dawned on her; she came nearer, laid her hand on her father’s, and said softly:

“See, father, now I know. It is I myself, and I have written my name on the paper.”

“That is right, dear Gertrude”, said her father, rejoicing. “Look also in your Bible, and see what it says in Romans 5:8, about God’s love to sinners,

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

The next Sunday the class received another question which the children were told to answer. It was this:

“Are you saved?”

Gertrude answered the question immediately, and put the slip in her Bible. Her father had watched her, and asked what the question was this time.

“O, father, it is a most important question, although a very short one.”

With that she handed the slip, to her father. After the question, Gertrude had written in large plain letters, the word,

“Yes.”

“How do you know that you are saved, my child?”

“I know that God’s Word speaks the truth,” and she turned to John 3:16 and read with reverence:

“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.”

She also read John 5:24,

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

Her father thanked God as he saw how firmly his child trusted God’s Word, and not upon that which she might feel or think. He now knew that the Good Shepherd would take little Gertrude by the hand, and safely lead her; and in this her father was right; for a number of years have gone since she answered the two questions in faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, and she is still walking faithfully with Him.

What answers would you have given to these two questions, dear little readers?

ML 08/21/1927

Maggie's Three Texts

“WELL, Maggie, how does the matter of your eternal salvation stand between yourself and God?”

“Well, sir, there is no matter between us now; it is all settled.”

“All settled! Who has settled the matter, Maggie?”

“Why, sir, God and the Lord Jesus settled it between them.”

“Do you really think the matter is settled?”

“I don’t think; I am sure it is settled, for He said on the cross, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30). He died under the judgment of God for my sins. He took the judgment for me. ‘He loved me and gave Himself for me.’ It was plain to me at least. It was these three blessed texts— ‘Sins put away; sins forgiven’ (Acts 13:38); and ‘remembered no more’ (Heb. 10:17).

ML 08/21/1927

Happy Children

THESE dear little children are having lots of fun playing in the hay. Their time is spent, not in making clothes, or in preparing food, or keeping house, but just playing, and yet they get clothes and food and have a home to live in. How is that?

God cares for them. He has provided a father and mother for them, and gives the father the ability to earn the living, and the mother to take care of them at home, so while the dear children have not the ability to provide for themselves, God takes care of them in that way.

There is something God wants them to do, and that is to obey their parents; so while they are not able to do these other things that God has given their parents to do, they must remember that God wants them to obey, that is, to do what they are told, for the Scripture says,

“CHILDREN OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS; FOR THIS IS WELL PLEASING UNTO THE LORD.” Col. 3:20

A disobedient child gets himself in trouble, for while he is disobeying it might seem very pleasant to him, but afterward comes the punishment and then he is not happy, for he is reaping the result of disobedience. It is so all through life, for there is never a time that we should please ourselves, and if we do, God will let us reap a bad result.

Those who disobey God’s Word, and will not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, shall suffer the awful results for ever, and that will be banishment from God’s presence.

Those who obey His Word, shall be saved from that awful result, and shall spend eternity with the Lord Jesus their Saviour. Walking in His ways, and obeying His Word always bring blessing.

ML 08/28/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 19.

IT is not surprising that Jezebel should be filled with rage on hearing from her weak husband that Elijah had killed her favorites, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. Elijah, however, hitherto so courageous, so faithful to God, was not equal to this occasion; we see him now walking by sight after the manner of men. He went at once to Beersheba in Judah, and left his servant there, going on himself a day’s journey further, into the great wilderness of the south. There we find the discouraged prophet wishing to die, and God sending an angel to look after him and give him food. From this first halt on the southern border of the land of Israel, Elijah went on for forty days to Horeb, the mountain where the law was given to Moses. The word of God now came to him in the cave into which he had betaken himself, utterly unhappy:

“What doest thou here, Elijah?”

Why had he deserted the post of testimony, the field of service? Because of Jezebel’s threat to kill him and because his ministry had not been as fully accepted as he expected. Poor Elijah’s thoughts were of himself, and this is shown by his two answers to the inquiry: he had been “very jealous” for the Lord, and he and he only was left, and his life was sought. This was not the language of faith.

We are here shown another lesson in the life of this honored servant of God;—now alone on the mountain where no human eye saw him, he learned that God could use many agencies to carry out His will, even the small, still voice which brought him with his face wrapped in his mantle to the mouth of the cave. After all, Elijah, faithful and honored as he had been, was only an instrument in the hands of God.

His desire to die would presently be met (in a most wonderful way), but just now Elijah was to go back whence he came, to anoint a new king over Syria, and a new king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat to be prophet in his stead. Yet, he now learned God had left to Himself seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. It was humbling to think that there were seven thousand upon whom the eyes of God had rested, but Elijah knew not at all. If he had been nearer to God, he would surely have known some of them, or have better known Him who knew them.

The servant of God now descended the mountain in a very different spirit than that in which he had climbed it; he had learned that he was only one of seven thousand, instead of being the only servant God possessed. We hear no more of his complaints, but we shall see more of Elijah ere his days were ended. He found Elisha busy plowing, and threw his mantle on him. Elisha. followed Elijah presently, but seems to have returned home, for we next learn of him in 2 Kings 2, when Elijah was about to be taken away.

ML 08/28/1927

Love Not Forgotten

TWO grey-haired men were walking along the street, one of them carrying a bouquet of beautiful and fragrant flowers.

“Wait a minute, “said the latter, as he stopped before a small cottage and rang the hell. A little girl opened the door. She smiled as she took the flowers.

“I know who they’re for,” she said; “they’re for gran’ma.”

“Yes,” assented the giver, “with my love.”

“Well, I do declare!” observed the friend, as they passed on. “You surprise me! I had no idea you went around leaving flowers and your love with old ladies.”

“Just with one old lady,” laughing. “You see, it is this way:

When I was a boy this dear lady’s son and I were chums. We were going away to school. I was an orphan. I left the house where I had been boarding, with a heavy heart. No one cared that I was going away; no one would miss me.

I stopped for Dan—that was my chum’s name—on the way to the station. As I entered the yard he and his mother were saying good-bye. The hot tears rushed to my eyes as I saw Dan’s mother kiss him. ‘Good-bye, my son, God bless you,’ I heard her say.

No one had kissed me. No one had asked God to bless me. Well, God was not blessing me, I said to myself bitterly, and then my tears vanished. I felt defiant, and set my lips hard. Then Dan’s mother looked up. She must have read my feelings in my ugly face.

“Good-bye, Davie,” she said gently, holding out her hand to me. I knew my face looked stern and hard; I pretended not to see the outstretched hands, and I wouldn’t look her in the face. I was turning away without a word of farewell, when she called, O, so sweetly, I can hear her now, even after all these years, “Davie, my boy, aren’t you going to say good-bye to Dannie’s mother? Aren’t you, Davie?” I turned and took her hands, the loving compassion in her voice had won me from myself and despair. I held close to her while she kissed me. Then gently loosening my grasp of her hands, she drew her arms about me. “Good-bye, Davie,” she said, “I love you, too, my boy, and may God bless you.”

The man’s lips quivered, “The world grew bright to me then and there,” he continued. “I had something to live for, and I did my best in school and college. Over and over that tender good-bye of Dan’s mother rang in my soul. ‘Goodbye, Davie; I love you, too, my boy, and may God bless you.’ God has blessed me.”

“Where is Dan,” asked his friend. “Dan died six years ago; that is his little girl who came to the door. It was an awful blow to the dear old lady when Dan died, and she has never been strong since that dark day. She has been so good as to tell me that I bring much sunshine into her life, and I thank God that I am able to do so.”

With a love greater than even a mother’s, the Saviour who died for you longs to clasp you to His bosom, to impress the kiss of forgiveness, and to bless and save eternally. Will you let Him—NOW?

ML 08/28/1927

Eternal Realities Hidden

A LITTLE boy held a ten-cent piece near his eye, and said,

“O, mother, it is bigger than the room!” and when he drew it still nearer he exclaimed,

“O, mother, it is bigger than all outdoors!”

And in just that way unsaved people hide God and Christ, and judgment and eternity from view, —behind some paltry pleasure, some trifling joy, or some small possession, which shall perish with the using and pass away, with all earth’s lust and glory.

“The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:17.

“In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forever more.” Psa. 16:11.

ML 08/28/1927

Clement Comforts His Mother

CLEMENT is a little boy, who, like Timothy in the Bible, had a mother and grandmother who knew the Scriptures, and had taught the same to him.

In the course of time, the grandmother died, and Clement’s mother was very sad, and lonely. She missed the dear aged one who had been her companion for so long.

Once when he found his mother weeping, he knew quite well what was the cause. In his childish way he tried to comfort her. He told her that she would have good reason to cry if they would never, never see grandma again, but he knew they would surely see her again.

Her faith had been in the Lord Jesus and His shed blood, and they were assured that she had gone to be with the Lord, and they, sharing the same faith, had the assurance of meeting her in the happy home above when this life was over.

What a happy thing it is to be intelligent, and assured as to one’s future state, both for one’s own sake, and also to be able to comfort and instruct others. This assurance we may have if we will only believe what God has said in His Word. The Scripture speaks with no uncertain sound as to the future life, and best of all, it tells us very clearly how we may know that the happy home the Lord Jesus has gone to prepare, awaits us. The Lord Jesus sweetly assures His own that it is His desire to have them with Him in that abode of light and joy. It is by simple faith in Him and His Word, that we are made His own.

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31.

“If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24.

Of course, He could not have any in His presence with their sins upon them, and it was for this reason that the Lord Jesus went to the cross, and became a sacrifice for sin. God brought upon Him its just penalty, thus making possible a free salvation for all who will accept Him as their own Saviour.

We hope that every reader of “Messages of Love”, regardless of age, will read the Scripture, and by faith lay hold of the many precious promises set forth therein.

The key to all blessing is, Christ. Receive Him, and all is yours, now and throughout eternal ages.

ML 08/28/1927

Decide for Christ

Decide for Christ today,

And God’s salvation see;

Yield soul and body, heart and will

To Him, who died for thee!

Decide for Christ today,

Thyself thou canst not save;

Helpless and guilty, dead and blind,

No longer judgment brave.

Decide for Christ today,

Confess Him as thy Lord;

Proclaim to all, the Saviour’s worth,

How faithful is His word.

ML 08/28/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

1.“All scripture is given,” etc. 2 Tim. 3:16.

2.“This is a faithful saying,” etc. 1 Tim. 1:15.

3.“Not by works of,” etc. Titus 3:5.

4.“Who gave himself,” etc. 2:14.

5.“For bodily exercise,” etc. 1 Tim. 4:8.

6.“Study to shew thyself,” etc. 2 Tim. 2:15.

7.“Having confidence,” etc. Philemon 21.

Bible Questions for September “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in James, 1 and 2 Peter

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The wisdom that is from above.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Every perfect gift is from above.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “This is my beloved Son.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Abraham believed God.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The word of God which liveth and abideth.”

Answers to Bible Questions for July “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.No. Paul says, “I suffer not a woman to teach * * * man, but to be in silence.” 1 Tim. 2:12.

2.Food and raiment. 1 Tim. 6:8.

3.“Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.” 2 Tim. 3:12.

4.They are inspired of God, and able to make us wise unto salvation. 2 Tim. 3:15, 16.

5.He left Paul, because he loved this present world. 2 Tim. 4:10.

6.“The glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.

7.Love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and the saints. Philemon 5.

Bible Questions for September “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in James, 1 and 2 Peter

1.Who is the “enemy of God”?

2.What is to happen to this present earth and the works in it?

3.What is “pure religion”?

4.In what way are we to be like babes?

5.What does James say about faith without works?

6.What are we to do with our cares?

7.With what are we redeemed?

ML 09/04/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 20.

ALTHOUGH Ahab was a wicked man, and had an even more wicked wife, God viewed His people in grace, and would not allow the Syrian attacks of which this chapter treats, to succeed against Israel. He sent a prophet to Ahab to tell him upon the first invasion (verse 13) that He would deliver the great army of the Syrians into his hands, and he, Ahab, should know that it was God’s doing. A victory entirely of God took place when seven thousand Israelites defeated a great host, the Syrian king barely escaping capture. This should have spoken powerfully to Ahab, but it seems to have not moved him at all.

The prophet had told Ahab that the Syrians would return, and they came back again with an army the equal of the former one, and again a man of God brought Ahab an encouraging word as to the conflict to take place. One hundred thousand Syrians died in the great battle, and twenty-seven thousand more were killed by the falling of the city wall at Aphek. Such was God’s regard for His chosen people. The Syrian king now was brought to Ahab, and promised to restore what his father had taken from Israel. Ahab then made an agreement with him, and let him go back to his country. This invited the judgment of God on Ahab, for the Syrian king was appointed by Him to utter destruction, and Ahab was responsible as the ruler of God’s people.

We must, every one of us, give account to God; how solemn the case of this king of Israel, reminded again and again of the faithful, but rejected God who visited His people in the various ways we have seen through Elijah’s ministry, and yet himself without concern for his own soul!

What of the reader? Life’s story will soon be told, and eternity be entered; there God awaits thee.

“Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace.” Job 22:21.

ML 09/04/1927

How Will You Get There?

MR. SMITH was an intelligent man, with bushy hair, and an eye that looked you straight in the face. He lived in a small country village and one after another had visited him, and spoken to him about his soul without any apparent effect.

One young lady who had been very anxious about him, and visited him very often, had that week gone back to her home in a distant town, and had sent the message by a friend,

“Tell Mr. Smith to meet me in heaven,” and while delivering this message, added, “And Mr. Smith, how will you get there?” which drew forth the answer, showing the deep darkness within,

“Through my goodness, I suppose.”

“But you HAVE no goodness, Mr. Smith.”

He did not deny the fact, though he seemed not pleased with the plain statement; and then, once more, the story of the cross was put before him, how the Lord Jesus took the sinner’s place, and suffered “in the stead of him.” At last he received the truth, and found out it was not his goodness which took him to heaven, but the precious blood of Jesus. The sinner has his badness, but not goodness, and one text from God’s blessed Word settles the point:

“There is none that doeth good, no not one.” Rom. 3:12. Christ’s finished work was for sinners.

Dear children, how is it with you? What are YOU trusting in? Is it “I am as good as other people”? “I do my best”? or one of those refuges of lies so constantly repeated? If so, take care; no doings of your own, no goodness of yours can save or help to save you.

Or are you simply looking to the Lord Jesus Christ? and is your heart’s language this,

“I’m a poor sinner and nothing at all; But Jesus Christ is my all in all”?

ML 09/04/1927

Jesus Loves the Little Ones

THERE are many, many little boys and girls who read, or listen while mamma or papa read this gospel paper, each week. and I am sure often in their hearts there is a longing to know Jesus as their Saviour. It may be that some think they are too little to become a Christian, but my dear little ones, Jesus said while here on earth,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of God” Mark 10:14; and in the 18th of Matt. verse 6, our Lord speaks of “little ones which believe in Me.”

He never tells little children to wait until they are big to be saved, but He does tell big people that they must come “as a little child,” if they would receive His salvation (Mark 10:15).

I will tell you about a little girl, who was troubled about her sins. She carried a very sad face, although only seven years old. She did so want to know how her sins could be all taken away.

Do you think she was told to be a very good girl? No, indeed, for she knew how very naughty she had been, and if she could be good all the rest of her life, that could not take away one of the sins she had committed in the past, for, of course, God cannot have any sin in heaven, so she must be shut out of that happy home above, unless she could get all the sins taken right away. Then she was told that Jesus came into the world for the purpose of saving sinners, and that little children and grown-up people were all alike sinners (1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 3:23).

She was also told that the precious blood of Christ cleanses from all sin (¤ Jno. 1:7), and who-so-ever believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43).

She was entreated just to trust Jesus at once, as there never would be as good and easy a time in her life to become a Christian. That night the little girl trusted Jesus, and knew through His precious blood, her sins were washed away for ever and ever.

One day her mother said to her,

“Run away, dear, and wash your hands clean,” when the child replied, as she ran off to do what she was bidden,

“Mother, my heart is cleaner than my hands, because it has been washed in the blood of Jesus.”

Can the dear children who read this true story, say, like our little friend,

“I have been washed in the blood of Jesus”?

Jesus, blessed Saviour, Thou hast died for me;

Make me very thankful in my heart to Thee,

When the sad, sad story of Thy grief I read,

I know this was for my sins, indeed.

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

ML 09/04/1927

Protection

Beneath the spreading branches,

Her face so bright and sweet,

This darling little maiden

Is having quite a treat.

An apron full of treasures

She holds with tender care,

Some little baby chickens

Are safely nestled there.

While others, soft and downy,

Are clustered at her feet,

No thought of fear or danger

With such a safe retreat.

So there is One, dear children,

Who watches over you

With love that never falters—

A love both strong and true.

As the little chicks are guarded

With tender care and love,

You too, are in the keeping

Of One who lives above.

This blessed Saviour, Jesus,

Once left His home on high,

And for poor guilty sinners

Came down to bleed and die.

But love so all-surpassing

Would not be satisfied

With saving from destruction

The ones for whom He died.

It follows us and keeps us,

No matter where we stray,

From dangers seen and unseen

Along our pilgrim way.

And this same love will take us,

When ends our journey here,

To realms of joy and safety

With Jesus ever near.

“I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOU ART WITH ME.” Psa. 23:4

“Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isa. 26:3.

ML 09/04/1927

Evening

Now the day is over,

Night is drawing nigh,

Shadows of the evening

Steal across the sky.

Jesus, give the weary

Calm and sweet repose,

With Thy tend’rest blessing,

May our eyelids close.

THE man in our picture is slowly wending his homeward way after a hard day’s work in the sun. We may expect that when he reaches the pleasant little white house in the distance, his family will be glad to see him, and a good supper will be ready for him. We hope he will thank the Father of all mercies for the many blessings He daily bestows.

You know it is God who gives us all we have—health, strength and all our daily comforts; it is He who makes the plants to grow. He sends the rain and sunshine, “for the earth, which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God.” Heb. 6:7.

“Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” Psa. 147:1.

“O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD: FOR HE IS GOOD: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER.” Psa. 136:1.

ML 09/11/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 21.

IT was in Ahab that the iniquity of the kings of Israel reached its greatest degree; in his reign also, the ten tribed kingdom was most prosperous; after his death, the country grew weaker rapidly. God had met the daringly wicked Ahab and his consort Jezebel, who seems to have a worse character than himself, with the great prophet Elijah, but neither Elijah’s testimony, the three-year famine, or the remarkable display of divine power on Mount Carmel (chapter 18) moved the heart or conscience of this leader of Israel, for he had sold himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, as says verse 25. Utterly indifferent to the claims of a holy God, Ahab, with Jezebel’s help, now added a shocking crime to his many sins, as this chapter discloses.

Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard; Ahab wanted it. Naboth valued his little place, because it had been the possession of his forefathers, and would neither sell nor exchange it to please Ahab. The king was very angry at being refused, and in his displeasure went to bed, declining to eat. Jezebel then, learning what had happened, promised her husband the vineyard, and with the help of some men as evil of heart as herself who were prepared to bear false witness against Naboth, the vineyard owner was put to death under a fictious charge of having blasphemed God and the king.

Presently Ahab who lacked natural courage and daring, but was quite willing to profit by his wife’s misdeed, was on the way to take possession of the dead man’s property, and there the eyes of God rested upon him. Shall this bloody deed, coolly planned and executed with the authority of the king of Israel, pass unnoticed? Not so. The word of the Lord came to Elijah, telling him where to go to find Ahab, and the sentence, shortly to be executed, he was to deliver to him. He had killed and taken possession, but in the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, they should lick Ahab’s blood (see chapter 22:38). All of Ahab’s seventy sons, his family, his great men, his kinsfolk and his priests were afterward put to death (2 Kings 10, verse 11) according to the word of God now delivered by Elijah (verse 22). And more shocking than the end of Ahab was to be the close of his wife’s life: the dogs would eat her, —and so they did (2 Kings 9:18- 37).

God may and He frequently does, permit the wicked to go on in their evil ways. sometimes for many a long year, but He has told us that judgment will fall. In 2 Peter 2:3 is the word: “Whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not (or, for whom judgment of old is not idle), and their damnation (destruction) slumbereth not.”

Ahab might have repented of his sins, turning to God in full confession and seeking forgiveness, but of this, if it occurred at the last, we have not the slightest hint in the Word of God. He was alarmed frightened, at the prophecy of Elijah concerning himself and his family, and he humbled himself for a time, but that was all. God however took notice of his behavior, and delayed the full carrying out of the promised judgment. How merciful is our God!

Perhaps the reader has, like king Ahab, at times felt alarmed at the thought of the judgment of God, and again his conscience has gone to sleep, fear has vanished, and the old ways have been taken up again.

You may forget God, forget the offer of pardon, forget His great love, and the gift of His only begotten Son, but God will not forget you in the day of judgment. All that are in the graves shall hear the voice of His Son and shall come forth. (John 5:28, 29); in that solemn day, even the sea will give up the dead that are in its depths. (Rev. 20:13).

Receive Him as your Saviour, now; it is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2).

ML 09/11/1927

The Letter

SOME years ago a postman got a letter to deliver bearing the peculiar address:

“To any sinner in H—.”

He tried the postmaster, his fellow-postmen, then took it from door to door on his rounds, causing many peculiar comments. Not one person in all his travels would own that they could be rightly addressed as “sinner,” and as the postman himself disliked the title, and the letter contained no address of sender, it was returned to the dead-letter office.

Had you lived in that place would you have said,

“I’ll take the letter, as I am a sinner in the sight of a holy God, for ‘all have sinned’ (Rom. 3:23), but as I have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ, I am a ‘sinner saved by grace.’ “Do you say that here and now? Remember, all who do not acknowledge their sinner ship will land in God’s “dead-letter office.” Are you a Sinner, or a Saved Sinner? One or the other you are now, and will be in eternity. Which?

ML 09/11/1927

"He Is Risen"

Matt. 28:6.

I WAS standing before the window of an art store where a picture of the crucifixion of our Lord was on exhibition; as I gazed, I was conscious of the approach of another, and turning, beheld a little boy gazing intently at the picture also. Noticing that this mite of humanity was a sort of street Arab, I thought I would speak to him; so I asked, pointing to the picture,

“Do you know who it is?”

“Yes,” came the quick response, “that’s our Saviour,” with a mingled look of pity and surprise that I should not know. With an evident desire to enlighten me further, he continued, after a pause, “Them’s the soldiers, the Roman soldiers,” and with a long-drawn sigh, “That woman crying there is His mother.”

He waited, apparently for me to question him further, thrust his hands into his pockets, and with a reverent and subdued voice, added,

“They killed Him, mister. Yes, sir, they killed Him.”

I turned away and resumed my walk, leaving the little boy looking at the picture. I had not walked far when I heard his childish calling,

“Mister, say, mister.”

I turned. He was running toward me, but paused; then up went his little hand, and with triumphant voice he said,

“I wanted to tell you, He rose again. YES, MISTER, HE ROSE AGAIN.”

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.

ML 09/11/1927

"How Ivy Was Saved."

WHILE preaching the gospel in the open air recently in a village near my home, a number of children were interested in the meetings. Among them was a school girl named Ivy, who took deep interest.

After listening to the blessed words of life and salvation for a time, Ivy was brought to believe on the Lord Jesus as her own personal Saviour.

One day I received a letter from her in which she wrote,

“Dear Mr. G.

I have now come to Jesus, and I know that He is my Saviour and Shepherd. He has taken all the burden of my sins away, and made me so happy. I find great joy now in reading my Bible, and in praying to Him.

Yours Aff. Ivy.”

Ivy has left school now, and gone to live in service away from her home, but she is very happy in the sense of the Lord’s love and care. The following is copied from a recent letter I received from her,

“Dear Mr. G.

O, what a great comfort it has been to me since I came to Jesus and trusted in Him, the One who hung on the cross, and bore my sins that I might be saved. O, how happy to know that He holds me now, and will never lose me. He is carrying me Home safely in His bosom.

I often pray for those dear boys and girls in the villages, that by your teaching they may come to Him and be carried safely Home as I am. O, what a burden it will take from them, if they will only trust in the Lord Jesus, and follow His footsteps by His most gracious, loving, help.

I heartily pray they may be saved, and come into His everlasting Kingdom that He has prepared for us:

Yours Affectionately in Christ.

Ivy.”

You see now Ivy knows the Lord Jesus, she wants others to know Him too, and prays for them; and we invite you who read these lines to come to the Saviour, because you are a sinner and need Him (Rom. 3:23, 24).

The Lord Jesus has suffered and died and shed His own precious blood for you (Rom. 5:6-9), and He is calling you to Him, O listen to His voice of love,

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28. He is tenderly calling today,

Now is the day of salvation. Tomorrow may be too late. Do not delay but come!

You may come; the vilest sinner

May in Christ confide.

You are welcome; for to save you

Jesus died.

Come just as you are, like the prodigal’ son came in all his wretchedness and sin (Luke 15th chapter).

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

“The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Remember the Lord Jesus says,
“Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out.” John 6:37.

Jesus is tenderly calling thee home—

Calling today, calling today

Why from the sunshine of love wilt thou roam,

Farther and farther away?

Calling today! calling today!

Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

Jesus is calling the weary to rest—

Calling today, calling today!

Bring Him thy burden, and thou shalt be blest;

He will not turn thee away.

Calling today! calling today!

Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

Jesus is pleading, O list to His voice—

Hear Him today, hear Him today!

They who believe on His Name shall rejoice;

Quickly arise and away!

Calling today! calling today!

Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

“He calleth thee.” Mark 10:49.

ML 09/11/1927

Androcles

MANY years ago, a Roman slave by the name of Androcles was found guilty of some misdemeanor and was ordered by his master to be put to death. Androcles escaped to the Numidian desert.

One day, when sitting at the entrance of a cave, he was much surprised and terrified to see a large lion coming towards him; but instead of pouncing on him the lion quietly came up to him, and lifted his paw, and at the same time licked Androcles’ hand.

There was a thorn in the paw, and the lion seemed to realize that a man could take it out and relieve him of his suffering. Androcles took the thorn out and the lion bounded off.

Sometime after this, Androcles was captured, and condemned to fight a lion in the arena. When the hungry beast was let loose, he sprang towards Androcles, but stopped suddenly, crept quietly to him, and licked his feet. It was the same lion from whose paw he had pulled the thorn, and though the circumstances were entirely different, the lion remembered the kindness, and showed his gratitude.

I am sure no one would have expected such gratitude from such a ferocious beast; but what a lesson it may teach us. If a beast can show gratitude for kindness received, how much more should we! Our parents have done many kind acts for us, and have denied themselves many things, so that they could give to us, and yet how often children turn around and speak disrespectfully to their parents, and disobey them. They act as if they had less sense of kindness shown them than this poor dumb lion.

There is something more than this; for there is no one who has loved us as the Lord Jesus has, for He has given Himself for us, and died in our place, and borne what we deserved. How much do we love Him, and show gratitude for all that He has done for us? Are we willing to please Him? Is it our delight to talk often to Him, and read His Word; and thus have Him talk to us?

O, may we each one seek to please Him in all our ways, and thus show that we love Him.

“WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM.” Heb. 11:6

ML 09/18/1927

Bible Lessons

1 Kings 22.

THIS chapter brings us to the close of Ahab’s life. In the last years there was peace with his northern neighbor, Syria, and during this time the king of Judah came down from Jerusalem to visit Ahab. Jehoshaphat was the godly son of a godly king, of the lineage of David. and until his occupation of the throne of Judah there had been no peace between the two parts of the divided nation. There should indeed never have been an agreement between them, for the kings of Israel, all of them godless men had banished the testimony of God, and brought in idol worship and the associated evils practiced by the heathen nations who were on their borders, while Judah at least made a profession of the worship of the true God.

We shall not find in the Books of Kings the explanation of Jehoshaphat’s changed behavior toward Ahab, but turning to the Books of the Chronicles, which tell of God’s dealings in grace with the house of David, we may quickly find what we seek. Compare 2 Chronicles 17 verses 1 to 5 with the next chapter, verse 1, and it will be seen that Jehoshaphat’s heart became so attached to the riches and honor God had given- him, that his later life was a good deal like that of his great predecessor, king Solomon. So, no longer whole hearted for God, Jehoshaphat made light of Ahab’s evil was and his marriage with Jezebel, daughter of the king of the Zidonians, and he set aside the principles of the Word of God (see Exodus 22:20 and Deuteronomy 7:3-6) so that his son Jehoshaphat’s son and heir — married Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah. He did this at his peril.

God is not mocked, and as there was a sowing by Jehoshaphat, there was a reaping even by himself, though the damage was borne mostly by his children.

Jehoshaphat, who knew God, was now on good terms with Ahab, a rebel against God, slighted the plain purpose of God that His people should be separate from those who walked not according to His Word, (see Exodus 19:5, 6; 1 Kings 5:53).

Many a Christian, to his own great loss, is in similar case, forgetting the sharp sword of the Spirit in James 3:4,

“Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?”

Jehoshaphat betrayed himself when he said to Ahab (verse 4), “I am as thou art, my people as thy people my horses as thy horses,” but he was nevertheless not quite at rest in Ahab’s company, for he asked (verse 5) that the will of God be sought. It then appears that Ahab’s religion had changed its name; the false prophets he recognized were now professedly the prophets of the Lord. Modernism had appeared in some of its features. (But the worship of Baal had not ceased; see 2 Kings 10:18-28). Jehoshaphat therefore, not satisfied with these professed prophets of God asked for another, seeking a genuine one who knew God, and might be expected to know His mind. Such there was in Micaiah the son of Imlah, whom Ahab hated.

Micaiah gave a remarkable testimony (verses 19-24) which discloses how God makes use of the power of Satan in the case of a man given up to judgment, but Ahab will have none of his testimony, his day of mercy over. Even the king of Syria was in the battle carrying out God’s will (verse 31), so that Ahab’s effort to conceal himself added only to Jehoshaphat’s danger. In mercy God permitted his escape. And so Ahab died, seemingly as godless as he had lived. The dogs licked his blood, as he had been told would be the case.

The ships Jehoshaphat made to go to Ophir, after the fashion of king Solomon, were broken by an act of God, as he was told by Eliezer the son of Mareshah (2 Chronicles 20:37). This must give the explanation of Jehoshaphat’s refusing to let Ahaziah’s servants go with his in the ships, —i.e., that he feared to go on with an undertaking in which God had shown his displeasure.

Ahaziah, Ahab’s son was king of Israel not more than two years, and he followed his father’s and mother’s, and Jeroboam’s sinful ways.

ML 09/18/1927

He Gave Himself!

HAROLD S. was restless and unsatisfied in heart, and neither the concert ball, party, nor jolly evening with his companions could afford him that which he so ardently desired. He was persuaded to go and hear an address by a faithful and gifted preacher. The speaker in the course of his address made a statement which awakened the young man’s curiosity and riveted his attention. It was to this effect:

“If God offered salvation to you who are unconverted, on condition that you could point to one good work in the whole of your past lives, not one of you could be saved.”

At once he thought, “If salvation were obtained on such terms I am quite sure of it.”

The preacher proceeded to prove his assertion by saying that the character of an action depended on the motive from which it flowed; that if not from love to God, it cannot be acceptable in His sight; that if flowing from selfishness it must be sinful.

He was completely taken by surprise by what he heard, and resolved, at whatever cost, to test the statement for himself. On reaching his room he closed the door, and commenced to review his past life in order to recall to his mind the best actions he had done. One by one they were put down on paper, and the test was applied,

“Was this done from love to God?” Conscience answered, “No,” and he drew his pen across it. Another was written and the same question asked, but conscience gave the same disappointing reply. Every conceivable deed which he thought would come under the category of “good works” was taken into account —Bible reading, prayers, church attendance, deeds of charity and kindness—but the inexorable monitor told him that they would not stand the test—not one of them proceeding from supreme love to God. He was now fully convinced that if salvation were offered him on this condition, it was utterly beyond his reach.

At this point a part of the address which he had heard forcibly recurred to his mind and greatly increased his anxiety. It was to this effect:

“Not only is it impossible in the past to find anything to merit acceptance, it is equally impossible to do anything which can secure your acquittal at God’s bar. You have sinned, and all your present obedience can never atone for the past.” The dark thunder-cloud of God’s wrath appeared to him to be ready to burst upon him, and he was helpless to avert the awful consequences. With joy and wonder he read the following passages of Scripture,

“Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a Ransom.” Job 33:24.

What was the “ransom” provided by God? Was it adequate to meet His righteous and holy claims? In awe and astonishment, he read the wonderful words,

“For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a Ransom for all.” 1 Tim. 2:5, 6. “Gave Himself a Ransom for all!” “Himself!” O, what love! “A Ransom for all,” therefore for me!

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, He who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

The Spirit of God pressed home the truth of the Gospel to his heart, and he was filled with unutterable joy and gratitude.

If you cling to the hope to which the young man clung, remember you can do nothing to merit the favor of God. Thank God, a way of escape has been opened, and you may be saved, even as you read these lines. There is “good news” for you! The free and full forgiveness of all your sins is proclaimed. All barriers are now removed. Sin has been judged. The ransom has been paid. The penalty has been borne, and God invites you to accept of eternal life as a free gift. Why not settle the great question, and settle it now by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a ransom for you?

ML 09/18/1927

The Writing on the Sand

I read one morning on the sand,

And written by a childish hand,

A truth the billows cannot teach,

A truth past human wisdom’s reach—

GOD IS LOVE.

It seemed a very angel’s trace,

God’s footprint in that lonely place;

It brightened up the sea and sky,

And glad I was I could reply,

GOD IS LOVE.

And much I thanked my little friend,

Who thus her joyous creed had penned;

And may she know for evermore

The truth she wrote upon the shore,

GOD IS LOVE.

The tide will come again today,

And wash that lovely print away;

But death and hell cannot erase,

The charter of that child of grace,

GOD IS LOVE.

“We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16.

ML 09/18/1927

Mount Corcoran

WE have here a picture of a mountain in the western part of the United States. Perhaps some of our readers live near enough this mountain to see it from their homes.

It is a very beautiful sight, with the pretty lake and big trees in the foreground.

It looks as though one might have a good deal of trouble to get across to the other side of the mountain, it is so high and steep.

Psalm 125:2 Says,— “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is, round about His people from henceforth even forever.”

The mountains that surrounded Jerusalem were a protection to the city and made the people feel more safe than if their city had been, like so many of our cities, in the midst of a big plain across which enemies could come without any trouble.

However, in spite of the mountains, enemies did find their way through, and destroyed Jerusalem.

But those whom the Lord is protecting can never be harmed.

In Dent. 33:27 we have these beautiful words, — “The eternal God is thy refuge. and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, —‘Destroy them.’”

There is one enemy who would like to keep away from the Lord, all those who do not yet know Him, and get away from Him all who do know Him.

This enemy is Satan.

But Jesus says,

“MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME: AND I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; AND THEYSHALL NEVER PERISH. NEITHER SHALL ANY PLUCK THEM OUT OF MY HAND.” John 10:27, 28.

Dear little reader, if You are one of Jesus’ lambs, Satan can never get you away from Him, for Jesus is stronger than Satan.

ML 09/25/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 1.

WHEN Ahab was dead, Moab rebelled against Israel; they had been a subject people while he reigned. Ahaziah, son of Ahab, fell through a lattice or window (made after the fashion of the East, of trellis work, admitting light and air while screening from view), and was sick.

When king Jeroboam’s boy was ill (1 Kings 14), he sent to a prophet of God to inquire about his recovery, though he had given up the worship of God, and had substituted idolatry; evidently, he had little confidence in the idol system he had set up. His successor seventy-five years later knew nothing of the true God, having been brought up in the atmosphere in which Ahab and Jezebel lived, and he sent messengers to inquire of the god of Ekron (Philistine city thirty-five miles southwest of Samaria), Baal-Zebub, or Lord of the Ely by name. This god was, we are told, regarded as a healer of diseases, being first a preserver against poisonous flies.

The blessed Book of God, the Bible, tells us what otherwise we should not know, that behind the idol is Satan; the sacrifices offered to idols were sacrifices to demons (1 Corinthians 10:21). God would not tolerate the king’s inquiring of the idol, and sent Elijah to ask him if it was because there was not a God in Israel that he did so, and to tell him that he should not recover from the injury: he should surely die.

Angry at this intervention, Ahaziah sent bands of men from his army to take Elijah, and they were consumed when the prophet called down fire from heaven upon them. This was God’s answer to the daring of Satan among his people. The third of these parties was spared when Elijah’s power (as from the true God) was owned, and he went with them to the king when the angel of the Lord told him to go. So Ahaziah heard his doom directly from the prophet. He died, and his brother Jehoram became king in his stead, for he had no sons.

We have noticed before in connection with other reference to books not included in the Bible, that there were books of history known generally at the time the Old Testament Scriptures were written. These books, not being inspired, have perished, but God has seen to it that His Word should be preserved. We need concern ourselves with no alleged “missing books of the Bible.” We have all of them as far as is known, and they form, in the commonly accepted Bible, the full guide book for the children of God, as well as containing the full display of the natural heart, sinful and deceitful, desperately wicked, and the announcement of a free pardon from a holy God to all who will accept it. And have you accepted the terms, reader?

ML 09/25/1927

Precious Blood of Jesus

A LITTLE boy, who lived in South Africa and who attended a Sunday school there, was thought by his teacher to be in trouble about something, and he thought very likely it might be anxiety about the salvation of his soul.

His name was Frank, and having a Christian father and mother, he often heard things spoken of relating to the Lord Jesus and His interests in this world. Also at gospel meetings he heard the way of salvation explained, but although he heard so much about these things, he could not say he was a child of God, but he was getting very anxious, and really desired to be converted.

But God had His eye upon Frank and loved him, and in rather a remarkable way brought him to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and that all his sins were gone forever, not only from before his own eyes, but from the eyes of a Holy God.

It all came about in this way. One Lord’s-day afternoon about this time he took home by mistake a Sunday-school hymn-book. On the way home two or three boys seeing him with the hymn-book accused him of stealing it.

Frank was very distressed at the thought of being called a thief, and the moment he reached home he told all his grief to his mother.

She told him to take the book back to his teacher, as he knew where he lived, and apologize for the mistake he had made.

His teacher, who was much interested in Frank, and longed to see him a rejoicing Christian, said,

“Never mind, Frank, you keep the hymn-book, and learn this hymn, and say it to me before all the boys next Sunday,” pointing out a certain hymn in the book, “They will then see that you have made good use of the book while you have had it.”

This he did; he went home and went over that hymn till he had learned it perfectly by heart; but a wonderful thing happened, for while learning the words of the hymn by heart, he learned the truth and meaning of them in his soul. He said nothing to anyone at the time. but during that week his mother could not help noticing that all the cloud and anxious look on his face had disappeared.

So one evening she said to him, “Frank, what has come in to make such a difference with you? You don’t look sad and unhappy now as you did some days ago.”

Tears of joy came to his eyes as he looked up at his mother, and without any other comment, he answered her in the words of the hymn he had been learning: —

“Precious, precious blood of Jesus,

Shed on Calvary;

Shed for rebels, shed for sinners,

Shed for me;”

and he shook his head significantly as he repeated the last two lines.

Thus he was truly brought into God’s secret as to how a guilty conscience can be set at rest, and a troubled heart find joy and peace God’s testimony to the blood had done it.

Now can you imagine yourself at the school on the following Sunday when Frank had to stand up before the whole school and repeat that hymn? I should like to have been there myself, to hear how he would repeat it, Not gabbled off like a parrot, I feel sure, but with deep and sacred feeling, he would give utterance to the words, and I trust they would go home to many a heart there.

I have often joined in that hymn with others, and would urge the readers to sing or read that hymn through and see if it will not bring them the same blessing that it did to Frank.

ML 09/25/1927

The Young Servant

KATIE was a young servant, and she was a Christian. On the day of which I write she stood in her little bedroom putting on her hat to run an errand for her mistress. But Katie’s face, reflected in the mirror, was not at all a happy one.

“Katie, Katie”, called her mistress, “are you ready?” Katie obeyed the summons and was soon on her way. It was a lovely morning, and Katie had not walked very far before her usual good temper returned.

“How wrong of me,” she said to herself, “to grumble because I have to leave my work to go and inquire after poor Miss S. I do hope she will be better this morning, for they say she is dying; but if she loves Jesus, she won’t be afraid, I know.”

Katie had found out a little of the love the Lord Jesus had for her, but she had not learned to leave everything with Him, and thus to overcome the impatience that arose in her heart because of her little trials and troubles.

As she was nearing the house, where she was to call, a lady was seated at one of its windows, watching her with a heart full of bitterness.

“Why,” sighs she, “should my daughter have such suffering, and this servant girl look so happy?” Then rising from her chair, she met Katie, saying,

“You come from Mrs. E. I believe, to inquire after my child. Perhaps a fresh, bright face might arouse her. I should like you to go in and take your message yourself.”

Katie, who had frequently come to the house to make inquires, followed the lady upstairs, full of wonder why she, a little servant-maid, should have such an honor paid her.

When they reached the bedroom, the lady left Katie standing just inside the room, saying she would return shortly.

Katie fixed her eyes on the pale, wasted face of the dying girl. She had not before seen such a sight. Was she asleep? she wondered. No, for opening her eyes, the invalid said, half to herself, half to Katie,

“I’m so weary; O, so weary!”

In a moment all Katie’s timidity fled: her heart was filled with pity for the sufferer, and going over to the bedside, she bent down to that weary looking face, and said, softly and tenderly,

“Do you not know that Jesus will give you rest? He offers it to you now, He says Himself,

‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are weary laden, and I will give you rest.” Then becoming very bold, she took up a Bible nearby, and turning to Matt. 11:28, read its precious words over again.

“Mark it for me,” said the sick girl, “and tell me more about Him.”

In the few precious moments thus given, Katie told the dying girl all she knew in her heart of Jesus and His love, and as she simply declared what a Saviour Jesus was to herself, the invalid exclaimed,

“I see it; how good of Him!”

The dear sick girl, lived only a few days after this, but was truly saved, and passed away very happily, longing to be with her Lord and Saviour.

As you read this true, but simple account, think, dear young Christian, to what high service the blessed Master may call you, and how cheerfully you should enter by any door He may open for you, where you may, in your own simple way, speak lovingly for Him.

“Of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45.

“A word spoken in due season, how good is it?” Prov. 15:23.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Prov. 25:11.

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

ML 09/25/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For the word of God,” etc. Heb. 4:12.

2.“And almost all things,” etc. 9:22.

3. “For unto us was the gospel,” etc. 4:2.

4.“But without faith,” etc. 11:6.

5.“How shall we escape,” etc. 2:3.

6.“Now of the things,” etc. 8:1.

7.“Let us go forth,” etc. 13:13.

Bible Questions for October “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1, 2, 3rd John, and Jude

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “With ten thousands of his saints.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Follow not that which is evil.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “If any man love the world.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Children, abide in him.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “If we confess our sins.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He that abideth in the doctrine.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “May know that ye have eternal life.”

Answers to Bible Questions for August “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Angels. Heb. 1:4; 2:5.

2.Moses. Heb. 3:5, 6.

3.Aaron, the high priest. Heb. 5:1, 4, 5.

4.“A little while.” Heb. 10:37.

5.The first or old; and the better or new covenant. Heb. 8:6, 7, 9, 13.

6.After the order of Melchisedec. Heb. 6:20; 7:17, 21.

7.To appear in the presence of God for us. Heb. 9:24.

Bible Questions for October “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1, 2, 3rd John, and Jude

1.What verse shows that the Lord’s servants do not accept money from unbelievers?

2.What three things are not of the Father but of the world?

3.Who may know that they have eternal life?

4.When do we have confidence toward God?

5.Whom must we not let into our house?

6.For what are we to earnestly contend?

7.What does the blood of Jesus Christ do for us?

ML 10/02/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 2.

ELIJAH had requested that he might die, as utterly discouraged he had left the borders of Israel (1 Kings 19:4), but God purposed to translate His servant so that he should not see death, as He had dealt with Enoch (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5) and in marked honor, instead of disgrace, the prophet was taken to glory. At this time Elisha reappeared. He was called to succeed Elijah in 1 Kings 19:19, 20, but is not mentioned again except in verse 21 of that chapter until this time.

Elijah and Elisha started from Gilgal on a journey full of significance to Israel that led them out of that highly favored but apostate land in quite a different connection from Elijah’s quitting it in 1 Kings 19. God was in the one case, and Elijah was seen acting in self-will in the other.

Gilgal was a place of marked interest to the Israelite; there His people had entered the land, headed by Joshua, to take possession of the inheritance long before promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; there the “reproach of Egypt” had been rolled away (Joshua 5:1-9), and there was power for victory after victory gained in the necessary warfare for possession of the inheritance. But Gilgal had, in God’s sight, ceased to hold the connection that once had marked it as early as the days of the Judges (chapter 2:1-5). It no longer spoke of a people separated from an ungodly world to the Lord God, but was now connected with sin openly practiced. (See Amos 4:4, and 5:4,5). In like manner the cross of Christ has in the days of Christianity, become connected with idolatry through the devil’s wiles.

From Gilgal Elijah would go, first however testing Elisha’s fitness to succeed him. Elisha stood the test; he would not leave him; he sought to share his spirit, and they journeyed together to Beth-el and to the final parting. Beth-el was the memorial, to the pious Israelite, of the unconditional promise of God to Jacob (Gen. 28:13-15). Yet at this place of hallowed memory was one of the calf idols set up by Jeroboam! Elijah cannot stay there, and bidding Elisha (who refused) to remain, he goes on to Jericho. There under Joshua the power of Satan had met with a crushing defeat, and a curse had been pronounced by God’s authority upon the ruins. Man had nevertheless (1 Kings 16:34) rebuilt it, and suffered the penalty which was attached; the curse was not removed. What more was needed to testify to the heart of the faithful one concerning the departure of the chosen people from divine principles?

ML 10/02/1927

Through a Broken Window

TWO Christian boys, in New York City, were on their way home from the Central Park. It was early in the afternoon, and they were sauntering along, laughing and chatting together. As they were passing a small house the door opened, and a man looked out.

“Boys,” he said, “please do not make a noise, for there is a poor woman in this house dying.”

The boys were quiet at once, and were going away, when one said to the other,

“I wonder if she is ready to die. Let’s go back and see.”

Back they went, but when they were about to ring the bell, their courage failed and they started to go away. The thought struck one of them, however, that they might find easier access by the back door. So they walked round to the rear of the house and there, through a broken window, they saw the dying woman on her cot. One of the boys put his mouth to the window and called out:

“Sick woman! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Then ran away.

Now it happened that the dying woman was sorely perplexed with fears and misgivings as to what awaited her in the next life. She was not unfamiliar with the terms of the Gospel; she knew that the Lord alone could save her; yet she could not say for certain that she herself was really saved. The words that came ringing in through the broken window came to her as a message from God. They reached her just when she needed them. All her doubts were scattered and death was robbed of its terrors. She saw that salvation was indeed hers through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you, in your heart, trust in, or believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? Is He the only hope of your soul? Is His precious Blood your only plea? Is His atoning Work the only ground of your confidence? Then let the words spoken by that Christian boy to the dying woman, give you peace and assurance. They are words from God’s own Book, and are meant for you, too.

It was this simple text, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,” that enabled Mr. A. to speak with assurance as to his salvation. He had two visitors. One was a believer; the other was not.

“Mr. A.,” said the Christian visitor, “you have often expressed yourself to me confidently with regard to the future. But do you not sometimes, now, have doubts in reference to it?”

Quietly the man replied:

“No, I do not. I don’t see why I should have. I believe the Bible is the Word of God, and that it cannot fail. It says, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ I do believe on Him; I trust Him as my Saviour. Can there be any doubt about it, then?” Soon afterwards the visitors took their leave.

“What do you think of Mr. A.?” asked the Christian.

“I never saw anything like it,” replied the other, “he is just as clear in spiritual matters as he always was in business.”

That is exactly as it may be with you, if you will but believe on Christ. Could dreams, or feelings, or happy experiences, or an audible voice give you the same assurance as this promise from God Himself?

Read the verse over again thoughtfully. Ask God to make it quite clear to you.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” You will find it in Acts 16:31. Do not miss the salvation of which it speaks.

So from the Saviour on the cross

A healing virtue flows;

Who looks to Him in simple faith

Is saved from endless woes.

For God gave up His son to death,

So generous was His love,

That every soul believing Him,

Eternal life might have.

ML 10/02/1927

A Place of Safety

THE little girl in our picture today looks very happy and contented in the arms of her older brother and sister. She does not seem to be in the least afraid that they will let her drop. The picture brings to mind a verse in the Bible which says,

“THE ETERNAL GOD IS THY REFUGE, AND UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS.” Deut. 33:27

Do you know what a refuge is? It is a place of safety—a place where nothing can harm one. Our houses are a refuge from the cold and storms of winter.

Many people have a cave in their yard to use for a refuge from cyclones, or terrible wind storms.

Our verse says that “The Eternal God is thy refuge.” Do you know from what He is our refuge? I think I hear some little one say,

“From sin and from Satan.”

Yes, that is right. If the everlasting arms are underneath us, we need have no fear of anything evil, and if once we are in those arms, they will never, never let us drop.

ML 10/02/1927

That Better Part

‘Tis not the peaceful trees,

Nor flowers that sweetly smell,

Or corn fields bowing in the breeze

That God’s blest nature tell.

And if we look on high,

That blue expanse above,

The stars that sparkle in the sky,

They tell us not of love.

God’s power and wisdom, too,

Both heaven and earth declare;

And seas’ contents, hid from our view,

Prove what we cannot share.

But if we may not share

That wisdom all divine,

Or power which makes with beauty fair

The face of nature shine.

Yet little children may

Know God’s most precious love;

Praise Him for JESUS day by day,

Then endless joy above.

ML 10/02/1927

Dear Grandfather

THE old gentleman in our picture has been left in charge of his baby grandson, whose mother has, I expect, gone out to do some shopping.

But the old man is better able to handle fishing-nets than feeding-bottles, and instead of pouring the baby’s food into the bottle, he is pouring it over his fingers and clothes, while poor baby lies in his cradle and cries!

What will the mother say when she returns? I expect she will readily forgive grandfather, for, after all, he did his best. He really does not know how to take care of babies.

But I want to tell you about One who does know how to take good care of all who are in His charge. I mean the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, He is able to save. Those who cannot possibly save, nor help to save, themselves, may come to Him, and He will save them at once. He died upon the cross and shed His blood, in order that He might save the sinful and the lost.

Second, He is able to help those whom He has saved, in their difficulties. He is a true and faithful Friend in times of need, as well as a Saviour for eternity. There is nothing too small to take to Him in prayer, seeking His help.

Third, He is able to keep. Can you find a verse in the Bible that tells us so? Look in 2 Tim. 1:12. There are dangers and temptations which we all have to face. Left to ourselves, we would meet with disaster and defeat; but in the Saviour we have One who knows how to keep those who trust in Him.

Fourth, He is able to guide. Sometimes we hardly know what to do. We feel we need someone to tell us and direct us. The Lord Jesus can do this; He speaks to our hearts by His Word, and makes us know what is right and what is wrong.

When we are saved through trusting Him, we are in His charge, until He comes again. How glad we ought to be that He knows so well how to take care of us, and to do for us all that we need!

“HE IS ABLE TO SAVE THEM TO THE UTTERMOST THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM.” Heb. 7:25

ML 10/09/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 2.

Elisha will not leave his master, either at Elijah’s bidding, or upon the remarks of the sons of the prophets, and they now approach the Jordan. It was the river that divided the land of earthly promise from the regions outside; in it was seen the memorial and figure of death ever flowing by, separating the people of God from their former estate, from the world; it had been passed in the power of Christ’s victory upon the cross, as set out for faith in the ark carried to the lowest depth of the river’s channel which thereby established a highway for the people to pass over (Joshua 4). In the dark depths of the river, unseen to mortal eye, and on its western bank, stood the memorials of the victory there won over death for the believer. Elijah crossed the Jordan dry of foot. Typically, he passed through death, though he presently ascended without dying.

And now in the wilderness, having withdrawn from the land of Israel which has given up its God, —the land of law and of sin ever rising to a fuller measure, —Elijah can propose blessing to Elisha according as he may ask. The latter realizing that the parting moment has come, and attached to Elijah and to the ministry he had just withdrawn from, could ask only for a double portion of his spirit. His request was granted, as he viewed Elijah in his heavenly condition, heavenward bound. For Elijah, the days of labor amid the ruined people, disobedient and stiff-necked as they had been in Moses’ time; the ignored or rejected appeals to this nation to return to their God, were over. His work was done. But from that home in heaven he came to earth with Moses for a brief visit to speak to our blessed Lord about His death (Luke 9:30, 31), —event of supreme interest we may be sure, in the glory.

Spared then the circumstances of illness and death, Elijah is conveyed to God’s presence in the sight of his successor.

Elisha’s own mantle will do for him no more; henceforth he, as we may say, thinking of Elijah and Elisha’s blessed Saviour, and not of the failing servant who was now translated, who faintly pictures the Lord, will carry the mantle of the rejected and ascended One, Him Who has passed into the heavens (Heb. 4:14) in the power of His own blood (Heb. 9:12).

Elisha returned to Jericho, where he found the characteristic of the natural man, unbelief, yet now as the messenger of grace (law, as represented in Elijah having failed) removed the curse that was upon the place. Going on to Beth-el where judgment falls upon the mockers; and thence to Carmel where judgment had been executed upon Baal the god of this world, Elisha finally retraces his steps to Samaria, there to take up his ministry for God.

ML 10/09/1927

Washed in the Blood of the Lamb

I MET her at the door of a cottage in the country, busy with her work and enjoying the company of her grandchildren. After some conversation I gained her confidence, she told me quite frankly how she was brought to the Saviour, and I cannot do better than give her conversion in as near her own words as possible.

“Thank God,” she said, “I have a conversion to tell. It was on a Sunday afternoon, in a little mission room. I went there merely to pass the time, for the Lord’s day was a burden and a weariness to me. The preacher read the 7th chapter of Revelation, and read over again this part of the 14th verse, ‘These are they which have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,’ and then he read a hymn, having this line in it:

‘Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?’

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

“‘Let those,’ he continued, who really know that they are washed, sing:

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

“I, for one, could not sing those words. My heart condemned me, and I stood convicted of sin. There and then I saw my need of cleansing, and left the meeting as in a dream, my one wish being to be left alone with God. For days that chorus kept repeating itself in my mind, but, though feeling wretched and undone, I made the too common mistake of looking within for some evidence of salvation, instead of looking away from my own wicked self to the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Some time after, at the close of a meeting in our village, an earnest preacher asked those who were saved to confess it. I felt I must do so, and upon this, joy and peace filled my soul. It is written, ‘If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.’”

Let me ask: Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? God says, “When I see the blood I will pass over you” (Exod. 12:13). Death may come to you, and after death comes the judgment. If you are not sheltered under the blood I tremble for you. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission. The great sacrifice has been made once for all, and now Jesus invites you to Him.

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” Isa. 1:18.

The moment you come to the Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him for salvation, that moment the precious blood cleanses from all sin and washes you whiter than snow.

ML 10/09/1927

Was Mary Mad or Glad?

THE first time I saw Mary and her sister Lily I thought them the happiest pair in the place. Yet it had not always been so, for Mary, the eldest of the two, was supposed to be mad! Shall I tell you the story?

Previous to “the happy day” that fixed her choice on Christ, her Saviour and her Lord, she was wretched enough. Her misery was caused through her eyes being opened to see that she was a guilty sinner on her way to perdition. Through special services held in the neighborhood, Mary had been led to see that the Lord Jesus Christ died for her sins, and by believing on Him, they were all forgiven. Then she understood the meaning of Psalm 32:1, 2: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity.”

When Mary obtained rest to her heart, and peace to her conscience, she could not keep the good news to herself, and told her mother and sister what God had done for her, and yet, strange to say, they were far from being pleased. The fact is, they looked upon those who said that they were “saved” as boasting; still Mary maintained that she was “saved”, and knew that her sins were forgiven. As the young convert spoke from a full heart of God’s mighty love, Mary’s mother and sister began to think that her mind had given way, and after consulting several physicians, they obtained certificates granting permission to remove her to a private asylum.

Mary’s sister had but little sleep the night preceding the contemplated removal. In the morning she said to her mother,

“Mother, I have been wondering whether we or Mary are mad.”

“That’s what I have been thinking,” was the mother’s reply. “If Mary is right, we are mad, and the Bible seems to be on her side. We will put off her departure for today.”

It is unnecessary to add that Mary was never placed in the “madhouse.” On the contrary, her mother and sister were awakened by the Holy Spirit to see that they were “mad” in refusing to accept of God’s “great salvation,” which He had so long been pressing on their acceptance as a free gift; and when a friend of the writer’s visited the house some time afterwards, he found Mary’s mother and sister and a room full of their relations rejoicing in Christ as their Saviour.

“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 Peter 1:7, 8.

ML 10/09/1927

Come to Jesus

Shall Jesus suffer death for me,

That I might never die;

And I not long His face to see,

Nor to His bosom fly?

Shall Jesus call and wait for me,

His arms extended wide;

And I refuse His child to be,

Nor in His bosom hide?

Shall Jesus open wide the gate,

And bid me enter in;

And I despise His love so great

And perish in my sin?

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:3.

ML 10/09/1927

The Cat and the Catbird

SEE how the cat in our picture is eyeing the bird; she is leaving her pan of milk, and is thinking she may have a far better meal. The bird seems to know that it must not fly down to the ground with such a foe so near, but is risking itself on a limb of the tree not far from the ground. It is foolish to go this far, don’t you think so? Suppose pussy would give a sly spring—I fear the poor bird would be caught—then its freedom would surely be gone, and it would be killed, unless some person rescued it.

This makes us think of unsaved people, doesn’t it? They are caught and held in bondage by Satan and sin, though many do not know it. If they run the risk of not accepting Jesus as their Saviour, sure death will meet their souls, and that for eternity.

Do you know what the word redeem means? Jesus died on the cross to redeem, or buy back, your soul from sin and eternal doom. A tiny baby, though it looks so sweet to us, is born in sin. God’s Word says, “All have sinned.” This includes everyone, from the most aged to the smallest child; all are sold under sin, and if Jesus had not died to redeem us from this awful curse, we would all be forever lost. How much the blood of Jesus means to us who have believed in its cleansing power!

“YE KNOW THAT YE WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE THINGS, AS SILVER AND GOLD, BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH AND WITHOUT SPOT.” 1 Pet. 1:18,19.

ML 10/16/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 3.

AS we begin this chapter we observe that Jehoram, younger son of Ahab, began to reign over Israel in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, which does not seem to agree with chapter 1, verse 17, where Jehoram is said to have become king in the second year of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat. Our difficulty begins to dissolve when we remember that the children of Israel reckoned periods of time which entered upon two or more days or calendar years, in whole numbers, not as we do.

A clear example of the Jewish reckoning will be found in the Lord’s word in Matthew 12:40, where He spoke of Himself as to the “three days and three nights” in the grave; the actual elapsed time was one full twenty-four-hour day and parts of two other days, but as parts of three days were included, it was “three days.”

This reckoning will be noticed in connection with other kings of Israel and Judah. It seems clear also, that after Jehoshaphat had reigned about seventeen years (until Ahab’s death), his son Jehoram was made regent, but the father lived six years longer, and both father and son were called king. (See chapter 8, verse 17 also).

The second son of Ahab to sit on the throne, put away the image of Baal that his father had made, but he held to the sins of Jeroboam who caused Israel to sin. He wrought evil in the sight of the Lord, but not like his father Ahab or his mother Jezebel. Jehoram sent to Jehoshaphat to ask his help in putting down Moab, and now for the third and last time the king of Judah joined himself with these enemies of God, the family of Ahab. He had helped Ahab (1 Kings 22:4), and undertaken a partnership with Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 20:35), and now made himself one with Jehoram. How wrong!

We have now the word of God very plainly on this subject (see 2 Cor. 6:14), but Jehoshaphat had been spoken to by Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2) when he returned from the scene of Ahab’s death.

God is not mocked; He calls for obedience to His word from His children, and as a man sows, so shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7-9). So it was that Jehoshaphat, godly man that he was at heart, reaped sorrow in his children, as the faithful word of God shows, and as we should expect he would.

We notice the difference between Elijah’s ministry and Elisha’s; the nation was rejected when Elijah was taken to glory, and God then ceased to maintain His relationship with the people. Nevertheless He will act in grace when law could only condemn. On the ground of their responsibility, God had judged them, and so Elisha said to the king of Israel,

“What have I to do with thee? Get thee to the prophets of thy father and to the prophets of thy mother ... . Were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.”

Jehoshaphat was something to Elisha, but the prophet is apart from the influence of the whole scene; his ministry is a testimony taking its character from the ascension of Elijah, to the sovereignty of God. Elisha, when the kings are in extremity, announces blessing, —God acts for His own glory amid the ruin of what professed His name.

ML 10/16/1927

The Ministry of Angels

DID you ever think, dear readers, that the angels of God were so much interested in the plan of redemption, that it was they who first proclaimed the birth of the Lord Jesus; that they ministered to Him in the wilderness of temptation, and in the garden of Gethsemane; and were the first to announce His resurrection from the dead, and to foretell His return from heaven, His blessed coming again? All this is very wonderful, is it not? and proves to us how deep and continued their interest in all that pertains to the work and person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor did their interest cease with the ascension of the Lord to heaven; for the Apostle Peter assures us that, with regard to God’s work in the world, “which things,” he says, “the angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:12.)

Now, if man had been thus interested, it would not excite surprise, for our salvation was the object of the Saviour dying on the cross—for us He lived, and for us He died; and knowing this, surely we should have been intensely interested in it all. But no! angels gaze, but people turn away their faces; angels intently follow, but man, many have no interest at all!

I repeat—Is not this astonishing? When angels fell there was no Saviour sent to rescue them.

“When angels fell, no Saviour came

To rescue or atone;

No precious blood, no saving grace,

By them was ever known.

But man, poor man, ah! when he fell,

The heart of God was moved,

And for rebellious, erring man.

He gave His own Beloved.”

Yes, dear young reader, God gave His best beloved for you, because you are a sinner, and Christ died for sinners. Will you hear His words, believe in, and love Him? Or shall angels rise up in judgment against you—they interested in man’s salvation, and you careless of your own? He is ready to receive you; are you ready to receive Him? God grant you may be.

“All heaven is there, all joy, go in, go in!

The angels beckon you the prize to win;

Room, room, still room.”

ML 10/16/1927

Rose

ROSE was suffering greatly the first time we made her acquaintance but we found there was more than bodily pain trying her, for Rose was longing for peace with God.

The dear child, when in health and strength, had been awakened to a sense of her need as a sinner, and when we saw her, she told us, with eyes full of tears, how she longed to know that she was saved.

About a month afterwards she found the peace for which she sought. She received the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus the blessed gift of eternal life became hers. The peace she had was calm and deep—nothing seemed to ruffle it; her spirit dwelt in the very sunshine of God’s love. Provided with the bare necessaries of life, Rose would exclaim from her bed of pain,

“O, I often think of my comforts, and how wonderful it is that things seem to be sent to me just when I need them.”

The dear child was confined to her bed for more than three months, and was able only to lie in one position, yet the sweet smile of contentment ever rested on her countenance.

“It is so nice that Jesus knows all I have to bear,” she would say.

During her sufferings, our dear young friend found great joy in the texts,

“In all their affliction, He was afflicted.” Isa. 63:9.

“We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities,” Heb. 4:15, and such was the love of Christ to her, that throughout her illness, no murmur was heard to escape from her lips, and her patient gentle spirit was truly an example to all around her.

She liked to look on some large printed texts just opposite her bed,

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4.

“So shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:17.

On another occasion she said, “I do so like that text,

‘The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Rom. 8:18.

She remarked to a friend that she did wish she could have been the means of bringing someone to Jesus. Very early the next morning she called her mother, and said,

“I am going now, I know it, Jesus is calling me,” then holding out her arms, she said, “Yes, Jesus, I am coming.” Then turning to her father she said,

“You won’t forget, father, it is simply trusting in Jesus. You want peace, settled peace.”

Then about five minutes before her brief life on earth was ended, she said, “Trust Jesus”, as if she wanted to leave that as her last word. She had said to her father a day or two before.

“Dear father, the father who never said an unkind word to me, take me in your arms,” and lovingly he folded his darling girl to his bosom, then she said, “You will have my texts to look at when I am gone.”

May her last loving appeal, “Trust Jesus,” find an answer in many a heart; may her desire be fulfilled that she might be the means of bringing someone to Jesus.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isa. 26:3.

ML 10/16/1927

Seek Me Early

“Those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

Seek Me in the early morning,

Ere the dewdrops fade away,

Ere the burning heat of noontide

Makes thee faint upon the way.

Seek Me ere the shades of evening

Fall upon thy aching brow;

Seek Me early, seek Me early,

The accepted time is now.

Seek me ere the gloom of night-fall,

Ere loved friends have passed away;

Seek Me ere thy hopes have faded,

Seek Me while ‘tis called today.

Seek Me early, thou wilt find Me,

I am ever near to thee;

Life and comfort, peace and pleasure,

Thou wilt surely find in Me.

ML 10/16/1927

The Lost One Found

I WILL, now tell you of a little girl who lived on a farm, many, many miles away. The farm stood on the edge of a large forest. One day the little girl went too far into the forest. She wandered about for hours trying to find her way back, but could not. She tried this way and that way, but all to no purpose. Poor little girl, she was lost! She cried aloud “Father! mother, mother!” but the father and mother could not hear; so the little one, footsore and tired out, fell down beneath the branches of a large tree and fell asleep. The poor child was lost.

In a while after, her kind father and mother missed her, and at once began to seek her. They searched a great many places, all about the farmhouse, in the neighbors’ houses, and wherever they thought she could be. At last a number of friends resolved to search the forest; so they took lanterns, for it was quite dark, and commenced an active persevering search for the little one.

One by one they returned, sad and disappointed. Fear filled their hearts; they began to think that the wolves had killed her. The parents were almost distracted with grief; the mother, especially, wrung her hands sobbing bitterly, and crying,

“My child is lost; my child is lost.”

I wonder if every reader of this little paper knows that he or she is lost! It is a terrible thing to be lost in a forest, in a dark night, with no food, and no father and kind mother near you; but it is an awful thing, and much worse, to be a lost sinner. Now you are a lost sinner; but I can tell you of a Saviour— Jesus the Lord. He came to save. He could only do so through death. He died for the sheep.

“THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.” John 10:11

You need a Saviour, for you are a sinner; you need salvation, for you are lost.

“And I, a little straying lamb,

May come to Jesus as I am,

Though goodness I have none;

May now be folded in His breast,

As birds within the parent nest,

And be His little one.”

The night was nearly past, and yet no tidings of the lost child. What a night they spent! The anxiety and distress of the agonized parents were dreadful. How terrible the thought of losing their little one, in that deep, dark forest; perhaps dying for want of food, or devoured by the wolves which roamed about the forest.

Suddenly three short, quick blasts of a horn were heard.

“Hark!” cried one; “hark! she is found!” “She is found!” was the joyful cry. Yes, the lost one is found. A man in the careful search, had just found a little bit of ribbon—it is enough. He traces the small tiny foot-marks, until he found the dear child sleeping, with her cheeks still wet with tears. She is found.

With what joy the strong man took up the lost child in his big arms and hastened home! The child was lost, and is now found.

Do you think, my little reader, the man complained of the toil and trouble he had endured? No, no; he would have borne as much again, if only he could rescue the little one, and restore her to her sorrowing parents. All in the house were happy. Why? Because the lost was found!

Jesus, in like manner, has suffered even unto death for us, such was His great love; and such it is, too, for He ever loves the sinner.

The shepherd, when he bore home the sheep, rejoicing, made all in the house happy. He said, “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost;” and so, if you give your heart to Jesus now, without waiting until another time, you would make everyone in heaven happy.

O that every little reader may fly to the kind and open arms of Jesus—the Shepherd who loved the sheep, and gave His life for them.

ML 10/23/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 4.

HERE we have several examples of the character of God’s dealings with a people from whom, as a nation, He had withdrawn. We may say, reading the story of verses 1 to 7, here is an example of what the Lord said in Matthew 8:13, “As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” And likewise, the scene in Gen. 18:23-33, as long as Abraham stood interceding, the Lord stood promising, as another has said,

It was what the poor widow had, that was to be used in faith, —she had nothing “save a pot of oil,”—and what was that with which to meet the creditor? “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” It was enough, under God, to supply the full measure of the faith that now, at the prophet’s prompting, counted upon Him. And this in no public display of power, but unseen by the world (verse 5).

The second portion of the chapter (verses 8-37) deals with the “great woman” of Shunem. She marks this prophet of God, that he walks alone and has nothing, and speaks to her husband so that a little room is provided for him in their dwelling.

Was she not herself one who knew God, and for His sake sought to do something for His servant? Blessing then was to be hers, though earthly honor (verse 13) had no attraction for her. She believed the promise, and as with the widow we have just been considering, faith’s demands are fully met.

There was more; as with Abraham and his dearly loved Isaac, the sentence of death is laid on the child of promise, that the lesson of resurrection may be learned in the heart. No wavering in either case do we see: faith is lively, and calmly in energy of faith the bereaved mother goes, through the prophet, to God for help, and seeks not in vain. And when her faith is answered, it is not astonishment that she exhibits, but gratitude (verse 37); she had counted on Him Who is able (Eph. 3:20).

Lastly (verses 38-44) we have a time of famine, and death is near. The meal (verse 41) is a figure of Christ Who entered this scene of death and Satan’s power, to intercept the course of things. He has “destroyed (annulled the power of) him who had the power of death” (Heb. 2:14).

Carelessly, heedless of consequences, the gathering of the wild fruit had been carried out—such has been the history of man from Adam down. Note that this was not part of Elisha’s provision (verse 38); it was “one” that went out into the field who brought in the deadly thing, spoiling everything. But it becomes harmless, and presently there is abundance to eat.

So God has met in the ruin of all things here, the desires and needs of those who put their trust in Him, so that they can appropriate the words of Psalm 23,

“The Lord is My Shepherd: I shall not want ... ..Thou preparest a table before memy cup runneth over ... ..”

ML 10/23/1927

Steer Clear of Tomorrows

STEER clear of tomorrows as far as you can.” This was a proverb of John Wanamaker, whose name, as you all know stands for success in the business world.

We all recognize the wisdom of not putting off anything of importance. When this is done, the probability is that it will never be done at all.

If this is true in human affairs, it is true and doubly important in the matter of the soul’s salvation. The Scripture, which is the highest authority of all, says,

“Now is the day of salvation.”

The Lord Jesus is set forth as a Saviour, and all are invited to come to Him and be saved. His cleansing blood avails for the vilest sinner.

When is it that you are urged to come? Ah, that is the vital point. It is today.

“Steer clear of tomorrows. Have nothing to do with them.” Tomorrow may be one day too late. Your opportunity may have passed. Life is uncertain; many dangers surround you, and the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

The God of infinite love who desires to have all to be saved, pleads that you will make this the day of your salvation. Heaven would rejoice at your coming to Christ. As you value your soul, do not delay.

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

If you accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour today, He will take charge of your tomorrows—yes, even forever more, your eternity will be spent in His presence where there is fulness of joy.

ML 10/23/1927

The Blind Man and the Prince

A POOR blind man vainly sought to cross a crowded street of a great city. Thousands passed, but no o n e noticed the Door afflicted man or offered him assistance.

A gentleman, alighting from a carriage at the time, was about to enter a building when he noticed the blind man, and in a moment was at his side.

“Give me your hand and trust me,” he said, as he led him gently across the street.

“Thank you, sir,” said the grateful man, and the stranger quickly disappeared.

Who was he? The Prince of Wales, afterwards Edward VII.

What a sweet instance this is of faith. The blind man trusted, and the prince led the poor sightless one on to safety.

We would like to have our reader trust himself as implicitly—and to whom? It is a greater than any earthly Prince, however kind and powerful he may be. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, who by His surpassing love has proved Himself worthy of your faith.

What an apt picture is the blind man, in his helplessness, of all of us who are by nature weak, and sinful, and incapable of saving ourselves. Our help must come from Another, and what a gracious, and wonderful thing it is that God has looked upon us in our need, and has given One so well able to undertake for us, even His Son. He is the only one too who is able to save.

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

The Lord Jesus is the mighty Saviour, but in order to benefit by His saving power, there must be on our part that trust and faith in Him; a yielding of ourselves to Him, as did the blind man to the Prince.

God loved the world, and gave His Son that you might be saved. Jesus gave Himself in love that you might be redeemed and washed from your sins in His blood.

Could you doubt such love? O, that the language of your heart might be,

“We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.” That is what brings salvation. A simple faith in what God has said. A simple acceptance of the Saviour He has provided. This will be counted to you for righteousness.

“O, how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee, before the sons of men!” Psa. 31:19.

ML 10/23/1927

Why Not for Thee

The Saviour died, and by His blood

Brought rebel sinners home to God;

He died to set the captives free,

And why my soul—why not for thee?

The blood of Christ; how sweet it sounds,

To cleanse and heal the sinner’s wounds:

The streams thereof are rich and free,

And why, my soul—why not for thee?

Thus Jesus came the poor to bless,—

To clothe them in God’s righteousness:

This robe is spotless, full, and free,

And why, my soul—why not for thee?

Eternal life by Christ is given,

And ruined rebels raised to heaven;

Then sing of grace so rich and free,

And shout, my soul—’tis all for thee.

ML 10/23/1927

Autumn

The autumn has come, and the beautiful roses

Are gradually falling and fading away:

The leaves and the blossoms, now falling, discloses

That all that is beautiful sinks to decay.

The birds of the woodlands, whose songs have so gladdened

Our hearts, as we wandered through meadow and lane,

Will soon take to flight—but while we are saddened,

We know that in spring they are coming again.

‘Mid all that is changing—in gladness and sorrow—

Believers in Him who is now on the throne,

Wait joyfully still for that precious tomorrow,

That moment when Jesus returns for His own.

“YET A LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY.” Heb. 10:37.

ML 10/30/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 5.

THERE are few portions of the Old Testament that show more plainly than this chapter how a sinner is brought to God. We leave the land of Israel here, for the country of their northern neighbor and enemy, Syria. There were, the Lord said in His brief address to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:27), many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed saving Naaman the Syrian. The way of power was there, but none would take it. To remind them of this, was to stir the depths of their wicked hearts; the Jew would have confined all blessing to himself, but God purposed to overstep all barriers that He might bless the needy. Naaman’s case, and Ruth’s, and Rahab’s (Joshua, chapters 2 and 6, and Matthew 1:5) were but foreshadowings of the grand “whosoever” of John 3:16. Grace can reach even an open enemy.

Naaman was a great man, a mighty man of courage, and highly thought of in his own land, but there was something about him that whenever he thought of it, took away the enjoyment of the king and people’s favor, —he had an incurable disease; he was a leper.

So indeed it is with all who are strangers to God’s grace. They may try to forget that all is not well, may live in the pleasures and satisfaction of “today”, occupying their minds so fully that for the eternal “tomorrow” is left no thought whatever, but it is all a pretense and a failure, for the conscience again and again whispers, “Prepare to meet thy God!”

God uses the great and the small to further His ends. Sometimes it is a tract that is used to bring a lost one to realize his soul’s need, and to pillow his head on the loving bosom of Jesus. Here, the means that He used to send the leper on the most important undertaking of his life, was a little slave girl, a little Hebrew maid who waited on Naaman’s wife. She knew the power of God, and though she might have felt very bitterly toward Naaman and the Syrians because they had taken her away from her home, she thinks only of the poor man’s need, and the One Who could alone meet it.

The king of Syria, ignorant of God as Naaman was, proposes to send a letter to the equally godless king of Israel, and a present of worth, for he thinks much of his great soldier. It was all in vain; man may in his pride think to offer much for the favor of God, but what God offers is free. The kings, and the letter, and the present, are all set aside by Elisha, the man of God; nay more, the pride of man exhibited in Naaman as he stands at the prophet’s door, is thoroughly rebuked. At first indeed, Naaman was angry, very angry. He would not accept God’s way of cleansing a poor leper; he wanted something to be done that would preserve him his pride.

But God will not bargain with the sinner; He has stated the way to deliverance (see among many passages, Romans 4); will the sinner, as pictured by Naaman the leper, receive or refuse? It is one or the other; what say you, my reader? Are you for receiving or refusing the grace of God?

At length Naaman is brought by the very hopeless case in which he realizes he is, to take the one way of God’s providing. Notice that when once he is humble enough to be a receiver at God’s hand, it does not take long before he is the healed, the blessed, the happy man. How changed is Naaman; a short while ago his language was, as he fumed over the disregard of his greatness which Elisha showed: “Behold, I thought he will surely come out to me,” etc. Now he can say, justifying God as he seeks the prophet,

“Behold now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel.”

Gratitude is welling up in the Syrian’s heart; his great burden is gone, and he thinks of his infinite debt; will Elisha let him give him something? No, all is of grace, and not the least opportunity may be given to let it appear as though the sinner paid aught for his salvation. Neither offering nor urging will move the prophet, for he knows that what has taken place is a part of God’s free and limitless grace.

Naaman is henceforth to be a worshiper of the true God, though he may be alone in that respect in his own land; and how intelligent he is, this newly converted soul: can he have learned that God long before had declared that an altar of hewn stones He would not accept, because it contained man’s handiwork; or is it the intelligence of faith, as yet untaught? Naaman has a lively conscience too; he thinks of his associations in his own land, and is disturbed in his mind, but as to this, the Holy Spirit will enlighten him when the occasion arrives.

Gehazi’s sin was not so much in the double lie, as that he was spoiling Naaman’s return to Syria with full unbroken measure of his intended present. The leper had received without money and without price (Isaiah 55:1), and he should have gone back to his country to exhibit the proof of a free salvation. So the judgment of which Naaman had been freed, falls upon him who would misrepresent the Saviour God.

Reader, if unsaved, delay not; now is the accepted time. Tomorrow is not yours.

ML 10/30/1927

What About Myself?

BESSIE had often been to meetings and heard the gospel preached by many of God’s servants, but as far as we know, up to the time of which I write, she had never made the Saviour her own by putting her trust in Him.

On one occasion two preachers came to the town to hold some services there, and it so happened that they stayed with Bessie’s parents.

Bessie’s father and mother were both Christians, and were in full sympathy with these meetings, so Bessie was able to attend them night after night.

Now when special meetings like these are being held, there are generally many prayers offered up by those who love the Lord, that He will bless the message, and that many may be brought to the Saviour.

No doubt, Bessie’s parents prayed as well as others, and as God delights to answer prayer, it is not surprising that Bessie herself became very anxious about her soul, for she knew she had sinned many times, and these sins troubled her.

One of the gentlemen thought she seemed to be unhappy, so before going away he took up a piece of blotting paper which was covered with spots of ink, and wrote across it the following words: —

“Bessie’s sins are like these blots:

They cannot be removed

Except by the precious blood of Christ—

When is she going to trust Him?”

Then he left the piece of blotting paper where Bessie would see it. When he returned after a few days’ absence, he saw a letter waiting for him from Bessie, and on opening it, he found a little card, on which was written: —

“Dear Mr. —

“I am going to trust Him now.

“From your loving friend,

“Bessie.”

And Bessie did trust in Jesus, that precious Saviour who died for her on Calvary’s cross, and though she has grown a big girl now, she is not ashamed to own that Jesus’ precious blood has put away all her sins.

Well, it is very interesting to read about what other boys and girls have said and done, but we all ought to ask ourselves the question,

“What about myself? Have I ever, like Bessie, trusted in Him?” If not, would you like to say as she did,

“I am going to trust Him now”?

Do not wait until tomorrow, for God, does not offer us blessing tomorrow. Indeed, He says,

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for ye know not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1. But He also says,

“Now, is the accepted time; behold, now, is the day of salvation.” 2 Col, 6:2.

Your sins may be but few compared with those who are older; but whether few or many, they need to be forgiven, or they must shut you out from the presence of God for ever, and from the company of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing can put them away but the precious blood of Christ. Won’t you trust in Him now? and then you will be able to say: —

“Once my sins were red like crimson,

Deep in scarlet glow,

Jesus’ precious blood has made them

White as snow.”

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

“Without the shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22. You can be quite sure of that, for God Himself says so.

ML 10/30/1927

Triumphant Departure's

DEAR reader, remember it is God’s Word that declares, that

“The just shall live by faith,” and

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved:” and you will find, if you are called to leave this world, and you are looking only to Jesus, and relying only on what God says, you will be able to triumph in Christ, and say,

“Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When Polycarp was exhorted to swear and blaspheme Christ, in order to save his life, he replied, “Fourscore years have I served Christ, and have ever found him a good Master; how then can I blaspheme my Lord and Saviour?”

When another was asked on his death bed, how he found himself, he answered,

“I have taken my good deeds and bad deeds, and thrown them together in a heap, and fled from both to Christ, and in Him I have peace.”

A servant of Christ attended the dying bed of a young woman, who thus addressed him:

“I have little,” said she, “to relate, as to my experience. I have been much tried and tempted, but this is my sheet-anchor —He has said,

‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’

I know I have come to Him, and I expect that He will be as good as His word. Poor and unworthy as I am, He will not trifle with me: it would be beneath His greatness, as well as His goodness; I am as His feet, and

“Tis joy enough, my all in all,

At Thy dear feet to lie;

Thou wilt not let me lower fall,

And none can higher fly.’”

ML 10/30/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But the wisdom,” etc. James 3:17.

2.“Every good gift,” etc. 1:17.

3.“For he received from God,” etc. 2 Pet. 1:17.

4.“And the scripture,” etc. James 2:23.

5.“The Lord is not slack,” etc. 2 Pet. 3:9.

6.“The Lord knoweth how,” etc. 2 2:9.

7.“Being born again,” etc. 1 1:23.

Bible Questions for November “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in the Revelation, Chapters 1-11

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “For thou vast slain.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “If any man hear my voice.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Every eye shall see him.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Who shall be able to stand?”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That which ye have already hold fast.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “They ascended up to heaven in a cloud.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “God shall wipe away all tears.”

Answers to Bible Questions for September “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Whosoever will be a friend of the world. Jas. 4:4.

2.They will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10.

3.“To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Jas. 1:27.

4.We are to desire the sincere milk of the Word of God. 1 Peter 2 2.

5.“Faith without works is dead.” Jas. 2:20.

6.Cast them upon God, because He cares for us. 1 Peter 5 7.

7.The precious blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:10.

Bible Questions for November “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in the Revelation, Chapters 1-11

1.How had the tribulation saints cleansed their robes?

2.What is the new song of heaven?

3.How long was the holy city to be trodden under foot?

4.What is the effect of the opening of the sixth seal?

5.To what two old testament characters would you compare the two witnesses of Rev. 11?

6.Give the three characteristics of the church at Philadelphia.

7.Give the verse that gives the three divisions of John’s vision.

ML 11/06/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 6.

IT does not appear where Elisha lived at this time (verse 1), nor does it matter, or we should have been told in the story. He had been at Samaria (chapter 2:25); next we saw him with the warring kings of Israel and Judah (chapter 3:11); then at another unnamed place but apparently one of those where “the sons of the prophets” lived (chapter 4:1-7); he was at Shunam, Mount Carmel, and Gilgal in the course of the fourth chapter; where he was when Naaman came (chapter 5), is not said. It is clear that he lived among the people, —quite different from Elijah who lived apart from them.

Elisha in this respect puts us in mind of the Lord Jesus when He trod this earth, as we find Him told of in His unmatched life by the four evangelists (see for example Matthew 11:19; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:1; John 4). Grace as we have before noticed, is what marked the ministry of Elisha, as law did that of Elijah.

Where the sons of the prophets lived with Elisha was too small for them, they said, and he willingly went with them to the Jordan, where before he had sent Naaman the Syrian for his cleansing from leprosy, (and for his new birth, too). And it was after the pattern seen in all its wonderful perfection in Jesus that Elisha, entering into the circumstances of the people, concerned himself with the recovery of the lost axe head.

If there be a typical meaning to this incident, it is in connection with the Jordan which pictures death. Then the house built of wood taken from the river, and the axe head’s being made to swim, would suggest the believer’s position (to be lived out, practically) as expressed in Colossians 2:11-13, 20; 3:1, etc., and the power of the cross of Christ, overcoming the power of death.

Next is illustrated the care of God for His people, and that nothing is hid from Him, (verse 12). Surely “the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” 1 Peter 3:12, but on the other hand, both saint and sinner are too apt to forget the truth expressed in Hebrews 4:12,13: “For the Word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.”

Elisha (verse 17) prayed, but it was not now for himself; faith and dependence on God were strong in him, and he would have his servant in the same confidence and trust. No doubt, what was then revealed was a host of angels, generally invisible to mortal eyes, but none the less ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). That there are myriads of them, is shown by the Lord’s word to Peter in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:53), and by Hebrews 12:22, but they are not to be worshiped (Colossians 2:18.) In a way wholly unlike that of the world, Elisha deals with the Syrian bands: blinded, helpless, though bent on evil, they are protected, fed and sent back to their master. God was with His people, and attacks upon them then were powerless.

But the unjudged, unrepented of evil of the nation, brought on a fresh dealing, and Samaria was made to suffer severely with the king of Syria at the gates. That word in Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out,” has often been proved. Things may seem to go finely for a while, but that which is sowed must be reaped.

A fearful state of things had been reached in Samaria when the people resorted to eating their children, but the godless king Jehoram did not repent; blaming God for his troubles, he would have God’s servant put to death. The despairing statement at the end of the chapter is apparently the king’s, not as might be supposed, Elisha’s.

ML 11/06/1927

The Happy Boy

IT was winter. In one of our great northern towns there was a little boy, who in the midst of the blinding snow and sleet was trying to push his way onward to his home, which was in one of the poorest parts of that town.

He struggled on, hungry, tired and cold, though he was passing the brilliant lights of the various shops and places of amusement as they lit up the street for a moment, and then all was dark again.

As he was crossing the road, a frightened horse ran over him.

There was a shriek, and all was still.

“Someone is run over!” “Someone is run over!” was the cry.

The driver, with the help of some other men, stopped the horse, and whom should they drag from under the, wheels but this little boy! He had been so injured internally that he was at the point of death.

It was heart-rending to hear his little quiet voice murmur, “I’m going!” “I’m going”

One of the bystanders, for there was a crowd gathered round by this time, asked,

“What does he mean? Where is he going?”

The little boy heard him, and the last words which fell from his dying, but smiling lips, were those in answer to this man,

“I’m going to be with Jesus.”

Dear reader, are you prepared to meet death as this little boy was, who had but a minute’s warning to quit this world?

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour, you will not fear death, if it should come to you, but you would be happy to go to Him.

“To depart and be with Christ: which is far better.” Phil. 1:23.

But if you are not ready if death should come suddenly, as it did to our little boy, how terrible it would be to be lost forever!

Come to Him at once, take Him for your own blessed Saviour and Lord, and no matter what may happen, all will be well with you for time and eternity.

“He that believeth not, shall be damned.” Mark 16:16.

ML 11/06/1927

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

WHAT a lot of pets! One little puppy, one little kitten, and one, two, three toys.

But what has happened to one of them? It has fallen out of the little girl’s full arms. The little girl has more pets than she can take care of, and now trouble has come.

This picture reminds us of someone else who has a big, kind heart and loved to take the children in His arms, when He was on earth. Little reader, who is this Friend of children? It is the Good Shepherd who carries the little lambs in His bosom.

Do you think He ever drops one? Ah, no. Although He has a great many more than our little friend in the picture, He is able to take care of every one. No enemy, not even Satan himself, is strong enough to harm or touch the many little children that Jesus loves and guards from all harm.

Night and day, in sunshine and storms, inside and outside, on land and on water —everywhere and always, Jesus takes care of His little ones.

“HE SHALL GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM, AND CARRY THEM IN HIS BOSOM.” Isa. 40:11.

ML 11/06/1927

Why Did the Son of God Come Down?

Why did the Son of God come down

From the bright scenes of heavenly bliss,

And lay aside His glorious crown,

To visit such a world as this?

Because His heart was full of love;

Because He pitied sinners so;

This made Him leave His throne above

To come and suffer here below.

Why in a stable was He born,

Who was the Lord of earth and sky?

The object of reproach and scorn,

Why did He suffer, bleed, and die?

‘Twas sinners that He came to save;

Upon the cross their sins He bare,

That they might life and glory have,

And everlasting blessing share.

ML 11/06/1927

Living Water

OUR picture today presents a very beautiful scene. The cows are enjoying a good drink. The sheep is grazing contentedly on the grass, and the woman is interested in watching these pretty creatures. She seems to have the care of them, and no doubt thinks as much of them as we do of our pet dogs and cats.

In the distance there are more cattle, and the whole valley looks beautifully quiet and peaceful. Do you think that after while some more of the cows will be coming up to this fine big trough for a drink? Probably they will, for they all need water. And we can draw a lesson from this. You know you could not get along without water. I could not. None of us could. The body requires it.

Now, if this water we all drink is so necessary for the body, can you tell me what kind of water is necessary for the soul? For the soul thirsts as well as the body.

If you will read the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel you will see that Jesus is the living water. He alone can satisfy the thirsting soul. In this chapter we find the Lord Jesus by a well, talking with a poor Samaritan woman. He tells her that she drinks from the well only to thirst again, but that if she asks of Him He will give her living water, (verse 14). Then He says to her,

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

Have you found this “Living Water”? Have you drunk at this satisfying fountain? If not, do not delay longer. Accept His wonderful offer of eternal life.

“THESE THINGS HAVE I WRITTEN UNTO YOU THAT BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF THE SON OF GOD: THAT YE MAY KNOW THAT YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.” 1 John 5:13.

ML 11/13/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 7.

MAN’S extremity, as someone has said, is God’s opportunity, and Elisha, who partook of the circumstances of the people he loved, and among whom he was set as preeminently the man of God of his day, was now made the unconditional promiser of good. There was a “Tomorrow” (but not for unbelief) that presented in the Word of God an immense contrast with the distressing and grievous “Today.”

What suggestions of the gospel are seen in this wonderful chapter! Here is the man, high in this world, who despises the word presented by God’s servant; here too are those lepers, small in their own eyes and wretched, despairing of help within, but determined to seek relief where alone it might be found, who are first satisfied, and then made the bearers of the glad tidings of the mercy and blessing of God. And think of the mighty deliverance He alone had wrought, when those within the city were without strength, and all their resources gone, shut up to die! It was done without them; they even knew nothing about it until the news was brought to them, in the night.

Scripture speaks again and again of the present period, the rapidly closing time of God’s grace as the night; the good news is now going out of the victory He has won through His Son’s becoming. on the cross of Calvary, the one sacrifice for sins, Who is thus able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him (Hebrews 10:12; 7:25).

Millions have received this sacrifice. And have you, accepted Him, reader? If not, don’t delay: eternity approaches; the mercy now extended to this poor world is to be withdrawn, for the Word of God promises it. See among many passages which show this (Acts 17:30,31; John 5:25-29; 1 Thess. 5:2,3; 2 Thess. 2:7-12).

It was at the dusk of evening that the Syrians had fled, and through the night the people (not at the word of the king, but in spite of his word), were having their deep need supplied. It was to them no time to be sleeping; they had heard the message of deliverance, and they went out from the emptiness, the captivity their sins had brought upon them, to a full, a bountiful provision made theirs for the taking, by the power of God. “There was no man there” (verse 5), all was of God.

So with the gospel, precious word of His grace! Free pardon for the sinner who confesses to Jesus; a full Christ for empty sinners. Hunger and thirst satisfied (Isaiah 55:1-3; John 7:37,38; Revelation 22:17; John 6:47-58); “silver” (redemption), and “gold” (divine righteousness), and “raiment” (a standing fitness for God’s presence Luke 15:22; Matthew 22:11-13), are all bountifully provided, as verse 8 typically presents.

Yes, the devil is routed; the Victor is the Crucified One, but Satan still has many followers; many poor dupes. Blinded to their own eternal welfare, they wait in vain for God to make windows in heaven for them, when,

“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 believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:5-11.

Nothing to do; only believe what He says! NOW!

ML 11/13/1927

Caught by Robbers

NOT very long ago, a lady who was staying in the same house with me, told me this true story, and I was so interested in it, that I thought perhaps you would like to hear it too.

She had been spending some weeks with friends in a large city in China, but the time had come when she must return to her home in another city at no great distance. There were no trains in that part of the country, and as there was no river, she could not go by boat, and it was quite too far to walk.

What could she do? Why, she went in a sedan chair, carried by several men. Her friends felt rather nervous about her going alone, as the whole country round there was full of robbers, but my friend was a Christian, and she said,

“I am not afraid, God will take care of me.”

So off she set, one fine morning. She travelled all day, and stopped at a Chinese inn for the night. The next morning they were up early, and once more on the road, and by ten o’clock, they could see the walls of the city she was going to, in the far distance. But suddenly, from the hills through which they were going, there sprang out a band of men. O! such dark, wicked looking men, each with his gun in his hand. The men who were carrying her were so terrified, they dropped the chair and the rough soldiers, or brigands, as they were, crowded round her. One seized her rug, and another her suit case. They dragged off her watch, and took all her money. When they had taken everything, they told the men they could go on.

“Go quickly, as quick as you can,” said the lady, but the men were so frightened, they were shaking all over, and could Hardly move.

They had gone a very little way, when loud voices called to them to stop. They dared not move a step farther.

“Has the lady fainted?” asked the men. “No,” was the reply. “Is she crying?” they next asked. “No,” said the men.

“Bring her here,” commanded the robbers, so back she was carried. Making her get out of the chair, they said,

“We want money; you must give us some.”

“But I have none,” she answered, “it has all been taken from me.”

“Then,” they said, “write a note to your friends in the city, and tell them to send us a ransom, and we will send a man with the letter, and you can stay here.”

“No,” she said, “I cannot do that, my friends are poor, and I cannot ask them for money.”

“Well,” said one man, “if you cannot give us money, you can sing for us,” and all the men gathering round her, shouted,

“Sing! sing!”

She was a solitary woman, in the midst of hundreds of fierce wicked men, to whom killing men or women, was thought nothing of, but she felt no fear, she was not alone, the One who was with the young men in the fiery furnace, was with her, and over her spirit came a great yearning for the souls of these ignorant reckless men, a quick prayer went up,

“O, Lord, teach me what to sing.”

She felt this might be her last chance to witness to the love of Jesus, and she selected a hymn telling of the birth and death of the Lord Jesus, and telling also why He died. The Lord was with her in a wonderful way. She sang one hymn; then another was called for, and then another. For several hours she was forced to stand there and sing to these men, many of whom had never heard before of Jesus.

At last a young man came up, who seemed to be the commander of this band of robbers. He at once asked what they were doing to the lady, and told them to let her go on her way at once.

“Perhaps you do not remember me,” he said to her, “but I know you well, and you shall not be hurt.”

The lady was surprised, but she felt the Lord had sent him to help her. She thought she might have given him medicine at some time.

“Have you taken anything from her?” he then asked the men, but they all said they had not. My friend could not say they had taken everything, and so enrage these fierce men, and she was only too thankful to God, for saving her life. So she got into her chair, and soon was with her friends in the city.

But a great surprise awaited her, when she sat down to her supper, not long after. She found, on a chair beside her, everything the robbers had taken from her. The kind man had sent all back. How thankful she was to the Lord, and how all the little band of missionaries praised God for His goodness to their dear sister. Was not the promise fulfilled, which says,

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

ML 11/13/1927

Enter Now

A DEAR girl, thirteen years of age, who had yielded herself to Christ, who, she came to understand, claimed her “for His own possession” (Titus 2:14), was not satisfied with the ending of the hymn, the first two lines of which are—

“Knocking, knocking; who is there?

Waiting, waiting, oh, how fair!”

She therefore composed the following additional verse:

“Enter, enter, heavenly Guest,

Welcome, welcome to my breast!

I had long withstood Thy knocking,

For my heart was full of sin;

But Thy love has overcome me:

Blessed Saviour, O, come in!”

If this is not the language of your heart, young reader, whether boy or girl, why should it not be?

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man (or any one) 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.

Does not Jesus speak to you in these words?

ML 11/13/1927

A Way to the Father Is Found

A way to the Father is found;

The blood of atonement is shed;

And He who once lay in the grave

Is risen again from the dead.

He has taken His seat on the throne,

And proved that His work was complete,

The heavens have opened with joy

To give Him His glorious seat.

There thousands of thousands unite

To tell His unspeakable worth,

Proclaiming again and again

The work He accomplished on earth.

ML 11/13/1927

Deer in Winter

EVERY one knows that deer are very timid creatures, and that at the approach of a stranger they speedily retire under the covert of trees at some distance. What change then has come over the deer in our picture to lead them to so alter their habits as to venture so close to the habitation of man? This is no doubt the cottage in which one of the keepers of the park resides, and the thick snow on the ground reveals possibly another reason for their tameness.

The snow has covered up all their food and hence they came to the keeper’s cottage, hoping that their felt need may be supplied.

Often the man who dwells in that cottage has given them food, and they know him as a friend and fully trust him.

What an illustration is this of our own blessed Saviour, Lord and Friend.

As lost sinners we were driven to Him by our need. Like the prodigal, we were “in want,” and we knew our help and salvation was centered alone in the Lord Jesus.

He spoke to our aching hearts the blessed words, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee,” or “Daughter, go in peace; thy faith hath saved thee,” for “THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S SON, CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.” 1 John 1:7. We heard His word, through grace received it, and our hearts rejoiced. Thus the Lord Jesus Christ became OUR PERSONAL SAVIOUR.

Now, through grace we have come under the sway of His love, and He has become our Lord. His wishes begin to control us, and by His Spirit we are being new-formed in His moral likeness, and delight to respond, even if feebly, to His all-constraining love.

Thus we know Him as our Friend, and look to Him to succor and sustain us in our times of need.

“What a Friend we have in Jesus!”

ML 11/20/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 8.

THE woman being sent (verses 1, 2) out of the land of Israel to avoid the famine, illustrates the care of God for those who seek to obey Him. In chapter 4, verses 8-10 and 21-37, we observed that, though an Israelite of the ten apostate tribes, she feared God, and her faith was not only active on behalf of the servant of God, in providing a shelter for him, but it stood the test of death in her boy. Our God delights to bless and comfort those who honor Him.

Gehazi was now (verse 4) a hanger-on at court; there he was recounting, for the king’s benefit, Elisha’s deeds of power, and while so engaged, the woman Elisha had sent out of the country for the period of the famine, appeared. The world, of which the king formed a part, finds occupation at times in considering the power and benefits of Christianity, as yet seen in spite of much unfaithfulness and unbelief, but there is no effect produced on the conscience by such occupation. And of Gehazi what can we say? Was there true faith in him? We can only say in the words of Scripture,

“The Lord knoweth them that are His; and let everyone that nameth the name of the Lord (R. V.) depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19.

Our attention is now directed to the Syrian capital, far to the north. Elisha, as Elijah’s successor, was gone to Damascus in connection with the word given to the earlier prophet in 1 Kings 19:15. This Hazael was to be the scourge of Israel on account of their sins. Accepting the declaration of Elisha, that he should be the next king of Syria, he forthwith murdered the sick king (verse 15), and took the rule of the country.

Verses 16 to 24 give us a brief and faithful review of the life of Joram, or Jehoram, king of Judah. The books of the Kings, as we have before noticed, are not occupied very much with the lesser kingdom of Judah, while Israel, the ten tribes, remain, but the two kingdoms were now united by marriage, worshiping the same idols, walking in the same sins, and God was about to visit them in sore displeasure.

Edom and Libnah revolted from the authority of the kings of Judah. Joram’s son reigned but one year, which was enough to mark him out as bad as the other members of the family, since Jehoshaphat allowed the marriage of his son with Athaliah the daughter of Jezebel. Ahaziah went with the king of Israel to fight with the king of Syria, and in the war Joram was wounded, and went to Jezreel to be healed. The chapter closes with Ahaziah and Joram together at Jezreel. There the judgment of God was to fall upon them.

ML 11/20/1927

He Will Carry You Through

IT was a bright day, and outside the birds were singing merrily, the bees were humming, and the sunbeams danced gaily over tree tops, hills, gardens, and valleys, while the waves in the lovely bay looked more beautiful still in the sunshine.

But let us look into a quiet room close by and find out what makes it so quiet and still on such a glorious morning.

A man is kneeling by a table and his face is buried in his hands, and we see at once that he is moved by intense sorrow.

No sound escapes from his lips, but in his heart a cry is going up to the throne of grace, that God would strengthen him for a great trial that lies before him, and that if it be the will of God he might go through the trial, and return once more to his beloved family.

The man knows that there is but a step between him and death. On the morrow he has to undergo an operation, and it is doubtful if he will survive it. Not that he is afraid of death, for he is ready to enter into the joy of his Lord, yet he cannot help thinking of the loved ones he would leave behind in his own home, and the sorrow it would be to them.

But as he knelt, and committed all into the hands of his heavenly Father, certain promises came to his mind with comfort, and he rose up quite calm.

The morrow came at length, and quietly each farewell was said, till all had said good-bye except Evelyn, his little daughter, who stood holding his hand.

He stooped and gave a long last kiss on her rosy lips, and then walked slowly down the garden path to the little gate, where a vehicle was waiting for him. But something caused him to stop short and turn round.

Evelyn stood on the garden path, her eyes eagerly following her father’s movements, but she was singing, and he stopped to listen to the well-known words:

“Ask the Saviour to help you,

Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.”

A smile came into his face, and he nodded to let her see that he had heard, and then he passed on.

“He will carry you through!” O! how those words rang in his ears, and brought comfort to his heart, and when on the following day he passed through deep waters of pain, and all seemed dark around him, still he seemed to hear those words, and they kept him calm.

It was all over at last, and, as he lay so white and still, a doctor leaned over the bed and whispered,

“My friend, it is all over; you will live now.”

“Thank God,” said the sick man: only two words, but they came from the bottom of his heart, and the doctor wondered at the calmness of his patient.

Many days passed by, but each one saw an improvement in the sick man, and he began to look forward to the time when he should be able to return to his own home.

One day the doctor came in, and sitting down beside him said,

“Will you tell me what kept you so calm all the time you were undergoing the operation?”

A smile came to his pale face, and he slowly repeated the verse:

“Ask the Saviour to help you,

Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.”

But before we can really pray to the Lord Jesus to help us in our dark moments and difficulties we must first know Him as our Saviour, and that is what I desire all the readers of this little book may know for themselves.

He died for all, but only those get forgiveness and blessing who own they are sinners before God, and who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour. He is willing to bless you, but are you willing to receive His blessing?

ML 11/20/1927

What Is a Christian?

ONE day as I was walking from one town to another, I met two little girls coming home from school, and asked them if I was on the right road for G—. The elder of the two said,

“Yes, you are.”

Being struck by the bright, pleasant way she answered me, I offered her a little book, saying,

“Take it home to your parents and ask them to read it,” adding, “It is a great thing to be a Christian; do you know what a Christian is, my child?”

“Yes,” she said, in a very confident manner, “my father is a Christian.”

“Indeed,” I said, “I am very glad to hear it—but again I ask you, What is a Christian?”

Her reply was most unexpected, “A Christian is a man who neither swears nor drinks!”

I need not say I did not leave the little girl until I put before her what a Christian was—a man or woman or child who knew his or her sins were forgiven and who was born again.

Now, I fear there are thousands of so-called Christians in this land who, like this little girl, are trusting to their outward morality to bring them to God. We who read God’s Word know that we have to learn that we are guilty, lost sinners, and must look to “Jesus only” for salvation.

“There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

Outward morality, however good for this world, is not sufficient for the presence of a holy God.

“Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” God said long ago,

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” “The blood maketh atonement for the soul.”

The blood in all its solitary dignity, has settled the question between God and the sinner forever.

“Cleansed by the blood of Jesus,

Clean in God’s holy sight;

Jesus can make the vilest,

Whiter than snow tonight.”

Then there will be seen by everyone, the results of this cleansing in an entirely changed and godly life.

O! children, seek the Saviour now, —

The Saviour full of love;

And when He comes, He’ll take you up

To His bright home above.

ML 11/20/1927

Lord Over All

SEE the men out in the boats, driving the cattle ashore. One of the animals is high up on a rock, and looks as though he is bellowing to the others to follow him. I suspect the men we see, own these cattle, and live nearby.

As one rides along on the train, how many cattle and horses he sees grazing on the hill sides. Then perhaps he sees a lot of pigs and sheep. These creatures have been put out in great numbers on pasture land by their various owners. Although claimed by men, yet there is One who says,

“Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psa. 50:10.

It is God who says this in His precious book, the Bible. Please think of this the next time you pass these animals as they are feeding on the beautiful slopes. Every one of them belongs to the Lord. He has an eye over all, and cares for each of them.

Let it lead out your heart and thoughts to Him, for you, too, are one of His creation. The Lord is watching over us too and caring for us every day.

How does it make you feel, to know His eyes are always upon you? You, no doubt, remember the short sentence, “Thou God seest me.”

If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, it must make you uncomfortable to know that He sees all you do and say, and it grieves Him that you care nothing for Him.

I do beg of you to remember that He does care for you, and wants you to be saved. He is longing to give you true happiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Accept Him as your own loving Saviour.

It is a joy to those who are saved to know the Lord is with them and watching over them. It makes a Christian very happy to know that He says,

“Lo, I am with you alway.” Matt. 28:20.

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

“THE WAYS OF MAN ARE BEFORE THE EYES OF THE LORD.” Prov. 5:21

ML 11/27/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 9.

THE time had come for God to act in behalf of His name in both Israel and Judah, —nations which owed their all to Him, and where the testimony to Him had shone brightly in Joshua, in the Judges, in Samuel and in David, and Solomon’s earlier years.

Elisha sent one of the sons of the prophets to Ramoth-Gilead, the scene of the last war with the Syrians, east of the Jordan, there to anoint Jehu; one of the officers of the army of Israel, to be king in the stead of Joram. The commission Jehu was given, was expressly to put an end to the bloody house of Ahab, including Jezebel. As the sword had fallen on the houses of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and of Baasha the son of Ahijah because of their guilt, so should it be with the house of Ahab: —all were to perish.

Jehu, man of action (we could not say at all, man of God), immediately went to Jezreel, prepared to execute his commission, his companions proclaiming him king. Some forty miles of country he passed over at high speed, and nearing Jezreel, a watcher on the tower there saw and reported him to the king. The anxious Joram sent out messengers to find out the purpose of this approaching party, and finally as they did not return, he with his visitor, the king of Judah, set forth to meet them. Then, at the very place where Naboth had lived, whom Ahab and Jezebel had put to death in order to gain his property, Jehu shot an arrow through the heart of Joram. The king of Judah. equally responsible associate in evil and in departure from God, with Joram was not to escape, and yielded his life likewise.

Then came Jezebel’s turn; there were none now to do her bidding, and in a most revolting fashion she comes to her richly deserved end.

God is long suffering and of great patience, but sin must be punished.

ML 11/27/1927

Tooma's Dream

TOOMA was an Indian. He was born in the woods; nurtured in a wigwam; led a roving life with his father, and he became an expert hunter and fisherman. He never learned to read, but He often heard the Bible read. But great pains had been taken to prevent him from receiving the simple truth as it is in Jesus. But the Lord is omnipotent; He can “take the prey from the mighty and deliver the lawful captive.” He can “bind the strong man and spoil his house.”

Truth found its way to the heart of Tooma, and a deep conviction of sin. For many months he was agitated night and day with the great question,

“What must I do to be saved?”

He was advised to shake off this gloom and folly, and go to places of amusement. Finally, as everybody said so, he concluded he was crazy, and as he had lost his appetite and his strength, he feared he would soon die, if he could not get out of that condition.

Tooma did succeed, by the artifice of the devil, and the mistaken kindness of his friends, in shaking off his convictions for a season. But, blessed be God, He does not so readily abandon His good work begun. Tooma’s convictions returned. Slow and unsteady was his progress into the light.

At this time Tooma dreamed, and thus he related it:

“I dreamed that I had been out a hunting, and was returning with a heavy load on my back. On my way I seemed to come to a wide river, which was frozen over, but as it was early in the season I feared that the ice was not sufficiently strong to bear my weight. I knew that other Indians had gone that way before me, and thought, could I but find their tracks, I might safely follow; but I could not find their tracks. Even my wife had gone over that very morning, but I could find no traces of the spot where she passed. Finally I attempted to cross, but when about half-way over I broke through. It proved that there had been a high freshet at the time the ice had formed. The river had fallen, and left the ice as a roof far above my head. I went down to my armpits in the water and mud. I looked up and saw the hole through which I had fallen, far above my head. My perilous condition was at once comprehended, and I began to make most strenuous exertions to free myself. My first move was to disengage my heavy load from my shoulders. But instantly I perceived that this was not of the slightest advantage. I could no more extricate myself without the load than I could with it. Near the shore the ice was so thick and heavy that I could not break it. The only place of escape seemed to be the hole through which I had fallen, and which was far up out of my reach. All my struggling’s only sank me deeper and deeper in the mud and made my situation more perilous. I called on my wife for help. But the absurdity of this instantly occurred to me. My wife, thought I, went by this morning; but where is she now? She is far away from this place, and were she here, what could she do to help me? Alas! nothing. Then in utter despair of help from any created source, I cried unto the Lord for help, and instantly, I knew not how, I was saved, and standing on firm and solid ground.”

Say, dear children, do you see anything of your own history in this remarkable dream? You have been in the “wilderness hunting,” and have carried about with you a burden of sins and sorrow, the result of your own hunting. And with this burden you have broken through and fallen into a deep dark pit of sin, and mud, and water, and mire. You cannot extricate yourself, and will perish in that condition unless delivered.

Have you, like Tooma, in his dream, been brought to realize the fearful and hopeless condition into which you have been plunged? Have you ceased from your own vain strivings and from looking to a created arm for help? Can you say with the Psalmist,

“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings; and He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God?” Psa. 40:2, 3.

ML 11/27/1927

The Heavy Bundle

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

The train stopped at last at a little country station, and a gentleman jumped out. He had only just crossed the station yard, when he noticed a little girl, about nine years old, who had also come by the train, and was carrying a large bundle, nearly as big as herself. He asked her where she was going, and found that it was about a quarter of a mile along the same road that he had to pass.

“But what a big bundle you have, my child! would you like me to carry it for you?”

“O, thank you, sir! If you wouldn’t mind, I should be very glad.”

So the gentleman lifted the bundle from her arms, and took hold of the little girl’s hand, saying,

“But are you not rather frightened to trust a stranger? Don’t you think I might run away with your bundle?”

The child said she was not at all afraid of that, and looked very happy as she trotted along by his side, chatting to him the whole time, and telling him everything she could think of about herself and her friends until they reached the house where she was to stay, when she took her bundle, gratefully bidding him good-bye.

As the gentleman walked on alone, he thought to himself,

“That child has taught me a wonderful lesson of simple TRUST. She was quite content that I, a perfect stranger, should carry her bundle, and with the utmost confidence, placed her hand in mine, that I might lead her along; and as we walked together, hand in hand, she talked to me of all that was in her heart.”

Do the children, who read this, know what it is to feel that their sins are like a heavy burden which they cannot carry?

If so, listen to the voice of that most loving of all friends, who says,

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

That little girl trusted a perfect stranger; surely you will trust Jesus when He offers so kindly to take away your burden of sin.

Think of His great love wherewith He loved us, such great love that He died a dreadful death upon the cross to save us.

Then, having trusted Jesus to take away your sins, place your hand in His, and expect Him to lead you safely all through life’s journey to your Father’s house above.

And mind, dear children, that you don’t forget another thing that this little girl did; all the way she kept talking to the kind gentleman who was carrying her burden; so, while listening daily to your Saviour’s voice, speaking to you in your Scripture portions, talk to Him often, and tell Him all that is in your heart.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

ML 11/27/1927

Christ Is Coming

Christ is coming, quickly coming,

Art thou ready, children, say,

Are thy crimson sins forgiven,

In His blood all washed away?

Once on Calvary’s cross He suffered,

Died in grace to set thee free;

Now believe the joyful tidings

And to Christ for pardon flee.

Jesus waiteth to be gracious—

Waiteth even now for thee—

Listen to His earnest pleadings,

Come, poor children, come to Me.

Come, and gaze by faith upon Him,

Children, come, and look and live;

See, He waiteth to receive thee,

That He may thy sins forgive.

Then Thou wilt not fear His coming,

Thou wilt hail with joy that day,

When He’ll come, and take His ransomed

To His Father’s house away.

ML 11/27/1927

Answers to Bible Questions for October

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And Enoch also,” etc. Jude 14.

2.“Beloved, follow not,” etc. 3 John 11.

3.“Love not the world,” etc. 1 John 2:15.

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

5.“If we confess,” etc. 1:9.

6.“Whosoever transgresseth,” etc. 2 John 9.

7.“These things have I,” etc. 1 John 5:13.

Bible Questions for December “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in the Revelation, Chapters 12-22.

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The time is at hand.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The supper of the great God.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “In one hour is thy judgment come.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Book of life of the Lamb slain.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I looked, and lo, a Lamb.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Now is come salvation.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “First Fruits unto God and to the Lamb.”

Answers to Bible Questions for October “The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Because that for His name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. § Jno. 7.

2.The lust of the flesh; the lust of the eyes; the pride of life. ¤ Jno. 2:16.

3.Those that believe on the name of the Son of God. ¤ Jno. 5:13.

4.When our heart condemns us not. ¤ Jno. 3:21.

5.A teacher of evil doctrine as to the person of Christ. § Jno. 10.

6.For the faith once delivered to the saints. Jude 3.

7.“Cleanseth us from all sin.” ¤ Jno. 1:7.

Bible Questions for December “The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Revelation, Chapters 12-22.

1. What is the name of the battle of the great day of God Almighty?

2.What is the number of a man?

3.What do the ten horns of the beast symbolize?

4.For how long were the beast worshipers to be tormented?

5.What was the end of the beast and the false prophet?

6.What four names are given the evil one in chapter 12?

7.Write in full God’s last invitation to the sinner?

ML 12/04/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 10.

JEHU went on with his work of cutting off the entire family of Ahab; he was the instrument God used for this act of unsparing judgment on that apostate king, but all we see of Jehu is natural energy, nothing of the fear of the Lord which the book of Proverbs tells us is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). So in the book of the prophet Hosea (chapter 1, verse 4), we read that God’s judgment was to fall on Jehu’s house also. We can only judge that it suited Jehu to obey God’s word sent to him through the prophet Elisha; he did not know God by faith, nor seek to know Him. Merely outward energy, or the carrying out of what is known of God’s will, will not do for Him.

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

“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 (judgment), but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24. These are two of the precious gospel portions of Scripture; a third is found in Romans 3, verses 19-26.

Salvation is not by works, and the only way into God’s presence is in the power of the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:14) for all who trust in Him.

Jehu had all of Ahab’s family, and the “brethren” of Ahaziah, king of Judah, also all the prophets, servants and priests of Baal, put to death; the images of Baal were destroyed, and the house of Baal broken down. Thus was the worship of the god of the Phenicians and Canaanites stopped in the ten tribes of Israel. But Jehu lived in the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat (see 1 Kings 12:28-33); the golden calves, sign of an idolatrous religion, were left at Bethel and Dan.

To Jehu God promised, because of his obedience in the matter of Ahab’s children that the descendants of Jehu should, to the fourth generation, sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart; he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam who made Israel to sin.

Judgment upon the nation therefore began; Hazael the king of Syria attacked the region east of the Jordan, the possession of the children of Reuben and of Gad and of half the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32).

This is an illustration of the worldly-minded Christian, those who settled on the wrong side of Jordan; unwilling because of their “much cattle” to enter the promised land—had to resort to an expedient of their own, the altar of Ed ( Joshua 22:10-34), to help preserve their oneness with the more faithful ones who had crossed the river, and now they were cut off—the first to go when judgment began to overtake the land.

The Christian poet has said,

“Happy they who trust in Jesus;

Sweet their portion is and sure,

When the foe on other seizes,

God will keep His own secure.”

ML 12/04/1927

"Am I Too Little?"

ONE evening, at the close of a children’s meeting I invited any dear children who were thinking about their sins, and anxious to find the Saviour, to remain for a little personal conversation with myself, or with any of the teachers present. But all went away, and it seemed as though there would be no one for us to speak to.

Some minutes passed by, when the door was softly opened, and a child came in, sitting down in a seat at the very back of the building. Soon the door opened again, and another crept in, looking very unhappy, and then another and another, until, at last, twelve had returned to hear how they might find the Saviour.

Among the twelve who came back that night, I well remember one dear little girl, seven years old. Her face looked very sad; she said it was her sins that troubled her. She remembered so many bad things that she had done, although only seven years old, and she did so want to know how they could be all taken away.

Now what do you think I said to her? Did I tell her that God would forgive her because she had shed a few tears, or if she kept on weeping every day for a month? No!

Did I tell her that God would be quite satisfied with her because she seemed very sorry for her sins? O, no!

Did I say that if she kept on praying very earnestly, God would perhaps pardon her? No!

Did I say, “Now, my dear, you must make up your mind to be a very good little girl, and never do any naughty, wicked things again. Then you will get to heaven?”

No, indeed, I did not.

Do you think I told her that she was too young, as a lady once said to a child who wanted to stay behind after one of the services? I recollect the little creature looking up into my face, with the great tears in her eyes, and saying,

“Mr. S. am I too little?”

“O, no, my dear; how old are you?” “I’m five years old, and teacher said I was too little.”

Now, shall I tell you what I really did say to the little girl of seven, who was so anxious to know how her sins could be taken away? Well, I told her that crying would not take away one of her sins; that saying prayers could not remove them; that if she could be quite good all the rest of her life, that could not take away one of the sins she had done in the past, for, of course, God cannot have any sin in heaven. So that she must be shut of that happy home above unless she could get all her sins taken right away.

Then I told her that although she could not get rid of one of her own sins, the Lord Jesus Christ could, and would, take them all away, if she came to Him.

I told her that Jesus came into the world for the purpose of saving sinners, and that little children and grown-up people were all alike sinners (1 Tim. 1:15; Romans 3:23).

I told her that the precious blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7), and that whosoever believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:13).

I begged her just to trust Jesus at once, as there never would be so good and easy a time in her life to become a Christian. That night the little girl trusted Jesus to save her. She believed that His blood was shed upon the cross of Calvary to wash away all her sins, and whenever I saw her afterwards, her face looked so bright and happy!

Can the dear children who read this true story, say like my little friend—

“I have been washed in the blood of Jesus”?

ML 12/04/1927

Playmates

A KITTEN, a string and a little boy or girl. You all know what fun that means. Many of you could tell stories about kittens you have had or seen. They are very interesting little creatures and make good playmates for children.

In our picture all the children look happy as they watch the kittens. Even the kind mother is interested in their play.

Do you think any of these children would hurt the kitten? Do you think, they would hurt each other? Hardly. They have kind faces and seem to enjoy playing peaceably together.

If you were asked whether the Lord Jesus would rather see children quarrel, or play peaceably together, you would certainly all give the same answer, for you know very well that quarreling is not nice nor right.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9.

God loves peace not trouble. If we are like Him, as His children ought to be, we, too, will love peace and will want to be peacemakers.

Don’t you think this will please God? “EVEN AS CHRIST FORGAVE YOU, SO ALSO DO YE.” Col. 3:13

ML 12/04/1927

Jesus Loves the Children

Jesus loves the children dearly,

In His Word He tells them so;

Once He took them up and blessed them,

Many, many years ago.

We are little lambs of Jesus;

He, our Shepherd kind and dear,

Speaks, and though we do not see Him,

In our hearts His voice we hear.

ML 12/04/1927

The Ark

There was a noble ark,

Sailing o’er the waters dark

And wide around.

Not one tall tree was seen;

Nor flower nor leaf of green,

All, all was drowned.

Then a soft wing was spread,

And o’er the billows dread

A meek dove flew.

But on that shoreless tide,

No living thing she spied

To cheer her view;

So to the ark she fled,

With weary, drooping head

To seek for rest.

Christ is the Ark, my love;

Thou art the tender dove—

Fly to His breast!

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matt. 11:28

ML 12/11/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 11.

THE ways of God with His people in the little kingdom of Judah come before us again, though the chief concern of these Books of the Kings is with the main body of Israel led astray by Jeroboam the son of Nebat who made Israel to sin.

The evil consequences of the believer’s mingling with the world in its affairs, seeking companionship with those who are unbelievers, are again strikingly presented to the Christian heart as we read of the wicked Athaliah.

In no small measure the beginning of all the evil which befell the nation of Judah is traceable back to the agreement of the godly, but world-bordering, Jehoshaphat with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1) of whom we are told in 1 Kings 16:29-34 that Ahab “did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him; and ... ..as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him... . and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel, that were before him.”

Jehoshaphat knew something of the Word of God, and as a young man he showed much godliness, but he in later years, made a league with Ahab. After this he went down to visit him whom once he must have warned his people against. He made himself one with Ahab, saying to him when war against the Syrians was being talked of, “I am as thou art, and my people as thy people, and we will be with thee in the war.” 2 Chronicles 18:3. Next and finally, Jehoshaphat saw his son Jehoram (or Joram) married at a very young age to the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and that son walking “in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab; for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife; and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 21:6).

How very solemn a warning all this is to the Christian! (See Psalm 1; 2 Corinthians 6:14; James 4:4).

Athaliah, Jezebel’s daughter, mad perhaps with mingled rage and grief because of all that had befallen her family (2 Chronicles 22:1 and 8; 2 Kings 9:27 etc;) now undertook to kill her remaining grandsons. Satan, through this horrible woman whose husband apparently with her connivance had murdered all his six brothers and others (2 Chronicles 21:4) was trying to put an end to the royal line of David, but God moved Jehosheba, who seems to have been Athaliah’s daughter to carry away to safety her one-year old nephew Joash. Jehosheba was the wife of the priest Jehoiada, a godly man, and with this couple the baby stayed six years, never being brought out of doors in that time as it would seem. During this period, Athaliah, the murderess and idolater, reigned in Jerusalem in the place once occupied by David and Solomon.

In the seventh year Johoiada strengthened himself, and told the secret to the captains of the army and the Levites, and showed them the king’s son. He appointed guards to look after the boy’s safety, and armed them with king David’s spears and shields. At a suitable moment Jehoiada brought Joash, or Jehoash as his name is also written, out and crowned him, putting into his hands the Word of God.

Athaliah heard the noise of the people as they rejoiced over their new king, and came to the temple to see what might be going on. Her time had come, and she was taken away and put to death. Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, and between the king and the people.

All the people of the land went into the house of Baal and broke it down; broke down the altars and images there, and put to death the priest of Baal. Officers were then appointed over the house of God.

Now for a season, the worship of Baal was at an end in both Israel and Judah. If in Israel the worship of the golden calves still went on, in Judah at least the godly Jehoiada was seeking the honor of God, and teaching the boy-king ways pleasing to Him.

ML 12/11/1927

"I Do Love You, Mother!"

A LADY who had been sick for two years, was slowly dying of consumption; she had only one child, a little boy.

One afternoon, as I was sitting by her side, after a severe fit of coughing, little Harry came and put his arms round his mother’s neck, and laying his head on her breast said: “I love you, mother. I wish you were not sick.”

This soothed Harry’s mother, who loved her little boy. But an hour later the same boy came into the room all aglow, shaking the snow from his feet, and said,

“O mother! may I go skating? Edward and Charlie are going.”

“No, Harry dear,” said his mother feebly.

“It is too bad,” sobbed the boy.

“I would like my little boy to go,” said his mother, “but I feel sure the ice is not strong enough yet”; then, looking at Harry, whose face was covered with frowns, “You said you loved me, now be a good boy.”

“No, I don’t love you now, mother,” said the boy, going out and slamming the door.

Again that dreadful coughing came on, and we thought no more of the boy, but I noticed the tears falling fast upon her pillow, and she sank from exhaustion into a light sleep.

In a little while we heard the muffled steps of some men coming into the house, as if carrying something.

What had happened?

Simply this: Harry had left his mother in anger, and in direct disobedience had gone to skate. The ice, as his mother had said, was very thin; it broke, and let Harry into the water. He was only saved from a watery grave by the prompt action of these men who were near the spot.

I closed the door, feeling there was more danger for her life than the boy’s, and coming softly back to her bed, she said,

“I heard them, it is Harry; O, I knew he went. Is he dead?”

She did not seem to hear my answer, but a violent fit of coughing came on during which she passed away from this world to be forever with the Lord.

In an hour’s time I sought the boy’s room to see how he was. I could not tell him then that his mother had gone. He said, “I wish I hadn’t told mother I didn’t love her; tomorrow I’ll tell her I do,” and the child sobbed.

The next day he came running to her room and said, “Mother, I do love you,” and leaned over to kiss her lips, but they were cold and lifeless, there was no response, also the hand he touched was cold and heavy.

His sorrow was very real as he repeated, “Mother, I do love you, I do love you,” but it was now too late to hear her voice again on earth.

After this the boy’s whole life was changed, he has always since been sober and sad. He is now an old man, but he can never forget that one great act of disobedience in his boyhood, and the last words that his mother heard him say, and which he would have given all the world to recall or to be able to apologize for.

Will the boys and girls who read this story remember that every act of disobedience, naughty behavior or cross words are like arrows in their mothers’ hearts; and more than that, God takes account of it, for He has said, “Children, obey your parents.

On the other hand, such is God’s great love to us, that though we grieve Him with our sins, yet He gave His dear Son to suffer and die on Calvary’s tree that all our sins might be washed away by His precious blood, and we made fit for the holy presence of God.

It is, however, by faith in Christ that forgiveness and blessing comes to us; hence, dear reader, let me urge you not to delay in trusting yourself to that blessed One who has proved His love by bearing our sins in His own body on the tree.

Then you will indeed be able to say, “He loved Me and gave Himself for Me.”

The apostle Paul it was who made use of these words, and we may use them too, if we first own the Lord Jesus as our own Saviour.

ML 12/11/1927

"I Give Him a Text"

WHAT do you do, Jessie, when Satan tempts you to do wicked things?” said a little girl to her companion as they walked from school together one afternoon.

“I give him a text,” said Jessie, “and he soon goes away,” and Jessie was right.

There is nothing like a “text” for driving off Satan. You remember that was what Jesus gave him when He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. He said— “It is written,” and gave him a text. This is the sword of the Spirit, by which only our enemy can be defeated.

Dear boys and girls who are saved, do not forget to give Satan a “text” when he comes near to tempt you, and to lead you into sin. When he would make you doubt your salvation, give him the text that first led you to the Lord, and he will not be able to make you doubt any longer. And when companions would lead you away from Christ, and into the paths that are forbidden by God, a text will often preserve you. —It is written,

“By the words of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 17:4.

ML 12/11/1927

"The Sinner's Refuge."

“Take refuge in our gracious Lord,

He on you yet doth wait,

And be instructed by His Word

Before it is too late.

He that conquered death and hell,

And Satan’s fiery darts,

Can also lead you to that well,

That heals the broken hearts.

Then to the blessed Saviour flee,

While yet He may be found,

For He can set at liberty

The soul by Satan bound.”

ML 12/11/1927

Hardships

THE soft snow had been coming down during the night, and our poor boy was out early in the morning trying to earn a little money. You see he has no shoes nor coat on this cold morning. We hope the people were kind to him, and gave him the work to do, and paid him well for his work, which would enable him to buy the clothing he needed.

How many of our dear readers have comforts in this life, and yet are dissatisfied, not thinking how they may be helping others who are in worse circumstances, or rather those who have nothing?

Have you ever thought, dear child, how you might be able to help such, and use that as a means to get them to know Jesus as their Saviour?

Perhaps some who read these lines have not found the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour as yet, and they may be living in all the selfishness of this life, getting every good thing they can for themselves, and not even thinking of where they are going to spend their eternity.

If it is so with you, dear reader, I beg of you to stop and consider where you are going, and take your place as a poor needy sinner, accept the Saviour who died for sinners such as you. If you know Him, you will think of His love to you in giving His life for you; then it will be an easy matter to seek the good of others, doing for them all the good you can, and telling them too of Jesus as their Saviour.

May all my readers learn a helpful lesson from this picture before us.

“HE THAT HATH PITY UPON THE POOR LENDETH UNTO THE LORD: AND THAT WHICH HE HATH GIVEN WILL HE PAY HIM AGAIN.” Prov. 19:17

ML 12/18/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 12.

WHILE Jehoiada lived, Jehoash (or Joash) did what was right in the sight of the Lord, though the old idol high places were not taken away, and the people sacrificed and burned incense there.

Jehoash showed commendable zeal for God in the matter of the repairing of the temple which had suffered a good deal since Solomon’s glorious reign came to an end. But Jehoiada grew old; he lived to be one hundred and thirty (2 Chronicles 24:15), an unusual age in that day as now. Jehoash seems to have been a good follower as long as there was a good leader, and while he had Jehoiada to follow, all was at least outwardly well, but when the faithful old priest was dead, the princes of Judah came, and he followed them in an evil course.

These princes, —captains, or heads of families—left the temple to serve idols, and the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, that he spoke to the people of their evil ways, whereupon they stoned him to death at the command of Jehoash.

These practices, not mentioned in Kings but in Chronicles, were what brought the Syrians as the agents of God’s chastening hand upon Judah, to Gath and to Jerusalem. They had come with a small army, and Jehoash sent “a very great host” against them, but the Lord delivered the large force of Israel into the hands of the small one of Syria, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. The temple was stripped of precious things dedicated to God’s service, in order to satisfy the Syrian army.

Jehoash, with so happy, so auspicious a beginning, ended most miserably. A murderer himself — responsible for the killing of Jehoiada’s son—he was killed by his servants.

Is it not possible that some who may read this little paper have been brought up where Christianity is professed, have called themselves Christians and helped in service for God, perhaps been thought by many to be those genuine, and true sheep of Christ’s, of whom He says in His Word ( John 10:28) “My sheep shall never perish”,— that some of those who read these lines are not true believers at all? Profession does not save; works do not give us merits for entering heaven’s bright glory. The 7th chapter of Matthew contains three very solemn verses we may read with profit:

“Not everyone that saith unto Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.’” (verses 21-23). No, reader, there is no acceptance with God outside of faith (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 3:22-24; 4:4-8; 5:1).

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

ML 12/18/1927

Caught in a Trap

ONE Saturday, while Daisy was waiting for dinner-time, she strolled off to the meadow, and presently, looking through the hedge, what do you think she saw? As I am afraid it might take you a long time to guess, I will tell you, —She saw a poor little mouse caught in a trap, but quite alive. It looked so hungry that little Daisy nearly cried with pity. Poor little mousie! It was a very cleverly made trap, so easy to get in without being hurt, but poor little mousie could not get out again, —it was a captive.

Daisy was quite unable to let mousie out, and besides, she would have been too frightened to have done so, and it looked so hungry. Now what do you think Daisy did?

No, I do not think you will be able to guess. Well, she picked a blackberry, and dropped it into the trap, and O, how quickly mousie ate it up; and then away ran Daisy home, and fetched some crumbs of bread, and returned to the trap with the crumbs, which were soon greedily eaten up also.

It was now dinner-time, and Daisy, with a heart very sad, had to leave poor mousie to his misfortune.

How this poor little captive reminds us of lots of men, women and children who are captives of a cruel captor, and so helpless in Satan’s trap. This trap of sin is so strong that they cannot get out of Satan’s power. He invites His victims to his chamber of death; he offers them pleasures of sin, and, alas, his victims get overpowered by sin, and like the mouse in the trap, can find no way out, and so if left there, it means left to die.

The man who set the trap never intended the mice should come out again. He put something inside to attract them, and once in they are doomed to die.

Satan, that cruel captor, offers the pleasures of sin to all who are foolish enough to listen to him.

Once, in a lovely garden, he offered the pleasures of sin to a woman named Eve, and she obeyed Satan, and in doing this she disobeyed God and sinned. God had told her that if she disobeyed Him she must die.

Satan knows that the wages of sin is death, and he has made men, women, and children fall into his trap, and he does not intend to set them free. Daisy would gladly have set the little mouse free, but she was unable. Her heart was full of compassion, but she was helpless.

God looks down from heaven, and sees Satan’s captives. He sees their misery, and hears their groans, and His heart is filled with compassion, and He is able to save, and so He sent His beloved Son to destroy the power of Satan, and let his captives free. He comes to just where they are, and says, I have overcome Satan, and there is now a way of escape from death, and the place of death; and instead there is a place in heaven, in My Father’s house of many mansions. Will you come?

“I love them that love Me, and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” What compassion and love God has towards us, and if we just come to Jesus, we are safe for ever, Satan can touch us no more. None can pluck us out of the hand of Jesus, and out of the hand of His Father, because, His Father is greater than all.

Now, dear boys and girls, the Father’s house is filling fast. Soon it will be filled, and the door will be shut for ever. Which place do you prefer, Satan’s, with the pleasures of sin; or the Father’s house? Choose now, while there is room. Yet there is room.

Eternity! where? Eternity, where?

With redeemed ones in glory, or fiends in despair?

Eternity! where? O, Eternity! where?

With one or the other—Eternity! where?

ML 12/18/1927

Blind Susie

SUSIE was 12 years old, but had never been able to see. We who can look around us can little understand what it is never to be able to gaze upon the wonderful works of God on every hand—never to see those by whom we are loved and cared for. But such was the case with little blind Susie.

The first time I saw her she was very sad, and did not wish to talk to me. I tried to gain her interest by telling her about the love of Jesus in coming down into this world to die for sinners, and asked her if she knew that she was a sinner.

She made no reply, and I soon had to leave her.

Some weeks passed before I saw her again, and then it was at a gospel meeting where I noticed her singing at the beginning of the meeting.

After it was over I said to her,

“Well, Susie, do you know anything about what Mr. C. has been telling us tonight?”

“Yes,” she replied, “I know that Jesus is my Saviour, and that my sins have been washed away in His precious blood.”

“But how do you know that?” I inquired. A bright smile shone upon her face as she said,

“Jesus did it, God says it, I believe it.”

Little Susie was very happy now that she knew that her sins were forgiven, and that she was saved. She had taken her place before God as a lost sinner, and then had believed His Word.

If you are not saved yet, come to this loving Saviour at once, —He has never turned one away.

ML 12/18/1927

Why Will You Do Without Him?

Why will you do without Him? —

The Saviour of the lost,

Whose precious blood redeems us

At such tremendous cost?

Do you not want a Saviour?

Do you not want a Friend?—

One who will love you faithfully,

And love you to the end?

You could not do without Him,

If once He made you see

The fetters that enchain you,

Till He hath set you free;

If once you saw the fearful load

Of sin upon your soul;—

The hidden plague that ends in death,

Unless He makes you whole!

You cannot do without Him!

There is no other name

By which you ever can be saved—

No way, no hope, no claim!

Without Him—everlasting loss

Of love, and life, and light!

Without Him—everlasting woe,

And everlasting night.

But with Him—O! with Jesus!

Are any words so blest?

With Jesus, everlasting joy

And everlasting rest;

With Jesus—all the empty heart

Filled with His perfect love;

With Jesus—perfect peace below,

And perfect bliss above.

ML 12/18/1927

The Ugly Duckling

YOU know, dear children, God has many feathered creatures in His creation. Among them is the duck family. How beautifully covered they are with their warm coat of white feathers.

Have you ever seen ducks in water? How they paddle and swim. They get much of their food out of the water, so they are the happiest when near it.

God has given instinct to the mother duck, who watches and cares for her ducklings. I wonder if she shows any difference toward the ugly duckling in our picture? I am sure she loves that one just as tenderly as the rest.

Now, my dear little readers, if God so cares for His feathered creatures, providing everything needful for them, do you not think His love goes out in a much deeper way to boys and girls who have souls to save?

Ah, yes He loves you so much that He gave the Best Gift of heaven for you, and this ugly duckling is a picture of boys and girls in their lost condition before God.

God is no respecter of persons. He does not look at the outward appearance, but He looks at the heart, and sees your young hearts black with sin, but He has graciously provided a Saviour for you, whose precious blood will wash away all your sins, then you, in God’s sight, will be whiter than snow.

“COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD: THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL.” Isa. 1:18.

ML 12/25/1927

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 13.

WE return here to consider again the history of the ten tribes. The merciful God, slow to anger and of great kindness (Nehemiah 9:17) looked with pity upon His people Israel when they through their king Jehoahaz, cried to Him in their distress and He gave Israel a saviour.

Of Jehoahaz, son of the energetic Jehu who executed God’s judgments upon others more wicked than himself, but cared nothing for Him, we learn that he reigned seventeen years and did evil in the sight of the Lord, following the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin; he departed not there from.

What a record for a man’s life! Summing it all up in a few words is this account of the career of Jehoahaz, and many another has a record no better.

Following in the ways of his predecessors, looking no higher for an example than to his own desires, and to the habits of others—sinners far from God, without thought of eternity—is this also your record, my reader? God knows your every thought, your whole course through life, and His judgment will not err.

The Israelites were delivered into the hands of Hazael and his son Benhadad, kings of Syria, because of their departure from God, and were made to suffer many days. And when Jehoahaz asked God, for Whom he at heart cared naught at all, yet knew His power, God, in pity because of their sufferings, gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians. Nevertheless, they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam. How long would God forbear? The day of reckoning was rapidly approaching.

Joash, or Jehoash, grandson of Jehu, did as his father. Remember, that these kings, and the people over whom they ruled, were not as the heathen; they were the descendants of that Abraham who walked before God, the father of the faithful; their ancestors had been brought out of the misery of Egyptian slavery into this land; by God’s power they had become its possessors as city after city and stronghold after stronghold was taken. Great were their blessings, and their privileges; they had the law of God, the presence of God was among them, yet they turned to worshiping the host of heaven.

Jehoash fought with and defeated the king of Judah who turned to idolatry (2 Chronicles 25:14-24), and when he died, a second Jeroboam became king of Israel. Verses 14-19, 22-25 give details of earlier days.

It is remarkable the way the ungodly kings of Israel knew the reality of the power of God, yet did not trust in Him. Joash, or Jehoash, wept at the prospect of the death of Elisha, and the prophet bade him shoot an arrow, then strike the bundle of arrows on the ground, showing him that he lacked the energy to destroy the power of the northern enemy, yet would be allowed to smite the Syrians.

In verses 20, 21 is a picture of what will happen to Israel in a day yet future. The true Prophet, while apparently lost to the nation, is still the Vessel and Guardian of all their hopes, and He will yet restore them to life in a way both unexpected and powerful.

ML 12/25/1927

Saved From Robbers

I HAVE read the interesting story “Caught by Robbers,” that appeared on Nov. 13th in “Messages of Love”, and I thought perhaps you would like to hear another story of how the Lord wonderfully saved two of His servants from just the same sort of men.

Four years ago this December two of the Lord’s servants, named Mo and Li, were traveling together in the hilly country in the Southwest of Kwang Tung Province, near a town named Ho T’au, (meaning “Head of the River”). As they traveled they preached the Gospel in the villages or at little lonely hillside houses, or gave away tracts to the people they met on the path, or perhaps little pictures to those who could not read, and sold little copies of one of the four Gospels for five cash each, to any who would buy.

They had been traveling since morning, till in the afternoon the villages and houses grew fewer and fewer, the hills grew more and more steep and the scenery more and more grand.

At last there seemed to be no more houses, and finally the path disappeared altogether, and our two friends had to scramble down the side of the hill, take off their sandals, roll up their trousers, and take to the bed of the river.

They had been wading only a short distance, when they came to a sand bar on the other side of the river, and noticed a man standing on it watching them. They quickly made their way to him, gave him some tracts, and asked him if he would like to buy a gospel.

He did not reply, but suddenly Mr. Li noticed that Mr. Mo’s knees were shaking together, and even before he saw the big ugly gun the man had brought from under his coat, he knew they were in the hands of brigands! As he watched the hard, cruel, wicked face, such a face as he had never before looked upon, and rather hopes he may never again see, a silent prayer went up to God, that if it was His will, He would send His angel and deliver them.

Brigands in China, for the most part, are cruel, wicked men who care little or nothing for murder or theft, —men to whom mercy is almost unknown.

The robber began to question the Christians, and as they were talking, they noticed a number more men of a similar type, each armed with a gun, slowly strolling over from the woods, and in a few moments they found themselves quite surrounded by brigands.

Mr. Mo. and Mr. Li each carried a canvas bag over their shoulder, for tracts, books, etc. These bags were carefully searched, and when Mr. Li warned them to be careful of his little old Bible, as it was very precious, they eagerly grabbed it, but as quickly were prepared to throw it under their feet when they saw what it was.

They then asked for their cards. It is the custom in China for almost every one to carry what we would call “visiting cards” with them. Mr. Mo had none, and Mr. Li had his in his pocket-book, and in the same place had a lot of money, as he had a long journey before him.

After the first fright, God had given both Mr. Mo. and Mr. Li great quietness of heart, with no fear whatever, so Mr, Li said nothing, nor did he attempt to get out his pocket-book, but Mr. Mo quietly answered that he had no card, and thee added,

“But I have a card of a friend of mine who told me that I might meet some of his friends and acquaintances in these parts.”

As he spoke he handed the robber chief the card. A name was printed in large Chinese characters in the center, and cone side the official position of the owner was written. On the back in the owner’s own hand was written a message of several lines.

The brigand took the card in surprise and the others all crowded round to see it. Long they examined it, reading each side again and again. Then followed a muttered conversation amongst themselves, and the chief asked shortly,

“How did you get this?” Mr. Mo replied,

“A friend of mine gave it to me, and told me I could be sure of help and protection, from any of his friends to whom I showed it. We are on our way to the next village. Won’t you come with us with your guns and protect us in case we should meet any bad men?”

“No,” the chief replied, “we have business in the other direction; you may go.”

At once the chief insisted that every book and picture and tract that the brigands had taken should be returned, and then they quietly strode off into the woods. Our friends lost no time in retracing their steps, and were deeply thankful once again to get into the little old punt that served as a ferry from the region of robbers to the region of safety, but were a little amused at the amazement of the old woman who poled it, as she asked,

“How ever did you manage to return in safety from such a district?” Yet she had never warned them of their danger as she had taken them over in the other direction a few hours before.

Perhaps some of my readers are traveling a more dangerous road with a more terrible foe waiting to seize them, and drag them down to hell forever. If so, be warned now, to “flee from the wrath to come.”

But you will be asking, “What was the magic card that saved them?” That is easily answered. Two days before, Mr. Mo had been traveling alone in another direction, and had met a high official, and given him some tracts and hooks. The official showed much interest and even sympathy, but was amazed to find one man traveling alone and unarmed in such a country, and so had given him his card with a note on the back, saying,

“If you meet either soldiers or brigands who wish to harm you, show them this card.”

This man was head of the soldiers in that district, and his brother was head of the brigands! So they worked together! Mr. Mo had treated the whole thing as a joke, and never thought of really using the card, and quite by accident had it in his pocket. But so God cared for His dear servants.

Mr. Mo has been laboring in those parts ever since; amidst dangers, difficulties and sickness. There are many, many others of God’s laborers in China who are daily suffering dangers and difficulties such as you know nothing of.

Is it not a privilege for those who know and love the Lord Jesus to pray for these dear men and women, —fellow-members of the body of Christ? He has said,

“If one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.” 1 Cor. 12:26.

“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psa. 34:7.

Happy are the children

Who trust in Jesus’ name;

Although they cannot see His face,

He watches over them.

Safely on their Shepherd’s breast

All His little lambs may rest.

ML 12/25/1927

Messages of God's Love: 1927

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for November

Bible Lessons

Sheltered

"Don't You Love Him?"

Do You Ever Pray?

The Faithful Servant

Bible Lessons

Katie; or, Love Stronger Than Death

The Praying Boy

All Are Welcome

Lost

Bible Lessons

"Living Water"

"Tuppence, Please"

The Bible

A Shelter From the Storm

Bible Lessons

The Next Train

A Gift Freely Given

The Lord Himself Shall Come

The First Step

Bible Lessons

The Gold Digger

Beanstalk

Why Do You Wait?

Answers to Bible Questions for December

Bible Lessons

My Three Boys

Be at Peace Among Yourselves

"Behold I Come Quickly"

Frightened Sheep

Bible Lessons

Not Afraid to Meet God

The Preaching of a Child

Judgment

"Why Will Ye Die?"

"Shall I Draw Your Portrait?"

Bible Lessons

Saved by Love

A Child's Faith

Jesus, the Friend of Children

The Faithful Dog

Bible Lessons

Feelings Follow Faith

The Young Sower

Little Harold and the Snow

"Behold I Come Quickly"

Answers to Bible Questions for January

Bible Lessons

Home

Always Praising

In Disgrace

How to Be Saved

Naughty Boys

Bible Lessons

The Old Scrap Box

What Could the King Do?

All I Have Left

He Is Coming

Lost in the Snow

Bible Lessons

"Is It for Me?"

Letter From One of Our Young Friends

For Me!

The Young Watchmaker

Bible Lessons

The Love of Jesus

"Jesus Called a Little Child"

Should He Write "N. S." or "S. S."

Great Grace

Answers to Bible Questions for February "The Children's Class"

Bible Lessons

"When I See the Blood."

Little Polly

Fishing

Wilt Thou Come?

The Holy Scriptures

Bible Lessons